BURLINGTON
‘History of Handbags’
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Place: St. John’s Lutheran Church
Cost: $5 donation
More information: 847-683-3443
Hampshire Ladies VFW Post 8043 will present a program by Marilyn Smaha, who makes custom purses and totes. She will also demonstrate how to “jazz up” a thrift store bag. Attendees may bring a special purse to share its story. Proceeds benefit scholarships for students in Hampshire and Burlington Central high schools.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Sept. 19
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
For children 3 and older. No registration required.
First Grade & Up Story and Craft
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Every Thursday; next, Sept. 20
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
Cortland United Methodist Church 150th Anniversary
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 23
Place: Cortland United Methodist Church, 45 W. Chestnut Ave.
More information: 815-756-9088
Celebration begins with worship followed by a potluck lunch. Meat and drinks provided; bring a side dish or dessert to pass. Children's games and an 1860s hymn sing after lunch. Period costumes are welcome.
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories, rhymes and more for preschool-age children. No registration required.
Bible Study Fellowship Introduction Session
Time: 9 – 10:50 a.m.
Dates: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore/DeKalb, 150 Bethany Road
More information: 815-899-9228 or tgruner2@comcast.net
Introduction to a weekly day class for women studying the book of Genesis. The class includes a program for children from birth to kindergarten.
Blood Drive
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Lincolnshire West, 1307 W. Lincoln Highway
Blood Drive
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Kishwaukee Community Hospital
'Nothing's Wrong, I'm Fine: Addressing the Stigma of Mental Illness'
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Carl Sandburg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center, corner of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road
More information: siol.niu@gmail.com
Using a creative mix of dramatic re-enactments, presentation of the facts and audience discussion/participation, members of the Alexian Brothers Parish Services will perform a 90-minute presentation on mental health and how to talk about it with both friends and strangers.
'Going to the Dogs' Workshop
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Haish Gym
More information: 815-756-8560
Learn what the DeKalb Park District dog programs have to offer. Do not bring dogs to the workshop. Children preparing for a 4-H project on dogs can use this workshop for their records. Rescue groups will be on hand with information on adoptable dogs. There will be raffle drawings for dog treats, toys and training materials.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Sept. 19
Place: DeKalb Community Center, 330 Grove St.
For transportation, call 815-758-6641. To volunteer, call 815-758-1678. To donate, call 815-758-3932. Dinner sponsors are especially needed.
'Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Northern Illinois University Altgeld Hall Auditorium
Bestselling author and award-winning historian Timothy Snyder will discuss the history of Nazi and Soviet mass killing on the lands between Berlin and Moscow.
Blood Drive
Time: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 20
Place: Northern Rehabilitation, 232 W. Lincoln Highway
'Canvas'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 20
Place: DuSable Hall Room 204, Northern Illinois University
More information: siol.niu@gmail.com
A free showing and discussion of this film giving an honest and heartfelt portrayal of a family living with the mother's relapse into schizophrenia.
Farmers Market
Time: Noon – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Sept. 20
Place: Van Buer Plaza, North Second and Locust streets
Live music will be presented from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the market, which includes local produce, plants, wine, baked goods, pet treats, cheese, meats, fresh-roasted coffee and craft items.
Computer Help Lab
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Date: Friday, Sept. 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
Drop-in help lab for those with computer questions.
Intro to the Internet
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Friday, Sept. 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Homecoming Chili Dinner
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Sept. 21
Place: DeKalb High School cafeteria
Cost: Adults $5, seniors and students, $4, children 10 and younger, $3
Dinner includes chili, a hot dog, Fritos and a drink. Child dinner is a choice between chili or hot dog with Fritos and drink. Dinner will be served before the varsity homecoming game. Proceeds support trips for the high school marching band.
Gallery Viewing
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 21
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.
About 40 original works from the center's permanent art collection are on display.
SAY IT OUT LOUD Open Mic Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, Sept. 21
Place: Diversions Lounge, Holmes Student Center, corner of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road
More information: siol.niu@gmail.com
Music, poetry and stories related to mental health issues. Performer sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary September Fest
Time: 5 – 10 p.m. Friday, noon – 10 p.m. Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Sept. 21 – 23
Place: St. Mary School DeKalb, 210 Gurler Road
More information: www.stmaryseptemberfest.com
Free admission. Live music Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Food booths, family-friendly beer garden, draw-down raffle, bake sale, bungee trampoline, used book and DVD sale, carnival rides and family activities. Proceeds support St. Mary School DeKalb.
