BIG ROCK
Barbecue Fundraiser
Time: 4:40 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Place: English Congregational United Church of Christ, Third and Rhodes streets
Tickets: $10 for a barbecue dinner; $2 for kids' hot dog dinner
More information: 630-556-3986
Dine-in or carry-out. Dinner catered by South Moon BBQ and includes a pulled pork sandwich, beans, coleslaw and corn muffin. Reservations are recommended; tickets at the door will be limited.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Feb. 26
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, Feb. 26
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, March 3
Place: Cortland Community Library
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
Evening Story and Craft
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, March 4
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or cortlandlibrary.com
CRESTON
Shrove Tuesday Dinner
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Place: St. John's Lutheran Church
More information: 815-384-3720
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a free meal of New Orleans specialties, including jambalaya, red beans and rice and pralines.
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Local farmers Paul and Aaron Butler will bring a newborn lamb to the library for this special song, story and craft time all about sheep.
Dietitian's Dish
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Place: kishHealth System Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Hospital
More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishprograms.org
A clnical dietitian offers free food demonstrations and ways to incorporate healthy eating into your life. Free, no registration required.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or dkpl.org
A retired teacher will tutor DeKalb School District students in grades 3 through 5 in all subjects. Limited to five students; register by phone, online or at the youth desk.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Feb. 26
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.
E-book Help
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
Get help downloading e-books to mobile devices. Free, drop-in service.
Muslim Journeys: 'The Butterfly Mosque'
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Northern Illinois University professor Ismael Montana will lead a discussion of the book by G. Willow Wilson.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 27
Place: University Plaza, 900 Crane Drive
Intro to MS Word
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkpl.org
Learn the basics of creating, editing and printing a Word document. Sign up online, by phone or at the reference desk.
'Woyzeck'
Time: 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays and March 1
Dates: Feb. 27 – March 1
Place: Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. First St.
Tickets: Adults $16, seniors $13, students $8
More information: 815-753-1600 or www.niu.edu/theatre
This play from the Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance tells the story of a 19th-century poor soldier and wigmaker who slowly goes insane, culminating in a murder in a fit of jealous rage.
Kish Art to the Community
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Dates: Friday, Feb 28
Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.
More information: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu
A group exhibition of art by current students at Kishwaukee College. The exhibit includes a variety of media, including painting, photography, ceramics and digital art.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Dinner
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Feb. 28 and March 1
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
Cost: $10
Sample from pancake varieties including mixed berry, bacon, and Oreo, plus sausage and fruit cocktail.
Breast-feeding Success
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Date: Saturday, March 1
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $15 per couple
Learn about breast-feeding, where to find informaiton and support, and how labor decisions can impact breast-feeding. Partners are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.
Buck-a-Bag Book Sale
Time: Library hours
Dates: March 1 and 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Fill a plastic grocery sack (provided) with used books for $1.
Stage Coach Players Auditions
Time: 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 – 9 p.m. Monday
Dates: March 1 – 3
Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
Auditions for Stage Coach Players' 2014 season, including a to-be-determined radio show, "Cheaper by the Dozen," "Twelve Angry Jurors," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Arsenic and Old Lace," "Urinetown," and "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday."
Super Siblings
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center
Cost: $10 per family
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishprograms.org
Children 3-5 will learn how babies look and behave. Registration required.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast
Time: 7:30 - 11 a.m.
Date: Every Sunday; next, March 2
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.
Lightwire Theater
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 2
Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.
Tickets: Adults $15-$25, children 12 and younger $10-$20
More information: 815-758-1225 or www.egyptiantheatre.org
Lightwire, which reached the semi-finals on season 7 of "America's Got Talent," brings its stunning combination of dance, puppetry and electronics to DeKalb. The show is performed in complete darkness, featuring 60 electroluminescent creatures with an evocative musical score that ranges from classical to pop.
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 2
Place: The Art Box, 308 E. Lincoln Highway
More information: 815-758-0313 or dan@dekalbgallery.com
An opening exhibit for the "American Wildlife" photography exhibit by Tom Smith.
Jazz in Progress
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 2
Place: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road
A free concert by this local big band-style jazz combo to celebrate the church's 50th anniversary.
Tales for Twos
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, March 4
Place: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.
A special story time for 2-year-old children. Older and younger children are also welcome to attend.
DeKalb County Community Gardens Meeting
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Place: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 N. Fourth St.
More information: 815-793-0950 or dkenney53@hotmail.com
The first meeting of 2014 will open with an educational program on cooking with early spring greens, then there will be a business meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Swing Dancing
Time: 7 – 10:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Place: O'Leary's Irish Pub & Grill, second floor, 260 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
More information: barbcityswing.com
No partner needed, casual dress. Leather-soled shoes recommended. Cost includes a lesson in basic swing steps at 7 p.m.
Open Access in a Nutshell
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 4
Place: Founders Memorial Library lower level staff lounge, Northern Illinois University
Learn how the Open Access to Research Articles Act can help your publications get more notice and how NIU might consider handling the requirements of the law.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, March 5
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.
STEM Cafe: The Good, The Bad, and The Buggy
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, March 6
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
Northern Illinois University experts will talk about alternative, environmentally-firendly forms of pest control and discuss pesticides and pest problems. Food will be available to purchase from Feed'em Soup, which keeps the proceeds from food sales. STEM Cafes are informal talks in which the audience is encouraged to interact with the experts.
Zumba Party
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: First Friday of each month; next, March 7
Place: DeKalb Park District Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St.
Cost: $5
More information: www.dekalbparkdistrict.com
No registration required to try out a class in this Latin-dance-inspired, calorie-burning workout.
