Gail Borden library foundation holding semiannual book sale
Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation’s semiannual book sale is set for Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 17-21, at the main Elgin library, 270 N. Grove Ave.
A preview night will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and costs $10. There’s free admission on the remaining days, with hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Thousands of books and media items for adults and children are available for purchase, including a large collection of vintage, mystery, fiction, cooking and children’s books, according to the library’s website. Proceeds help support literacy programs and special exhibits at the library.
For more information, call 847-742-2411.
National Karate & Martial Arts named top small business
National Karate & Martial Arts, with locations in South Elgin and Bartlett, has been named one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Owner and founder Cristian Nelson will travel to Washington, D.C., next month to accept the honor during the chamber’s 100 Award Ceremony and Small Business Summit.
The karate school, which also has locations in Aurora, Roselle and Naperville, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was recognized for its positive community impact, excellence in martial arts education and strong local presence, a news release said.
It was also cited for helping children build confidence, discipline, focus and leadership and combines physical fitness with character development and community service, the release said.
National Karate teaches a combination of martial arts, including tae kwon do, karate and kickboxing and self defense and safety seminars.
Elgin Theatre Company presenting ‘The Tempest’
Elgin Theatre Company will be staging William Shakespeare’s comedy “The Tempest” on weekends from Friday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Elgin Arts Showcase, 164 Division St.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25 and $23 for students and seniors 62 and older.
The play is set on a remote island where a magician lives with his daughter and his two servants. Their world is changed when a shipwreck brings family, fools and old betrayals, according to the theater’s website.
For tickets and information, go to elgin-theatre.org, call 847-741-0532 or email tickets@inil.com.
Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour’s Friday finale postponed
The final concert of the Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour stop, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12, at the First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago St., has been postponed.
First Congregational music director and organist Jeffrey Neufeld said the new date will be announced when it’s confirmed.
Neufeld began the tour in September 2024, including stops at churches throughout the Elgin area to draw attention to their pipe organs. Performances have featured organ and piano music along with guest instrumentalists and vocalists.
Dundee Township Lions Club taking orders for mums
The deadline to place orders for mums purchased through the Dundee Lions Club fall mums fundraiser is Sunday, Sept. 14.
Kolze’s Corner Gardens in Woodstock will supply the orders, according to the fundraiser webpage. The flowering plants are available in orange, red, yellow, purple and white. Purple, pink and blue asters are also available.
Mums are $20 per 2-gallon pot and asters are $10 per 2-gallon pot.
Plants will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at The Depot, 319 E. River St., East Dundee. Proceeds benefit local charities.
To place an order, go to my.cheddarup.com/c/dundee-township-lions-fall-mums-fundraiser/items.
Car Boot and Bake Sale on Saturday at St. Charles church
St. Charles Episcopal Church will hold a Car Boot and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the church, 994 N. Fifth Ave.
The church parking lot will be filled with open car trunks containing housewares, clothing, antiques, books, toys and more for sale, according to a new release. A selection of baked goods will also be for sale.
One-man-band Paul Jazz will perform during the event, and between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Grand Slam Enterprises BBQ will offer food.
All proceeds will benefit church ministries, according to the release. For information, go to www.stcharlesepiscopal.org.
Kane Forest Preserve District to hold bird-watching hikes
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will hold a series of bird-watching walks beginning this month.
District naturalists will provide information on basic bird identification skills and share stories, according to a news release on the programs.
Bird-watching walks will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Hoscheit Woods Forest Preserve, 6N327 Route 25 in St. Charles; 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Elburn Forest Preserve, 45W061 Route 38 in Elburn; and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Culver Forest Preserve, 6S496 Hankes Road in Sugar Grove.
The programs are free, but advance registration is required. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.