Fox Valley news digest

Try out for talent showcase

The Huntley Unit District 158 Foundation will hold auditions for its first Community Showcase in February. The foundation is seeking dancers, singers, bands and entertainers of all types. Auditions will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Room 1216 at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road. Acts should be family friendly and less than four minutes in length. There are no age or residency requirements. A piano and CD player will be available. The showcase is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the school. Call (815) 923-8810.

ECC sets Founders' Brunch

Elgin Community College and the ECC Foundation invite area residents to "Brunching with the Stars … Celebrating the Stars of ECC," the college's 10th annual Founders' Brunch, Sunday in the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. The event, which commemorates the 59th anniversary of the founding of the college, is open to the public and begins with a champagne reception at 11:30 a.m. An upscale gourmet brunch will be served from noon to 2:30 p.m. Funds raised provide financial support to the students and instructional programs of ECC. The cost is $75 per person and sponsorships begin at $300. Call (847) 214-7377.

Tax applications available

Real estate tax deferral applications are available through the Kane County Treasurer's Office. This is the 24th year of the program that permits qualified senior citizens to defer all or a portion of their real estate taxes. Once completed, these forms should be returned to the treasurer's office on or before March 1. To qualify, a person must be 65 or older by June 1, have a total household income of $50,000 or less, have lived on the property for at least three years, not owe any delinquent property taxes and have proof of homeowners insurance. Call (630) 232-3565.