Submitted by PHIL SHRAGAL

READER PICS: Spring flowers poke through a late March snow in Galesburg.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Today

Visioning session

Galesburg Advantage, Community Visioning Assembly session: Celebrating Community: Tourism and Downtown Devel-opment, 6 p.m., Donald Crist Student Center, Carl Sandburg College, Building "B," 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Residents encouraged to participate through idea sharing, open dialogue and panel discussions. Reservations, Jenni Moser, 345-3628, or jmoser@ci. galesburg.il.us.

Purse sale

Cottage Gift Shop's Designer Inspired Purse Sale, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Cottage Commons Area (next to Delinos). All proceeds go to Galesburg Community Foundation for Scholarships and Grants.

School play

Williamsfield Elementary School presents "It's A Jungle Out There!", 7 p.m., in the commons area at Williamsfield School. Free admission; donations accepted toward the music department.

Today-Saturday (April 2-4)

Doll Boutique

Doll Boutique, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 1372 W. Fremont St. Doll clothes, accessories for Barbies, baby dolls, 18-inch girl dolls available to purchase. Today-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. All proceeds benefit Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.

Friday (April 3)

Fish fry

Monmouth Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday through April 24, 5:30-7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 200 S. Sunnylane, Monmouth. $9 adults, $6 children. Carry-outs.

Fundraiser

New Life Fellowship's annual Spaghetti Supper, 5-7 p.m., 370 W. Willard, Wataga. Donations to be used for local and world missions.

Artist reception

Artist reception for ceramic artist Benjamin Watkins, 5-8 p.m., at VagnHall Galleri in the Blacksmith Shop, Bishop Hill. Exhibit: "Beyond a Means to an End," continues through April 28.

Dinner

All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken and Walleye, every Friday, 5-7 p.m., Moose Lodge, 161 N. Cherry St. Public welcome.

Saturday (April 4)

Memories Day

Memories Celebration Day, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Center Court, Sandburg Mall. Bring laptop with digital photos or photos and supplies for album and memories celebration projects. Registration for table space, $15; $20 after March 30; $5 benefits Make-a-Wish Foundation. Information or registration, Ellen McRell, 289-4733, or www.mycmsite.com/ellenmcrell.

Taiko performance

Taiko, Japanese traditional drum, performance by Issin Daiko of Chicago, 7 p.m., Harbach Theater, Knox College.

Concert

Carl Sandburg College Concert Series: Daniel Leahy Sextet, 7:30 p.m., Crist Student Center, Carl Sandburg College.

Wine event

"The Dating Game," 7 p.m., Vintages Tasting Room, 57 S. Seminary St. Singles event; re-creation of TV show. $20 per person, reservations required, 335-2744.

Family fish fry

Family Fish Fry, 12:30-7 p.m., Oneida American Legion Post 727. Chicken or fish, potato salad. $7.

Breakfast and bake sale

Spring Breakfast and Bake Sale, 8-10:30 a.m., Maxey Chapel United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Breakfast with egg casserole; bake sale. Free-will donation.

Festival

Sassafras Festival, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ellisville Opera House, Main Street, Ellisville. Ham and beans with cornbread, $5; free sassafras tea; crafts, antiques, collectables; tours of Opera House and Post Office Museum. Entertainment: Country Duo plus Cheyenne, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Scrapbooking seminar

Scrapbooking Seminar, 9-11 a.m., Galesburg Cottage Hospital commons area. Reservations limited. Tickets: $10, Cindy Carter, 345-4233; Karen Robinson, 345-4211; Sue Bracker, 345-4325. Instructions to make three greeting cards, 12x12 page. Scrapbooking materials available, 20% of proceeds to Relay for Life.

Spring bazaar

Spring Bazaar and Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-noon, Care Center of Abingdon. Proceeds to residents' Christmas Fund.

Dance

Father/Daughter Dance, 6-8 p.m., Abingdon Middle/High School Cafeteria. One adult male with unlimited number of "daughters." $5 advance registration per group; $7 at door. Casual dress. Door prizes; music by MS Entertainment; refreshments; group photos. Reservation forms at Abingdon schools. Information, Bonnie Froelich, 462-2905; Don Smith 462-3353.

