BIG ROCK
Couture Creations Fashion Show
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Place: Esther's Place, 201 Route 30
Tickets: $10
More information: 815-786-9313
Fashions by local designer Irina Christensen and hand-dyed silk scarves by Natasha Lehrer.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, April 24
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, April 25
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
Magic Matt's Family Fun Show
Time: 3 - 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Cortland Community Park, Lions Den
Cost: Free
A magic show for kids of all ages. Concessions, sponsored by Cortland Lions Club, will be available for purchase.
Community Garage Sales and Craft Show
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dates: May 3 and 4
More information: 815-756-4851 or 815-761-7054
Maps will be available. There are typically 100 or more sales.
CRESTON
Salad Luncheon
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: St. John's Lutheran Church
Cost: Adults $5, children $3, children younger than 5, free
More information: 815-825-2319 or 815-895-8275
Luncheon includes a presentation on "God's Presence in Thailand."
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Youth Services Department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Infants through toddler-age children and their parents are invited to the Dragon Carpet for a morning of fun with stories, songs and a craft.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Youth Services Department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250
For children in the DeKalb School District in grades 3-5. Those who register receive assistance with homework assignments in all subject areas. Marti Brown, a retired teacher, will tutor. Parents should sign up in advance by using the library website (dkpl.org), phoning 815-756-9568, ext. 250, or signing up at the Youth Services desk at the library. There is a limit of five for each free session.
'Maps: From Geography and Navigation to Art and Consumption'
Time: 5 – 6 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315
Guest speakers James R. Akerman and Diane Dillon from the Newberry Library in Chicago will deliver a comprehensive lecture on cartography.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, April 24
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. April 24 menu is French-bread pizza. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.
Computer Help! Lab
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 1 – 3 p.m. Friday
Dates: April 24 – 26
Place: DeKalb Public Library, Youth Services Department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Walk-in help with computer or software problems or questions.
'Turtle Derby'
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: Montgomery Hall Auditorium, NIU
A light-hearted documentary about kids training turtles for an annual race. When some turtles end up on the endangered species list, townspeople must choose between tradition and protection.
'Father of Virtual Reality'
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center
More information: 815-753-8154
Jaron Lanier – author, computer scientist, composer, digital media pioneer and known as the "father of virtual reality" – will speak and sign copies of his books.
Native Plant Sale
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dates: April 25 and 26
Place: Montgomery Hall Auditorium lobby, NIU
Cost: Prairie plants are $4 each, four for $10 or 16 for $38
More information: www.bios.niu.edu
Houseplants and prairie plants for sale. A list of plants can be found online. Proceeds support environmental organizations such as LaMica, Nachusa Grasslands and the Natural Land Institute.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories, songs and puppet play in both Spanish and English for children up to age 5. Translations available.
Blood Drive
Time: 2 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Place: Stevenson North, 1350 N. Stevenson Drive
Green Night Out
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Place: Downtown DeKalb
Cost: $5 for film screening
Stores throughout downtown will have food and drink specials, mini-talks on environmental topics, raffles, art exhibits and workshops. At 8 p.m., a screening of the winning films in each category of the Green Lens Film Festival will be held at The Egyptian Theatre.
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Place: Ellwood House Visitor Center, 509 N. First St.
Opening of "ANTHROTROPISM," an exhibit of metalwork and jewelry inspired and influenced by nature.
'How to Start a Successful Child Care Business'
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Place: 4-C, 155 N. Third St., Suite 300
More information: 800-848-8727 ext. 230
Free workshop for people interested in starting a home-based daycare. Call to register.
Homework Help Nights
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays; next, April 25
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.
Time: 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: April 25 – 28
Place: Stevens Building O'Connell Theater, NIU
Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, students $8
More information: 815-753-1600 or www.niu.edu/theatre
Five dance pieces demonstrate the evolution of dance from pointe ballet to modern dance.
Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 26
Place: DeKalb Public Library, meet at the fireplace
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220, dkplref@dkpl.org
Enjoy an in-depth tour of the historic building. No need to sign up for the free tour.
Intro to Excel I and II
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
From 9:30 to 11, learn the basics of creating workbooks, using formulas and other functions. From 11 to 12:15, Intro to Excel II explores some additional features. Sign up for one or both by phone or at the reference desk.
Ira Flatow
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Capitol Room, Holmes Student Center
More information: www.niu.edu/excellence
Seminar by Ira Flatow of NPR.
Intro to Email
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Intro to Facebook
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Learn to use the popular social networking site. Email address required. Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Conexion Comunidad, 637 N. 11th St.
The Peruvian Folk Dance Center of Chicago will perform traditional dances in concert with Peruvian music by Guitarra, Cajon y Zampona.
Intro to Word
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, April 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Learn to create, edit and print a document. Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, April 28
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building
More information: www.niu.edu/music
Melissa Dye, an NIU alum with a successful career on Broadway and television, will perform with the NIU Concert Choir and University Chorus. The free concert will be streamed live at www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts/index.shtml.
