Community Calendar

Based on the hit film, 9 to 5 The Musical follows three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, self-absorbed boss. Violet, Doralee, and Judy take charge in a hilarious story of friendship, empowerment, and sweet revenge—all set to an infectious Dolly Parton score. Filled with humor, heart, and a touch of country sparkle, this high-energy show celebrates the power of teamwork and standing up for what’s right.

Come One, Come All!
Books on First once again is sponsoring "Find Waldo Local" in Dixon, all the month of July. Based on the children's Where's Waldo books in which we seek and find Waldo and friends in various locations around town and the world within the pages, children from anywhere can seek and find Waldo in 25 locations around Dixon, IL, including the Parks District building, the Next Picture Show art gallery, Discover Dixon Main Street Chamber of Commerce HQ and other fun places including of course, Books on First.
We have lots of prizes for those participating, those seeing Waldo in at least 10 spots and those becoming eligible for entry into drawings for Where's Waldo books as well as contributed prizes from There's Fun Inside and more. Get involved in a Dixon-wide search for Waldo and experience the Local Small Businesses all around town. The hunt ends in a "Bye, Waldo" party on Saturday, 1 August!

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

Julie Kennelly

Taft Gallery, June 1 – July 31

Julie is an Illinois-based oil painter whose work explores color, light, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life. Working primarily in oils, she creates landscapes, still life paintings, and pet portraits that blend realism with expressive color and atmosphere. Her work is especially inspired by the landscapes of Northern Illinois and New Mexico, where she lived for a decade. Many of the pieces in this collection reflect the dramatic skies, desert light, and rich colors of the Southwest that continue to influence her painting today.

Julie began painting in 1997 as a creative hobby while building a long career in commercial banking. Over the years, painting became an essential part of her life and eventually evolved into a second career following her retirement. Primarily self-taught, she developed her skills through independent study, years of consistent practice, and participation in workshops with other artists.

Now painting regularly from her home studio, Julie continues to create work inspired by nature, rural life, changing seasons, and the emotional connection people have with familiar places, things and beloved animals. Through her paintings, she hopes to create moments of warmth, reflection, and joy while encouraging others to reconnect with creativity in their own lives.

The Columbia County Fair is a typical county fair with both youth and adult exhibits in a broad range of projects--animal, photography, food, arts and crafts, crops, gardening, flowers, etc. Commercial vendors are on site offering a variety of goods and information. TriState Amusements will be there with carnival rides, games and fair food. Grandstand events are held on Wednesday to Saturday nights at 7 pm --Wed. night-Tuff Truck; Thur. night-tractor/truck pull; Fri. night-rodeo and Sat. night-demolition derby. Beer garden is open daily with live music on Wednesday to Saturday nights. The animal and livestock shows are held through the week. Free admission and parking to the fair. Grandstand & carnival are priced.

This program will occur four times on July 30, at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Meet three native Illinois animal ambassadors - an owl, a hawk, and a falcon - and learn why these birds of prey are so important!

Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education staff will introduce these animal ambassadors and inform the audience about their basic anatomy and their role in the food chain. Then we will discover how conservation efforts can help protect these magnificent birds.

You will also be able to explore and touch displays of biological artifacts such as wings, feathers, tails, and pellets.

Birds will not be free flying; each animal ambassador will be secured and held by a handler during the presentation.

Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native birds of prey, with the goal of returning healthy birds back to the wild. Through their specialized programs, they aim to inspire a love for wildlife and foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and its inhabitants.

This program is funded by the Friends of the DeKalb Public Library. It is free and open to all, but most suited for school age children. No registration is required.

For more information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

Dan Grossmann
Lowden Gallery, July 1– August 30

My fascination for art began at a very early age. One of the first paintings that I was drawn to was an old faded Albert Bierstadt print that hung in my grandparents old farm house. I didn't know it then, but this print was of one of Bierstadt's hauntingly magnificent Yosemite masterpieces. I remember wondering how was it possible that someone could paint a picture so beautiful. At home, in our family room hung a gaudy framed furniture store print of a landscape by Robert Woods. It seems that every brush stroke of that painting had been laid down with perfect intent and I loved to look at it. The creation of these beautiful works of art was such a wonder to me and one day, I thought, I would like to give painting a try.

I was first introduced to oil painting in a high school art class. I really liked my art teacher but her knowledge about painting in oils was not much more than mine. And I didn't know anything! I think that I was the only student interested in trying to paint with oils. I was given access to all the oil supplies that were available in that classroom. With zero knowledge and not much guidance about materials and technique, I struggled through my first oil painting and knew that this was the medium that I would like to achieve some level of skill with someday.
After high school; two years of college, four years U.S. Navy, married my beautiful wife, started a family, worked a variety of jobs, moved a few times and all the while painted when I could. Some years went by when I painted very little to none. My wife and I retired several years ago. We moved from central Illinois to Lake Summerset where we spent our first two years here remodeling a very neglected house. We built a nice studio space in our home where I have enjoyed my pursuit of painting until this day.

I appreciate many styles and subjects of art. I am, however, inspired most by the landscape. You don't have to look to far to see that the Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. With the landscape, every day brings a new possibility of something beautiful that is unique from any other day that has been before.

I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that exists came into being through Him. It is through the lens of this worldview that I see everything in this life, including the landscape. It seems that every painting that I do is still a struggle for me. I used to think that one day I would achieve a skill level that would somehow enable me to paint in total bliss without struggle. I am old now, and that day has not arrived and I suppose it never will. The joy and satisfaction of painting, however, far outweighs the struggle and I am grateful for each day I am given to create in my studio! It is my hope that people will be blessed by viewing my paintings and be reminded to be thankful for the wonder and beauty of this world.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and Granville Cruise Night, join us for a screening of Cars. In a world where cars are alive, hotshot rookie racer Lightning McQueen has his sights set on winning the biggest race of his career, until a detour lands him stranded in the sleepy town of Radiator Springs along Route 66. What starts as an unwanted pit stop turns into a journey about friendship, community, and what really matters. Featuring the voice talents of Owen Wilson and Paul Newman, Cars is a heartwarming Pixar classic the whole family will enjoy. This free public screening runs 117 minutes, rated G, and is made possible through SWANK.

Beat the summer heat with Womanspace's annual Beat the Heat Online Auction!

From July 20 through July 31, browse and bid on an exciting collection of experiences, gift certificates, local favorites, unique items, and more—all from the comfort of your home.

Whether you're searching for a fun outing, a special gift, or something just for yourself, every winning bid helps support Womanspace's mission of fostering connection, personal growth, and a more compassionate community.

The auction is completely online, making it easy to participate anytime, anywhere.

Auction Opens: Sunday, July 20 at 12:00 PM
Auction Closes: Thursday, July 31 at 9:00 PM

🎉 Go to https://charityauctions.com/event/auction/1660 to browse and bid!

Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and join us for this fun-filled fundraiser. Every bid makes a difference!