January 10, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
|
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I spent much of the two weeks my children had off school with my family, watching movies (Little Women is wonderful!), eating sweets, and playing on our son’s new Nintendo system (which allowed me and my husband to flex our skills at old-school games like Super Mario).
On a more serious note, our community was recently confronted with a hate incident when a large swastika was spray painted on the brick wall of our neighborhood elementary school, along with several smaller ones elsewhere on the school grounds. The district is in the process of responding with measures including age-appropriate classroom discussions, social studies curriculum review by staff, and a large banner that says “Choose Kindness” for the children to sign and hang on the wall. The crime itself is still under investigation.
It’s clear through my conversations with the school principal and district superintendent—as well as our own County Board chair—that all take the incident seriously and are dedicated to more than simply a reactionary, one-time response that quickly gets forgotten. I applaud that thoughtful approach—how the community meets that display of hatred will teach children much more than the incident itself. It’s important not to dismiss it, for adults and those in a position of power to call the incident what it is (a hate crime), shed light on such acts and discuss, especially with children, why that symbol incites fear and anxiety in so many, why present-day white supremacists groups use it, and why dismissing it as just a “prank”—even if that was the intent of the offender—is misguided. Please let me know if you have any questions.
There is plenty of good information in the newsletter below, on new Illinois laws and recycling guidelines, jobs with the Census, opportunities for service on MLK Day January 20, and more.
Take care,
County News
|
Recreational Cannabis Q&A
As of Jan. 1, the recreational use of cannabis in Illinois for persons 21 and older is legal. Under the law, jurisdictions in Illinois can ban recreational cannabis businesses within their boundaries or, alternatively, establish regulations to allow businesses engaged in the production, transport and sale of cannabis. Lake County has developed an informational Q&A to provide answers to questions you may have about the new law. Read more
New Illinois Laws for the New Year
|
In addition to the cannabis law, more than 250 new laws went into effect in Illinois beginning Jan. 1, which will impact nearly all Illinois residents. These include minimum wage increases, requirements to have diaper changing stations in every public building with a public restroom, increased fines for passing a stopped school bus, and many more Learn more
|
|
 |
Scott’s Law Fines Will Increase in 2020
|
Scott’s Law requires vehicles to change lanes and slow down when approaching disabled or emergency vehicles on the side of the road. Beginning in 2020, the minimum fine for violating Scott’s law has increased from $100 to $250 for a first offense, and $750 for a second offense. In 2019, more than two dozen troopers were hit by drivers in Illinois, including three fatalities. Obey Scott’s Law and help keep those who work to protect us safe. Watch this video to learn more
|
|
 |
Volunteer to Make an Impact on Lake County Homelessness
You can join the fight to end homelessness in Lake County. Later this month, the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless (LCCH) will conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. Volunteers are needed to interview and offer assistance to people experiencing homelessness in Lake County. |
|
 |
The information gathered captures a picture of what homelessness looks like on any given day, helps coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, and provides organizations with the information needed to end homelessness. This count will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Learn more and apply to volunteer today.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates King’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. |
|
 |
You can find volunteer opportunities in your community by visiting the MLK Day of Service web page maintained by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Simply click on “Find a Volunteer Opportunity” and type in your zip code.
Lake County Jail Population Data Now Publicly Available
Through a partnership with Loyola University Chicago, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has developed a platform to share demographical information from the Lake County Jail with the community.
This will allow the public to see information and trends such as daily and monthly jail population and other data such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, and more. In addition to increasing transparency, the data will provide vital information to government and community organizations to identify solutions to reduce recidivism. Read more
|
|
 |
Resolve to be Safe This Year!
In 2020, resolve to stay alert and be prepared for any emergency!
-
Discuss emergency plans with your family, including a family evacuation plan and a meet up location if you get separated.
-
Start and grow an emergency savings account.
-
Reach out and connect with your neighbors, as being connected helps keep your neighborhood safe.
