Music at the Mansion to honor late DeKalb mayor

Former DeKalb mayor and NIU alumnus Bessie Chronopoulos urged a need for transparency during the meeting's public comment portion.

"Following completion of the investigation, [Dannenmaier] opted to resign, citing his desire to see the law school remain focused on its important educational mission and to continue his own work in environmental law and policy," a statement from NIU read.

It also stated that the university wishes to keep Dannenmaier in a position within the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships, to develop strategies to ensure research and scholarship at NIU informs governmental policy at the local, state and national level.

Cordes declined to comment following the vote.

DeKALB - This week’s Music at the Mansions concert set for Wednesday, July 21, will honor late DeKalb Mayor Bessie Chronopoulos.

Chronopoulos died at her home in February at age 72. She served as mayor of the City of DeKalb from 1997 to 2001 and on the city council prior, and worked as a teacher in the Genoa-Kingston school district for more than 35 years.

Concert-goers are asked to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy the free live show, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Ellwood House in DeKalb, 420 Linden Place. There will be opportunities for purchase food and drinks

July 21 was Chronopoulos birthday, according to organizers who plan to honor her during Wednesday’s concert, an idea by Chronopoulos’ friend Patti Thompson Perkins, according to a news release.

“I was happy to accommodate this request as Bessie cared a lot about the community and attended many of the past Music at the Mansion concerts,” said Michael Embrey, Music at the Mansion show producer. “Bessie’s five loves included teaching, her Greek heritage, her church, her pets, and the City of DeKalb.”

The concert will be the “Margaritaville at the Mansion” tribute show featuring members of the Mr. Myers Band, which performs Caribbean Rock, a mixture of Reggae, Calypso, Jimmy Buffett/Beach music, and their unique soaring harmonies and instrumentation bring the island songs in a more modern yet traditional style. Todd Donnelly is the leader and founder of the band, which is celebrating their 40th anniversary.

The opening act will feature The Crosswinds Flute Choir.

Parking is available near the Ellwood Mansion (off Linden Place) as well as the Clinton Rosette school and Congregational United Church of Christ parking lots.

The concert will also be honoring the local organization ‘Opportunity House’.

Music at the Mansion summer concert series is sponsored by: ‘The Irving Family Foundation’, with Wednesday’s show sponsored in-part by: Katherine Gannon Real Estate.

Music at the Mansion is a community entertainment project and is supported by DeKalb Park District, Ellwood House Association, City of DeKalb and FunME Events.


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