CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Aug. 7
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: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Thursdays
Date: Every Tuesday and Thursday; next, Aug. 8
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
Movie Matinee
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Every Friday; next, Aug. 9
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Time: 6 p.m. – midnight Friday; noon – midnight Saturday
Dates: Aug. 9 and 10
Place: Cortland Community Park
More information: www.cortlandil.org
Friday includes food and live music. Saturday includes children's games and activities, a bounce house, a cruise night, food, fireworks, a silent auction and a raffle.
Lunch & Listen
Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Aug. 13
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 7
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services department
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Infants, toddlers and their caregivers are invited to stories and songs. There will be a train craft immediately after story time.
Victim Advocacy Services On the Move
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday through Aug. 14; next, Aug. 7
Place: MLK Commons, Northern Illinois University
More information: 815-753-0320
Victim Advocacy Services advocates go outside to educate the community about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Advocates debunk stereotypes and myths and lead advocacy projects.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Aug. 7
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Aug. 7 menu is bratwurst with sauerkraut and carmelized onions. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.
DeKalb Montessori House of Learning Open House
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 7
Place: St. Mary Church, 302 Fisk Ave.
More information: 847-812-3653
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Aug. 7
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: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Children up to age 5 and their caregivers can enjoy stories, puppet plays and songs in both Spanish and English. Children can learn to appreciate a second language. Translations are provided.
Farmers Market
Time: Noon – 6 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays through Sept. 26; next, Aug. 8
Place: Van Buer Plaza, North Second and Locust streets
Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Sale
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday
Dates: Aug. 8 – 10
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center parking lot, 415 N. 11th St.
More information: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu
Rummage sales will take place along the Lincoln Highway through five states. Sellers can rent a space at the women's center sale for $5. Rain location will be inside the women's center, 1021 State St.
Wild Card: Yard Games
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 8
Place: DeKalb Public Library picnic grove
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or darcyt@dkpl.org
DeKalb-area teens can gather for Frisbee, bags and other outdoor games.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Aug. 8 – 11 and 15 – 18
Place: Stage Coach Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.
Tickets: Adults $15, children $12
More information: 815-758-1940 or www.stagecoachers.com
A musical comedy exploring love and marriage, by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth.
Time: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Place: 3M, 3050 Corporate Drive
Cash prizes awarded to first, second and third place finishers. Silent auction and goody bags for participants. Proceeds benefit Children's Home + Aid.
Saturday Cinema: 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 260 or edithc@dkpl.org
Free screening of the first film in the Harry Potter series, with popcorn and light refreshments. No registration required.
'When Glidden Owned the Chronicle'
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 11
Place: J.F. Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway
Admission: Adults $4, members and children younger than 14, free
Joseph Glidden established the J.F. Glidden Publishing Company in 1885 and built the first Daily Chronicle building in 1889. Barry Schrader will present a program on turn-of-the-century printing and will demonstrate the use of a benchtop side-lever letterpress, printing with handset metal type and engravings. The homestead will be open from noon to 4 p.m. for tours and blacksmith demonstrations.
Free Community Yoga Class
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 11
Place: Creative Therapeutics, 400 E. Hillcrest Drive
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and try yoga in this free demo class. Donations for the DeKalb County Animal Welfare Shelter will be collected.
CPR Health Care Provider
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Monday, Aug. 19
Place: KishHealth System, 2727 Sycamore Road
Cost: $50
More information: 815-756-1521, ext. 153618 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
For people who provide health care or are required to take a health care provider course for employment.
Open Mic Night
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Every Monday; next, Aug. 12
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-787-9547
Sets are about 12 minutes.
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 13
Place: Hopkins Park band shell
Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 15
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Cardiologist Paul Nguyen and his team examine the relationship between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, how the combination affects quality of life and the diagnosis and treatment of these serious conditions. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.
Salsa Dancing
Time: 8 – 11 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 15
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
The evening begins with a lesson in basic salsa dance steps, then there will be social dancing. Leather-soled shoes recommended. Partners are not required.
Kafer Recital
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 18
Place: Recital Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
More information: www.niu.edu/music, lslater@niu.edu or 815-753-1546
A free recital by soprano Cecelia Kafer and pianist Harold Kafer.
CPR Health Care Provider Renewal
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Monday, Aug. 19
Place: KishHealth System, 2727 Sycamore Road
Cost: $40
More information: 815-756-1521 ext. 153618 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
For people who provide health care or are required to take a health care provider course for employment. Students must submit a copy of their current CPR card.
