There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
Editor’s Note: In light of cancellations caused by COVID-19, check with venues before assuming an event will take place.
July
Community Drum Circle
Third Thu. monthly through Sept., 6:30-8 p.m. Experienced and novice percussionists gather around the fire to try out all kinds of instruments, enjoy family fun and s’mores. Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, Ill., (815) 200-6910, natureattheconfluence.com.
Novels @ The Norwegian
July 7, 1-3 p.m. Set on the Korean island of Jeju, “The Island of Sea Women,” by Lisa See, follows Mi-ja and Youngsook, two girls from very different backgrounds, as they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective. The Norwegian, 1402 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6626, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Art Lecture
July 9, noon-1:30 p.m. Sister Mary Boyd gives a presentation on Ansel Adams, famous for his black-and-white photographs of landscapes and for being a committed environmentalist. Womanspace, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
Earthsong Community Festival
July 11-12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Outdoor event featuring psychic readers, massage, reiki, stones and crystals, jewelry and crafts, and health therapies. Evensong Books and Gifts, 2214 Kennedy Road, Janesville, (608) 754-3933, janesvillecvb.com.
CPR Class for Teens & Adults
July 14 & Aug. 11, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn how to recognize cardiac emergencies and take action. Students learn CPR techniques and certification is provided for individuals ages 15 and up. Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Stories Beneath the Stones
July 15, 6-7 p.m. Cemeteries are filled with interesting stories waiting to be discovered. Hear odd stories of some of our county’s most unusual settlers. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Windchime Workshop
July 23, 6-9 p.m. Create your own windchime from wood, beads, washers, bells or other items you wish to bring. Womanspace, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
Used Book Sale
July 24, noon-4:30 p.m. Pick up some favorite or new reads for reasonable prices. Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-6600, hedbergpubliclibrary.org.
Spring Symposium
July 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Hear experts speak on topics such as “Have Plants, Will Travel,” “Cool Plants to Know and Grow” and “Transforming Your Yard into the Garden of Your Dreams.” Reg. online. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Christmas in July Gift Sale
July 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Some 35 vendors offer items such as crocheted and knitted blankets, hats and gloves, hand-crafted Christmas ornaments and household decor; also products from Avon, Scentsy and Paparazzi. Food trucks available all day. Jarrett Center, Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
August
Meet the Author
Aug. 11, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Rockford native Mary Stormont, who writes as Catherine Boyd, shares stories of her life and work in Montana. Book signing. RPL East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Ombre Silk Dyeing
Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m. Learn the basics of ombre dyeing and the technique for layering lace transfer dyes over top. Practice on provided fabric, then dye your own silk scarf. Wear old clothes and shoes. Reg. online. Womanspace, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
Pet Portraiture
Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-noon. Intermediate to advanced artists learn how to create natural-looking fur and facial features of their favorite animal. Purchase pan pastels and colored pencils from the instructor or purchase your own from the list provided. Reg. online. Womanspace, Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.