BURLINGTON
All-You-Can-Eat Ham Dinner
Time: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Burlington United Methodist Church, 195 W. Center St.
Tickets: Adults $10, children 6 to 12, $5
More information: 847-683-3535 or mary@burlington-umc.org
Menu includes ham, corn, mashed potatoes with gravy, applesauce, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Carryouts available until 6:30 p.m. Proceeds support church programs.
CORTLAND
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Wednesday and Thursday; next, Feb. 27
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, Feb. 28
Place: Cortland Community Library, 63 S. Somonauk Road
More information: 815-756-7274 or www.cortlandlibrary.com
Registration required.
DeKALB
Toddler Time
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories and songs for infants, toddlers and caregivers. A craft time will be held immediately after story time. No registration required.
Teacher in the Library
Time: 4 – 5:15 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250
Students in grades 3 through 5 in the DeKalb School District can receive help with homework assignments from a retired school teacher. Limit five students per session; registration is required. Sign up by phone, online or at the youth services desk.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Feb. 27
Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.
More information: www.feedemsoup.org
For transportation, call 815-293-7433. Feb. 27 menu is grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and green beans. Diners pay what they can; those who cannot pay can eat for free.
Computer Help Lab
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 1 – 3 p.m. Friday
Date: Feb. 27 – March 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Free, drop-in help lab for people with computer questions.
Blood Drive
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: Kishwaukee Community Hospital
Yup'il Story Art
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: DeKalb Public Library
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Tell a story in the artful tradition of the American Indians of the Alaskan coast.
Classical Conversations Information Meeting
Time: 7 p.m.
Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: Panera Bread
Classical Conversations is a community of home-school families that teach using the classical model and a biblical worldview.
Transformation Through Rhythm Concert
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: DeKalb High School auditorium
More information: 815-756-3000
Percussion and world music ensembles from DeKalb schools and Northern Illinois University give a benefit concert supporting DeKalb County Hospice and a sister hospice in South Africa. The performance is free; donations accepted.
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: University Plaza, 900 Crane Drive
Blood Drive
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission, 2500 Annie Glidden Road
Hopkins Park Pool Meeting
Time: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. Saturday
Date: Feb. 28 and March 2
Place: Hopkins Park Community Center, second floor
The public is invited to review & comment on the concept plans for the replacement of the Hopkins Park pool. Architects will be available to review preliminary plans for layout and proposed features.
Bilingual Story Time
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org
Stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English for children from infancy through age 5. Translations available.
Skateboard-Inspired Art Show
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: Smalltown Skate Shop, 229 E. Lincoln Highway
More than 40 artists will participate in the sixth annual show. Handmade jewelry designed by Ariel Ries and Chelsey Dever of DeKalb and made from recycled watches and broken skateboards will be sold. This is an all-ages event.
Homework Help Nights
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 28
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.
World Day of Prayer
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: First Baptist Church, Third and Prospect streets
A worldwide movement in which Christian women of many traditions come together to observe a common day of prayer. Services begin at sunrise in the Pacific and follow the sun across the globe. Coffee and fellowship at 9; service begins at 9:30.
Computer Basics
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220
Learn to perform essential computer tasks and to navigate the Windows operating system. Sign up by phone or at the reference desk.
Nooks and Crannies: The Library Tour
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: DeKalb Public Library
Meet at the fireplace at 6:30 p.m. and take an in-depth tour of every corner of the historic building. Light refreshments will be served after the tour.
'Republicanism, Communism, Islam: Cosmopolitan Origins of Revolution in Southeast Asia'
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: Pollock Ballroom, Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
A lecture by Jon Sidel, Sir Patrick Gillam Professor of International and Comparative Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Lenten Fish Fry
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Dates: Fridays in March; next, March 1
Place: Knights of Columbus, 1336 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: Adults $10, children 10 and younger $6
Buffet includes cod, walleye, shrimp, macaroni and cheese, soup, baked potato, french fries, coleslaw and salad bar. No carryouts.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, March 2
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.
Ellwood House Educational Volunteer Information Meeting
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Ellwood House Museum, 509 N. First St.
