Briefs: Ela Area Library celebration

Ela Area Public Library will host its annual Love Your Library Celebration on Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m., at the library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Festivities include free Culver's custard with toppings, Starbucks coffee, children's craft, face painting, temporary tattoos, and appearances by Chicago Wolves mascot "Skates," Curious George, Strawberry Shortcake, Biscuit and Fetch, the library's dog. All ages are invited to attend. No registration required. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Ela Library. For more information, call (847) 438-3433.

Gallery opening Sunday

The Arts in Action Gallery will host an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at its new location in an empty storefront at 2 W. Main St., Lake Zurich. It will feature 10 artists in a variety of media including oil, pastel and acrylic paintings, photography, jewelry and inspirational gourds. The gallery first opened in April 2007 to support the arts in Ela Township area communities using available spaces such as empty storefronts. A group of artists with Cultural Arts Connection converted a dentist's office for the first gallery. On Sunday, artists will be available to discuss their work. Light refreshments will be served. Gallery leaders are seeking local artists who want to display and sell their original fine art or craft, and for public input on what cultural art programs they would like to see in the community. Applications can be found at www.culturalartsconnection.org or by stopping in the gallery during regular hours, 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday or by appointment by calling (847) 540-1919.

Doggone good job

Gurnee Trustee Michael Jacobs provided a lighthearted moment at Monday night's village board meeting. Jacobs said his family's dog wandered from home over the weekend and eventually was captured by Gurnee police. He said the animal was brought for safe keeping to Gurnee police headquarters, where he claimed it. In appreciation, Jacobs said his three children will donate some money to a fund the Gurnee police use to buy snacks and food for stray dogs that are brought in. Jacobs, a Democrat, is running against Republican State's Attorney Michael Waller in November.

Get involved in Grayslake

Grayslake Elementary District 46 is offering residents a chance to participate in its program coordinating committee. District personnel and residents are on the committee, which was started to assess student needs and make recommendations to the curriculum coordinating council regarding instructional programs and operating procedures. District 46 residents may submit a letter of intent if they want to be on the committee by Feb. 13. Previous experience in program coordination relative to student learning or a candidate's qualifications should be noted in the letter. The letter should be sent to Superintendent Ellen Correll at Grayslake Elementary District 46, 565 Frederick Road, Grayslake, IL. 60030.