The briefs

Blended family program at library

The Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, presents "Moving from a Step to a Blended Family" from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Rasmussen South Room.

Topics will include practical tips for building communication, managing discipline and resolving money issues for stepfamilies. Clinical psychologist Lisa Irgang will present the program.

Admission is free. To register, call (847) 923-3347.

Conant craft fair for holiday gifts

Conant High School's booster club will host its 27th annual craft fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission costs $1. A raffle will also take place. Proceeds will go toward scholarships and special grants.

Networking lunch hosted by chamber

The Hoffman Chamber of Commerce invites all for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at Jimmy John's, 3011 N. Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates.

Bring business cards and chat with other business people in the village. For more information, call the chamber at (847) 781-9100.

Book drive at Harper College

Throughout October, the Harper College Library will hold its annual Holiday Book Drive. Library staff will collect new and gently used children's books for donation to the District 214 Community Education Programs, and the Elk Grove Village Township's library program for underserved township residents.

Collection boxes will be available in the Harper College Library, Building F on Harper's main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.

For more information, call (847) 925-6584.

Join 'Parenting Teenagers' class

"Parenting Teenagers", a six-week class and discussion group for parents of teenagers and pre-teens will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 25-Dec. 6, by Spectrum Youth and Family Services, at the Schaumburg Township Hall, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates.

The class is led by Doreen Rohr, Spectrum's associate director for clinical services. "Parenting Teenagers" is the video version of Systematic Training for Effective Parenting of Teens. Classes will also incorporate concepts from "Active Parenting."

Topics include reasons for misbehavior; ways to build children's self-esteem; how to improve family communication; and methods of discipline.

The group is open to parents who reside in Schaumburg Township and have children ages 10 to 18. There is a charge of $25 per parent or couple. In two-parent households, both parents are encouraged to enroll, though individual and "single" parents are welcome.

Pre-registration is necessary as space is limited. For information, call (847) 884-6212.