DuPage County briefs

NCC honors instructor

Naperville's North Central College has named Diane Anstine its newest Ruge Fellow, a program designed to recognize, celebrate and reward faculty for their contributions to the school's teaching and learning environment. Anstine, a resident of Aurora, is an associate professor and head of the economics department. The title is named for the late Dr. Daniel Ruge, a 1939 alumnus and former White House physician to President Ronald Reagan. The title is awarded for a period of five years.

Special nights with Santa

Naperville Park District's Riverwalk Santa House will celebrate the holiday season with three special days before opening to the public on Dec. 4 at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street. Special Needs Nights for youngsters with special needs and their families will be from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2, with visits arranged by appointment only to ensure minimal wait time. Call (630) 848-5000 for details. Pet Day at Santa House is from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Reservations are required by calling (630) 848-5000. For details, visit www.napervilleparks.org.

Polar Express at Blackberry

You can jump aboard the Polar Express train during the first two weekends of December at Aurora's Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road. The decorated train will run continuously around Lake Gregory from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. Holiday music will play during the event, "The Polar Express" will be read at the school house and Santa will meet youngsters at the Early Streets Museum. Admission to the Polar Express is $3 for Aurora residents and $5 for others. For details, call (630) 892-1550.

Park program donates pies

Naperville Park District's preschool program recently sponsored its annual Pennies for Pies drive to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry. By collecting small change from participants, organizers were able to raise $477 and donate 80 pumpkin pies to the pantry's Thanksgiving-in-a-Bag program.