Community Calendar

The Whiteside Forum’s annual book discussion will be led by crowd favorite Professor Jessica Roisen of St. Ambrose University on the topic of Parenting on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Our book “Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans” by Michaeleen Doucleff is a #1 bestseller on Amazon’s children’s studies list and is also a N.Y. Times bestseller. Summaries of the book are also available online.

Please join us at 2:00pm on February 22 in the Community Room of the Odell Public Library located at 307 S. Madison St. in Morrison, IL. to explore both ancient wisdom and current realities on perhaps one of our most important tasks in life: to raise happy, healthy and productive children.

For more information about this event or the Whiteside Forum you can contact Marc Adami by email at marcadami53@gmail.com or text 815-718-5347.

The Whiteside Forum, established in 1985, is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit community group which sponsors presentations and discussions of issues of importance and interest to the public. Issues chosen for conferences have an international dimension as well as local interest and importance. The organization is supported entirely by individual, special and business contributions and all events are free and open to the public.

The Senior Resource Center in Freeport, Illinois, will host a special historical presentation, “Professional Women, Firsts,” on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 2:00–3:15 pm, in partnership with Women of Courage & Commitment. This engaging program brings history to life through dynamic portrayals of remarkable women who broke barriers and reshaped their fields.

Audience members will “meet” Nellie Bly, portrayed by Deb Pausz, the fearless journalist known for her record-breaking 72-day trip around the world and her groundbreaking undercover exposé of a mental institution. Also appearing is Ann Rule, interpreted by Melissa McGuire, America’s most prolific and successful true-crime writer, with 35 books on the New York Times Best Seller list and a reputation as a “psychological detective” for her in-depth research and victim-centered storytelling.

The program also features Anna Sutherland Bissell, portrayed by Kris Chapman, who became the first female CEO in the United States after her husband’s death in 1889 and led the company for decades. Mary Patten, interpreted by Emily Painter, shares the story of her extraordinary courage at sea as a 19-year-old navigating immense challenges aboard a merchant clipper in 1856. Rounding out the presentation is Dr. Mary Walker, portrayed by Cathie Elsbree, the first—and only—woman to receive the Medal of Honor.

This presentation is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged due to limited seating. To register, call 815-235-9777.

The Stagecoach Trail — how we love to see those signs and imagine what northern Illinois looked like during the stagecoach era. Step back in time with storyteller, writer, and photographer Jon McGinty as he brings to life the fascinating stagecoach era of our region, spanning roughly 1820 to 1850.‍

Jon has been writing articles for Northwest Quarterly since 2005 and had his own commercial photography studio at one time. He will share the history of the old routes, stops, and inns — some of which still stand today — while painting a vivid picture of the coaches, horses, and travelers who once traveled these roads.

Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Check the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.

Academy Award winning actress and humanitarian Mira Sorvino has built a remarkable career in both film and human rights advocacy. In "From Harvard to Hollywood," Mira takes audiences behind the scenes of her journey, from a Harvard graduate researching racial conflict in China to an Oscar-winning actress using her platform for change.

She shares her experiences overcoming self-doubt and loss, and how they led her to become a global voice against human trafficking and sexual violence. As a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Mira has testified before Congress, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, and helped inspire legislative reform to protect victims worldwide.

With warmth and candor, she reflects on her Hollywood career, her humanitarian work, and her most meaningful role, being a mother of four. Join us for an inspiring evening with a woman whose courage and compassion continue to make a difference.

Michael Rehberg of Black Point Estate will introduce us to the six beer barons of nearby Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and the four major brewers in Milwaukee. Plus, learn the differences between ale and lager beer, the basics of brewing beer in the 19th century, and the brewers’ response to prohibition.

The story of Jacob Haish, widely known for his role in the early innovation of barbed wire, reaches far beyond this achievement.

An immigrant from Germany who arrived in the United States as a young boy, Haish built a successful career through barbed wire and other manufacturing ventures, including gasoline engines. His success allowed him to become one of DeKalb’s most generous early philanthropists. In his will, Haish specified that he desired his funds to provide a library and a hospital for his beloved DeKalb. His legacy includes establishing the Haish Memorial Library, supporting the DeKalb Hospital and what is now Kishwaukee Hospital, and offering substantial donations to local churches, schools, and civic causes. He also funded the library at the Northern Illinois State Normal School, known today as Northern Illinois University (NIU).

Glidden Homestead representatives—and Haish’s descendants—Jessi Haish LaRue and Jeff Marshall will share these lesser-known stories about Haish’s life, community impact, and enduring influence. Following the presentation, Emily Faulkner, Director of the DeKalb Public Library, will guide attendees on a tour of the historic Haish Memorial Library. To mark the bicentennial celebration, birthday treats will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact Emily at emilyf@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1000.

Coyotes are one of the most misunderstood species in Illinois and the U.S. They conjure up mixed feelings of fear, anger, and, for some, wild beauty. There are many stories about coyotes, and some circles believe them to be the jokester of the wild. Many of these feelings depend on who you are, where you live, and even what you do for a living.

Coyotes are blamed for many things they do and do not do in our spaces. They nonetheless receive the award for the most likely to succeed, despite the human population. We have all but paved the road for the coyote’s historical expansion.

Come and learn more about this incredible animal and what you can expect from them in your neighborhood. Wild Neighbors: Coyotes will be presented by Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Peggy Anesi.

*Registration is required! To register, click here: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/wild-neighbors-coyotes

Embark on an exciting journey following the transformation of rocks and minerals into dazzling gemstones! This new series lets participants travel alongside a material’s formation in the earth, through the mining and production processes, and showcases how rough stones are formed, extracted, and transformed into sparkling gems. With real samples to examine and expert demonstrations, this program offers a fascinating look at the life cycle of a gem, highlighting the process that turns a simple rock into a stunning piece of nature’s art. The first program will focus on Jade.

Sarah Taylor from the Colonel Palmer House will teach the fascinating history of the origins of ink and papermaking, presenting the models and meanings behind ancient and modern texts, origins of fonts, and popular time-period written works. Plus, attendees will have hands-on practice with ink-making with natural materials and create a quill-written monogram.
Free to attend, but advance registration is required.