The briefs

League needs umpire volunteersHampshire-Pingree Little League is looking for a few good people to become umpires for Little League games. Umpire-in-Chief Michelle Lawler is seeking volunteer umpires of all ranges of experience, or even no experience at all. All equipment is provided. Call Michelle at (630) 404-2646 or e-mail mmlawler@sbcglobal.net by Monday, March 15. Training will be provided and volunteers will be supplied with an official shirt and hat.Beaux Arts to enjoy Irish dances, songsFox Valley Beaux Arts will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, on the eighth floor of the Professional Building, 164 Division St., Elgin. The Mayer School of Irish Dancing will perform Irish dances in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. After the program, there will be refreshments and an Irish singalong.For details, call Marge Haefliger at (847) 697-7374.Tips on research offered at meetingThe Elgin Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18, in the first-floor meeting room of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. After a brief meeting, Paul Milner, a well-known professional genealogist and lecturer on British Isles genealogy research, will present "A New Location: Steps for Quickly Getting Started." A native of northern England, he has researched his family for 30 years. For details, visit elginroots.com.