I hope you all stayed warm last week. Thank you to the first responders who aided those in need during the cold snap. I know Countryside and Libertyville fire departments collaborated to respond to over 90 calls Tuesday through Thursday.
I will be at the Forest Lake Board meeting next Tuesday, Feb. 12. I would love to come learn about your HOA or neighborhood association, and fill you in on the work of Lake County. Please send me an email at jvealitzek@lakecountyil.gov to set up a time.
Homeowners and landlords, we need your help! Read below a story about the Lake County Forest Preserve’s new Healthy Hedges campaign to eradicate buckthorn.
Last but by no means least, I have joined several County Board members to work with County staff and the Stormwater Management Commission to write a letter to the governor of Wisconsin regarding the latest news that the Foxconn project might not provide as many manufacturing jobs as first promised. Read the letter HERE urging Wisconsin to reconsider the major environmental waivers given to the corporation, which will be located at the head of the Des Plaines River watershed.
Have a great week. Jessica
Nationwide, individuals are unable to restore their driving privileges if their license is suspended for failure to pay a fine or appear in court. Lake County residents with a suspended driver’s license looking to restore their driving privileges are invited to attend a FREE education session with the Lake County Board, Illinois Secretary of State’s office, and Lake County Workforce Development on Feb. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Waukegan City Hall. Learn about:
Register to Attend
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Attend and meet face-to-face with several of Lake County's government employers on Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. All of the agencies at our job fair have open positions they seek to fill.
Organizations that will be in attendance include the City of Zion, Deerfield Park District, Lake County Forest Preserves, Park District of Highland Park, Village of Buffalo Grove, Village of Lincolnshire, Waukegan Park District, and Waukegan Community Unit School District 60. These organizations are looking to fill full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions in various departments.
Tips for Success: Dress professionally—first impressions go a long way. Bring multiple copies of your resume. Bring a friend. All job seekers are welcome. Prepare a brief but effective “pitch” to let the people you meet get to know you. For questions or information, call 847-367-6640.
Learn more >>
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Applications for the 2019 Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program are now being accepted through March 31! The program, funded by the Lake County Board, provides meaningful work experiences for participants, who will work at various sites in Lake County, including private employers and nonprofit organizations, local municipalities and community-based organizations. Applicants should be age 14 to 18 (by April 15) or age 14 to 22 with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
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The Lake County Board meets monthly to approve funding and make policy decisions that have an impact on various public services and programs, from health to transportation to courts and public safety. In this County Board Wrap Up, find out how grants are a critical funding source to improve residents’ mental and physical health, and learn about a new study that aims to help users of Lake County bike and walking paths find their way. Watch Video.
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Come together in a public statement against global abuse and oppression of women and join Lake County Rising on Feb. 12 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. The community resource fair will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the program will follow at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more
There has been a recent increase in reported cases of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) throughout Illinois and in Lake County. Since January 2018, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed 110 cases of HAV and has identified 35 cases to be part of a statewide outbreak. Learn more about HAV and steps you can take to prevent it.
From exploring a winter wonderland to playdates with cold-blooded creatures to escaping reality in snowy murals, Lake County is the place to indulge in frosty festivities. Check Visit Lake County’s guide to winter festivals to warm yourself up.
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While we’re hopefully more than halfway through another winter, February has proven to be one of the rougher winter months. There are things you can do to keep yourself safe this winter.
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Forest Preserve News
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Where Will Your Kids Grow This Summer? Registration for our 2019 camp season is now open. Camps are led by professional educators trained in supervision, safety and activity development. Early bird discounts are available through Feb. 15. Programs fill quickly so enroll early. Register online »
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Profiles in Excellence: Power of Words Join us for an inspiring afternoon on Feb. 17 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago) in honor of Black History at the 36th annual Profiles in Excellence event: Power of Words with special guest speaker, Conni Marie Brazelton. Brazelton is an actress, born in Waukegan, known for her roles in The People Under the Stairs (1991), ER (1994) and Soldier (1998). There will be presentations, a performance by the Waukegan High School Choir, community honorees and refreshments. FREE admission. All ages. No registration required. Learn more »
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Healthy Hedges The Lake County Forest Preserves has partnered with other organizations to create a resource for homeowners who want to know what to plant following buckthorn removal. European buckthorn is an invasive species that is detrimental to native flora and fauna, and now unfortunately makes up about 40 percent of our canopy in the Chicago area. Learn about recommended species that can be planted in its place to maintain privacy screens and shady areas. Here is an example of a backyard landscape following buckthorn removal and the addition of native plants.
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View the History of Your Forest Preserves This time-lapse map depicts the Forest Preserves’ land acquisitions from our inception in 1958 to the present. In addition to seeing land acquisitions appear on the map year by year, the interactive map allows you to zoom into a specific area or preserve to watch its development over time. Zoom in close to see landscape, roads and improvements. This is just one of the tools available on the our Featured Maps site, which also includes useful information such as trail and underpass closures, the status of Independence Grove activities, controlled burn notifications, and the Interactive Trail Map, on which trail users can find their real-time location on a trail from their portable device. View time-lapse map »
Learn about the history of your forest preserves »
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