Northern Illinois Community Calendar

For homeowners age 62 and older. This session, led by a HUD-certified reverse mortgage counselor, will introduce and explain how reverse mortgages work, who may qualify, and the potential benefits, costs, and long-term considerations.

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.

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

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

All are Invited … St. Peter UCC 2026 Charity Golf Outing at the Historic Lake Zurich Golf Club, Thursday, September 10, 2026

Enjoy a day of golf, drink, food, and hanging out on Thursday, September 10, 2026 (rain date September 17) at the ultra-exclusive, historic members only Lake Zurich Golf Club, 564 N. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Proceeds support the ministries of St. Peter UCC and their partnerships (such as PADS Lake County, Ancient Oaks Foundation, and others).

More info: https://stpeterlz.org/get-involved/golf-outing.html

Register by August 30 at our Givebutter registration page: https://givebutter.com/st-peter-ucc-lz-charity-golf-outing-woobxe

Email golf@stpeterlz.org with questions!

Objects of Affection Still Life Art Exhibit
Awards Reception, August 7, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Judge Glenn Bodish

Glenn was born and raised in the Allentown area of Pennsylvania. He holds an MFA in painting from the University of Montana, a BFA in painting from Southern Oregon University and an Associate’s degree in Commercial Art from Luzerne County College in Pennsylvania. Currently Glenn resides and operates an art studio in Dixon, Illinois.

During the past 35 years Glenn has worked in the art field as an illustrator, photographer and a community arts organizer as well as maintaining a commitment to the development of his work as a fine artist.
Glenn has also worked in art museums since 1992 and held the position as the Executive Director for the Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation from 1997 through 2011. Glenn has been teaching art in community arts programs, colleges and universities since 1985. Currently he is an Associate Professor of Art and the Gallery Director at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois
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Music by Al & Jeannie Brown
Jeannie and Al Brown have been making music together for over 30 years.
Covering nearly every musical style through the years, their piano and upright bass duo favors jazz standards.
“Jazz covers a lot of musical territory,” says the pair. “There’s literally something for everyone.” It’s their favorite format, though they are quick to add, “There are so many good songs, so much good music in the world. We won’t pass up a chance to play an old favorite just because it’s not considered a jazz tune. We just put our personal spin on it!” They also hope they are helping to preserve some of the best music ever. “Good music will last without our help,” they say, “but each time a great song is heard it freshens it for both listener and performer. We’re happy to help keep it alive!”
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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.

Celebrate the conclusion of the Thrive! series with the BINGO game everyone knows and loves - plus a fun trivia twist.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.