Stage Coach Players Auditions
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Dates: Aug. 19 and 20
Place: Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
More information: 815-758-1940 (theater), 815-739-4472 ("Annie") or 630-709-3479 ("A Christmas Carol")
Auditions for fall productions of "Annie" and "A Christmas Carol." "Annie" performances will be Nov. 7-17. "A Christmas Carol" performances will be Dec. 12-15. Enter the church by the west door. Both shows need both male and female performers ages 7 and older. Those auditioning for "Annie" should come prepared, with sheet music, to sing a song of their choice, and may be asked to sing a song from the show. Assorted show tune sheet music and a piano accompanist will be available. All auditioners will be asked to read from the script.
Developmental Milestones and Beyond
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Parents of children 5 and younger can learn about typical childhood development, activities appropriate for various developmental stages and what to do if you are concerned about your child's progress. Registration is required for this free workshop.
Silent Killer: Kidney Disease
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org
Nephrologist Aamir A. Memom, MD, will explain how kidney disease is identified, what causes it and treatment options. Registration is required for this free seminar.
Swing Dancing
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
More information: barbcityswing.com
The evening begins with a lesson in basic swing dance steps, then there will be social dancing. Leather-soled shoes recommended. Partners are not required.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Aug. 7
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.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Aug. 13
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Line Dancing
Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.
Date: Third Friday of every month; next, Aug. 16
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Cost: $5
Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.
HINCKLEY
Ice Cream Social
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 13
Place: Pioneer Park
The Hinckley Business Association's annual free ice cream social features Porkie sandwiches from South Moon Barbeque, ice cream from Dairy Joy, chips and lemonade. The sheriff's office DARE car and K-9 unit will make an appearance. There will also be face painting and a game that will award the winner $25 to be spent at any member of the association. Party of Three will play live music from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Rain location is inside the Hinckley Elementary School gym.
Barbecue Pork Roast and Corn Boil
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 14
Place: St. Paul's United Church of Christ
Cost: Adults $10, children 6-12 $5
More information: 815-286-3606 or 815-286-3391
Pork roast with homemade barbecue sause and locally-grown corn picked the day of the supper. There will also be German and American potato salads, applesauce, homemade rolls and homemade desserts. Eat-in at the McKinley Avenue entrance or carry-out at the View Street entrance. Tickets available at the door.
KINGSTON
InsideOut Girls
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Friday, Aug. 9
Place: Crossroads Community Church, 2040 Johnson Court
More information: 815-732-3628
Girls in grades 6-12 are invited to a free evening of food, fashion and fellowship. InsideOut inspires and motivates young Christian women to discover their true value and self respect, and empowers them to make decisions that benefit their community.
Breakfast
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.
Cost: $7, children younger than 4 $3
Eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit, English muffins, juice, milk and coffee. Carry-outs available.
KIRKLAND
Pickin' in the Park
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 14
Place: Franklin Township Park
Live music, food and raffles.
Community-wide Garage Sales
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dates: Aug. 15 – 17
Residents who want to add their sale to the master list can contact Heather at 847-754-8112.
Open Air Market and More
Time: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 17
Place: Franklin Township Park
Open air market and Touch a Truck event. Vendors can call Emily at 815-970-7254 for information on selling at the market.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 21
Place: Kirkland Fire Department, 3891 Route 72
MAPLE PARK
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Aug. 11
Place: Acquaviva Winery, 47W614 Route 38
More information: 815-753-4751 or www.niu.edu/stem
Astronomy experts will talk about telescopes and the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August.
SHABBONA
Super Hero Shave-A-Thon
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 17
Place: Q Salon and Quinn's Grooming Parlour for Men, 502 W. Comanche Ave.
Donation: $10
For a $10 donation, men, women, boys and girls of all ages can have their heads shaved to show support for Dylan Carey, 3, who is undergoing cancer treatment. An anonymous donor has offered to match all funds raised. Proceeds will benefit the Carey family to offset expenses related to Dylan's treatment. Patrons can also donate without being shaved.
Wingshooting Clinic for Youth and Women
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dates: Aug. 17 and 18
Place: Shabbona Lake State Park
Cost: $10
More information: Call 815-758-2773 and ask for Richard Carlson
The Saturday clinic is for boys and girls ages 10 to 15 and the Sunday clinic is for girls 10 and older and women of all ages. Each day begins with a classroom session on safe firearm handling, and there is extensive, supervised live-fire at clay targets. Autoloading 28-gauge shotguns are furnished and lunch will be provided. Space is limited; reservations are required.
SYCAMORE
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Aug. 7
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Safari Sprouts
Time: 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday in August; next, Aug. 7
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.
Cost: Members $6, nonmembers $8
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
Children, accompanied by an adult, discover nature through games, crafts, stories, songs and live animal visits. Designed for ages 3-5, but all ages are welcome. No registration required.
