1. Community Health: Supporting Youth Physical Fitness through Girls Cross Country
Context:
With the fall girls cross country season being highlighted in both Gurnee and Lake County news (as reported by John Bumbales on September 1, 2025), there is visible community interest in supporting youth athletics. Girls cross country promotes not only physical fitness but also teamwork, resilience, and mental health, aligning closely with Rotary's areas of focus on community health and supporting education/youth. Many area athletic programs face budget limitations, which restrict access to equipment, training, and travel, especially for families in need.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (notably Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Waukegan High School, and Lake County high schools)
- Local running clubs or sporting goods stores (e.g., Dick's Sporting Goods)
- Parent-teacher organizations (PTO/PTAs)
- Girls on the Run (nonprofit with interest in girls’ physical fitness)
- Park districts
Next Steps:
1. Contact cross country coaches and school athletic directors to assess specific needs (shoes, uniforms, race fees, transportation).
2. Plan a fundraising run/walk event or seek Rotary grants to provide needed equipment.
3. Enlist local businesses to sponsor teams or provide prizes.
4. Organize a “Rotary Cross Country Day” where Rotarians volunteer as race helpers, mentors, or guest speakers to encourage youth participation and healthy lifestyles.
2. Environment: Enhancing Green Spaces for Community Use
Context:
With the cross country season indicating heavy use of local parks and trails in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County, there is an opportunity to directly support both youth activities and environmental stewardship. Enhancing and maintaining green spaces ensures safe, beautiful, and accessible places for recreation, benefiting public health and strengthening community bonds—both key Rotary aims. Local park districts often require extra hands and funds for habitat restoration, trail cleanup, or native plantings.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves and local park districts (Belvidere Park in Waukegan, Gurnee Park District)
- School sports teams and booster clubs
- Local environmental nonprofits (e.g., Lake County Audubon Society)
- Corporate volunteer programs
- Local garden clubs
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with park district officials to identify high-priority maintenance/restoration projects (e.g., trail resurfacing, invasive species removal, pollinator planting).
2. Schedule a “Rotary Green Day” joint volunteer event timed with cross country meets to engage both athletes and Rotarians.
3. Apply for Rotary and local environmental grants to fund tools, plants, and signage.
4. Publicize the project in partnership with school teams, boosting awareness of Rotary’s investment in local health and environment.
These service projects respond directly to current community activities and needs and demonstrate Rotary’s commitment to both youth and the environment in the region.
1. Community Health & Education Initiative: "SAFE MILK, SAFE FAMILIES"
Context:
A recent article highlighted new debates and risks around unpasteurized (raw) milk in Illinois, referencing a major salmonella outbreak forty years ago and new pressures from influencers and politicians promoting raw dairy consumption. With misconceptions growing and public health at risk, especially for children and immigrant families unfamiliar with U.S. regulations, Lake County could benefit from targeted education addressing food safety and nutrition, as well as ensuring access to safe foods.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee SD 56) - Gurnee and Waukegan Public Libraries - Community advocacy groups (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Immigrant advocacy organizations) - Northern Illinois Food Bank
Next Steps: - Reach out to the Lake County Health Department to collaborate on educational materials, workshops, and prevention campaigns about the risks of raw milk and the importance of food safety. - Organize bilingual (English/Spanish) community forums at libraries, schools, or community centers with experts and resources for safe nutrition. - Develop a fundraising campaign to provide food-safety starter kits for local families, including refrigerator thermometers, printed guides, and vouchers for pasteurized milk. - Schedule participation at local events (health fairs, school nights) to expand reach. - Enlist Rotary volunteers with medical, teaching, or translation backgrounds.
