Meet Chicago Northwest's third annual Restaurant Week continues through February 28 offering exclusive, affordably-priced, 3-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 35 area dining establishments. Included in the list are numerous Schaumburg dining options such as Bahama Breeze, Zeal, Chicago Prime Italian, Kinfork, Level 257, Grillhouse by David Burke, Sam & Harry's, Seasons 52, Ram Restaurant and Brewery and more. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit the website.

Easter Bunny at Woodfield Mall Now through March 26

The Bunny Photo Experience at Simon's Woodfield Mall will continue through Saturday, March 26 in the Grand Court. Visits with the Easter Bunny are complimentary; professional photo packages are available for purchase. For hours and other information, call (847) 330-1537 or visit their website.

Village Funds Available for Weatherization Improvements

The village provides 0 percent interest loans to qualifying applicants for weatherization improvements. These funds are provided as CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds directly to the village from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Priority will be given to Schaumburg homeowners who are considered low income, disabled or elderly. For additional information on the Residential Rehabilitation Program, visit the village's website.

Donate Used Shoes to People in Need

The Village of Schaumburg is serving as a collection site for donated shoes of all sizes and ages to help people in our community and across the country who live in poverty. Please drop off gently-used, closed-toed shoes in the collection box located next to the elevator at the west entry of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Ct. Donated shoes will be sent to Soles4Souls, a not-for-profit global social organization committed to fighting poverty. This collection drive is led by a Boy Scout with the Schaumburg Troop 493 as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Serve the Community as a Poll Worker on Election Day

The Cook County Clerk's office is currently recruiting community members to serve as poll workers in its north suburban polling places during the March 15, 2016, Presidential Primary. It is a unique opportunity to get paid ($175 or $325) for serving your community and supporting local democracy. To learn more, apply online or call (312) 603-0965.

Village Seeks Plein Air Entries

The Village of Schaumburg is currently seeking artist entries for the 2016 Prairie Plein Air Competition and Show and the 29th Annual Prairie Arts Festival.

Submitted works will be displayed in the Herb Aigner Gallery inside the Prairie Center for the Arts May 18-June 30, and will coincide with the 29th annual Prairie Arts Festival. This event is open to all plein air artists. Entries are due by Friday, April 15. For more information, visit the Prairie Center's website.

Speaking of Schaumburg

Speaking of Schaumburg is a monthly program where Mayor Al Larson offers his own unique insight and knowledge of the village and its history through interviews with village staff, officials and prominent residents. Watch the February 2016 Speaking of Schaumburg.

Employment Opportunities:

Visit the village's Employment Section on the website to view and apply for specific positions. For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at (847) 923-3900.

This weekly e-newsletter provides timely information on general news and events from the Village of Schaumburg.

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60th Anniversary Fun Fact

With Schaumburg's population of 18,730 in 1970, the time was ripe for development of the massive Woodfield Mall, which opened on September 9, 1971. The mall, named for General Robert E. Wood and Marshall Field and Company founder Marshall Field, has grown from its original 59 stores to nearly 300 retail stores and restaurants.

Village Offering 60th Anniversary Special Event License Plates

The Village of Schaumburg will be offering special event license plates through the Illinois Secretary of State's office to recognize the village's 60th Anniversary.

Special event plates are not permanent and will only be displayed on vehicles from July 7 through Sept. 5, 2016, when the village's Septemberfest event ends. A set of plates (front and rear) is $65. Full payment and a copy of the owner's vehicle registration ID card will be required to process the transaction. One hundred sets of plates will be produced so they will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. The village reserves the right to determine plate numbers; requests for plate numbers will not be granted.

Interested individuals are encouraged to place their order by using the village's online payment system, WebPay. Orders will also be accepted in person at the Finance Counter of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Ct. All orders must be received by March 22, 2016.

The Secretary of State requires the public to provide a photocopy of your current vehicle registration with your order. Current means that vehicle registration must be valid through Sept. 30, 2016. If your registration expires before Sept. 30, you must renew early and include a copy of your valid registration to the village to receive your plates. The Secretary of State will not mail your license plates to you without your current vehicle registration.

For additional information, contact the village by dialing 311 in Schaumburg or visit the website.

Mulch Delivery Program Changing

The village is making changes to its mulch program to improve the efficiency of scheduling and deliveries made to residents. All residents requesting mulch delivery will be required to prepay before their delivery can be scheduled. The cost of mulch is $50 per 3-cubic-yard load.

Payment can be made one of two ways:

By credit card on the village's website using WebPay.
In person at the Finance Department, 101 Schaumburg Ct., with a credit card or check.

Orders for mulch delivery are currently being accepted. Delivery of mulch is anticipated to begin tentatively i

n March, pending availability of the product. Same day delivery requests cannot be made and priority of delivery will go by the date of delivery. WebPay orders will take priority over orders that are paid in person. If mulch runs out before a delivery can be made, the resident will receive a refund.

Once mulch is available, residents may also pick-up their own mulch free of charge at the Engineering and Public Works complex. Residents are asked to enter the complex at the traffic light located at 714 S. Plum Grove Road and proceed beyond Fire Station 55 to the wood bin designated for mulch pick-up. This service is intended for non-commercial residential use only. Those with questions can dial 311 in Schaumburg or visit the website.

Vehicle Emissions Testing Notices Ceasing for Illinois Residents

Due to the continued state budget impasse, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspended the mailing of vehicle emissions test notices at the end of 2015. Therefore, vehicle owners whose license plates expire at the end of March 2016 will be the first motorists who will not receive the vehicle emissions test notices.

