Mount Prospect will host an open house concerning the Rand/IL-83/Kensington Intersection Study from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Community Room at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St.

Barrington

Barrington High named Apple Distinguished School

Barrington 220 Community School District announced that Barrington High School (BHS) has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School. Apple Distinguished Schools are acknowledged as centers of innovation, leadership and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. BHS earned the recognition for its implementation of the One to World initiative, which provides all students with a MacBook device. The One to World initiative is a learning program steeped in curriculum, pedagogy and professional learning. It integrates 24/7 availability of technology devices, provides ubiquitous access to the internet, and delivers a set of innovative apps and services for learning and teaching. The BHS One to World initiative, introduced during the 2014-15 school year, challenges traditional views of education by placing students at the center of the learning process and shifting ownership from teacher to student. Through the use of devices, BHS students have access to course materials and online resources without the constraints of time and place, allowing them to personalize the learning process by controlling pace and developing an individualized path to understanding. For more information, call 847-381-1400 or visit www.barrington220.org.

Deer Park

Village offers lower rate for electric energy use

The village announced that it recently updated its electrical aggregation program to offer residents a lower rate for electric energy usage. The current ComEd rate is 7.292 cents, and the village’s program rate with Dynergy Energy is 7.448 cents. When the village last renewed its aggregation program, ComEd had published its annual residential rate at 7.76 cents. The village then selected a lower rate of 7.448 cents from Dynergy. Months later, ComEd unexpectedly adjusted its rate downward to 7.292 cents. This rate will remain in place through May 2019, but is expected to rise to about 7.5 cents in June.

The unexpected reprieve is due to a settlement negotiated by the Illinois Commerce Commission and regulators in other states that make up the 13-state regional power grid, the PJM Interconnection, a transmission organization that coordinates the movement of electricity. Deer Park residents can return to the lower ComEd rate at any time — with no early termination fee. To initiate the change, call Dynergy Energy at 844-351-7691. For more information, call the village’s electric aggregation program consultant, NIMEC, at 800-727-3820 or visit www.villageofdeerpark.com. 

Deerfield

Upcoming Winter Celebration offers host of activities

The village announced that Deerfield’s Winter Celebration will be held at various locations from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 7 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Festivities begin with horse-drawn carriage rides, a live ice sculpting show and roasted chestnuts on the front lawn at Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Road, and live performances by the Deerfield High School Choraliers, The Caroling Party (featuring costumed Dickens-style carolers) and Deerfield’s own The Hurricane Saxophone Quartet inside the building. Complimentary treats include cookies, hot cider and hot chocolate, popcorn, and corn pudding and baked beans with brisket. Community events also will be held at Swansons Blossom Shop, 814 Waukegan Road (noon to 3:30 p.m.); Jewett Park, 836 Jewett Park Drive (3-9 p.m.); Leather Creations (4-7 p.m.); and First Presbyterian Church, 824 Waukegan Road (5-9 p.m.). Festivities continue on Dec. 8 with pony and carriage rides at Forest Plaza at The Shops at Deerfield Square, 740 Waukegan Road, with carriage rides stopping at Village Centre Plaza, 625 Deerfield Road, for a meet-and-greet with Santa (pets are welcome), and an interactive, life-sized snow globe. A variety of other holiday events will be held at several businesses and establishments on Deerfield and Waukegan roads. Winter Celebration events are free, and all ages are welcome. For more information, call Communications Specialist Kylie Clerk at 847-719-7404 or visit www.deerfield.il.us.

Cicero

Vega earns award in Morton’s Project CARE program

Morton College announced that Ruben Vega, an adult learner in Morton’s tutoring program, Project CARE (Community Adult Reading Experience) was honored as a recipient of the prestigious Spotlight on Achievement Award. The award recognizes an adult learner who has made significant, measurable strides in learning while overcoming challenges that may have stopped someone else. When Vega first arrived in the United States, his English skills were very limited. In 2015, he decided to take the time to learn English, and then did so with the assistance of his tutor and fellow students in the Project CARE program. Project CARE is a volunteer adult tutoring program that serves Adult Basic Education students, as well as English as a Second Language learners. Tutoring services are free for all eligible students. For more information, call 708-656-8000, ext. 2383, send an email to projectcare@morton.edu or visit www.morton.edu.

Mount Prospect

Village to host open house on intersection study

The village announced that it will host an open house concerning the Rand/IL-83/Kensington Intersection Study from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Community Room at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St. The event is an opportunity for residents to learn about the study and provide input as the village looks to improve the transportation system in the triangle area (Rand Road, Route 83 and Kensington Road) near many businesses, including Randhurst Village. Long delays to get through the three closely spaced intersections, and operational issues, are ongoing issues. The village is committed to developing a plan that will provide significant enhancements for the benefit of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, businesses and residents. The village is currently in the early stages of collecting data and feedback. During the open house, village representatives will be on hand to discuss the study, answer questions and provide feedback. For more information, call the Public Works Department at 847-870-5640, send an email to publicworks@mountprospect.org or visit www.mountprospect.org.

–Cook County News Briefs–