July 4, 2011

Seal

Lake County News

From

Craig Taylor

 

Craig Taylor, Representative District 19

 
 
CraigTaylor
Craig Taylor, District 19 Representative (Click on picture)

Have a wonderful 4th of July! There are many activities planned throughout our area over the weekend and I plan to attend as many of them as I can. I hope you'll do the same and if you see me somewhere along the way please say "Hi"! I look forward to meeting you! Links to the various village websites are included at the bottom of this newsletter and I encourage you to click on them to get the latest information on what's planned in each location. As always, PLEASE BE SAFE!   

 

Please forward this e-newsletter to anyone you feel may benefit from its content. By helping me get the word out in this manner you're also helping me GO GREEN! Thank you!!

If you've gotten this letter from a friend, please join my email list at the bottom of this page to receive future issues.

Should you need to contact me, my contact information follows:
 
Home phone: 847-438-2961
Cell phone: 224-805-6027

or email:

I consider it a honor and privilege to serve you!

Please stay safe!
Thanks!

Lake County Board Member & Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner
District 19 Representative
Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove
 

LAST WEEKS SUMMER STORM


Volunteers Serve as a Critical Support System During Emergencies

 

The Lake County Board would like to express its sincere appreciation to all of the volunteers

that helped respond to the severe storm that passed through Lake County last week causing widespread damage to trees and massive power outages.

Volunteers with Lake County RACES/ARES and Lake County SkyWarn provide critical information to emergency operations center (EOC) personnel during all weather watches and warnings. Back in February, when the blizzard hit our area, volunteers worked around the clock at the EOC.

Lake County RACES/ARES is a group of about 50 amateur radio operators that provide emergency communications support to the county during emergencies. The "ham" radio operators are part of Lake County RACES /ARES - a program of the Federal Communications Commission which stands for "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service." ARES stands for "Amateur Radio Emergency Services" and is a formal training and credentialing program for amateur radio operators who provide support to various disaster response groups.

Lake County Emergency Management also relies on information from Lake County SkyWarn volunteersto provide vital weather information. This group of weather enthusiasts use an extensive network of computers, weather monitors, and trained spotters to forecast, identify, and document weather hazards of all types. They also work closely with the local National Weather Service.

We also appreciate the volunteer efforts of the Lake County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Unit who respond after storms to provide traffic control around hazards such as fallen trees, flooded streets, and damaged traffic signals.

In addition to these Lake County volunteers, many other individuals provide valuable assistance through volunteer programs in their own communities.

Thank you to all the volunteers that help make Lake County safer!

 
STORM RELATED TREE DAMAGE

 

NATURE NOTE:

 

Many trees were brought down in our forest preserves due to last weeks severe storms. Forest Preserve professionals will trim away any branches, etc. that pose a danger but will leave the majority of the tree where it fell. Tree damage during storms actually plays a positive role in forest ecosystems. When a tree falls it creates new openings in the woodland, allowing more sunshine to reach the forest floor. In most cases the plants growing beneath the trees, or understory, responds quickly to openings in the forest canopy. More sunshine can now reach the forest floor, and plants that were growing in the shade take advantage of the bright sun to grow. This new growth creates new habitats for animals and plays and important role in larger scale diversity. Plus, many of our forests such as oak-hickory woodlands require openings for the next generation of oak trees. Therefore, trees that topple during storm allow the same type of forest to exist for generations.

For PRESERVE MAPS or general information about your Lake County Forest Preserves, call 847-367-6640 or visit online at www.lcfpd.org
 
JULY 3rd FAMILY DAY IN PAULUS PARK

 

 
JULY 4th

 

FlagonpoleGreat Lakes Naval Station

Celebrate our Nation's Independence and the Naval Station's 100th Birthday in a "BIG" Way!

 

2011 July 4th Centennial Celebration

You are invited to the Naval Station Great Lakes' July 4th Centennial Celebration on Ross Field from July 2nd - 4th. Enjoy three full days of "fire-cracking" festival fun at one of the biggest 4th of July Celebrations in the region!

 

Each day, the celebration will include three stages of exciting live music and family entertainment, a bingo tent with thousands of dollars worth of prizes, a craft fair with handmade items, the Gridiron Experience: interactive football activities and a "Kicks for Cash" competition, a paintball arena, the Kid's Zone with plenty to do for the little patriots, roving entertainment and costumed characters, thrilling carnival rides/games, delicious festival food and beverage booths-available from local area vendors, and lots and lots more!

 

On Sat., July 2nd, catch special performances by "The United States Army Soldier Show" and the memorable Great Lakes Navy Band! Plus, don't miss the action-packed "Battle at Great Lakes" amateur boxing event. Also on this day, the Naval Station Great Lakes will attempt to break a world record for the most plastic bottles recycled in an eight hour period.

  Firecracker

On Sun., July 3rd, the celebration will kick off with the Firecracker 5K Run at 9:30 a.m. (base course). It is open to both the general public and base personnel. July 3rd continues with a fantastic music line up on the main stage, featuring "Pop Evil" and headliner, "Saving Abel."

