Sycamore Public Library Kicks Off Week of the Young Child with Miss Carole Concert
The Sycamore Public Library will kick off its Week of the Young Child celebration with a lively, interactive concert featuring Miss Carole of Macaroni Soup! on Monday, Apr 13 at 10am. Families with young children are invited to sing, dance, and play together in this joyful program designed to celebrate early learning and connection.
Week of the Young Child is a national celebration recognizing the importance of early learning and the role families and communities play in a child’s development. Throughout the week, Sycamore Public Library will host daily themed activities in the Youth Department from 10am until close, giving families opportunities to learn through play all week long.
The themed days include:
• Music Monday — Concert with Miss Carole
• Tasty Tuesday — Pretend food and sensory play activities
• Work Together Wednesday — Collaborative play and building
• Artsy Thursday — Creative art experiences
• Family Friday — Activities designed for families to enjoy together
Miss Carole’s performance launches the celebration with music, movement, and interactive fun. Children will wiggle, laugh, and participate while building early literacy skills through rhythm, repetition, and play. The concert also creates a welcoming space for caregivers to connect and share meaningful experiences with their children.
“Week of the Young Child celebrates the simple but powerful ways children learn best through music, play, and shared experiences,” said Jill C., Assistant Director at Sycamore Public Library. “By offering activities throughout the week, we’re creating daily opportunities for families to engage in early learning together in a fun and welcoming environment.”
The program is geared toward children under 6, but all ages and abilities are welcome. No registration is required.
Event Details
Miss Carole Concert (Macaroni Soup!)
Monday, Apr 13
10am
Sycamore Public Library
Free. No registration required.
Additional Week of the Young Child activities will take place daily in the Youth Department from 10am until close.
For more information, visit sycamorelibrary.org or call 815-895-2500 ext 413.
Community Call to Action: Local Groups Invited to Day of Service
The DeKalb County History Center is inviting individuals, families, community groups, and local organizations to participate in a Day of Service during National Volunteer Week on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help prepare the History Center campus for the busy spring and summer season.
This hands-on volunteer opportunity will focus on sprucing up the grounds and pathways throughout the campus. Tasks will include spreading mulch, general spring clean-up, placing and filling raised garden beds, clearing rocks, and, weather permitting, planting flowers and greenery to keep the campus welcoming for visitors and programs.
While DeKalb County is known for having some of the richest soil in the world, many members of our community experience food insecurity. The History Center’s gardens play a small but meaningful role in addressing this need. Thanks to the dedication of DeKalb County Master Gardeners and volunteers, more than 1,500 pounds of produce are grown annually on the campus and shared with the community.
No special experience is needed to participate. Volunteers are asked to bring a pair of gloves, and History Center staff along with Master Gardener Cathy Anderson will provide guidance and instructions for each task. The work is designed to be approachable, family-friendly, and rewarding, making it a great opportunity for groups and individuals alike.
Participation is free, but pre-registration is encouraged so staff can plan appropriately. Groups and individuals can sign up at dekalbcountyhistory.org.
Photo Caption: 2025 Day of Service volunteers at the DeKalb County History Center.
DeKalb Fire Department Active-Member Death Notification
The City of DeKalb regrets to inform the community of the tragic passing of one of our firefighter/paramedics on Monday, April 6, 2026. Our focus remains on supporting the firefighter’s family, friends, and our department members during this difficult time.
The DeKalb Fire Department sincerely appreciates the support and understanding of the community. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please respect the privacy of the family as they navigate this difficult time.
*94.9 WDKB expresses our deepest condolences to the DeKalb Fire Department and the community as a whole*
DeKalb County Parent Launches as Northern Illinois's First Hyperlocal Platform for Family Resources and Extracurricular Activities
New community platform connects DeKalb-area families with local activities, camps, and resources in one searchable hub
DeKalb County Parent, a new hyperlocal digital platform serving families across DeKalb and the surrounding region, is officially live today. The site aggregates extracurricular activities, summer camps, community events, and family resources into a single searchable directory — filling a gap long felt by parents navigating a fragmented landscape of Facebook groups, school newsletters, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
DeKalb Parent was built by Nia Springer-Norris, who is a web developer, independent journalist and the founder of Springer Creative Associates LLC. Springer-Norris is a mother of three kids who are active in multiple activities and has had to navigate a variety of childcare needs from summer to summer. As a result, she experienced firsthand the exhausting information-gathering that comes with parenting in a community that doesn’t have a dedicated parent resource hub.
“Parents in DeKalb seem to find camps through word of mouth, or by posting to local parenting Facebook groups,” said Springer-Norris. “The organizations in the community are diligent about announcing their programming, there’s just no central place to list it. DeKalb County Parent changes that.”
What DeKalb Parent Offers
At launch, the platform features a filterable directory of local extracurricular programs and activities; a summer camp database with searchable categories, age ranges, and registration details and a newsletter curating the latest resources for DeKalb-area families. Organizations can submit listings directly through the site, and a dashboard for managing and updating listings is live and available to local coordinators.
