Briefs: Write-in candidates in race
North Chicago residents Jerry Johnson and Phil Collins will be eligible for write-in votes in the state Senate 30th District when people go to the polls on Tuesday. State Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat, is the only candidate who'll be on the ballot. Collins, a Republican, will be eligible for votes only in Lake County. Johnson, a Democrat, will be eligible for votes only in Cook County. Because no Republicans filed for the ballot, Collins needs 1,000 votes Tuesday to be the GOP's nominee against Link in the general election. The 30th state Senate district includes parts of Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights.
Fire academy for seniors
The Buffalo Grove Fire Department will hold a fire academy for seniors in March. The five-week program will be at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. The meetings will be from 10 to 11 a.m. March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. This is a shorter version of the citizen fire academy and will provide an overview of fire department operations and the methodology behind the fire and life safety education offered to residents. A tour of the fire department will be included. For details or to register, call (847) 850-2117.
The art of Brian Sauerland
The Palatine-Inverness Arts Council will host its next public "First Saturday" reception to meet local artists from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Palatine Bank & Trust, 110 W. Palatine Road. The program is designed to highlight local artists each month by rotating works throughout various businesses. February's monthlong exhibit will feature artist Brian Sauerland, whose work consists of still life, landscapes and portraits in pastel. Call (847) 943-6451 or visit PalatineInvernessArts.org for more information.
After the vote, let's eat!
The Palatine Public Library will host a chocolate seminar just in time for Valentine's Day. The event is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, and there will be demos all about chocolate, such as which is best to buy, where to get it and how to melt it. Recipes and samples are included. Register in person or online at www.palatinelibrary.org, or call (847) 358-5881, ext. 167.
Food drive Thursday
Barrington and Cuba townships are hosting their 7th annual "Have a Heart" food drive from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. The Barrington Countryside Fire Station No. 1 at 400 N. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington and the Barrington Countryside Fire Station No. 3 at 22N222 Pepper Road in Lake Barrington are both designated as drop-off locations. Donations of non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated, and checks will be accepted as well. With questions on the food drive, call Cuba Township's Cheryl Tanaka or Kate Formichella at (847) 381-1924 or Barrington Township's Barbara Janssen at (847) 381-5632.