ONGOING

• Donations Sought – Manhattan-Elwood Quilt Group seeking donations of new or gently used crafting notions/projects for Rescue ME Crafters' Resale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 18,United Methodist Church, Manhattan. Leave a message at 815-258-0474 or 815-351-5165.

• Explore Midewin – Trails open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. For maps, visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/midewin/maps-pubs. For more information, call 815-423-6370 or email Midewin_RSVP@fs.fed.us.

• Great Read Art Contest – Due Feb. 20, any medium. Participating libraries include  Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield; Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook; Shorewood-Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood; Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet; Joliet Public Library, Main Branch, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet; Joliet Junior College Library, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet; Lemont Public Library, 50 E. Wend St., Lemont; The White Oak Library, Romeoville Branch, 201 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville; The White Oak Library, Lockport Branch, 121 E. 8th Street, Lockport; The White Oak Library, Crest Hill Branch, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill. For more information, including ages, categories, prizes and rules, visit www.greatread.org.

• Jens Brasch Art Exhibition – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Feb. 28, Lewis University, Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery, One University Parkway, Romeoville. Abstract works. For information, email Natalie Swain at swainna@lewisu.edu.

• Joliet Area Restaurant Week – Through Feb. 26. Participating restaurants include restaurants include: Al's Steak House (Joliet), Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge (Bolingbrook), Big Fish Bar & Grille (Wilmington), Cherry Street Cafe  (Joliet), Chicago St. Pub (Joliet), ConEcepts (Joliet), Cross Street Grill (Joliet), Embers Tap House (Lockport), Flavors: The Buffet (Joliet), Jitters (Joliet), Juliet s (Joliet), Little Saigon (Shorewood), Morris Chop Shop (Morris), Public Landing Restaurant (Lockport), The Reserve (Joliet), Tin Roof (Joliet), Truth (Joliet), Wine & Cheese by TCC (Plainfield). For more information, visit JolietRestaurantWeek.com.

• Lockport Township Park District Classes & Trips – Classes for children, adults and seniors include swimming, dance and child development. Also trip opportunities. Visit www.lockportpark.org or call 815-838-3621, ext. 0.

• Mastodons of Minooka – Minooka Branch,109 N. Wabena Ave., Minooka. To schedule a viewing, call Michele Houchens at 815-467-1600 ext. 207.

• Manhattan Irish Fest – March 3 and March 4. To become a sponsor, volunteer, register for the 5k race or more information, visit www.manhattanirishfest.com.

• Smithsonian Institution's "WaterWays" traveling exhibit – Through March 11, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane,McKinley Woods, Channahon. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday; and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. (On Feb. 16, the exhibit will be open from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m., For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• Storytime – Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. A variety of dates and times available. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Storytime/Toddler Time – White Oak Library District Crest Hill branch, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill. Various programs available. For information, contact Amy Byrne at 815-552-4278 or abyrne@whiteoaklibrary.org, or visit www.whiteoaklibrary.org.

• Storytime – White Oak Library District Lockport Branch, 121 E 8th St., Lockport. Various programs available. For information, visit www.whiteoaklibrary.org or call 815-552-4265.

• "Through My Lens" – Exhibit on display through Feb. 28, Gallery Seven, 116 N. Chicago St., Suite 116, Joliet. Photography by Marianne Folise. For information and gallery hours, contact Gallery Seven at 815-483-4310, email gallery7@ymail.com, or visit www.galleryseven.net.

• WCSF-FM 88.7 collecting for Spring Mega Music Rummage Sale – Seeking donations of used and collectible music and memorabilia. To arrange pickup or drop-off, call Jessica Stevens at 815-740-3697. For more information about the rummage sale or the radio station, call Anthony Musiala, radio manager, at 815-740-3645.

• "Winter Beauty" exhibit – Noon to 5 p.m., Fridays and noon to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, Lemont Center for the Arts, 1243 State St., Unit 101, Lemont. By Richard Lee, photographer.

