The briefs

Learn to operate hand-held GPS

Hawthorne Hill Nature Center is offering a class on the basics of how to operate a hand-held global positioning system unit and how to use them to find local geocaches.

Come and discover geocaching, where new scavenger hunts await you around every corner. Go on a high-tech scavenger hunt where you can discover the world of geocaching. Learn how to navigate and find your way using your GPS as a guide.

The class will cover the applications, limitations, and use of these powerful tools. Learn the terminology and get familiar with this new technology.

You are not required to bring your own GPS unit as they will be supplied for the class, but feel free to bring along your own if you would like to learn how to use your specific GPS unit.

Class will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Ages 12 and older are welcome.

Fees are $24 for Elgin residents and $29 for nonresidents.

Advanced registration is required; call Deb Barr at (847) 531-7009.

Immigration debate set at ECC

Elgin Community College's Organization of Latin American Students will host a debate on immigration beginning at 7 p.m. April 29 in the college's Advanced Technology Center Auditorium. The auditorium is at ECC's Main Campus at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

The event is free and open to the public. The debate will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.

Debaters will be Joshua Hoyt, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights, and Brian R. Perryman, a former director of the Immigration Naturalization Services of the Chicago District.

The men will debate issues such as securing the nation's borders, deportation and immigrants' impact on the economy. Following the debate, the audience can ask questions from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Immigration lawyers Shirley Sadjadi and John Hurlbut will be available to answer questions from 8:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information about the event, call Gabe Lara, OLAS adviser, at (847) 214-7425.