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Upcoming Events
Walt Whitman: America’s PoetSat, Sep 12Dekalb Public Library
Glidden Homestead Barn Quilt WorkshopSun, Sep 13J. F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Cen
8 Countries in 1 DaySat, Sep 19DeKalb Public Library
Bourbon: The American SpiritMon, Sep 21DeKalb Public Library
The History of the Lincoln HighwaySat, Sep 26DeKalb Public Library
Lizzie Borden & the Borden MurdersSat, Oct 10DeKalb Public Library- Glidden Homestead Barn Quilt WorkshopSun, Oct 11J. F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Cen
- Glidden Homestead Barn Quilt WorkshopSun, Nov 08J. F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Cen
Ongoing Events & Initiatives
Move 250 Challenge
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists invite area residents to get moving this July as part of their “Move 250 Challenge,” a community-wide initiative celebrating America's 250th anniversary through health, wellness, and physical activity.
Taking place July 1–31, the challenge encourages participants of all ages and fitness levels to log their movement and help the community collectively reach 250 hours of activity. Whether it's walking, biking, swimming, gardening, kayaking, dancing, playing sports, or simply staying active throughout the day, every activity counts toward the goal.
Participants can easily track their movement by scanning a QR code or clicking a link to submit their activity online. Paper Activity Forms are also available to fill out and submit at all Northern Rehab clinics. Each activity logged earns an entry into a raffle for a chance to win fun prizes.
"Northern Rehab’s Move 250 Challenge is a fun way to celebrate our nation's history while encouraging healthy habits, active lifestyles, and community engagement," said Northern Rehab’s physical therapist Melissa Beck. "We encourage everyone to participate, regardless of age or fitness level. The goal is simply to get moving and have fun while doing so this summer."
Throughout the month, Northern Rehab will provide social media updates on the community's progress and celebrate participants who are helping make our community a healthier place to live, work, and play.
Participation is free and open to the public. More information, including how to log activities, can be found at Northern Rehab’s website https://northernrehabpt.com/move-250-challenge/ or by calling 815.756.8524, and following on Northern Rehab's social media platforms.
Taking place July 1–31, the challenge encourages participants of all ages and fitness levels to log their movement and help the community collectively reach 250 hours of activity. Whether it's walking, biking, swimming, gardening, kayaking, dancing, playing sports, or simply staying active throughout the day, every activity counts toward the goal.
Participants can easily track their movement by scanning a QR code or clicking a link to submit their activity online. Paper Activity Forms are also available to fill out and submit at all Northern Rehab clinics. Each activity logged earns an entry into a raffle for a chance to win fun prizes.
"Northern Rehab’s Move 250 Challenge is a fun way to celebrate our nation's history while encouraging healthy habits, active lifestyles, and community engagement," said Northern Rehab’s physical therapist Melissa Beck. "We encourage everyone to participate, regardless of age or fitness level. The goal is simply to get moving and have fun while doing so this summer."
Throughout the month, Northern Rehab will provide social media updates on the community's progress and celebrate participants who are helping make our community a healthier place to live, work, and play.
Participation is free and open to the public. More information, including how to log activities, can be found at Northern Rehab’s website https://northernrehabpt.com/move-250-challenge/ or by calling 815.756.8524, and following on Northern Rehab's social media platforms.
Paint-A-Plug
The City of DeKalb’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary continues with the Paint-A-Plug public arts program.
For the second-straight year, the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is encouraging local artists to adopt America 250 DeKalb as their theme when submitting designs to paint the City’s fire hydrants.
Public art projects are a centerpiece of America 250 DeKalb, the communitywide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A new Lincoln Highway mural and downtown lighting installation will be completed as part of the initiative, and last month, the CCEC announced this year’s utility box mural program will highlight the commemoration. To continue this momentum, CCEC Chair Brad Hoey said artists once again can celebrate America through Paint-A-Plug.
“Paint-A-Plug remains one of DeKalb’s most popular public art projects” said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “2026 is the second year that we are encouraging participants to integrate a patriotic or historical theme into their Paint-A-Plug project, and I am looking forward to seeing more of this creative and colorful art on display throughout the community.”
Some theme ideas include patriotism, independence, historic figures and achievements and celebrations of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
As a proud supporter of the arts, a downtown business has once again donated gift cards to help artists obtain supplies for their Paint-A-Plug. Helen’s Hair Designs and Spa is providing a $50 gift card to Gordon Hardware to the first five approved artists for the purchase of painting supplies.
Applications are now being accepted for Paint-A-Plug, which is open to artists of all skill levels. While encouraged, incorporation of an America 250 theme is not a requirement to participate. As in previous year’s, community members are welcome to submit designs using any theme that helps beautify DeKalb. The application can be found at cityofdekalb.com/paintaplug. The deadline for completing Paint-A-Plug projects is Nov 1.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
For the second-straight year, the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is encouraging local artists to adopt America 250 DeKalb as their theme when submitting designs to paint the City’s fire hydrants.
