The briefs

Real estate sales to run later this week

Real estate sales do not appear in today's Neighbor. They will be listed in the Neighbor section later this week.

Kick off new year with walk in woods

For a healthy start to the new year, head to the woods from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, off Dean Road, west of Randall Road in St. Charles.

This nature walk is suitable for any and all who are awake, coherent, and eager to shake off the excesses of the night -- or the year -- before. Bring a coffee mug and we'll fill it with hot coffee. Bring binoculars and they will show you cool birds. Bring your New Year's resolutions and they will get you going. The New Year's Resolution Hike begins at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome.

The program is free, but be sure to call (847) 741-8350 to register. The district may add or cancel programs based on attendance estimates, so please let them know if you plan to attend. For directions or information, visit www.kaneforest.com.

Kiwanis learn about reverse mortgages

The Elgin Golden K Kiwanis will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin.

The program will be by Steven Thoren of WestAmerican Mortgage Co. His topic will be "Reverse Mortgages For Seniors." Visitors are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-7176.

Enjoy New Year's dinner with VFW

The Elgin Watch City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307 will host a New Year's Eve party featuring a prime rib dinner and dancing to Les Pace and the Pacemakers.

The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8:30 p.m. until the horn blows.

Tickets for dinner and dancing are $30 each or two for $55. Tickets may be obtained by calling Les Pace at (847) 742-3879. The post home is at 1601 Weld Road, off Route 20 in Elgin.