May 2008 >

Last modified on: Monday, May 12, 2008

NIU memorabilia on display
Throughout May: NIU memorabilia will be featured at the DeKalb Public Library during May in an exhibit by local historian Steve Bigolin. While the display’s central focus is intended to be Altgeld Hall—the university’s oldest building—postcards and photographic views of campus over the years, books, yearbooks and other items of interest also will be included. The exhibit spans the period from 1899 to present, and represents 40 years of collecting by Bigolin of NIU souvenirs.

Dine out for the homeless
Throughout May: As part of Hope Haven’s “Night by Night” campaign to raise funds for the homeless, dine at the following participating restaurants and they will donate 10% of your bill to Hope Haven. Wednesday, May 7, 5 p.m.-close, Culver’s, 1200 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore;  every Wednesday in May, 5 a.m.-3 p.m., Tommy O’s, 122 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb; every Wednesday in May, 5 p.m.-close, Los Rancheros, 2350 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb; and Wednesday, May 21, 5 p.m.-close, Shelly’s, 901 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb.

Chambers host Business to Business Expo
Tuesday, May 13: The DeKalb and Sycamore Chambers of Commerce will co-host the Kishwaukee Valley Business-to-Business Expo Tuesday, May 13, 4-7 p.m., at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, Sycamore. Registration forms were emailed to Chamber members last week. Early bird registration is $195, due by April 11. After April 11, booth space fee is $245. Corporate sponsorships are available for $500, and include one premier booth space, company logo in paid trade show advertising, name in press releases, company logo on trade show program distributed at event, and logo on trade show banner. Co-sponsorships are available for $300, and include one booth space, company name in paid advertising and name in trade show program. All booths must be reserved by May 5. For more information, call the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce , (815) 756-6306, or email membership@dekalb.org.

Behavioral interview workshop
Tuesday, May 13: Illinois workNet Center and First Institute Training & Management will offer a Behavioral Interview Workshop Tuesday, May 13, 2-4 p.m., at 1701 E. Lincoln Hwy. , DeKalb. It will describe what behavioral interviews are and how to prepare for them. Pre-registration is required. Call (815) 756-4893, ext. 239.

NIU community thank you
Tuesday, May 13: NIU President John Peters invites everyone to a Community Thank You and Appreciation Reception Tuesday, May 13, 3-5 p.m., at the NIU Convocation Center . When tragedy struck Feb. 14, the greater DeKalb/Sycamore community united with NIU to provide excellent emergency and medical response, generous contributions to healing and recovery efforts, numerous expressions of compassion, and countless acts of kindness. Today, recovery is underway and NIU continues to be sustained by the collective spirit of the unified community and university–the communiversity. A brief presentation will begin at 3:45 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP at (815) 753-0835 or apetta@niu.edu. “Forward, Together Forward.”

DCEDC Business Roundtable
Thursday, May 15: DeKalb County EDC ’s Business Roundtable is Thursday, May 15, 11:30 a.m., at Kishwaukee Community Hospital . The topic is: “KishHealth System as an Economic Driver.” Presenters include:  Kevin Poorten discussing global, state, regional and local health care trends and economic impacts; Brad Copple addressing construction and capital project impacts on the DeKalb/Sycamore economy; and Joe Dant giving an overview of broader, ancillary impacts of medical service provider growth within the Bethany/Route 23 Health Care Corridor. Cost for lunch and program is $15. For reservations, visit www.dcedc.org/forms/business_roundtable_form.  DCEDC’s policy is that reservations made and not cancelled 24 hours prior to the event will be invoiced. 

"Heaven Can Wait" at Stage Coach Theatre
May 15-18: Stage Coach Players Theatre presents "Heaven Can Wait." Show times May 8-10, May 15-17 are 8 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m., on May 11 and May 18. For more details, visit www.stagecoachers.com.

Kishwaukee Sunrise 8K Race
Saturday, May 17: Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary's 8K Race is Saturday, May 17. Watch for more details.

NIU Graduation
Saturday, May 17: Graduation for Northern Illinois University is Saturday, May 17.

Kishwaukee College Graduation
Saturday, May 17: Graduation for Kishwaukee Community College is Saturday, May 17.

Egyptian Theatre Classic Movie Day
Saturday, May 17: The historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb, will show two classic movies Saturday, May 17. The afternoon family movie at noon and 3 p.m., will be “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”  Tickets are $3 at the door. The evening adult movie is “ Rear Window ,” shown at 6 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Seating for movies begins 30 minutes prior to each show time.  For more information, visit www.egyptiantheatre.org.

St. Paul Episcopal Church’s Annual Lobster Boil
Saturday, May 17: All proceeds go back to various area charities. For more details, visit www.stpaulsdekalb.org/lobsterboil.

