March 30, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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I am excited to share with everyone that vaccine supply is expected to increase in April, and that the Lake County Health Department will begin to open up its vaccine eligibility to more groups. All seniors in Lake County can now schedule an appointment through AllVax. New vaccine locations will also be opening in various parts of the county. We continue to urge everyone to also look for appointments at their doctors’ groups and local pharmacies. Read more below.
Independence Grove will be a great place this summer to listen to music. The Forest Preserve is proud to roll out Tuesday night concerts at our new beer garden in the grove, June through August. Ice cream and several food items will be available at the snack shop nearby. The concerts will be a great outdoor family activity this summer.
I also urge everyone who is registered to vote to go out and cast your vote for your local municipal officials during early voting this week or on Election Day, April 6. It is very important for as many people as possible to be involved in this process.
As the weather improves, I also encourage everyone in Buffalo Grove and Long Grove to support our local restaurants, eating outdoors or inside and ordering curbside. We want to keep the local eateries we enjoy open and financially healthy.
Best,
Marah Altenberg
Lake County Board District 20
Marah Altenberg Webpage
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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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s 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 hearinga via Zoom beginning at 5:30 p.m. 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. Learn more
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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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Vaccine Update
All seniors may now schedule appointments through AllVax: 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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Be patient: The Lake County Health Department is working as quickly as possible to vaccinate our community, but we are still a long way from achieving herd immunity, so please be patient and continue to follow precautions.
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.
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.
Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance, and if you plan to travel, refer to CDC’s public health travel and quarantine guidance.
Read more
Current COVID-19 Data
Positivity Rate: As of March 26, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 3.7 percent. View Region 9 information
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Vaccination Count: According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of March 29, there have been 275,253 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 97,753 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.
For a schedule of mobile testing sites and locations, visit our COVID-19 Testing page.
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
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.
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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Public Works News
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Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins April 5
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Lake County Public Works will begin its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program on April 5, depending on weather conditions. The expected completion date is May 7.
Flushing will take place daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., until all water mains have been flushed.
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During and immediately after flushing, you may notice a slight discoloration of your water due to the disturbance in the water main. This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. After flushing, we recommend running cold water for several minutes to clear your pipes. Signs will be posted in each area before the start of hydrant flushing. View the hydrant flushing schedule. For further information, please contact the Public Works office at 847-377-7500.
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
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 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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All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room. |
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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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