MEMORIAL DAY: Monday (May 27) is the day we honor veterans whose ultimate sacrifice ensured the freedoms we all enjoy today. The Main  Library and South Branch will be closed, but you still have 24/7 access to many services, including research and program registration. You can also renew and place materials on hold by clicking here . The Library will reopen on Tuesday (May 28) at 9 a.m.

Other closures and events include:

—-VILLAGE HALL: Mount Prospect Village Hall (50 S. Emerson St.) is closed on Monday (May 27) in observance of the holiday. It will reopen on Tuesday (May 28) at 8:30 a.m.

—-PARADE: The long-standing tradition in Mount Prospect begins with veterans marching together behind a color guard, military vehicles, Prospect Knights Marching Band and other organizations on Monday (May 27). The parade kicks off at the intersection of Emerson St. and Busse Ave. at 9:30 a.m. and heads south to Lions Park (411 Maple St.)  All military veterans are invited and encouraged to join with the members of the MP VFW (Post 1337) and American Legion (Post 525) in the parade. A ceremony begins at Veterans Memorial Band Shell at 10 a.m. with the assistance of the Mount Prospect Community Band directed by Ralph Wilder. The keynote speaker is Command Sergeant Major Zarrod Beck.

—-POPPY DAYS:  American Legion members will be out in force this weekend for the annual Poppy Days Fundraiser requesting your donation in exchange for a red poppy flower handmade by a hospitalized veteran. All proceeds are used to assist in the rehabilitation of veterans and support of their families.  Be generous!

—-Memorial Day Salute: A tribute to veterans and servicemen takes place on Saturday (May 25) at 3 p.m. at Metropolis Performing Arts Center (111. Campbell St. AH). The event features music by Broken Arrow and Positively 4th Street, along with readings by highly decorated Major General James Mukoyama, Jr. Tickets are $30/general admission, $25/seniors and veterans, and can be purchased online  or at the box office by calling 847/577-2121. All proceeds benefit Memorial Park Fund.

—-Arlington International: Kick off the summer at the track with Memorial Day weekend events including Chicago Cubs Day on Sunday (May 26), and Free General Admission for Active/Veteran Military Men and Women (must show Military ID) with live music from Hey Jimmy on Monday (May 27).

FOUR WHEELS & MUSIC: It’s week two for the BluesMobile Cruise Nights on Saturday (May 26) from 6 – 9 p.m. Featured this week is the Ford along with music provided by Tony the Flashback 50s DJ. The party takes place in the Metra parking lot (Rte. 83 and Northwest Hwy. MP).

TWO WHEELS & MUSCLE: Pedal the pavement on Sunday (May 26) by joining the Mt. Prospect Bike Club for a 30-mile ride called Christina’s Loop from Randhurst, beginning at 9 a.m. The group meets in front of Panera Bread at Randhurst, and enjoys lunch at a Randhurst eatery after the ride. For more info, click here . The Thursday (May 30) bike ride leaves Lions Park at 6:30 p.m. sharp.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST:  Community Presbyterian Church (407 N. Main) will host a pancake breakfast on Sunday (May 26) beginning at 8 a.m.  A freewill donation of $5 per person is appreciated.  All proceeds will benefit the Veterans Memorial in the church’s Peace Garden.

CUT THROUGH THE RED TAPE: Meet privately with a representative from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office on Wednesday (May 29) 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 registration is needed – just stop in!

KENSINGTON RD. ACCESS CLOSURES: Construction has begun along the south side (eastbound lane) of Kensington Rd. near Prospect High School.  There will be no access onto Kensington Rd. from the side streets including Fairview Ave., Prospect Manor, Eastwood Ave., Elmhurst Ave., Russell St,. Pine St., and Wille St. Only Forest Ave. will continue to have northbound access onto Kensington Rd., since it is a one-way northbound street. The closures will last until mid-summer when the south side pavement construction is completed. Regular updates will be posted on the Village website. You may also call the Public Works Department at 847/870-5640 and ask for Jeff Wulbecker, Village Engineer.

FLOOD DISASTER RECOVERY:  FEMA has opened a disaster recovery center in Des Plaines.  The center is located in a storefront at 1486 Miner St. and will be open between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week.  For more info, call 1-800-320-3362,  go to the Disaster Assistance website or the FEMA website .

REGISTER FOR STRIVE FOR 5:  Runners and fitness walkers are invited to register now for the Mt. Prospect Park District annual Strive for 5 5K Run to be held on Saturday (June 15). Registration forms are available at Central Community Center (1000 W. Central Rd.), Lions Park (411 S. Maple St.), RecPlex (420 W. Dempster St.) or online by clicking here.  Prizes include $100 to the top male and female finishers and awards to the top 3 male and female per age group. For more info, call  847/640-1000, ext. 250.

NEARBY HAPPENINGS:
—FESTIVALS & MORE: The Barrington Arts Festival takes place Friday – Sunday (May 25-27) along Station St., from Hough St. to Park Ave. (BARRINGTON) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more info, click here .

—-The Schaumburg Prairie Arts Festival runs Friday/Saturday (May 25-26) at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center (Schaumburg Rd. and Summit Dr.) The event is free and features artists, live entertainment and food vendors. Call 847/923-3605 or click here .

NEWS YOU CAN’T USE:

The all-time leading goal scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks is b) Bobby Hull with 604 goals. (Blackhawks site )

Before Thursday’s game, who leads the current Blackhawk roster in goals scored for the 2012-13 season?

a) Patrick Kane             b) Jonathan Toews          c) Brandon Saad            d) Patrick Sharp