The briefs

Heartland craft show at Spring Hill

A variety of handcrafted items from local artists will be featured at the Heartland Creative Art and Crafts Show today through Sunday during all mall hours at Spring Hill Mall, routes 31 and 72, West Dundee.

This arts and crafts show features more than 20 exhibitors who will show and sell a wide variety of handcrafted items. Crafters from Ohio to Arkansas will show and sell wood signs, jewelry, metal sculpture, wearable art, Ecuadorian crafts, pet treats, gourmet dips, and other work. Local crafters scheduled to appear include: Elarisa Koremelis of Carpentersville, jewelry; Teri Plazak of Cary, gourmet foods; Ann Moliter of Crystal Lake, wood jewelry; Peter and Marta Gerlich of Hoffman Estates, home decor accessories; Howard Lettvin of Lake Zurich, pet treats; and Vickie Schuler of West Dundee, jewelry kits.

For details, call (847) 428-2200. Mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.springhillmall.com.

Occupational Spanish at MCC

Learning a second language doesn't have to be tedious. Check out the Occupational Spanish classes starting soon at McHenry County College.

These classes are ideal for both the workplace and those traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. Occupational Spanish offers a fun, interactive way to learn the basics of conversation without all the grammar and repetition.

Instruction includes videos, group activities and practicing Spanish conversation skills in a relaxed classroom setting. Occupational Spanish classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning Jan. 15. Occupational Spanish I meets from 5 to 6:20 p.m. and Occupational Spanish II meets from 6:30 to 7:50 p.m. Students will receive three credit hours upon successful completion with a passing grade.

To register with a credit card by phone, call (815) 455-8588 or register online at www.mchenry.edu/register.

For information on Occupational Spanish or other modern language classes at MCC, call Gabriel Decio at (815) 455-8557 or e-mail gdecio@mchenry.edu.

Children invited to 'Happy Hour'

The Fox River Grove Memorial Library offers "Children's Happy Hour" today at the library, 407 Lincoln Ave., Fox River Grove.

The program for infant through second grade with a parent will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 4 through Feb. 22.

Drop by the library on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The meeting room will be filled with themed books, puppets, puzzles and coloring sheets. Meet other parents while your children learn and make new friends. No registration is required. For information, call (847) 639-2274.