Briefs: Ferson teacher retiring

Ferson Creek Elementary School in St. Charles will have an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. today to honor retiring teacher Ruth Salerno. She has taught fifth grade for 18 years at the school, 38W160 Bolcum Road. Salerno's colleagues said she hopes to reconnect with some families she has taught over the years. Call (630) 513-4480.

Public unveiling:

Ukrainian artist Vitaly Mikhailov's original painting "Heart of St. Charles" will be unveiled at a public reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Kettley Realtors, 203 W. Main St., St. Charles. The unveiling is planned for 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and coincides with Arts Month in St. Charles. Food and beverages will be served. Reservations are encouraged. Call (630) 513-5386.

Golf outing to help kids

Ray Graham Association will be among the organizations benefiting from a Kick Off for Kids golf outing May 30 at Abbey Springs Golf Course in Fontana, Wis. Kick Off for Kids, a nonprofit organization that raises money for local children's charities, was founded by Elmhurst residents Mike LaSpisa and Bill Paschen in 2002. Since then, it has raised more than $350,000 for local children's charities. For details, call (630) 359-4724.

Diabetes benefit ride

The American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure will be June 7 in Geneva. Cyclists will ride one of three routes: 25 kilometers on paved paths in Geneva, 60 kilometers on roads through Kaneville and Elburn and 100 kilometers west into DeKalb County. There will be food and live entertainment afterward. Cost is $25. Register at diabetes.org/tour.

Celebrate Scandinavia

A Scandinavian Midsummer Celebration will be held June 15 at Good Templar Park at 528 East Side Drive, east of the Fox River and one-quarter mile north of Route 38 in Geneva. A Swedish breakfast will be served at 9 a.m., a worship service is at 10 a.m. and festivities begin at 11 a.m. The festival will feature Scandinavian crafts, Swedish food, Maypole raising and Maypole dance, the Swedish American Children's Choir, traditional Nordic dancers, a Viking encampment, storytelling and the Swedish Cottage Walk (cost is $5 for the tour). General admission is $5. Children under 12 and guests wearing traditional Scandinavian costumes are admitted free. For details, visit www.swedishday.net, call Pamela Gustafson at (847) 845-2640 or e-mail swedishday@gmail.com.

Battle of bands planned

Teen bands are sought for a battle June 14 at Island Park in Geneva. The first- and second-place bands will perform at Swedish Days June 16, and the winner will be entered in a Chicago regional contest. Send a demonstration tape, with a band information sheet, to the Geneva Park District, 710 Western Ave., Geneva. Entry fee is $25 for resident bands, $35 for nonresidents. The form is online at www.genevaparks.org.