McHenry County News Calendar

Thurs., Jan. 28

The Quilt Exhibit will be now through Feb. 29 at the Woodstock Opera house. Nine antique quilts from the McHenry County Historical Society’s collection will be on display. The quilts, dating from the 1860s through 1950s, are available for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. through Thurs., and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. and Sat in the Community Room gallery. For more information, call 815-923-2267.

Gifts of Nature Art Exhibit will be now through Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Lost Valley Visitor Center.

Fri., Jan. 29

D155 Art Show Reception will be at 6 p.m. at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park. Please join us for an evening in recognition of the artistic accomplishments of the students in District 155. We are excited to showcase their creativity and artistry, and we hope you can join us.

Caribbean Cookout/Auction will be at the VFW Banquet Hall, Route 120, McHenry. Ticket price is $30 and includes a complete steak dinner, beer and soda. For more information, call Andrew Harrison at 815-759-1100.

Sat., Jan. 30

Book Launch: Charlie Donlea will be at Read Between The Lynes, 111 Van Buren Street, Woodstock at 2 p.m. Join us for the book launch of Charlie Donlea’s heralded debut novel, Summit Lake. For more information, call 815-206-5967.

Food and Wine Pairing: Celebrating Julia Child will be at Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock from 6 – 9 p.m. Julia Child revolutionized American cuisine by presenting an approachable version of sophisticated French cooking techniques. Join us as we pay tribute to this Master Chef and prepare dishes inspired by her most famous book, mastering the Art of French Cooking. Julia’s inspiring food will be paired with fine French wines. This evening starts with a wine reception with appetizers and proceeds with a five-course wine dinner. For more information, call 815-338-1032.

The Abominable Snow Race will begin at 7 a.m. and continue through the day at Veteran Acres Park, 431 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake. A challenging 3.5 mile 24 obstacle winter course featuring: activities the entire family will enjoy, one elite heat, one hero heat honoring our Military and First Responders. For more information, call 815-570-9384.

Fitness & Program Fair will be at 9 a.m. at the Sage YMCA. This event is free. For more information, call the Front Desk at 815-459-4455.

Switchback will be at 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Opera House. Switchback is the award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack. Working together for over twenty years, Switchback draws on traditional Celtic music and original Americana songs that reflect their Irish heritage and Midwestern roots.

Ice Fishing Derby will be at 7 a.mm. at Crystal Lake West Beach, 2330 Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. There is a $10 gate entry fee, tickets may be purchased in advance at the Park District Admin. Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. For more information, email [email protected].

Sun., Jan. 31

TLC’s 25^th Celebration Brunch will be at 11 a.m. at D’andrea Banquet in Crystal Lake. TLC will celebrate its 25^th anniversary of conservation in McHenry County: acorns gathered, oak trees and native shrubs planted, land preserved, Art of the Land celebrated, recognition of volunteers—all through the generous support of our members and hard work of many dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. For more information, visit conservemc.org.

Tues., Feb. 2

5 Steps to a Girls Uniqueness Self – Esteem Program ages 8 – 10: five, 2-hour sessions, Tues., 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Feb. 2 – Mar. 1. For more information or to register, visit http://chattergirls.net.

Wed., Feb. 3

Paint & Sip Fun-Raiser will be at 6:30 p.m. at Muse Art & Paint Studio, 135 Beardsley Street, Suite A, Crystal Lake. No experience necessary to create a Valentine’s Day themed masterpiece, which makes a great gift! Tickets are $45, with raffle prizes available. Complimentary wine, coffee, and hors d’oeuvres are included. Proceeds benefit local seniors in need. For more information or to reserve your easel, call 815-455-3120.