Wheel-A-Thon
Time: Registration opens at 9 a.m., wheel-a-thon begins at 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Place: Frank Van Buer Plaza, corner of Locust and North Second streets
More information: 815-756-3202 or www.dekalbcountywheelathon.stayclassy.org
Walk, skate, wheel, scoot, run, stroll or bike in this disability awareness event to raise money for the RAMP Center for Independent Living. Lunch and awards will be given after the event.
Ride Like An Egyptian
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Cost: Adults, $25; children 15 and younger, $5
More information: www.egyptiantheatre.org
Riders can select a 25, 50, 75 or 100-mile route. Central rest stop with technical support in Maple Park. Free end-of-ride meal for participants; non-participating family and friends can eat for $5. Children younger than 16 must ride with an adult.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Time: During library hours
Dates: Sept. 22 – 30
Place: DeKalb Public Library
'A Christmas Carol' Auditions
Time: 2 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 – 9 p.m. Monday
Dates: Sept. 22 – 24
Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
Audition for Stage Coach Players' production of "A Christmas Carol," which will be performed Dec. 6-9. Needed are 30 men and 17 women in their late teens and older and a number of boys and girls 6 and older for speaking and nonspeaking parts, as well as eight to 12 carolers. Actors will read cold from the script, and carolers will sing the first verse of "Silent Night" and sight read a piece from the show.
Mathew Tembo's World Music Celebration
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $6; students, $3
Bands will perform music from around the world. Zambian musician Tembo will be joined by the NIU Afropop Ensemble, the NIU Chinese Music Ensemble, the NIU Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, the NIU Steel Band, the Wacky Keys and more. There will be an art sale and a henna tattoo artist at the show.
Blacksmith Demonstrations
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 23; Oct. 14 and 28
Place: Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway
Cost: Adults $4, children 13 and younger free
More information: info@gliddenhomestead.org
Blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the homestead.
Girls Only ... Your Changing Body
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Monday, Sept. 24
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $10 per family
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
For girls 9 to 12 and an adult female relative. The natural changes a young girl experiences can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can lessen anxiety and make the transition smoother. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
Look Good ... Feel Better
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Date: Monday, Sept. 24
Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital
More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
This free program teaches women and girls actively undergoing cancer treatment beauty techniques to combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. All participants receive a free cosmetics kit. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
'What is Chemo Brain?'
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 25
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
"Chemo brain" can include forgetfulness, decreased focus and difficulty with finding words and multitasking. Oncologist M. Ishaqe Memon, MD, discusses what causes chemo brain, how to treat it and myths surrounding it. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 25
Places: Douglas Hall, 1201 N. Stadium Drive, and Lincoln Hall, 1151 Lucinda Ave.
Control Your Cholesterol
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 25
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Whether your levels are high or normal, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce or maintain healthy cholesterol. If you have your cholesterol results, bring them. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Drive-Up Pork Dinner
Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26
Place: 3M parking lot, corner of Peace and Barber Greene roads
Cost: $10; tickets available from club members, at Inboden's in DeKalb, by email at kishsunriserotary@gmail.com and by phone at 815-757-8151
The meal will be prepared by Inboden's, which is roasting a pig on site. Each meal includes pulled pork, a biscuit, coleslaw, baked beans and double baked potato salad. Proceeds benefit the Rotary's scholarships for DeKalb and Sycamore high school students and DeKalb County Forest Preserve restoration projects.
'Fire in the Ashes: The Deepening Crisis in Our Public Schools'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26
Place: DeKalb High School auditorium
Author and social justice activist Jonathan Kozol will speak.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of every month; next, Sept. 26
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433.
