Lake Bluff Park District asked GazeboNews to share the following information on some events that it has planned for the swimming pool at Blair Park

Every Friday, for the rest of the season, we have a Barbeque from 5-7 p.m. We will also have Friday Float Night every Friday from 6:30 p.m. – close (9pm). During this, patrons can bring any form of flotation device – inflatable rafts to Styrofoam noodles – into the pool to play with. Families can also bring their “floaty toys” on Sundays from 3-8 p.m. for Family Floaty Funday Sunday.

We are having Pirate Game Night on July 7th, July 21th, and August 4th. On these nights, we will have a guard dressed up as a pirate leading a night of game for patrons. Activities will include, but are not limited to, treasure hunts, raft races, penny dives, and plank walks.

We will also have a few movie nights at the pool. We will have the films projected on a big screen so that families can watch from float toys in the water.

The Mothers Trust Teens submitted the following:

The Mothers Trust Teens group just delivered over 4,400 diapers and 400 children’s books, plus other baby items to the Lake County Health Department’s Strong Families For Today and Tomorrow program. The program benefits teen mothers and their babies and families. The Teens thank the local community for all the donations and for supporting their efforts once again to truly make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Thank you to the following local businesses that participated in the drive by being donation box locations: Lake Bluff Park District Pre-School, Voila, Baytree Bank in Lake Bluff, Gorton Drop –in Center, Prudential Rubloff Properties, Lake Forest Recreation Center, and College Park Athletics.

The Teens mission is “Youth helping those in need” and they have truly accomplished such a mission. For more information about Mothers Trust Foundation and the Teens group. Please visit www.motherstrustfoundation.org

The Lake Bluff Fire Department

July 3 is the annual Fireman’s Association Ball, which celebrates and supports the all-volunteer Lake Bluff Fire Department. Many of us take these guys for granted and never question the fact that help will arrive ASAP whenever we call 911 to report a fire or other emergency. But just who is the “help”? (Click on the following for the roster: Dept Roster2011) And what is this party they’ve been hosting for the past three dozen years? GazeboNews asked firefighter Jim Seymore for some answers.

GN: How Many Years has the Lake Bluff Fireman’s Association hosted the Ball?

LBFD: This will be the 36th consecutive year we have hosted the Ball. Again it will be the evening of July 3rd starting at 7:00 at The Lake Bluff Golf course.

GN: Why is the event important?

LBFD: This is the sole fundraiser for the Lake Bluff Fire Department. Funds raised over the years have purchased critical life safety equipment. This year we needed to replace our Thermal Imaging Camera. This camera allows us to search burning structures and find hidden heat sources behind walls and other barriers. It truly is a life saver. We could not have gotten that equipment replaced without the support we received at last year’s Fireman’s Ball. Other items the funds have been used for include new helmets improvements to our training facility behind the Lake Bluff Public Works building; and new equipment for our engines.

GN: Tell us about the Lake Bluff Fire Department

LBFD: The Lake Bluff Fire department is an all-volunteer Fire Department. A lot of residents do not know this. It was established 116 years ago. We currently have 56 active members, and we respond to about 600 Fire/EMS calls annually. Our members train about 20 hours per month.

GN: What is the event like and how many people attend?

LBFD: The event is very fun. Attendance is usually between 450 – 500 people. Up until four years ago the event was held at Harrison House, and we’ve been able to make a smooth transition over to the tent at Lake Bluff Golf Course. Our focus is to make it feel like a community event, not a fundraiser. We are lucky to have a professional, local band–Derrick Stout and the Turnstyles–back again this year. We also [...]

There’s so much going on around here in the next week that it’s hard to keep up with it all. Here’s a lineup of the goings-on in Lake Bluff. Click here (or read the next headline and story) for information about Lake Forest’s Festival & Fireworks.

This year is the 101st Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade and the theme is “Embrace Freedom.” Here’s the schedule of events:

Friday, July 1st
• 2011 Village of Lake Bluff Block Party 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
This community-wide event is celebrating its second year with an extra hour of fun and festivities. In addition to live music, the 2011 Village of Lake Bluff Block Party will feature games for kids, a beverage oasis offering beer, wine and non-alcoholic choices as well as a Taste of Lake Bluff from 11 of Lake Bluff’s restaurants.

Band Line-Up
5:00 – 6:00 Take Note Quartet (Barber Shop)
6:00 – 8:00 Crooked Moon
8:00 – 11:00 Stayin’ Late

Confirmed Restaurants
Bangkok Tokyo; Best Wishes Ice Cream; Bluffingtons; Daily Grind; Grille No. 43; Luke’s; Noodle Bar; Scooters; Wildflour Bakery; Wisma

Saturday, July 2nd
• Ice Cream Social on the Village Green 2:00 p.m.
In 2011 the Ice Cream social is. Complimentary Oberweis Dairy ice cream, and toppings, will be available on the Village Green starting at 2:00 p.m. and lasting as long as the ice cream does. Even more great ice cream will be available than last year, so grab the family and a blanket or chairs and head to the Village Green.

