Arts and Entertainment

Music

Chicago Country Music Festival Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11, Soldier Field, Chicago. Acoustic country artist, Randy Kohrs, will perform at 1 p.m. Saturday; country music vocalist, songwriter and musician, Luke Bryan, will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free and open to the public.

Chorus seeks new members The Choral-Aires, an award-winning Sweet Adelines Chorus, invites local women who like to sing, to attend a series of guest nights to prepare for the group’s Dec. 13 Christmas show, “Let There be Peace on Earth,” presented with the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus. Guest nights are held from 7 to 10 p.m. each Monday, Oct. 13 to Dec. 8, at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Road. For information, call Jane Toftey at (630) 665-8387, www.choral-aires.org.

Theater

Actors audition Entertainment company now auditioning energetic, reliable young adults to appear at events now the throughout the holiday season. Must be able to pick up dance steps quickly and learn to operate life-size people puppets. Must be average in size, age 18 and up, and have a car. Salary; expenses reimbursed. For more information, call Sarah, (630) 325-3320, www.thosefunnylittlepeople.com.

Nature events

Blacksmithing demonstrations Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Kline Creek Farm, County Farm Road, one-half mile south of North Ave., Winfield. Watch blacksmith repair equipment and demonstrate tools and techniques. (630) 876-5900.

Restoration workday Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 11, West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve, Industrial Drive, south of Western Drive. Help out by clearing invasive plants or planting seed. To register, call (630) 933-7248.

Corn harvest Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 12 and 13, Kline Creek Farm, County Farm Road, one-half mile south of North Ave., Winfield. Help to pick, shock, shuck, shell and store the corn that will feed the cows and sheep over the winter. (630) 876-5900.

Library

Writing workshop 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 11 and 17, Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road. Grades 6 to 8. Two session creative writing workshop. Register at (630) 653-7599.

Chess Club 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road. Jim Egerton, founder and president of Chess-Now, will conducting drop-in lessons for players. Bring own board to play. All ages, recommended for ages 6 and up. (630) 653-7599.

Organizing for Everyone 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road. Beth Randall of JoeOrganizer, LLC, will discuss organizational skills, tackling household paper clutter, and kitchen and closet organization. Register at (630) 653-7599.

Crafters Circle 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 18, Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road. Making security blankets for Project Linus. Ages 9 to adult. (630) 653-7599.

Clubs

Fish and chicken buffet Fox River-Geneva American Legion War Veterans Post 75, 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 22 S. Second St., Geneva. $9 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children 9 and younger. No reservations are necessary. (630) 232-2171.

Square dancing club Bachelor ’n’ Bachelorettes, 8 to 10:30 p.m. every second and fourth Friday, Free Methodist Church, Third and Walnut streets, St. Charles. (630) 584-1343.

West Suburban Caged Bird Club 7:30 p.m. every second Friday, Batavia Masonic Lodge, 28 N. Van Nortwick St. Call Therese, (630) 879-9476. www.wscbc.org.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Coffee klatch, 7 to 9 a.m. Saturdays, Post 5036, 119 N. Third St., St. Charles.

Fox Valley Mixers Square dance club, 8 to 10:30 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday, Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. (630) 584-1194.

Leisure Riders Bicycling group, 8:35 a.m. Sundays, various locations in Kane and DuPage counties. (630) 587-6468, leisureriders@hotmail.com.

Geneva Lions Club Noon Mondays, Mill Race Inn, 4 E. State St., Geneva. Call Bill Weckler, club president, (630)208-1422.

Wayne Art League 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays in the parish hall of Little Home Church by the Wayside, 32W128 Army Trail Road, Wayne. (630) 232-7638 or (630) 377-7705.

Fox River-Geneva American Legion 7:30 p.m. every second Monday, Post building, 22 S. Second St., Geneva. (630) 232-2171.

Cosmetologist’s Association 7 p.m. every second Monday, Batavia Moose Lodge, Route 31. (630) 879-1315. Members free, nonmembers $25, cosmetology students $12.50.

