CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Jan. 22
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, Jan. 22
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
Third-Grade and Up Writer's Group
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Date: Mondays; next, Jan. 27
Place: Cortland Community Library
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
Evening Story and Craft
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Jan. 28
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, Jan. 22
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Infants, toddlers and caregivers are invited to a morning of stories, songs and a craft.
Diversity and Equity Centers' Service in Action
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Holmes Student Center Glass Gallery
Learn about the different diversity and equity centers on the Northern Illinois University campus.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Holmes Student Center
'The Aesthetics of John Dewey as a Basis for Arts-Based Research'
Time: 5 – 5:50 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University
A lecture and show-and-tell by Richard Siegesmund of the NIU School of Art.
School and Community Garden Training
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
More information: 815-732-2191 for more information, 815-793-0950 to RSVP
Learn about gardening, incorporating the garden into classroom activities, and how gardeners can coordinate with DeKalb County Community Gardens to help feed the hungry in our community. Soup and bread will be provided.
Muslim Journeys Book Discussion: 'A Quiet Revolution'
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: DeKalb Public Library
A scholar-led reading and discussion program designed to foster opportunities for informed conversations about the histories, faith, and cultures of Muslim peoples. Orayb Najjar, journalism professor at Northern Illinois University, will lead the discussion of "A Quiet Revolution" by Leila Ahmed. Copies of the book are available at the library. This discussion is for mature teens and adults.
Graduate Trombone Recital
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Recital Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Jan. 22
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.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
Place: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N. First St.
More information: 815-758-0691 or www.heartlandbc.org
'Edible'
Time: 5 – 5:50 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University
Artist slide talk by Karen Brown of the NIU School of Art.
'The March on Washington Celebrating 50 Years'
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
Place: NIU Center for Black Studies
Meet the winners of high school and middle school art contests to describe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for equality. Then view and discuss the film "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom."
Excel I
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Introductory Microsoft Excel teaches you the basic skills in creating workbooks, using basic formulas and other functions. Sign up by phone, online or at the reference desk.
Unlimited Potato Bar and Rummage Sale
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Date: Jan. 24 and 25
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 at the door
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
A potato bar, featuring baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and dozens of "fixings" like cheese, chives, chili and more. A rummage sale will be held at the same time. Proceeds benefit Feed'em Soup.
'Fragments: Haiti Four Years After the Earthquake'
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Friday, Jan. 24
Place: NIU Anthropology Museum, Cole Hall, Northern Illinois University
An opening reception for the "Fragments: Haiti Four Years After the Earthquake" interactive exhibit that takes visitors inside the living conditions of the more than 200,000 people still living in tent cities in Haiti. Refreshments at 6 p.m.; speakers at 7 p.m.
Graduate Percussion Recital
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Jan. 24
Place: Recital Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
Book Sale
Time: Library hours
Dates: Jan. 25 – 31
Place: DeKalb Public Library lower level
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 260 or friends@dkpl.org
Free Community Brunch
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Jan. 25
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
More information: 815-756-7089
A community brunch to include egg casserole and French toast bake. The meal is pay-what-you-can; those unable to pay can eat for free. TransVAC will offer transportation to the brunch from the following pickup points: Colonial House, Hope Haven (both Dresser Court and Rushmoore), University Village, Gideon Court and Golden Years Plaza.
Graduate Piano Recital
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 25
Place: Recital Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast
Time: 7:30 - 11 a.m.
Date: Every Sunday; next, Jan. 26
Place: DeKalb Masonic Lodge 144, East Fairview and South Fourth streets
Cost: Adults $6, children 5 to 12 $4, children 4 and younger free
Pancakes, pork sausage, eggs cooked to order, toast, coffee, orange juice and milk. Biscuits and gravy are available for $4 for a full order or $2 for a half order.
Due East and NIU Percussion Ensemble
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Monday, Jan. 27
Place: NIU Music Building
More information: www.niu.edu/music
Tales for Twos
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Jan. 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library
A special story time for 2-year-old children. Older and younger children are also welcome to attend.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, Jan. 29
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. Jan. 29 menu is meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit and a dinner roll.
