The briefs

House fire in Carol Stream

Firefighters continue to investigate the cause of a weekend blaze in Carol Stream, although officials believe it started in the chimney and spread into the walls and attic. The fire was reported Saturday in a house at 795 Tonto Court and was concentrated in a second-floor bedroom, authorities said. The owner, who was home at the time, evacuated his family without incident. No foul play is suspected. The blaze caused about $45,000 damage.

New exhibit at Settlement

Visitors can view some of the more unusual artifacts and documents in Naper Settlement's collection when the "Curator's Curiosities" exhibit opens Friday in the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. The exhibit runs through June 2008. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For details, call (630) 420-6010.

United Way gives thanks

Fox Valley United Way will sponsor a Giving Thanks Gala for individuals and organizations that have supported its activities from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at North Island Center, 23 E. Galena Blvd., in downtown Aurora. The evening includes two performances of Aurora's Got Talent from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and from 8 to 9:30 p.m. upstairs in the Copley Theatre. Admission is $5. For details, call (630) 896-4636.