The briefs

Kafka book to be topic WednesdayThe Algonquin Area Public Library Classics Reading Group will be discussing a novella, "Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the Harnish branch, 2600 Harnish Drive in Algonquin. Copies of the book can be checked out at the Harnish library branch circulation desk. Come ready to share your thoughts in a small group discussion. For information about the Classics Reading Group, visit classicsreadinggroup.wordpress.com or visit the library's website aapld.org.Rummage sale to benefit canine unitThe Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will hold a rummage sale to benefit the Elgin Police Department Canine Unit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, to Saturday, Sept. 18, at 2065 Belvidere Line in Valley Creek, Elgin. The sale will include toys, clothes, furniture, small appliances, books, household items and tools. It is a nonprofit organization comprised of Citizens Police Academy graduates.Poet to open ECC Reading SeriesMissouri poet John Gallaher is the opening guest in the Elgin Community College Writers Center Reading Series Thursday, Sept. 16. The free event is at 7:30 p.m. in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, Room VPA 191D, on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Gallaher is the author of the "Gentlemen in Turbans, Ladies in Cauls" "A Map of the Folded World" and the Levis Poetry Prize-winning "The Little Book of Guesses." He is a professor of English at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. Copies of Gallaher's work will be available for sale and signing at the event. For more information about Writers Center activities, contact Rachael Tecza at (847) 214-7578 or rtecza@elgin.edu.Forum to discuss social servicesThe Advocates Network, along with many other social service agencies/providers, will host a governmental forum to discuss issues facing social service agencies on Thursday, Sept. 16. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Christ Community Church, 37W100 Bolcum Road, St. Charles. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly to officials and candidates from state of Illinois, Kane County Board, local cities/villages and townships. The Advocates Network is a group whose mission is to gather family and friends in order to help individuals with diverse disabilities achieve a better quality of life. You can impact governmental legislation affecting these individuals through voicing your opinions on social service issues. Attend this forum on Sept. 16 and speak out to support individuals in your community as they work toward their goal of independence. All questions for officials and candidates must be submitted before the event. To RSVP or to submit questions, contact Gina Richter at (847) 515-8998 or ginar 30@sbcglobal.net. Child and adult care are available upon request.'Hairspray' to be staged at ECCFox Valley Theatre Co. presents the musical "Hairspray" in the Blizzard Theater at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. About 70 local teenagers will perform in this production at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For tickets, call the box office at (847) 622-0300.Fall ski jump slated at Norge Sept. 19At noon Sunday, Sept. 19, ski jumpers from around the country and Canada will gather once again to try to claim rights to one of the most prestigious titles in American ski jumping, Norge Ski Jump Champion. Food and beverages will be sold on site as well as souvenirs. Parking at the Norge facility is free. Norge Ski Jump is at 100 Ski Hill Road, just two blocks north of Route 14 in Fox River Grove. Admission is $10 in advance at many area merchants in Cary, Barrington and Fox River Grove, or $15 at the gate. The gates open at 11 a.m. There will also be a Junior ski meet at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Admission is free on Saturday only. Pre-sale buttons are valid for both days. For information, call Norge at (847) 639-9718 or (847) 630-4328. Visit norgeskiclub.com.Volunteers needed to help seniorsOne of the greatest threats to seniors is loss of independence, especially for those who cannot drive. Why not volunteer to drive a senior to their doctor's appointments. Volunteers can set their own availability and preferred driving range, and are reimbursed for gas mileage and meals where applicable. Drivers are also covered by excess liability insurance. If you are interested in volunteering, call Wendy Holtz, RSVP/Neighbor to Neighbor program coordinator, at (847) 741-0404. If you know a senior that is in need of transportation or could benefit from the service give them a call.Annual cemetery walk held Sept. 26The 23rd annual Elgin Cemetery Walk will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Blvd., Elgin. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the event and $3.50 for children under 18. Tickets are available at the Elgin Area Historical Society Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin and Ziegler's Ace Hardware Stores at 258 N. Spring St. or 1158 Lillian St., Elgin. For details, call (847) 742-4248.W. Dundee church plans rummage saleThe First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee, will hold its fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23. A bag discount sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund charities that help the hungry, the homeless and those in need in the greater community. Items for sale will include everything from jewelry, books, toys, clothing and household goods to furniture. Donations are welcome at the church from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the setup days, Monday, Sept. 20, through Wednesday, Sept. 22. A letter acknowledging donations will be available upon request for tax purposes. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210, or visit fccdundee.com.Class at St. Mary starts Oct. 3On Sunday, Oct. 3, classes begin at St. Mary Catholic Church, 397 Fulton in Elgin, for those who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith or who are interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church. Call the Religious Education Office at (847) 888-2718 or e-mail deaconhank@stmaryelgin.com to register or for more information.