How to deal with your fall leaves

Now that it's officially autumn, try not to let thoughts of toiling with a rake spoil your enjoyment of the fall colors. But in case it's already on your mind, here's a reminder on Rolling Meadows' leaf collection policy.

• All leaves must be placed in paper bags. If they're in plastic, trash collectors will not pick them up. Bags should be rolled and crimped closed and marked with an "X" on the outside.

• City ordinance prohibits raking or blowing of leaves onto any street.

• If the bundle of paper bags you received in May isn't enough, bags can be purchased at city hall or through public works. Call (847) 963-0500.

• Yard waste pickup goes through the first week of December.

Advice for parents: For some whose children are ages 2-12, getting through a day without arguing or yelling might be a pleasant aberration. With some work, however, it can be done, says Thomas Phelan, a clinical psychologist and internationally known speaker and author.

Phelan will present his seminar, "1-2-3 Magic," at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Kimball Hill School, 2905 Meadow Drive in Rolling Meadows.

My sources say his seminar is lively, humorous and well worth the time. It's open to the community and intended for parents of average children as well as children with special needs. Tickets are $3 and are limited. Mail a check written out to Kimball Hill PTA to: Steve Mullany, PTA president; 2905 Meadow Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.

Military recall: Public works employee Graham Strebler, who served his country as a Marine and was honorably discharged in 2006, now is likely to return to active duty.

The city council this week adopted a resolution in support of Strebler and his family after receiving word of his recall notice.

Strebler, a 2002 graduate of Rolling Meadows High School, reached the rank of sergeant and served a tour of Iraq. He is the son of Kenneth Strebler of Rolling Meadows and Marian Strebler of Palatine. We certainly wish him well.

Viking homecoming: Undefeated Fremd High School takes on cross-town rival Palatine for its homecoming football game tonight. The Vikings are ranked eighth in the state in their division, so the stakes are huge (check out our coverage in today's Sports Extra). The 7:30 kickoff follows a week of festivities including a pep rally this afternoon.

Here's a Fremd fact: While most it its students live in Palatine, about 11 percent have a Rolling Meadows address, according to Mark Kovack, director of student services.