Community Calendar

From prestigious museums and blockbuster films to video games and toys, dinosaurs have always fascinated us. But why? Why Dinosaurs? follows dino-obsessed teen James Pinto and his filmmaker father on a globe-spanning journey to find out. Along the way, they interview world-renowned paleontologists, dig up 150-million-year-old bones, track down the filmmakers behind Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, and encounter dinosaur fanatics of every walk of life, including the owner of the world's largest dinosaur toy collection.
This free program is open to the public. It is approximately 57 minutes, not rated, and made possible through PBS.

What does it mean to be American? Join us for a hybrid community book club exploring that question through the lens of the American Revolution. The evening opens with a screening of Hamilton's America, a PBS Great Performances documentary that brings history to life through the lens of Lin-Manuel Miranda's award-winning musical, followed by an informal group discussion.

This month's featured title is Hamilton and Peggy! A Revolutionary Friendship by L.M. Elliott. Drawing from historical journals and letters, New York Times bestselling author L.M. Elliott weaves a richly detailed tale about the extraordinary Peggy Schuyler, the sister who has always existed in the shadows of the fiery Angelica and sweet Eliza, and her unlikely friendship with Alexander Hamilton. Set against the chaos of the Revolutionary War, Peggy finds herself navigating Loyalists and Patriots, spies and traitors, and carefully coded letters, all while her bravery and intelligence are tested at every turn. Perfect for fans of the hit musical Hamilton.

Copies of the book are available at the McNabb Branch. This free program runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is available in-person and virtually via Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/Vco6x.

What does it mean to be American? Join us for a hybrid community book club exploring that question through the lens of the American Revolution. The evening opens with a walkthrough of the U.S. Constitution by Jeffrey Rosen of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, followed by an informal group discussion.

This month's featured title is This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan. Born and raised in Pakistan with few of the fundamental rights Americans hold dear, Khan immigrated to the United States and became a citizen deeply passionate about the Constitution's guarantees and protections. In this book, he invites young readers on a personal journey through America's founding document, not merely a piece of parchment, but a living promise of our deepest democratic values. Copies of the book are available at the Condit Branch. This free program runs approximately 45 minutes and is available in-person and virtually via Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/nrYvS.

For generations the League of Women Voters of Dekalb County has worked to empower voters. Presenters will explore DeKalb League activism from Women's Suffrage, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the right of 18-year-olds to vote, and more. Elizabeth Bass, a Life Member of LWVDKC, will share her experiences from the 1970s to today. Elizabeth is a member of a new Registration and Voter Education Committee, which will train High School Student Ambassadors to engage in civics with their peers.

There will be a brief membership meeting from 6:30-7:00pm. The public is welcome to attend.

Bonus! The Arts and Action Exhibit is open from 12:30pm until the start of the 7:00 presentation.

Join us Friday, August 28, for an afternoon of wine, raffles, prizes, shopping, & socializing in celebration of gardening, community, and the joy of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a master naturalist, a 4-Her, this garden social fundraising event supports all Illinois Extension Unit 3 programs in Lake and McHenry County.

Event Details
Event Admission — tickets can be purchased for $35 per person in advance on our website.

Raffle and Door Prizes — purchase tickets for a chance to win some great themed prizes.

Live Demonstrations — seasonal planter building.

Participants are invited to bring a favorite book from home, or select one from the library’s collection, and read aloud to Hobo. This relaxed, supportive experience helps build reading skills and confidence while making reading fun. The program is free and open to the public.

All are Invited … St. Peter UCC 2026 Charity Golf Outing at the Historic Lake Zurich Golf Club, Thursday, September 10, 2026

Enjoy a day of golf, drink, food, and hanging out on Thursday, September 10, 2026 (rain date September 17) at the ultra-exclusive, historic members only Lake Zurich Golf Club, 564 N. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Proceeds support the ministries of St. Peter UCC and their partnerships (such as PADS Lake County, Ancient Oaks Foundation, and others).

More info: https://stpeterlz.org/get-involved/golf-outing.html

Register by August 30 at our Givebutter registration page: https://givebutter.com/st-peter-ucc-lz-charity-golf-outing-woobxe

Email golf@stpeterlz.org with questions!

Join The Literacy Connection for its 3rd annual Resource Fair at the Centre of Elgin's Heritage Ballroom on Thursday, September 17th from 5pm - 7pm. This event is free and open to the public. There will be 25 social services organizations there to handout resources and information. There will also be snacks, activities, and entertainment. This is a great way to build community and is fun for the entire family! Any donations made will go towards The Literacy Connection's free literacy services for adults in Elgin and surrounding areas.

Come join in for this monthly series of community-led conservation conversations. Together, we will share knowledge, experience, and perspectives in working to restore and care for the land. Each month will be focused around a different conservation practice topic, selected by community interest. This series is hosted in partnership with Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves.

Open to all levels of conservationists – from curious beginner to expert, come share your perspectives and learn with the community. This series is intended for conservation volunteers, students, professionals, and anyone who feels a connection to the natural world in any capacity.

Tea and granola bars will be provided, feel free to bring a snack to share! Please RSVP if you plan to attend or would like to receive emails about future conversations.

Nik's Wish, a Rockford-area nonprofit granting wishes to young adults ages 18–24 battling cancer, is celebrating 15 years and 500 wishes granted with its biggest Nik's Home Run yet! Join us for a 7K run, 1.5 mile walk, Youth Run/Walk, Grammy's Auction, and a festive indoor afterparty — all in support of young adult cancer patients who fall through the gap between pediatric and adult cancer care programs. Registration includes a t-shirt and swag bag. Can't join us in person? Sign up for the Virtual 5K and participate from anywhere!

🌸 New This Year — Memorial Garden Tribute Signs
Honor someone you've lost with a personalized 18x24 yard sign featuring their name and photo, displayed throughout the event in our Memorial Garden. For just $25, friends, family, and fellow supporters will walk through and remember them together — and after the event, the sign is yours to keep forever.

🏆 Fundraise & Win
Sign up as an individual or build a team and raise funds to unlock milestone rewards — from exclusive medals to a limited edition trophy. And our TOP individual fundraiser wins a one-week condo stay in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida! Generously donated by Jason Martin, the condo sleeps up to 6, is pet friendly, and sits steps from the sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast. Available August–December 2027.

This year's goal is $25,000 — every dollar goes directly toward granting wishes and delivering joy to young adults fighting cancer right here in our community.