Briefs: Calling child geniuses

Parents of third- and sixth- graders who live in Elgin Area School District U-46 boundaries and have not enrolled their kids in public school can have their budding geniuses screened for gifted education until Friday, Oct. 24. Parents must provide achievement test scores and proof of residency within the school district. Students accepted into the program would begin in the district's gifted program next school year when they enter either fourth or seventh grade. Call (847) 888-5000 ext. 5308 for details.

Author to visit Huntley

Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of "Pay it Forward," is scheduled to visit Huntley in November to talk about her book and its message. Hyde's visit is part of the One Book, One Community initiative, which hopes to foster discussion and understanding among Huntley residents by encouraging them to read the same book. Pinecrest Golf and Country Club will host a dinner for Hyde at 6 p.m. Nov. 12. Tickets are available for $20 at the Huntley Area Public Library. The public is invited to attend a free presentation with Hyde at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Cosman Cultural Center. Call (847) 669-5386.

Buy a brick

You can contribute to the construction of Elgin's Veterans Memorial Park by purchasing a personalized brick paver, tree or bench in honor of a loved one. Engraved brick pavers will line the perimeter of the walkway, and are available for $50 each. Memorial trees are $250 and benches $500 each, and will be located throughout the park, which is being built directly north of the Gail Borden Library. Order forms are available at city hall, 150 Dexter Court; The Centre, 100 Symphony Way; the library, 270 N. Grove Ave.; the VFW, 1601 Weld Road; or the American Legion Hall, 820 N. Liberty St. Order forms are also available online at Quick Links on the City of Elgin Web site, cityofelgin.org. Forms and payment can be returned to the city of Elgin, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, 60120, attention Mike Millikan. For details, call Millikan at (847) 931-5924.