-
Learn basic safety skills, including first aid, CPR & how to shut off utilities to keep you and your loved ones safe.
|
|
 |
Stream Restoration Projects Help Improve Water Quality and Reduce Flooding
The Stormwater Management Commission is responsible for reducing flood damage, improving water quality, and enhancing the natural drainage system in Lake County. One of the many ways they do that is to implement stream restoration projects with techniques like stabilizing the stream channel and banks. Watch this video and learn more about streambank stabilization techniques. |
|
 |
Environmental News
|
New State Law Bans Batteries in Recycling Bins
As of Jan. 1, a new Illinois law prohibits residents and businesses from placing rechargeable or lead acid batteries into recycling carts. This is because lithium ion batteries may spark fires if improperly handled. The good news is that SWALCO’s Household Chemical Waste and sponsored Residential Electronics Recycling programs will accept rechargeable and small sealed lead batteries for proper disposal. |
|
 |
Want to know what other items can and can’t be put in your recycling bin? Visit SWALCO’s handy neighborhood guide, where you can search your town to see what is and isn’t accepted.
Holiday Tree Recycling
|
Don’t send your Christmas tree to the landfill, drop it off with the Lake County Forest Preserves for recycling. Donated trees are chipped and used for trails and landscaping. Bring your tree to one of eight forest preserve drop-off locations no later than Feb. 1, 2020. Learn more »
|
|
 |
Recycle Your Holiday Lights
To help Lake County stay green, SWALCO is offering opportunities to recycle your old broken or unwanted strings of lights. Wire string holiday lights and extension cords will be accepted. Click here for drop off locations. |
|
 |
Job News
|
Looking for a job? There are many recruiting events and job fairs to help you land your next job! Click on each link below for full details. |
|
 |
Apply for Census 2020 Jobs
The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring hundreds of thousands of temporary workers to ensure a complete count for the 2020 census. There is a great need for all types of workers, from office and clerical to enumerators and supervisors. Bilingual speakers are especially needed.
-
Hours are flexible
-
Pay is excellent
-
The work is important
Due to exceptional need, non-citizens with language skills other than English are also invited to apply. The application is online and takes 30 minutes. Please consider applying or pass along to others who may be interested. Learn how to apply
Zion Job Fair
Meet more than two dozen Lake County area employers at a job fair hosted by the Job Center of Lake County and the Zion-Benton Public Library. A photographer will be on hand to provide free professional head shots to job seekers, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion. Learn more
Watch All County Board Meetings
|
|
Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
|
|
|
 |
Forest Preserve News
|
Dunn Museum Cradle Inspires
|
Two traditional Native American artists visited the Dunn Museum to research a birchbark cradle in the collections. Inspired by their visit, the artists have been working on their own birchbark and quillwork cradles and bonnets. Their project, titled “Celebration of Life,” was recently completed and is now on exhibit at the Museum through April 16. It’s a rare opportunity to see the Museum’s cradle on exhibit paired with the work of present-day contemporary Native American artists.
Learn more »
|
|
 |
Winter Recreation
|
Cold weather brings winter fun in your Lake County Forest Preserves. Solar-lit evening hikes, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and ice fishing are included in the array of activities available. Before heading out to the preserves, check the status map on the winter sport’s page. Learn more »
|
|
 |
Gift That Keeps Giving
The Preservation Foundation is the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. It supports the growth, development and sustainability of our region’s natural lands and cultural heritage. Like a root system pulls vital nutrients from the soil, the Foundation drives the mission of the Forest Preserves by responsibly directing funds to projects and programs that might otherwise go unfunded. Learn more » |
|
 |
Community Events and News
|
|
Tuition Grants for Short-Term Programs
Looking for a rewarding career, but have very limited time and funding for schooling? You may be eligible to earn one of nine short-term career certificates at College of Lake County, with tuition and nearly all of your expenses paid, thanks to a new grant program called Transform Lake County.
This new opportunity provides full tuition grant in short-term programs. Nearly 200 residents of Lake County with a specific emphasis on North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion are eligible. Read more
|
Top 10 Things to do in January
Check out the top 10 activities recommended by
VisitLakeCounty.org to keep yourself energized this winter. Toast in the New Year with the Lake County Libation Trail, get a behind-the-scenes tour with the Tempel
Lipizzans who will warm your heart, and enjoy Lake County’s winter festivals, theater productions and much more. Learn more
Indoor Winter Farmer’s Market
Come shop at the farmer’s market, Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ela Township Community Center, 380 Surryse Road, Lake Zurich.
|
