New school's open, but what's up with store?

Children with autism and their families face unique challenges that often forge strong bonds among those fighting its devastating impact.

Thanks to a grass-roots effort, a new school, the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism, is now open in Lake in the Hills. Organizers invite us all to stop by their open house from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday to learn about the school's individualized programs that aim to help those children develop their full potential.

"There's a growing number of cases of autism being diagnosed, and it's not a one-size-fits all scenario," board member Mike Butkus said. "This is tailored to each child."

You can find out more at Saturday's open house at the school at 9109 S. Route 31, Lake in the Hills, or by calling (847) 458-6802.

What's up with that?

Mary Narducci of Carpentersville wonders what's happening with the former Carpentersville Jewel store that was supposed to be a Village Fresh Market by now. The "For Lease" sign she spotted was a bit worrisome, but Carpentersville Village Manager Craig Anderson assures me all is well and the store is on its way. "It's still on track," Craig said, noting the owner has done more than he'd originally planned, work that seems to be paying off. "It's really nice," he said.

Sure looks sharp from the outside, doesn't it?

On the hunt

A fairly new Cub Scout pack from Liberty School in Carpentersville has taken on Raceway Woods steward Donna Redmer's challenge to go for the gold. Members of Pack 154 soon will take to the trails to see if they can find the elusive gold ornament not yet found by you ornament hunters.

They'll also collect about five dozen red ornaments that lined the peaceful getaway's branches during the holidays, earning about $60 for their efforts. The Scouts thought the ornament hunt would be a good chance to "explore the rich, beautiful resource that is Raceway Woods," parent Jay Rasmussen said.

The pack has been one of many groups to help restore and fix up the former raceway that's become a haven for nature lovers. Now they'll get to see another side of the peaceful spot, Jay said.

In recent days, it's also been a haven for those who like to hunt for ornaments. If you were one of the many new Raceway visitors who found one of the cash ornaments, you have 10 more days to turn it in for cash at the Dundee Township office, which is downstairs at the Dundee Township Public Library, 557 Barrington Ave., East Dundee. Only about half the discovered ornaments have been turned in so far.

To the caller who asked me to call him about the ornament hunt, I wonder if you'd try me again? You didn't leave a name or number!

Unsung hero

Periodically, we feature unsung heroes, those folks who go above and beyond behind the scenes to make a difference for the rest of us.

Ray Bellock of Sleepy Hollow says Mara Mackey, the patient ambassador at RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale, truly made a difference for his family when she went an extra step to make sure his ailing aunt got her daily fix of reading the newspaper in her final days before she passed away at 93.

Mara would make a special stop at the store every day to make sure Ray's aunt could follow her treasured Chicago Bears and the news of the day. With no gift shop or nearby family able to visit daily, "her kindness meant a lot to my aunt and to me," Ray told me.

I'll bet you, too, have had someone go above and beyond to make a difference in your life. If you'd like to tip your hat to a special someone, I'd like to help.

Give me a call at (847) 931-5725 or send an e-mail marked "Unsung hero" to amack@dailyherald.com.

Thank you, Ray, for sharing your family's unsung hero with us.

Super hoagies

Never fear. Even though those darned Bears didn't get it together until the final weeks of the season, there's still good reason to look forward to Super Bowl Sunday.

Diane Fuqua tells me the ever-popular "secret recipe" Super hoagie sandwiches are now on sale. Get your order in by Jan. 27 to the First Congregational Church of Dundee at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210. The sandwiches are $5 each and can be picked up after 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2 at the church on Route 31 and Angle Tarn. The fundraiser benefits the church's Chancel Choir and the sandwiches benefit your tummy.

Ring it in again

The folks at the Cary Park District invite seniors to ring in the new year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Kraus Senior Center, 441 W. Main St., Cary. If I didn't know better, I'd say those organizers are related to my procrastinating self!

Seriously, it sounds like a fun event and includes food and "mocktails" with entertainment from the Cary Canaries Glee Club. Please bring an appetizer to share.