July/August 2018 Community Newsletter
The Park District is sad to announce that Pam Terlap is retiring from teaching, but is excited that she will stay involved in the Little Learners Preschool
Thank you Little Learners' families & friends, Grandwood Park residents, and so many more .....
In July 1995 when the Park District hired me as the Director of the preschool their directions were brief, not simple, but brief – revamp the entire program with only 30 minutes of play time.
September 5, 1995 – the first day of school we got 12 three year olds ready to recite the pledge, right hand over their heart, all eyes on the flag. We let them know we were going to say the pledge – all 12 children replied “say the pledge”. At that instant I knew that this was going to be an amazing journey. 23 year later, after the support of 21 park district commissioners, the hard work and commitment of 36 Parental Advisory Committee members, the love and inspiration of nearly 500 students and their families, AND the opportunity to work with two amazing women, Kim Nichols for the first 13 years and Katie LeClair for the past 10 years, we accomplished their goal and so much more. We did some amazing things over the years and have many wonderful memories. We have created this culture of family, community and the nurturing of children. So thank you to all those parents, grandparents, children, park district commissioners and staff, our wonderful neighborhood and those in nearby neighborhoods and especially to my family for making these last 23 years some of the most memorable of my life. Now it’s time to say good-bye to the Little
Learners Preschool of the past and hello to the next generation of teachers, children, parents and new memories. I’m sad that I won’t be in the classroom interacting with the children and parents every day, but the Park District has asked me to stay on as the Preschool Administrative Coordinator. This give me the opportunity to stay involved with the preschool... Thank you for the memories – Pam Terlap "Don't cry because it is over - Smile because it happened"
Dr. Seuss
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Please join the Park District in a
"Celebration Open House"
for Pam Terlap, to commemorate her 23 years of service as the Director/Lead Teacher of the Little Learners Preschool!July 15, 2018
Noon - 3:00 p.m. Park District Community Center
36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee
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Park District WELCOMES Erin Magnuson as new Lead Preschool Teacher!
wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Erin Magnuson, and I am excited to be stepping in as the lead teacher for the Little Learners Preschool. For the past two years, i have been working in a preschool setting as an assistant teacher and lead teacher in a three and four-year-old classroom. It has been a joy providing a good educational foundation for preschoolers while having fun! Prior to teaching preschool, I taught fifth grade for a few years before making the decision to move to second grade. These experiences have brought me to appreciate preschool curriculum and the core literacy skills it provides the children. After years of teaching, I took a break to stay at home and raise my own three children. Even though my children are well past the preschool age, I
continue to stay actively involved with their education and hobbies. I have already been busy planning for the 2018-2019 school year. It will be an exciting new year at Little Learners Preschool with weekly themes, daily exploration, reading readiness, and learning to work with other friends. Erin Magnuson
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Civic Association to hold
Penn Station Fundraiser!
The Civic Association is holding a Penn Station Fundraiser this summer for one day only - July 14th. For a $20 donation, you will receive $25 in coupons for Penn Station! You can use (1) $5 coupon per month .... that's 5 months of savings on their great sandwiches!! The Civic Association is in need of volunteers to help offer this terrific deal to our neighbors on July 14th from 9am-noon. Afterwards, enjoy some food & beverages at the pole barn! Please
contact us if you are willing to help go door-to-door with us: by email at civicassociation@grandwoodpark.net, or by telephone at 224-496-9933. Thank you.
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Looking for a preschool for your child to attend this fall? Check out the Little Learners Preschool - there are still some openings available! Contact the preschool and leave a message at (847) 356-1296, or send an email to preschool@grandwoodpark.net.
We offer a 3-4 year old class class for children that reach the age of 3 on or before September 1st - this class meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Another class meets Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays for 4-5 year olds that have reached the age of 4 before September 1st. Both classes meet from 9am - 11:30am. You can find information about our program and all the registration materials on the Park District website at http://www.grandwoodpark.net/little-learners-preschool/.
