Fox Valley briefs

Algonquin Township offers Excel class

The Algonquin Township is offering free Excel computer classes for eight consecutive Thursdays starting Jan. 8. The first class will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and the second class from noon to 1:30 p.m. Eight students per class.

Call the township supervisor's office to sign up at (847) 639-2700, ext. 7.

Sign up to quit smoking today

Here's your chance to start the New Year off right! McHenry County Department of Health will offer a seven-week Adult Smoking Cessation class starting Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, in Crystal Lake.

Classes give participants the assistance and tools needed to stop smoking through a supportive group setting. The curriculum will focus on available aids to quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement products, as well as how to make positive behavior changes, plan for urges, and deal with withdrawal symptoms so they will remain smoke free. Stress, exercise, and weight management techniques are also covered.

The $20 enrollment fee is refundable if you attend all seven classes. To register, call MCDH at (815) 334-4931.

AARP offers driver's safety

Henry Karolus will teach an AARP Driver Safety Program class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 and Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the West Dundee Safety Center #2, 100 Carrington Drive. You must attend both days. The classroom fee has increased to $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. If a check is written, it should be made out to AARP. Call (847) 426-4504 to register for the class. The class is open to anyone 50 and over and could mean a savings on the liability portion of your auto insurance.

Community dinner at Oak Crest

Start the New Year off with the community dinner at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Oak Crest Apartments in Elgin. The theme is good, old-fashioned comfort food. The menu features a salad bar with black bean soup, barbecued ribs and fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans with apple pie a la mode for dessert.

Cost is $12.50 per diner. Call Mary Lou at (847) 742-2255 to make your reservation.

Oak Crest and Atrium Apartments is at 204 S. State St. (Route 31), Elgin. Parking is available in the rear parking lot.