The Briefs: Cosley lights show continues

Cosley Zoo is holding its annual Festival of Lights and Christmas tree sale at 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton.

Thousands of twinkling lights and animal figures turn the zoo into a winter wonderland. The lights come on daily at 3 p.m. and the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through the season.

The zoo is closed Christmas and New Year's Day, but open from 9 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

The sale offers 2,400 fresh evergreen, as well as wreaths, garlands, loose greens and a gift shop. Purchases are tax deductible and benefit the zoo.

For details, call (630) 665-5534.

Gingerbread farm on holiday display

A gingerbread replica of Kline Creek Farm is on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday until Dec. 31 at the farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

Visitors can experience the joys of the season with the greens and aroma of holiday treats during tours on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday until Dec. 31.

For details, call (630) 876-5900.

Native American exhibit continues

Paintings and drawings of Native American plants and artifacts in the Schingoethe Center for Native American Culture are featured in the exhibit "Field Sketches Inspired by Aurora University's Schingoethe Center" by The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Great Lakes Chapter, through Jan. 4 in the Schingoethe Center at Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. For details, call (630) 844-5486 or artsandideas@aurora.edu.

County museum to hold TrainFest

The DuPage County Historical Museum is in crisis and may close due to budget cuts.

To help save the museum, TrainFest will be held at the museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 29 and Jan. 19, with the trains running from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The HO-gauge train layout at the museum is one of the largest in the country, covering more than 2,000 feet with four railroads.

Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for children, students and seniors older than 65; and free for children younger than 4. Individual and family memberships are available.

For details, visit www.dupageco.org/museum or call (630) 682-7343.

Sign seniors up for Guardian call

Guardian system is a free service provided by the DuPage County sheriff's office to ensure the well being of seniors ages 62 and older or those physically or mentally disabled and living alone.

After signing up, members may designate days and times they want to be called. When a person is called, they enter a four-digit code on the phone to let the system know they are all right.

If the code is not entered, a police dispatcher will call. If that call is not answered, a designated neighbor or family member will be called. If emergency contact cannot be made, a deputy will be sent to the home.

Applications may be picked up at the sheriff's office, 501 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, or by calling (630) 407-2400 for an application to be mailed.