Briefs: Buckthorn Blowout set

Elgin's Hawthorne Hill Nature Center is hosting its annual Great Buckthorn Blowout from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the center, 28 Brookside Drive. Families and individuals are invited to cut and haul plants and trees and take an educational hike. Lunch will be provided. To reserve a spot, contact Deb Barr at (847) 531-7009.

Arts Friendly Algonquin

Algonquin was recently named an Arts Friendly Community by the Illinois Arts Alliance. An award will be presented at the Illinois Municipal League's annual conference on Oct. 19. "We received the award because of our public art program," said Jeff Mihelich, assistant village manager. Algonquin accepts public art donations from artists that appear on display in public locations throughout the village.

District 303 screening

St . Charles Unit District 303 will have screenings for children who might be eligible for special education services Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at the Little Woods Facility, 5N466 Route 25. Families whose children are 3 to 5 years old and not currently enrolled in kindergarten can attend. The screenings assess development of vision, hearing, cognition, speech, language and motor coordination. Registration is required by Friday. Call (630) 377-4847.