22 - InVironments Magazineinvironmentsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Vol7-Issue2-March...1 Wash the vase and remove any price stickers. ... a genuine passion to help others make

1Where life happens.

DEKALB COUNTY EDITION

VOL 7 ISSUE 2MARCH-APRIL 2015

Pawsitive Tails22

DIY Home Projects Spruce up your space for spring with Ashley Murcia

Local therapy dogs bringcomfort to people of all ages

08

3DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2015 Where life happens.2


Ladies Lilac L U N C H E O N

10:30AM – 2:00PMS T . M A R Y ’ S M E M O R I A L H A L L

S Y C A M O R E

BRING THE SPECIAL WOMEN in your life for an enjoyable afternoon at the Ladies Lilac Luncheon, a fundraiser for St. Mary's School

in Sycamore. The event includes a delicious buffet lunch, shopping, fashion show and beautifully decorated tables. Tickets on sale

on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, and are $20 each for adults and $10 each for ages 3-10 and children 2 and under are free.

F O R I N F O , C O N T A C T A S H L E Y M U R C I A @ H O T M A I L . C O M

MAY 16th


28 I N C O M M U N I T Y100+ Women Who Care make a big impact locally

34 I N H E A LT HLighten your load this spring by making changes in your daily routines

38 K I S H H E A LT H S Y S T E M DeKalb Clinic is now KishHealth System Physician Group

40 I N AU TO M OT I V EBockman’s Auto Care wants to save you money on your spring travel

43 I N B O O K STwo great picks for your book club—The Road and Five Days at Memorial

44 C A L E N DA R O F E V E N T SCheck out a slew of spring events happening in DeKalb County

18 I N E D U C AT I O NThe Bookcase Project is a community-wide effort to end illiteracy

14 I N P E O P L EDeana Cada and the CMHB serveDeKalb County’s most vulnerable

08T A B L E O F

CONTENTS

22Pawsitive TAILSLocal therapy dogs and their ownersbring comfort to people of all ages

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F E A T U R E

F E A T U R E

DIY Home ProjectsSpruce up your space for spring with Ashley Murcia

FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO: WWW INVIRONMENTSMAG.COM

Contact UsInVironments

P.O. Box 4, Sycamore, IL 60178

InVironments Editorial [email protected]

Darby Dwyer, Advertising [email protected]


PAINTED GLASS VASE CENTERPIECE

ASHLEY SAYS: “This easy craft adds a pop of color to any room. Paint several vases for an eye-catching mantel display or table centerpiece. Or pair a single vase with a candle and a ceramic piece to create an interesting collection of shapes and textures.”

NOTE: If you can’t find the Perm-Enamel brand of paint, any glass/ceramic paint will do. Most are dishwasher safe, but are NOT SAFE for eating or drinking.

YOU WILL NEED:

Paper towels................................................................

Clear glass vase (preferably a rounded, “fish bowl” style vase)................................................................

Surface conditioner (can also use rubbing alcohol)................................................................

Perm-Enamel (or similar) paint in your preferred color................................................................

1 Wash the vase and remove any price stickers. Let it air dry completely.

2 Pour a tablespoon of surface conditioner or rubbing alcohol into the vase and swirl it around to coat the entire inside. Let the vase air dry again (this should only take a few minutes).

3 Dispense approximately 1/8 cup of paint into the vase.

4 Swirl the paint around the vase in the same way you did with the conditioner to coat the bottom and partway up the sides.

5 Keep the vase upright and let it dry at least overnight.

spruce up your home for spring

WITH ASHLEY MURCIA

The temperatures are rising. The days are getting longer. Spring has finally arrived! If you’re like me, months of living indoors has made you tired of looking at last year’s décor. Since spring is synonymous with “new,” why not embrace the season and freshen up your home’s interiors?

Most “spring spruce up” tips found online focus on home improvement and outdoor projects—painting, deck refinishing, reorganizing, etc. These are all great tasks to accomplish, but they often require lots of time and materials. If you have just a few hours and a limited budget, but you want to refresh your space, look no further than the projects we’ve outlined below!

To help us create this list, we turned to Ashley Murcia. By day, she is the Senior Marketing & Communications Manager for NB&T. When she’s not at work, she is a mother of two and the owner of re-nest studio, a popular Etsy shop filled with customized and personalized home decor

“for little ones’ spaces and parents’ places.”“As a mom, a crafter, and someone who loves home décor, I’ve lived the classic challenge: you want to decorate a space with something different, but everything seems too expensive, too ordinary, or just not quite right for you and your home,” said Ashley.

“I believe the home is a sanctuary—a nest—a place that’s yours and reflects your personality. This philosophy is the foundation of re-nest studio.”

Ashley has provided us with step-by-step instructions for making a few of her absolute favorite home accessories. She’s completed each of these simple-yet-stylish projects for her own “nest.” Every item in the materials lists can be found at your local craft store (Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics, etc.)

Ashley Murcia is the owner/designer of re-nest studio, a customized home décor and personalized party décor Etsy boutique, based in DeKalb. As a mother to two young children, Ashley started re-nest studio based on a rich history of crafting, DIY, and

a genuine passion to help others make their homes personalized and unique. In addition to creating unique home and party décor, Ashley also shares her work, DIY tutorials, and life stories as a mother on her blog,alittlecreativeeveryday.blogspot.com. And, starting in May 2015, she will also become a regular DIY contributor to InVironments Magazine!



“ANYONE CAN BE A MODERN ARTIST” PAINTED CANVASASHLEY SAYS: “Great art for your walls can be EXPENSIVE. Why not create your own unique work with just a few very affordable materials? Using a simple paintbrush technique, you can create something lovely and original—no prior experience or specific artistic talent required! And here’s a little bonus for this project—it’s great to do with elementary school-aged kids. Put them in a smock and let their creativity run wild!”

YOU WILL NEED:

Plain white canvas, whatever size you choose................................................................

Acrylic paint, two colors................................................................

Two sponge paintbrushes................................................................

Bowls for the paint................................................................

Paper plate for excess paint...............................................................

1 Set up your canvas on an easel, or simply lean it against a sturdy surface.

2 Identify an approximate horizontal center of your canvas, so you know where to end your first color and begin your second color.

