Briefs: Town hall meeting in Gurnee
State Rep. Kathy Ryg and State Sen. Terry Link will host a town-hall meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Gurnee Village Hall, 325 N. O'Plaine Road. Ryg and Link invite residents to provide input about local and state issues. The meeting also will feature Gurnee Village Administrator James Hayner, Illinois Department of Transportation engineer Diane O'Keefe and representatives from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and the Lake County Division of Transportation. Those officials will provide updates and seek feedback on road construction projects and plans for winter snow removal. For information, call Ryg's office at (847) 680-5909.
Gurnee park rededication
Residents and others are invited to a ceremony re-christening O'Plaine Park in Gurnee. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the facility at Russell Avenue and O'Plaine Road. Formerly known as Russell Park, what officials describe as a reinvigorated cutting-edge facility will offer increased handicapped accessibility, as well as structures and play areas for a variety of ages. One highlight at the park will be the Cirque playground, which will have strategically placed foot holds to encourage climbing on all facets of the structure. Light refreshments will be served at Saturday's event. Trails, basketball courts and baseball fields are part of O'Plaine Park.
Big trucks in Barrington
This weekend marks the 9th annual Big Trucks event in Barrington. which gives those who attend the opportunity to explore some of the village's largest vehicles. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Ron Beese Park, will feature 25 trucks, including all sorts of construction equipment and fire trucks. Participants will be able to learn more about each truck, watch demonstrations and even get behind the wheel. The event also will feature food and a performance by Maryann and the Professors. The event is sponsored by the Barrington Park District, Village of Barrington, the Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Bank and Trust. For more information, contact the Barrington Park District at (847) 381-0687.
Actor's band at Great Lakes
Actor Gary Sinise of "CSI-New York" and his Lt. Dan Band will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. Friday at Great Lakes Naval Station's Ross Field. Navy officials said the public should enter from 5 to 6:30 p.m. through Gate 1 off Sheridan Road on the base's south end. Those who plan to attend must show valid photo identification. No pets or carry-in items will be allowed. All vehicles will be subject to search. Sinise was raised in Highland Park and is a USO of Illinois goodwill ambassador. Great Lakes is the Navy's lone boot camp, which is expected to be attended by more than 40,000 recruits.