Easter egg hunt

Easter Egg Hunt, 2 p.m., at the Knox County Nursing Home, 800 N. Market St., Knoxville. Rain or shine.

Welcoming event

Camp Big Sky and Plattner Orthopedic Company Welcoming Event, noon-3 p.m., Camp Big Sky, Farmington. Rain date April 11. Visitors, volunteers and donors invited to experience what no-cost camp provides to people with disabilities. Information or directions, campbigsky.org.

Dance

Dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Moose Lodge, 161 N. Cherry St. Music by The Hodgetts. Public welcome.

Pets

Knox County Humane Society PAWC's Adopt-A-Pet, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bergner's Court, Sandburg Mall.

Breakfast

Biscuit and Gravy Breakfast to benefit Victoria Youth Baseball, 6:30-10:30 a.m., Victoria Fire Station. Bake sale. Free-will donations.

Saturday-Sunday (April 4-5)

Theater

Monmouth College Crimson Masque presents "Our American Cousin," Orpheum Theatre. Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m. Stacy Cordery on "The Life of Mary Todd Lincoln" and Bill Wallace on "A Production History of 'Our American Cousin'," 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets, Orpheum Box Office, 342-2299.

Sunday (April 5)

Breakfast

Appleton Fire Department All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast, 7-11 a.m., Appleton Fire Station, 1511 Old Wagon Road (3/4 mile west of Appleton Road, County Highway 12). Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy. $5 adults, $2 children under 12.

Concert

Ecumenical Singers Easter Concert, 3:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Monmouth. ICS Children's Choir also will perform. No admission fee; free-will offering. Public invited.

Equestrian fashion show

Equestrian Fashion Show sponsored by Rusty Spurs 4-H Club, 3 p.m., Knox Agri Center, 180 S. Soangetaha Road. Free; donations accepted. (309) 368-7534.

Monday (April 6)

Relay for Life rally

Knox County Relay for Life Rally Spring Fling, 5:30 p.m., at Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Anyone interested in getting involved with or learning more about Relay for Life is encouraged to attend.

Tuesday (April 7)

Concert

Tickets on sale for The ELVI-BEETLE Tribute Show, May 9, Legends Banquet Hall. 341-1950. www.alhull.biz.

Luncheon

Boys and Girls Club of Knox County Election Day Luncheon, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Carver Center, 424 S. Depot St. Turkey, trimmings, $7. Tickets at door or (309) 314-1496.

Bake sale

Relay for Life Bake Sale, 7 a.m. until sold out, Galesburg Cottage Hospital commons area. Also used books, decorative hand towels sold in front lobby.

Great Bowls of Soup

Galesburg Civic Art Center's Great Bowls of Soup, 5-7:30 p.m., Galesburg Community Center, 150 E. Simmons St. $15 in advance; $20 at door, includes soup supper and ceramic bowl. Tickets, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Budde's Pizza, Chez Willy's, Dove Tail Arts, Innkeepers Coffee, Q's Cafe. 342-7415.

April 8

Salad luncheon

Galesburg Woman's Club annual Salad and Casserole Buffet, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 516 N. Prairie St. Tickets: $4.50 available at door. Proceeds benefit community projects.

April 9

Visioning session

Galesburg Advantage, Community Visioning Assembly session: Cultivating a Sense of Place: The Rules of a Community and Neighborhood Attraction, 6 p.m., Donald Crist Student Center, Carl Sandburg College, Building "B", 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Residents encouraged to participate through idea sharing, open dialogue and panel discussions. Reservations, Jenni Moser, 345-3628 or jmoser@ci.galesburg.il.us.

Book club

Galesburg Public Library Thursday Book Club: book discussion of "Finn" by Jon Clinch, 6:30 p.m., Kaldi's Coffeehouse, 124 E. Simmons St. Newcomers welcome. 343-6118.

