The briefs

Free eye health screenings today

The Hauser-Ross Eye Institute's screening team will conduct a free eye health screening from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road in Hampshire.

The team will check visual acuity and screen for macular degeneration and cataracts. Healthy eyes may be maintained by educating yourself about the warning signs. No appointment is necessary. For details, call (815) 756-8574, ext. 5255.

Join climate change discussion Tuesday

Slow Global Warming will hold an informational meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Panera Bread, 2484 N. Randall Road in Elgin. Details on the group and on the issues of global warming, climate change and energy will be discussed. For details, call William Bailey at (224) 402- 3936.

Learn about history of immigration

The Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in the main level meeting room at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Elgin historian E.C. "Mike" Alft will present "Immigrants Arrive in Elgin." Guests are welcome. For more information, call Becky Higgins at (630) 372-6196.

Kids, learn magic at Centre of Elgin

The Centre of Elgin will be offering a magic class from 5:30 to 6:25 p.m. Thursday. Children will learn a collection of magic tricks. All materials are provided, and each child will receive magic tricks to take home. For registration information, call the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department at (847) 931-6123.

Neighbor group to discuss plans

South West Area Neighbors will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, 330 Griswold St., Elgin. Due to overwhelming community response, they will be having a continuation of the discussion at January's meeting regarding the goals for SWAN 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 at (630) 927-5890 or e-mail to sligtingc@aol.com.