March 25, 2021
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Vaccine Update
Vaccinations for Seniors at Greenbelt Cultural Center: The Greenbelt Cultural Center is vaccinating seniors age 65 and older that reside in North Chicago, Waukegan, Park City, Beach Park, Great Lakes, and Zion. To make an appointment, please send an email to: vaccine@northchicagocommunitypartners.org or call (847) 582-1362.
Vaccines for Veterans: President Biden signed into law the Save Lives Act, allowing the VA to vaccinate all veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers and Civilian Health and Medical Program recipients, regardless of their VA eligibility. However, patients enrolled in VA care will get priority. Veterans who need assistance in navigating the process to get themselves or their spouses vaccinated may reach out to the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, 847-377-3344.
All seniors may now schedule appointments through AllVax: As of March 23, everyone registered in AllVax age 65 and older with a Lake County ZIP code is now eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment at a Lake County vaccination site through the AllVax portal. Check your email (and be sure to check your spam folder too) for a link to schedule your appointment, or log in to your AllVax account. |
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Looking ahead: Vaccine supply is expected to improve in April once more doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are received by the State. The best vaccine to get is the first one available to you. Residents are encouraged to take the first appointment they can find to get their vaccine. To explore the four ways to access your vaccine, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/vaccine.
Most Lake County teachers vaccinated: The Lake County Health Department is celebrating its partnership with 45 Lake County public school districts to vaccinate over 12,500 private and public education staff and childcare workers in just two months. Learn more
Assistance With AllVax Portal
The call center hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional volunteers are on duty to take calls from Lake County residents age 65 and older during special senior hours:
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Tuesdays: Noon to 3 p.m.
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Thursdays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Fridays: Noon to 3 p.m.
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Caution Urged as First Case of Brazil Variant Reported in Lake County
Last week, the Lake County Health Department reported that it identified and is investigating the first case of the Brazil COVID-19 variant in Lake County. Multiple cases of the variant first identified in the United Kingdom have also been found in Lake County. No cases of the variant first identified in South Africa have yet been found in Lake County. |
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These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. So far, studies suggest that currently authorized vaccines in the United States are effective for these known variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway.
Current COVID-19 Data
Positivity Rate:As of March 21, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 2.6 percent. View Region 9 information.
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Vaccination Count: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of March 24, there have been 248,402 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 88,878 residents have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data
COVID-19 Testing
State-run COVID-19 testing sites, located in Waukegan (102 W. Water St.) and Arlington Heights (2000 W Euclid Ave.) are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free. For more information, visit the IDPH website. |
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Many healthcare providers in Lake County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. Residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.
Stay Informed
Get the COVID-19 Weekly Newsletter: The Lake County Health Department sends out a weekly COVID-19 newsletter every Friday with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine, coronavirus in Lake County, how to protect yourself, and more. Stay informed--subscribe here
Lake County Government News
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Mark your calendars and register now for Lake County’s next Virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart will be joined by Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister, Lake County Board Member/Finance & Administrative Committee Chair Paul Frank and other community leaders to discuss the latest on COVID-19 and other topical issues, and answer questions from the community.
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Public Hearings to Be Held in April
Next month, the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will be seeking public input as it considers proposed zoning amendments that would permit adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County subject to certain restrictions. A web page on the Lake County website will be launched in the beginning of April with more information. The ZBA will also host virtual public hearings via Zoom beginning on 5:30 p.m. Monday April 19 and continuing at 1 p.m. April 21. More details and a registration link to the hearings will be provided on the Lake County website and in my next newsletter.
While adult-use of cannabis has been legal in Illinois since Jan. 1, 2020, business establishments are currently prohibited to operate in unincorporated Lake County. Under Illinois law, Lake County government has the option to establish regulations to allow the production and sale of adult-use cannabis in the unincorporated areas or to ban adult-use cannabis businesses. The Lake County Board adopted a resolution on Feb. 9 to initiate the ZBA public hearing process.
Know Where to Vote in the April 6 Election
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Early voting is underway for the April 6 Consolidated Election, where voters cast their ballots for many local races, including municipalities, school districts, park districts and more. All voters are encouraged to learn about their local races and participate.
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Lake County Announces Art in Public Places Program
Lake County Government is pleased to announce a new Art in Public Places Program in partnership with local artists and galleries. Throughout the year, artwork created by local artists will be exhibited in the county's main administration building, located at 18 N. County Street, in downtown Waukegan. |
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The first exhibit opened earlier this month and is a celebration of Women's History Month. Six local female artists are presenting I Connect: Women Artists of Lake County.
