At the Job Center of Lake County, connecting job seekers with businesses that are hiring is an everyday occurrence. But the Job Center recently opened its doors to tell job seekers, businesses and policymakers about its wide variety of services that extend beyond the job search.

More than 100 people visited five different stations where they learned about how the Job Center also offers workshops to job seekers, as well as its service offerings to businesses and youth, and specialized training for high-demand occupations.

If you missed the Open House, you can learn more about the Job Center's services at information sessions held every Tuesday at 3 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. at 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. You can also visit the Job Center's website for more information.

Watch a video about Job Center Lake County's open house. 

Have you ever wondered where the water goes after you flush? Did you know that the same water ends up back in the environment? Treating wastewater is an extremely complex process, and several steps are taken before the water is considered clean and safe for the environment. In this video staff members from Lake County Public Works walk us through the process and show residents what can and cannot go down the drain.

Watch now.

Find Help Lake County is a community resource that connects people to the services they need in the community. United Way of Lake County publishes the guide in partnership with Lake County, listing 1,400 health and human services in our area, as well as national resources. Online at FindHelpLakeCounty.org, the top five most sought-out services are housing, food, medical care, counseling and jobs.

Visit FindHelpLakeCounty.org to search the guide or print a copy.

In this month's Healthy Lake County, learn how Animal Care and Control can help with lost pets, everything you need to know about the flu and flu vaccines, and how you can mitigate the presence of radon gas in your home. Watch now.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are looking to cash in on the unemployed by offering guaranteed job search success at a high price. If anyone promises you a job in exchange for a fee, don't be fooled, says the FTC.

The Job Center of Lake County offers job search assistance, as well as training and workshops, at no cost to Lake County residents.

Read tips from the FTC about how to recognize a job scam, or visit the Job Center of Lake County website for more information about its services. 

Americans recycle only about half of our aluminum cans. Find out how much good you can do by tossing that soda can in the recycling bin instead of the garbage can.

To do even more to help the environment, learn about Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's new recycling initiative.

2013 Picnic Shelter Reservations Open

Reservations are now open for 2013 picnic permits for any of the 31 Lake County Forest Preserve picnic shelters. Apply for picnic shelter permits in person from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at our General Offices at 1899 West Winchester Road in Libertyville (map), purchase online or by phone at 847.367.6640.

Lake County Forest Preserve picnic shelters and open areas are popular locations for baptisms, family reunions, wedding receptions, company picnics and other special events. Most picnic shelters offer electricity, water, toilets and at least one permanent grill. Many have playgrounds, sports fields and trails nearby. For exclusive use of a picnic shelter, regardless of group size, a permit is required. For additional information about using an open area at a preserve or reserving a picnic shelter, call 847.367.6640 or visit LCFPD.org/picnic.

Help Families in Need Receive Clothing and Books

Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) is once again partnering with the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago to provide those residing in homeless shelters with a Thanksgiving meal and warm outerwear for the coming winter.

You are invited to help in this effort by donating children's books and coats, socks, hats and gloves for adults and children. Clothing should be new or gently used with working zippers and no rips or stains. Donated items will be distributed at the Lake County Forest Preserves annual Giving Dinner held at the Greenbelt Cultural Center. GLCU employee volunteers help serve the meal and distribute the donations at the event, which typically serves more than 300 people in need.

Donations can be dropped through November 9 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Rd., in North Chicago, or at any of the GLCU branches. View GLCU branches, hours and directions.