Tri-Cities briefs
Help students thrive:Elgin Area School District U-46, in partnership with Elgin Community College and Judson University, invites parents to two speaking sessions by Damen Lopez, founder of the No Excuses University network of schools, today at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St. Lopez, who is also the author of "Turnaround Schools," will present a session for English-speaking parents at 1 p.m., followed by a session in Spanish at 3 p.m. The No Excuses network encourages staff members and parents to raise expectations of students. Parents attending will be eligible for door prizes, including scholarships for adults or children planning to attend Judson or ECC. Call (847) 888-5000 ext. 4211 to register, or e-mail a reservation to info@u-46.org.'Spirit' recognition:In recognition of the "Spirit of 45 Day," St. Charles VFW Post 5036 will host a flag-raising ceremony at 7 a.m. Saturday in front of the Post at 119 N. Third St. Congress established a national day of remembrance, "Spirit of 45 Day," to commemorate the end of World War II on Aug. 14, 1945. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in a breakfast afterward until 9 a.m. that is being offered at the Post and hosted by Vitas Innovative Hospice Care.'Ask a Lawyer' for free: Free legal advice is available by phone Saturday with the "Ask a Lawyer Days" program sponsored by the Kane County Bar Association. Call (630) 762-1900 from 9 a.m. to noon for a consultation with a volunteer attorney. For more information, visit kanecountybar.org.Dogs fight cancer, too:The American Cancer Society will hold its annual Bark For Life event Sunday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. Bark For Life recognizes the dogs who help cancer patients and families cope with the disease. The event includes a 1-mile walk, dog contests and other activities. Registration is $25 in advance, $35 the day of the event. For details, visit barkforlife.com or call (847) 368-1166.Subs for supper:"Dog Days Picnic" is the theme for the free supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church of Geneva, Second and Hamilton streets. The dinner is inside the air-conditioned dining hall. The menu is ham and turkey sub sandwiches; caprese salad of homegrown tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil; watermelon; and homemade cookies. Hot dogs and chips are also available. Dine in or carry out. Visit thirdtuesdaysuppers.com or call (630) 232-7120.Housing development money:Applications for Rental Housing Development Program funds are due Monday. Pending federal approval, $1 million is expected to be available for increasing the supply of affordable rental housing. Program guidelines and application materials are available at countyofkane.org/Pages/rhdp.aspx, by calling (630) 208-5351 or (630) 444-3027, or visiting the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Building A, fourth floor, Geneva.