The briefs
Schools to join for String Festival
The Willowbrook High School music department's 12th annual String Festival will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in the school's auditorium, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.
Performers include Villa Park middle school orchestras and the Willowbrook orchestra. Each group will give an individual performance and the combined orchestras will perform a medley of Disney music and folk songs from Mexico.
For details, call (630) 530-3400.
Local university to offer health fair
Midwestern University's Community Health Fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the university's Wellness and Recreation Center, 555 31st St., Downers Grove.
The event will include health screenings and representatives from various medical professions to answer questions. Visitors who wish to be screened for cholesterol and diabetes must fast for 12 hours prior to the test.
For details, call (630) 515-7615.
Carve pumpkins at park district
The Addison Park District's Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Centennial Recreation Center, in the preschool room, 1776 W. Centennial Place.
Children ages 5 to 12 must bring their own pumpkin to carve and decorate, but all supplies will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, funniest and most original pumpkins. Each child will receive a goody bag.
The cost is $15 for residents, $23 for others. Registration is required. For details, visit www.addisonparkdistrict.org or call (630) 889-2150.
School fundraiser has medieval theme
St. Peter the Apostle's annual auction and dinner dance, "A Knight of Medieval Festivities," will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard, Itasca.
The evening will include live and silent auctions, a raffle drawing for $10,000, entertainment and more.
Tickets cost $50, $40 for adults 65 and older. For details, call Gina Alvarez at (312) 636-6618 or e-mail gina_santoro@msn.com.
See photo exhibit at Graue Mill
The second annual juried photography exhibition will be on display until October 28 in the Frederick Graue House at Graue Mill and Museum, York and Spring roads, Oak Brook.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Entries in both the adult and youth divisions include landscapes, portraits, nature and abstract photographs in color and black-and-white, in film and digital formats.
For details, call (630) 920-9720 or visit www.grauemill.org.
Plant sale proceeds help animal shelter
A fall plant sale to benefit the Hinsdale Humane Society runs through Oct. 31 at Vern Goers Greenhouse, 5620 S. Oak St., Hinsdale. The sale will include a variety of bulbs, mums, pumpkins, cornstalks and fall decorations.
The greenhouse will donate 10 percent of purchases made with a coupon to Hinsdale Humane Society. Coupons are available at the greenhouse and the humane society, 22 N. Elm St., Hinsdale.
For details, call (630) 323-5630 or visit www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org.