Des Plaines won't front money to open puppet parlor

Time is running out for a Des Plaines puppeteer.

After pleading with city officials for money to stay in its downtown space, Ralph Kipniss still hasn't heard anything.

Mayor Tony Arredia said the city is unwilling to give money for the project.

A fire ruined the former home of Kipniss' Puppet Parlor in Chicago a few years ago. Until the fire in 2005, the Puppet Parlor had spent 17 years in Chicago.

At the invitation of a Des Plaines theater group, Kipniss made the move to reopen his Puppet Parlor out of the old Masonic Temple in the city's downtown.

At least $10,000 would keep the Puppet Parlor in business, he said.

Tailgate Pig Roast: Fox Run Golf Links in Elk Grove Village is holding a pig roast on Nov. 18.

The event will start at 5 p.m. The Chicago Bears will face the Seattle Seahawks at 7:15 p.m. The fee is $10 per person, or $14 at the door.

Stop at Fox Run to sign up or call (847) 228-3544 to make a reservation.

Beverages aren't included. Fox Run Golf Links is located at 333 Plum Grove Road in Elk Grove Village. Visit online at www.foxrungolflinks.com.

Happy birthday, Rupley: Rupley Elementary School in Elk Grove Village will hold an open house and 50th birthday celebration on Sunday.

From 1 to 3 p.m., the event will feature a performance by the Rupley Chorus, a slide show, classroom demonstrations of new technology and a rededication ceremony.

Anniversary cake will be served. The public is encouraged to attend.

Give to the mitten tree: Des Plaines will launch its mitten tree project on Monday.

The Des Plaines Special Events Commission and the city's health and human services division are coordinating the project to collect new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for individuals within our community who are in need.

This is an opportunity for people to help keep a child, adult or senior stay warm during the winter months.

Collection sites include:

• Des Plaines City Hall, fifth floor, 1420 Miner St.

• Des Plaines Park District-Prairie Lakes Facility, 515 E. Dempster St.

• Des Plaines Public Library, children's department, 1501 Ellinwood Ave.

• Midwest Bank, 749 Lee St.

• Des Plaines Frisbie Senior Center, 52 Northwest Highway

Big game: A game is planned for 6 p.m. Monday under the lights at Lions Park at Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove Village between soccer players in the regular, "in-house" league and travel players. Coach Jack Groat has bought jerseys with each house player's name for the big event.