Events for Feb. 6-20

BIG ROCK

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Feb. 6

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. Feb. 6 menu is roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots with parsley, fruit, bread and dessert.

Bilingual Story Time

Time: 11 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org

A new story time for infants through age 5, featuring stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English. Native speakers of both languages can experience and appreciate stories and songs in a new language. Translations will be available.

Email Super Basics

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

Topics include signing up for a free email account and logging in.

Facebook Intro

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

Wondering what Facebook is all about it? Using it, but having trouble? Hands-on demo includes a lab after class for those who need more help.

Open Mic Poetry Reading

Time: 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University

More information: 815-753-1936 or hgreen2@niu.edu

Readers are invited to read favorite or original poems on the themes of vice and virtue. Those planning to read are asked to register in advance.

Blues Gone Wild

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: First Thursday of each month; next, Feb. 7

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.

Saving and Finding Computer Files

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 8

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

Practice saving and finding files on a computer and on a flash drive, making a file folder and moving files around. Sign up by phone or email.

Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 8

Place: DeKalb Public Library

Meet at the fireplace at 6:30 p.m. and take an in-depth tour of every corner of the historic building. Light refreshments will be served after the tour.

Brian Posehn

Time: 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 8

Place: Otto's Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway

Tickets: $20

Stand-up comedy by Brian Posehn. This performance is rescheduled from a postponed show scheduled for Oct. 8, 2010; tickets purchased for that performance will be honored. Posehn traveled on the Comedians of Comedy tour, and his television appearances include Mr. Show, the Sarah Silverman Program, Seinfeld, Friends, Just Shoot Me, Reno 911 and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Barnabas Caregiver Training

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Trinity Lutheran Church, 303 S. Seventh St.

More information: 815-761-7285

Free, one-day training offering personal growth and skills to care for people in every setting.

Egyptian Theatre Haunted Tour

Time: 10 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Cost: $42 before Feb. 4; $50 after

More information: 815-758-1215 or www.egyptiantheatre.org

Explore the theater late at night with paranormal investigators.

Excel I

Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 10

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

Learn the fundamentals of using Microsoft Excel. Continue exploring Excel with Excel II, immediately after this class. Sign up for one or both by phone, at the reference desk or by email.

Excel II

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 10

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

Picks up where Excel I left off. Learn additional formulas, formatting and charts. Sign up for one or both by phone, at the reference desk or by email.

Sen. Dave Syverson Reception

Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Kishwaukee Country Club

More information: 815-381-0006 or maryw@senatordavesyverson.com

Congressman Adam Kinzinger, State Rep. Robert Pritchard and Doug Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce will speak. RSVP by Feb. 7.

Basic Bike Clinic

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: North Central Cyclery, 534 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-758-2403 or www.northcentralcyclery.com

Learn to do basic bike maintenance, including making basic adjustments, cleaning, lubricating and fixing a flat tire, at this free clinic. RSVPs are requested.

Caring for Your Heart

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

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

Cardiologist Tara Atta, MD, will talk about heart conditions, medications, screening and noninvasive testing options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Glidden Homestead Annual Meeting

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Glidden Homestead Welcome Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway

Officers and board members will be installed in a brief business meeting. The event will also include a presentation by homestead blacksmiths, recognition of those who have donated items to the museum and a review of 2012. A birthday cake honoring Joseph Glidden's 200th birthday will be served.

Fat Tuesday at the Cancer Center

Time: Noon – 3:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958

From noon to 1 p.m., a presentation on the genetics of cancer will cover common hereditary cancer syndromes, an overview of genetic counseling and testing and who should consider meeting with a genetic counselor. After the presentation, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., put on a Mardi Gras mask, sample jambalaya and learn about the important role exercise plays in surviving cancer.

CSA Symphonette: Bring A Friend

Time: 5 – 6 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building

More information: 815-753-1450

String musicians ages 8 to 16 with some ensemble experience can visit a rehearsal of the CSA Symphonette ensemble to see if the group is right for them.

