Briefs: Honor school retirees

There is a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. today to honor employees retiring from the Geneva school district. It is at Geneva Middle School North, 1357 Viking Drive. The public is invited.

Marklund on radio

Marklund will be featured in a radiothon on the "Sandy Rios Show" at WYLL 1160-AM from 3 to 5 p.m. today. The focus will be on Marklund's services for infants, children and adults who are developmentally disabled. Rios will interview Marklund families, employees and volunteers. Donations will be sought and call-ins will be taken. For more information, contact Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or go online to www.marklund.org.

Kids display collections

The Geneva Public Library, 127 James St., will display the seashell collection of Tommy Akers, a 13-year-old middle school student, and the toy "Cars" cars collection of 6-year-old kindergartner Alex Lang until the end of May.

Court volunteers sought

Court Appointed Special Advocates Kane County has information sessions for potential volunteers at 4 p.m. today and noon Friday at the Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. Third St., Suite 460, Geneva. It advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Candidates must complete a 40-hour training program starting June 21. Classes are offered during the mornings and evenings. Call Deb McQuaid at (630) 444-3110, or go online to www.casakanecounty.org.

Butterfly house to open

Peck Farm Park's butterfly house will open Saturday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. The park is at 38W199 Kaneville Road in Geneva.

Band contest entries due

Entries are due Friday for the Geneva Park District battle of the bands. Eight bands will be chosen to compete June 14. The top two will play June 16 at Swedish Days. Send a demo to the Geneva Park District with your band information sheet, which can be found at www.genevaparks.org or at the Sunset Community Center, 710 Western Ave. The fee is $25 for resident bands, $35 for others. Call (630) 232-4542.

Girls softball positions

A few spots remain open on a Wasco Girls Fastpitch softball team for ages 14 and younger. To be eligible, players must be within the age range as of Dec. 31, 2007. The Wasco Warriors 14U All Stars have games scheduled across the suburbs June 27 to 29, July 17 to 20, July 23 to 27 and July 31 to Aug. 3. Practice is from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays at Verhaege Field. The participation fee is $350. Call (630) 584-6246.

Sign up for music contest

Registration for the 38th annual Granquist Music Competition is now being accepted. The competition promotes music performance, competition and education for serious students of music. Participants are grouped by instrument, age and years of instruction, and judged by qualified musicians. The competition will be held during Swedish Days Festival on June 21 at Geneva High School. To register go online at www.genevachamber.com. by Friday or call (630) 232-6060.