Briefs: Warehouse fire in Lincolnshire
The Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Department battled an 11 a.m. fire in the warehouse of Parker Hannifin Corp. at 595 Schelter Road in Lincolnshire Friday. The warehouse storage racks were burning and smoke was pouring out when units arrived, but officials credited the sprinkler system with keeping the fire contained to the warehouse. Firefighters knocked it down in about 30 minutes; no one was injured. Officials said the fire remains under investigation. Lincolnshire-Riverwoods firefighters were assisted by fire departments from Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Countryside, Deerfield, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Prospect Heights and Wheeling.
Prairie burn false alarm:
Heavy smoke in the Barrington area that could be seen miles away Friday was merely from a controlled burn at Crabtree Forest Preserve. Lt. Greg Keegan of the Barrington Fire Department said the prairie burn was conducted by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and never got out of hand. The fire department did respond to the scene because someone called 911 after seeing the smoke. Keegan said the department is required by law to respond when a call comes in. Keegan said the department does not typically man such prairie burns because the forest preserve district hires professionals to conduct the burns and they're well-stocked with firefighting equipment. The work was scheduled to continue until about 4 p.m. Friday at the forest preserve, located west of Barrington Road, south of Dundee Road and north of Algonquin Road. This is a common time for controlled burns, which help restore plants and land. The forest preserve district expects to conduct 20 to 40 this fall alone.
YMCA grant to help youth:
The Lake County Family YMCA has received a $90,000 grant to provide positive alternatives to at-risk middle school age youth, The grant, from the U.S. Department of Justice's Anti-Gang Program Initiative and the Waukegan Police Department, will help fund a new program called "Spirit, Mind, Body" where youth will participate in activities that highlight caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Adopt a family this season:
Open Arms Mission Food Pantry seeks sponsors to buy Christmas gifts for local families. The mission serves residents in Lake Villa and Antioch townships. Individuals who adopt a family are asked to buy, wrap and label gifts. Gifts may be dropped off on Dec. 6, and recipients will pick up their gifts on Dec. 13. Open Arms Mission, based in Antioch, is a nonprofit organization funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. (847) 395-0309.
Dance shows at school:
Stevenson High School's Mélange and repertory dance companies and the concert dance class will stage a winter dance concert Dec. 5-7 at the Lincolnshire school. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets are $5.
Music show scheduled:
Stevenson High School alumni who were part of the orchestra program are invited to join the current roster of musicians in the finale of a Dec. 15 holiday concert. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the performing arts center at the Lincolnshire school. Interested alumni should e-mail Director of Orchestras Clark Chaffee at cchaffee@d125.org.
50 years in Hawthorn Woods:
The village of Hawthorn Woods' 50th anniversary book is on sale now at village hall. The book honors and celebrates the first 50 years of Hawthorn Woods and those who volunteered or worked for the village during that period. The 40-page hardcover book contains old photos, facts, figures and stories of the village over the years. Some of the topics include early farms, the 1967 tornado, the Route 53 extension; development of the park system, and creation of the Hawthorn Woods Women's Club. Former village treasurer Marilyn McGuan and Trustee Joanne Weick and committee of longtime village residents volunteered their time for nearly a year to pull the book together. The cost is $30. (847) 540-6184 or e-mail jweick@vhw.org.