The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department announced that the Pub in the Park Craft Beer Festival will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road.

McHenry Township

Fire Protection Dist. offers Open House event

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at Station 1, 3610 W. Elm St., McHenry; Station 2, 3710 Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg; Station 3, 809 Rand Road, Lakemoor; Station 4, 6300 Dartmoor Road, McHenry; and Station 5, 3705 N. Ringwood Road, Ringwood. Activities at each station include rig displays, gear exhibits, photo opportunities with Sparky the Fire Dog, free snacks, and novelty items and games for kids, as well as rope rappelling from a truck (Station 1), a Dive Team demonstration (Station 2), a hose spraying demonstration and Kids Spray House (Station 3), an extrication demonstration (Station 4) and the Fire Safety Trailer (Station 5). In addition, attendees can register for a chance to win a wide variety of prizes. Admission is free. For more information, call (815) 385-0075 or visit www.mtfpd.org. 

Fox River Grove

Public Works Dept. to begin fall hydrant flushing

The village announced that fall hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 23. The Fox River Grove Public Works Department flushes, inspects and flow-tests all fire hydrants twice a year, in spring and fall. The entire water distribution system is flushed clean to improve water quality and ensure that all fire hydrants are in good operating condition for emergencies. Residents are advised to check for hydrant flushing signs posted at major intersections and at entrances to subdivisions. In addition, when Public Works crews are flushing, there may be some loss of water pressure, as well as discoloration. Residents are encouraged to turn on the cold water until there is no more discoloration. For more information, call (847) 639-3170 or visit www.foxrivergrove.org.    

Spring Grove

Trivia Night to raise funds for Community Church

The village announced that the 4th Annual Trivia Night, a fundraising event for the Community Church of Richmond, will be held Oct. 21 at Richardson Farm, 9407 Richardson Road. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the first question at 7 p.m. The cost to participate is $20 per person, with a limit of eight people per team. Participants must be at least 21 years old. A variety of beverages (provided by International House of Wine and Cheese) will be available for purchase. No outside beverages will be permitted. Outside snacks will be allowed. The registration deadline is Oct. 18. Completed registration forms and full payment should be sent to: Community Church of Richmond, P.O. Box 246, Richmond, Ill. 60081. To register, and for more information, call (815) 678-6521 or visit www.springgrovevillge.com.

Huntley

Quartet reaches National Merit Scholarship semifinals 

Huntley Community School District 158 announced that four Huntley High School students have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The four students — Alyssa Schechtel, Cameron Chrest, Delaney Hajek and Zoe Zuzzio — are among approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million. The Huntley group is among 1.6 million students in more than 22,000 high schools who entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2016 Preliminary Sat/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. About 90 percent of the nationwide pool of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship. For more information, call (847) 659-6600 or visit www.nationalmerit.org.

Lake in the Hills

Pub in the Park Craft Beer Festival on tap

The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department announced that the Pub in the Park Craft Beer Festival will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road. The event, organized by the People for Parks Foundation of Lake in the Hills, features samples of a wide selection of unique craft beers from more than 40 breweries, a lineup of area food trucks, a performance by Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos, DJs from WJMK-104.3 FM with music, games and prizes, and more. Tickets are $65 (VIP), $45 (general admission) and $15 (designated driver) in advance. General admission increases to $55 at the door. No pets or children will be allowed. All proceeds will directly benefit residents who participate in LITH Parks & Recreation Department programs. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.pubinthepark.org. For more information, call (847) 960-7460 or visit www.lith.org.

Crystal Lake

Community Harvest Concert to benefit food pantry

The village announced that the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, will host the Community Harvest Concert & Food Pantry Fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 13 at Park Place Banquets, 406 W. Woodstock St. The event includes featured bands Bourbon Country and What About This?, as well as a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is $10. Proceeds will directly benefit the food pantry. In addition, food donations will be accepted on-site to help fill a truck provided by Courtesy Buick GMC. Doors open at 6 p.m. To register, and for more information, call (815) 459-1300 or visit www.clchamber.com.

McHenry

Haunted Hayride coming to Petersen Park

The village announced that the Wonder Lake Water Ski Team will host the 2017 Haunted Hayride from 7-10:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at Petersen Park, 4300 Peterson Park Road. Admission is $8 per person; parking is free. Refreshments will be available. A portion of each admission will be donated to local charities. For more information, send an email to WLWSST@wonderlakeskiteam.org or visit www.wonderlakeskiteam.org.

Woodstock

Library to host AARP Smart Driver Course

The Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., will host a AARP Smart Driver Course (for drivers ages 50 and up) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24. Participants will learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws and rules of the road. Participants must attend both sessions and may be eligible for a discount on their car insurance upon completion of the course. Attendees are welcome to bring a light snack. Light refreshments will be provided. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. To register, and for more information, call (815) 338-0542 or visit www.woodstockpubliclibrary.org.   

–McHenry County News Briefs–