Northwest suburbs in 60 seconds
Santa run coming
Runners of all ages are invited to don a Santa suit and race a 5K race at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at South Middle School, 400 S. Highland Ave., Arlington Heights. The Arlington Heights Rotary Club is holding the first annual Santa Sleigh 5K Run as a fudraiser to help eradicate polio worldwide and help rebuild Memorial Park in Arlington Heights. All registered participants receive a five-piece Santa suit and goody bag filled with items from the event sponsors. The entry fee is $30 for participants age 13 and older, and $20 for participants age 12 and younger. There is a $5 charge for registering on race day. Register at www.rotaryah.org. For more information, contact Rotarian Deb Whisler at (847) 506-2613.
Sleighbell Classic returns
On Dec. 6 history will be made when the hallowed hardwood of Grace Gymnasium (at what is now serving as Christian Liberty Academy) comes to life to host a Mid-Suburban League basketball game for the first time in 25 years as Buffalo Grove and Palatine high schools renew the traditional Arlington/Palatine sleigh bell game and square off in the Bob Frisk Sleigh Bell Classic. In honor of Bob's retirement after 50 years as a sports columnist for the Daily Herald, the two schools agreed to play at Grace Gym, which will be a great tribute to his service to the high school community. Tickets are available at the two high schools, in addition to Christian Liberty Academy, 502 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights, or online at sleighbellclassic.com.
Palatine government seats up
Palatine residents interested in running for office in the Feb. 24, 2009, primary election and April 7, 2009, general election must file to run for office between Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The seats held by Mayor Rita Mullins, Village Clerk Marg Duer and Councilmen Mike Jezierski, Greg Solberg and Brad Helms are up for re-election. Candidates must be one-year Palatine residents and those running for village council must reside within the district for at least six months. Filings are accepted at the village clerk's office in village hall, 200 E. Wood St. Call (847) 359-9051.
New artist at gallery
Russell Blanchard joins the lineup of artists at Green Ink Gallery at Groundwork, 351 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. The gallery is hosting its winter open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. and 1-4 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 14. Other art at the open house will include ink drawings by John Green, dreamscape watercolors by Linda Treshansky, graphic works by Danny Grosso and classic oil painting interpretations by Joseph Kim. Blanchard brings his unique "Windshield" and "American Family" visions to Green Ink Gallery in oil, watercolor and graphite. groundworkltd.com or (847) 541-4151.