Fox Valley briefs

Randall Road narrowsFrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, April 6 and 7, Randall Road over Tyler Creek and the railroad tracks (between Big Timber Road and Royal Boulevard) in Elgin will be reduced to one lane in either direction to allow for inspection of the bridge.Tax helpUnited Way of Elgin's Income Impact Council is offering free income tax preparation to families who made $50,000 or less in 2009 or individuals who made $25,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers will be available to help from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The program runs through April 15. No appointments are necessary; it's first come, first served. For details, call United Way of Elgin at (847) 741-2259 or visit www.economicprogress.org.Parks advice neededThe Carpentersville Park Commission is looking for a resident to fill a vacancy on its advisory panel. The commission's primary purpose is to recommend policies for the parks owned and operated by the village. The commission meets monthly and is composed of seven members. The members are appointed two two-year terms by the village president with the advice and consent of the board of trustees. Non-trustee members are electors who have lived in the village for at least one year. Interested parties are asked to send a letter of interest to Village President Ed Ritter, Village of Carpentersville, 1200 LW Besinger Drive, Carpentersville, IL 60110, no later than Friday, April 9.Violence counseling offeredThe Community Crisis Center in Elgin provides domestic violence counseling services for northwestern Kane County. A licensed counselor and is available to adult and adolescent females, and services are free. For information or an appointment, call (847) 697-2380.