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, May 1
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, May 2
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
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.
DeKALB
Buck-a-Bag Book Sale
Time: Library hours
Dates: May 1 – 5
Place: DeKalb Public Library, lower level hallway
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 1
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, May 1
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.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, May 1
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. May 1 menu is stuffed pork loin with cinnamon applesauce. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.
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.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, youth services department
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories, songs and puppet plays in both Spanish and English for children up to age 5.
Homework Help Nights
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays; next, May 2
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.
Dates: May 2 – 5 and 9 – 12
Place: Stage Coach Players, 126 S. Fifth St.
Tickets: $12
More information: 815-899-8903
"Charities Anonymous," a private club made up of four retired crooks who use their old trades to do good, gets involved in the affairs of a small-town newspaper man about to lose his paper because of his expose of a grafting mayor. The old people help to save both the newspaper and a romance in this comedy.
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.
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 2
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building
The renowned Chicago Chamber Musicians join the Avalon String Quartet for this free concert.
Tanzania Development Support Garage Sale
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dates: May 3 and 4
Place: 201 Thornbrook Road
More information: 815-901-0393, www.tdsnfp.org or jthurmaier@hotmail.com
Proceeds will help to construct a library and resource center to serve more than 2,000 children and families in Nyegina, Tanzania. Tax-deductible financial donations accepted. Donations can be made online.
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.
Ellwood Explorers
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.
Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, May 3
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.
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.
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.
Times: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Northern Illinois Music Building
At 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., solo recitals by adult and child music students at the NIU Community School of the Arts in the Recital Hall. At 10 a.m., violin and cello group performance in the Concert Hall. At 3 p.m., piano solos in the Recital Hall. At 6 p.m., guitar solos in the Recital Hall.
Free Comic Book Day
Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Graham Crackers Comics, 901C Lucinda Ave.
More information: 815-748-3883 or www.freecomicbookday.com
Customers can choose three comic books from 30 titles made available for Free Comic Book Day, plus three books from the store's overstocked titles for a total of six free comics per person.
Bookcase Project Awards Ceremony
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. Fourth St.
Fifty-two local preschoolers from Two Rivers Head Start will be presented with personalized bookcases and starter libraries. Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy will speak, a storyteller will entertain and there will be story time and refreshments after the presentation.
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Place: Art Annex, 2211 Sycamore Road, behind Small's Furniture City
A photography exhibit of various styles, from video to traditional black-and-white prints, created by Northern Illinois University art students.
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.
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Place: The Art Box, 308 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-758-0313 or dan@dekalbgallery.com
"Made in Brazil," an exhibition of prints by international artists, will be displayed from May 2-30.
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building Recital Hall
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 5
Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building Concert Hall
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 6
Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building Concert Hall
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building Concert Hall
'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.
Plant Sale
Time: 2 – 6 p.m.
Dates: May 8 and 9
Place: DeKalb High School greenhouse
More information: 815-754-2100
Plants raised by the DeKalb High School horticulture class. Proceeds support the horticulture program.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Place: Northern Illinois University Concert Hall
Barb City Manor Open House
Time: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursday, May 9
Place: Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Blvd.
More information: 815-756-8444
Learn about the retirement home, take a tour of the building and apartments and enjoy refreshments.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 9
Place: DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission, 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road
Plant Sale
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday
Dates: May 10 and 11
Place: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N. First St.
More information: 815-758-0691
Proceeds support local nonprofit agencies.
Glidden Homestead Volunteer Orientation
Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, May 11
Place: Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-756-7904 or info@gliddenhomestead.org
Take a tour and learn the history of the homestead, plans for the site and how volunteers contribute to its development. Volunteers are needed to lead tours, garden, help with technology, process collections, maintain buildings, help at special events and perform general office tasks. Call or email to RSVP.
Welcome Cafe & Community Kitchen
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, May 11
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
Pay-what-you-can brunch. Those unable to pay can eat for free. There will be job information from Illinois WorkNet. Transportation is offered from Golden Years Plaza, Safe Passage, Hope Haven, Dresser Court, Eden's Garden and University Village. Transportation will leave Golden Years and Safe Passage at 10 a.m. and all other locations between 10:15 and 10:30.
Women's Heart Health
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 14
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Free program on preventing heart disease and sudden cardiac death and improving women's quality of life. Heart-healthy meal included. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.
Understanding Healthy Boundaries
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
A lack of boundaries can cause emotional pain and stress-induced illness. Setting boundaries protects relationships, increases self-respect and sets the foundation for healthy living. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Place: Northern Illinois University Music Building Recital Hall
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, May 1
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.
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.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, May 7
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Line Dancing
Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.
Date: Third Friday of every month; next, May 17
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Cost: $5
Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.
Hymn Sing
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, May 19
Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.
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.
Love and Respect Video
Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday
Dates: May 10 and 11
Place: Crossroads Community Church, 2040 Johnson Court
Cost: $40 per couple
More information: loveandrespect.com/events/details/1299
Cracking the communication code between husband and wife involves understanding the power of unconditional respect and love. A seminar based on the guidance of Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether they are struggling or want to maintain their happiness. Pastors and counselors seeking new information for couples counseling also welcome.
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.
SYCAMORE
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, May 1
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Angie Carter Toddler Music
Time: 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Dates: Thursdays in May; next, May 2
Place: Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St.
More information: 815-895-2500 ext. 28
Have fun and learn new songs in this free class for children 3 and younger and their caregivers, led by music and developmental therapist Angie Carter. Older siblings up to age 5 are also welcome. No registration required.
The History of Handkerchiefs
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.
'Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum'
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.
The Triple Crown
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.
Rugby Tournament
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Place: Sycamore Park
Eight high school boys rugby teams will compete. There will also be two women's matches.
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
From 2 to 6 p.m., there will be children's activities, including a moon bounce, climbing wall, petting zoo and pinatas. From 2 to 7 p.m. there will be live Mexican music and dance performances. From 6 to 9 p.m., there will be live and DJ music. Food vendors, beer garden and margarita bar throughout the event. Proceeds support local nonprofits.
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.
Plant Sale
Time: 3:10 – 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekends
Dates: May 9 – 18
Place: Sycamore High School greenhouse
More information: 815-899-2160 ext. 2168 or kpoynter@syc427.org
The greenhouse is located on the south side of the school, near the buses.
AYSO Early Bird Soccer Registration
Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 11
Place: Sycamore Park District Maintenance Building, 435 Airport Road
Cost: $70 per player
More information: sapita718ayso@comcast.net
Preventing Falls
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 13
Place: Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, 2111 Midlands Court
More information: 815-748-8900
A fall can be traumatic and lead to serious injury. Explore the common causes of falls and how to reduce your risk and that of your loved ones. Call to register.
Career Works: Jump Start Your Job Search
Time: 2 p.m.
Dates: Second Monday of each month; next, May 13
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.
CROP Hunger Walk Planning Meeting
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 13
Place: St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 206 Somonauk St.
More information: walkcoordinators@yahoo.com
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, May 2
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.
