CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Nov. 20
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
For children 3 and older. No registration required.
Crochet Class
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
Evening Story and Craft
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Nov. 26
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Infants, toddlers and caregivers are invited to a morning of stories and songs. A craft will be led right after story time.
Dietitian's Dish
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: KishHealth System Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Hospital
More information: 815-748-2958
A clinical dietitian offers food demonstrations and strategies for healthy eating.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250
A retired teacher will offer free homework help to DeKalb School District 428 students in grades 3-5. Space is limited; register at the youth service desk or by phone.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Nov. 20
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free. Choose from spaghetti with marinara sauce, meatloaf with mashed potatoes or chicken fajitas with rice and beans, all served with soup or salad.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Nov. 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. Nov. 20 menu is roast turkey with gravy and stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, dinner roll and pecan pie.
Dr. Who 50th Anniversary Party
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Whovians are invited to share their love of the Doctor and opinions about companions, foes and travels over snacks. The person with the best "Doctor Who"-related costume will win a gift card to Barnes & Noble. This event is for adults and mature teens and tweens.
'Demystified: Uncovering the Women Who Shaped Our Communities'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road
NIU alumnus Marissa McGrath will talk about her business, which offers historical walking tours of a pioneer town in Washington state. She will talk about how to research the stories of your community and mold them into a narrative to engage audiences.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Story time in Spanish and English for children up to age 5 and their caregivers. Translations are provided, so children learn to appreciate stories, songs, and puppet play in two languages.
Open House
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: DeKalb County Highway Department, 1826 Barber Greene Road
An open house celebrating the 100th anniversary of the county highway system.
Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: Northern Illinois University Art Museum, Altgeld Hall
The NIU School of Art Faculty Biennial, featuring new art and research by NIU art faculty, will be on display through Saturday, Feb. 15.
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: Hopkins Park
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
More information: 815-758-8616 or fsadekalbcounty.org
Food, drinks and entertainment. A live auction of pies donated by local celebrities and businesses, plus a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds support Family Service Agency of DeKalb County Senior Services.
Free Movie: 'The Hunger Games'
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 or dkpl.org
Free screening with popcorn and light refreshments. The movie is rated PG-13.
Intro to the Internet
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Learn the basics of navigating the World Wide Web. Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: Nov. 21 – 24
Place: Diversions Lounge, Holmes Student Center
Tickets: $5
More information: inprogress2014@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/events/411509202307809
Two NIU theater students present an experimental theater production, giving movement to poems about their college experience.
Time: 7:30 p.m. weeknights and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Dates: Nov. 21 – 24
Place: Huntley Middle School auditorium, 1515 S. Fourth St.
Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, students $8, children $5
More information: 815-753-1600 or www.niu.edu/theatre
The Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance will present its fall concert, exploring the many sides of being in love.
Nooks and Crannies Tour
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 22
Place: DeKalb Public Library fireplace
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic building. Enter through the Oak Street entrance. No cost or registration required.
St. George Bake Sale
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S. Second St.
Free Coat Distribution
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.
More information: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu
Anyone who needs a coat is welcome. To donate a coat or other winter outerwear, drop it off at the center between 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22.
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: NIU Campus Recreation Center
Cost: $20 to register
Dancers stay on their feet for eight hours straight to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. All money raised will help the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Participants pay $20 to register and raise funds prior to the event. To register, visit www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/NIUDM. To donate, visit www.helpmakemiracles.org/participant/NIUgeneral.
OCB Midwest States Bodybuilding Competition
Time: Prejudging 11 a.m.; finals 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: $20 prejudging; $30 finals
More information: 815-758-1215 or egyptiantheatre.org
Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and receive a $5 discount on tickets to the finals.
DeKalb Wrestling Hall of Fame Banquet
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: Best Western DeKalb Inn & Suites, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $25
More information: 815-751-7780
The DeKalb Wrestling Club will celebrate new inductees in its Hall of Fame.
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: The Ballroom, 134 1/2 Lincoln Highway
Artwork by John Airo, Darick Maasen and Dan Kwarcinski will be exhibited through Nov. 30. Acoustic music at the reception will be provided by The Blind Staggers.
DeKalb Festival Chorus: 'This Shining Night'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: First Lutheran Church, 324 N. Third St.
Tickets: Adults $12, students $8, family $25
More information: 815-517-0243
The concert will feature music by Beethoven, Brahms, Copeland, Lauridsen and Gjielo, symbolizing the darkness of the fading year to the promise of renewal.
Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fundraiser
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 24
Place: DeKalb Area Retirement Center-Oak Crest, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive (enter through Door 18 on the east side)
A simple Filipino meal will be served by the Filipino-American Association of Northern Illinois University to raise funds for disaster relief to help ease the devastation Typhoon Haiyan caused in the Philippines. Donations are tax-deductible and will support the American Red Cross' efforts in the Philippines. Donations can also be mailed to Evelina Jose Cichy, 2944 Country Club Lane, DeKalb, IL 60115. Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross, with Philippine Relief on the memo line.
