TnT – Twenties and Thirties
(past programs)

Here is a listing of some of the programs we have hosted in the past:

• 10-20-30: 10 Financial Tips for 20- & 30-Somethings (May 2013)
  From online banking to thinking about retirement, join us for a lively discussion of the financial issues that matter most in your 20s & 30s.
• Movie Night (Mar 2013)
  Our 5th year of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day will feature a showing of the classic Irish film that got us started – and food!
• Book Discussion (Jan 2013)
  Get a jump start on the Our Community Reads title, The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier, an evocative tale of adventure, apocalypse and the afterlife.
• Annual Holiday Cookie Exchange & Craftastic Contest (Dec 2012)
  We were so impressed with your originality last year, we’re doing it again!  Join us for an evening of trading cookies and showing off your skills with a series of team and individual craft-related contests. 
• Spices and the Age of Exploration (Oct 2012)
  Learn from the experts at The Spice House in Geneva. The evening includes several spice tastings and plenty of time for Q&A.
• History Crawl: Grave Reminders (Aug 2012)
  Join us for a walking tour of North Cemetery and learn about some of the early settlers of St. Charles. Afterwards we'll go for appetizers and have time to socialize.
• Book/Movie Discussion (May 2012)
  Read the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, (338.7610067 MEZ) and/or see the movie, The Social Network (DVD SOC).
• Movie Night (March 2012)
  Join us for a movie followed by a brief discussion. Snacks provided!
• Home Improvement (Jan 2012)
  If you see a renovation project in your future, this program is for you! Our speaker has 45+ years in the construction industry and will provide practical information you can apply to projects small or large.
• History Crawl: Meet the Mayor! (Oct 2011)
  We’re mixing up the past and present in this year’s guided tour of local history.  Join us as we go “behind the scenes” of the St. Charles Municipal Center (a stunning example of Art Moderne) and learn about the many interesting people who have served as Mayor of St. Charles.  We’ll also have the opportunity to meet our current Mayor, Donald DeWitte, and get a glimpse into the inner workings of our local government.  Afterwards, we’ll go for appetizers and have time to socialize.
• Live Green, Save Green Workshop (MAY 2011)
  Learn practical new ways to navigate the various lifestyle options and consumer choices available to green your life and save you money!  From conserving energy and water, to tips for cleaning, gift giving, starting a family and more, this interactive class will give real-world solutions for 20 and 30-somethings who want to make meaningful changes within the restraints of finances, time and energy.
• Discussion of The Blind Side (JAN 2011)
  Read the book (The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis, 796.332 LEW) and/or see the movie.
• TnT Annual Holiday Cookie Exchange & Trivia Contest (DEC 2010)
  This year bring a few dozen treats to trade, plus your knowledge of the “quirky side” of Christmas, to our annual holiday party. Not much of a baker? Homemade goodies are always appreciated, but if your “Uncle Trader Joe” or other “relative” helps out, we won’t mind.
• Pumpkin Carving 101 (OCT 2010)
  Learn different carving styles using patterns, from simple jack-o-lantern faces to complex images, while enjoying some seasonal treats. Instruction provided by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Provide your own pumpkin and tools (knives, x-acto knives, large spoons, and ice cream scoops) or buy a pumpkin that night for $3.
• History Crawl (AUG 2010)
  Our guided tour of local history will be indoors as we go “behind the scenes” of an iconic St. Charles building: The Hotel Baker. Included will be a look at the Rainbow Room where many famous entertainers performed. Afterwards, we’ll stay for refreshments and have time to socialize.
• How to Purchase and Prepare Local Food (APR 10)
  Gather around the table for a cooking demonstration (and tasting!) of seasonal items, while learning about the grassroots movement to link the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. Held in partnership with City’s Edge the local chapter of Slow Food USA.
• TnT Social/Movie Night (MAR 10)
  TnT kicks off the St. Pat’s Day celebrations a week early with an Irish-themed film – and food!
• Books & Bites (JAN 10)
  Join us for a discussion of Slumdog Millionaire (and sample some Indian appetizers). Read the book and/or see the movie.
• Holiday Cookie Exchange and Trivia Contest (DEC 09)
  It’s time for the 3rd annual Holiday Cookie Exchange and Trivia Contest! (Not much of a baker? Homemade goodies are always appreciated, but if your “Uncle Trader Joe” or other “relative” helps out, we won’t mind.)
• An Evening at Tekakwitha Woods (OCT 09)
  The Kane County Forest Preserve District again invites TnT to spend an October evening at Tekakwitha Woods complete with campfire, s’mores, and a nighttime hike.
• River Walk History Crawl (AUG 09)
  It’s time for another guided tour of local history! Learn fascinating new stories to share with friends and family as we walk along the Fox River from Mt. St. Mary Park to the St. Charles Municipal Building. We’ll begin near the tennis courts in Mt. St. Mary Park.
• Concert in the Park (JUN 09)
  Join us as we enjoy a free Thursday evening concert featuring the group Spoken Four in St. Charles’ own Lincoln Park.