Sunday, July 3rd
• 7 to 11 p.m.: 36th Annual Fireman’s Ball in Blair Park

Monday, July 4th
• 6:30 to 9:45 a.m.: 40th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
• 9:15 a.m.: Children’s Parade Assembles at Wisma
• 9:40 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies
• 9:50 a.m.: Children’s Parade Steps Off from Wisma
• 10 a.m.: The Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade
• 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m: Family Fair in Artesian Park Sponsored by the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest Community Church
• Noon: Firehose Games at Rosenthal Field
• 1 p.m.: Mixed Doubles Tennis Finals at Artesian Park

Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation is hosting the 5th annual Festival and Fireworks at Deerpath Park. This community event is a fundraiser to help support the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department by providing private donations in support of scholarships, equipment and services for all city parks and programs as well as the Friends Pavilion at Townline Community Park.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the gate (kids 5 and under are free) …. or avoid the lines, buy your tickets/parking passes ($20 for standard, $50 for Premier) at the Recreation Center Office Wednesday or Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Sat. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Recreation Center building is closed on July 4th.

Rocking bands take our soundstage, with Rick Springfield as the main headliner. Activities happen all through the evening. Kids games, bounce houses, food and beverages. At 9:30 p.m., the fireworks display will fill skies. Bring your own food and beverages − or purchase food & drinks at the festival. Gates will open for those who only want to watch the fireworks just prior to fireworks display. Please remember, cash only at the gate.

Entertainment:

6:00 PM- Gates open
6:00 PM- Sixteen Candles
7:30 PM- Annual Pie-Eating Contest
8:00 PM- Rick Springfield
9:30 PM- Fireworks Display

Submitted by Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors

Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors has participated in various activities on the 4th of July in Lake Bluff for decades. This year, in addition to being a principal sponsor of the Family Fair after the parade, agents will be handing out some 2,000 American flags to parade viewers in town and at various points along the parade route.

We hope the addition of these flags will add to the patriotic atmosphere in the Village. Griffith, Grant and Lackie is also participating in the scavenger hunt sponsored by the Park District and will be giving away flashlights to families who participate on Friday evening before the block party.

By Adrienne Fawcett

Now that we’re well into the summer routine, the subject of curfew is coming up in many homes. How late is too late—legally? Do older teens get to stay out later than younger teens and tweens? Are there different curfews for weeknights vs. weekends? What happens if they’re out past the witching hour? Can they stay out late if they’re with an adult? GazeboNews asked the authorities for the scoop. Here’s what they said:

Lake Bluff Deputy Police Chief David Belmonte:

Lake Bluff’s curfew is midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. Sunday-Thursday for anyone under 18. There are not any variances in the hours for “younger or older” teens. The only exception to the curfew hours are if the teen is in the company of a guardian or other responsible adult age 18 or older. This would mean they need to be with an adult family member or other adult with their guardian’s permission. So if a child is at a friend’s home and the friend’s parent is going to drive them home after curfew, this would be allowed as long as the child’s parents approved it. If it is a baby-sitter, they need to be 18 or older and approved by the parents to transport the child home.

Teens out past curfew are subject to being brought to the police department and having to have a parent or guardian come and pick them up. The teen can be issued a citation to appear in court, or possibly referred to the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest Teen Court program. Any fines or community service would be imposed by the court.

For 16 and 17 year olds with driver’s license, they need to remember that an Illinois Driver’s license is not valid after curfew, and the can be arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license.

Lake Forest Deputy Police Chief Glenn Burmeister:

Curfew is a status offense. Typically they are issued administrative hearing tickets, have to appear at the hearing with their parent and are fined, given community service. Fines range from $75 to $750 plus $40 administration hearing fee.

Sec. 47-7.22 CURFEW
(a) It is unlawful for a person less than 18 years of age to be present at or upon any public assembly, building, place, street or highway at the following times unless one of the exceptions listed in Subsection (b) [...]

Submitted by the Academy @ Citadel Theatre

The cast of 'Seussical Jr.' at the Academy @ Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest

Lake Forest — The Academy @ Citadel Theatre’s summer performance campers will be presenting the musical Seussical Jr. on July 6 and 7 at the Deer Path Middle School auditorium in Lake Forest. ‘Seussical Jr.’ is a musical extravaganza based on the works of beloved author Dr. Seuss. Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have brought to life many memorable characters from Dr. Seuss books including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, and Lazy Mayzie among several others.

Directed by professional actor Jason Miller, the show is full of fun songs and action packed scenes. The story follows JoJo, a young girl who uses her imagination to conjure up an amazing story about a big hearted elephant on a quest to save the tiny people who live on the planet of Who. When you see this show, there’s no telling what may ensue!

