There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
November
Yoga at the Dells
First Tues. monthly, 6-7 p.m. Join a certified yoga instructor as she leads you through a Hatha yoga class; open to all levels. Please bring a yoga mat and water. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Tai Chi
Year-round, Tue. & Thu., 6:15-7:15 p.m. A combination of slow, graceful exercises that enhance mental focus, relaxation and physical alignment while building leg strength, endurance and stability. Classes range from easy to moderate. Contact [email protected] for information and registration. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
The ‘Anomic’ Bomb
Nov. 4, 7 p.m. More than a century ago, sociologist Emile Durkheim coined the phrase “ANOMIE” in an attempt to describe the chaos experienced by those who commit suicide. Criminologist and forensic psychologist Casey Jordan provides insight into anomic mass murder, differentiating between terrorism, workplace violence, and family annihilations. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.
Fruit Carving
Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn the art of Thai fruit and vegetable carving from Rockford artist Lincoln Bias. Students learn basic cutting techniques, creating designs in carrots, cucumbers and watermelon. Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
Senior Moments
Nov. 8, 2-3 p.m. Learn about 20 ways to boost your “noodle” at this event. Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-6600, hedbergpubliclibrary.org.
Veterans 5K Run/Walk
Nov. 9, 9 a.m. A benefit for the Veterans Drop-In Center, this event features contests, food, finisher medals, a long-sleeved shirt for participants and more. Mercyhealth Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, (815) 289-8386, runsignup.com.
Girl with Seven Names
Nov. 13, 9:30-11 a.m. Discussion of the book about a 17-year-old woman’s terrifying struggle to avoid capture and repatriation after defecting from North Korea, with reflections on how she came of age, became educated and resolved to rebuild her life. Womanspace, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
Block Printing Gift Wrap
Nov. 16, 9-10:30 a.m. Create two hand-stamped sheets of kraft wrapping paper, 10 gift tags and a 10-card stationery pack for the holiday season. Reg. online. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Drum-Making Workshop
Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Make a drum with a bentwood frame and bison rawhide, as well as a beater. Bring a lunch or snack. Reg. online. Severson Dells Nature Center, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Power of Print: Positive Words in Action
Nov. 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Look at the power of the printed word and how you can use one positive word to make a statement. Then, learn how to hand carve a creation using professional printmaking tools. Reg. online. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
WWII Through Veterans’ Eyes
Nov. 16, 1 p.m. Dr. John David Ulferts shares stories and pictures from some of the 140 World War II veterans with whom he corresponded during the 1990s. Camp Grant Museum, 1004 Samuelson Road, Rockford, (815) 395-0679, campgrantmuseum.com.
Cameras at the Confluence
Nov. 16, 2:30 p.m. “Available Light,” features holiday shooting; enjoy a social with light refreshments after the session. Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, Ill., (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.
Coping with the Holidays
Nov. 19, 3-4:30 p.m. This session provides guidance on how to thoughtfully approach family traditions, handle family and social demands, and honor and remember loved ones you’ve lost. Womanspace, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
AJG: Garden Year in Review
Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Tim Gruner, Head of Horticulture and Garden Curator gives his annual “garden year in review.” Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
December
Holiday Decor Workshop
Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m. Make your own holiday wreath or mantle display using materials you gather from the woods next to the lodge. Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia, Ill., (815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect.org.
FABL Book Sale
Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friends at Beloit Library offer books for sale; proceeds benefit the library. Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit, (608) 364-2905, beloitlibrary.org.
January
Author Book Reading & Signing
Jan. 11, 1-3 p.m. Award-winning children’s author Sheri Poe-Pape reads from her books for ages 3-8. Children receive a custom bookmark, crayon pack and coloring pages with book purchase. Barnes and Noble, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford, (815) 332-3069, sheripoe-pape.com.