Elk Grove Village
Library earns national honor
The Elk Grove Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave., was one of 261 libraries nationwide to be selected as a 2015 Star Library. The Library Journal Index of Public Library Service annually rates public libraries throughout the country by measuring circulation, library visits, program attendance, and public internet computer use based on per capita spending. This marks the first time that the Elk Grove Public Library has received the national honor.

Buffalo Grove
Wilcox to succeed Dunkin as Dist. 102 superintendent
The Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary School District 102 Board of Education announced that Dr. Lori Wilcox has been chosen as its next superintendent. Wilcox will officially assume her duties on July 1, 2016, and will succeed Dr. Theresa Dunkin, who will retire following
the conclusion of the 2015-16 school year. After earning bachelor’s degrees in linguistics and psychology, and a master’s degree in elementary teaching, from UCLA, as well as a doctorate in education from National Louis University (Ill.), Wilcox taught elementary education for nine years in Highland Park, and served as director of Gifted and Curriculum Services, and as an elementary school principal, in Oak Grove. She also served as a principal for Barrington School District 220 before assuming her current role as assistant superintendent for Growth, Talent & Human Relations for both districts 67 and 115 in Lake Forest.

Palatine
JOURNEYS to hold annual Homeless Memorial Service
JOURNEYS/The Road Home — a non-profit organization providing shelter and services to homeless people in Northwest Suburban Cook County — will hold its annual Homeless Memorial Service, in honor of the area’s homeless who died this year, from 9-10 a.m. Dec. 22 at JOURNEYS’ HOPE Day Center, 1140 E. Northwest Highway, in Palatine. The event will include a candle lighting ceremony, and speakers will include staff members, community members, and volunteers. To RSVP, call (847) 963-9163, Ext. 16 or send an email to events@padstohope.org. For more information, visit www.journeystheroadhome.org.

The South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave., will host a session of its Intermediate computers class (for adults) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 17.

South Holland
Library offers Intermediate Computers class
The South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave., will host a session of its Intermediate computers class (for adults) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Participants will go beyond the basics and learn about external devices; creating, organizing and moving files; understanding basic Microsoft applications; installing and uninstalling programs; and more. To register, contact Tiffany at (708) 331-5262 or via email at tiffany@southhollandlibrary.org. For more information, visit www.shlibrary.or/adult-programs/.

Elmwood Park
Police Dept. to host Coffee with a Cop event
The Elmwood Park Police Department, in conjunction with the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Watch Program, will host Coffee with a Cop from 10-11 a.m. Dec. 16 at Elmwood Family Restaurant, 7725 W. Belmont Ave. The event is designed for residents to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know neighborhood police officers in an informal setting. For more information, call Village Trustee Anthony Del Santo at (708) 655-6517 or Deputy Police Chief Andrew Hock at (708) 453-2137.

Franklin Park
Village processing applications for LIHEA program
The village announced that a representative will be on hand at Village Hall, 9500 Belmont Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 23 in order to process applications for LIHEA (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program). The following documents are required: a Social Security monthly benefit letter for 2015, a pension letter covering the
previous 30 days, a valid photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income for all household members (ages 18 and up) covering the previous 30 days, current Nicor and ComEd bills, and medical cards. For more information, call (847) 671-4800 or visit www.villageoffranklinpark.com.

Palos Hills
Ballet 5:8 to perform version of ‘Nutcracker’
Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts — a nonprofit dance education center affiliated with Ballet 5:8’s professional ballet company — will present “Beyond the Nutcracker: A Holiday Story Inspired by the Classic Ballet” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 19, and at 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at Stagg High School Performing Arts Center, 8015 W. 111th St. The performance includes two acts and a 15-minute intermission, and is most suitable for ages 4 and up. Lap children can be admitted with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickers are $25 (adults) and $10 (children age 10 and under). Groups of 12 or more (adults only) can receive a 20 percent discount. Advance purchase is recommended. All ticket proceeds support the cost of the production and year-round operations. For tickets, and more information, call (708) 329-8773 or visit www.school.ballet58.org.

Niles
Ambassador Real Estate named Business of the Month
The Niles Chamber of Commerce named Ambassador Real Estate Group, 7332 N. Milwaukee Ave., as its Business of the Month for November 2015. Ambassador, a Niles Chamber of Commerce Gold Member, earned the distinction for being an active and supportive participant in various community programs and events, as well as providing the highest standards of customer service. For more information, call (847) 763-6464 or visit www.nileschamber.org.

Cicero
Town to host annual Christmas Posada event
Town President Larry Dominick and the Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee will host the annual Christmas Posada from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 17 at Cicero Stadium, 1909 S. Laramie Ave. The free event will recount the journey to Bethlehem of Mary and Joseph prior to the birth of Jesus, and will feature food, gifts, music and more. For more information, call Town Hall at (708) 656-3600 or visit www.thetownofcicero.org.

Matteson
Village announces Good Neighbor Award Program
The village’s Good Neighbor Award Program, which acknowledges contributions to Matteson’s quality of life and gives formal recognition to residents who have contributed in as special way to the betterment of the community, is now underway. In addition to the traditional Good Neighbor Award, several new categories have been added this year: Young Achiever, Community Service, Community Pride, Best Subdivision, Business of the Year, and Valiant Volunteer. Candidates must be residents of Matteson or a business within village limits. Nomination forms (available at Village Hall or online at www.villageofmatteson.org) can be submitted (by Dec.28) to the Village of Matteson Community Affairs Department, 4900 Village Commons,
Matteson, Ill. 60443 or by email to shurley@villageofmatteson.org. Award recipients will be honored at the Good Neighbor Awards & Brand Launch celebration, to be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 12, 2016 at the Holiday Inn, in Matteson. For more information, call Village Hall at (708) 283-4900.

–Cook County News Briefs–