The briefs

Some cats are better with age

Kittens too much work? Consider adopting an adult cat. Adult cats are just as cute, and they already know how to use the litterbox.

Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin is offering a reduced adoption fee of $75 for all cats over the age of six months for the month of June, highlighting Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.

Come in to visit all the great felines available for adoption at the shelter.

The adoption fee for cats and kittens is normally $155 and includes: spaying or neutering; current vaccinations; FeLV/FIV test; deworming; microchip and registration, free vet visit and carrying case.

Anderson Animal Shelter is at 1000 S. Lafox Road (Route 31) in South Elgin. The shelter is open for adoptions: 2 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adoptions and the showing of animals ends 30 minutes before closing each day. For information, call the shelter at (847) 697-2880.

Take a tour of Colonel Palmer House

On Sunday, July 6, the Crystal Lake Historical Society will welcome guests to a Summer Sunday Open House at the Colonel Palmer House, corner of Route 176 and Terra Cotta, Pingree Road, from 1 - 4 p.m. The home will be decorated in a patriotic theme, to celebrate the Independence Day Holiday.

Visitors will be given a tour of the house by costumed docents who are volunteers from the Ladies of the Civil War Roundtable. The cellar will be open for an informal tour. Historic gardens will be in their mid-summer glory.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, call (815) 455-1151 or visit the Crystal Lake Historical Society's Web site at www.cl-hs.org.