MONROE — Help SSM Health give back during Health Care Week by participating in their Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 9. The Blood Drive will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Clare Conference Center at their main clinic located at 515 22nd Avenue in Monroe.

Appointments are encouraged but not required. To schedule, visit www.bloodcenter.org or call SSM Health Monroe Hospital Volunteer Services Coordinator, Mary Berger, at 608-324-1569. 

Eat before donating and bring a photo ID. All donors will receive a baseball hat or a gift card. If unable to donate but still want to help, encourage others to donate.

DARLINGTON — The monthly Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry will take place on Friday, May 5, 4 p.m. at the Baptist Church of Darlington 15691 County Road K, Darlington. 

There are no income eligibility requirements for people wishing to participate. The pantry will continue to operate as a drive through.

It is asked that individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through the line and grocery items will be placed in the trunks of their vehicles. They should have the trunk area cleaned out and ready for the boxes of food. 

Volunteers are needed, and should arrive by 3 p.m. if able to help the day of the event. 

For any questions, call Shyntel at 608-745-7095.

FREEPORT — Tickets will go on sale at 8 a.m. online Thursday, April 27 for the Summerset Theatre 48 production of “Matilda the Musical,” which will be presented at Highland Community College’s Ferguson Fine Arts Center Theatre on June 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30, and July 1 at 7:30 p.m. There is a matinee at 3 p.m. on July 2.

In-person/phone sales will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 27 and run through Thursday, May 11. In-person/phone sales will begin again on Monday, May 22 at 1 p.m. Online sales will be continuous. 

“Matilda the Musical” is a captivating and inspiring story of a little girl with big dreams of a better life. Based on Dennis Kelly’s book and Tim Minchin’s original songs, the production has won 47 international awards and continues to excite audiences of all ages around the world.

Summerset is a collaboration of the theatre and music departments at Highland Community College. The cast is made up of local students and community members. The production is directed by Laura Early, Highland Theatre instructor.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (60 and older), and $10 for students and children. Visit the box office at 2998 West Pearl City Road in Freeport, go online to highland.edu/boxoffice or call 815-599-3718. Tickets also will be available for purchase for a half-hour before each performance in the lobby.

FREEPORT — The Highland Community College Big Band will perform in its spring concert on Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Theatre located in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd., Freeport, Ill. 

The Big Band, under Bill Petersen’s direction, comprises- talented community members and Highland students. Swing along with the Highland Big Band featuring classic jazz standards like Benny Goodman’s “Woodchopper’s Ball,” Sonny Rollins’ “St. Thomas,” and Dizzy Gillespie’s “Manteca.” Miles Davis’ “Blue in Green,” and Stan Kenton’s favorites from the 1950s. 

The concert is free and open to the public.

DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Democratic Party will be hosting the first annual JFK Dinner with music and speakers from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the Darlington Country Club. 

This event celebrates the May birthday of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and highlights his multiple campaign visits to Darlington in 1959 and 1960. All curious citizens and history buffs are welcome, regardless of political affiliation or opinion. 

Tickets are $30, which includes dinner. They can be purchased at the Lafayette County Democratic Party Office at 308 Main during open office hours: Wed. 2-6 p.m., Thurs. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fri. 3-5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or by calling or texting 608-520-0303.