 

On Mon., July 4th, enjoy musical tributes to great artists like Johnny Cash, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin with the following bands: "Junes Got the Cash," "Brit Beat" and "Kashmir."

 

Of course, this long time running celebration is not complete until the amazing fireworks show lights up Ross Field! Firework displays will take place this year on both July 3rd and 4th, with "never before" special effects attempted during the show on the 4th!

 

Join us as we celebrate our freedom, patriotism, and the Naval Station Great Lakes' 100th birthday at this FREE, fun-for-all-ages Centennial Celebration from July 2nd - 4th. For full details, go to www.facebook.com/GreatLakes4thofJuly.

 

 
NEW LAKE COUNTY DISTRICTS

Board Approves New District Map

 

The Lake County Board approved a new district map that reduces the size of the board from 23 to 21 members. The map will take effect in December 2012, when the terms of office for the current members expire, and a new slate of board members is elected. County boards are required to redraw district lines so that each direct has equal population, according to federal and state laws.

 

District 19 will no longer serve Hawthorn Woods under the new mapping but will pick up the Village of Deer Park and portions of Barrington. To view the existing map as well as the new map please click on the link below.  

 

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT MAPS 

 

 
LOCAL ROAD WORK

GILMER ROAD 

Description: From Diamond Lake Rd. to Hawley St.

Work Type: Resurfacing

Contact Agency: LCDOT 

Cost: ($) 2,567,000 

Status: Active

 

 

Message: The contractor is currently working on surface removal. After that they will be working on grading Aggregate Shoulders.

Impact to Drivers: Expect daily lane closures.

 

 

 

 

DUNDEE ROAD

Illinois Department of Transportation will be reconstructing a bridge and relocating a water main on Dundee Road in Wheeling just west of Wolf Road starting Monday, June 20 through October, 2011.  Dundee Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the duration of the project.  Motorists should expect delays on Dundee Road.

Status: Active

 

 

 

 

ROUTE 59

Description: From U.S. Hwy. 12 to IL Rte. 22

Work Type: Resurfacing

 

 

Contact Agency: IDOT

Status: Active

Message:  This is an Illinois Department of Transportation project.

 

 

ROBERTS ROAD

Description: From IL Rte. 59 to McHenry County Line

Work Type: Resurfacing

 

 

Contact Agency: LCDOT

Cost: $1,628,000

Status: Active

Message: The contractor postponed milling the road surface until Thursday June 16.

Impact to Drivers: Expect daily lane closures

 

 

ELA ROAD

Description: From Lake-Cook Road to Cuba Road

Work Type: Resurfacing and Retaining Wall Repairs

 

 

Contact Agency: LCDOT

Status: Planned

 

 

Message: Anticipate a Fall 2011 start date
 

 
LAKE ZURICH FIRE CHIEF RETIRES

CHIEF RETIREMENT 

 

 
LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE ACTIVITIES

 

FOREST PRESERVE PROGRAMS

 

Exhibitions at Discovery Museum

ˇ         Civil War High Tech:  Explores how technology helped win the war.  Now through August 21.

 

Civil War Days

ˇ         Lakewood Forest Preserve.

ˇ         Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ˇ         Sunday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Rib Festival

ˇ         Greenbelt Forest Preserve, Shelter B.  Use entrance on west side of Green Bay Road.

ˇ         Sunday, July 10, 3 to 7 p.m.

ˇ         Live music, dancing and delicious food.

 

Green Youth Farm Stand

ˇ         Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 9 to October 8.

ˇ         Purchase nutritious vegetables and herbs grown by local youth in the Green Youth Farm program.

ˇ         High school students learn agricultural, leadership and job skills by growing and selling produce.

 
FOREST PRESERVE SUMMER CONCERTS

 SUMMER CONCERTS AT INDEPENDENCE GROVE

 

Indep Grove Concert

Enjoy a variety of outdoor musical performances Tues evenings, June 21 thru Aug 9.

  
The Lake County Forest Preserves' 8-week summer concert series, Events in the Plaza presented by Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, kicks off 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 21 at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville with the Caribbean Rock band "Mr. Myers." Enjoy a blend of tropical sounds featuring steel drums and calypso, reggae rhythms and a touch of your favorite rock and roll tunes.  
  
The concerts are held at Independence Grove's outdoor amphitheater, Millennia Plaza, and are open to all ages. Concert goers should bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Arrive early to secure your spot. The walk-up cafe is open during concerts and serves a variety of entrees, snacks or beverages.
  
Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and are offered on June 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; and August 2 and 9, weather permitting. In case of a rainout, concerts are held on Thursday of the same week. Full Concert Schedule
  
Parking Information
Parking is $5 per car after 5 p.m. on concert days. To ensure safety and enjoyment, cars are turned away when parking is full. Car-pool if possible. For your safety and neighborly courtesy, please park only in the preserve. To learn if the park is filled or if a concert has been postponed due to rain, call the Visitors Center at 847-968-3499.
  
This year's concert series is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital; Platinum Sponsor: North Shore Gas; and Bronze Sponsors: Hollister Incorporated, Lake County Journal and Libertyville Bank & Trust.
  
