Cook County News Briefs

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Partners for Our Communities (POC) will host Cinco de Mayo, its annual fundraising event, from 5-8 p.m. May 5 at Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road.

Partners for Our Communities (POC) will host Cinco de Mayo, its annual fundraising event, from 5-8 p.m. May 5 at Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road.

Palatine

Cinco de Mayo fundraising event to benefit underprivileged residents

Partners for Our Communities (POC) will host Cinco de Mayo, its annual fundraising event, from 5-8 p.m. May 5 at Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road. The event (for adults only) will include Mexican cuisine and a cash bar, festive games, prizes and more. POC is a non-profit community agency with a mission to connect underprivileged residents in the Palatine area to services and resources in an effort to empower people, and to ensure healthy families and vibrant neighborhoods. Members of POC’s Board of Directors include representatives from Northwest Community Healthcare, Harper College, Township School District 211, Community Consolidated School District 15 and District 54, the Village of Palatine, the Palatine Park District, the Palatine Public Library, the Palatine Police Department and the Village of Hoffman Estates, as well as representatives from local businesses and philanthropic community members. Tickets for Cinco de Mayo are $50 in advance. To purchase tickets, and for more information, call (847) 776-9500, Ext. 222 or visit www.poc.news.

Schaumburg 

Convention Center to host Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo

The village announced that the 2016 GF & AF (Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly) Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14 and 15 at Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive. The expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors, a gluten and nut-free area (presented by Enjoy Life Foods), valuable coupons for gluten-free and allergen-friendly brands, discounted products, a free reusable bag, informative classes related to gluten-free and allergen-friendly lifestyles, and more. Tickets are $25 (adult weekend pass), $15 (adult one-day pass), $7 (ages 3-12 weekend pass), $5 (ages 3-12 one-day pass), and free (kids under age 3). In addition, a Sunday (May 15) family pass (up to two adults and six kids) is available for $35. Parking is free. For tickets, and more information, call (630) 473-3201, send an email to Elizabeth@glutenfreemg.com or visit www.gfafexpo.com.

South Holland

Fire Dept. seeks students for Fire Cadet, Citizens Fire Academy programs

The village reported that the South Holland Fire Department is seeking energetic, team-oriented students (ages 16-21) to apply for its Fire Cadet Program. The program is a youth a community service initiative designed to engage students who have an interest in being involved in the community and serving the public. Students interested in becoming a cadet, and anyone with knowledge of someone who would be a good candidate, should contact South Holland Firefighter Eric Petravich at (708) 331-3123 or via email at edpetravich@southholland.org. In addition, the fire department will offer its annual Citizens Fire Academy — a 10-week class that meets from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Aug. 3 and concluding with graduation on Oct. 1 — at Fire Station 1, 16230 Wausau Ave. The program (limited to 25 students) provides an inside look at the work and training methods performed by South Holland’s firefighters on a daily basis. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to apply online at www.southholland.org/departments/firedepartment. For more information, call Deputy Fire Chief Bryant Krizik at (708) 331-3123.

Wheeling

Village announces schedule for watering restriction policy

In an effort to further water conservation initiatives, the village reported that it is implementing outdoors watering restrictions, effective May 15 and running until Sept. 15. Properties with street addresses ending with an even number (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) can only water on even-numbered days, and properties with street addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) can only water on odd-numbered days. Watering for all properties will be prohibited from noon to 6 p.m. every day. The watering of newly laid sod or seed is permitted at any time, on any day, upon the issuance of an appropriate permit, and for a time not to exceed two consecutive weeks. For more information, call the Department of Community Development at (847) 459-2620 or visit www.wheelingil.gov.

Lansing

Thrift store moves to Lansing, adopts new name

The Harvest Thrift Store — which has been operated for the last 15 years by parents, alumni and staff of Lansing Christian School and Calvin Christian School, in South Holland — has moved from its home in Calumet City to a new location: the former Dekker Electric Building at 18230 S. Torrence Ave. In addition, the store has been renamed the New 2 You Quality Resale Shop. The decision to move the store was based upon the deterioration of the Wentworth Shopping Center building and the surrounding area, the high cost of rent, and the reduced amount of traffic in the area. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Donations are accepted during store hours; furniture items can be scheduled for pick-up. Besides furniture, accepted items include clothing, housewares, books, shoes, sporting goods, toys, magazines, seasonal items and tools. The store will not accept infant car seats, mattresses, bowling balls and appliances. All proceeds from sales are divided between Lansing Christian and Calvin Christian to help parents pay for tuition to the two private schools. For more information call (708) 889-6369.

Palos Hills

City offers free rain barrel program to residents

The city reported that it has joined forces with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago to provide a free rain barrel for each of its residents. The goal of the program is to reduce rainwater runoff entering the sewer system, and to reduce backups, sewer overflow, overland flooding, and infiltration and inflow of water into the sanitary sewer system. In addition, installing a rain barrel conserves water and stores rainwater for reuse. In order to receive a free rain barrel, residents must complete a form and return it City Hall, 10335 S. Roberts Road. Forms are available at www.paloshillsweb.org or at the Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. For more information, call (708) 598-3400 or the MWRD Office of Public Affairs at (312) 751-6633.

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–Cook County News Briefs–