Lake County briefs

Low-interest mortgages:

The Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County, a nonprofit agency, can help homebuyers lower their monthly mortgage payments by as much as $275 per month through a mortgage package that includes up to $50,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs, as well as a fixed-rate below-market interest rate loan with no mortgage insurance. AHC offers homebuyer education classes and individual counseling for those struggling with credit and debt issues, and also helps buyers navigate the complex purchase process and make sure they are getting the best financing terms available. Visit www.ahclc.org or call (847) 263-7478.

Million Mutt March in Wauconda:

Save-A-Pet's 23rd Annual Pet-Athlon Million Mutt March is set for Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lakewood Forest Preserve, Shelter D, near Wauconda. Participants can earn pledges and walk laps around the designated course with your dog, in honor of your cat or by yourself. Entrants can set up their own online fundraising page for the event at firstgiving.com. Individual entry fee is $20 that includes lunch, event T-shirt and goody bag. All proceeds raised benefit Save-A-Pet. For more details call (847) 740-7788, ext. 103.

Kirk hosting health care meeting:

Congressman Mark Kirk hosts a town-hall meeting today to outline a new "centrist health care proposal" with the public. Along with cardiologist Dr. Jay Alexander from North Shore Cardiology, Kirk will also discuss the current plan in Sen. Max Baucus' health care legislation. The meeting will take place at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook at 10 a.m.