The public can see art such as Valerie Weberpal’s work on the Sycamore Art Trail June 23.

COUNTY

Volunteers needed for projects throughout county

Projects running the gamut throughout DeKalb County from gardening to baking to delivering Meals on Wheels need volunteers, and Kishwaukee United Way is shedding light on that need. The agency is looking for volunteers to help with these and other projects during its Day of Caring on June 14.

Volunteers will help on projects for local nonprofit and human service agencies that need extra hands-on help. All the work will be done between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A kickoff rally and check-in starts at 8:15 a.m. in the Hopkins Park Garden Level Room, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. To sign up or to get more information, contact Kishwaukee United Way at 815-756-7522 or info@kishwaukeeunitedway.com.

Also, on June 27, the United Way will team up with Kishwaukee Family YMCA and Heartland Blood Center for a blood drive from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Y, 2500 W. Bethany Road, Sycamore, where the Heartland Mobile Coach will be parked. To set an appointment, visit heartlandbc.org or call 800-786-4483.

4-H Foundation plans fundraiser

Pick up some pork chops for dinner and help the DeKalb County 4-H Foundation. The foundation and the DeKalb Area Pork Producers will host their annual Pork Chop Drive-Thru Dinner June 26 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Building, 1350 W. Prairie Drive.

Proceeds from the dinner will support the DeKalb County 4-H program, a youth organization where adult volunteers organize learning experiences with youth. Each meal includes two pork chops, potato salad, baked beans, applesauce and a roll.

People can pick up their dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the farm bureau building. Individual tickets are $12. For information, call the extension office at 815-758-8194.

KIRKLAND

Library director named Citizen of Year

Kirkland’s new Citizen of the Year was chosen for the honor because of her longtime dedication to the library and the Kirkland Historical Society.

Linda Fett received the award during a Friends of the Library luncheon recently at the Kirkland Lutheran Church.

Fett began as a part-time employee at the library simply because she liked to read.

Her involvement with the historical society led to a number of joint presentations with the library, such as the history of Route 66, musical influences on the Beatles and the history of Rosie the Riveter.

Fett has helped coordinate Christmas in Kirkland, Easter Story Time, various summer library events for children and Memorial Day World War II Radio Hour, and is involved with village functions such as the Kirkland Community Center and Economic Development Study.

SYCAMORE

Art Trail ready for exploration June 23

Local artists will open their homes and work spaces to the public who travel on the Sycamore Art Trail June 23. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at 25228 Henderson Road.

Patrons will be able to see converted barns and buildings that house the work of Sycamore artists. Textiles, pottery, repurposed items and other art will be available for sale. Admission is free.

Participating artists and their addresses are:

• Bart Woodstrup, 451 E. Elm St.;
• Marilyn Hyrmak, Diane Johns and Cathy Schneider, 472 E. Elm St.;
• Lynden Bute, 112 North Ave.;
• Mike Fleetwood, 1302 Larson St.;
• Valerie Weberpal, 16521 Swanson Road;
• Kathleen Weisser, 25228 Henderson Road; and
• Kevin Hunter, 2235 Sycamore Road, #312, West DeKalb
  

Food truck now open as permanent restaurant

The DeKalb and Genoa Chambers of Commerce recently congratulated Nina’s Tacos on the opening of the company’s restaurant at 122 E. Page St. in Sycamore. Nina’s has moved its food truck operation to a permanent restaurant building with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine and is open year-round.

DeKALB

Gallery exhibits art by NIU alum

Art by Northern Illinois University alum Liz Graehling is on display at The Art Box Gallery in downtown DeKalb through June 28.

The name of the exhibition is “Through Time and Space.” On display are mixed media on paper composed in a circular format using such materials as watercolor, gel pens, color pencil, graphite, inks, dyes and Swarovski crystals.

The Art Box is at 308 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; closed Sunday and Wednesday.

For information, call Daniel Grych at 815-758-0313, email dan@dekalbgallery or visit dekalbgallery.com.

–DeKalb County News Briefs–