• Vegetable Gardening Workshop (APR 2009)
  the basic steps to growing your own vegetables, regardless of the space or time a person might have to spend.  We’ll learn how to choose the garden spot or containers, prepare the soil and decide what to plant.
• Books & Bites (FEB 2009)
  a discussion of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• October Event at Tekakwitha Woods (OCT 2008)
  Tekakwitha Woods welcomes T’n’T for an evening campfire, complete with roasting marshmallows & listening to "things that go bump in the night." Naturalist Ben Katzen will interpret the sounds as coming from local area animals or more spooky origins.
• Cooking for 1 or 2: The Sequel (JAN 2008)
  A night of socializing and sampling as Chef Shannon returns with another fun cooking demonstration and tips for creating meals that are perfect for cold winter evenings.
• Holiday Party and Cookie Exchange (DEC 2007)
  Participate in a cookie exchange. We’ll also have some Christmas trivia contests and a special prize for the person with the most outrageous holiday sweater.
• Books & Bites At Miguel's (OCT 2007)
  Join us as we discuss the book The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coraghessan Boyle, and sample some Mexican cuisine.
• The West Side’s Story: A History Crawl of St. Charles – Part Deux (AUG 2007)
  Join local history buff Natalie Gacek for another tour around St. Charles. Learn fascinating new stories to share with friends and family as we walk through the city. We’ll end the evening at a local restaurant for refreshments and socialization.
• TnT’s 4th of July Social (JULY 2007)
  Celebrate the 4th of July with TnT! Watch the St. Charles fireworks with peers and friends. Arrive early to socialize, and watch the fireworks after dark!
• The Dirt on Gardening (MAY 2007)
  Spring has come and it’s the perfect time for an after-hours event at Heinz Brothers Greenhouse. Join us for a tour and learn a few tricks to make your garden–whether a container or a garden bed–the talk of the town. We’ll finish up with time for socializing at a nearby restaurant.
• Plotting Your Financial Future (APRIL 2007)
  Now that the tax man’s done with you, what should you do with the nickel or two you have left? Learn some tips from a certified financial planner about ways to invest your money that will help you now and take care of your financial future all the way through retirement.
• Speed Book Sharing (FEB 2007)
  Here’s a chance to share something near and dear to our hearts and we hope yours, too! Bring something you’ve enjoyed reading–whether a favorite book, magazine, a printout from a website, the back of your cereal box, or Crime and Punishment–to quickly share in brief one-on-one conversations.
• Holiday Hang-Over: A T'n'T Social (JAN 2007)
  Extend the Holidays with a “white elephant” gift exchange. Wrap up the gift you really didn’t need to receive and exchange it with someone else. A good time will be had by all.
• Fact, Fiction and Fantasy of Coffee and Tea (NOV 2006)
  Judy Gendro of the Coffee Drop Shop will lend her expertise on coffee and tea, including a little history, brewing techniques, and all the things one should know to enjoy that perfect cup. After her talk, join us for a sampling and socializing with your 20 and 30 something peers.
• Legs, Tannins and Bouquets: the Wonderful World of Wine (AUG 2006)
  Is an $80 wine really worth it, or can you get by with a $10 bottle? Can wine be velvety, vigorous and volatile all at the same time? Learn the answers to these questions at the St. Charles Public Library-sponsored wine tasting. Nancy Curtis, manager of The Wine Exchange, will be on hand to share her expertise. Sample wines from such places as California, Germany, Australia and more while socializing with your peers!
• "Behind the Fox: A History Crawl of STC" (JULY 2006)
  Have you ever wondered about the rumors concerning a grave robbing riot or local psychics in St. Charles ?  Do you know which  local bar was once a concert hall, bank, library, and funeral parlor?  Did you know that the man responsible for naming St. Charles was murdered in Chicago?  Stops will include McNally's Irish Pub, Armand's, Hotel Baker, Townhouse Books and more!
• Blogs and Wikis and Listservs, Oh MY! (MAY 2006)
  Learn how to establish a professional and personal online presence using websites, blogs and listserves. Enhance your career and life while avoiding the pitfalls of poor "netiquette."  Featured speakers will provide real-life examples of how to set up your own identity on the web.  Come early to socialize!
• Beyond Frozen Burritos: Cooking for 1 or 2 (MAR 2006)
  There's life beyond fast food and microwave dinners. Join us for a night of socializing and sampling as Chef Shannon shows us how the basic ingredients of a well-stocked kitchen can lead to quick and tasty meals for easy entertaining.
• This New House (JAN 2006)
  The TnT networking group for those in their 20s and 30s presents a discussion on how to have your very own piece of real estate. You`ll get unbiased information from a panel of real estate and mortgage experts as they give advice on buying vs. renting, "flipping," and all the other details involved in having your own home. The first part of the evening will be spent socializing with 20 and 30-something peers, and then the panel will share information about what you need to know about the scary and exhilarating process of home buying.
• Advancing Your Career (OCT 2005)
  Learn ways to market yourself in order to advance in your current career, or land the job you’ve always wanted.
• Gathering at McNally's Traditional Irish Pub (OCT 2005)
  Learn more about the TnT purpose and programs, enjoy appetizers and mingling with peers.