1. Community Health & Safety: Kratom Awareness and Safe Use Education
Context: A recent guest column by Heidi Sykora highlighted the lack of regulation around kratom in Illinois, leading to health risks due to unregulated and potentially unsafe products. This is an emerging community health issue, with vulnerable populations at risk from mislabeled or contaminated kratom. Educating the public about kratom, its potential harms, and advocating for safer practices aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and health promotion.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Illinois Department of Public Health - Local pharmacies and healthcare clinics in Gurnee and Waukegan - Waukegan Township and Gurnee Parks & Recreation for event space
Next Steps: 1. Convene a meeting with the Lake County Health Department (contact: Executive Director Mark Pfister) to discuss trends and needs regarding kratom usage locally. 2. Plan an educational forum in Gurnee and/or Waukegan, inviting public health experts and individuals affected by kratom misuse to speak. Incorporate resources on safe substance use, mental health, and addiction support. 3. Develop bilingual informational materials for distribution at community centers, libraries, and high schools. 4. Consider a fundraising event (e.g., a community walk or breakfast) to support local prevention and treatment programs, and to subsidize materials or Narcan kits for community organizations. 5. Evaluate program effectiveness with post-event surveys and follow-up meetings with community partners.
2. Education & Youth: Vocational and College Scholarship Fundraiser Inspired by Holmstad Model
Context: The recent article highlighted the Holmstad senior community’s tradition of organizing an annual bazaar, raising substantial funds for scholarships and charitable causes through resident-created crafts. Gurnee and Waukegan both have diverse populations and significant student need for post-secondary financial support. Emulating Holmstad’s successful model can foster intergenerational engagement, benefit local youth, and support Rotary’s commitment to education and youth development.
Potential Partners: - Local high schools (Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School) - College of Lake County Foundation - Senior centers in Lake County (e.g., Park Place in Waukegan, Gurnee Senior Center) - Art guilds and craft clubs - Business sponsors (local banks, insurance agents, or large employers like Six Flags)
Next Steps: 1. Form a planning committee with representatives from schools and senior centers. 2. Recruit local seniors, students, and community members to contribute handmade goods (art, crafts, baked items) for a fall or spring fundraising bazaar. 3. Secure an accessible location, such as a school gymnasium, library community room, or local park. 4. Promote the event through local media, school communications, and Rotary channels. 5. Establish a scholarship selection process in collaboration with high school guidance counselors, targeting students with demonstrated financial need and community leadership. 6. Distribute proceeds as spring scholarships and publicize recipients at an end-of-year Rotary event, fostering continued community support for youth.
1. Lakefront Environmental Stewardship & Community Education
Context:
With the 40th anniversary of Waukegan Harbor being celebrated and attention focused on ensuring the lakefront remains a source of pride and opportunity, this is an opportune moment to deepen community engagement in environmental protection and education. Lake Michigan beaches are central to the community’s identity, but recent hazard warnings about high waves emphasize ongoing environmental and safety concerns.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Local schools (Waukegan High School Environmental Club, District 60)
- Alliance for the Great Lakes
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with Waukegan Park District and environmental groups to co-design a “Lakefront Care Day” that features trash clean-up, invasive species education, and water safety workshops.
- Secure participation from local schools and youth organizations for educational booths and art contests highlighting Lake Michigan’s importance.
- Seek grant or sponsor support from local businesses and coordinate Rotary volunteers for event logistics.
- Use the event to identify long-term partners for ongoing stewardship initiatives and create an annual tradition around the lakefront’s environmental health.
2. Youth Empowerment Through Sports & Wellness
Context:
Local coverage highlights a strong football culture in Lake County (with Warren and Lake Zurich teams) and the successes of student-athletes such as Jamere French (Zion-Benton) and Christopher Chang (Lake Zurich). Given these athletes’ influence, there’s a unique opportunity to expand outreach into youth wellness, sportsmanship, and mental health support.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Warren, Lake Zurich, Zion-Benton)
- Student-athlete mentors (such as Jamere French and Christopher Chang or their coaches)
- Lake County Health Department
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Gurnee Park District
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with school athletic directors and the Lake County Health Department for a “Rotary Sports & Wellness Day,” a community event featuring skill clinics, sports nutrition, and mental health sessions for youth and parents.
