Central Kane United Way names new member
The United Way of Central Kane County appointed George Richeson to the board of directors at a recent meeting.

Aurora Kiwanis appoints new officers
The Aurora Golden K Kiwanis recently held its 30th annual Installation of Officers. The new officers for 2009-2010 are: President Larry Miller, President Elect Art Zillgitt, Secretary Cele Sanders and Treasurer Dick Harrison.

'Rent' speaks to audiences of all ages
HALO Productions, a Plainfield off-Broadway performance company, is bringing "Rent" to Aurora at The Paramount Theatre, and Katie Arko, the theater's director of development, said she is excited about it.

Heroes in their eyes: Munhall students honor vets
Munhall Elementary School students received a lesson in history and technology this month when they came up with a plan to honor members of the military. "We wanted to be able to show the sheer numbers of people close to us who serve our country," said Rita Henning, fourth-grade teacher and student council sponsor.

USO Dance will bring back days of big bands, America at war in 1940s

Lt. Vivian Ekstrand of Geneva was quite the photographer. We know this because while stationed in Gian, Philippines in 1945 near the end of World War II, she captured hundreds of images on film of her surroundings. She took pictures of the military base at which she was stationed and she took pictures of the hospital at which she worked. It was a far cry from Geneva Community Hospital, that was for sure.

Idol alum, St. Charles native to perform in Chicago area
Recording artist and St. Charles native Leslie Hunt will perform songs from her newest CD "Your Hair is on Fire" at Fat Tone Guitars in Northbrook on Halloween.

Heart attack survival rates improve in women
Two new studies show that heart attacks have become more common among middle-aged women in the last two decades, but in-hospital survival rates, especially for younger women, are improving compared with men. Both studies were published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

In search of the valley's ghosts
In the spirit of the season, The Beacon-News did some paranormal research of its own. This week we tell the tales of some legendary Fox Valley spirits who seem to have an uncanny way of keeping their stories alive.

Marmion Abbey founder celebrates 100th
Abbot Emeritus Gerald Benkert radiates joy, peace and gratitude. Marmion Academy this week hosted a birthday celebration in the academy gymnasium where brethren, friends from Guatemala, students and faculty gathered.

'We were all such special friends'
A unique event honoring two generations of graduates from Aurora's St. Therese Catholic School was held last weekend. Members of the grade school's class of 1955 organized a luncheon at the Turners Club in Aurora for an informal reunion of 11 of their classmates.

A community of artists
Artists among us are taking matters into their own hands -- literally and figuratively.

Antiques show reflects on America's bounty
At the 35th annual Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show, held Saturday and Sunday in St. Charles, more than 300 visitors had an opportunity to learn about historic preservation through antiques reflecting America's bounty.

Recreation briefs
Recreation briefs: Try your hand at farm chores at Primrose Farm. Meet the farm's animal residents while learning about their care and feeding. Dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Class for ages 4 and up meets from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road. Fee is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents.

Albright presenting 'Legend of Sleepy Hollow'
The Albright Theatre in Batavia gets into the Halloween "spirit" with their annual children's production of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The play is one of the highlights of Batfest, the annual fall festival sponsored by Batavia Mainstreet.

Rescue is for the birds
An exotic bird owner since 1978, Kathy Forst decided to put her knowledge and devotion to broader use when, seven years ago, she began volunteering for a Northbrook parrot rescue. There, Forst saw the overwhelming need for similar rescues and decided to begin her own.

Electrical system fixup planned in SC's Timbers
St. Charles Municipal Electric Utility will begin a cable maintenance project starting this month in the Timbers subdivision.

Valley briefs: Animal Welfare League fundraiser
The Fox Valley Animal Welfare League will hold a rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn Drive.

Valley briefs: Sandwich slates hydrant flushing
Hydrant flushing will take place in Sandwich on Wednesday and Thursday. It was announced at a recent Sandwich City Council meeting.