September 29, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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I hope this finds you and your family and neighbors well and enjoying our resplendent fall season.
As you may have seen, the Illinois General Assembly recently passed a Clean Energy law. This legislation, which I strongly supported as Board Legislative Chairman, will have numerous benefits for Lake County and our area.
This law will complement the County Board's Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions 40% by 2030 and the remainder by the 2040. Lake County will directly benefit from this legislation in creating green energy jobs; providing transition aid to Waukegan for the closing of the (countywide polluting) coal-fired power plant; and support our comprehensive environmental management plan, which we passed in 2019 as part of our Strategic Action Plan.
Overall, the state legislation will also promote more installation of solar panels, electric car purchases and charging stations and reduce our overall carbon footprint. Note: Solar energy is growing and can save you money. My wife and I installed solar panels on our Grayslake home earlier this year. Even with air conditioning, our total summer bill shriveled to under $20 a month, consisting mostly of taxes and the ComEd connection fees.
Of course, we need to do much more to address the climate crisis. We need to reduce our waste stream to keep garbage out of the landfill. To that end, we're continuing our kitchen compost pilot project on the Forest Preserve's Brae Loch property (Center and Route 45). We're also hoping to cut the county's consumption and disposal of single-use plastics and recycle many more products. Thanks to Gov. Pritzker and our Lake County delegation for their leadership in passing one of the the most comprehensive environmental bills in the country. We're greening Lake County, but first we have to green Illinois -- and ramp it up globally. Nevertheless, all ecology is local!
Here's something I learned along the way: Grayslake has one of the largest electronics recycling sites in the state. It's in the village waste collection area east of Route 83 (Barron) just north of Frederick Road. Operated in conjunction with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), you can recycle anything from your old electronics to shoes, textiles, cardboard and kitchen waste. I'm working on expanding this facility. Check our SWALCO site to see what else you can recycle. We have regular household chemical waste pickups throughout the year.
As the climate crisis threatens our land, air and water, this law is an immensely powerful tool for tackling global warming. We will continue to fight this battle in every neighborhood. If you have some ideas on this subject, I'm all ears.
Local Events
I was proud to have supported the Grayslake-based Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation to raise money for their "Ruck March" vet suicide awareness campaign. Vets are taking their lives at an alarming rate, so we hope to get them more help. Learn more about the event here.
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I was also thrilled to support a recent Grayslake family bike ride introducing residents to our more than 20 miles of village bike trails. Thanks to the Grayslake Village Board, Police Department and Trustee Laura Faver-Dias, who organized the event.
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It's a great time of year to ride. And if you just want to walk, keep in mind that our Hike Lake County Challenge runs through November. You can earn a free hiking stick shield, zipper pull or dog "award" for your pooch if you hike seven trails.
Also brewing in the Forest Preserve is the addition of music performances to our Beer Garden at Independence Grove, now open past sunset on Thursday nights. I stopped by recently to chat with neighbors and hear famed guitarist Kraig Kenning and marvel at the variety of locally micro-brewed beers and ales.
Even if the fall air gets a little nippy, there are fire pits on the beach maintained by the staff, so you can enjoy the autumn evening in style. I hear they even sell packages of s'mores if you want to toast some marshmallows.
Finally, we were blessed with great weather and a stunning turnout for the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival. I was happy to lend a hand to the set-up crew. Many thanks to the Grayslake Exchange Club, Chamber of Commerce, Village and countless community members who helped and participated. We raised quite a bit of money for college scholarships.
If you need immediate assistance with any county service, please call our 2-1-1 help line. I am available to talk with your community organization. It's always my honor to serve you.
Be well,
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Committee Reviews Data, Discusses Recommendations for Redistricting Plan
The Lake County Reapportionment Committee reviewed maps utilizing 2020 U.S. Census data and discussed recommendations at its September 27 meeting as part of developing a redistricting plan for Lake County. Among the topics the members discussed were the number of County Board Members, number of County Board districts, and the method of electing the Lake County Board Chair. Watch this video to see the full committee discussion.
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Households Receive Assistance Through Lake County's FERA Program
Lake County's Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program, which helps individuals pay rent and/or utility bills, has processed 1,820 applications since the program opened in April 2021. Out of the applications that have been processed, 1,300 individuals were eligible based on the program’s criteria and received funding.
Individuals may still apply for assistance. Learn more about eligibility and apply.
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New Countywide Paratransit System Expected in 2022
A new borderless countywide paratransit service is getting closer to launching in Lake County. At its Sept. 14 meeting, the Lake County Board approved a resolution to work with Pace Suburban Bus on a new paratransit service known as Ride Lake County. Currently, several communities, townships and transit agencies offer paratransit options in Lake County, but all these services have different geographic boundaries, hours of service, rates, and more.
The proposed Ride Lake County service aims to provide one consistent service that individuals age 60+ and those with disabilities can use to get to work, grocery stores, medical appointments and more throughout Lake County. Existing paratransit services will remain in place until the new service is launched, which is expected in 2022. Watch this informational presentation.
