Important Community Updates
A Message from the Mayor

What a year! But the challenges we all faced this year, and that we continue to face, have brought out the best in Lake Forest.   

First, I want to thank our City Staff, and especially our Fire/EMT and Police teams, for pressing on through the pandemic, providing excellent service, and standing in harm's way through the year. Many made real personal sacrifices, managing complicated family situations and health risks to serve Lake Forest in their typically excellent fashion. You are commended for a tough job well done! 

Through the year, and through all the conflicts that arose, Lake Foresters demonstrated a level of charity and community spirit that was truly delightful to behold. Our many not-for-profit organizations found creative ways to stay relevant and provide programs and services, even as their facilities were shut down. And at the end of the year they all came together through the Lake Forest Station pop-up store to achieve a level of cooperation that will serve the community very well in the years ahead.  

Our local restaurants and shops found all kinds of new ways to operate in an effort to make it through the pandemic. They received outstanding support from the City and all of our residents, which is as it should be. We welcomed hundreds of new neighbors in spite of it all. 

We’ll all need to keep this up for a few more months, until the vaccine is generally available and spring blooms again in Lake Forest. 

Thank you for all your contributions, Lake Foresters, and let’s look forward to a much better 2021! 

George A. Pandaleon
Happy New Year!

City offices will be closed for observance of the holidays on Friday, New Year's Day.

Please check here for the holiday refuse/recycling schedule. During January, Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery will be picked up on regularly-scheduled recycling days at the curb. Please remove all lights and ornaments and trees must be removed from plastic bags. Trees should be cut into six-foot lengths. Thank you!
Lake Forest Station

The Pop-Up Shop will be wrapping up with a sale for selected items through the last day on Saturday, January 9!

Remaining Shopping Days:

Open on Thursday, December 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Closed on Friday, January 1
Open on Saturday, January 2
Closed on Sunday, January 3
Open on Thursday, January 7, Friday, January 8 and Saturday, January 9

Follow the Station on Instagram or Facebook to see operating hours and the non-profit organizations featured each day.
The City Offers a New Covid-Related Lake Forest Business Support Program

Funding can include reimbursement for annual license fees and a 50/50 cost sharing for expenses. For information and to apply, click here.
Pop-Up Beach Clean Up

Earlier this month, Elsa Goldsberry from LFHS's "We Act Now" group, David Bedrin, "Green Minds" Board Member and Marion Cartwright, Green Minds member, assisted Alderman Melanie Rummel, Chairman of the Environmental Sustainability Committee, at Lake Forest Beach for a Pop Up Beach Clean Up. For more information, visit www.green-minds.org.
Upcoming City Meetings

  • Building Review Board: Wednesday, January 6, 6:30 p.m.
  • Plan Commission: Wednesday, January 13, 6:30 p.m.
  • Finance Committee Meeting and City Council Meeting: Monday, January 19, 6:30 p.m.

Click here for agendas. Meetings are held remotely unless noted.
Safe & Healthy Holiday Outdoor Reminders

Furry Friends
Please remember to pick up after your pets. Bag stations are available at all of the City parks.

Ice Skating at West Park
Skating will be open as soon as solid ice has formed. The warming house capacity is six people, including staff. Check here for updates!

Park/Beach Shelters and Restrooms
The shelters are closed for rentals but restrooms remain open. Please note that only the restroom at the beach's south pavilion is open.

Fireplaces
The City is stocking wood at all the parks with fireplaces: Townline Community Park, Northcroft Park and Elawa Park.

Enjoy being outside this winter, and please practice the pandemic protocols!
CDC graphic

The safest way to celebrate the new year is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you or virtually with friends and family. If you’re celebrating New Year’s with people outside your household, make sure you take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wear a mask.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) apart.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick.
  • Get a flu shot as soon as possible.

Consider other activities to celebrate New Year’s, such as: 
  • Have virtual celebrations with loved ones.
  • Plan a New Year’s party for the people who live with you.
  • Plan a neighborhood countdown to midnight.
  • Watch a livestreamed firework display, concert, First Night event, or other New Year’s programming from your home.

Participate in Outdoor and Indoor Activities
If you want to spend time with people who don’t live with you, the safer choice is to meet outdoors. You are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 during outdoor activities when you stay at least 6 feet from people who don’t live with you and limit your time around others. Remember to bring a mask with you to put on when you encounter people who may get closer than 6 feet, and follow local mask mandates.
COVID-19 Vaccination Registration

Register here. The Lake County Health Department encourages all who work or live in Lake County to register so you can be notified when it is time to make your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. 


FAQ

Can I call to register?
Yes, call the Lake County Health Department at 847.377.8130.


What information do I need to register? 
  • Full name 
  • Date of birth 
  • Zip code 
  • Risk factors 

Am I able to also register another person? 
Yes, you can register other people through your profile. Go to your home page and click "Add another person". 

Should I register if I work in Lake County but live in another county?
People who work in Lake County but live in another county may register on the portal. Please register using your home address, not your work address.

Who will COVID-19 vaccines be distributed to first? 
At first, the supply of vaccines will be limited. Certain residents will receive their vaccines before others. We are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on this timing. As of December 4, IDPH has prioritized residents in this order:  
  1. Health Care Personnel and Long Term Care Facility Residents 
  2. Essential Frontline Workers - pending CDC guidance 
  3. Adults with high risk medical conditions and those over 65 years of age - pending CDC guidance 
  4. All other adults and people in other congregate settings - pending CDC guidance 
  5. Young adults and children (if a pediatric vaccine is available) - pending CDC guidance 

You may find a detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions here.
Local COVID Resources


State/Federal COVID Resources

The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website