• "Winter/Spring Dance – Joliet Park District Multi-Purpose Center, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Ages 2 to10. Choose from ballet, tumbling, hip hop and tap. For more information, call 815-741-7275 or visit us at jolietpark.org.

• "Wonders of Water" photo contest – Through March 11. Contest photos must be taken from within a Will County forest preserve during the contest period by amateur photographers who are 18 years old or older. For contest rules and submission instructions, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• WotNow – The City of Lockport has contracted with WotNow, a social events app, to promote local events and send reminders of all events and happenings in Lockport and surrounding areas. To download this free app, go to lockport.org/wotnow.

UPCOMING

• 2nd Annual Trivia Knight Fundraiser – Event is Feb. 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia begins 7 p.m., Saint Mary Nativity gym, 702 N. Broadway St., Joliet. Master of Ceremonies: Duffy Blackburn, Will County auditor. Raffles baskets, 50/50, themed tables (prizes for most creative), cash bar. 21 and up. Bring own food/snacks/appetizers/desserts. To enter, call St. Mary Nativity School at 815-722-8518.

• 21+ Adult Road Rally Adventure – Event is March 11. Get a team of four and drive around New Lenox Village limits, competing in a challenges and solving clues to get to the next location. Some challenges may be timed; other challenges may involve food. Registration deadline is Feb. 24. Call Tracy Wrase at 815-485-3584.

• Belmont Little League Registration & Try Out – Registration is 10 a.m to 6 p.m., March 11 and March 12. Try out is Feb. 18 and March 18. Register at Belmont Athletic Club, 651 Highland Parkway, Joliet or at www.BelmontLittleLeague.com. For more information, call 800-229-4815.

• "Classic TV" Trivia Fundraiser Day – 3 p.m., March 5, 176 West, 1100 NE Frontage Road, Joliet.  Doors open 2 p.m. Benefits grants and scholarships for Joliet Township High School staff and students. To reserve a 10-member table for $150, contact Mark Turk at 815-922-4065 or mlturk05@comcast.net., or register online at www.jthsfoundation.org.

• Great Chefs Tasting Party – Event is 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., March 5, Bolingbrook Golf Club. 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook. Food sampling, entertainment, live and silent auction. RSVP by Feb. 24. Call Gina Wysocki at 815-744-2500. For information, visit www.cdsil.org.

• Irish Fest – March 3 and March 4, Manhattan. Bagpipers, Irish dancers, Irish mass, music, food and drink. Activities will take place at the Main Tent, Manhattan Recreation Center, St. Joseph's Church and school. Also, Prairie State Roadrunners will start the parade again by hosting the Manhattan Irish Fest 5 K race, now recognized as a USATF timed course and listed as a CARA Emerging Race (17013). $7 (advance) and $10 (at door). Benefits Irish American Society County Will, Manhattan Park District, Manhattan Fire Department, Manhattan Neighborhood Food Pantry, Operation Care Package. For information, visit www.manhattanirishfest.com.

• Meat Madness – Event is 1 p.m. March 19, Gruben's Uptown Tap, 512 W Lockport Rd, Plainfield. Benefits Lions Club of Plainfield. For more information, visit http://shawurl.com/30ee.

• Rocktopia – Event is 8 p.m., April 7, Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Buy tickets by calling 815-726-6600 or 800-982-2787, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com or www.rialtosquare.com.

• Tack Swap – Event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25, Normantown Equestrian Center, 12151 S. Normantown Road, Plainfield. Buy, trade and sell horses, tack and show clothes (new or used). Must register by March to participate and have a table. Call 815-254-1950.

•  Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Pork Chop and Recognition Dinner – Event is 6:30 p.m., March 2,  Peotone Atrium. Prize drawings. Cash bar. $13. To purchase tickets, call Kim Mitchell at 815-462-3106 ext. 3.