2. Environmental Service Project: "LAKE PLAIN PRESERVATION DAY"
Context:
A recent news feature emphasized the "last area of its kind"—the Lake Plain—in Lake County, with tours underlining its ecological importance. As local development pressures threaten remaining prairie-wetland habitats, the community increasingly recognizes the need to preserve unique local resources and engage youth in environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves (especially responsible for the Lake Plain area) - Prairie State Conservation Coalition - Local schools’ environmental clubs (Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School in Gurnee) - Youth groups (Scouts, 4-H) - Local businesses for sponsorship (Bass Pro Shops, Abbott Labs environmental committees)
Next Steps: - Convene a joint planning meeting with the Lake County Forest Preserves and Prairie State Conservation to identify short-term and sustainable volunteer projects (e.g., invasive species removal, planting native grasses, trail improvement). - Develop a “Preservation Day” event annually (potentially in spring/fall), inviting families, students, and civic groups. - Pursue local and corporate sponsorships to fund tools, refreshments, t-shirts, and educational materials. - Integrate educational workshops for youth on prairie ecology and conservation careers. - Publicize the project widely via partner and Rotary channels to recruit volunteers and donors.
Both initiatives directly support Rotary’s focus on community health, basic education, environment, and youth engagement and respond to emerging needs and stories in Lake County.
1. Youth Academic Achievement: Spelling Bee Support & Literacy Enhancement
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish has achieved notable success by winning the regional spelling bee and will represent the area at the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this May. The spelling bee saw hundreds of students from 73 Lake County schools participate, highlighting both student talent and the importance of literacy and academic enrichment in the community.
Potential Rotary Project:
Create a spelling bee scholarship and literacy support initiative for students across Lake County. This could involve both fundraising to support Visharad's journey (and for future winners) as well as broader educational programming, such as after-school literacy clubs, workshops, or partnerships to provide books and learning resources to local schools—especially those from under-resourced communities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee D56, etc.)
- Libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
- Local businesses for sponsorship support
Next Steps:
- Reach out to regional education offices and Visharad Sathish's school for collaboration and needs assessment.
- Form a project team within the Rotary club to coordinate with local schools and libraries.
- Develop a fundraiser (e.g., community spelling event, read-a-thon, or online campaign) to support student participation in academic competitions and expand access to literacy resources.
- Launch the initiative with a presentation honoring Visharad and inviting student participation in year-round literacy programming.
2. Environmental Health: Lake Plain Preservation and Sustainability Education
Context:
Recent local coverage has highlighted a tour focused on the Lake Plain, described as “the last area of its kind.” This underscores both the ecological importance of the Lake Plain habitats in Lake County and the need for community involvement in conservation, especially as regional environmental issues remain in the news (e.g., Grand Calumet River cleanup efforts, raw milk safety debates).
Potential Rotary Project:
Organize a “Lake Plain Preservation Day”—a community awareness, cleanup, and sustainability education event at a Lake Plain site. This event could include habitat restoration (e.g., invasive species removal, native species planting), guided educational tours, and hands-on activities for local youth and families to learn about Lake County’s unique environment and how to protect it.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- The Lake County Audubon Society
- Local schools (environmental clubs, science teachers)
- Gurnee Park District
- Local environmental non-profits (Citizens for Conservation, Openlands)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Lake County Forest Preserves staff to identify needs and coordinate a date for the cleanup/event.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary, school clubs, and the broader community.
- Work with environmental groups to plan interactive education stations and materials.
- Publicize the event through local media, schools, and community partners to maximize youth and family engagement.
- Document the day and develop ongoing stewardship opportunities for interested youth (e.g., starting a youth “Eco Ambassadors” club with Rotary sponsorship).
1. Food Security Initiative: Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent local news highlighted a significant spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County communities. Rising demand suggests food insecurity is a growing concern, putting pressure on local nonprofits and volunteers. Lake County has multiple food pantries and charitable organizations struggling to meet current needs.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank (serves Lake County) - COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee) - Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community health, hunger alleviation
Next Steps: - Reach out to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries, and local pantries to assess urgent supply gaps. - Organize a Rotary-sponsored community food drive and/or fundraising campaign with collection points at local businesses and schools. - Recruit volunteers from club members and local youth organizations (such as Scouts or student clubs). - Publicize the drive via social media, Patch, and flyers; consider partnering with Grayslake Farmers Market organizers for fresh produce donations. - Develop a calendar for ongoing, quarterly support rather than a one-time event.
