As we all gather with friends and family to express our gratitude for everything we have, I hope you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday.
 

The Lake County Division of Transportation has recently initiated a Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Study to consider improvements to Aptakisic Road between Illinois Route 83 and Buffalo Grove Road.

 

A key planning tool for this project will include a public involvement program based upon the principles of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). CSS is an interdisciplinary approach that seeks effective multi-modal transportation solutions by working with stakeholders to develop, build and maintain cost-effective transportation facilities which fit into and reflect the project's surroundings (its "context"). Through early, frequent and meaningful communication with stakeholders, and a flexible creative approach to design, the resulting project should improve safety and mobility for the traveling public, while seeking to preserve and enhance the scenic, economic, historic and natural qualities of the settings through which they pass.

 

This will be, in part, accomplished through an outreach program that will include meetings with stakeholder groups including a Stakeholder Involvement Group (SIG), public meetings and a public hearing at key points in the study process. All of this input will be evaluated and used to help shape viable solutions. A project website is being developed that will provide current project information, activities and details on upcoming public involvement events.

 

Stakeholder involvement will be an important feature of the planning process, with the SIG having a central role. The SIG will include governmental bodies, transportation agencies, study area municipal leaders, and interested groups and organizations. The purpose of the SIG will be to seek feedback on major aspects of the study process. We anticipate approximately five SIG meetings through the next 18 months.

 

Additionally, the LCDOT cordially invites you to attend the initial Public Information Meeting to kick off the project.

 

November 28, 5-7 p.m.

Twin Groves Middle School

2600 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove

 

The purpose of the meeting is to seek public input on the transportation issues and concerns of the Aptakisic Road study area. The meeting will be conducted in an open house format, and interested persons may visit any time between 5 and 7 p.m. The LCDOT and the study team will provide information regarding study schedule, the review process and public involvement opportunities, including the opportunity to sign up for consideration to serve on the SIG. Attendees will have the opportunity to review exhibits, provide comments and meet with the LCDOT and study team representatives. 

 

Before you go to throw, think Recycle First, Trash Last. The good new is that we're able to recycle more items than ever, from every room in your house. The items that are recyclable may surprise you, and it's so easy your dog can help. 

 

Watch this video about the recyclables that may be hiding in your home. 

 

For more information on recycling and what you can and can't recycle here in Lake County visit www.recyclefirsttrashlast.org. For additional recycling opportunities and programs, visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County website.

 

The stories of 14 combat war veterans from Lake County will soon be part of the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. The project collects first-hand accounts of veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, as well as collecting personal items such as copies of diaries and letters. Official court reporters from the 19th Judicial Circuit produced transcripts of interviews with Lake County veterans conducted on October 26, and their stories will be archived at the Library of Congress. 

 

In this video, multiple World War II veterans discuss the significance of the project and give details of their experience in the war.

 

Are you looking for a job, a career or training? View the monthly schedule of events to find out how Job Center of Lake County can help you achieve your goals.

 Here are some upcoming events:

 

When Peggy Williams' quilters' guild challenged members to make a quilt for charity, she knew exactly where the military-themed quilt should go. At the time, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds employee was on a work assignment at the Veterans Assistance Commission offices, and she envisioned her group's project - crafted from fabric bearing the Marines and Air Force logos and small American Flags -- hanging on the walls at the VAC. It was a perfect fit for the new lounge at the VAC where veterans can relax, talk to other vets, watch TV and use computers.

 

Williams also is donating a second quilt, made by her sister, Janet Wallace, called a Quilt of Valor, in memory of their father, a World War II veteran.

 

The Veterans Assistance Commission provides free help to veterans filing claims with the Veterans Administration and can help with issues such as debt management, education and changing discharge status. The VAC also provides transportation to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center for medical appointments. 

 

Watch a video about how the quilt was made. 

 

From time to time, I will try to pass along sites providing free job placements. Here is a fresh list of current jobs available from one such site.  

 

For more information about the jobs listed below, click on the link and scroll down to the job title in which you are interested.  

