Dr. Gertrud Pfister, professor of sport history

Cast Off: Michael Dinges Exhibit and Companion Exhibits: Arctic Stories in Ivory and Arctic Artistry, Schingoethe Center, Aurora University, 1315 Prairie St., Aurora. In his scrimshaw and trench art series, Dinges addresses issues of globalization, consumerism and object permanence through the exploration of mankind’s relationship with the objects we create. Information: (630) 844-7843 or email: museum@aurora.edu.

Symbolism in Chinese Jade, through Aug. 21, Lizzadro Musuem of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst. The Museum’s permanent collection of jade carvings is filled with auspicious Chinese symbolism. This exhibit focuses on a selection of carvings from the Qing Dynasty and translates the hidden meanings in their visual motifs. Admission: $5. Information: (630) 833-1616.

Childhood Memories, through Sept. 25, DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Rekindle fond memories of childhood glory. Enjoy the simplicity of a time where play and learning were stimulated without electronics. Become absorbed in the delightful innocence of DuPage County’s past as you learn about the various toys and games of the 19th and 20th century. Information: (630) 510-4941.

Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard, through May 29, Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. The suburban backyard is an American original—an invention so familiar it hardly seems invented at all. Filled with vintage photographs, historic drawings, and fun period advertisements, the exhibition reveals how these spaces became such an integral part of American popular culture.

THROUGH APRIL 24

“West Side Story,” Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. It’s quite possibly one of the greatest love stories ever to be told in a musical. Set in the blue-collar neighborhood of New York’s Upper West Side, racial tensions run high as residents try to grind out a daily living. Based on a conception by Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti. Information and tickets: (630) 896-6666.

THROUGH APRIL 25

Annual Conservation District plant sale. The Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District is taking orders for prairie plants as part of its annual Conservation Plant Sale. Orders for prairie plants must be placed by April 25. To receive a catalog, call the Soil and Water Conservation District at (630) 584-7960 or go to www.kanedupageswcd.org.

THROUGH MAY 21

Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, Cleve Carney Art Gallery, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday.  The art show opens April 7 and continues through May 21. The opening will be held 5:30 – 8 p.m.; awards will be announced at 6 p.m. Neysa Page-Lieberman, director and curator of the Department of Exhibitions, Performance and Student Spaces at Columbia College Chicago, has juried this year’s exhibition. Awards will be given in the following categories: Best of Show and gold, silver and bronze awards in 2-D and 3-D works. Information: (630) 942-2321.

APRIL 20

Dinner Theatre Tribute Series: June’s Got the Cash, Orchard Valley Restaurant, 2411 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, 1:30 p.m.. The show pays tribute to the late and great Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Bits of comedy, vintage costumes, stage props and all of Johnny and June’s favorite hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s, “June’s Got the Cash” relives the love story of a lifetime! Watch as America’s Sweethearts perform the ultimate “Johnny & June” Show with hits like “I Walk The Line”, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Ring of Fire”. Audiences will enjoy a catered meal before the show and dessert during intermission, which is included in the ticket price. Adult beverages and gratuity are not included. Information: (630) 859-8606.

APRIL 21

Coffee with a Cop, Elgin ArtSpace, 51 S Spring St., Elgin, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve. This is achieved by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and getting to know the officers in neighborhoods.

“Women in Sports Around the World”, North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall Lobby, 171 E. Chicago Ave. 6 p.m. Dr. Gertrud Pfister, professor of sport history at Copenhagen University, Denmark, will talk about women in sports in this free lecture. Information: (630) 637-5276.

APRIL 22

Earth Day Celebration, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin, 7 p.m., Bring out the family for live music, kids activities, education, photo booth, arts and crafts. Kids can take a home an Earth Day tote filled with activities and information on how they can help make our planet a better place to live.

APRIL 22-24

Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. PerformancesFriday-Saturday at. 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Information:(630) 587-8521 or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com

APRIL 23

Stars of Dance Chicago, Fermilab’s Ramsey Auditorium, S. Kirk Road at Pine Street, Batavia, 8 p.m. Curator John Schmitz always pulls together an extraordinary variety to bring The Best of Dance Chicago to Fermilab. With a slate of usually more than 10 dance companies involved, there is always something for everyone. Information:(630) 840-3351 or visit fermilab@fnal.gov.