3 Dip one sponge brush into the first color and brush off any excess on the paper plate (you can use a simple “brushstroke” technique).

4 At the top center of your canvas, begin applying paint with light, back-and-forth brushstrokes. Don’t be afraid of making paint brush strokes in an up-and-down, side-to-side, or diagonal pattern to create interesting stroke marks.

5 Once you apply the first color on the top half of the canvas, dip your second sponge brush in your second color of paint. Again, brush off any excess on the paper plate.

6 Begin applying paint with the same light, back-and-forth brushstrokes used on the top of the canvas. Apply paint to cover as much of the canvas as you desire.

7 Allow the paint to dry for at least two hours. Once it’s dry, you can apply a second coat of paint to fill in any spots.

DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 201510


ENVELOPE PILLOW COVERASHLEY SAYS: “This is another favorite of mine. In my opinion, accent pillows can really make all the difference in the look of a room. But who has the budget to buy as many adorable pillows as you need, and who has time to sew custom pillow covers? This project lets you create accent pillows that fit with your unique style and design sensibility, without demanding too much of your time or budget. The materials and steps below are for one pillow. Feel free to repeat with different fabric choices to create as many as you like!”

NOTE: Ashley recommends using a simple lightweight cotton or a mid-weight home decor fabric for best results.

YOU WILL NEED:

A square- or rectangle-shaped pillow form in the size and fill of your preference..........................................................

A swatch of fabric that is large enough to envelope the pillow you chose (see below for guidelines)..........................................................

Safety pins and/or a fashion brooch..........................................................

1 Measure your pillow (width and length).

2 Cut your fabric swatch to be twice as wide as your pillow and twice as long, plus 4” (to allow for tucking). For example, if your pillow form is 18” wide and 12” long, you’ll need a fabric swatch that is 36” wide by 28” long.

3 Iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles.

4 Lay the fabric out, pattern side down, and center your pillow form on your fabric.

DO YOU H AVE DIY PROJECTS YOU’VE DONE TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME? WE WANT TO SEE THEM! SH ARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/INVIRONMENTSMAGAZINE.

POP OF COLOR PICTURE FRAMESASHLEY SAYS: “Picture frames don’t have to be filled with just pictures. One of the things I love to do—again, super easy and affordable—is to buy multi-opening gallery frames, and instead of pictures, fill the openings with color-coordinated scrapbook papers. I’ve done this in a couple of places in my house and it really adds variety, color, and texture. Along with this, I’ve also framed a scrap of leftover fabric from window dressing and used it in the same room as an accent. Something like this is also super affordable, and you don’t need a Ph.D. in art!”

YOU WILL NEED:

A multi-opening frame..........................................................

Scrapbook papers in coordinated colors..........................................................

Scissors..........................................................

Ruler..........................................................

Tape..........................................................

1 Choose a multi-opening gallery frame that includes a mat with multiple openings.

2 Select 2-3 different but coordinating scrapbook papers, usually available in 12” x 12” sheets.

3 Measure your scrapbook papers to the size of your photo openings. Add at least 1/8” to all sides to make sure you have plenty to secure to the back of the mat.

4 Disassemble your gallery frame and place your scrapbook papers in the openings. Tape them to the mat to keep them from sliding around.

5 Re-assemble your frame.

5 Fold the top flap over the form, and then fold the bottom flap over the form (they’ll overlap a bit in the middle). Think about it as if you were wrapping a present.

6 For the sides, fold the fabric ends into points (remember the gift-wrapping analogy).

7 Fold the two pointed sides to the center of the pillow form, tuck the unfinished end on the top flap, and fasten it with a safety pin or fashion brooch to hold the fabric together. f



I N P E O P L E

Deanna Cada is originally from Seattle, but in her mind, DeKalb County is her home. From the

moment she started her freshman year at NIU in 1986, she knew she had found a community where she belonged, and where she could make a difference.

Armed with a B.S. in Sociology (emphasis in Criminology), Deanna graduated from NIU in 1990 and embarked on a productive career serving at-risk populations. From DeKalb County Court Services, to the DeKalb County Youth Services Bureau and the Community Foundation, Deanna has worked tirelessly for decades to affect change in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.

Her career led her away from DeKalb County in 2011 when she took a position with Kane County Court Services. Deanna loved the work, and she accomplished a lot, including securing grants to help assimilate non-violent offenders and revitalize the Kane County Juvenile Justice Council.

“But I was lonely for my community,” Deanna said. “I never felt connected to Kane County the way I had always felt connected to DeKalb County. I missed the wonderful working relationships that exist between nonprofits, the accessibility to government programs and people, and the support of numerous professionals in both the public and private sectors. I wanted to come home.”

So when the posting for the Executive Director position at the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board came out, Deanna applied right away. “The position felt like the perfect configuration of my skills and experience, and it meant coming back to DeKalb County. It’s working in a field I love, supporting agencies I have long known, and representing the interest of a community I am 110% committed to.”

InVironments talked with Deanna to learn more about the life-changing work she and the Community Mental Health Board are doing, as well as the great agencies they support.

DEANNA CADA: SERVING DEKALB COUNTY’S

MOST VULNERABLE

DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 201514 15Where life happens.


INVIRONMENTS: For our readers who may not know, what is the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board?

Deanna: The CMHB funds services for DeKalb County residents who suffer from or are at risk of developing mental or substance abuse disorders, or developmental disabilities. The Board is made up of dedicated people who are working diligently to ensure that the most vulnerable of DeKalb County residents get the services and care they need.

In 1968, the taxpayers of this community voted to make these services available and to ensure they are of a high quality. The CMHB has been charged with stewarding taxpayer dollars to meet the community needs in these three areas by contracting with local agencies and planning, funding, and monitoring mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services within the county.

InV: Which agencies and programs are receiving funding in 2015?

D: This year, the Board is providing funding to 42 programs in 15 different agencies, for a total allocation of $1,928,100.

