The briefs

Olympic silver medalist to appear

Olympic silver medalist Chellsie Memmel will appear at Elk Grove Gymnastics, 775 Bonnie Lane, Elk Grove Village, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. Memmel competed on the uneven bars when the U.S. gymnastics team took its silver medal. A broken bone in her ankle kept her from performing in the other events. For more information, call (847) 437-3447.

Kwanzaa celebration and talent showcase

Harper College's Black Student Union will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Talent Showcase from 6-9 p.m. today in the building J theater, room J143. The evening will include appetizers at 6 p.m. and feature poetry, singing and dancing. Tickets are $3-$5; ages 6 and younger free. Proceeds go to scholarships for African-American students at Harper. For tickets, (847) 925-6100 or harpercollege.edu/boxoffice. For information, call (847) 925-6522.

Have fun with the kids at holiday fest

Schaumburg Park District will host the Holiday Wonderland Festival from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. The event features games, entertainment, inflatables, concessions, kiddie train rides and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost is $5 per child by today; $7 day-of event. Parents and children under 1 are free. (847) 490-7020 or visit parkfun.com.

Youth Art Calendar contest reception

Palatine Bank & Trust, Palatine Road and Brockway Street, is hosting a reception from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, for the first- and second-place winners in the 2009 Youth Art Calendar Contest. The calendar is presented by the village of Palatine, the Palatine/Inverness Arts Council and local businesses. The winning artwork will be display at the bank; refreshments will be served. (847) 991-3118.

Roller hockey Tour Holiday Cup

The Salt Creek Park District will host a Tour Holiday Cup for inline roller hockey Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21, at Hat Trick Hockey, 647 Consumers Ave., Palatine. Age divisions are 8 years to adult. (847) 394-8806 or Hat-Trick-Hockey.com.