Briefs: Toll work at halfway point
Three newly constructed southbound lanes on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) are scheduled to open this weekend, and the counterflow express lane between Lake-Cook Road and Des Plaines River Road will close. It marks the halfway point of the rebuilding and widening project. Daytime lane closures are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the southbound lanes between Milwaukee Avenue and West Lake Avenue to complete pavement striping and shift traffic from the center to the two right lanes. Lane closures are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with a second lane closing at 11 p.m., to complete final pavement striping to open three lanes from Lake-Cook Road to West Lake Avenue. Work will begin next week to remove the barrier wall and shift northbound traffic back to the standard configuration.
Carmel book fair:
The Carmel Catholic Council for the Arts and Barnes & Noble have teamed up to raise funds for the Mundelein school's fine arts department through a book fair. The second annual Carmel Catholic Book Fair is Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Westfield Hawthorn Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 720 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. The event will feature entertainment, including performances by Carmel's choir, band, and drama students. Art students will do face painting activities and sketches, while drama students will tell stories and give improvisational performances. Barnes & Noble will contribute a percentage of every sale made with a special book fair voucher to the school. Vouchers are available online at Carmel Catholic's Web site carmelhs.org. For more information, call Julie and Dan Love at (847) 247-1205.
Warren library to launch new bookmobile:
Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee, invites the public to the official launch of the new bookmobile at 2 p.m. Sunday. Following a program, visitors will tour the new mobile library, enjoy refreshments and receive a gift while supplies last, until 4 p.m. The Friends of the Library and Annual Fund donors raised more than $20,000 toward the purchase.
Charity drive, concert Sunday:
Whole Foods Market at 1331 N. Rand Road, 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 in 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 perform in the store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Further details are at (847) 221-7805 or wholefoodsmarket.com.
Learn about your rights:
Two community service groups will host a public meeting Sunday, Dec. 7, in Mundelein to discuss preventing home foreclosure, refinancing a mortgage, tenant rights and homeowner rights. The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Santa Maria del Popolo Church, 116 N. Lake St. It's organized by Latinos Organized for Justice and the Illinois Hunger Coalition. Interpreters will be available for Spanish and English speakers.
Breakfast with Santa:
Transfiguration Church and School will host a "Breakfast With Santa", 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, in the Parish Life Center at Transfiguration Church, 316 W. Mill St. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for children, and free for children under 3 years old. For more information, call the church at (847) 526-2400.