SUPERHERO 5K: Runners, dress as your favorite superhero on Saturday (June 15) and participate in the “Strive for 5″ 5K Run beginning at 8 a.m. at Lions Memorial Park (411 S. Maple St./Packet pick-up starts at 6:30 a.m.)  The top male and female adult finishers each will receive $100. Awards will be given to the top three males and females per age group. Kids ages 3-5 can participate in the 50-yard dash, and those ages 5-10 can run a quarter-mile race beginning at 8:45 a.m. The first 100 participants receive a superhero cape! For more info, call 847/640-1000.

RED, WHITE & BLUE NIGHT: Celebrate Flag Day at the Bluesmobile Cruise Night on Saturday (June 15) from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Metra parking lot (Rte. 83 and Northwest Hwy.)

FARMERS’ MARKET: With strawberry season at its peak, what better time than this weekend to buy a pint or two? Visit the Lions Club Farmers’ Market on Sunday (June 16) from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Metra West Lot (Rte. 83 and Northwest Hwy.) Choose from a wide array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and more. The Market runs through October 20.

MONDAY NIGHT CONCERT: “Mt. Prospect’s Got Talent” is the theme for Monday (June 17) at 7:30 p.m. when the Mt. Prospect Community Band performs at Veteran’s Memorial Band Shell (411 S. Maple St.) Add to the festivities by including a Picnic Special of four hot dogs, choice of chips or fruit and four soft drinks for just $15 or try the $5 Lite Meal of a chicken or sub sandwich, fruit and diet soft drink. Pre-Order before 5:30 p.m by calling 847/632-9333. You can also help the Mount Prospect Veterans Memorial Expansion by purchasing a memorial brick at the concert. For more info, click here  .

VILLAGE BOARD MEETS: Keep up to date with what’s happening in Mount Prospect by attending the Village Board meeting on Tuesday (June 18) at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (50 S. Emerson St.) Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

CALLING ALL WRITERS: Looking for a safe haven to share your creative writing and receive constructive feedback? Join the Mount Prospect Writers Group on Tuesday (June 18) from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Mount Prospect Public Library, Meeting Room B (10 S. Emerson St.) The group welcomes adult writers with all levels of writing experience, in all genres. Bring up to five double-spaced pages and copies to share with group members. A modest fee is required on a quarterly basis. For more info, e-mail l-larsen@att.net.

CUT THROUGH THE RED TAPE: Meet privately with a representative from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office on Wednesday (June 19) at Mount Prospect Public Library, Room 130 (10 S. Emerson St.) between 2 – 5:30 p.m. Ask questions about Medicare, Social Security, Veteran’s benefits or any other federal service or benefit. No appointment is needed – just stop in.

TOAST TO GOOD HEALTH: Ladies are invited to the third and final installment of a free Girl’s Night Out on Wednesday (June 19) from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Cooper’s Hawk Winery (798 W. Algonquin Rd., AH). The event, sponsored by Northwest Community Hospital, focuses on the question, “Thinking about a hysterectomy?” Enjoy free wine tastings and appetizers, followed by expert physicians who will present information and answer questions. To register, call 847/618-4968 or click here .

THE GARDEN OF DREAMS: Celebrate the collaborative effort of River Trails Elementary School District 26 and the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce on Thursday (June 20) from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. as they showcase El Jardin De Los Suenos at Euclid Elementary School (1211 N. Wheeling Rd. MP). The after-hours networking event recognizes the district’s newest green initiative and honors those who dedicated time and money to make the garden possible.

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY:  Friday (June 14) is World Blood Donor Day. In the United States, someone needs blood every two seconds. To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years of age; weigh at least 110 pounds; and be in general good health. Donate at Northwest Community Hospital (800 W. Central, AH) on Monday (June 17) from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and receive a $7 gift card to Oberweiss.  Call Janet at 630/295-8232 for an appointment. Technotrans America Inc. (1050 E. Business Center Dr.) is holding a blood drive on Friday (June 20) from 10 a.m. – Noon.  For more info, call 847/227-9200.  If you can’t make those, the Village of Mount Prospect holds a monthly community blood drive on the first Thursday of each month from 3 – 8 p.m.

ROCKIN’ THURSDAY: See the Jak Tripper Band on Thursday (June 20) at 7:30 p.m. at Lions Memorial Park (411 S. Maple St.) The band covers the Beatles, the Black Crows, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith and more to bring your night alive! Rock out under the stars and include a Picnic Special for $5 or $15, plus concessions in the park. To pre-order your picnic, call 847/632-9333 before 5:30 p.m.

NEARBY HAPPENINGS:

—-ROTARY FEST: Grab your pals and head out to Elk Grove Village Rotary Fest now until Saturday (June 16) for great food, carnival rides and fireworks at Lions Park (200 Rev. Morrison Blvd. EGV) Carnival hours are 6 p.m. – midnight on Friday; 2 p.m. – midnight on Saturday; and 2 – 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Fireworks appear at Dusk on Saturday. Admission is free. For more info on music acts and other events, call 847/439-3900.

—-BOOMERS BASEBALL CAMP:  Boys and girls ages 7-12 are invited to the Schaumburg Boomers Youth Baseball Camp on Thursday and Friday (June 20 and 21) from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Campers will receive professional training from Boomers players and coaches in all areas of the game, including pitching, hitting and fielding fundamentals. Lunch will be provided both days, and participants will receive a camp T-shirt, souvenir baseball and ticket to each day’s Boomers game. To register, call 847/461-3695 or click here  .

—-MILITARY FREE AT MUSEUM: The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission to military members now through Labor Day. A collaborative effort with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense means that active military personnel (who provide an I.D.) and up to five family members gain free admission. In addition, admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m.

NEWS YOU CAN’T USE:
The Blackhawk goalie with the most saves is (c) Ed Belfour.

I guess as long as the Blackhawks are winning, I should stick with them!  Which Blackhawk played in three Stanley Cup finals with three different teams before winning the Cup with the Blackhawks in 2009-10?

a) Marian Hossa       b) Tomas Kopecky         c) Dustin Byfuglien          d) Adam Burish