Rotary Radar - 20260216

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Education and Civic Engagement Initiative** **Context:** Recent letters to the editor highlight civic discourse and engagement concerns in Lake County, including support for local referendums (e.g., park district initiatives), misunderstandings about immigration policies and agencies (such as ICE), and a strong emphasis on the importance of voting from groups like the League of Women Voters. Students are also participating in protests, indicating both a high level of youth engagement and a need for broader understanding of civic processes and responsibilities. **Potential Partners:** - League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington and Schaumburg Areas (LWVPA) - Local high schools in Gurnee and Waukegan (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan High School) - Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District - Local libraries and community centers **Next Steps:** - Organize a series of Rotary-sponsored “Civic Engagement & Education” workshops for youth and adults, partnering with LWVPA for curriculum and materials. - Develop informational sessions in partnership with local schools, focusing on how to participate in local referendums, understanding government agencies, and the importance of voting. - Host a Youth Civic Leadership Day at a local community center that features talks from civic leaders, interactive sessions on voting and local governance, and informational booths. - Fundraise through community events, such as a “Democracy Run/Walk” or trivia nights, to support ongoing civic education outreach and provide transportation or materials for under-resourced schools. --- **2. Outdoor Community Wellness and Environmental Project** **Context:** With community attention on supporting park district referendums and the expressed value of outdoor spaces for public health (as referenced in the letter discussing Naperville’s healthy outdoor initiatives), there is demand for accessible, safe, and enhanced public spaces in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County. The opportunity aligns with Rotary’s focus on health and the environment. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District - Local health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department) - Environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves) - Businesses for in-kind sponsorship (nurseries, fitness retailers) **Next Steps:** - Launch a Rotary “Healthy Parks, Healthy Communities” service day, combining a park clean-up, tree planting, and free family wellness activities (nature walks, yoga, health screenings). - Collaborate with park districts to identify which parks need the most restoration or new wellness-related fitness features (such as outdoor exercise equipment, community gardens, or walking trail signage). - Apply for Rotary District grants for funding, and recruit volunteers from local schools, youth groups, and businesses. - Pair these efforts with a fundraising campaign—perhaps a “Sponsor-a-Tree” drive or spring/summer family field day—to raise funds for park enhancements and environmental education materials for local families and students.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Support for Waukegan D60 Schools: Addressing Financial Uncertainty & Student Needs** *Rotary Focus Areas: Education, Community/Economic Development, Youth* **Context:** Waukegan D60 is currently reviewing staffing and resources to “ensure resources are aligned with student needs” amid financial uncertainty ([Lake County News-Sun, Feb. 2026](https://www.chicagotribune.com)). Budget stress often leads to cuts in enrichment, mental health supports, after-school programs, and classroom aids—all of which can hurt vulnerable students the most, especially in under-resourced districts. **Potential Partners:** - Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 - Waukegan Public Library (especially the Maker Space program) - Waukegan Park District and local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club) - Businesses, such as local manufacturers or tech companies, for in-kind sponsorships **Next Steps:** - Reach out to D60 administration to discuss current needs: after-school programming, school supplies, literacy help, or mental health supports. - Organize a Rotary “Back-to-School Resource Fair” timed with district milestones, providing school supplies, volunteers for tutoring/mentoring, and mental wellness resources. - Develop a Rotary Fund to sponsor classroom mini-grants for teachers facing supply and project cutbacks, in partnership with Waukegan Public Library’s Maker Space (to enhance STEM/STEAM options). - Seek co-sponsorships from local businesses and promote community involvement through a fundraising gala or online giving campaign. - Set up a volunteer corps from Rotary to provide academic help, especially in literacy and STEM, aligned with D60’s identified gaps. --- **2. Expansion & Promotion of Waukegan Public Library’s Maker Space for Youth Tech & Creativity** *Rotary Focus Areas: Education, Community/Economic Development, Youth, Innovation* **Context:** The Waukegan Library’s Maker Space has just expanded its hours (now open 4–7 p.m. Tuesdays), offering broader access to creative and technology learning for students and residents. Maker Spaces foster vital 21st-century skills and provide equitable access to tools like 3D printers, coding kits, and creative arts, but awareness and resources to grow participation can be limited. **Potential Partners:** - Waukegan Public Library - Local schools (Waukegan D60, Warren Township High School) - Gurnee and Waukegan businesses with an interest in STEM/STEAM (e.g., Abbott, Medline, CDW, local robotics clubs) - Area youth organizations (Gurnee Park District, afterschool programs) **Next Steps:** - Meet with library leadership to identify specific needs: equipment, volunteer coaches, transportation for students, or funding for extended hours. - Organize Rotary “Maker Days”—special events inviting students for hands-on learning, coding workshops, and creative project showcases, with Rotarians serving as mentors or event staff. - Launch a targeted fundraiser (“Sponsor a Student Innovator”) to provide scholarships for workshops/camps and purchase additional tech for the space. - Develop partnerships with local companies and tech professionals for workshop leadership, mentoring, and career talks to inspire youth about STEM/STEAM careers. - Help expand awareness through a community campaign (flyers, social media, school newsletters), offering demonstrations at area events or schools. These projects both align with Rotary’s commitment to education, youth development, and supporting thriving, equitable communities in Lake County.