The briefs
Hear area bands perform Saturday
The eighth annual Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at John Hersey High School, 1900 E. Thomas St., Arlington Heights.
Twenty-nine high school bands from the Chicago area will perform. There will be special performances by the Illinois State University Wind Symphony and the Ball State University Wind Ensemble. Chicago's classic radio station, WFMT 98.7 FM, will broadcast several performances as part of the station's new "Introductions" program.
Admission is $8; students age 5 and up and senior citizens, $3; family rate is $15 for two adults and two or more children. Call (847) 718-4941.
Online auction continues
Learning for Life, a character education and career development program that partners with local schools and businesses, is sponsoring its 2008 Learning for Life online auction, which began on April 4 and runs through midnight Monday.
Auction items include professional sports tickets, tickets to theater and music events, restaurant gift certificates, and a guitar signed by Fergie.
Learning for Life's most recent project is a life skills and career development program that provides interactive curriculum and resources, career speakers, and career trek opportunities for students with special needs. To participate in the auction, visit lflnwsc.nwsc.org.
McCain backer to talk to GOP group
The Republicans of Wheeling Township will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at their headquarters, 909 E. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. State Representative Jim Durkin, chairman of the John McCain for President Illinois campaign, will speak about plans for the McCain team in Illinois. The public is invited. Call (847) 632-1774.
Gas station robbed Sunday morning
The gas station at Rand Road and Euclid Avenue was robbed at 4:15 a.m. Sunday. The offender was a white male, 6 feet tall and weighed about 175 lbs. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black gloves that had a yellow logo on them. His face was partially covered with a black bandanna. The offender spoke with a European accent.
Anyone having information about this crime or any other serious crime should call Arlington Heights CrimeStoppers at (847) 590-7867. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
CrimeStoppers is a not-for-profit organization funded entirely by contributions made by concerned citizens, local business and civic groups. All contributions are tax deductible.
Eat at Applebees, help seniors
The Rolling Meadows Senior Center "Dining Out" fundraiser for April will be held at Applebees, 111 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, on Tuesday. Ten percent of all lunch and dinner sales will benefit the Senior Center. Coupons must be presented at time of purchase to participate.
Coupons are available at the Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Call (847) 818-3205 for details.