Greetings from Orlando!

I'm halfway through my week long vacation in Central Florida - and can't say that I'm missing the weather back home too much. We watched the Channel 9 news last night and saw Tom Skilling talk about a frost advisory.... yikes! You'll be happy to know it's sunny and 85 here today! :)

I came across a couple of odds & ends I thought I'd include in on today's blog:

MainStreet Libertyville names new Executive Director:
Mainstreet Libertyville has named Pam Hume as the new Executive Director of the organization. Pam has been extremely active with the organization over the years and is a great fit! According to Mick Zawislak's article in the Daily Herald, Pam has been a part of the organization since it was created (I'm pretty sure it was under my former neighbor, former Mayor Eckmann back in 1989). I think Pam has some great vision for the organization and is the right person for this job! Which reminds me, have you sent in your Mainstreet membership for this year?? If not, follow this link and get signed up to become a MainStreet member, today!!

http://www.mainstreetlibertyville.org/membersignup_paypal.html

Several Bears throw Alex Brown a going away party in Downtown Libertyville:

I came across this in today's Chicago Tribune - it seems several Chicago Bears threw Alex Brown a going away party in Downtown Libertyville at Casa Bonita! I wanted to include this mention in today's blog to underscore how much of a big deal Downtown Libertyville's restaurant scene has become.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-27/sports/ct-spt-0428-around-town--20100427_1_john-mcdonough-blackhawks-president-alex-brown


MainStreet Events - Summertime Golf Outing - Twilight Shuffle 5k Registration Underway!!

I wanted to give you a head's up to get your clubs ready for this summer's MainStreet golf outing. Also, registration is already underway for this Septembers Twilight Shuffle 5k Run:

MainStreet Libertyville Golf Outing
When: Monday, June 28th
Where: Bonnie Brook Golf Course in Waukegan
More Info: http://www.mainstreetlibertyville.org

Twilight Shuffle 5k Run/Walk
When: Sunday, September 5th
Where: Downtown Libertyville
More Info: http://www.twilightshuffle.com

Benefit Event @ Tommy 's - Saturday 2p-10p

I don't know this person - but I came across a link to her website from a posting on the Knauz Autopark Facebook page. Kelly Meloney was stricken with a rare form of cancer about a month into a new job - before her health insurance kicked in. Some friends are holding a benefit event at Tommy's (Next to Egg Harbor) tomorrow (Saturday, 4/25). You can find more information about her, and the event on a website set up to help out with some of Kelly's fundraising efforts. www.teamkellymeloney.com

Saturday April 24th
2:00-10:00 PM
Tommy's Pizza and Sports Bar
137 Lake St
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 362-4040
$10 cover / all-you-can-eat pizza
Live and Silent AUCTIONS and raffles every half hour!
All proceeds to benefit Kelly!
Schedule:
2:00-8:00 Silent Auction
2:00-5:30 Band
6:00-8:00 Boz the Magician
8:00 Silent Auction ends - get your final bids in by 7:59P.M.!
8:30-9:00 Live Auction
9:00 Raffle drawing for big prize

Friday Update!

Happy Friday!

Brainerd Community Center Concert Event - Saturday May 29th, Autin's Fuel Room!

The board members of the Brainerd Community Center are excited to announce a night of celebration, fun and music as part of their “Making Brainerd Real – 2010” fundraising and public awareness campaign. The concert event, planned for the Saturday evening of May 29th will feature a performance by America’s Entertainer, Dave Seabaugh. Seabough describes his show as “Something with a Vegas style and sound to it that you can bring your whole family to.” The concert will also feature an opening act of popular local crooner, Jon Weppler.

Brainerd Community Center President John Snow describes the evening as, “A very enjoyable event that we can are proud to bring to the community.”

Tickets are available for sale at Austin’s Saloon and Eatery, the Libertyville Village Hall or online at www.savebrainerd.org. Admission is only $50 will all net proceeds benefiting Brainerd Community Center.

What: Brainerd Community Center “Making Brainerd Real” Concert Event
Who: Friends of the Brainerd Community Center!
When: Saturday, May 29, 2010 Doors open at 7:30pm
Where: Austin’s Saloon and Eatery – Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville


Public Hearing on Wind Power in Lake County

I received the following e-mail this morning from my Lake County Board representative, Ann Maine (District 21) - this is a topic that I thought my neighbors along Rockland Road would find especially interesting. There will be a public hearing on the topic of Wind Power in Lake County. Thanks again to Ann for keeping us updated with what's going on with Lake County Government!


