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Mother’s Day Brunch at Timber Creek

May. 07 no comments

tcmothersdaybrunchPlan to come to Timber Creek Inn & Suite’s Mother’s Day Brunch this Sunday, May 12, 2013. Open from 11am – 2pm, Timber Creek is pulling out all the stops to make this a Mother’s Day to remember for the whole family. Visit the Fresh Omeltte Station where your omelette will be made to order. The Prime Rib Carving Station is another can’t be missed entree.

Some of the other food you’ll see are fresh waffles, blackened filet of sole, honey glazed pit ham, bacon, sausage, chicken breast with tomato vodka sauce, assorted baked goods, fresh fruit and a completely decadent dessert buffet.

Timber Creek Inn & Suites is located at 3300 Drew Ave. in Sandwich. For questions and reservations call 630.273.6000. Visit their website to learn more.

Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive Set for May 11 Throughout Nation

May. 07 no comments

lettercarriersstampouthungerThe National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct their annual food drive to conquer hunger this coming Saturday, May 11th. This food drive has been occurring for 21 years and going strong. The letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations on May 11th as they deliver mail along their postal routes.

This is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, and is held annually on the second Saturday in May in over 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Last year, letter carriers collected 70.7 million pounds of food donations along their postal routes, bringing the total to 1.2 billion pounds for the NALC’s food drive, which originally began in 1992. In the DeKalb and Sycamore area a total of 20,200 pounds of food was collected during the 20th annual food drive; surpassing the amount of 19,000 pounds of food in 2011.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that everyone participates in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Hunger affects about 50 million people around the country, including 17 million children and nine million senior citizens.

“The NALC is truly grateful for the help we get each year, to reach so many neighborhoods all on one day,” President Rolando said of the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Carriers will bring the food to local food banks, pantries or shelters, including many affiliated with Feeding America, a national partner in the drive. Assisting 1,400 local NALC branches will be rural carriers and other postal employees, plus members of other unions and civic volunteers. In DeKalb and Malta, donations will be shared with the Salvation Army in DeKalb and Sycamore’s donations will go to the Sycamore food pantry.

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31st Annual Tractor Raffle

May. 06 no comments

tractorraffleThis Friday, May 10th, 2013 is the 31st Annual Tractor Raffle by the Maple Park American Legion starting at 7pm. Years ago when this raffle started, the Legion always raffled off a riding mower type tractor. Over the years the event has changed so that cash prizes are the big winners but the name Tractor Raffle remains. The Grand Prize Winner does get a toy tractor with his $2500 prize as well.

Tractor Raffle Tickets are now available for $25 per ticket. Each ticket admits one person to the event Friday night at the Maple Park American Legion.There will be free food and beer all night for participants.

Win a $2500 Grand Prize and a Toy Tractor. 36 Winners will win cash prizes! 1st Ticket Drawn wins $100; 100th Ticket Drawn wins $100; 200th Ticket Drawn wins $100; 300th Ticket Drawn wins $100 and 400th Ticket Drawn $2500 and Toy Tractor. Every 10th Ticket drawn wins $50.00. Winners need not be present to win.

Tickets are available at HD Rockers, 203 Main St. in Maple Park and Bootleggers, 107 Main St. in Maple Park or Call Jim Turk 815-895-9255.

Sycamore History Museum offers Gardening Class & Story Time

May. 06 no comments

sycmuseumflowersWant to learn more about gardening? The Sycamore History Museum is partnering with Master Gardeners to offer a series of free programs throughout the growing season. The first class is this Wednesday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. All classes are lead by well-trained Master Gardeners. The talks include a variety of tips, suggestions, and hand-outs. Classes are on the second Wednesday of the month May through September (except in July) at 10:00 a.m.

The first class is “Sustainable Landscaping 101″ with Candice Miller. During this session, learn about various aspects of sustainable landscaping including how to achieve energy efficiency in your home through proper planting, sustainable weed control and pest control techniques, proper mulching techniques for moisture conservation, and water efficient landscaping ideas, among others.

Kick off spring with the Sycamore History Museum’s Garden Story time on Thursday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. with “Seeds are Fun!” Join the their two wonderful storytellers for stories, crafts and songs. This program is free for 3-6 year olds (siblings are welcome). Registration is recommended (for one or all of the programs). Call 815-895-5762 or email info@sycamorehistory.org.

Other dates include: May 16, June 13, June 20, July 11, July 18, September 12, and September 19. The Sycamore History Museum is located at 1730 N. Main Street, Sycamore, IL.

Bring Your Vehicle to the Lincoln Hwy 100th Birthday Bash Car Show

May. 04 4 comments

vanbuerplazaAll kinds of vehicles (maybe even a bicycle or two!) are welcome to participate on Saturday, May 18th beginning at 6:00 p.m. for an evening car show in the Frank Van Buer Plaza on the corner of Locust and N. 2nd Street in DeKalb. This Lincoln Highway 100th Birthday Bash Car Show will be unusual. There is no entry fee and winners will be chosen by popular choice by the audience of the special music concert at the Egyptian Theatre beginning at 7:30 pm. Trophies will be handed out on stage at the Egyptian immediately following the concert by the Irish-American Band, Switchback.

