There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
June
Wine & Roses
June 20, 6-8:30 p.m. Meander through the Sinnissippi Rose Garden sampling foods from area restaurants while sipping wines from Artale Wine Co. and locally brewed beers. Music by Dirty Fishnet Stockings. Proceeds benefit Rockford Park District Sinnissippi Rose Garden Endowment. Reg. req. Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
AJG: Young Rembrandts
June 21-July 26, Fri. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Explore the cultures of Asia and other countries in a workshop for students ages 7-14. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
AJG: Brushpainting
June 21-Aug. 28, Fri. 2-4 p.m. Sumi-e, or black ink painting, focuses on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush as it captures the essence of nature. Students ages 8-16 draw flowers, fish, fur and fins. Reg. online. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Solstice Celebration
June 21, 7-9 p.m. Celebrate the first day of summer and the longest day of the year; learn about the cycles of the seasons and enjoy music and s’mores around the campfire. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
AJG: Japanese Mini-Camp
June 22-July 7, Sat. 1-3 p.m. Students ages 7 and up take an imaginary trip to Japan, learning about Japanese culture and customs; activities include origami, designing a rock garden and learning traditional dance. Japanese snacks provided. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Rx Nature Break
June 26-Aug. 14, Wed. 12:15-12:45 p.m. Mindfully walk trails, meditate to running water and bird song, and relax with no-sweat yoga to slow down, reduce stress and feel refreshed. Reg. online. Welty Environmental Center, 1201 Big Hill Court, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.
The Rockford Plate
June 27, 5:30-9 p.m. At this fundraiser in support of history education, you’ll turn back the clock to the 1970s and take a look at the Bicentennial of the United States. Enjoy the foods and culture of this era as you visit historic buildings in the Victorian Village and sample cuisines from different cultures. Tickets online or at museum gift store. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.
Outdoors with a Doc
June 29, 9-10 a.m. Take a walk and learn about the health benefits of keeping active. Led by Dr. Gupreet Bopari, a general practitioner with a specialty in weight management at SwedishAmerican Health System. Reg req. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
July
Firefly Fun
July 2 & 19, 7:30-9 p.m. Learn about these amazing luminescent insects when they’re most active. Read a story, then learn about their behavior, life cycle and why they glow. Welty Center, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.
Lifescape 4th of July Classic
July 4, 7 a.m. Choose an 8K, 2-mile or 1-mile family fun walk, then enjoy an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast and celebration at the Rockford City Market Pavilion. In memory of Joe Marino; all proceeds go toward Lifescape’s services and programs. Trolley Station, 300 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 963-1609, lifescapeservices.org.
Blue Jean Ball and Auction
July 13, 5-8 p.m. Live and silent auctions, food, games and music by Dale Rhode and the Cross Roads Band. Proceeds benefit the museum. Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 547-3115, poplargrovewingsandwheels.com.
American Indian Culture Celebration
July 14, 1-2 p.m. Ojibwa author and speaker Kim Sigafus shares her heritage and culture through music and dance, explaining the importance of Native ceremonies and why music is a key component. Guests are invited to learn traditional songs and participate in a pow wow circle. Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, Ill., (608) 931-6895, natureattheconfluence.com.
Beekeeping Workshop
July 14, 2 p.m. Learn about marketing strategies and related beekeeping health department updates. Jarrett Center, Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Meditative Sculpture
July 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Participants ages 15-adult sculpt a flat-relief style Tree of Life as well as a Chakra system. Reg. online. Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling, Ill., (815) 626-4278, woodlawnartsacademy.com.
August
State Street Mile
Aug. 3, 5-7 p.m. The course begins on East State Street, near the entrance to SwedishAmerican Hospital, and ends at the Rock River. See website for registration details. Race benefits Rockford Sports Coalition and Rockford Wildcats youth running team. rockfordroadrunners.org.
Horticulture Therapy
Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. This symposium features topics for home gardeners, Master Gardeners, occupational therapists, activity professionals, special educators, social workers and other clinicians. Reg. online; CEUs available. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Three “Ordinary Women”
Aug. 9, 2 p.m. Author Joan Kennedy discusses the three Wisconsin women featured in her book “Struggle and Strength: Eight Ordinary Women with Lives Most Unusual,” as well as the universal themes found throughout. Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-6600, hedbergpubliclibrary.org.
Birds & Blooms Walk
Aug. 10, 9:30 a.m. Discover the progression of prairie flowers blooming through the summer and observe native prairie birds. Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars. Reg. online. Byron Forest Preserve, Jarrett Center, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.