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Cover story
from MidWeek_020922
by Shaw Media
LOTS OF LOVE
G-K students make cards for ‘Valentines for Seniors’ project
By KATRINA J.E. MILTON
kmilton@shawmedia.com
Students in Genoa-Kingston High School’s Impact Club recently gathered in the library after school to use their creativity for good.
As a club, the students made valentines using paper, markers and small decorations. The handmade valentines will be distributed to older adults in the community.
State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, and state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, partnered for the second year to sponsor the “Valentines for Seniors” card drive to benefit people living in local residential care facilities.
Tara Wilkins, the club’s faculty adviser, said that projects like the valentine’s card drive are what the group is all about.
“We do any type of community service, from raising money to help a family that lost their house in a fire, anti-bullying, Feed My Starving Children and teacher appreciation,” Wilkins said.
Impact Club member Ava Wells, a freshman at Genoa-Kingston High School, said she took part in the card-making event as a way to help others.
“I like being creative, and I’ve never made valentines before,” she said. “It’s an easy way to make others happy and spread some cheer.”
Junior Amina Music was there with her two sisters, sophomore Medina and freshman Mirela.
“It sounded like fun, and we’re able to help make a difference in other people’s lives,” she said.
The G-K High School Impact Club made about 50 valentines after meeting a few times after school.
Last year the inaugural card drive collected nearly 10,000 valentines.
Syverson said his favorite part of last year’s event was receiving photos from recipients.
“We received photos where the valentines were taped to mirrors and doors and hanging in hallways,” he said. “It shows that the valentines were very much appreciated by the recipients.”
Keicher said he was shocked at how many people participated last year.
“I was blown away at the level of participation,” he said. “It was a way to let seniors in our community know that they are cared about and they are not forgotten.”
Mark Busch photos - mbusch@shawmedia.comx Mirela Music (left), a freshman at Genoa-Kingston High School, and her sister sophomore Medina Music make valentines on Tuesday, Jan. 25, in the school library. The cards will be distributed to older adults living in residential care facilities as part of the “Valentines for Seniors” card drive sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, and state Sen. Dave Syverson R-Rockford.
Elizabeth Hoppenworth, resident services administrator at Oak CrestDeKalb Area Retirement Center in DeKalb, said residents greatly appreciate the gesture of being given valentines.
“It reminds them that people are thinking of them,” Hoppenworth said. “It lets them know that others care, they’re being thought of and that they’re not forgotten.”
Hoppenworth said that residents always enjoy receiving mail and that any card or letter would be appreciated.
“This is a generation that went to the mailbox to receive a card, they didn’t email or use Twitter or Facebook,” she said. “It’s always a good idea to reach out to a facility independently and ask what you can do. Little things can make such a difference and a positive impact. Just ask, ‘What would be meaningful and what would help?’
The “Valentines for Seniors” card drive runs through Feb. 10. The cards will be delivered to nursing homes and senior living facilities before Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14
Photo provided Cast members of Children’s Community Theatre’s production of “Les Miserables: School Edition” rehearse their theater-in-the-round staging of “One Day More.” The show will run Feb. 17-20.
CCT to stage ‘Les Misables’ Feb. 17-20
THE MIDWEEK
Tickets are now available for Children’s Community Theatre’s February production of the musical “Les Misérables: School Edition.”
“Les Misérables,” is an epic tale of passion and redemption in the throes of revolution based on Victor Hugo’s novel. It features one of the most memorable scores of all time, including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “One Day More.”
In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, portrayed by Cara Davis of Somonauk, is released from 19 years of imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. After a life-changing encounter with the Bishop of Digne, portrayed by Hannah Barngrover of Somonauk, he breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, portrayed by Daniel Maller of Sandwich.
As part of Valjean’s redeemed life, he honors the request of the dying Fantine, portrayed by Amber Pilkinton of DeKalb, and saves her orphaned daughter Cosette, portrayed by Isabella Vancil of Sandwich as a child and Paige Penman of Sandwich as an adult, from the clutches of Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, portrayed by Matthew Brockway of Somonauk and Grace Turk of Elburn, and leaders of a thief gang, portrayed by Grace Anderson and Payton DeWitt of Sandwich.
In order to also save Cosette’s love interest, Marius, portrayed by Isaac Ortega of Sandwich, Valjean becomes involved in the Paris student uprising of 1832, led by Enjolras, portrayed by Jackson Heilemeier of Sandwich, and championed by the street urchin Gavroche, portrayed by Sophia Bode of Sandwich. Tragically, Marius is also pursued by the Thenardier’s daughter, Eponine, portrayed by Charlotte Davenport of Sycamore as a child and Kendel Graham of Somonauk as an adult, and understudied by Cadee Goldstein of Sandwich.
