Weekend Grab Bag: Sk8 Jam, Miles For Matt Highlight Local Events

Friday, May 20

Warm Light, Cool Shadows, the Life and Art of Ruth Van Sickle Ford, David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer, Aurora
The Scoop: Opening reception from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with local author Nancy Hopp reading from her book about Ford at 4:15 p.m. Free.
Inside Info: Bill Robinson, a 2006 inductee of the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame, will be playing the dulcimer. 

 continues, 123 W. Washington St., Oswego.

Prairie Sk8 Jam, Prairie Point Community Park, Oswego
The Scoop: Come out to the dedication of Oswego's new skate park from 2 to 6 p.m. Free. All ages.
Inside Info: The top two winners of the OEHS Battle of the Bands will play. Also, Best Trick Jams in two divisions, under 17 and 17 & over. Come for the music, clinics and free stuff!

Learning to Kayak, Yorkville Public Library, 902 Game Farm Rd., Yorkville
The Scoop: Volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will teach a 4-hour canoe/kayak safety class starting at 8:30 a.m. $20.
Inside Info: Call 630-621-5544 or visitwww.ChicagoSafeBoating.com.

, 10 Civic Center Drive, Montgomery
The Scoop: The police station is hosting an open house from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Free.
Inside Info: Meet village staff and take tours. Also, free paper shredding, prescription and used cell phone collection, car seat safety checks, a tree planting, free refreshments and giveaways.

Adopt-A-Thon, Yorkville Animal Hospital, 102 Garden St., Yorkville
The Scoop: Several local rescues will have pets on site to adopt into loving homes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Inside Info: A fun-filled family day with free food, games, raffles, special promotions, discounts and plenty of pets to adopt.

 continues, 123 W. Washington St., Oswego.

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The Scoop: This fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. is organized by two OHS grads benefits Suicide Prevention Services  in Batavia in honor of Matt Dennis, who took his own life in 2007.
Inside info: Registration fee is $5.

2nd to None 5K, North River Street Park, Aurora
The Scoop: This race through downtown Aurora starts at 8 a.m. Register on Active.com. $25.
Inside Info: The run/walk will raise funds to support the on-going costs of the Food for Thought program and other CIS and Pantry programs which support the well-being of children in the community.

Squirrels, Red Oak Nature Center, North Aurora
The Scoop: Quick! Grab a kid (with permission) and get to Red Oak at 2 p.m. for some free animal fun.
Inside Info: The first in the Animals All Around series to learn about local wildlife. No registration required. 

 continues, 123 W. Washington St., Oswego.