Cook County briefs

Two chosen for arts panel:

Laurie Mitchell, director of special events and volunteer programs for Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and Janet Souter, local author, have been nominated to the Arlington Heights Arts Commission. Village President Arlene Mulder introduced the two to the village board Monday at a committee of the whole meeting. At least two members have left the commission over a controversial opinion from the village's legal office that members cannot exhibit in any event sponsored by the commission. The name of a third member has been removed from the village's online list of members; a fourth member is moving out of town. The commission is authorized to have nine members. Resumes from people who want to serve are being accepted, said Mulder.

Vigil today for health care:

A Palatine vigil for health care reform will be held at 7 p.m. tonight outdoors at Hicks Road and Northwest Highway in Palatine - one of several Chicago area events today urging Congress to enact health care legislation that includes a public option. The Palatine event will be a silent vigil dedicated to people suffering from a lack of affordable health care. It is sponsored by moveon.org.

Food pantry needs donations:

The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines, 600 E. Algonquin Road, is appealing to businesses, groups and residents to schedule fall food drives for the pantry. The pantry has seen a 25 percent rise in clients in 2009. Registered clients can visit the pantry once a month to obtain food and gently used clothing. The pantry is open for clients 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Donations are taken 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and Tuesdays and 9-10 a.m. Saturdays. To schedule a food drive or tour the pantry, call (847) 337-1443.

Palatine hosts canine carnival:

The Palatine Park District hosts a canine carnival from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. The carnival features games, raffles, dog body painting, a fun house and photo opportunities. The event takes place at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. The fee is $5 per dog with one handler, with additional friends and family paying $1. Dog handlers must be at least 16 years old and dogs must be kept on a leash and wearing current rabies tag to participate. For more information, call (847) 991-0333.

Streets shut for BG Stampede:

Several roads will be closed Sunday morning for the Buffalo Grove Stampede, the 5K and 10K races hosted by the Friends of the Parks Foundation and Northwest Community Hospital. The race starts at 8 a.m. and concludes around 9:30 a.m. Streets closed during this time are McHenry Road (Route 83) between Deerfield Parkway and Buffalo Grove Road; Checker Drive; Old Checker Road; Arlington Heights Road; Schaeffer Road and Springside Lane. Maps of the routes are at bgstampede.org.