Look Good ... Feel Better

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

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 for hair, skin and makeup to combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. All participants receive a free kit of cosmetics valued up to $200. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

How Serious is Congestive Heart Failure?

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

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

Cardiologist Christopher J. Berry, MD, explains the different types of heart failure and how they effect the body. Learn about self management, medication and treatment options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Myths About High Blood Pressure

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 13

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

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

Cardiologist Asim Nisar, MD, dispels common misconceptions about this serious condition. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Classical Conversations Information Meetings

Time: 7 p.m.

Dates: Feb. 13 and 27

Place: Panera Bread

Classical Conversations is a community of home-school families that teach using the classical model and a biblical worldview.

'Hamlet Redux'

Time: 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Dates: Feb. 13 – 17

Place: Stevens Building Corner Theater, Northern Illinois University

Tickets: $6

More information: 815-753-1600, www.niu.edu/theatre or sotdboxoffice@niu.edu

A modern adaptation of the Shakespeare classic, "Hamlet Redux" is set in 1940s Denmark and has been shortened to a two-hour performance.

CSA Children's Choir: Bring A Friend

Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 13

Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building

More information: 815-753-1450

Singers ages 7 to 15 can visit a rehearsal of the CSA Children's Choir ensemble to see if the group is right for them. Treble voices only.

Literacy Banquet

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Place: DeKalb High School cafeteria, 501 W. Dresser Road

Tickets: $15.95 each or $125 for a table of eight

More information: 815-758-8577

Choice of spaghetti or Polish sausage entree. Entertainment by the Harambee Percussion Ensemble, a drumming group based in DeKalb elementary schools. Proceeds support the DeKalb/Sycamore Bookcase Project, which presents a starter library of books and personalized oak bookcases made by local volunteer craftsmen to preschoolers from disadvantaged families. Dinner guests are invited to bring new or gently-used books for children ages 3 to 5 to donate to the project.

Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley in Concert

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Place: Northern Illinois University Convocation Center

Tickets: $27 to $51.75

More information: 800-745-3000 or www.niuconvo.com

This One's for the Girls Women's Health Event

Time: 8 a.m. – noon

Dates: Feb. 15 and 16

Place: Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: www.kishforthegirls.org

Women of all ages are invited to enjoy snacks, giveaways, prizes, health screenings, pampering and shopping. Free activities include blood pressure checks, purse weigh-in, healthy eating educatio, spot skin checks, body mass index check and glucose screening.

Pancake Dinner Fundraiser

Time: Lunch service 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; dinner service 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 15

Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.

Tickets: $10; kids 5 and younger eat free

More information: www.feedemsoup.org

Choice of four gourmet pancake flavors: mixed berry (strawberry, raspberry and blueberry), Elvis (peanut butter, bananas and chocolate chips), cinnamon roll (brown sugar, cinnamon and icing) or bacon, with sausage and fruit. Lunch service is limited to 150 people; dinner service is limited to 350 people. Yesterday's News will perform live music at the dinner service. Tickets are available through the website or at the door. Proceeds support Feed'em Soup Community Project.

Pasta With a Purpose

Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 16

Place: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N. First St.

Cost: Adults $10, children 5-12 $5

More information: 815-758-0691

Proceeds from this annual dinner support a layette program for local new mothers in need.

Gaelic Storm in Concert

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 16

Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Tickets: $30 to $37

More information: 815-758-1215 or www.egyptiantheatre.org

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 18

Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road

More information: 815-756-1113

Girls Only ... Your Changing Body

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 19

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 and puzzling. Knowing what to expect can lessen anxiety. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Swing Dancing

Time: 7 – 11 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 19

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Cost: $5

More information: http://barbcityswing.com

No partner needed, casual dress. Leather-soled shoes recommended. The evening begins with a swing dance lesson at 7 p.m., then social dancing.

