Lake County in 60 seconds

Museum raffle

Busy Brains Children's Museum is raising money by organizing its first 50/50 raffle. Each ticket costs $1. Or buy six tickets for $5 or 12 for $10. The winner of the raffle gets half of all money collected, and the other half goes to the museum. The raffle drawing is July 27 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. The winner does not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased by calling (224) 381-0138, through any museum board members and volunteers, and at all the museum's public events. Check out the schedule at the Web site www.busybrains.org/calendar.

Garling wins petition challenge

Rich Garling, Democratic candidate for state representative in the 52nd District, will remain on the November ballot. Garling's nomination petitions were challenged, but the challenge was overturned by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Garling will now face off against incumbent Republican Mark Beaubien in the 52nd District. Garling is an Island Lake village trustee. The 52nd District extends from Round Lake to Barrington, and westward from Fairfield Road to Route 31 in Crystal Lake.

Backstretch backpacks

The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago is asking residents to help provide backpacks and school supplies for children who live in the backstretch at Arlington Park. The "Backpacks for The Backstretch" campaign is working to provide school supplies for 250 children ages 3-13, who live on the backstretch because their parents work for the track. To help donate supplies, contact Lyn, Jackie or Jean at the Volunteer Center, who will put donors in touch with the list of materials needed. Call (847) 228-1320.

Nature walk in Flint Creek Savanna

Citizen's for Conservation is giving area residents the opportunity to see Flint Creek Savanna in its full bloom. The nature group is hosting a tour of the Savanna between 8 and 9 a.m. July 19. Those who attend will be able to check out the floating islands, while also seeing what types of plants and animals make the Savanna home this summer. Binoculars are recommended. The tour will start at the Citizen's for Conservation's main office at 459 West Highway 22 in Lake Barrington. For more information or to RSVP, call (847) 382-SAVE (7283).