THE AGENCIES RECEIVING FUNDING ARE:

• Adventure Works of DeKalb County• DeKalb County Youth Services Bureau• Opportunity House, Inc.• Ben Gordon Center• Elder Care Services• Safe Passage• Children’s Home & Aid• Family Service Agency• Voluntary Action Center• Consumer Advocacy Council

of DeKalb County• Hope Haven• DeKalb County Drug Court• DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department• Open Door Rehabilitation Center

We periodically fund special programs or projects as well, if they fit the funding priority areas, such as the Penguin Project/Penguin Players.

InV: Does the CMHB provide services directly?

D: The CMHB does not provide services directly. We do not want to be in competition with our funded agencies in any way. We are a support to our funded agencies and try to have collaborative meetings with agency directors a couple times a year. The focus of those meetings is to share information about trends in the field, look at opportunities for collaboration and collaborative funding, provide specific training opportunities, discuss challenges and successes, and give agency directors time and space to interact and brainstorm with each other.

The CMHB shares information year round with agencies, such as training opportunities, grant opportunities from other organizations, changes in laws or regulations, etc. The Board also participates in community networking groups and committees to collaborate with other entities to educate the general public and to be a resource.

InV: How can community members get involved with the work you do?

D: We encourage the community to get involved as volunteers with the agencies we support. Additionally, the CMHB

periodically has board position openings and those are posted in the newspaper. If anyone from the community is interested in learning more about the CMHB or applying for a Board member position, he or she can contact me or Kathy Ostdick, Administrative Assistant. Kathy is wonderful and so committed to the CMHB. She works very closely with the Consumer Advocacy Council of DeKalb County to make sure that the most vulnerable individuals get their needs met. She is an excellent resource for finding and arranging resources for the professionals in our community that work with those who have mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. f

I N P E O P L E

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEKALB COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH BOARD, VISIT WWW.DEKALBCOUNTY.ORG/MENTALHEALTH/INDEX.HTML OR CALL (815) 899-7080.

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I N E D U C A T I O N

By Lindsay Massie

Back in 2011, John Rey was reading American Profile magazine when he came across an article

that grabbed his attention. The story was about a man named Jim Davidson and a literacy initiative he founded in his home town of Conway, Arkansas called A Bookcase for Every Child©.

Davidson began the project in 2005 when he realized the long-term negative effects illiteracy could have on a community. “There are 42 million American adults who cannot read at all. These adults at one time were also kids, and most of them grew up in low-income homes where … 61 percent do not have any books to read,” Davidson says in his book Learning, Earning & Giving Back. “Without books to read in their formative years, these underprivileged kids enter school with a limited vocabulary and lack basic communication skills that are vital to success and staying in school.”

Davidson cites more research that shows how these children who start out behind never really catch up—many of them eventually drop out of school. Studies show that communities with high drop out rates also have high rates of incarceration, which leads to more burden on the taxpayers. It’s a domino effect that begins with exposure to books and reading at a young age.“The value of preschool literacy cannot be

overstated,” said Rey. “I spent eight years on the School Board for District 428 and education has always been an important cause to me. I knew when I saw the article that DeKalb County would benefit from a project like A Bookcase for Every Child.”

The basic premise of the initiative is to bring as many local volunteers together as possible to build custom bookshelves for kids in need, and then fill the shelves with donated, age-appropriate books. “We structured the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project in the same way

they conceived it in Conway,” explained Rey. “It’s an all-volunteer effort. We use no tax money or government grants. No one involved profits monetarily in any way. The only beneficiaries are the children and the community.”

To get the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project off the ground in 2011, Rey approached the Kiwanis Club of DeKalb, where he is a member. He also talked with Greg Spears of Ken Spears Construction about assisting as a craftsmen.

“He jumped on board full steam,” Rey said. “The first year, Ken Spears Construction cut all the raw material into kits. I then reached out through Greg, Chuck Shepherd, and Jerry Dunham looking for a network of craftsmen to volunteer. The goal was to bring in as many individuals as possible.”

Rey also contacted the teachers and administration at District 428 as well as Community Coordinated Child Care for direction on where to find the kids who would receive the bookshelves each year. They all pointed him to Two Rivers Head Start Agency in Sycamore.

Two Rivers is an advocacy organization that provides child development programs for children and families affected by poverty. Lorna Bedenk, Site Supervisor, says the aims of the Bookcase Project were in perfect

THE BOOKCASE PROJECT

AIMS TO END ILLITERACY IN DEKALB COUNTY



alignment with the goals of Two Rivers in educating the families they work with.

“We promote literacy in our own classrooms and in our visits with parents, so it was a great fit,” she said. “We decided that a lottery would be the ideal way to decide who the recipients of the bookcases would be. We choose 50 names randomly every year. It’s worked out well—since the Project has been running, almost every child in our program has been able to participate.”

Now in its fourth year, the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project has drawn the help and support of individuals and organizations all over DeKalb County. Caroline Lowery, Business Development Officer at NB&T and Steering Committee Member for the Bookcase Project, says the attraction is the opportunity to help kids.

“This project truly interests people from all demographics,” she said. “Everybody wants to see the children in our community get a great start and succeed in their lives. Literacy is a first step in that direction, and one that all of us can relate to.”

The Bookcase Project kicks off every year with the Literacy Banquet, usually in February. This year’s banquet happened on Thursday, February 19 at DeKalb High School. The purpose of the event is to raise money for the building materials to construct the bookshelves.

Jim Worrell now heads up the bookcase construction in the woodworking shop behind his house. He learned of the Project after reading about it in this magazine in 2012.

“It was interesting to me because it was in my wheelhouse. I’ve been an amateur woodworker since I was a teen,” said Worrell. “I called John Rey and said I would be willing to help and donate the use of my shop. It’s been so rewarding to be part of

the Project and to leave something lasting with the kids. Owning a piece of furniture built especially for them gives them a feeling of self-worth and personal pride.”

Edith Craig, another Steering Committee Member and Director of Programming and Public Relations for the DeKalb Public Library, has been involved in the Bookcase Project from the beginning. “Literacy is my passion, so of course I said yes when John Rey asked me help,” she said. “Studies have shown that communities with high literacy rates tend to thrive and grow stronger. Our children are the future and we definitely invest in them by bringing the Bookcase Project back every year.”

That investment seems to be paying off, as illustrated in this touching story that another library employee shared with Craig.

