In brief: Turn your lights off

Turn your lights off

Residents who want to help fight climate change can do their part by turning off lights in their homes from 8 to 9 tonight as part of Earth Hour. The goal is to reduce energy usage, thus curbing carbon dioxide emissions. For details go to www.earthhourus.org.

Hop for your health:

The Kane County Health Department is accepting registrations for its ninth annual Healthy Hop, a 5K race that includes a 1-mile fun run and the Tots Hop April 5. The entry fee is $10 before Tuesday, $15 on race day. Register online at www.kanehealth.com and follow the Healthy Hop links. Participating in the Tots Hop is free.

Poker tourney fundraiser

The Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin is sponsoring a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament Friday at the St. Charles Country Club, 1250 Country Club Road, St. Charles, to raise money for the shelter that serves 3,400 animals a year. The cost of the tournament is $125 and includes a tournament seat and a large buffet. Spectator tickets are $35. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and first deal is 7:05 p.m. Top prize is $1,500 and there are five payouts. For more information, call (847) 697-2880, ext. 33 or e-mail kmelone@andersonanimalshelter.org.

Campaign reception set

Aurora Alderman Stephanie Kifowit formally will announce her candidacy for mayor at 6 p.m. Friday at Long Island Sound, 1920 E. New York St. The reception, which is open to the public, will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Kifowit was elected Third Ward alderman in 2002 and re-elected in 2007. Her campaign platform includes creating a nonpolitical city manager position. For details on the reception, call (312) 315-0296.

Wasco book sale April 18:

The Wasco Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization will have its eighth annual used book sale from 3:30 to 8 p.m. April 18. Items for sale include books, audio books, CDs, software, videos and DVDs for children as well as adults. Prices range from 50 cents to $2. The PTO fundraiser will be in the school's community room at 4N782 School St., about five miles west of the Randall Road and Route 64 intersection in St. Charles. The organization also is accepting donations of gently used materials from April 7 to 16 during regular school hours. Call (630) 365-1412.

St. Charles changes billing

The city of St. Charles utility customers will soon receive their utility bills in an envelope, instead of on a postcard. An envelope for payment will be included. The outside of the envelope will state "Utility Bill Enclosed." The new format will include a graph depicting electric and water usage over the previous 13 months. Call (630) 377-4426.