Tri-Cities briefs

Art show opens in BataviaThe 2010 Winter Show will open with a wine and cheese reception from 6 to 10 tonight at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., Batavia. Steve Sherrell is the guest juror. There will be 41 featured artists. For more information, go to waterstreetstudios.com.Gift cards for blood donorsHeartland Blood Centers is offering $5 McDonald's gift cards to people who participate in National Blood Donor Month by giving blood in January. Donors also receive basic medical examinations of their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. Upcoming blood drives in the Tri-Cities area are planned for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 320 Franklin St., Geneva; 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at John Stewart Elementary School, 817 Prairie Valley Street, Elburn; 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road, Batavia; and 8 to 11 a.m. Jan. 25 at the Geneva Park District, 3507 Kaneville Road. For more information or a full listing of Heartland blood drives, visit heartlandbc.org.Candidates forum in ElginThe Elgin Area League of Women Voters will hold a candidates forum at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. Contested Kane County office candidates have been invited to speak as well as 16th Circuit judge candidates. The public can submit questions.New number for Aurora policeThe Aurora Police Department has announced new telephone numbers for all police employees and divisions effective immediately. While the number for police emergencies, 911, does not change, the department has established a new nonemergency telephone number of (630) 256-5000.Parents can learnThe Batavia Parent Academy presents "Parent University" from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 at Rotolo Middle School. To review the breakout sessions and register, visit bps101.net.Geneva history calendarsThe Geneva History Center is selling 2010 calendars, featuring historic images of Geneva in celebration of the community's 175th birthday. The calendar features rare archival images of Geneva people, places and events, plus historical information. Cost is $10. The center is at 113 S. Third St.Purchase Metra tickets onlineMetra accepts credit card payment for ticket purchases made online. Using a Web feature, My Metra, commuters can create an account to manage and order tickets online. The feature also will allow them to view ticket order history, create a customized view of their train schedule and set up personalized e-mail alerts. For details, visit metrarail.com.