- Invite featured local athletes for Q&A panels and short motivational talks.
- Seek in-kind support from sports retailers and local healthcare providers for healthy snacks, athletic gear, and resource materials.
- Identify students interested in ongoing Rotary-sponsored leadership development or scholarship opportunities.
- Use community feedback to design future programming connecting youth sports to broader wellness and educational achievement.
1. Youth Education & Literacy: Spelling and Academic Enrichment Fair
Context:
Lake County’s celebration of seventh-grader Visharad Sathish advancing to the National Spelling Bee highlights strong local interest in academic achievement and literacy, yet also underscores the importance of supporting literacy and enrichment opportunities for all students, not just top competitors. Rotary’s “Basic Education and Literacy” area of focus aligns well with supporting arts and academic excellence.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education (host of regional spelling bee) - Local schools across Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County - Public Libraries in Gurnee and Waukegan - Local education-focused nonprofits (i.e., United Way of Lake County, Reading Power, Inc.)
Next Steps: - Coordinate with the County Office of Education and area schools to host an annual Spelling and Academic Enrichment Fair. Create mentoring or workshop stations (spelling, vocabulary, creative writing, public speaking) for all interested youths, not just spelling bee participants. - Invite former competitors like Visharad Sathish as keynote speakers or mentors to inspire broader participation. - Develop a Rotary-sponsored fund or scholarship for students interested in national-level academic competitions, helping cover travel or resource costs for finalists. - Engage club volunteers and partner organizations to support event logistics, tutoring, and fundraising for supplies or scholarships.
2. Environmental Stewardship: Lakefront Community Clean-Up and Education Day
Context:
Waukegan Harbor’s upcoming 40th anniversary (“Ensuring (the) lakefront remains a source of pride and opportunity for decades to come”) brings renewed attention to the lakefront as a vital community resource. Clean water, public green space, and safe recreation highlight the importance of environmental sustainability, which is a core Rotary area of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and city government
- Lake County Environmental Commission
- Local businesses near Waukegan Harbor and Gurnee river access
- Area youth groups and high schools (National Honor Society, Key Clubs, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts)
- Environmental organizations (i.e., Alliance for the Great Lakes)
Next Steps: - Organize a Rotary-led Lakefront Clean-Up and Education Day, coinciding with Waukegan Harbor’s anniversary events. Structure the event as both a service project and a fundraiser (e.g., seeking donations for every bag of trash removed, or sponsorships from local businesses). - Invite environmental partners to host short workshops on lake ecology, water safety, and pollution prevention, targeting youth and families. - Create an award or recognition program for youth and volunteers demonstrating exceptional commitment during clean-up efforts. - Coordinate with city officials for necessary permissions and publicize through schools, parks, and community centers to maximize engagement.
These projects will help Rotary meaningfully address both youth education and environmental sustainability, while building stronger community partnerships in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. Community Health: COVID-19 Vaccination & Respiratory Wellness Outreach
Context:
There are new COVID-19 vaccine restrictions and updated vaccines targeting new variants in Lake County, with the CDC and local health officials encouraging residents, especially vulnerable populations, to get vaccinated ahead of the respiratory illness season. Many in Lake County remain unaware or face barriers (cost, transportation, misinformation) related to vaccinations and accessing broader respiratory health services. This aligns with Rotary's focus on disease prevention and health.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local pharmacies and clinics (e.g., Walgreens, CVS)
- Local schools, libraries, and community centers (as outreach hosts)
- Grayslake Rotary, Waukegan Rotary, Gurnee Rotary, and potentially Interact/Rotaract clubs
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Lake County Health Department to understand vaccine distribution updates, identify underserved areas, and pinpoint outreach needs.
- Develop and distribute multilingual outreach materials on new COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, respiratory illness prevention, and available clinics—print and digital.
- Host pop-up health events in partnership with local clinics/pharmacies at schools, libraries, farmers markets, and places of worship for vaccine access, Q&A with health professionals, and free wellness kits (masks, sanitizer, etc.).
- Fundraise or seek sponsorships to cover transportation vouchers for residents who need help attending clinics.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary and Interact/Rotaract to assist with outreach, logistics, and event support.
