Table of Contents

Chamber Welcome 6

Map 8

Mayors’ Letters 9

Gold Members 14

Things to See and Do 16

Recreation 20

Libraries 22

Education 24

Health Care 26

Members – Alphabetical 28

Members by Category 30

Member Search 37

Advertiser Index

AMB Sheet Metal Services, Inc. 7

Aqua Pool & Spa Pros 7

Baird & Warner - Mary Vallely 21

Be Well Therapy, Inc. 27

Bella’s Bouncies 21

Classic Printery 27

Community Trust Credit Union Inside Front Cover

Country Insurance and Financial Services 7

Domino’s Pizza Back Cover

Farmers Insurance (Debbie Solbrig) 27

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute - North 5

Journey Nissan 3

Lindenhurst Animal Hospital 26

Oak HIll Supportive Living Community 27

Prince of Peace Catholic Church 27

Right at Home 23

Sammies 21

State Bank of The Lakes - Lindenhurst Inside Back Cover

Village of Round Lake Beach 15

Village of Round Lake Heights 21

Villari’s of Lindenhurst 21

Chamber Welcome

It’s been two years since this Community Guide was last published, and a lot has happened! If you haven’t noticed, our communities are all working hard and making great progress in upgrading things throughout! From road improvements, to shopping upgrades, to buildings and infrastructure, a lot is happening!

As for your Chamber of Commerce, for 2026, the Chamber is again hosting an After-Hours Networking Mixer once a month! Everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, is invited! Check the Chamber Events calendar each month, at LLRChamber.com, to find out where and when!

Also in 2026, the Chamber is hosting a monthly “Women in Business” luncheon. All ladies, members and non-members, are invited. Like for the Networking Mixers, check the Chamber Events calendar each month to find out where and when!

The 2026 Annual Golf Outing will be on Friday, June 19th. As in 2025, we will again be playing at Renwood Golf Course in Round Lake Beach. The 2025 Golf Outing was one of our greatest successes ever. Raffle prizes, with proceeds supporting the Chamber’s Annual College Scholarship Fund, were the biggest hit! In 2025, we awarded a Gas Grill (thank you Grand Appliance), delivered and fully assembled to the winner’s home, a 55-inch TV (thank you Round Lake Beach Wal-Mart), a Door County Vacation Getaway Package and a fully stocked “Liquor Wagon”, as well as almost a dozen other prizes. 2026 Raffle Prize work has already begun, and we expect at least as many great prizes!

ChamberFest 2026 will be on Saturday, October 3rd, and will again be held at Jack & Lydia’s Resort in Lake Villa. The 2025 event again featured live music, a pig roast, beer from local micro-breweries Harbor Brewing and 9th Hour Brewing, a Bags Tournament, a bonfire with S’mores and a Bounce House and Face Painting for the kids (thank you Good Family Tattoo)! New for 2025, ChamberFest included a Petting Zoo, “Lavish Lizards”, Stella the Sloth, Tiki Toss and Ladder Toss! Look for even more in 2026!

In 2025, the Chamber continued our Annual Blood Drive in support of the American Red Cross; this time at the Round Lake Park District. The 2026 Drive will be on Wednesday, October 15th, again at the Round Lake Park District. As that time approaches, please consider signing up and donating blood! In 2025, each donor received a Gift Bag and a small pumpkin! We’re hoping to do even more in 2026!

Every November we hold our annual Mayors’ Luncheon to hear directly from each community’s Mayor what’s going on in their community. After a very successful event in 2025, the 2026 Luncheon will again be held at the Round Lake Beach Civic & Cultural Center, this time on Thursday, November 5th. Everyone is invited!

Every year, the Chamber of Commerce awards College Scholarship money to deserving local high school students. We are excited to announce that in 2026, once again at least five $1,000 Scholarships will be awarded! With the money raised from our 2025 Raffles, we will be exploring possibly doing more in 2026!

Your Chamber of Commerce continues to grow and strengthen! In 2025, the Chamber awarded each community we represent with a $2,000 Sponsorship Grant in support of each community’s event of their choice! Just another way to support our communities!

