Learn how Palatine is trying to be eco-friendly

Want to know what's happening in your community when it comes to Going Green?

A program called "Palatine, Go Green! What are we Doing to Save Energy?" will be presented from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Palatine village hall.

Organized by Mayor Rita Mullins, the purpose is to tell residents what the village has done to become eco-friendly. It's in conjunction with Our Climate Matters, a four-day symposium on global warming sponsored by League of Women Voters. Visit www.ourclimatematters.org for the symposium calendar.

New place to work out: A new 24-hour fitness facility will open mid-October in downtown Palatine.

Snap Fitness will be located in the Providence building at 19 W. Wilson St.

The chain of gyms offers 24-hour fitness center offering cardio and strength training equipment. The new place will also offer personal training, but will not be staffed 24 hours.

Members will be able to access the club during unstaffed hours with their key card. The entire club will be under video surveillance.

There's no contracts for the new facility and rates are $39.95 a month for a single and $59.95 a month for a family. During the grand opening there will be no enrollment fee. Go to www.snapfitness.com or call (847) 358-SNAP for information.

Help out a child: The family of a 5-year-old Palatine girl with a brain tumor will host a fundraiser for her this Sunday at Durty Nellies from 3 to 7 p.m. Caitlyn Churak, a student at St. Theresa School, was diagnosed in May with the inoperable tumor. It's called A Miracle for Caitlyn and there will be entertainment, prizes, food and drinks at the event. It costs $20 for adults, $10 for children and $55 for a family of four or more. Go to www.caitlynchurak.com for more information.

Plan that costume: It's a little early for Halloween, but in the spirit of this country gone holiday-obsessed, why not talk about costumes. Every year pet costumes are getting more and more popular. I've already seen a few cute ones in the Target aisles. The Palatine Park District will hold a Howl-O-Ween Party for pets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at Ost Field on Colfax between Fremont and Mozart behind the Community Center. It's $5 per dog and there will be trick-or-treating, photo ops and a Howling House of Terrier. There's also a pooch costume parade.

Everyone must register in advance and there are veterinary requirements since we're talking animals. Call (847) 991-0333 for information.