Tri-Cities briefs

Baseball writer to speak:

Learn the "Ten Commandments of Baseball" and how they can be applied to everyday living from J.D. Thorne during "Thou Shalt Play Ball," at 7 tonight at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Thorne, a former University of Wisconsin player, and the author of "The Ten Commandments of Baseball," will share classic stories about baseball legends and characters. Admission is free. Registration is requested. Visit bataviapubliclibrary.org or call (630) 879-4777.

Used cell phones needed:

The Central Kane County TRIAD is seeking donations of used cell phones for seniors. Phones should be in general working order and have chargers included. They will be made available for seniors to use to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Donations are being accepted in the lobbies of the St. Charles Police Department, 2 State Ave., and the Geneva Township Senior Center, 400 Wheeler Drive. Call (630) 232-3602.

NIU open house:

Northern Illinois University will hold an open house for prospective students, families and friends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Holmes Student Center, at Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road. Visitors to the DeKalb campus will have an opportunity to meet faculty and representatives from academic departments, admissions, student services and financial aid. Open house activities include a campus bus tour, residence hall visits and a university information fair. Many of NIU's academic colleges and departments will also host individual events during the day. No reservations are needed for the open house or any related activities. Morning arrival is strongly recommended to enjoy the widest range of program options. Free parking will be available at the Convocation Center with shuttles buses to the Student Center. For more information, call (815) 753-0446 or e-mail admissions@niu.edu. For detailed information, go to niu.edu and click "Visit NIU."

Gifts for military personnel:

The City of Aurora will send gifts to residents in active military service who are stationed in the U.S. or overseas. Service personnel will receive a one-pound box of mixed nuts provided by the Kiwanis Club of Aurora and a card in time for the holidays. Names and mailing addresses of residents in active service can be given to the Mayor's Office of Special Events at (630) 844-4731 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or e-mailed to syoung@aurora-il.org. The deadline is Nov. 13.