Public art projects are a centerpiece of America 250 DeKalb, the communitywide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A new Lincoln Highway mural and downtown lighting installation will be completed as part of the initiative, and last month, the CCEC announced this year’s utility box mural program will highlight the commemoration. To continue this momentum, CCEC Chair Brad Hoey said artists once again can celebrate America through Paint-A-Plug.
“Paint-A-Plug remains one of DeKalb’s most popular public art projects” said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “2026 is the second year that we are encouraging participants to integrate a patriotic or historical theme into their Paint-A-Plug project, and I am looking forward to seeing more of this creative and colorful art on display throughout the community.”
Some theme ideas include patriotism, independence, historic figures and achievements and celebrations of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
As a proud supporter of the arts, a downtown business has once again donated gift cards to help artists obtain supplies for their Paint-A-Plug. Helen’s Hair Designs and Spa is providing a $50 gift card to Gordon Hardware to the first five approved artists for the purchase of painting supplies.
Applications are now being accepted for Paint-A-Plug, which is open to artists of all skill levels. While encouraged, incorporation of an America 250 theme is not a requirement to participate. As in previous year’s, community members are welcome to submit designs using any theme that helps beautify DeKalb. The application can be found at cityofdekalb.com/paintaplug. The deadline for completing Paint-A-Plug projects is Nov 1.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
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.
“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. The Call for Artist can be viewed at cityofdekalb.com/1589/Utility-Box-Murals. 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.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
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.
“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. The Call for Artist can be viewed at cityofdekalb.com/1589/Utility-Box-Murals. 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.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
250 American Flags
DeKalb AMVETS Post 90 is encouraging 250 or more DeKalb residents that do not currently display an American Flag to put up a flag by July 4, 2026.
After you display your flag, please contact AMVETS member Frank Beierlotzer at ffb66@juno.com. A list is being created with the new American Flags being displayed in honor of our 250 years as America. Please send the address where the flag is displayed and when it was first displayed.
Also, send us a photo of your new flag to post: onedekalb250@gmail.com
And remember, any honorably discharged veteran or current military member may join DeKalb AMVETS Post 90 free for the first year of membership.
After you display your flag, please contact AMVETS member Frank Beierlotzer at ffb66@juno.com. A list is being created with the new American Flags being displayed in honor of our 250 years as America. Please send the address where the flag is displayed and when it was first displayed.
Also, send us a photo of your new flag to post: onedekalb250@gmail.com
And remember, any honorably discharged veteran or current military member may join DeKalb AMVETS Post 90 free for the first year of membership.
250 Trees for Tomorow
As part of our Nation's 250th Anniversary Celebration, DeKalb Township has committed to planting 250 trees in our community. The "250 Trees for Tomorrow" initiative is a multi-year program, that provides trees and shrubs at no cost to residents, businesses, non-profit organizations and other government bodies.
Those interested in obtaining free trees and/or shrubs as a part of this initiative must complete the "250 Trees for Tomorrow Request Form" and return it to the DeKalb Township. This form can be picked up at DeKalb Township or accessed using the link below. Completed forms should be returned to admin@dekalbtownship.org or 2323 S. 4th St. DeKalb, IL 60115.
2026 SPRING REQUEST FORM DEADLINE: MARCH 31. 2026 SPRING PICK-UP: APRIL 23-MAY 15, during business hours by appointment.
This project is made possible with the support of the Chicago Region Trees Initiatives (CRTI) & Morton Arboretum. Requests will be fulfilled in accordance with CRTI grant priorities and on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions, please contact Kimberly at 815-758-8282.
Note: Trees must be planted within DeKalb Township boundaries but may not be planted in City parkways.
Those interested in obtaining free trees and/or shrubs as a part of this initiative must complete the "250 Trees for Tomorrow Request Form" and return it to the DeKalb Township. This form can be picked up at DeKalb Township or accessed using the link below. Completed forms should be returned to admin@dekalbtownship.org or 2323 S. 4th St. DeKalb, IL 60115.
2026 SPRING REQUEST FORM DEADLINE: MARCH 31. 2026 SPRING PICK-UP: APRIL 23-MAY 15, during business hours by appointment.
This project is made possible with the support of the Chicago Region Trees Initiatives (CRTI) & Morton Arboretum. Requests will be fulfilled in accordance with CRTI grant priorities and on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions, please contact Kimberly at 815-758-8282.
Note: Trees must be planted within DeKalb Township boundaries but may not be planted in City parkways.
Blood Donation Challenge
Be a local hero by joining forces with the DeKalb American Legion Post #66, DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765 and the City of DeKalb, as we attempt to raise 250 gallons of blood donations through the Red Cross! We are eager to set the standard for saving lives. We working diligently with the Red Cross to schedule the ongoing events throughout the year.
The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!
Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!
The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!
Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!
Becoming the United States: Colonial America to Reconstruction
DeKalb Public Library Main Lobby, August 17 - Sept. 11
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