The briefs

Special Kids, Special Families meets today

School psychologist and learning specialist, Michael Gladstein will discuss "Executive Functioning" at the next meeting of Special Kids, Special Families from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Protected Tomorrows, 103 Schelter Road, Lincolnshire. Special Kids, Special Families is a support group for parents living with, raising and educating children with special needs. The meeting is open to all parents of children in all school districts. For information, call Marilyn Green-Rebnord at (847) 821-7740 or Chris Eng at (847) 913-1812. Free.

Take kids to Hersey for Halloween fun

The John Hersey High School choral department will hold its annual Happy Hersey Halloween from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, at the school, 1900 E. Thomas. The event, open to children ages 2-12, features magic shows, story telling games, arts and crafts, refreshments, and an opportunity to take a picture in the pumpkin patch. The choir students will also provide sweet treats throughout the school as youngsters go door-to-door to classrooms, trick-or-treating. Kids are encouraged to attend in their Halloween costumes. (847) 718-4942.

Judges and volunteers needed for Nov. 4

Wheeling Township is seeking judges for the Nov. 4 election in some of the precincts. High school students are encouraged to apply. All positions are paid. Also needed are volunteers to assist and coordinate election judge placement for Wheeling Township Democratic Organization; assistance is needed with database entry and judge outreach as well. Call (847) 253-9032 or e-mail wheelingtownshipdems@yahoo.com

Connecting seniors with students

Senior citizens in Schaumburg Township and surrounding communities are invited to an open house for the District 54 Connecting Generations Volunteer Program at 7 p.m. Nov. 13, at the Schaumburg Library, 130 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The goal of the Connecting Generations Volunteer Program is to identify the gifts and talents of senior community members and match those talents to the needs of students and schools. The presentation will include real-life experiences from volunteers who have participated in the program. Refreshments served. Call (847) 357-5047 or email SamBurgdorff@sd54.org.

Nominating petitions available for park board

Three Park Commissioners for the Arlington Heights Park District will be elected to four-year terms at the April 7, 2009, consolidated election. To be a candidate, interested persons must file nominating petitions signed by 255 qualified voters who are residents of the Arlington Heights Park District.

Nominating petition sheets may be circulated beginning Tuesday, October 28, and are available at the Park District Administration Center, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road. Completed petitions must be filed with the park district secretary from 9 a.m.-5 p.m Jan. 19- 26, at the Park District Administration Center. Candidates for the office of Park Commissioner must live within the Arlington Heights Park District and file a statement of economic interest with the Cook County Clerk. A statement of candidacy, the nominating petitions, the receipt of the economic interest statement, and a loyalty oath (optional) must be filed with the park district secretary. Commissioners serve without compensation. For information, call (847) 577-3007.