Briefs: Jazz musicians win awards
Five student musicians at Elgin Community College won Outstanding Musician Awards at the recent Skyway Jazz Festival at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. The musicians performed with the ECC youth jazz band under the direction of Mark Bettcher. The winning students were: Omar Garcia of Algonquin on drums; Andrew Soderstrom of East Dundee on drums; Connor Bernhard of Crystal Lake on guitar; Brendyn Dobbeck of Elgin on tenor saxophone; and Ryan Palmer of Sleepy Hollow on piano. The Skyway Conference includes eight schools -- College of Lake County, ECC, McHenry County College, Waubonsee Community College, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton College in Cicero, Oakton Community College in Des Plaines and Prairie State College.
Special yule service
Batavia United Methodist Church, 8 N. Batavia Ave., is offering a Longest Night service at 5 p.m. today. It is especially designed for people who find it hard to be joyful at Christmas, due to personal loss such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or emotional trauma. The service features Scripture, a brief homily, quiet carols, contemplative silence, prayer and sharing. Following the service, those who wish can stay and be ministered to individually. Call (630) 879-7060 for details.
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 salvaged the family's Christmas presents and rescued three dogs. If you'd like to make a cash donation, drop it off at: Cornerstone, 41W170 Russell Road.
Vote on North Aurora lights
Today is the deadline for North Aurora residents to vote for the most beautiful home decorations in the village. The event is sponsored by the North Aurora Lions Club, and prizes will be awarded. You can drive past the following contest entries and then vote for your favorite: 1318 Fairfield Way; 1435 Oakland Circle; 203 Hill Ave.; 217 Wildwood Drive; 220 Larchwood Lane; 221 Wildwood Drive; 2712 McDuffee Circle; 342 Wildwood Drive; 409 Spruce St.; 502 Chesterfield Lane; 511 Wingfoot Drive; 839 Columbia Circle; Hartfield Estates III Neighborhood; and Mooselake Estates Neighborhood. Residents must submit their vote no later than noon. Voting forms are available at village hall, Messenger Public Library, Old Second National Bank, Valley Community Bank, National City Bank and Woodman's, or online at www.geocities.com/northauroralions.