Briefs: Fun at Vaughan Athletic Center
Three days of family fun will kick off today as the Vaughan Athletic Center in Aurora celebrates its third anniversary. The event features a Taste of the VAC, a health expo, Halloween SpecVACular and a membership appreciation day. The celebration begins Friday with "Taste of the VAC" featuring free food samplings from 4 to 6 p.m. On Saturday Vaughan will host a free health expo from 9 a.m. to noon. The expo will feature equipment demonstrations, nutritional information and nutrition product samples. A blood drive also will be held. Also on Saturday, the Halloween SpecVACular will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. The movie, "Monsters, Inc." will be shown and popcorn will be served beginning at 3 p.m. in the field house and children will be able to trick or treat in costume throughout the center. There also will be carnival-type table games to play. Vaughan members will be honored on Sunday during Membership Appreciation Day when each member will be able to bring a guest for free. Vaughan is at 2121 W. Indian Trail, west of Randall Road and east of Orchard Road. Call (630) 907-9600.
Berms for prairie
Two wooden bridges will be removed at Peck Farm Park's prairie, and replaced with rock berms. The berms, covered by soil and grass, will still allow water to flow beneath, according to Becky Lambert, superintendent of natural areas and interpretation for the Geneva Park District.
Wreath sale
The Geneva Music Boosters are selling Christmas wreaths, door and mailbox swags, mantelpiece decorations, 25-foot roping and centerpieces. Deadline is Oct. 31. Pickup is Nov. 22 at Geneva High School. Delivery is $10 extra, but free to senior citizens. To place an order, call Debbie and Steve Hanson at (630) 208-9862.
Fire department gets grant
The Geneva Fire Department has been awarded a $20,100 grant from the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. The money will be used to buy a replacement hydraulic rescue tool. The new one operates at higher pressure and is capable of spreading and cutting thicker and stronger metals used in large vehicles and machinery.
Free workshop for artists
The Fox Valley Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago will host a free workshop to train art volunteers in the classroom from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. The workshop is open to volunteers who present art appreciation programs in public or private elementary schools. For information, call Kristen at (630) 406-0460 or Suzanne at (630) 406-0979.