CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Nov. 14
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, Nov. 15
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
DeKALB
Crafty Women Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 14 and 15
Place: Room 103, Reavis Hall, Northern Illinois University
More information: 815-753-1038, niu.edu/wstudies/news/craftywomenholidaysale.shtml or womenst@niu.edu
NIU's Women's Studies program will sell items created and donated by students, faculty, staff and friends, including jewelry, quilts, handbags, pottery and soap. Proceeds benefit the Mothers Memorial Scholarship, Austin Sawicki Scholarship and Women's Studies Foundation.
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories and songs for infants, toddlers and caregivers.
'The Beauty of Barns'
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: Ellwood House Visitor Center, 509 N. First St.
The DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association presents a program about the history and significance of family barns.
AARP Driver Safety Course
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 14 – 15
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $12 for AARP members; $14 for nonmembers
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Two-session classroom refresher for drivers 50 and older. No driving test included. Participants receive a certificate of completion for auto insurance discount.
Blood Drive
Time: 2:45 – 6:45 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: Clinton Rosette Middle School, 650 N. First St.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: DeKalb Public Library
A retired teacher will be available to tutor DeKalb School District students in grades 3-5 at no charge. Registration is required.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of every month; next, Nov. 14
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Nov. 14 menu is Mongolian beef.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 10 a.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. Saturday
Date: Nov. 15 and 17
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English for children of all ages.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Stevenson North Complex, 1350 N. Stevenson Drive
Artist Reception and Awards
Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Jack Olson Gallery, Jack Arends Building, Northern Illinois University
Reception and awards presentation for a juried show featuring the work of graduate students in the NIU School of Art. Work will be exhibited in the gallery through Dec. 12.
Family Reading Night
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or dkpl.org
Spend quality family time listening to Thanksgiving stories and working on an edible cornucopia craft. Register online or by phone.
'The Voters Got Their Say and What Lies Ahead'
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Lower level staff lounge, Founders Memorial Library, Northern Illinois University
Rick Pearson, political writer for the Chicago Tribune, will share his more than 30 years of experience in covering politics in Illinois.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Nov. 15 – 18
Place: O'Connell Theatre, Stevens Building, Northern Illinois University
Tickets: Adults, $16; seniors, $13; students, $8
Choreography by Luis Montero to the music of "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel, plus a telling of the Spanish play "The House of Bernarda Alba" through dance.
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, Normal Road and Lucinda Avenue
Computer Help Lab
Time: 1 – 3 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Date: Nov. 16 and 17
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Free, drop-in lab for help with computer problems or questions.
Intro to MS Excel
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220
Register by phone or at the reference desk.
DeKalb Wrestling Club Turkey Raffle
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: Sullivan's Tavern, 722 E. Lincoln Highway
Tickets: $1 each or six for $5
More information: 815-751-7780
A variety of items and services will be raffled off. All proceeds support the DeKalb wrestling program.
Time: 10 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 16 – 18
Place: Corner Theatre, Stevens Building, Northern Illinois University
Tickets: $3
A two-person, single-set play that takes an intimate look at love through one couple's relationship over five decades.
Bake and Craft Sale
Time: 7 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Trinity Lutheran Church, 303 S. Seventh St.
In conjunction with the church's monthly breakfast, the ladies of the church will sell homemade crafts and holiday baked goods. Note there will be no breakfast in December; the next monthly breakfast will be Jan. 12.
Thanksgiving Greek Bake Sale
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S. Second St.
Homemade Greek pastries including baklava, cookies, holiday breads, spanakopita and pastichio. Proceeds benefit the charities of Philoptichos, an Orthodox women's organization dedicated to philanthropic causes.
'Walk the Talk' Catholic Men's Conference
Time: 8:50 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Holmes Student Center, corner of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road
Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $15 for high school and college students
More information: 630-485-0222 or marv@kombrink.com
Computer Basics: Files and Folders
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220
Learn to perform essential computer tasks with a mouse and keyboard while navigating the Windows operating system. Participants will also practice saving, finding and moving files. Register by phone or at the reference desk.
Winter Coat Pickup
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.
More information: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu
Drop off winter outerwear for the coat drive any Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Those who need them can pick up jackets, coats, heavy sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves Nov. 17. All are welcome. Parking in the lot at 415 N. 11th St.
Phil Vassar: Peace Love Music Tour
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: NIU Convocation Center
Tickets: General admission $32, NIU students $27
Glidden Homestead Holiday Open House
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Place: Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway
Cost: Adults, $4; children younger than 14, free
See an exhibit of items from Dave Miner's holiday collection, music boxes, carousels, trains, dollhouses and more. Visit the working blacksmith shop or tour the homestead. At 1 p.m., Miner will give a presentation and visitors can make a holiday decoration out of recycled materials.
'Restless Heart: Confessions of Augustine'
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: adults, $10; seniors and students, $8
This film on the life of the Catholic saint Augustine uses a historical backdrop to tell the story of a man pursuing fame and fortune without a moral compass, and the changes that occur when he sees the light. It also chronicles the collapse of the Roman world and how Augustine laid the intellectual foundations of what became Europe. Rev. Bonaventure Okoro, state chaplain of the CDA, will lead a discussion after the film.
