China native to talk about his new interactive video game
Arlington Heights residents are invited to a free lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at South Middle School. The host will be Yong Zhao, a Chinese native who created a new online video game to help adults and kids learn more about China. The interactive game "ZON/New Chengo" went live this spring and is the first of its kind. The multiplayer online role-playing game features a virtual world where players can order a taxi, exchange currency and check into a Chinese hotel. The game is Web-based so players can log on from any computer. To reserve a spot on Wednesday call Debbie Williams at (847) 758-4871 or e-mail her at dwilliams@ahsd25.k12.il.us as soon as possible.
Numbers in District 25: Projected enrollment numbers are in for the 2008-09 school year. For the elementary schools, Westgate has the most students at 572 and Greenbrier has the fewest at 353. Those figures include early childhood programs and integrated services.
The highest classroom numbers are for second graders at Westgate and Olive. At Westgate there are five second grade sections for a total of 102 students. At Olive there are also five sections for 101 second graders.
'Solar Smoothie' anyone? On Saturday, Greenpeace's Global Warming Story Tour will be rolling into North School Park during the Farmer's Market, to highlight the possibilities of solar energy. The stop is part of a nationwide tour powered by the Rolling Sunlight, a vehicle that runs on biodiesel and is equipped with 256 square feet of solar panels that supply enough energy to power three homes, concerts, and events without creating any pollution.
Greenpeace reps will also be passing out "Solar Smoothies," which are blended with electricity from the truck, courtesy of the solar panels. Don't worry, they'll taste like regular smoothies.
Lock your car doors: Two vehicles were broken into on Sunday in the 900 block of East Hintz Road. A backpack and laptop computer were stolen. Three parked cars were broken into between 4 and 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 12 at Nickol Knoll Golf Course near Dundee Road and Kennicott Avenue.
Teen films: The library is hosting the second annual Teen Film Fest from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Hendrickson meeting room. Daily Herald movie critic Dann Gire will be the judge and emcee. There will be refreshments and prizes for the top three videos as well as an "Audience Choice" award. Any questions, call (847) 392-0100.
• Sheila Ahern covers Arlington Heights. She can be reached at (847) 427-4563 or via e-mail at sahern@dailyherald.com.