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Lake County Youth Academic Achievement & Enrichment Fund** **Context:** The recent story about Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old from Lake Forest Country Day School, winning the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlights outstanding academic talent in the region but also underscores both the dedication of local educators and disparities in resources across schools. The Regional Spelling Bee involved students from 73 schools countywide, many of whom need support with supplies, study materials, and enrichment opportunities. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting education and youth development. **Potential Partners:** - **Lake County Regional Office of Education** (Superintendent Michael Karner and Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry, who directly oversee the bee and similar educational programs) - **John Lewis Middle School (Waukegan)** (Ashley Whitaker, Dual Language Instructional Specialist) - Local libraries and educational nonprofits (e.g., North Chicago Public Library, Lake County Literacy Coalition) - School Parent-Teacher Associations **Next Steps:** - Meet with Michael Karner and Courtney Curry to identify unmet needs, such as funding for academic clubs, travel stipends for competitions, or books/dictionaries for under-resourced schools. - Launch a fundraiser (possibly “Sponsor a Speller” or “Dictionaries for Scholars” event) coinciding with National Spelling Bee season to raise awareness and funds. - Set up a grant or mini-scholarship program—awarding support for students who qualify for academic competitions, literacy camps, or enrichment activities regardless of income. - Engage community volunteers to coach students or run preparatory workshops in partnership with schools and libraries. --- **2. Expanding Family Literacy & English Language Learning Support in Waukegan and Gurnee** **Context:** With a spotlight on academic success like that of Sutish and the pivotal role educators such as Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan) play, now is an opportune time to address broader educational needs—especially for families with English language learners (ELLs) or limited access to reading materials at home. Many families in Waukegan and surrounding Lake County communities face barriers to literacy resources and ELL support, impacting both student performance and parental engagement. Rotary’s focus on basic education and literacy makes this a natural fit. **Potential Partners:** - **Local schools with high ELL populations** (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60) - **Literacy organizations** (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Lake County Literacy Coalition) - Local libraries, faith groups, and parks districts offering community education **Next Steps:** - Convene educators like Ashley Whitaker, school administrators, and local ELL coordinators to assess priority needs (for example, take-home book kits, family reading nights, bilingual story hours, or technology for remote learning). - Organize a Rotary-sponsored Book Drive and Family Reading Festival—with free children’s and bilingual books, storytelling, and take-home literacy kits provided to underserved families. - Recruit Rotarians and high school volunteers as reading buddies or ELL tutors; provide training and a recurring schedule of in-person or virtual support sessions. - Leverage local media and schools to publicize events and encourage participation, especially among families new to the community. --- Both opportunities directly enhance educational outcomes, community cohesion, and youth development in Lake County, leveraging Rotary connections and strengthening ties with area schools and families.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Health: Food Pantry Support and Healthy Meal Initiative** **Context:** Recent local news highlights a spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, citing increased food insecurity across Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. Rising food costs and ongoing economic pressures have resulted in greater reliance on local food pantries by families and individuals (see article: “Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year”). Lake County has networks of food pantries such as COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) and Northern Illinois Food Bank partners in Gurnee and the broader area. **Potential Partners:** - COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Local businesses and restaurants (for food drives or fundraising support) - Faith-based organizations and community centers **Next Steps:** - Connect with directors at COOL Ministries and Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess current needs (both for food donations and volunteer support). - Organize a Rotary-led “Healthy Meals Drive,” encouraging the donation of nutritious staples (whole grains, fresh produce, proteins), partnering with local restaurants and stores for matching gifts or collection drives. - Coordinate volunteer Rotarians to assist with sorting, packaging, or distributing food, possibly aligning service days with high-need periods (holidays or end-of-month). - Consider grant opportunities or a small fundraising event (e.g., community