Events for Jan. 16 – 30

CORTLAND

Computer Help Lab

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 1 – 3 p.m. Friday

Dates: Jan. 17 and 18

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org

Free, drop-in help lab to answer computer questions. No registration required.

Awesome House Cafe Show

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 17

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-787-9547

Performances by Charred Oak Barrel Boys (local bluegrass), Buckshot Hounds (Chicago rock) and Seasonal Mens Wear (DeKalb pop-punk).

Faculty Showcase Recital

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 17

Place: DeKalb High School auditorium

Tickets: Adults $5, children 18 and younger free

The music staff of DeKalb District 428 present a showcase recital. Music teachers from across the district will perform a variety of vocal and instrumental pieces across several genres. Proceeds benefit the district's music programs. A 50/50 raffle will also be held to raise money for the purchase of recording microphones for the auditorium.

'Wisdom from Our Elders'

Time: 7:15 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 17

Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University

Professors emeriti of the NIU School of Art will give brief mini-lectures about their favorite historical work of art embodying virtue or vice.

Resume Help

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org

Learn the practical dos and don'ts of resume writing in today's economy. Sign up online, by email, by phone or at the reference desk.

'Learning to Live Peaceably'

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.

After a community potluck, a panel of speakers will discuss ways to end violence, including, but not limited to, gun violence. Speakers include DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack, DeKalb Police Chief Gene Lowery, Maylan Dunn-Kenney, a professor of early education, and Dr. Toni Tollerud of the Northern Illinois University Education and Counseling Department.

Nooks and Crannies Library Tour

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: DeKalb Public Library

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org

Meet at the fireplace in adult services, then enjoy an in-depth tour of the historic library building. Light refreshments will be served after the tour, which takes approximately an hour. No registration required.

Cabin Fever Artist Showcase

Time: 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Tickets: $7, $5 for those who arrive in pajamas

More information: 815-787-9547

Performing artists from the Cabin Fever Camp-In indoor camping and music festival. All ages show.

Intro to MS Word I and II

Time: 9:30 – 12:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 19

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org

From 9:30 to 11, learn or refresh your memory on the basics of Microsoft Word. From 11 to 12:30, continue with Word II. Sign up for one or both by phone, email or at the reference desk.

Wine Tasting for TAILS

Time: 1 – 4 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Jan. 20

Place: Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway

Cost: $5

Proceeds benefit TAILS Humane Society.

Adventure! @Your Library

Time: 1 – 5 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Jan. 20

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 280 or stever@dkpl.org

DeKalb-area teens in junior high and high school can help to create a story. Space is limited; registration required.

'Rotator Cuff Tears'

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Jan. 21

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of pain and disability. Orthopedic surgeons will explain the difference between acute and chronic tears and will discuss treatment options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

'Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Jan. 21

Place: Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore-DeKalb, 150 Bethany Road

More information: 815-519-5212

Have we entered a technological utopia or a virtual prison? Has today's connectivity drawn us closer together or strangely more disjointed? Explore questions and answers from media experts, church leaders and individuals and families from across the country. The movie trailer can be viewed at www.captivatedthemovie.com.

Open Mic Night

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Jan. 21

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-787-9547

Sets are 12 minutes per musician.

'Girls Only ... Your Changing Body'

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 22

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

Cost: $10 per family

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

A class for 9- to 12-year-old girls and an adult female relative. The physical and emotional 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.

'Smokers: Have You Thought About Quitting?'

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 22

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Talk about the possibility of quitting and get answers to your questions about available options to make your next attempt successful. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Salsa Dancing

Time: 8 – 11 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 22

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Cost: $5

More information: 815-787-9547

Salsa dancing lesson, then social dancing. No partner required.

Art Exhibit Opening Reception

Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 24

Place: Northern Illinois University Art Museum, Altgeld Hall

An opening reception for the exhibition "Vice + Virtue," exploring the dynamics of deadly sins and heavenly virtues. The exhibit runs through Feb. 23.

'Karma and Craving: Buddhist Perspectives on Sin'

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 24

Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University

Dr. Steven T. Asma, professor of philosophy at Columbia College Chicago, will deliver this lecture. Asma is the author of several books, has written for such publications as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post and Psychology Today and has lectured at such notable locations as Harvard, the Field Museum and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadow Cast

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 25

Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Tickets: $10

E-Cycling Fundraising Event

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road

Bring unwanted electronic items to be recycled; proceeds from the recycling benefit the church.