The platform is built on a modern editorial stack designed for longevity and community contribution, with a focus on accessibility and mobile usability.
A Platform Built by a Community Member, for the Community
DeKalb Parent operates as a DBA under Springer Creative Associates LLC. Springer brings her background in communication, media, and technology to a project rooted in a genuine community need rather than a market trend. She is actively pursuing grant support from journalism and civic technology funders and is in conversation with local organizations about sponsored listings and newsletter partnerships.
“This isn’t a startup story,” Springer noted. “It’s a neighbor story. I live here. My kids go to school here. I’m building something I would use every week.”
About DeKalb Parent
DeKalb Parent is a hyperlocal digital platform connecting families in DeKalb, Illinois with extracurricular activities, community resources, and local events. It is operated by Springer Creative LLC, a DeKalb-based creative and communications company. For more information, visit [dekalbparent.com].
Past Times at Glidden: Barn Quilt Workshop Invites Community to Explore Traditional Craft
The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host a hands-on artistic experience with its upcoming Past Times at Glidden: Dutch Tulip Barn Quilt Workshop on Sunday, April 26, from 1–4 PM at the Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Participants in this engaging three-hour workshop will receive a pre-drafted 17" x 17" wooden shiplap board, already primed and ready to paint. Guided by instructor Courtney Sliga, attendees will learn a brief history of barn quilts, explore painting techniques, and receive expert advice on selecting a balanced and visually striking color palette. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a completed barn quilt ready for display.
The workshop is designed for both beginners and experienced painters. Registration is $75 per student, and space is limited. Advance registration is required and available at GliddenHomestead.org. A portion of all proceeds directly supports the museum’s operations.
This program is part of the Homestead’s Past Times at Glidden series, its America250 programming. The series celebrates the traditional trades and crafts that helped shape the nation, connecting these practices to the site’s own history as the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented and first manufactured “The Winner” barbed wire on the property in the 1870s.
About the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center
The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center preserves and interprets the home and barn of barbed wire inventor Joseph F. Glidden, highlighting DeKalb’s agricultural and educational heritage through public programming and community events.
For more information, call 815-756-7904, visit www.gliddenhomestead.org, or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org.
Free Presentation “Knee Pain: Prevention & Management” Hosted by Northern Rehab and Kishwaukee YMCA
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA invite the public to join them for their collaborative Lunch & Learn Educational Series on Thursday, April 6 at 11:00 am held at the Kishwaukee Family YMCA in Sycamore. This event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided by co-sponsor, Hy-Vee in Sycamore.
April’s presentation topic is “Knee Pain: Prevention & Management,” presented by Northern Rehab’s physical therapist Brandon Clement. Attendees will learn about knee anatomy, common injuries, and strategies to prevent and self-treat injuries.
This free event is open to the public (YMCA membership is not required), but space is limited, and registration is required. You may sign up online at kishymca.org or call 815.375.5392.
For more information about this event, please visit northernrehabpt.com/events or kishymca.org or call 815.375.5392.
100+ Local Businesses to Come Together at the Local Showcase
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual spring exposition, the Local Showcase, on Thursday, April 23, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. This family-friendly event is your chance to discover what your community has to offer in a fun way!
The Local Showcase will feature over 100 local businesses and organizations, offering one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages. Attendees can expect interactive displays, giveaways, activities, demonstrations, resources, employment opportunities, and more. This event aims to connect the public with our business community. It is free to attend and open to all. Concessions will be available for purchase so guests can grab a snack to enjoy while exploring.
The Local Showcase is presented by Boss Roofing – Siding Experts. For more information on this event, visit dekalb.org, follow along on social media at dekalbilchamber, or contact the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at 815-756-6306.
The Trouble with My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and Coming into Who I Am
Award-winning storyteller and solo performer Dr. Ada Cheng brings her solo show, “The Trouble with My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and Coming into Who I Am,” to audiences in an intimate, emotionally rich exploration of identity, transformation, and self-love. The one-night only performance will take place on Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:45 PM, at DeKalb’s First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Written and performed by Cheng, this compelling piece uses theatrical storytelling and narrative art to examine Cheng’s evolving relationship with her hair, and how it reflects her journey through gender, sexual, and racial identity. With humor, vulnerability, and insight, Cheng invites audiences into a deeply personal yet universally meaningful story of boundary-making and self-discovery.
An accomplished storyteller, producer, and educator, Cheng has been touring nationally since 2016 with her previous solo performances, Not Quite and Loving Across Borders, appearing at universities, theaters, and conferences across the country. She premiered The Trouble with My Hair in Los Angeles in October 2025 as part of Soaring Solo Studios’ Stars Series.
