BURLINGTON
Ham Dinner
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Burlington United Methodist Church, 195 W. Center St.
Tickets: Adults $10, children 6 to 12, $5
More information: 847-683-3535 or mary@burlington-umc.org
All-you-can eat dinner sponsored by the Men's Club of the church. Menu includes ham, corn, mashed potatoes with gravy, applesauce, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Carryouts available until 6:30 p.m. Proceeds support church programs.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Feb. 20
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, Feb. 21
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories and songs for infants, toddlers and caregivers. A craft time will be held immediately after story time. No registration required.
'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.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250
Students in grades 3 through 5 in the DeKalb School District can receive help with homework assignments from a retired school teacher. Limit five students per session; registration is required. Sign up by phone, online or at the youth services desk. There is no charge for the tutoring.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Feb. 20
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Feb. 20 menu is pancakes, peaches and breakfast sausage. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.
Computer Help Lab
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday; 1 – 3 p.m. Friday
Date: Feb. 20 – 22
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Free, drop-in help lab for people with computer questions.
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.
Bright Futures Kickoff
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 280 or stever@dkpl.org
Northern Illinois University STEM Outreach energizes children's minds with fun, educational activities about energy, electricity and electrical engineering.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English for children from infancy through age 5. Native speakers of both languages can learn to appreciate the other. Translations available.
Blood Drive
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 21
Place: Stevenson South, 1321 S. Stevenson Drive
Homework Help Nights
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 21
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.
Kathy Kelly
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 21
Place: Illinois Room, Holmes Student Center, Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road
More information: 815-793-0950 or dkenney53@hotmail.com
Internationally-known peace activist Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, a campaign to end U.S. military and economic warfare, will speak about her recent visits to Syria and the Gaza Strip. The talk is free and open to the public; free parking is available in the Northern Illinois University Visitor Lot after 7 p.m.
'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.
Intro to MS Word
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Feb. 22
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Learn the basic skills to create, edit and print a document using Microsoft Word. Sign up online, at the reference desk or by phone.
Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Feb. 22
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.
AARP Tax Aide Free Tax Help
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturdays through April 13; next, Feb. 23
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.
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
Classical Conversations Information Meeting
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: Panera Bread
Classical Conversations is a community of home-school families that teach using the classical model and a biblical worldview.
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.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: University Plaza, 900 Crane Drive
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission, 2500 Annie Glidden Road
What to Expect During Cardiac Testing
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Cardiologist Paul Nguyen, MD, MS, discusses different types of cardiac testing. Heart-healthy meal provided in this free program. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
Hopkins Park Pool Meeting
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: Hopkins Park Community Center, second floor
The public is invited to review the concept plans for the replacement of the 39-year-old Hopkins Park pool. Architects will be available to review preliminary plans for layout and proposed features. The park district encourages the public to attend and comment.
'Republicanism, Communism, Islam: Cosmopolitan Origins of Revolution in Southeast Asia'
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: Pollock Ballroom, Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
Jon Sidel, Sir Patrick Gillam Professor of International and Comparative Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, will give a lecture in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Northern Illinois University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, March 2
Place: City lot 3, corner of Grove and South Fourth streets
Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.
Hopkins Park Pool Meeting
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Hopkins Park Community Center, second floor
The public is invited to review the concept plans for the replacement of the 39-year-old Hopkins Park pool. Architects will be available to review preliminary plans for layout and proposed features. The park district encourages the public to attend and comment.
Ellwood House Educational Volunteer Information Meeting
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Ellwood House Museum, 509 N. First St.
More information: 815-756-4609 or rnickels@ellwoodhouse.org
An informational meeting for adults interested in volunteering in the museum's youth education programs. Call or email to RSVP.
Center for Southeast Asian Studies 50th Anniversary Gala
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Altgeld Hall Auditorium
Tickets: $50
More information: cseas@niu.edu
After a cocktail reception and gala dinner, attendees will move to the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building for a free concert of traditional and contemporary music at 8 p.m. Performances will include music professor Gregory Beyer and the NIU Percussion Studio on Burmese bronze drums; the The NIU Gamelan Ensemble; Thai classical and folk music by the Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute of Chicago, directed by NIU alumnus Chamni Sripraram; Balinese dance by Indonesian Dance of Illinois; music students Sarah Emily Lekberg and Andrew Voelker performing excerpts from a Filipino opera; and NIU alumna and award-winning Malaysian pop singer and songwriter Amirah Ali.
Stage Coach Players 2013 Auditions
Time: 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 – 9 p.m. Monday
Dates: March 2 – 4
Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
Auditions for Stage Coach Players' 2013 shows, including "The Robin Hood Capers" (performances May 2-12); "Shrek: The Musical" (performances June 6-16); "The Red Herring" (performances July 11-21); "Company" (performances Aug. 8-18); "The Lion in Winter" (performances Sept. 12-22); and "Rope" (performances Oct. 10-20). All aspiring performers are welcome to audition for one or more productions.
