Fox Valley briefs

Shredding day in Elgin:State Rep. Keith Farnham and ATT will host a community shredding day from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 at Farnham's office, 216 Prairie St., Elgin. A giant shredder will be in the parking lot for individuals and businesses alike to shred sensitive documents and to protect themselves from identity theft. For details, call (847) 841-7130.Learn about soldier tribute: The Patriot Committee of Dundee Township is holding an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at the Dundee Township Senior Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville, to discuss the Welcome Home Tribute to Vietnam Veterans and the Healing Field of Honor. The event is planned for May 27-31 to coincide with the Memorial Day weekend. A patriotic display of 1,748 American flags will stand in Carpenter Park in Carpentersville and will allow visitors to walk among the flags to pay tribute to soldiers and veterans. Volunteers, sponsors and supporters from the community are needed. Flags are available for purchase and are not limited to honoring someone who served in Vietnam. Proceeds from the flags will benefit the VFW and Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township. For details, call Jerry Christopherson at (630) 730-0558.McHenry County hosting free H1N1 clinic SundayThe McHenry County Department of Health will hold a clinic for H1N1 flu vaccinations from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy 14, in Crystal Lake. Appointments can be made online at www.mcdh.info or by calling (815) 334-2800. Because of increased availability of the vaccine, he health department is making vaccinations is available to all county residents free of charge. Fro additional information about H1N1 and other flus, visit at www.flu.gov.Program for students in crisis:The Cambridge Lakes Charter School in Pingree Grove is starting a program to help students who have undergone a traumatic event such as the death of a family member or divorce. The Rainbows program aims to give students strategies to cope with life crises while continuing to be successful academically. The program will last about 16 weeks starting the week of Jan. 18. The group meets once a week for about 30 minutes. E-mail davidcrooks@cambridgelakescharterschool.us or call (847) 464-4300.