Lake County briefs

Summer concert kickoff in Hawthorn Woods:

Hawthorn Woods starts its summer concert series with the Magic Frank Blues Band performing Sunday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in Community Park at Old McHenry and Quentin roads. The concert is free and families are encouraged to pack a picnic to enjoy while they watch the band. The series continues on most Sunday evenings in the park stretching into August. Visit www.vhw.org for the full schedule.

Food preservation classes:

The University of Illinois Extension in Lake County holds classes on food preservation Tuesday, June 9 and June 23 and 30. Participants get recipes, fact sheets and how-to information on various preservation methods. Preregistration is required for each class at lake.extension.uiuc.edu or (847) 223-8627. The fee is $20 per person for each session. Classes are 1 to 3 p.m. at the extension office, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. The classes cover jellies and jams, boiling water bath canning and freezing and dehydrating.

Village of Wauconda layoffs:

The village of Wauconda laid off four employees this week. Three administrative staff members and one building and zoning employee were the latest victims of cutbacks due to the recession. The village has cut 14 employees, or 15 percent of its work force, in the past few years due. "It's a very unfortunately situation, but it's something we had to do. The economy's not getting any better," Mayor Mark Knigge said.

Fundraiser to help toddler:

Gurnee Grille hosts a grand opening event and fundraiser Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for Dylan Mudrick, a toddler fighting the metabolic disorder called maple syrup urine disease. The rare disorder affects how the body processes protein. That typically leads to acid accumulation in the blood, causing a toxic effect and interference with brain functions. Urine smells similar to maple syrup. Dylan, whose first birthday was March 17, is awaiting a liver transplant, the only known cure for the disease. The Gurnee boy must eat a very strict low-protein diet and is required to drink a special formula to ensure good nutrition. Gurnee Grille is in Saratoga Square mall at Milwaukee Avenue and Washington Street. The eatery will offer free food samples all day, such as gyros, Italian beef, hot dogs, ice cream and hamburgers. Plans call for a Gurnee Fire Department demonstration for children, face painting, bag-toss tournament, silent auction, motorcycle show and more. For information, call (847) 599-1945.