Peyton

JAZZ IN PROGRESS RETURNS TO LIBRARY

Jazz in Progress joins us on Saturday, November 15, for an after-hours concert that will feature different styles of big band and modern jazz music in the DeKalb Public Library’s main lobby!

 

Jazz in Progress (JIP) organized in 2012 to encourage local musicians to play jazz in support of its mission of musical, charitable, and educational purposes to advance the appreciation, performance, and history of jazz music and its related genres. Its membership includes a variety of talented musicians from the DeKalb County area. The ensemble also honors the practice of inviting local high school and college jazz musicians to sit in with the band, giving young musicians an opportunity to gain more experience in playing jazz music.

 

JIP is an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that puts funds raised back into local community music programs. Past recipients of JIP donations include the DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek and Sycamore music booster organizations, as well as St. Mary’s-DeKalb and the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

 

JIP has performed at benefit and fund raising events and venues around the area including the St. Mary’s Lancer Legacy Ball, Sycamore Natural History Museum’s Rockin’ for the Reptiles, Stage Coach Theatre, Sycamore Farmers Market, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Artigras, The House Café, and Oak Crest Senior Proms. The band also has performed with the Celebration Chorale and at many other community and charity events.

 

This concert is free and open to all. No registration is required. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m.

 

For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

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by Peyton

NIU College of Education to host Nov. 12 screening, panel to debut ‘A Teacher’s Shoes’ documentary

What motivates educators to devote their lives to the process of teaching and learning?

 

How do they find the energy to climb out of bed each morning, fill their water bottles, pack their lunches and drive through the darkness to their schools? How would they describe their work? How do they truly come alive when students are present, not only physically but also mentally?

 

Let “A Teacher’s Shoes” walk through that door.

 

The documentary, a production of the Northern Illinois University College of Education’s Morgridge Endowed Chair Office in partnership with the NIU Foundation, spends a day with each of three alumnae teaching in public schools.

 

Collectively, the trio has more than two decades of experience, ranging from two years by the most-recent graduate to 13 by the veteran of the group.

 

Grace DeSmedt, Ashley Manor and Dominique Yackley allowed university cameras to capture all of those moments as they interact with students and colleagues – and as they speak from the heart during off-camera interviews.

 

What’s revealed on the screen is not only their power to reach and shape the minds of their students but also the quality of their preparation in their College of Education degree programs, important information not only for parents and families but also for future teachers.

 

“In a time when once-respected professions are questioned, and teaching is too often misunderstood, ‘A Teacher’s Shoes’ returns the spotlight to where it rightfully belongs – to the teachers shaping the future,” says Todd Gilson, the college’s associate dean of Research, Resources and Innovation who oversees Morgridge operations. “I am privileged to be part of this story.”

 

DeSmedt, Manor and Yackley will attend a 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, screening of “A Teacher’s Shoes” and participate in a panel discussion. The free event will take place in the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb. All are invited.

 

• Please RSVP: While registration is not required, we encourage you to please RSVP so we can plan accordingly and acknowledge those attending: go.niu.edu/vuq7as

 

Kristen Aragon and Kimberly Teal, the NIU graduate assistants currently managing the Morgridge office, are the brains behind the project.

 

Taking inspiration from “Why I Teach,” a 2024 documentary released by the Nashville Public Education Foundation, Aragon and Teal knew they wanted to emulate that earlier work’s start-to-finish glimpse of a teacher’s day.

 

Creative guidance and production oversight came from Angela Johansson, the NIU Foundation’s director of Marketing and Communications who helped Aragon and Teal focus their vision; outline their messaging and goals; plan and carry out the project; and secure resources.

 

“We really wanted to highlight not just what they do in the classroom from after the bell rings at 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock,” Aragon says, “but what their whole day looks like.”

 

For Teal, the undertaking made her “very appreciative of teachers” and its visual demonstration that “teachers have that ‘extra’ aspect.”

 

“Dominque, Ashley and Grace are diverse and representative of teachers in our community, and so we’re giving them the opportunity to speak on behalf of teachers and to let the community ask the questions they might have because, in reality, teachers are given our children eight hours a day,” Teal says.

 

“It’s important that we just understand where they’re coming from, why they’re teaching what they are and how understanding who they are as people also goes into how they’re teaching,” she adds, “so I’m really excited to show that to the community that there’s so much that goes into that.”

