The briefs

FISH welcomes your donations

Last month, the volunteers of FISH Food Pantry of Carpentersville distributed 4-5 days supply of food to more than 450 families in the area. They appreciate the support of those who have made this possible by their contributions of food, personal hygiene items, and cash donations. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. The pantry is located in Suite 15A of the Meadowdale Shopping Center on Route 25 in Carpentersville. It serves the Carpentersville, East and West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow and Gilberts areas. It is open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Anyone needing assistance in making a donation may call FISH at (847) 428-4357.

AARP hosts Christmas lunch

McHenry County Chapter of AARP will hold its Christmas luncheon and entertainment at noon Thursday, Dec. 3 at The Fountains in Crystal Lake. Cost is $10 for beef dinner and dessert. Payment is due by Nov. 25. No refunds will be offered. Call Ellen at (815) 477-1952.

Big Band music featured Sunday

Les Pace and the Pacemakers will host a free afternoon dance from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 at the Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 1600 Weld Road. Big band era music is featured for listening, dancing or singing along. Refreshments and light food fare is available. For details, call Les at (847) 742-3879.

Elgin church hosts Living Nativity

Larkin Avenue Baptist Church invites you to join the Living Nativity scene from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, on North Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin as part of the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Window Wonderland. Volunteers are needed to assist with hospitality, music, acting and labor in setting up and taking down. There will be live animals at this nativity scene. Volunteers are needed for the entire six hours, or from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m.

Practice will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. It is helpful to participate in the practice. If you can participate, e-mail to info@labcelgin.org, call (847) 742-5014, or visit labcelgin.org and click on Holiday Plans and then Living Nativity Scene.

Join in Gilberts tree lighting festivities

The village of Gilberts will light up the large evergreen tree in Waitcus Park at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. The Hampshire High School Marching Band will be on hand to entertain the crowd and lead a singalong. There will also be a collection bin at this event for a local food pantry for donations of nonperishable food items. For details, visit villageofgilberts.com.

Charity hockey game for autism

Enjoy the "Face Off for Autism" charity hockey game at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at the Leafs Ice Centre, 801 Wesemann Drive, West Dundee. Watch the McHenry County area law enforcement officers take on the Eagles Men's hockey team to benefit the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism in Lake in the Hills. All proceeds will go to the center. Visit www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com or call (847) 458-6802 for more information.

Auxiliary invites you to wine tasting

Provena St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary invites you to taste, learn and enjoy at its first wine tasting event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m Thursday, Dec. 3 at Elgin Community College Business Center, 1700 Sparton Drive, Elgin. Cost is $50 per person. Wines will be provided for tasting and purchase by Geno's Fine Wine & Spirits in Elgin. All proceeds benefit the Provena St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary's pledge to the hospital's expansion and modernization project. For information, contact the Auxiliary Office at (847) 888-3165.

Join in Love Light ceremony Monday

Sherman Hospital's 23rd annual lighting of the Love Light tree will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23 on the second floor of the John Graham Pavilion. The ceremony will be the last one to be held at the 934 Center St. address before the hospital moves to its new home in December. It will honor all Sherman Hospital volunteers. A musical presentation by members of the Elgin Choral Union will again highlight the program and the Love Light Tree will be lighted by longtime Sherman volunteers Deanna Young and Helen Diekman. For details, call (847) 429-2500 or e-mail shermanhealthfoundation@shermanhospital.org.