Office hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
866-979-1053
customer-support@shawmedia.com
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
SUBSCRIPTIONS
The MidWeek is delivered free of charge to households throughout DeKalb County every Wednesday. Those who do not wish to receive delivery may contact customer service at 866-979-1053, or subscriptions@shawsuburban.com, to request a delivery stop.
The Midweek and ShawLocal.com are a division of Shaw Media.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2025
HOW ARE WE DOING?
We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts at feedback@ shawmedia.com.
DeKalb approves solar farm on 38 acres
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
Plans for a solar farm on 38 acres along Route 38 and John Huber Parkway are a go after recent DeKalb City Council action.
The applicant, PureSky Energy, sought DeKalb city leaders’ backing on a plan for a 5-megawatt, ground-mounted solar energy system.
The development calls for a grid-tied solar system with interconnection to ComEd’s distribution network that, once operational, would provide renewable electricity to about 900 to 1,000 homes per year, city documents show.
The developer intends to subdivide the land at the northeast corner of the site and road, as well as establish a utility easement along the southeast portion of the property to accommodate future road expansion, along with the construction of an overpass on John Huber Parkway.
A timeline not yet been published.
In supporting the development, project leaders also have been called upon to provide a landscape maintenance and monitoring plan, city documents show. In it is guidance on seed plantings, tree and shrub installations, and ground maintenance requirements.
The developer’s plans to establish a solar farm were met by favorable support earlier this month from members of the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission.
City Manager Bill Nicklas urged the council to provide its support.
“We’ve done that many times in the past,” Nicklas said.
PureSky Energy’s Michael Larkin makes a pitch to the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 3, urging the panel’s support of the solar developer’s plans for establishing a solar farm at Route 38 and John Huber Parkway in DeKalb.
City staff said the city has two other solar farms either in operation or under construction.
There is a solar farm along the north side of Gurler Road, just east of South First Street, that was built and operated by SunVest Solar. SunVest also is building a solar farm along the north side of Pleasant Street, north of the airport on city-owned property.
About this time last year, the city approved an annexation agreement for the annexation, rezoning and concept plan for the solar farm along Route 38 and John Huber Parkway.
Nicklas said the measure approved by the City Council was a requirement in the annexation agreement.
The project will be made possible due in part to a lease agreement with the owner of 38 acres at the southwest corner of Route
38 and John Huber Parkway, city documents show. The land is primarily maintained as an agricultural field with a corn and soybean crop rotation.
Under the developer’s plans, the two residents living in the farmhouse along Route 38 may remain, city documents show. Neither of the existing farm buildings can be removed from the site.
Once constructed, the solar farm is expected to operate for 25 to 30 years.
The petitioner has submitted a decommission plan to the city in the event that plans for the solar farm do not materialize or cease to operate, city documents show.
According to its website, PureSky Energy also is the developer behind community solar farms in New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Maryland.
PUZZLE ANSWERS
puzzlesonpage17
McCormick
and Beverage package items to be distributed to area food pantries from the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
CORRECTIONS
Accuracy is important to The MidWeek. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411 or email at readit@midweeknews.com.
Photo provided by Katy Heraty
Megann Horstead
DeKalb Women’s Club to meet Dec. 5
The next DeKalb Women’s Club meeting will feature a presentation led by DeKalb Chamber of Commerce executive director Matt Duffy.
The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Oak Crest Retirement Center’s pub area, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, DeKalb.
Duffy will discuss the chamber’s new information and mission. Attendees can enter the pub area through door 26. The DeKalb Women’s Club has provided scholarships and supported international projects and the community since 1896. For information, email dekalbwomensclub1896@gmail.com.
Cardinal String quartet to perform Dec. 7 in DeKalb
Westminster Presbyterian Church will host a music performance during a worship service featuring the Cardinal String quartet.
The free concert will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at the church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb. The performance features “Introduction” and “Terremoto (Earthquake)” from Joseph Haydn’s arrangement “The Seven Last Words of Christ.”
The Cardinal String quartet also will perform with violist Abe Baker, violinist Elle Baker and cellist Tom Cappaert.
For information, visit westminsterpresbyterianchurchil.snappages.site.
Jazz in Progress to perform Christmas concert Dec. 6
Jazz in Progress will partner with Chapter DX of P.E.O. International to hold its third annual Christmas concert next month.
The free concert will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
The band will perform Christmas songs in a big band and modern jazz-style music format. Attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items and free will offerings to the Sycamore Food Pantry.
