BURLINGTON
Oktoberfest
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday
Dates: Oct. 4 – 6
Place: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road
Cost: $8 for dinner
More information: 847-683-2338 or www.stjohnburlington.com
Youth group tent sale all three days to fund the cost of traveling to the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio in 2013. On Saturday, the Oktoberfest German dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. and Miller's Hometown Band will play from 5 to 8 p.m.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Oct. 3
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, Oct. 4
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
Fall Festival and Parade
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 14
Place: Cortland Community Park
More information: www.cortlandil.org
Parade at 1 p.m. Rides, vendors and live music at the free festival, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
Stories, songs and rhymes for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250
Retired teacher Marti Brown will tutor and provide homework help for students in third through fifth grades. Register in advance online, by phone or at the youth services desk. The service is free, but is limited to five students.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Oct. 3
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.
Junior Wrestling
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dates: Wednesdays in October; begins Oct. 3
Place: Huntley Middle School
More information: mike.pater@dist428.org
Participants will receive free instruction on wrestling techniques and safety. In the last session on Oct. 24, participants will use what they have learned in a scored tournament.
Candidates Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
More information: www.egyptiantheatre.org
Meet and greet with candidates in the theater lobby from 6 to 7 p.m.
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: Carl Sandburg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center, Normal Road
NIU is one of only 21 colleges nationwide chosen to screen this film about a 33-year-old mother of two who was killed by her husband when she decided to leave him after suffering years of abuse. This year marks the 11th anniversary of her death. Victim Advocacy Services of the Women's Resource Center at NIU will host the documentary, then discuss key elements of the film and the dynamics of domestic violence.
Northern Illinois University Philharmonic
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Music Building, 400 Lucinda Ave.
This free concert will be webcast live at www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.shtml.
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Martin Luther King Commons, Northern Illinois University
More information: www.niuewb.com
The student chapter of Engineers Without Borders will collect new and used shoes in any condition. Useable shoes will be distributed to needy children in Africa. Funds raised will help the group travel to Tanzania to improve a secondary school.
'Mark Twain and the Laughing River'
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 260 or edithc@dkpl.org
Jim Post gives a funny and witty performance as Mark Twain. The show incorporates information about Mark Twain's life and books with a little music. Free copies of "Tom Sawyer" will be available.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: 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.
'The Intersection of Puppetry and Science Fiction'
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Founders Memorial Library lower level lounge
Mary Robinette Kowal, author of "Shades of Milk and Honey," 2008 winner of the Campbell Award for Best New Writer and 2011 winner of the Hugo Award for Short Story, will lead a discussion of storytelling in two media. Kowal has been a finalist for the Nebula and Locus awards and her work has been widely published. She is a professional puppeteer and voice actor who has performed for "LazyTown," the Center for Puppetry Arts and Jim Henson Pictures. She founded Other Hand Productions, and her designs have won two UNIMA-USA Citations of Excellence, the highest award for American puppeteers.
Blues Gone Wild
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: First Thursday of each month; next, Oct. 4
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-787-9547 or http://thehousecafe.net
Monthly blues jam. Come to listen or to play. All-ages show.
'Not Now, Darling'
Time: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Oct. 4 – 6 and 11 – 14
Place: Stage Coach Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.
Tickets: Adults $12, children younger than 12, $9
More information: 815-758-1940 or www.stagecoachers.com
Suspicious wives, mistaken identities, scantily clad girls clapped hurriedly into closets and a continuous barrage of rapid fire jokes in this comedy about minks and mistresses.
Costume Sale
Time: 3 – 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday
Dates: Oct. 5 and 6
Place: Black Box Theatre, DeKalb High School, 501 W. Dresser Road
The DeKalb High School theater department is cleaning out its costume room. Retired costumes, some small props and T-shirts from past shows will be sold. Proceeds will purchase costumes and props for future shows.
'Rocky Horror Picture Show' with Shadow Cast
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Oct. 5
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: $10
More information: www.egyptiantheatre.org
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Municipal parking lot at Fourth and Grove streets
More information: 815-748-2408
Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk
Time: 10 a.m. check in, 11 a.m. walk
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Hopkins Park
More information: afsp.donordrive.com/event/DeKalb
Dave Stoddard Memorial Golf Outing
Time: Noon shotgun start; dinner at 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: River Heights Golf Course
Cost: $80 individual, $300 foursome, $15 dinner only
More information: 815-766-2805 or 815-751-4166
Cost includes greens fees, cart rental, beverage tickets and dinner. Proceeds support the Dave Stoddard Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to a DeKalb High School student each year.
Book Signing Event
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Barnes & Noble
Local author Margaret "Margy" Wright will sign copies of her first novel, "Pursuit of the Nightingale."
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building, 400 Lucinda Ave.
Tickets: Adults $15, seniors and students $10, children younger than 12 $5
More information: www.kishorchestra.org
The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs music by French Impressionist composers Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy. Tickets can be purchased at the door 30 minutes before the show.