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211 Marks Two Years Guiding People to Resources in Lake County
United Way of Lake County celebrated the second anniversary of 211 services for Lake County. Community leaders and stakeholders tuned in to learn how 211 has grown to become a lifeline for people across the county seeking help to meet basic needs. Watch this video to hear how 211 is making a difference in Lake County.
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Lake County Art Program Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
As part of "Art in Public Places," Lake County Government celebrates Hispanic Heritage month with its newest exhibit titled, GENERACIONES en este país: GENERATIONS in this land. Displayed in the Lake County Administrative Complex, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, the exhibit honors immigrant and first, second, and third generation artists from various cultures. A public reception will take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Learn more
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Come See London Pool on Display in Lake County
The public is invited to see a 600-pound stainless steel painting on display at the Lake County Administrative Complex, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, that has been loaned by the National Museum of the American Sailor. The work, titled London Pool was created by Lake County artist Buell Mullen. Watch this video to see the dedication ceremony, including an informative explanation as to how this London painting symbolizes Lake County’s history.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call or Text 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
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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. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Additional Resources
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Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program: B2B grants, ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 are available to help small businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Apply for the program.
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Rental Assistance: Lake County’s program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
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Food for Families in Need: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Find food
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Help for Veterans: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Call 847-377-3344.
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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. Learn more
Employment Resources
The Job Center of Lake County is your career solution! Their mission is to cultivate and connect Lake County employers and workers to fuel economic growth and well-being in Lake County. Check out these Job Center events: |
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Accelerate Your Job Search, 1 p.m. Oct. 5: Get your job search on the fast track with secrets and strategies from workforce professionals that will help put your job search into high gear. Register for Zoom class.
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Your Personal Brand & Resumes, 1 p.m. Oct. 12: Learn how to customize your resume and other written tools to help you land a great job. Register for Zoom class.
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Check Get Hired Illinois: The State of Illinois launched Get Hired Illinois, designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state.
View the full Job Center calendar.
Environmental News
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Help Keep Clothes Out of Landfills. Bring Your Items to Collection Bin
Got clothes you no longer wear or textiles you don’t use? Don’t throw them in the trash! The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County makes it easy to recycle clothing and other textiles, providing 57 collection bins across the county to keep it out of the landfill. View what’s accepted and unaccepted, and then find a drop-off location near you to bring your new, gently used or worn items that can be reused, repurposed and or recycled/upcycled.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Join Lake County Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Deputy Unit
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for Lake County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputies. The Auxiliary Deputy Unit is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers that augment the Sheriff's Office in times of emergency. The unit also assists local municipal police departments and charitable organizations in Lake County. Apply today.
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Public Works News
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Save the Pipes! Don’t Flush Wipes
Did you know even if a product is labeled flushable, it doesn’t mean the product can be safely flushed without clogging pipes. Products like disinfecting wipes, “flushable” wipes and paper towels should not go down the toilet because they can lead to costly repairs to the sewer infrastructure. Learn more
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Forest Preserves News
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Playground Locations
Treat children to some fresh air, fun and exercise in a natural forest preserve setting at one of eight playgrounds. Then, venture into the surrounding preserve for some unstructured exploration. Running, climbing and swinging is fun, but research shows that play time is also essential to cognitive, physical and emotional development.
Forest Preserves that feature playgrounds are Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa, Greenbelt in North Chicago, Half Day in Vernon Hills, Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Heron Creek in Lake Zurich, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Old School in Mettawa and Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth. The playground at Lakewood in Wauconda is currently closed due to preserve improvements that are underway.
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Fall Colors in Nature
Fall brings us eye-catching shades of red, orange and yellow. Do you know why? The answers will be addressed at the free “Fall Colors in Nature,” program that takes place 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 7 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.
Drop in to discover why leaves change colors, how plants are preparing for winter and why some animals are also getting ready to “change” their colors. The event is sponsored by USG. Learn more »
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Walk With A Naturalist
Join a naturalist and take a nice leisurely stroll through Sedge Meadow in Wadsworth. Learn about the history of this preserve and take a close look at some interesting plants and animals.
The event takes place from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, October 9. The program, geared for adults, requires registration and is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions.
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Community Events and News
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This Is Lake County, Illinois
Lake County features so much that makes this an attractive place to live, work and to visit. Enjoy stunning lakes and trails to bring you to nature, a small-town charm that builds a sense of community and a focus on economic vitality, providing a variety of career opportunities. Watch this beautiful video created by Visit Lake County to see why Lake County is the place to be.
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Enjoy Spooks and Spirits This Fall in Lake County
Now through early November, join the Spooks & Spirits Autumn Celebration. There’s fall festivals, costume parades, haunted houses, pumpkin patches and much more. Enjoy a bootiful time in Lake County this fall.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on 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 also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda. |
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Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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