Vlach, George Washington University, presents “Geological Adventures on the Carolina Frontier: The Search for Kaolin and the Rise of a Heroic African- American Potter.” Free. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.
Stargazing Event Jul 15, 8pm, Sangamon Astronomical Society talks about three types of telescopes that you can gaze the heavens through. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.
NATURE
Hydrangea Event Jul 10, 10am and 11am, Learn all about how to plant and care for these beautiful shrubs. GreenView Nursery, 3000 W. Jefferson, (217) 787-4700.
Master Naturalist Program Jul 08-15, Train to become a natural area steward, educator and/or advocate through education and volunteer service. Starts Sept 1. Space limited, register by July 15. 782-4617. University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit, 2501 N. Eighth St, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Bldg #30.
ENVIRONMENT
Sangamon Watershed Celebration Jul 09-10, 6pm Fri, 8am-3pm Sat, Local food, music, exhibits and education about prairie grasses grown for conservation and renewable energy sponsored by Agricultural Watershed Institute. Tickets for Friday evening reception and program $15, $10 in advance. Registration for Saturday workshop $30, $20 in advance. 217- 877-5640 or agwatershed.org. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plz, Decatur.
LECTURES & MEETINGS
Four Keys to a Great Portfolio Jul 10, 10:30am, Heart of Illinois Chapter/Better Investing presents a free investing seminar led by Betty Simmock, one of the original Beardstown Ladies. Carnegie room north. 546-1185. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh. Free Veterans Benefits Seminar Jul 10, 3:30pm, Led by representatives of Veterans Financial, Inc. who will talk about the Aid and Attendance Program. Montvale Estates, 2601 Montvale Drive.
BULLETIN BOARD
APL Pet Adoptions Jul 10, 11am-2pm, Dogs for adoption and cats until 3 p.m. Also, dogs at Gizzy Lu. Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave.
Backgammon Tournament Jul 14, 21, 6pm, Every Wed, first-time entry is free, thereafter $5. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave.
Big Block Bash Jul 18, 6-8pm, Annual block party celebrating living life in Springfield with games, music and more. 525-0304. South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur.
Calling Artists and Crafters Registration deadline September 1 for 1st Annual Fall Craft Festival to be held Oct. 9. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 341-5692.
Dog Wash Jul 17, 10am-1pm, Bring your dogs behind Petco where Capitol Canine Training Club members will wash your dog to benefit the Sangamon County Animal Control Center. $8 small dogs, $10 medium-sized, $12 large. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Parkway.
Feline Adoption Jul 17, 11am-2pm, Cat and kit
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