Briefs: Ethics adviser appointed

St. Charles aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint attorney Tom Good as the city's first ethics adviser. Good, of the Wheaton firm Gorski & Good, will advise elected officials and city employees as needed in interpreting and complying with city and state laws. The position was created recently with the passing of a new ordinance that outlines steps city officials should take when ethical questions arise. Mayor Don DeWitte said Good has filled similar roles in other municipalities.

Historic bell dedication

The St. Charles Heritage Center will dedicate a brass shipping bell used at Wild Rose Farm in a ceremony at 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the St. Charles History Museum, 215 E. Main St. The bell used to signal employees that the work day was beginning and ending, as well as when it was dinner time. St. Charles resident Herbert Crane bought the bell in New Orleans in the early 1900s; it used to be on a sidewheel steamboat.

Blood drive at school

The Kaneland John Stewart PTN will host a blood drive at the school from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred by calling Cindy at (630) 365-3568. Donors should bring a photo ID and eat before coming to their appointment. The blood drive will be in the multi-purpose room at the school, at 817 Prairie Valley Drive in Elburn.

Heart, stress workshop

Learn a new way to transform your stress by understanding the power of positive emotion and its effect on day-to-day performance and health. "Transform Your Stress," a Heartmath workshop, uses computer software that allows you to watch in real time how your thoughts and emotions affect your heart rate. The Sept. 14 workshop is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Delnor-Community Hospital, 300 Randall Road, Geneva. The cost is $200 for workshop alone; $345 for workshop and a handheld stress monitor. Call (630) 208-4337 for details.

Chamber open house

The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce will have an open house Sept. 14 to celebrate Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois. The event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3755 E. Main St. Suite 140. There will be tours, refreshments and a raffle for members to win a $275 membership renewal. Call (630) 584-8384 for details.