Harbor House invites teens to create art, see reptiles

Scales & Sweethearts event being held for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm CST

Niko Spizzirri, operator of Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab, holds surrendered crested gecko Brioche in his Momence home-based rescue facility on March 14, 2024. The nonprofit seeks to provide rescue and rehabilitation for reptiles and other exotics, as well as serve in an educational role to the community. — Niko Spizzirri, operator of Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab, holds surrendered crested gecko Brioche in his Momence home-based rescue facility on March 14, 2024. The nonprofit is partnering with Harbor House to host Scales & Sweethearts, a free event for ages 14 to 18, on Feb. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Merchant Street Art Gallery in Kankakee. (Daily Journal/Tiffany Blanchette)

KANKAKEE — Local teens are invited to connect, create and celebrate while hanging out with reptiles.

Harbor House is hosting Scales & Sweethearts, a free event for ages 14 to 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Merchant Street Art Gallery, 356 E Merchant St., Kankakee.

No registration is required.

At Scales & Sweethearts, teens can hang out with reptiles from Momence-based Spizzirri Reptile Rescue and Rehabilitation while creating Valentine’s Day cards and unique paintings.

The event is meant to be fun and interactive, combining art, creativity and a safe space to explore themes of healthy relationships.

The month of February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Stephanie Markham

Stephanie Markham joined the Daily Journal in February 2020 as the education reporter. She focuses on school boards as well as happenings and trends in local schools. She earned her B.A. in journalism from Eastern Illinois University.