Alicia Spates

It's almost Second Saturday and you know what that means – or do you?

Batavia's Water Street Studios is turning every second Saturday each month into an opportunity to view works of art in progress as well as finished pieces. Their next event will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 13.

Featured artists this month includes Fred Ullrich, Frances M. Stilwagner, Donna Faye Evensen and Brian Jacobs. Meet the artists, ask questions and purchase works at this free event.  Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For more information on Water Street Studios gallery activities, visit www.waterstreetstudios.com. For questions or comments, email waterstreetstudios@gmail.com or call (630) 761-9977.

America’s past is more entertaining when you get a history lesson from a dummy. Bob Kowalski of Villa Park isn’t a dummy, but he recently gave a history lesson to an audience at Beacon Hill Retirement Community in Lombard with the help of his dummy buddy George. The 73-year-old ventriloquist travels around the suburbs performing at nursing homes, hospitals, churches and schools, entertaining with little known facts, music and jokes – oftentimes with a Christian theme. Kowalski and George performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, at Maple Street Chapel in Lombard, as part of its 2010 Variety Program Series, which concludes with its 10th Annual American Heritage Concert on Sunday, April 25.

Villa Park ventriloquist Bob Kowalski and George entertain and educate seniors at Beacon Hill in Lombard on little known American history facts on Thursday, March 4, 2010. STAFF PHOTO BY BILL ACKERMAN

Before the job interview, an employer meets you through your resume. So its vital to present yourself as a promising hire on paper.

Get a critical eye to look over your resume and meet others who may be in a similar situation at various job clubs and unemployed support groups available in the suburbs.

Chris Otis is the facilitator for the regular job club meetings that are held at the Woodridge Public Library. The club, which is co-sponsored by the library and Lisle Township Youth and Family Services, meets at 10 a.m. every Monday to critique resumes, cover letters and handbills in a group discussion environment. Sessions usually last about two hours.

There's a beauty to music that the New Classic Singers will exemplify in their concert "Beauty" on Saturday, March 13, at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

The 8 p.m. concert will feature guest artists John Floeter, string bass, Michael Buckwalter, French Horn, and regular NCS pianist William Buhr, with founder and director Lee Kesselman conducting.

Breast cancer is something near and dear to Danielle LaVeau's heart, having had an aunt who was fighting the cancer.

The event planner for Francesca's Restaurants developed a plan to begin a wine dinner benefiting Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure, while still commemorating the memory of her aunt.

The Third Annual Breast Cancer Wine Dinner will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, at Francesca's Passaggio, 3124 S. State Route 59, Naperville.

FROM THE DANCE FLOOR TO THE BASKETBALL COURT
See feet shuffle around quickly on the Chicago Bulls’ basketball court, just not by the players. The Trinity Academy of Irish Dance is performing at a Chicago Bulls half-time show in March. But before dancing in front of thousands, the dancers, who are between the ages of 4 and 12, will entertain with shows at the Kerry Piper Irish-American Eatery in Willowbrook and Downers Grove’s Ballydoyle in light of St. Patrick’s Day.

Trinity Academy of Irish Dancers. SUBMITTED PHOTO

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE TO HIT ONE OUT OF THE PARK
The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce is looking to hit a home run with its 2010 McNally’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals.

Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Billy Pierce and former catcher for the Chicago Cubs Randy Hundley will serve as Grand Marshals in the 2010 parade in downtown St. Charles.

Joining them will be another baseball legend. St. Charles resident Terry Donahue of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League also will make an appearance. Donahue was consulted for the making of “A League of Their Own,” starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. The annual parade kicks off at 3 p.m.

A leprechaun on a mini motorcycle entertains the crowd along Main Street in St. Charles at the 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade. FILE PHOTO

PARTY TO HELP THE HOMELESS
Catholic Charities is working to give homeless families a sprinkle of luck with their seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day Party. The fundraising event is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn.

John J. O’Leary, who co-chairs the event, says the party’s expected attendance is about 250 people. “The evening nets about $15,000 and brings in about $20,000,” he says – making it their second major fundraiser, following their summer golf outing.

The evening will feature Irish fare, imported and domestic beer, wine and soft drinks, a silent auction, a prize raffle and entertainment by the McNulty School of Irish Dance, the Shannon Rovers and the Chancey Brothers, an Irish rock band.

The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band provides entertainment at a St. Patrick's Day celebration. FILE PHOTO

Take in the essence of spring by visiting the Elmhurst Artists' Guild's Spring Members Show, on display starting March 7.

The exhibit feature an array of original artwork by the guild's members, ranging in styles and media, including abstract, portrait, still life and landscape paintings, mixed media, collage and sculptural works.

Baritone vocal Doug Larson performs a Christian music concert this weekend during worship services at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 950 Hart Road, Batavia.

Larson can be heard at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday; at 8, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. on Sunday and at 8:30 Monday morning. The concert is free and open to the public.

Larson uses his dynamic and interactive musical program to share the love of Jesus Christ with students. His unique presentation style, humor and smooth baritone voice make this an enjoyable concert. His animated storytelling and high-energy program captivate students. He has released seven recording projects, a video, and two songbooks.

For more information, contact the church at (630) 879-7163.