Briefs: Early voting in Lake County

Early voting is under way in Lake County through Oct. 30. All voters may vote early at the county clerk's office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday. Off-site early voting also is offered at 18 locations throughout the county. To find a location, hours, directions and more information, visit www.voteearly.info or call (847) 377-2406. Lake County Clerk Willard Helander is encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting because of record-breaking turnout is expected on Election Day, Nov. 4.

Donations for veterans

A drive to collect clothing for veterans is under way through Nov. 5. The goal of "Coats for Vets" is to collect winter coats, jackets and other apparel, such as blankets, gloves, and hats. The effort is hosted by Libertvyille Sunrise Rotary with drop-offs at Zengeler Cleaners stores 539 E. Park Ave., and 1401 Peterson Road, Libertyville. Once the items are collected, Zengeler will inspect, repair as needed and clean every item and deliver them to the VA hospital. Call (847) 272-6550, Ext. 14 or visit www.zengelercleaners.com.

Health department head receives award:

Irene Pierce, executive director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, received the 2008 George M. O'Neill Leadership Award presented by the Illinois Primary Health Care Association. The statewide award is presented annually to an individual who is a visionary and whose leadership has empowered and inspired staff at one of Illinois' community health centers. Pierce received the award in Galena Oct. 10. Pierce joined the Lake County Health Department as assistant director of medical services in 1990. She became director of primary care services in 1996, where she planned and administered services for medical care, dental care, prenatal and case management, WIC and clinical support services for five community health center sites.

Town hall meeting on disabilities:

State Rep. Kathleen Ryg and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities will conduct a town-hall meeting today at the Vernon Area Public Library. Ryg, a Vernon Hills Democrat and chair of the House Disability Services Committee, is running for reelection for her House 59th District seat against Republican challenger Daniel Sugrue, a Green Oaks attorney. The town hall meeting will feature local panelists with developmental disabilities, their families and representatives of the council discussing how to fix Illinois' broken system, where the 15,000 people on the state's waiting list can go for help, and benefits of a new plan called the Illinois Blueprint. The meeting is 1 to 2 p.m. at the library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire.