The briefs
Tech center open house
High school sophomores and juniors considering enrollment in an elective at Technology Center of DuPage can attend the Making Connections open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29 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 credentialing. 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.
Man avoids prison:
A mentally disabled man was sentenced Monday to four years' probation and ordered to undergo extensive psychiatric counseling for inappropriately touching three young girls in 2005 in Bloomingdale. Matthew Lucas, 23, admitted in an earlier guilty plea to aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges. He faced up to seven years in prison. His attorney, Michael Norris, argued Lucas has the IQ of an 8- to 10-year-old and is bipolar. Norris said Lucas, a grocery store bagger, has improved with medication. DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell sentenced Lucas Monday.
Park district honors vets
The Fox Valley Park District is saying thank you to veterans in November with free fitness center admission, free admission to The Polar Express at Blackberry Farm and discounts at Orchard Valley Restaurant. All veterans, active members of the military and their immediate families may receive 10 percent off their bill at Orchard Valley Restaurant, 2411 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. They also are welcome to visit the Vaughan Athletic Center or the Eola and Prisco community centers at no charge during the week of Nov. 12 to 18. From Nov. 19 to 25, they may visit the water park at the Vaughan Athletic Center for free. The Polar Express at Blackberry Farm also will give free admission to veterans and active military on Nov. 24 and 25. Military personnel and veterans must show a military ID card of DD Form 214. The offer also applies to members of the National Guard and Reserves. For details, call (630) 897-0516.
Tree decorators wanted
Community groups are invited to decorate a Christmas tree on Nov. 19, 20 or 21 for The Polar Express event at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Girl and Boy Scouts, schools, churches, businesses, clubs and families may decorate trees near the Early Streets Museum. No electrical lights or devices may be used. Ornaments should not be breakable or easily dislodged by wind. Polar Express dates are Nov. 24 and 25 and Dec. 1 and 2. For details, call (630) 264-7408.
Holiday pet supply drive
Pet supplies for animals waiting for a home are being collected through Nov. 20 by the Fox Valley Park District and Fox Valley Animal Welfare League. Needed items include dog collars (no choke chains), bleach, paper towels, liquid hand sanitizer, terrycloth bath towels, 6-foot leashes, dog toys, plastic balls with bells for cats, dog biscuits, quart-size Ziploc storage bags, Purina Dog Chow and Puppy Chow, Purina Cat Chow and Kitten Chow, powdered formula milk replacement, blankets and Fancy Feast canned cat food. Donations may be put in the Give Thanks for Pets bins at Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora; the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora; and the Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora. For details, call (630) 966-4527.
Class receives grant
A grant from the DuPage County Farm Bureau will allow a West Chicago Community High School class to "SuperSize" their discussion of fast-food's impact on health. The $100 foods grant will be used to fund students' viewing and discussion of the movie "SuperSize Me." After watching the video, students will compare fast-food menus to low-fat meals, and learn to prepare healthy dishes using beef.