“A young lady came up to our Story Time Coordinator Marti Brown and asked her if we had any children’s books in the buck-a-bag sale. Marti led her to them and noticed an eager little boy with her. The mother told Marti that he had received a bookcase in May and he wanted to keep adding to his own ‘library.’ Marti knew about our project and asked her if it was part of the Bookcase initiative. The mother said it had been. She went on to say how much her son loved the books and the bookcase. She said he treasures it and is on the constant lookout for any book he can add to his collection.”

Though the 2015 Project is underway, it’s not too late to get involved. Book donations are still being accepted at the DeKalb County Housing Authority at 310 N. 6th Street in DeKalb. You can also volunteer on the construction crew by contacting Jim Worrell at (815) 756-1172, or to sort donated books by contacting John Rey at (815) 758-8577. Stay tuned to the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project’s Facebook page for updates and pictures from the Awards Banquet on May 2, when the children are presented with their bookcase and books.

“It’s truly a wonderful thing for the kids,” said Bedenk. “They get so excited about their bookcases. We conduct home visits four times a year with our families, and at every visit, the kids take us to look at their bookshelf—how many books they have now; that their name is on it. It’s very special for them, and for us.”

“I have attended a couple of the award banquets and had the privilege of seeing the kids receive their bookcases,” said Worrell. “Their eyes just sparkle. It’s like Christmas morning.” f

Everybody wants to see the children in

our community get a great start and succeed in their lives.

Literacy is a first step in that direction, and one that all

of us can relate to.


I N E D U C A T I O N


By Lindsay Massie

Animals bring out the best in us. It doesn’t really matter if you consider yourself a “dog person,” a

“cat person,” or even a “ferret person.” When met with a cuddly creature, I dare you not to crack a smile. I double-dog dare you.

As far back as the 1800s, animals have been used in therapeutic settings precisely because of their calming, endorphin-inducing effect. Now they can be found helping children to read in libraries, cuddling with residents of a nursing home, and cheering guests at a homeless shelter.

These interactions take place in what are called animal assisted activities (AAA) programs, and fortunately for our community, there is one operating right here in DeKalb—Pawsitive TAILS. The program was conceived and is coordinated by Lisa Smith through Tails Humane Society and a grant from the Douglas C.

and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.Lisa is a lifelong animal lover who translated her passion into community service. She has been a licensed evaluator of therapy animals since 2007. When she moved to Sycamore in 2012 and noticed there wasn’t an independent, local AAA program in place, she got right to work.

“I approached Beth Drake, the director of Tails at the time, and asked if she would be interested in partnering with me to create a local animal therapy organization,” said Lisa. “She was thrilled. She said Tails had been wanting to put something like that in place for a while but didn’t have the personnel to make it happen.”

At the time, Lisa was affiliated with Pet Partners, a therapy animal certifying agency she used to certify

her own dogs—Ash, a Papillion, and Ryan, a Sheltie. For the Pawsitive TAILS AAA program, however, she decided to develop her own evaluation.

“I wanted interested handlers to feel like the measures were strict but achievable for their animals,” Lisa explained. “Our standards are just as high as the certifying organizations—we rate potential participants on 19 different criteria—but the process is very easy to understand.”

While the program welcomes a range of domesticated animals—from cats and bunnies, to horses and even pigs—currently dogs are the only ones on the roster.Animals that are cleared to take part in Pawsitive TAILS must be able to stay calm while being hugged and handled by everyone from young kids to seniors. Lisa says that just because a dog has been through obedience training doesn’t

HAPPINESS IS A WARM PUPPY

(OR CAT, OR BUNNY, OR HORSE…)



necessarily mean it will perform well in therapy animal evaluation.

“Obedience training and testing often take place in the same setting. The dog gets used to the surrounding and of course tests well there, but then if you put it in a new place the training can go out the window,” Lisa said. “Participants need to be able to adapt to new settings. There are so many good dogs out there, but to be a great therapy dog, it really comes down to a certain temperament. We have a saying—‘Therapy dogs are born, not made.’”

“I try to test teams (dog and handler) on site at our partner facilities whenever possible, particularly at DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center,” she continued.

“When they come in the lobby, I can tell right away if they’re going to be a fit. If not, they don’t get any further than the lobby. A few residents sometimes help out so I can see how a dog will be with a wheelchair, if a dog will be nervous around individuals who talk loudly, that kind of thing.”

In addition to these criteria, the dog must be able to walk through a crowd on a loose lead, sit, stay, and come on command, all in an intentionally disruptive environment with strange people and other animals present. If the dog jumps up, growls or bares teeth, or goes to the bathroom, it is immediately dismissed. Similarly, if a handler is too passive and doesn’t take an active role in helping the dog to feel more comfortable, the team will be dismissed.

As a fully insured AAA program, Pawsitive TAILS also requires handlers to turn in their animal’s medical records yearly to make sure they’re healthy. “They have to show proof of a negative Fecal test, a current rabies vaccination, and a healthy physical exam every year,” said Lisa.

With participant guidelines and evaluation standards in place, Pawsitive TAILS officially started operation in January 2013. They established partnerships with a number of human service organizations in DeKalb County—DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center (DCRNC), Grand Victorian of Sycamore, Sycamore Public Library, Oak Crest Retirement Center, and Hope Haven. Now Lisa had to find her teams.

“We put ads in the papers and press releases on the website. I also hosted a couple of information sessions,” she said. “We received lots of initial interest but many of those individuals didn’t follow through when it came time to test. We ended up with two great teams at the start—Peggy Ramirez and Betty, an English Lab, and Connie Seraphine and Abby, a Border Collie.”

“Betty and I were the first to graduate the evaluation program for Pawsitive,” said



Peggy. “My cousin has German Shepherds and she did therapy training with them. They visited a nursing home and my cousin said the residents just loved the dogs. So I decided I wanted to certify Betty because she has the perfect temperament. Now we do as much as we can to get others involved because it’s such a wonderful thing for everyone involved.”

Peggy and Betty go to Oak Crest and visit individuals in the Health Center who require 24-hour care. “It doesn’t matter how cognizant or lucid they are,” said Peggy. “They know the dog is coming.”

