A free Pumpkin Smash event that will give participants a chance to recycle pumpkins will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, 1110 Jericho Road in Aurora.
The second annual event in Aurora will be hosted by the University of Illinois Extension. Last year’s inaugural Pumpkin Smash, held at McCleery Elementary School in Aurora, saw 3,100 pounds of pumpkins collected and turned into compost, according to a press release.
“Families, community members and even some city officials gathered to take turns throwing, smashing and catapulting their pumpkins into a donated dumpster so they could be recycled to help something new grow,” said Deanna Roby-Vorgias, county director with University of Illinois Extension serving DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties, in the press release.
Anyone interested can come to this year’s event on Nov. 2 to smash and recycle pumpkins, organizers said. The event will also include games and fall-inspired activities, according to the release.
Participants are welcome to bring non-perishable food donations to the event to support neighbors in need, organizers said.
Halloween event set in Oswego
The 71 Reasons and More Foundation will host a free Halloween event for teens and families from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Oswegoland Senior and Community Center at 3525 Route 34 in Oswego.
The family-friendly event will feature activities, games, raffles, hot dogs, chips, drinks and more, organizers. All guests are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.
Attendees will also be able to participate in a “March for Mark,” a one-mile march on the path behind the center to honor the memory of Oswego teen Mark Chapas Jr. and other community members who have lost their lives due to mental illness, organizers said.
To reserve a spot at the event, go to https://tinyurl.com/3kyex5cu.
Steeple Walk planned in Geneva
The annual Steeple Walk event in Geneva will begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and will take place across four historic churches, each hosting a 20-minute musical performance, organizers said.
The Geneva Foundation for the Arts is working with representatives of the First Church of Christ, Scientist; Geneva Lutheran Church; United Methodist Church of Geneva; and the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva to organize the event.
Concert-goers are split into two groups, with one group beginning at the United Methodist Church of Geneva and the other at Geneva Lutheran Church, according to a news release about the event. The musicians perform their repertories twice, allowing each group to enjoy all the performances at the four churches involved.
Performers this year will include Classic Christmas Duo (Diva Montell, vocalist, and Dave Gans, guitar), Genuine Brass, Take Note Quartet and Wild Blue Ukelele Orchestra.
For tickets and information, go to https://www.genevafoundationforthearts.org/events. Tickets purchased by Nov. 15 will be $18, with the price then going up to $20.
Kiwanis of Aurora installs new president
Daniel Ahern of Aurora was installed as president of the Kiwanis Club of Aurora during the club’s annual installation dinner on Sept. 25 at the Aurora Country Club, according to Kiwanis officials.
Also installed at the event were president-elect, Lucas Albright; treasurer, Kim Woodin; and secretary, Kim Groom.
In addition, members who will serve on the club’s board of directors include Kendra Coronado, Chris Wells, Nick Knudtson and Debbie Smith.
The immediate past president is Christina Campos. She will continue to serve on the club board for the next year, club officials said.
The Kiwanis Club of Aurora currently has 83 members, officials said. Information about becoming a member is available at the club’s website at aurorakiwanis.org.
Weaving topic of program in St. Charles
The St. Charles Public Library will present the program “The Art of Weaving” from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
Members of the Illinois Prairie Weavers Guild will have on display several different kinds of looms at the event, and participants can try hand-weaving with experienced weavers, library officials said.
For more information, go to scpld.org or call 630-584-0076.
Participants sought for ‘A Christmas Carol’
Individuals 18 years old and older are invited to participate in auditions at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, for the winter holiday production of “A Christmas Carol, A Live Radio Play” at Geneva Park District’s community theatre Playhouse 38.
No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome to audition, organizers said.
The auditions will be held at Playhouse 38, 321 Stevens St., Suite P, in Geneva. There is no cost to register as a performer, and registration is available now at GenevaParks.org by using activity code 5211703-02.
Individuals interested in auditioning are asked to prepare a one- to two-minute monologue or be prepared to read from a script, organizers said.
Performances of the production will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Playhouse 38.
Tickets will be on sale beginning Nov. 8 for the shows. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased in advance at //GenevaParks.org/Playhouse or in person at Sunset Community Center or Stephen Persinger Recreation Center in Geneva.
