Gray seal pup born Jan. 2 at Brookfield Zoo. (Chicago Zoological Society photo)

Brookfield

Gray seal born at Brookfield Zoo

The Chicago Zoological Society announced its first birth of 2016 at Brookfield Zoo. Lily, an 11-year-old gray seal, gave birth to a female pup on Jan. 2. The two will remain behind the scenes for several weeks to allow them time to bond. Gray seal pups are born with long, white fur called lanugo (pronounced la-NOO-go), which is molted in two to four weeks and replaced with shorter, stiffer hair similar to that of adults. Although guests will most likely not be able to see the pup on exhibit at Pinniped Point before she molts, they can view updated photos and video of her on the zoo’s Facebook page or Youtube channel. At birth, the pup weighed just over 30 pounds, and staff estimate that she will triple or quadruple her weight in the next month. The mom’s milk is extremely rich, and the pup will gain several pounds a day. Gray seals only nurse for about three weeks and then the pup will be introduced to a fish diet.

Cook County

Cook County Farm Bureau nets slew of awards

The Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, in Countryside, received numerous awards during the 101st Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, held Dec. 5-9 in Chicago. Cook County earned Gold awards in Ag Literacy; Legislative/Political Process; Local Affairs; Communication & Promotion; and Policy Development. The organization received Silver awards in Commodities & Marketing; and Member Relations, and netted a Bronze award in Health & Safety. In addition, the farm bureau also was recognized with a Gold Star for Foundation Programming, and a Bronze Star for Young Leaders Group Programming — and its Commodities/Marketing Team’s “Urban Garden Initiative” received a Most Outstanding Program award. For more information, call (708) 354-3276 or visit www.cookcfb.org.

Schaumburg

Victor Construction named newest member of BOMA

The Schaumburg Business Association announced that Victor Construction — which specializes in retail, commercial, and industrial building and remodeling — recently was named the newest associate member of BOMA (Building Owners and Manager’s Association) Suburban Chicago. Founded in 1970, BOMA Suburban Chicago represents and promotes the industry through leadership and advocacy; through the collection, analysis and dissemination of information; and through professional development. Victor Construction, 1701 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 430, also is a member of the International Facilities Management Association, the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Association of Real Estate Brokers. For more information, call (847) 392-6900 or visit www.victorconstruction.com.

Mount Prospect

Cassady appointed as new village manager

The Village Board and Mayor Arlene A. Juracek announced the appointment of Michael Cassady as Mount Prospect’s new village manager. Cassady brings 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as the village manager for both Bensenville (2009-15) and Palatine (1998 to 2004), and also spent five years in the private sector specializing in economic development. Cassady earned a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Southern Illinois University, and Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University.

Elk Grove Village

Village invites residents to Character Coalition event

In conjunction with the celebration of the village’s upcoming 60^th anniversary, residents are invited to attend the Community Character Coalition of Elk Grove’s Carnival of Exceptional Character event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Park District Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave. The event will feature booths and activities regarding the village’s community service groups, and free carnival-style games (with prizes), including Plinko, Bozo Buckets and ring toss, as well as a bounce house, photo flip books and more. In addition, free food will be served while supplies last. For more information, visit www.elkgrove.org/60 or call (847) 439-3900.

Wheeling

Retirement planning courses coming to National Louis U.

National Louis University, 1000 Capitol Drive, will present The Changing World of Retirement Planning from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 1, Feb. 4 and Feb. 8. Each course will be led by instructor Larry DeLegge, a registered investment advisor and a member of the National Society for Financial Educators. Topics include tax rate risk, retirement distribution planning, estate planning, maximizing social security, protecting against market loss, and more. The fee is $49, and advance registration is required. To register by mail, send a check (payable to Larry DeLegge) to Retirement Course Registration, 1834 Walden Office Square, Suite 500, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173; visit www.myrsvp.events/115130; or call (847) 871-0454.

Oak Park

Village, Park District earn municipal arboretum status

The village, in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park, has earned recognition — through the Morton Arboretum ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program — as Illinois’ first, and the nation’s fourth, municipal arboretum. Together, the village and the Park District share responsibility for more than 21,000 trees, representing nearly 130 species, located on public property throughout the village’s 4 1/2  square miles. Park District Board President Jessica Bullock stated that the distinction comes as recognition of the importance placed on maintenance of the village’s tree collection, due to a long-standing cooperative relationship between the village and the Park District. Formal acknowledgement of the accreditation will take place during an Arbor Day event, scheduled for noon on April 24 at Scoville Park, 800 Lake Street. For more information, visit www.pdop.org.

Winnetka

Stormwater management open houses set for Washburne School

The village announced that Strand Associates, its consultant for the Evaluation of Stormwater Management Improvements and Alternatives for Western and Southwestern Winnetka Project, will host two public open-house events. Residents are encouraged to attend one of the two events — 6-8 p.m. Jan. 21 or 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 in the gymnasium at Washburne Middle School, 515 Hibbard Road — to hear about early study activities; to corroborate individual flooding occurrences; to gain an understanding of Strand Associates’ study-area insights; and to share suggestions for mitigation. For more information, call (847) 716-3549 or visit www.villageofwinnetka.com.

Franklin Park

Village offers residents free smoke alarms

The village reported that the Franklin Park Fire Department is offering one free smoke alarm, per residence, through a grant provided by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Fire Department also is providing coupons to purchase additional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers at Olson’s Ace Hardware, 10135 Grand Ave. Smoke alarms (including batteries and informational packets) are available at Fire Department Station No. 2, 10001 Addison St. Residents must provide proof of address to obtain a smoke alarm. For more information, call (847) 678-2400 or visit www.villageoffranklinpark.com.

Lansing

Library to host Community Safety Day program

The Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave., will present Community Safety Day at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in the lower-level Community Room. The program — sponsored by American Red Cross — will train participants in disaster preparedness, CPR and basic first aid, and includes a lecture, discussion and hands-on demonstrations. Informative handouts also will be distributed. To register, call (708) 474-2447 or visit www.engagedpatrons.org. For more information, visit www.lansingpl.org.

–Cook County News Briefs–