Lake County briefs

McDonald's franchisee donates to schoolWaukegan's St. Martin de Porres High School announced Wednesday that $36,000 was contributed by an owner of four McDonald's restaurants in Lake County. William McEssy of Lake Forest, CEO of McEssy Investment Co., donated one day of proceeds from his eateries to the school. St. Martin is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school for low-income students. St. Martin opened in fall 2004. Donors and a growing list of business partners have been an integral part of St. Martin, which draws most of its pupils from Waukegan and North Chicago.Get fit at forest preservesThe Lake County Forest Preserve District will offer fast-paced, group fitness hikes at several preserves on Saturday mornings in September. Participation will cost $1 for county residents or $2 for anyone else. Registration is not required. To get a list of locations, visit lcfpd.org/ff.Free concertSpring Grove native and Season 5 American Idol contestant Brooke Barrettsmith brings her Modern Warfare Tour for a free concert from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, in the parking lot of the Beva Caffe coffee bar, 7221 State Park Road, Fox Lake. Four acts will perform. "It's a community friendly event. We just thought it was a good location between Lake and McHenry counties for the people who know Brooke to come out and see her," said her father, Scott. Barrettsmith released her self-titled first album in 2008 and lists Jeremy Camp, Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson as influences. Call (847) 973-9424 for more information.