Center for Southeast Asian Studies Open House
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 5
Place: Center for Southeast Asian Studies, 520 College View Court
The center will celebrate its 50th anniversary with refreshments and remembrances.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Feb. 20
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.
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."
Chili Supper
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 23
Place: Genoa-Kingston High School
Tickets: Adults $7, children 4 to 12 or seniors 65 and older $5
Chili supper to support the G-K Rescue Squad. Milk, water and coffee are provided, soda is 50 cents per can. Hot dogs will also be available for $1.
Blood Drive
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Date: Sunday, Feb. 24
Place: St. Catherine of Genoa Church, 340 S. Stott St.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Feb. 26
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
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.
Meet the Candidates Night
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: The Oak Club of Genoa, 11770 Ellwood Greens Road
More information: 815-784-2212 or www.genoacc.com
Candidates for city offices, school board, park board and library board will be available to introduce themselves and answer questions at this informal gathering. There will be a cash bar and light appetizers.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, March 2
Place: City Hall east lot
Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.
Girl Scouts Spaghetti Dinner
Time: 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: CrossWind Community Church, 13100 Cherry Road
Cost: Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, children 5 and younger eat free
Dinner includes spaghetti with meatballs, bread, salad, dessert and beverage. There will be a 50/50 raffle ($1 per ticket or five tickets for $3). Proceeds help Girl Scout Troop 1620 take an overnight trip to Blue Spring Cavern.
HINCKLEY
Story Time
Time: 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; next, Feb. 20
Place: Hinckley Public Library
More information: 815-286-3220
Stories, songs and crafts. Sign up by phone or at the front desk.
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."
Stories! Stories! Stories!
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 23
Place: Kirkland Public Library
A half-hour of fun with Mrs. Holtapp and the comical characters from Mo Willems' books: Piggy, Elephant and The Pigeon.
MALTA
Pancake Breakfast
Time: 6:30 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 23
Place: Malta Elementary School
Tickets: Adults $5, children 5 to 12 $4
Carry-outs available. Proceeds benefit the Malta Lions Club Scholarship Fund.
SYCAMORE
Story Time
Time: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays
Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 20
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. 20
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
'Negotiating from a Woman's Advantage'
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 21
Place: The Regale Center
Cost: $15
More information: 815-895-3456
The Kishwaukee Women's Network presents a luncheon with a program by Catherine Lee, president of CDL Associates. Reservations are required.
Be My Valentine Luncheon
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Feb. 21
Place: Blumen Gardens, 325 Edward St.
Cost: $9
More information: 815-762-5513
DeKalb Christian Women's Connection will hear presentations by speaker Cindy Bair and by featured guest Glenna Armsesy, producer of pure mineral makeup and skin care. Call to RSVP.
Daughter Safe Workshop
Time: 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 23
Place: Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 W. Bethany Road
Cost: Members $10, nonmembers $15
More information: 815-756-9577 or www.kishymca.org
For women and girls 6 and older, this program teaches mental preparedness, assertiveness training, self-defense and Internet safety. Taught by a retired police lieutenant, assisted by police officers, Safe Passage educational counselors and protection professionals. This is a high-energy, hands-on workshop, and women and girls should dress comfortably. Girls younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No males may attend unless they are attending as the guardian of a girl younger than 18. Those guardians will be expected to participate in a group discussion of the male role in supporting female safety. Class size is limited; registration recommended.
World Day of Prayer
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 815-793-2055 or jenny@jennyruff.com
A worldwide movement in which Christian women of many traditions come together to observe a common day of prayer. Services begin at sunrise in the Pacific and follow the sun across the globe. Each year, the World Day of Prayer committee in a different country writes the worship service. This year's service, written by women in France, has the theme "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."
Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Sycamore High School cafeteria
Cost: $5 to enter a chili
More information: 630-879-9009 or relayforlife.org/DeKalbIL
Cooks can set up beginning at 11 a.m. Guests can win prizes, register for this year's relay and learn more about Relay for Life.
Country Fun Fair
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Southeast Elementary School
More information: 815-970-5416 or 815-508-4018
Fun, food and prizes. Events include pony derby races, hula-hoop contests and a pie-eating contest.
Oaken Acres Wildlife Center's 'Babies Gone Wild'
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Blumen Gardens
Tickets: $20
More information: lisa@oakenacres.org
Event includes silent and live auctions, a margarita fountain, appetizers and snacks. Proceeds benefit Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, and guests will learn about all of the work and services Oaken Acres offers.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Feb. 21
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.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Fourth Saturday of even-numbered months; next, Feb. 23
Place: City lot on Route 30
Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.