NIU Steel Band
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Music Building, on Lucinda Avenue
This free concert will be webcast at www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.shtml.
Ted Leo
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Place: The House Cafe
Tickets: $12
Indie rock performer Ted Leo will give an all-ages show.
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, Nov. 19
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.
Tickets: DAWC members $5, nonmembers $10
More information: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu
A documentary on how mainstream media contributes to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence. Not recommended for young viewers.
Blood Drive
Time: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 20
Place: First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St.
Swing Dancing
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 20
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
Lesson at 7 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing. No partner required, leather-soled shoes recommended.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Nov. 21
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. Nov. 21 menu is turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, dinner roll and pie.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 22
Place: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 Twombly Road
More information: 815-756-7906
All are welcome.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: 2 – 5 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 22
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: 815-310-0903
Blood Drive
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 23
Place: maurices, 2451 Sycamore Road
Free Family Movie
Time: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 23
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
The DeKalb Evening Lions will sponsor a free showing of "Puss in Boots."
St. George Community Worship
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Last Saturday of each month; next, Nov. 24
Place: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S. Second St.
More information: 815-758-5731
Service is in English and includes prayers, petitions, dialogue and discussion. The public is invited to experience the service regardless of religious background.
Blood Drive
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 28
Place: Barsema Hall, 740 Garden Road
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Nov. 14
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.
Brown Bag Lunch: The History of Trapping
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society, 622 Park Ave.
More information: 815-784-5559 or 815-784-2199
Mike Dreska, a member of the National Trappers and Fur Takers Association, will speak on the history of trapping and curing furs. He has been involved in trapping for more than 45 years. The lecture is free. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided.
Feather Party Meat Raffle
Time: 4:30 – 9 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: Hill's Tap, 319 W. Main St.
More information: 815-761-7951
G.K. Trailblazers will raffle off more than 40 meat items to support the local snowmobile club and the marking of trails. A portion of the proceeds will be used to help a needy family for Christmas. Raffle tickets $1 each.
Blood Drive
Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Genoa-Kingston Fire Department, 317 E. Railroad St.
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: 301 S. Emmett St., at the corner of Emmett and Church
More information: 815-762-0745 or 815-757-2490 or sites.google.com/site/imatterfarms/
Tupperware, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef and more direct sales companies will be on hand to sell items. There will also be a bake sale and raffles of vendor baskets. Proceeds to help establish iMatter Farms, a residential farm for adults with autism.
Strides for Hunger
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Genoa-Kingston High School
Cost: $25 before race day; $30 on race day
More information: tgawrysh@gkschools.org
Last year, this event raised $500 for the Genoa Food Pantry. This year, organizers hope to double that amount.
Hymn Sing
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Nov. 18
Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 20
Place: Faith United Methodist Church, 325 S. Stott St.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Nov. 20
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
HINCKLEY
Story Time
Time: 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Nov. 21; next, Nov. 14
Place: Hinckley Public Library
Self Protection Class
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Hinckley Community Building
Cost: $18
More information: 815-739-1336 or parksandrec@hinckleyil.com
Learn to avoid confrontation or to defend yourself in a number of situations. For junior high age through adults. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Afternoon Movie at the Library
Time: 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 20 and 27
Place: Hinckley Public Library
Nov. 20 movie is "Brave." Nov. 27 movie is "The Avengers."
Blood Drive
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Nov. 24
Place: Diamond Lube-N-Oil, 651 E. Lincoln Ave.
KINGSTON
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 23
Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.
Free Thanksgiving dinner, open to all.
KIRKLAND
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: Kirkland Fire Department, 3891 Route 72
Kirkland Historical Society
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14
Place: Olson Funeral Chapel, 309 W. Fifth St.
At the society's annual meeting, Marv Hawbaker, Vernon Johnson and Roger Watson will display and discuss their collections of vintage farm toys.
Hiawatha FFA Grain Show and Auction
Time: 5:30 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. auction
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Hiawatha High School gymnasium
More information: 815-895-8416
A dinner of pulled pork or brat sandwiches will be available for purchase. Student displays will be exhibited during dinner; in honor of the event's 75th anniversary, there will also be historical displays of the Hiawatha FFA. The auction will begin at 7 p.m.
MAPLE PARK
Kids' Holiday Make and Take
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 28
Place: American Legion, 203 Main St.
Children can make holiday crafts at several different crafting stations. Crafts are recommended for children 3 and older, but all are welcome. Parental help is encouraged. Cookies and lemonade will be served. Freewill donations will support Maple Park Fun Fest 2013.
SHABBONA
Turkey Dinner
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Shabbona United Church of Christ, 104 E. Navaho St.
