Community Calendar

On May 1st, The DeKalb Township & Senator Sue Rezin’s Office will host an I-PASS event at the DeKalb Township Administrative Building, located at 2323 S. 4th St. in DeKalb. The event will operate on an appointment-only basis during the hours of 9 AM – 4:30 PM, before transitioning to a walk-in only event between the hours of 4:30 and 7 PM.

Last year, the Illinois Tollway started the process of phasing out the decades-old I-PASS transponders in favor of I-PASS sticker tags. Anyone in possession of a transponder is encouraged to return and safely recycle their lithium-containing-transponder at this event. In exchange for their transponder, participants will receive their new I-PASS sticker tag(s) and a credit to their I-PASS account equal to the amount they paid for their transponder deposit.

Tollway representatives will also be on-site to take applications for the Tollway’s I-PASS Assist program--an initiative that makes Tollway usage accessible to low-income households.

To book an appointment or for general inquiries, contact Kimberly at the DeKalb Township (T: 815-758-8282).

On Thursday, May 1, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will host a seminar to explain how an agricultural conservation easement is the only way to ensure that your farm will never be developed.

The seminar will be held at 1102 McConnell Road in Woodstock, IL from 10:00 a.m. until noon, with lunch to follow. Hear from landowners who have gone through the farm preservation process and learn about the financial and legal aspects of an agricultural easement.

The seminar and lunch are free, but please register by calling The Land Conservancy at
815-337-9502 ext. 110 or register online at ConserveMC.org.

Panelists at the seminar include:

o David Wolf, attorney, The Law Office of David J. Wolf, Woodstock
o Frank Harrison, appraiser, Harrison & Associates, Woodstock
o Karen Strano, who preserved her family farm in Woodstock
o Ginger Gauger, who preserved her family farm in Richmond
o Farm Program Staff, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

This seminar is for people who own farmland and are thinking about its future and what they can do to keep it in agriculture, whether it stays in the family or not. An agricultural easement is a voluntary legal agreement that preserves the land for agricultural use in perpetuity.

The Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural and agricultural landscapes of McHenry County.

Christ Community Outreach Center is proud to partner with Administer Justice to provide legal counsel to individuals in our community. This program takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 12 PM at our location: 316 N 6th St, DeKalb. To make an appointment, please call 855-818-4554 or visit AdministerJustice.org/GetHelp. Walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sadie Mae survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident last summer. Her recovery journey has been nothing short of a miracle, but it has come with significant medical and rehabilitation expenses that continue to place a heavy burden on her family.

To help ease that burden and rally our community around her, Mama's Feel Good Food is hosting a Soup Fundraiser on Sunday, May 4. at the Loves Park VFW to raise funds for her ongoing recovery, including medical bills, therapy and mobility resources. Dinner includes soups, breads and appetizers. There will also be a raffle and silent auction.

Details at https://facebook.com/events/s/soup-with-sadie-mae/1003573427953325/

Join Us for a Screening of No Other Land
This powerful film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, depicts the destruction of Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank by Israeli soldiers. It reveals the alliance that develops between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval.
For over five years, Basel has documented the devastation of his community in Masafer Yatta due to the effects of occupation, while also building an unlikely partnership with the Israeli journalist who is committed to joining his struggle.
To make donations to Masafer Yatta, please visit https://supportmasaferyatta.com/#donate.

For more information, please visit supportmasaferyatta.com.

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a Movie Matinee film screening of the documentary, “Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Minority,” on Tuesday, May 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch.

In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink became the first woman of color in the U.S. Congress. Seven years later, she ran for the presidency, and co-authored Title IX, the landmark legislation that opened up high education and athletics to women. This documentary goes beyond her accomplishments to reveal a woman whose political journey was often lonely and tumultuous. She encountered sexism within her own party, whose leaders disliked her independent style and openly maneuvered against her. Her liberal politics, particularly her vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, engendered intense criticism. A woman of the people, as well as a pioneer, a patriot and also an outcast, Patsy Minkʼs story proves endlessly intriguing, and is one that embodies the history, ideals and spirit of America.

The film is approximately fifty-six minutes, not rated, and made possible through public performance rights by Kanopy. The Granville Branch of the Putnam County Public Library District is located at 214 S. McCoy Street, Granville. For more information, please call the Library at 815-339-2038.

Join us for Conversational Café every 3rd Saturday from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Christ Community Outreach Center, located at 316 N 6th St in DeKalb. This is a great opportunity to practice your English in a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, and walk-ins are accepted! For more information, visit ccclife.org/dekalboutreachcenter.

Christ Community Outreach Center is proud to partner with Administer Justice to provide legal counsel to individuals in our community. This program takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 12 PM at our location: 316 N 6th St, DeKalb. To make an appointment, please call 855-818-4554 or visit AdministerJustice.org/GetHelp. Walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

Since 2023, a committee of dedicated volunteers and partners have united to create and sustain a movement on the southwest side of Rockford. We hope that you will join us to celebrate the beloved region, Latinidad, and entrepreneurship.

South Main Mercado was a simple idea to celebrate Latino heritage, bring people together, and showcase entrepreneurs. What makes this event distinct is how it has grown in the past two years. From 400 visitors in 2023 to over 5,000 guests in 2024, the South Main Mercado has become a hub for neighborhood action, leadership development, and southwest revitalization, as celebrated in November 2024 when the committee was awarded the 2024 Illinois Lt. Governor Award for Revitalization -- Promotion Approach.
Join us on Sunday, June 8, for food, music, and vendors in celebration of Rockford.

Find out how you can volunteer or vend at southmainmercado.org

Join the Homegrown National Park Movement!

Want to become a biodiversity hero? Learn how planting natives and removing invasive species can make you a part of the Homegrown National Park movement. Come learn about this nation-wide call-to-action with a short film, “What’s the Rush?”, by renowned conservationist, Doug Tallamy, followed by a presentation and Q & A with Jack and Judy Speer from Small Waters Education in Alden.

There will also be a drawing for some native plants and a tour of the library's large pollinator garden.