A Woman's Perspective on Sudden Cardiac Death
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 27
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Sudden cardiac death is the number one killer of women. Cardiologist Paul Nguyen, MD, MS, and nurse practitioner Magdalena Kloch, APN, talk about cardiovascular disease in women and how to reduce the risk. Heart-healthy meal provided. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
'Bartleby the Scrivener'
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Sept. 27 – 30 and Oct. 4 – 7
Place: O'Connell Theatre, Stevens Building, Northern Illinois University
Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, students $8
More information: 815-753-1600, sotdboxoffice@niu.edu or www.niu.edu/theatre
A 90-minute adaptation of the humorous short story by Herman Melville.
Kids' Garage Sale
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Place: Hopkins Park Shelter
Cost: $10 for a vendor booth
More information: 815-756-8560
Children can sell the toys, clothes, sports gear, books and other items they have outgrown. One round table will be available at each vendor space; sellers may provide their own additional tables. Booth space is 10-by-10 feet. The public is invited to shop.
'Juke Box' Barbershop Show
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 30
Place: Hopkins Park Terrace Room
Tickets: Adults, $12; seniors 60 and older and students 19 and younger, $10
More information: 815-895-5955 or 815-757-2447
The Kishwaukee Barbershop Chorus presents a show with a "jukebox favorites" theme. Call 815-757-2447 for tickets or 815-895-5955 for general information.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 2 – Nov. 6
Place: DeKalb County Hospice
More information: 815-756-3000
Six-week course to show caregivers how to care for themselves as they care for their loved ones. Registration required.
Candidates Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
More information: www.egyptiantheatre.org
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Sept. 19
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.
'Railroads: Their Development and History in Genoa'
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Place: Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society and Museum, 622 Park Ave.
More information: 815-784-5559
Bud Budzien will tell the story of trains in the Genoa area. The museum's collection of model trains will be displayed. Free admission and refreshments; donations are welcome.
Build-Your-Own Scarecrow
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Place: Genoa Main Street Open Air Market, intersection of Main and Genoa streets
Cost: $20
More information: 815-784-6961 or www.genoamainstreet.com
All the supplies needed to build a scarecrow are provided. The open air market also features more than 50 food, craft, direct sales and flea market vendors.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Sept. 25
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Pork Chop Sandwich Dinner
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26
Place: Genoa Masonic Lodge, 130 Route 23, behind McDonalds
Cost: $8
More information: 815-784-3744
This dinner by the Genoa Masonic Lodge and the Genoa-Kingston High School Cheerleading Squad includes one pork chop sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans and applesauce. Proceeds benefit the cheer squad and Masonic charities. Buy advance tickets from cheerleaders, Masons or at Embroidery Sew Into It, 201 W. Main St.
Vendor Extravaganza
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 30
Place: Genoa Vets Home, 311 S. Washington St.
A variety of crafters and direct sales vendors will be present, including Avon, Tastefully Simple, Miche Bags, Pampered Chef, Longaberger and more. There will be food and raffles; you need not be present to win raffle prizes.
HINCKLEY
Story Time
Time: 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday
Dates: Sept. 19, 25 and 26
Place: Hinckley Public Library
More information: 815-286-3220
Farmers Market
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturdays; next, Sept. 22
Place: Corner of Route 30 and Somonauk Road
Free Movie
Time: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 25
Place: Hinckley Public Library
Free snacks and a showing of "Avengers." Rated PG-13.
KINGSTON
Rev. Harold Schmidt Walk for Christian Senior Ministry
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 30
Place: Walcamp, 32653 Five Points Road
This fundraiser for Christian Senior Ministry does not require participants to walk; they can enjoy bingo and refreshments inside the shelter if they prefer. Deacon Charles Ridulph reaches more than 250 seniors in a dozen DeKalb County senior residence centers every week through this ministry for nondenominational Christian worship services.
KIRKLAND
Homecoming Parade
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19
More information: 815-522-6676
MALTA
Roast Beef Dinner
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Place: Malta United Methodist Church
Cost: Adult, $12; adult double meat, $15; children 5 to 12, $5; children 4 and younger, free
Carryouts are available. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Menu includes roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet green peas, raspberry applesauce Jell-O salad, rolls, homemade desserts and beverage.
SHABBONA
Museum Open House: Country Schools
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 30
Place: Shabbona-Lee-Rollo Historical Museum, 119 W. Comanche
More information: 815-824-2597
The museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a public open house. The theme will be country schools, the same theme it celebrated at its opening in 1992. People who attended country schools are encouraged to attend and reminisce. Light refreshments will be served.
