Community Calendar

The Human Rights Authority is the investigative branch of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, a state agency that is dedicated to advocating for the rights of citizens with disabilities in Illinois. The Human Rights Authority investigates alleged violations of the rights of persons with disabilities by providers of services. The agency is unique in its use of citizen volunteers to conduct these investigations and make corrective recommendations. As such, Regional Authorities are always seeking to fill vacancies as they occur as well as maintain a pool of potential volunteer members for times when the need arises.

If you feel that you, or someone you know, has had their rights violated by a disability service provider or if you would like to volunteer to participate in the Northwest regional board, located in Champaign, please visit the website at gac.il.gov or call the statewide intake at 1-866-274-8023.

The Next Picture Show is excited to welcome back one of the most popular events on our calendar! Our Farms & Barns exhibition will run from September 5th through October 19th. This juried exhibition of 2- and 3-D pieces features talented artists who capture the rich essence of our farm region and Midwestern charm. Our show highlights old buildings, wide-open pastures, livestock, creeks, farm equipment, and, of course, the beauty of patina in working spaces. Sponsored by the Lee County Farm Bureau.

Join us as we welcome award-winning author, Mindy McGinnis, to the McHenry Public Library!

Mindy McGinnis is the author of popular YA titles such as Not A Drop To Drink, Female of the Species, and Heroine.

Mindy will discuss her writing process and her books, including her upcoming title, Under This Red Rock which Publisher’s Weekly describes as a “compassionate and gripping read… striking a careful balance of dry humor and occasionally harrowing depictions of … mental health challenges”.

There will be time for a Q&A. Mindy will have copies of her books available for purchase.

Join us as we welcome award-winning author, Mindy McGinnis, to the McHenry Public Library!

Mindy McGinnis is the author of popular YA titles such as Not A Drop To Drink, Female of the Species, and Heroine.

Mindy will discuss her writing process and her books, including her upcoming title, 'Under This Red Rock,' which Publisher’s Weekly describes as a “compassionate and gripping read… striking a careful balance of dry humor and occasionally harrowing depictions of … mental health challenges”.

There will be time for a Q&A. Mindy will have copies of her books available for purchase.

The Human Rights Authority is the investigative branch of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, a state agency that is dedicated to advocating for the rights of citizens with disabilities in Illinois. The Human Rights Authority investigates alleged violations of the rights of persons with disabilities by providers of services. The agency is unique in its use of citizen volunteers to conduct these investigations and make corrective recommendations. As such, Regional Authorities are always seeking to fill vacancies as they occur as well as maintain a pool of potential volunteer members for times when the need arises.

If you feel that you, or someone you know, has had their rights violated by a disability service provider or if you would like to volunteer to participate in the Northwest regional board, located in Champaign, please visit the website at gac.il.gov or call the statewide intake at 1-866-274-8023.

The League of Women Voters of DeKalb County will celebrate National Voter Registration Day at the Kishwaukee Family YMCA on September 17th.

Members of the League will be present to provide information about voting, to register new voters, to explain how eligible voters can easily register online, and to aid current voters in quick-checking their registration status.

The League of Women Voters is a national, non-partisan organization whose goal is to support American democracy by encouraging all its citizens to make their voices heard at the ballot box. To find out more about the DeKalb County League, visit its website: https://www.lwvdkc.org

NATURE OR NURTURE is an all-media art show featuring 2-D images or 3-D artwork inspired by nature or evoking a feeling of being nurtured. This is open to the artist's interpretation.

The Art Show will run through October 30,2024
Gallery/Church hours are T-TH 9am-2pm (815-963-4815).

The Next Picture Show is excited to welcome back one of the most popular events on our calendar! Our Farms & Barns exhibition will run from September 5th through October 19th. This juried exhibition of 2- and 3-D pieces features talented artists who capture the rich essence of our farm region and Midwestern charm. Our show highlights old buildings, wide-open pastures, livestock, creeks, farm equipment, and, of course, the beauty of patina in working spaces. Sponsored by the Lee County Farm Bureau.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to wander in our woods after dark and engage your nocturnal senses along the way. We'll learn about and hopefully encounter nocturnal wildlife, the constellations and the full moon.

Please join us on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Burpee Museum of Natural History for another fascinating presentation on archaeology, featuring returning speaker Dr. Derek Counts, Distinguished Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and co-director of the Athieniou Archaeology Project for Cyprus.

Dr. Counts will uncover perspectives from past and current residents and “diggers” to construct an alternative archaeological history of the region. The event will feature an opportunity to meet the speaker after his presentation.

The public is invited to a free reception held immediately following each in-person presentation.

Burpee Museum is handicapped-accessible and offers free parking. Additional free parking is also available next door at the Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main Street, Rockford.

The Rockford Society provides additional information on lectures, events, trips, and archaeological topics on the web at www.rockfordaia.org.