The briefs

City offices closed for national holiday

The city of Elgin offices will be closed today for to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, however the solid waste collection will run on its normal schedule today through the rest of the week. For details, call public works at (847) 697-3160.

Help SWAN plan this year's goals

South West Area Neighbors will hold its January meeting at 7 p.m. today.

The group meets on the third Monday of every month at Zion Lutheran Church, Griswold and Washburn streets, Elgin. Turn south off Walnut Street and proceed south one block.

The program will be on goal setting for 2008. This is the chance to let your voice be heard and say what you want to work on in 2008.

SWAN's boundaries are the Fox River on the east, Route 20 on the south, Commonwealth Avenue on the west and Walnut Avenue on the north. For details, call Charlene Sligting, president, at (630) 927-5890 or send e-mail to sligtingc@aol.com.

Celebrate with Arts Showcase Thursday

The city of Elgin will host an anniversary celebration of Elgin Arts Showcase from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at Elgin Art Showcase, eighth floor, 164 Division St., Elgin.

With the theme "Star Light, Stars Bright," attendees will be treated to a host of performances by local talent and theater groups. The gallery will feature photography by Marv Causey, sculpture work by Howard Russo, and watercolor paintings by Dean Willis.

This is an intimate performance and gallery space in the heart of downtown. It has featured a variety of local group performances including those by the Janus Theatre, Independent Players and Soapbox Theatre among others. For details, call Sylvia Grady, arts showcase coordinator, at (847) 742-1515.

Oak Crest hosts monthly dinner

Oak Crest's Cellar Pub will host its monthly community dinner at 6 p.m. today. Chef JP will be serving some of his favorite specialties, including artichoke crab spinach dip, pepper pot soup, chicken vesuvio, beef bourguignon, and brownie delight.

There will be live music. Dinner costs $10 per person.

The Cellar Pub is at Oak Crest and Atrium Apartments, 204 S. State St., (Route 31) Elgin. Parking is available in the rear parking lot. Make your reservations with Mary Lou at (847) 742-2255.