Local Career Events

The Daily Herald will host a Career Event on Thursday (Nov. 12) at The Meadows Club (2950 W. Golf, Rolling Meadows.)  The Job Fair runs from 11 a.m - 3 p.m. with a free seminar, "Interviewing Skills for the Savvy Candidate," at 10 a.m.  For more info, go to www.catalystcareergroup.com .

 

Dist. 214 will hold a career night featuring engineering, industrial technology, business, and computer opportunities on Thursday (Nov. 12) at Hersey High School (1900 E. Thomas St., AH) from 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The application period for low-income individuals of family in Illinois to apply winter home heating assistance has opened.  The state received $174.6 million in federal funds this year to assist low-income families with energy bills.  One person is eligible with a monthly income of up to $1,354 in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  A family of four can earn up to $2,756 per month.  Thirty-five local agencies administer grants.  Officials expect to help 300,000 households this winter.  Please visit liheapillinois.com for information.  The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families also has contact and application information.

H1N1 flu vaccine

Cook County has begun offering the H1N1 flu vaccine.  To get the vaccine through Cook County, you must call and make an appointment.  You will then be directed to the nearest clinic location.  Currently, Cook County is asking that "priority groups" be given first access to the vaccine.

 

The number to call to make an appointment in the North District is 847/818-2860 (847/818-2023 TDD)  You can also call the general number at 708/836-8600.

2010 Census Cautions

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.  If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  For further precautions and information: 2010 Census Cautions.

Illinois Secretary of State's Emergency Contact Database

Illinois driver's license and identification holders can now add emergency contact information to a database that emergency personnel can access if an individual is unable to communicate after an accident.  Go to: Emergency Contact Database to find more information and to participate.

Small Businesses: Illinois Continuation Law and Health Care

Not all terminated employees are eligible for COBRA, as they may have worked for a small company which employs 20 staff persons or less.  The Illinois Continuation Law outlines what type of coverage may be available in this circumstance, as well as the Illinois Spousal Continuation Law, the Illinois Dependent Child Continuation Law and the federal continuation requirements under COBRA.

Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (ICHIP)

The Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) is a state health benefits program; it is funded partly by premiums paid by its participants and, to the extent that premiums do not meet anticipated expenses, may receive an appropriation from the State's General Revenue Fund for eligible persons covered under traditional plans.

To apply for coverage online, receive a summary of benefits, or access the premium calculator to estimate monthly costs, please visit http://www.chip.state.il.us/ or call 866-851-2751. Representatives can also assist with the transition from health insurance coverage with a term ending under COBRA to ICHIP.

Resume Workshop/Webinar on Wed., 9/30/09 at 12n

Learn how to create a targeted, compelling resume at a free Webinar (Web-based seminar) presented by Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers. Safani has over fifteen years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. This Webinar will show you how to write an effective resume that gets attention—and interviews – and introduce you to all of the career resources available through the Library’s Adult Career Center, a free online resource.

Librarians Steven James Browne and Patricia Smolin will be your hosts for this program, which will include time for questions. Registration is required and space is limited.

Please sign up on the Internet at http://www.mppl.org/events/, at the Library, or by calling 847-253-5675 (TDD 847-590-3797).  The Library requires at least a one-week notice if special accommodation are needed.

Rental Housing in Illinois

A number of state agencies have joined together to introduce a new website, ILHousingSearch.org, that is a free service to provide easy access to information about housing opportunities across the state of Illinois.

All property providers of rental housing can use this tool to advertise their properties free of charge and in great detail. Listings can include pictures, maps, and information about nearby amenities like libraries, parks, schools, and hospitals. Anyone can visit the website to search for available rental housing.

Prospective tenants are able to:

• Browse up-to-date listings of rental properties for FREE
• Search by location, rent amount, eligibility requirements and much more
• View property features, pictures and maps
• Determine the rent you can afford

Health Care Reform

With so much information and misinformation in the news regarding the current health care reform debate, it difficult to know where to find reliable sources.  The following sites have provided comprehensive, factual guides to the issue:  

• New York Times: Health Care Reform
• Media Matters for America: Health Care Reform
• FactCheck.org

For government coverage of the issue, plus the current versions of the Senate and House bills:

• HealthReform.gov is the official government guide to the issue
• The White House: Health Care
• Senate Bill: Affordable Health Choices Act (615pp.)
• House Bill: America's Affordable Health Choices Act (1018pp.)

And finally, from BarackObama.com: Setting the Record Straight