Sample wine, help charity purchase wheelchairs

The Sister Cities Commission and Vino 100, the new wine store at 110 S. Emerson St., are teaming up for a wine-tasting party to raise money for "Wheelchairs for Peace." The party will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 at Vino 100.

In a partnership, Sister Cities organizations raise money and donate it to the Wheelchair Foundation, which matches donations and ships wheelchairs to Sister Cities in underdeveloped nations, according to Maura Reschke, co-chair of the wine-tasting event with Judy Thorne.

"When we saw the sign for the new wine store opening, we decided that a French wine-tasting event would be really fun," said Reschke, a member of the Mount Prospect Sister Cities Commission.

For $10 at the door, participants can taste at least six different French wines. Cheese and other appetizers will be provided.

All profits from the tasting will be donated to Wheelchairs for Peace, as well as 5 percent of the evening's sales.

Food drive at farmers market: The Mount Prospect Lions Club will hold a non-perishable food drive on Sunday to help replenish the village's food pantry. Lions Club members will be on hand at the market to accept donations from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. market located in the train station parking lot at Route 83 and Northwest Highway.

"We are especially in need of donations this time of year as cold weather sets in and the holidays get closer," said Nina Persino, a village social worker.

The pantry accepts non-perishable food items such as canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, soup, cereal, and peanut butter and jelly. Paper goods and diapers are also needed.

Wildlife Preservation Fund grant: The River Trails Park District recently received a Wildlife Preservation Fund Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Woodland Trails Park, 1500 E. Euclid Ave.

The project will involve the removal of about 10 acres of invasive plants like garlic mustard and ragweed. Then 1 acre will be restored to native prairie.

"We are thrilled to have received this grant, not only for restoration of 10 acres, but as an educational purpose for the local Scout troops, Eagle Scouts and students," said Joe Novak, horticulturist for the park district.

The project is expected to continue for about 10 years.

"It's tough keeping the buckthorn from coming back. We are routinely physically removing the plants in addition to spraying herbicide to eradicate any re-sprouting," explained Novak.

Local Boy Scout Troop 270 and Eagle Scouts assist in plant removal, preparing the site and planting native saplings including white pines, scarlet oaks and redbuds.