The “Best First-Time Participant” honor for last year’s Tinley Park Benches on the Avenue project went to Jackie Perell for “Historic Heroines.” Benches for the the 13th annual event will be on display from Mid-May to Sept. 30. This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time … Favorite Children’s Storybooks.”

Mount Prospect

Library nets grants to bolster STEAM programs

The Mount Prospect Public Library announced that two grants received through the Bosch Community Foundation — which supports local charitable projects targeting scientific, technological and environmental initiatives — will support efforts to encourage exploration in the library’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) program subjects. One of the grants resulted in the purchase of a 3-D zSpace device, a virtual reality system that responds to eye movements and allows children to interact with images and participate in a range of activities, from virtually dissecting a frog to constructing a rollercoaster. The device will be used for programs and school visits. The second grant will help to fund Tutor.com, a live, one-on-one online tutoring service for students in elementary, middle and high school, as well as early college students. For more information, call (847) 253-5675 or visit www.mppl.org.

Schaumburg

Village to offer free food market for seniors

The village announced that the Senior Program at the Schaumburg Barn, 231 S. Civic Drive, has teamed up with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to offer the Older Adult Market, a free food market for seniors (ages 60 and older). The market is a choice-style food pantry, distributing fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as shelf-stable food items, to older adults and their households in the community. The market is open from 1-2:30 p.m. (or until supplies run out) every other Friday, including Feb. 5 and 19. Participants must sign in and acknowledge they are at least 60 years old. A caregiver may pick up food for those unable to travel after completing a proxy letter (available at the market). For more information, contact Marina Lvovich at (847) 524-7496, or the Greater Chicago Food Depository at (773) 247-FOOD or at www.chicagofoodbank.org.

Elk Grove Village

Library to hold course on babysitter training

The Elk Grove Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave., will hold a Babysitters’ Training Course (for ages 10-16) in two sessions, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. The course will be led by a certified instructor, and includes small group discussions, teacher-led discussions, role playing and other activities for children interested in babysitting, as well as children beginning to spend time at home alone. Participants should bring a lunch and a large doll. A nonrefundable $10 fee is due at registration. To register, and for more information, call (847) 439-0447 or visit www.egvpl.org.

Tinley Park

Village to begin annual Benches on the Avenue project

The village will host the 13th Annual Benches on the Avenue, a public art project showcasing nearly two dozen handcrafted wooden benches along Oak Park Avenue that are created by local artists based on a central theme, to be displayed from mid-May through Sept. 30. This year’s theme is, “Once Upon a Time … Favorite Children’s Storybooks,” and the village is seeking imaginative, vibrant, colorful, three-dimensional child and family friendly designs depicting the theme. Selected artists will receive $400 to cover supplies and earn the chance to win one of several awards in various categories. Artists interested in participating must submit two different designs. Entries can be submitted to Tinley Park Village Hall, 16250 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, Ill. 60477 or dropped off in person. To access an application form, and for detailed guidelines, visit www.tinleypark.org. For more information, call (708) 444-5046 or send an email to nbyrne@tinleypark.org.

South Holland

Community Center site of Daddy Daughter event

South Holland Recreational Services will present its Daddy Daughter Princess Party (for fathers and daughters ages 3-12) from 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 5 at the South Holland Community Center, 501 E. 170th St. The event will feature food, music and other activities. The cost is $35 per couple (father and daughter), and $5 per additional girl. Tickets are available online at www.southholland.org or at the Community Center. For more information, call (708) 331-2940.

Evanston

City nets funding for Ecology Center improvements

During a recent City Council meeting, the Evanston Environmental Association — a nonprofit organization that has promoted environmental education and action in the community since 1976 — presented a check for $43,000 to the city. The funds will be used for the classroom extension project at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. The expanded classroom will provide additional space for programming, as well as more living space for the Ecology Center’s resident animals. Construction is expected to be completed in late February. For more information regarding the project, call or text (847) 448-4311 or visit www.cityofevanston.org.

Elmwood Park

Village announces progress on flood relief project

The village announced that its Flood Mitigation Project is essentially complete, capping a three-year program to bring flood relief to residents of Elmwood Park. The project has provided nearly 40,000 feet of new storm sewer, ranging from 12 to 84 inches in diameter, along with new catch basins and manholes. In addition, approximately 20,000 feet of water main has been replaced, along with the replacement of associated fire hydrants, valves and water services. Crews also installed nearly 8,000 feet of new sanitary sewer, and lined another 2,400 feet of sanitary sewer as part of the project.

Arlington Heights

Northwest Symphony Orchestra to hold concert

The Northwest Symphony Orchestra continues its 2015-16 season with a concert, conducted by Kim Diehnelt and featuring bassoonist Martha Cavander, at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road. Tickets are $20 (general public), $15 (seniors) and $10 (students), and are available at www.NorthwestSymphony.org. For more information, call (847) 965-7271.

Park Ridge

Park District offers program on Minnesota wilderness area

The Park Ridge Park District will offer a free program focusing on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (part of the Superior National Forest) in northeastern Minnesota from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 28 at South Park Recreation Center, 833 Talcott Ave. The program, presented by Williams and Hall Outfitters, from Ely, Minn., will include a slide show explaining how to plan a trip to the area, as well as information about various sites and available activities. For more information, call (847) 692-3556 or visit www.prparks.org.

–Cook County News Briefs–