Cost: Adults, $10; children 5-10, $5
Bazaar of homemade baked goods and country crafts begins at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served from 4:30 – 7 p.m., with carryouts from 4 – 6 p.m. Dinner includes turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, coleslaw, rolls, beverage and homemade dessert. The event also features live music by Pauline Cultra-Barnes and Jeff Weishar.
SYCAMORE
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 13; next, Nov. 14
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Stories, craft and play for independent 3- to 5-year-olds. Caregiver need not stay with the child, but must stay in the library.
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Nov. 14
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Pajama Story Time
Time: 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursdays through Dec. 6; next, Nov. 15
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Pajamas welcome at this story time for children 3 to 6. Caregivers do not have to stay with children, but must be available in the library.
Country Faire
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Blumen Gardens
Cost: $9
More information: 815-762-5513
The DeKalb Christian Womens Connection annual fundraiser includes a lunch, auction and a presentation by author and columnist Annettee Budzban.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: Sycamore Theater, 420 W. State St.
Taste of the Vine
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 15
Place: St. Mary Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
More information: 815-756-7522
Food, wine and a basket auction benefiting the Kishwaukee United Way.
'30 Minutes to Health'
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 15, 19 and 28
Place: Sheedy Family Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive
More information: 815-895-3354
A 30-minute presentation on health, wellness and how to improve your lifestyle to reach an optimum level of health.
Katie Meier Cancer Benefit Dinner
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: St. John Lutheran Church, 26555 Brickville Road
Tickets: $10
More information: 815-895-4477 or www.stjohnsycamore.org/announcements-and-events
Drive-thru dinner includes one pork chop, one chicken breast, potato salad, baked beans, applesauce and roll. Katie has Stage 2b Hodgkin lymphoma and needs a bone marrow transplant. Thrivent Financial will match funds raised at the dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the church, at the downtown Sycamore location of the National Bank & Trust Co. (ask for JoAnn Pumroy or Nancy Schaffer), the Super Dollar Store and Illinois Community Credit Union in Sycamore, the Illinois Community Credit Union in DeKalb, EcoWater and CSR Bobcat in DeKalb.
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: Downtown Sycamore
Downtown merchants will feature pre-Black Friday sales, and there will be live displays in store windows.
Pamper Me Friday
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: Sheedy Family Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive
More information: 815-895-3354
Women are invited for an evening of free massages, refreshments and shopping direct sales vendors like Mary Kay, Thirty-One, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple and more. Make your own organic body scrub to take home and enter to win a gift basket.
Hawaiian Night
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: Sycamore Moose Lodge 1506, 317 W. State St.
Cost: $8 for dinner
Shish-kebab dinner and sexiest legs contest. Those who arrive in Hawaiian attire receive a free lei. Proceeds benefit Moosehaven retirement center.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 Prairie Drive
More information: 815-748-2408
Pay-It-Forward House Volunteer Orientation
Time: 11 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St.
More information: 815-762-4882 or info@payitforwardhouse.org
Tour the house and learn how your time and talents can be used to support the hospital hospitality house and its guests.
Free Holiday Movie
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Sycamore Theatre, 420 W. State St.
A free showing of the holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life."
Snake Dissection
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History
Cost: Members, $13;, nonmembers, $16
More information: 815-895-9777
For those 8 and older; children 8 to 12 must have a guardian present. Everyone will get their own 18- to 24-inch garter snake to dissect. Registration required.
LEGO Day
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Free, all ages, no registration required. Do not bring your own LEGOs; all LEGOs will be provided.
Blood Drive
Time: 3:30 – 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, Nov. 19
Place: Sycamore High School
Toddler Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesdays through Dec. 11; next, Nov. 20
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Music and stories for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers.
Free Holiday Movie
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 24
Place: Sycamore Theatre, 420 W. State St.
Free showing of the holiday classic "White Christmas."
Breakfast
Time: 8 – 11 a.m.
Date: Last Sunday of each month; next, Nov. 25
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.
'Crock Pot Meals and Savory Soups'
Time: 11 a.m. – noon
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 27
Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo
Learn the advantages and disadvantages of slow cookers, cooking strategies and recipes. Registration by Nov. 21 is preferred.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Nov. 15
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.
Waterman Winery Vendor Night
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 16
Place: Waterman Winery
Cost: $10, includes souvenir glass. Admission without wine tasting $2, includes two raffle tickets
The winery will offer a wine tasting and will host a number of vendors. Proceeds of a raffle of vendor door prizes will support NICE, a food pantry and clothing closet in Lee.
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 17
Place: Waterman Elementary School, 220 N. Maple St.
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of the run
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., the event begins at 9 a.m. Refreshments, awards and a raffle will follow the run. Funds support projects and programs of the Waterman Lions Club.
Holiday Lights Train
Time: 5 – 9 p.m. Fridays, 2 – 9 p.m. Saturdays, 2 – 8 p.m. Sundays
Dates: Weekends beginning Nov. 24 and through December
Place: Lions Park
Take a free ride on the miniature train, past holiday displays featuring more than 250,000 lights. Free cocoa and popcorn at the station. Santa will meet with children beginning Nov. 30.
