Briefs: Sprawl book talk

Author Gina Olszowksi will lecture about her book, "Now Coming to a Town Near You," at noon Tuesday at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St. Olszowksi's book tells the story of small towns that are being forever changed by sprawl. The story is told through the eyes and words of farmers, mayors, environmentalists and regular residents. The book will be available for purchase. Admission is $3 for nonmembers and $2 for members. You can bring a lunch; coffee and cookies will be provided.

Holiday event needs artists

Downtown Batavia hosts holiday cheer and the arts at "Mistletoe Magic" from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday in downtown businesses. Batavia MainStreet is looking for artists to display their work and musicians to perform. The holiday open house is part of the downtown quarterly arts walk and includes musicians, sales, refreshments and a free magic show. Contact the MainStreet office at (630) 761-3528 or e-mail info@downtownbatavia.com.

Toys needed for giveaway

For more than 20 years the Elgin Community Holiday Toy Giveaway has collected and distributed more than 5,000 toys and gifts to 2,500 children in Elgin and South Elgin. Organizers are anticipating the need for even more gifts this year. New toys or monetary donations to purchase toys are acceptable; a list of toys is available at crisiscenter.org. Monetary donations can be sent to the Community Crisis Center, P.O. Box 1390, Elgin, IL 60121-1390; designate Toy Giveaway in the memo field. Toys can be dropped off at three locations: Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin Township Office, or Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Elgin. This year's giveaway is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. For details, call Lea at (847) 742-4088.

Preschool registration starts

Indian Prairie Unit District 204's Prairie Children Preschool is accepting early registration through Dec. 18 for the 2009-10 school year for current students and alumni. Alumni families can pick up a registration packet at the school, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Current families will receive forms through their child at school. Registration for non alumni families begins Jan. 8; registration forms postmarked before that date will be returned. Forms are available at the school office or at ipsd.org. Call (630) 375-3030.