Fox Valley briefs
Learn about Older Driver Safety Week
Dec. 6-12 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. The AARP Driver Safety Program. It aims to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensuring older adults remain active in the community - shopping, working or volunteering - with the confidence that transportation will not be a barrier. Locally, Henry Karolus offers AARP Drivers Safety Program classes. For details on the next class, call (847) 426-4504. It is open to anyone 50 or older. The class may make you a safer driver and possibly give you a savings on the liability portion of your insurance.
Scout Pack 1047 collects Toys for Tots
Gilberts Cub Scout Pack 1047 is working along with the Fox Valley Marine Corps in the Toys For Tots Program. The program provides toys for children less fortunate during this holiday season. There are drop-off locations for new, unwrapped toys at Gilberts Elementary School, 729 Paperback Lane in Gilberts; Big Sammy's Hot Dogs, 2490 Bushwood Drive in Elgin; and Garibaldi's, 2258 Randall Road in Carpentersville. Stop by any of these locations with a new unwrapped toy, please no stuffed animals.
Two forums on aging slated Monday
On Monday, Dec. 7, seniors, caregivers and their advocates will discuss federal and state issues concerning aging at two legislative forums: 8:30 a.m. at Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave., St. Charles; and 1:30 p.m. at Senior Services Associates, 110 W. Woodstock, Crystal Lake. Registration starts 30 minutes earlier. The agenda will include: a review of state legislative accomplishments in 2009; elder rights and long-term care ombudsman programs and other funding issues; updates on health care, Medicare and prescription drug programs; and status of information and assistance services. Reservations are requested; call the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging at (630) 293-5990.
Santa to hear wishes in Cary this week
Santa will visit the Cary Park District to hear your child's wish list. Santa will be at Foxford Hills Golf Club, 6800 S. Rawson Bridge Road, Cary from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian. This holiday program is offered free. Registration is not required. For information, call the Cary Park District at (847) 639-6100 or visit Web site carypark.com.
Santa to stop by annual toy drive
KCT Credit Union hosts its annual Toys for Tots toy drive. The charity event will be hosted in conjunction with the Marine Corps League and will collect toy donations for local children through Monday, Dec. 14. Now in its 10th year, the toy drive is among KCT Credit Union's largest community-based charity initiatives. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any of KCT's three branches in Geneva, Elgin or Aurora, to be distributed to local children in time for the holidays. At the close of this year's drive, all toys will be handed over to the local United States Marine Corps recruiter during a presentation at KCT's Elgin branch. For the final weekend of the toy drive, on Saturday, Dec. 12, the Elgin branch at 111 S. Hawthorne St., will welcome Santa Claus from 9 a.m. to noon. Each donation of a new, unwrapped toy will earn a free picture with Santa for those donating. For details, call Kristine Kowalski at (847) 289-3289.
Magnificat hosts Christmas breakfast
The Magnificat Christmas breakfast will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake. Guest speaker is Diane Bates, speaking on "A New Creation." With a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, Bates worked as a research scientist for 15 years establishing several patents for Abbott Laboratories. She seemingly had it all, when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. Using what she calls "God's lesson plans," the daily trials of life with an autistic child transformed her into "A New Creation." Bates is a founding member of Our Lady of the Eucharist Magnificat Chapter in Grapevine, Texas. She also is a regional rep for Magnificat's Region 3 and a leader in the Diocese of Fort Worth where her husband was recently ordained a deacon. Cost to attend the event is $15. For information and tickets, contact Leslie at magnificat@joltmail.com or Jacky at (815) 455-2057.