More than 60 barbershop singers from across the western suburbs and Chicago will again combine their talents in December for Christmas concerts in St. Charles and Wheaton.
The program, titled “We Need A Little Christmas,” will unite singers from multiple area barbershop organizations for a program of Christmas favorites and carols performed in the harmonies which characterize barbershop music, event organizers said.
The mass chorus has adopted the name Northern Illinois Harmony Alliance, according to a press release about the upcoming concerts.
“This is a program for all ages, and showcases some of the finest barbershop talent in this part of the state,” said Bill Murschel of Wheaton, one of the organizers of the annual event, in the release. “The energy and showmanship created by this many performers on stage is certain to be inspirational, and sure to put attendees in the Christmas spirit.”
The program will be offered twice – at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Barrows Auditorium of the Billy Graham Center, 500 College Ave. in Wheaton, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar St. in St Charles.
The first half of the program will feature traditional holiday favorites such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let it Snow!,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and more, organizers said.
The second portion will feature a narration of the story of the birth of Jesus interwoven with carols such as “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
The performance will come to a close with “O Holy Night” and the audience joining in singing “Joy to the World,” according to the release.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students 18 years old and younger. Entry is free to those under 5 years old. Tickets are available at http://www.chorusofdupage.com/events or by calling the organization’s ticket hotline at 331-444-2740.
Nominees sought for African American Leader of the Year
Each year, the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board bestows upon one African American community advocate the title of Leader of the Year.
Nominations are being sought for the 2025 Scheketa Hart-Burns Leader of the Year Award, which will be presented at the 19th annual Heritage Dinner on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Nominations are now open through Tuesday, Dec. 10, at www.aurora-il.org/AAHAB.
Named in honor of the late Aurora Ald. Scheketa Hart-Burns, the Leader of the Year Award is presented to an individual who represents Aurora’s Black community in an exemplary way and stands as a pillar of excellence for that year or over time, officials said.
Surveys continue in Geneva
A second round of city phone and online surveys is underway in Geneva as part of its ongoing facilities community engagement process.
The new surveys, which are shorter in nature, have been designed based on the community’s responses to the original version offered in November, according to city officials. The latest surveys seek resident feedback on the final three options being considered as the city determines a path forward to address the challenges of maintaining its aging buildings, officials said.
Residents receiving phone calls from 331-248-6533 simply need to answer the call to take the survey, according to a press release. Results will not be tabulated unless the entire phone survey is completed.
Those who missed the phone survey can call 331-248-6533 at any time through Monday to participate.
In addition to the phone survey, residents can weigh in with their opinions online by viewing the facilities community engagement phase three presentation on the city’s website at https://www.geneva.il.us/ and completing an online feedback form, which will remain open through Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Snowshoeing programs set in Kane County
The Kane County Forest Preserve District will hold three “Snowshoe Adventure” programs to give participants the skills they need to be comfortable snowshoeing.
After mastering skills like stride length, heel-toe step and climbing over obstacles, participants will hit the trail for a naturalist-guided hike at a Kane County forest preserve.
All three sessions will go from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The programs are set for Saturday, Dec. 28, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles; Saturday, Jan. 18, at Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls, 40W095 Freeman Road, Gilberts; and Sunday, Feb. 2, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.
The fee is $25 per person for each program, which are for those 8 years old and older. Advance registration is required. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
To see a full roster of Kane County Forest Preserve District winter nature programs, go to www.kaneforest.com, or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
