The briefs

Enter annual bookmark contest

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can take part in the Vernon Area Public Library's annual bookmark contest. Three winners will be chosen from four age groups, and one grand prize winner will receive 30 copies of his or her own design, which will be distributed during National Library Week in April, 2009.

Pick up blank bookmarks and contest rules in Youth Services. One entry per person. Deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. Winners will be announced Nov. 3.

Call (847) 634-3650 or visit www.vapld.info.

Volo Bog area seeks photos

Volo Bog State Natural Area is seeking entries for its 22nd Annual Nature Photo Contest. The contest is open to all amateur nature photographers.

Entries will be accepted in seven categories: Color Plant, Color Animal - Invertebrate, Color Animal - Vertebrate, Color Landscape, Black & White (combined plant/animal/landscape), Alteration of Reality and People In Nature. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 17. Prizes will be chosen by the popular vote of Volo Bog visitors from Oct. 25 to Jan. 9 and also by a panel of judges. Awards will be given at Winterfest on Jan. 11. Visit FriendsofVoloBog.org, e-mail dnr.volobog@illinois.gov, or call (815) 344-1294.

Learn during lunch at CLC

A taste of business training opportunities is offered by the College of Lake County's Lunch and Learn program during the next few months. The program features a professional facilitator delivering one hour of training in some of the most requested professional training topics. The following subjects will be offered: Taking the 'Work' Out of Workplace E-mails on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Southlake Campus; Presenting Like a Pro on Nov. 11 at Grayslake; and Stress: Managing it and Making it Your Ally on Dec. 3 at Southlake. Sessions run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The cost is $30 per person, and includes lunch. Call (847) 543-2615.