Briefs: Books and values
Batavia's monthly "Books Between Bites" program welcomes the Rev. William H. Lawser from noon to 1 p.m. today to discuss "Newbery Award-Winning Books and Their Contribution to Value Formation in Readers of All Ages." Lawser, a Presbyterian minister and church organizational development consultant, shares his observations as he discusses the books "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson, "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg, and "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kay Di Camillo. The free event meets at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.
Anti-violence vigil
A peace vigil to fight domestic and sexual violence is from 6 to 8 tonight in the Peace Garden behind the YWCA 201 N. River St., Aurora. It is sponsored by Breaking Free, YWCA-Aurora, and Mutual Ground shelter. At 6 p.m. there will be a presentation on predatory drugs and reading of passages from "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer." At 7 p.m. survivors will speak, and at 7:30 p.m. there will be a candlelit ceremony.
Retreat for parents
Parents As Advocates will host its annual retreat for mothers of children with special needs Friday through Sunday at the John Stewart Victorian Mansion in the Great Lakes Leadership Campus on Main Street (Route 47) in Elburn, across from the Elburn and Countryside Community Center. The retreat includes movies, food, manicures and massages. Cost is $150 which includes two nights lodging and five meals. Call Carrie Capes at (815) 827-4902 or e-mail capesfamily@verizon.net.
Free health fair
Tri City Health Partnership, the Salvation Army and Delnor-Community Hospital are teaming up Saturday for a free health fair. The fair will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 1710 S. Seventh Ave., St. Charles. It is geared toward Tri-Cities residents who do not have health insurance, are underinsured or receive public aid. The fair will offer screenings for asthma, depression, high blood pressure and HIV, among other conditions. Flu and DPT vaccinations also will be available for $25, $35 and $45. Call (630) 377-9277.
Primrose Farm Frolic
The inaugural Primrose Farm Frolic is planned for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the park on Bolcum Road, just west of Crane Road in St. Charles. The event will include tractor rides, folk music, a straw maze, face painting, pumpkin painting and a Clydesdale drawn hayride. There also will be a pumpkin tossing event. Admission is free, but reservations are appreciated. Call (630) 584-1055.
BAPS to celebrate Dashera
The BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Bartlett will celebrate Dashera Sunday, the 10th and final day of the annual Hindu festival Navaratri, or Nine Holy Nights. According to Hindu tradition, during those nine days and nights the Goddess Durga fought a demon, destroying him on the 10th day, or Dashera. The festival is celebrated across India and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The event will take place at 4 p.m. at the temple, 4N739 Route 59. Call (630) 213-2277 for details.