Briefs: FEMA center hours change

FEMA center hours change: The FEMA disaster recovery center at DuPage County's Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building is cutting its Sunday hours. The center was set up to help victims of the September floods learn about resources available from the federal government. Other sites have opened in the region and Sunday operations have been slow since the center opened nearly two weeks ago, officials said. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday in the cafeteria at 421 N. County Farm Road.

Hispanic Heritage recruiting

Aurora's Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board is seeking members. The board is a nonpartisan advisory panel that acts as a bridge between the Hispanic community and others in the city. The board meets at 9 a.m. on the second Monday of the month at city hall, 44 E. Downer Place. Those interested in applying may call Liz DeLeon, events coordinator, at (630) 844-4731 no later than Dec. 12. Members are appointed by the mayor.

Party honors retiring officer

The public is invited to a retirement party and dinner celebrating Aurora police officer Wayne Biles' 33 years of service from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 17 at Long Island Sound, 1920 E. New York St., Aurora. Tickets are $35 and include appetizers, dinner and drinks. For details, contact Rich Johnson at (630), 232-6333, Barbara Biles at (630) 212-2893 or Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns at (630) 898-2943.

Pet blessing and parade

Pets and their owners are invited to a blessing of the animals at 1 p.m. Sunday at Peace Church, 192 S. Center St., Bensenville. There will be a celebration of god's creatures followed by a pet parade in the church's front yard. Pets will receive a doggy, kitty or bird bag to celebrate. Peace Church is one of three United Churches of Christ in Bensenville that are in the process of merging.