Northern Illinois Community Calendar

A display of paintings created by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford depicting "Buildings". These paintings were created on location. Many of the buildings depicted are in the Rockford area

You are invited to experience the collective wisdom and personal experience of artists' interpretation of the theme Echoes of a Changing Planet. Participating artists:
Norm Knott, Marsha Goodheart, Holly Blair-Cascio, Susan Berry, Julie Kennelly, Maya Simmons, Caitlyn Jahn, Paula Flanagan-Marsh, Barbara Berney, Lori Gustafson, Sadie Hoessrich, Becca Houlihan, Jose Sente, Greg LaMont, Clara Krick, Jessie Crow-Mermel, Wren Medina, Cassie Blair, Ventie Houi, Drew Helge, Annette McLean and Cherie Heck.

Take Root is BACK!

Take Root is a virtual farm business class that will be running from September 14th, 2026 to November 19th, 2026.

Take Root is a business class new farmers with 0-10 years experience.

In Take Root, we will build a farm business plan, an enterprise plan, learn how to budget and manage a farm enterprise, and market your business.

Take Root is held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-8PM CT. This class is virtual and ran over zoom. The class will have both facilitated classes, and speakers. In addition to the online class, you will also receive one on one consulting from Jillae, our Take Root Program Facilitator.

Sign up today for Take Root!

Questions? Email Jillae at jillae@farmersrising.org

See you there!
Jillae
Farmers Rising

The 19th Amendment and the Power of the Vote! Musical Presentation
September 18, 7:00 – 8:00pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)

$25 – member rate/ $30 non-member
Register online at
https://www.cmaaa.org/events--receptions.html

Anita Kallen and Catherine Thomson will present a special musical show that celebrates the law that affirmed women’s right to vote. With music by Sondheim, Lennon & McCartney, Parton, Porter, and others, Anita and Catherine weave in the story of women's suffrage. Don't miss this powerful performance that will take you on a musical journey through more than a century of voting rights history.

Audience Acclaim:
"A wonderful performance by smart, strong women with beautiful voices, music, humor and a fantastic historical journey shared. "
"This show is touching and important. Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking. It reminds me of how much I’ve taken women’s rights and liberty for granted. They were possible because of the long, painful fight by those who refused to give up their hopes and dreams."
"This was a wonderful show! Thoughtful, clever, funny, beautifully sung!".

Learning how to be a resource for youth struggling with mental health challenges through our free QPR Training.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): A suicide prevention gatekeeper training that teaches adults how to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and refer youth to life-saving professional care

Workshops are scheduled once enough attendees have submitted for them. The workshops are 8 hours long split in a single session or 2-day sessions of 4 hours each.

For more information, email: Ymhfirstaid@niu.edu

Members of the DeKalb County League of Women Voters will be at the YMCA to register voters, to help people quick-check their voter registration and to provide non-partisan information about the election. Children can vote for their favorite cartoon character! The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization whose goal is to encourage all citizens to participate in every election. To find out more about the DeKalb County League visit its website: https://www.lwvdkc.org and its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lwvdkcil

A display of paintings created by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford depicting "Buildings". These paintings were created on location. Many of the buildings depicted are in the Rockford area

The League of Women Voters of DeKalb County and the DeKalb County History Center welcome the public to this 4-part book discussion series on "What Does the Constitution Actually Say?" by Ben Sheehan, a non-boring guide to how our democracy is supposed to work. Each session will focus on a different section of the Constitution, exploring its historical context and contemporary significance. You do not have to come to all 4 sessions—join us for whichever you like! Feel free to bring lunch. RSVP appreciated but not required.

9/15: Article 1
9/22: Articles 2 and 3
9/29: Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments)
10/6: The remaining amendments

Join us to celebrate the opening of the Pick Museum of Anthropology's latest student-curated exhibition, "Things We Value."

What makes something valuable? Why do we value some things more than others? Exploring topics such as currencies, commodities, trade networks, art markets and the cost of dying, this exhibition reflects on how we assign value to the things in our lives — and why that matters.

Light refreshments provided.

You are invited to experience the collective wisdom and personal experience of artists' interpretation of the theme Echoes of a Changing Planet. Participating artists:
Norm Knott, Marsha Goodheart, Holly Blair-Cascio, Susan Berry, Julie Kennelly, Maya Simmons, Caitlyn Jahn, Paula Flanagan-Marsh, Barbara Berney, Lori Gustafson, Sadie Hoessrich, Becca Houlihan, Jose Sente, Greg LaMont, Clara Krick, Jessie Crow-Mermel, Wren Medina, Cassie Blair, Ventie Houi, Drew Helge, Annette McLean and Cherie Heck.