The briefs

Learn about self-defense at ECC

Elgin Community College begins its observance of Sexual Abuse Awareness Month with a self-defense workshop, held from 5 to 6 p.m. today in the Student Resource Center Alumni Room, located on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The event is free and open to the public.

Conducted by Kelly Dahl, a sixth-degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, the interactive workshop will focus on personal safety through awareness, prevention, risk reduction, avoidance and basic self-defense techniques.

For more information, call the Student Life Office at (847) 214-7370.

Classes on raising teens start in April

"Parenting Teenagers," a six-week class and discussion group for parents of teenagers and pre-teens will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights, April 10 to May 15, by Spectrum Youth and Family Services at Schaumburg Township Hall, One Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates.

The class will be led by Doreen Rohr, LCSW, Spectrum's associate director for clinical services. The group is open to parents who reside in Schaumburg Township and have children 10 to 18 years old.

Admission is $25 per parent or couple. In two-parent households, both parents are encouraged to enroll, though individual and "single" parents are welcome. Pre-registration is necessary as space is limited. For information, call (847) 884-6212.