Charlemagne-on-the-Fox Chapter of Questers, 1 p.m. every second Monday except June, July, January, different locations. Studying antiques and preserving landmarks. Call Rae Babel, (630) 584-6531.

Sierra Club Environmental group, 7 p.m. every second Monday except July, August and December, Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. (630) 466-1808, www.sierraclub.org/chapters/il/vof.

St. Charles Singles Club Dances, 7 to 11 p.m. every second, fourth and fifth Monday (fifth has live band), Riverside Receptions, 35 N. Riverside Lane, Geneva. Lessons available at 6:30 p.m. Dressy/casual attire, no jeans. Admission charged. For details on dances and the social club’s activities, contact Hutch, (630) 584-7632, www.stcharlessinglesclub.com.

Open gym walk 8 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Salvation Army, 1710 S. Seventh Ave., St. Charles. Call Cathy Winters, (630) 377-2769.

National Council for Geocosmic Research, Inc. Northern Illinois Chapter, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, The Dance Building, 1330 Webford St., DesPlaines. John Brunell will speak on the upcoming elections, the candidates and the aspects on Election Day at 7:30 p.m. Astrologers of all levels welcome. $8 members, $10 guests. For more information, call Judy Johnson, (630) 303-3187, www.geocosmic.org.whsites.net/chapters.

Network Exchange Business networking group, 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Colonial Café, 1625 E. Main St., St. Charles. Membership limited to one per business category. Call Dr. David Gursky (630) 372-6599, Mike Kajani at (630) 393-3030.

Tri-Cities Exchange Club Child abuse prevention group, 7 a.m. Tuesdays, Colonial Restaurant, 2036 W. Route 38, St. Charles. Call Don Haines, (630) 377-7328.

St. Charles Kiwanis Club Noon Tuesdays, National City Bank, 2600 E. Main St., St. Charles. Call Paul Doud, (630) 584-0954 or (630) 584-0955.

Batavia Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Apple Villa, 1961 W. Wilson St., Batavia. www.rotaryclubofbatavia.com.

Fox Valley Women’s Connection Noon to 1:30 p.m. every second Tuesday, Mill Creek Golf Club, 39W525 Herrington Drive, Geneva.

Administrative professionals group 5:30 p.m. every second Tuesday, Lincoln Inn, 1345 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Call Patti Grady, (630) 897-8228, Ext. 224.

American Needlepoint Guild Fox Valley chapter, 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday, National City Bank, 390 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. Call Kathy, (630) 584-3337, www.angfox.org.

DuPage Professional Women’s Network 11:15 a.m. every second and fourth Tuesday, Rex’s Cork and Fork, 1317 E. Main St., St. Charles. Non-competitive business networking. Call Christie, (630) 336-3773.

Geneva Rotary Club 7 a.m. Tuesdays, Mill Race Inn, 4 E. State St., Geneva. www.genevarotary.org.

St. Charles Rotary Club 7 a.m. Tuesdays, Hotel Baker, 100 W. Main St., St. Charles. Call Peter Smith, (630) 377-7760.

LeTip International Business networking group, 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Comfort Inn, 1555 E. Fabyan Parkway, Geneva. Call Shawn Arbid, (630) 240-3052.

Newcomers and Neighbors Club Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. every third Wednesday, at different locations. Call Janet, (630) 587-5585, Carol, (630) 443-0379, or Lorrie, (630) 584-9368.

Institute of Management Accountants Fox River Valley Chapter, 5:30 p.m. every third Wednesday. Includes networking, dinner and presentation. For location, call Julie Broman, (630) 906-2308.

St. Charles Kiwanis Golden K 9 a.m. every first and third Wednesday, National City Bank, 2600 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 513-9350.

Geneva Historic Homeowners Association 7 p.m. every third Wednesday, Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St. (630) 232-4951.

West Chicago Masonic Lodge 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday, 181 W. Washington St. (630) 231-9551.

AT&T Telecom Pioneers-Forest Life Member Club Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, Bohemian Crystal, 639 N. Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. Call Lori Kallas, (630) 629-1633.

St. Charles Chess Club 7 to 11:15 p.m. Thursdays, Baker House Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. (847) 818-8913.