2. Environmental Youth Engagement: Supporting the Grayslake Youth Corps and Forest Preserve Initiatives
Context:
The Grayslake Youth Corps' recent activities planting seeds and working on environmental projects were featured in the news. Additionally, the Lake County Forest Preserve announced a trail expansion, indicating ongoing environmental stewardship projects in the area. Engaging youth in these efforts aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting the environment and youth development.
Potential Partners: - Grayslake Youth Corps - Lake County Forest Preserve District - Grayslake Arts Alliance (for educational workshops or eco-art collaborations) - Local schools and park districts
Rotary Areas of Focus: Environment, youth engagement
Next Steps: - Connect with Grayslake Youth Corps leaders to identify needs for resources, tools, or expanded programming (such as environmental education days or mentorship). - Offer Rotary volunteers as speakers, mentors, or event-day helpers for upcoming planting or restoration projects. - Sponsor a “Rotary Green Day” in partnership with the Forest Preserve, combining trail maintenance/planting with youth-led environmental education activities. - Collaborate with the Arts Alliance to incorporate creative environmental messaging (murals, signage, or art installations) along restored trails. - Seek grant or foundation funding to sustain these youth-environment programs beyond single events.
1. Community Health & Family Support: Rotary Wellness & Resource Day at the Community Cares Resource Fair
Context:
The Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event will be held at the College of Lake County’s Grayslake Campus on September 10. Recent events in Lake County have highlighted growing needs for mental health support, access to healthcare resources, and connection to vital social services—especially as economic challenges persist post-pandemic. Rotary’s health and disease prevention focus area is well-aligned, and supporting health equity and wellness continues to be a top need mentioned by local organizations.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County
- Lake County Health Department
- Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
- Warren-Newport Public Library (to reach youth and families)
- Catholic Charities of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Connect with the organizers of the Community Cares Resource Fair to reserve a Rotary booth or collaborative space.
- Organize Rotarians to host blood pressure screenings, distribute mental health information, and promote local health resources.
- Coordinate with health department and Nicasa to offer family-friendly workshops (such as stress management or substance prevention for teens).
- Fundraise in advance for hygiene kits or grocery gift cards to distribute at the event.
- Publicize Rotary’s service opportunities and recruit new members or volunteers.
2. Environmental Stewardship: Waterfront Clean-up & Awareness Campaign at Waukegan Harbor Market
Context:
The Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina (September 26) attracts hundreds of residents and families and is situated in an important ecological zone along Lake Michigan. With ongoing concerns in Lake County about water quality, plastic pollution, and aquatic ecosystem health, this event presents an ideal moment to promote Rotary’s environment area of focus. Community needs align with raising awareness and actively supporting the preservation of local waterways, as Waukegan’s waterfront is used for fishing, boating, and recreation by a diverse population.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District
- Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
- Lake Michigan Federation/Alliance for the Great Lakes
- Local fishing and boating clubs
- Youth councils or scouts
Next Steps:
- Contact the Waterfront Market organizer to sponsor or partner on a clean-up initiative in conjunction with the market (before, during, or after event hours).
- Engage youth groups and local school volunteers to participate (creating an intergenerational project).
- Arrange for educational materials and interactive displays about local environmental challenges and simple solutions (e.g., reducing single-use plastics).
- Seek local sponsors for supplies (trash pickers, gloves, bags) and refreshments for volunteers.
- Highlight Rotary’s commitment to the environment and potentially launch a regular “Adopt-the-Harbor” initiative building off the event’s momentum.
1. Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Initiative (Community Health, Youth)
Context:
Recent news warned of 8-foot waves and dangerous currents at Lake Michigan beaches near Lake Forest, with deadly swim conditions. With increasing extreme weather and frequent beachgoers (especially youth and families), community safety is a growing concern. There have been statewide spikes in accidental drownings, underscoring the need for proactive education and resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Park District
- Gurnee Park District
- Lake Forest Fire Department (water rescue teams)
- Local schools (e.g., Lake Forest High School, Woodlands Academy)
- American Red Cross
- YMCA of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning team with representatives from Rotary and potential partners.
- Organize a Water Safety Day at local beaches or park facilities before next summer: free swim lessons, life jacket fittings, CPR demos, presentations from first responders.
