Green issues focus of talk at church

Did you know that one in six babies born in the United States has mercury poisoning?

That is the assertion of Karen Hewitson who has been speaking on environmental issues throughout the Midwest as a member of the Green Team of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries' Women's Division.

Hewitson will discuss this and related environmental issues when she speaks at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. The public is invited.

Hewitson will engage her audience in an interactive talk concerning water conservation and water-related problems like the pollution of so-called pure water by barium, lead, mercury and invasive species.

Hewitson and her team, according to the Global Ministries Web site, have chosen to be a "Voice for the Voiceless." Since the natural environment is unable to speak for itself, they feel that it is their responsibility, and ours, to listen, be responsible for our actions and take action to clean up the environment.

Over the past three years she has spoken to thousands of people around the Midwest about how precious water is and how to conserve it.

For more information about Hewitson's free program at Trinity, phone (847) 439-0950.

St. Patrick's Day programs abound:ŒThe village of Mount Prospect will be awash in St. Patrick's Day celebrations this year.

Members of the Dennehy Irish Dancers will perform at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Mount Prospect Public Library's Super Saturday event for children and their parents.

Everyone will enjoy seeing a variety of traditional dances performed by the internationally known troupe whose most famous pupil is Michael Flatley, star of Lord of the Dance, Riverdance and Celtic Tiger.

Then, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the library members of the band, Trillium, will perform an energetic selection of Celtic, folk, ragtime, bluegrass and Dixieland music in honor of the Irish saint/mascot.

Trillium's versatile musicians will use the hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle and mandolin to present traditional tunes that will make everyone smile.

Both programs are free, but reservations are necessary at (847) 253-5675 or www.mppl.org/events.

Finally, the Mount Prospect Senior Advisory Council will hold their annual St. Patrick's Day party at noon on March 16 at Manzo's Banquets, 1571 S. Elmhurst Road, Des Plaines. It is open to all adults.

The cost is $20 per person, paid in advance, which includes a luncheon. There will also be a cash bar and entertainment.

Reservations are due by Tuesday at the village's Human Services Department, 50 S. Emerson St. Phone (847) 870-5680 for information.