Waukegan E-News - February 2023

Welcome to the Waukegan E-News! Emailed once a month, this free newsletter contains information about city services and upcoming events. Recipients may unsubscribe at any time.

From the Desk of

Mayor Ann B. Taylor

February is a short month, but plenty is going on in Waukegan!

On February 8^th, the City hosted a Town Hall at the Genesee Theatre, where more than 150 residents engaged with City officials and department leaders. Watch for announcements about future Town Halls, as we look forward to hosting two per year.

At the Town Hall, we discussed many topics, including the upcoming City Manager referendum. I know it’s critical to give each neighborhood its own voice and representation when the City makes decisions, so we have plans to retain our nine-ward system should the referendum pass.

As far as this month, I encourage all our residents to take time to learn and celebrate our local Black history and culture as we recognize Black History Month. A number of events are planned for the month. Visit the City’s website for a full schedule.

Finally, I hope you can spend some quality time with that special someone in your life for Valentine’s Day — or, if you are single, show yourself some love! Consider dinner at one of our local restaurants and a show at one of our theatres, or enjoy a weekend event.

Have a safe and joyous rest of the month!

Black History Month

The Mayor and City Council adopted a Black History Month proclamation at the first February City Council meeting and participated in some of the many events hosted by organizations throughout the city. Waukegan is a microcosm of America, a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities and during Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development. We realize omission of many contributions by African-Americans from textbooks and literature impedes awareness and appreciation. The observance of Black History Month calls our attention to the continued need to battle racism and build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals.

CPR Training with Waukegan Fire

Waukegan Fire Department will host an American Heart Association Lay Rescuer CPR class this Saturday, February 18th, 8am to 12pm. The class will cover adult, child and infant CPR and how to use an AED. CPR will be followed by First Aid for those who need it. Attendees will receive an AHA e-card showing course completion that is good for two years. Registration is required by calling 847-249-5410. CPR is $30. CPR with First Aid is $45 payable in cash only at the time of class. (This is not healthcare provider CPR.)

Waukegan Fire Department AHA CPR Training in white and red

211 Lake County Celebrated

February 11th was 211 Day in Waukegan. Launched by United Way of Lake County in September 2019, 211 Lake County is a free, confidential, easy-to-remember, one-stop helpline connecting people to a wide range of essential services, reducing non-emergency calls to 911. The service is available 24 hours a day every day of the year, by phone, text and online, regardless of the language spoken or where the caller lives. Since its inception, 211 Lake County has made nearly 200,000 connections to help from every zip code in Lake County, with Waukegan representing more than 30% of all calls and texts.

211 navigator with headset, ways to connect with 211

Waukegan Township hosts
The HBCU Experience

Waukegan Township present a free, in-person, one-day HBCU Experience at the Waukegan High School Main Gymnasium on Monday the 20th. Event includes:

college fair/pep rally
exciting speakers
amazing entertainment
college representatives - HBCU and non HBCUs, i.e., College of Lake County
US Military
Lake County Workforce Development
and so much more!

Registration is required.

HBCU experience hosted by Waukegan Township with event details and speaker insets

CDBG Contractor Open House

The City of Waukegan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program will host an Open House for Rehab Contractors on Wednesday, February 22nd, 10am - 1pm in Council Chambers.

The Open House lets CDBG staff share information about becoming a contractor, which provides guaranteed payments for work and access to the listing of all available projects. Contractors will be able to work one-on-one with CDBG staff members to step through the sign-up process. Refreshments will be available.

CDBG Open House poster with picture of contractors with hard hats on job site

Lewis Ave. Corridor Modernization

Lake County, IL Division of Transportation (LCDOT) invites the public to an information meeting to introduce the Phase I engineering study - and give feedback for - the Lewis Avenue Corridor Modernization from IL Route 137 to Belvidere Road. The meeting will be held Thursday, February 23rd, 5 - 7pm at John R. Lewis Middle School, 600 S. Lewis Avenue. Click for additional information from LCDOT.

map of lewis avenue from belvidere road to route 137 with numbered sites along the way

Vote in the Primaries on February 28

Waukegan voters have the opportunity to let their voices be heard in the Consolidated Primary Election on Tuesday, February 28th. The list of candidates is available on the City's website. Additionally information about Lake County elections, including how to become an election judge, may be accessed on the Lake County Clerk's website. The General Election is Tuesday, April 4th.

the word vote in blue with red stripe below with white stars

City Sticker Sales Start March 1st

Waukegan 2023 Vehicle Stickers go on sale Wednesday, March 1st! The early bird rate of $40 runs through March 31st. The regular rate of $45 will be available in April. Late fees apply on May 1st and after. Buy your Vehicle Sticker online, through the mail (allow time for delivery), at currency exchanges (a convenience fee may apply), and in person at City Hall. Download a Vehicle Sticker application to use when applying through the mail or in person.

The City is Hiring!

The City has openings for a Human Resources Generalist and an Information Technology Technician/ Make your move to City Hall today!

Arts & Entertainment

Downtown Waukegan is the artistic and cultural hub of Lake County. Join us, along with partners Waukegan Arts Council and Waukegan Main Street, in celebrating the arts on the third Saturday of every month. This month's ArtWauk on Saturday the 18th features Dandelion Gallery & Studio artist Mona J. Phiffer exhibits at the Gallery, Jack Benny Center for the Arts, The Hub, and Waukegan Public Library; College of Lake County Lakeshore Campus' Bryn Griffin & Emerging Artists Pop-up Exhibit with artist reception from 5 - 7:30pm; Three Brothers Theatre's comedy "Muffed"; and "Coming to America" as the free movie at the Belvidere Cinema Gallery.

ArtWauk information on top of a background of hearts

Black History Month find Dandelion Gallery artist Mona J. Phiffer exhibits throughout Waukegan

yellow background with inset of featured artists and details of the event

three brothers theatre poster for muffed with woman in viking hat, event details

coming to America poster original poster with current event information

More in Store

Looking for more art and culture? CLC's PACE Program Hip-Hop Dance and Culture Workshop will be at Jack Benny Center for the Arts on Thursday the 16th; a discussion about Ghanaian Hand-Painted Movie Posters will take place Friday the 17th at Waukegan Public Library; Kaylia hosts Poetry Open Mic at Starbucks at Fountain Square on Tuesday the 21st; CLC's 38th Annual Salute to Gospel is Saturday the 25th; Waukegan Concert Chorus presents the Handel Celebration on Saturday the 25th; Lake County Community Concerts Association presents Backtrack Vocals on Sunday the 26th; and Waukegan High School Black Student Union presents Storyteller Oba William King on Monday the 27th - and much more. Find other events on the City's calendar.

Hosting Events?

Are you hosting events? Send graphics and information to enews@waukeganil.gov so it may be included in the City's comprehensive online calendar and maybe the next E-News!