Library to honor maker of heroes
The Schaumburg Township District Library will host "A Tribute to Hal Foster," the late Evanston-based cartoonist credited with creating the superhero comic strip phenomenon in the 1930s.
The event takes place 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday.
Collector and presenter Sid Wieskirch of Skokie, who organizes Foster exhibits and lectures across Illinois, has placed a display in the library's New Books and Fiction Room on the first floor of the central library at 130 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.
The display highlights Foster's most famous comic, "Prince Valiant," which still appears in 350 newspapers across the nation.
Foster began using his unique artistic talent to draw the popular "Tarzan" series for several years before William Randolph Hearst asked him to created a strip for Hearst's chain of newspapers.
Foster combined his artistry with his love of the King Arthur tales to created "Prince Valiant" in 1937 - a year before the debut of "Superman."
Although Foster died in 1989, his groundbreaking comic strip lives on through the work of another artist.
To register for this free program, call the library at (847) 923-3347.
Nature's dark side: The kingdom of nature isn't just butterflies and bunnies - and even when it is, it's not always pleasant and pretty.
Spring Valley Nature Center is taking both adults and kids on exciting, behind-the-scenes looks at the natural world today and Saturday.
The adult program, "Nature's Night Life," will hit the trails after dark from 8 to 10 tonight. Participants will increase their awareness and knowledge of the natural world at night through outdoor explorations, activities and readings. The program will conclude with a campfire and refreshments.
The center will then host the youth program "How Disgusting!" from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Kids ages 6 to 9 will have the chance to learn about some truly gross and disgusting natural history facts. Participants will learn how honey is made as well as about the life cycles and habits of butterflies, beavers and rabbits.
Spring Valley is on the south side of Schaumburg Road between Meacham and Plum Grove roads.
Pre-registration is advised for both programs by calling (847) 985-2100 or visiting parkfun.com.
Fees for "Nature's Night Life" are $7 for Schaumburg Park District residents, $10 for non-residents. "How Disgusting!" is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents.
This week's "Go! Show": This week's installment of the Schaumburg Park District's "Go! Show" features a segment on Spring Valley's annual "Mowing and Mooing"; an interview with "The Car Guy," Steve Rode from Firestone; a visit with Scott Struchen, general manager of Schaumburg's recently opened John Barleycorn restaurant; and a preview of this weekend's Dodgeball Days.
"Go! Show" airs regularly on Comcast Channel 14 and Wow Cable Channel 15.
Eric Peterson covers Schaumburg. Contact him at (847) 427-427-4482 or epeterson@dailyherald.com.