Your Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing to support and give back to the communities and to continue to find new ways to do even more! If you are not a member, please consider joining! All membership information may be found on our website at LLRChamber.com!

Mayors’ letters

Lake Villa Mayor’s Letter

Nestled in Lake County, Lake Villa combines scenic lakes, a strong sense of community and a prime location between Chicago and Milwaukee. With a proud 125-year history, our village blends small-town charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal place to live, work and invest. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, I am proud to share the progress we’ve made and the exciting developments on the horizon for Lake Villa.

In 2025, we continued implementing our Comprehensive Plan with a strong focus on economic growth. We partnered with Better City, LLC to craft a renewed Downtown Vision that will guide current and future strategic improvements. A key milestone of this effort has been the engagement with JM Developers for the redevelopment of a 1.4-acre mixed-use site in our downtown that will offer new residential and commercial opportunities.

We also welcomed several new businesses to our community this past year, including Starling Senior Apartments, a 40-unit senior living facility, and a new Dunkin’ Donuts, which opened in Lake Tower Crossing. Construction is underway for a Shell gas station and Bora Bowl, a tropical-themed restaurant offering healthy options like açaí bowls and smoothies.

In addition to our business community, community spirit remains strong. We continue to host beloved traditions like parades, Picnic in the Park and Celebration of Fall. We also introduced a new Farmer’s Market series this past year and will continue to find ways to celebrate the community and bring people together in 2026 and beyond. The community is also poised to kick off our 125th Anniversary in January, where we will host a celebration gala at the Lehmann Mansion and host monthly events throughout the year.

Lake Villa is committed to sustained growth and innovation. Over the next couple of years, we anticipate continued work on local initiatives that will support our local economy and community, including:

•  Downtown Redevelopment: Advancing mixed-use development projects to create a vibrant, walkable downtown with retail, dining and residential opportunities.

•  Pleviak Elementary School Redevelopment: Transforming this historic site into a dynamic space for housing, community services or commercial use based on developer proposals.

•  Cedar Lake Estates: Preliminary plat approval has been granted for a proposed 130-unit residential single family home development at the former Cedar Lake Park property at Grand Avenue and Cedar Lake Road.

•  Industrial Park Completion: Utilizing TIF and economic incentives to attract businesses and create jobs in Lake Villa’s industrial corridor.

•  Business Attraction & Expansion: Supporting Cedar Avenue businesses and leveraging partnerships to promote and enhance the downtown experience.

•  Infrastructure Modernization: Continuing water meter upgrades, roadway improvements and pedestrian safety enhancements to support growth and connectivity.

•  Technology & Smart Village Initiatives: Investing in smart infrastructure solutions and digital services to improve efficiency, communications and quality of life for residents and businesses.

These initiatives will ensure Lake Villa thrives as a forward-thinking community while preserving its unique charm. On behalf of the Lake Villa Village Board, thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we’re building a vibrant, innovative future for Lake Villa while honoring the character that makes our Village special.

Sincerely,

Mayor James McDonald

Mayors’ letters

Lindenhurst Mayor’s Letter

As the Village of Lindenhurst celebrates its 70th year, it reflects not only on a proud history, but also on an exciting and promising future. Lindenhurst strives to continue its progression forward in its economic development efforts. The Village remains committed to advancing its economic development efforts and continuing its forward momentum. By utilizing a variety of established tools designed to support business retention and recruitment, Lindenhurst is showcasing itself as a truly business-friendly community, one that invites businesses to grow with us.

Village staff take a proactive approach to staying ahead of business trends locally, statewide and across the nation. By actively collaborating with partner organizations and local businesses, the Village helps connect the business community with new ideas, innovative programs and valuable resources. These connections are strengthened through ongoing business visits and dynamic engagement on social media.

The Village continues to prioritize the Grand Avenue Corridor through the design and implementation of the Grand Avenue Streetscape Plan, which focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of “downtown” Lindenhurst through improved signage and median landscaping. In 2026, the Lindenhurst Center — also located within the Grand Avenue Corridor — plans to introduce an outdoor dining and entertainment area along its “Restaurant Row,” creating another vibrant amenity for residents and visitors. These improvements, supported in part by the Grand Avenue Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, will complement ongoing public and private investment in the corridor, beautify the area and foster a more inviting, business-friendly environment for existing businesses and future development.

