Jonathan Stombres and Monica Szaflik play the parts of George and Mary Baily in the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” The show runs on select dates through Dec. 27 at the Centre, 111 West Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the Box Office at (847) 577-2121.

Buffalo Grove

Public info session on tap for Police Dept. re-accreditation

The village announced that a public information session, in conjunction with an on-site re-accreditation assessment for the Buffalo Grove Police Department, will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Council Chambers at Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd. A team of assessors from Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. will arrive on Dec. 11 to examine all aspects of the police department’s policies, procedures, management, field operations and support services. The assessment team is composed of law enforcement professionals from out-of-state agencies. Assessors will review written materials, interview staff members, and visit offices and other locations where compliance with CALEA’s standards can be witnessed. As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and community members are invited to offer comments at the public information session. In addition, public comments will be accepted by telephone at (847) 777-6227 from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 13. Written comments can be sent to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, Va., 20155. Following completion of the review, CALEA will decide if the Buffalo Grove Police Department will be granted accredited status. For more information, call Buffalo Grove Deputy Chief Michael Szos at (847) 459-2560 or visit www.vbg.org.

Crestwood

Energy & Information Fair to offer help with energy bills

The village announced that Cook County Commissioner Edward M. Moody (6th District) will host an Energy & Information Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Andrew Biela Center, 4545 Midlothian Turnpike. Applications for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) will be processed at the fair on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance registration is required. Registration is on-site only, and all applicants must register by 1 p.m. Applicants must bring proof of gross income for the last 30 days, original Social Security cards for all household members, and current ComEd and Nicor bills. The event also will include local representatives from The Link & Option Center, Nicor and ComEd to discuss other payment options in order to avoid disconnection of services, as well as representatives from area Social Service organizations. For more information, call Moody’s office at (708) 389-2125 or visit www.villageofcrestwoodil.gov. 

Schaumburg

Muth retires as longest-serving sworn member of Police Dept.

The village reported that the Schaumburg Police Department recognized Sgt. Donald Muth, who recently retired after serving 40 years as a sworn member of the department, for marking a milestone as the longest-serving sworn member in the history of the department. Hired in 1976, Muth worked in both the patrol and investigation divisions. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999, and also served the department by working in several different specialty positions. During his 40-year career, Muth earned numerous awards, including department commendations, unit citations and honorable mentions, and was the recipient of a Chief’s Letter of Appreciation. Muth was the 48th police officer hired in the history of the Schaumburg Police Department.

Evanston

City to host public meeting on Howard Street improvements

The city announced that community members are invited to attend an open house public meeting to discuss the proposed improvement of Chicago Avenue (between Howard and Main streets) from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 15 at Lincoln Elementary School, 910 Forest Ave. The proposed project includes street resurfacing and on-street bicycle accommodations. During the public meeting, city staff members will address the need for the project and provide a tentative schedule. Maps and cross-sections of existing conditions, as well as proposed improvement exhibits, will be available for viewing. City representatives will be on hand to discuss the project, answer questions and record comments. To submit written questions and comments, contact Sat Nagar at snagar@cityofevanston.org or (847) 866-2967, or Dan Manis at dmanis@cityofevanston.org or (847) 448-8129. For more information, call (847) 448-4311 or visit www.cityofevanston.org.

Des Plaines

New student center set to open at Oakton Community College

Oakton Community College reported that its new $2 million student center is on track to open for the spring semester when classes begin Jan. 17, 2017. Designed by Legat Architects and built by Riley Construction, the student center will provide approximately 7,300 square feet of dedicated space at the Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, for student leadership, organizations, clubs, activities, recreation, group study and student meetings. The center will feature a large, multi-purpose lounge area with a fireplace and television screens, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering scenic views of the lake to the north. The center also includes space for the OCCurrence student newspaper staff, and will contain offices for the Student Government Association and Student Life staff. Construction of the new center began in June, and included complete demolition and removal of the interior footprint of the concrete floor slab, excavation of unsuitable soil, replacement of various aged and sinking underground utilities, and installation of a new concrete floor. The space will feature new, energy-efficient LED lighting and data layouts as well. For more information, call (847) 635-1600 or visit www.oakton.edu.

La Grange Park

Chamber to host Holiday in the Park community event

The village announced that the La Grange Park Chamber of Commerce will host Holiday in the Park from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at the La Grange Park Community District Recreation Center, 1501 Barnsdale Road. The community event includes crafts and games, an outdoor bonfire and petting zoo, free photos with Santa Claus, cookie decorating, musical entertainment, chili, hot chocolate and other refreshments, and more. Admission is free. For more information, call (708) 354-4205 or visit www.lagrangeparkchamber.org.

Wheeling

Village offers holiday lights recycling program, free tree pick-up

The village announced that residents can recycle holiday lights (including mini, C7, C9, rope and LED lights), and extension cords of all colors and lengths, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Department of Public Works, 77 W. Hintz Road, through Feb. 28, 2017. Garland, live greens, wreaths and other non-recyclable holiday items will not be accepted. In addition, holiday trees will be collected at residential curbsides by Waste Management (at no additional charge) during the first two weeks in January. Trees that contain decorations or are in stands or plastic bags will not be accepted. For more information, call (847) 279-6900 or visit www.wheelingil.gov. 

–Cook County News Briefs–