Highland Park announced that Art Is Alive, a non-professional, juried community art contest, is open to Highland Park public and private school students, and all Highland Park residents, in four categories: Elementary School, Middle School, High School and Adults 18+. The contest will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at The Art Center Highland Park (TAC), 1957 Sheridan Road.

Wheeling 

 Wheeling Library to host off-site program on Alzheimer’s, dementia  

The Indian Trails Public Library District will present a special off-site program, Alzheimer’s Disease: Our Modern Epidemic, from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Wheeling Pavilion Center, 199 N. First St. Presenter Carrie Jackson, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, will discuss how to recognize symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and how to find resources for assistance. In addition, Jackson will provide information on why the disease is taking such a large toll on society. Admission is free. Registration is required. To register, and for more information, call Adult Services at (847) 459-4100, Ext. 312 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Barrington 

Village of Barrington offers Winter Food Scrap Composting Program 

The village announced that its Yard Waste and Food Scrap Composting programs will end Dec. 16 and resume again on March 17, 2017. However, residents will have an opportunity to continue in the Food Scrap Composting Program, as Groot Industries is offering a winter subscription program — at a seasonal cost of $125 per household — for pick-up every other Friday from Dec. 23 until March 10, 2017. In order to participate in the Winter Food Scrap Composting Program, contact Groot at (800) 244-1977 no later than Nov. 30. For more details, contact the Public Works Department at (847) 381-7903 or via email at vobpw@barrington-il.gov — or visit www.barrington-il.gov.

North Chicago 

Perez appointed as new North Chicago Deputy Chief of Police 

The city announced that Lazaro Perez recently was appointed as the North Chicago Police Department’s new Deputy Chief of Police. Perez, a sworn police officer for more than 25 years, previously served as Chief of Police with the West Chicago Police Department. In addition, he currently serves as Interim Director for the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. During his law enforcement career, Perez has received numerous departmental awards, including a Life Saving Award, two Departmental Commendation Medals, and Meritorious Medals for his involvement with the community and his work against street gangs. Perez also is a founding member of the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force, and served as an investigator, team leader, Investigations Commander and Assistant Task Force Commander. Perez’s appointment as Deputy Chief of Police became effective Oct. 17.

Fox Lake 

Village of Fox Lake to hold holiday parade and tree lighting event 

The village announced that its annual Holiday Illuminated Parade & Tree Lighting event will be held from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 26. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Grant High School, 285 E. Grand Ave., and end at Town Center Plaza, 21 Towne Centre Lane. Following the parade, the annual Tree Lighting event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Millennium Park Gazebo, located at Grand Avenue and Rollins Road. The event includes caroling, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus. Children of all ages in attendance will receive a surprise gift from Santa himself. Admission is free. For more information, call (847) 587-3944 or visit www.foxlake.org.

Lake Bluff 

Village of Lake Bluff begins process for Cedar Lake Road project 

The village reported that the Lake County Board recently authorized a contract with Aurora-based Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc. for preliminary engineering — or Phase 1 — for the realignment of Cedar Lake Road. The process includes analysis of alternate alignments and other aspects, including right-of-way needs, public meetings and forming a stakeholder group. As part of Phase 1, consideration of the alternatives will result in choosing a preferred alignment through the downtown area, considered important to the village for any future downtown redevelopment efforts. Phase 1 engineering is expected to take two years due to the amount of public engagement necessary to help define the preferred alternative. Phase 2 of the project, which involves design and ROW acquisition and construction, would begin soon thereafter. For more information, call (847) 546-5400 or visit www.eroundlake.com.

 Highland Park 

Highland Park  to hold Art Is Alive community art contest  

The city announced that Art Is Alive, a non-professional, juried community art contest, is open to Highland Park public and private school students, and all Highland Park residents, in four categories: Elementary School, Middle School, High School and Adults 18+. The contest will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at The Art Center Highland Park (TAC), 1957 Sheridan Road. To enter the contest, participants can bring one artwork piece per entrant to TAC between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. only. Entries will not be accepted early or late. Wall-mounted art must be ready-to-hang, preferably with D-rings and wire, and submitted with a black or white matte around the work if not framed. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted. Area art professionals will select four finalists and a First Place winner in each category. Final judging and announcements of the winners will take place during a reception hosted at TAC on Jan. 13, 2017. The winning and finalist works will be exhibited through January. For more information, call (847) 926-1043, send an email to info@theartcenterhp.org or visit www.cityhpil.com/cac.

Mundelein 

Mundelein Police Dept. Meat Raffle to benefit Special Olympics 

The village announced that the 2016 Mundelein Police Department Meat Raffle, benefiting Special Olympics, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p. Nov. 20 at Hitz Pizza, 700 Butterfield Road. Each year, members of the law enforcement community hold events to raise money in support of participants and volunteers at the local, regional, state, national and international Special Olympics Games. Advance tickets for the Meat Raffle are $25, and can be purchased at the Mundelein Police Department, 221 N. Lake Street. Tickets at the door are $30. Ticket purchase includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and five raffle tickets. Additional raffle tickets are five for $10. Ticket holders must be present in order to win the Meat Raffle. The event also includes a 50/50 raffle ($5 per ticket). For more information, call (847) 949-3200 or visit www.mundelein.org.

Island Lake 

 Island Lake  Parks & Rec to hold Holiday Art & Craft Fair   

The village announced that the Island Lake Parks & Recreation Department will hold its Holiday Art & Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 at Island Lake Village Hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave. The event includes unique, quality, handcrafted gift items, vendors, food, refreshments and a bake sale. Admission is $1, and includes a door prize ticket. Limited crafter booths are available. For more information, call (847) 526-4851, send an email to lori.tanzillo@voislk.com or tina.loos@voislk.com — or visit www.villageofislandlake.com.