Briefs: Haven to hold annual gala
The Lake County Haven will conduct its annual gala benefit from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Ivanhoe Country Club, 28846 Thorngate Drive, Mundelein. The evening, featuring the theme "Havenly Hollywood" will include live music and dancing, dinner and a live auction. Tickets cost $100 each. The Lake County Haven is a social service agency that uses education, employment, and life-skills training to help people move from homelessness to independence. For information, call the Lake County Haven at (847) 680-1841.
Winning essay on coal
Round Lake Park sixth-grader Elizabeth Teubert will be headed to the executive mansion in Springfield for a reception and ceremony Friday. She'll honored as one of the winners of the 20th statewide art and essay contest sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Coal Development. Elizabeth, who attends Frederick School in Grayslake, wrote an essay on Illinois coal and the environment. She received a $50 savings bond as one of the 25 student winners. Her winning essay will appear in the 2009 Illinois coal calendar. Teachers also will be lauded at Friday's event in Springfield. Diane Roeder was Elizabeth's teacher at Frederick School when she wrote the essay.
Police open house:ŒThe Vernon Hills Police Department will host its 12th annual open house from 1 to 4 p.m. May 18 at the police station, 754 Lakeview Parkway, a block south of Route 60. The event coincides with National Police Week. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and can see and experience the jail area, firearms range and 911 communications room. Guests also will learn about the Citizen's Police Academy, the swat-type team, Lake County CrimeStoppers and other programs and services. There will be demonstrations of the F.A.T.S. (Firearms Training System) Machine, a computerized training device that uses laser-equipped weaponry. Demonstrations from police K-9 units, McGruff the Crime Dog and a puppet show for children are among the activities. Refreshments and snacks will be served. There will be giveaways, photos and buttons for youth as well as other safety and security material. Visit www. vhpd.com or call (847) 247-4888.