DuPage County briefs

Naperville names coordinator:

Naperville has named Joe Henderson its new emergency management coordinator. Henderson, a former emergency management specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, began work Monday. Most of his experience has been in Baltimore and Maryland. He also was part of the planning and joint operations for the presidential inauguration.

Park offers gift options:

Naperville Park District is offering two gift options from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. Gift certificates can be purchased in any denomination and used toward Centennial Beach memberships, rounds of golf or golf merchandise, and programs. On-the-Go Passes for $15 let recipients enjoy a one-time visit to Centennial Beach, the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower and a 20-minute paddle boat ride for up to four people. The passes are valid for use through 2010. The gift certificates and passes are available at the district's administrative office, 320 W. Jackson Ave., or the South Maintenance Facility, 3415 Book Road. For details, see napervilleparks.org.

Benedictine seeks comments:

Benedictine University in Lisle is seeking comments from the public about its master's of science in nursing program in preparation for an evaluation of the program by a national accrediting agency. The nursing program will undergo a comprehensive evaluation Feb. 15-17 during a visit by a team of reviewers representing the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Written third-party comments about the program can be accepted by CCNE until 30 days before the scheduled visit. Written comments can be submitted to: Amanda Brownbridge, Accreditation Assistant, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, D.C, 20036-1230.

Helping those in need:

Fox Valley United Way is seeking partners to help provide holiday gifts for area children and families in need. Businesses, community groups, families and individuals may adopt an individual or family; send checks payable to Fox Valley United Way to 40 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506; purchase a gift card from a local grocery store to help provide a holiday meal; drop off an unwrapped gift at the Fox Valley United Way office by Dec. 10. For details, call (630) 896-4636.

Special needs resource fair

The Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA will host it's First Resource Fair at 7 p.m. tonight. All parents and staff in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 are invited. About 15 organizations that offer products, programs and services that specialize and serve children with special needs will have information and representatives in attendance. The meeting and resource fair will be in the Crouse Education Center, Room B6 at 780 Shoreline Drive in Aurora.

Writers hold fund drive:

The Naperville Writers Group is offering a selection of holiday cards to raise funds for the group's activities. Donors who give $10 or more receive a card to give to someone on their gift list. Visit napervillewritersgroup.org/aunt_minnie.php for a selection of cards.

Cover design contest for kids:

Kids ages 5 to 13 have an opportunity to win prizes by entering Naperville Park District's contest to design a program cover for the dance program's performances of "S.O.S. Trouble in the Trench," to held in January. Contest entry forms and a summary of the story can be downloaded at napervilleparks.org or picked up at the following park district facilities: Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave.; Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave.; South Maintenance Facility, 3415 Book Road; or the administration building, 320 W. Jackson Ave. Completed entry forms must be submitted by noon Dec. 12 and labeled Attention: S.O.S. Trouble in the Trench Program Cover Design Contest. The three winners will be notified by phone.