This Week in Mount Prospect

LIBRARY CLOSED: The Main and South Branches of the Library (10 S. Emerson St.) and (1711 W. Algonquin Rd.) will be closed on Friday (May 17) for Staff In-Service Training. While the buildings will be closed, you still have 24/7 access to conduct research with our online resources, register for upcoming programs and renew items and place holds at www.mppl.org. Check out an e-book or audiobook through MyMediaMall at any time. The Main Branch will reopen on Saturday (May 18) at 9 a.m.

GARAGE ‘SAILING’: You know it’s spring when neighbors open their garage doors and yards for the Mount Prospect Village-Wide Garage Sale held Friday through Sunday (May 17-19).  More than 300 homes are participating this year. Find the treasure you’ve been hunting! Pick up a map at one of six locations throughout Mount Prospect. Visit www.mountprospectgaragesale.com for map p/up locations and participating sellers.

OPEN HOUSE: Bring the family to this Mount Prospect Public Works event on Saturday (May 18) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the facility (1700 W. Central Rd.). The day includes a tour, rides in the department’s aerial trucks and a children’s Fun Fact Hunt. A wide range of displays demonstrating how the Village’s water system, sewer system, parkway trees, buildings, streets and vehicles are maintained will be available. Kids can also meet PW Paws, the Public Works mascot. The event kicks off National Public Works Week, which takes place from May 19-25.

NOMINATE A GREAT TEACHER: National Teacher Appreciation Week was recently celebrated. The Illinois State Board of Education is accepting nominations for the 2020 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel awards. The awards honor people who have made significant contributions to prekindergarten through 12^th grade at public or private schools. Anyone or any organization can submit nominations. Nominations are due by Monday (June 3). For more information and to view the nomination form, visit www.isbe.net/thosewhoexcel.

BLUESMOBILE CRUISE NIGHTS RETURN: Check out classic automobiles on Saturday (May 18) from 3 – 9 p.m. in the East Commuter Metra Lot (Northwest Hwy. & Emerson St.). Themed shows take place every Saturday night until September 28. Live entertainment is often part of the fun.

BAREFOOT HAWAIIANS PERFORM: This popular ensemble performs on Saturday (May 18) from 11 a.m. – Noon at Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.). Enjoy striking costumes, dramatic dances and traditional Hawaiian instruments. Registration is required. Call 847/253-5675, stop by the Library or visit www.mppl.org.

BLUE STAR CEREMONY: The community is invited to a dedication ceremony of the Blue Star Memorial Marker on Sunday (May 19) 10 a.m. at the Mount Prospect Train Station (13 E. Northwest Hwy.). The Blue Star Memorial Marker is placed as a tribute to the Armed Forces who have defended the United States. This event is held in cooperation of the Village of Mount Prospect and District IX of the Garden Clubs of Illinois.

NSO FEATURES FILM FAVORITES: Take in an afternoon of music from the movies when the Northwest Symphony Orchestra performs its final concert of the season on Sunday (May 19) 3 p.m. at Forest View Educational Center (2121 S. Goebbert Rd., AH). Some of the pieces include “The Sea Hawk: Suite for Orchestra,” Aaron Copland’s “Our Town,” and the familiar scores of John Williams. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors 65 and older and $10 for students with ID. Children younger than 14 are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the concert using cash, checks or credit cards; online; or through the Box Office at 847/718-7702. For more information, visit www.northwestsymphony.org or call 847/965-7271.

WRITERS GROUP: Do you enjoy writing short stories or poetry? Perhaps you need some feedback on your novel. Are you looking for constructive criticism in a friendly environment among others who share your passion? Join the Mount Prospect Writers Group on Tuesday (May 21) from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2A on the Second Floor of Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.). The group is open to all adult writers with all levels of writing experience, in all genres. Bring up to five double-spaced pages and copies to share (approximately 10) with group members. A modest fee is required on a quarterly basis. The Writers Group meets the 3^rd Tuesday of every month. Questions? Contact Laird Larsen at l-larsen@att.net.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Meet with a representative from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office on Wednesday (May 22) from 2 – 5 p.m. in Room 130 of Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson St.). Ask questions about immigration, visas, Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits and other federal services.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING: Spring cleaning means getting rid of all those outdated or unused electronics. Responsibly dispose of them on Wednesday (May 22) from 10 a.m. – Noon at Mount Prospect Public Works facility (1700 W. Central Rd.). Items left outside of designated hours will not be collected.

YOGA AND WINE: What could be more relaxing? Bring your yoga mat to this evening event on Thursday (May 23) from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Rob Roy Clubhouse (505 E. Camp McDonald Rd., PH). Engage all of your senses, mind, body and spirit to create a unique experience. Adults 21 years and older. Tickets are $25/residents and $30/non-residents. Visit http://www.rtpd.org/event/yoga-wine-party/ or call 847/255-1200 for more info.

CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH: If you are a Mount Prospect or Elk Grove Township resident, you can practice your conversational skills in a friendly group setting with native English speakers on Thursday (May 23) from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Community Connections Center (1711 W. Algonquin Rd.). For more information, or to register, call 847/506-4930.

3170 BEAT MEETING:  In an effort to help identify and address specific community concerns within their patrol beat, officers from beat 3170 will host a meeting on Wednesday (May 23) from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Euclid School Learning Center (1211 N. Wheeling Rd.). Business owners/operators are invited. Attendees will have a chance to win police department t-shirts, coffee mugs and a “Ride to School in a Police Car” certificate.

COOK COUNTY RIPE FOR MEASLES: A new report says Cook County is one of the most likely places for a measles outbreak – and could have the largest number of cases of any county at risk. The report, published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, said although Cook County had only reported one case of measles in 2019, the disease could become an issue because of Chicago’s two major international airports. This year, the U.S. has reported 704 confirmed measles cases in 22 states, compared to 372 cases in 2018.

NEARBY HAPPENINGS:

—-DP GARDEN CLUB SALE: Pick up some flower annuals and perennials, vegetables and hanging plants, plus homemade baked goods on Saturday (May 18) from 8:30 a.m. – Noon at Frisbie Senior Center (52 E. Northwest Hwy., DP). Cash only. For more information, visit www.desplainesgardenclub.com.

—-JAZZY SUNDAY: The Arlington Heights Arts Commission hosts a free evening of jazz on Sunday (May 19) 6 p.m. at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (111 W. Campbell St.). The South Middle School jazz band, the Buffalo Grove High School jazz band and Sounds of the Big Band will perform.