Tri-Cities briefs
U-46 approves budget:
Elgin Area School District U-46 board members have approved a $435 million spending plan for 2009-10 - a roughly 3 percent decrease from last year. After cutting 350 full-time positions last spring, U-46 will spend $236 million on salaries - $6.6 million less than last year. While benefits costs, purchased services and supplies will all increase slightly, capital outlay will be reduced by $14.4 million. With lagging state aid, and a rise in foreclosures, the district is expecting expenses to exceed revenues by several million.
Mmm, brownies:
The Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation will hold its fourth annual Brownie Bake-Off at 10:30 a.m. today at Four Beans Coffee House, 1928 W. Wilson St. Judging the club members' brownies are Bill McGrath, city administrator; Alderman Linnea Miller; Batavia Police Cmdr. Dennis Thomas; Britta McKenna, MainStreet Batavia Executive Director; Batavia Fire Battalion Chief Randy Zeis; and Buff Bevil, Four Beans' owner. The winning brownies, including the recipe, will be featured at the bake sale at the club's Oct. 17 Autumn Arts and Crafts Show.
Cinderella needs clothes:
Cinderella's Closet, an event sponsored each year by the Junior League of Kane and DuPage counties to provide financially challenged young women with prom outfits, is holding a Dress and Accessory Drive. Prom dresses, jewelry, evening wraps, purses, hair accessories and formal shoes may be dropped off through Friday at First Centennial Mortgage, 2471 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora; and Elburn Town and Country Public Library, 320 E. North St. Cinderella's Closet is held in April, when the young women are given an opportunity to shop for a prom dress and accessories free of charge. For details, see jlkd.org or e-mail CinderellasCloset@jlkd.org.
Make a flag:
Make a piece of history at 1 p.m. Monday when Donna Lehrer explains her quest to make a reproduction of the Betsy Ross United States flag. It is at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St. Participants will help weave the fabric. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children and History Center members. Call (630) 232-4951 or visit genevahistorycenter.org.