Brief: Tech center open house
High school sophomores and juniors considering enrollment in an elective course at Technology Center of DuPage can attend the "Making Connections" open house from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the center, 301 S. Swift Road, Addison. The event will offer information about the center's college credit option, internships, industry and business certifications, and academic credentials. Electives include careers in health and safety, technical arts, pre-engineering, computer technology, automotive, construction, manufacturing, culinary arts, cosmetology and early childhood education. For details, call Kathy Rosenwinkel at (630) 691-7572.
Fundraiser planned
A dinner and show to raise money for a local woman struggling with medical bills will be from 7 p.m. to midnight Friday at Bella Vista Banquets, 205 W. Main St., Bensenville. Holly McDermott, a wife and mother of three, has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Proceeds will help her family with mounting expenses. The evening will include entertainment by The Johnny Rogers Band and Ladies from the Red Hat Society of Bensenville, as well as raffles. Scott Mackay, morning host on WZZN 94.7-FM, will be the master of ceremonies. Tickets are $25 for dinner and concert, $15 for the concert only. For details, call Teresa DiMaso at (630) 479-7241 or Dino DiMaso at (630) 673-6560 or e-mail dino@johnnyrogersband.com.
Art-friendly in Lombard
The village of Lombard has received an honorable mention in the Illinois Arts Alliance annual Arts Friendly Community Awards program. The village was honored for its public art program and its use of sculpture and other art in public spaces within downtown. As part of the program, the late Lombard artist Bud Swanson created four sculptures that are now displayed and a fifth sculpture that will soon be added to the downtown area. Two additional sculptures also have been completed, one to be placed downtown and the other at the library.
Firefighters collect toys
The Itasca Fire Protection District is collecting new and unwrapped toys, but not stuffed animals, for Toys For Tots. All toys can be dropped off at the fire station at 520 W. Irving Park Road through Dec. 19. For details, call (630)773-1223.
Teen police academy
The Carol Stream Police Department is accepting applications for the winter session of its Teen Citizen Police Academy. The 10-week program, which gives residents an inside look at the operations of the police department, will be conducted on Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 9 at village hall. Teens will be able to participate in a variety of demonstrations. A police employee will lead each week's sessions. Students between the ages of 14 and 17 are encouraged to apply. There is no cost to participate. For details or to request an application, call officer Chuck Ranweiler at (630) 871-6215.