Connie and Abby joined Pawsitive because Connie knew Abby would be a comforting presence. “We actually bought Abby in Wales, UK when we were visiting for a sheepdog world trial,” she said. “At the bed and breakfast where we stayed, there was another guest, an older gentleman who was grieving the loss of a beloved horse. Abby immediately went to him and cheered him right up. Now she does the same thing for the residents of the Grand Victorian and the DCRNC.”

“Studies show that spending time with these animals lowers their blood pressure and anxiety levels. It’s so much more than just petting a dog—it’s a dialogue that takes the individual back to their own childhood, or to a time when they were playing with their family dog and their kids. It’s magical.”

Pawsitive TAILS has gained momentum in the last couple of years and Lisa now has 10 handlers and 11 dogs, including herself, Ash, and Ryan. But she would love to double those numbers.

“It is really rewarding work for the handler and the dog,” said Lisa. “We hold evaluations as needed, and we welcome all types of animals—cats, rabbits, horses, or other domesticated animal you think would be a good fit.”

To learn more about the Pawsitive TAILS program or to schedule an evaluation to participate, contact Lisa Smith, program coordinator at (815) 758-2457 ext. 115 or [email protected]. f

THE DOGS GIVE THE RESIDENTS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO, AND THE INTERACTIONS ACTUALLY IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH,” SAID KATHY VICKERS, ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR AT DCRNC.

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I N C O M M U N I T Y

By Lindsay Massie

We all want to make a difference, particularly in the lives of our neighbors and the

people who make up our community. But time and money, or the lack thereof, so often stand in our way.

But what if you could be part of a collective that has committed to making a big impact on the local level, and all you had to give was roughly four hours of your time and $400 dollars a year?

The founding members of the DeKalb/Sycamore chapter of 100+ Women Who Care hope this premise will entice you to join their cause. As their website says, “Together we can leverage our contributions through a simple process for the good of those in need in our community.”

I sat down with seven of the eight Core Group members (as they call themselves) after their quarterly meeting on February 9—Darla Massier, Nancy Norris, Paula Bryner, Donna Brown, Linda Mason, Sally Stevens, and their unofficial leader Mary Beth Van Buer. (The

eighth member, Denise Rode, had other commitments.) They excitedly talked over each other, and each woman’s passion for giving back was abundantly clear.

“It all started in July when I saw a segment on the Elmhurst chapter of 100+ Women Who Care on Channel 7 news,” said Mary Beth. “My ears perked up right away because I already had a committee of women that I worked with on fundraising for organizations in DeKalb and Sycamore.”

The committee Mary Beth speaks of was unofficially formed in 2006 when she, Denise, Dorothea Bilder, Linda, Nancy, and Sally were assisting the Egyptian Theatre with its Seating Sponsorship Campaign. “We sort of took charge of the fundraising,” remembered Nancy. “In the process, we realized what a group of dedicated individuals could accomplish, and we decided to grow our number and put ourselves to work for other local organizations.”

Paula was recruited to join the fundraising committee because of her participation in the Egyptian’s campaign. “Denise and I graduated from DeKalb High School in the same year and thought it would be

a good idea for our class to sponsor a seat,” she said. “We successfully raised the money to make it happen, and next thing I know, Mary Beth called me up and asked me to join them.”

The committee added a few more members (Darla, Sue Doubler, and Ruth Ann Tobias), then turned their attention to the DeKalb Public Library. Over the next several years, they spearheaded a number of fundraising campaigns that have helped the Library in their efforts to reach their expansion goal.

Donna, who moved to the area in 2008 and started with the committee during the library campaigns, credits Mary Beth with sparking and stoking each participant’s fire for philanthropy. “We lovingly call Mary Beth the task master,” she laughed. “She has really been the driving force behind everything we’ve done.”

But even for the most passionate, raising money is a lot of effort. This past July when Mary Beth first learned of 100+ Women Who Care, she and the entire group were growing fatigued with the fundraising grind.

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” -MAHATMA GANDHI

100+ WOMEN WHO CARE:

Making a BigDifference



“That’s what piqued my interest with 100+ Women—it was still fundraising, and you could still make a difference locally, but there is much less work involved,” said Mary Beth. “It’s just bringing like-minded people together and asking them to commit their resources.”

The first 100+ Women Who Care chapter was started in Jackson, Michigan, and other chapters have been formed all across the United States, as well as in Canada and Mexico. In Illinois, there are chapters in Chicago, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn/Wheaton, Naperville, Downers Grove, and Bloomingdale.

“The power of this organization is tremendous, and it’s empowering for the members,” explained Darla Massier. “The simplicity of the entire process is important because women are so busy. I think that’s why 100+ Women has been so successful nationwide.”

Here’s how it works—the group meets four times a year. At each meeting, three presentations are given by members on potential recipient 501(c)(3) charities. Members may ask any questions, then one charity is chosen (by a majority vote) and checks are made out to that charity and collected. Members in good standing then offer the name of another local organization that they think should be the recipient of the chapter’s next quarterly donation. Three names are randomly drawn, and the individuals who submitted the names put together a five-minute presentation for the next gathering. “It’s very democratic,” said Sally. “You’ve got three people making presentations and you have to trust that the group will make the right decision. Each woman writes her

I N C O M M U N I T Y

check even if her preferred organization wasn’t chosen; then she is free to submit that charity again for the next meeting.”

Anyone can be a member in good standing as long as she makes a commitment to writing four-$100 checks a year. You don’t even have to live locally. The DeKalb/Sycamore chapter has members sending checks from Texas, Florida, and other sunny spots where they’ve moved or spend a majority of the year.

Of course, women who reside in the community are able to attend meetings, and that’s where the decisions are made. Meetings are held in the upstairs space at O’Leary’s Restaurant & Pub in DeKalb. The owners, Mel and Debbie Witmer, donate the space free of charge.

At the two meetings the DeKalb/Sycamore chapter has had so far, they’ve collected

more than $12,000, made up of checks for $100 each. The donations from the first meeting were given to Children’s Learning Center in DeKalb. The funds collected on February 9 went to Camp Power, a free summer camp for the children of University Village in DeKalb.