breakfast or dinner) to support pantry operations and nutrition education for pantry clients. --- **2. Education and Youth: Arts & Literacy Enrichment Collaboration** **Context:** The Grayslake Arts Alliance Writers’ Group and other recent events indicate a strong local interest in arts, writing, and creative opportunities. Enriching youth engagement in the arts is directly aligned with Rotary’s area of focus on education. Creating accessible after-school or weekend programming—especially for underserved youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities—would foster creativity, literacy, and positive community involvement. **Potential Partners:** - Grayslake Arts Alliance - Local public libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library, Waukegan Public Library) - Local schools and park districts - Pine Island Camp (as a model or potential collaborator for summer enrichment programs) **Next Steps:** - Reach out to the Grayslake Arts Alliance and local libraries to gauge interest in co-hosting periodic “Rotary Create!” workshops—writing, art, or music sessions for youth and families. - Develop a volunteer roster of Rotarians with arts, teaching, or mentoring backgrounds. - Seek funding, art/literacy supply donations, and possible sponsorship by local businesses to ensure accessibility. - Publicize through schools, youth centers, and partner websites, prioritizing outreach to at-risk or low-resource neighborhoods. - Measure impact via participation rates, feedback surveys, and possible exhibition opportunities for children’s work at Rotary or community events.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Youth Empowerment and Public Speaking Support (Rotary Area of Focus: Education / Supporting Youth)** **Context:** The University-Illinois Extension is hosting a 4-H Public Speaking Contest on March 7, 2026, in Grayslake. Public speaking skills are vital for youth development, confidence, and future career prospects. Supporting youth in developing these abilities directly benefits the local community and aligns with Rotary’s focus on education and youth empowerment. **Potential Partners:** - University of Illinois Extension (4-H program coordinators in Grayslake) - Local high schools such as Grayslake North High School - Grayslake Area Public Library - Area youth organizations **Next Steps:** - Reach out to the 4-H coordinators at the University-Illinois Extension (contact via their Grayslake office) to offer Rotary volunteers as judges, timekeepers, or mentors in advance of the contest. - Propose the creation of a Rotary-sponsored “Excellence in Public Speaking” award and scholarship (e.g., small academic scholarship or book stipend). - Organize a prep workshop ahead of March 7, led by Rotarians with backgrounds in leadership, business, or education to help students polish speeches, focusing on confidence and clear communication. - Invite finalists to present at a Rotary lunch or dinner meeting, deepening community connections and providing additional real-world experience. --- **2. Environmental Engagement and Community Garden Initiative (Rotary Area of Focus: The Environment / Community Health)** **Context:** The Grayslake Greenery Garden Club is offering a program (“Gardening in Comfort”) and there is an increased local interest in sustainable gardening and green space (as indicated by the upcoming program and the community garden movement). Creating or enhancing a community garden meets critical needs for food security, environmental stewardship, and community engagement—especially in areas like Waukegan and Gurnee, where access to fresh produce can be limited for some residents. **Potential Partners:** - Grayslake Greenery Garden Club - Local civic bodies (Village of Gurnee, City of Waukegan) - Food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan) - Grayslake Area Public Library (for educational workshops) - Local schools (for youth involvement) **Next Steps:** - Connect with the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club to co-host the “Gardening in Comfort” event and introduce Rotary’s involvement and future plans. - Identify available plots or underused land near community centers or schools in Gurnee or Waukegan for starting or expanding a community garden. - Apply for a Rotary District grant to fund supplies (raised beds, seeds, soil, tools) and educational sessions. - Recruit Rotarians and local volunteers for garden set-up days. - Organize monthly family-friendly gardening education events (potentially at the public library or community centers), focusing on sustainable practices. - Partner with local food banks to direct a percentage of garden produce to families in need, demonstrating tangible community health impact.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Mental Health Awareness and Support Initiative in Vernon Township and Greater Lake County** *Context:* The Vernon Township Mental Health Board recently awarded 17 community grants to organizations addressing local mental health needs. This highlights an ongoing priority in Lake County for accessible mental health resources and support services. Demand remains high, and community awareness, de-stigmatization, and support are continually needed. *Potential Partners:* - Vernon Township Mental Health Board - Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (recently co-hosted civic events) - Local schools (such as Woodlands Academy) - Mental health nonprofits, e.g., NAMI Lake County *Recommended Rotary Activity:* Host a mental health resource fair or educational summit that brings together local mental health providers, school representatives, and residents. Activities could include workshops on stress management, suicide prevention training, and introductions to mental health support groups. The event could also include a fundraiser (such as a community run/walk or benefit dinner), with proceeds supporting local organizations serving youth and families facing mental health challenges. *Next Steps:* - Convene a planning committee with representatives from local