Briefs: Holiday pet supply drive
Pet supplies for animals waiting for a home are being collected through Nov. 20 by the Fox Valley Park District and Fox Valley Animal Welfare League. Needed items include dog collars (no choke chains), bleach, paper towels, liquid hand sanitizer, terrycloth bath towels, 6-foot leashes, dog toys, plastic balls with bells for cats, dog biscuits, quart-size Ziploc storage bags, Purina Dog Chow and Puppy Chow, Purina Cat Chow and Kitten Chow, powdered formula milk replacement, blankets and Fancy Feast canned cat food. Donations may be put in the Give Thanks for Pets bins at Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora; the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora; and the Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora. For details, call (630) 966-4527.
Class receives grant
A grant from the DuPage County Farm Bureau will allow a West Chicago Community High School class to super size their discussion of fast-food's impact on health. The $100 grant will be used to fund students' viewing and discussion of the movie "SuperSize Me." After watching the video, students will compare fast-food menus to low-fat meals and learn to prepare healthy dishes using beef.
New Lombard engineer
The village of Lombard has announced the addition of a new civil engineer to its public works staff: Frank Kalisik of Elwood. Kalisik brings experience as director of engineering at Braidwood and engineering project manager at Channahon. He is also a certified flood-plain manager. Kalisik is married with two sons and has degrees from the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.
New W. Chicago contest
West Chicago this week started a new essay contest that challenges elementary-age children to write about their favorite aspects of the city. Essays will be judged in three age categories; they must be received at city hall, 475 Main St., by 5 p.m. on Nov. 26. Winners, who will be announced later that week, will be invited to help light the city holiday tree during the annual Frosty Fest on Dec. 1. The essays also will be featured on the city Web site, www.westchigago.org. For details, call Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, ext. 139.
Bensenville police news
The Bensenville Police Department welcomed two new officers to its force this week and promoted three of its own. Sgt. John Lustro, who has served Bensenville since 1989, was promoted to deputy police chief. Detective Brian Dooley, who was hired in 2000, and Officer Eric Zodrow, who started in 2002, were both promoted to sergeant. All three law enforcement officials took an oath Tuesday at the Bensenville Village Board meeting. Police Chief Frank Kosman also welcomed two new police officers. Brett Zempel, who was hired full time in August, has come to Bensenville from the Streamwood Police Department where he served for 9 years. Denis Murphy, hired last month on a part-time basis, comes from Elk Grove Village where he worked for 24 years and later retired.