Tri-Cities briefs

West Chicago eyes gambling

West Chicago residents can comment on video gambling when the city's public affairs committee meets at 7 tonight at city hall, 475 Main St. The Video Gaming Act, enacted earlier this year, allows video gambling terminals at designated restaurants and fraternal organizations that have a liquor license. The games would be allowed unless the city votes to ban them.

Baseball writer to speak

Learn the Ten Commandments of Baseball and how they can be applied to everyday living from J.D. Thorne during "Thou Shalt Play Ball," at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Thorne, a former University of Wisconsin player, and the author of "The Ten Commandments of Baseball," will share classic stories about baseball legends and characters. Admission is free. Registration is requested. Visit bataviapubliclibrary.org or call (630) 879-4777.

Pack 165's 'Rocket Day'

St. Charles Cub Scout Pack 165's Annual "Rocket Day" will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday in the field across from Anderson Park on Brown Road, just north of Route 64, Campton Hills. The Scouts will be launching Estes Alpha III model rockets. While only about a foot tall and less than 1 inch in diameter, the rockets typically reach heights exceeding 1,000 feet. For more information, call Jim Lauber at (847) 212-4237.

Helping veterans

The Batavia High School cheerleading teams are collecting money to send veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to see the World War II Memorial. Everyone is invited to see the teams' Flip and Fly at an open house at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at the school. Donations will also be accepted at the door. Call (630) 406-9321.

Park recognizes veterans

The Fox Valley Park District will recognize veterans during November with promotions, deals and discounts. Veterans, their spouses and children will receive free admission to the district's three fitness centers in Aurora: Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road; Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave.; and Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. New Indian Trail. The district also is holding free Family Fun Nights from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in the E-Fit interactive fitness room at Eola Center. In addition, veterans and their families will receive 10 percent discounts off their food bill at Orchard Valley Restaurant. The offer also applies to members of the National Guard and Reserves. Veterans and active members of the military need to show a valid military ID card.