For information, visit facebook.com/ JazzInProgress or peointernational.org
Learn about 1907 DeKalb engagement
The December Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore Series will feature a program
about the 1907 engagement between barbed wire heiress Harriet Elise Ellwood to Syrian dragoman Said Kalil Haick.
The free program will be held at noon Dec. 4 at the Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb.
Ellwood House Museum historic site caretaker William R. “Buddy” Avila, Ph.D., will discuss the facts surrounding the scrutinized engagement. Participants also will learn about the engagement’s fiction and gossip.
“The Heiress & the Interpreter: Investigating the ill fated “Engagement” of Elise Ellwood to Said Kalil Haick in July 1907” program is part of Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore, a free lecture series offered as a collaboration between the DeKalb County History Museum and Ellwood House Museum.
Brown Bag Lunch and Local Lore is funded in part by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund.
For information, visit ellwoodhouse. org/lectures.
Glidden Homestead to host ‘Holiday at The Homestead’ Dec. 7
The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will host its “Holiday at The Homestead” open house for community members to celebrate the holidays.
The free open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb.
Attendees can explore the homestead and the museum’s gift shop for holiday presents. A children’s clothespin doll craft will be provided. Cookies and sweet treats also will be served.
The DeKalb High School Black Box Quartet will perform at 1 p.m. The Lightbeam Players also will sing carols at 2 p.m. The open house features activities in the homestead’s second floor which requires climbing stairs.
“The Open House is our way of expressing gratitude to the community for its continued support,” Glidden Homestead executive director Jessi Haish LaRue said in a news release. “We look forward to welcoming guests of all ages to experience the history, music, and warmth of the season at the Homestead.”
For information, visit GliddenHomestead.org or call 815-756-7904. – Shaw Local News Network
INBODEN’S MARKET
Gourmet Meats and Specialty Food Store 1106 N. 1st, DeKalb 815-756-5852
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm; Closed Sun
50% Off
Custom Picture Frames
Sale ends Dec 20, 2025
223 North Fourth Street • DeKalb, Illinois 815-756-2951
www.DelanosHomeDecorating.com
Plans for Former St. Mary’s Hospital
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
DeKalb city leaders again have given the developer behind plans to refurbish the long-vacant former St. Mary’s Hospital building into apartments more time.
At a recent public meeting, the City Council decided in a pair of 8-0 votes to postpone a measure to repeal a zoning map amendment previously extended to Jon Sauser, the owner of the vacant property at 145 Fisk Ave.
The council’s action is meant to provide additional time for Sauser to fulfill his obligation to the city.
Plans to convert the 103-year-old building into apartments have been met by repeated delays over the years.
But in September, the city found that the owner had resolved several matters, including the payment of all outstanding property maintenance fines, the replacement of missing or delaminating plywood panels that covered the exterior windows and doors to secure the
building, and submittals of lighting and landscape plans, city documents show.
At the council’s meeting in September, Sauser requested additional time to present a final engineering plan to the city. At that time, the owner was given until the end of October.
City Manager Bill Nicklas noted that there’s been a change in the engineering consulting firm that Sauser is using.
“They’re trying to get up to speed, and at this time of the year, they’re finishing up a lot of plans for a lot of people at the end of the construction season,” Nicklas said.
Nicklas said he is familiar with the work of the property owner’s engineering consultant, and he believes Sauser needs more time.
“He’s [spent] a long time in serving this area in various consulting firms,” Nicklas said.
With the city’s recent action, the matter of repealing a zoning map amendment for the former St. Mary’s Hospital property was tabled until the council’s Dec. 8 meeting.
Beth Fowler’s ‘The Nutcracker’ opens Dec. 5 in DeKalb
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The Beth Fowler Dance Company and Beth Fowler School of Dance will present its 32nd annual performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet” to celebrate the holidays.
Performances start at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.
The ballet, featuring the music of Tchaikovsky, tells the story of Clara, who receives a toy soldier nutcracker during her family’s Christmas party. Her dreams take her to a world where the nutcracker comes to life and defeats the Rat King during a midnight battle. The Nutcracker transforms into a prince and escorts Clara on an adventure to the Land of Sweets.
Beth Fowler, artistic director and founder of the Dance Company and the dance school, said the annual production always ranks among her favorite times of the year, as she and her dancers and production team welcome the community to once again soak in the wonder of this dazzling performance.
true at the Egyptian Theatre, which is always so beautiful and festive.”
The Beth Fowler Dance Company’s “Nutcracker” will feature local dancers and performers from surrounding communities.