2. Youth & Education: Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Education Initiative
Context:
Recent news includes a house fire in Grayslake where pets were rescued, and ongoing fire-related incidents highlight the need for enhanced public education on fire safety and emergency preparedness, particularly for families and young people. Many children and families may lack life-saving knowledge like creating escape plans or understanding basic fire prevention. This directly addresses Rotary's area of focus on supporting education and child safety.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Fire Protection District
- Local school districts (Grayslake, Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts councils, local youth clubs
- Community centers and parent-teacher organizations
- Insurance agencies as sponsors for smoke detectors or materials
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Grayslake Fire Protection District to co-develop a curriculum of interactive fire safety workshops for schools and youth groups.
- Coordinate with school districts for program scheduling, targeting elementary and middle schools—especially in high-risk neighborhoods.
- Fundraise for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguisher giveaways, aiming for at-risk families in partnership with insurance agencies or local businesses.
- Organize hands-on community fire drills, evacuation planning sessions, and demonstrations of fire safety equipment at local events such as the Grayslake Farmers Market.
- Publicize workshops and safety days through Rotary social media, local Patch/press, and distribute bilingual materials.
- Monitor participation and collect feedback for future programming, potentially expanding to emergency preparedness for severe weather or other disasters.
These two service opportunities address urgent, visible community needs in health/disease prevention and educational safety and can be executed with strong community partnerships and Rotary leadership.
1. Community Health & Resources Fair Partnership
Context:
The "Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event” is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th at the College of Lake County, Grayslake campus. Such events attract area residents seeking information and direct support regarding health services, food access, housing, and more—a reflection of ongoing health and wellness needs in Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee. With pressing concerns about mental health, food security, and access to basic services intensified post-pandemic, Rotary can have a strong positive impact.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (event hosts)
- Lake County Health Department
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local high schools and youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Contact College of Lake County's outreach/events coordinator to formally join as an exhibitor or partner for the Resource Fair.
- Organize volunteers from the Rotary Club to staff a table offering free blood pressure checks, basic hearing/vision screening, or stress-relief kits; and distribute information on local free food pantries and health resources.
- Collaborate with existing partners (Health Department, Food Bank) to co-sponsor resources or recruit more volunteers for day-of assistance and future projects.
- Arrange follow-up opportunities: sign up interested attendees for further health screening days or recurring meal distributions organized by Rotary.
2. Youth Literacy & Education Support at Local Markets
Context:
Multiple community farmers markets are scheduled in Grayslake, Waukegan, and Vernon Hills, including the Grayslake Farmers Market and the Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor. The “Storybook Stars: Storytime” program at Hawthorn Market (Vernon Hills) shows local interest in youth literacy activities. Many Lake County elementary and middle school students—especially in Waukegan—face reading proficiency gaps and limited access to books at home.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (site of children’s events, e.g., Escape into Adventure)
- Waukegan Public Library
- Local schools and school districts (Community Consolidated School District 46, Waukegan District 60)
- Businesses participating in farmers markets
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with market organizers and local libraries to establish Rotary-sponsored “Book Nook” reading and book giveaway stations at upcoming market dates.
- Recruit Rotarians and community members as volunteer readers for scheduled storytimes (aligning with or supplementing “Storybook Stars”); plan book drives to collect and distribute new and gently-used children’s books.
- Develop a special fundraising event at the market (e.g., pie-tasting, raffle), with proceeds to fund classroom grants for local teachers or to purchase Spanish/English books for dual-language learners.
- Arrange consistent Rotary presence at market dates, building relationships with families and promoting ongoing Rotary youth scholarship or mentoring initiatives.
Certainly! Based on this local news and community context for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations that directly address current needs in the areas of health, youth, and education:
1. Lakefront Safety & Water Education Initiative
Areas of Focus: Community Health, Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education
Context: Recent warnings about dangerous currents and 8-foot waves at Lake Michigan beaches—especially in Lake Forest—highlight the ongoing risk of drowning and water-related accidents. Deadly swimming conditions require greater community awareness and resilience, particularly among youth and families who may not understand or recognize the hazards.
