Lake County Gazette

At the Monday, September 13 City Council meeting, Mayor Rotering shared that for the 27th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has recognized the City of Highland Park with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The Award reflects the City's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governmental budgeting. Mayor Rotering recognized City Manager Ghida Neukirch, Finance Director Julie Logan, the Finance Department staff, and all department directors for this achievement. 

City Council approved a small business facade improvement grant for Perlis MedSpa & Wellness. Additionally, following a robust public discussion regarding traffic calming measures at the intersection of Trail Way and North Avenue, at the next City Council meeting, the Council will consider the placement of stop signs at the intersection of Trail Way and North Avenue.

City Council also conducted a public hearing pertaining to the proposed renewal of Special Service Area 19 located within the Central Business District. Property owners in the Central Business District collaboratively proposed the renewal of SSA 19 which levies a special tax on these properties within the boundaries of the SSA to fund activities related to marketing/promotion of businesses and events in downtown Highland Park.

Individuals may submit written comments or objections regarding the proposed renewal of SSA 19 to the attention of the City Manager. Following the statutorily required 60-day objection period which ends on November 12, 2021, the City Council is scheduled to consider the adoption of the renewal ordinance at the November 22, 2021 City Council Meeting. Any questions related to the proposed renewal of Special Service Area 19 may be directed to the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000.

Senior Center Fall Programming Registration Open for Members

Member registration for in-person and virtual programs at the Highland Park Senior Center is open now! Registration for non-members will begin on Sept. 17. Find the full calendar of programs and register at cityhpil.com/seniorcenter.

Several day excursions are available, including a last day of racing at Arlington Racecourse and theatrical performances. Drive-thru events include carry-away treats and meals for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year's. Concerts include a Beatles tribute, a special Veterans Day program, and a holiday show. Zoom programming includes a series on Rodgers & Hammerstein and a speaker series. In-person favorites, including Bingo, canasta, art, and fitness classes are also available.

All Senior Center programs are available to individuals age 50 and better; a nominal annual membership fee is required for participation in many of the free programs. To join as a member and to register for activities, visit cityhpil.com/seniorcenter or call 847.432.4110.

Please note the Senior Center's new fall hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 4 PM

Friday: 9 AM - 1 PM 

COVID-19 Updates

• The CDC encourages individuals with moderately to severely compromised immune systems who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 to receive an additional dose of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer).
• At a press briefing, NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci provided an update regarding variants of COVID-19. Dr. Fauci reported that CDC monitoring continues to indicate that the Delta variant comprises 99% of COVID-19 infections in the US.
• The FDA has issued a statement outlining the process by which it will consider emergency authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for use in children. Clinical trials are ongoing to ensure the safety and efficacy of pediatric vaccination.
• The American Red Cross reports an ongoing shortage of blood and platelets due to the pandemic. Individuals interested in donating blood may do so through NorthShore University Health System, the Red Cross, or Vitalant (formerly LifeSource).

In Season at the Ravinia Farmers Market

The late summer harvest is in full swing at this week’s Ravinia Farmers Market, Wednesday, September 15 from 7 AM -1 PM at Jens Jensen Park in the Ravinia Business District. Be sure to shop for all your weekly menu needs around what’s in season this week: produce, fruit, farm fresh eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, veggie burgers, artisan breads, pastries, snacks, pickles and condiments, local honey and maple syrup, cut flowers for your table and so much more!

Shop for festive pumpkins and gourds for decorating and baking! Be sure to pick up heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, fall squash, greens and lettuces, herbs and other late summer local and organically grown produce! It’s also fruit season, and this week’s Market is abundant with Midwest pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, jams and jellies and more.

Live music is sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation, with "Jazzman" Jeff Justman from 8:45 - 10:45 AM, and Pierce Crask from 11 AM - 1 PM. Be sure to stop by the Welcome Tent to enter a free drawing for complimentary lawn seats to an upcoming concert, courtesy of Ravinia Festival; this week, winners will receive to tickets to see either Ben Folds on Sept. 18, or Andrew Bird on Sept. 24. 

Labor Day Safe Driving Campaign

During the Labor Day holiday, the City of Highland Park was successful in educating drivers to drive responsibly and avoid driving impaired. The campaign took place August 20 through September 7, 2021, during the evening hours, when impaired driving is at its highest. Continue to follow the Police Department's recommendations to drive safely and responsibly:

• Plan for a sober ride home. Designate a sober driver, take public transportation or use a ride-sharing service. 
• If you are with a friend or family member who intends to drive impaired, take their keys away and arrange to get them home safely.
• Always buckle up! It is your best defense against impaired drivers.

As a reminder, in Illinois, children are required to be in a car seat or booster seat until at least age 8 and all children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.

The Police Department has partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement throughout the state to encourage safe driving and educate drivers about the risks of impaired driving. 

The Illinois Impaired Driving campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Lake County Healthcare Survey

To better serve the community, the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County (HFNLC) is interested in hearing from you! Please take this survey to share your thoughts about the quality of life and health needs in the community - and help spread the word! The survey is available in English and Spanish and is completely anonymous and confidential. Your feedback will be used to help HFNLC better meet your needs and the needs of those around you. 

Click here to take the survey.