Briefs: Geneva High students set to compete

Six Geneva High School students taking courses at the Fox Valley Career Center have qualified to attend the Illinois SkillsUSA competition in Springfield today. The students are among the 52 students from the Fox Valley Career Center to qualify for the competition after scoring well on a qualifying exam in their area of study. The students are Kevin Arp, Austin Ewasiuk and Kevin Olson, computer maintenance technology; Kylie Rieser, nurse assisting/Health Knowledge Bowl; Brian Sunday, related technical math/spelling; and Emily Ward, preschool teaching. The Fox Valley Career Center is a cooperative program offering career and technical training programs to students from Batavia, Burlington Central, Geneva, Kaneland, St. Charles East and St. Charles North high schools.

Geneva library displays

The Geneva Public Library's youth services department has two display cases: one in the preschool room and one in the hallway. Throughout this month, the bird collection of Marliese Balek is on display in the preschool room. Marliese, a third-grader in Geneva, has been collecting birds for two years. Spying a cedar waxwing in her backyard and wondering what kind of bird it was, Marliese referred to a bird book at home and "Birds of North America" to find out what kind of bird it was. Thus began a hobby of bird watching, bird identification and the creation of a plush bird collection with birdcall recordings inside of them. The library is at 127 James St.

Brick paver fundraiser

The Coultrap Elementary School PTO is selling commemorative brick pavers to be placed in the entrance of the new Williamsburg Elementary School in Geneva, which will replace Coultrap this fall. They can be engraved with personalized messages and cost $50 or $100. Orders are due May 2. Call Christine Rodgers at (630) 845-8501.

Geneva Lions fundraiser

In conjunction with the American Diabetes Alert program, the Geneva Lions Club will be distributing sugar-free candy and collecting money to support programs of the American Diabetes Association and the Lions of Illinois Foundation Friday and Saturday throughout Geneva and St. Charles. Donations fund programs that identify those at high risk of developing diabetes, diabetic retinopathy exams and research.

Arbor Day celebration

The St. Charles tree commission will celebrate Arbor Day with live music, refreshments and a tree dedication at 4 p.m. April 25 at Lincoln Park, along Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. The free get-together also will feature a certified arborist who will be on hand to answer questions about tree care. Visitors receive a free perennial plant from Midwest Groundcovers.