A DeKalb fire truck participates in the Northern Illinois University homecoming parade of 1948. “Homecoming: 111 Years Strong,” a look at Northern Illinois University homecoming celebrations, is the subject of the latest exhibit at the Regional History Center in Northern Illinois University’s Founders Memorial Library.

STATE

Catholic group criticizes Rauner’s support of abortion law

The Catholic Conference of Illinois, which speaks for Illinois Catholic bishops, said it is “deeply disturbed that Governor Rauner has broken his word and firm public promise to veto HB 40.”

Rauner recently signed the bill that ensures abortion will remain legal in Illinois even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, while also allowing women with Medicaid and state-employee health insurance to use their coverage for abortions. Opponents of the bill, however, have argued that abortions wouldn’t be made illegal in the state even if Roe was overturned, and the bill was always really about expanding insurance coverage.

The Catholic Conference said that Rauner is the first governor to enact a law for state funding of abortion, and “together with the legislators who voted for the misguided legislation, will now force Illinois taxpayers to pay for the taking of human life, in this case that of a defenseless child in the womb.”

The group said it will remain dedicated to advocating for the dignity and sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, and will work to convince the public and elected officials about it calls the grave moral error this legislation represents.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois was created in 1969 to serve as the public policy voice of the Illinois bishops and the six dioceses of the state: Peoria, Springfield, Joliet, Rockford, Belleville and Chicago. DeKalb area Catholic churches are in the Rockford Diocese.

COUNTY

Health department offers flu shots

The DeKalb County Health Department is offering flu immunizations for adults and children on weekdays. The flu shots are available 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the health department, 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road. They’re also offered 1:30 to 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month (Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12) at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1022 N. Main St., Sandwich.

The health department accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most PPO health insurances. Medicaid will be billed, or a payment of $15 will be accepted for children not on Medicaid but qualify for the Vaccine for Children program.

Pregnant women, children younger than five years and people 65 years of age and older are at higher risk for the flu.

DEKALB

Homecoming tradition explored in exhibit

More than 100 years of Northern Illinois University homecoming celebrations are the subject of the latest exhibit at the Regional History Center in Northern Illinois University’s Founders Memorial Library. For the month of October in celebration of American Archives Month, “Homecoming: 111 Years Strong,” focuses on the history of homecomings at Northern.

Homecoming originated with an alumni football game played Oct. 10, 1903, and it’s the oldest major college alumni gathering in the state. The Huskies have one of the longest celebrated homecoming traditions in the country.

The free exhibit highlights items from the University Archives, including school pennants, buttons, yearbooks, photographs, football programs and sports memorabilia. The main exhibit will be on display in the foyer of Founders Memorial Library and will continue in the Regional History Center in room 400.

The exhibit is free and open to all. Library hours are 8 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m.-midnight Sunday. Regional History Center hours are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Send an email to rhcua@niu.edu or call (815) 753-1779 for more information.

SANDWICH

Young thespians wanted for children’s production

Indian Valley Theatre has scheduled auditions for its upcoming children’s musical, “Peter Pan Jr.”

Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, “Peter Pan” is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. This high-flying, Tony Award-winning musical has been performed around the world and delighted audiences for 60 years and is now adapted for young performers.

Auditions are open to children ages 7 to 18, and will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 6, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8, at the Sandwich Opera House. Children should come prepared to sing a short song a cappella and cold read from the script.

Performances of “Peter Pan Jr.” will be given Jan. 19-21 at the Sandwich Opera House.

For questions or more information, send email to info@indianvalleytheatre.com, call (888) 365-8889, email the director, Sue Graham, at susu647@yahoo.com or visit indianvalleytheatre.com.

SYCAMORE

Grants can help fund public events

Organizations that want to present concerts and lectures can apply for available funding. The Wealth Management Department of First Midwest Bank is accepting applications for grants from the Mary E. Stevens Trust for public concerts or lectures.

To be eligible, applicants must be public or private not-for-profit organizations, and the program offered must be open to the public.

The deadline for applications is Oct. 31. For additional information regarding grants, email karen.daleo@firstmidwest.com.

–DeKalb County News Briefs–