Angel food

Angel Food sign up, 4:30-6 p.m., at First Church of the Nazarene, 1501 Webster St. Angel Food pick up will be April 25. Information, 342-9012.

April 10

Fish fry

Monmouth Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday through April 24, 5:30-7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 200 S. Sunnylane, Monmouth. $9 adults, $6 children. Carry-outs.

Music

Tina's Countrytime Opry: Lee Jared and The "New" Midnight Ramblers with guest Garlan Leadbetter, 7 p.m., OAKS Senior Center, 176 N. Farnham St. Free-will offering. Concessions by OAKS.

Dinner

All You Can Eat Fried Chicken and Walleye, every Friday, 5-7 p.m., Moose Lodge, 161 N. Cherry St. Public welcome.

April 11

Fundraiser

Registration due for Daycare-N-For a Cure Relay for Life Team's crop for cardmakers and scrapbookers 9 a.m.-8 p.m. April 18, community room, Sandburg Mall. Register, information, Janice Martinez, 342-6571, Jenny McKeown, (309) 482-6654.

Alumni basketball

United Sports Boosters' annual Alumni Basketball, 9 a.m., United Field House, Alexis. Admission: $2 adults, $1 students. Concessions. Information, Lisa Powell, (309) 482-3340.

Easter Egg hunt

Avon Community's Easter Egg hunt, 9 a.m., Avon United Methodist Church. Ages 1-10 invited to participate.

Dance

Public Dance featuring Eternity Road, 8 p.m.-midnight, Legends Banquet Hall. 341-1950.

Autism conference

Galesburg Autism and Vaccine Risk Conference, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Best Western Prairie Inn, 300 S. Soangetaha Road. $25 per person or $40 per couple; includes lunch. Bio medical intervention, educational therapy options, diet, and environmental risk factors. Reservations required by calling (309) 335-0599 or e-mail curt@autismfile.com or kim@autismfile.com.

Pets

Knox County Humane Society PAWC's Adopt-A-Pet, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in Bergner's Court at Sandburg Mall.

April 13

Rain barrels

Deadline to pre-order rain barrels from Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District. 100% recycled food grade barrels $79 each; on display at 233 S. Soangetaha Road. 342-5714, Ext. 3.

April 14

Teen event

Cupcake Mania: learn to decorate cupcakes, 6:30 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Advance sign-up required; limited to 15 teens. 343-6118.

Book club

Galesburg Public Library Tuesday Book Club: book discussion of "Finn" by Jon Clinch, 1 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Newcomers welcome. 343-6118.

Big Read event

Movie viewing of Mark Twain's book, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 2:10 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Free. 343-6118.

Author lecture

Richard Carwardine, Rhodes Professor of American History at Oxford University and winner of Lincoln Prize, speaks about his book, "Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power," 6:30 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Free. 343-6118.

April 16

Folk music

Folksinger Chris Vallilo: "Abraham Lincoln in Song," 7:30 p.m., at Buchanan Center for the Arts, 64 Public Square, Monmouth. (309) 734-3166.

April 16-18

Jazz festival

Rootabaga Jazz Festival. April 16: Knox Faculty and Friends Combo, 8 p.m.-midnight, McGillacuddy's Restaurant, $7. April 17: Knox Alumni Big Band, 8-9 p.m., The Romaniacs, 9:30 p.m.-midnight, McGillacuddy's Restaurant, $10. April 18: The Aaron Goldberg Trio with the Knox Jazz Ensemble, 5 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, $12 floor, $14 mezzanine. Festival passes, $25, 341-7265.

April 17

Fish fry

Monmouth Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday through April 24, 5:30-7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 200 S. Sunnylane, Monmouth. $9 adults, $6 children. Carry-outs.

Dinner

All You Can Eat Fried Chicken and Walleye, every Friday, 5-7 p.m., Moose Lodge, 161 N. Cherry St. Public welcome.

April 17-19

Theater

Prairie Players Civic Theatre presents "Sunshine Boys," Sandburg Mall Theater. April 17-18: 7:30 p.m.; April 19: 2 p.m. Tickets at Innkeeper's Coffee or Sandburg Mall customer service.