Maddy Shannon will play Clara.
Shannon said getting the opportunity to dance the role has been a dream for her since her first time performing in a “Nutcracker” production in the third grade.
Shannon said the role is demanding, requiring many hours of rehearsals, getting every movement and expression just right.
But she said the magic that ultimately flows through the show and inspires those in the auditorium makes all the work worthwhile.
“I’m not only surrounded by the magic of ‘Nutcracker,’ but I actually get to be the one experiencing it,” Shannon said in the news release. “The best part of being Clara is I get to be that young girl again, watching her Prince Charming become a reality.
“The Christmas season is always so
special and magical,” Fowler said in a news release. “And that’s even more
See ‘NUTCRACKER,’ page 15
Photo provided by the Beth Fowler Dance Company
The Beth Fowler Dance Company will present “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 5 through Dec. 7 at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb
Northern Illinois Food Bank sees 25% increase in need
Residents on SNAP share their stories: ‘People are just trying to get by’
By CAMDEN LAZENBY, MEGANN HORSTEAD and KELSEY RETTKE contact@shawmedia.com
The Northern Illinois Food Bank is expected to feed more people this holiday season than in previous years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite government support such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program being reinstated to help put food on the table.
NIFB services 13 counties across Illinois, operating in food pantries, soup kitchens, food programs and more, said Katie Heraty, director of media relations. She said the organization has noted a 25% increase in need.
NIFB, in turn, faces a $3 million to $4 million funding gap due to the surge in need this holiday season, likely affected by delayed SNAP benefits and economic realities facing many residents.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the federal government from what the coalition said is unlawfully cutting off SNAP benefits for thousands of lawful permanent residents, according to a statement from Raoul’s office.
“We’re serving over 600,000 neighbors a month, and that is more than during the pandemic,” Heraty said. “So, in order to serve more neighbors and get the food out, we need more food. We’ve purchased more food. We are reaching out to manufacturers, retailers [and] donors, asking people, ‘If you can give, now is the time.’”
The food bank, headquartered in Geneva, also has centers in Joliet, Lake Forest and Rockford.
SNAP benefits are flowing again to low-income households after the longest government shutdown in American history. But food insecurity remains, and some SNAP users could face new work requirements in the future, The Associated Press reported.
Jennifer Fencl, 33, of Genoa, became a SNAP recipient about two years ago, when she was pregnant with her child. About a month ago, she got engaged and is moving to the Chicago area with her fiancé and 13-month-old.
“People are just trying to get by,” Fencl said. “I understand that there are people out there abusing it, but a lot of people aren’t abusing this. A lot of people need this support. I’ve worked my whole life, and I’ve never used government benefits. And I’ve had to once I got pregnant.”
She said fruits and vegetables are common grocery items for her daughter, and they eat plenty of pasta.
“I’m not going to lie – being a mom and working, sometimes I buy the quick things,” Fencl said. “We do go through a lot of milk. She does whole milk. We go through a lot of freaking milk. A lot of eggs, a lot of cheese I put in eggs. ... A lot of times she eats what I eat.”
SNAP provides monthly benefits –averaging about $190 per person – to about 42 million people nationwide. During the first couple of weeks of November, many of those recipients missed their regular allotments as President Donald Trump’s administration battled in court over whether to tap into reserves to fund the program while the government was shut down.
About 1.9 million Illinoisans are enrolled in SNAP this year, according to the Department of Human Services.
In its 26th year, NIFB’s holiday meal program expects to serve about 50,000 holiday meals to Illinoisans, Heraty said. That will include a box of holiday trimmings, rice, beans, stuffing, vegetables, canned fruit, dessert and other side dishes, along with a turkey, ham or tur-
key breast, she said.
“This is just a way to make sure our neighbors [are taken care of] during the holidays, which is a time of year that can add added stress and expenses,” Heraty said. “But we want everyone to be able to enjoy a special meal with their loved ones.”
NIFB always welcomes volunteers and accepts food, monetary and other donations.
Those in need also can visit solvehungertoday.org to find a food pantry in their area and get set up for grocery deliveries if transportation is a barrier. Grocery items can accommodate dietary restrictions, too. The website can help determine if one qualifies for SNAP and assist in applications.
NIFB also has programs that help feed the elderly and schoolchildren year-round.
Mike Phillips unloads food at the Woodstock Food Pantry Oct. 31.
Heraty said that in recent weeks –from SNAP uncertainty to government employees out of work due to the shutdown – food pantries have seen more new people seeking help to put food on the table.
