Graveyard keeps on growing in trustee's yard
Every year for 13 years, the Bermans have created a graveyard around their house in Buffalo Grove for Halloween.
Jeff Berman, a trustee at the village, said the family has been adding on to the scene on Newtown Drive since they first moved in.
"The kids really seem to enjoy it; that's why we do it," he said.
Berman said a fountain next to a cottage set on the graveyard runs with red liquid, and the family uses fog machines to add to the graveyard ambiance.
"It's for the neighborhood," he said. "The kids all love it."
Next special meeting: The next meeting of Special Kids, Special Families will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Protected Tomorrow, 103 Schelter Road, Lincolnshire.
The support group for parents of children with special needs will talk about "Understanding your child's IEP."
Jill Dressner, the executive director and attorney with the Special Ed Advocacy Center, will discuss ways parents can advocate on behalf of their children.
She will go through the basics of special education law, recent changes and how to ensure children are getting the best education. The meeting is free.
For more information or to R.S.V.P., call Marilyn Green-Rebnord at (847) 821-7740 or Chris Eng at (847) 913-1812.
Congratulatory visit: Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove will be getting a special visitor next week to celebrate a coveted honor.
Todd Zoellick, the deputy secretary regional representative of the U.S. Department of Education, will visit the school at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to celebrate its selection as a 2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School.
Zoellick is also scheduled to visit some of the classrooms to congratulate students and teachers.
Evening of ritz: The Wheeling/Prospect Heights Chamber of Commerce will be holding its sixth annual "Putting on the Ritz" from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.
The event will include sample signature dishes and beverages from "Restaurant Row," live music, silent and live auction, gift certificates and the $1,000 Champagne/Diamond Raffle.
Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (847) 541-0170 or e-mail info@wphchamber.com.
Prepare for the holidays: Mangels of Long Grove will have a "Home for the Holidays" workshop at the store, 421 Robert Parker Coffin Road, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Five professionals will share their expertise on home decorating and entertaining for the holiday season.
Rick Petrocelly, owner of The Olive Tap in Long Grove, will discuss olive oils from the world. JoAnn Icenogle from Plum Grove Gardens will talk about unique holiday tabletops. Rudolf Valentino DiTommaso, owner of Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove, will offer advice on pairing wine and food. Anon Bruton, with Brickman Landscaping, will create outdoor arrangements and share ideas on dressing up the exterior of the home. Chef Alex Hernandez, co-owner of Victoria's Mexican Grill in Long Grove, will prepare a holiday dessert.
The evening costs $35 and includes wine and food. Call (847) 634-9287 to register.