Before the evening concert begins, spend the afternoon at the preserve enjoying the swimming beach, fishing, boating on the 115-acre lake, the Visitors Center with educational exhibits and rental space, café with outdoor walk-up service, and nearly seven miles of trails for hiking, biking and in-line skating.
 
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES 

 

OPA!!! Menalon Greek Restaurant in Lake Zurich

Menalon Greek Restaurant is a friendly family-owned restaurant in Lake Zurich at Route 22 and Ela Road. Enjoy your exquisitely prepared meal in the company of friends and family in our cozy setting with traditional Greek decor and hand-painted murals.

For starters, experience our authentic Greek Saganaki - flaming cheese - or our scrumptious Charcoal Octopus in a vinaigrette sauce. Take in a delicious salad, homemade soup, fresh seafood or try a hearty Roasted Leg of Lamb, sliced off the bone and served with rice and potatoes. If you can't decide, try a little of everything with our tradition Greek Combination Plate - a generous assortment of gyros, dolmades, Mousaka, Pistitsio, Athenian potatoes, rice and vegetables. Our authentic Greek recipes have been handed down through generations.

Our goal is to make your visit as enjoyable and appetizing as we possibly can.

Catering services available Call us at 847-540-8100 to learn more.

To see our menus and learn more, visit our website: http://menalongreekrestaurant.com

Print Valuable coupons at: http://www.moneymailer.com/coupons-60047.html

Menalon Greek Restaurant is open daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm.

 
CRUISE NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY

 LAKE ZURICH AREA CRUISE NIGHT

EVERY TUESDAY 6:00 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.

 

HOT RODDeerpath Commons Mall

975-995 South Rand Rd. (Route 12)

1.5 Miles South of Route 22 in the La-Z-Boy, Timothy Grant Jewelers, Binney's, Aldi Parking Lot

 

Cruise Night is free to everyone! If you have a vehicle (auto, motorcycle, truck, tractor, pretty much anything with wheels - - - vintage or new) and you'd like to show it off, come join us (no entry fee!). This year in addition to music, we've added an ice cream vendor and a hot dog cart so you may purchase these items on location. There will also be a farmers market as weather and produce permit. So come on out and enjoy a Tuesday evening with us and help support our local businesses. It's FUN!!   

 

To learn more about the Lake Zurich Area Cruise Night please visit their website: 

Lake Zurich Cruise Night

 
LAKE COUNTY FIELDERS BASEBALL

 

LAKE COUNTY FIELDERS 2011 SEASON SCHEDULE

  

On June 18th the Lake County Fielders will open their new stadium to the public withFIELDERS LOGO a 7:00 pm home-opener game against Na Koa Ikaika Maui. The Fielders is co-owned by Academy Award-wining actor Kevin Costner, and Field Manager Tim Johnson was an infielder with the Milwaukee Brewers from 1973-78 and managed MLB's Toronto Blue Jays in 1998. Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale and can be purchased by calling (847) 731-8000 or logging on to  

http://www.fieldersbaseball.com/ 

 

 
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM

 

PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD

  
County residents can take advantage of a prescription drug discount card program. The free card that is accepted at most pharmacies offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. This is intended for people without prescription coverage or on medicines not covered by your plan. The card may also be used where accepted to fill prescriptions for pets. To print a card, CLICK HERE
 
DENTAL DISCOUNT PROGRAM

 

DENTAL DISCOUNT CARD

  

A new dental discount card program is now available that will help Lake County residents save money on their dental service expenses. The NACo Dental Discount Card Program, provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with Careington International Corporation, can help Lake County residents save up to 50 percent on their dental care services, and 20 percent on orthodontic services. Individuals or families may opt to pay for a monthly or yearly membership. The cost for a yearly individual membership is $59 and $69 for families. More than 200 providers in Lake County are participating in this program. Discount card holders will receive significant savings from these providers on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. This plan is not insurance.

To sign up for the Dental Discount Card Program, residents can download a registration form at: http://www.careington.com/co/NACO/. A list of participating providers and more information is available.

 
COMMUNITY "QUICK LINKS"

For community information check out these websites:

 
LAKE COUNTY "QUICK LINKS"

For county information check out these websites:

 

COUNTY ASSESSOR

COUNTY CLERK

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

JOB CENTER

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES WEBSITE

LAKE COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

LAKE COUNTY WEBSITE

SOLID WASTE AGENCY of LAKE COUNTY (SWALCO)

RECORDER of DEEDS

VISITORS BUREAU

 

TRAVEL "QUICK LINKS"

For transportation information check out these websites:

 

AMTRAK

GARY-CHICAGO-MILWAUKEE CORRIDOR TRAVEL INFORMATION

ILLINOIS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

ILLINOIS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) TRAVEL CONDITIONS

ILLINOIS TOLLWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

LAKE COUNTY PASSAGE

METRA INFORMATION

PDA TRAVEL UPDATES

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (RTA)

WISCONSIN DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

2011 LAKE & COOK COUNTY HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

 
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