“Camp Power is a community-wide effort sponsored by the Kishwaukee Family YMCA, the DeKalb Police Department’s Youth in Need Task Force, the DeKalb Fire Department, and NIU, among others,” explained Darla. “I think that’s why our members chose it as the recipient.”

“Both of the charities we have donated to so far have centered on children because kids are a cause that anyone can get behind,” said Linda. “But I think we’re really addressing a lot of needs in the community. It’s wonderful to be

able to spread the love and make a greater and greater impact as our group grows.”The chapter’s next meeting is set for May 11, 2015 , and Mary Beth and her dedicated group of ladies hope you’ll be there.

“Women should go to our website to find out all the information they need to know about our group and how to join,” said Donna. “They can fill out a membership form on the website, call us, or just show up at our next meeting.”

“IT’S REALLY ABOUT TOUCHING PEOPLE’S LIVES IN A DIRECT WAY,” MARY BETH SAID. “Even though our name is 100+ Women Who Care, our goal is to reach 150+ women! I think we can get there.” f

VISIT WWW.100PLUSDEKALBSYCAMOREWOMENWHOCARE.COM TO JOIN OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT EFFORT.


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I N H E A LT H

By Katie Dawson

As winter ends and spring starts to make its way to the forefront, it’s time to make

some changes in our daily routines.

Spring is a great time to clean up our health, exercise, food, and habits. It’s an opportunity to lighten things up and make greener choices. After hunkering down and hibernating through the winter, it can feel amazing to renew our lives.

One of the biggest changes you can make is to get outside. The weather is getting warmer, there is more sunshine, and the days are getting a little longer. Get out and enjoy some fresh air. Try moving your

workouts to the outdoors. Set up a yoga mat in the backyard and go through a few of your favorite poses. Go for a short jog or walk through your neighborhood. Even just sitting outside reading a book or having a picnic is a good idea. You’ll get your daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun and spend time away from the TV and computer, which is always a welcome change.

Spring cleaning is another great change for both your house and your life. But did you know you can “spring clean” your food? Switch out the heavy stews and casseroles you’ve been eating for spring salads and light, broth-based soups. Heavy foods are fine for the winter, but as the season changes we don’t need these hearty meals to move us through our day. Lighter foods will refresh and energize you just as much as the warmer weather outside.

Spend a day clearing up the clutter that has accumulated over the winter. Try tackling small spaces first like your desk or coffee table. Get rid of old mail and magazines and any other papers you don’t need. Once you have cleared off the

small spaces, move onto bigger areas like closets and dressers. Get rid of or donate any clothes you don’t wear anymore. Cleaning things up physically and mentally will lift a heavy load off your shoulders and get you ready to move into spring.

Now is also a good time to go green. While nature is growing and renewing, try out your green thumb. Growing your own food helps you to eat seasonally, so if you’re already a gardener, get out there and start planting your favorites. If you’re new to the game, start small and plant a few herbs—they are easy to grow and maintain and will add delicious and healthy flavor to your dishes. Also try reinventing leftovers instead of throwing them away. Last night’s baked chicken can become today’s chicken salad or tacos. Reusing things in new ways is a great way to stay healthy and save money!

Spring should excite you to reinvigorate your life. You don’t have to totally change everything about your habits the minute spring comes around, but making a few of these spring renewals will help you to enjoy this season and embrace good health! f

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

THIS SPRING



I N F O O D

FOR THE SALAD1 bunch or bag of spinach, rinsed and dried

1 head of romaine lettuce, rinsed and dried

1 bunch of asparagus, rinsed

1 8oz. package of mushrooms

5-7 strawberries, washed and sliced

¼ c. sunflower seeds

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

FOR THE DRESSING1 T. almond butter

3 T. balsamic vinegar

1 t. spicy brown or Dijon mustard

½ t. smoked paprika

1-2 T. water

1 Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Snap off the ends of the asparagus and arrange on the baking sheet along with the mushrooms. Drizzle with a little olive oil and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes, checking to make sure asparagus doesn’t burn.

2 While the vegetables are roasting, make your dressing. Combine all ingredients except water and mix well. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you have a pourable consistency.

3 Remove vegetables from the oven. In a large bowl, combine spinach, romaine, strawberries, and roasted asparagus and mushrooms. Drizzle with dressing and top with sunflower seeds.

Spinach and Roasted Asparagus Salad with Almond Balsamic Dressing (SERVES 2)

All the specialty ingredients below can be found at Hy-Vee on Sycamore Road.


I N H E A LT H



DEKALB CLINIC IS NOW KISHHEALTH SYSTEM PHYSICIAN GROUP

Group are looking forward to building on the clinic’s long history of excellence.

“We see this venture as an opportunity to further our commitment to excellence in innovation and education, and to continue to provide our patients with state-of-the-art healthcare in our community setting,” said Haab. “We look forward to becoming a vital part of a growing premiere healthcare system.”

All but a few of the physicians from the former DeKalb Clinic will be making the move to KishHealth System Physician Group. The DeKalb Clinic’s partnership with Rockford Cardiovascular Associates will continue, with those doctors maintaining their presence locally as independent physicians contracting with the health system.

“The addition of so many different specialties, several of which KishHealth System did not have before, offers the patient variety and choice,” said Kulisz.

“In our healthcare model, the patient is the key—our goal is to provide education, support, and resources, but the patient and the family have to do the rest.”

“This merger offers patients of both the health system and the clinic improved access, better communication, and more comprehensive care,” said Dant. “It’s one more step in our commitment to being the cornerstone of health for this community.”

To learn more about DeKalb Clinic becoming part of KishHealth System Physician Group, visit www.kpgcares.org or call (815) 758-8671. f

[KishHealth System is the proud sponsor of this article.]

As part of its continual efforts to ensure patients receive the very best in comprehensive,

collaborative health care, KishHealth System has added a new member—DeKalb Clinic. As of March 2, the clinic has been renamed under the umbrella of KishHealth System Physician Group.

This venture is truly a “win-win” for patients. Those currently with the health system will now have access to an expanded network of physicians as well as more service lines. Patients of the former DeKalb Clinic will benefit from the ever-expanding resources of the health system.

