Summer concert series Thursdays in Algonquin

• Reprints

Updated: October 29, 2011 12:39AM

Algonquin: Concert series on Thursday along river

The village of Algonquin invites area residents to bring a blanket and a picnic basket for an evening of free entertainment, as its Thursday night summer concert series is now underway. The series was kicked off last week with the band Die Musikmeisters, and there are six more shows ahead. The North Harrison Street park fronting the Fox River has been host to the summer concert series since its inception more than a decade ago. Other concerts slated this summer include the Dooley Brothers on July 7; The Rock Box on July 14; Hudson McCoy on July 21; HiFi Superstar on Aug. 4; Hillbilly Rockstarz on Aug. 11; and HairDaze on Aug. 18. There will be no concert at Riverfront Park on July 28 due to Algonquin’s Founders’ Days festival, to be held July 28-31 in Towne Park. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be canceled and not rescheduled. For more information about the summer concert series, call the Algonquin Village Hall at 847-658-2700 or visit www.algonquin.org online.

Bartlett: Victory Centre hosts social hour

The Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, is hosting a “Welcome Social and Happy Hour” at 3 p.m. Friday, featuring a musical performance by pianist, Young Hee. Refreshments and appetizers will be served for this happy hour. Programs are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. Call 630-213-0100.

Geneva: Dig into dirt at Peck Farm Park program

Explore the world beneath your feet during the “Dirt is Just a Four-Letter Word” nature program on Saturday. Soil Scientist Kristine Ashpole of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will teach participants about the characteristics and formation of soils. The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon on at Peck Farm Park in Geneva. Registration is $10. Peck Farm Park is located at 4038 Kaneville Rd., Geneva. This award-winning series of classes is cosponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District, the Geneva Park District, and the Fox Valley Park District. To register, call 847-741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com.

Elgin: Grace Evangelical hosts VBS July 11-15

Grace Evangelical Church of Elgin announces its Vacation Bible School (VBS) program for this summer. The theme this year is Gold Rush: Discovering the Rock of Ages. The adventures will take place at Grace Evangelical Church in Elgin (1800 Bowes Road, ¼ mile west of McLean Blvd), from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 11 – 15.Age appropriate programs will be available for children ages 3 up through 5th grade, at no cost. There will also be special expedition classes for students in 6th – 8th grades, with the choice of a cooking class with a new dish every night, a woodworking class with hands-on training by woodworking experts, or an adventure class with hiking, swimming, and bike riding; these classes will have a small fee. Register online by visiting our website www.graceevangelicalchurch.com. For questions, please call our office at 847-742-6818.

Elgin: Civil War Ghosts and Legends fundraiser set

Plans are underway for a program jointly presented by the Elgin Public Museum and the Elgin Area Historic Society Museum. While intended as a fundraiser, it is also an opportunity for the community to meet people from both Museums and share storytelling and refreshments. The program will be held at the Lords Park Pavilion at 7 p.m. July 14 and is titled Civil War Ghosts and Legends. True stories and legends will be woven with traditional songs and poetry from the most un-civil war.Join storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis as he takes listeners back in time to the bloody battlefields, gruesome field hospitals and haunted graveyards of America’s deadliest war. In the persona of Mathias Stritt, a German immigrant who was one of the first to enlist in Peoria and later marched with Sherman as he burned Atlanta and marched to the sea, Fox uses poems interspersing his rich knowledge of the war with classic horror stories by Civil War soldier/reporter Ambrose Bierce. Seating is limited at this program, so please reserve early. (Appropriate for ages 10 and up.) Admission is $10. Members with a membership card to either Museum will be admitted for $8. Registration can be done by phone at Elgin Public Museum 847-741-6655 or the History Museum at 847-742-4248. For pre-paid admission, use the Elgin Public Museum website, www.elginpublicmuseum.org with a credit card.

Bartlett: Christmas in July program for seniors

The Christmas in July program at the Hanover Township Senior Center provides care packages consisting of needed items such as paper towels, clothing, detergent, and food for those seniors experiencing a hardship during the holiday off-season. Those interested are encouraged to visit the Giving Tree displayed in the Township Senior Center Lobby. Each ornament displayed on the tree represents an item to be purchased for a senior in need. Simply remove the ornament from the tree, obtain and wrap the specified item and return to Social Services no later than July 15. Please attach the star ornament with the gift to ensure it will be properly matched to each recipient. Donations may be made payable to Hanover Township Senior Services, 240 S. Illinois Route 59, Bartlett, Illinois 60103; attention Jennifer Busché. Call 630-483-5666 or e-mail jbusche@hanover-township.org for additional questions.