Fox Valley briefs

Huntley trustee fined

Huntley Trustee Niko Kanakaris was fined $500 and hit with a five-day liquor license suspension after a bartender at his restaurant, Niko's Grill and Pub, served alcohol to a minor. The village's liquor commission, which includes the entire village board, voted on Feb. 5 to impose the penalty. Kanakaris, who normally sits on the commission, abstained from voting. The typical penalty for serving alcohol to a minor is $400 and a five-day suspension. Because previously scheduled events made it unfeasible for the restaurant to operate for five consecutive days without a license, the commission suspended the license for two nonconsecutive stretches but increased the fine to $500, following past practice - according to village officials.

Girl's legacy goes on

Volunteers will gather at 4 p.m. Sunday at Last Shot Bar and Grill, 812 N. La Fox St., South Elgin, to pack more than 80 Valentines gift bags to be distributed to cancer patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The effort is part of a wish made by Taylor Baum, a 10-year-old South Elgin girl who died of leukemia in November 2007. Organizers say they've received donations from a host of local groups, along with organizations from even Texas and Florida. For more information, visit caringbridge.org/visit/taylorbaum, or email tbaum82@yahoo.com.

Conifers seminar

A seminar on conifers Feb. 21 in Campton Hills will raise money for a local animal shelter. Captivating Conifers in the Midwest is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Wasco Nursery & Garden Center, 41W781 Route 64. The presentation features Alans Craig, a representative of Oregon-based Iseli Nursery who will discuss care and presentation of various conifers. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to Anderson Animal Shelter. For a reservation, call (630) 584-4424.