• YMCA Giving Gala – Event is 6 p.m., Feb. 25, Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodéo Drive, Bolingbrook. $150 or $1,500 for table of 10. Benefits YMCA’s scholarship fund. Call 815-729-9638 or visit www.jolietymca.org.

• Zonta Club of Joliet Annual Fundraiser – Event is 11 a.m. (social hour, cash bar) and noon (lunch), March 5, Crystal Grand, 12416 S. Archer Ave., Lemont. Raffles. $65. Purchase from event co-chair Mary Baudino at mfbaudino59@aol.com or 815-955-4066.

Feb. 17

• Valentine Heart Contest – Lions Community Center, 1 Manor Drive, New Lenox. Kids ages 2 to 13 guess the number of candy hearts in the jar. For more information, visit www.newlenoxparks.org or call 815-485-3584.

• Black People in Africa – Noon to 1:30 p.m., Joliet Junior College, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Presentation Room, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet. For information,  visit www.jjc.edu/multicultural-affairs, or contact Michelle at mroman@jjc.edu or 815-280-6680.

• "Water Game Show Challenge" – 1:30 to 3 p.m. (55 and up) and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 18 (ages 8 and up), Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods, Channahon. Register at 815-722-9470. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• Comedian Ron White – Event is 7 and 10 p.m., Feb.17, Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. Buy tickets by calling 815-726-6600 or 800-982-2787, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com or www.rialtosquare.com.

• "Harvey" – 7:30 p.m.; also Feb. 18; and 2:30 p.m., Feb. 19, Morris Theatre Guild, 516 W. Illinois Ave., Morris. $12 (advance) and $15 (door). Special prices for children and students. Reserve at tickets@morristheatreguild.org, 815942-1966 or www.morristheatreguild.org.

• Open Mic night – 9 to 11 p.m.; also Feb. 24, Tully's Monster Pub and Grill, 104 Liberty St., Morris. Call 815-941-5098.

Feb. 18

• Will County Beekeepers workshops – Event is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Joliet Junior College, Weitendorf Agricultural Educational Center, 17840 W Laraway Road, Joliet. Online registration closes Feb. 17. Tickets sold at door. Visit willbees.org.

• Local Irish Families exhibit – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Manhattan Township Historical Society museum, 255 S. State St., Manhattan. For more information, email ManhattanHistorical@yahoo.com.

• Interactive Family Mocie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" – 1:30 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Portrait Photography – 2 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• "The Magic of Water" – 2 to 3:30 p.m.; also Feb. 19, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods, Channahon. Ages 8 and up. Register at 815-722-9470. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• R&B Line Dancing – 2 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• X Meets Y Book Club – 2 to 3 p.m., Bar Louie in The Promenade , 619 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Topic: "Modern Romance" by Azis Ansari. Drop in. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

Feb. 20

• Kids' Fair – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Troy Middle School, 5800 W. Theodore St., Plainfield.  
Storytelling, live animals, kids entertainment, free haircuts, martial arts and K9 demonstrations, musical performance by the Troy Middle School Choir. Mom's Stroller Fitness class from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Hosted by State Sen.Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood).

• Harry Potter STEAM Family Workshop  – 2 to 4 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Family activities. Drop-in. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Wendy's Cruisers – 5 to 9 p.m., Wendy's, Morris. Weather permitting. Antique vehicles. For information, contact Ken at 815-942-2032 or willis824@comcast.net.

• Countdown to the Academy Awards – 7 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Discusses the 88-year history of the Oscar. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

Feb. 21

• Busy Beavers Craft Club – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Forest Preserve District of Will County's Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. Free. Ages 15 and older. Registration not required. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• Scan, Convert and Preserve Old Photos, Slides, Videos and Films – 11 a.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Minecraft Open Play – 3:30 to 5 p.m.; also Feb. 26, Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Grades 3 to 12. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Dungeons & Dragons – 6 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Grades 6 to 12. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Morris Area Garden Club – 6 p.m., Morris Municipal Building, 700 Division St., Morris. Call Monica Evans 815-416-0163.