NIU Steel Band for Neighbors House
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 7
Place: Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore-DeKalb, at the corner of Bethany Road and First Street
Tickets: $15
More information: www.neighborshouse.org
Tickets are available online only. This concert of world music by the NIU Steel Band will benefit Neighbors' House's local literacy and academic enrichment programs.
A Formal Affair
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Place: Duke Ellington Ballroom, NIU
Tickets: $125
More information: 815-748-9954 or www.kishformalaffair.org
A cocktail reception, elegant dinner, open bar and dancing to live music by the Gold Coast Orchestra. Proceeds support health care advances at KishHealth System and KishHealth System Hospice.
Midwest Quarterfinal of the 2014 International Championship of College A Cappella
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Place: DeKalb High School auditorium
More information: www.varsityvocals.com
Tickets: General admission $20, students $10
Community Yoga
Time: 3 – 4:15 p.m.
Date: Second Sunday of each month; next, March 9
Place: Creative Therapeutics, 400 E. Hillcrest Drive
This is a free yoga class open to the community. No registration required. All ages and abilities welcome. Wear loose-fitting clothing; mats will be provided.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Feb. 26
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.
Maple Syrup Fest
Time: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Place: Russell Woods Forest Preserve
This free event includes seeing how trees are tapped for sap and how the sap is made into syrup, learning about Native American tools and skills used in day-to-day life from 10-11 a.m. and again from 1 to 4:30 p.m., learning to identify trees and remove invasive species at 11 a.m., and a wildlife presentation with live animals at 2 p.m.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, March 4
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
HINCKLEY
Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Dates: Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; next, Feb. 26
Place: Hinckley Public Library, 100 N. Maple St.
For children ages 15 months through 5 years, with a caregiver.
LEGO Group
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Every Friday; next, Feb. 28
Place: Hinckley Public Library, 100 N. Maple St.
Open to all ages; please do not bring LEGOs from home.
Antiques Appraisal Fundraising Event
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Monday, March 3
Place: Hinckley Community Building, 120 Maple St.
Cost: $15 per item for appraisal; no cost to watch
More information: 815-286-7434 or 815-286-3220
People interested in having items appraised must register in advance at the Hinckley Public Library, 100 Maple St. Fee is due at the time of registration.
KINGSTON
Swiss Steak Supper
Time: 5 and 6:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 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.
Community Breakfast
Time: 7 – 11 a.m.
Date: Second Saturday of each month; next, March 8
Place: Kingston Friendship Center, 120 S. Main St.
Cost: Adults $7, children 4 and younger $3
More information: 815-784-3921
Eggs cooked to order, pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit, English muffins, juice, milk and coffee. Carry-outs and gift certificates available.
SYCAMORE
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Feb. 26
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
'The Silica Connection'
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 27
Place: Family Health Center, 1170 DeKalb Ave., Suite 111
More information: 815-895-8151
Learn about the root cause of disease, how mineral balance maintains health, how to recognize silica deficiency and mineral-depleting substances to avoid. Reservations required.
Charity Dog Wash and Bake Sale
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Place: Huckleberry's Pet Parlor, 423 N. Main St.
Cost: Varies based on dog's size
More information: 815-899-3435 or huckleberryspetparlor.com
Dog wash includes wash, blow dry, nail trimming, ear cleaning, cologne and bandanna. Prices vary based on dog's size; prices are available at huckleberryspetparlor.com. Proceeds support the new building project of St. Mary's Catholic School in Sycamore.
'Dr. Seuss Is On the Loose: Literacy Fun With Lots of Hoots'
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Place: Sycamore Public Library
More information: 815-409-5975 or 815-751-4784
For parents, teachers, and children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Biographical information on Dr. Seuss, then a discussion of ideas on how to use his writing to encourage kids to read and write in school and at home.
Irish Dinner Dance
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 1
Place: St. Mary's Sycamore, 322 Waterman St.
Tickets: Adults $25 in advance, $30 at the door; children in kindergarten through eighth grade, $10
More information: 815-501-6340 or ghulmes@gmail.com
A traditional Irish dinner, plus Irish musicians, dancers, a cash bar and a raffle. Advance tickets available at the church after Masses and at the parish hall.
Meditation Monday
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Date: First Monday of each month; next, March 3
Place: Wise Owl Wellness Center, 1101 DeKalb Ave., Suite 4
Cost: $10
More information: www.wiseowlwellness.com
Guided meditation and visualization to help you approach the week with calm and focus.
Brown Bag Lunch: Museum Gardens
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, March 6
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation Freight Room, 475 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org
Learn about the Sycamore History Museum's gardens and planned programs using the gardens this year.
Bunco
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: First Thursday of each month; next, March 6
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Cost: $10
Discover Your Optimal Health
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Second Monday of each month; next, March 10
Place: St. Mary's Parish Activity Center, 322 Waterman St.
More information: 815-793-9065
Learn strategies to take off weight forever and move toward optimal health.
WATERMAN
Bookworms Story Time
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesdays; next, Feb. 26
Place: Clinton Township Public Library
Stories for children 3 to 5.
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Feb. 27
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.
Indian Creek CCC Auction
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Sunday, March 9
Place: Indian Creek Middle School, 425 S. Elm St.
More information: 815-761-1122 or susan.kauffman@mchsi.com
Lunch available starting at noon; bidding begins at 12:30 p.m. A list of items up for auction can be found at indiancreekschools.org/ichs/parentorg/ccc/auction.htm. All proceeds are used to fund programs or needed items for students and teachers in Indian Creek District 425.
