The briefs

'Caroling & Caring' today at hospital

Join Provena St. Joseph Hospital and hundreds of members of the Elgin community at the Elgin Leadership Academy's "Caroling & Caring" at 6 p.m. today, at the hospital, 77 N. Airlite St., Elgin.

The event will feature free photos with Santa, who will arrive at the hospital on an Elgin fire truck accompanied by several "elves" (local high school student volunteers). Children will all be invited to sit on Santa's knee and have their photo taken as a keepsake of the evening compliments of the hospital. Guests may listen to Elgin Police Sgt. Tom Olson read "The Polar Express" or hospital volunteer Lil Pagni reading her book, "The Christmas Tree That Never Was," while enjoying holiday cookies, candy canes and other holiday goodies. The only admission is a donation of new undergarments to assist local families in need. Donations will also be accepted at the Elgin police and fire stations as well as Provena St. Joseph Hospital.

"Caroling & Caring" was initiated as a group project from members of the 1997-98 Elgin Leadership Academy.

Come learn about Internet safety

Learn about Internet social networks, cyber bullying, and sexual predator identification in a special presentation at 7 p.m. today at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St.

Led by Phil Morris, manager of technology for the Kane County Regional Office of Education, the multi-media presentation includes a demonstration of social network sites such as MySpace and Facebook as well as chat rooms where sexual predators often go to meet prospective victims. The program, "Keeping My Child Safe on the Internet," is geared toward adults, but children are welcome. Programs are slated for Jan. 17 at Larkin High School; Feb. 5 at Elgin High; Feb. 19 at Bartlett High School; and April 1 at Streamwood High School. It runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium. For details, visit www.u-46.org/it/internetsafety.htm.

Send details on best light display

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. E-mail to 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 Provide your name and phone number (not for publication).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.