'Prostate Cancer: Navigating Your Options'
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Place: KishHealth System Cancer Center
More information: 815-748-2958
Learn the latest treatment options and their pros and cons. Box lunch provided. Registration required.
'Re-Examining the New Art Examiner'
Time: 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University
An informal talk by Barbara Jaffee of the NIU School of Art.
Ryan Muncy Faculty Saxophone Recital
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30
Place: Recital Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
More information: www.niu.edu/music
Word I
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Introductory Microsoft Word teaches the basic skills in creating, editing, and printing a Word document. Editing fonts, arranging the layout, placing graphs and images, or how to spell check are just a few of the basics covered in this course. Sign up online, at the reference desk or by phone.
'The Underpants'
Time: 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Dates: Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, Feb. 6 – 8
Place: Huntley Middle School auditorium, 1515 S. Fourth St.
Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, NIU students $8
More information:www.niu.edu/theatre
The NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents Steve Martin's zany adaptation of a 1910 farce by Carl Sternheim. In this cheeky satire, the lives of Theobald and Louise Maske are changed when Louise accidentally drops her drawers in the town square during a parade to honor the king. This production is not affiliated with DeKalb School District 428.
Graduate String Bass Recital
Time: 8 p.m.
Date: Friday, Jan. 31
Place: Recital Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
Prepared Childbirth Weekend Express
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: www.kishprograms.org or 815-748-8962
All of the information of a prepared childbirth class condensed into a single day. Registration required.
Breast-Feeding Success
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Guidance for moms-to-be on breast-feeding, where to find evidence-based information and support, and how labor decisions can affect breast-feeding. Fathers-to-be are encouraged to attend. Registration required.
Guided Art Critique Workshop
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University
Bring a work of your art to explore both privately and publicly in this NIU School of Art workshop led by Karen Brown.
Look Good ... Feel Better
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Monday, Feb. 3
Place: KishHealth System Cancer Center
More information: 815-748-2958
This free program teaches beauty techniques to women and girls actively undergoing cancer treatment to combat appearance-related side effects through skin care, hair care, wigs and makeup. Registration is required.
'Searching for Dry Land'
Time: 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 4
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University
Artist slide talk by Michael Barnes of the NIU School of Art.
'Groundhog Day and Winter Memories'
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 4
Place: Barb City Manor activity room, 680 Haish Blvd.
More information: 815-756-8444
Storyteller Louise Lowe will present this program. After the program, there will be a brief meeting of the FRIENDS of Barb City Manor and refreshments.
'Home as Living Museum: Ethnographic Display and the 1896 Millennial Exhibition in Budapest'
Time: 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 5
Place: Altgeld Hall Room 315, Northern Illinois University
Slide lecture by Rebecca Houze of the NIU School of Art.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Jan. 22
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.
Hymn Sing
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Fourth Sunday of every month; next, Jan. 26
Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, Jan. 28
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
KINGSTON
Trivia Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Five Points Pub
Cost: $5 per person
Come alone or bring a team. Proceeds benefit the G-K Education Foundation mini-grants.
Chicken Supper
Time: 5 and 6:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Place: Kingston United Methodist Church, 121 W. First St.
Cost: Adults $9, children $4
Complete dinner, including dessert. Carry-outs and gift certificates are available.
KIRKLAND
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Place: Kirkland Fire Department, 3891 Route 72
More information: 815-519-0578 or www.heartlandbc.org
MALTA
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
Place: Malta Elementary School
Evil Genius Workshop
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 27 – 31
Place: Kishwaukee College Room A1102
More information: 815-825-2086, ext. 5100 or rebecca.hodson@kishwaukeecollege.edu
Build your own arsenal for your Evil Genius toolbox. Drop in anytime and sharpen your skills by creating mini-tools and devices. This event goes all week and is open to everyone. All materials will be provided.
SHABBONA
Blood Drive
Time: 2 – 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, Jan. 27
Place: Prairie Crossing Supportive Living Community, 407 W. Comanche Ave.
SYCAMORE
Story Time
Times: 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7 p.m. Thursday
Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April; next, Jan. 22
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, Jan. 22
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Pajama Story Time
Time: 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursdays in January; next, Jan. 23
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Children 3 to 6 are invited to wear pajamas to this bedtime story time.
