The briefs
Sign up to be a Master GardenerUniversity of Illinois Extension in McHenry County is hosting a training program for new Master Gardeners starting in January. Master Gardeners are trained by U of I Horticulture Educators to help homeowners with gardening, lawn, tree, shrub, and insect and disease control questions. Master Gardener volunteers staff a walk-in clinic, offer off-site question-and-answer sessions, and offer programs for local groups and organizations. You may be familiar with their annual GardenFest and GardenWalk, held in conjunction with McHenry County College. For more information about the program or an application, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/mchenry/ or call the McHenry County Extension office at (815) 338-3737, ext. 15. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Aug. 31.AARP offers refresher courseAARP is offering a two-day classroom refresher course for drivers 50 years of age and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, and Friday, Sept. 3, at Algonquin Township offices, lower level room 2, 3702 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake. The eight-hour course will review the rules of the road and teach you accident prevention skills. It will help you overcome the effects of aging in driving. Most insurance companies offer an insurance discount when this course is completed. The Secretary of State will be notified. Preregistration and attendance both days are required. The cost is $12 for AARP members (must bring membership card) and $14 for nonmembers. For details, call (847) 639-2700, ext. 7.Casino night offered for advocacy center"Take a Chance on Children Casino Nite," benefiting The Children's Advocacy Center, will be held from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at Millrose Restaurant, 45 S. Barrington Road, South Barrington. Have fun playing poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas Hold'em. Cost is $30 per person in advance or $40 at event. All prices include a free beer and $10 worth of playing chips. To register, contact Susan Reedquist at (847) 885-0100 or visit cachelps.org.Public invited to join square dancingThe Huntley Square and Round Dance Club will host a community square and round dance on Friday, Sept. 3, at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way, Huntley. The community dance will be from 7 to 7:45 p.m. No experience needed; everyone is invited. The square and round dance for experienced dancers is from 8 to 10 p.m. The caller will be Eric Tangman. The event is free for novices and watchers and $5 for experienced dancers. Casual dress or square dance attire. For details, call Sid at (847) 669-0642 or e-mail sidneys111@yahoo.com. The dances are held on the first Friday of the month.Sign up now for NISRA programsResidents with disabilities are encouraged to register now for recreation activities with the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association. Programs begin Oct. 4 and take place in public facilities throughout NISRA's 13 member communities. About 100 programs offer fun, friendship-making, and skill development for people of all ages and ability levels. Log on to nisra.org to view the fall brochure for a complete list of programs and registration information. The registration deadline is Sept. 16. NISRA provides year round recreation activities and local Special Olympics for residents with disabilities in McHenry County and parts of Cook, Lake and Kane counties. Call (815) 459-0737 for information or visit nisra.org.'Rules of Road' offered WednesdaySecretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with The Centre, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, is offering a "Rules of the Road" Review Course for all citizens in the Elgin area from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1. The course is free to anyone who wishes to attend. The purpose of the course is to help participants pass the Illinois driver's license renewal examination. The course prepares applicants for the general written and road examinations and also provides information on the vision screening.