Good morning, Joliet.

On Oct. 4, Arkas Restaurant Group honored volunteers from Joliet nonprofits at its second annual Philanthropy Recognition Awards Brunch at the Renaissance Center—local groups were recognized for their service.

Nonprofit co-coordinators and Joliet Junior College’s president led the event to acknowledge these community efforts.

At the No Kings protest on Oct.

18, protesters gathered near Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet, where crowds lined Janes Avenue and Boughton Road—extending to Interstate 355.

Joliet entrepreneurs can register for the African American Business Association’s first Big Pitch Competition on Nov.

1 at the Renaissance Center on N. Ottawa St. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 24 and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists, with first place receiving $5,000.

Jim Healy will present his one-person play, Louis Jolliet: A Solid Path Through Water at the Joliet Area Historical Museum at 2 p.m. on Nov.

2. The one-hour play will explore his life before and after his famous trip down the Mississippi and will include a short question and answer session afterward.

The city of Joliet will host an educational tree walk at Route 66 Park Broadway Greenway Arboretum on October 21 at 4:30 p.m., where residents can learn to grow an oak tree from an acorn and get tips on tree care—part of OAKtober celebrations.

Joliet West High School teacher Jackelyn Gruneich received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award for excellence in teaching—she will join a virtual celebration featuring Jim NonDorf at 6 p.m. on Oct.

29.

Silver Cross Hospital broke ground in Lemont on a new *$20 million, 20,000 square foot health center* that will replace the current building.

The facility, featuring *22 exam rooms* and an urgent care unit, will open in fall, 2026.

Joliet Catholic girls volleyball swept Schaumburg 0-2 at the Autumnfest Tournament while Romeoville boys soccer won 1-0 and will face Naperville North on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Local high school cross country meets also showed strong performances, with Joliet Catholic finishing eighth in the ESCC Championship+ teams like Lincoln-Way Central and Lockport earning top placements in regional events.

Newman scored 79 in its highest scoring game in 29 years when it beat winless Kewanee 79-32 on Oct.

18 and coach Mike LeMay said pulling starters in the second quarter made the game feel odd. The team now prepares for a playoff opener next week on the road versus Monmouth-Roseville.

Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $24.50 — Experience the ultimate homage to the Bee Gees with hits like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'How Deep Is Your Love'.

STEAM Spooktacular: Mystery at the Museum

11 AM – 2 PM — Joliet Area Historical Museum — Free entry — Solve a Halloween mystery while exploring interactive STEAM activities for family fun.

Bat: A Meat Loaf Celebration

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — $56, $45, $35 — Experience the only authentic reimagining of Meat Loaf's legendary music with his official band.

Yachtley Crew Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of soulful music from Yachtley Crew at the historic Rialto Square Theatre.

Whose Live Anyway?

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy 90 minutes of hilarious improv from the cast of Whose Line Is It Anyway?.

Steve Hackett: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Celebration

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $32.50 — Celebrate 50 years of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway with Steve Hackett's legendary guitar and great Genesis hits.

The Red Roses in Concert

7-10 p.m. — Joliet Area Historical Museum — $13-$15 — Experience the best of rock and indie hits performed live by The Red Roses band in a historic setting.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

2-3:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $32.50 — Experience an interactive adventure with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster featuring songs, dance, and family fun.

Clint Black Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $48 — Experience the hits of Clint Black, a country music legend with over 22 #1 singles.

Jools TV Live

1-2:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $25 — Experience innovative children's media with colorful animation and positive storytelling for the whole family.