Briefs: Cruise nights in Batavia

The Batavia Jaycees will have its "Cars Under the Stars" events from 6 to 9 tonight on the Riverwalk on Houston Street. There will be prizes and music, and all vehicles are welcome. For more information, visit www.bataviajaycees.org.

History of Batavia biz

Learn about the history of commerce in Batavia over the past 175 years, at a discussion at 2 p.m. Monday at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Besides windmill factories and rock quarries, participants will talk about stores, service industries and other manufacturers of the past. Co-sponsored by the Batavia Depot Museum, the Batavia Historical Society and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Nature programs for kids

Children 3 to 6 can explore nature in the Kane County Forest Preserve's "Near to Nature" programs this summer. Children and their parents will explore natural areas, go on hikes and play games. The cost is $5 for each session. The dates offered are: Tuesday at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin; Wednesday at Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center, 35W076 Villa Maria Road, St. Charles; and Thursday at the Les Arends Forest Preserve, 2S731 Route 31 in Batavia. All programs are from 10 to 11 a.m. To register, call (847) 741-8350.

Township brush pickup

The next St. Charles Township brush pickup date is Sept. 2. Unincorporated St. Charles residents should call the township road district office at (630) 584-3496 no later than Aug. 29 and leave their address if they have brush to be picked up.

School on Lincoln's birthday

The Elgin Area School District U-46 board has approved plans to ask the state to hold classes on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12. Holding school on the date, a state holiday, would allow the district greater scheduling flexibility, district attorney Pat Broncato said. District officials instead plan to give students Presidents Day off.

5K run for DayOne

A 5K run in St. Charles Sept. 7 will raise money for DayOneNetwork, an organization that provides services to people with disabilities. The Run for DayOne is planned for 8 a.m. at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. A half-mile "family walk" follows at 9 a.m. Registration the day of the event is $25. The prices include a T-shirt. Call (630) 879-2277, ext. 114, or visit www.dayonenetwork.org.