Looking toward the future, economic development remains a top priority for the Village. The goal is not only to strengthen the local business community, but also to enhance the overall resident experience through a shared “Grow With Us” mentality.

Dominic Marturano

Lindenhurst Mayor

Mayors’ letters

Round Lake Mayor’s Letter

The Village of Round Lake is a growing and diverse community in northeast Lake County, Illinois — deeply rooted in small-town character and surrounded by open space. Covering 6.6 square miles, Round Lake is home to nearly 19,000 residents and a strong base of local businesses that helps power our local economy and enrich daily life.

Our downtown remains the heart of Round Lake. With walkable access to Metra, nature trails, parks and locally-owned businesses, it is where our community comes together. Over the past year, the village has continued to plan and invest intentionally in a more active, welcoming downtown, one that serves as a true gathering place while supporting small businesses, restaurants and services that reflect who we are.

Round Lake is proud to be supported by strong partner agencies, including the Round Lake and Grayslake Public Libraries; the Greater Round Lake, Grayslake, and Fox Lake Fire Protection Districts; and the Round Lake and Grayslake Park Districts. Families are also served by several outstanding school districts, Round Lake, Fremont, Mundelein, Big Hollow, Grant and Grayslake. These partnerships are essential to delivering quality services and maintaining a high quality of life for our residents.

Founded in 1908, the original Round Lake grew around ice harvesting and the arrival of the railroad. Industries that shaped our identity as a connected and accessible community. That same spirit of connection continues today as we plan thoughtfully for growth while respecting the village’s history, scale and character.

Community events remain a cornerstone of life in Round Lake. Annual traditions such as National Night Out, Earth Day Celebration, Downtown Car Show, Pumpkin Smash and Holiday Tree Lighting bring neighbors together and strengthen civic pride.

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, Round Lake is focused on responsible development, strategic infrastructure investment, public safety and transparency in local government. Our goal is simple: to ensure Round Lake remains a place where families feel welcome, businesses can succeed and residents have a real voice in shaping the future of their community.

I invite you to explore Round Lake, get involved, and be part of what’s ahead.

Brian Brubaker

Mayor of Village of Round Lake

Mayors’ letters

Round Lake Beach Mayor’s Letter

Welcome to the Village of Round Lake Beach! Located in northwest Lake County, Round Lake Beach is proud to be home to more than 300 businesses and over 27,000 residents who work, live and play in the community.

Incorporated in 1937, the Village of Round Lake Beach experienced significant growth following World War II, as returning servicemen moved from Chicago to the suburbs. By the early 1960s, Round Lake Beach had surpassed neighboring Round Lake to become the most populous community in western Lake County.

One of our community’s greatest treasures is the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. This impressive 31,000-square-foot facility includes a banquet room with stunning views of Hook Lake, an outdoor stage and expansive festival grounds designed to host thousands of attendees for concerts and community events.

The community hosts a variety of family-friendly events year-round at the Civic Center, including Family Fun Fridays; BeachFest celebrating Independence Day, complete with a fantastic fireworks show; the annual Tree Lighting Celebration in November; and Supper with Santa in December. A major highlight for the Village of Round Lake Beach is the annual Elote Fest, a vibrant celebration of culture, food and community. This festival features a carnival, pageant, live musical performances, fireworks and an exciting, musical and light drone show, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.

The Village also is home to Lakefront Park, situated along the shores of Round Lake. The Park is home to a children’s playground, restrooms and picnic tables, making it an ideal way to spend a day, between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

Residents of Round Lake Beach benefit from several outstanding shared services, including the Round Lake Area Public Library, the Round Lake Area Park District and the Greater Round Lake Area Fire Protection District. Educational needs are met by multiple school districts, such as Round Lake Area School District 116, Lake Villa Elementary District 41, Grayslake North High School District 127 and Grant High School District 124.

Round Lake Beach continues to grow and expand, welcoming new businesses, new roads and new residents. Our commitment is to create a thriving community where everyone can live, work and play, while building a strong future together.