'Tribute to Houdini'
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, April 28
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: Premium tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 3-12; regular tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 3-12; children younger than 3 admitted free
More information: 815-758-1225 or www.egyptiantheatre.org
"Guinness World Champion escapologist" Mario Manzini will perform a variety of magic tricks, illusions and thrilling escapes in this family-friendly show.
Intro to PowerPoint
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, April 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Learn to make business presentations or personal slide shows. Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 6 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30
Place: 900 Normal Road
More information: 815-756-4888 or www.prayers2pass.com
Stop by from 10 to 2 for one-to-one personal short prayers or to write on a prayer wall. Prayer requests can also be made online or via Twitter by tweeting @StPaulsDeKalb with the hashtag #prayers2pass. At 6 p.m., a prayer vigil will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church for all of the petitions made throughout the day.
Bright Futures: Fun with Wind Energy
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, April 30
Place: NIU Engineering Building, 590 Garden Road
More information: niu.edu/stem/community_programs/Bright_Futures.shtml
Demonstrations of how wind energy can be harnessed, and hands-on activities to discover how windmills work and what makes them most effective in generating energy.
Bible Study Fellowship
Time: 9 – 10:50 a.m.
Dates: May 1 and 8
Place: Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore/DeKalb, 150 Bethany Road
More information: 815-899-9228 or tgruner2@comcast.net
A welcome session for women interested in joining the weekly Bible study. The next session will study the book of Matthew and will begin in September. Child care available for children from birth through kindergarten.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, May 1
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.
Blues Gone Wild
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: First Thursday of each month; next, May 2
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.
Church Rummage Sale
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dates: May 3 and 4
Place: First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St.
Proceeds to help fund a summer mission trip to Detroit for the youth group and other summer youth activities.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 3
Place: Ellwood House Visitor Center, 509 N. First St.
More information: 815-756-4609 or rnickels@ellwoodhouse.org
Children can listen to the classic poem "Casey at the Bat" read aloud, then do baseball-themed crafts, participate in a group song and have a treat.
DeKalb Hogs Icebreaker Fastpitch Softball Tournament
Time: First game at 6:30 p.m. Friday; championship at 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: May 3 – 5
Place: Katz Park
More information: www.facebook.com/hustlehogs.fastball
Players and teams from six states and five countries compete in a world-class exhibition softball tournament.
Carter, Cabrera, Hilton and Geiger
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 3
Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: $22 to $35
More information: 815-758-1225 or www.egyptiantheatre.org
Aaron Carter, Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger appear in concert.
Walk for Life
Time: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: We Care Pregnancy Clinic, Fifth and Pine streets
More information: 815-748-4242 or www.wecarepregnancyclinic.org
The fundraising walk begins and ends at the clinic. Proceeds support the clinic.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, May 4
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.
Community Treasures Sale
Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
The fundraising committee for the DeKalb Public Library expansion, the Library Whist Club, the DeKalb Women's Club, Altrusa International of DeKalb/Sycamore, Court Immaculate Conception #996 Catholic Daughters of America, Friends of the DeKalb Public Library, the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, Kathleen Katz and the Barbed Corners Antique Club, the Kiwanis Club of DeKalb, Kishwaukee Kiwanis and The Drama Club will cooperate to offer a sale of antiques and attic treasures. Proceeds support the library expansion.
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Romancing the 'Rach'
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building
Tickets: Adults $15, seniors and students $10, children younger than 12, $5
More information: www.kishorchestra.org
The final concert of the orchestra's season will feature music by Rachmaninoff and Liszt. Music director Linc Smelser will present a free lecture at 6:30 p.m. in room 173 of the Music Building.
Transition Planning Committee Ice Cream Social
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Place: Hopkins Park Shelter House
More information: 815-756-2000 or 708-232-8721
All middle school, high school and transition students through age 21 with disabilities, their families and friends are invited to socialize and connect with local transition service resources. Games and refreshments will be provided.
'The Benefits of Nutrient-Dense Superfoods'
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
Cost: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
A registered dietitian demonstrates how to incorporate more superfoods into your diet. Samples are provided. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.
Swing Dance
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
Casual dress, no partner required. Leather-soled shoes recommended. Evening begins with a lesson, then social dancing.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, April 24
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.
AYSO Soccer Registration
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: Faith United Methodist Church, 325 S. Stott St.
Cost: $95 per player; $30 for U-5
More information: 815-299-3662, www.eayso.org or www.ayso1284.com
Spaghetti Dinner
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Evening includes dinner and raffles. Proceeds support the Genoa-Kingston High School boys track team and the Veterans Legacy Fund for the American Legion Riders.
Knights of Columbus Scholarship Breakfast
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Date: Sunday, April 28
Place: St. Catherine's Catholic Church basement, 340 S. Stott St.
Free-will donations accepted to fund the Knights of Columbus scholarship.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, April 30
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Historical Society Garage Sale
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dates: May 2 – 4
Place: Kishwaukee Heritage Society, 622 Park Ave.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, May 4
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.