Living After Loss
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, Nov. 25
Place: KishHealth System Hospice
More information: 815-756-3000
Join a member of the hospice team for continuing support if you have lost a child, no matter the child's age. Registration required.
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28
Place: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 Twombly Road
The members of the church offer a free Thanksgiving dinner open to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28
Place: Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Blvd.
Cost: Adults $12.50, seniors older than 60 $10, children younger than 12 $5
More information: 815-756-8444
Barb City Manor will host a Thanksgiving dinner for residents and the community. The menu includes roast turkey with dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, baked squash, Waldorf salad, roll, beverage and a choice of Dutch apple or pumpkin pie. Reservations are required by Nov. 25.
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
All are invited to eat. Donations to help Feed'em Soup's mission are accepted, but not required.
Heartsaver AED/CPR
Time: 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Date: Monday, Dec. 2
Place: KishHealth System EMS facility
Cost: $45
More information: 815-748-5951
This certified course for lay rescuers teaches when to call 911, how to give CPR, how to use an AED and how to provide choking relief. Price includes book. Registration required.
'Keeping the 'T' in Christmas' Upcycling Craft Workshop
Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 3
Place: Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $10
Learn to turn old T-shirts into yarn, scarves, blankets, outfits and more. Bring your own shirts. Proceeds support the Green Lens Environmental Film Festival.
Surgical and Nonsurgical Care of the Spine
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 3
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Back pain can be complex to treat. Join with a spine surgeon and physiatrist to learn about a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment options. Registration required.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Nov. 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.
Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: Genoa-Kingston Fire Protection District, 317 E. Railroad St.
Hymn Sing
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Fourth Sunday of every month; next, Nov. 24
Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Nov. 26
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Babysitting Fundraiser
Time: 2 – 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 30
Place: St. Catherine's Catholic Church
More information: 630-677-2113 or kimsiegwarth@gmail.com
Need some time for holiday shopping, or just some parents' time out? All ages of children are welcome at this fundraiser for St. Catherine's youth group. Donations will help fund the youth group's mission trip next summer. Call or email to RSVP.
KIRKLAND
Kirkland Historical Society Annual Meeting
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Place: Olson Chapel, 309 S. Fifth St.
The speaker will be Pat Brennan, on the subject of sheep and stockyards in Kirkland. There will be a display of recently-donated World War II uniforms and memorabilia.
SYCAMORE
Story Time
Times: 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7 p.m. Thursday
Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April; next, Nov. 20
Place: Sycamore Public Library
More information: 815-895-2500 or sycamorelibrary.org
For independent children 3 to 6 years old. Caregivers must remain in the library, but need not remain in the room with the children.
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Nov. 20
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Holiday Decluttering Tips
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 21
Place: Sycamore Public Library meeting room
Learn to remove clutter from your life and become better organized this holiday season.
Pamper Me Friday
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 22
Place: Sycamore Integrated Health, 920 W. Prairie Drive, Suite J
More information: 815-895-3354
There will be food, raffles, free chair massages, hair styling and consultations with an eyebrow arch specialist, as well as a number of direct sales vendors like Thirty-One, Simply Tasteful, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, and Scentsy. There is no fee to attend.
KVAL Holiday Arts & Crafts Market
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 W. DeKalb Ave.
Artist Gallery Art Show and Sale
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: The Art Attack
Many of the artists whose work is exhibited will be present to demonstrate or discuss their art. Attendees can make their own art projects from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at a cost of $5 for children or $20 for adults.
Time: 11 a.m.
Dates: Nov. 23 and 24
Place: Sycamore State Theater
Free showing of the holiday classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed.
Holiday Bazaar and Pinspired Make-It and Take-It Crafts
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.
Cost: $20 to craft; free to shop
More information: www.pinspiredcrafts.eventbrite.com
Holiday bazaar with local vendors and free refreshments. Crafters can also create two Pinterest-inspired crafts; materials, space and instruction are provided. For ages 8 and older. Buy tickets online for crafting.
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 24
Place: Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, 26555 Brickville Road
More information: 815-895-4477 or office@stjohnsycamore.org
Toddler Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesdays through April; next, Nov. 26
Place: Sycamore Public Library
More information: 815-895-2500
Music and stories for children aged 18 months to 3 years old.
Blood Drive
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 27
Place: Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 Bethany Road
The Party Doctors
Time: 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Dates: Nov. 27 – 28
Place: Cabana Charley's
Local band The Party Doctors performs.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Nov. 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.
Gobbler Gallop
Time: 8 a.m.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Place: Waterman Elementary School, 220 N. Maple St.
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 on race day
More information: gobblergallop5k.com
The Indian Creek High School band will provide entertainment during registration, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.