Briefs: Let us know about lights

Do you have the brightest house on the block? We want to know about it. The Daily Herald will showcase some of the best light displays in the Fox Valley. You can nominate yourself, a house you simply drove by or a whole neighborhood or street. Include the exact address (the house number and city), driving directions from a major intersection and a description about what makes the display special. The more information we have, the better chance it will make the list, so tell us details such as how many lights are used, how much it cost, extent of the decorated area and special features such as animation, audio, synchronized lights, trains, sleighs, live actors or Nativity scene. E-mail foxvalley@dailyherald.com by Dec. 12. Provide your name and phone number (not for publication). We'll round up the most promising ones and publish them in Neighbor Dec. 21.

Brass band at Hemmens

Illinois Brass Band will be performing An Old Fashioned Christmas at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Illinois Brass Band is a six-time North American Brass Band Association Champion. The performance will feature classic carols and other holiday songs. Tickets are $15 and $20 and available at the Hemmens or by calling (847) 931-5900.

Design logo, win cash

The person who designs a winning logo and slogan for South Elgin will receive $100. The village clerk's office is holding the contest to replace the existing logo and devise a first-ever slogan for the village. For more information or to enter the contest, visit www.southelgin.com.

Gifts for troops

Fox Valley Troops Support Inc. is organizing a Christmas gift package mailing to troops stationed overseas. To add a deployed member to the list, send the name, rank, unit address including APO or FPO. to myconfident@aol.com or Kasha2226@aol.com. Call Sarah Giachino at (630) 587-3789 or Kathy Tobusch at (630 406-9172.