Scott Nickles

Round Lake Beach Mayor

Mayors’ letters

Round Lake Heights Mayor’s Letter

The Village of Round Lake Heights is a quaint community, and the residents are the number one priority. Mayor Lumpkins caters to the residents’ needs as much as possible. Mayor Terrance Lumpkins has been the Mayor of Round Lake Heights for over 33 years and is a lifelong resident, as well. Round Lake Heights is the smallest Village in the Round Lake area community, with a population of 2,772. For the Village being the smallest village in the Round Lake Area, it has six parks and several lakes. Round Lake Heights also has had their business district grow, as well. A little history to share, Round Lake Heights started shortly after World War II. A company named L.B. Harris of Chicago started advertising homes for sale as low as $695, which came out to be about $3 per week! Lots sold for $900 for a quarter acre of land. The land was originally owned by Frank and Antionette Grenus and was known simply as the Grenus Farm.

The Village has several programs, such as Dollars for Scholars, which the village has given out over 423 scholarships totaling over $213,500.00. Just this past year, we gave 28 scholarships to residents continuing their education. The village does wellbeing checks on seniors when we have inclement weather as well as plowing the seniors’ driveways. We have village events such as our Annual Festival; Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt; National Night Out; Shop with a Cop; and our Christmas Tree Lighting. The village has an annual holiday food drive and delivers food baskets to residents in need; this year we added Help the Village Stuff the Beetle (a retired squad car) with presents to help families, as well.

We have a Veterans Memorial Park that is dedicated to honor the brave men and women and their families who sacrificed for our country and continue to serve. Plaques are available for any resident at no cost honoring Veterans who have served and for anyone still serving in the Armed Forces.

Additionally, we are working to establish a village holding cell to temporarily house individuals in custody. This effort comes as CenCom has shut down, and the village transitions to LakeComm 911, Lake County’s new emergency communication center. With CenCom no longer providing a holding facility for arrestees awaiting transfer to the Lake County Jail, the village intends to repurpose a portion of the former Village Hall building, currently leased to Radio Station WLCB 101.5 FM. Approximately half of the building’s lower level will be designated and outfitted to serve as the new holding area.

This year, we also completed the final phase of our road and sidewalk replacement program, along with several pavement repair projects throughout the village. Looking ahead, we are preparing to begin a new development at the corner of Rollins Road and Fairfield Road, where a small strip center is planned. We will be going out to bid shortly, and as part of this project, we will extend water and sewer service to that corner.

I am very proud to share that the Village of Round Lake Heights is completely debt-free and has been for the last 10 years. We own all our assets outright. That means we own all our equipment, our Village Hall building, and have no outstanding debt obligations.

In closing, while Round Lake Heights may be small in size, we are a village with a strong sense of community, pride and progress. We remain committed to providing exceptional services to our residents and fostering responsible growth for the future.

Mayor Lumpkins, Clerk Carrillo and the Board of Trustees understand the importance of the community and commits security and safety to all residents.

Terrance Lumpkins

Mayor of Round Lake Heights

Gold Members

A Child’s Place Early Learning Center

Advocate Condell Medical Center

Altius Dispensary

Aqua Pool & Spa Pros

Baird & Warner - Mary Vallely

Dana Bulliner - Coldwell Banker Realty

Grand Appliance

Journey Nissan

Lake Villa District Library

Lindenhurst Animal Hospital

Meijer

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Raymond Chevrolet Kia

Ringa Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Santi Construction, Inc.

Signarama Grayslake

State Bank of The Lakes - Lindenhurst

The Dick Barr Group @Village Realty

The Lalumendier Agency - COUNTRY Financial

Unit Strength Training

Village of Lake Villa

Village of Lindenhurst

Village of Round Lake Beach

Villari’s of Lindenhurst

Things to See and Do

Village of Lake Villa

Welcome to picturesque Lake Villa – where small town community charm meets modern convenience. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes and pristine waters of Cedar Lake and Deep Lake, Lake Villa is a hidden gem that blends the tranquility of suburban living with the vibrancy of a thriving community.

