Dear Neighbor, April 23, 2014

Thank you for your interest in Lake County Government. Here are some issues I've been working on lately, on your behalf. Below you'll also see information on some upcoming events and news for our area. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about these topics, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Medical Marijuana: Approved the zoning regulations for medical marijuana in unincorporated area
New Gun Law: Attended the Concealed Carry informational session in Warren Township. The Lake County Sheriff's office and the State's Attorney's office outlined the new law for over 200 residents. A second session was conducted due to high demand.
Heroin and Prescription Drug Addiction: Serving on the Heroin & Opiate Task Force, which was created to combat the growing problem of heroin and prescription drug addiction in our communities.
Sexual Assault: As a member of the Sexual Assault Coordinating Council (SACC), working to promote cooperation, coordination and communication around the investigation and handling of sexual assault and abuse cases in Lake County
Suburban Poverty: Attended an educational session and workshop on the increasing number of Lake County residents living in poverty and working to devise strategies on how best to serve this population. Watch video
North Chicago: Attended the North Chicago Economic Breakfast, which outlined the need and opportunities for North Chicago and the Navy Base to partner on infrastructure, land use planning, and services for North Chicago residents. Watch a short video on the North Chicago Neighborhood Revitalization Program.
Illinois' Economy: Attended the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce Business & Government breakfast, where we heard from three experts on Illinois' economic condition and policies.
Sharing Government Services: Attended the Southeast Roundtable, a collaboration between Lake County government and area municipalities in an effort to better partner and provide shared services where feasible. Watch video
Forest Preserve Strategic Planning: Worked on the Forest Preserve's strategic plan for the next 100 years. A long-term vision is necessary for the protection and planning of our preserves
Local Food Sourcing: Attended two panel discussions on local food as well as a viewing of "Battlefields to Farmfields" about veterans and our need for more farmers. Local food is critical to the economy and quality of life in Lake County. The economic benefits of local foods are staggering, providing jobs and circulating money within our region rather than sending it elsewhere.

Thanks again,

Public Transportation

Some areas in Lake County have excellent public transportation options but in other areas, it's very limited, especially for seniors and persons with disabilities. I've been working with Shields Township to establish an agreement with Pace to bring para-transit services to the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest area. This will enable the public-especially our seniors, disabled, students, and lower-income residents-the ability to get to work, medical appointments, and school, while having a positive impact on congestion and air quality. To learn more about the importance of paratransit and how it works, please watch this short video and visit our website to find information about all transit options.

Road Work Update

Road Closure @ Route 21 & Metra Tracks in Libertville

Due to emergency railraod repairs, Route 21 (Milwaukee Ave.) will be closed at the Metra tracks in Libertyville Friday, May 2-Wednesday, May 7.

Widening of Peterson Road - Road Projects Open up Central Corridor

The county board recently awarded a construction contract for the widening of Petersen Road in the central area of the county. This $11 million dollar project will reconstruct and widen the road from two lanes to four from US Route 45 in Libertyville to west of IL 83 in the Village of Grayslake and will include a major expansion of the intersection at IL 83. More

Honoring, and Helping, Our Veterans

There are many organizations throughout Lake County working to improve the lives of our veterans. I am honored to work with the Lake County Health Department, Lake-McHenry Veteran & Family Services, and Growing Healthy People to provide services, support, and job training opportunities for the more than 40,000 veterans who live here in Lake County.

Resource Fair

Saturday, April 26, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Grayslake Park District, 240 Commerce Drive

The Veterans Resource Fair directly connects local veterans with employers and organizations that can offer resources and opportunities from internships and job openings to medical assistance and college funding.

Veteran & Family Recreation and Wellness Fest

Saturday, May 3, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

26125 North Riverwoods Road in Mettawa

Learn about services available to former/current service members and their families. Flyer

Honor Flight

Friday, May 16th at The Genessee Theatre in Waukegan
6:00 pm-doors open

7:00 pm-showing

9:00 pm-meet our veterans

I hope you'll join me and hundreds of others at a screening of "Honor flight," a fundraising movie event to send World War II veterans to Washington DC (at no cost to them) for a day of honor and remembrance. This is a "One Night Only" event and is a unique opportunity for all of us to honor our World War II veterans.

Tickets are $20 each, available at lakecountyhonorflight.org

Click here for a short preview

Local Heroes Delivering Local Food

Through a coalition of three entities-College of Lake County, Growing Healthy People, and the Liberty Prairie Foundation-veterans can learn to farm fresh organic foods in a sustainable way, market them locally, and develop an independent farming business.

Click here to learn more.

Forest Preserve News & Events

Annual Rain Barrel, Compost Bin and Native Plant Sale

Saturday, May 10, 9 am - 3 pm Independence Grove Forest Preserve, North Bay Pavilion

Sunday, May 11, 10 am - 3 pm 16400 W. Buckley Rd (Rte 137, east of Rte 21), Libertyville

Shop for plants that thrive and provide habitat for native wildlife, purchase a rain barrel* to collect rain water for your garden, and a compost bin to turn unwanted food scraps into fertile soil. See Flyer

*Rain barrels and compost bins will only be available on Saturday, while supplies last

Hastings Lake Forest Preserve Is Now Open!

Explore the woodlands, waters and open spaces to look for what is springing up!

Saturday, April 26, 1-3:30 pm, at Hastings Lake-Shelter A. All ages. FREE. No registration required.

Almond Marsh Heron Rookery Open Hours

Welcome herons and cormorants back to Lake County at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve in Grayslake. Almond Marsh is open Saturdays, April-June, 8 am-noon (except Memorial Day weekend) for observation.

Independence Grove News

Beach passes for Independence Grove Forest Preserve are now available for purchase at the Visitors Center, allowing you unlimited use of the popular 400-foot sand beach that runs along the 115-acre lake. The beach house provides a cafe, washrooms, showers and lockers. Purchase by May 1 and receive a 10 percent discount.

The band line-up has been announced for this summer's concert series. Our Events in the Plaza outdoor concerts are held Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, June 17-August 5.

Volunteers Critical to our Restoration Efforts

Watch a video about how volunteers and staff help the environment by harvesting seeds of local plants and trees.

Leadership Development Opportunity for High School Students

Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) is a leadership development opportunity where students can contribute to a better future for our region by learning about issues that shape our economy and quality of life. Participants will meet and interact with regional leaders who make key planning decisions in our communities and share their thoughts with other teens from surrounding counties. Applications are available for the 2014-15 program and must be postmarked or emailed by Friday, May 30, 2014.

Free Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Sessions

There will be several free, one-on-one sessions for residents who may need help completing the 2014 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application, as well as other homestead exemptions that may apply to you. The Senior Freeze Application is due by July 1, 2014. Outreach Session Dates and Times

Protect Your Pet!

Visit one of Lake County's low-cost vet clinics for a convenient and affordable way to keep your pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. More Info

Saturday, April 26, Vernon Hills Police Department Headquarters 754 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills

Saturday, May 3, Lindenhurst Police Department

2301 E. Sand Lake Rd., Lindenhurst

Saturday, June 7, Regent Center's Seniors +55

1200 Regent Drive., Mundelein

Saving Water, Promoting Efficiency

Over the next two years, Lake County Public Works is replacing about 20,600 water meters with new automated meters. These new meters will identify high water usage and potential leaks, provide customers on-line access to usage information, and will result in smarter water use for our customers. Learn More

Sandra Hart, Lake County Board, District 13

smhart@lakecountyil.gov
http://lakecountyil.gov