As a result, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that he will temporarily allow license plate renewals for vehicle owners who have not yet taken the EPA emissions test, citing an unfair burden to Illinois citizens. Mo

torists may renew their license plates, but will be informed they are still required to get the vehicle tested. White also noted that when Illinois EPA resumes mailing out vehicle emissions test notices to the public, his office will resume regular vehicle registration procedures.

Vehicles must pass an emissions test or otherwise comply with the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 before the vehicle registration can be renewed. The Secretary of State's office is sending License Plate Renewal Notices via email to individuals who register on its website. Electronic notices do include a statement as to whether compliance with the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law is required before a vehicle's registration can be renewed.

Failure to complete and pass emission testing can result in the suspension of a motorist's driving privileges, vehicle registration or both by the Secretary of State. No vehicle registration that has been suspended may be reinstated, renewed or transferred by the owner to any other vehicle until the suspension has been terminated.

Motorists in the testing area are encouraged to use the Illinois Secretary of State online tool to determine whether a vehicle is due for emissions testing. Motorists in the testing areas may also contact Illinois EPA at (847) 758-3400 or (800) 635-2380 for additional assistance.

February Business of the Month: Innovative Components

Located at 1050 National Parkway, Innovative Components was founded in 1992 and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of plastic knobs, handles, quick release pins and latches. For more than 19 years, Innovative Components has pioneered the creative use of "green" materials and technologies in its manufacturing processes. The company has perfected techniques for utilizing recycled plastics with no compromise in mechanical or aesthetic values. Innovative Components uses thermoplastic materials exclusively which scrap from thermoplastic resins may be recovered and reprocessed.

Innovative Components has been a partner with local schools, Harper College and other local business and manufacturing organizations to help recruit students into manufacturing. Innovative Components connects with area high school students about available career opportunities through internships and apprenticeships.

Muriel Anderson Performs Musical Visions at Prairie Center March 6

Tickets are available for guitarist Muriel Anderson who will be performing at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6 at the Prairie Center for the Arts located at 201 Schaumburg Ct. in Schaumburg. One of the world's foremost fingerstyle and harp-guitarists, Muriel Anderson performs original music and arrangeme

nts with stunning visuals by celebrated photo-artist Bryan Allen. Muriel's unique approach to the instrument virtually transforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then a Japanese koto, then a Bluegrass band, one minute launching into a Beatles' tune and the next, Rodrigo's Concerto de Aranjuez. Tickets for the event are $20 ($18 for seniors and students) and can be ordered online or by calling (847) 895-3600.

Construction Updates

For a link to all village projects, please visit the website.

I-90 Tollway Updates

The Golf Road Bridge contractor will be closing Golf Road from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. each night through Sunday, Feb. 21. Follow the detour through New Wilke Road, Algonquin Road and Meacham Road.

The Meacham Road Bridge contractor plans to set the beams that will carry the east half of the new bridge early next week. The work requires lane closures on Meacham Road between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. each night beginning Monday, Feb. 22. The work is expected to take three days and is very weather-dependent. High winds make lifting these huge beams unsafe, so even a clear night could mean no work if there are steady or gusty winds.

I-90 drivers should remain cautious for changes in traffic patterns and new signs. Use extra caution while everyone gets familiar with the new traffic pattern. Once that shift is complete the Roselle Bridge Contractor will start building the center pier for the west half of that new structure. Be sure to visit the village's website for further information and other updates on this project.

Advertise in this e-Newsletter:

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The village is offering a way for local businesses to connect with the

community by placing ads in this newsletter. For more information, contact Bob Hoyer with Municipal Media Solutions at (312)640-9540.

Calendar of Events

Feb. 20-21: Race & Performance Expo

The Race & Performance Expo will be held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Feb. 20-21. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.

Feb. 25: FYI From the PI

Schaumburg Township District Library is featuring a program for writers, "FYI from the PI," a presentation by a licensed private investigator. The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 at the library, 130 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call (847) 923-3347.

Feb. 26: Hailey Rowe

Catch a performance from artist Hailey Rowe with her quirky style and endearing demeanor. Rowe will be at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.

Feb. 26-28: Lake Home & Cabin Show

The Lake Home & Cabin Show will be held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Feb. 26-28. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.

Feb. 27: Teen Job Fair

Teens ages 15-19 are welcome to attend the annual Teen Job Fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg. No fee or registration is required. For more information, call (847) 923-3241.

Feb. 27: ComEd Transmission Line

Schaumburg Township officials will hold a public meeting 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 27 to share the latest information on ComEd's proposed new 138kV electric transmission line along the south side of the I-390 corridor. The meeting will take place at the township, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. For more information, contact the township at (847) 884-0030 or visit the website.

Feb. 28: Wellington Ukulele Orchestra

Tickets are available for the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra that will be performing 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. For tickets and information, visit their website.

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About the Village

of Schaumburg

Schaumburg is the largest center of economic development in the State of Illinois, outside the City of Chicago, but it is also very much a community of neighbors and neighborhoods. Quality of life is important to us and we are constantly working to enhance it. Visit the website.

Disclaimer:

The Village of Schaumburg accepts no liability for the advertisements in this newsletter and does not endorse any product advertised. Any advertisement does not necessarily represent the view or support of the Village of Schaumburg.

If you attend a local festival or village function and the event is photographed, your image may be used for news and promotional purposes.

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