Thirty-four campers, aged 8 to 15, have been rehearsing since the beginning of June for the “fun for the whole family” hour long show. Three performances are scheduled for Wednesday, July 6 at 6pm and Thursday, July 7 at 3pm and 6pm at the Deer Path Middle School auditorium, 95 West Deerpath, Lake Forest. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.citadeltheatre.org.

SHOW: Seussical Jr.
DATES and TIMES: July 6 at 6pm. July 7 at 3pm and 6pm.
LOCATION: Deer Path Middle School Auditorium, 95 West Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045
COST: $10 per ticket

Academy @ Citadel Theatre’s annual summer performance camp is a 4 week intensive program for young artists that are looking for a real world professional experience. The conservatory style training exposes students to many aspects of performance art including auditioning skills, character building, acting a song, choreography and of course, the final production.

Rotarians Seek Young Professionals for Study Exchange In Taiwan

Lake Forest — The Lake Forest Lake Bluff Rotary Club joins Rotarians of Northeastern Illinois in seeking outstanding young professionals and business men and women to participate as a member of a vocational study program to visit northern Taiwan for four weeks from March 17 to April 16, 2012. The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is sponsored by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Applicants for this program must be at least 25 and no more than 40 years of age prior to the departure date. They must work or live within the boundaries of Rotary District 6440, which encompasses the following areas of Illinois: north, west, and northwest of Chicago, but not including Chicago. District 6440 also includes Lake County, eastern McHenry and Kane Counties and northern Cook and DuPage counties. Applicants may not be a Rotarian or a close relative of a Rotarian, must be a USA citizen, must have been employed full-time in a recognized business or profession for at least two years at the time of applying and plan to remain in the business or profession well after the conclusion of the exchange.

Application forms and more information are available from the Rotary International Website: www.Rotary.org; or Rotary District 6440 Website: www.rotary6440.org; or by contacting Terry Desmond of the Lake Forest Lake Bluff Rotary Club at terry_t_desmond@yahoo.com.

Completed applications, which include two endorsements; one from the applicant’s local Rotary Club and the other from the applicant’s employer, as well as an essay of intent must be completed and returned by 6pm September 17, 2011 to:

Terry Desmond
Lake Forest Lake Bluff Rotary Club
P.O. Box 168
Lake Forest, IL 60045

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) will be held in partnership with Rotary District 3480 in northern Taiwan, and encompasses the Taipei metropolitan area, the capital city.

The GSE program strives to improve international understanding by enabling people from different countries to learn from each other on a personal level.

While abroad, team members will stay with Rotarian families to observe the host’s way of life, as well as study the nation’s economic, social and cultural characteristics through discussions and travel throughout the Rotary district. During the visit, the team members will spend a minimum of five days with their professional or business counterparts. Round trip transportation [...]

Lake Forest’s John Looby has been named “Alumnus of the Year” from the Carmel Catholic High School Alumni Association.

Alumni Relations Director Christine LeBrun explained:

“This award honors John for his significant contributions and noble actions that have greatly benefited the Carmel community, our country and humanity in the spirit of Kingdom Living and Ministry. Through his work, in and out of the office, he has demonstrated caring for others before himself, tenacity for truth and generosity, compassion, and consistent exemplification of our school’s motto ‘Values for Life.’

“In addition, The Alumni Awards committee chose John because of a long history of supporting the ideals our school seeks to champion every day.”

Here’s a sample of the program announcement containing some biographical information on Mr. Looby and the impact he’s made in the Lake County community.

“Mr. Looby’s father, John Looby Jr., was a graduate of Mount Carmel and fully recognized the value in sending his children to an institution like Carmel Catholic. After graduating from CHS, Mr. Looby III continued his Catholic education by attending Loras College where he earned a Speech and Education degree. After completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Looby III began teaching at Holy Child High School for Girls in Waukegan , IL .

Mr. Looby III consistently brings the ‘Spirit of Carmel’ into the community and his industry as a volunteer. He served his industry as the President of the FTD Association for many years. In this position, Mr. Looby III provided business education to 68,000 florists worldwide.

He whole-heartedly supports his local parish, St. Mary’s of Lake Forest, by donating flowers for major religious Holy Days and has done so for over 35 years. He has served on St. Mary’s school board for 17 years and continues to support their annual gala. He was a member of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club for 35 years including serving as chairman.

He continues his fundraising efforts by chairing the Lake Forest Antique Auto show, an event he has supported for the past 17 years, raising $360,000 to date. Mr. Looby III also serves on the Gorton Community Center board providing educational programs to the community for over 30 years. Mr. Looby III recently completed the maximum term limit as City of Lake Forest Alderman, a non-paying position.

Prior to the completion of his term, Mr. Looby III volunteered on [...]