 

Meanwhile, she says, “the teachers wanted to show what they’re doing – and so did their students” while NIU Foundation multimedia production specialist Matthew McCanna-Molina and freelance videographer Jenna Stewart were on the scene.

 

“The teachers are so excited about this,” Teal says. “The videographers mentioned multiple times to us that they truly saw the students blossom while they were there, and the teacher said, ‘Wow, they’re the best-behaved they’ve ever been.’ ”

 

She hopes that viewers realize “that it can be harder now to be a teacher because you’re juggling so many aspects. We’re showing that they’re juggling it all, that they’re doing their best and that giving grace in every scenario is probably a good strategy.”

 

For the two graduate assistants, both of whom are speech-language pathology master’s students in the College of Health and Human Sciences, “A Teacher’s Shoes” was – well, a teacher itself.

 

“I think a lot about what we’re capable of,” Teal says.

 

“I like the idea that no idea is too big, and I think that Dr. Gilson has really made that the forefront of our job this year – if you are passionate about it, you can do it. That’s shown me to take that through my career,” she adds, “and that’s the most important part. If you see something that has a need, or you see someplace where a little extra effort could be put in, and you are there to do it, even the small things make a big difference.”

 

Aragon, who plans to focus her career on pediatrics and school-age children, the insight from the production is invaluable – not from just the hours and hours of video footage but from the collaborative process itself.

 

“It’s made me think about how I can work with others,” Aragon says.

 

“Right now, I’m lucky enough to be able to do one of my clinical rotations in a school, and I’m knowing what the teachers around me are doing on their off-time with lesson plans and grading,” she adds. “Every day, I’ll hear a teacher say, ‘I had a dream about this student last night – and here’s something that I should do that’ll benefit them.’ They’re coming up with these ideas when they’re not on school hours.”

 

Gilson is pleased with these outcomes.

 

“As I advance in my career, one thing becomes increasingly clear: Graduate students often have the best ideas. Unbound by pressures, expectations or limitations, they see problems and act with purpose,” Gilson says.

 

“Kristen and Kim might never lead another video project in their lives, but they will lead. They will advocate for others, tell important stories and collaborate toward common goals,” he adds, “and ‘A Teacher’s Shoes’ is a mechanism that cultivates all these skills. I am confident that everyone involved will carry forward the lessons learned into their professional lives.”

 

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

 

Grace DeSmedt, who earned her B.S.Ed. in Physical Education in 2023, is on the faculty of Oswego High School, where she teaches sophomore P.E. and freshman health.

 

The graduate of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education also coaches dance at Oswego East.

 

She considers herself “passionate about helping students learn the importance of physical health and wellness and encouraging them to lead active, balanced lifestyles.”

 

While at NIU, DeSmedt was active in the KNPE Majors Board and presented at three state conferences. Named the KNPE SHAPE Major of the Year, which allowed her to attend the SHAPE National Convention in Seattle, she mentors current KNPE students.

 

Ashley Manor, who teaches geometry in the special education program at DeKalb High School, earned her B.S.Ed. in Special Education: Learning Behavior Specialist I in 2020.

 

Graduating from the Department of Special and Early Education at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – and immediately finding her professional purpose at DHS through work with her colleagues, administration and, most of all, students – Manor remains “passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of her students.”

 

She has “a strong commitment to individualized instruction and student growth” and “strives to empower every learner to reach their fullest potential as students as well as individuals.”

 

Dominque Yackley earned her B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education in 2013 and her M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Cultural Pedagogies in Social Justice in 2022.

 

The double-graduate of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction teaches fifth-grade at Founders Elementary School in DeKalb.

 

Passionate “about educating youth and advocating for a more culturally rich curriculum at all levels of teaching and learning,” Yackley was a 2023 finalist for the Chicago-area Golden Apple and a 2020 nominee for District 428’s Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education.

 

She has mentored NIU students, designed district curriculum, participated in writing the district’s Diversity Plan and started the first elementary school-level photography and social justice clubs.