Concert in the Park: Crazy Talk
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 8
Place: Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Community Park
More information: 815-895-3202 or www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com
Country hits.
Squid Dissection
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 8
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.
Cost: Members $13, non-members $15, accompanying parents or siblings $5 with first paid admission
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
Learn about squid, inside and out. For ages 8 and older; children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pay-It-Forward House Volunteer Orientation
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Place: Pay-It-Forward House, 719 Somonauk St.
Learn about volunteer opportunities available at the hospitality house.
Time: 1 – 1:45 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.
Cost: $8 for nonmembers, $3 for members
More information: 815-895-9777 or www.mmnh.org
Meet live parrots and learn about the work being done at A Place to Call Home, a parrot rescue and adoption group. Registration is required. Cost includes museum admission.
Farmers Market
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dates: Sundays through Sept. 29; next, Aug. 11
Place: Corner of Elm and Somonauk streets
Walking tours of the historic district are offered at 1 p.m. the first and third Sundays of each month for $5. Next, Aug. 18.
Career Works: Jump Start Your Job Search
Time: 2 p.m.
Dates: Second Monday of each month; next, Aug. 12
Place: Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St.
Each month, a different speaker presents ideas to help with job searching. There is also time to network with other searchers.
Tuesday on the Town
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 13
Place: Downtown Sycamore
Free, family-friendly activities. The Kishwaukee Family YMCA will sponsor a bounce house, games, crafts, and karate and Zumba demonstrations.
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 14
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
More information: 815-795-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Master Gardener Ron Johnson will explain the use of mulches, containers, fertilizers, pesticides, pruning, tool selection, scouting, common weeds and diseases, water saving, composters, selecting plants and seeds and resources. Participants are encouraged to ask questions. Registration is suggested but not required for this free program.
Computer Security for Seniors
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 14
Place: Sycamore Police Department
More information: 815-895-3435
DeKalb and Sycamore police will present a seminar on computer and Internet safety geared toward people older than 60. Space is limited. Call Officer Ann Carlson at 815-895-3435 to RSVP.
Cymbal in Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 14
Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.
This group of women weave humorous songs with songs that bring tears in an effort to build bridges, deepen compassion and advocate for those beaten down. Repertoire includes folk, Native American, Appalachian, spirituals and more.
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Aug. 15
Place: Downtown Sycamore
Cost: $5 per family
More information: sycamorehistory.org
Find a Sycamore History Museum volunteer on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and get a list of historical and architectural details to find hidden in plain sight in downtown Sycamore.
A Stonecroft Outreach
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Aug. 15
Place: Blumen Gardens, 325 Edward St.
Cost: $9
More information: 815-762-5513
This event by the DeKalb Area Christian Women's Connection will feature Pilates by Rona Kasten and speaker Linda Hartman. RSVP by Aug. 12.
Nature Down and Dirty
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 17
Place: Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Community Park
Cost: Sycamore Park District residents $20; non-residents $25
More information: 815-895-3365
The woods at Sycamore Park are bursting with life, if you know where to look. Dig in to uncover what’s happening underground and get your feet wet investigating the river. Guided exploration will be combined with fun hands-on activities and games. For ages 7-13. Registration required.
Oddfest
Time: 4 – 11 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 17
Place: California Street between State and Elm streets
More information: www.ioof105.org
Live music from three bands, food vendors, a beer tent, games and a cash raffle. Free; donations support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Gospel and Bluegrass Concert
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Aug. 17
Place: Sycamore Baptist Church, 302 Somonauk Street
More information: 815-895-2577
There will be an audience sing at 6 p.m. and acoustic bluegrass starting at 6:30 p.m. Musicians are invited to join throughout the evening. The concert is free; free-will donations are accepted.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Aug. 17
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.
'Some Like it Hot: Plants for Hot, Dry Areas'
Time: 1 p.m. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Dates: Aug. 20 and 22
Place: DeKalb County University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194, bmacarus@illinois.edu or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo
The first of the U of I Extension's fall gardening series will presented twice via teleconference at the Sycamore office. Other topics include "Winter Wise Your Landscape: Knowledge to Prevent Costly Mistakes" and "Pollinator Plants" in September and "What's Trending Now in Landscape Design" in October. Those who register for all four sessions at once will receive a discount.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Aug. 8
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.
Control Your Cholesterol
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20
Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Whether your cholesterol levels are high or normal, lifestyle changes can help you reduce or maintain them. Participants receive a variety of resources and tools. If you have cholesterol results, bring them. Registration is required and closes five days before the program date.