Briefs: Pets to visit Santa
Animal House Veterinary Hospital is hosting "Paws With Claws" from 1 to 4 p.m. today at 356 N. Randall Road, North Aurora. Pets can have their picture taken with Santa Claus. The cost is $10. Proceeds go to St. Peter Catholic Church's Community Food Pantry and Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets. For an appointment, call (630) 443-1472.
AU honors Latino culture
Latino music, food and motivational speakers will highlight Latino FamilyFest at Aurora University from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event is at the University Banquet Hall at Alumni Hall, 1410 Marseillaise Place in Aurora. The event opens with welcoming remarks by AU officials and a pasta-bar luncheon from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Aztec dances will be performed by Danza Azteca of Aurora. A children's corner will feature face painting and crafts. Motivational speakers are scheduled for 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
Aurora bridge closure
Aurora's Illinois Avenue Bridge will be closed to traffic starting at 9 a.m. Monday and will reopen at noon Dec. 21. Work on the bridge is ongoing, and a detour route will be posted using Route 25, Indian Trail and Lake Street.
Book sale helps school
Geneva High School will have a book fair from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Barnes and Noble in the Geneva Commons shopping center, Randall Road and Williamsburg Avenue. A portion of the sales will benefit the speech team. Gift wrapping will also be provided. Vouchers must be presented at time of purchase. Download them from www.geneva304.org/ghs.
Marklund gets grant
Marklund has received a $15,000 grant from the Chicago Tribune Charities-Holiday Campaign, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, for its early intervention program. Marklund is a nonprofit network of services for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities. The early intervention program provides therapy for infants and toddlers up to 3 years old who show a 30 percent or more developmental delay. Free screenings are offered for families concerned about their child's development. For more information, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or go online to www.marklund.org.
Valet parking at hospital
Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva has started offering free valet and welcoming services to patients and their guests. The program will be implemented by Curbside, a Boston-based company that specializes in providing valet services for health-care facilities. Valet service at the front atrium entrance includes assistance in and out of the vehicle, general directions and help with any other transportation needs. It is offered from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.