SYCAMORE
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Sept. 19
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Fall Bulb Workshop
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 20
Place: University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu
Learn to plant, divide, store and identify bulbs, tubers and corms. Registration required.
A Celebration of Carter
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 20
Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.
Tickets: Adults, $7; children 12 and younger, $3
More information: acelebrationofcarter@yahoo.com
Carter had hydrocephalus, and in his one year of life had multiple surgeries and hospitalizations. He made amazing strides and brought joy to all who knew him. He passed away less than a week after his first birthday. At the time of his death, his parents were still paying hospital bills from his first few weeks of life. Because spaghetti was one of Carter's favorite foods, the fundraiser will include a spaghetti dinner with a silent auction. Proceeds will help pay his medical expenses.
Fall Thrift Sale
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – noon Saturday
Dates: Sept. 21 and 22
Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
Bake sale 9 a.m. to noon Friday. $5 bag sale 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Friday, Sept. 21
Place: Paw Lickin' Good, 2684 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 877-475-7729
Appointments required. Cash or credit only. Discounted vaccines for rabies, distemper combos, bordetella, Lyme, Lepto, heartworm, FVRCP and Felv, plus microchipping, Felv/Fiv testing and fecal testng. No exam fee. Vaccines range from $15 to $65, depending on service. No residency or income restrictions. Those receiving food stamps or on SSDI can also get pets spayed or neutered for $15.
Toys for Tots Bike Run
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Cost: $20 per rider, $15 per passenger, plus one new, unwrapped toy
More information: www.dekalbcountymarines.com, mike60178@comcast.net, 815-899-2351
This run will include food, live music and more. All proceeds will benefit DeKalb County Toys for Tots Program.
Sycamore Education Foundation Take Root
Time: 7:30 p.m. – midnight
Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Place: Blumen Gardens, 325 Edward St.
Cost: $35
More information: 815-895-6558 or sycamoreeducationfoundation.org
Limited tickets available. Cash bar, entertainment by Red Woody.
Federated Church Inquirers' Session
Time: After the 10 a.m. service
Date: Sunday, Sept. 23
Place: Federated Church, Route 64 and Greeley Street
More information: www.sycamorefederatedchurch.org
Those interested in church membership can attend to learn about the church.
Creating Tea Gardens
Time: 1 p.m. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Thursday
Dates: Sept. 25 and 27
Place: DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194
Bring a cup to sample tea. Registration required.
Blood Drive
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26
Place: Home Bound Health Care, 1625 S. Bethany Road
'When to Divide, Plant and Prune'
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26
Place: DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo
Registration is required.
Fossil Find
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Place: Vulcan Quarry
Cost: Members $18 or $50 for a family of up to 4; nonmembers $20 or $55 for a family of up to 4
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
Learn about fossils and mining and then head into the field to find your own fossils – keep whatever you find. For ages 6 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and the program fills quickly. Call to register. Payment must be taken at registration.
Harvest of Quilts
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Sept. 29 and 30
Place: Sycamore Middle School, 150 Maplewood Drive
Cost: $5 each day or $6 for a two-day pass
More information: www.dcqg.org
About 200 quilted pieces will be on display. The featured artist will be Lois Jarvis. There will be a small quilt silent auction and a handmade gift boutique, as well as vendor booths selling quilting and sewing supplies. A certified textile appraiser will be on-site and will give written appraisals for a $40 fee.
Schmack Rally
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Place: Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Park
Tickets: $25, children 10 and younger free
More information: 815-895-2074 or campaign@schmackforstatesattorney.com
Picnic and rally featuring an Inboden's pig roast and live music from One Beat Off. RSVP by Sept. 25.
Breakfast
Time: 8 – 11 a.m.
Date: Last Sunday of each month; next, Sept. 30
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Cost: Adults, $7; children 11 and younger, $4
Includes omelets, eggs to order, potatoes, sausage, bacon, pancakes, french toast, biscuits and gravy, coffee, juice and milk.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Sept. 20
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Place: Municipal parking lot on Route 30
More information: 815-748-2408