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by Peyton

51st Annual Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk: A Festive Tradition

The Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk returns for its 51st year on December 4th, 5th and 6th 2025. NEW THIS YEAR 4 LOCATIONS WILL BE OPEN ON SUNDAY DEC 7

 

This beloved annual event has become a cherished tradition, connecting the community and showcasing local talent. Shoppers are invited to explore the talent of over 100 local crafters, artisans, and bakers at 17 unique stops. Each location, including homes, churches, businesses, and community organizations, will be adorned with holiday charm, offering a variety of handcrafted treasures, festive gifts, and delectable treats. Whether you're in search of the perfect holiday gift or simply eager to soak in the festive atmosphere, this event promises something special for everyone.

 

Event Highlights:

 

Dates: December 4th, 5th and 6th 2025

4 LOCATIONS OPEN DEC 7th

Locations: 17 stops across Genoa and Kingston

Featured Items: Handcrafted treasures, unique gifts, festive holiday décor, and tasty treats

Giveaway Opportunity: Stamp your map at ten stops or more for a chance to win a delightful giveaway basket!

 

How to Participate:

 

• Pick up an event map at OpenDoor Coffee or Genoa Public Library, or visit the official website: GKChristmasCraftWalk.com. During the Craft Walk, each location will have extra maps.
• Visit each stop to explore a variety of handcrafted items and holiday delights.
• Stamp your map at ten stops or more to enter a drawing for a chance to win a giveaway basket filled with local treasures.

 

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact the Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk Committee at GKChristmasCraftWalk@gmail.com or visit GKChristmasCraftWalk.com.

 

Join us in celebrating the 51st Genoa-Kingston Christmas Craft Walk, where the spirit of the season comes to life through the artistry and craftsmanship of our local community.

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by Peyton

On November 14th at NIU: `The Road to 2035: Engineering Breakthroughs Today’

Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) will host its annual Innovation Showcase on Friday, November 14th at the Engineering Building, 590 Garden Road.

“The Road to 2035: Engineering Breakthroughs Today” will spotlight the transformative technologies and creative research driving the next decade of engineering innovation, with six CEET professors and two industry leaders sharing insights from their work.

Free and open to the public, the showcase opens with registration and poster sessions from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., highlighting student and faculty research across materials, manufacturing, automation and data analytics.

CEET Dean Dave Grewell will welcome attendees at 10:45 a.m., followed by two expert panels featuring CEET faculty and industry partners.

The morning panel (11 a.m. to noon) covers “Materials & Advanced Manufacturing.” The session brings together Professor Venu Korampally, Associate Professor Mahdi Vaezi and Assistant Professor Vinay Budhraja. Joining them will be a representative from Dukane, a global leader in plastic welding technologies.

The panel will discuss innovations that are reshaping how materials and products are designed and built.

Professor Korampally develops low-cost, high-precision nanomanufacturing methods to make advanced sensors and diagnostic devices. His work bridges nanoscale engineering with affordable production, enabling rapid, reliable testing tools for healthcare, environmental monitoring and next-generation electronics.

Associate Professor Vaezi is director of NIU’s Bioplastics Lab, which turns farm waste—like hemp, soy, and wheat straw—into durable, biodegradable plastics. From lab to finished product, the team designs, tests and produces eco-friendly materials that aim to cut landfill waste, boost farmer income and reduce fossil plastic use.

Assistant Professor Budhraja’s research includes 3D-printing flexible, low-cost sensors that monitor plant and human health in real time. These wearable bioelectronic devices track stress, nutrients or disease biomarkers—advancing smart agriculture and personalized healthcare through sustainable, AI-enhanced technology.

A luncheon and networking session at noon, hosted by NIU Executive Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish-Piper, will celebrate collaboration and cross-disciplinary partnerships.

The afternoon program kicks off at 12:45 p.m. with the induction of the first four members of the CEET Hall of Fame: CEET founding Dean Romualdas Kasuba, retired Dean Promod Vohra, and alumni Joe Sener and Divya Behl. That will be followed by an induction ceremony of the NIU chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), recognizing distinguished faculty and alumni whose work exemplifies innovation and leadership.

Starting at 1:15 p.m., the second one-hour panel will dig into “AI, Controls & Analytics.” The panelists will be Professor Lichuan Liu, Associate Professor Christine Nguyen and Associate Professor Sachit Butail. Joining them will be Art Holzknecht, engineering manager at Hiwin, a leading global manufacturer of precision motion control components and mechatronic systems.

