Lake County briefs

Support group forming:

A support group for unemployed people will have its first meeting at 10 a.m. March 25 at the Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Discussion topics will include networking, assistance and benefits.

Job fairs planned:

The Lake County Forest Preserve District will host two job fairs this month. The events are planned for March 14 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center near North Chicago, and March 26 at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville. Interested candidates can complete applications and ask questions about summertime positions. The district will be hiring lifeguards, marina attendants, camp counselors and other workers for the summer. For more information, visit lakecountyil.gov or lcfpd.org or call (847) 968-3233.

GOP leader at event in Libertyville

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna will be the featured guest at a local GOP bash at 7 p.m. March 16. Lake County Republican Central Committee members will welcome McKenna to Austin's Saloon & Eatery, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. McKenna is expected to provide insight and a GOP update on the 2010 election cycle.

St. Patrick's Day parade food collection

Lake Villa's St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, March 14 will offer a new twist. Lake Villa Township Supervisor Daniel Venturi announced Monday that visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be collected along the parade route. The food will be placed in the Lake Villa Township caboose float. Venturi said there has been a 40 percent increase in demand on the township's food pantry. The township also accepts cash contributions for food purchases. Venturi said the township can buy more than $10 worth of food for less than $1.

Big grant for health department:

The Lake County Health Department will received $1.3 million in federal stimulus funds over the next two years to provide primary care services at a new community health center site under construction at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan. The new facility will increase access to primary care for uninsured and underserved residents, and offer medical, dental and mental health services. The grant enables the health department to hire new staff to include a family practice physician, psychiatrists, dentists, dental assistants and clinical support staff. The center is scheduled to open in spring 2010. Lake County is among 126 community health centers nationally to receive federal stimulus funds.