Fox Valley briefs

Homebuyers can get tips on financingKane County and Neighborhood Housing Services of the Fox Valley will co-sponsor a free homebuyer workshop in Geneva. The seminar, held in both English and Spanish, will provide an overview of the homebuying process and explain various incentives available to first-time homebuyers, including the county's down payment assistance program and the federal tax credit currently available to first-time homebuyers. These incentives, combined with attractive home prices and interest rates may make this the ideal time for renters to consider their first home purchase. Seating is limited, so those interested are encouraged to call NHS at (847) 695-0399 to reserve their seat. The workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the auditorium of the Kane County Government Center Building A, 719 Batavia Ave., Geneva. Call (847) 695-0399.Orthopedic clinic offered in ElginThe Elgin Elks Lodge, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children's Program and Sherman Hospital, will sponsor a free orthopedic diagnostic clinic for youth, up to age 21, on Monday, Feb. 8, at the hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road, Elgin. The clinic will be conducted from 2 to 5 p.m. by Dr. Vincent P. Cannestra of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Associates. All diagnostic services, including X-rays, MRIs and other tests, are paid for by the Elks program. Financial assistance with treatment for a diagnosed program may be available through the Elks charity. This clinic is especially for children who complain of frequently occurring leg, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, back or wrist pain. The clinic is also for children diagnosed with, or suspected of having, back curvature, or who seem very clumsy or fall frequently. The clinic is by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 272-0074 from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays. No referrals are necessary to obtain an appointment.See new plan for Blackberry FarmAn open house meeting for the public to review and offer input on the draft master plan for Blackberry Farm is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Prisco Community Center, Room 104. For further information, call (630) 897-0516.Senior Stroll takes a trip out WestJoin Kane County Forest Preserve District naturalist Jack Pomatto for a recap of his recent travels to the Pacific Northwest, during February's "Senior Stroll." The program will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 3, at Brewster Creek Forest Preserve, 6N921 Route 25 in St. Charles. In all but the coldest months, the group takes a guided walk with the naturalists. It is free; donations are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Call (847) 741-8350 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com for information. Registration is not required.Green Drinks meets on WednesdayAll are welcome to attend the McHenry County Green Drinks to network and talk about a "green" future from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, upstairs at Duke's Alehouse Kitchen, 110 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake. This month's presentation will be given by Mike Shipley from Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters in Crystal Lake. He will talk about the impact of socially and environmentally sustainable farming in the coffee industry. Bring information about your own green products and services each month to share. For details, visit greendrinks.org/IL/Crystal Lake or e-mail GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net.Learn about the Potawatomi IndiansNative American expert Meg Bero will conduct a lecture about the "Native Americans of Illinois" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St. Bero currently serves as the curator for the Schingoethe Center for Native American Studies in Aurora and teaches museum studies at Aurora University. Her lecture will focus on the first cultures who called Illinois home, including Chief Waubonsee's people, the Potawatomi, who lived in the Fox River Valley. Admission is $5 or $3 for members and students. For information, call (630) 232-4951 or visit genevahistorycenter.org.Financial aid tips offered at Aurora UAurora University will host a free public seminar on college financial aid at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. Registration and refreshments begin at 6:15 p.m. Prospective students and guests are invited to the program in the University Banquet Hall in Alumni Hall at 1410 Marseillaise Place in Aurora. The AU financial aid office staff will host the event. Financial aid counselors will discuss how to file the 2010-2011 Free Applications for Federal Student Aid Form, how to estimate college costs, financial aid sources, scholarship search services. AU financial aid sources include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Reservations are requested by Wednesday, Feb. 3. Call (630) 844-6190 or e-mail finaid@aurora.edu for information.Murder mystery at St. Charles NorthSt. Charles North High School performs the murder mystery, "Murders of 1940," at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday in the auditorium, 255 Red Gate Road. The comedy has mysterious characters, accents, stage combat, secret compartments, all with a killer on the loose. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For details, contact Ryan Colton at rcolton@d303.org or (630) 587-7153.Hampshire Wildcats signup on SaturdayRegistration for Hampshire Wildcat Football and Cheerleading will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Hampshire Park District, 390 South Ave. in Hampshire. Boys and girls, age 6 to 14, who will attend Hampshire -area schools, are encouraged to join the Wildcats. For information, visit hampshirewildcats.com or call (847) 404-5263.