The briefs

Freshwater events at Ryerson Woods

Friends of Ryerson Woods, in partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserve District, is offering the Summer Sights 2008 series, with water-related visual art exhibitions and an environmental film festival.

On exhibit through July 20 in Ryerson's historic home, Brushwood, is "Icebound," featuring paintings by Olivia Petrides of glaciers and icebergs. From 6-8 p.m. July 26, an opening reception will be held for "Pride of Place," featuring paintings by members of the Midwest Paint Group. The exhibit will be on display through Aug. 17. From 1-3 p.m. Aug. 31, an opening reception will be held for "Aqueous Series and Other works of Light and Air Effects," featuring paintings by Ken Minami that present a meditation on water in still life. The exhibit will be on display Aug. 20 to Sept. 21.

From 8-11 p.m. July 26, Friends of Ryerson Woods will host an array of 10 short films from The Wild and Scenic Film Festival, many exploring freshwater issues, including topics that range from a humorous look at the $40 billion lawn industry, to two kayakers' trek from Alaska to Argentina in a truck that doesn't use petroleum. Families can picnic on the lawn and enjoy the movies under the starry Ryerson Woods sky.

Tickets to the film festival are $15 ($10 for FRW members) $5 for children 12 and under. To register call (847) 968-3321. The artist receptions are free to attend. Ryerson Woods is located on Riverwoods Road, between Half Day Road and Deerfield Road near Deerfield.

Lifeguards to wash cars to raise money

Gurnee Park District Lifeguards will host a car wash from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center parking lot, 900 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. The guards will be raising money toward their entry into the 2008 IPRA Lifeguard Games on Aug. 2. The GPD lifeguards placed third at the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Event in 2006 and the Junior Lifeguards placed first overall in the Junior Division for the past two years. The car wash is free but donations of any size are appreciated.