 

November 7 

• Maintenance & Inspections Supervisor
• Leasing Agent
• Bookkeeper
• Marketer
• Jewelry Salesperson
• Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Collections Representative
• Regional Director, After School Matters
• Accounting Coordinator, Dermatology Foundation
• Marketing Intern, Child Care Resource & Referral
• Sales Associate, Planet Access Company Store 
• Executive Director, DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board 
• Social Media Assistant with Receptionist Duties, Franciscan Outreach Association
• Administrative Assistant, Franciscan Outreach Association
• Executive Assistant, The Children's Place Association
• Executive Assistant, The History Makers
• Director, HIAS Chicago, Jewish Child and Family Services
• Director of Communication, Children's Home + Aid

November 14 

• Proposal Writer
• Independent Contractor
• Certified Public Accountant
• Public Interest Litigation Paralegal
• Chief Financial Officer
• Director of Development and Marketing
• Executive Director
• Accountant
• Employment Specialist
• Administrative Coordinator
• Music / Drama / Arts Instructor
• Strategic Planning Consultant
• Program Manager
• Communications Coordinator
• Marketing Services Director
• Director of Operations
• Event Marketing Internship
• Controller
• WordPress Technician (Web Technician)
• Business Resources Manager

 

In this month's 'Healthy Lake County,' we learn about Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services, holiday food safety tips and advice for people with diabetes on how to maintain their diets through the holiday season.

 

Watch now.

 

 

You can serve something beside plain old white potatoes with your holiday dinner. Try sweet potatoes. Learn more in this month's Nutrition Tip.

 

Watch now.

Ballots, Babes and Beer

Illinois Women Win The Vote

Through November 21

The Raupp Museum, Buffalo Grove

It's the 99th anniversary of Illinois women winning the right to vote for President. Find out the fascinating story of women's struggle for the right to vote in Illinois, including the role of Lake County women, why saloon owners were against women voting and the final battle in Springfield. The museum has special Girl Scout election badges and adult presentations in conjunction with this exhibit. More info.

 

Long Grove's 5th Annual Turkey Trot

November 22, 7:30 a.m.

Historic Downtown Long Grove, Old McHenry Rd.

The Village of Long Grove is proud to host the 5th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. Kicking off at 9 am from and ending under Long Grove's historic covered bridge. Participants have the option of joining a 5K or 8K Run/Walk or kids, 14 and under, can dash in the Tiny Trot (which starts at 8:45 am), through the beautiful streets of the historic village. The Village of Long Grove's Turkey Trot is open to everyone, from walkers to runners and young to old. For more information on the race visit the website. More info. 

 

Long Grove's Holiday Festivities

Through December 31

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Long Grove Historic Village, Downtown Long Grove

The magic of the holiday season continues through December 31 with a full schedule of family-friendly activities. Shop till you drop, enjoy an old-fashioned horse drawn carriage ride Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy plenty of live holiday entertainment and share a delicious holiday meal with friends, family or business associates at one of Long Grove's signature restaurants. More info.  

Take an Evening Hike Along Solar Lighted Trails

 

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can now get some brisk evening exercise at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a hilly, scenic section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. 

 

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open after sunset until 9 p.m., daily through March 9. Bicycle and equestrian traffic is not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. 

 

To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood's Winter Sports Area, located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School's main entrance lot, located on the east side of St. Mary's Road just south of Route 176. Lake County Forest Preserve Rangers regularly patrol the areas.

 

 

Registration now open for 2013 Summer Camps

 

Sneak some learning into your child's summer adventures. Lake County Forest Preserves' Summer Camps meet the summer wishes of kids and parents alike. 

 

Registration for the 2013 camp season is now open with early bird discounts available through February 15, 2013. Programs fill quickly so enroll early. 

 

Choose a topic and age group that suits your child. Camps are offered for ages four through 15. Choose from nature exploration, fun on the farm, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, history, theatre, or arts and crafts. Four new camp topics have been added to the camp calendar, including animal tracking, dinosaurs, restoration and a special camp for families. 

 

Browse all available camps and register online, or call 847.968.3321 for details and to request a free camp brochure.