Premier Referral Team Business networking group, 7:30 a.m. Thursdays, Panera, 154 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Call Brenda Tiedke, (630) 363-1134, or Bill Cummings, (630) 650-9200.

Geneva Kiwanis Club Noon every first and third Thursday, Delnor Community Hospital, 300 Randall Road, Geneva. (630) 463-3977.

Fox Valley SHRM Society for Human Resource Management, 1 p.m. every third Thursday, Elgin Holiday Inn, Route 31 and Interstate 90. Register at 11:15 a.m. $20 members, $40 nonmembers. (847) 289-7170.

Naperville Networkers Business networking, 7:01 a.m. Thursdays, Big Apple Pancake House, 2799 Maple Ave., Lisle. Call Matt Ewald, (630) 678-1700.

Bingo for seniors 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Thursdays, The Salvation Army, 1710 S. Seventh Ave., St. Charles. Golden Diners lunch afterward, $2.75, if registered by 9 a.m. the day before. Call Pauli, (630) 377-2769.

Support groups

Mothers First Support group for mothers of young children, 9:20 to 11 a.m. every second and fourth Friday, Christ Community Church, Randall and Bolcum roads, St. Charles. (630) 208-3999.

Eating Disorders Anonymous 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse, second floor, 318 S. Third St., Geneva. (630) 585-5225.

Narcotics Anonymous Support group, 6:30 p.m. every Saturday; and 7 p.m. every Monday, Central DuPage Hospital, Behavioral Health Services, 27W350 High Lake Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Sexaholics Anonymous Support group, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Central DuPage Hospital, Behavioral Health Services, 27W350 High Lake Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Parent Talk Support group, 9 to 10:15 a.m. every second Saturday, LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, 1803 W. State St., Geneva. Parents who have children with cancer or who have cancer themselves. Register at (630) 262-1111.

Recovery Inc. Mental health organization self-help training, 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays, St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. (630) 587-6868, (815) 338-5609, 50_@recovery-inc.org.

Kane County PFLAG Parents/Families/Friends of Lesbians and Gays, 2 p.m. every second Sunday, New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Call Barbara, (630) 584-1757.

Low Vision support group 2 to 3:30 p.m. every second Sunday, Central DuPage Hospital, conference room 1 and 2, 25 N. Winfield Road, Winfield.

Cocaine Anonymous Support group, 8:30 p.m. Sundays, Central DuPage Hospital, Behavioral Health Services, 27W350 High Lake Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Men’s Networking Group Cancer support, 7 to 8:30 p.m. every second Monday, LivingWell Cancer Resource Center,1803 West State St., Geneva. (630) 262-1111.

Alzheimer’s support group 2 p.m. every second Monday, Marriott Brighton Gardens, 600 Dunham Road, St. Charles. (630) 443-8220.

Tri-City Unemployment Group 6:30 to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Monday, St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. (630) 631-1871, www.tricityug.org.

Hearts of Hope Cocaine and heroin addiction support group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Monday, 13 S. Seventh St., lower level, Geneva. (630) 232-9210.

ELEEO Ministries Codependency recovery support group, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Bethel Baptist Church, Weber and Fox River drives, St. Charles. (630) 584-0460.

National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders of Glen Ellyn Eating disorder support group, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 751 Roosevelt Road, Building 7, Suite 115, Glen Ellyn. Bilingual services offered. For more information, call Dana Castellano, (312) 882-0494, www.anad.org.

Al-Anon Support group, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Central DuPage Hospital, Behavioral Health Services, 27W350 High Lake Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Tri-Cities La Leche League Breast-feeding support group, 9:30 a.m. every second Tuesday, United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St. (630) 406-9007.

Women’s Enrichment Therapy group, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, TriCity Family Services, 1120 Randall Court, Geneva. Register at (630) 232-1070.

Crossing the Bridge Alcohol and drug dependence recovery support group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Hearts of Hope, 13 S. Seventh St., St. Charles. (630) 232-9210.