Discussion will focus on how intelligent systems and data-driven design are transforming modern engineering.

Professor Lichuan Liu, who is also the director of CEET’s biomedical engineering program, uses AI to analyze sounds and signals from the body—like breathing, crying and speech—to help detect health issues early in children and monitor heart conditions in adults. Her work aims to make healthcare smarter, more accurate and more personalized.

Associate Professor Nguyen applies AI and data analytics to improve real-world results—from making cleaner laser-cut metal parts to designing better brake pads and boosting Airbnb profits. Her models help companies save time, cut costs, and make smarter decisions.

Associate Professor Butail’s research uses math and algorithms to understand how complex systems—like bird flocks, robot swarms or human crowds—behave. The same methods that predict ecosystem collapse and identify leaders also help detect robot faults, track COVID spread and study emergency evacuations.

The day concludes with closing remarks from Dean Grewell at 2:15 p.m., summarizing insights and charting a forward-looking vision for CEET as it drives toward 2035 and beyond.

Lunch will be provided for those who register by Monday, November 10th. Register here.

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by Peyton

Northern Rehab Hosts Food Drive to Support “Freezin’ For Food” Event

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is hosting a community food drive in support of T.D. Ryan’s “Freezin’ for Food” event, sponsored by the Kishwaukee DeKalb Kiwanis.

 

We’re collecting non-perishable food items for this community effort that helps stock the DeKalb Salvation Army Food Pantry and provides meals to DeKalb County families.

 

Donations may be dropped off at our Northern Rehab locations in DeKalb (3266 Sycamore Road) or Genoa (540 E. Main Street) between November 10 and December 3.

 

Donations will be delivered in December at the Freezin’ For Food event which will then be distributed to the DeKalb Salvation Army Food Pantry. For more information, please call us at 815.756.8524 or visit northernrehabpt.com/freezin-for-food-drive/.

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by Peyton

DeKalb Celebrates Trees with Pawpaw Planting

The City of DeKalb has planted a pawpaw tree to celebrate the benefits trees provide in  beautifying our community and making it a more sustainable place to live. 

Mayor Cohen Barnes, Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson, representatives of the  City’s Citizens’ Environmental and Community Enhancement Commissions and  members of the Public Works and Fire Departments gathered with pawpaw tree  enthusiasts from the community and Northern Illinois University on Oct. 28 to plant the  native tree in front of Fire Station One on Pine Street. 

The planting, along with a Fall Arbor Day proclamation issued by Mayor Barnes, will help  DeKalb earn the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, a recognition  of a community’s commitment to maintaining and growing its urban forest. Barnes said  this urban forest reinvigorates residents as they connect with nature. 

“I see these old growth trees, the canopies that are over the street, that, to me, is our heartland, that to me is a reflection of how I see the City and how I see, quite frankly, the  Midwest here in our community,” said Barnes. “The fact that we prioritize this, I don’t think  just breathes life into the individual resident or breathes life into the City of DeKalb, it quite  literally breathes life into our planet.” 

Recognizing the vital role of trees in producing oxygen, cleaning the air, storing carbon  and regulating climate, enhancing the tree canopy is an objective of the City’s  Sustainability Plan. 

“(The plan) is multi-year, and it’s long-term and short-term goals for our environment,  whether it’s planting trees or different things you can do to make DeKalb a better place,  cleaner place to live,” said Alderwoman Larson, who serves as the Council liaison to the  Citizens’ Environmental Commission. She notes the plan was developed by the 

Commission’s volunteer members. “This was a big project, and it’s been on their personal  time, donating to our City, and it’s working.” 

The planting was also an initiative of the volunteer Citizens’ Community Enhancement  Commission, which was approached by organizers of the Pawpaw Festival in nearby  Pawpaw about planting the native tree in the City. One of the organizers, Austin Cliffe,  sees the fruit-producing pawpaw as a mascot for sustainability, and noted they are good  for pollinators and serve as habitat for native life. 

“They have value as a landscape tree as well. They put out beautiful flowers in the spring,  which attract a variety of native insects, which are also forage for birds,” said Cliffe, who  began growing pawpaw seedlings from seeds collected from two pawpaw trees on South  Sixth Street. “I happened to see a very interesting bird in my garden, the American  redstart, which I was unaware of its existence, feeding on all the insects that were  browsing the flowers.” 

