Briefs: Libertyville rate increase
Water and sewer rates for Libertyville property owners will increase 3 percent effective Jan. 1. The rates also will increase 3 percent in each subsequent fiscal year, effective May 1, 2010. Minimum bimonthly rates will rise in January from $37 to $38, which includes 4,000 gallons of usage. Rates for each additional 1,000 gallons will increase from $4.40 to $4.50 for water and $2.60 to $2.70 for sewer. Senior citizens will continue to receive a discount of $8.95 per billing period. The increases will partially fund more than $7 million in improvements to the village's water, sewer and wastewater systems in the next four years.
WXLC, WKRS team up for Toys for Tots drive
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and radio stations WXLC and WKRS will hold a Toys for Tots broadcast on Friday, Dec. 5 outside the studios at 3250 Belvidere Road, Waukegan. The station is asking listeners to donate new and unwrapped toys during the daylong broadcast. The toys will be given to needy children in Lake County. If you can't make it to the station Friday, toys can be dropped off at the following NorthSide Community Bank locations: 5103 Washington St., Gurnee; 800 N. Route 83, Mundelein; and 1155 Milwaukee Ave., Riverwoods.
St. Joseph opens homes for holidays
The 22nd annual St. Joseph Women's Guild Christmas housewalk, holiday boutique and luncheon is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Tour the homes then stop by the boutique, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph Koenig Center, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville. Admission to the Boutique is free. Lunch is $7 and will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. House walk tickets cost $25. Tickets can be purchased at each home the day of the event. For information, contact Tiffany Olson at tiffanyrolson@yahoo.com.
Lions host food drive
The Lake Zurich Lions Club will conduct its third annual food drive to benefit the Ela area food pantry, located at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Zurich. Donations will be collected at the Lions Den, 81 E. Main St., starting Sunday (Dec. 7) along with the Lions' annual Candy Cane Hunt at 1 p.m. in Lions Park. There will be a special raffle for all kids who bring at least three canned goods for the food drive. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at the event. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (847) 847-2171.
Trustee to meet with residents
Island Lake Trustee Don Saville will host an informal "meet and greet" for village residents from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave. Residents are encouraged to share their comments, questions, and ideas and talk about issues and concerns about the village.
Charity drive, concert Sunday:
Whole Foods Market at 1331 N. Rand Road in Palatine will host a collection drive for clothing and household items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, to benefit Little City. Donated items will be sold by Palatine-based Little City Foundation for local reuse and recycling, raising money that helps support Little City's programs for children and adults with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. Items is good, usable condition will be accepted, including clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, toys, books, housewares and small household items. Also, fourth- and fifth-graders from the Kildeer Countryside Chorus will also perform in the store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Further details are at (847) 221-7805 or wholefoodsmarket.com.