Postpartum depression support group 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Central DuPage Hospital, Conference Room B, 25 N. Winfield Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Nutrition support group 6:30 p.m. every third Wednesday, Central DuPage Hospital, Conference Room A, 25 N. Winfield Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Stroke support group 6:30 p.m. every third Wednesday, Elmhurst Memorial Center for Health, Suite 1250, 1200 S. York Road. (630) 933-4234.

Gam-Anon Gambling problem support group, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle. (708) 802-0105, www.gam-anon.org.

Families Anonymous Support group, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Central DuPage Hospital, Behavioral Health Services, 27W350 High Lake Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Al-Ateen Support group, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Central DuPage Hospital, Behavioral Health Services, 27W350 High Lake Road, Winfield. (630) 933-4234.

Caregiver support group 6 to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday and 10 to 11:30 a.m. every fourth Tuesday, Elderday Center, 8 S. Lincoln St., Batavia. (630) 761-9750.

ThyCa DuPage Thyroid cancer support group, 7 to 9 p.m. every third Thursday, Central DuPage Hospital, 25 N. Winfield Road, Winfield. (877) 588-7904, www.thyca.org.

Workshops/seminars

Women’s classes “Women Who Wonder Why,” 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services office, 27W031 North Ave., West Chicago. Discussion of concerns and issues important to women. $25 per session. Pre-class consultation, $13. Register at (630) 231-7166.

Children’s sleep issues seminar “Dinner with the Doc,” 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, Central DuPage Hospital, 25 N. Winfield Road, Winfield. 6 p.m. free dinner. Dr. Anna Ivanenko will discuss common slepp disorders and related respiratory problems in children. Registration required at (630) 933-4CDH.

Teen anger class 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services office, 27W031 North Ave., West Chicago. Ten sessions, $25 per session. Register at (630) 231-7166.

Criminal justice symposium Sponsored by University of Phoenix Chicago, 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, University of Phoenix Warrenville Learning Center, 4525 Weaver Parkway. Topics include white collar crime, public safety and social impact of crime. Free. Reservations required at (847) 413-1922.

Fundraisers

Entertainment Discount Savings Books Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services selling Entertainment Books to support its youth programs. $20 per book. Call (630) 231-7166 to arrange book pick-up.

Peanut sale Warrenville Kiwanis Club selling Kiwanis peanuts by the case. Each case contains 100 packages of peanuts per box and costs $40. For more information or to order, call (630) 393-1319.

Special events

Stamp show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Messiah Lutheran Church, 19901 S. Houbolt Road, Joliet. Sponsored by the Naperville Area Stamp Club and the Philatelic Club of Will County. Features 20 frames of philatelic exhibits, 15 dealers buying and selling stamps, door prizes, food and raffles. Free admission. For more information, call (630) 257-7430.

“Kidsfest Chicago” Presented by Cookie Magazine, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. at North Pier, Chicago. Free. A Family arts and music festival with crafts, DJ and live performance by Milkshake. For more information, visit www.cookiekidsfest.com.

Fall fashion show Alpha Gamma Delta DuPage Area Alumnae Club, will hold a fall fashion show at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Chico’s, Wheaton Town Square. All area alumnae are invited. For more information, call Julie Olsen, (630) 373-3727, or visit www.dupagealphagammadelta.com.

Health Professions Career Day 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 18, Midwestern University, 555 W. 31st St., Downers Grove. Prospective students will learn about opportunities for health care professionals. Free. For more information, call (630) 515-7200, or register online at www.midwestern.edu.

Interest groups

Scholarship applications Downers Grove Area Branch of the American Association of University Women accepting applications for Back-to-the-Books scholarships. Eligible applicants must be residents of Downers Grove, Westmont, Darien, Woodridge or Lisle who are returning to college after an absence of five or more years and are within two years of completing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Women who are half-time students and within one year of degree completion may apply and qualify for $1,000. Women who are full time students within one year of completing an associate degree may apply and qualify for $1,000, or if a half-time student qualify for $500. Other criteria include professional or vocational goals, financial need, educational achievement, volunteer activity and employment history. Completed applications must be received by Oct. 22. For information and application forms, call Coleen Walter at (630) 986-8334.