Jeff Corwin at Midwest Museum
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.: The Midwest Museum of Natural History, Sycamore, will offer "Tales from the Field" with Jeff Corwin Saturday, May 17, 10-11 a.m., at the Sycamore High School Field House, Spartan Drive, Sycamore. Corwin, Emmy award-winning star of Animal Planet, the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel and CNN's Planet in Peril, is an internationally-reknown wildlife authority. He and some of his animal friends will take the audience on a journey into the world of wildlife during the one-hour performance. For ticket details, visit www.mmnh.org.

Youth Service Bureau bike auction
Saturday, May 17: The DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau will hold the annual Spring Bike Auction Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. There are over 100 bicycles available for auction. Brands include: Giant, Roadmaster, Mongoose, Murray, Diamondback, Schwinn and many others. Also for auction are a wide array of tools including a Dewalt Cordless Drill, two Dewalt Reciprocating Saws, and much more! The proceeds will support counseling and other services for youth and families in DeKalb. YSB serves youth ages 8-18 and their families. For more information, contact John Noreiko , office manager, (815) 748-2010.

Verizon Wireless PDA workshop
Saturday, May 17: Verizon Wireless, 2387 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb, will offer a free PDA workshop Saturday, May 17, 7-9 a.m. Participants receive one-on-one assistance with Verizon Wireless Blackberries, Treos or any other smart phone. This workshop will help you maximize your PDA and become more efficient on the job. Doors will open at 7 a.m., for this exclusive PDA workshop. Come and ask questions, check out the hot new devices and enjoy free coffee. Also that day, there will be a huge customer appreciation event, featuring a luau.  There will be free cookies and Hawaiian punch a raffle and games. Verizon Wireless is also offering a free VZW um150 Air card after a $50 mail in rebate (with a two-year contract). Everyone is welcome.

Smith retires from Montessori
Saturday, May 17: Chamber members are invited to recognize Beverly Smith as she retires after 33 years as director of the Montessori School of DeKalb. An Open House will be held Saturday, May 17, 2-4 p.m., at St. Mary’s Ministry Center Gym Building D, Fourth and Pine streets, DeKalb. The Montessori School will continue under new ownership.

Glidden barn open May 18
Sunday, May 18: The public’s one chance all year to see the inside of barbed wire baron Joseph F. Glidden's historic DeKalb barn is Sunday, May 18, during the annual “Open House, Open Barn.” The event also will feature “Mike King and Friends,” playing traditional Celtic music. Their performance marks the first in a season-long “Music on the Porch” series at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. The barn at 921 W. Lincoln Hwy. , is where Glidden invented and first manufactured his 1874 patented "The Winner," one of the most widely-used types of barbed wire. Historic preservationist Roger Keys has called the barn one of the most historically-significant barns in America. Keys will be on hand May 18, to share information about the barn and restoration done thus far. Events run from noon-4 p.m., with “Mike King and Friends” playing from about 1:30-2:30 p.m. The day's events also include a display of antique farm tools by Dennis Rehn, of Kirkland, tours of the home, refreshments and more. For more information, call (815) 756-7904 or visit www.gliddenhomestead.org.

Business-After-Hours at DeKalb airport
Tuesday, May 20: Real Valuation Group LLC, formerly Steffens & Kling, will sponsor the DeKalb Chamber’s Business-After-Hours, Tuesday, May 20, 5-7 p.m., at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, 3232 Pleasant St., DeKalb. Appetizers and adult refreshments will be served by O’Leary’s in the airplane hangars built by the firm. There will be a special display of antique airplanes including a MIG 21 fighter jet, cars, and motorcycles. Rides on a fire truck will be given. Bring your business cards to enter the raffle for a flight around DeKalb and a pair of Cubs tickets.

Fit Fest 2008
Wednesday, May 21: Kishwaukee Family YMCA, along with Kishwaukee Community Hospital, challenges the community to support a healthy lifestyle by coming to Fit Fest 2008 on May 21, to walk a mile with a smile! The event coincides with National Employee Health and Fitness week and has been running for 14 years. Last year, over 400 business and individual participated. Registration includes healthy snacks, health screenings and a tee-shirt. Businesses can compete for the traveling Fit Fest Trophies, which are awarded to the top four businesses with the highest percentage of employee participation each year. Check online at www.kishymca.org or call (815) 756-9577.

Memorial Day Parade, Ellwood House ceremony
Monday, May 26: The annual Memorial Day parade steps off Monday, May 26, at 9 a.m., downtown DeKalb. It ends at the Ellwood House Museum on North First Street, where there is a ceremony. The Ellwood House will have a free walk-through also that day.

Unemployment to re-employment
Wednesday, May 28: Illinois workNet Center and First Institute Training & Management will offer “Unemployment to Re-employment,” Wednesday, May 28, 2-4 p.m., at 1701 E. Lincoln Hwy. , DeKalb. Participants will complete a career interest inventory, identify transferable skills and explore careers related to interests. Pre-registration is required. Call (815) 756-4893, ext. 239.

DHS Graduation
Saturday, May 31: Graduation at DeKalb High School is Saturday, May 31.