Welcome Cafe Brunch

Time: 10 a.m. – noon

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.

More information: 815-748-2154

Free community meal.

St. George Community Worship

Time: 11 a.m.

Date: Last Saturday of each month; next, Jan. 26

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.

'The Dante Quartet'

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Northern Illinois University Visual Arts Building Room 111

A digital copy of this 1987 film by Stan Brakhage is running in the NIU Art Museum exhibit "Vice + Virtue." This screening will be shown from a 16mm print, its original format, so viewers can see the difference. Follow-up commentary will be provided by the exhibit curator and faculty from the NIU School of Art. A second screening is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 20.

'How to Start a Successful Child Care Business'

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 29

Place: 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, 155 N. Third St., Suite 300

More information: 800-848-8727 ext. 230

Free workshop for people interested in beginning a child care business in their home. The workshop will cover legal requirements, professional business practices and resources and support available through 4-C. Register by phone.

Blood Drive

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30

Place: Northern Illinois University Human Resources, 1515 W. Lincoln Highway

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 6 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30

Place: KinderCare, 207 E. Hillcrest Drive

Rare Book Viewing

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 30

Place: Northern Illinois University Art Museum, Altgeld Hall

Lynne Thomas, curator of Rare Books and Special Collections at Founders Memorial Library at Northern Illinois University, will page through large and fragile volumes from the collection, allowing visitors a rare up-close glimpse.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date:  Wednesdays; next, Jan. 16

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.

Blood Drive

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 16

Place: Genoa-Kingston High School

Line Dancing

Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.

Date: Third Friday of every month; next, Jan. 18

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Cost: $5

Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.

Winterfest

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 19

Place: Russell Woods Forest Preserve

Free indoor and outdoor winter activities including crafts, stories, horse-drawn wagon rides, bird identification and pioneer skills.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Jan. 20

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Jan. 22

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Quilt Walk Don't Miss It Tea

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 23

Place: Crumpet's Tea Room

Cost: $25

More information: 815-784-6121

Reservations required.

Genoa-Kingston FFA Alumni

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 23

Place: Genoa-Kingston High School ag room

Alumni of Genoa-Kingston FFA work to support the high school's FFA program. New members welcome.

Spinning and Knitting Demonstration

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 24

Place: Wild Thyme Herb Garden

Quilted Bowl Demonstration

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 24

Place: Cattywampus/MCR Framing

Tatting, Lace, Crochet and Embroidery Demonstrations

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 25

Place: Wild Thyme Herb Garden

Quilt Walk Kids' Day

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

At 10 a.m., Linda Brodine entertains at the Genoa Public Library with "Quilt Stories." From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., "Learn to Quilt and Pizza Lunch" at Joe's Pizza ($5 per child). There will be crafts and demonstrations geared toward children at various locations throughout the day.

'Make Your Own Natural Dyes'

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Wild Thyme Herb Garden

Basket Making Demonstration

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Genoa Public Library

'Art Quilts'

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: 132 W. Main St.

Cost: $5

'Eat & Sew'

Time: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Genoa Cafe

Cost: $20

More information: 815-784-6961

Homemade soup, bread and dessert, plus four craft projects and instruction. Reservations recommended.

HINCKLEY

Story Time

Time: 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January; next, Jan. 16

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Stories, songs and crafts. Sign up by phone or at the front desk.

Homework Night

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 16 and 23

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Students needing help with their homework can bring it to the library. Sign up by phone or at the front desk.

Jim Hendricks in Concert

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Date: Sunday, Jan. 27

Place: Hinckley First United Methodist church, 801 N. Sycamore Road

More information: 815-286-7102

Pianist Jim Hendricks, professor of music at Chicago State University, will perform at the 9:30 a.m. worship service.

KINGSTON

'Soup-er Bowl of Chili Supper'

Time: 4 – 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.

Cost: $5

All-you-can eat chili or potato soup with "fixins," beverage and dessert. Proceeds benefit the Methodist church Sunday school program.

KIRKLAND

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 17

Place: Kirkland Fire Department

LEE

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 17

Place: St. James Catholic Church

SHABBONA

On the Ice Catfish Contest

Dates: Jan. 19 and 20

Place: Shabbona Lake State Park

Event depends on weather and ice thickness. Sign up at Lakeside Bait and Tackle at the lake to be eligible for prizes. Anglers can fish until 9:30 p.m. Jan. 19.