- Fundraise for signage and water safety equipment (life rings, throw ropes) at high-risk sites.
- Develop and distribute multilingual water safety materials, targeting both youth and families, through schools and community centers.
- Secure media partnerships (e.g., Patch.com) to maximize awareness and attendance.
2. School Success and Youth Mental Health Support (Education, Youth)
Context:
The launch of the 2025-26 school year at Woodlands Academy and Lake Forest High School's top state ranking highlight education as a local strength and priority. However, national and local trends show increasing rates of youth anxiety, stress, and mental health challenges as school resumes. Students (and educators) benefit from community-backed initiatives that foster belonging, resilience, and access to support.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Lake Forest High School counseling departments
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Advocate Aurora Health
- Youth Guidance (provider of school-based counseling)
- Local PTO/PTAs
- Gurnee and Waukegan public libraries (spaces for workshops)
Next Steps:
- Meet with school administrators and counselors to identify gaps and needs (mental health resources, mentoring, tutoring).
- Plan a peer-mentor program or "Welcome Back" student wellness fair with local professionals and organizations providing stress-reduction, study skills, and mental health resources.
- Secure funding for guest speakers, printed resources, and ongoing mentorship or tutoring programs, with local businesses (Waukegan Tire, etc.) as possible sponsors.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers for tutoring, career coaching, and wellness panel participation.
- Publicize programs via school communication channels and local news sites.
By leveraging these opportunities, Rotary can address immediate safety and long-term wellness in Lake County, directly aligning with its areas of focus and community-recognized needs.
1. “Forest Preserve Restoration and Outdoor Education” Project
Context:
The Lake County Forest Preserve recently announced the completion of a trail expansion, demonstrating the community’s investment in local green spaces and outdoor recreation. With growing concerns about the environment—and as expanded park access invites more visitors—there’s an increased need for ongoing stewardship, restoration, and public education regarding natural resources, native species, and sustainability.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves District (contact: Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach) - Local school districts (e.g., Libertyville District 128) - Youth organizations (e.g., Scouts BSA, local school environmental clubs) - Local eco-focused nonprofits (e.g., Conserve Lake County) - Corporate sponsors with local presence (for funding/tools donation)
Next Steps: 1. Connect with Lake County Forest Preserves to identify specific restoration needs (e.g., invasive species removal, planting natives, litter clean-up). 2. Design a series of “Restoration Days” for volunteers, involving both hands-on stewardship and educational sessions about native ecology. 3. Engage schools to offer service-learning hours for students, and publicize through their communication channels. 4. Seek grant or donation opportunities to purchase equipment or educational materials. 5. Organize a kickoff event coinciding with the newly expanded trail to maximize participation and media coverage.
Rotary Area of Focus: Protecting the Environment, Basic Education (outdoor learning opportunities)
2. “Health & Wellness Access at Community Events” Initiative
Context:
A number of large community events and festivals are scheduled for Lake County, such as the Mundelein Arts Festival (September), and ongoing events at Courtland Commons. Local news highlights both increased public gatherings and recent public safety concerns, while national attention is being paid to community health and well-being.
Potential Partners: - Village of Mundelein, event organizers (contact: Mundelein Arts Festival Committee) - Area hospitals/health groups (e.g., Endeavor Health Systems, Lake County Health Department) - Local pharmacies - Universities with nursing or public health programs - Nonprofits focused on public health or hunger (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank)
Next Steps: 1. Coordinate with event organizers and health partners to host accessible “Health and Wellness Tents” at festivals—offering free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose), mental health referrals, and resource information on food security or affordable care. 2. Recruit Rotarian volunteers with healthcare or wellness backgrounds and arrange for student volunteers from local nursing/public health programs. 3. Collaboratively design bilingual materials for diverse communities, and distribute health and safety kits (hand sanitizer, masks, basic first aid). 4. Solicit donations or sponsorships from partner health systems or local businesses. 5. Evaluate impact by tracking the number of screenings and distributing post-event wellness surveys.
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Community Health, Supporting Education (health literacy)