Get to know more about Mrs. Lincoln in East Dundee

On Monday, the nation observed Lincoln’s Birthday.

Now it’s time to learn more about his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.

Historian and actress Valerie Gugala, dressed and speaking as Mrs. Lincoln, will talk about the Lincoln family’s life in Springfield, Abraham’s political career, his election to the presidency and their life in the White House during the Civil War.

Gugala will also detail how Mrs. Lincoln, a woman born into a wealthy Kentucky family, made the transformation to become the wife of a man whose background was the complete opposite.

“A Visit with Mrs. Lincoln” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the Dundee Library, 555 Barrington Road, East Dundee.

The program is free, but registration is recommended.

To register, visit the “Events & Registration” page at dundeelibrary.info, stop by the Information Services desk on the main level, or call (847) 428-3661, ext. 308.

Lift every voice and sing: The community is invited to sing in a 80-voice choir as part of the annual Festival Palm Sunday Concert, slated for 3 p.m. April 1 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee. Nine local church choirs will join in the rehearsals, which will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. Everyone in the community is invited to participate and membership in a regular vocal choir is not required. The rehearsals will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, through March 26, and 10 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at First Congregational and 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Palm Sunday rehearsal begins at 1:45 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena. For information, call (847) 515-8743.Milk and cookies: Panera Bread in Elgin is holding a #147;Milk and Cookie#148; story time for children ages 3 to 6 who bring an adult with them. Librarians from the Dundee Library Children#146;s Department will read the stories and every child will get free milk and a cookie from Panera. The program is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Mondays, Feb. 27, March 5 and 19, and April 2.While the program is free, registration is required. To reserve your space, visit the #147;Events Registration#148; page at dundeelibrary.info, call (847) 428-3661, ext. 310, or visit the library#146;s children#146;s desk.Ÿ Lenore Adkins covers Carpentersville, Huntley, the Dundees, Sleepy Hollow and Hampshire. To reach her, send an email to ladkins@dailyherald.com or call (847) 608-2725.