Briefs: Cary opens skate park
The Cary Park District will host a grand opening for its new skate park at 1 p.m. today. The event includes the ribbon cutting, demonstrations, live music and open skate at the park in Lions Park at Silver Lake Road off Three Oaks Road in Cary. Call (847) 639-6100.
Sales aid mission work
Two area churches hold sales today to fund mission work. The Burlington United Methodist Church, 195 Center St., will hold its third annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bedding plants of all sorts, hanging baskets and vegetables will be available. Teens also will be washing cars and hot dogs will be available. Proceeds will help fund the mission team's trip to help needy people in Appalachia. Call (847) 683-3535. Trinity United Methodist Church, 1647 Ravine Lane in Carpentersville, will continue its Huge Rummage Sale and Bake Sale from 8:30 a.m. to noon today. There will be a silent auction and a $3 bag sale. Money raised by the auction goes to global and local missions.
Sherman hosts expo
In recognition of National Nurses and Hospital Week, Sherman Hospital in Elgin will host a Hospital Expo from 9 a.m. to noon today at the hospital, 934 Center St. Attendees can learn about services at the current Sherman Hospital campus and plans for the new hospital being built at Randall and Big Timber roads in Elgin.
Forum on library tax hike
The Huntley Area Public Library will host a forum on its proposed tax increase at 10 a.m. Monday at National City Bank, 13300 Route 47, Huntley. The forum is part of the library's senior coffee series. A library representative will present information on the tax request and answer any questions. The tax hike would raise $9.5 million in bonds to build a 33,000-square-foot addition and fund a $725,000 increase in the library's annual operating budget. Call (847) 669-5386.
Kids chorus puts on show
The Elgin Children's Chorus host their "Crescendo!" performances at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Elgin Community College, Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students. Call (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts.
WWII plane rides offered
In honor of Armed Forces Day, an authentic World War II Douglas C-47 paratrooper transport plane will be on display and, weather-permitting, available for passenger rides from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Sunday at Schaumburg Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. Made newly famous from the "Band of Brothers" miniseries, the C-47's dropped paratroopers and tow gliders on D-Day. Tours of the plane are available for $5 for adults and $2 for children. Twenty-minute rides cost $95; passengers must be at least 18. The fees help the volunteers of the Commemorative Air Force defray the costs to maintain the fuel the C-47 so the public can see it in action.