If Olympics come here, Des Plaines wants to be a part

With Chicago bidding for the 2016 Olympics, suburbs are likely to host some events.

Des Plaines wants to be one of them.

Mayor Tony Arredia said Thursday that Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson is spearheading plans for suburban Olympic participation.

Of course, as Arredia noted, that all depends on whether Chicago even gets the nod to host the games.

"First, it's got to come," he said.

Des Plaines makes a likely location for some events since it's close to transportation and near Chicago.

"I would imagine because of Des Plaines' location … that we will be a major part of it," Arredia said.

Rosemont officials already have prepared for the proposed games.

They have offered their Allstate Arena for events.

First grade separation?: Des Plaines officials often talk about either building bridges or tunnels at railroad crossings to keep the traffic moving.

Now, it seems a plan is on the table.

City officials next month will discuss a feasibility study targeting the Union Pacific crossing on Algonquin Road.

The project would be funded by a Federal Aviation Administration.

Blood drive: Chippewa Middle School will host a blood drive on Tuesday. Donors can give from 3 to 8 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call Julie Stepanovich at (847) 296-3439 or Rosemary Remus at (847) 390-0839.

Walk-ins also are welcome. Chippewa is located at 123 N. 8th Ave. in Des Plaines.

Become a citizen: A workshop on Saturday will help put people on the path to citizenship.

The class will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Maryville Academy, 1150 River Road, Des Plaines.

Sponsored by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and the Chicago Archdiocese, the session will address the steps needed to gain U.S. citizenship.

For more information, call (312) 357-4666.

Get help with taxes: Seniors who are at least 60 years old with incomes of less than $60,000 can sign up at the Elk Grove Senior Center to get their federal and state income tax returns prepared.

The Elk Grove Sheila Ray Adult Center is at 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove Village.

Electronic and paper filing are available.

Tax returns are prepared from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays starting Feb. 1. The help will continue through April 11.

Assistance also is offered on Wednesdays (Feb. 6-April 9). It's free.

Trained and certified volunteers prepare the returns in this IRS-AARP Tax-Aide service.

The service won't deal with complicated returns, including Schedule C profit or loss from business, Schedule E rents and losses, Form 8606 nondeductible IRAs, out-of-state gambling winnings and out-of-state sale of property.

For information and to schedule appointments, call the Elk Grove Park District Sheila Ray Adult Center at (847) 364-7224.