Get your binoculars ready for bird counting event

Attention bird watchers, Dundee Township has the event for you.

On Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15, the township will host the Great Backyard Bird Count of Dundee Township.

The count begins at 10 a.m. and attendees will meet at the township office, 557 Barrington Ave., East Dundee where they will learn how to identify different birds and how bird counting provides valuable data to assess trends.

Bird watchers will then hike through one of the township's open spaces at Library Springs, behind the township offices.

If you feel cooped up this winter, this would be a great way to beat cabin fever at no cost. And it would make a great couple's outing for Valentine's Day.

Organizers urge attendees to dress for the weather. And, if you have binoculars, bring them.

Visit dundeetownship.org for more information on the event.

Tree disposal: This one, and the next few, are for Carpentersville residents only. If you've just undressed the Christmas tree that has been standing faithfully in your living room, or other prominent area, this holiday season, note that ARC Waste Disposal will pick up trees with your regularly scheduled trash pick up until the end of January. All you have to do is move the tree out to the curbside and ARC will remove it for you.

Park projects: The Carpentersville Park Committee is looking for at least two members to join its ranks. The committee oversees many projects in local parks, including the OctoberCross, a German-style Octoberfest paired with the popular Cyclocross held each fall in Carpenter Park. The festival was held for the first time in 2008 to a great response.

In addition to the OctoberCross and also the Great American Festival, the committee could also organize clean up events and other activities.

The group generally meets once a month. If you have wanted to get involved with Carpentersville politics, this offers a great opportunity to be a part of a group that truly makes a difference in the lives of local residents.

For more information, call Carpentersville Village Manager Craig Anderson at (847) 551-3475 or send a letter of interest to Village President Bill Sarto at 1200 LW Besinger Drive, Carpentersville, 60110.

Spruce it up: Another group that seeks members in Carpentersville is the Carpentersville Improvement Committee. The volunteer group focuses their efforts on cleaning up areas of the village, particularly the hundreds of foreclosed homes that are forgotten.

The C.I.C. members volunteer time, money, equipment and effort to get these yards cleaned up, gutters cleared and lawns mowed. Volunteers also take the time to remove graffiti, pick up litter and help homeowners paint their exteriors.

Their work does improve an area. The group is also working to create a broad neighborhood watch program that involves resident volunteers.

For more information contact Carpentersville Village Manager Craig Anderson at (847) 551-3475 or send a letter of interest to Village President Bill Sarto at 1200 LW Besinger Drive, Carpentersville, 60110.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and I wish everyone a very happy new year.