The briefs
Deer Park House forum on parks
The village of Deer Park is hosting an open house and public forum on Oct. 18 to get input from residents on the present and future park and recreational needs of the community. The open house is from 2 to 4 p.m. The public forum, during which residents can make a public comment for the record, is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Both events are at the Vehe Barn, 23570 W. Cuba Road. Exhibits and information about the village's future plans, including the local and regional pathway system will be on display. For more information, contact the village at (847) 726-1648.
Wine tasting in Barrington
The Barrington Area Council on Aging's 12th annual wine tasting is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Performing Arts Center at The Garlands of Barrington. "Aged to Perfection: A Celebration of Life & Wine" will feature a selection of more than 50 kinds of wines to sample; attendees can also place orders for purchase at the tasting. The John Mose Quartet will play and there will be live and silent auctions. Tickets are $85 per person and include valet parking. Call Barrington Area Council on Aging at (847) 381-5030 or visit www.bacoa.org.
Girls Night Out to aid senior center
The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's first annual Girls Night Out Fundraiser will be Thursday at Durty Nellies, 180 N. Smith St., in Palatine. For $20 in advance and $30 at the door, you can get two alcoholic beverages and unlimited hors d'oeuvres and nonalcoholic beverages, karaoke and giveaways. Call (847) 991-1112.
Palatine's CROP Walk is Sunday
The annual CROP Hunger Walk is at 2 p.m. Sunday at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine. Children and adults will walk through neighborhoods and forest preserve trails to raise money to help fight poverty.
Participating walkers should be at Countryside Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, in Palatine no later than 1:30 p.m. to register. Call (888) 297-2767 or jyoung@churchworldservice.org. The church Web site is www.ccuu.org.
Utility seminar set for Thursday
A free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday will help residents find ways to conserve energy, save money on utility bills and learn about fire safety. It's being put on by state Sen. Matt Murphy, Palatine Township, ComEd, CEDA, NICOR and the Palatine Fire Department Public Education Office at the Palatine Township office, 721 S. Quentin Road, in Palatine. Call (847) 776-1490.