Situated in northwest Lake County approximately 40 miles north of O’Hare International Airport, the Lake Villa business and development community find a welcoming environment with a strategic location that provides easy access to major highways and a diverse customer base. The Village supports local commerce and entrepreneurship, along with a commitment to sustainable growth and smart planning that has led to the creation of modern residential and commercial spaces, which foster positive economic growth. The thriving downtown area showcases a charming mix of shops, restaurants and boutiques, creating a bustling atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

For families seeking an idyllic haven, Lake Villa offers a plethora of recreational opportunities. Our parks, including Lehmann Park, Loffredo Park and Steven Sherwood Park, provide ample green spaces for passive and active recreation, picnics and family gatherings. The Lehmann Mansion, a historic treasure, offers a glimpse into the Village’s rich past and serves as an exquisite venue for special events and outdoor programs. With access to top-notch public and private school options, and convenient access to the College of Lake County, Lake Villa fosters educational growth and development at every level.

Lake Villa is more than a village; it’s a lifestyle. Our community events, like the annual Fall Festival, Concerts in the Park, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony and others, bring residents and businesses together, creating a strong sense of belonging.

Discover the perfect blend of community, commerce and nature in the Village of Lake Villa. Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family, grow your business or contribute to thoughtful development, Lake Villa welcomes you with open arms.

From seasonal events and festivals to a wide range of sports, and recreation, for those who like to explore – there’s something for everyone in Lake Villa.

Quick Stats

Population: 8,741 (as of 2020 Census)

Housing Units: 3,514

Area: Approximately 7 square miles

Township: `Lake Villa

Government: Board-Administrator Form

Incorporated: Feb. 21, 1901, under Special Charter

Village Facilities

Village Hall & Police Station

65 Cedar Avenue

(847) 356-6100

Public Works Facility

222 Oak Knoll Drive

(847) 356-6105

Village Board

The Village Board includes the Mayor and six Trustees who establish policies, approve ordinances, the annual budget and appoint persons to advisory bodies and more. They meet on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. in Village Hall. Meetings are open to the public and hosted in the Board Room.

Mayor: James McDonald

Trustees: Allena Barbato, Scott Bartlett,
Glenn McCollum, Jeff Nielsen, Tom O’Reilly, Doug Savell

Administration

Village Administrator: Michael Strong

Assistant to the Village Administrator:
Jacob Litz

Police Department

Police Chief: Rochelle Tisinai

Non-emergency: (847) 356-6106

The Lake Villa Police Department includes 18 sworn officers and five civilian employees. The mission of the Lake Villa Police Department is to serve and protect the community and make a positive difference in the lives of Lake Villa residents through proactive and community-based law enforcement efforts. Its members are entrusted to remain responsive to the needs of all citizens and seek solutions to problems through the fostering of cooperation, positive contact with the public and proactive methods as we come together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Village Drop Box

Postage-free mail, water bill payments and after-hour correspondence to all Village officials and departments can be deposited in the drop slot at the main entrance to Village Hall.

Village of Lindenhurst

Welcome to the charming village of Lindenhurst, a community that takes pride in its rich history, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Nestled in northern Lake County, Lindenhurst is a place where small-town charm meets modern amenities, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for all.

As you explore Lindenhurst, you’ll discover a community that values its residents and cherishes the beauty of nature. With parks and recreational areas scattered throughout, including McDonald Woods Forest Preserve, Hastings Lake Forest Preserve and Millennium Park, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and family-friendly fun.

Lindenhurst is also dedicated to fostering a sense of learning and growth. Our schools are known for their commitment to education, and the local library is a hub for knowledge and community engagement. The Lindenhurst Park District organizes enriching programs, including art classes, fitness sessions and cultural events that cater to diverse interests. Lindenhurst also takes pride in its community events, which foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among its residents.

Lindenhurst takes pride in being a thriving, dynamic and business-friendly community. Our vibrant local economy boasts diverse businesses across various industries, such as retail, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. We are proud of our collaborative and supportive environment, where businesses receive strong backing from both the local government and community members.

