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Upcoming Events
Glidden Homestead Barn Quilt WorkshopSun, Nov 08J. F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Cen
We the PeopleSat, Nov 14DeKalb Public Library
Adult Spelling BeeThu, Nov 19DeKalb Public Library
Remembering Port Chicago & Cyril O. SheppardSat, Nov 21DeKalb Public Library
Celebrating Japanese-American Heritage in ChicagoSat, Nov 21DeKalb Public Library
Corn Husk DollsWed, Nov 25DeKalb Public Library
Ongoing Events & Initiatives
United We Stay Warm
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is hosting their annual United We Stay Warm Coat Drive, a community drive collecting coats and winter accessories to support the Sycamore United Methodist Church (SUMC) Coat Ministry.
From October 1 to 16, community members are invited to donate new and gently used coats, boots, mittens, scarves, and other winter accessories.
The campaign encourages the community to help meet a goal of collecting 250 coats and winter items. Donations may be dropped off at any Northern Rehab location: 3266 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, 540 E. Main Street in Genoa, and 1211 Currency Court in Rochelle.
More information can be found at Northern Rehab’s website https://northernrehabpt.com/coat-drive/ or by calling 815.756.8524.
From October 1 to 16, community members are invited to donate new and gently used coats, boots, mittens, scarves, and other winter accessories.
The campaign encourages the community to help meet a goal of collecting 250 coats and winter items. Donations may be dropped off at any Northern Rehab location: 3266 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, 540 E. Main Street in Genoa, and 1211 Currency Court in Rochelle.
More information can be found at Northern Rehab’s website https://northernrehabpt.com/coat-drive/ or by calling 815.756.8524.
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.
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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