• Microsoft Publisher – 6:30 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Adult & Teen Chess Club – 7 to 8:30 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Visual Effects Magic – 7 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Art Exploration: Junior High/High School registration deadline – Event is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 28 to April 4,  Program Center, 10925 W. La Porte Road in Mokena. Ages 11 to 16. Register at 708-390-2343 or www.mokenapark.com.

Feb. 22

• S'Mores Book Club – 4:15 to 5 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Snacks and book discussion for kids. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Tabletop Gaming – 6 to 8 p.m., White Oak Library District, Romeoville Branch, 201 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville. For more information call 815-552-4230 or visit www.whiteoaklibrary.org.

• Create by Coloring – 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lockport Branch Library, 121 E. 8th St., Lockport. For information, visit www.whiteoaklibrary.org or call 815-552-4260.

• All Things Photoshop – 7 to 8 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Great Reads Book Club – 7 to 8 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Discuss "Something Missing" by Matthew Dicks. Drop in. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• "Trivia Challenge 2017" registration deadline – Event is 7 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 24, Forest Preserve District of Will County's Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. 135th St. (Romeo Road). four-player teams. Topics: Illinois and Will County celebrations, history and wildlife. Ages 21 and up. Register at 815-886-1467. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Feb. 23

• "Morning Bird Hike" registration deadline – Event is 8 to 10 a.m., Feb. 25, Forest Preserve District of Will County's Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave. Age 18 and up. Register at 708-946-2216. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• 10th Annual Kiwanis Night – 5 to 9 p.m., Parmesans, 10235 W. Lincoln Highway, Frankfort. All tips received will fund future scholarships.

• African American Read-in – 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Central High School Student Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Joliet. Public invited to read short passages of work by African American authors. Hosted by Joliet Township High School District 204 and the National Hook-Up of Black Women.

• "Gyotaku: The Art of Fish Printing" – 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 23, and 1 to 3 p.m., Feb. 26, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods, Channahon. Ages 12 and up. Register at 815-722-9470. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• Harry Potter Wands – 6 p.m., Lockport Branch Library, 121 E. 8th St., Lockport. For more information, visit www.greatread.org.

• Make Your Own Harry Potter Wand – 6:30 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• All Things Photography – 7 to 8 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Book Cover and Layout Basics – 7 p.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Design eBook and printer interior and covers. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• Insects, What Good Are They – 7 p.m., ASIP Local 150 Training Building19800 West South Arsenal Road, Wilmington. Speaker: Jim Louderman, collections assistant in insect collections, The Field Museum. Registration suggested at 815-423-6370 or Midewin_RSVP@fs.fed.us. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/midewin.

Feb. 24

• Preschool Activity Time – 10 to 11 a.m., Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook. Ages 2 to 6. Call 630-759-2102 or visit fountaindale.org.

• "Film Festival Friday," – 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods, Channahon. Water-themed films will be shown hourly. Free, all-ages program. For information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

• Fun Fair – 5 to 7 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten, 1910 Black Road, Joliet. Nachos, Cemeno's pizza, games, prizes, face painting, balloon artist, cotton candy, raffles. Enter to win an iPad 32 GB Air 2.

• "Mardi Gras Madness" fundraiser – 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Jacob Henry Mansion ballroom, 15 S. Richards St., Joliet. $30 (advance) or $35 (door). Casual attire requested. Tables of 10 available for $300. For tickets and more information, visit www.breastintentionsofillinois.weebly.com.

• Guest Reader Day RSVP deadline – Wood View Elementary School in Bolingbrook volunteers for Guest Reader Day on March 3. Read anytime between 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring own books or use books provided by the school. Contact Katherine Gross at grossK@vvsd.org or Lareasa Addison at smithld@vvsd.org or call 630-739-0185.