“We don’t just provide food, we provide hope for our neighbors,” Heraty said.
SNAP stories
Zayden Rudd of DeKalb has used SNAP for a long time.
“I grew up on SNAP in a single-parent household,” Rudd said. “I’ve been on and off SNAP my entire life. But my most recent case I’ve had since about 2018.”
Rudd, who is self-employed and lives on his own, said he works on and off
See SNAP STORIES, page 16
Photos provided by Katie Heraty
Volunteers pack boxes to be distributed to area food pantries from Northern Illinois Food Bank. The bank expects to service thousands this holiday season, noting the need to address food insecurity is higher than numbers recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LOOKING BACK
1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
Three automobiles, one a Hudson coach that was damaged to some extent, figured in accidents this morning about eight o’clock on the slippery pavement of West Lincoln Highway, about two miles west of DeKalb. The Hudson skidded on the pavement and tipped over in the ditch, but the two occupants were not injured. The accident happened as the car was attempting to make the sharp turn in the road at this point. A few seconds after the Hudson skidded and went into the ditch another large automobile, from the east, skidded on the pavement, turned completely around but remained on the cement.
Adopting a system that is used by the majority of the colleges and universities of the country, the DeKalb high school has adopted a new system of grading that will be used at the opening of the next semester. The system will be the letters A, B, C, D, and E instead of the numerical system. The state college has already adopted the new system and it will be used this quarter for the first time. The manner of grading will be greatly simplified as a student will be able to compare his grade with that secured at other colleges where the same system is used.
Mrs. Harriet Mayo, for many years a resident of North First street living in the home at First street and Lincoln Highway that is now owned by the DeKalb lodge of Elks, has again become a resident of the street, the well-known woman early this week moving into her beautiful new home, built adjoining the former Mayo residence. As yet all of the interior work on the new residence has not been completed, but Mrs. Mayo has taken up her residence in the new home.The home is one of the most beautiful in this city, the contractors requiring over a year to construct it. The residence will be one of the beauty spots of the city and one for which DeKalb should be complimented.
1950– 75 YEARS AGO
A number of DeKalb residents were wondering why their ashes and tin cans were not collected the latter part of this week. Although the $4 fee for ash and tin can collection was due on November 1, the city workers on the collection trucks were
not given the up-to-date route books until a few days ago and the collections were not made at homes where the fee had not been paid.
Noticed a lot of youngsters around Sycamore lately wearing Daniel Boone type coonskin caps. They seem to have a lot of fun bobbing their heads to make the tails swing. Mostly little shavers.
Christmas packages to be sent by mail should be wrapped stoutly. Use stiff corrugated fiberboard, strong outer paper, and heavy twine. Fragile items must be individually cushioned in a strong box to present breakage. Postmaster D. A. Leifheit stated that a package is not wrapped to withstand the Christmas rush unless it can be tumbled down a chute, tossed some distance into a mail sack, and then have other loaded mail sacks piled on top of it.
A fire believed to have been caused by defective wiring resulted in an estimated $1,000 worth of damage Thursday night in the Herb Lungstrom home, 344 East High Street, Sycamore. The fire was confined to the basement, but heavy smoke hindered efforts of the Sycamore fire department to extinguish the blaze. Fire Chief Charles Butzow estimated the damage at $500 to the building and $500 to the contents of the house. The department was out for one
and three-quarters hours.
With the sending of 20 more packages today, a clothing collecting campaign sponsored by the Y-Teens group of the DeKalb Township High School, is drawing to a successful close. To the present time 90 packages have been sent to two high schools in Helsinki, Finland, with the total shipment of clothing running over 1,000 pounds.
The Genoa Legion post will also assist in the drive for “Tide of Toys” for the children of Europe. This drive to collect new and used extra toys will be held between the week of Christmas and New Year’s Day or they may be left at the I.N.U office. Messages from America should be attached to each toy. This may be a Christmas greeting or a letter and is most important so that the children of Europe know they have real American friends.
1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
Transit study committee members will be asked Thursday to respond to a 34-page report detailing citizen opinions on mass transportation. The report is one part of a mass transit study being conducted in the DeKalb and Sycamore area. Two committees were formed to aid DeKalb city officials who are directing the study.
The DeKalb Public Hospital (DPH) Board
of Directors wants the hospital building to be used as a residential and day care facility for the elderly. A three-part recommendation included that the building be maintained as a non-profit and self-supporting institution, that all financial assets of DPH be kept and ear marked for use by the new facility to enable health care to be delivered at the lowest possible costs, and that the new operation, using the new wing as a residential facility and the old wing as a day care center, be kept under the control of the city.
