Hello Neighbors
Every two weeks, I try to highlight some of the local events presented by various villages, park and library districts and the Forest Preserves. You can find more complete information by using the links embedded in the stories and in the blue box below.
I especially enjoy the classic car shows. Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Mundelein each have shows scheduled during the summer. Check the villages' links for details.
If your homeowners' association has plans for public events, please let
me know, so I can help get the news to your members and other residents.
For example, Grand Dominion has a car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 21. "Admission" is a non-perishable food item for the Fremont Township Food Pantry. A community garage sale, which is open to the public, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 27 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28.
I hope you, your family and friends explore the many opportunities for free or low-cost entertainment and a variety of activities in the weeks ahead.
As always, I welcome your phone calls or email messages when you have comments or need help with a particular issue.
 Did you know 60 percent of teen crashes occur
when the drivers are distracted? To reduce this, Lake County law enforcement
and traffic safety partners are working together to educate motorists about the
dangers of texting and driving, and increased traffic safety patrols will be
enforcing the hand-held cell phone ban through Labor Day. The special patrols end on Labor Day - but don't slip back into old habits. The safety threat continues year round. Watch this video to
learn more about the #DropItAndDrive campaign.
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This is great news for local residents and those who travel in our district for work, school shopping and more. Hawley Street has reopened to both eastbound and westbound
traffic between Midlothian Road and Chicago Avenue, ending the one-way detour that has been in place since April. Work will then begin on reconstructing the north third of
pavement along Hawley Street. To learn more about this project, visit
the Hawley Street Construction website.
 When we speak about "transportation," highways and roads are often top of mind. Board members, acting on behalf of Lake County and the Forest Preserves District, are committed to multimodal transportation including bike, hike, transit and highways.
Our
regional transit system is the second largest in the country by passenger miles
traveled (only behind New York). The Regional Transportation Authority is
responsible for planning and funding regional transit, which includes CTA, PACE
and Metra. In this County Update, learn more about the RTA’s transit
priorities, efforts underway to create accessible, walkable and livable
communities.
Meanwhile, please take a look at the RTA’s Trip Planner, which provides step-by-step directions
for using public transportation in the Chicago region. Watch video
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Most of you know that I am in a power wheelchair. I move around
rather effectively during all seasons! In the past four years, I have
learned that "accessible" has a variety of meanings. I have not yet attempted to use the public transit system to its full potential. Therefore, before summer ends, I will use the resources available to get from my home to the Chicago
Loop. Then, I'll report back to you on the effectiveness of the system, including any tips I may pick up along the way to make it easier for you to use all options.
Fremont Township residents: your appeal period ends Aug. 8.
Ela Township residents: your assessment notices will be mailed about Aug 24. Look for yours in the mail. You will then have 30 days from publication to file your appeal.
Our quick and convenient Online Appeal Filing System allows you to get your appeal information to the Board of Review without the hassle of mailing or hand delivering them to the Chief County Assessment Office in Waukegan. Watch this video for step-by-step assistance to file an appeal online. Learn more about the process to file an appeal including reasons to appeal and the hearing process.
Get Answers to Your Property Tax Assessment Questions
 Forest Preserve News
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 Enjoy free museum admission
through August
On Sept. 1, the Lake County
Discovery Museum will close its doors at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, pack up its vast collections and move to its new
Libertyville location. A grand opening is anticipated in late
2017. As our thank you for 40 great years at Lakewood,
the Museum is offering free admission through August. Don't miss your
chance to visit the Museum and view its current exhibitions before the end of
the month. Stop by the gift store and get 70 percent off your purchase. Details
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 AAA Bond Rating Awarded for 15th Straight
Year
The
Lake County Forest Preserve District has been awarded the AAA bond rating by both
Standard & Poor's Financial Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors
Service, two of the top credit rating agencies in the world. The AAA rating,
the highest possible, indicates that an entity has an extremely strong
capability to meet its debt obligations. Of the 250 rated recreation districts
nationwide, the Lake County Forest Preserves is one of only a
handful rated AAA. Learn more
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In Lake County,
we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have
served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer
resources to help veterans and their families. To learn more, check out this brochure, which details the assistance the
Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission provides, the Veterans Treatment and
Assistance Court, how to request a military service discharge record, and more.
Families and Loved Ones of Military are Invited to Service Connections
Family and loved ones of those who have served in the military are invited to come meet others who share the military experience at an event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Dryhootch/Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation drop-in center, 100 S. Atkinson Road, Suite 110, Grayslake. For information, contact Regina at 847-986-4622.
 If
you are sending your child off to day care or to school, now is the time to
ensure your child is up to date on recommended vaccines. Parents who are unable
to afford vaccinations may be eligible for the Federal Vaccine for Children
program, which offers vaccinations at no cost. The Lake County Health
Department’s Immunizations Program at 2303 Dodge Ave., Waukegan provides
immunizations through this program. Learn more
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Congratulations!! A number of communities in District 10 were recognized as “Safest
Places to Live in Illinois” on a variety of lists.
Hawthorn Woods was #1 on the HomeSnacks list of top 10. Lake Zurich and Wauconda made the
BackgroundCheck.org list. Lake Zurich
(10) and Hawthorn Woods (34) were recognized on another list.
ValuePenguin also recognized
Hawthorn Woods as #1 in the “Small Cities” category and #1 in the total
list. Mundelein was #5 in the “Large
Cities” category.
While the lists and methodology vary, it’s clear that
our communities (the administration, police, services and residents) are committed to making our
villages and the 10th District an attractive place to live and
work. Congratulations and thank you.
Hawthorn Woods' concerts and car shows resume Friday evenings in
the community park. The forecast for severe weather caused the village
to cancel last week's events.
Sail away at Mundelein's annual Cardboard Regatta
Construct a boat using
only cardboard, duct tape, and paint, and then sail away at Diamond Lake
Beach during the Mundelein Park and Recreation District’s annual
Cardboard Regatta at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. Awards will be
presented to the fastest boats, and a variety of awards also will be
presented ranging from Most Creative to Crowd Pleaser. More information
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