DeKalb Firefighters Historical Foundation Breakfast
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Date: Sunday, Oct. 7
Place: Fire Station 1, 700 Pine St.
Cost: Adults $5, children 4-10 $3. Free for children younger than 4.
More information: todd.stoffa@cityofdekalb.com or 630-417-4139
In addition to the pancake breakfast, there will be an open house at the station. Tour the station and see current and retired firefighting equipment and historical items.
Adventure!@Your Library
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 280 or stever@dkpl.org
For DeKalb-area teens in junior high and high school. Thrill to the twists and turns of a story you help create. Space is limited and registration is required.
Big Read to a Huskie
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
Children can turn the tables and read to student volunteers from Northern Illinois University, then talk about the story they chose. A large chocolate bear from the Confectionary will be raffled off. Drop-in any time during the event.
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 7
Place: The Art Box, 308 E. Lincoln Highway
Reception for Carmen L. Armstrong, whose work will be displayed Oct. 1-27.
'A Christmas Carol' Auditions
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Dates: Oct. 8 and 9
Place: Stage Coach Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
Stage Coach Players is in need of adult actors for speaking, nonspeaking and singing roles in its December production of "A Christmas Carol." Actors 16 and older will be asked to perform a cold reading of the script. Vocalists are asked to come to the Monday audition.
Maintain a Healthy Heart
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 9
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Cardiologist Shaun Kurien will discuss risk factors for heart disease and how to manage them. Registration is required and closes three days before program date.
'Media Coverage and Presidential Elections'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 9
Place: Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
Mark Stencel, NPR’s managing editor for digital news, will speak in this installment of the Northern Illinois University Presidential Speaker Series.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of every month; next, Oct. 10
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433.
International Music Event
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Oct. 12
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
Tickets: $10
More information: 815-793-0950
Zambian Afropop and reggae artist Mathew Tembo will perform on traditional African instruments.
Spooky Science
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
Place: Faraday Hall Room 105, Northern Illinois University
Cost: $25
More information: 815-753-0533 or www.niu.edu/stem
Kids in grades 3-7 can make glowing slime and fog-filled bubbles as they learn about creepy chemistry and Halloween-themed physics. Space is limited, registration required.
Music at the Homestead
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 14
Place: Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $4; free for homestead members and children younger than 14
More information: 815-756-7904 or www.gliddenhomestead.org
Women's singing group Cymbal will perform. The homestead and blacksmith shop will be open for tours from noon until 4 p.m.
Greater Kishwaukee Area Concert Band
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 14
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building, 400 Lucinda Ave.
More information: 815-825-2350 or 815-899-4867
Donations will be accepted at this free concert. The program is titled "Service" and is dedicated to all medical personnel, emergency responders, teachers and the military.
Salad Bar Luncheon
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Date: Monday, Oct. 15
Place: St. Mary's Church cafeteria, 425 N. Fourth St.
Tickets: $8
Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Immaculate Conception 996 will hold a luncheon to raise funds for local and national charities including Hope Haven, Safe Passage, Smile Train and the Tutwiler Clinic. Menu includes ham, meatballs, an assortment or homemade salads and dessert. Carryouts are available.
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Dates: Oct. 15 and 16
Place: First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St.
More information: www.cctonstage.com
Open auditions for a production of "Rent." Those auditioning must be at least 15 years old and will be expected to perform a contemporary a cappella song of their choice and to read from a selection of monologues. Performers younger than 18 must have a signed parental/guardian consent form or they will not be allowed to audition. Performances are slated for January.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Oct. 3
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.
Sawyer Family Fun Night
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3
Place: Genoa Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 260 or edithc@dkpl.org
Fun activities for the whole family, plus free copies of "Tom Sawyer."
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Municipal parking lot at City Hall
More information: 815-748-2408
Time: 2 – 9 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Chamberlain Park
Cost: $5; children 11 and younger, free
Entry fee includes one 50/50 raffle ticket. Event includes food vendors, a beer tent, live music by three bands, children's games, facepainting, two moon bounces, a balloon artist and a magician. Proceeds support the charitable efforts of the Genoa Lions Club.
Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 9
Place: Genoa Senior Center, 400 E. Second St.
More information: 815-758-4718
Topics will include what to consider when choosing a Medicare drug plan. Handouts will be available. To have lunch at the senior center, RSVP by phone by 10 a.m.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Oct. 9
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Blood Drive
Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 10
Place: Trinity Lutheran Church, 33930 N. State
Control Your Cholesterol
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 11
Place: KishHealth Family & Specialty Care
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Whether your levels are high or normal, you can make lifestyle changes to maintain healthy cholesterol. If you have your cholesterol results, bring them. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
HINCKLEY
Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Monday, Oct. 8
Place: Hinckley Community Building
More information: 815-286-3220
Mark Moran, former senior editor of antiques and collectibles books, guest expert on Antiques Roadshow and author or coauthor of more than 25 books on antiques and collectibles will appraise fine art, furniture, ceramics, glassware, vintage photographs, advertising materials, folk art, toys, metalware, clocks and costume jewelry. There is no fee for this event, but registration is required if you are bringing items for appraisal.
