Fox Valley briefs

Almost winter celebration:

South Elgin will hold its annual "An Almost Winter Day" from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at SEBA Park at South Water Street and West Middle Street. The event will have a cookie decorating station, children's activity area, s'more making area, Polar Express rides, horse drawn sleigh rides, a petting zoo, unveiling of windows at village hall and Santa's arrival at 4:30 p.m. and a tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Fore details, call (847) 622-0003.

Meet your senator:

State Sen. Michael Noland, whose 22nd district includes Elgin, will host a new satellite office hours program called "Meet with Mike" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Noland, a Democrat, will answer questions from residents and discuss progress in Springfield. For details, call (847) 214-8864.

Gail Borden branch honored:

The Rakow Branch, the recently completed branch of the Gail Borden Public Library District, recently was awared a gold level certification for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for the U.S. Green Building Council. The 10,000-square-foot building at 2725 W. Bowes Road on Elgin's west side is one of three Elgin buildings to be LEED certified gold status. The Weber Academic Center at Judson University and Waste Management's Bluff City Transfer Facility are the other two. The Rakow Branch has numerous green design elements and features, including a geo-thermal well system that helps heat and cool the building.