Lake County & Forest Preserve News 
Ann Maine
County Board District 21 Forest Preserve President July 2013 |
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I encourage you to to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address to me at amaine@lakecountyil.gov or click "join our mailing list" above.
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A Note from Ann
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Dear Neighbors, At the June County Board meeting we
approved a resolution officially opposing legislation that mandates the creation of an election commission in Lake County. We are asking the governor to veto the the specific portion pertaining to this issue, which was included in a much larger piece of election related legislation. If signed by the governor, it would transfer election authority from the county clerk, and result in approximately $700,000 in additional annual expense to Lake County. The measure singles out Lake County and treats voters differently by eliminating a referendum option.
We also approved a number of agreements with IDOT for the improvement of traffic control signals at a number of sites along Lake-Cook Rd. The continued thunderstorms has caused not only additional flooding, but also increased conditions for pests. More information on storm safety is included below. The Health Department offers a number of tips to stay safe, including tick precaution. The number of cases of Lyme Disease has increased. You can still enjoy the out of doors, just take sensible precautions including wearing a hat and the unfashionable, but effective method of tucking long pants into your socks. Learn more about how to prevent tick bites.July offers so much in Lake County, from concerts, to farmers' markets and community celebrations. I've included a lot of the information here. You can always get the latest from the Visit Lake County--it's not just for visitors! As always, your Forest Preserves offer a variety of opportunities. As our nation remembers the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg, consider attending one of the largest Civil War re-enactments in northern Illinois. If you haven't attended before, it is an incredible experience July 13-14. Details below. As always, please contact me about these or other issues. I'm happy to come and meet with you or your homeowner's association or scout, church or other group.
Sincerely,
847-857-1732--this is a new number
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Buy Local Food and Promote the Environment, the Economy, and Your Quality of Life
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Did you know that when you go to your local farmers
market that you support the local economy, the environment, and your health by eating fresh produce? Learn more about the benefits of buying local food, check out our new Farmers Market Finder and watch a video about sustainable farming.
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Recycle First - Trash Last
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I was pleased to be part of the commission that worked on creating the guidelines for achieving our goal to divert 60% of the
waste stream away from landfills by 2030. The County board recently approved changes to the Solid Waste and 
Recycling Ordinance incorporating specific recommendations toward achieving this goal, including requiring haulers (in the unincorporated
area) to provide residents with containers for collecting recyclable materials, and information on how and what materials to recycle.
What can you do? Make recycling a daily habit by changing your mind set to recycle first - trash last! Lake County residents have access to single-stream recycling, which means no sorting of recyclables is necessary. Everything can be placed in the same container with no guessing games. For a list of what can and cannot be recycled in Lake County, visit their website or check out these recycling guidelines.
Recycling Tip--did you know that recycling centers usually prefer that you leave the lids on containers? If the container and the lid are both of plastic and the lid is smaller than your palm--leave the lid on; otherwise it slips through the mesh. This includes milk containers, pop bottles and water bottles (better yet, get a reusable water bottle).
There are 241,000 households in Lake County that can participate in curbside recycling. If each household does their part, those numbers can add up fast!
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Storm Safety
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 Lake County has recently experienced some severe weather with strong rain, winds and floods that can result in property damage, and put you and your family at risk. It's important to be prepared before the storm hits.
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Forest Preserves News
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Your Forest Preserves have a lot to offer this summer. There is something for everyone. The heavy rain has caused some closures of trails including the DPR at Deerfield Rd and at Rt. 60. Check for updates of closures before you head out. Lake County discovery Museum Hosts Civil War Reenactment
The Lake County Discovery Museum is proud to present the 22nd annual Civil War Days encampment on July 13 and 14. The event features infantry, cavalry and artillery  reenactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, medical personnel and civilians. Ongoing drills, kids' activities and Civil War era shopping are available both days. Click for more information, including hours and ticket prices.  Estamos Aqui (We are Here) a national touring exhibit of contemporary serigraphs by 40 Latino/Chicano artists, is at the Greenbelt Cultural Center until August 11. While you are at Greenbelt, go across the street and get some delicious organic produce at our Green Youth Farm. Offered in partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden, this program offers teens the chance to develop leadership skills and real-world job training while working in the garden. Harvest stand days are Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm July 10-October 2.
