Community Calendar

Join us for a walking tour of the farm. See the fields and farm buildings and meet our herd of dairy goats.

Full Moon Hike Wednesday, October 20 | 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. <br/>Celebrate the Hunter’s Moon at Severson Dells with a walk through the woodland and prairie while we enjoy the emergence of nocturnal wildlife. <br/>Registration is required. $3/Member, $5 General Admission

Homeschool Programs 2021-2022 <br/><br/>Little Homeschoolers - ages 6-9 - meet third Thursdays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM<br/><br/>Older Homeschoolers - ages 10-13 - meet third Thursdays 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ($10/member; $15 General Admission) Oct. 21 <br/><br/>Fall Colors Why do leaves change color? What do the colors mean? There’s a whole lot of science behind those glorious fall leaves – let’s learn about it.

Homeschool Programs 2021-2022<br/><br/>Little Homeschoolers - ages 6-9 - meet third Thursdays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM <br/><br/>Older Homeschoolers - ages 10-13 - meet third Thursdays 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM <br/><br/>($10/member; $15 General Admission) Oct. 21 <br/>Fall Colors Why do leaves change color? What do the colors mean? There’s a whole lot of science behind those glorious fall leaves – let’s learn about it.

It’s great to skate indoors at the coolest place in town, no matter what the weather is like outdoors! Gather family or friends for some Friday night fun and healthy exercise at Rockford Park District's Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park, IL. <br/><br/>Frosty Fridays discounted indoor public ice skating sessions are scheduled every Friday from October 1, 2021 through April 29, 2022, from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $7.00 per person (all ages), which includes skate rental; no discount coupons accepted. <br/><br/>Frosty Fridays are among the many low-fee family friendly events offered for the community by the Rockford Park District. <br/><br/>For more information on ice skating/hockey programs and events, plus monthly public skating calendars, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/skating, or call 815-969-4069, where information on accessibility and adapted skating equipment for people with disabilities is also available. <br/><br/>Safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District. The District has worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois, and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure a fun and safe recreational experience. For information on the Park District’s current face mask policy, and health and safety information, please visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/playitsafe.

Join us for free family fun celebrating science, technology, engineering and math. <br/><br/>Science demo shows, hands-on activities and expert speakers help you learn about everything from weather to chemistry, electricity to biology. Explore robots, witness a live weather balloon launch, try out VR technology and more! <br/><br/>This year, we’re in person in the heart of NIU’s DeKalb campus. Join us in the Holmes Student Center, Founders Memorial Library, MLK Commons and other nearby buildings.

Join us for an outdoor brunch to recognize the transformative work of Roots & Wings Urban Farm at Blackhawk Courts in Rockford. We will also announce the Good Food Advocate, an award given annually to local leaders who are strengthening food accessibility in the Rockford area. <br/><br/>This event is family friendly and child care will be available. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Spook the Dells Saturday, October 23 | 6 to 8 p.m.<br/>Bats, spiders, and coyotes, oh my! Don’t get spooked by creatures-of-the-night this Halloween; come out to Severson Dells to learn more about nocturnal animals at this family-friendly event. Join us along our paved path for a guided, interactive theater experience that highlights the amazing nocturnal animals that call Severson Dells home. <br/>Free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Please register by 10/20.

The DeKalb School District’s food pantry is moving from Huntley Middle School. Beginning on Thursday, July 29, Barb Food Mart’s new home will be Chesebro Elementary School, 900 E. Garden Street in DeKalb. Barb Food Mart will continue to be open every week on Thursdays between 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. <br/>—<br/>The pantry’s final food distribution day at Huntley is on July 14. The pantry is closed on July 22. <br/>-- <br/>Barb Food Mart serves families with children in DeKalb schools. Those using the pantry must register every year, either online at www.barbfoodmart.com or by contacting the office of the school attended by a child. Send questions to barbfoodmart@d428.org. <br/>--<br/>At Chesebro, food will continue to be distributed outdoors with curbside pickup for those who drive up to the front door at the Garden Street entrance. Walk-up pickup will be available for those who park in the parking lot accessed off Taylor Street and walk to the entrance. Wagons will be available to help people carry food boxes to cars.<br/>—<br/>Beginning on July 28, donations of food and personal care items may be dropped off at Chesebro using the Garden Street entrance. Donation times are Wednesdays between 1:00-2:30 p.m. and Thursdays between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Beginning July 26, mail monetary donations to Chesebro Elementary School, 900 E. Garden St., DeKalb, IL 60115. Do not mail or drop off donations at Huntley at this time.

It’s great to skate indoors at the coolest place in town, no matter what the weather is like outdoors! Gather family or friends for some Friday night fun and healthy exercise at Rockford Park District's Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park, IL. <br/><br/>Frosty Fridays discounted indoor public ice skating sessions are scheduled every Friday from October 1, 2021 through April 29, 2022, from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $7.00 per person (all ages), which includes skate rental; no discount coupons accepted. <br/><br/>Frosty Fridays are among the many low-fee family friendly events offered for the community by the Rockford Park District. <br/><br/>For more information on ice skating/hockey programs and events, plus monthly public skating calendars, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/skating, or call 815-969-4069, where information on accessibility and adapted skating equipment for people with disabilities is also available. <br/><br/>Safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District. The District has worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois, and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure a fun and safe recreational experience. For information on the Park District’s current face mask policy, and health and safety information, please visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/playitsafe.