Lake County briefs

Audition noticeThe Improv Playhouse Young Actors Workshop (for grades 4-8) will host auditions for "James and the Giant Peach" from the book by Roald Dahl, from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Improv Playhouse Theatre, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Dahl's story comes to life in a dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises. Performances are scheduled for June 4, 5, and 6. Call (847) 968-4529 or visit www.improveplayhouse.com to schedule an audition time or for information regarding audition materials.Help with electric billsComEd has launched a Helping Hand Program, a monthlong effort that will pay half the balances for customers facing a recent or pending service suspension because of a financial hardship. The program is designed to help those who are struggling financially to keep the power on and regain the ability to manage their electric bills. Through March 31, up to $1 million will be made available from ComEd's customer assistance funds. Eligible residential customers who pay 50 percent of their outstanding balance can receive a credit from ComEd for the remaining 50 percent. To be eligible, customers must have received a disconnection notice within the past 120 days and have experienced a financial or medical hardship. Call (888) 806-2273 for more information.Celebration at Frederick SchoolStudents at Frederick School in Grayslake will conclude this year's Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program this week with a four-day celebration during their lunch periods. The first day of the celebration, Tuesday, March 16, will feature trivia contests, videos clips and prizes. On Friday, there will be an announcement on the students' choices for their favorite Caudill nominee and the winner for the state of Illinois. The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award is presented annually to an author voted most outstanding by students in grades 4-9 in participating Illinois schools. The award is named for author Rebecca Caudill, who lived and wrote in downstate Urbana.Gurnee Days nominees soughtNominees are being sought for this year's Gurnee Days honoree. The honoree will be recognized at a testimonial dinner Aug. 12, then serve as grand marshal for the Gurnee Days parade Aug. 15. Couples also are eligible for the recognition. To qualify for the nomination, a person or couple must have provided a meaningful contribution to the village of Gurnee for 10 years or longer. Nomination deadline is Saturday, March 27. Nomination forms may be collected at Gurnee Village Hall, the Gurnee Park District headquarters or the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee. For more information or a form, write to Gurnee Days Corp., P.O. Box 111, Gurnee, IL 60031 or call (847) 244-6699.