Briefs: Children's theater production

The Wishing Star Theatre, a nonprofit children's theater will present "Bugsy Malone, Jr." at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday at the Wishing Star Theatre, 1139 S. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville. Children play all the parts in this pie-flinging, pinstripe wearing, wild and wacky tribute to the 1920s, which includes a nonviolent gang war fought with splurge blasters that spew forth silly string. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for military, seniors and students. Call (847) 327-9474 for information.

Wright assistant principal hired

Robert Bolin has been hired to serve as assistant principal at Daniel Wright Junior High School in Lincolnshire following board approval Monday night. Bolin will replace Jodie Benton, who retired this year to take a principal position at an elementary school in Diamond Lake District 76. Bolin brings to Daniel Wright Junior High experience in administration and as a school psychologist. He has also served as a psychologist for SEDOM, a special education cooperative.

Hospice duck race

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is hosting its 15th annual Duck Race and pool party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Langendorf Park in Barrington. The event is highlighted by the traditional duck race, where hundreds of plastic quakers sail down the pool slides in races. More than 75 prizes will be awarded. The Duck Race will also feature swimming, face-painting, hair-braiding and a DJ. Ducks can be purchased in "Flocks" of 25 for $100, "Families" of six for $25 and "Individually" for $5. "VIDs" (Very Important Ducks) will race in their own special race and are available at $250 each, with the winning duck earning $1,000 in cash for its owner. For information on purchasing a duck, contact Kristin Frazier at KFrazier@HospiceAnswers.org, or (847) 381-5599, ext. 368.

Advocate granted ownership of Condell

The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board Tuesday approved Advocate Health Care's application to take ownership of Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. The proposed merger between Advocate and Condell was announced earlier this year. Oak Brook-based Advocate will move forward with Condell's plans for expansion of its facilities and services. That includes Advocate funding construction of an expanded emergency department and the addition of 68 private rooms for the Libertyville hospital. Advocate will also help Condell pursue Level I trauma center designation to serve the most critically injured patients. Advocate also recently negotiated an agreement with insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, to reinstate Condell into its hospital network. As part of Tuesday's approval by the state, Advocate officially withdrew its application for a hospital in Round Lake.