Tri-Cities briefs

Psychology of reading:

"Reading on Earth" will be presented at 7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 7, at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., by Donna Seaman, Booklist associate editor and book critic for Chicago Public Radio. She will discuss the psychology of reading and how it helps people connect to the living world. The program is free but registration is requested. Visit bataviapubliclibrary.org or call (630) 879-4777.

'Geneva Remembered' talk:

At noon Tuesday, Dec. 8, Geneva History Center Archivist Ron Rawson will present "Geneva Remembered: Personal Recollections 1830s-1890s." This slide show and lecture will feature the first-person accounts of 12 men and women. You'll hear about a one-room schoolhouse, Geneva's first whiskey distillery, the early telephone exchange, a miserable missionary, and a rat-catching bulldog named Old Hi. It is part of the Brown Bag Lunch Series. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for history center members and students. The center is at 113 S. Third St.

Decorate your tree:

Scentimental Gardens in Geneva is hosting a workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 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 reservations are required. Scentimental Gardens is at 428 W. State St. Call (630) 232-1303.

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 can adopt an individual or family. Send checks payable to Fox Valley United Way to 40 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506. People can also purchase a gift card from a local grocery store to help provide a holiday meal, or drop off an unwrapped gift at the United Way office by Thursday. Call (630) 896-4636.

Adopt a dog:

Visit Blackberry Station & Country Store. 202 W. North St. in Elburn, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to visit with available puppies and dogs for adoption. There will be a free gift for the first 25 children. Markay Dog Training will also be on site from noon to 2 p.m. to answer any questions about your four-legged family addition. Contact 4 Paws 4 U 4 Ever at (630) 293-8772 or puppiesthatneedlove.com with any questions about the event. Call (630) 365-1424.