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Update on the Grandwood Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project
About two years ago, the residents of Grandwood Park Park District were told about the deteriorating dam located in Lake Park. At that time, experts had evaluated the structure and determined the dam was at a point of failure.
The obstacles facing the GPPD board were both short term and long term. How could we make the park safe for residents, and develop a longer term solution that was fiscally practical? The first step was to install new, stronger dam plates with the thought this might be all that was needed. That was until the dam was over topped and the park flooded during a "100 year rain". At that point the County, FEMA, IDNR and the Army Corp of Engineers became aware of our dam/park. It has taken some time for the Park District and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) to identify a potential solution to meet the requirements of these agencies, and still be something that could be paid for without additional tax levies. In 2017, our
problem was taken to the Lake County Board by Commissioner Steve Carlson. With the help and support of Mike Warner, Executive Director of Lake County SMC, the proposal to rehabilitate the dam was presented. Despite budget pressures at the county level, the board approved a matching grant of $157,000. The current status; the Park District, Lake County SMC, and IMEG (formerly McClure Engineering Associates, Inc.) have developed detailed plans for the rehabilitation project; the project was then bid out and awarded to Copenhaver Construction Inc., and the requisite paperwork has been submitted to IDNR for permits. Our application is being evaluated, questions are being addressed and information provided. We anticipate a permit in the next 60 days, with work starting shortly afterwards. The project will take approximately 4-6 weeks to
complete. Plans are available at the Park District office. Nancy Carlson
President
Grandwood Park Park District
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GPPD & GPCA Announce Plans for the "SOUNDS OF SUMMER" concerts in the park
The popular event, Music by the Lake, continues in 2018, with a new name, Sounds of Summer. The concerts are scheduled for August 5th and August 12th (both Sundays) from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Another change is the location. Due to the pending construction at Lake Park, the NEW LOCATION this year for Sounds of Summer will be the Hutchins Athletic Field located at 36753 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee. Bring some food, your favorite beverages, and blanket or chairs, and head to the park for a fun-filled, Ravinia-style evening!
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GPCA to hold elections for Board Positions of President & Secretary
What is the Grandwood Park Civic Association, also known as the GPCA? The Grandwood Park Civic Association's purpose is to enhance and support the entire community. The Civic Association works in conjunction with the Grandwood Park Park District to provide community activities such as Oktoberfest, Spaghetti Dinners, Save the Lake Days, Children's parties, Community Care, and Political Forums just to name a few. These activities and events not only support the community, but bring its residents together. The GPCA was established in 1962, and is a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The GPCA Board consists of five (5) unpaid volunteers, each serving a 2-year term. Two terms are coming to an end later this year. Volunteers interesting in the getting involved in the community can throw your hats in the ring and be included on the ballot for the election to the positions of President and Secretary. Nominations will be accepted during the October and November GPCA meetings. The election will be held during the November meeting as well. Then, the individuals elected to the Board will take their seats at the December 2018 meeting to begin a 2-year term. The GPCA meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm in the conference room of the Park District Community Center located at 36630 N. Hutchins Rd. If you have any questions - please contact the Civic Association by telephone at 224-469-9933, or by email at civicassociation@grandwoodpark.net This is a chance to get involved in the community, make new friends, and have fun!
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Did you Know?The Shires subdivision has a new website link:
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Community Care ..Our condolences to the Runkle and LeClair families of Grandwood Park and The Shires. Michael Ross Runkle, 69, of McHenry, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018 at JourneyCare Hospice in Glenview. He was born November 15, 1948 in Chicago and was a US Air Force Veteran, titanium welder, guitarist and artist (stained glass, wire figures). He is survived by his son, Anthony "Tony" Michael Runkle of Grandwood Park; his daughter, Amy Runkle of Grandwood Park (currently living in Colorado) and; former wife, friend, and mother of his children, Diane LeClair of Grandwood Park.
