Briefs: Spiritual unity celebrated
Today, more than 20 Des Plaines area faith-based groups and humanitarian organizations are celebrating the second annual Day of Spiritual Unity. Hosted by the Des Plaines Ministerial Association, the ecumenical gathering from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. is free and open to the public. Johnny James, a nationally recognized evangelist based in Ohio, will open the program at 10 a.m. Panel discussions led by local clergy are scheduled throughout the day on various topics involving prayer. Informational booths will highlight the work of participating churches and agencies.
Big craft show Sunday
The Barrington Park District will present its sixth annual Showcase of Arts and Crafts between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday at 235 Lions Drive in Barrington. The event will include more than 60 exhibitors of birdhouses, Christmas ornaments, Faberge-type eggs, folk art, handmade cards, holiday crafts, homemade chocolates, handcrafted jewelry paintings and wood carvings. There will also be a wine tasting from noon to 4 p.m. hosted by the Wine Discount Center in Barrington. Parking and admission are free. Concessions will be available. For more information, visit www.barringtonparkdistrict.org or call (847) 381-0687.
Police talk to kids in fight
About a half-dozen 14- and 15-year-old youths were taken to the Arlington Heights Police Department at around 9 p.m. on Thursday after a verbal fight broke out at the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., according the Arlington Heights Police Department. The church was hosting a youth meeting for at-risk kids, said Sgt. Tom Seleski. Police were unable to talk to the "main offender" or the boy who started the fight, Seleski said. He declined to say what the fight was about. No blows were exchanged and no charges or arrests were made.
Fundraiser benefits kids
The Barrington Police Benevolent Association and Sergio's Pizza will team up for the second annual Shop with a Barrington Police Officer fundraising event between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday. The event will raise money for the Shop with a Cop program, which benefits children in need during the holiday season. Throughout the day, Barrington officers will work in the restaurant making pizzas as well as making deliveries. Last year's event raised enough money to allow 75 children to shop for holiday presents. All proceeds from the pizza sales will be donated to the association. Sergio's Pizza is located at 338 W. Northwest Highway in Barrington.
Show to benefit orphanage
The Barrington High School pom team and the Barrington Children's Choir will stage a benefit performance for Hogar Del Pobre Orphanage in Celeya, Mexico, between 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Bertolotti residence, 1 Foxshire Court in South Barrington. The Barrington High School poms will perform at 3 p.m. and the children's choir at 5 p.m. For more information, call (847) 381-8660.
Health day coming Sunday
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge will host a women's health day from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Doctors will offer presentations on health topics. Light refreshments will be served. There is no fee and parking is free at the Center for Advanced Care garage. The hospital is at 1775 Dempster St.