Polish eatery opens:

Polish food served up at picnics, festivals and markets over the past year has found a permanent home in Elk Grove Village. Tata’s Pierogi Co., owned by Leszek Jakubowski and Aneta Olesiak, opened its doors at 554 E. Devon Ave. for a ribbon-cutting celebration Thursday night. The Polish comfort food restaurant offers pierogies, as well as a fusion of traditional recipes passed down for generations and modern twists on Polish cuisine, Jakubowski said. Jakubowski was inspired to open the business after spending the past 15 years renovating restaurants with his construction company. “We’ve worked on a numerous amount of restaurants from Mexican to all-American to classic pizza places, and lately Mediterranean restaurants,” he said. “But there was always something missing: a modern Polish cuisine establishment.”

Maine East a top high school:

Maine East High School in Park Ridge has been ranked among the country’s top schools, Maine Township District 207 announced Friday. US News & World Report ranked the school 37th among Illinois high schools on a list released last week. “While these rankings are not the ‘be all, end all,’ being named is always a welcome recognition of our students achievement and the great teaching that drives that achievement,” Principal Mike Pressler said. To establish rankings, US News uses graduation rates, college readiness, exam performance and the relative test performance of disadvantaged students.

Presidents to talk higher ed:

The presidents of Harper College, Elgin Community College and Northern Illinois University will discuss a variety of issues facing higher education Thursday morning in Hoffman Estates. The panel of Ken Ender of Harper, David Sam of ECC and Doug Baker will explore topics including funding, partnerships, workforce development and the needs of today’s student. Sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce, the event will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, at the NIU Hoffman Estates Conference Center, 5555 Trillium Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. The cost is $15 and includes a continental breakfast. To register, visit hechamber.com or call (847) 781-9100.

Oakton to hold music festival:

Oakton Community College is holding its Noteworthy Festival, a musical celebration featuring individual recitals and group concerts showcasing the college’s student performers and music faculty, May 7-12 at the Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. For a full schedule of events and tickets, go to www.oakton.edu/tickets or call (847) 635-1900. Here are some of the performances: Guitar Recital, featuring student solos, duets and selections from the Oakton Guitar Ensemble, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7; Oakton String Ensemble, 8 p.m. Monday, May 8; Vocal Recital, 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 10; Choral Recital, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 11; and Jazz Invasion, 8 p.m. Friday, May 12. Preconcert “Take Note Conversations” are at 7:30 p.m. before the String Ensemble and Jazz Invasion concerts, providing background and insight on featured pieces. Tickets for each concert are $5.