The musical will be performed in a round stage setting at Somonauk Baptist Church, 315 E. North St. in Somonauk. Showtimes will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 17-18, noon and 7 p.m. Feb. 19, and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Feb. 20.
Tickets cost $12 per adult and $6 per child, and can be purchased online at https://cctonstage.com.
For questions or more information, email director Sue Graham at susu647@yahoo.com.
Children’s Community Theatre is an Illinois nonprofit organization dedicated to the appreciation and development of the performing arts. “Les Misérables: School Edition” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
By KATRINA J.E. MILTON
kmilton@shawmedia.com
DeKALB – Feb. 3 was a big night for entertainment in DeKalb, as both radio station 94.9 WDKB and the historic Egyptian Theatre were recognized for contributions to the community.
During the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration Dinner, the chamber named 94.9 WDKB the 2021 Business of the Year. The Egyptian Theatre earned the 2022 Nonprofit Organization Award at the event, which was held at Northern Illinois University’s Barsema Alumni & Visitor’s Center in DeKalb.
WDKB was recognized for what supporters said was its hands-on approach to helping local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic offering free marketing and business webinars and live on-air interviews. The radio station also honors community members that are making DeKalb County a better place with its weekly Hometown Hero Award, offers 260 spots for guest DJs throughout the year, holds the Feed the Need Food Drive to help feed people and pets and a fundraiser 0.1K race.
“This means more to me personally than I can really express,” said Shawn Lowe, WDKB’s program director. “We’re just getting started. We’re not going to slow down.”
Other finalists for the 2022 Nonprofit Organization Award were the DeKalb Rotary Club, Live Learn and Lead and Voluntary Action Center.
The Egyptian Theatre opened its doors in 1929. With a $6.5 million expansion completed in 2020, the theater is able to offer entertainment and events year-round.
In his acceptance speech, Executive Director Alex Nerad described the downtown DeKalb destination as belonging to the community at large.
“This is your Egyptian Theatre,” Nerad said. “It was the community that stepped up in 1978 to create our nonprofit to save the theater. It was the community that helped restore the theater in 1983 to its original grandeur. It is the community that helped expand the theater over the last couple of years. It is the community that helped the Egyptian survive the devastating impact of [COVID-19] these past two years.”
The chamber also highlighted other DeKalb community leaders from various backgrounds throughout the evening.
Gavin Wilson of Country Financial and owner of The Hillside Restaurant in DeKalb was named the 2021 Ambassador of the Year.
The chamber also inducted two members into its Hall of Fame: Steve Doonan, president and general manager of DeKalb Mechanical, and Bill Nicklas, DeKalb City Manager.
Other finalists for Business of the Year were Aflac – Angela Ferrigan, Illinois Community Credit Union, Pest Control Consultants and Tapa La Luna.
Matt Duffy, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, said the annual dinner is the community’s opportunity to recognize the positive impact businesses and nonprofit organizations have on DeKalb.
Mark Black for Shaw Local Shawn Lowe accepts the 2021 Business of the Year ward on behalf of 94.9 WDKB radio during the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce annual Celebration Dinner on Feb. 3.
Artwork from: “The Hunting Accident”
MUSIC
niu.edu/music
Feb. 2 Electronic Computer Music Concert,7p.m. Feb. 3 Duo Diorama: Ming Huan Xi and WinstonChoi, 7p.m. Feb. 5 Piano Trios by Dimitri Shostakovich and Johannes Brahms,7p.m. Feb. 12 International Guitar Festival featuring Rene Izquierdo,7p.m. Feb. 17 Avalon String Quartet,7p.m. Feb. 21 Symposium Recital IV,7p.m. Feb. 22 NIU Philharmonic and ConcertoCompetition Winners,7p.m.
TheArtsatNIU
THEATRE
niu.edu/theatre Hit TheWall
by IkeHolter Feb. 4-6 and 10-12 Sally Stevens Players Theatre
RUR
by KarelČapek adapted by Matt Yee Feb. 25-27,March 3-5 Sally Stevens Players Theatre
ART
niu.edu/art
Artwork from the Landis Blair graphic novel Jan. 24 -Feb.12 Jack Olson Gallery,Jack Arends Hall
Biennial NIU School of Art and Design FacultyExhibition
NIU Art Museum, Altgeld Hall Jan. 25 -Feb.26 niu.edu/artmuseum
Alook at what’scoming up! Forafull schedule of events and ticket information:
