Briefs: Holiday program at library

The Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire will host a free program about preparing for holiday guests from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 27 at the library, 300 Olde Half Day Road. Designer Philomena Urhausen will talk about decorating a holiday table, while chef Carol Mackey will give tips for holiday appetizers such as smoked salmon spread on wonton chips. For details, call (847) 634-3650.

CLC to hold blood drive

The College of Lake County Health Center will have an American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 in the Brandel Court of Building B on the Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and not have donated blood within 56 days. Donors will receive a mini-physical that includes a blood pressure check and iron-level count. Bring a photo ID. Call the CLC Health Center at (847) 543-2064 for an appointment or log on to the American Red Cross Web site at www.givelife.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

How hugs improve lives

The Pavilion Senior Center will host a community awareness education forum on hugging for older adults on Dec. 4. The forum will cover how to hug and why we hug. The program presented by Jan Christiansen will be at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the senior center, 199 N. First St., Wheeling. For details, call Christiansen at (847) 459-2670.