Community Calendar

https://www.boonecountyarts.com/concerts-in-the-park/
2025 Concerts in the Park at Baltic Mill Stage 920 W Lincoln Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008 at 6:30pm unless otherwise stated
Free to the public. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket
Rain site: Community Building at 111 W 1st St, Belvidere, except June 28, July 13 & July 20

June 1: Trinadora Rocks – Blues Latin, Rock and ore - Baltic Mill Stage in Belvidere Park at 6:30 PM
June 8: Tavern Hill Liars – Folk music from all over the world - Baltic Mill Stage in rk at 6:30 PM
June 15: Always Late Country Band – Classic Country - Baltic Mill Stage in Belvidere Park at 6:30 PM
June 22: The Tom Mac Group – Rock Folk, Reggae, and Jazz - Baltic Mill Stage in Belvidere Park at 6:30 PM
June 28: Dale Rhode and the Crossroads Band- Contemporary Countyr – Boone County Fairgrounds – 7:00 PM before Belvidere Heritage Days Fireworks – Rainout date is June 29
July 6: Rockford Wind Ensemble – Patriotic and American Music - Baltic Mill Stage in Belvidere Park at 6:30 PM
July 13: Stages – Adult Contempory – Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum – 6:30 PM
July 20: The Beaux Band – Classic Rock – Candlewick Lake Recreation Center – 6:30 PM

We are pleased to thank all of our sponsors this season: Byron Bank, Candlewick Lake Association, Sue Flott, Heritage Woods of Belvidere, Gary and Joan Ollmann, and Savant Wealth Management. We would also like to thank the Belvidere Park District, Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, and the Community Building Complex Committee of Boone County. The BCAC acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Visit us at www.boonecountyarts.com and @boonecountyartscouncil on Instagram and on Facebook or by phone at (815)544-6242 for more information on all of these wonderful events!

Presented by Woodstock Children's Summer Theatre, Matilda JR. is a gleefully witty and high-energy musical celebrating the power of courage, curiosity, and standing up for what's right!

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story, Matilda JR. follows a clever little girl with extraordinary powers who dares to dream of a better life. Neglected by her awful parents and tormented by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers her hidden telekinetic abilities and uses them to turn the tables. With the help of her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey, and a group of brave classmates, she proves that even the smallest among us can make a big difference.
With catchy songs, bold dance numbers, and a cast of “revolting children” ready to rise up, Matilda JR. is a joy-filled, empowering adventure for audiences of all ages.
Join us at the Woodstock Opera House for a magical, mischievous musical that proves sometimes… you have to be a little bit naughty.

Carrie: the Musical is a powerful show the explores challenges that students and young adults experience worldwide. Clinical health professionals will be available to open discussions and incite positive change through art.

The Spongebob Musical
June 4-7 & July 9-13
Suggested Audience: All Ages

Dive into a vibrant, all-singing & dancing extravaganza with The SpongeBob Musical! When a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, it’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to unite and save their beloved undersea home. As tensions rise and hope seems lost, an unlikely hero emerges, proving that the power of optimism can truly change the world. Based on the iconic animated series, this sensational musical features a dazzling score by legendary artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more. This deep-sea adventure is a joyride for all ages. The future is bright; the future is bold—join us under the sea this summer for an unforgettable adventure with The SpongeBob Musical!

The Senior Resource Center is excited to announce a new Chair Yoga class designed specifically for adults age 60 and older.

Chair Yoga is a safe and effective way to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall well-being—without the strain or exertion of traditional yoga. Participants will enjoy calming stretches and simple postures that are accessible to all fitness levels. No prior yoga experience is needed, and all adults age 60 and older are welcome to attend.

Class Details:
• Dates: Mondays & Wednesdays, July 14 – August 20
• Time: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
• Cost: $60 for all 12 sessions (checks payable to Senior Resource Center)
• Location: Senior Resource Center Activity Room, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
• What to Bring: A long scarf

The class will be taught by Patricia Kessinger, an internationally certified yoga instructor with more than 30 years of experience in health, nutrition, and fitness. She has taught classes, workshops, and seminars in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Michigan. Kessinger is an experienced fitness coach and personal trainer as well as a yoga instructor, and she’s even managed a multi-million-dollar fitness center.

Pre-registration is required. To sign up, call 815-235-9777 or email Ann Marie at awalker@srcntr.org. A minimum of 10 participants is needed for the class to begin, so invite a friend and join us for this rewarding experience!

Whether you are an experienced driver needing a refresher, or a new driver, join us with Nisi Rockcastle, auto mechanic at DeCraene’s Service Center in Harvard, to learn the basics of car maintenance in this free 2-part class. During Part 1 we will discuss and have hands-on practice with checking fluids, batteries, hoses & belts, changing light bulbs, and wiper blades. During Part 2, we will discuss dashboard warning lights and tires, plus hands-on practice on how to change a tire and jump a car battery. Please register for each session you will be attending. If you missed Part 1, you are still welcome to sign up for Part 2. All ages are welcome – great for new drivers, too!

Carrie: the Musical is a powerful show the explores challenges that students and young adults experience worldwide. Clinical health professionals will be available to open discussions and incite positive change through art.

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the show runs through July 19, 2025. As FAM has gained a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art, this exhibition has become a visitor's favorite.

Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. This year's juror is Rodrick Whetstone, an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Award winners are announced at the opening reception.

The museum is open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday; 12-5 Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

The Senior Resource Center invites individuals aged 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, to attend a Medicare Basics Class on Tuesday, July 15 from 10-11:30 am at the Senior Resource Center Activity Room.

This informative session will cover essential Medicare information and provide an opportunity for attendees to get their Medicare questions answered in a straightforward, supportive setting. The Medicare Basics Class is designed to help participants better understand Medicare coverage options, enrollment periods, and other key details, ensuring they are equipped to make informed healthcare decisions.

To secure a spot, please register by calling 815-235-9777. Walk-ins are welcome. The Senior Resource Center is located at 206 E. Stephenson Street in Freeport.

The Putnam County Public Library District is delighted to announce a screening of the documentary Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History on Tuesday, July 15th at 1:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch.

Think you know the story behind Monopoly? Think again. This eye-opening 52-minute PG-rated film uncovers the unexpected and often untold history behind one of America’s most beloved board games. Far from the tidy origin story marketed by Parker Brothers, Ruthless reveals a dramatic tale of invention, theft, obsession, and corporate manipulation. Viewers will learn about the radical feminist who designed the original concept, the Quaker community in Atlantic City who helped shape its evolution, a struggling Depression-era engineer, and the corporate giant that ultimately took control.

Part detective story, part cultural critique, and part pop-culture exposé, the documentary sheds new light on the true origins of Monopoly, brought to the surface by a determined economics professor and advocate against monopolies. The film is made available to libraries through public performance rights by Kanopy. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Putnam County Public Library District at 815-339-2038. The Granville Branch is located at 214 S. McCoy Street, Granville.