Once again, welcome to Lindenhurst — a place where community, history and nature come together to create a wonderful living experience. We hope you thoroughly enjoy all that Lindenhurst has to offer — whether it’s the natural beauty, educational opportunities, local businesses or community events.

Quick Stats

Population: 14,406 (2020 Census)

Number of Households: 4,898

Area in square miles: 4.53

Incorporated: November, 1956

Village Facilities

Village Hall

2301 E. Sand Lake Road

847-356-8252

Police Department

2300 E Grand Avenue

847-356-5400

Public Works Department

2060 Grass Lake Road

847-356-8252

Village Board

Lindenhurst, a non-home rule community, is governed by a Village President (Mayor), six Trustees and a Village Clerk, who are elected at large with four-year staggered terms. The Village Board meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Lindenhurst Village Hall (2301 E Sand Lake Road), at 7 p.m. Please note all meeting dates are subject to change.

Mayor: Dominic Marturano

Trustees: Patty Chybowski, Patrick Dickson, Patrick Dunham, Ronald Grace, Heath Rosten, Dawn Suchy

Village Clerk: Melissa Forsberg

Administration

Village Administrator: Clay Johnson

Police Department

Chief of Police: Thomas Jones

Engage with Us!

Facebook: @LindenhurstIL

Instagram: @lindenhurstil

X: @lindenhurstVOL

LinkedIn: @LindenhurstIL

The Village of Round Lake Beach

The Village of Round Lake Beach, a vibrant and diverse community of 27,000 residents, is situated in the center of beautiful Lake County, Illinois — with excellent housing, recreation, educational and business opportunities.

Round Lake Beach is a well-equipped community providing a range of municipal services. The Village provides police protection, water delivery (CLCJWA), wastewater (NWRWRF), building inspection, engineering design and inspection, street maintenance and economic development assistance. Each department’s highest priority is providing exceptional customer service.

For residents in search of ideal activities, Round Lake Beach offers abundant recreational opportunities. Our Lake Front Park is a hidden gem offering a beautiful beach for swimming and access to Round Lake for boating, kayaking and fishing. Come down and enjoy our El Mercadito Farmers market on the lakefront. There are also several Park District parks within the Village Limits providing additional opportunities for sports and recreation.

Engage in community events at the Cultural and Civic Center. The center hosts events, such as the annual BeachFest (Independence Celebration), Elote Fest, Fall Fest, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Family Fun Fridays. The Cultural and Civic Center is a versatile facility with indoor and outdoor spaces capable of hosting your unique events!

In addition to recreational activities, Round Lake Beach has a thriving commercial district providing a complete food, shopping and entertainment experience for all. We have big box stores and amazing local retailers ready to meet all your needs.

Quick Stats

Population: 27,081 (2021 Census)

Area: Approximately 5.20 sq mi

Government: Board-Administrator Form

Incorporated: 1937

Village Board

The Village Board is composed of the Mayor and six Trustees responsible for setting policies, approving ordinances and overseeing the annual budget. They convene at Village Hall on the second and third Mondays of each month. These meetings, held in the Board Room, are open to the public. The second Monday features the Committee of the Whole session, while the Village Board Meeting takes place on the third Monday.

Mayor:  Scott Nickles

Trustees of the Round Lake Beach
Village Board:

Chuck Husk, Sylvia Valadez, Christy Davis, Martha Ibarra, Dana Hillesheim, Paul Stout.

Village Executive Team:

•  Village Administrator: Scott Hilts

•  Assistant to the Village Administrator:
Rich Hill

•  Police Chief: Wayne Wilde

•  Finance Director: Mason McGinley

•  Economic Development Director:
Gilbert Rivera

•  Public Works Director: Steven Fritz

Village Hall

1937 N Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073 1947 N Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073

Police Department

Phone: 847-546-2351

Village Hall hours:

Monday-Friday 8am -5pm; Opened First Saturday of the Month only 9am-12pm.

https://www.roundlakebeachil.gov/

Drop Box

Postage-free mail, water bill payments and after-hour correspondence at the main entrance to Village Hall.

