Community Calendar

GET FIT AND GET FUN Can you walk 25? 50? 100? miles with Algonquin Commons? Register with Algonquin Commons to track your miles this summer for your chance to win a $250 mall gift card. Walk or run where ever you normally do, but track with us to be entered to win. We have marked our mall sidewalks with distance markers so you can keep track of your walks while you shop. Come on up today for your health and fun and a chance to win $250! We will be giving away 2 gift cards each month to signed up walkers or runners all summer long. Plus, any walker that hits 100 miles gets an Algonquin Commons 100 miles medal!

Art Exhibition that runs from April 17th - August 7th. <br>A site-specific photographic installation with immersive sound and fabrics, with accompanying works on paper. <br>This recent work is a gathering of several female bird calls woven together — referencing the iconic Persian poem from 1177 — The Conference of the Birds and the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. This Epic poem, in which the birds of the world unite to seek out the truth and the wisdom of the world, is a parable for our time as well. After their trajectory, the birds find that the truth and wisdom were actually within themselves all along. We need the wisdom of the birds — unite however we can— and summon deep within ourselves to help humanity survive its own short-sightedness. <br>Sound wave patterns of actual bird calls are colored in the natural hues of that particular species—Archives Courtesy of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. <br>Join us on May 22nd at 1 pm for a live Zoom conversation with Alice Hargrave. <br>Register on FAM's website by May 20th to receive a Zoom link for this event.

An art exhibition featuring the work of 26 Illinois artists from Freeport and beyond. <br>Ellie Bartels, Phyllis Bergagna, Carrie Carlson, Molly Carter, Diana Garrett, Lisa Goesling, Roger Goodspeed, Judith Joseph, Norm Knott, Lucian Kuranz, Barbara Larsen, Boruch Lev, Janice Lockwood, Jenny Mathews, Larry McCoy, Tim McGinnis, Nanette Mosher, Mia Rudolph, Ethel Schroer, Frances Shriver, Kelly Simler, Ginni Smith, Kevin Veara, Linda Vietmeyer, Katherine Weber, Sheila Welch <br>Since the 1970's birds have experienced a drastic reduction in numbers - 27% fewer makes 3 billion gone. The canaries in the ecological coal mine are telling us something is wrong through quieter skies. <br>This exhibit celebrates birds as metaphors, biological wonders, and an indicator species. This creature's astounding range of aesthetic beauty, with between 9,000 and 10,000 species, affords ample inspiration for any artist. As subject matter, birds are irresistible, filled with beautiful colors, striking patterns, and uplifting songs. They can also represent our souls' darker reaches — witness the collective nouns — "an unkindness of ravens" and "a murder of crows."

Twenty-nine bird portraits by Barry Treu. Each bird is on the 2020 Illinois Endangered and Threatened list. Contemporary Gallery, Freeport Art Museum

These Area Companies represent the Face of DeKalb. Each pay a Sustainable Living Wage of around $15/hour. People from ALL WALKS OF LIFE are urged to apply for jobs here. All are welcome, individuals involved with the criminal justice system have many opportunities within this JOB FAIR. If applicants need assistance with resumes they can reach out to 815 217 8235.

The popular “Artrageous Wednesdays,” featuring art, food, beverages and music, will return this year from May 26 through September 29 on Wednesdays outdoors at the Tallman Carriage House on the Rock County Historical Society (RCHS) campus, 450 N. Jackson St. in Janesville. The events run from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Baird Janesville is generously sponsoring the entire season of music. There is no charge for admission; donations are appreciated. <br>Each “Artrageous Wednesday” week features one or more different artists, who will set up in the Tallman Carriage House with the large, garage-like doors open. The public is invited to view the art – while wearing masks – and enjoy the scenic campus of RCHS while remaining socially distant. <br>Live music, cash bar and a food truck will also be featured each week. Picnic tables are available, or people may bring their own blankets or chairs. Small group tent rental and bottle service is also available by request. <br>Each week’s artist, food truck and musical performers will be announced weekly on the Rock County Historical Society Facebook page. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Thursday of the same week when possible. Follow the RCHS Facebook page for regular updates

Wednesday, 26 May 2021 from 18:00 CDT-20:30 CDT Tickets rockfordartmuseum.org/component/rsform/form/40-open-figure-study-workshop Public · Anyone on or off Facebook OPEN FIGURE STUDY WORKSHOP WED, APR 28 | 6–8:30 PM WED, MAY 26 | 6–8:30 PM WED, JUN 23 | 6–8:30 PM @ Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. in Rockford COST PER SESSION $12 MEMBERS | $15 PUBLIC Join Rockford Art Museum for a laid back evening of drawing from the human figure. Grab your favorite supplies, and get ready to sharpen up those proportion skills! This will be a self-directed workshop, but guidance will be available if needed. Poses will vary from 1 minute to 15 minutes long with breaks in between. Registration required at https://rockfordartmuseum.org/component/rsform/form/40-open-figure-study-workshop?fbclid=IwAR29X6jiQ0IWWe3uRqMR-ESHeEiuHLNLkENvN47xy2DF-Ze1Ht-tffgk138

Join us for formal Zen sitting instruction, meditation, and discussion. Zen Sitting Group DeKalb is an ongoing activity occurring twice monthly on a variable schedule. The group is open to all persons and will be housed at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 150 N. 4th Street. Please check our Zen Sitting Group DeKalb Facebook page for the schedule and for further information. You can also email John at birdsfan53@yahoo.com or call 630/779-5962.

According to NASA, the Earth is bombarded with over 100 tons of space dust every day. But from the asteroid that caused the dinosaur apocalypse to the mysterious Tunguska event in Russia, some meteorites have made a huge impact on our planet. As natural resources grow scarce, we also look to the sky for new sources of important elements to harvest or mine.<br/> —<br/>Join author Benjamin Percy (The Ninth Metal, The Dark Net, Wolverine: The Long Night) historian Andy Bruno, and other experts to explore how asteroids and meteorites have shaped our past and could reshape our future.

The next concert at the Ellwood House Museum 'Music at the Mansion-Entertainment with the Stars' in DeKalb will take place Wednesday, Aug. 4th. This will be the ”Jazz at the Mansion" tribute show featuring the talented big band "Jazz in Progress". <br/>Jazz in Progress is a local DeKalb county music ensemble. The organization was formed for musical, charitable, and educational purposes to support its mission to advance the appreciation, performance, and history of jazz music and its related genres. Their musical program will include selections of big band standards, well-known jazz tunes and will feature both instrumental and vocal soloists. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music. The main show act starts at 7:00 PM <br/><br/>Opening Act will feature an extremely talented, DeKalb Brass Band. This entertaining musical ensemble is a DeKalb-based group and includes professional musicians and music teachers. The band was created by John D Smith, a former music teacher from the DeKalb music system. The opening act starts at 6:30 PM. <br/><br/>There will be refreshments available to purchase. A nice selection of craft beers and wines to purchase hosted by Fatty’s Pub and Grille in DeKalb. There will be an opportunity to purchase food from Big D's Hotdogs. <br/><br/>Parking is available near the Ellwood Mansion (off Linden Place) as well as the Clinton Rosette school and Congregational United Church of Christ parking lots.