The briefs

Meet artists at Old Courthouse Arts Center

Old Courthouse Arts Center, 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock, is holding Sweet Summer 2008 art exhibit through July 27.

An artists' reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. June 21.

Center hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For details, call (815) 338-4525.

Garden party planned at Oak Crest

Celebrate the long-awaited arrival of summer at a garden party from 2 to 4 p.m. June 20, the first day of summer, on the Hope Cottage patio, 204 S. State St, Elgin, the southwest corner of the campus of Oak Crest Residence and Atrium Apartments.

The 103-year-old Oak Crest is a nonprofit organization that recently opened the Hope Cottage Memory Center, dedicated to one of our most precious resources, our memory. Special programming to enhance memory and day programs for those experiencing memory losses are now available.

A key component of the program's philosophy is to make every day as enjoyable as possible. In that spirit, the welcoming of summer in the blooming patio of the Hope Cottage is planned to offer guests the chance to tour the cottage, share gardening tips and take part in a plant swap.

There is no charge for the event and refreshments will be served. Call (847) 742-2255 to RSVP.

Cruisin' Cary takes off again

The Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce will again present the Cruisin' Cary car show. Cruisin' Cary takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 4-Aug. 27 on West Main Street and Jandus Road, off Route 14. The event attracts several hundred residents and car enthusiasts to downtown Cary.

While all classic cars, hot rods, antiques, muscle cars and more are welcome each night, there is a nightly theme for judging. June 18 is All Bike Night. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded at 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Throughout the night, there will be split-the-pot raffles and free giveaways.

For details, call Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce at (847) 639-2800.