Fox Valley briefs

Judson hosts open house ThursdayJudson University's School of Education will hold an informational open house for its new master's degree with ESL/Bilingual and its new Endorsement in ESL/Bilingual programs from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in Judson's Creekside South Building on Jerusha Avenue.These two ESL/Bilingual programs are 13-month, accelerated programs that will prepare teachers for working with linguistically and culturally diverse students and give them tools to provide a quality programs that will enable these students to succeed. Participants at the open house will be able to meet the professors and will learn about the curriculum and class schedule for both the master's degree and the Endorsement.For information, contact professors Christine Starzynski at cstarzynski@judsonu.edu or (847) 628-1087 or A. Gillian Stewart-Wells at astewartwells@judsonu.edu or (847) 628-1103.Dance to benefit therapy dogA Benefit for Butter the Comfort Dog, in conjunction with Greater Fox Valley Chapter-Dance USA, is planned from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at St. John's Lutheran Church and School Activity Center, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. A free waltz lesson will be from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.Admission is $8 per person for USA Dance members and $12 per person for nonmembers.Snacks and beverages will be available; complimentary cake and coffee will be provided. Dress code is dressy casual, but no blue jeans or gym shoes. For details, call St. John's Lutheran Church and School at (847) 658-9300.Monthly book sale at Oak CrestOak Crest Residence and Atrium Apartments, 204 S. State St., Elgin, invites the community to attend its monthly book sale from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the atrium.The sale consists of a large selection of gently used books, VHS movies and CDs. Bookmarks handcrafted by members will be for sale.Oak Crest is a nonprofit, independent and assisted living campus for older adults. For details, call (847) 742-2255 or visit oakcrestatrium.org for upcoming events.Join in mini Trivia Bees in ElginJoin the Literacy Connection's mini Trivia Bees to be held two Saturday mornings in downtown Elgin. Also, get an early "Spring Tune Up" for the Literacy Connection's 13th annual Trivia Bee, buzzing into town April 17.Gather a few friends or join others at Ravenheart Coffee, 176 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, March 13. They will challenge three- or four-person teams to show off their knowledge of facts in many categories.Cost for each bee is $5 per person, and the winning team from each bee will get half of the event's proceeds.For information on the mini Trivia Bees or to register, sponsor a team or donate prizes for the annual Trivia Bee, call (847) 742-6565, contact info@elginliteracy.org or visit www.elginliteracy.org.Senior bingo offered at Huntley LegionGrafton Township invites residents ages 55 and older for "Senior Bingo" at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral St., Huntley. Come at 11 a.m. for a program before a free lunch. For details, call (847) 669-5900.Weather spotter class offered at MCCMcHenry County Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with McHenry County College, will present Severe Weather Spotters Class from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake. There is no registration feeBarry Valentine, director of the McHenry County Emergency Agency, will discuss the procedures that are implemented at the McHenry County Government Center. Jim Allsopp from the National Weather Service will discuss the nature of severe weather systems, the do's and don'ts during severe weather, how to report severe weather to the National Weather Service and the role of the National Weather Service.To register by phone, call (815) 338-6400 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.