A note from Ann

Dear Neighbors,

We hear a lot about alternative energy. One area of particular interest is harnessing the power of wind to create energy for homes and businesses. Many of the communities in Lake County, including Libertyville and Lincolnshire, among others have a moratorium on the installation of wind turbines until they can create a series of regulations on size, placement and hours of operation.

The staff of Lake County's Planning, Building and Development Department spearheaded a task force that included representatives from over 20 Lake County Communities. The task force investigated types of wind power, heights and impacts to the environment and neighborhood to create a siting ordinance.

On Monday, April 26 at 1 pmthe Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding the permitting of wind energy facilities, height restrictions, setbacks, and operating conditions of wind energy facilities and the penalties and enforcement for violations of the proposed regulations. This would only be for unincorporated land in Lake County. However, villages and towns may wish to incorporate some of these ideas. The hearing will be held at the County's new Permit facility at 500 Winchester Road in Libertyville. The Public in encouraged to come to listen, learn and comment.

You can watch a video on wind power in Lake County or read the draft ordinance. If you are unable to attend the meeting but have comments or concerns, please email your thoughts to David Husemoller at dhusemoller@lakecountyil.gov.


Lake County Fielders Baseball Team Needs Host Families

Lake County's newest sports team, the Lake County Fielders baseball team, is asking local residents to consider becoming a host family for one of their 25 players. In an e-mail, the team Community Relations manager said that they "ask that our host families be able to provide a private bedroom for a player. Meals and transportation are not required, though it is always appreciated when they are provided when needed. In return for opening up your home to a player, the Fielders will provide you with the equivalent of four season tickets as well as season ticket holder privileges and invitations."

Anyone interested in hosting a player should contact: Beth Alderson @ 847-731-8000 or beth@fieldersbaseball.com.

Bring Trader Joe's to Libertyville!

I thought it was cool that I had 90-some people join my "We Need A Chick-fil-a in Libertyville, IL" facebook group. My group was even cited in a Daily Herald article about Chick-fil-a moving to the Chicago area!

Then I stumbled across a facebook group that was started at the beginning of this week aimed at bringing a Trader Joe's to Libertyville. The group already has nearly 800 members! (as of 3pm Wednesday) I think if you're on facebook, make sure you join the "Bring Trader Joe's to Libertyville IL" Apparently the demand for a high-end grocery store is much more than the demand for a fast-food chicken joint... lol.


This effort to being a Trader Joe's to Libertyville seems to be growing more and more popular - about a year ago, I knew of a few people who had written letters to the company - but now there seems to be a louder push for a store to open in our village. Hopefully they'll notice this facebook group and see our e-mails! (Make sure you send an e-mail too: http://www.traderjoes.com/about/location-requests-form.asp)

Oh, and don't forget to support the Chick-fil-a movement too! :)

Win a 1966 Ford Mustang!

Our friends and neighbors at the Waukegan Rotary Club are hosting their annual charity car raffle - this year's prize is a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible!


I know this isn't quite a Libertyville story - but I figure Waukegan is close enough.... When I worked for WKRS-AM in Waukegan, I was a member of the Waukegan Rotary club, plus my Grandfather was a member for a number of years, so I try and support them as often as I can.

Tickets are really inexpensive - $20 each or six for $100. They're only selling a maximum of 5,000 tickets, so you've got pretty good odds!

Purchase tickets here: http://www.waukeganrotarycarraffle.org/

Trib Ink!

The Chicago Tribune had a nice write-up this morning featuring the Village of Libertyville. The article was mainly a real estate piece, which talked about the affordability of housing in Libertyville. I have to agree - it's nice to see some areas of town with home prices that are more reasonable.

Trib story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/Lake_County_IL/ct-home-0416-libertyville-profile-chomes-20100416,0,7399824.story


The last line of the story, Mayor Weppler made a comment toward Trader Joe's - who the Village has been pursuing to take control of the vacant Fresh Foods/Franks Nursery lot on the far South end of town. As mentioned in this blog at the beginning of the year, Trader Joe's takes e-mail requests for potential locations - you can help Libertyville land a Trader Joe's by clicking at the link below:

http://www.traderjoes.com/about/location-requests-form.asp

MainStreet Libertyville / Brainerd Community Center Seek Volunteers!

