Events for Feb. 13 - 27

CORTLAND

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.

DeKalb Christian Women's Connection Prayer Connection

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Place: 318 Dodge Ave.

RSVP: 815-501-4139

Fellowship, prayer and light refreshments.

Forward, Together Forward Memorial

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Place: Northern Illinois University Forward, Together Forward Memorial, next to Cole Hall

The annual wreath-laying ceremony in memory of the campus shooting that took place Feb. 14, 2008.

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.

Wildcard: Charades

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

DeKalb-area teens are invited to test their charades skills.

'Where's Your Heart?'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Cost: $3 suggested donation

More information: 815-787-9547

Music by band SHEL as well as local and regional bands, and a display of artwork by local artists. The event is sponsored by the Northern Illinois University chapter of Amnesty International and will also host several activist-oriented local and NIU organizations. Organizers hope to demonstrate the community's refusal to accept violence against any and all people.

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

Bilingual Story Time

Time: 11 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 14

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.

Internet Intro

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 15

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

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

Hands-on computer class covers the basics of the Internet. Sign up by phone or email.

Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 15

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.

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 education, 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.

AARP Tax Aide Free Tax Help

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Date: Saturdays through April 13; next, Feb. 16

Place: DeKalb Public Library lower level meeting room

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

Volunteers will assist low- and middle-income taxpayers with tax returns. Bring a photo ID, all tax documents and last year's tax return.

Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Disease

Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 16

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 265 or emilyg@dkpl.org

Presented by the Alzheimer's Association, this is a workshop for anyone who wants to know more about the legal and financial issues to consider when someone is affected by dementia and how to put plans in place. Sign up at www.dkpl.org or at any library circulation desk.

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

Career Night

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 18

Place: Evangelical Free Church, corner of North First Street and Bethany Road

James Glenn, a home schooling father of six and the Midwest Regional Admissions Director for College Plus, will present “Dreams, Desires and Decisions.”  From 7 to 8:30 p.m., professionals in several fields, including engineering, photography and graphic design, will be available to discuss their profession and answer questions. There will be a treasure hunt for children younger than 10.

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.

Homework Help Nights

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 19

Place: Neighbors House, corner of Fifth and Pine streets

More information:  815-787-0600 or neighborshouse@frontier.com

Free homework help for students in fourth through 12th grades. Students should bring their homework. No help nights during DeKalb School District 428 school breaks.

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.

Free Community Meal

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Feb. 20

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. 20 menu is chicken, fettuccine Alfredo, salad, fruit, breadstick and dessert.

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.

Blood Drive

Time: Noon – 4 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 21

Place: Stevenson South, 1321 S. Stevenson Drive

Living Anew

Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Dates: Thursdays, Feb. 21 – March 28

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishhospital.org

Cancer is a life-changing illness. This six-week program offers insights, support and education on living well when life is impacted by cancer. Registration is required and closes three days before the first class.

'Not About Nightingales'

Time: 7:30 p.m. weeknights and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Dates: Feb. 21 – 24

Place: Stevens Building, Northern Illinois University

Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, students $8

More information: www.niu.edu/theatre

Based on events that rocked the nation in the 1930s, this play recounts a hunger strike by prison inmates protesting their poor conditions, spoiled food and general mistreatment.

Caring for the Caregiver

Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 22

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Souses, partners, relatives and caregivers of people living with cancer are invited to learn new insights, practical steps and effective coping strategies. Share your experiences and hear from others. Box lunch provided. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

High School A Cappella Midwest Semifinal

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 23

Place: DeKalb High School auditorium

Tickets: $10

More information: www.varsityvocals.com or 815-754-2120

Six Midwestern high school a cappella groups will compete for a spot at the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella finals in New York City. A DeKalb High School group will compete against groups from Niles, Port Washington, Wis., De Moines, Iowa and Madison, Wis.

Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 23

Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building

Tickets: Adults $15, students and seniors $10, children younger than 12, $5

More information: 815-756-3728 or www.kishorchestra.org

High School junior Kelly Talim, the winner of the Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition, will perform with the orchestra as a guest soloist on violin.

Stephanie Coontz Lectures

Time: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Place: Northern Illinois University

Stephanie Coontz, an award-winning author and nationally recognized expert on gender, family and the media, will deliver an informal seminar, "How to Talk to the Media About Your Scholarship (and Get Them to Listen)," on how to get academic scholarship into the media and how to talk to the media about academic research, at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Room South of the Holmes Student Center. She will give a lecture, “50 Years After the Feminine Mystique: How Far Have We Come?” at 6 p.m. in Room 100 of the Visual Arts Building.

Advancements in Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

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

Foot and ankle surgeon Douglas Pacaccio, DPM, will explain osteoarthritis of the ankle and new treatment options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

STEM Teen Read: "The Fault in Our Stars"

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Place: Graham Hall 223, Northern Illinois University

Teens who have read "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green can talk with experts about the science behind the fiction in the book.

