Emerge from the COVID cocoon with 2 in-person events

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend in Will County.

This week, I’m highlighting two in-person events (one in Will County and one in Grundy County), one online event for next week and some tips from Edward-Elmhurst Health on dealing with COVID fatigue when you’re also experiencing spring fever.

And let’s not forget it’s also Lent for many Christians. And with Lent comes area fish fries.

Many of them this year are carryout only. Some have limited seating.

But here’s where you can find some good ones in Will County.

Enjoy your weekend!

‘Sculpting WILD’ juried art show opens March 2 at Forest Preserve’s Plum Creek Nature Center

A wide variety of sculpted nature scenes will be on display at the “Sculpting WILD” juried art show until April 3 at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays (closed Good Friday) and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The nature center is located at 27064 S. Dutton Road, north of Goodenow Road, in Crete Township near Beecher. Admission is free.

Facemasks are mandatory for everyone except those younger than age 2 and those with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing one.

The sculptures themselves range in size from 7 inches to 7 feet and depict birds, animals, birdhouses, plants and abstracts. There’s even an opossum sculpted from chocolate, created by an artist who also competes in cake decorating contests.

Artists include professionals, students and those who began making art during the pandemic. Towns represented include Crete, Homewood, Joliet, Lockport, Monee, New Lenox and Park Forest.

For more information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Catch an -person play in Grundy County this weekend

The Morris Theatre Guild will present “Momologues2: Off to School” at Morris Theatre Guild from March 5 to March 14.

The play features true tales of motherhood: homework hell, multitasking mania, playdates gone wrong, tips on how to stalk a babysitter and more.

Live performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Seating is limited and socially distanced. Facemasks are required.

Tickets $15. Purchase at morristheatreguild.org or by calling 815-942-1966.

Flower Pastel Demonstration with Watercolor Underpainting presented by Kathleen Newman

The event is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 10 on Zoom.

Lemont Artists Guild present artist, Kathleen Newman, who will provide a flower painting demonstration by starting with a watercolor underpainting which will then be followed by layers of pastel.

She will also discuss the use and planning of the artwork by creating a black and white sketch (notan) beforehand.

The event is open to the public. Registration is required. Register for the Zoom link at homerlibrary.org.

For more information, visit lemontartistsguild.org.

Finally, if spring fever is exacerbating your COVID fatigue and longing for more in-person connections, Edward-Elmhurst Health has some tips for getting through this rough patch.

1. Take it day by day. “Try not to look too far down the road and become overwhelmed with the big picture. People don’t need to have all the answers right now. Simplify daily goals into manageable ones.”

2. Get up and move. “Exercise is one of the best ways to cope and improve well-being. Bundle up and head outside for a walk — even a short walk helps. Too cold outside? Try an online workout or dance class, yoga or stretching at home.”

3. Talk it out. “Share feelings with a trusted friend or family member. Staying connected to others will help people feel less isolated. Consider a professional counselor if needed.”

4. Practice gratitude. “Gratitude can make people happier and connect with the goodness in the world. Write down 1-3 points of gratitude each day. Send a text or email to let someone know they’re appreciated.”

5. Be mindful. “Moments of quiet reflection can help release tension. Take deep breaths, step outside and feel the cool air and sun, snuggle up with a cherished pet, or savor a warm drink. Try mindfulness meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.”

6. Have a good laugh. “Laughter is good medicine and can be a crucial relaxation technique when you’re really stressed. Surround yourself with humor, such as photos or comics, or watch a funny movie or comedy show.”

7. Eat well and sleep well. “A healthy diet and good sleep are vital to well-being. Eat regular, well-balanced meals and try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day. Strive for 8-10 hours of sleep a night.”

8. Help. “Helping others can make people healthier. Check on neighbors and friends by calling, texting or writing a card. Donate food to the frontline workers at a local hospital — call first to find out what’s allowed, packaging requirements, etc. Donate grocery items to a local food pantry.”

9. Find things to look forward to. “This can be a great mood-booster. Plan for a physically-distanced walk with a friend, a night to watch a favorite movie or new TV series or a video Zoom call with friends. Avoid things that trigger stress, such as too much social media or news intake.”

10. Accept COVID-19 precautions. “They aren’t going away anytime soon, even with a vaccine on the horizon. Make wearing a mask, frequent handwashing and physical distancing a normal part of everyday life.”

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.