Just Around the Corner Last Week of Summer

Summer refuses to go quietly. After a week of gorgeous, sunny weather and temperatures more like mid-July, we head into the final week of summer. Autumn officially starts next Saturday, but we will continue experiencing summer-like weather for most of next week. It will finally begin to cool off as we head into the weekend just in time for the Geneva Park District Harvest Hustle 5K on Saturday. I’m sure the runners will be grateful for the break.

The Harvest Hustle 5K takes place on Saturday, September 22^nd, at Peck Farm at 4038 Kaneville Road. The race begins at 5:30 PM and check-in starts at 4:30 PM. The race is followed by an awards ceremony and celebration until 7:30 PM. The race benefits the Geneva Park District Scholarship Fund. This will be a chip-timed race and each race bib will also have tickets for food and refreshments after the race. Awards will go to the top male and female finishers in each age bracket. Age groups include 14 and under, 15 – 19, 20 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 65, and 66 and over. I believe I’m in the “don’t bother” category.

You might want to consider sticking around after the race for an evening of star-gazing from the parking lot outside the Peck Farm Orientation Barn. The Fox Valley Astronomical Society is once again hosting the event beginning with a 30-minute presentation in the Orientation Barn at 7:00 PM. After the presentation, members will be available to answer questions and to offer the opportunity to view the night sky through telescopes provided by members. The sky viewing activity will only take place if the weather cooperates. The event is appropriate for all ages.

The weekend also marks the premiere of the Playhouse 38 Youth Theater production Peter Pan, a classic tale of men refusing to grow up. Like that would ever happen. Performances are on Friday, September 21^st, at 7:00 PM; Saturday, September 22^nd at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and on Sunday, September 23^rd, at 3:00 PM. More information and a link to purchase tickets may be found here. You may also purchase tickets at Sunset Community Center and the Stephen Persinger Recreation Center or by calling 630-232-4542. Playhouse 38 is located at 321 Stevens Street, Suite P. The entrance is in the rear of the building. Concessions, including bottle water, soda, juice, and candy, are available at the box office prior to the performance and during intermission.

Only three more weekends of miniature golf at the Stone Creek miniature golf course in Wheeler Park. The facility officially closes for the season on October 8^th, but the last day to play is Sunday, October 7^th.

More information on Geneva Park District facilities and activities may be found on their website.

The International Cultural Exchange Committee will once again be hosting a group of French citizens from our sister city, Croissy-sur-Seine, a small town on the banks of the Seine outside Paris. A number of Genevans have agreed to host our French guests while they are here between Friday, September 21^st and Tuesday, September 25th. Entertainment plans include a trolley tour of Geneva, a picnic tour of the Japanese Gardens and Fabyan Villa, a tour of the Roquette America Innovation Center, and a gala at Villa Verone.

The Geneva Public Library has a full schedule of events starting with 2 & 3-Year-Old Storytime on Monday morning and Bounce and Rhyme featuring music and movement for ages 3 and under, also on Monday morning. Friends of the Library Book Sort is Monday afternoon, and 20s and 30s Board Game Night for young adults is Monday evening.

Tuesday morning is 3 – 6-Year Old Storytime. Tuesday morning adults can take a class on making a lavender sachet. Late Tuesday afternoon, high school students can learn to craft pixel art keychains in the Down to DIY : Perler Bead Keychains class. Tuesday evening means Evening Family Storytime for all ages. And the Tuesday Evening Book Discussion group will discuss Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple.

Wednesday morning leads off with Preschool Space Camp for ages 3 - 6. Only the fun is out of this world. The games, crafts, snacks, and experiments don’t involve any space travel. Late Wednesday afternoon students in grades 2 – 5 can discover The Science of Harry Potter, inspired by the stories about the young wizard. Wednesday meet the Six Wives of Henry VIII as Martina Mathisen gives us a glimpse into the lives of the fascinating women once married to the notorious King of England.

There are two morning sessions of 2 & 3-Year Old Storytime on Thursday. Adults can learn how to set up and use an Instagram account in Intro to Instagram on Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon, Civically Speaking gets into what it means to be an American citizen for adults. Terry Lynch will cover some of the history and current views of this interesting subject. Late Thursday afternoon offers a repeat session of Down to DYI: Perler Bead Keychains for high school students. Thursday evening also includes the Mother-Daughter Book Discussion for girls in grades 4 – 6. Books for this group discussion are at the Checkout Desk. There is a wait list. Finally, Thursday evening the 20s and 30s Hand Lettering Workshop for young adults meets at the School of Art.

On Friday morning the Friday Morning Book Discussion group for young adults meets to discuss Good As Gone by Larry Watson. Bounce and Rhyme for ages 3 and under also meets Friday morning. Early Friday afternoon a session of 3 – 6-Year Old Storytime will be held. Friday evening high school and middle school students can attend Teen Tech Studio: Light Painting. Teens will learn how to trace drawing and writing in the air that shows up as glowing lines in photographs.

On Saturday afternoon the Chess Club for grades K – 8 meets. This class is for newbies and kids with some experience. Chess Club members will provide tips for attendees to help improve their playing skills. The Civic Engagement Fair on Saturday afternoon is an opportunity for teens and young adults to meet local officials and even register to vote. Sensory Sunday on Sunday afternoon is an opportunity for children of unique learning abilities to engage the senses through movement, music and books. The class is recommended for ages 2 through 6 and siblings are welcome.

For more information visit the Geneva Public Library website.

The Geneva History Museum resumes its trolley tours on Wednesday, September 19^th. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and include admission to the museum and a goody bag with special offers at local businesses and restaurants. Tickets are $25 and you can add lunch at The Little Traveler for $9.95.

St. Peter Catholic Church at 1891 Kaneville Road is having their Fall Fest on Saturday, September 22^nd. From noon until 4:00 PM is the kids fest. There will be a petting zoo, pony rides, face-painting, games, inflatables, and “touch a truck”. Ticket prices are $5 for kids aged 3 – 14. The Knights of Columbus will serve an all-American grill from noon until 2 PM. Adult entry is free and food and drink tickets will be available for purchase.

In the evening, from 5:30 PM until 10:30 PM a dinner with live music will be held. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Cash drink tickets are sold separately at the event.