The briefs

Air your concerns to federal officials

Barrington-area residents worried about the possible takeover of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. will have the chance today to let federal officials know their concerns firsthand.

The national Surface Transportation Board has scheduled several meetings, including today from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington. For details, visit www.fightrailcongestion.com or www.stb.dot.gov or call (800) 347-0689.

In October, Canadian National Railroad began the process of trying to purchase EJ&E, which has a line that runs through the heart of the Barrington communities. The sale potentially adds dozens of trains through the area.

The environmental analysis section of the transportation board will host a "scoping" meeting today in an open house-style format. Attendees can ask questions about the proposal and see the environmental review process, as well as discuss the potential environmental effects of the proposal. Both oral and written comments will be accepted.

The EJ&E line crosses through the area on Ela Road, Cuba Road, Lake Zurich Road, Route 14, Route 59, Lake-Cook Road, Otis Road, and Penny Road, as well as crossing the Union Pacific tracks in the village of Barrington.

Meetings have also been scheduled for Thursday in Joliet, Jan. 16 in Gary, Ind., Jan. 17 in West Chicago and Jan. 22 in Chicago. For information, visit www.stb.dot.gov or call (800) 347-0689.

Poet speaks today on living simply

Poet and author Anne E. Basye of Chicago will speak at a series of events today at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave. in Elgin. The public is invited.

In her book, "Sustaining Simplicity," Basye records her observations and experiences for a year as she attempts to live daily life more simply. The 212-page journal is an honest, in-depth sharing of the successes and struggles of one follower of Christ trying to live justly and joyfully. Basye also is associate director for global resources with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The chapel service will be at 9:15 a.m. Basye will lead a service titled "'Tis a Gift to Be Simple." The book signing and reception will be about 9:45 a.m., hosted by Brethren Press. The book will be available for purchase for $12.

At the 11:45 a.m. "Brown Bag" presentation, Basye will speak on "Sustaining Simplicity in the New Year," with suggestions for better lifestyle stewardship in 2008. For details, call Janis Pyle at (847) 742-5100, ext. 227.