Preserve Profile--Middlefork Savanna  This rare black soil savanna offers biking, hiking and incredible views as well as sandhill cranes, red headed woodpeckers, meadowlarks and more grassland birds. Watch the sunset in the evening and you will feel as if you are back hundreds of years in time. The entrance and parking area are located off Waukegan Road (Route 43), north of Route 60 and south of Route 176. At the light for Middlefork Drive/Westmoreland Road, turn west onto Middlefork Drive. Proceed to the end of Middlefork Drive, bear left at the fork to enter the preserve parking area. Note--dogs are not allowed on chip paths--they are allowed on gravel paths.
If you are interested in history--then check out the history blog to learn more. Or visit our local history at the Adlai E. Stevenson House. Sign up for a tour on Sunday July 28.
Mucha: Expanding Art Nouveau
View beautiful and rare Art Nouveau objects by Czech artist Alphone Mucha at the Lake County Discovery Museum. The exhibition features an exclusive peek at objects from the Curt Teich Postcard Archives John High Collection, one of the world's leading  collections of Mucha postcards.
Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) is considered a key figure in the Art Nouveau movement, an art style characterized by delicate colors and organic, sinuous designs, which first gained popularity in the 1880s. The exhibition showcases the range and influence of Mucha's work through everyday and commercial objects. Magazine covers, decorative tins, folio plates, jewelry, currency, book illustrations and other objects will be on display, along with a replica fa�ade of the Paris shop Mucha designed for jeweler George Fouquet.
The exhibition runs through Aug. 25 and is supported by Media Sponsor, the Daily Herald. Call the museum at 847.968.3400, or visit online for more information.
 Want to get out, meet some fun people and help nature? Then join our restoration work days! You can come by yourself or with your family or group. Projects are throughout the county with a variety of activities.
Remember, Events in the Plaza--Tuesday night concerts at Independence Grove.
Check out the Forest Preserve Nature Blog.
Have a great photo you took at the Forest Preserves? Share it with the flicker account
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Transportation & Construction Updates
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RT 41 and DEERPATH Rd.
Rt 41 will be 1 lane in each direction from July 9 until August 16 while IDOT works on the bridge deck.
LAKE COOK ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Cook County Highway Department will be initiating road construction on Lake Cook Road from Pfingsten/Deerlake (near the Lake Cook Metra Station) to the Waukegan Road/Route 43 intersection starting in early April. Traffic control will reduce traffic down to one lane in each direction which will result in major traffic delays. The Village of Deerfield is working with Cook County to monitor the project and has initiated a website for updates.
STATUS UPDATE ON RT. 21 and RT. 137
I know this is a very frustrating project for many people. I have requested that the Lake County DOT, set up its own web site to give residents more timely and accurate information. I hope this will be active soon.
PASSAGE What if you could know if there was a crash, stall or other traffic incident  on your commute? You can! Personalize your route in Lake County PASSAGE by entering the roads and times you drive, and if something happens along your route, PASSAGE will send an alert to your mobile device, or email. Check it before you hit the road to save time and avoid gridlock! Watch this tutorial to see how easy it is to sign up. Sign up here for customized e-mail alerts DEVELOPMENT OF RT 120 AND RT 53 CORRIDOR Plans for the extension of Illinois Route 53/120 in Lake County are moving forward with the approval of funding for a Corridor Land Use and Transportation Plan that will be developed in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Lake County, and communities along the corridor to integrate land use, transportation, economic development, and open space.
CMAP approved the $940,000 project using funds from the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, state, and local sources.
You can check the status of all 2013 road projects in Lake County.