The evening car show is timed so that participants in the Second Annual Lincoln Highway Car Show in Franklin Grove earlier in the day can travel and attend both car shows!

silvius-car

Wayne and Esther Silvius show off their antique car in DeKalb. Photo by Kay Shelton

For more information about both car shows, please visit the Illinois Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association’s Website at: illinoislincolnhighwayassociation.org

Plan to bring YOUR vehicle to the Lincoln Highway Birthday Bash Car Show on May 18th and go to the show afterwards! To purchase tickets for the special concert featuring Switchback, along with guests MahaRa and dancers from Colleen’s School of Clogging and Celtic Dance, please see the Egyptian Theatre’s Website.

Meals for Moms

May. 04 no comments

mealsformomsCome to the Sixth Annual Luncheon Fundraiser for Voluntary Action Center’s Meals on Wheels Program, ‘Meals for Moms’ this Monday, May 6th, from 11:30am – 1pm. The luncheon will be served by local notables. There will be a raffle featuring flowers, plants and garden supplies and decor. All a perfect way to honor Mom right before Mother’s Day!

This special event fundraiser gives the community an opportunity to enjoy a lunch with their mom, or maybe dad, siblings, friends or even the boss. The proceeds from this event are for Voluntary Action Center’s Meals on Wheels program. The event will be held at the St. Mary’s Hall in Sycamore, 322 Waterman Street, one block west of Somonauk Street  Tickets are $30 per person or $180 for a table of eight, advanced ticket sales only. For further information or to purchase tickets, please contact Ellen Rogers at erogers@vacdk.com or 815 758-3932. Help bring Meals on Wheels to the Table of Everyone in Need!

Janet Johnson Real Estate Launches New Chicagoland Property Search

May. 03 no comments

95,000 Listings Instantly Available for Viewing at JanetJohnsonRealEstate.com

jjscreenshot400Janet Johnson Real Estate is pleased to announce that they have added a powerful new property search on their website at JanetJohnsonRealEstate.com. She can now provide her existing clients and prospective new customers with easy access to the most timely and accurate real estate information from the Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) multiple listing service (MLS).

In the new, sleek design, each property listing has enhanced property details, large photos, Google Maps, WalkScore®, and Social Media sharing. Visitors to the site can easily locate properties that match their “wish list”. The search results can be plotted on a map or quickly sorted by different criteria. Visitors can also save their favorite listings and searches to a Property Organizer for easy access whenever returning to the site. The Down Payment Resource (DPR) icon appears on properties that may qualify for a down payment assistance program.

She hasn’t forgotten the mobile user – Janet Johnson Real Estate’s new search can also be accessed on any mobile devices – smart phones and tablets. So wherever you are, at home or out and about, you can always search for properties that fit your needs. Please check them out at JanetJohnsonRealEstate.com and experience their new property search for yourself

Shabbona Lake Bass Contest Weekend

May. 03 no comments

bassbigfishThis weekend, May 4th and 5th, 2013 is the Shabbona Lake Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Contest Weekend. Shabbona is full of very large Bass. The Lake record is 23”, 7.85 Pounds. Over the years they have heard several unverified reports of 8+ pound Bass.

You must sign up at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental and donate $5 To the Walleye Restocking Fund prior to your catch to qualify. Fish must be alive when measured. Shabbona Lakeside encourages catch and release, as soon as the fish is measured. One witness must be present to verify your catch, when you enter your catch. Determination of winning qualifying fish will be by weight. Weigh In at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental.

Prizes include: 1st Place – Choice of $100 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Pontoon or all day weekday Bass Boat Rental; 2nd Place – Choice of $50 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day weekday Motor Boat Rental and 3rd Place – Choice of $25 gift certificate at Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental or an all-day Weekday Kayak or Canoe Rental.

All entrees must be caught at Shabbona Lake between 6 AM Saturday, May 4th and 6 PM Sunday, May 5th.  Sponsored by Lakeside Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental www.shabbonalake.com 815-824-2581.

Early Spring Bass fishing techniques at Shabbona Lake include the following:
1. White Spinner bait –Work the shorelines & fallen logs
2. Chatterbaits – Work the rock piles
3. Rattle Traps – Work the bays in 5-8 feet of water
4. Rapalas – Work the stumps
5. Craw Papi – Work the drop offs
6. Baby 1 Minus – Work the earthen pier shorelines
7. Live Bait – Try a nightcrawler with no weight against a tree stump & leeches on a slip bobber next to wood.
8. Shad Raps – Work the 3-6 foot range

Cinco de Mayo in Sycamore

May. 03 no comments

cincodemayo12Cinco De Mayo in downtown Sycamore brings in entertainment for the whole family. Behind Taxco Restaurant on Sunday, May 5th, the party gets going with live bands, dancing, margarita bar, beer garden, and all the authentic Mexican food you could want. Featured in the Kid’s Corner is a petting zoo, pony rides, games, face painting, moonwalk, climbing wall, a Magic Balloon Man, and Piñatas.

