Tri-Cities briefs
WWII veteran to speak:
Geneva History Center Historian Emeritus Merritt King will discuss his service in World War II at noon today at the "Brown Bag Lunch" at the center, 113 S. Third St. King was recently given the Legion of Honor medal for his service by the French government. Other veterans are invited to share their stories. Admission is $5 for nonmembers, $3 for members. Cookies and beverages are provided.
Geneva group home opening:
An open house for a new group home for people with developmental disabilities is from 4 to 7 p.m. today at 1980 South St., Geneva. The home's five residents are clients of the Association for Individual Development. The home was bought with property taxes levied by the Geneva 708 Mental Health Board and given to AID, a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities and mental illness.
Parade benefit:
A fundraiser for Geneva's Swedish Days Parade is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. tonight at The Fresh Market, 718 Commons Drive. Taste wines and sample cheeses, prime rib, shrimp and hors d'oeuvres. A 15 percent discount will be given on wine sales. Tickets are $25. Call (630) 232-6060.
ECC observes AIDS awareness:
As part of observing AIDS Awareness Days Tuesday and Wednesday, Elgin Community College will display portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in the Instruction Center's lounge on the college's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is considered to be the world's largest ongoing community arts project. The quilt, started in 1987, consists of more than 47,000 panels and memorializes more than 83,900 people who have died from AIDS. In addition to the quilt display, the Open Door Clinic in Elgin will host a panel of individuals who will share their story and their experiences living with HIV or AIDS from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday in the Instruction Center. ECC Student Life and its Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual ECC Students and Supporters group will provide information about HIV and AIDS. Staff from the Renz Addiction Counseling Center of Elgin will provide free and confidential HIV testing from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday in room 126 of the Instructional Center.
Aurora CROP Walk slated:
The Aurora Area CROP Hunger Walk to combat local and international hunger steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday from Hesed House, 659 S. River St. Activities begin at 1:30 p.m. with registration and a rally. Last year's walk raised $5,000 and this year's goal is $10,000 with more than 125 participants. The event is one of nearly 40 in the Chicago area. Call (630) 897-7283.