Rosemont mayor prepares to tie the knot this weekend

Hello, readers. I'm back covering Elk Grove Village, in addition to Des Plaines and Rosemont.

I'm looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and issues after three years.

Sue Ter Maat, who is taking over Mount Prospect coverage, is filling me in on all the current issues. She'll miss covering all the happenings in Elk Grove.

OK, now let's get down to business.

Thanks, Swojy: Elk Grove Village police will thank police dog Swojy for seven faithful years of service. I can remember when Swojy first came on the scene. The canine will formally be retired at Tuesday's village board meeting.

Congratulations: Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens is set to tie the knot this weekend. Stephens is marrying Suzi Markoska, who works for the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

New ambulance welcomes baby: Des Plaines paramedics helped deliver a baby in the city's new ambulance -- just two days after the fire department started using it.

Time to tailgate: Watch the Chicago Bears take on the Detroit Lions and help a good cause on Oct. 28.

The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines will hold its annual fundraiser at Club Casa Cafe, 353 N. River Road, Des Plaines.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and kick off is at noon. Tickets are $30 a person, or $35 at the door.

The fee includes beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as burgers, bratwurst and chili.

For more information, call Debbie Walusiak at (847) 337-1443 or Tom Christiansen at (847) 827-5959.

Learning to be green: Des Plaines' new environmental task force will meet on Wednesday.

The Deep Green group will present the first in a series of free educational events aimed at helping residents and businesses learn about how they can help save money and be sensitive to the environment.

The first event, focusing on building, remodeling and designing homes, is at 7 p.m. at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St.

McNulty Design Group will present advice and strategies.

The session is free and open to the public. Call (847) 803-6912 for reservations.

Deep Green is sponsored by the city of Des Plaines to improve the community's energy efficiency. Anyone who would like to join Deep Green or find out more can call Mary Rohde at (847) 803-6912.