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District 21 News
from Ann Maine
Lake County Board Member and
President of the Lake County
Forest Preserves Board
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I encourage you to forward this e-mail 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
or click "join our mailing list" above.
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Be sure to find out the latest of what is happening in your community.
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Dear Neighbor,
The repeated heavy rain storms have caused local flooding in a number of neighborhoods. Make sure you keep your swales and drainage areas clear; also, check the catch basins near you and notify the proper agencies. These steps can help alleviate some flooding, The recent storms have been accompanied by high winds and lightening. Read below about how to stay safe in summer storms.
The items voted on at the June County Board meeting included a resolution authorizing a contract with Aldridge Electric, Inc of Libertyville for work on the first phase of construction for the Lake County Courthouse expansion project.
We also accepted a $25,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County to provide dental services to veterans of Lake County. Learn more about additional services for veterans in the Quick Links to the left and in the story below. I encourage everyone to view the video in the Veteran's section.
Summer is a busy time in Lake County. You can hear a concert almost every night of the week! See the schedule in Community Happenings--and don't forgot Independence Grove on Tuesday nights. Read about these and more about activities in communities and programs offered by the County, the Forest Preserve District and others. The farmers' markets are in full swing, so be sure to use the Health Department Farmer's Market Locator to help you find one near home or work.
When you work in the yard this summer, remember you can help nature. Learn about gardening for bees and butterflies.
Please feel free to contact me about these or any other issues. As always, I am happy to meet with your homeowners, scout, church or other group.
Sincerely,
Ann
Ann B. Maine
President, Lake County Forest Preserve Dist.
County Board District 21
847-857-1732
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Summer Safety
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 Stormy Weather Preparedness
Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can ensure the safety of you and your family during a severe storm. Learn the difference between a "Watch and a "Warning", the dangers of flash flooding, food safety during a storm and more in our Stormy Weather Safety Tips Video . For more information about storm preparedness, visit Alert Lake County.
Drowning Prevention
Every day, 10 people die from unintentional drowning. See the statistics and find out how to stay safe when enjoying the water this summer.
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The 4th of July Celebrations in Lake County.
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Thursday, July 3 - Friday, July 4
Enjoy a free, family friendly two day Fourth of July festival at Great Lakes Naval Base. Celebrate Independence Day with live music, family entertainment, a carnival and delicious food at this area favorite. Get more details.
 Here are some local celebrations.
Deerfield Family Days have a full list of events on July 3 and 4. A concert is held July 3rd and remember, the fireworks are that night too!
Lincolnshire's Red, White and Boom on July 3 and July 4. Don't miss the 5k race or pancake breakfast.
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| Honoring Veterans |
Lake County has a number of programs for veterans and their families. Lake McHenry Veterans and Family Services Program is designed to honor and promote conversation among veterans, their loved ones and the public about the long-term effects of military experiences.Watch this video and see Ceasar Soto tell his story of serving in Vietnam, and how the experience still stays with him to this day.
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds is the official keeper of MIlitary Discharge records. These date back to 1919. Only qualified people listed on this form with proper ID are allowed to request a military discharge record. For more information call 847-377-2575 or email: recorder@lakecountyil.gov
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Forest Preserves News
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Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the Lake County Discovery Museum will be participating in the National Endowment for the Arts Blue Star Museum program. This will allow active military personnel and their families to get free general admission to the discovery museum.
Enjoy the connection between art and nature at the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. Come for a hike in lovely Ryerson Woods and stay for the opening of Avian Spirits on Sunday July 13 from 1-3 p.m.
 Civil War Days Encampment at Lakewood Forest Preserve
This event is fun for all. July 12, 10 am-5 pm and Saturday July 13, 9 am-3 pm, are the days of the 23rd annual Civil War Days. In addition to the afternoon battle Saturday and Sunday you can explore the military and civilian camps to learn about life in the 1860s. Visitors can meet historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, General Grant and more. Kids will enjoy special period crafts and games, and complete a scavenger hunt around the site. You can buy a ticket on-line and save $1, or pay admission the day you attend. Lakewood Forest Preserve. Note--only service animals are allowed at this event.