The Cultural and Civic Center

2007 Civic Center Way

Round Lake Beach, IL 60073

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

847-201-9032 | Email: [email protected]

https://www.rlbciviccenter.com/

Recreation

Area Parks Overflowing With Family Fun

The Lindenhurst Park District and Round Lake Area Park District are renowned for providing fun programs for kids, teens, adults and entire families.

Lindenhurst Park District serves Lindenhurst’s population of 15,000 and many more. About 56% of users are non-residents. “We get people from Spring Grove, Wadsworth, Antioch and Southern Wisconsin, among others,” says David Mohr, executive director and park secretary. “We serve a population of about 55,000 people.”

Lindenhurst Park District stages several free special events annually. The first each year is the springtime Egg Hunt, held the Saturday before Good Friday. This popular event is now followed by one even more popular, the Doggie Egg Hunt. Starting in 2016, the Lindenhurst Park District began partnering with the Village of Lindenhurst, Lake Villa Township and Lake Villa District Library to stage live summer music events in the parks. “We bring in decent bands throughout the summer on Wednesday evenings,” Mohr reports, noting the series draws 15,000 music lovers across 10 summer nights.

Other annual events include Touch-A-Truck, which invites a number of heavy-duty trucks, along with food trucks, for families to examine up close and personal. The Haunted Trail & Bonfire is staged every mid-October. “We also do an annual holiday tree lighting, winter wonderland, gingerbread house and cookies with Santa, and we did a holiday trolley this past year that looks like it will be an annual thing,” Mohr says.

Golden Anniversary

Over in Round Lake, the Round Lake Area Park District, established March 30, 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Serving Round Lake, Round Lake Park, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Beach and Hainesville, the district serves 58,000 residents a year.

The most popular services include a senior bingo program, summer camps for kids and the children’s neighborhood museum, an interactive play area for kids up to age 6.

“We have about 60 parks with a variety of amenities, including skate parks, playgrounds, disc golf, fishing, soccer and basketball,” says Katie Gamroth, director of operations and recreation. “In 2024, our largest playground will be Hero Park, a fully inclusive playground . . . The big things we’ll do for the 50th anniversary celebration will be in conjunction with the opening of Hero Park. It is currently scheduled for August.”

What’s ahead? Work resulting from a new park district master plan covering the next 10 years is slated to start this July or August, Gamroth says.

The Children's Neighborhood Museum is among the favorite amenities pf the Round Lake Area Park District.

Libraries

Lake Villa District Library: A Beloved Community Anchor

People often think of libraries merely as places to read and check out books. But today, many libraries are so much more. They really serve as community meeting places. Lake Villa District Library (LVDL) in Lindenhurst is a perfect example.

“Creating a sense of community is among the most important resources we offer,” says Nina Kenney, head of communications for the library. “Everyone is welcome at LVDL.”

All interests

The library offers programs for people of all ages and interests. These range from book discussion groups to historical presentations and lots more.

“We offer many drop in activities for people to work at their own pace,” Kenney says. “People come here and work on it, others play Scrabble, play chess, or they sit and do a craft. Staff work diligently to make LVDL a welcome place, whether it’s a story time, a pop-up program in the lobby or a table with supplies to make a craft. Delighting patrons is our favorite thing to do.”

Providing variety is another favorite pastime. “There’s always something different,” Kenney says. “People can come here and hang out all day. It’s very much a community anchor. [Attending] a regularly scheduled program, like book discussion or social hour, [or a] lunchtime at the library presentation during lunch hour, people look forward to the topic, but they also look forward to visiting with people.”

Outdoor space

Of course, LVDL also offers all the expected services people associate with libraries.

Founded in 1949, the library moved into a new 66,000-square-foot building five years ago twice as large as its previous facility. That size is important, given the library saw 60,000 patron visits between July 2023 and early 2024. Within its confines are books, e-books, audio books, magazines, movies and television shows and streaming platforms and content. LVDL “is a great resource for that,” Kenney says.

What is ahead for the library? “Our library is located on Crooked Lake, and for some time the library board has worked with a landscape architect on improvements to outdoor space that could be made over a period of years,” Kenney says. “The first project will start in the spring, and we’re very excited about it.”

