Cook County briefs
Recovery effort is topic:
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Chicago Democrat, will talk about provisions of the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 and answer questions at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Oakton Community College TenHoeve Center, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. Park in lots C or D.
Win flight at book launch:
A book launch party for the mystery anthology "Missing" will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Those attending will have the opportunity to win a free 30-minute private plane flight from Windy City Flyers. "Missing" is a compilation of fictional mystery tales, some of which are written by area writers. In addition to an author presentation, police officers Michael Black and Dave Case will conduct a missing person crime scene for audience members to solve. Copies of "Missing" will be available for purchase and signing. Proceeds from "Missing" will benefit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required by calling (847) 923-3347.
Council hosts art reception:
The Palatine/Inverness Arts Council will host an art reception, "Art in Bloom," from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19. Local artists Kathy LaRocco, Tina Primer and DiAnn Baumeister will have work on display, as will residents of Little City. The event will take place at Emmett's Ale House, 110 N. Brockway St., Palatine. For more information, call the council at (847) 963-6451 or go to palatineinvernessarts.org.
Chamber scholarship open:
The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its 2009 scholarship. It will be awarded to students who have shown outstanding leadership qualities and excel in school involvement, work experience and community activities. Financial need and scholastic ability are not criteria. Applicants must live in Palatine Township and continue full-time at a postsecondary college or vocational school. For more information, go to palatinechamber.com.
Taxes lowest in Elk Grove:
Elk Grove Village recently learned it currently has the lowest property tax rate in Cook County, Mayor Craig Johnson said, crediting the huge tax base created by the village's massive industrial park, with its thousands of businesses. He also said that sales tax revenue from the park is holding up surprisingly well so far despite the economic downturn. He attributed that to a high level of overseas exports from the park, aided by favorable currency exchange rates.
Boating safety classes set:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-11 has set several two-day basic boating safety classes for the months ahead at Holy Ghost Church, 254 N. Wood Dale Road in Wood Dale. The four sessions will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the following Saturdays: April 18 and 25; May 9 and 16; June 6 and 13; and July 18 and 25. The cost is $40 per person or $50 per family. To register, call Marlene at (630) 860-2975. There also will be free vessel safety checks at the same location from 10 a.m. to noon on April 25, May 16, June 13 and July 25.