Fox Valley in 60 seconds

Going green at ECC

A new spring class at Elgin Community College - Renewable Energy and Technology - will allow students to build their own working solar air heater. The three-credit class begins Jan. 24 and is held over a period of eight Saturdays through May 2. Classes meet from 8 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. at ECC's Industry Training Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Cost of the class is $313. For information, contact Andy Erbach at (847) 214-7287 or at aerbach@elgin.edu.

Church holds inaugural ball

The public is invited to attend an inaugural ball celebrating the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the St. James AME Church, 1100 Summit St., Elgin. Tickets are $25 for adults, $40 for couples and $10 for children younger than 10. For more information, call Dr. W.E. Scott at (847) 652-2995.

Free baseball clinic

Jacobs and Dundee-Crown high schools will host a free coaching clinic for youth baseball managers from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Former White Sox outfielder Ron Kittle is among the speakers who will discuss coaching techniques. For info, e-mail jonathan.sawyer@d300.org or call (847) 638-0484.

Torres meetings postponed

The Thursday session of Conversations with Dr. Torres, a bimonthly meeting for parents and others in the Elgin Area School District U-46 community, has been postponed to 6 p.m. Feb. 12 in the library of Bartlett High School, 701 Schick Road.

Calling all Bandits fans

The Chicago Bandits professional softball team will celebrate their 2008 championship with dinner and a ring ceremony from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Heritage Ballroom in the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. Fans are invited. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of the team. Tickets are $50. Table sponsorships are available. Call (877) 722-6348 or visit chicagobandits.com.