The briefs
Brown bag series begins in Geneva
The public is invited to a lecture about "Geneva's Home Front" at noon Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St. Executive director Dave Oberg will discuss the roles that Geneva civilians played during various wars, with a focus on World War II. The discussion will cover topics ranging from the Red Cross, to armaments production to Civil Defense. The talk will also include a special section on the role children played in the war effort. This lecture marks the kickoff of the center's monthly Brown Bag Series. Cost is $5 for members, $3 for nonmembers. Cookies and coffee are provided and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch. For more information, contact Oberg at (630) 232-4951 or Exec_Dir@genevahistorycenter.org.
Mayor to speak at Elgin Lions meeting
Elgin Mayor Ed Schock will speak at the Elgin Lions Club meeting at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. The public is invited to attend. The mayor will be discussing current and future projects in Elgin. He'll answer questions from members and other attendees. Those interested should contact Lion President Ed Bates at batesed@cod.edu, or leave a message indicating your planned attendance at (847) 289-4206. The meeting of the club includes a meal. Advance notification of attendance is necessary to provide adequate seating and meals.
Penny social fun at VFW Post 2298
The ladies auxiliary of Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host a Penny Social at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the post, 117 S. First St., West Dundee. There will be door prizes, raffles for food baskets, afghans, etc. and refreshments. Admission is 50 cents. For details, call Fran Ganschow at (847) 426-2205.
Starting Friday, Sept. 11, the post will host its Robbie and Tony Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday through the end of May. Carryout is available. For details, call (847) 428-9006.
Dance night away at Fireman's Dance
Burlington Community Fire Protection District is hosting its 33rd annual Fireman's Dance featuring Prime Time Live Band from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12, at the fire barn, 154 South St., Burlington. Admission for ages 21 and older is $5. There also will be 50/50 raffles and refreshments. For details, call (847) 683-2199.
Ladies group to host annual beef dinner
The Ladies of St. John's annual beef dinner will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at St. John's Lutheran Church's Activity Center, 300 Jefferson St. Tickets are $9 or $4 for kids, age 5 to 12. Children, age 4 and younger, get in free. For tickets, call (847) 658-7097.
'Family Fun Day' at Blackberry Farm
Residents of the Fox Valley Park District can take advantage of free admission to Blackberry Farm from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, as part of Blackberry's 40th anniversary celebration. "Family Fun Day" will include unlimited rides on the train, hay wagon, carousel and ponies. The first 1,000 resident families also will receive a free keepsake ornament. The living history museum - set amid 54 scenic acres of lakes, ponds and forest - will feature live demonstrations of pioneer life. Guests can visit the Discovery Barn, Pioneer Cabin, Wagner House, Pottery Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Spinning and Weaving Cabin, One-Room School House, Victorian Huntoon House and the five museums. Park concessions will be available. Regular admission fee applies to nonresidents: $6 for children and seniors and $7 for adults. For information, call (630) 892-1550.
Volunteer for today's restoration work day
Come out to help McHenry County Conservation District volunteer site stewards restore native habitat from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 7, at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area in Woodstock. Meet at middle parking lot, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road. Bring gloves and dress appropriately for weather and work conditions. For details, call Greg Rajsky at (815) 814-5055. visit MCCDistrict.org.