Briefs: Service for crash victims

A memorial service for the four victims of the Air Angels helicopter crash is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 S. Eola Road, Aurora. On-site parking is limited. Anyone wishing to attend should take shuttle buses from the Westfield Fox Valley Mall, in the parking lot off Entrance 4. The buses start at 9 a.m. After the 90-minute service, a procession of emergency vehicles will drive past the crash site.

Naperville buys radio system

Naperville City Council has approved the purchase of a new interoperable radio system for emergency response personnel, replacing the current one that is nearly 20 years old. The system will allow Naperville to communicate with other agencies and was purchased in partnership with Aurora from Tyco Electronics for $10.1 million. It should be in place by summer 2010.

Energy upgrades complete

Lifelink, a human services organization in Bensenville, completed $2 million in energy-efficiency upgrades and renovations this week at Castle Towers, an affordable-housing community for nearly 160 older and physically challenged adults. The renovations are part of Lifelink's recently completed $14 million investment in upgrades and energy-efficient advancements for nearly 1,000 residents at 12 of its affordable housing communities in DuPage and Cook counties. Lifelink officials said the upgrades have resulted in energy savings, lower utility bills and enhanced living conditions for residents.

Preschool expansion

Carol Stream District 93 is expanding its early childhood services to children who may be at risk of school failure. State funds will allow children to attend the district's preschool program at no cost to qualifying families. To be considered, families must apply by Nov. 8 and children must live in the district and be ages 3 to 5 but not yet in kindergarten. Inability to pay for preschool also will be a consideration. Application forms are available at the district offices, 230 Covington Drive, Bloomingdale. For details, call Sharon Frys at (630) 539-3145.

Group picks members

Katherine Doremus of Winfield and James Pandolfi and Paul Colgan of Wheaton were elected to the DuPage Homeownership Center's board of directors. Doremus works for Community Bank in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, while Pandolfi is employed by Crowe Horwath LLP and Colgan is part of the Attainable Housing Alliance. The center's director, Dru Bergman, said their expertise will help the organization address challenges facing first-time home buyers, homeowners in danger of foreclosure and seniors looking to remain in their homes. The DuPage Homeownership Center, a nonprofit housing counseling agency in Wheaton, offers programs to help individuals and families become and remain successful homeowners in the DuPage housing market.

District 94 report card

The 2008 School Report Card for Community High School District 94 is available on the school Web site at d94.org; Click on "information" and then "School Report Card 2008."

Holiday donations needed

The People's Resource Center is seeking holiday donations to help more than 2,400 DuPage County families in need. For every $15 donated, a family will get a turkey and all the trimmings to share on Thanksgiving Day. To make a donation, make checks payable to: People's Resource Center and send to 201 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Please note "Thanksgiving" in the memo section of the check. Donations also can be made on the secure Web site, peoplesrc.org.

Roadside safety check

Bensenville police will conduct a roadside safety checkpoint Friday, Oct. 24, near Route 83 and Hillside Drive. Motorists will be directed into a checkpoint area, asked to provide their driver's license and proof of insurance. This will be the 26th roadside safety checkpoint Bensenville police have conducted this year.