Briefs: Disney in Aurora theater

The Fox Valley Park District will present Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" today and Sunday at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Show times are 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $13 for main floor seats and $10 for balcony seating. For tickets, call the Paramount Theatre box office at (630) 896-6666.

Children's art show

Artwork by St. Charles School District 303 students is on display this month at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. The Imagination Student Art Show exhibit is on display throughout the library and features pieces from all grade levels. A public open house to honor the artists is planned for 2 to 3 p.m. today. Call (630) 584-0076.

McCarty Park reopens

Following renovation work, Aurora's oldest park reopened Friday at 350 E. Galena Blvd. New amenities include an interactive spraypad, landscaping, new entryways and a pergola, said Jim Pilmer, the city's director of parks and recreation. "It's an urban park in a high-density area where citizens can go for a little respite," said Pilmer, adding that the park was platted as a public square in 1836. "This is one piece of city land that has remained open, without buildings on it," Pilmer said. "It has never been changed." Improvements to the park totaled $700,000.

NBA great at Bartlett church

World Overcomers Church in Bartlett will welcome former NBA player and Olympic gold medal winner Jerry Lucas Sunday. Lucas, a member of the national basketball Hall of Fame and former New York Knicks player, will speak during church services at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Lucas will also discuss his ability to memorize incredible amounts of information. The church is located at 1315 W. Lake St. Call (630) 483-2200.

ECC nursing admission exam

Elgin Community College's professional nursing program will hold an admission exam at 10 a.m. Thursday in Room 183 of the Health and Business Technology Building on the college's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Sponsored by the National League for Nursing, the exams take approximately four hours. The exam is a prerequisite for admission into the program, and is an opportunity for entry into the spring or fall 2009 classes. Registration is required and can be done by visiting www.nlnonlinetesting.org/pax. The registration deadline is Monday. Cost per exam is $85. Call 847-214-7219.