Briefs: Iraq war panel discussion
The Elgin Community College Peace and Justice Group, a student club that explores issues of war, peace and justice, is sponsoring two panel discussions about the Iraq war today. The discussions, featuring members of the Chicago chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War, will be held at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Student Resource Center Community Room on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. Both events are free. Guests are asked to bring an item that will be sent overseas to soldiers. Call (847) 214-7370.
Sale aids reading program
An online Usborne book sale is being conducted at ubah.com/BF26229 to benefit Literacy In Families Empowers. This 10-week program has been held at various Batavia public schools over the past five years to help first-grade readers who are reading below grade level. All commissions earned on purchases will be donated back to the program. To purchase books directly for the program, you can shop from LIFE's Wish List, which can be found on the Web page. Shipping is free for donated books. Usborne specializes in children's books. For details, e-mail Ellen Posledni at reposledni@sbcglobal.net or call (630) 482-9318.
Flood relief concert
A concert to aid residents whose homes were damaged in September floods will take the stage at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. It's sponsored by Carol Stream and Onesti Entertainment. The show will feature Beatles tribute band American English and Journey tribute band Infinity. Tickets are $20 and available at the Carol Stream Municipal Center, 500 N. Gary Ave., or Carol Stream Public Library, 616 Hiawatha Trail. Call (630) 665-7050.
Free workshop for artists
The Fox Valley Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago will host a free workshop to train art volunteers in the classroom from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. The workshop is open to volunteers who present art appreciation programs in public or private elementary schools. For information, call Kristen at (630) 406-0460 or Suzanne at (630) 406-0979.
Volunteer awards coming up
Aurora is accepting nominations for the city's Community Volunteer Awards through Nov. 14. Nonprofit groups, churches, schools and service clubs in Aurora are asked to submit nominations for their top three volunteers. All nominees will be recognized and one will be named "Aurora's Volunteer of the Year" at a reception with Mayor Thomas Weisner at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Nomination forms are available at the city's Web site at aurora-il.org or call (630) 844-4731.