“KishHealth System offers a diverse team to help primary care doctors manage their patients’ health, and we’re creating new positions everyday,” said Joe Dant, Vice President of Business Development for the health system. “If an individual is dealing with a chronic illness like diabetes and could benefit from nutritional counseling or health coaching, for example, the doctor can now easily set that up.”

“All involved with this venture are very excited because it means greater alignment between the physicians and the health system, which only benefits the patient,” said Dr. Michael Kulisz, Chief Medical Officer of KishHealth System. “We are all working toward the same goal—supporting patients at every stage of their health care.”

Patients of the former DeKalb Clinic will find improved communication between all of their providers as data is merged together and the registration process becomes more streamlined. Medical records will be more closely linked between the clinic and the health system, which will effectively eliminate gaps in care. Dant says this improved efficiency is reflective of KishHealth System’s desire to be an advocate for its more than 110,000 patients in an evolving healthcare landscape.

“The industry’s vision of healthcare in the community is in the process of changing,” said Dant. “For more than 100 years, it was almost exclusively about

sick care. Now the emphasis is on the entire continuum of care and hospitals playing an active role in overall health and wellness. The way to achieve that is through closer collaboration with members of our medical staff.”

DeKalb Clinic physicians have long held admitting privileges at Kishwaukee Hospital and have worked closely with KishHealth System staff for years, so Dant says it made perfect sense to officially make them part of KishHealth System Physician Group. The merger will also enable the doctors to focus more on patient care rather than administrative concerns that are becoming burdensome for independent physician groups.

“Reimbursements are going down while costs are rising, which puts pressure on physician groups,” Dant explained. “As part of the health system, these doctors have a broader administrative network to support them in costly and time consuming tasks like IT so they can do what they do best—provide excellent patient care.”

Dr. Roger Haab, Chair of the DeKalb Clinic Board of Directors, says all the doctors who will be making the transition to KishHealth System Physician


TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE & SAVE MONEY THIS SPRING

I N A U T O M O T I V E

TIPS:

By Jon Bockman, Owner of Bockman’s Auto Care in Sycamore, IL

Spring is right around the corner,

and with the toll a northern Illinois

winter takes on your vehicle,

Bockman’s Auto Care in Sycamore

wanted to offer some tips to help you

stay safe as you embark on those

spring and summer road trips.

CHECK THE BRAKES

Winter conditions and salt on the roads can lead to corrosion of brake parts. Anti-lock braking systems get an especially hard workout in winter’s slick conditions. Nothing is more crucial to your safety and the safety of your family than your brakes, so get them checked before you set out on a long drive.

TEST THE AIR CONDITIONING

You don’t want to wait until the first 90-degree day to find out your A/C is not working. Those leather seats get sticky in extreme temperatures. Turn on the cooler full blast and make sure it reaches that max chill quickly. If you suspect problems, bring it in and we can diagnose the issue and get it fixed.

INSPECT THE TIRES

Most people think about tire safety when it comes to winter driving, but driving in a heavy rainstorm with worn tires can be just as dangerous as driving in snow. Worn down tires

make it hard to stop, even if your brakes are in good order.

TRY THE COIN TEST ON YOUR TIRE TREAD:

• Insert a quarter into several grooves across each tire.

• If part of Washington’s head is always covered, you still have 4/32 inch of tread left and can probably drive safely.

• If you can see all of Washington’s head, it’s

time to think about replacing your tires.

Also make sure you keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. You can boost your gas mileage by 3% or more and make the car safer as well. To get an accurate reading, check the pressure of tires when they are cold, not when you have been driving.

CHECK THE BELTS AND HOSES

A broken belt or hose can cause problems ranging from the loss of power steering to an overheated engine, but these parts are easily overlooked. Look for cracks and peeling on the belts, softening on the hoses, or come in to Bockman’s and we’ll do it for you. It’s a lot less expensive and more

convenient to replace a hose before you have a problem.

CHECK YOUR OXYGEN SENSOR

Want to get the best possible gas mileage this summer? Check your oxygen sensor. The sensor helps set the fuel mix going into your engine. A faulty one can cause too much gas to be used, cutting your mileage by up to 40%. This sensor needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. This is the repair problem that most often causes your “Check Engine” light to come on.

Following these tips will help you avoid a summer breakdown and save you money on your monthly gas budget. Call

Bockman’s to schedule your spring check up today! f



THIS MONTHS BOOK

Like many people, I belong to book clubs. After 20+ years of having a great time with my women’s book

club, my husband asked if we could start a co-ed book club. We asked some friends to join us and we have been together for about 10 years. Each group reads about the same amount of fiction and non-fiction, and each group likes its wine and food as well as the discussion. Some books generate more discussion than others because the questions raised in the text are so complex.

The DeKalb Public Library also has an internal book discussion group. Apart from wonderful friends, one of the greatest gifts of a book club is the discovery of books one wouldn’t otherwise find. I took the current selection of my co-ed book club and one of the recommendations of the library’s discussion group on a recent vacation trip to warm weather. They both kept me completely engrossed on the airplane ride and by the pool.

The co-ed book club is reading a non-fiction book titled Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink. It’s about the patients, staff, and families who sheltered in New Orleans’ Memorial Hospital during Hurricane Katrina and the difficult decisions they made when faced with an unplanned emergency situation. Fink is a Pulitzer Prize winner for her reporting on Memorial in New York Times Magazine, and this book urges readers to consider tough questions on race, resources, history, and the meaning of “the greater good.”

I want to ask my fellow book club members, as an individual, what can we do to prepare ourselves for an emergency of this magnitude in our own lives? And most importantly, how do we as a society or individuals decide who would get the lifesaving drugs and treatments? Very provocative questions.

The fiction book chosen for the discussion group at the library is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It’s a 2006 post-apocalyptic novel about the journey of a father and his young son over a period of several months. The novel was awarded the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and has also been adapted into a film starring Viggo Mortensen.

