The briefs

Artwork sells for $300,000

A 650-year-old artwork owned by Benedictine University in Lisle has been sold by Christie's of New York to a private collector for $300,000. The piece had failed to draw bidders at an October auction when Christie's estimated its value between $500,000 and $700,000. The triptych -- consisting of three carved panels hinged together and featuring paintings of Madonna and Child with John the Baptist and St. Peter and depictions of the crucifixion and the Virgin Annunciate -- was done by Florentine artist Niccolo di Tommaso. The artwork was donated to Benedictine art curator the Rev. Michael Komechak by the late Paul Donovan, one of his former students. The university will use the proceeds to establish a permanent art gallery on campus.

Club sells Christmas trees

Lisle Lions Club will sell Christmas trees through Dec. 24 as part of its Dollars for Scholars program. The tree lot, on Ogden Avenue between Del Debbio's Restaurant and Antique Bazaar, is open from 6 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Proceeds will support area educational programs.

Lombard explains work

Lombard will rebroadcast a recent public hearing about the Marcus Drive, Joyce Avenue and LaLonde Avenue village improvement projects on the village's cable access channel. The hearing included an explanation of legal aspects of a special assessment district, a summary of the work completed to date, proposed improvements and what to expect during construction. The scope of the work includes storm sewer, asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, street lighting and landscape restoration. Construction will begin in late March or early April of 2008. The rebroadcast of the hearing, on Channel 6, is at 10 a.m. on Sundays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays; 4 p.m. on Fridays, and 6 p.m. on Saturdays.