Fox Valley briefs

Learn about Rutland history

The Rutland Township Historical Society will present an educational program on the Schroeder Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Linda Eder and Jane Smith of the Kane County Genealogical Society will also talk about Albro Gilbert, who owned the land where Gilberts now sits. Refreshments will be served. The program will be held at Rutland Township Hall, 16N491 Powers Road, Gilberts. Call (847) 888-4941.

School seeks donations

Hampshire's Gary D. Wright Elementary School is partnering with the union that represents teacher's aides and other school support staff to assemble care packages for servicemen stationed abroad. The school is asking the community to donate pens, paper, magazines, toiletries, nonperishable snacks, CDs, DVDs and other items. Donation boxes will be at the school, 1500 Ketchum Road; Rose Garden Family Restaurant, 199 S. State St.; and Block Brothers, 199 Mill Ave. The school is also inviting the community to attend its Veterans Day commemoration at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the school. Call (847) 683-5700.

Swine flu and you

The McHenry County Department of Health has a call center and Web page for those who need more information about the H1N1 flu outbreak, symptoms and prevention. That phone number is (815) 334-2800, and you can view the site at mcdh.info. Moreover, the department will send out mailers detailing similar information. There also is a call center in place at Centegra Health System. That number is (815) 236-8347.