The briefs

See a short-eared owl at Glacial Park

McHenry County Conservation District offers "An Afternoon with Short-Eared Owls" from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Glacial Park, Snowmobile/Horse trailer lot, 6720 Keystone Road in Richmond.

The short-eared owl is an Illinois endangered species, but they visit Glacial Park every winter. Enjoy a winter hike at dusk to search for these special creatures. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather.

This program is designed for adults and youth, ages 8 and older. It is offered free of charge by McHenry County Conservation District. For information, call (815) 479-5779 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

Library invites kids to join in the fun

The Fox River Grove Memorial Library offers "Singing With Mark and Jean" from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday for pre-kindergarten through fourth grades with parents.

Mark and Jean weave an eclectic mix of tunes such as "On Top of Spaghetti" and "The Unicorn" into a tapestry of fun that the whole family can enjoy.

The Fox River Grove Memorial Library is at 407 Lincoln Ave., Fox River Grove. For information, call (847) 639-2274.

Expo to feature new bridal fashions

On Sunday, Northern Illinois University will host a Bridal Expo in the Duke Ellington Ballroom at the Holmes Student Center, Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road in DeKalb. The expo features more than 40 exhibitors, a Groom's Room, and taste testing. There will be a professional fashion show at 2 p.m. Expo hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes a complimentary buffet. Parking is available at the visitors' lot on Carroll Avenue just south of the Student Center. For details, visit www.niu.edu/hsc.