Lake Co. briefs

PTO holds fundraiser:

The Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 PTO hosts its Party-In-The-Park family program from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Meridian Middle School. Proceeds benefit the district's Community Organized Drug Education Program, which teaches children how to make wise lifestyle choices. The program is 100 percent funded by the PTO. Offerings include carnival games and inflatables, DJ, music and dancing, food for purchase from area restaurants. For information, contact the event's chair, Missy Frank at (847) 409-8781 or missyemail@comcast.net.

Sacred plants:

Information on plants considered sacred and how they are used in Native American ceremonies will be presented in an upcoming program hosted by Lake-to-Prairie Wild Ones. Mary Griffin, a docent at the Schingeothe Center for Native America Culture at Aurora University, will speak from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Byron Colby Barn in the Prairie Crossing subdivision, Route 45 south of Route 120, Grayslake. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call (847) 362-5134.

Healthy fun:

Kids, ages 8 to 10, get their chance at local stardom in the Junior Iron Chef Microwave, a creative culinary program of the Mundelein Park & Recreation District. The program is 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the district's Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road, between Route 176 and Winchester Road, Mundelein. The new program emphasizes healthy eating with quick and easy microwave recipes for fruit smoothies, vegetables, main entrees and desserts that kids can share and prepare at home. Kids compete in teams for kitchen bragging rights and fun prizes. Family and friends are encouraged to root for the winning entrees selected by a local celebrity panel of judges. Cost is $30 for Mundelein residents ($45 nonresident) and includes a free chef's hat.