75 volunteers. 17
teams. 26 people sleeping outside.
This year’s Point-In-Time Count yielded the
highest numbers on record, going back to 2005. Volunteers found 26 people
sleeping outside, and this number will grow over the next few days as
volunteers continue to seek out individuals that need assistance. This event is
one of many initiatives bringing people together to work toward ending chronic
homelessness in Lake County. Help make a difference by connecting with the
member organizations of the Lake County Homeless Coalition.
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As the County Board gets ready to update its strategic plan,
we want to know what is important to you. Provide your feedback and help make
our county even better by joining the next telephone town hall meeting at 7
p.m. Feb. 15. Sign up to
receive a call.
You can also submit your ideas anytime through our “Community Voice” forum, and in Español.
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As we begin a new year, tax season will be right around the
corner. Individuals who earn $64,000 or less can self-file their federal and
state taxes for free through a secure mobile-optimized website called MyFree Taxes. The
website is provided in partnership with United Way and H&R Block.
Individuals also can utilize a helpline at 855-MY-TX-HELP and online chat
support with services available in English and Spanish by IRS-certified
specialists.
In 2016, the Lake County Division of Transportation studied
four travel corridors to look at signal timings during peak travel times in the
morning, mid-day, and in the evening. The overall results of the study show
that technology enhancements, adjusting the signal timings, and coordinating
the signals through the Lake County PASSAGE system led to a reduction in
vehicle delays (477.8 hours) and a reduction in fuel consumption (318.2
gallons) per day. Not only does this save money, approximately $3.1 million a
year, but this also means less time stuck in the car and more time doing the
things you want to do. An added benefit of the study was a reduction in CO2
emissions by 566 metric tons per year. Learn
more about the study.
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Don’t miss the chance to volunteer and help keep
Lake County highways and bike paths clean! Today is your deadline to
submit an application and adopt a section of a county highway that you and
your group commit to cleaning twice a year. The Lake County Division of
Transportation provides the equipment. You provide the manpower. Take a look at
the available
sections, fill out an application, and join the fun! Learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway
program. |
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Forest Preserve News
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Maple Syrup Hikes
Stroll
through a maple woodland while learning about the sweet sap of sugar
maples. Ryerson Woods in
Riverwoods is one of few places in Lake County where conditions are right
for maple syrup production and where trees grow to a diameter and height that
allows for tapping. Hikes will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. every half hour
the last three weekends in March. Registration is required. Learn more |
Volunteer at the Native Seed Nursery
Volunteers,
including individuals, school, corporate and scout groups, donated more than
2,974 hours, equivalent to 1.5 full-time employees, last year at the Native Seed Nursery in
Rollins Savanna in Grayslake. Many of the native grasses and wildflowers used
in forest preserve restoration projects get their start at the nursery.
Volunteers may propagate plants, plant plugs, maintain plant beds, and collect
and process seed. Learn how
you can get involved. |
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See firsthand how the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
maintains law and order for county residents by joining the next Citizen Police
Academy beginning March 9. The 10-week program will meet from 6:30 to 9:30
p.m. Thursdays and is offered free to Lake County residents. Participants
must be 21 years of age or older, be of good moral character, and have no
felony convictions.
Applications are available at the Lake County
Sheriff’s Office, 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan and the Sheriff’s
Office website. Submit your application by Feb. 24. For
information, contact Deputy Roman Buchberger at 847-377-4211.
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Get free health screenings, check demonstrations at community health fair Check out interactive exhibits and booths, exercise and food demonstrations, free health screenings and more at a community-wide health and wellness fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at the American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Admission is free. Learn more
College of Lake County Sponsors Black History Month events A Feb. 11 Salute to Gospel concert and a Feb. 27 poetry and jazz event are among the activities hosted by the College of Lake County to honor Black History Month. The college invites the community to join the events at the college’s Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington St., and in downtown Waukegan. Learn more
International film series kicks off today Four highly acclaimed international films will be presented for free on Friday nights by the College of Lake County Center for International Education. View the spring semester film schedule.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov.
I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be
interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my
bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Sign up for my mailing list
here” button at the top of the newsletter.
Thank you,
Mary Ross Cunningham
Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:
Lake County Board, 9th District: Diversity and Inclusion Committee, (Ad-Hoc), Chair Lake County Law and Judicial Committee, Vice Chair Lake County Health and Community Services Lake County Rules Committee
Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District: Operations Committee, Vice Chair Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee
Other appointed positions: National Association of Counties (NACo) Community and Economic Development Committee Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, Vice Chair Lake County Board of Health Personnel Committee, Chair Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member
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