The nomination of John Paul Stevens by President Ford to the Supreme Court has a DeKalb County judge strutting his week. Circuit Judge Carl A. Swanson and Stevens were classmates at the Northwestern University Law School.
2000 – 25 YEARS AGO
Employees from 3M played the part of Santa’s elves Saturday by purchasing toys at Target. The purchases will go to DeKalb County Toys for Tots, which collects toys for distribution to needy children in DeKalb County. On Saturday a group of eight employees had $1,150 to spend in 13 to 17-year-olds.
DeKalb’s first put-play e-commerce venture now calls a Pleasant Street warehouse its home. Forthefan.com Inc., launched in late 1997, offers merchandise for Wisconsin sports fans from more than 150 licensed vendors at a user-friendly web site. Expansion into new markets is being planned for next fall.
Long-time DeKalb County residents watching the election drama unfold in Florida may have found the name of one of Vice President Al Gore’s lead attorneys, David Boies, familiar. And it’s no coincidence. Boies was born in Sycamore and lived here as a child before moving to California. Had he stayed, he would have been among the fourth generation of the Sycamore Boies family. John Boies, an official with The National Bank & Trust Company of Sycamore, is David’s cousin.
Santa Claus will arrive in Waterman at 7 p.m. Sunday to light the village Christmas tree. Because there is no guarantee of snow by then, Santa will arrive in a red fire truck. –CompiledbySueBreese
Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center Archives Looking southwest on East Hillcrest Drive in DeKalb, May 1969.
Holistic health focus of wellness series in DeKalb
By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com
The organizers behind a free community wellness series at a local church are lauding the success had in promoting holistic health.
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in collaboration with the DeKalb County Mental Health Board, Northwestern Medicine, and Project HOPE, recently completed a 12-month series of events aimed at improving DeKalb residents’ quality of life.
The Rev. Joe Mitchell, senior pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb, said he considers the program to be a success.
“It definitely was something that was bigger than the church,” Mitchell said. “It was truly a community wellness event. While it was held at the church, it was for the community as a
needs assessment of the Annie Glidden North neighborhood, which organizers said identified there was a need for community engagement on holistic health.
Sabrina Nicholson, behavioral health services director for Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center and Behavioral Health Services in Sycamore, said the partnership between New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Project HOPE, Northwestern Medicine, and the DeKalb County Mental Health Board is not a one-off.
“We see this as just the beginning,” Nicholson said. “We are committed to continuing these conversations and expanding access to wellness resources across DeKalb County.”
whole. There [were] definitely people from the church that attended, but there [were] also people from the community that attended as well.”
During the 12-month program, which concluded in August, residents had the opportunity to take part in a series of events centered on various
Local Utility Companies Offer Substantial HVAC Rebates
Homeowners looking to upgrade their heating and cooling system have a valuable opportunity to save on the investment. Local utility companies are currently offering generous rebates that make investing in high-efficiency equipment more affordable. These programs are designed to help homeowners reduce energy use, improve comfort, and lower monthly utility bills, all while easing the cost of installation.
In our area, the two most common rebate providers are ComEd for electric customers and Nicor Gas for natural gas customers. Both companies have expanded their energy efficiency programs, giving homeowners an incentive to upgrade older systems. ComEd has placed special emphasis on heat pump technology, with rebates as high as $2,000 per qualifying system. They also offer up to $1,000 back on ductless mini-split systems, which are popular for their flexibility and efficiency. To receive these savings, the system must be installed by a qualifying contractor like KM Heating & Cooling, and meet the required AHRI efficiency ratings.
Nicor Gas offers a wide range of rebates as well. Homeowners can save on smart thermostats, high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, combination units, and tankless water heaters. These upgrades not only reduce energy consumption, but also improve year-round comfort and reliability. When paired with professional installation, the savings can add up quickly.
In addition to utility rebates, the federal government continues to offer tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act. These credits further offset the cost of qualifying equipment, giving homeowners another layer of financial support. When combined with local rebates, it is possible to save more than $3,000 per system.
With winter approaching and energy costs rising, now is an excellent time to explore efficient HVAC upgrades. Taking advantage of these rebates and incentives can make your home more comfortable while keeping long-term costs in check.
For more information about HVAC rebates, please call KM Heating & Cooling at (815) 6911991 and ask for Dave Kissel.
