Lake County briefs

Learn job search skills:Bob Podgorski will lead a lesson in identifying your competencies and using them in the job search on Thursday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Villa District Library. Podgorski says it's common for those looking for a new job to focus on skills and overlook competencies. During tough economic times, focusing on competencies will open up an applicant's audience, he says. Podgorski is the founder of St. Hubert's Job Search and Networking Ministry, a nondenominational group dedicated to helping the unemployed. Register at the Adult Reference Desk, by phone at (847) 356-7711 or online at lvdl.org.New website for library:The Cook Memorial Public Library District has renovated its website, cooklib.org. Designed with a light-blue hue, the site features drop-down menus for faster navigation, answers for common patron questions search functions and other additions.Art competition:The Lake County Heritage Farm Foundation is reminding that the deadline for its art competition and exhibition is June 1. The competition is open to artists 18 and older from Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The theme is: The Farm: Images from the Heartland, and involves farm scenes, such as buildings, equipment, animals, farm fields, crops, and people in a variety of media. The art will be juried, and cash prizes will be awarded. Work of winning artists will be exhibited at the Discovery Museum at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda from Aug. 21 through Nov. 14. For a prospectus including deadline details and an entry form, e-mail art@lchff.org.Vernon Hills police open house:The Vernon Hills Police Department will host its annual open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at its facility, 754 and 740 Lakeview Parkway, a block south of Route 60. Visitors will see the inner workings and equipment of the facility, including the jail area, firearms range and 911 communications room. Guests also will learn about the Citizen's Police Academy, N.I.P.A.S. (SWAT-type) team and other programs and services the department provides. Guests will be able to have complete identification kits made for their children, courtesy of the Illinois Masons' Child ID Program (ChIP). Refreshments and snacks will be served. There will be giveaways, photos and buttons for the youths as well as safety and security material. Visit www.vhpd.com or call (847) 247-4889.