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Lake County &
Forest Preserve News
From
Ann Maine
County Board Dist 21
Forest Preserve President
February 2012
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A Note From Ann
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Dear Neighbors,
We continue to look for ways to serve Lake County in the most cost-effective manner. In January the County Board approved a contract with Staples Contract & Commercial, Inc for office supplies. This will give us a 65%-75% on office items. In addition they have over 500 employees in Lake County.
The Forest Preserve District continues to cut vehicles from its fleet as we streamline operations. In January we eliminated additional vehicles. We have also switched to leasing and short term rental of equipment when it is more cost effective.
Many residents (and their dogs) are unable to get to the preserves during the week before dark. In response to numerous requests, we recently implemented 2 changes. The first is a solar lighted trail at the Millenium Winter Sports Area at will now be open until 7 p.m.
March 20, 2012 is a primary election day. There have been some changes in State laws about voting. Complete information is provided below.
I am always glad to hear of your concerns, interests and ideas. Please let me know if you'd like me to speak with your homeowner's association, scout or other group.
Sincerely,
President Lake County Forest Preserve District
Lake County Board District 21
847-374-9787
Help me go paperless! I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address information to: amaine@lakecountyil.gov or click "join our mailing" list above.
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Forest Preserve and Environmental Happenings |
Lake Marie--a New Preserve The Board of Commissioners approved purchase of two different land transactions totaling 227 acres at our Tuesday, January 17 meeting. The acquisitions create a new preserve in north central Lake County named Lake Marie Forest Preserve. The combined purchase cost for the land buys is approximately $7.45 million or $33,000 an acre. The unique natural features of the two properties include rolling hills and a scenic vista overlooking the bay at Lake Marie. 
The high-quality lake provides habitat for many species of waterfowl. Groves of hickory and oak trees also dot the landscape and provide habitat for other species of wildlife.
Profiles in Excellence
Presents a tribute to Lake County's African-American churches, Sunday, February 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. Learn the fascinating history of Lake County's first African- American churches, which first opened in the 1860s in response to an influx of African-Americans to the county during and after the Civil War. From slavery to Christianity, community leaders and historians will tell the story of how African-American churches evolved into the leadership and service roles that they hold today in the community. The program at Greenbelt Cultural Center is free and does not require registration.
Tuesday, February 7th, 7:00 pm, Lake County Audubon Society and the Lake-Cook Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society will co-sponsor a dramatization by well-known performer, author, and educator, Brian "Fox" Ellisin in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the visit to Illinois of the famous naturalist and wildlife artist, John James Audubon. The performance is for all ages; it is free and open to the public. The program will be held at the College of Lake County, Building C, Room C005. CLC is locatedat 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake, Illinois 60030. Seats will be available at 6:30, and parking will be available in Parking Lots 4, 5, and 6. RSVP audbirds@aol.com.
Stargazing Friday February 10 from 8-9 pm/
Want to know more about the stars? Here's your opportunity to learn about astronomy software and apps for home computers, mobile devices, and telescopes with Skokie Valley Astronomer club members Dan & Tom Roush. Stargaze with club members using members' telescopes, weather permitting. Meetings usually start with a presentation on some aspect of astronomy. If you're interested in amateur astronomy, or even if you're just curious, please come. See the entire Stargazer calendar.
Free and no registration needed. Held at Ryerson Woods Welcome Center.
Spring will soon be here and volunteers are needed for a variety  of monitoring programs. The Habitat Project trains grasssroots volunteers. Frog monitoring workshops are designed for beginning and experienced monitors.
Tuesday February 21st7-9 p.m.
Ryerson Woods Welcome Center
It's not too early to think about Summer Camp! Registration is now open
Lake County Forest Preserve Summer Camps and Day Programs offer summer learning cleverly disguised as fun and adventure. Registration for the 2012 camp season is now open with early bird sign-up discounts available through February 15, 2012. Programs fill quickly so enroll early. For details and to register, visit summer camps or call 847-968-3321.
There's always more offered.
Visit the or check out the .
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With Redistricting,
Where do I vote?
