January 09, 2025
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The Scene

5 Things to Do: Nature, art, comedy among the offerings across the Illinois Valley

By 5 Things to Do in Illinois Valley
Illinois Valley Community College will offer several programs this month at Nell’s Woodland, a 65-acre preserve at 2000 Alexis Ave. on the north side of Ottawa.

The University of Illinois Extension will lead a guided Winter Nature Walk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., in Ottawa. (Photo provided by IVCC Community Relations)

Here are five things to do this weekend:

Winter Nature Walk: The University of Illinois Extension will lead a guided Winter Nature Walk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., in Ottawa. Explore the beauty of nature and learn how to identify trees in the winter. Hot cocoa and a special seasonal craft will be provided by La Salle County 4-H.

Comedy night: The 122 Club, 122 N. Park St., in Streator will host standup comedy at 8 p.m. Saturday with host Ronnie Ray and fellow comedians Alex Tsakanikas and James Fisher, Jr. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Juxtaposition: NCI ARTworks in Peru will host an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for the month-long exhibition called “Juxtapositions,” featuring the work of Stuart Roddy, Cathy Staker, Lyle Newby and Jacob Stouffer. The exhibition is free, and the public is welcome. The opening reception for the month-long exhibit will take place at the NCI ARTworks Gallery, 400 Fifth Street, in the west wing of the Westclox building. The gallery is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and private viewings of the exhibit can be arranged by emailing outreach@nciartworks.com.

Adams Voice: The Christian musical group will perform 7 p.m. Friday at Community United Methodist Church, 73 N. Main St., La Moille. Adams Voice has performed across the United States for more than 30 years. The focus of their ministry is to attest to the power of God through worship. Their music spans a wide range of styles, as they endeavor to reach all age groups.

Bald Eagle Art: Children can create their own stunning artwork 1 p.m. Sunday at the Starved Rock Visitor Center showcasing bald eagles. The artwork will be displayed at the Visitor Center during the annual Eagle Watch Weekend on Jan. 25 and 26. The workshop is free. Registration for this event is required. Go to Eventbrite to register.

Would you like your event highlighted in this weekly feature? The first step is submitting your events to the Illinois Valley’s community calendar at shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/local-events.

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