Northwest suburban briefs

Eye test deadline is Wednesday

Wednesday, Oct. 15, is the state deadline for incoming kindergarten students to the 2008-09 school year to get an eye exam. Through the help of the Palatine Lions Club, District 15 kindergartners can get the exams for a reduced fee of $45 from Palatine Vision, 251 E. Northwest Highway. For information visit palatinelions.org or Palatine Vision at (847) 358-4950.

Hanover's creepy house contest

The Hanover Park Park District is sponsoring a Halloween House Decorating Contest to find the creepiest, scariest house in Hanover Park.

Houses must be within Hanover Park Park District boundaries and the winners will be chosen based on originality, arrangement, special effects, use of the Halloween theme, and overall presentation. The use of music and live actors is allowed.

Judging night is Oct. 24, with the winners being announced and awarded at the Halloween Spooktacular event being held from 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Community Center. To enter, fill out a form at the park district administration desk, 1919 Walnut Ave., by Monday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. No entry fee. The winning entry will be posted on hpparks.org.

Paint a pumpkin at the fest in Hoffman

The village of Hoffman Estates Historical Sites Commission is hosting a pumpkin painting event at the 13th annual Pumpkin Fest. A $2 fee includes a pumpkin, acrylic paint for decorating and refreshments. Pumpkin Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Sunderlage Farmhouse, at Vista Lane and Volid Drive., Hoffman Estates. Call (847) 781-2606.