'The Seven Deadly Sins'

Time: 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. Saturday

Dates: Feb. 20, 21 and 23

Place: Northern Illinois University Art Museum, Altgeld Hall

"The Seven Deadly Sins," as interpreted by students of NIU professor of dance Paula Frasz, will be performed as part of the art museum's exhibit on vice and virtue.

Hip and Knee Replacement Patient Panel

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

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

The Kish Joint Center coordinator and a panel of hip and knee replacement patients will talk about the entire joint replacement experience, from education through surgery and physical therapy. Meal and valet service provided in this free event. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date:  Wednesdays; next, Feb. 6

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.

FFA Spaghetti Dinner and Auction

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Genoa-Kingston High School

Cost: Adults $6, children $3

This fundraiser allows members of the Genoa-Kingston FFA to attend conferences, camps and conventions.

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Genoa-Kingston Middle School

Cost: In advance, $30 each couple, $10 each additional child; at the door $35 per couple, $12 each additional child

More information: 815-784-5612

Presented by the Genoa Township Park District. Dancing, refreshments and contests. Each girl registered in advance receives a corsage. For girls 3 and older.

Mom-Son Sweetest Day Dance

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Genoa-Kingston Middle School

Cost: In advance, $30 each couple, $10 each additional child; at the door $35 per couple, $12 each additional child

More information: 815-784-5612

Presented by the Genoa Township Park District. Dancing, refreshments and contests. For boys 3 and older.

'Win, Lose or Draw Down'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

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

Tickets: $25

Only 200 tickets will be sold. More than $1,750 in cash prizes will be awarded. Tickets are available at Kingston Village Hall and from members of the Genoa-Kingston Athletic Booster Club.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Feb. 12

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

Line Dancing

Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.

Date: Third Friday of every month; next, Feb. 15

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

Cost: $5

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

PJ Jam at Kidz Zone

Time: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 16

Place: Genoa Fitness Center Kidz Zone

Cost: Members $15, nonmembers $18

More information: 815-784-3488

Families are invited to hang out in their pajamas. There will be free play, games, a movie, dinner and snacks. Staff will be there to watch and entertain children if parents want to leave for a night out.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Feb. 17

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

HINCKLEY

Story Time

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

Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; next, Feb. 6

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

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

Let's Talk Coffee: Mardi Gras Style

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Hinckley Community Building

Cost: $15

More information: 815-739-1336 or parksandrec@hinckleyil.com

Learn to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Presenter Julie Morsch will feature chicory coffee, beignets and king cake in honor of Mardi Gras. Attendees will sample different coffees brewed in different styles. Learn about different types of coffees, different roasting methods and different brewing methods that all affect the final cup. There will be coffee-related door prizes.

Anti-Valentine's Day Party

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 13

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Not a fan of the "greeting card holiday?" Visit the library for games, snacks and trivia.

STEM Kick-Off Party

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 15

Place: Hinckley Community Building

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

KIRKLAND

Kirkland Historical Society

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20

Place: Kirkland Olson Chapel, 309 S. Fifth St.

Regional historian Terry Dyer will give a presentation on "Camp Grant."

MALTA

Social Media Breakfast

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: Kishwaukee College Conference Center, Room A-220

More information: www.smbkish.org

Speaker Nathan Latka, CEO and founder of Heyo.com, will speak on "The Three-App Solution to Facebook Marketing."

SYCAMORE

Story Time

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

Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 6

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, Feb. 6

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

'Acres of Change'

Time: Noon

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, Freight Room, 475 DeKalb Ave.

More information: 815-895-5762 or info@sycamorehistory.org

Members of the committee behind the soon-to-be-released book "Acres of Change: A History of DeKalb County, Illinois 1963-2012" will talk about the book and the recent history of DeKalb County in this brown bag presentation. Coffee and cookies will be provided at this free program.

'Mmmmm...Tea'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 7

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500 ext. 26 or www.sycamorelibrary.org

Learn about tea and enjoy a tea tasting with the experts from Babs' & Coco's Tea Emporium in this free event. Registration is required.

