Cook County briefs

Sen. to host phone chat today:

State Sen. John Millner, a Republican from Carol Stream whose 28th District includes parts of Northwest suburban Cook County, will host a public telephone town hall meeting at 7:40 p.m. today to talk to constituents about issues including the state budget and possible tax increases. The forum is free, and members of the public can join in by calling (877) 229-8493, and then using the PIN number 14859, starting at 7:40 p.m. Callers will be able to ask questions and participate in instant phone surveys if they wish. For questions, call Millner's Springfield office at (217) 782-8192.

Volunteer help sought:

Volunteers are sought for the Des Plaines Community Partnership's Seasons of Service Join Hands Day Project, "Paper for the Pantry," 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2, at Dominick's, Jewel and Kmart, at the corner of Lee and Oakton streets. Volunteers will ask for donations of paper products from shoppers. All donated items will be given to the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry. Anyone may volunteer for one to three hours. For information, call Des Plaines community health nurse Madeline May at (847) 391-5481.

Park district has financial aid:

The Arlington Heights Park District has set up a scholarship program to subsidize the payment of fees for those unable to afford the full fee. People can register for up to two classes each season and each member of a qualifying household receives a free pool pass to district swimming pools. To apply, get a Scholarship Information sheet from the village hall, 33 South Arlington Heights Road. You'll also need your last income tax return with W2's, last three to six pay check stubs for each job and copies of bills/expenses that cause hardships. For more information, call (847) 577-3009.