Beyond the stage, Cheng is committed to amplifying marginalized voices. She has created numerous storytelling platforms centering BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, fostering spaces where difficult and vulnerable stories can be shared. Her work bridges academia, performance, and advocacy, earning her recognition as the 2023–24 Lund-Gill Endowed Chair at Dominican University and the recipient of the 2024 Public Humanities Award from Illinois Humanities. She has also been a featured speaker with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau since 2019.
Tickets are $40 and will directly support the Legacy Wall, a positive and inspiring exhibit raising awareness of the roles LGBTQ+ individuals have played in shared human history from across the country, complemented by local community narratives. The Wall is scheduled to come to the DeKalb Public Library in November 2026.
This moving and thought-provoking performance promises to inspire a deeper understanding of identity and belonging for our community.
“The Trouble with my Hair” will take place at DeKalb’s First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N 1st St, Dekalb. Tickets are only available online - ellwoodhouse.org/calendar. For questions or more information contact Audrey King at king@ellwoodhouse.org or call 815-756-4609.
Submission Period Open for America 250 DeKalb Utility Box Murals
DeKalb-area artists are invited to submit their paintings to be showcased as part of the community’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The DeKalb Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is seeking local art submissions for the fifth round of the City’s popular utility box mural program. This year’s theme is America 250 DeKalb, the communitywide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“Public art has been a large part of the City’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in the DeKalb community over the past five years, and that continues this year as part of America 250 DeKalb,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “A new mural and lighting installation have already been approved by the City Council as America 250 DeKalb legacy
projects, and we know DeKalb’s arts community will add more vibrant artwork to the commemoration through our utility box murals.”
Now in its fifth round, the utility box mural program uses digital photos of paintings by local artists to fabricate vinyl wraps. The wraps are installed on mundane utility boxes throughout DeKalb, turning them into pop-up murals.
This year, special consideration will be given to submissions reflecting the spirit of America 250 DeKalb. The initiative aims to build unity as the community works together on activities to commemorate the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Artists are encouraged to learn more about the initiative by visiting its website at onedekalb.org.
“The utility box art program is among the city’s most visible and popular public art
initiatives said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “I am excited that this year’s project is aligned with our America 250 DeKalb celebration, giving artists an opportunity to apply their
talents in creating vibrant, patriotic showpieces that will be a part of our community’s landscape for years to come.”
Examples of possible themes are included in the Call for Artists, which also includes the online submission form. Submissions of digital photos or scans of paintings by local artists will be accepted through May 13, 2026. Original digital artwork will also be considered. The Call for Artists can be viewed at www.cityofdekalb.com/1589/Utility Box-Murals.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
Photo caption: The utility box mural at the entrance to DeKalb High School features the painting “Welcome to DeKalb, Illinois” by Christine Perkovich of DeKalb.
Mark C. Perna to Speak at Kishwaukee College on Empowering the Next Generation: “Unleashing Passion, Purpose & Performance in Younger Generations”
The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) invites educators, employers, parents, and community leaders to an inspiring and informative event, “Unleashing Passion, Purpose & Performance in Younger Generations,” featuring nationally recognized speaker and bestselling author Mark C. Perna. The event will take place on April 17 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Kishwaukee College in Malta. The event is free and includes a continental breakfast; pre-registration is required at DCEDC.org/events.
Mark C. Perna, author of Answering Why, is a dynamic performance expert known for helping organizations bridge the generational divide and unlock the true potential of today’s young people. During this engaging session, Perna will share groundbreaking strategies that are reshaping how educators and employers connect with, engage, and retain younger generations across the country.
“Mark Perna shows us that when we intentionally connect young people to passion and purpose, we elevate performance—and create lasting community impact. His message will challenge every leader in the room,” said DCEDC Executive Director Melissa Amedeo.
Purpose‑driven education and training are at the heart of Perna’s message. He emphasizes that when students understand why their learning matters, they are more likely to pursue passion‑driven careers, perform at higher levels, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. As the education‑to‑employment skills gap continues to widen, Perna’s insights offer actionable solutions to help communities tap into the creativity, intelligence, and potential of the next generation.
Drawing from both professional research and personal experience as a father of two successful young people, Perna provides clear insights into how younger generations think, what motivates them, and how they make decisions. Attendees will leave with practical tools they can apply immediately—both at home and in the workplace—to forge authentic human connections, move young people from static purpose to active purpose, and empower them to achieve at a higher level.
This event will benefit:
- Educators looking to bring relevance and purpose into the classroom
- Employers seeking to attract, engage, and retain young talent
- Economic developers and community leaders focused on strengthening the local workforce
- Parents and stakeholders wanting to better connect with and inspire young people
Participants will gain:
- Key insights into how young people think, what makes them tick, and how they make decisions
- Tools to connect, engage, and answer why to inspire greater effort and performance
- Clear action steps that can be implemented immediately
- Proven strategies to help young people move from potential to performance
Individuals across North America are already using Perna’s nationally acclaimed tools to improve outcomes for students, employees, organizations, and communities.
Pre-registration is required. Visit DCEDC.org/events for more information and to register.