Des Plaines forum targets underage alcohol and drug use

Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia is fired up for a forum on underage drug and alcohol use. It will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at city hall, 1420 Miner St.

Sponsored by the Des Plaines Police Department, Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation and Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association, the forum is intended for the community.

It's one of 58 organized across the state by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Community Health and Prevention.

Discussion will center on how to curb underage use of drugs and alcohol.

"We're really concerned about summer coming," Arredia said. "We want people aware of drug abuse that usually occurs in the summer."

Arredia also wants to discuss a proposed law he thinks doesn't do enough to address so-called alcopops, or energy drinks that contain alcohol but are sold over the counter.

The proposal would force makers to label the drinks to tell consumers they contain liquor. That's just not enough, Arredia said.

"I've closed three establishments (as mayor) for selling liquor to kids. Then, we're allowing them to buy it right over the counter," he said.

See the Moving Force: The Moving Force Dance Company in Elk Grove Village is hosting recitals May 24-25.

Tickets are available for the concerts to be held at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Harper College Performing Arts Center in Palatine.

Tickets are available at the Jack A. Claes Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., until May 21, or at Harper on the day of the event.

Five Corners bookstore?: Could a big bookstore be coming to downtown Des Plaines?

Bibliophiles might be happy to hear that a major bookstore is a possibility for the Five Corners special taxing district.

Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia said at this point, such a store is just talk.

But he's not "too enamored" with the idea of a Barnes & Noble or Borders anyway, he said.

One thing the city won't be actively pursuing for the area is clear.

"You got enough restaurants," the mayor said.

So retail is definitely the buzz word around city hall.

Last chance to rummage: Today's the last chance to check out the rummage sale at the Sheila Ray Adult Center in Elk Grove Village.

From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., the sale will run at the center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd.

Items for sale include housewares, clothing, appliances and other stuff.

For more information, call (847) 364-7224