The briefs

Orchestra concert at Harper College

The Northwest Festival Orchestra will hold a Gala Holiday Concert at 7:30 tonight at Harper College's Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.

Hermine Gagne of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will serve as concertmistress. Maestro Steven Larsen, music director of the Rockford Symphony, will join Artistic Director and Resident Conductor Verne Schwager on the podium for this concert celebrating the season and featuring more than 60 professional musicians.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. They cost $25, $15 for students. Call (847) 925-6100.

Alzheimer's group meets this week

The December meeting of the Alzheimer's Association Support Group, sponsored by the Barrington Area Council on Aging, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday in the Eastlake Dining Room at the Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane.

The group provides education, speakers and support for families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. It meets the third Thursday of every month.

There is no charge for the program, but registration is required for first-time participants. Call BACOA at (847) 381-5030.

Sign up for Healing Touch seminar

Wellness Place, a community cancer resource center, will sponsor the Healing Touch International two-day continuing education seminar, "Healing Touch Level 1," from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 12-13 at Wellness Place, 1619 W. Colonial Parkway, Palatine. Register by Saturday to receive a $25 tuition discount.

The workshop, which qualifies for 16 continuing education units for nurses and massage therapists, is open to the public and the first of a five-part series leading to a certificate in Healing Touch -- an energy based therapeutic approach to holistic healing.

Space is limited. Regular tuition costs $350, student tuition costs $225, and course workbook is provided free. Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register, call Mary Sinclair at (630) 913-9090, or visit online at wellnessplace.org.