Apply by April 30 for Summer Youth Employment Program
Young people from low-income families in Lake County are encouraged to apply for the Lake County Summer Youth Employment Program! This popular program from the Job Center of Lake County is funded by the Lake County Board and will provide meaningful work experiences in either onsite or virtual environments for approximately 215 young people this summer. Applications are due by April 30. Learn more |
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Get Help
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Many Resources Available
Many individuals and businesses continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic. If you need help, here are some links to resources:
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Food for Families in Need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County.
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Health Insurance: Anyone who needs health insurance may enroll through May 15, 2021 during the special open enrollment period through the Affordable Care Act. Depending on income, some people may qualify for subsidies to help reduce monthly premiums and other costs.
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Mental Health Support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time.
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Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources from the Job Center of Lake County: |
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Contact tracers are being hired. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. Learn more
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Your Personal Brand and Resume, April 13 at 1 p.m.: Regardless of your job title or field, you have a personal brand. Learn how to customize your resume and other written tools to help you land a great job! Register here
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Mastering the Virtual Job Interview, April 20 at 1 p.m.: Virtual interviews are becoming a staple of the candidate recruiting process. Learn the necessary tips and tricks to successfully interview online and land your next job! Register here
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Find more workshops on the Job Center Calendar
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The Job Center of Lake County has computers you can use for your job search. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. To schedule an appointment, call 847-377-3450.
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Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.
Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit 211lakecounty.org. |
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Forest Preserve News
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Beer Garden at Independence Grove
The new Beer Garden at Independence Grove, highlighting craft brews and scenic views, is expected to open late this spring with operational hours on weekends and holidays only. It will also be open during Tuesday evening concerts offered June–August. Ice cream and a variety of food items will be available at the snack shop located near the Beer Garden. |
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The decision to close the beach was made last year due to the fact that over time, demand for the beach amenity has decreased, resulting in the fact that it was no longer self-sustaining. Increasing labor costs and waning demand drove the decision to close. The former beach house and beach area is being repurposed for the Beer Garden. There is no new construction taking place for the amenity. Watch for the opening date and further details in the near future: LCFPD.org
Virtual Summer Camp Registration
Registration is now taking place for virtual summer camps. The camps are designed to keep children safe while delving into Lake County’s nature and history. Campers will take part in live sessions with our educators, then try outdoor and off-screen activities themselves. Farming, bugs, prehistoric Lake County, and fishing are included in the camp topics. The weekly camps run from June 14 through August 6. For a full roster of virtual camps: LCFPD.org/camps. |
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Browse all virtual education offerings and register online at LCFPD.org/calendar. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LCFPD for more educational resources, webinars and videos.
Trivia Trail Starts Up
Exercise your brain and body this spring by walking a different Trivia Trail each month. Signs with trivia questions ranging from local history to preserve features, are placed along a designated trail. Bring something to write your answers on so you can check them later. Unlike other trivia events, using your smartphone isn’t prohibited. Most answers can be found on our website, interactive trail map, Lake County history blog, or signs in the preserve. |
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Through the end of March, the curiosity journey is the 1.5-mile loop trail at Lyons Woods in Waukegan. Park in the Blanchard Road lot and follow the trailside signs. In April, Trail Trivia takes place at Heron Creek in Lake Zurich. Once you’re done, check your answers onsite or online: LCFPD.org/resources
Neighbors,
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I thank you for taking the time to read the latest edition of my e-newsletter. I encourage you to check out the community news and events listed below. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov.
Thank you,
Mary Ross-Cunningham
Vice-Chair, Lake County Board
Ms. Cunningham, County Board Vice-Chair and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on the following committees:
| Lake County Board |
Lake County Forest Preserves |
Law & Judicial, Chair |
Diversity & Cultural Awareness, Vice Chair |
Diversity & Inclusion, Chair |
Operations |
Health & Community Services |
Rules |
Rules |
Latino Coalition, Representative |
Other Appointed Positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo)
- Member of Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee
- Member of Veterans and Military Services Committee
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Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee |
Lake County Veterans Advisory Board |
Waukegan High School Advisory Board |
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member |
Lake County Domestic Violence Council |
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council |
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Community Events and News
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Beyond the Basics in the Vegetable Garden
The University of Illinois Extension, Lake County, and SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) invite all gardeners to get the dirt on vegetable gardening this season! The 2021 Garden Learning Series features one program from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month through July. The next session on April 14 will equip participants with the knowledge they need to improve their vegetable gardening skills. Learn more and register |
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Explore Outdoor Dining in Lake County
As the weather warms up, outdoor dining options in Lake County can elevate a great meal into an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. VisitLakeCounty.org has put together a great guide to outdoor dining across Lake County. We encourage you to bookmark it and check out some new places this spring! View the Lake County Outdoor Dining Guide |
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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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.
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To maintain proper social distancing, the number of persons permitted to attend will be limited. Public comments can also be submitted by email and phone call. Learn more
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
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