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More Park District news ....
The Park District has said good-bye to another employee, Nick Trink. Nick was part of our Grounds Maintenance team from April 13, 2013 until June 1, 2018. Many of you knew him as the guy that ran the most popular attraction in the community - the hayride at Oktoberfest! We are sad to lose a member of the Park District family, and thank him for the years of dedication and hard work, but we hope Nick enjoys the free time with his family!
The Park District would like to welcome a new member of the Grounds Maintenance team, Brandan Lawson. Brandan joined the Park District in February of this year. He is a resident, living on Linda Lane with his wife and 2 children. Be sure to say HI when you see him working in the community! WELCOME, BRANDON!
Another welcome addition to the Park District is Bill Lucy, our new Building Custodian & Handyman! Bill joined us in May 2018 and is a resident of Lindenhurst. We look forward to Bill keeping our building clean & shiny, and in good repair! WELCOME, BILL!
The newest member of the Park District is Joel Diaz. Joel, a resident living on Grandwood Drive with his wife and 2 children, became a member of the Grounds Maintenance team in June of this year. You will probably see him out and about in the community also - be sure to say HI when you do. WELCOME, JOEL!
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Have you marked your calendars for OKTOBERFEST?
OCTOBER 6TH --- 4:00 TO 11:00 P.M.Hutchins Athletic Field
36753 N. Hutchins Rd., Gurnee The GPCA plans on authentic German music performed by "Die Musikmeisters" , delicious German food & Beer, kids games, the always popular hayride, traditional bonfire, and FIREWORKS by Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc. There will also be a CRAFT FAIR from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Volunteers are always needed -- if you have an hour or two to help out, please contact the Civic Association by email at civicassociation@grandwoodpark.net, or by telephone at 224-469-9933. This is a perfect opportunity to build your community service
hours if you are planning to apply for the GPCA scholarship next year. Keep your eyes on the website where details will be posted as they are confirmed! Details will also appear in the September/October Newsletter.
DON'T DELAY!! Reserve your spot before they are all taken.
OKTOBERFEST CRAFT FAIRThe GPCA is looking for vendors and small businesses that would like a spot to strut-their-stuff during Oktoberfest from 4-8pm. You will receive a 12' x 12' spot for only $25 (no electric available). You need to supply your own tent, tables and chairs. Contact the Civic Association by phone at 224-469-9933, or by email at civicassociation@grandwoodpark.net.
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ANNOUNCING NEW NEWSLETTER SECTION - RECIPE CORNER!!In a rut with your meal planing? Tired of preparing the same meals over and over? Want some new ideas? We want to help!Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to share? Or, have you found a new, delicious recipe that you would like people to know about? Why not
help by sending them in for us to share in our newsletter? Send your recipes to newsletter@grandwoodpark.net. We will put a few (depending on size of recipes) in each newsletter!
Here's one to start us off: Grilled Flat Iron Steaks with ChimichurriMakes: 6 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Marinate: 1 hour
Grill: 7 minutes INGREDIENTS:
3 boneless beef chuck top blade (flat iron) steaks, cut 3/4" thick
1 tsp. kosher salt (or regular salt)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 C firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 C firmly packed fresh italian (flat leaf) parsley leaves
1/4 C white wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, cut up
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (or regular salt)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 C olive oil DIRECTIONS:
1. Trim fat from steaks. Place steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
2. For rub, in a small bowl combine the 1 tsp. salt, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle mixture evenly over both sides of each steak; run in with your fingers. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. For chimichurri, in a food processor or blender combine cilantro, parsley, vinegar, chopped garlic, th 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. cumin, and the crushed red pepper. With processor or blender running, slowly add the oil through opening in lid in a thin, steady stream until mixture is smooth. Set aside.
