Tri-Cities briefs

NIU open house

Northern Illinois University will host an open house for prospective students and families from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday in the Holmes Student Center, Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road, DeKalb. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from admissions, the faculty, financial aid and student services. Open house activities include a student-led campus bus tour, residence hall visits and a university information fair. Many of NIU's academic colleges and departments also will host individual open houses during the day. No reservations are required for the open house or related activities. Morning arrival is recommended to enjoy the widest range of program options. Free parking will be available at the Convocation Center with shuttle buses to the Student Center. For more information, call (815) 753-0446 or e-mail admissions@niu.edu. For information such as directions to campus, parking and special tours, go to niu.edu and click "Visit NIU."

Charity grants available

The United Way of Central Kane County has money available for local 501(c)(3) charitable agencies. For an application, call (630) 377-1930 or e-mail stcuw@yahoo.com. Applications are due Feb. 20. Organizations that serve residents of St. Charles, Elburn, Geneva, LaFox, Kaneville, Campton Hills and Wasco are eligible.

Conifers seminar

A seminar on conifers Feb. 21 in Campton Hills will raise money for a local animal shelter. Captivating Conifers in the Midwest is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, 41W781 Route 64. The presentation feature Alans Craig, a representative of Oregon-based Iseli Nursery who will discuss care and presentation of various conifers. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to Anderson Animal Shelter. For a reservation, call (630) 584-4424.

Heritage Y picks leaders

The Heritage YMCA, which serves Naperville, Aurora and Oswego, has elected several members to its corporate board. They are: Brooke Cook, an architectural manager for PPG Industries, Inc.; Tom Carroll, executive vice president at R.R. Donnelley; Joe Dunn, a CPA and managing director of a private equity investment fund; Loretta Karkhoff, vice president and branch manager of First Community Bank; Mike Krol, retired from AT&T; Ray McGury, executive director of Naperville Park District; Jane Wenette, who spent many years at Leo Burnett; Luis Richard, supply chain manager at Central DuPage Hospital; and Ben Kirchhoff, bank manager and vice president at Harris.