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 Our County Clerk Willard Helander has an excellent Voter Power Page that has information to tell you if you are registered to vote, your new precinct numbers, your voting locations for early and election day voting, voting options, candidates filed for election, current representatives and your new congressional, legislative and county board districts. Just visit Voter Power.
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General Voting Information | This primary election contains a number of changes in dates, districts and rules regarding vote by mail. Here are some important points. Be sure to check with the Lake County Clerk's Office for additional qustions.
2012 Primary Election Dates
Register by: February 21
Grace period registration at the County Clerk's office: February 22 to March 13
Voting by Mail: February 9 to March 15
In-Person Voting: February 27 to March 19
General Primary: March 20
Voting by mail is available to any registered voter, but Illinois law now requires voters to complete a separate application for a ballot form for each election, and after the application has been processed, the voter will then receive their ballot. Enrolling in a program to automatically receive the vote-by-mail application will expedite the vote-by-mail process and provide an automatic reminder to Voters about the right time to submit their application for each election.
Voters who have submitted their completed ballots can track the Clerk's receipt of their voted ballot online.
To enroll in the program, the voter must be a registered Lake County voter. Visit the County Clerk's web site at VotingbyMail.info to download a fillable Snowbird Voting by Mail Program enrollment form. Voters may also request a form by contacting the Elections Department at VotingbyMail@Lakecountyil.gov or call 847.377.2406.
During the voting by mail period, voters will be able to visit LakeVoterPower.info to track the Election Department's receipt of their ballot.
Vote in person
In-person voting begins 22 days prior to election, February 27. Any registered voter in Lake County may choose to vote early and is required to present valid government-issued identification containing their photograph. Find our your early voting site and election day site.
For more information on registration and other programs visit Voter Services or call the Voter Registration Department at 847.377.2410.
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Transportation Update
| While Rt 45 in Vernon Hills is not a Lake County DOT road, it is an important thoroughfare in the area. Here is your chance to give some input into it's future.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be holding a public meeting regarding widening and improvements of Route 45 from Route 22 to Route 60 in Lake County on: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 5:30-8:30 PM Vernon Hills Park District-Sullivan Center 635 North Aspen Vernon Hills, IL IDOT will provide audiovisual presentations and staff will be available to answer questions. For further information contact Kimberly Murphy at 847-705-4791. ROUTE 21 PROJECT UPDATE  On March 1, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will resume work on the Route 21 road project, which extends through 2012. During construction, there will be limited access to the Independence Grove Forest Preserve's Dog Exercise Area on Milwaukee Avenue, and for a portion of the year, the area may be temporarily closed. Details will follow as they become available. As part of the project, the new 4-lane road will include a dedicated left turn lane into the Dog Area. Keep abreast of all road projects in Lake County.
Have you used Passage? What is it? Lake County's real time traffic information. Find out about crashes, construction and congestion before you leave home or work.
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Now you can down load apps for your iphone or your android. You can also sign up for traffic alerts on designated roads and receive an email. It's simple: register at www.lakecountypassage.com; create a custom profile; and receive emails when your drive is affected by weather, congestion, equipment malfunctions, or other conditions. You can also follow Lake County PASSAGE on Twitter @LCPASSAGE and get real-time traffic tweets. For information on projects throughout Lake County visit Lake County Construction Updates. |
Earthquakes in Lake County and Emergency Preparedness |
Many people in Lake and McHenry Counties felt shaking the other night caused by a small earthquake centered near the county line. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is the national agency that monitors earthquakes; you can get more information on the quake. Coincidently Lake County will be participating in a large, multi-state, earthquake preparedness event next week. On February 7, 2012, at 10:15 a.m. more than one million people across nine states will participate in the 2012 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut! The Lake County Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to participate int he Shakeout event at home, school or work.
Earthquakes are not that common in northern Illinois, but shaking caused by earthquakes in the central U.S. may be felt farther distances from the center because the earth's crust is more rigid here than in California, where stronger earthquakes are more common. Even though northern Illinois earthquakes are not that common, any earthquake is capable of knocking things off shelves and causing minor damage to buildings.
Knowing what to do when an earthquake happens (Drop, Cover, and Hold On!), and PRACTICING those actions with your family, friends, and coworkers could save your life! Earthquakes are just one of many hazards we face. Emergency Preparedness should include reviewing the range of hazards and planning for appropriate action. Check Alert Lake County for more preparedness information.