Get/Remain Active In YOUR Community!

Hey Libertyville! Two outstanding organizations are in need of your help! If you're looking to become more active in our community - both, MainStreet Libertyville and the Brainerd Community Center are seeking volunteers! Both organizations need people to volunteer their time - or, of course, if you are short on time - money is a always welcome substitute! For both organizations - the amount of your time that is required is totally dependent on your availability!

For more information contact:

Mainstreet Libertyville
www.MainStreetLibertyville.com
847-680-0336

Brainerd Community Center
www.SaveBrainerd.org
847-722-8517

Libertyville Bank and Trust Shred Days!

Good-Bye Hitch Inn Post

I hope you weren't waiting to use any of your frequent customer points at the Hitch Inn Post Motel..... after being dormant for several years, the Hitch Inn Post has finally been torn down.

I haven't had a chance to drive by and see for myself - but the Daily Herald has some pictures on their website - http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=372167&src=63

RIP Dan "The Mailman" Harris

For anyone who may have him as their mailman, or like me, knew him as a regular at Downing's Bar - I wanted to pass on the sad news of the passing of Dan Harris, aka Dan The Mailman. An Irish Wake will be held for Dan at Downing's (431 South Milwaukee Ave - in between Jiffy Lube and The Liberty diner) this Sunday at 4pm. According to the Downing's Facebook page - "There will be free rum and cokes as well as free hot dogs. So please come and help us celebrate, share stories about the one and only Dan The Mailman. P.S. If you wanna bring a dish to pass that is cool too! Hope to see you there!"

From the Downing's Facebook page:

Lake County Board Update from Ann Maine

I wanted to pass on the latest e-mail update from my County Board representative (21st Dist.), Ann Maine. If you are interested in joining her e-mail list, drop her a note @ amaine@lakecountyil.gov.



A Note From Ann

Dear Neighbors,

In March I attended a Transportation Management Association meeting where representatives from IDOT, Lake DoT, the toll authority and Cook County Highway Dept. presented their spring-summer project lists. Below I've listed the highlights of some of these. There will once again be a number of construction sites that will impact your travel.

At the March County Board meeting, we passed a resolution directing the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals to conduct a public heariang on proposed text amendments governing the siting of wind power facilities. While this only applies to unincorporated areas, staff included municipalities, so that they too could learn. As the Country looks toward non-carbon based energy, this will become an important issue. I will keep you informed about the time and location of these meetings.

County Board meetings are available on-line. If you are interested in a specific item, you can look at the agenda and click on it. In the next year Forest Preserve agendas will also be available on line.

As always, I welcome your comments on these or any other issues. Government works best when the citizens are heard, so I hope you'll continue to share your concerns.If you'd like me to come to your Homeowner's meeting or other group to address more issues in person, just contact me.

Sincerely,

Ann Maine

Lake County Board and Forest Preserve
District 21
amaine@lakecountyil.gov
847-374-9787


Transportation Update

There are literally a hundred road projects planned for the Lake and Cook County area. This doesn't even include local road projects. The Lake County Dept. of Transportation will try to include links to all projects in the area, even if the department is not working on them. Here is the list and tentative schedule for some of the major projects in our area. Please keep in mind that weather has a big impact on the ability of crews to work on the roads.

Now that the tollway lane additions are done, the project with the biggest impact will be the Edens Lane Resurfacing. This is expected to start in late June or early July. The road will be reduced to one lane each way. with a lane shift on the Tri-State.

But once you get onto the Edens there are still a number of projects will impact your travel time. While the Kennedy ramps should open in April, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin four projects to improve the Interstate 290 Expressway, Congress Parkway Bridge and Wacker Drive. Get details on each project from the IDOT/CDOT 2010-2012 project site. You can also look at all lane closures.

Il 176 from Milwaukee Ave to Midlothian--will be resurfaced in July 2010. There will be intermittent road closures.

Rt 22 and Milwaukee Ave, intersection--IDOT is trying to accelerate this project so that it will be done in mid July.

St. Mary's Road from Il 176 to Il 137--this resurfacing project will run from July 2010 until October 2010. Work will occur from 9 am-3 pm. THe road will be down to one lane at this time. Expect delays.

