The briefs

Hemmens opens Summer Theatre

The Hemmens Cultural Center reopens its Elgin Summer Theatre Program with "HAIR" at 8 p.m. July 18.

Open auditions are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday in the lower level of the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

The director seeks singers, dancers, and actors aged 17 and over, who should bring a prepared song to sing a cappella, be ready to dance, and cold read from the script.

Rehearsals will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning May 19. Not all cast will be required every night.

The musical will hit the state July 18-20 and 25-27.

For more information log onto www.hemmens.org.

Help clean and rescue a river

The Defenders and Sierra Club will co-sponsor a Fox River Rescue - River Clean-up Day in McHenry from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The event will focus on the stretch of Boone Creek from the Route 120 bridge to where it empties into the Fox River.

Volunteers are asked to meet in the parking lot of the Old City Hall on the south side of the bridge on Green Street. Gloves, bags, drinking water, snacks and free T-shirts will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes or boots. Registration is suggested, but walk-ups are welcome.

To sign up or for more information, contact Nancy Schietzelt at (815) 356-1710 or online to buroak@owc.net.

District 300 board to host gathering

Join Community Unit District 300 School Board for a town hall-style community gathering from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Neubert Elementary, 1100 Huntington Drive, Algonquin.

Have coffee and pastries and casually visit one-on-one with your elected board representatives about any questions, concerns or suggestions you have for D300.