KINGSTON
Pork Roast Supper
Time: Seatings at 5 and 6:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Kingston United Methodist Church, 121 W. First St.
Cost: Adults $9, children $4
Carry-outs and gift certificates available.
KIRKLAND
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: Kirkland Fire Department
'Never Cry Wolf!' Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Kirkland Public Library
Listen to stories with wolf characters – wolf vs. pig, wolf vs. boy, wolf vs. rabbit and wolf vs. woodland critters.
MALTA
Social Media Breakfast
Time: 7:45 a.m. check-in
Date: Thursday, May 2
Place: Kishwaukee College Conference Center, Room A220
More information: smbkishfeb2013.eventbrite.com
Learn how content marketing, search-engine optimization and social media work together to strengthen marketing strategies.
Know Your Numbers
Time: 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, May 3
Place: Kishwaukee College
More information: 815-748-8962
Free screenings include cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass index and waist measurement. Each person can attend only once per year. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
SHABBONA
Fay's Pork Chop BBQ Drive-Thru
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 26
Place: Shabbona United Church of Christ, 104 E. Navaho
Tickets: $11
More information: 815-824-2359
Dinner includes a choice of two chops, one chop and a quarter chicken, or a half chicken, with all the trimmings. Call for tickets; leave a message with your name, phone number and number of tickets requested. Proceeds support youth camps, activities and puppet performances.
SYCAMORE
Story Time
Time: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays
Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 25; next, April 24
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Story time for independent 3- to 5-year-olds. Caregivers do not stay in the room for story time but must remain in the library.
Spectacular Sound Show
Time: 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Discovery Center of Rockford presents a series of auditory science experiments in this show. Hear metal rods sing, visualize vibrations, watch fire dance to music and get an earful of a really loud boom.
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, April 24
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Cow Eye Dissection
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.
Cost: Members $13, nonmembers $15
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
For all ages; children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults are free for members or $4 for nonmembers. Instructors will help dissectors take apart real cow eyeballs. Registration is required.
Garden Gate to Spring Antique Show
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday
Dates: April 26 and 27
Place: Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St.
Cost: $4
More information: 815-895-3737
Garden, architectural and country antiques and accessories. Drawings both days. Light lunch and beverages available. Proceeds benefit area food banks.
Spring Fishing Derby
Time: 8 a.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Lake Sycamore, at the end of North Cross Street
Cost: Residents $4, nonresidents $5
More information: 815-895-3202 or www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com
Door prizes and prizes for first and second place. Competitors must be registered by 9:30 a.m. Advance registration recommended.
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 Bethany Road
Games for kids and families, bounce houses, a police dog demonstration and a bike rodeo, in which kids can ride their bikes through Safety Town.
Time: 2 – 10 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: Cabana Charley's
Silent auction, raffles, door prizes and a DJ help raise funds for the Lankfords, a local family burdened by high medical bills due to complications of multiple sclerosis.
For the Love of the Game
Time: 6:30 – 11 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 27
Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall, 222 Waterman St.
Tickets: $30 in advance, $40 at the door
More information: sycamoresportsboosters.com
Live music by Red Woody, dancing, refreshments, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets available online and at Castle Bank, the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, Sycamore High School and Sycamore Middle School. Proceeds benefit the Sycamore Sports Boosters.
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, May 2
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
A presentation on the history of handkerchiefs and the stories connected to them. Coffee and cookies provided.
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: May 2 and 3
Place: St. Mary's Parish Activity Center, 244 Waterman St.
Tickets: Adults $5, students $3, children 5 and younger, free
The middle-school students of St. Mary's Catholic School present a musical retelling of the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 3
Place: Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St.
Tickets: $20
More information: 815-895-2052
An evening of horse racing, bonnet and hat contests, food, drinks, microbrew tastings and live music by the DeKalb Footstompers. Ticket includes betting tickets for the horse races, entry into the bonnet and hat contest and numerous microbrew samplings.
Sheedy Family Chiropractic Anniversary Celebration
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Sheedy Family Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive, Suite J
Patient-appreciation celebration marking 56 years in business. Event includes refreshments, games, free massages, raffles, door prizes, $5 adjustments for existing patients, merchandise discounts and free consultations, exams and spinal X-rays for new patients. It will also be the debut of the business' new name, Sycamore Integrated Health.
Cinco de Mayo
Time: 1 – 9 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Place: Bill Johnson Boulevard, behind Taxco restaurant, 223 W. State St.
More information: 815-895-2545 or sycamorecincodemayo.com
Live music, food vendors, beer garden, margarita bar, folk dancers, eating contests, children's games and activities. Proceeds support local nonprofits.
'Barn Quilts'
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Place: Chapel in the Pines, 15165 Quigley Road
Cost: $5
The Sycamore History Museum presents a talk about the barn quilts of Wisconsin.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, April 25
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, April 27
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.
