DeKalb County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

A bonfire under the stars at Camp Kesem helps youngsters take a break from the stress of dealing with their parents’ cancer. The NIU chapter of Camp Kesem is raising money for this year’s camp and looking for nurse volunteers. Also, there are still openings for youngsters who would like to attend.

COUNTY

Jail expansion nears completion

Expansion of the DeKalb County Jail remains on track in anticipation for a building dedication in May. The project is expected to cost $35 million, and about $31 million has already been spent.

Construction began in June 2016. The expansion will increase the jail’s capacity to 153, solving a decades-old overcrowding problem. The jail will feature new cells, isolation rooms, a kitchen and medical facilities. This is the jail’s first renovation since it was built in 1980, and the space will increase from 46,481 square feet in 1980 to 83,630 square feet.

The current jail’s average daily inmate population was 141 at the end of 2017 – the highest in the jail’s history. In 2016, the average inmate population was 113, Klein said.

The dedication is set for 12:30 p.m. May 17, and public tours be given after the ceremony.

DeKALB

Volunteers, donations needed for Camp Kesem

Sometimes it is tough to be a child while your parent has cancer.

Such a child can turn to Camp Kesem for respite. The Northern Illinois University chapter of Camp Kesem is seeking donations and the help of two nurses who will volunteer to work at this year’s camp. Ria Sangsomwong, director of the NIU chapter, said the nonprofit organization that provides a week of camp for children affected by their parents’ cancer, is looking to provide a memorable experience to children.

The financial goal is $30,000. So far, about $13,000 has been raised from individual donations, but the group is looking into profit-sharing ventures as well.

NIU’s Camp Kesem chapter is 2 years old, and had 12 campers its first camp. So far, 11 campers have applied and been accepted this year. There is room for more. Although the goal is to serve kids in the DeKalb-Sycamore area and the western Chicago suburbs, potential campers may be from anywhere.

To donate or register a camper, visit campkesem.org. Camp nurse applications are also available on the site.

Northern Rehab supports work of Community Gardens

DeKalb County Community Gardens and its work to increase access to fresh, local and sustainably grown organic food for area people in need were chosen as the recipient of a donation from a local business.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists, in honor of Physical Therapy Month, donated to DCCG in support of its mission. Northern Rehab recently held a contest to choose a local organization to support that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle in the community.

Brandon Clement, physical therapist at Northern Rehab’s DeKalb Main clinic, presented the donation to DCCG’s executive director, Dan Kenney.

The donation will help DCCG to continue to provide locally grown food and educational programs to improve the health and nutrition in DeKalb County.

For more information about Northern Rehab, visit northernrehabpt.com or call (815) 756-8524. For more information about DeKalb County Community Gardens, go to dekalbgardens.org.

SANDWICH

Scholarship to foster Interest in fine arts

Students with a flair for the fine arts may apply for a scholarship being offered again this year by Indian Valley Theatre (IVT). This will be the second year for the Mimi Bryan Memorial IVT Scholarship.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who have participated in fine arts, especially IVT productions, and may be interested pursuing more education in that field. However, a fine arts major or minor is not required to qualify for the scholarship.

Last year, Indian Valley Theatre awarded its first scholarship to Zoe Michaels and honored Bryan, a longtime educator was active on stage as well as behind the scenes. She was instrumental in giving many budding actors a start and bringing community theater to life in the Fox Valley area.

A committee of the IVT board of directors will review all applications. The $250 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating, college-bound senior from high schools in Sandwich and the surrounding communities.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college, must have a C average or better upon high school graduation, must submit two letters of recommendation from adults such as teachers, directors or theater members (excluding relatives) detailing their special qualifications for this award, and must submit a list of participation in and/or accomplishments in fine arts or theater-related activities.

Applications are due April 30, and must include a short written personal response to several questions. A scholarship application is available at indianvalleytheatre.com.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Mimi Bryan Scholarship with a tax-deductible donation can visit indianvalleytheatre.com. For questions or information, email info@indianvalleytheatre.com or call (888) 365-8889. IVT may be able to offer more than one scholarship this year because of the generosity of the community.

SYCAMORE

Culver’s giving day’s profits to multiple sclerosis cause

Profits of meals purchased March 22 will go to multiple sclerosis research. Sycamore Culver’s will share 10 percent of its profits March 22 with a group supporting the efforts of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Diners are invited to visit the Sycamore location, 1200 DeKalb Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m., and say they are helping Tina’s Team. Tina’s Team has raised more than $65,500 for the society since 2000, when its founder, TinaMarre Brust, was diagnosed with the central nervous system disease.

The team is participating in the St. Charles Walk MS on May 6.

 

–DeKalb County News Briefs–