Buffalo Grove Rd from Deerfield Parkway to Il 83--should be finished in May of 2010.

With the price of gas going up again and summer construction season, you may want to check out Metra website. Remember, you can also take Metra to O'Hare airport from the Vernon Hills, Prairie View or Buffalo Grove train stations. It's easy and fast.

You can also bike more! Drive less. Live more promotes alternative transportation in northern Illinois. They have information on bikes on public transportation, as well as ride sharing information, biking paths and more.

If you haven't used the Lake County Division of Transportation's PASSAGE program before. This summer is the time to start. Drivers can find real-time information, online or on the radio (1620 AM), about congestion, construction, accidents and detours on local roadways. You can also get traffic updates on your PDA.

Forest Preserve and Nature News

With all the warm weather, it's good to know that the Forest Preserve offers a lot of free or inexpensive programs. Visit Ryerson Woods where you can take a gentle hike along the river, visit the small farm area with animals for the kids or visit the historic Brushwood home and see an art exhibit. Currently The Friends of Ryerson Woods is sponsoring Aviary! This includes the works of 18 different artists.

On April 7 the Friends book club will be discussing John Wasik's The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome at 7:30 pm. New comers are welcome!

You can also take the kids or grandchildren and head to the Lake County Discovery Museum.

You'll have a great time recollecting your favorite stories and the children will love the artwork from 60 years of Little Golden Books. For more information about the Golden legacy exhibit or to download discount admission coupons, call 847-968-3400 or visit online at: GoldenLegacy

The Forest Preserve calender has information on other programs including photography,history and dinosaurs.

The Friends of the Chicago River are sponsoring the 18th Chicago River Day on May 8th. From 9 am to noon there are a number of activities and projects, many located here in Lake County.

Environmental Issues

Despite our name, Lake County does face serious long term water issues. The County has been working on a number of initiatives to conserve our water resources. On March 4, I co-chaired the Lake County Water Sustainability Group. This group of elected officials, professionals and expert staff will spend the next 6 months developing sustainable water goals. March 22 was World Water Day. The Nature Conservancy has a great list of water conservation tips, many of which you may already be practicing.

While all the rain and late snow make the rivers high now,the hot dry weather of summer will come. Conserve our water and order a Rain Barrel. You can also order a compost bin or fish for your outdoor pond from Lake County Soil and Conservation District.

On Saturday April 24--the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District will hold a chemical waste collection by appointment only. Please call 847-634-2512 to set up your appointment.

Getting new running shoes for the spring season? Don't throw your old ones away! Participate in SWALCO's reuse a shoe program. You can even register your group and sponsor your own collection.

Job and Business Information

Lake County Partners has a new President, Steve Anderson, from St. Louis. Whether you have a business in Lake County, or are thinking of moving a business to Lake County. They can help you with all types of resources and information, including SB504 financing.

Lake County job postings are now on-line.

Available jobs at the Forest Preserve.

The Forest Preserve is now placing bids and requests for proposals on-line.

The Lake County Workforce Investment Board is also a good source of information for businesses.

Education in Lake County

The University Center of Lake County, located in Grayslake, is a consortium of 18 colleges and universities that offers higher education and workforce development opportunities to all Lake County residents. Created in 1996, it supplements what the College of Lake County offers. About 1/3 of the 90 academic programs are "bachelor's completion" , another 1/3 are graduate degrees and the remainder are professional development. A number of the courses are on-line; classes are also offered on weekends and in the evening to accommodate adult students.

Stop by the Grayslake facility, 1200 University Center Drive, on April 8 for the open house and learn more about what they offer.

Community News

The Vernon Area Public Library is holding their semi-annual Used Book Sale on Friday and Saturday April 23 and 24 from 10am-4 pm. Bargain Sunday, April 25 from 12-4 (all items half price). The box sale ($10 a box) is Saturday May 1 from 10 am -2 pm.

The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club is holding their 2010 bicycle swap on Saturday, April 24 from 9 am to 4 pm at Centennial Park. You can buy, sell or swap bicycles and equipment. Visit Cyclearlington for more information.

Lake County News Archive

Click here to view past issues of Lake County News from Ann Maine.

