Dear Neighbors, 

I recently had the opportunity to join fellow members of the County Board to thank more than 300 people that serve on various County Board appointed boards, commissions, and other special purpose units of government. This ranges from drainage and fire districts to the transportation service boards, human services boards and the Board of Review. These dedicated volunteers make decisions and deliver services that our families and businesses depend on every day. Watch this video to see more from this event.

There are many opportunities for residents to serve their communities in an appointed leadership role. Those interested are encouraged to view the County Board's website. 

Homeowners and business owners impacted by the July 2017 flooding in Lake County may be eligible for loan assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be open through Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the Lake County Emergency Operations Center, 1303 Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville where SBA customer service representatives will issue loan applications, answer questions and help individuals complete applications. Find out more by viewing this SBA news release. 

Tax Credit Bill to Help Property Owners Affected by July Floods
Lake County property owners, along with those in 17 other Illinois counties who were affected by the July 2017 floods, may be eligible for a $750 tax credit under a new law recently approved by the Illinois Legislature and signed by the governor. If eligible, the natural disaster credit may be applied to the resident’s 2017 Illinois income taxes. More information about how property owners can apply for this credit will be forthcoming. Read news release. 

FEMA Denies Governor’s Request for Federal Disaster Declaration
In September, Governor Bruce Rauner sent a request to the president of the United States asking that he approve federal assistance to help people in the northern Illinois region, including Lake County, recover from record flooding and severe storms in July. Lake County has been notified that FEMA has denied this request. For information on the July 2017 flood, including a breakdown of the Disaster Declaration Process, visit the county’s flood information page.

Thanksgiving is time to think about all that we’re thankful for and enjoying a home-cooked meal with family and friends. But sometimes the meal can contain unhealthy amounts of calories and fat. You can enjoy the holiday season and be healthy too! Here’s some tips from Elizabeth, a dietitian from the Lake County Health Department.

• Find recipes which are carbohydrate controlled, low sugar, low sodium, and low fat.
• Eat a light snack, such as raw vegetables or a piece of fruit, and consume adequate water to help prevent overindulging at parties and family gatherings.
• Find fun ways to incorporate physical activity with the family both indoors and out. Go on a walk together, try lunges and chair exercises, or play charades with the family.
• Go to the health department’s Healthy Eating Active Living page to find more tips to eat healthy and stay active all year long.

Here’s some healthy holiday recipes that you can make for your Thanksgiving table.

Forest Preserve News

Our Favorite Fall Preserves
There’s still time to view fall color in Lake County. While all of our forest preserves are beautiful and unique, we asked staff to share their favorites.

Nan Buckardt, Director of Education
Favorite Preserve: Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth
Great Plant: “The colors on oak leaves are so saturated and rich.”
Fun Fall Fact: “Colors are brightest when the fall frost strikes early.”

Allison Frederick, Assistant Public Affairs Manager
Favorite Preserve: Rollins Savanna, Grayslake
Great Plant: “Virginia Creeper! This vine slowly morphs from green to deep burgundy–and every color in between.”

April Vaos, Environmental Educator
Favorite Preserve: McDonald Woods, Lindenhurst
Great Plants: “Maple trees, Virginia creeper, and little bluestem.”

Ken Klick, Restoration Ecologist
Favorite Preserve: Captain Daniel Wright Woods, Mettawa
Great Plant: “Sugar maple.”

Telephone Scam
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is receiving reports of Lake County residents getting fraudulent telephone calls from individuals representing themselves to be from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Learn more

Join Town Hall Meeting
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will discuss issues such as the opioid crisis, “A Way Out” program and other programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office at a town hall meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Woodland Elementary School West cafeteria, 17371 W Gages Lake Road, Grayslake. The event is free and open to the public. For information, send an email to RepSamYingling@gmail.com or call 847-231-6262.