More information: 815-756-4609 or rnickels@ellwoodhouse.org
An informational meeting for adults interested in volunteering in the museum's youth education programs. Call or email to RSVP.
Center for Southeast Asian Studies 50th Anniversary Gala
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Altgeld Hall Auditorium
Tickets: $50
More information: cseas@niu.edu
After a cocktail reception and gala dinner, attendees will move to the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building for a free concert of traditional and contemporary music at 8 p.m.
Stage Coach Players 2013 Auditions
Time: 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 – 9 p.m. Monday
Dates: March 2 – 4
Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road
More information: www.stagecoachers.com
Auditions for Stage Coach Players' 2013 shows and its April radio show. All aspiring performers are welcome to audition for one or more productions.
AARP Tax Aide Free Tax Help
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Date: Saturdays through April 13; next, March 2
Place: DeKalb Public Library lower level meeting room
More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220 or dkplref@dkpl.org
Volunteers will assist low- and middle-income taxpayers with tax returns. Bring a photo ID, all tax documents and last year's tax return.
Center for Southeast Asian Studies Open House
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 5
Place: Center for Southeast Asian Studies, 520 College View Court
The center will celebrate its 50th anniversary with refreshments and remembrances.
Swing Dancing
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 5
Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway
Cost: $5
More information: barbcityswing.com
No partner needed, casual dress, leather-soled shoes recommended. Lesson at 7 p.m., then social dancing until 11.
Free Community Meal
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Date: First, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month; next, March 6
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.
Diabetes Self-Management
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Dates: March 7, 14 and 21
Place: Kish Hospital's Diabetes Education Center
More information: 815-748-8378 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Learn the latest in diabetes care with an emphasis on the positive in this three-session program. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
Blues Gone Wild
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: First Thursday of each month; next, March 7
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.
Royal Children's Ball
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 8
Place: Altgeld Hall, Castle Drive
Tickets: $15
More information: 815-748-2010 or www.dcysb.com
Music, dancing, crafts and "royal" family fun in the Northern Illinois University "castle" for little princes and princesses. Proceeds benefit the Youth Service Bureau. Tickets can be purchased at the bureau office, 330 Grove St. in DeKalb.
'Honk!'
Time: 7 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Dates: March 8 – 10 and 15 – 17
Place: Stevens Building O'Connell Theatre, Northern Illinois University
Tickets: Adults $12, children younger than 12, $6
More information: cctonstage.com
The Ugly Duckling takes a journey of self-discovery on his way to becoming a beautiful swan in this humorous musical take on the classic children's tale.
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra: KSO Goes to the Movies
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 8
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
Tickets: $15
More information: www.kishorchestra.org or 815-756-3728
This concert will feature music from movie favorites, such as "Star Wars," "Harry Potter," "The Pink Panther" and more. The audience will receive "red carpet treatment" with "paparazzi," prizes, movie clips, a silent auction and a raffle. Proceeds benefit the orchestra. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance at Sycamore Antiques, Kar-Fre Flowers, Hillside Restaurant and LePrint Express.
Kishwaukee Concert Band 'By Request'
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 10
Place: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building
More information: 815-825-2350, 815-899-4867 or kishconcertband.org
Free concert.
Sleep Apnea AWAKE Class: Alert, Well And Keeping Energetic
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, March 11
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-277-3979 ext. 215 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Free support and education to improve the quality of life of those living with sleep apnea. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
Chronic Kidney Disease: A Silent Disease
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 12
Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center
More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs
Nephrologists James Stim, MD, and Bindu Pavithran, MD, discuss risk factors, diagnosis and strategies for prevention and treatment. Snacks provided. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.
GENOA
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Wednesdays; 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.
'Life of a Pioneer'
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Place: Genoa Public Library
More information: 815-784-2627 or www.genoalibrary.org
Jerry Johnson, executive director of Garfield Farm Museum, will talk about the 281-acre historic farm site in LaFox. The farm and inn buildings date to the 1840s and are registered as historic landmarks. The audience will also learn about the life of an 1840s pioneer on the prairie. Recommended for audiences 7 and older.
