Northern Illinois Community Calendar

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

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 Coliseum Museum is honored to host a special collection of China by members of the Pickard Collectors Club. The club was founded in 1992 by Joy Luke of Bloomington, Illinois, who along with a small group of Pickard enthusiasts thought it was time to bring together collectors of Pickard porcelain and glass.

Wilder A. Pickard (1857-1939) started the company in 1894 by offering his customers hand-painted giftware, artware, and eventually dinnerware of the highest quality.

Today, Pickard, Inc., remains a family-owned business proudly producing high quality, hand-crafted china. Each Pickard generation carries on the tradition of producing Ivory and White porcelain for individuals as well as for government and corporate organizations, both domestic and international. For more information visit their website at https://pickardcollectorsclub.org

Les Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30

Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him.

In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.

Rock River Valley Painters Guild Plein Air Art Show
September 2 – October 31
Lowden Gallery, Coliseum Museum

Sponsored by the RRVPG

​Artists participating in the 2026 annual show include Carol Bingham, Pam Bradford, Dick Cholke, Janice Conkrite, Charles Gregory, Anne Hilliard, Tom Linden, Nancie King Mertz, Sharon Saponari, Donna Smith, Terry Werntz, Lucinda Winterfield and Leah Zahn.

Awards will be presented by judge Jean Apgar, on October 9, in conjunction with the Moments in Monochrome Awards & Reception.

The RRVPG is a not-for-profit organization promoting local art and art education (North Central Illinois).

Janet Beiler
Feature Walls, September 1 – 30
Sponsored by Stillman Bank

“I am a full time artist pursuing my third career in life. I work in oils, acrylics, and watercolor medium and my artistic inspiration has been landscapes, florals, and narrative art, consignment on request. I exhibit at The Next Picture show in Dixon and The Loft in Morrison, IL. Currently you may view my art on Instagram Janet Beiler username Serafinas_window and on Facebook at art created by jbeiler.”

Meet with representatives of the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois State Treasurer's Office.

I-PASS ON-DEMAND SERVICES OFFERED:
IPASS Transponder Deactivation & Recycling
New IPASS Sticker Transponder Issuance
Account Updates (payment methods, addresses, plate numbers, etc.)
Billing questions
I-PASS Assist applications (toll forgiveness, reduced tolls for qualifying individuals)

ICASH SERVICES OFFERED:
Look-Up service (discover how much you're owed)
File a claim (start the process of claiming your funds)

For more information, contact Kimberly Barrios, Community Relations & Events Coordinator for DeKalb Township, 815-758-8282.

Join us for a Composting Open House at the Lake County Extension Office on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Whether you are struggling with a traditional backyard setup or want to explore advanced indoor methods, our Master Gardeners are here to help you get your pile back on track.
What to Expect

Expert Troubleshooting: Bring your toughest questions and get real, research-based answers for home composting.
Live System Demonstrations: Tour the extension grounds to see multiple types of outdoor composting systems in action.
Indoor Methods Revealed: Get an up-close look at active indoor vermicomposting and harvesting (worm bins) and Bokashi pre-composting setups.

To ensure everyone gets personalized advice and a quality tour of the demonstration bins, registration is required. Please select one 30-minute arrival window between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Alex Landberg

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.

Join The Literacy Connection for its 3rd annual Resource Fair at the Centre of Elgin's Heritage Ballroom on Thursday, September 17th from 5pm - 7pm. This event is free and open to the public. There will be 25 social services organizations there to handout resources and information. There will also be snacks, activities, and entertainment. This is a great way to build community and is fun for the entire family! Any donations made will go towards The Literacy Connection's free literacy services for adults in Elgin and surrounding areas.