Tri-Cities briefs

Eola Road interchange set:

The long-awaited Eola Road interchange at Interstate 88 in Aurora is scheduled to open Saturday morning, according to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. But first, tollway, DuPage County, Naperville and Aurora officials want to celebrate the completion of the $50 million project today with a 10 a.m. ceremony. Once open, the interchange will be accessible only to I-PASS users. Customers paying with cash will have to use the interchanges at Farnsworth Avenue two miles to the west or Route 59 two miles to the east. The new interchange was built as part of the tollway's $6.3 billion congestion relief program.

Parents protest U-46 decision:

At a school board meeting this week, several Elgin Area School District U-46 parents expressed frustrations over the decision to drain high school swimming pools after winter activities conclude. The district, which is attempting to cut $4.9 million from this year's budget, says the move will save approximately $200,000. In addition to draining the pools, several "B" teams at both the high schools and the middle schools have also been cut.

Local foods in winter:

The Community Winter Market, sponsored by Geneva Green Market NFP, is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays inside Inglenook Pantry, 11 N. Fifth St., Geneva. Featured producers are Curd and Whey Cheese Shop, Erehwon Farm Esther's Place, Farm-Direct Black Angus, Grandma's Farm Fresh Eggs, Hasselmann Family Farm, Inglenook Pantry, Robinson Family Farm, Stojan's Vegetables, Tomato Mountain Farm, Twin Gardens and Webb Family Farm.

'Black Friday bazaar:

Visit "Mallternative," a holiday bazaar and vendor show, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 27 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S. Batavia Ave. Besides crafts and products, evergreen wreath and roping will be sold from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For details, visit calvary-episcopal.org.

Decorate your tree:

Scentimental Gardens in Geneva is hosting a workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 to create a miniature fresh tree decorated with embellished glass ornaments and finishing with a flocking of fresh-looking snow. Bring your own container for the tree, all other supplies will be provided. Cost is $45 per person and RSVPs are due before Dec. 8. Scentimental Gardens is at 428 W. State St. Call (630) 232-1303.