The briefs

Say your concerns to federal officials

Barrington-area residents worried about the possible takeover of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. will have the chance today to let federal officials know their concerns firsthand.

The national Surface Transportation Board has scheduled several meetings, including one today from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington. For more information, visit fightrailcongestion.com, stb.dot.gov or call (800) 347-0689.

In October, Canadian National Railroad began the process of trying to purchase EJ&E, which has a line that runs through the heart of the Barrington communities. The sale potentially adds dozens of trains through the area.

The environmental analysis section of the transportation board will host a "scoping" meeting today in an open house format. Those who attend will be able to ask questions about the proposal and the environmental review process, as well as discuss the potential environmental effects of the proposal. Both oral and written comments will be accepted.

The EJ&E line crosses through the area on Ela Road, Cuba Road, Lake Zurich Road, Route 14, Route 59, Lake-Cook Road, Otis Road and Penny Road, as well as crossing the Union Pacific tracks in the village of Barrington.

Meetings have also been scheduled for Jan. 19 in Joliet, Jan. 16 in Gary, Ind., Jan. 17 in West Chicago and Jan. 22 in Chicago. For more information on the proposed sale, visit www.stb.dot.gov or call (800) 347-0689.

Cary seniors set to celebrate new year

Ring in the new year at Cary Park District's Kraus Senior Center. The New Year's appetizer party for seniors will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Kraus Senior Center, 441 W. Main St., Cary.

In addition to appetizers and mocktails, the Cary Canaries Glee Club will be performing during the event. A special guest will offer a toast for a great 2008 for the Senior Center. Attendees are asked to bring an appetizer to share. This event is free. Registration and an appetizer are required. Call the Kraus Senior Center at (847) 639-8110 to make a reservation. For more information, visit carypark.com.

Shop has keyboard, a sewing machine

The St. John's Mission Resale Shop, 215 Washington St. in Algonquin, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. All shoes, boots and slippers cost $1 per pair. Greeting cards cost 5 cents, children's books 10 cents, coffee mugs cost 10 cents and picture frames in all sizes cost 25-50 cents. A Wurlitzer piano keyboard and a Singer sewing machine are available. Seasonal donations are accepted only Fridays or Saturdays when the shop is open. Call (847) 658-9105 with any questions.