National Adopt a Dog Month In October, the Animal Welfare League will be partnering with local animal shelters in Promoting Adopt a Dog Month. Shelters will offer “Furry Friends for Fifty Bucks Program,” which allows the public to adopt any dog that is either five years or older, fifty pounds or over, or already fixed, for $50. For complete list and pictures of adoptable animals and list of participating shelters, visit www.AnimalWelfareLeague.com.

Nursing scholarships Chamberlain College of Nursing, Addison, offers scholarships to 25 prospective students. “Take a Step. Go the Distance” scholarship essay contest asks applicants to share how breast cancer and its awareness have influenced their decision to begin or advance their nursing career and the impact a scholarship would have on their nursing educaiton or furthering their career goals. The college will award two $4,000 scholarships, each renewable for three years; four one-time $2,500 scholarships; and six one-time $1,000 scholarships for the bachelor of science nursing degree. The contest is open to all residents of Illinois age 17 and up. For nurses wishing to advance their careers, there is one $5,000, two $2,500 and ten $1,000 scholarships for the Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program. This essay contest is open to all residents of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and other territories. Application deadline is Oct. 19 and scholarship recipients will be announced on Nov. 22. For complete contest rules and the Chamberlain application and scholarship essay contest form, visit www.chamberlain.edu/scholarship.

Volunteer tutors Literacy DuPage seeking volunteer tutors to work with West Chicago School District 33 parents to improve their literacy. Tutors receive training in a series of six workshops, preparing for English as a Second Language instruction. Sessions run Oct. 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 and Nov. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at West Chicago Middle School, Room 228, 238 Hazel St. To register, call (630) 416-6699, www.literacydupage.org.

Morton West High School 20th reunion Class of 1988, 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Harry Caray’s Restaurant, Westin Hotel, 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard. $100 per person, includes dinner buffet, open bar, music, gift, reunion booklet. Tickets required to enter. If interested, call Kathy at (440) 934-4043, or email mailing address to mortonwesths1988@yahoo.com.

Morton East High School 30th reunion Class of 1978, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct.18, Holiday Inn, 1000 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village. Reception and cash bar followed by buffet dinner and dancing. $81 per person; $162 per couple. For more information, call Reunions Unlimited at (800) 868-7513, www.weplanreunions.com.

Morton West High School 10th reunion Class of 1998, Saturday, Oct. 25, FitzGerald’s Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Buffet from 7 to 11 p.m.; DJ from 8 to 11 p.m. $40 per person, pay at the door. Price includes appetizer buffet, three drink tickets per person and free parking. Reservations by Oct. 11 to sltomcat@hotmail.com.

Morton East High School 35th reunion Class of 1973, Saturday, Nov. 1, Holiday Inn, 7800 Kingery Highway, Willowbrook. If interested in attending, call the high school at (708) 222-5700, or visit www.mortoneastclassof73.com.

Morton East High School 25th reunion Class of 1983. Saturday, Nov. 1, Maggiano’s, 1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville. Send current mail and e-mail addresses to mehs1983@hotmail.com; call Kim, (312) 664-5876; or visit http://geocities.com/mehs1983reunion/.

York High School 30th reunion Class of 1978, Saturday, Nov. 8, Wyndham Drake Hotel, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook. For information, visit www.yorkhs1978.com. Send current contact information and pictures from the 1970s to yorkclassof1978@yahoo.com.

Harrison Technical High School 50th reunion Class of 1958, Saturday, Nov. 8, Crystal Sky Banquets, 7941 W. 47th St., McCook. Call Steve Satek, (708) 246-1130, or Diane Thomas, (708) 749-7566.

St. Eulalia Elementary School reunion Class of 1971. Plans being made. If interested in attending, call Noreen Collins Kuenster, (708) 442-2628.

Harper High School 50th reunion Class of January and June 1959. Plans being made for summer of 2009. If interested in attending, call Cliff Gustafson, (815) 372-9937.

Downers Grove North High School 50th reunion Class of 1960. Plans being made for 2010. Send addresses to Rolfe Sick, 8003 Fairmont Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60516.