Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch reader Heather Wojda sent an email Thursday afternoon after she and her son, Jonathan, were told not to swim with their dog at the Dog Beach at Lake Bluff's Sunrise Beach and Park. She wrote: Yesterday, my son Jonathan and I strolled down to the beach with our pooch, Erma, to take a cooling dip in the lake. We were told that humans are no longer allowed to swim at the dog beach, due to the fact that there is not a life guard on that beach, and it involved too much liability. Now, Erma is only a year old and doesn't like to swim unless we are swimming too, but I …
The League of Women Voters is very pleased with the Supreme Court's decision upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). "This decision protects the health of millions of Americans," said Elisabeth MacNamara, President of the national organization. "Upholding the ACA brings our nation closer to the goal of this law: to provide universal health care for all Americans. There are still threats to these critical reforms and the League will continue its work fighting for progress on many fronts," MacNamara said. Local President, Jane Partridge said, "The League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake …
The Lake Forest City Council recently approved a new law making it illegal to use a cell phone except on a "hands-free basis". I would like to share a couple of comments about this. How much is it going to cost to put a sign on every single road leading into Lake Forest announcing this law, because without that, how is it possible that people outside the City will even know about this? Imagine if every city or town in the state had different laws on allowable car colors, window tint, permissible political stickers, eating while driving, etc. How would you ever know? And how would you feel …
Dear Editor: Fifteen years ago when I was asked to join Crissy Cherry as co-president of Market Square 2000 I agreed with enthusiasm. This seemed a fitting opportunity to express my appreciation to the community in which my husband Frank and I had raised our three children. Crissy and I undertook the leadership of the Market Square 2000 board after the City Council accepted Lake Forest Garden Club’s gift of a rehabilitation plan requested by the City and crafted by nationally acclaimed landscape architect Rodney Robinson. In the last few years as the Forest Park Project has unfolded I have …
Dear Editor: I wanted to follow up on recent articles about the proposed building plan being advocated by Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. At a residents' meeting with the City, I was the un-named man quoted who questioned the concept of a new very large regional hospital in central Lake Forest. I live near the hospital and while not directly adjacent to it, certainly affected by it. When my wife had our daughter we were able to get to the hospital in under 3 minutes and it has a special place in our hearts as well as being an asset to the community. However, I am deeply troubled by the …
Dear Parents, As proms and graduations approach, the Lake Forest Police Department would like to remind everyone that in Illinois drivers less than 21 years of age are subject to zero tolerance laws, which make it illegal for those under the age of 21 to drive after having consumed any amount of alcohol. A violation of zero tolerance laws may result in license revocation, significant fines, and extended community service. The police department also reminds parents and businesses under the social hosting laws that they may be held criminally and civilly liable for any incidents that result …
Smackdown Your Vote! is a non-partisan effort supported by World Wrestling Entertainment, League of Women Voters, Rock the Vote, Project Vote Smart and other organizations. The purpose is to involve young people in the political process. This starts with voter registration. World Wrestling Entertainment will present a WWE Extreme Rules show at 6:45 p.m. Sunday (April 29) at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Prior to the show, members from the League of Women Voters - Lake County and League of Women Voters of Glenview will be available to help people who are interested in registering to vote. If …
Dear Editor, My name is Megan Haselschwerdt and I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois- Urbana/Champaign. I am conducting my dissertation on violence in affluent, North Shore families. Given the sensitivity and secrecy that surrounds this particular topic, I am heavily relying on advertisements and word of mouth through neighbors, therapists, attorneys, and local newspapers to reach individuals who have had these experiences. I would really appreciate any help that Patch can provide in helping me spread the word about my study. So far I have received a lot of feedback from …
Over 10 years after the promise was made, The Lake County Forest Preserve District said they will not build the 18-26 million dollar golf course that was promised to Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Forest and the town of Fort Sheridan (now the residents). After the partnership put up about $400 million to redevelop Fort Sheridan in honor to our soldiers, the LCFPD has seemingly defaulted on their promise. It is simply not true for the LCFPD to say they got the land for free. The 250+ acres that was deeded to the LCFPD was part of the entire $400 million Fort Sheridan redevelopment plan that …
The League of Women Voters was born more than 90 years ago from the long fight to get women the right to vote. Since 1992, when League members studied health care policy, we have worked to ensure access to quality health care for all. The League also has a strong commitment and belief that public policy in a diverse society must affirm the right of individuals to make their own reproductive choices. That’s why the League is so deeply concerned about recent proposals that would allow employers and health plans to block contraceptive services and discriminate against women. By a narrow margin…
As a criminal defense attorney, I have the pleasure of working closely with Louise Hayes and I am continuously impressed by her knowledge and professionalism in the court room. Ms. Hayes is a hard working member of the mental health court team and in that role it is evident that Louise clearly understands and respects the rights of defendants. Louise Hayes is the epitome of integrity and appreciates each person’s role in the criminal justice system. Also, meeting Louise’s four wonderful children was a delight. Each clearly benefitted from having a mother who was involved in every aspect of …
Dear Editor, It would not be surprising if “endorsement by brother-in-law” did not appear on any candidate’s list. I, as Rick Lesser’s brother-in-law, am giving him the strongest endorsement I can for his pursuit of a position on the Lake County Board. While not the most coveted, I do think an endorsement from a brother-in-law speaks volumes. I certainly started from a position of “show me” and did not rely on some standard questionnaire. My endorsement is based on Rick’s body of work in the 30 years that I have known him. This is an endorsement centered on the content of Rick’s character, …
See the PDF attached from Lake Forest resident Michael Beacham. Note related stories: Lake Forest Group Seeks Legal Guidance Against District 67 School Board Members, Superintendent Lake Forest Parent Wants Superintendent, 3 Board Members Out Attorney Takes Questions About Steinert Case from District 67 Stakeholders For more news and updates from Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch, "Like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
To: Lake Bluff School District 65 Taxpayers Re: Concerns over Property Taxes and the Governance of Lake Bluff Schools Over the last few months, a number of Lake Bluff residents have expressed a series of concerns about the governance and financial direction of our elementary school district. They have written letters and spoken at school board meetings, firmly and respectfully making their points and requesting a dialogue with school board members about these issues. But they have received no response from the Board. It is time for the wider community to become aware of the following matters…
The start to the New Year brings with it a chance to reinforce what Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch is about. It's about you. And for you. On the latter, that means your opinions count.A major component of this website is to create constructive, online discussions about issues which impact your quality of life, your children's, your family's, your community's. By engaging in these discussions, we engage and become active participants rather than passive bystanders. It starts with your letters. They don't have to be long. Length is not a criteria. It can start by simply asking a question. Or …