Forest Preserves Save Taxpayers $2.6 Million
Due to successful refinancing, Lake County Taxpayers will be saving more than $2.6 million in interest payments from limited debt bonds, used to preserve open space, restore wildlife habitat, create new trails and improve public access to preserves. More
New App for Lake County Forest Preserve
Download the new Lake County Forest Preserve App onto your smart phone and see a calendar of events, news updates, and find a preserve near you using a convenient GPS mapping tool. Connect with other friends of the preserves by checking in and sharing content via Facebook or Twitter. Available free in the Android Market or Apple App Store - search for "Lake County Forest Preserves."
Summer Concerts at Independence Grove
Music lovers, get ready for award-winning performers teeming with energy, freshness and talent at the popular Events in the Plaza outdoor music series at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. These relax-on-the-lawn summer concerts are held Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, for eight weeks starting June 17-August 5. View the complete 2014 concert schedule. If you arrive after 5 p.m. there is a $6 per car parking fee.
Gospel Fest at Greenbelt
Come to Greenbelt Preserve on Sunday, July 13, 3-7 pm for a free day of music by Lake County's Gospel Voices.
Connect with Lake County Forest Preserves
Did you know the Lake County Forest Preserves has a nature blog, a Facebook page, and a free mobile app? Connect with our forest preserves to learn about programs and fun things to do.
There is even more! Join Twitter to get news, event announcements and fun photos. |
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New Website Services
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Sheriff's Office Website
The Lake County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce its newly improved user-friendly website at www.lakecountyil.gov/sheriff that features up-to-date information and quick access to important public safety information, including: 2014 laws, sexual predators, career opportunities, inmate information, and safety tips.
Tell Us What You Think About Our New Homepage
We recently redesigned our homepage and added tabs to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for and connect with County services. Please tell us what you think by sending us an email.
Services for Military Veterans and Their Families
Visit the Veterans Assistance Commission's revamped website to learn about how the VAC and its partners can help veterans and their families with financial and medical assistance, transportation, career development and more. Also, check out this online brochure to find additional information.
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Transportation News
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Upcoming projects
 Riverwoods Rd Resurfacing To Start July 7--from just north of Rt 22 to just south of Rt 60 Rd. This project will also include the installation of bike-friendly shoulders. One lane traffic control will be used during daytime construction. Curb and sidewalk replacement will be done first and followed by pavement resurfacing and minor drainage work.
Peterson Rd and Rte 83 Project Update
Removal of the old roadway was recently completed as this construction project continues to progress. You can get up to date information.
Click It or Ticket - Front and Back Seat
The Lake County Sheriff's Office is joining hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state to strongly enforce seat belt laws and save lives as part of the 2014 Illinois Click It or Ticket campaign, requiring all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, not just the front seat. More
Lake County PASSAGE Survey
With summer construction underway, you can turn to Lake County PASSAGE for up to date traffic information and to sign up for personalized traffic notifications based on the roads you travel. Please complete this survey to let us know how PASSAGE is working for you, and what we can do to make it even better!
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Health Department News
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Walk with Docs
The Lake County Health Department, the Lake County Forest Preserves and NorthShore University HealthSystem have teamed up for the Walk with Docs program, which brings together naturalists and physicians for FREE guided tours of Lake County Forest Preserve's loveliest scenery and trails. Walk with Docs is an opportunity to engage board-certified physicians in small group settings for tailored support of your wellness goals. Check the Walk with Docs schedule and come out for a walk!
Healthy Lake County: Lyme Disease PreventionWatch this video and learn how to protect yourself from ticks and their harmful bites. Also watch segments on Mental Health Month, the Crisis Care Program, and Lake County Beach Advisories.
Stay Safe in Extreme Heat Do you know the symptoms of heat stroke? Stay safe this summer with these hot weather health tips.