Blood Drive

Time: 1 – 5 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27

Place: Kishwaukee Community Hospital

Transformation Through Rhythm Concert

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27

Place: DeKalb High School auditorium

More information: 815-756-3000

Percussion and world music ensembles from DeKalb schools and Northern Illinois University give a benefit concert supporting DeKalb County Hospice and a sister hospice in South Africa. The performance is free; donations accepted.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date:  Wednesdays; next, Feb. 13

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.

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.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Feb. 19

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

Meet Mary Todd Lincoln

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20

Place: Genoa Public Library

More information: 815-784-2627 or www.laurafkeyes.com

Historical interpreter Laura F. Keyes portrays the tragic and compelling life of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. The performance is set on the evening of Lincoln's assassination, as his wife prepares to accompany him and some friends at the theater. A Q-and-A will be held after the free, 45-minute program. Recommended for audiences 7 and older.

Movie Memorabilia Night

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Feb. 22

Place: Genoa Public Library

More information: 815-784-2627

There will be a screening of the 1956 film "The King and I," and a display of authentic Hollywood memorabilia, including a jacket worn by James Stewart in "The Glenn Miller Story," Marilyn Monroe's personal desk set, an original script from "Flashdance," the knife wielded by Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy in "Batman & Robin," the suede jacket Chuck Connor wore in "Ride Beyond Vengeance" and the headdress worn by Rita Moreno in "The King and I."

Control Your Cholesterol

Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27

Place: KishHealth Family & Specialty Care

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

Whether your levels are high or normal, lifestyle changes can help you achieve or maintain healthy cholesterol levels. If you have cholesterol results, bring them. Receive a variety of resources and tools to develop healthy habits. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

'Life of a Pioneer'

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27

Place: Genoa Public Library

More information: 815-784-2627 or www.genoalibrary.org

Jerry Johnson, executive director of Garfield Farm Museum, will talk about the 281-acre historic farm site in LaFox. The farm and inn buildings date to the 1840s and are registered as historic landmarks. The audience will also learn about the life of an 1840s pioneer on the prairie. Recommended for audiences 7 and older.

HINCKLEY

Story Time

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

Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; next, Feb. 13

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

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

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

Free Movie

Time: 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Place: Hinckley Public Library

More information: 815-286-3220

Snacks and a free showing of "Gnomeo and Juliet."

KINGSTON

Family Fun Night

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 23

Place: Kingston United Methodist Church, 121 W. First ST.

Watch "The Wizard of Oz," enjoy soup, snacks and sweets, play games and socialize. Free-will donations will benefit the Sunday school program.

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."

SYCAMORE

Story Time

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

Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 13

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. 13

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

'The Babbling Brooks'

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Dates: Feb. 14 – 16

Place: Sycamore High School auditorium

Tickets: $6

The Sycamore High School winter play is about the chaos of the Brooks family: the gossipy mother whose exaggerated tales provide fodder for her daughter's neighborhood newspaper, teens in the throes of puppy love and a murder mystery to boot.

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.

Tale Weavers

Time: 4 – 5 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 18

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500

Children in kindergarten through third grade listen to traditional folk and fairy tales told by storyteller Bruce Wallace, then library staff read a current library-book version of an old tale. Snacks and a simple craft end the program. Free, no registration required. The February story is "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."

'Social Networking: What's In It For Me?'

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Feb. 18

Place: Sycamore Public Library

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

Rebecca Wardlow, owner of Social Biz Diva and social media instructor at Kishwaukee College, will help listeners understand the value of social networking sites such as Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Facebook and blogs.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Dates: Tuesdays through Feb. 19

Place: Sycamore Public Library

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

Edward Jones Career Development Seminar

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 19

Place: Ryan Genz Edward Jones, 1170 DeKalb Ave., Suite 109

More information: 630-232-2204 or www.careers.edwardjones.com

Financial-services firm Edward Jones is looking to expand in the DeKalb/Sycamore area and is seeking entrepreneurs who may be interested in becoming financial advisers. The seminar will offer information on the firm and business opportunities.

STEM Cafe: Miracle Crops or Frankenfoods

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 19

Place: Taxco, 223 W. State St.

At STEM Cafes, the public can informally discuss current science topics with experts in the field. Food and beverages can be purchased from the restaurant. In the February event, Thomas Sims, director of Northern Illinois University’s Plant Molecular Biology Center, will talk about science behind genetic modification, the issues related to its use in current agricultural production and prospects for the future.

Cooking With Less or No Oil

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday; 10 – 11:30 a.m. Thursday

Dates: Feb. 20 or 21

Place: Hy-Vee Club Room

Cost: $10

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

Learn to select oil for the proper use and how to saute, bake and roast food with less or no oil. Recipes and tastings included. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.

'Negotiating from a Woman's Advantage'