June 28 General Primary, Fight the Bite, Farmers Market finder, and More
Dear Neighbor,
Despite the scorching weather, I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and staying cool. Some exciting things have been happening in our area to promote inclusivity and recognize the diversity and strength of our community.
On June 12, I was honored and proud to march in Grayslake's first full Pride Parade to brilliantly cap off Pride Week. Thousands of ebullient neighbors cheered as we celebrated human rights and progress for the LBGTQ community. Special thanks to our Grayslake/Round Lake Chapter of PFLAG, which is fighting every day for our families. BTW, did you know Lake County has a LBGTQ Resource Center? Click HERE for more information.
Forest Preserve News
Speaking of a wider, long-overdue recognition of local and national cultural history, we recently completed the renaming of a Lake County creek to "Manitou Creek,” a Native American word that means spirit. The 15-mile creek had a derogatory name and runs from Hawthorn Woods through Fremont, Avon and Grant townships.
Jim DeNomie, a citizen of the Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior, performed a special blessing ceremony for Manitou Creek at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake Tuesday night. Jim has hosted Native American events at the College of Lake County and reminded us that stewarding our land is a "spiritual reality." Thanks so much, Jim!
