The briefs
Fine Arts Festival in Barrington
A festive celebration of the arts is again coming to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road in Barrington from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Barrington United Methodist Church's fifth Sunday Fine Arts Festivals will feature everything from fine and visual arts to performance arts including painting and sculpting, instrumental and vocal music, dancing, acting and dramatic readings from congregation members and friends. Free. (847) 836-5540 or www.BarringtonUMC.com.
House decorating contest, tour
Be a contestant, serve as a judge or simply soak in Schaumburg's lights and sights while helping select the best decorated houses.
To enter the Holiday House Decorating Contest, decorate your home before Dec. 8 and submit the entry form by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Entry forms are available in the winter brochure or at park district facilities. The first 15 houses entered will be judged. No entry fee is required.
The Holiday House Decorating Tour is being held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8. The bus leaves at 6 p.m. from the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. Contestants in the decorating contest may not serve as judges, but are still welcome on the tour. Cost $4-$5; register by 5 p.m. on Nov. 28. Call (847) 490-7020 or visit parkfun.com.
'Reflections of the Winter Holidays'
Arts in Bartlett invites businesses, community groups and individuals to create or loan objects for its "Reflections of the Winter Holidays" exhibit in the Bartlett Village Hall Gallery, from Dec. 8 through Jan. 9.
Suggestions include one-of-a-kind wreaths (no live greenery) or stockings that have been decorated to highlight the purpose of the group/agency or business. Individuals may lend photos, paintings, ornaments or other art objects that reflect the spirit and beauty of the winter season.
A reception with refreshments will be held from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Contact Arts in Bartlett by Wednesday, Dec. 3, via e-mail at artsinbartlett@comcast.net or call (630) 372-4152.
Signal Hill D.A.R. history essay contest
The Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughter of the American Revolution is sponsoring an American History Essay Contest for fifth- through eighth-graders in Barrington and the surrounding area public, private and parochial schools, including the home schooled.
The topic of the 2008/09 contest is: "The Ideals of the Gettysburg Address." What message did the Gettysburg Address communicate to our war-torn nation in 1863? How are the ideals articulated in the speech still relevant for our country today?
Interested teachers and students should call Cathy Campagna at (847) 846-9937 for complete contest rules. Deadline for entries is Monday, Dec. 15.