Briefs: Kmart redevelopment deal
Official demolition of the former Kmart site in Wheeling was approved by the village board Thursday. The board finalized a development agreement with HD Partners, which is looking to put retailers on the vacant site. Acting Village President Dean Argiris said the demolition is tentatively scheduled for February; in the meantime, HD Partners will try to lure in retail for the spot on Dundee Road.
Garage sale today:
The Fifth Annual Community Garage Sale & Craft Fair offers household items and homemade crafts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, rain or shine, in the parking lot of Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge. Admission is free. Garage sale proceeds benefit the summer camp program coordinated by the township's MaineStay Division. Craft fair proceeds help stock the township's Emergency Food Pantry. More information is at mainetownship.com.
Superdawg breaks ground:
An official groundbreaking ceremony for the Superdawg restaurant in Wheeling was held Friday afternoon. The renowned Chicago hot dog restaurant will open its second branch in Wheeling by spring 2009 at 355 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Open house Sunday:
The Samaritan Counseling Center, newly located at 800 Hart Road in Barrington, hosts an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. The center is a not-for-profit organization that provides pastoral counseling for people of all economic groups and religious beliefs. The event will include tours of the new, 3,000-square-foot office space and a chance to meet the staff. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The Samaritan Counseling Center of the Northwest Suburbs began in response to the growing need among the local clergy and their congregations for additional counseling. The center, an accredited member of the Denver-based Samaritan Institute, joins similar centers in Winnetka and Naperville.
HARPS picnic Sunday:
The Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society in Barrington Hills is hosting a community picnic between noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at 331 Old Sutton Road. The event will feature special guests Lisa Dent, A US99 radio personality and Tommy Turvey, an equine extremist. The picnic will also include live entertainment, Timmermans Drill Team, pony rides and a white horse parade. Admission is $5. A picnic lunch is available for an additional fee; however, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch. For more information, visit harpsonline.org or call (847) 382-0503.
Arthritis forum Monday:
State Rep. Fred Crespo, along with Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois, will host a free exercise and arthritis forum at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Hanover Park Park District, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Crespo will talk to participants about legislation and Arthritis Foundation representatives will discuss the chronic nature of arthritis and demonstrate arthritis exercise techniques.