Tri-Cities briefs

Scarecrow-making class:

Heinz Brothers Greenhouse will host its final scarecrow-making class from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 at its garden center, 2010 E. Main St. The class is for all ages, and Heinz Brothers provides everything needed to make a scarecrow: clothes, straw and additional materials. Call (630) 377-6288 for more information.

WWII veteran to speak:

Geneva History Center Historian Emeritus Merritt King will discuss his service in World War II at noon Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the "Brown Bag Lunch" at the center, 113 S. Third St. King was recently given the Legion of Honor medal for his service by the French government. Other veterans are invited to share their stories. Admission is $5 for nonmembers, $3 for members. Cookies and beverages will be provided.

Seeking haunted houses:

If your house is haunted or has ghoulish Halloween decorations, it can be entered in the second annual Halloween Decorating Contest. Winners will be selected in two categories: scariest and most original. The contest is open to park district residents who live in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. The entry fee is $10. Judging will take place between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 to 22. Each household that enters receives free admission to Halloween Family Night on Oct. 30 in the Prisco Community Center, where the winners will be announced. Winning households will receive gift certificates from local businesses. Registration forms can be picked up at Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, or at Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora. Call (630) 859-8606 for more information.

Just for gals:

St. Peter Catholic Church hosts "Girls Night Out" at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 in the church's multipurpose room and gymnasium, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva. The night will feature refreshments and displays of more than 30 vendors. In addition to a basket raffle, the Women's Club is selling raffle tickets for a quilt and a hand-painted rocking chair. Admission is $10. To register, call the Parish Center at (630) 232-0124. Walk-ins are welcome.