The food, beverages, music and fun takes place between 1pm – 9pm Sunday. From 2-3pm will be Piñatas and Quesadilla eating contests,  Tacos eating contests and Milk Drinking contests. From 6-8pm will be the band Dis Bard from Geneva. From 8-9pm will be Salsa dancing and a DJ.

Cinco de Mayo takes place on Bill Johnson Blvd., Behind Taxco Restaurant – 223 W. State Street in Sycamore. Visit their website to learn more.

Sycamore Speedway Season Opener

May. 02 no comments

tomatspeedwaySycamore Speedway Season Opener is this Saturday May 4th. The opening was postponed from April 27th because of rain issues with the track. Things are ready to go now and a whole lot of folks are excited to start the 2013 season. There will be Super Late Models, Late Models, Spectators, Powder Puff and Compact races Saturday.

Time Trials start at 7:15 p.m., races at 8:00 p.m.. Call (815) 895-5454 OR (815) 895-5800 for information or weather conditions. The Sycamore Speedway is located at 50W086 State Highway 64,  just East of Sycamore. Get coupons off the price of admission on our Deals Page! Visit the Sycamore Speedway Website now to learn more.

 

 

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Egyptian Saturday

May. 02 no comments

GlennMillerOrchTFThe big band sound from the 1940s returns to the Egyptian Theatre as the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra takes to the stage this Saturday, May 4 at 2 pm.

The first Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1937 and failed financially. Glenn Miller launched his second band in March of1938 and it became a sensation, with multiple hits and huge box office sales. In 1941, the Glenn Miller Orchestra had more hit records in one year, including A String of Pearls, than anybody in the history of the recording industry at that time. In addition, Glenn Miller’s Chattanooga Choo Choo received the first Gold Record ever to be awarded, with over 1 million copies sold.

In 1942 during World War II, Miller volunteered for the Army and disbanded his musical organization. On December 15, 1944, now Major Miller took off in a single engine plane from England – against his better judgment – to precede his band to France and was never seen again. The army officially declared him dead one year later.

Based on popular demand, the Miller Estate authorized the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1956. Nick Hilscher is the current music director and male vocalist for the orchestra; Eileen Burns is the featured female vocalist. The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a fully self-contained group consisting of the music director, two vocalists, five saxophone players, four trumpeters, four trombonists, and three rhythm musicians (piano, bass and drums). As the vocalists, Hilscher and Burns perform individually and as part of The Moonlight SerenadersÒ vocal group.

Today the Glenn Miller Orchestra travels over 100,000 miles each year, playing nearly 300 dates and entertaining more than 500,000 people annually. The orchestra has performed in all 50 United States, as well as throughout Europe, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Guam, the Philippines, South and Central America. The orchestra has also toured Japan annually for 45 years. Read more →

Preschoolers to Receive Donated Bookcases Saturday

May. 01 1 comment

bookcaseprojectFifty-two local preschoolers will receive personalized bookcases and starter libraries on Saturday, May 4, at the DeKalb-Sycamore Bookcase Project’s second annual awards ceremony. Volunteer craftsmen constructed 50 solid-oak bookcases, each with a brass nameplate bearing the name of a disadvantaged student at Two Rivers Head Start. Two bookcases will be shared by sets of siblings. Each bookcase will be filled with donated preschool-level books.

The public is invited to gather with the children and their families from 3 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, May 4, at Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb, for a special ceremony in which the children will receive their bookcases.

The purpose of the Bookcase Project is to instill a love of reading at a young age. Research has shown that the more young children read and are read to, the more their literacy skills improve, which has benefits from better grades and college prospects in youth to higher adult income and more engagement as a citizen in adulthood.

“The more that you read to a child at that age, and the more they learn to love books, the easier it is for them to love to read,” Head Start center supervisor Lisa Annen said at the 2012 awards ceremony.

The speaker at this year’s ceremony will be Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy. Storyteller Phyllis Horst will engage the children in the audience with interactive stories, and Cub Scout Pack 131 of DeKalb will perform a flag ceremony. After the ceremony, cookies and punch will be served while volunteers read stories aloud to small groups.

A new feature in this year’s bookcase distribution is hand-painted book bags. DeKalb-Sycamore Bookcase Project steering committee member Katherine Cessna had her art students at Serena High School decorate plain canvas bags with a literary theme; each child will receive a one-of-a-kind painted bag filled with books for their bookcase. Volunteers sorted through thousands of donated books collected over the past three months. Books at higher reading levels will be donated to other local nonprofits. The funds for the materials used in the bookcases are raised through the project’s annual literacy banquet in February.