Briefs: Charges filed in burglaries

An Aurora man has been charged in connection with burglaries involving coin-operated washing machines and clothes dryers, according to police. Kevin D. Richardson, 48, of the 800 block of W. New York Street, has been charged with four counts of burglary and two counts of theft by possession. Police believe he pried the tops off 11 machines in order to steal coins from them at apartment complexes in the 900 block of Old Indian Trail Road, the 1200 block of Coventry Place, the 700 block of Huntington Drive and the 1600 block of N. Marywood Avenue throughout December. Police also found machine parts in Richardson's home believed to be taken from a complex in the 1700 block of N. Marywood Avenue, as well as a newspaper vending box that had been missing since late November. They credit an anonymous tip for leading to the charges.

Sausage-making program

Visitors can learn how to make sausage from start to finish during "Stuffin' and Smokin'" demonstrations at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11 at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road near Wheaton. The program is free and no reservations are required. Part of the program, sponsored by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, will take place outdoors so participants should dress for the weather. For details, call (630) 876-5900.

Holiday bubbles at museum

The DuPage Children's Museum sponsors its seventh annual Bubble Bash, "Bach to Bubbles," from 9 a.m. until noon Dec. 31 at 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. The annual event, featuring recording artist Jim Gill, allows youngsters to count down to the new year. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for others. For details, call (630) 637-8000 or visit dupagechildrensmuseum.org.