Bat Safety
Warm weather means increased bat activity. While these native animals help control insect populations, they can also carry illnesses like rabies. Should you find a bat acting strangely, or if a bat is in your home, call Animal Control at 847.377.4700. Learn more. Water Quality at Beaches  With the warm weather many of you will be heading out to the beaches. Did you know the Lake County Health Department monitors water quality at beaches? Lake Michigan beaches are tested 4 days a week and inland beaches are tested biweekly. You can check the water quality before you go. You can even get an app for Lake Michigan beaches. Preventing Mosquito Breeding
Hot and humid weather bring with it Mosquito season, and the risk for West Nile Virus. Stay safe this summer and prevent mosquito breeding with these helpful tips. |
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Possible Discounts on Flood Insurance Policies
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Possible Discounts on Flood Insurance Policies Residents in unincorporated Lake County may be able to save up to 20% on their flood insurance policies. Lake County is recertified each year through FEMA based on our floodplain and building code regulations and community information and education. With this rating, there is a potential savings of up to $227 per policy, saving Lake County residents $244,290 annually. To find out more about floodplain regulations and to determine if you are located in a floodplain, please visit our Flood Information page. To see if you qualify, contact your flood insurance agent.
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Best Day of My Life in Lake County
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Visit Lake County has launched a music video, utilizing the song, 'Best Day of My Life' by American Authors. The video features Lake County musician Justin Yates singing his own version of the song and showcases various attractions around Lake County. Look for Lake County Board Chairman, Aaron Lawlor who makes a cameo appearance. Watch
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Summer Fun in Lake County
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 Lake County Update: Let the ride take you...
Summer is finally here and there is so much to do in Lake County - from our 30,000 acres of forest preserves to exciting day trips, weekend getaways, and family-friendly adventures, you'll find it all in your own backyard. In this edition of Lake County Update, we take you to Six Flags Great America and get lots of summer fun info from Visit Lake County. Watch now.
Boating Lake CountyFrom marinas and storage options to lakefront dining and a boating blog, BoatingLakeCounty.com is a useful website for all things boating in Lake County. |
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Nature News
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Butterflies and bees play crucial roles in pollinating not only plants of economic importance, but also those we treasure in our forests and prairies. They have been impacted by human activity, but we can all take steps to reverse the decline of these beautiful and important species. It's a lot easier to landscape for wildlife. There is a lot you can do to help the butterflies, especially Monarchs, that are so helpful to the pollination of many plants. As many of you know, monarchs can only breed on milkweed. Their favorite is the marsh or red milkweed. While it typically grows in wet areas, it also thrives in gardens. Learn more about how you can garden for butterflies.
While most bee stories focus on the decline in honeybees, in fact all types of bees are in decline. Many plants in your garden rely on these pollinators. Put in some plants for bees in your garden and learn more on how you can help bees.
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Job and Education News
|  University Center Open House
Thursday, July 10, 6 - 8 p.m. University Center of Lake County
1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake Learn how you can stay in Lake County while still earning your degree at the University Center of Lake County's Open House. Get your curriculum and admission questions answered, learn about the academic options offered and maybe even win some cash! English flyer. Spanish flyer.
The Lake County Job Center provides a variety of services for job seekers, including: career counseling, education and job-training guidance, financial aid for education and training, personalized career plans, unemployment insurance services, America's Job Bank, and other Internet job listings, and referrals to partner organizations. |
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Environmental News
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As you pull out the summer clothes and put away the winter clothes, you may be tempted to throw out damaged items. Don't!! SWALCO has established a new program for recycling clothing and textiles. Please use this new resource, as 85% of clothing and textiles end up in land fills.
You can always find information from SWALCO. There are a number of opportunities for electronic recycling, including many that are year round. |
| Community Happenings |
The West Deerfield Township food pantry is in need of peanut butter, jelly, and cereal
The Deerfield Park District sponsors music in the park every Sunday from 5-6:30 pm at Mitchell Park. Buy pizza or bring your own food for an evening out. Check out the schedule.
The 14th Annual Taste of LIncolnshire is July 25-27. The weekend kicks off with Food Truck Friday from 11:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. in the parking lot of the Flatlanders's building on Olde Half Day Road. Music and dining continues in the Village Green for the rest of the weekend.
On Thursday evenings hear music at Lake Forest Music in the Square.
Enjoy Out to Lunch in Libertyville on Fridays from 11-2 m. There's music and food. A great way to start your weekend.
Vernon Township is collecting gender neutral backpacks that are filled with school supplies for kindergarten through 8th grade. Please bring backpacks by July 21. Call Nancy (847) 634-4600 if you have questions.
For upcoming community events around Lake County, go to Visit Lake County's website and check their calendar of events for happenings near you!
For more information local areas, visit these community websites:
Bannockburn, Deerfield, Grayslake, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Riverwoods, Waukegan
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Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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