In the book, there are no trees, no color, no animals, and just a few human beings. Our father and son are trying to push a shopping cart with all of their belongings and food that they scavenge on their

I N B O O K S

I N V I R O N M E N T S M A G A Z I N E B O O K C L U BYou’ll LOVE These Book Club Suggestions

[InVironments introduces new books each issue in cooperation with the DeKalb Public Library and its executive director, Dee Coover. If you’d like to share your thoughts about this month’s books for publication in the May-June issue, send them to [email protected] by April 1.]

way to the ocean. There are enemies—predatory humans who also are traveling.

My first question is why a shopping cart? The shopping cart is only one of the many symbols for us in the novel. Cormac McCarthy is a gifted writer who writes in beautiful language. The descriptions of the sky and the earth are some of the most evocative images I have ever read. Is the book trying to establish a link to those who now push shopping carts with all of their belongings? But surely, if one were to actually undergo a long trip, one would want a device with bigger wheels than a shopping cart and wouldn’t you want to pull it with a yoke?

For those who have read The Road or Five Days, did you like it? Love it? Have questions or want to join the Library’s discussion group? Email Dee Coover at [email protected]. f

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Breakfast with the Bunny, 9-10:30 a.m. at Lincoln Inn in Downtown DeKalb. Then join us at the Egyptian Theatre for the movie Hop at 11 a.m.

28 March to Bourbon Street, a Festival of the Arts. 7 p.m. in Down-town DeKalb. Presented by the Egyptian Theatre and DeKalb Dance Dimensions. Visit egyptiantheatre.org/ for tickets.

28 Barb City on Tap. 2:30-6 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. Enjoy craft beer samples, live music, and delicious food for purchase. Visit americaontap.com/america-on-tap-dekalb-il/ for tickets.

C A L E N D A R

marchapril

19 Girls’ Night Out Spring Open House, 5-8 p.m. Downtown DeKalb. Admission is free! Come check out all the sidewalk sales, spe-cials, and entertainment! Call (815) 751-4734 for more information.

19-22 The Comedy of Errors, 7:30 and 2 p.m., NIU Holmes Student Center Diver-sions Lounge. Presented by the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Visit niu.edu/theatre for tickets.

26 2015 Community Expo, 4-7 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field House. Visit dekalb.org or sycamorechamber.com to register.

4-5 Kennel Club of Yorkville Dog Show at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Visit niu.convo.com for more information.

9-11 Red Noses, 7:30 and 2:00 p.m., Huntley Middle School in DeKalb. Pre-sented by the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Visit niu.edu/theatre for tickets.

10-11University of Illinois Extension Science Siesta, 5:00 p.m. (registration) on Friday to 8:30 a.m. (checkout) on Saturday. Discovery Center and Burpee Natural History Museums in Rockford. This event for girls age 4th-6th grade combines the fun of a pajama party with hands-on science experiences. For more information, call (815) 758-8194 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/.

11 Billy Riggs: Grand Illusions, Grander Realities, 7:30 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb. Billy will perform illusions, use humor, and inspire you for a fun filled evening. A portion of the proceeds from this show will be used to assist charities in DeKalb County, including Hope Haven,

26-29 Red Noses, 7:30 and 2 p.m., Huntley Middle School in DeKalb. Presented by the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Visit niu.edu/theatre for tickets.

27 Rocky Horror Picture Show, 8 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb. Featuring the shadow cast of “A Powerful and Irrational Mouthwash.” Visit egyptiantheatre.org/ for tickets.

28 5th Annual Homesteading Conference, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Oglesby, IL. Learn self-sus-tainable practices and how to grow, raise, and preserve your own food. Call (815) 825-2086, ext. 2040 for more information, or visit kishwaukeecollege.edu/go/homesteading to register.

28TH

Feed My Starving Children/Make a Difference DKC and Network of Nations. Visit egyptiantheatre.org/ for tickets.

15 4th Annual Taste of Spring, 5-7 p.m. in Downtown Sycamore. Join us for a progressive wine and appetizer sampling at a number of downtown businesses. Guests must be 21 or over to partici-pate. Tickets are $10 per person. Call (815) 895-3456 for more information.

16 Girls’ Night Out Mother’s Day Sales, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Downtown DeKalb. Admis-sion is free! Come check out all the side-walk sales, specials, and entertainment! Call (815) 751-4734 for more information.

17-18 University of Illinois Exten-sion Science Siesta, 5 p.m. (registration) on Friday to 8:30 a.m. (checkout) on Saturday. Discovery Center and Burpee Natural History Museums in Rockford. This event for girls age 4th-6th grade combines the fun of a pajama party with hands-on science experiences. For more information, call (815) 758-8194 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/.

24 Rocky Horror Picture Show, 8:00 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb. Featuring the shadow cast of “A Powerful and Irrational Mouthwash.” Visit egyptiantheatre.org/ for tickets.

24-25 10th Annual Garden Gate to Spring Antique Show, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Friday) and 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. (Satur-day) at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore. For more information, visit sundayatsandwichantiques.com.

26 Kiwanis Family 100 Year Anniver-sary Celebration, 2:00 p.m., presented by the Kiwanis Family Division 14. At the DeKalb Park District Sports & Rec Center and Kiwanis Park, 1765 S. 4th St. in DeKalb. Fun fair activities for young fam-ilies; outside group picture with a Drone Fly Over; birthday cupcakes and punch.

[Items for the May/June issue (covering May 16-July 15), must be submitted by April 5, online at: invironmentsmag.com/submit-event.]

DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 201544 45Where life happens.


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may1-2 Cortland Community Wide Garage Sales. For more information, cortlandil.org.

2 Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert, “The Rite of Spring,” 7:30 p.m. at NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

3 Cinco de Mayo 1:00 - 9:00 p.m., Bill Johnson Boulevard behind Taxco Restaurant, 223 W. State St. in Sycamore. Featuring live bands, dancing, a margarita bar, a beer garden, and all the authentic Mexican food you could want. Visit discoversycamore.com for more information.

12-14 DeKalb School District Art Show, 5-8 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb. Featuring selected artwork from DeKalb School District #428, K-12. Visit egyptiantheatre.org/ for information.

17 Kishwaukee Concert Band, 3 p.m. at NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Admission is free. Handicap accessible.

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22 - InVironments Magazineinvironmentsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Vol7-Issue2-March...1 Wash the vase and remove any price stickers. ... a genuine passion to help others make