The briefs

Learn to recognize severe weather

McHenry County Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with McHenry County College, will present Severe Weather Spotters Class from 7 to 9:30 p.m. March 27 at McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Guest speakers include Barry Valentine, the Director of the McHenry County Emergency Agency. He will discuss the procedures that are implemented at the McHenry County Government Center. Jim Allsopp of the National Weather Service will discuss the nature of severe weather systems, the do's and don'ts during severe weather, how to report severe weather to the National Weather Service, and the role of the National Weather Service.

To register, call the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency at (815) 338-6400, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Donate new books and help kids read

The UPS Store and the Cary-Grove Referral Network in conjunction with Toys for Tots Literacy Program is collecting new books for children and monetary donations during March, National Literacy Month.

The books will be given to economically disadvantaged children in the Cary-Grove area to enhance their ability to read.

Drop off your new books at the UPS Store, 728 Northwest Hwy. in Fox River Grove.

For details, call Stuart Breitberg at (847) 516-3137.