KM Heating and Cooling 339 Wurlitzer Dr. DeKalb, IL 60115 Ph: 815-691-1991
topics in holistic health, including men’s health, women’s health, communication, parenting, budgeting, and more. Organizers invited experts in the field for each topic to come and present.
The idea behind the event started about two years ago. Around that time, Northwestern Medicine conducted a
Organizers said the series of events saw between 30 and 40 people in attendance each month.
Nicholson said she was pleased with the turnout.
“It was incredible, really,” she said. “Our goal was really simple in its form of how do we bring practical tools for
Photo provided by Joe Mitchell
Residents and community members gather at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb for one of the monthly workshops made possible as part of a community wellness series. The program was sponsored by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Project HOPE, Northwestern Medicine, and the DeKalb County Mental Health Board.
• Complete hearing screening and consultation
•
• Live demonstration of the newest hearing technology
• If you currently wear hearing instruments, we will clean and check them at no charge
• $500
•
•
•
•
DeKalb Chamber celebrates Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana’s new
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana’s new location and welcomed it to the chamber’s membership. Chamber staff, community and board members, and ambassadors celebrated the opening and joining the chamber with a ribbon cutting Nov. 17. Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana, 206 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, provides customers an authentic experience with traditional Napoletana pizza created with fresh ingredients and craftsmanship. Learn more by visiting inigapizzeria.com or calling 815-517-1131.
Photo provided by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Resources are seen at one of the monthly workshops held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church as part of a community wellness series. The program was sponsored by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Project HOPE, Northwestern Medicine, and the DeKalb County Mental Health Board.
• WELLNESS
Continued from page 9
health, finances, and mental well-being directly to our community free of barriers. We were able to do that, and we had such a wonderful turnout.”
Mitchell said he believes the topics were diverse in offerings, allowing the program to have a bit of something for everyone.
As the head of a predominantly Black church congregation in town, Mitchell said he saw an opportunity to help bring resources to Black and Brown people in the community.
“Mental health has not been something that has been readily engaged, talked about, or resources that were sought out,” Mitchell said. “I’m hoping that because we did it in the community, it was led by people who look like people who live in the community, who were experts in the field, we’re hoping that some of the taboo around that topic spe-
cifically was removed.”
Organizers behind the series of events intend to meet early next year to begin looking at what the future holds for the program.
Nicholson said she looks forward to keeping the conversation on holistic health going in the community.
“Continuing to look at this holistic approach is really our priority and looking to put something else like this on in 2026,” she said.
Mitchell said he believes a lot has been accomplished, and there was a lot to take away from the series of events.
“For me, it was just getting the information out,” Mitchell said. “Typically, people who may not have access to those resources to be able to have access to those resources, and then to go home and implement them knowing that it’s going to have again not only a positive effect on you as an individual, but we also know that the more well people are, it also has a wider effect on the community as a whole.”
A Season of Giving and Joy with Opportunity House
The holiday season is a time to reflect on what truly matters, and at Opportunity House, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of how generosity shapes lives in meaningful ways. Every act of care, every shared moment, and every supportive hand helps create a place where individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities can grow, learn, and feel valued. Gratitude runs deep at OH, especially during this season of connection and appreciation.
Thanksgiving highlights how giving strengthens the entire community. Families, friends, and supporters help create an environment where opportunities flourish throughout the year. The people served by Opportunity House benefit not only from programs and resources, but also from the encouragement of those who believe in their potential. This shared sense of purpose brings warmth to the holiday and reminds everyone that kindness has lasting impact.
This season also provides a chance to recognize the dedication of Direct Support Professionals and volunteers. DSPs bring
patience, compassion, and steady support to daily life at OH. Their commitment helps individuals achieve independence and confidence, and their presence forms the heart of the organization. Volunteers add another layer of care through their time, creativity, and enthusiasm. Together, these groups make every day brighter, and their efforts deserve heartfelt thanks.
As the year comes to a close, Opportunity House invites the community to take part in its Year-End Giving Appeal. Contributions help sustain programs, expand opportunities, and ensure that individuals receive the support they need to thrive. Giving Tuesday on December 2 offers a special chance to participate in a global movement focused on generosity and service. Whether through a donation, volunteering, or sharing OH’s mission with others, every action helps strengthen the community.
This holiday season, join Opportunity House in celebrating gratitude, connection, and the joy that comes from giving. Your support helps create brighter futures and a more inclusive community for all.