Potential Partners: - Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department - Local lifeguard associations - Lake County Health Department - Lake Forest High School (especially student clubs or health classes) - Local businesses (like Waukegan Tire for event sponsorship) - United States Coast Guard Auxiliary—Waukegan/Lake Forest station
Next Steps:
- Organize a "Lakefront Safety Day" at Lake Forest Beach or a central community center.
- Host demonstrations by local lifeguards on rip current escape techniques and open water safety.
- Distribute bilingual water safety materials for families and students.
- Fundraise for life jacket loaner stations along the lakefront.
- Leverage local high school students as safety ambassadors, training them to share water safety info with peers.
- Coordinate with city and county officials to sponsor public signage about beach conditions.
2. Youth Mental Health Support Expansion
Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies
Context: OMNI Youth Services—recently spotlighted for supporting Vernon Township youth and families—is already addressing growing concerns around mental health for adolescents in the area. The increasing focus on student wellbeing at the start of the school year (e.g., Woodlands Academy’s positive traditions) suggests an opportunity to expand support for mental health initiatives across Lake County, including underserved areas like Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners: - OMNI Youth Services (recent Vernon Township grant recipient) - Local school districts (Woodlands Academy, Lake Forest High School, Waukegan Public Schools) - Lake County Community Foundation - NAMI Lake County - Pediatric practices or local health systems (potentially Endeavor Health, whose CEO is being recognized locally) - Faith-based youth groups
Next Steps: - Host a Rotary-sponsored peer support workshop series (“Ending the Stigma: Mental Wellness for Youth”) in partnership with OMNI, targeting Lake County middle and high school students. - Fundraise for social-emotional resources (e.g., resilience toolkits, counseling scholarships) for at-risk youth identified by local schools. - Coordinate Rotary volunteers to lead after-school program mentorship focused on coping skills, mindfulness, and connection. - Publicize these resources widely before stressful academic times (start of school year, finals). - Explore Rotary grants to help expand OMNI and NAMI’s local reach into neighboring communities lacking robust mental health support.
Both projects address urgent, visible needs in Lake County while strengthening Rotary’s visibility, relevance, and impact through alliance with trusted local partners.
1. Community Health: COVID-19 Vaccination & Education Drive
Context:
With new restrictions and updates on COVID-19 vaccines targeting the latest variants and the onset of respiratory illness season (per recent Libertyville news), there is renewed importance on community immunization and accurate health information dissemination. Misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and potential gaps in booster coverage could leave vulnerable groups (seniors, the immunocompromised, non-English speakers) at risk throughout Lake County, including towns like Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Local pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS) - Township senior centers and faith groups (e.g., Holy Family Church) - Hospitals (Endeavor Health Systems) - D128 schools (for youth and family outreach)
Next Steps: - Contact the Lake County Health Department to identify current vaccination clinic needs and preferred partnership models. - Coordinate with local faith-based organizations and senior centers for bilingual education sessions and "pop-up" vaccine clinics. - Recruit Rotary volunteers to serve as greeters, translators, and education ambassadors at clinics and school family nights. - Apply for a Rotary District Grant for educational materials, childcare during clinics, and transportation vouchers for those in need.
2. Youth & Education: Student Mental Health and Safety Workshop
Context:
Following recent concerns about crimes near schools (e.g., the pretrial release of a suspect for lewd conduct near a Libertyville school), and with District 128 schools being recognized among Top 25 in the U.S., there’s heightened awareness around both academic achievement and student well-being. There’s an opportunity to complement school excellence with programming that supports mental health, safety awareness, and resilience for youth and families across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Community Consolidated School District 128 & school counselors - Local police departments (school resource officers) - Youth service nonprofits (e.g., Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, NAMI Lake County) - Parent-Teacher Associations - Northern Illinois Food Bank (to address related needs like food insecurity and stress)
Next Steps: - Begin dialogue with D128 and Waukegan/Gurnee school leaders to identify specific needs for workshops (mental health, internet safety, dealing with trauma). - Partner with mental health organizations and social workers for curriculum and resources. - Plan after-school or Saturday events featuring expert speakers, interactive safety demonstrations, and resource fairs for families. - Fundraise with a community walkathon, leveraging Rotary's visibility and partnership with the upcoming "Run Like a Diva" event (benefiting WINGS), to dedicate a portion of proceeds toward mental health programming and crisis resource kits for students and families.