Briefs: Helping fire victims

Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Elgin has established a fund for the four members of the Head family who lost their Campton Township home in a fire Wednesday. Firefighters were able to rescue the family's Christmas presents and three dogs. If you'd like to make a cash donation, drop it off at: Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 41W170 Russell Road, Elgin, IL 60124.

Read and discuss

Winter weather keeping you indoors? Join the Gail Borden Public Library's online book club. Each month members log on to discuss a new book. In January, participants will discuss "Time Traveler's Wife," by Audrey Niffenegger. You can join the book club at groups.google.com/group/gailborden. For details, call Billie Moffett (847) 429-4688, or send an e-mail to bmoffett@gailborden.info.

Mitten collection

Donate items for the Dundee Township Library's Mitten Tree, located in the Children's Department on the library's lower level . Drop off new infant, child or adult mittens during regular library hours. The library is at 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee.

MCC's Sage Center certified

The Sage Learning Center at McHenry County College recently was awarded level one tutor training certification by the College Reading and Learning Association's International Tutor Program Certification. This award recognizes the prodigious amount of work by Sage Learning Center staff and student tutors. A total of 24 Sage Learning Center and Special Needs Department tutors earned their individual certification by completing 10 hours of skill training and by providing a minimum of 25 hours of tutoring to MCC students. Tutors include a full-time math and a full-time English specialist, along with adjunct faculty and student/peer tutors.