DuPage County briefs

Marklund gala:Marklund sponsors its 14th annual Top Hat Ball, "Celebrate Chinese New Year," at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Proceeds benefit Marklund and its care of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. The event includes Chinese dancers from the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, musicians from the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and traditional Lion and Dragon dances from Chicago Dragon's Athletic Association. There will be dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra, the presentation of Marklund's "Friends of the Year" award, and a live auction. Although a black-tie gala, many guests plan to attend in "Chinese couture." Tickets are $300. For details, call Jeannine Zupo at (630) 624-9874 or email jzupo@marklund.org.Log House makeover:Naper Settlement wants to make visits to the Log House at the 19th-century village more hands-on and is asking residents for help. Plans call for visitors to be able to sit on an old-fashioned rope bed, open a trunk to take a peek at what pioneers might have brought with them to the Illinois frontier, and to rock a wooden cradle. Residents who can donate any such items or who want to make a monetary donation are asked to call (630) 420-6010.Stores raise funds for Haiti:Dick Pond Athletics, Inc. is holding a "Share the Love" event to raise funds for Haiti from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 and noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 in its Chicago area stores. Ten percent of sales on those days will be donated to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief. Participating locations are: 26W515 St. Charles Road, Unit A, Carol Stream; 2775 Maple Ave., Lisle; 927 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg; 303 N. 2nd St., St. Charles; and 2164 Randall Road, Carpentersville. For details, contact (630) 665-3316.Park officials win awards:Two top staff members at Lombard Park District have been recognized by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Paul W. Friedrichs, the district's executive director, was named 2009 Professional of the Year. Jason Myers, superintendent of finance and personnel, was named Young Professional of the Year.Ogden Avenue crackdown: Lisle police will conduct a roadside safety checkpoint Friday along Ogden Avenue that will focus on motorists driving under the influence and other safety concerns. The enforcement push is being conducted as part of the nationwide "You Drink Drive, You Lose" campaign and the state's "Click It or Ticket" effort. Funding has been provided by both state and federal traffic safety programs.