Briefs: Candidates forum in Elgin

The Near West Neighbors Association of Elgin will hold a candidates forum Thursday for candidates for the 43rd House District race, Kane County Board chairman and maybe the 16th Circuit judge's race, if the candidates can fit it in their schedules. Written questions will be from the floor and presented by the moderator to the candidates. It will begin at 7 p.m. and end no later than 9 p.m. at the Light House Church, 325 South St., Elgin. Enter through the front door. You do not need to be a resident of the association to participate.

Help disabled veterans

Batavia American Legion Post 504 will have it's yearly "Gifts for Yanks" fundraiser Saturday. Money will be collected at the Jewel-Osco, Wal-Mart and Apple Villa Restaurant off Randall Road, Amstadt's grocery store and the 7-11 store on Wilson Street, and the Chase Bank at Route 31 and Main Street. All contributions are earmarked for disabled veterans, and for veterans homes and hospitals.

Campton brush pickup

Brush pickup begins this month in the Campton Township Highway District. Collections will take place Monday through Oct. 24 north of Route 64 and Oct. 27 to 31 to the south. Limbs must be no more than 18 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. Brush should be piled neatly with cut ends facing the road and should not be tied. Yard waste will not be collected. Call (630) 365-9300 or visit camptontownship.com.

Wine party for parade

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce has a wine-tasting to raise money for the Swedish Days Parade, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Fresh Market, 718 Commons Drive, off Bricher Road. There will appetizers, and discounts available. Tickets are $25. To purchase, call (630) 232-6060.

Gifts for service personnel

Aurora again will send gifts to city residents in active military service who are stationed in the United States or overseas. Service personnel will receive a one-pound box of mixed nuts and a card in time for the holidays. The mixed nuts are provided by the Kiwanis Club of Aurora. Names and mailing address of Aurora citizens in active service can be phoned to the Mayor's Office of Special Events at (630) 844-4731 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The deadline for submitting names is Nov. 18.