April 18

Fundraiser

Daycare-N-For a Cure Relay for Life Team's all-day crop for cardmakers and scrapbookers, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., community room, Sandburg Mall. Janice Martinez, 342-6571, Jenny McKeown, (309) 482-6654.

Wine event

Sips and Nibbles: Riesling, 6 p.m., Vintages Tasting Room, 57 S. Seminary St. Tasting with appetizers. $20 per person, reservations required, 335-2744.

Family event

YMCA Healthy Kids Day, 9 a.m.-noon, at the Knox County YMCA. Games, demonstrations, inflatables, Wii bowling. 344-1324 or www.knoxymca.org.

Children's party

Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher Children's Party, 2 p.m., at the Warren County Public Library, 62 Public Square, Monmouth. (309) 734-3166.

Auction

Auction at the Armour, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 1st Street Armoury, 215 S. 1st St., Monmouth.

April 18-19

Concert

Nova Singers "A Night in Vienna." April 18: Kresge Recital Hall, Ford Center for the Fine Arts, Knox College. April 19: First Congregational Church, Moline. $15 adults, $10 seniors, students free. Viennese-style reception after show. 341-7038.

April 19

Big Write reception

Reception for Galesburg Public Library's creative writing contest winners, 2 p.m., 40 E. Simmons St. Refreshments and readings of winning entries. Free. 343-6118.

Spaghetti luncheon

F.O.R.E.V.E.R. Relay for Life Team's Spaghetti Luncheon, 12:30-4:30 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 1694 N. Henderson St. $5.50 per person, includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and drink. Bake and silent auction. All proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Advance tickets available by calling Julie Johnson, 289-8039 or Tina Payne, 343-8906.

April 20

Essay ceremony

Lincoln Essay Contest Award Ceremony, 7 p.m., at the Warren County Public Library, 62 Public Square, Monmouth. (309) 734-3166.

April 21

Movie of the Book Club

Galesburg Public Library Movie of the Book Club: evening viewing of a new movie with literary ties, Showplace 8 Theaters, followed by discussion at Perkins. Newcomers welcome. Information, 343-6118.

Luncheon

Casserole and Salad Luncheon sponsored by United Methodist Women, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, fellowship hall, Kellogg and Ferris streets. $5 donation includes chicken casserole, salads, dessert, rolls and beverage. UMW Gift Corner open.

Book club

Discussion of Big Read 2009 book, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," 7 p.m., Warren County Public Library, 62 Public Square, Monmouth. (309) 734-3166.

April 22

Volunteer reception

United Way of Knox County's Volunteer Reception, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at 311 E. Main St. (Bondi Building), Bondi Conference Room (lower level). RSVP to the United Way of Knox County at 343-4434 or atucker@bbwave.net.

April 24

Lecture and recital

Bruce and "Old Friends", 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre. Bruce Polay shares historical tidbits and performs works by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Piazzolla, Scriabin, Liszt and Polay. $10 at door, children under 12 free; advance tickets $7, 341-7268.

Fish fry

Monmouth Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 5:30-7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 200 S. Sunnylane, Monmouth. $9 adults, $6 children. Carry-outs.

Reception

Sandburg Days 2009 Photography Contest Winner Awards and Reception, 4 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Free. 343-6118.

Dinner

All You Can Eat Fried Chicken and Walleye, every Friday, 5-7 p.m., Moose Lodge, 161 N. Cherry St. Public welcome.

April 25

Concert

Knox-Galesburg Symphony featuring Ludmilla Knezkova-Hussey, piano, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre. Tickets: $8 to $18, children and students half price. 342-2299.

Music mornings

Knox-Galesburg Symphony's "Music Mornings" program, "Ludmilla Knezkova-Hussey, piano," 10 a.m., Galesburg Public Library community room. Free concert preview for children ages preschool through 5th grade. 343-6118.

KCCDD Fundraiser

KCCDD annual Fundraiser Auction: Rockin' Around the Clock, Knox College, Lincoln Room. Doors open, 6 p.m.; live auction, 7 p.m.; dinner, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $20, 344-2600.

