The briefs
Get a 'Vision for Space Exploration'
The Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin, continues "SPACE: Dare to Dream" on Thursday with NASA researcher Donald Palac in "Vision for Space Exploration" at 7 p.m. in the community rooms. Catch a glimpse of the future with NASA engineer and strategist from the John Glenn Center in Ohio. In spite of high flying ideas, this presentation appeals to the curious minds of all ages. The NASA Aero Bus will be in the library parking lot from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. To register, call (847) 429-4680, e-mail mlytle@gailborden. info or online at www.gailborden.info. Or stop by the adult service information desk.
Writers can meet at coffee houses
Elgin Community College welcomes students and the community to the 2007-08 Writers Center Coffee House from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Feb. 6, March 5 and April 2. It is open to college students and writers from the general public. All ages are welcome.
The evening begins with informal time where writers have social time to connect with each other. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., they read their work, poems, essays, short stories, creative non-fiction, lyrics or a scene from a novel. Everyone gets five minutes to present, but the reading must be their own material. This is where participants share their work without any critical feedback or commentary.
The chance to gain feedback comes outside the formal reading time, when participants can ask for input or even find others with whom they can exchange manuscripts. The coffee houses are free, and refreshments are served. The informal gatherings take place in the Alumni Room of the Student Resource Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. For more information, contact Rachael Tecza at (847) 214-7578 or rtecza@elgin.edu.
Boy Scouts plan 'Pastaghetti Dinner'
St. John's Boy Scout Troop 2 is holding an all-you-can-eat "Pastaghetti Dinner" from 7:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday in St. John's Lutheran's gym, 115 N. Spring St., Elgin. The menu includes five kinds of pasta, salad, bread sticks, beverage and dessert. Tickets are $5 or $3.50 for those 60 and older. Family tickets are $17. Children under age 3 get in free. A silent auction will be held during the dinner with items donated by troop families and local businesses.