The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will hold its Maple Sugaring Days celebration from noon to 3 p.m. March 7 and 8 at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles.
Participants can watch Forest Preserve District naturalists demonstrate how to tap a maple tree, then try drilling and setting their own tap, according to a press release. They can then see sap simmer over an open fire, as it thickens to syrup, and learn about the history of maple sugaring.
A variety of treats, including maple doughnuts, maple-drizzled frozen custard and hot beverages will be available during the event, organizers said.
Riverlands Brewing Company will return to the fest with an exclusive brown ale, Maple River, brewed in collaboration with the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation. The craft brew features locally-sourced maple syrup from Driftless Gold, located just across the Wisconsin border, officials said.
The beer honors the centuries-old tradition of maple sugaring, and will be available for purchase inside the tent at Maple Sugaring Days, the release. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beer will benefit nature education and other initiatives supported by the Kane Forest Preserve Foundation.
Within the heated tent, visitors can also enjoy live acoustic music by local musician Jamey Darnold.
No registration is required for Maple Sugaring Days and admission is free. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.
For more information on Maple Sugaring Days, call 630-444-3190, go to www.kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District of Kane County on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
Comptroller candidate forum set for Feb. 11
The four candidates running in the Democratic primary for state comptroller will take part in a public forum in Naperville on Wednesday, Feb. 11, being held by Indivisible Naperville.
Candidates state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, of Oswego; state Sen. Karina Villa, of West Chicago; state Rep. Margaret Croke, of Chicago; and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim will also meet with voters at the event being held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.
The comptroller is the state’s top fiscal officer. Incumbent Comptroller Susana Mendoza is not seeking reelection in the March 17 primary.
Event co-sponsors are Indivisible Illinois, Indivisible DuPage, Indivisible Evanston, Indivisible West Suburban Chicago, Indivisible Wheaton, Indivisible NWSOFA, Fox Valley Rising and We Can Lead Change Fox Valley, organizers said.
Candidates will make an opening statement and take turns answering questions on such topics as the Illinois budget, the state’s bonded indebtedness and rainy day fund, bill prioritization and the impact of the Trump program cuts on state payments.
Candidates will have a chance to speak directly with guests and pass out campaign literature.
In addition to being held live, it will be live-streamed on Indivisible Illinois’ YouTube channel.
Blood drive scheduled in St. Charles
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, along with the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, will host a blood drive from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at the St. Charles Park District Pottawatomie Community Center at 8 North Ave. in St. Charles.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted, according to a press release about the blood drive. For appointments, go to the Versiti Blood Center website and locate Ugaste’s blood drive.
Ugaste serves Illinois House District 65, which includes parts of Kane and DuPage counties. For more information, contact Ugaste’s office at 630-797-5530 or go to repugaste.com.
Antique apple trees in the spotlight
Participants can learn how to grow antique apple trees during an event on Sunday, March 1, at Garfield Farm Museum, located approximately five miles west of Geneva off Route 38 on Garfield Road..
The seminar, which will begin at 1:30 p.m., costs $40. Those attending will learn traditional apple grafting techniques and take home three grafts of heirloom varieties to plant in the spring, organizers said.
Reservations are required for the event and can be made by calling 630-584-8485 or e-mailing info@garfieldfarm.org.
Senior Services in Aurora to offer free tax help
AARP will host free income tax preparation services at Senior Services Associates at 2111 Plum St. in Aurora.
Appointments will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Tuesday from Feb. 10 to April 7, according to a press release.
Seniors can drop by the Aurora center to pick up a tax information packet and schedule an appointment during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, call 630-897-4035.