SYCAMORE

Story Time

Time: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays

Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays; next, Jan. 16

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Books, music and crafts for children ages 3 to 5. Caregivers do not need to stay with children, but must remain in the library.

Bingo

Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15

Date: Every Wednesday; next, Jan. 16

Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.

$2 Movie: 'Wreck-It Ralph'

Time: 11 a.m.

Dates: Jan. 18 – 20

Place: Sycamore Theater, 420 W. State St.

Jumpin' Out Friday

Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: Cornerstone Christian Academy, 355 N. Cross St.

Cost: $15 per child; discounts available for families with three or more children

More information: 815-895-8522 or jladas@cornerstonechristianacademy.com

The gymnasium at Cornerstone Christian Academy will be filled with five supervised inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses for children 3 to 12. Parents can stay with their children at no cost or can sign their children in and out. Cost includes a juice box and a large slice of pizza; additional concessions available for purchase. Jumpers must wear socks and comfortable clothing. No jeans or denim clothing. Proceeds benefit the school's sports boosters organization.

Friday Night Wine Down

Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: Prairie on State Wine Cellars, 322 W. State St.

Enjoy wine and live music. Customers can bring their own food or order in from nearby restaurants; no outside alcohol. Customers must be 21 or older. No cover charge.

'Dust'

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 18

Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation

More information: www.sethdeming.com/2013/01/03/the-dust-is-coming-jan-18th/

A free screening of a short film produced by DeKalb resident Seth Deming.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Jan. 19

Place: Public Works Building, 475 N. Cross St.

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

'Tinker Belz Art'

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 19

Place: First Baptist Church of Sycamore, 530 W. State St.

Cost: Adults $9, children 7-13 $4

More information: 815-762-5513

Victoria Belz will share her custom lampwork beads, sterling silver handmade jewelry, textiles and gifts at this brunch hosted by the DeKalb Christian Women's Connection. Speaker Elaine James will give a presentation titled, "A Day in the Life of Marjorie Overload." Reservations are encouraged.

Book Signing

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 19

Place: Christian Connection, 337 W. State St.

Author Angela Wood will sign copies of her book, "Things Not Seen." In this historical novel set in 1939, the Chicago mob has targeted a school teacher and a reluctant heir, whose lives become entwined for survival.

Gourmet Shake Tasting

Time: Noon – 2:30 p.m. and 3 – 5:30 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Jan. 20

Place: Riccardi's Red Hots & Soda Fountain, 418 W. State St.

Tickets: Adults $12, children 12 and younger $8

Tickets include tasting of some of Riccardi's many milkshakes and a selection of appetizers.

LEGO Sunday

Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Jan. 20

Place: Sycamore Public Library

All ages are welcome to come and play with LEGOs. LEGOs are supplied; do not bring LEGOs from home.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Dates: Tuesdays; next, Jan. 22

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Songs and stories for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers.

STEM Cafe: 'The Future of American Manned Space Flight'

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 22

Place: Jane Fargo Hotel, 355 W. State St.

More information: 815-753-4751 or jdymond@niu.edu

NASA Solar System Ambassador Joel Knapper will reveal the current and future plans to get Americans back into space. STEM Cafes are casual events that offer adults an opportunity to eat, drink and chat with scientists about the latest breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering and math. Food and drink are available for purchase. There is no fee to attend the event.

Blood Drive

Time: Noon – 4 p.m.

Date: Friday, Jan. 25

Place: DeKalb County Administration Building, 110 E. Sycamore St.

Groundhog Gala

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 26

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History

Tickets: $30 each or $50 a pair

More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org

This 21-and-older fundraiser features displays and demonstrations by natural history experts, live music, treats from around the world and an open bar. This year's exhibitors feature a coffee expert, geologist and prairie restoration specialist.

Basketball Skills Training Camp

Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

Dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3 and Feb. 10

Place: Cornerstone Christian Academy, 355 N. Cross St.

Cost: $50 per child

More information: 815-895-8522 or jladas@cornerstonechristianacademy.com

Cornerstone Christian Academy's undefeated varsity boys basketball team will teach kids in grades 1 through 5 basic skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, drills and other fundamentals. Proceeds benefit the team's travel expenses to the 2013 National Tournament and the CCA Sports Boosters.