Lake County briefs
Radon kits available
Free radon testing kits are available while supplies last from the Lake County Health Department. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas naturally found in rock and soil that can seep into homes through cracks in the basement floor and foundation, crawl spaces, poorly sealed sump pumps, floor drains, porous cinder block walls and other avenues. Studies show radon occurs in every county in Illinois. Exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer so residents are encouraged to check the level in their homes. Kits are available for pickup at health department offices at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, (847) 377-8020; 118 South Main St., Wauconda, (847) 984-5000; and, 121 East Grand Ave., Lake Villa (847) 377-7780. Call (847) 377-8030 or visit www.epa.gov/radon.
Multicultural fair
A yearlong event involving various cultures begins Jan. 10 at the Vernon Area Public Library District, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Programs run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booths are open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include traditional porcelain art, genealogy help, ethnic food and a visit from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. Programs include African village folktales, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.; the food of Argentina with Chef Matt Zagorski, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the Jazmer Trio Ensemble, 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Native American Culture, 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and a taste of Asia, 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is not required for the fair but is required for individual programs. Call (847) 634-3650 or visit www.vapld.info
Soldier stories:
Hear the real-life stories of local soldiers and sailors at "Our American Soldiers" presentations at the Lake County Discovery Museum, near Wauconda. The presentations Jan. 11, 18 and Feb. 1 shed light on the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. At 2 p.m. Jan. 11, Command Master Chief Aloysius Nelson presents "The Navy's Role." Nelson will discuss the Navy's role in the current engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. "National Guardsmen in Iraq" is the topic Jan. 18, and "A Modern Day Soldier" will be discussed Feb. 1. Cost for each program is $6 for adults and $2.50 for youth ages 4 to 17. Price includes museum admission. Registration is required at www.LCFPD.org or (847) 968-3400.
Free hypnotherapy:
An introduction to hypnotherapy is offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Mundelein Park District's Community Park Chalet on Dunbar Road off Midlothian Road, Mundelein. The program is free for adults and is led by Certified Hypnotherapist Patty Pipia. Participants will learn how hypnotherapy can help them lose weight, achieve goals, motivate them to exercise, and more. No registration is required. Additional hypnotherapy programs are also offered by the Mundelein Park District and Pipia, including "Sports Enhancement and Success," and "A Healthy and Slender You." Call (847) 566-0650, or download a winter/spring brochure at www.mundeleinparks.org
Caucus scheduled:
The Vernon Township Democratic Central Committee hosts a caucus at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at the United Auto Workers regional headquarters, 680 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire. The purpose is to nominate candidates for the offices of township supervisor, clerk, assessor, highway commissioner and board trustess. The group has been in existence about 20 years but this is its first caucus in which a slate of candidates will be chosen. Contact vernondems@aol.com.
Tri-State work:
Off-peak closures are scheduled Monday on the Tri-State Tollway for pavement repairs. Two northbound lanes between Half Day Road and Route 60 will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One northbound lane will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Dempster Street and Willow Road for pavement marking removal work. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority also announced completion of the Lake-Cook Road bridge replacement. Drivers now have three lanes of new pavement in each direction open on schedule between the southbound Tri-State entrance and exit ramps to east of Wilmot Road.