Along with work to earn the Tree City USA designation, the City’s efforts in support of  trees included securing a $255,000 grant from the Morton Arboretum to care for existing  trees, remove hazardous trees and replace those with 50 trees to be planted next year.  Additionally, the City continues to offer the 50/50 Parkway Tree Program, in which the  City and homeowners share the cost of planting new parkway trees. 

Photo: DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson, City Clerk  Brad Hoey and City Manager Bill Nicklas gathered with representatives of the Citizens’ Environmental and Enhancement Commissions, members of the Public Works and Fire  Departments, and pawpaw advocates from the community and Northern Illinois University for a Fall Arbor Day tree planting on Oct. 28. The native pawpaw tree was planted in front of Fire Station One at 700 Pine St. 

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by Peyton

The Aspen Institute names Kish College as a top community college eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize

The Aspen Institute named Kishwaukee College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.

 

“Kishwaukee College is honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 200 community colleges in the nation. This distinction reflects the unwavering commitment of the entire College community to student success, exemplified by achieving the highest student completion rates in the College’s history. Kishwaukee College remains steadfast in delivering innovative programs and services that advance the success of our students and strengthen our region,” said Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College.

 

Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

 

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students — completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

 

Community colleges educate nearly six million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.

 

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to apply and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in Spring 2027. Over the next 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation, and whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

 

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only honor them with a monetary award but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.”

 

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.

 

The Aspen Institute will announce 25 semifinalists in April 2026 and 10 finalists in June 2026. The Aspen Prize winner will be announced in Spring 2027.

 

See the complete list of nominees at highered.aspeninstitute.org. Learn more about Kishwaukee College at kish.edu.

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by Peyton

Kish College to offer five Short-Term programs in Spring 2026

Kishwaukee College will offer five Short-Term programs during the Spring 2026 semester. Kish Short-Term programs provide students with the expertise needed to meet local workforce demands. The programs range from 11-15 weeks, allowing students to start a career immediately or build on skills with additional training.

 

Spring 2026 classes are available in hybrid, online and in-person formats. Participants need internet access to participate in programs with an online component. Some programs include an externship/clinical. The Short-Term programs offered in Spring 2026 are:

 

Appliance Repair Technician: Jan. 13-April 23 (In-Person)

Appliance repair technicians are skilled professionals trained to assist clients with household appliance installation, troubleshooting and repairs. In-person instruction is from 6:30-9:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Kishwaukee College.

 

Dental Assistant: Jan. 12-April 10 (Online Lecture/In-Person Practice)

Dental assistants work with dentists and dental hygienists to provide preventive and corrective dental care and administrative support in dental offices. Online instruction is delivered in an asynchronous format. In-person practice is from 6-9 pm on four Tuesdays in a local dental office.

 

Pharmacy Technician: Jan. 12-April 24 (Online)

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing prescription medication while performing various duties in a pharmacy setting. Online instruction is delivered in an asynchronous format. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding is available to those who qualify.

 

Real Estate Broker Pre-License: Jan. 13-March 5 (Online)

Real estate brokers perform many duties in real estate transactions, including marketing homes, establishing escrow accounts, and working to ensure transactions are fair and legal. Online instruction is from 6-9 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Sterile Processing Technician: Jan. 12-April 17 (Online)

Sterile processing technicians support patient services in a health care facility. Technicians help decontaminate, clean, process, assemble, sterilize, store and distribute medical devices and supplies needed in patient care, especially during surgery. Online instruction is delivered in an asynchronous format.

 

Spring 2026 registration opens online at 6 am Monday, Nov. 3. Learn more or register for Kishwaukee College Short-Term programs at kish.edu/shortterm.

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by Peyton

VOLUNTEER TO MAKE THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECES AT LIBRARY EVENT

Volunteer at the DeKalb Public Library on Tuesday, November 4, to help create Thanksgiving centerpieces that will be given to area nursing homes. Help our local seniors feel festive during the holiday!

 

This program is sponsored by JOY Volunteers. JOY, Jackson's Outstanding Young Volunteers, is a youth-led volunteer group in DeKalb County.

 

Registration is not required. This drop-in program is for all ages, but children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. It will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Story & Activity Room.

 

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

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by Peyton