Tri-Cities briefs
Forest permits go on sale
Annual permits for use of DuPage Forest Preserve District's off-leash dog areas, private boats and model-boat and model-airplane facilities go on sale today for 2010. Camping- and picnic-area reservations begin Jan. 2. Applications can be downloaded from the district Web site at dupageforest.org and submitted in person, by fax or by mail to visitor services at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. Call (630) 933-7200.
Geneva coat drive
The Geneva High School Student Council and Key Club are collecting coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens for a giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the school, 416 McKinley Ave. Donation boxes are set up at all Geneva public schools. Any coats left over will be donated to area charities or sent to a textile recycler.
AAUW to meet
The Tri-Ciites Branch of the American Association of University Women will hold its annual holiday breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday at LeBerry Bistro, 227 S. Third St., Geneva. The AAUW will celebrate with its Parade of SnowWomen. The public is invited. For information, contact membershipaauw@yahoo.com or phone Jan McPeak at (630) 584-3431.
Help support troops
Do you know someone deployed from the Fox Valley area? Fox Valley Troop Support is a group of citizens whose mission is supporting local troops with letters and care packages. Tips for letter writing and suggested care package items are listed at fvts.org. FVTS is partnered with the Batavia Veterans of Foreign Wars. Community care package dates at the Batavia VFW are: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday for dropping off donations and sorting. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday care packages will be prepared, and from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday the packages will be inspected and sealed. If your service organization would like to collect items for care packages, organize a fund drive to help defray postal rates, or if you have an idea and can help, contact FVTS co-chairs Sarah Giachino at (630) 587-3789 or myconfident@aol.com; or Kathy Tobusch at (630) 406-9172 and kasha2226@aol.com.
Tour Aurora police station
Residents can tour Aurora's new police headquarters and branch court from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1200 E. Indian Trail. Parking is available in front of the building off Indian Trail, and behind the building off Reckinger Road. People should enter the branch court entrance on the west end of the building. Call (630) 264-4636.