Pride of Sycamore High: A Celebration of Music

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 8

Place: Sycamore High School auditorium

Tickets: Adults $10, students $5

More information: 815-895-5762 or info@sycamorehistory.org

After light refreshments, attendees will hear Sycamore High School alumni talk about how their high school experience influenced their careers in music. Featured alumni include Drayton Eggleson, Helen Weberpal and Steve Abel. The first inductees in the high school's Music Hall of Fame will also be introduced.

Pay-It-Forward House Stamp Camp

Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Pay-it-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St.

More information: 815-756-8101 or mrsburgin@yahoo.com

Stampin' Up! demonstrators Tina Moore and Debra Burgin will coach participants through four make-and-take paper craft projects. Supplies are provided. Registration fee is a free-will donation. Proceeds support Pay-It-Forward House. Registration due by Feb. 4.

All-You-Can-Eat Dinner for Pay-It-Forward House

Time: 4 – 8 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

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

Tickets: Adults $12, children 12 and younger, $6

More information: 815-895-7548 or www.payitforwardhouse.org

Menu includes barbecued chicken and rip tips, rotisserie pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, applesauce, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Tickets available at the door or in advance at the veterans home, Country Store & Catering, 456 N. Main St. in Sycamore, the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, 407 W. State St. in Sycamore and Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St. in Sycamore.

Safe Passage Evening of Chocolate

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.

Tickets: Adults, $25; children younger than 12, free

More information: 815-756-7930 or www.safepassagedv.org

A light buffet meal and an assortment of chocolate treats. There will be a silent auction, small-item raffle and 50/50 cash raffle. Proceeds benefit Safe Passage.

A Note to Remember

Time: 7 – 11 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Blumen Gardens

Tickets: $20

More information: 815-757-5688, www.sycamoremusicboosters.com or note2remember@gmail.com

Hors d'oeuvres, coffee bar, cash bar and live music from Chris Johnson, Diana Carls, the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble and other local ensembles. There will also be a raffle and silent auction. Adults only. Tickets are limited and are on sale at Sycamore school concerts, at the Sycamore High School main office or via phone or email. Proceeds benefit the Sycamore Music Boosters.

Valentine Dance

Time: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 9

Place: Sycamore Moose Lodge #1506, 317 W. State St.

Dance to the band Destination Unknown. There will be raffles, including a 50/50 raffle to  benefit Austin and Karen Howard to help with medical expenses.

Dedication of Reconstructed Sanctuary

Time: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 10

Place: Mayfield Congregational United Church of Christ, 28405 Church Road

The congregation of Mayfield Church invites the community to celebrate with them as they dedicate their rebuilt sanctuary at two services. The afternoon service includes dedication of the stained-glass windows, cancel cross and furnishings. Refreshments after both services. The sanctuary had to be rebuilt after the ceiling collapsed last March.

Career Works: Jump Start Your Job Search

Time: 2 p.m.

Dates: Second Monday of each month; next, Feb. 11

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Each month, a different speaker presents ideas to help with job searching. There is also time to network with other searchers.

Bright Futures Kickoff

Time: 4 – 5 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 11

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Jeremy Benson from Northern Illinois University STEM Outreach will demonstrate a Van de Graff generator, a Jacob's ladder and the "electrified pickle." Children can explore and experiment with new hands-on electric snap circuit kits that will begin circulating through the library. This program is for children in fourth through 12th grades; children in kindergarten through third grades are welcome with an adult.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Dates: Tuesdays; next, Feb. 12

Place: Sycamore Public Library

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

'Meals for a Healthy Heart'

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Dates: Feb. 12 and 19

Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive

Cost: $15

More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo

In this two-session class, students will learn how to shop for and stock a heart-healthy pantry, how to include more fruits and vegetables into daily meals, how to select and use healthy oils and fats, ways to include fish, soy, legumes nuts and seeds into their diets and more. Class includes recipes, cooking demonstrations and tastings. Registration is preferred.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Feb. 16

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.