Lake County Gazette

In this issue...

The recent rise in anti-Semitic activity across the country is deeply concerning.

The City of Highland Park unequivocally condemns any racist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBT, ableist, or otherwise hate-motived groups or individuals who are threatening any form of violent acts, bigoted harassment on, or discrimination against our residents, visitors, or city staff. This behavior is never acceptable, but it is particularly outrageous that any groups would further an agenda of hate and fear.

Highland Park will take every possible action to ensure that residents, workers, and visitors will not face discrimination or harassment. Violent threats have no place in our country, state, or city, and will not be tolerated. Reports of such hate crimes are of great concern. Be assured that the City’s Police Department will continue to work closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the continued safety of our community.

It is vitally important that our community holds to our values and stands together in denouncing all acts of bigotry and violence. Hate has no home in Highland Park or anywhere.

The City of Highland Park Senior Center is relocating to the Highland Park Country Club (1201 Park Ave. W., Highland Park) to better serve its members and allow for the safe reopening of in-person services and activities. Beginning on June 1, 2021, Senior Center members and guests will enjoy a variety of on-site activities in addition to an ongoing calendar of virtual programs.

The Senior Center has offered a wide variety of virtual programming for residents and members since the suspension of in-person services in March 2020. Programs that are well-suited to a virtual environment will continue to be offered online. Other programs, such as fitness classes, Mah Jongg, Bridge and Canasta open play and classes, and Bingo will be held in-person at the Country Club. The Senior Center also intends to resume day excursions. For the time being, the Medical Equipment Loan Closet will continue to operate at 54 Laurel Avenue by appointment only. 

The Senior Center will also launch a new online portal to facilitate membership management and account maintenance beginning June 1. Through the portal, seniors will be able to join the Senior Center or renew their membership and register and pay for activities. Learn more.

The Connector Bus will resume service on June 1, providing free and convenient transportation to numerous locations throughout Highland Park. The Connector Bus will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM in response to requests to provide service later in the afternoon. The Connector Bus operates along a fixed route and arrives at each stop hourly before transitioning to drop-offs only at residential areas for the last route of the day. Face masks are required on the bus for all guests. 

The Connector Bus stops at the following locations: 654 Walnut; 1695 Second St.; 400 Central; Highland Park Public Library; Sunset Foods; Sunset Woods Condos; Jewel-Osco; Sherwood Forest; CVS; Target; Brooke Estates; NorthShore Highland Park Hospital; Walgreens; Highland Park Senior Center at the Highland Park Country Club.

Riders may request stops at the Highland Park Metra Station, the Highland Park Police Department, and the Highland Park Hospital Medical Building.

Water main installation along Clavey Rd. through the Green Bay Rd. intersection continues this week. Traffic delays are expected at the intersection of Clavey Rd./Blackstone Pl. and Green Bay Rd.

In order to connect the new water main to the existing water main on Green Bay Rd., water service for affected homes in the area will be temporarily turned off on Wednesday, May 26, 9 AM - 3 PM. All affected homes are indicated with a red dot in the graphic to the right.

Sign up to receive project updates and alerts via email at claveyroadreconstruction.com.

At the Monday, May 24 City Council meeting, Mayor Rotering invited community members to attend the Memorial Day Observance (details below.) Mayor Rotering also recognized June as Pride Month; the Pride flag, featuring black and brown stripes to make LGBTQ+ people of color more visible and promote inclusivity within the movement, will be flown at City Hall throughout the month of June. In her remarks, Mayor Rotering called attention to small actions everyone can take to be welcoming and affirming. Mayor Rotering also recognized June 4 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and invited community members to join the #WearOrange campaign in honor of Hadiya Pendleton and all victims of gun violence. 

City Council approved an ordinance updating the titles of members of the City Council from "Councilman" or "Councilwoman" to "Councilmember" in the City's municipal code. City Council also approved the renewal of the WaterSmart program, which allows residents to check water usage via a convenient online portal available at mywateruse.cityhpil.com. When you sign up to use the portal, you'll be able to track water use, set alerts for possible leaks, and see how your bill compares to others'. 

City Manager Neukirch provided an update on the City's COVID-19 response, including plans to resume walk-in service hours at City buildings beginning June 1. City Manager Neukirch also highlighted special events planned for this summer, including the Ravinia Farmers Market (opening June 2), Food Truck Thursdays (beginning July 8), and plans for Labor Day fireworks. More information is available at cityhpil.com. 

At the Committee of the Whole, City Council was joined by the Housing Commission for a joint meeting to explore financial strategies to provide additional capital for the proactive rehabilitation of City-owned housing properties. 

View the meeting recording.

Please join us for the annual Memorial Day Observance, which will be held virtually on May 31 at 11 AM. The ceremony will feature local veterans groups and the Highland Park High School band, as well as a tribute to Highland Park veterans who passed away since Memorial Day 2019. Residents without access to Zoom or the internet will be able to view the ceremony at the Highland Park Public Library. Access information is available at cityhpil.com/memorialday.

Local Vaccination Appointments:

Appointment Aggregators:

Pharmacies:

Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center

In 2020, 17 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: nine in pools, four in rivers, two in lakes, one in a pond, and one in a cistern. Eight of the children who drowned in pools were age five and younger. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages five to 15 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is important to constantly supervise children when they are in or near water as children can drown silently and in a matter of seconds.

Bathrooms

• Never leave a young child alone in a bathtub or rely on a bathtub seat for safety, and never allow kids to play alone in the bathroom.

• Secure the toilet lid. Curious toddlers could tip headfirst into a toilet, risking drowning.

Buckets

• Empty and store all buckets out of children’s reach when not in use, especially 5-gallon buckets that children can climb into.

Portable or Inflatable pools

• Children require constant supervision, even in shallow baby pools. A child can drown in as little as one inch of water.

• Empty the pool right after use and store it upside-down.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

• Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from above-ground pools. 

• Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas. Always check to make sure the gate is locked or closed.

• Keep the pool and deck clear of floats, balls and toys after you leave.

• While young children should wear personal flotation devices, these do not replace adult supervision.

• Keep hot tubs securely covered when not in use. Children should not be left in a hot tub alone.

• Appoint an adult who can swim to watch children at all times when they are in the pool.

• Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, phone and emergency numbers by the pool. The American Red Cross offers online CPR training classes.

Ponds, Fountains and Retention Ponds

• Be aware of access to water hazards in your yard and neighborhood. If a child goes missing, check these areas first!

 

Learn more about water safety.