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Health News
| Food Safety and Food Borne Illnesses are often in the news. The Lake County Health Department works hard inspecting the restaurants here in Lake County. You can check the inspection record under "Quick Links."
Take a few moments and learn more about food safety at home and at temporary events. Take the 30 minute class on line.
The Health Department is discontinuing five monthly satellite walk-in clinics for child immunizations in Lake Zurich, Antioch, Lake Forest, Libertyville and Wauconda and expanding hours at its main appointment-only clinic at the Belvidere Medical Building campus in Waukegan.
Once-a-month child immunization clinic times will continue in February and March at the satellite locations: Harvest Bible Church in Lake Zurich; Advocate Condell Medical Center conference Center in Libertyville, V.F.W. Post #4551 in Antioch; Wauconda Township Center in Wauconda; and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest. Get more information on how to schedule appointmentsfor vaccinations. The change will go into effect April 1, 2012.
Focus on Fitness:
Keep Moving Seniors Just because you need to stay indoors due to the weather does not mean you cannot keep moving. The latest Focus on Fitness videos demonstrate how seniors can do simple exercise movements for their abs, legs, waistline, and core. There is also a segment dedicated to relaxation and breathing.
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Opportunities for Youth
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Summer Youth Employment Program
Interested youth, ages 14-18 who meet low-income requirements can apply for the Summer Youth Program. The Application period is February 1st - February 29th. Selection for the program will be based on random lottery. Get additional information.
Applications can be found at the Lake County Job Center, local township offices, many schools, and at the Waukegan Job Center, 1 N Genesee St., Waukegan
Information Line: 847.377.3443.
JOBAPALOOZA EXPO FOR YOUNG ADULTS AGED 15-21 Thursday, March 8, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
College of Lake County
The Job Center of Lake County, College of Lake County Career & Placement Services is sponsoring this expo at the College of Lake County. For more information feel free to contact Yasmeen at 847.543-2441 or careerandplacement@clcillinois.edu.
Forest Preserve Ranger Cadet
The Cadet program provides first-hand knowledge for young men and women interested in the fields of law enforcement or conservation. Ranger Cadets train and work alongside Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police and Community Service Officers to help make the preserves safe for the public and the natural resources they protect. For more information on becoming a Ranger Cadet, please contact Sergeant Mike Anderson at 847-968-3433.
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Assistance for Veterans
| Lake County is home to more than 40,000 veterans in Lake County and only 9 percent are taking advantage of free services available to them through  the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC). In this edition of County Update, VAC Superintendent Mike Peck talks about these services, and also the need for volunteers.
Lake County recently accepted a $50,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Illinois to provide dental services to low-income veterans.
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State of Illinois Tax Refunds
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the State of Illinois will be late in processing tax refund checks this year. They don't anticipate to begin processing refunds until February 7th at the earliest.
You can track the status of your tax refund check.
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Environmental News
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Want to find out where to recycle many items around the house? SWALCO can help! Visit: Where can my stuff go? This information is updated frequently, so visit often. There are many small items that can be recycle. While it may not seem like a lot, they all add up. Why is this important? Our landfills in Lake County have about 10 more years of life! After that we will need to find other places for our waste. The bests way to extend the life of our landfills is to find other uses for them. Recycling tips of the month For small items that need to be taken someplace, combine with friends and neighbors. Take turns bringing the items to a recycling spot. Many schools offer recycling of batteries, ink cartridges and other items. Check with your school. With spring coming the boots go away and the gym shoes come out. If they are too worn out to be donated for someone else to wear, give them to the Reuse-A-Shoe Program. Find out drop off sites, or have your group run a collection. Did you know that you can recycle your corks? While many bottlers now use plastic cork, many still use real cork, which comes from trees. These can be turned into other products. Find a cork recycling location near you. |
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Financial, Job & Business News
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Community Events
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Lake Forest
Libertyville
Lincolnshire
The Vernon Area Public library is offering a number of free events in February.
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Lake County News Archive
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Click here to view past issues of Lake County News from Ann Maine.
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