Opportunity House
357 N. California St., Sycamore, IL 60178 Ph: (815) 895-5108
Email: info@ohinc.org ohinc.org
Photo Provided By Joe Mitchell
• ‘NUTCRACKER’
Continued from page 5
“Nothing’s more exciting than being able to tell that story to the audience and let them feel the magic I experience on stage.”
Elliana Oleksyn will dance the role of the Christmas Fairy.
“Christmas is my favorite holiday,” Oleksyn said in the release. “I love how ‘The Nutcracker’ has always been a holiday tradition. It’s nostalgic, but every year I’ve gotten to grow and perform different parts.”
Oleksyn said the many years of watching others perform the role has helped prepare her for such a moment.
“Watching Christmas Fairy, especially when I was younger, inspired me to become the dancer I am today,” Oleksyn said in the release. “I really looked up to the older Company dancers and to know that there’s younger kids looking up to me now, it pushes me to be a better inspiration and to bring the magic to the story.”
Oleksyn will take her final bow as a graduating senior member of the Fowler Dance Company in “The Nutcracker.”
“I’m grateful that on my final show, I get to be the first and last dancer on stage and am really able to take it all in,”
Oleksyn also said in the news release.
“‘Nutcracker’ has always been my favorite show, so it’s hard to comprehend that this is my last one.”
This year’s show will also be the final “Nutcracker” for other longtime Beth Fowler School of Dance veteran dancers including Chaela Bilyk.
Bilyk will dance the roles of both the Chinese Tea soloist and the Russian Doll.
“It’s crazy to me that I’m getting to step into a role I’ve seen so many other girls dance before,” Bilyk said in the release. “I’ve learned over my years watching those other dancers perform is that the role might look easy and light when you’re watching it, but these are definitely roles that require strength, control and stamina.”
“It definitely feels bittersweet,” Bilyk said in the release. “’The Nutcracker’
has been such a big part of my life for so many years.
“Mostly, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to grow up in this production. It’s a mix of emotions, but I’m excited for the future, because I know BFSD has shaped me well for what’s coming next.”
Beth Fowler Dance Company alumnus Lorraine Robinson will return to the Egyptian Theatre stage in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. She currently is training to become a professional dancer as a contemporary ballet trainee for the Grainger Academy of the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.
Robinson said she is excited to once again take on the challenging role.
“As I progress in my technique, I get more opportunities to show and truly perform the role,” Robinson said in the release.
She said she was particularly excited to join the Fowler Company for the annual holiday production once more.
“‘The Nutcracker’ is a seasonal classic, something everyone waits for,” Robinson said in the release. “So get -
ting to be a part of that experience for so many people is so rewarding.”
Robinson said, for her, rejoining the Fowler Company is like coming home.
The rest of the cast features Ben Fowler as the Sugar Plum Cavalier and Snow King, Iris Windsor as the Snow Queen, Mykah Lorenty and Wesley Meier as Fritz, Sophia Carbonara as Rose Queen, Veronica Young and Delilah Vergara as the Rat King, Addie Goettel and Kaitlyn Doyle as the Nutcracker Doll, Mia Biesiadecki as the Arabian Queen, Brandon Fowler as Herr Drosselmeyer and the Arabian King, Veronica Young as the Chinese Tea soloist, and Jen Flatland and Kohlman Steuber as the Arabian King and Queen. The production also will include company soloists and Beth Fowler School of Dance students.
Children’s tickets include a meetand-greet opportunity backstage after the show for a keepsake photo with the cast.
Tickets are available. To buy tickets, call 815-758-1225 or visit EgyptianTheatre.org.
Photo provided by the Beth Fowler Dance Company
The Beth Fowler Dance Company will present “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 5 through Dec. 7 at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb
Continued from page 6
again as a professional tarot reader and has been declared to be legally disabled by the Social Security Administration since 2014.
“It’s just me, myself and my cat, thankfully,” Rudd said. “I don’t think if I had dependents that we would be housed right now.”
Rudd said the cost of not being employed weighs on him.
“Being self-employed is very expensive, tax-wise,” Rudd said. “You have to pay for stuff to see.”
In a typical grocery shopping trip, Rudd will buy coffee, eggs, chicken, salmon, peas, broccoli and oatmeal, all things he said he considers standards that he has to cook himself.
Rudd said he was diagnosed in 2014 or 2015 with celiac disease, a disease of the small intestine in which the body is hypersensitive to gluten intake.
“Things like pasta and things like bread are not cheap options for me to eat,” Rudd said. “Before that, I didn’t know why I couldn’t gain weight. I didn’t know why I was in so much pain all the time. And that’s because celiac will, if you’re eating gluten, it will deplete your body’s ability to digest nutrients and absorb calories, slowly wasting away without knowing it.”
