Battle of the bands to raise funds for Dist. 15 mini-grants
For nearly two decades, teachers have relied on the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 Educational Foundation to supplement funding and enhance programs not typically provided by taxpayers.
More than $1.7 million has been invested to date, and an upcoming event is sure to boost the total.
The foundation will put on its first-ever Battle of the District 15 Bands from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Durty Nellie's in Palatine.
Buff Colored Inserts, 9 D Rox, Cover Story, The Cowbirds, Everelle, Stache and Swing Sets are scheduled to perform. Band members are District 15 alumni or parents.
Much of the money will go to the foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program. Last year, the board awarded 15 mini-grants totally nearly $30,000.
One Jane Addams School teacher got money so that students in self-contained learning or behavioral disorder classes can start a newspaper to be distributed throughout the entire school.
Another approved grant provided electronic language translators to help bridge the communication gap between students, parents and district staff.
"Especially in today's bad economy, it becomes more vital that we obtain as much funding as we can to offset areas that are lacking in different schools," said the foundation's Tina Huss, who said 23 grant proposals have come in this school year alone.
New District 15 Superintendent Dan Lukich, former Chicago Bear and Palatine mayoral candidate Jim Schwantz and music journalist and alum Duke Shin will serve as judges.
Admission and a drink ticket costs $20 for adults 21 and older and $10 for others. Durty Nellie's is located at 180 N. Smith St. To reserve a spot, call (847) 963-3160.
First-round playoff party: One local establishment is aiming to make Friday night's crosstown matchup between Fremd and Palatine especially festive.
Palatine's Oak Alley Saloon, at Quentin Road and Northwest Highway, will host a pre-party starting at 4 p.m. and provide free shuttle service to and from the game at Fremd.
Owner Michael Horst said Fremd coaches, alumni, former players and supporters have shown interest in the event, which is limited to a 21-and-up crowd. Pirates fans should take note: Green and gold will be plentiful. For more information, call Oak Alley at (847) 359-9350.
Police coat drive: The Palatine Police Department's third annual winter coat drive is under way. Now through Dec. 7, drop off new and gently used jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and boots for kids ages 17 and under at the police station, 200 E. Wood St., or the Palatine Opportunity Center, 1585 N. Rand Road. (847) 359-9000.
Convention discussion: The League of Women Voters of the Palatine Area is sponsoring a program on the Nov. 4 ballot question of whether Illinois should call a constitutional convention. The statewide organization opposes the proposal and local members will discuss why at 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 30, at the Palatine Library, 700 N. North Court. (847) 358-5881.
• Kimberly Pohl covers Palatine. Contact her with your story ideas and feedback at (847) 427-4472 or kpohl@dailyherald.com.