The briefs: Seniors journey to faraway lands

In January, the monthly Senior Stroll features an armchair tour of faraway lands. Naturalist Jack Pomatto of the Kane County Forest Preserve District will show slides and share stories of his travels in Africa. This indoor, 90-minute program, "Senior Stroll: African Adventures with Jack Pomatto," will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, 35W076 Villa Maria Road, off Route 25, St. Charles.

It is a free monthly program for senior citizens. The group meets at different forest preserves. Weather permitting, the program includes a brief, naturalist-guided hike with a focus on varying nature topics. There will be no hike in January. To register, call (847) 741-8350, ext. 10. For details, visit www.kaneforest.com.

Get ready for warm weather cruise

Join the McHenry County College Sensational Trips and Tours program from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 for an informational session and preview of the southern Caribbean and Panama cruise.

Scheduled from Jan. 28 through Feb. 7, the 11-day tour features a cruise to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Panama Canal; Gatun Lake, Panama; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. The preview will address the total cost of the trip, what the cost includes, and answer any questions you may have concerning the cruise. To reserve a seat for the tour preview, call Wendy Lauen at (815) 455-8758.