Trinity High School President Sister Michelle Germanson (left) speaks after the Cook County Board passed a resolution last week honoring Trinity and its International Baccalaureate program. Present were Cook County Commissioner Peter N. Silvestri and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Barrington Hills

Old Havana theme of annual BYFS fundraising gala

Barrington Youth & Family Services (BYFS) will present Viva! An Evening in Old Havana, its annual fundraising gala, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. April 22 at Barrington Hills Country Club, 300 W. County Line Road. The event includes cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction at 7:30 p.m., and dancing and live music with the Andrew Blake Band. The setting will reflect the culture and overall vibe of 1950s Cuba. Tickets are $85 (individual) and $1,665 (table of 10). Proceeds will benefit BYFS, which offers counseling, education and prevention solutions to support the social, emotional and psychological well-being of youth and their families in the Barrington area. To RSVP, and for more information, call BYFS at (847) 381-0345 or visit www.barringtonbyfs.org.

Orland Park

Village to host Annual Family Health Fair

The village will host its annual Family Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon April 22 at Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th Street. Activities include blood pressure screenings, cholesterol testing, nutrition counseling, free aerobics classes, injury screenings, flexibility testing and more. In addition, children can enjoy face painting, healthy snacks, balloons and the Dino Jump. The Sportsplex T-Rex is scheduled to make an appearance as well. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, call (708) 403-6100 or visit www.orland-park.il.us.

Streamwood

Art appreciation exhibit on tap at library

The Village of Streamwood Community Relations Commission will present Art Appreciation Around the World from 1-4 p.m. April 22 at Poplar Creek Library, 1405 S. Park Ave. The event features displays of two- and three-dimensional art created by local artisans, including paintings, woodwork, jewelry, sculptures and more. In addition, artists will be on hand to discuss their work. Refreshments will be provided. Admission is free. For more information, call (630) 736-3800 or visit www.streamwood.org.

Palatine

Village ends Electric Aggregation Program

The village announced that its Electric Aggregation Program, established in 2012, will expire in May. Participating residents will receive a confirmation letter from ComEd noting the village’s return to ComEd supply. Residents will automatically be moved back to ComEd at their meter read date in May, which will be reflected on the June bill. The program has saved the average participating resident $282 to date, with cumulative savings of $6.35 million. In addition, the program’s renewal energy component reduced carbon monoxide emissions by nearly 410,000 tons. The village did receive competitive bids to extend the program but was unable to obtain rates that would be guaranteed to be lower than the ComEd rate. The village will continue to monitor the market and may re-establish the program if rates become more favorable in the future. For more information, call the village’s consultant, NIMEC, at (800) 7272-3820 or visit www.palatine.il.us.

Schaumburg

Village to provide updated refuse/recycle carts

The Schaumburg Village Board recently approved a new, five-year refuse and recycling contract with Republic Services that will provide residents with wheeled carts (with lids) for both refuse and recycling at no additional cost to residential customers. Residents will have the option to choose from three cart sizes (35-gallon, 65-gallon and 95-gallon) for both refuse and recycling. Durable carts with wheels are intended to give residents the ability to safely store more refuse and recyclable materials, minimize materials being blown by wind, keep rain and animals out of garbage, and make it easier for residents to move materials to the curb. Included in the approval contract is an option for residents to rent an organic wheeled cart (with lid) for organic compost collection. The rental fee is $36 per year and includes the option of selecting a 65-gallon or 95-gallon cart with a ventilation system designed to stimulate aerobic decomposition while promoting proper odor dissemination. For more information, call (847) 895-4500 or visit www.villageofschaumburg.com.

Franklin Park

Park Dist. to host annual Earth Day Celebration

The Park District of Franklin Park will host its annual Earth Day Celebration from noon to 2 p.m. April 22 at North Park, 10040 Addison Ave. The family-oriented event features local vendors’ and municipalities’ interactive booths, live music, craft projects, tree planting and more. Booths include demonstrations on how to help the planet by increasing recycling, and conserving energy, water and other resources. The Chicago Water Reclamation District will supply oak tree saplings for distribution, and local schools will demonstrate “green” practices that students are learning about in class. Admission is free. For more information, call (847) 455-2852 or visit www.villageoffranklinpark.com. 

Park Ridge

Garden Club’s Beautification Awards Contest underway

The Park Ridge Garden Club and the city are sponsoring the annual Beautification Awards Contest. Landscapes will be judged on overall appearance, design, color, originality, beauty, lawn condition and plantings (street view only). The contest is open to all Park Ridge residents who have not previously won. Winners will receive a $100 prize from the Garden Club. Entry form applications are available at City Hall, 505 Butler place, or online on the village’s website (www.parkridge.us). Applications are due by June 30. For more information, call (847) 318-5227 or visit www.parkridge.us. 

Melrose Park

Our Lady of Mount Carmel to hold award dinner

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Annual Award Dinner Dance will be held April 28 at Elmcrest Banquets, 7370 W. Grand Ave. The event includes cocktails at 6:0 p.m., awards at 7:30 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. This year’s award winners are Louis Napolitano (Man of the Year), James V. Lorenzo (Father Benjamin Franch Biretta Award) and the DeChristopher Family/Padre Pio (Candle House Recognition). Dinner music will be provided by Frank Fratto. Tickets are $65. For tickets, and more information, call Sonny Nicotera at (708) 345-5172 or Rich Romeo at (630) 910-5483.

–Cook County News Briefs–