Valley Briefs: Become bell ringer or learn about Lincoln Highway

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Updated: December 10, 2011 8:07AM

Aurora

Fashionista Style Show: The American Association of University Women Aurora Area Branch’s Fashionista Style Show and Luncheon fundraiser will be from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at Eagle Brook County Club, 2288 Fargo Blvd., Geneva. A prize drawing will go to the best-dressed bottles from wine to olive oil. Cost is $45. Proceeds go toward the group’s research and projects grant fund and the AAUW’s education foundation. Make reservations with Kay, 630-892-9444.

Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit”: Aurora University’s Student Theater Production of “Blithe Spirit” will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12 and 16 through 19 in Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center, 1305 Kenilworth Place. Call 630-844-7843.

Gingerbread contest: The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is hosting the third annual Gingerbread FIREhouse Contest and Exhibition. All entries must depict a firefighting-themed architectural structure (firehouse, burning building) real or imaginary in two divisions, adult and junior. Cash prizes for first and second places. The complete rules are at www.AuroraRegionalFireMuseum.org/gingerbread. Registration forms are due on or before Nov. 12. Exhibit opens Nov. 26. Judging from 1 to 3 p.m. that day, and winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. Call 630-892-1572 or email ARFMinfo@aol.com.

Auroran wins gold: Aurora’s David Hettinger recently won the gold medal in the Master’s Signature Division at the Oil Painters of America’s Western Regional Exhibition in Calistoga, Calif. Hettinger’s oil painting “Peonies and Geranium” was one of just 97 paintings selected for the exhibition from more than 920 artists across the western half of the United States and Canada. As the top winner, Hettinger will receive $3,500. The exhibit ran through Oct. 30. View Hettinger’s work at www.davidhettinger.com. Peonies and Geranium at www.leeyoungmangalleries.com.

Kane County

Sheriff Perez’s fundraiser: Sheriff Pat Perez held his annual charity car and motorcycle show Sept. 3 at the Martin Family Farm, 2s111 Green Road, Elburn. This year’s charity was Special Olympics and raised about $10,000. Next year’s proceeds will go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Call Sheriff Perez, 630-816-9535, or Sandy Hutchins from Special Olympics, 630-377-7250.

Maple Park

Volunteers needed: Blazing Prairie Stars, a therapy farm at 47w635 Beith Road in Maple Park, is looking for volunteers 16 years and older who have at least one year of experience with horses and enjoy working with children. Orientation for new volunteers is Tuesday evening, Nov. 29. Call Carrie Capes at Blazing Prairie Stars, 630-365-5550, for the starting time and to reserve a spot.

Montgomery

Home Town Award: Montgomery was one of 28 communities recognized for outstanding volunteer projects at an Oct. 26 ceremony in Springfield. The Settler’s Cottage restoration project won top honors in the Division 4 (population 10,001 to 25,000) Historic Preservation category. The village received a road sign and plaque commemorating their efforts. The Settler’s Cottage museum is open to the public from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday and third Sunday of each month. The museum contains photographs and artifacts related to the history of Montgomery since its founding in 1835.

Oswego

Celebrate differences: Kendall 10 Theater, 95 Fifth St., will have a special showing of “Puss ‘n Boots” at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 for families with special needs children. The lights are turned up and the sound is turned down to create a comfortable atmosphere for local families to enjoy an evening out. Contact Julie at 630-802-3892 or julie@celebratedifferences.org.

Lincoln Highway traveling exhibit: The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition exhibition is at the Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill. The exhibition is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through the end of December. An interactive, hands-on approach, graphics, a map and vintage photos all convey the Lincoln Highway’s impact on America and the increasingly mobile society. Download a visitor guide at www.drivelincolnhighway.com.

Tri-Cities

Bell ringers needed: Volunteer bell ringers are needed for The Salvation Army Tri City Corps at various locations throughout Geneva, St. Charles and Batavia. Call Connie Barrera at The Salvation Army at 630-377-2769, ext. 201.