Clearing and storm remediation in Lyons Woods will run through July 2013. A 23.2-acre unit is designated for selective clearing, disposal, and herbicide treatment of invasive woody species. Approximately 107.5 acres of the preserve are to undergo storm cleanup for the cutting, pruning and disposal of dead, downed/broken and hazardous trees. All cut material will be disposed  of via a combination of burning in brush piles, chipping and off-site removal.

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.

Watch a video about how the quilt was made.  

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. 

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: dhewitt@lakecountyil.gov or 847-244-2742.

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

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Find Out About Services for Young Workers

November 13, 3:30-4 p.m. reception,
4 p.m. program

Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 West Winchester Road, Libertyville

Young people in Illinois are facing unemployment rates that are nearly twice those for the workforce in general. At a special community presentation, the Lake County Workforce Investment Board will discuss youth programs that provide local youth with classroom and vocational training, support services and subsidized work experiences with local employers. Meet successful participants and learn how you or your organization can get involved.

For more information, or to RSVP to the Community Presentation, contact Workforce Investment Board Manager Gary Gibson by email or at 847.377.2234.

For more information about youth programs and the Lake County Youth Council, visit the Job Center of Lake County website. 

Events for Job Seekers

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:

You can serve something beside plain old white potatoes with your holiday dinner. Try sweet potatoes. 

Learn more in this month's Nutrition Tip.

Watch now. 

Is the lunch you send your child off to school with helping him or hurting him? Learn how you can make preparing a healthy lunch into a fun and rewarding activity for your child in this episode of "In the Kitchen."

Watch now.

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.