Lake County briefs
New trustee named:Mundelein resident Jeralyn Atleson was appointed to the Mundelein area's Fremont Public Library board on Thursday. She replaces Ralph E. "Gene" Buckingham, who recently died. She'll serve out the remainder of Buckingham's term, which expires April 2011.Foreclosure counseling:A new round of more than $1.4 million in federal grant money will enable Illinois homeowners to receive free foreclosure counseling, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced Friday. The agency approved the allocation of federal grant money to counseling agencies statewide for the rising number of families affected by foreclosure. Illinois has the eighth-highest number of foreclosures in the nation, with more than 9,000 foreclosure filings alone in April, according to the data service RealtyTrac. Homeowners can learn about the foreclosure process, as well as programs and options. Counselors also will work as a liaison between the homeowner and their lender Qualified homeowners can see mortgage payments reduced by as much as 31 percent of their gross monthly. Visit www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org.Tobacco walk:The "Steppin' Out Against Tobacco" walk is Saturday, May 22, at Independence Grove Forest Preserve on Route 137 east of Milwaukee Avenue near Libertyville. There is no entry fee but preregistration is recommended. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the North Bay Pavilion. The 3.7-mile walk through Independence Grove begins at 9 a.m. Free blood pressure and other health screenings available. Call (847) 377-8090 or E-mail TFLC@lakecountyil.gov.Low-cost pet vaccines:A low-cost pet vaccination is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Foss Park, off Argonne and Green Bay roads in North Chicago. A second vaccination is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 5 at the Waukegan Animal Control facility, 1698 McAree Road. These clinics provide a convenient and affordable way for Lake County residents to keep their pets up to date with shots and rabies tags. Donations of pet food, litter and supplies will also be accepted at both clinics to benefit The Pooch Pantry, a pet food and supply source for needy families. Pets will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All animals brought to the clinic must be at least four months old. Dogs must be leashed and cats placed in carriers. Call (847) 949-9925.Seniors Day planned:The Lake County Forest Preserve District's annual Seniors Day celebration is set for June 9 at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville. It will run from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to Lake County residents 55 or older. Exhibits, activities, food and games are planned. Registration is not required. Admission is free. For more, visit lcfpd.org.