The briefs

Countryside to host peace conference

A conference to foster grassroots efforts toward peace, justice and the environment will be held from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Countryside Unitarian Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. The family-friendly, nonpartisan event offers speakers, local organizations and breakout sessions. Jim Kenney of Common Ground will give the keynote address. A $10 donation is suggested. Visit www.better-day.info or call Hal at (224) 678-6188.

Community health and wellness expo

Hanover Township, Victory Center of Bartlett and state Rep. Randy Ramey will present "Just for the Health of It," a health and wellness expo from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1101 and 1105 W. Bartlett Road and 240 S. Route 59 in Bartlett. Includes more than 100 health care providers, health screenings and assessments, driver license and state ID renewals, a blood drive, educational program and resources, fitness classes and more. Call Tracey, (630) 483-5600; Mary Jo, (630) 837-0301; or Terri, (630) 213-0100.

District 54 hosts races for literacy

School District 54 and the Campanelli YMCA will host a day of races Sunday, Sept. 28, to support literacy in School District 54. The goal is to collect 1,000 children's books for every classroom in the district.

The event begins at 8 a.m. with a 100-yard dash for children in first grade and younger; followed by a 400-yard dash for children in sixth grade and younger, both at Dirksen School, 116 W. Beech Drive in Schaumburg. Also included is a 5K race at 8:30 a.m. and a family fun walk at 8:45 a.m. Runners must register in advance at www.sd54.org or (847) 357-5028.