At Lake Villa District Library, there’s something for everyone, including
education programs for kids and families.

Education

A Legacy of Educational Excellence

For generations, Lindenhurst, Lake Villa and Round Lake public schools have provided young people with outstanding educations. Emblematic of that greatness is Round Lake Area Schools Consolidated Unit School District 116 (CUSD 116), serving communities of Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park and Hainesville. Also burnishing that legacy is Grant Community High School in Fox Lake.

Established in 1968, CUSD is a pre-K through Grade 12 school district serving approximately 6,300 students and featuring one high school, two middle schools, five elementary schools for grades 1 through 5, a kindergarten school and a preschool. Starting in the 2024-25 academic year, the elementary schools will be made up of two K-2 schools, two 3-5 schools and one K-5 elementary school.

Richly diverse

What sets District 116 apart from others? Plenty, responds deputy superintendent Heather Bennett. “We have a dynamic community, very diverse, which we see as a huge benefit,” she reports. “We have a 78% Hispanic population, and those individuals come from many countries. There are more than 30 languages represented in the community. Last year, a teacher at Round Lake High School spearheaded a new program in which families and staff were asked to come in and share information about their cultures, [bringing] in food, dance, crafts.”

This program, called World Language Night, will be held again this year on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Round Lake High School.

Keep It RED

Grant Community High School was established in 1930 and is home to about 1,900 students and 274 staff members. GCHS received a “Commendable” designation from the State of Illinois. Its graduation rate, above 90%, is higher than the state average. Some 77% of students go on from GCHS to pursue higher education.

“GCHS is best known for our Keep It RED culture,” says spokeswoman Alex Sullivan. “At Grant, we emphasize respectful, engaged and dependable behaviors. By instilling these traits in our students now, we can set them up for a successful post-high school life. Our RED culture ties in with our Portrait of a Bulldog initiative [which] identifies 21st Century competencies, or the knowledge, skills, experiences and attributes we want students to attain during their time at Grant to be ‘life ready.’”

What’s ahead for Grant?

A brand new weight room, and opportunities for students to focus on specific career pathways, career internships and service-learning opportunities, Sullivan reports.

Health Care

Your Health Care Partner: Advocate Condell Medical Center

For generations, residents of Lake Villa, Round Lake and Lindenhurst have counted upon Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville for their health care needs. They’ve come to expect skilled and responsive care intended to help patients and their families savor all benefits that come with good health. The hospital provides a broad array of medical services as well as Lake County’s lone Level I Trauma Center. Advocate Condell Medical Center also houses the first and only comprehensive Trauma Recovery Center in Lake County. What’s more, its emergency department is approved for pediatrics and is supported by the full resources of Advocate Children’s Hospital.

As Lake County’s premier provider of comprehensive medical and surgical services, the medical center offers advanced heart, neurosurgical, oncology, orthopedic, maternity, radiology, rehab and emergency services. Advocate Condell is accredited by the DNV as a Primary Stroke Center and has been recognized as a Top 100 Hospital by Truven Health Analytics. Advocate Condell has also been awarded the Society of Thoracic Surgeon’s three-star designation for cardiac surgery and is recognized as an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

In recent years, Advocate Condell has introduced a number of measures designed to ensure patients, visitors and staff remain safe and healthy. A limited-visitor policy helps everyone stay free of COVID, influenza, RSV and other respiratory viruses.

People with symptoms of the above diseases, including cough, sore throat, runny nose and chills, are not permitted to visit patients in the hospital. Visitors are required to wear masks in patient rooms and other high-risk patient care areas. Patients are allowed to ask providers, care teams and Advocate Health Care workers to don masks, as well.

In addition, Advocate Condell has instituted a policy of expecting patients, visitors, vendors and delivery personnel to self-screen for COVID symptoms prior to visiting the medical center. If in the previous 10 days they have not tested positive for COVID or endured chills or fever, cough, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion of runny nose or nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, they are permitted to safely enter Advocate Condell Medical Center.

Finally, Advocate Condell doesn’t just cure the sick, but actively assists visitors and community members in staying out of the hospital. Health screenings, fitness classes, support groups and community events are all designed to help folks live well.