In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll welcomes Eric Skaja, local author and managing partner of a family-owned funeral home. Erik shares his journey from literature graduate to funeral director and novelist, discussing his historical fiction book, Buried Alive, inspired by the John Franklin Arctic expedition. The conversation highlights Erik's community involvement, personal resilience through illness, and passion for storytelling. With warm anecdotes and local pride, the episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into Grayslake's spirit, encouraging listeners to support neighbors, embrace kindness, and celebrate the unique stories that make the community special.

Grayslake Chamber of Commerce's new small business grant program, launching in 2026. They discuss the program's origins, eligibility, and how it aims to support local entrepreneurs facing hardship or seeking to make a positive impact. The conversation highlights Grayslake's strong community spirit, the Chamber's commitment to helping "the little guy," and encourages business owners to apply and get involved in making Grayslake an even better place to live and work.

Dawn shares heartfelt stories about growing up in Grayslake, the foundation's origins, and its Memorial Tree Program, which honors loved ones through tree plantings in local parks. The conversation highlights the foundation's community-driven fundraising, support for park programs, and efforts to revitalize downtown Grayslake. Listeners are encouraged to get involved, support local businesses, and join upcoming events, all while celebrating the strong hometown spirit that makes Grayslake special.

Discovering Grayslake: A Heartfelt Journey with Dawn Wright

Hey there, Grayslake friends!

I'm David Woll, your host of the "Discovering Grayslake" podcast, and I'm thrilled to share some highlights from our latest episode. This time, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dawn Wright, the president of the Grayslake Park Foundation, at The Loop Marketing in Grayslake. Our conversation was a deep dive into the foundation's history, mission, and the incredible work they're doing to support our beloved park district.

Here are some key takeaways and intriguing tidbits from our chat:

🌳 The Memorial Tree Program
Origins**: Started in 2005, this program was a heartfelt tribute initiated by a founder who lost his daughter in a tragic accident.
Impact**: Over 100 trees have been planted in Central Park and 12 other parks, serving as living memorials with personalized plaques.
Community Connection**: These trees are not just plants; they're cherished spaces for remembrance and reflection.

🎓 Supporting Local Youth
Camp Scholarships**: The foundation has donated around $6,000 over the past two years to help children attend local camps.
Future Plans**: They aim to increase this amount through expanded fundraising efforts.

📣 Revitalizing Outreach
Marketing Efforts**: New brochures, business cards, and a growing social media presence on Facebook and soon Instagram.
Community Engagement**: A Grayslake Park District trivia contest launching on December 8th with a $100 gift card prize!

🏓 Upcoming Events
Pickleball Tournament**: Planned for the spring, this event promises to be a fun and engaging way to support the foundation.
Meat Raffle & Bingo**: Partnering with local groups to host these community-centric events.

💡 Future Initiatives
Defibrillators in Parks**: Exploring funding for portable defibrillators to enhance visitor safety.
Downtown Revitalization**: Excitement about new shops and community efforts to support local businesses.

🎤 Personal Stories & Community Ties
Don's Memories**: Fishing at Jones Island with his father and grandfather, and the deep roots many residents have in Grayslake.
Community Pride**: Emphasizing the importance of local support and collaboration to keep our town vibrant and thriving.

🎉 Fun Facts & Rapid-Fire Questions
Dream Travel Destination**: Italy.
Favorite Grayslake Event**: The Parks fireworks night and Grayslake Days.
Karaoke Moment**: Singing Bon Jovi in Nashville!

I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and inspire you to listen to the full episode. Don's passion for our community is truly infectious, and his stories remind us of the importance of giving back and staying connected.

Join us in supporting the Grayslake Park Foundation by following their social media pages, participating in events, and considering donations. Together, we can ensure that Grayslake's parks continue to thrive for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more episodes of "Discovering Grayslake," where we uncover the heart and soul of our wonderful town.

Warm regards,
David Woll

P.S. Don't miss out on the trivia contest starting December 8th—let's have some fun and show our support for the Grayslake Park Foundation! 🌟