4. For a charcoal grill, grill steaks on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 7 to 9 minutes for medium-rare (145 degrees F) or 10 to 12 minutes for medium (160 degrees F), turning once halfway through grilling. For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place steaks on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above. Serve steaks with chimichurri. NUTRITION FACTS (per serving):
322 calories
21g fat (5g saturated fat, 2g polyunsaturated fat, 12g monounsaturated fat)
90mg cholesterol
587mg sodium
2G carbohydrates
1g fiber
0g sugar
30g protein Submitted by: Cherie Pressley
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It was a beautiful day in May as we headed off with lunches in tow to the Racine Zoo. We enjoyed seeing all the animals, playing in their play area and enjoying the perfect weather. On Thursday, May 17th, 8 girls and 7 boys graduated from the Little Learners Preschool. With the help of Bill LeClair, our music teacher, the class shared songs and poems with their families and friends. The ceremony ended with a special tribute to Mrs. Terlap for her 23 years as director of the Little Learners Preschool. Special thanks to all the parents for helping prepare for the evening and bringing all the goodies to share with all our guests. In April, Pampered Chef Consultant, Faith Mangler, helped us host a party to raise money for the preschool. Parents,
grandparents, neighbors, and more, came out for the event. We had $3,000 in sales, which earned us 15% ($450) from Pampered Chef, and 5% ($150) from Faith herself, giving us a total profit of $600, plus $120 we received in cash donations to spend on new gym mats and manipulatives. A special THANK YOU goes to Faith for all her hard work, as she reached out to all her friends and family to get us to that $3,000 goal.
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PANCAKE BREAKFAST A SUCCESS!Many thanks to our diligent workers who served up 16 dozen eggs, 17 pounds of bacon, 100 sausage patties, and a million pancakes (ok, so maybe not that many, but hey, who's counting?) to feed 78 hungry diners during our return of the Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to Boy Scout Troop #627 from Wadsworth for allowing us to use their terrific pancake cooker!! Thanks also to our sponsors: Summer Gerber of Century 21, Einstein Bagels, McDonald's, Sam's Club, Old Mill Country Store, Neilsen Insurance, and Sambrano Funeral & Cremation. All of
these sponsors allowed us to serve up all the delicious food and beverages served. All who attended had a mighty fine time and a wonderful, tasty breakfast. Thank you for all your support!
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REPORTED: LOST/MISSING FLAMINGOSHave you seen us? Two pink flamingos are missing from the flock! Witnesses reported that they were last seen at the
light-up sign in front of the pole barn on Hutchins Rd. "Fowl" play is suspected. If you have them, you can return them NO QUESTIONS ASKED!! Just place them outside the pole barn located at Hutchins Athletic Field. Please contact the Civic Association at 224-469-9933 or by email at civicassociation@grandwoodpark.net if you have any information regarding their whereabouts. The rest of the flock is missing them ......
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Connect with GPCA/GPPD on Facebook Want to know what is going on in the community? Connect with the Grandwood Park Civic Association on facebook! Just follow this link and LIKE our page.
If you want to connect with the Park District on facebook, follow this link and like our page to keep up-to-date on Park District happenings.
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When in doubt ..... CALLYou should call and report any CRIME to the Sheriff's Department. These calls help get more patrols in our community! If you see or become aware of a situation which you deem suspicious or out of the ordinary, you are encouraged to call the Lake County Sheriff at
(847) 549-5200 and request assistance.
If you prefer, call our County Board Representative, Steve Carlson, at
(847) 356-4167 or (cell) 224-627-0767 and he will be happy to place the call for you.
The Sheriff's Department recommends keeping your cars locked at all times (even in your driveway), keep your house locked, keep your outside lights on to discourage people from "lurking" outside your home, and DO NOT let anyone into your house without checking their identification first.
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AFFORDABLE ADVERTISINGYou can advertise your business in our newsletter at very affordable prices .... $20 per issue, or 6 issues for $100
(buy 5 - get one free). Contact us at newsletter@grandwoodpark.net or by telephone at (847) 356-0008 for more information.
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