Volunteers are being sought to help spruce up West Aurora Cemetery during an event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25.
The clean-up event at the cemetery at 601 Wilder St. in Aurora will include general garbage pick-up, weeding, bush trimming and bundling, according to a press release from the West Aurora Cemetery Association, a nonprofit run by volunteers.
Volunteers should bring tools and gloves to the event, according to the release. Waivers are also required.
The association can be contacted via email at wacemetery@gmail.com. It is also on Facebook.
Waubonsee to hold open house at Plano Design Center
Waubonsee Community College is inviting prospective students, families and community members to explore its Plano Campus Innovation and Design Center during an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15.
Those attending will learn about career pathways in engineering, computer-aided design and drafting, industrial maintenance, welding and the college’s 10 certificate and degree options in computer information systems and cybersecurity, college officials said in a press release.
Attendees can also get information on financial aid, scholarships and more, according to the release.
Waubonsee’s Plano campus is at 100 Waubonsee Drive.
To RSVP for the open house, go to waubonsee.edu/visit.
St. Charles Public Library to celebrate poetry
The St. Charles Public Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with two poetry readings in April.
As part of the festivities, local author Adrienne Novy will present a reading in honor of the release of her newest poetry collection, “good luck in the real world,” at 6 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles.
The event will include an appearance by local author Matt Johnson, who will read poetry and narrative writings, according to library officials.
In addition, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, the library will host its fourth annual community poetry reading. This yearly gathering highlights the creative talents of local poets and authors, including several members of the St. Charles Writers Group, officials said.
Both events are free and open to the community. For more information or to register for the events, call 630‑584‑0076.
Food pantry event scheduled in Plano
Those in need can pick up a box of canned goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat, bread, milk, eggs and more at the Plano Food Pantry from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, pantry officials said in a press release.
All in need are welcome to visit the pantry site at First Lutheran Church, 200 N. Center St. in Plano, officials said.
Those looking to pick up food should bring their food pantry card, if they have one. Those who don’t have a card should bring identification and one will be issued in a couple of minutes, according to the release.
Conservation Foundation to hold Earth Day benefit
The Conservation Foundation will hold its 2026 Earth Day Benefit Dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Bobak’s Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge.
The event, which is the foundation’s largest fundraiser, will feature dinner, a nature-inspired silent auction, a presentation and live entertainment by Downtown Charlie Brown.
More than 200 auction items donated by foundation members, local businesses and artists include antiques, artwork, garden supplies and experiences, the release said. Bids will also be accepted online.
Tickets are $130 per person through April 8 and go up to $160 starting April 9. Ticket sales close April 16. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.theconservationfoundation.org/benefit.
Proceeds from the event will fund the foundation’s mission to protect nature and waterways and connect children to the natural world.