The amount of SNAP benefits Rudd said he receives monthly varies.
“Because I’m self-employed, it changes month to month, unfortunately,” Rudd said. “The most I’ve received is $230 a month, which is pretty comfortable. Sometimes I don’t hit up the food bank when I get that much. The past few months, I’ve been getting between $160 and $190.”
Rudd said he does his best to prioritize how he spends SNAP benefits.
But he also uses other resources in the community, such as food banks, as needed.
“I hit up the food banks at least twice a month, even with food stamps,” Rudd said. “I often use the food stamps to get the gluten-free stuff or fresh vegetables. Because even though they have fresh fruits and vegetables [at] some food banks, it will be mixed in with stuff that is covered in mold. Without SNAP, it’s harder to get safe, fresh food.”
And despite SNAP payouts returning to residents in need after the government reopened, some food pantry organizers said local residents still feel the financial strain.
“Every time they mess with SNAP,
our numbers go up,” said Kathy Wragg, director of the Polo Lifeline Food Pantry. “We’ve seen 30 or more families in the past two months. Most are new, younger families. Some haven’t used the pantry before, or they haven’t come in for a very long time.”
Another barrier to food security? SNAP applications can be complex, and soon, some may be required to reapply.
Rudd said he often has to set up in-person benefit application appointments. He said that once, when he first applied for benefits in Rockford, he had to wait days until they called his name.
“People will say it’s a full-time job trying to get benefits, and they’re not joking,” Rudd said.
That application process soon could change.
A massive tax and spending bill signed into law in July expanded requirements for many adult SNAP recipients to work, volunteer or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month. Those who don’t are limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period.
The work requirements previously applied to adults ages 18 through 54 who are physically and mentally able and don’t have dependents. The new law also applies those requirements to people ages 55 through 64 and to parents without children younger than 14.
It repeals work exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans and young adults aging out of foster care. And it limits the ability of states to waive work requirements in areas lacking jobs.
The Trump administration waived the work requirements in November, but the three-month clock on workfree SNAP benefits will be in full force for much of the country in December.
The new requirements are expected to reduce the average monthly number of SNAP recipients by about 2.4 million people over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Since Rudd is disabled, he is exempt from work requirements. But he said that doesn’t stop him from worrying about others.
“I’m concerned about working persons and for disabled persons who haven’t been able to receive legal recognition for various reasons,” Rudd said. “I’m concerned that, moving forward, we’re going to be caught in more constrictive binds that force people off of these resources. I’m also concerned that people will be too
scared to change things.”
Rudd sought to dispel a misnomer that people who receive SNAP benefits do not work and are lazy.
“A lot of people already have two jobs,” Rudd said. “They have kids to take care of. They have dependents with medical needs. ... And then, it also depends on how much I make on self-employment. ... They make so much [that] they’ll cut you off. I’ve experienced times where I was gainfully employed wage-based, but I wasn’t able to maintain that because of my disabilities.”
Some, like Fencl, have relied on SNAP benefits to help build themselves back up.
She said she’s supposed to receive $173 from the government for SNAP but wasn’t getting that much during the shutdown. She’s frustrated by policies surrounding the assistance.
“If we’re supposed to work 20 hours to get the benefits, but as soon as we do, you cut them in half, how can someone survive off of 20 hours a week?” Fencl said.
She said that as a single mother, she stresses about balancing work and caring for her child.
“I’m sure everyone has needed help
at some point,” Fencl said.
Fencl said her journey has led her to become sober, and government benefits have helped out.
“I’m a completely different person, and part of that is because of the help that I received,” she said. “I’m going to be enrolling in school. I want to be a medical assistant. ... You dig a grave for yourself when you’re doing certain things, and it helped me dig my way back out.”
Rudd said he also believes he could get by if he didn’t have SNAP benefits, but mostly because he’s had to struggle before.
“I hope my definition of getting by is not the same definition other people have of getting by,” Rudd said. “Because I know I’ll get by because I’ve survived worse. I’ve lived on less than $10 a week on food.”
And for those who’ve never used a food pantry or applied for government assistance?
“We are here to help,” Heraty said. “We are here to feed our neighbors. We want people to reach out if they need groceries.
The Associated Press and Shaw Local correspondent Earleen Hinton contributed to this story.
Mark Busch
Zayden Rudd of DeKalb talks Nov. 14 at the Dekalb Public Library about some of the issues surrounding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