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Environmental Issues
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 SWALCO household chemical Waste Collection Event
Deerfield High School
Saturday, July 6
8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This event is for household chemical waste from households only, no business generated wastes are accepted. For a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items please click here.
For more information on this event, click here.
Proper disposal of unwanted/unused pharmaceuticals is very important. SWALCO, the Sheriff's Office and several other local partners provide locations for residents to drop off unwanted pharmaceuticals. Without proper disposal, prescription drugs may be misused and abused, or wind up in our drinking supply. There are 11 full time locations that offer drop off services 24 hours a day and one part time office. There is no paperwork required. In addition, SWALCO will accept unwanted medication at their Household Chemical Waste events but will not accept controlled substances. Get additional information.
Location of Prescription Drug Collection Boxes
Electronics Collection Site
The following are year round collection sites:
Village of Grayslake (Public Works Facility, Recycling Center) 585 Berry Avenue
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
City of Highland Park (Firearms Training Center) 1180 Half Day Road
ONLY Tuesdays and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
(fluorescent light bulbs, foam containers and packaging materials are also accepted at the Highland Park Electronic Collection)
Vernon Township (Road District Facility) 3050 N. Main Street
Buffalo Grove
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Local Veterans Resources
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Lake County Job Center Helps Veterans Find Employment
The Lake County Job Center, with Illinois WorkNet, helps local military veterans find a job. Through their Veterans Priority program, Illinois WorkNet helps those who have served our country every step of the way; from updating your resume to making connections and achieving your goal. Veterans can explore career options, prepare for job interviews and receive job search assistance. For more information on Veterans Priority and to view resources, visit their website.
Veterans Services Network
The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program works through a network of agencies to help military personnel, veterans and their families face challenges, before, during and after deployments. The program focuses on veterans, active duty military personnel and their families especially, but not limited to, their connection to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services is a partnership with Lake County and McHenry County and a wide network of other agencies. To learn more about the Veterans Services Network, visit their website.
LCP Starts VetLoan Advantage Lending Initiative
Lake County Partners proudly announces its participation in a VetLoan Advantage Initiative through the SBA 504 Loan Program. Lake County Partners will waive out-of-pocket loan closing fees (such as title policy, environmental reports, etc) up to $2,000 for businesses owned by U. S. veterans. This reduces the cost of borrowing through the 504 Program, which offers great terms for industrial / commercial land, building, and equipment. In addition to a low-down payment (in most cases 10%), the 504 Program provides low-interest, long-term financing. Contact Patricia Fening by email or by phone at 847-597-1229 or more information about this great program and a great offer for our veterans!
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Be Your Own Success Story!
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Find a broad array of career guidance services that are tailored to your particular needs. The Lake County Job Center provides a variety of services for job seekers, including: career counseling, financial aid for education and training, personalized career paths and more.
Learn how workforce programs and training helped these job seekers and businesses and add to the Success Stories of Summer 2013.
For a list of upcoming events for Job Center Events, visit their Calendar of Events.
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Community 4th of July Events & Activities
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Lake Forest
Date: July 4, concert 6 pm, Fireworks 9:40 
Where: Deerpath Community Park
400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest
Lake Forest details.
Date: July 4, 9:30pm
Where: Spring Lake Park
49 Oxford Dr., Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire details.
Date: July 3, 9:15pm
Where: Brickyards Park
Fountain View Drive, Deerfield
Deerfield Details
Date: June 29, Dusk
Where: Central Park
100 Library Lane, Grayslake
Grayslake Details
Date: July 4, 9:30pm
Where: Waukegan Lakefront
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DBE Certification Workshop Hosted by Metra
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Metra is hosting a free DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification workshop to guide businesses though the initial DBE certification process. This event is for small business owners, construction firms, professional service firms and suppliers. Don't miss out on this lucrative procurement and contracting opportunity.
Date: July 10
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Metra Board Room
547 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
To learn more about this workshop and to see if your business is eligible click here.
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New Floodplain Mapping for Lake County Residents
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Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks 
Enjoy a