Art Walk

Laughing Corn Art Walk, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., downtown Galesburg. Part of Carl Sandburg Days Festival.

Photography seminar

Discover Photography Seminar presented by the Galesburg Camera Club, 10 a.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Free.

Lecture

Western Illinois University Professor Emeritus John E. Halwas speaks about his book "Dime Novel Desperadoes: The Story of the Notorious Maxwell Brothers," 2 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Free. 343-6118.

Swedish dinner

Swedish Dinner, 5 and 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church of Altona. $10 adults, $5 children 10 and under. Seating limited; reservations required, (309) 484-5182, (309) 484-8321, (309) 483-6435. Carry-outs.

Swedish Stomp and Skamperoo

Bishop Hill's annual Swedish Stomp and Skamperoo. Swedish Stomp: 5k walk/run open to runners age 7 to 107; registration begins at 7 a.m. with race at 9 a.m.; entry fees prior to race: $14 (runners age 7 to 19 can enter for half price), day of race: $16. Skamperoo: 1/3K for children age 6 and under; scheduled for 10 a.m. Information or entry forms, (309) 927-3833 or e-mail: cdowell@winco.net.

April 29

Wine event

Girlfriend's Night, 6 p.m., Vintages Tasting Room, 57 S. Seminary St. $20 per person, reservations required, 335-2744.

Animanga Mania

Animanga Mania, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St. Watch anime series, swap manga, open-draw session. No registration required. 343-6118.

April 30

Artist reception

Closing reception for the Carl Sandburg College's 2009 Juried Student Art Show, 3-5 p.m., in D Building lobby of main campus.

Ice cream social

Ice Cream Social, 5:30-8 p.m., Cornerstone Christian Academy, 824 245th Ave., Monmouth.

May 2

Nature hike

Spring Wildflowers Identification Hike, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Blackthorn Hill Nature preserve, 1590 Angling Road, Highway 4, Alexis. Wear sturdy shoes, jeans, dress for weather. Fee: $2. Bring camera. Pre-register by May 1, 342-5493, blackthornhill@comcast.net.

May 9

Concert

Knox-Galesburg Symphony: "Celebrate Mom at the Pops," 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre. Tickets: $8 to $18; children, students half price. 342-2299.

Thrifty on Route 150

Thrifty on Route 150: yard sales from Coal Valley to Galesburg. http://thrifty150.googlepages.com/thrifty150.

May 16

Concert

Knox College Choir, "Brahms Requiem," featuring Galesburg Community Chorus, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre. Free.

Wine event

Sips and Nibbles: Artisanal Cheese and Wine Pairing, 6 p.m., Vintages Tasting Room, 57 S. Seminary St. $25 per person, reservations required, 335-2744.

Bird watch

Bird watch with host Vince Hummel, 8-10 a.m., Blackthorn Hill Nature preserve, 1590 Angling Road, Highway 4, Alexis. Dress for weather, protective clothing; bring binoculars. Pre-register by May 15, 342-5493, blackthornhill@comcast.net.

May 17

Jazz

Knox Jazz Ensemble, 4 p.m., Gizmo Patio, Seymour Union, Knox College. Free. 341-7337.

May 20-23

Theater

"Intimate Apparel," by Lynn Nottage, directed by Kelly Lynn Hogan, visiting instructor in theater, 7:30 p.m., Harbach Theatre, Ford Center for the Fine Arts, Knox College. $10 adults, $5 seniors, students free.

June 6

Concert

Knox-Galesburg Symphony 24th annual Concert on the Lawn, 5 p.m., South Lawn, Old Main, Knox College. Free. Rain location: T. Fleming Fieldhouse.

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Calendar items should be for events that are open to the public, are provided for enjoyment or entertainment and have broad public appeal.

The Register-Mail prints appropriate calendar items free as space permits.

Mail items for the calendar to Lorraine Stone, 140 S. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401, or e-mail lstone@register-mail.com. Items also may be faxed to 343-2382.