The U.S. Navy battleships USS West Virginia (BB-48) (sunken at left) and USS Tennessee (BB-43) shrouded in smoke following the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The Berwyn Public Library, 2701 S. Harlem Ave., will host a special adult program (for ages 13 and up) to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941) from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15. (National Archives and Records Administration photo)

Oak Park

Village offers free parking options for downtown shoppers

The village announced that shoppers in downtown Oak Park this holiday season — on or in the vicinity of South Oak Park Avenue — can park their cars free of charge (for two hours) at special bagged meters or in a pay-by-space lot on Saturdays before Dec. 25. Parking also is free in public garages all day on Saturdays before Dec. 25, and always free on Sundays. The free parking program is intended as a “thank you” to residents and visitors who shop locally. The village stated that retail sales benefit not only local retailers, but also the entire community, with 2 percent of every retail sale going to municipal coffers to fund vital public services. For more information, call (708) 383-6400, send an email to parking@oak-park.us or visit www.oakpark.us/parking.

South Holland

Village seeks nominees for Mayor’s Leadership Awards

The village announced that it is seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Leadership Awards, presented biennially to residents who demonstrate outstanding service to the community and who reflect South Holland’s values in the categories of Faith, Family and Future. Nominees in the Faith category must be South Holland residents who have demonstrated outstanding service to advance the heritage of faith in the village. Family nominees must be residents who have demonstrated outstanding service as a role model to married couples, families, children and students within the village. Nominees in the Future category must be residents who have demonstrated outstanding service to the village to ensure its continued vitality. Nomination forms are available at Village Hall, 16226 Wausau Ave. The nomination deadline is Dec. 31. For more information, call (708) 210-2900 or visit www.southholland.org.

Schaumburg

Fire Dept. taps Johnson as new Deputy Chief

The village reported that the Schaumburg Fire Department has appointed Captain Dan Johnson as its new Deputy Chief of Operations. In addition to his role as Captain, Johnson most recently served as a shift commander. In his new role, Johnson will be responsible for emergency service operations, which includes ensuring that adequate personnel and equipment are present; coordinating essential emergency tasks; and ensuring personnel accountability and scene safety — as well as overseeing other responsibilities within the department. Johnson, who joined the Schaumburg Fire Department in 1998, is a state-certified Chief Fire Officer, and a longstanding member of the Schaumburg Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials Response teams. He replaces former Deputy Chief Bill Spencer, who retired after 12 years in the position and more than 35 years in the department. Lieutenant John Schneidwind, a 28-year veteran of the department, has been promoted to Captain to fill Johnson’s vacancy. For more information, call (847) 895-4500 or visit www.villageofschaumburg.com.

Rolling Meadows

City offers holiday lights recycling program

The city announced that it is conducting a holiday lights, extension cord and wire recycling program — in cooperation with SWANCC (Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County) and Elgin Recycling — through Feb. 10, 2017. The collection location is outside of City Hall, 3600 Kirchoff Road. Items that will be accepted include mini-lights (or Italian lights), c7 lights, c9 lights, rope lights, extension cords and other related wiring. All colors and lengths will be accepted. Garland, live greens, wreaths and other non-recyclable items will not be accepted. For more information, call (847) 394-8500 or visit www.ci.rolling-meadows.il.us.

Winnetka

Sally to succeed Yorke as Dist. 203 Superintendent

New Trier Township High School District 203 announced that Paul Sally, its current Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, will become District 203’s new Superintendent, beginning July 1, 2017. Sally will succeed Linda Yorke, who will retire at the end of June 2017 after serving 11 years in the position. Sally began his career at New Trier in 1994, and spent 15 years as a member of the mathematics faculty, including four years as the Northfield Campus Coordinator for the Mathematics Department. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 2009 and Associate Superintendent in 2014. Sally also has served in various leadership roles throughout his 22-year career at New Trier, most recently as a member of the Board of Education Finance Committee, the Facilities Steering Committee and the Board’s negotiation team for the last three faculty contracts. Sally holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Yale University, a master’s degree in Computer Science from Northwestern University and a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from National Louis University. For more information, call (847) 446-7000 or visit www.newtrier.k12.il.us.

Berwyn

Library to host program marking anniversary of Pearl Harbor

The Berwyn Public Library, 2701 S. Harlem Ave., will host a special adult program (for ages 13 and up) to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941) from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15. The program, to be held in the Community Room, will feature local author Kathryn Atwood, who will discuss her new book, “Women Heroes of World War II: The Pacific Theater.” Atwood’s presentation will include the stories of 15 courageous women who risked their lives in the Pacific Theater while serving as spies, medics, resisters and saboteurs. To register, and for more information, call (708) 795-8000, Ext. 6300, send an email to ra@berwynlibrary.org or visit www.berwynlibrary.org.

Rosemont

Village begins Home Holiday Decorating Contest

The village announced that the annual Rosemont Home Holiday Decorating Contest is underway. All residents can participate in the contest, including those in single-family homes, apartments and condos. No registration is required. During the week of Dec. 18, anonymous judges (not from Rosemont) will begin touring the village to look for residential holiday decorations for inclusion in the contest. Judging will be completed by Dec. 23, and winners will be notified soon after. Prizes will be awarded for first place ($300), second place ($200), third place ($100) and top apartment or condo ($50). Winners will be recognized at the Rosemont Village Board meeting, in January 2017. Winners unable to attend the meeting will receive their prizes in the mail. Prizes are funded by the Bradley A. Stephens Committeeman Fund. For more information, call (847) 825-4404 or visit www.rosemont.com.

–Cook County News Briefs–