Making Weight Loss Work
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 23
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Put your New Year's resolutions into action and discover ways to stay fit.
Blood Drive
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 25
Place: Walgreens, 1340 DeKalb Ave.
Gimme Shelter: A Night in the Tropics
Time: 6 p.m. – midnight
Date: Saturday, Jan. 25
Place: Cabana Charley's, 1470 S. Peace Road
Tickets: $40
More information: 815-758-3166
A tropical-themed fundraiser for Hope Haven, including live music by the Party Doctors, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. There will be a prize for the best tropical outfit, raffles and a getaway-themed silent auction. Proceeds support Hope Haven. Tickets available through Hope Haven or at the door.
Basketball Skills Training Camp
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Dates: Jan. 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9
Place: Cornerstone Christian Academy
Cost: $50
More information: jladas@cornerstonechristianacademy.com or 815-895-8522
The Cornerstone boys varsity basketball team will teach boys in first through fifth grade basketball fundamentals. Campers will show off what they learned during the Feb. 11 varsity game. Proceeds benefit the boys varsity team's travel fund and CCA Sports Boosters.
'Making a Meaningful Nursing Home Visit'
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28
Place: DeKalb County Center for Agriculture, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo
Learn to identify with nursing home residents and identify the emotions that may prevent quality time on nursing home visits. Practical ideas for making visits more valuable and enjoyable will be shared. Registration required.
Toddler Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Dates: Tuesdays in January; next, Jan. 28
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Stories and music for toddlers 18 months to 3 years old.
'Large Predators Return...Or Are They?'
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Place: DeKalb County Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $5
A presentation on large mammals such as cougars, wolves, and bears that have been sighted in northern Illinois.
'Sacred Spaces: Turning Your Home into a Sanctuary'
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Join Jill Angelo, author of "Sacred Space," to learn the 12 essential tools to turn your living space into an organized, relaxing reflection of your personal style.
Sycamore History Museum Annual Meeting
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave.
Cost: $5
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
This potluck dinner and meeting are open to the public. The history museum will recap 2013 and look ahead to 2014. A ham dinner is provided; guests are asked to bring a dish to pass. Space is limited; RSVP required.
Free Indeed Ministries Present Apostle Robert Henderson
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Place: Harvest Time Fellowship, 203 S. Sacramento St.
Henderson is the author of several books, including "The Caused Blessing." His mission is to help people understand how God's kingdom will come to earth.
Preventing Falls
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Monday, Feb. 3
Place: KishHealth System Physical Therapy Center
More information: 815-748-8900 or www.kishprograms.org
Many factors can contribute to falls; age does not have to be one of them. Learn about the common causes of falling and how to reduce risk. Free, registration required.
Ingredients for Healthy Living: Kitchen Skills Series
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Tuesdays, Feb. 4 – 25
Place: Hy-Vee Club Room
Cost: $40
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Session 1, "Getting Started," teaches about key kitchen elements like tools, basic ingredients and building a shopping list. Session 2, "Perfect Produce," teaches about produce selection, knife skills and basic cooking techniques. Session 3, "Spices and Herbs," covers spice blends and buying storing and drying essential spices and herbs, plus making your own seasoning mixes. Session 4, "Fortify Your Fridge," teaches you to fill the fridge once a week and still create great meals. Recipes and tastings provided. Registration required.
'Meals for a Healthy Heart'
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Feb. 4 and 11
Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive
Cost: $15
More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo
In this two-session class, learn to shop for heart-healthy foods, stock a healthy kitchen, and ways to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods into daily meals. Each class includes recipes and cooking demonstrations. Registration by Jan. 31 is preferred.
WATERMAN
Bookworms Story Time
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Jan. 22
Place: Clinton Township Public Library
Stories for children 3 to 5.
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Jan. 23
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.
Drive-Thru Pork Chop Dinner
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Feb. 2
Place: Waterman Fire Barn, George Cies Way
Cost: In advance, $8.50 for two chops, $8 for one chop. At the door, $9.50 for two chops, $9 for one chop.
Get advance tickets from any member of Waterman Boy Scout Troop 139. Drive west on George Cies Way past the side of the fire barn for pickup.
