Before you go to throw, think Recycle First, Trash Last. The good news is that we're able to recycle more items than ever, from every room in your house. The items that are recyclable may surprise you, and it's so easy your dog can help. 

 

Watch this video about the recyclables that may be hiding in your home.

 

For more information on recycling and what you can and can't recycle here in Lake County visit www.recyclefirsttrashlast.org. For additional recycling opportunities and programs, visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County website.

 

The stories of 14 combat war veterans from Lake County will soon be part of the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. The project collects first-hand accounts of veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, as well as collecting personal items such as copies of diaries and letters. Official court reporters from the 19th Judicial Circuit produced transcripts of interviews with Lake County veterans conducted on October 26, and their stories will be archived at the Library of Congress. 

 

 

Are you looking for a job, a career or training? View the monthly schedule of events to find out how Job Center of Lake County can help you achieve your goals.

 

Here are a few upcoming events:

 

When Peggy Williams' quilters' guild challenged members to make a quilt for charity, she knew exactly where the military-themed quilt should go. At the time, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds employee was on a work assignment at the Veterans Assistance Commission offices, and she envisioned her group's project - crafted from fabric bearing the Marines and Air Force logos and small American Flags -- hanging on the walls at the VAC. It was a perfect fit for the new lounge at the VAC where veterans can relax, talk to other vets, watch TV and use computers.

 

Williams also is donating a second quilt, made by her sister, Janet Wallace, called a Quilt of Valor, in memory of their father, a World War II veteran.

 

The Veterans Assistance Commission provides free help to veterans filing claims with the Veterans Administration and can help with issues such as debt management, education and changing discharge status. The VAC also provides transportation to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center for medical appointments.

 

 

Another step in the rerouting of regional trails through Lakewood has been completed. A new tunnel just has opened for public use that now carries the Millennium Trail under Route 176 west of Fairfield Road. A new asphalt-paved section of the Millennium Trail also opened, winding from Fairfield Road through the Lakewood picnic grounds to the new tunnel.  Some landscaping and sign installation tasks remain to be completed, but the trail section and tunnel are now open for use. 

 

Another new tunnel opened in October to carry the Fort Hill Trail under Route 176 east of Fairfield Road at Lakewood.

 

Opening of both tunnels now eliminates the need for trail users to cross at grade at the busy intersection of Route 176 and Fairfield Road, and clears the way for LCDOT's widening and other traffic improvements at that intersection.

 Pace offers options to help reduce the price of commuting to and from class.

 

For $30 a month, the Student Haul Pass allows students ages 12-20 unlimited rides on Pace's fixed-route and Call-n-Ride services (not valid on CTA or Metra) any time, including weekends and holidays, from September through May.

 

For college students, the $175 Campus Connection offers unlimited rides on Pace's fixed-route and Call-n-Ride services (not valid on CTA or Metra), every day of the week, any time of the day, all semester long (mid-August through December or January through May). It can also be purchased at any point during the semester at a prorated price.

 

Students presenting either pass on premium routes must pay the cash difference between fares.

 

For more information, visit Pace's website or contact Tim Dilsaver at 847.228.4282 or by email. 

 

    

Holiday Wine Walk

November 17, 2-6 p.m.

Downtown Barrington

Come and kick off the holidays at the Holiday Wine Walk. Take a stroll through the Village of Barrington and enjoy shopping and sipping. Merchants throughout the village will be offering wine samples and great sales. More info. 

 

Long Grove's 5th Annual Turkey Trot

November 22, 7:30 a.m.

Historic Downtown Long Grove, Old McHenry Rd.

The Village of Long Grove is proud to host the 5th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. Kicking off at 9 am from and ending under Long Grove's historic covered bridge. Participants have the option of joining a 5K or 8K Run/Walk or kids, 14 and under, can dash in the Tiny Trot (which starts at 8:45 am), through the beautiful streets of the historic village. The Village of Long Grove's Turkey Trot is open to everyone, from walkers to runners and young to old. For more information on the race visit the website. More info. 

 

Holiday Craft Fair

November 24, noon to 4 p.m.

2 Lagoon Dr., Hawthorne Woods

Get a jump on holiday shopping at the Hawthorn Woods Craft Fair. The event features a variety of unique handcrafted items and home-based businesses to choose from. You will find something for everyone on your shopping list. More info. 

 

Lake Zurich's Annual Tree Lighting Celebration

November 24, 4-7 p.m.

Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich

Come out for an evening of caroling, a visit from Santa Claus, cookies and hot cocoa. Enjoy the tree lighting while singing carols. Admission is free. More info.  

 

Business Connections Breakfast

November 29, 7:30-9 a.m., Ela Area Public Library

"How to Push Through to Your Goals in the Face of Risk, Failure, and Adversity," presented by professional speaker, author, and business coach, Chad Eaves, of Chad Eaves International. More info.

 

Winter Wonderland

December 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit for a magical story hour by Mrs. Claus, followed by cookies and milk, a holiday dance presentation and the Land of Sweets display. Special activities planned in every store. Welcome Santa and the Nutcracker Dancers as they arrive in the Holiday Trolley at 2 p.m.

Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee Street, Barrington. More info. 

 

Candy Cane Festival

December 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Foundry Shopping Center, Northwest Highway and Hart Road, Barrington

Begin the day with free reindeer antlers from G. Whiz, then on to the children's petting zoo, photos with the Santa and a visit to the special gingerbread houses at Ambrosia. Climb aboard and explore a Barrington fire truck, and visit participating retailers for special treats and surprises throughout the shopping center. More info.   

 

Benefit for Ryland Kollar

December 8, 5 p.m.

American Legion Post 964, 51 Lions Drive, Lake Zurich

Fundraising event to benefit Ryland, who has been battling Leukemia for over 10 years. Raffle and silent auction items requested. More info.   

 

Take an Evening Hike
Along Solar Lighted Trails

 

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can now get some brisk evening exercise at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a hilly, scenic section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. 

 

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open after sunset until 9 p.m., daily through March 9. Bicycle and equestrian traffic is not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. 

 

To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood's Winter Sports Area, located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School's main entrance lot, located on the east side of St. Mary's Road just south of Route 176. Lake County Forest Preserve Rangers regularly patrol the areas.