Briefs: Center announces awards

The Lake County Center for Independent Living has awarded Lake County Clerk Willard R. Helander the Mickey Finn's Community Excellence Award for her work on behalf of the disabled community in Lake County. The Mundelein-based disability rights organization recognized Helander for her efforts to make voting more accessible for disabled people and for making the LCCIL a polling place. Helander also collaborated with LCCIL on producing a training video for election judges. LCCIL also gave the Volunteer of the Year award to Jim Ross. He's been working to maintain LCCIL facilities. Cynthia LaBoy won the Ed Roberts Award for overcoming her many challenges after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. She completed a college degree and found employment at the Lake County Housing Authority.

Trade "Food for Fines"

The Ela Area Public Library is offering patrons a chance to trade their current library fines to support a local food pantry during its annual Food for Fines program. The library will accept donations of nonperishable boxed or canned food, paper goods and cleaning supplies as payment for current overdue fines through Dec. 30. Fees will not be waived for fines on lost items, DVDs, videos, video games, holiday CDs and prior balances on your card. The items collected will be distributed to families in need. For more information, call (847) 438-3433.

Mitten Tree benefits local organizations

The Friends of Ela Library is accepting new and "like new" mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for the Ela Area Public Library's annual Mitten Tree. Donations can be placed on the tree located in the library's lobby through Jan. 5. Last year, more than 450 items were distributed to the residents at Mount St. Joseph in Lake Zurich and the Lake County Haven in Libertyville. To join the Friends, pick up a membership form at the library's information desk or call (847) 438-3433.

Roadside checks in Arlington

The Arlington Heights Police Department will conduct a roadside safety check between 10 p.m. Dec. 20 and 3 a.m. Dec. 21 along South Arlington Heights Road. In addition, officers will conduct "saturation patrols" over weekends and on New Year's Eve, between Dec. 19 and Jan. 4. The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation-Division of Traffic Safety.