Monster Makeover
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, Oct. 14
Place: Hinckley Public Library
More information: 815-286-3220
Teens can try their hand at Halloween makeup. Supplies provided. Registration required.
KINGSTON
Pork Roast Supper
Time: 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Kingston United Methodist Church, 121 W. First St.
Cost: Adults, $9; children, $4
Complete dinner, including dessert. Carry-outs and gift certificates available.
Walcamp Fall Festival
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 7
Place: Walcamp, 32653 Five Points Road
More information: 815-784-5141
Pony rides, games, Civil War living history, hay rides, food and a market.
All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.
Cost: Adults, $7; children 4 and younger, $3
Eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit, English muffins, juice, milk and coffee.
KIRKLAND
First Lutheran Church Lock-In
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Friday, Oct. 5
Place: First Lutheran Church, 510 W. South St.
Cost: Nonperishable item for the food pantry
Youth in sixth grade and older are invited to a lock-in with music by Captive Free, pizza and Wii dancing.
LEE
All You Can Eat Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner
Time: 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
Place: St. James Parish Hall, 221 W. Kirke Gate
Cost: Adults $8, kids 5 and younger eat free
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #15153. Carryouts available. There will be a 50/50 raffle.
MALTA
Tribute to Heroes
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Kishwaukee College
Tickets: $50
More information: 630-297-5948 or 815-739-9001
Paying tribute to members of the DeKalb County community who have dedicated themselves to community service and the development of youth. This year's honorees are Bob Coulter, Ken Doubler, Denny Rehn and Mike and Jenelle Muzzillo. Proceeds from the banquet support the Boy Scouts of DeKalb County.
Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Oct. 12
Place: Malta Senior Center, 115 S. Third St.
More information: 815-758-4718
Topics will include what to consider when choosing a Medicare drug plan. Handouts will be available.
SHABBONA
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Shabbona Lake State Park
More information: 815-824-2581 or www.shabbonalake.com
"Transformers 3" will be shown.
SYCAMORE
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Oct. 3
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Brown Bag Lunch
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
More information; 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Get a sneak preview of Sycamore History Museum's new exhibit, "Play," opening to the public on Oct. 13.
'Putting the Garden to Bed'
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: DeKalb County Center for Agriculture, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu.bdo
Learn how to close your garden this fall for a more productive spring. Registration preferred.
Blackwood Brothers in Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
More information: 815-895-9113
Legendary gospel quartet in concert.
Wellness Presentation
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 4
Place: Sheedy Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive, Ste. J
Holistic registered nurse Mary Terdich will explain why genetics are not your destiny when it comes to wellness, how to make better food choices, how to reduce your risk of cancer and chronic diseases and more.
Walk With the Angels
Time: 9 a.m. registration, 10:30 a.m. walk
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Sycamore Oddfellows-Rebekah Lodge, 131 Sabin St.
Cost: Before Sept. 15, adults $20, children 8-15 $12, children 7 and younger free. Day-of registration $25.
More information: 815-501-1229 or jstilez@comcast.net
Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge 106 5K walk begins and ends at the lodge. There will be refreshments available at the turnaround point at the Rotary Park lake. The walk will be followed by a social gathering with food and raffles at the lodge.
Rummage Sale
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: 317 W. State St.
Proceeds will benefit community programs supported by the Moose Lodge. All items not sold will go to Moose Charities.
Artist Walk and Studio Tour
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: DeKalb and Sycamore
More information: 815-899-9440 or www.sycamoreartattack.org
Meet more than 60 local artists and view their work at more than 13 venues. Art will be available for sale. Tickets are free. Brochures are available at the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, Taxco and Art Attack School of Art in Sycamore and at Mason Properties, the Art Box, the Daily Chronicle, WLBK and the YMCA in DeKalb.
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 6
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History
Cost: Members $8, nonmembers $12. Cost includes museum admission.
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
Staffers from Brookfield Zoo will bring exotic animals from around the world for a live animal presentation. Registration required.
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 7
Place: Elmwood Cemetery Mausoleum
Cost: $5
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Learn about the cemetery and eight of the people buried there.
Spinal Health Class
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: Oct. 9, 17 and 22
Place: Sheedy Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive, Suite J
More information: 815-895-3354
A free 30-minute class on spinal health and overall well-being. Registration required.
Garden Story Time
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Date: Friday, Oct. 12
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
Children 3 to 6 and their families are invited for a story, song and craft. Registration recommended.
Grand Opening of 'Play'
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
Cost: Adults $5, children 13 and younger and museum members, free
More information: sycamorehistory.org or 815-895-5762
The grand opening of the museum's new exhibit, all about fun times and fond memories. Opening includes guided tours, crafts and refreshments.
Good News!
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
A men's quartet will perform a musical praise and worship service.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Oct. 4
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.
