Fox Valley briefs

Job seeker boot camp

Looking to get job skills, fast? Short-term training for job skills that will result in near immediate employment or to prepare for a better job is the purpose of "Boot Camp," an Elgin Community College program. Classes include medical coding, medical billing, pharmacy technician, "green" technology training, wedding planning, dialysis technician and home inspection training. For details, visit elgin.edu/bootcamp or call (847) 622-3036.

Campton GOP event

The Campton Township Republican Party will have its 10th annual "Meet Your Elected Officials" event from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at the Old Towne Pub and Eatery, 40W290 La Fox Road, Campton Hills. Tickets are $25 a person or $40 a couple and include a buffet and entertainment. Party officials also will be on hand to discuss issues and answer questions. For details, call (630) 443-0974.

MCC student claims anti-smoking design prize

Andy Sciazko, a second-year student majoring in illustration at McHenry County College, has won the McHenry County Department of Health's annual Billboard Design Contest. His entry was entitled "You know what's cooler than smoking? Anything." The contest sought to highlight local talent while educating the community of the health effects of smoking. Open to all McHenry County teens, designs were received under the following categories: tobacco prevention, secondhand smoke, and quit smoking. Entries were judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design. Making the final selection were teens from Reality Illinois Anti-Tobacco Advocacy groups, members of the McHenry County "Tobacco Free" Coalition and the health department's health promotion staff. For his efforts, Sciazko will receive a $250 prize along with the privilege of seeing his artwork displayed on billboards throughout the county. For information about MCDH's smoking cessation programs, call (815) 334-4510 or visit www.mcdh.info.