Lake County News: Strategic Plan Progress Report, Flu Cases Up

In This Issue: Progress Report, Smoke Free, PASSAGE, Winter Driving Preparedness Kit, Flu Cases Increase, Stormwater Management Commission Seeking Interns, January Healthy Lake County, Upcoming Community Events

Lake County News--Linda Pedersen

January 17, 2013

Lake County Reports Progress on Strategic Plan

The County Board adopts a Strategic Plan that is used to help guide the future of the county. Lake County has made significant progress on the five key strategic goals identified in the plan. The highlights of our progress are included in the 2012 Strategic Plan: Progress Report.

Quick Links

Board Meeting Agendas

Lake County Celebrates Five Years Smoke Free

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center celebrated five years of Smoke Free Illinois, and the five-year anniversary of Lake County's smoke free ordinance. The event was also a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Lake County Chapter of REALITY Illinois, a statewide tobacco prevention movement created by and for Illinois teens. Past and current members spoke about their experiences with the group and the impact it had on their lives.

Watch a video about the celebration.

PASSAGE Network Continues to Grow

Lake County PASSAGE provides real-time traffic information about local roads, so you can anticipate, plan and avoid gridlock. The PASSAGE intelligent transportation system uses interconnected signals to manage traffic flow and monitor traffic conditions.

Now the PASSAGE network is getting bigger. Through the use of federal congestion relief funds, the City of Highland Park and the Lake County Department of Transportation incorporated the traffic signals in Highland Park into PASSAGE. The traffic signals have been retimed, monitoring cameras have been added, and a real-time connection to the Highland Park Police Department has been established. These upgrades will provide better guidance to motorists in this area of Lake County.

Watch this video to learn more about the project.

Assemble a Lifesaving Winter Driving Preparedness Kit

When traveling in the winter, drivers need to be prepared for almost any contingency. In this video, learn how to assemble a winter driving preparedness kit that can prove to be a lifesaver in case of a roadside emergency.

Watch now.

Flu Cases on the Rise

Cases of the flu are on the rise across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported widespread influenza activity in 47 states, including Illinois.

The flu is a contagious, viral respiratory illness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, which could lead to death. In order to reduce the risk of getting the flu, it is important to get the flu vaccination each year. Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated, especially pregnant women, young children, people 65 years of age and older, and anyone with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

Visit the Lake County Health Department's website for more information about the flu, or read the CDC's advice on three actions you can take to help prevent the flu.

Stormwater Management Commission Seeking Summer Interns

Up to 3 Positions Available

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is working with a variety of local partners on watershed planning in Lake County. One step in the planning process is to collect and analyze field data that is used to make site-specific recommendations in watershed plans. SMC is seeking up to 3 interns to work in few high priority watersheds this summer. Interns will spend time in the field and office under the guidance of SMC staff. All positions will allow the interns to apply classroom experiences to real world applications by collecting data for later analysis both by the interns and SMC staff. These positions will also expose the interns to many aspects of watershed planning at SMC, a countywide watershed planning and regulatory agency. Representative tasks

For more information, view the full notice on the SMC website or email jlaramy@lakecountyil.gov.

January Healthy Lake County

Winter weather can mean different things to different people. Some people are inspired to get outside and enjoy winter sports. Others just want to curl up in a comfortable chair with a good book. Whatever your choice, this edition of Healthy Lake County provides tips to help you stay safe and healthy at play or at rest.

Watch now.

Upcoming Community Events

Super Senior Day

Jan. 25

Antioch Township Center, 1625 Deep Lake Road, Lake Villa

Super Senior Day will include the Rules of the Road Review course, vision screening and a variety of services from the Mobile Drivers Facility. The Rules of the Road class is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Vision screening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required for the Rules of the Road class. Call 847.395.3378 to register.

Lake Villa Township RibFest

Jan. 26, noon to 4 p.m.

Caboose Park, 37908 N. Fairfield Road, Lake Villa

Teams will vie for the title of best ribs during the fifth annual Winter RibFest. There will be a rib-eating contest and fun and games for kids of all ages. Admission is a non-perishable food item for the Lake Villa Township Food pantry. Get your friends together to form a team. Ribs provided from Tony's Butcher Shop. Entry fee is $50. There will be award categories for sauce and dry ribs, and people's choice. There will also be a best booth theme award. Rules and regulations.

Daddy-Daughter Date Night Luau

Feb. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Antioch Upper Grade School, 800 Highview Drive, Antioch

Sponsored by Antioch Parks and Recreation. Dancing, ice cream, prizes and photographs. $10 per ticket. For more information, call 847.395.2160.

PM&L Theatre Presents "The Boys Next Door"

"The Boys Next Door," written by Tom Griffin and directed by Donna Abear, will run February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m., and on February 3, 10 and 17 at 2:30 p.m. The box office opens on Jan. 21. Adults $13, seniors and students $11. Call 847.395.3055 or visit the website for ticket order forms.

The Boys Next Door is a two-act comedy-drama about four intellectually disabled men who live together in a small apartment, and Jack, the caring social worker who is on the verge of career burn-out. Mingled with scenes from the daily lives of these four, where little things sometimes become momentous (and often very funny), are moments of great poignancy when we are reminded that the disabled, like the rest of us, want only to love and to laugh and to find some meaning and purpose in life.

Scrappin' and Craftin' the Day Away

March 2

VFW Hall, 75 North Avenue, Antioch

The Antioch Junior Woman's Club presents its second Scrappin' and Craftin' the Day Away event. Separate working and eating areas and door prizes. Lunch and dinner included, all for $35. For more info, call Margaret at 847.395.0172 or email.

Adult Spelling Bee

Feb. 28, 6 p.m.

Lakes Community High School, 1600 Eagle Way, Lake Villa

The Lake Villa Township Lions Club will hold the Inaugural Adult Spelling Bee to fund local scholarships. Companies, organizations and individuals may enter a three-person team in the spelling bee. There will be local celebrity judges and timekeeper. Team entry fee is $300. Entry to the event for spectators is $5. Refreshments and team check-in begins at 6 p.m., practice round at 6:30 p.m., and spelling bee at 7 p.m. More info.

Linda Pedersen, District 1 Representative

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847.445.5504 (cell) or email me at lpedersen@lakecountyil.gov.

Sincerely,

Linda Pedersen
Lake County Board, District 1 Representative