The briefs: Health dept. can help you quit

Illinois' smoke-free law is just around the corner and the McHenry County Department of Health can help you start the new year off right.

The health department will offer a 6-week Adult Smoking Cessation class from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. beginning Jan. 8 at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Participants will be taught about available smoking cessation aids, how to make positive behavior changes, and deal with withdrawal symptoms so they will remain smoke free. Stress, exercise and weight management techniques also will be covered.

The $20 enrollment fee is refundable if you attend all six classes. To register, call Karin Buck at MCDH, (815) 334-4510.

Join in annual hoop shoot contest

The annual Free Throw Shooting Contest, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 654 and the Elks Lodge 737 Elgin, will be held Saturday.

This free event is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 14 from the Elgin area. It will be held in the school gym of St Thomas More School, Highland Avenue and St. Thomas More Drive, Elgin.

The contest will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sign up anytime between 9 and 11:30 a.m. to participate.

Kids can compete against others in their same age, and gender categories. Each contestant will shoot between 15 and 25 free throws. Contestants with the best shooting percentages will be awarded prizes and be eligible to move to the district finals for a chance to move on to state, regional and national competitions.

Both Council 654 of the Knights of Columbus and Lodge 737 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have been part of the Elgin community for more than 100 years.

For more information, call Bruce Martens at (847) 695-5308 or Larry Smith at (847) 608-6577.