April: In & Around Libertyville

Five Guys

As of this morning (Saturday 4/3) there are only 37 more days until the new Five Guys Hamburger restaurant is expected to open in Libertyville! (Not that I'm counting or anything....) I think the addition of Five Guys to the Village is a great sign of how strong our local restaurant scene has become. Now, we just need to work on getting a Chick-Fil-A (and maybe a Waffle House too!).


Libertyville's Co-Operative Nursery Fundraiser - Passport To Libertyville

Libertyville Co-operative Nursery School is offering a "Passport to Libertyville" coupon book. For $20 each, this book will deliver savings and offers from over 50 local Libertyville business, restaurants and services.

Books are available at: Allure Designs, Full DisClothesure, How Impressive!, Parkview Gourmet, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Sunset Foods, 730 North Optometry, Cafe Pyrenees, and 545 North.

More info: www.libertyvilleco-op.com


Ike Reilly - New Album / Lollapalooza / Shooter Jennings

LHS Grad and resident local Rock Star Ike Reilly has a new album - Hard Luck Stories. The album is now out on store shelves - available at Best Buy, Amazon or on Ike's website - www.ikereilly.net (or most anywhere else that sells music). I was out in Virgina Beach earlier this week and took the album with me for a listen - and I'm glad I did. Every track was solid - my favorite is #6 - Good Work. The video for the song Good Work features a backdrop that will be very familiar to most LHS grads - the video was filmed earlier this year at the Brainerd Building. I'll let you know as soon as it's available for viewing.

Ike has been out on the road promoting his new album - locally, he'll have an upcoming show in Chicago on April 29th - Ike will be playing the Lincoln Theatre along with Shooter Jennings (Waylon's kid). Tickets are now on sale - HERE.

Finally, I was happy to read this morning on the ChicagolandRadioandMedia.com website that Ike will be playing this year's Lollapalooza Festival in Grant Park. The three day music fest runs August 6th - 8th. Three day passes can be purchased - HERE.

BTW - If you're interested in Chicago TV or Radio news, chicagolandradioandmedia.com is a great source of news and information. The website has established itself as THE source for breaking radio and TV related news for Chicago. It also has a Libertyville connection - The site is run by a former longtime Libertyville business owner who is still a member of the GLMV Chamber of Commerce!

Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society Monthly Meeting

The next Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society meeting will be held on Monday, April 12th at 7:30pm. The meetings are held at 7:30pm at the Libertyville Township offices @ 359 Merrill Court. All of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society meetings are open to the public and are free to attend!

The April Meeting will feature Northern Lake County's involvement in the Underground Railroad at their next monthly membership meeting. Some estimates show that by 1850, over 100,000 slaves had escaped to freedom using the network of secret routes and safe houses. Some of the Underground Railroad routes made their way through Lake County, with known stops in Waukegan, Gurnee and Milburn. The Waukegan Historical Society's Museum Supervisor, Ty Rohrer will talk about Lake County's involvement in the Underground Railroad, some of the know safe houses and known hero abolitionists who helped the slaves make their way to freedom.

Who: Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society Meeting:
When: Monday, April 12th, 2010 7:30pm
Where: Libertyville Township Offices – 359 Merrill Court


Tony Esposito Autograph Session - Benefit for the United Way of Lake County

Now, I know this isn't Libertyville - but it's close enough (and pretty cool!) Chicago Blackhawks legendary goalie Tony Esposito will be signing autographs at the Flatlanders Pub in Lincolnshire on April 13th - 6:30p-8p. Autographs are only $35 / $50 per autograph for jersey or stick.

Pre-order your tickets - 847-913-0177

Pucks, photos, jerseys, mini-helmets, & sticks will be available for purchase at the signing event.

This event is sponsored by Auction Merchandise Source - AMS is the group that provided autographed items for the Brainerd Community Center fundraiser at Mickey Finn's last fall.


Bart Shore's Time Warp Radio

Finally - I wanted to mention a great podcast recorded and produced by my fellow WBBM-AM traffic reporter, Bart Shore. This morning's All-Request edition of Time Warp Radio features songs by The Shadows of Knight, the Lovin' Spoonful and my request - Sam and Dave! Bart also gives a great plug for our "We Need A Chick-Fil-A in Libertyville" cause - thanks Bart!

You can listen and download Bart's Time Warp Radio podcasts - http://bartshore.libsyn.com

Time Warp Radio is also on facebook - HERE.