Will Rogers tribute at Dundee Township Public Library

What better way to begin a new year than by enjoying with the wit and wisdom of Will Rogers, America's favorite 20th-century humorist?

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Dundee Township Public Library will host musician/actor Lance Brown who will portray this world-famous figure in an original one-man theater show at 7 p.m. It features his writing, vaudeville performances, rope-spinning and wisecracking.

In "A Tribute to Will Rogers", Brown, who has studied and performed as Rogers for years, has at his command a fascinating collection of Will Rogers' newspaper articles, radio monologues and off-the-cuff comments that still ring true today. His performance will blend history, heroes and hilarity, a few rope tricks and a few tears, but mostly the irrepressible spirit of Will Rogers and hope for our troubled times.

In 1997, Brown wrote "On the Road With Will Rogers" chronicling how Will Rogers' wit and wisdom still connects with us today. The foreword to his book was written by Will Rogers' son, Jim, who said, "as an actor, humorist, singer, writer and humanitarian himself, Lance has a unique connection to, and understanding of Will Rogers - reading Lance Brown is as great as seeing and hearing him."

The program will be held in the meeting room of the library at 555 Barrington Ave. in East Dundee. It is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested. Call (847) 428-3661, ext. 308, or register online at www.dundeelibrary.info.

Financial aid: The college financial aid system includes scholarships, grants, student loans and tax-saving opportunities. It is designed to help relieve the expensive burden of college for all parents, not just low- or moderate-income families.

On Saturday, Jan. 10, Certified College Planning Specialist Joe Orsolini will explain the intricacies of the system and offer resources for future as well as current college students.

Beginning at 2 p.m., "Don't Pay the College Sticker Price!" will be hosted by the Dundee Township Public Library at the West Dundee Public Safety Center II, 100 Carrington Ave., near Route 72 and Sleepy Hollow Road. The program, which begins at 2 p.m., is free and open to the public but reservations are suggested. Call (847) 428-3661, ext. 308, or register online at www.dundeelibrary.info.

Winter Storytime: Come and stay warm as the Dundee Township Public Library Children's Department presents Winter Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27 or Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

This free four-week series will include puppets, stories, activities and songs all with a winter theme for preschool children and a caregiver. No registration is required for this fun program. All the storytimes will be presented in the library's meeting room, 555 Barrington Ave. in East Dundee. Call the children's department at (847) 428-3661, ext. 310 with any questions.