Capitol Steps, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 6 p.m. Tickets: $49. Everyone’s favorite group of ex-Washington staffers-turned-musical-comedy stars are sure to come with timely new material ripped fresh from the headlines of the 2016 Presidential Primary Season. Information and tickets: (630) 942-4000.

Party for the Planet, Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day at as Aurora based singer-songwriter Dave Orleans will perform what he calls “earthsinging” emphasizing environmental themes as he plays guitar, banjo ukulele, and recycled instruments. Representatives from local conservation organizations and businesses will be on-site to educate visitors about their eco-friendly efforts. Information: (630) 665-5534

Naper Settlement Takes Flight, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 6:30-10 p.m. Soar into the 1940s! Guests will depart from the Meeting House and travel the 12-acre site to five destinations featuring flights of food and adult beverages. First-class entertainment will include big band music, signature cocktails and a live auction. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably, but also for the era. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. TicketsL $175. Information (630) 420-6016

Family Nature Night, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, 6:30-8 p.m. Enjoy spending time with your family, learn about nature and experience “Fabulous Frogs” with hands-on activities and short hikes. Information and registration: (630) 848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.

APRIL 24

Elgin History Fair, Elgin History Museum, 11 a.m., free. Family and friends are invited to enjoy an afternoon in Elgin of long ago. Parent/Child activities include making better butter, grinding field corn, building a cobblestone house and washing monkey socks.

The Champion of Trees 10K Run, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Race packet pickup at 6:30 p.m., race at 8 a.m. Race participants will travel a USA Track & Field-certified course of scenic, rolling terrain on the Arboretum’s east side. Runners receive a T-shirt, recovery food, admission to the Arboretum and a post-race party that includes live music by Run Forrest Run and a complimentary post-race beer. The top three men and women in the designated age groups will receive medals. Cost: $35 members; $45 non-members (and race day). Information: (630) 968-007

APRIL 27

Charlotte’s Web, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 9:30 a.m. and noon. Based on E.B. White’s treasured story, TheatreWorks USA’s production of Charlotte’s Web will teach your students the importance of bravery, compassion and the true meaning of friendship. Information: (630) 896-6666.

APRIL 29

Relay for Life, North Central College hosts its annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraising event at the College’s Residence Hall/Recreation Center, 440 S. Brainard St. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 29 with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Information: relayforlife.org/northcentralcollegeil.

APRIL 30

Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents Season Finale: Bernstein & Mahler, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, 7:30 p.m. This season closes with works by two titans. Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 retells the story of Jeremiah the Prophet with musical anguish and ancient Hebrew text. The Mahler ends with the vision of a child’s description of Heaven – leaving you with a feeling of peace and tranquility. ESO welcomes Lyric Opera rising star Laura Wilde for her debut on the Hemmens stage. Information: (847) 888-4000.

El Día de los Niños, Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway, Aurora. In recognition of the cultural importance of children and families, the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board hosts an annual event known Day of the Children. The event includes food vendors, a variety of fun-filled and educational activities (including booths from community resource businesses and vendors), entertainers (mascots) and main stage entertainment that is appropriate for all ages. Information: (630) 256-4636.

MAY 1

Meet this old house: Martin Mitchell Mansion, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, 6 p.m. Journey beyond the velvet ropes to enjoy guided, privileged access to areas not open to the general public. Tour each level of the 12-room Martin Mitchell Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Information: www.napersettlement.org.

Spring at the Farm, Dickson-Murst Farm, 2550 Dickson Rd., Montgomery, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free antique truck and tractor show, petting zoo, hayrides, crafts and music. Information: (630) 272-0686

Genius of Shubert, Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium

1347 Prairie St., Aurora, 3 p.m. Enjoy classics by Schubert performed live by the Fox Valley Orchestra Chorus and the Aurora University Chorale. Tickets and information: (630) 891-2526 or tickets@foxvalleyorchestra.org

Spring Flora at Bliss Woods, 5S660 Bliss Road, Sugar Grove, 3 p.m. Wildflowers are the highlight of spring. Botanist Jack Shouba will teach methods of identifying these ephemeral spring flowers. Learn the key characteristics of major plant families represented in our native flora. Fee $10. Registration and information: (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. For ages 18 and up.

MAY 13

Candle Light Museum Tours, Elgin History Museum, 7:30-10 p.m. See the museum in a whole new light as a guide takes you through the museum stopping at spots to point out features you may have never noticed and tell stories you will never forget. Admission: $10

— Kane/DuPage events calendar