Briefs: Environmental fair today

Speakers, exhibits and representatives from environmental and recycling groups are among the highlights of an all-day environmental fair today in Schaumburg. Sponsored by Schaumburg's and Hoffman Estates' environmental commissions, the family-oriented fair will include exhibits from such groups as Chicago Wilderness, Greenpeace, the Illinois Arborists Association, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Morton Arboretum will exhibit photos, brochures and examples of their environmental initiatives. Several alternative-fuel cars will also be on display. Speeches include "The Bee Hive Collapse" at 10 a.m.; "Wind Power in Illinois" at 11 a.m.; "A Greener You" at noon; "Snakes Alive," featuring live snakes, at 1 p.m.; and, following that, "Build a Rain Barrel." The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court. Admission is free.

Seegers Road detour

Seegers Road, between Rand Road and Northwest Highway in Des Plaines, will be closed due to reconstruction work on the Canadian National Railroad crossing from Monday through Friday afternoon. Motorists are advised to follow signs and use Golf Road as a detour, according to the Des Plaines Engineering Department.

Block grants available

The village of Schaumburg is accepting public service proposals for the 2008 Community Development Block Grant program. Public and private nonprofit groups can apply for grant assistance for programs that benefit low- and moderate-income Schaumburg residents and promote the village's housing and community development goals. The village will provide technical assistance to groups in developing proposals. Agencies interested in applying should call Marisa Warneke of the village's community development department at (847) 923-3851. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 7.

Homeowner seminar

Hanover Township Assessor Thomas Smogolski and Clerk Brian McGuire will host a homeowners seminar next week. Topics to be covered include homeowners exemption, senior citizen exemptions and senior assessment freezes, which all provide property tax relief for homeowners. Attendees are asked to bring a copy of their most recent tax bill and a driver's license or ID. A Spanish translator will be on hand to assist. The event takes place 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Hanover Township Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park. For details, call the assessor's or clerk's office at (630) 837-0301.