Rotary clubs, mental health professionals, and municipal leaders. - Reach out to the Vernon Township Mental Health Board and NAMI Lake County to discuss collaboration. - Secure venue and set event date, promoting widely through schools, local media, and civic partners. - Develop a fundraising component and pursue sponsorships from local businesses for event costs and awareness materials. **2. Student Achievement and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Scholarships/Programs** *Context:* Woodlands Academy recently received recognition at the Archdiocesan math competition and for faith-based community service. These news items highlight the strong tradition of academic achievement and community stewardship among youth in the area. However, not all students in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas have access to the same enrichment or recognition opportunities, especially in STEAM fields. *Potential Partners:* - Woodlands Academy (noted for student leadership and achievement) - Local public schools in Waukegan and Gurnee - League of Women Voters of Lake County (active in youth civic engagement) - Local businesses, especially those in technology and science sectors *Recommended Rotary Activity:* Create a Rotary STEAM Scholars Program offering: - Annual scholarships for high-achieving or high-need students in Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby areas. - Hands-on STEAM enrichment workshops or “challenge days” hosted in partnership with local schools and colleges. - Volunteer mentorship, possibly pairing professionals in science, tech, and arts fields with students to guide projects and career exploration. Fundraising could involve a community STEAM expo or banquet, showcasing student achievements and local companies’ innovations, with proceeds supporting scholarships and future programming. *Next Steps:* - Connect with school administrators to identify student needs and potential partners. - Form a Rotary steering committee and invite input from local educators and business leaders. - Publicize the program through local media and social platforms to encourage applications and sponsors. - Recruit mentors and volunteers from the community and partner organizations.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Health: Support for Survivors in Crisis through the ZCenter Teddy Bear Drive** **Context:** Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter), based in Lake County, has launched its annual Teddy Bear Drive aiming to collect 1,000 new teddy bears during February. These teddy bears will bring comfort to children and adults arriving in crisis at emergency rooms across Lake County (including Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities). There is an ongoing need for mental health and trauma support for those affected by violence and crisis, as indicated by recent news of police-involved shootings and broader community trauma. **Potential Rotary Project:** The Rotary Club can mobilize its network to expand the reach of this drive, hosting additional collection sites, purchasing bears with raised funds, and volunteering to deliver donations to area hospitals and crisis centers. Beyond the immediate drive, the Rotary could partner with ZCenter to host educational seminars or speaker events on trauma-informed care, supporting both survivors and local responders. **Potential Partners:** - **Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter)** - Local hospitals (Advocate Condell, Vista Health, NorthShore) - Waukegan and Gurnee public schools (for student-led collections) - Faith organizations and local businesses (for drop-off sites) **Next Steps:** - Contact ZCenter’s community outreach coordinator to coordinate Rotary involvement. - Identify local businesses, libraries, and schools willing to serve as teddy bear collection sites. - Organize a fundraising campaign (online and at Rotary meetings/events) to buy new teddy bears. - Publicize the drive through social media, local news, and Rotary channels to maximize awareness. - Plan for a volunteer day to assemble and deliver teddy bears to area hospitals and ERs. --- **2. Youth Development & Community Engagement: Summer Camp Access Expansion** **Context:** Pine Island Camp, a nonprofit program, is promoting its mission to foster independence, imagination, and character in boys through summer camp experiences. While Pine Island is based in Maine, the need for both local and regional summer enrichment for underserved youth remains high, especially in communities like Waukegan and Gurnee, where resources may be insufficient for many families to afford quality summer programming. Access to safe, enriching out-of-school programs is a Rotary priority for positive youth development and education. **Potential Rotary Project:** The Rotary Club could sponsor scholarships for Lake County youth (especially from low-income families in Waukegan and Gurnee) to attend Pine Island Camp or local alternatives if distance to Maine is a barrier. Rotary can also host or expand a local day camp/mini-camp within Lake County, partnering with local parks districts, libraries, or Boys & Girls Clubs for a week of STEAM, leadership, and character-building activities, led by Rotary volunteers and community partners. **Potential Partners:** - Pine Island Camp (for scholarship support and outreach) - Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District (facilities and program partnership) - Lake County Boys & Girls Clubs, public libraries - Local school counselors (to identify eligible youth) **Next Steps:** - Reach out to Pine Island Camp to arrange Rotary-sponsored scholarships and promotional partnership. - Work with local parks districts to co-host or sponsor a one-week summer enrichment camp. - Mobilize Rotary volunteers to assist with programming, supplies, and transportation for campers. - Launch an outreach campaign in schools and community centers, with a focus on underserved populations. - Seek matching funds or in-kind donations from businesses to maximize the number of youth served.