Meet the Candidates Night
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 28
Place: The Oak Club of Genoa, 11770 Ellwood Greens Road
More information: 815-784-2212 or www.genoacc.com
Candidates for city offices, school board, park board and library board will be available to introduce themselves and answer questions at this informal gathering. There will be a cash bar and light appetizers.
Electronics Recycling Collection
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Date: First Saturday of each month; next, March 2
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.
Girl Scouts Spaghetti Dinner
Time: 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: CrossWind Community Church, 13100 Cherry Road
Cost: Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, children 5 and younger eat free
Dinner includes spaghetti with meatballs, bread, salad, dessert and beverage. There will be a 50/50 raffle ($1 per ticket or five tickets for $3). Proceeds help Girl Scout Troop 1620 take an overnight trip to Blue Spring Cavern.
Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday; next, March 5
Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.
Home and Business Expo
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 9
Place: Genoa-Kingston High School
More information: 815-784-2212, genoachamber@gmail.com or www.genoacc.com
More than 50 Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses will showcase their products and services. Event includes an inflatable moon bounce, a blood drive, a food pantry drive, food concessions, demos and raffles for adults and children. Admission and parking are free.
Mouse Races
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 9
Place: Genoa Veterans Home
Cost: $5
More information: www.gkeducationfoundation.org
Like horse racing, only with mice. Spectators can bet on a mouse to win in each race, or can just watch the races. For adults 18 and older. Proceeds benefit the Genoa-Kingston Education Foundation.
HINCKLEY
Story Time
Time: 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; next, Feb. 27
Place: Hinckley Public Library
More information: 815-286-3220
Stories, songs and crafts. Sign up by phone or at the front desk.
SYCAMORE
Story Time
Time: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays
Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays; next, Feb. 27
Place: Sycamore Public Library
Books, music and crafts for children ages 3 to 5. Caregivers do not need to stay with children, but must remain in the library.
Bingo
Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15
Date: Every Wednesday; next, Feb. 27
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
World Day of Prayer
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Date: Friday, March 1
Place: Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 815-793-2055 or jenny@jennyruff.com
A worldwide movement in which Christian women of many traditions come together to observe a common day of prayer. Services begin at sunrise in the Pacific and follow the sun across the globe.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake & Whole-Hog Sausage Breakfast
Time: 6:30 – 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Mayfield Congregational Church, 28405 Church Road
Cost: Adults $7.50, children $3.50, children 3 and younger free
The country store will sell baked and preserved goods and whole-hog sausage. There will be door prizes and a table of "attic treasures."
Relay for Life Chili Cook-Off
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Sycamore High School cafeteria
Cost: $5 to enter a chili
More information: 630-879-9009 or relayforlife.org/DeKalbIL
Cooks can set up beginning at 11 a.m. Guests can win prizes, register for this year's relay and learn more about Relay for Life.
Country Fun Fair
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Southeast Elementary School
More information: 815-970-5416 or 815-508-4018
Fun, food and prizes. Events include pony derby races, hula-hoop contests and a pie-eating contest.
Oaken Acres Wildlife Center's 'Babies Gone Wild'
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2
Place: Blumen Gardens
Tickets: $20
More information: lisa@oakenacres.org
Event includes silent and live auctions, a margarita fountain, appetizers and snacks. Proceeds benefit Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, and guests will learn about all of the work and services Oaken Acres offers.
History Brown Bag
Time: Noon
Date: Thursday, March 7
Place: Freight Room, DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave.
More information: 815-895-5762 or info@sycamorehistory.org
Sycamore History Museum Executive Director Michelle Donahoe will talk about the museum's new website and answer questions about its features.
Watershed Workshop
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, March 7
Place: DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave.
Residents, businesses and landowners in Sycamore, Virgil, Cortland, Maple Park, Lily Lake and Burlington are invited to a workshop to gather information about water quality and flooding issues.
Career Works: Jump Start Your Job Search
Time: 2 p.m.
Dates: Second Monday of each month; next, March 11
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.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, March 11
Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.
Cost: $10
More information: 815-895-2931
Proceeds fund a Christmas party for children of service members.
WATERMAN
Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Date: Thursdays; next, Feb. 28
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.
