DuPage County briefs

New District 2 board member:Bensenville resident Cindee Hazen has been appointed to the Bensenville Elementary District 2 school board. Hazen fills the seat of Craig Weldon, who served on the board for 10 years before losing his battle with an extended illness. Hazen, one of three candidates interviewed for the seat, is Weldon's sister. "It's an honor to serve in my brother's memory," said Hazen, who has an MBA and works as a claims specialist. Following her appointment, the board paid tribute to Weldon. A single rose was placed at his seat and board member Rev. Luis F. Reyes read a tribute. Hazen's term will expire in April 2011.Students raise Haiti funds:Seven North Central College students who traveled to Haiti in December to work at an orphanage, school and medical center are raising funds to support relief efforts after the Jan. 12 earthquake. The donations will support Mission of Hope's medical clinic, Hospital of Hope, north of Port-au-Prince. The hospital is functioning, but the staff is overwhelmed. The students are collecting donations at most athletic and fine arts events, and distributing collection boxes throughout the campus. Contributions may be made online at mohhaiti.org.Lombard discusses trail: Lombard residents can discuss proposed improvements to the Great Western Trail over Grace Street, the Union Pacific Railroad and St. Charles Road during an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. The open house will be informal, with project information and displays depicting the proposed work. Representatives of the village and the engineering consultant for the project, Bollinger, Lach Associates Inc., will be available. For details, call Paul Kuehnlenz at (630) 620-5740.Dist. 48 community forum:Residents of Salt Creek Elementary District 48 are invited to give feedback on possible budget cuts from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Albright Middle School, 1110 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park. Committees of parents, faculty, staff and district residents have developed a detailed list of priorities for each of the district's three schools. The full report is available online at www.saltcreek48.org. Like many school districts, District 48 is facing a revenue shortfall. The district expects to spend $500,000 of its fund balances to maintain programs and services this year.West Chicago music:A second Local Music Night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago. Local musicians performing popular and original music include Samantha Weibler, Laurie Schaefer, Al Recendez, John Keeney and others. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The event is organized by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission.