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! 🌟

Dr. Sebastian Kapala & Derrick Burress a from the Lake County Tech Campus. They discuss the campus's innovative career and technical education programs, partnerships with local businesses, and the integration of cutting-edge technology like AI. Listeners learn how the Tech Campus empowers students from across Lake County to explore hands-on career paths, earn college credits, and build real-world skills.

Bill Frank shares his memories of growing up on a family farm, attending local schools, and witnessing the town's transformation from the 1950s onward. Recorded at The Loop Marketing on Center and Lake Street, Bill reflects on Grayslake's close-knit community, local landmarks, family life, and the importance of kindness and education. With stories of small-town traditions, personal growth, and changing times, this episode offers a nostalgic and genuine look at Grayslake's hometown spirit through the eyes of one of its own.

Discovering Grayslake: A Journey Through Time with Bill Frank

Hey there, Grayslake friends!

I'm thrilled to share some highlights from our latest episode of "Discovering Grayslake," where I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bill Frank, a longtime resident with a treasure trove of stories about our beloved town. Recorded at The Loop Marketing on Center and Lake Street, this episode is a heartfelt trip down memory lane, filled with laughter, wisdom, and a few surprises.

Here are some of the gems from our conversation:

Lessons and Reflections:
The Value of Hard Work:** Bill's childhood on a family farm taught him the importance of hard work and responsibility. From living in a tent to building a house, his early years were a testament to resilience and determination.
Community and Change:** Growing up in the 1950s, Bill witnessed Grayslake's transformation from gravel roads to a bustling town. His stories about local landmarks and community life offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
Education and Opportunity:** Bill emphasizes the importance of education and how even a year at a junior college could change a young person's life. He reflects on how societal expectations have evolved, making higher education more accessible and necessary.

Curiosities and Fun Facts:
Local Hangouts:** Remember Herb's Drive-In? Bill recalls this hexagonal shack as a favorite spot for burgers, along with the excitement of the drive-in movie theater where Jewel now stands.
First Wheels:** Bill's first car, a hand-me-down from his sister, symbolized freedom and independence. It's a charming story of sibling support and the joy of driving.
Family Dynamics:** With seven children spread across the country, Bill's family stories are both heartwarming and humorous. His reflections on parenting and the changing dynamics of family life are relatable and touching.

Intriguing Insights:
Shoes Tell a Story:** Bill has a unique way of reading people by their shoes, a skill he picked up from his sister, a successful real estate agent. It's a quirky yet insightful perspective on understanding personalities.
Life's Superpower:** If Bill could have any superpower, it would be to give people peace of mind. He believes a good night's sleep can help anyone face life's challenges—a sentiment many of us can relate to.
Historical Reflections:** From the civil rights movement to World War II documentaries, Bill's reflections on history provide a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.

Words of Wisdom:
"Get Along":** Bill's simple yet profound advice for the people of Grayslake. In a world that often feels divided, his call for kindness and cooperation is more relevant than ever.
Quit the Job You Hate:** Life is too short to be stuck in a dead-end job. Bill encourages everyone to find work that brings joy and fulfillment, echoing the sentiment that time is our most valuable currency.

I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and entice you to listen to the full episode. Bill's stories are a beautiful reminder of the rich history and vibrant community that make Grayslake so special.

Tune in to "Discovering Grayslake" and join us on this journey through time. You won't want to miss it!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Host of "Discovering Grayslake"

P.S. Have a story about Grayslake you'd like to share? Drop me a line—I'd love to hear from you!

Avon Township Supervisor Michele Bauman discusses the township's inspiring response to food insecurity. Michelle shares moving stories of community members, local businesses, and volunteers coming together to support neighbors in need. From food pantry efforts and holiday drives to creative volunteer opportunities for all ages, the episode highlights the power of kindness and collective action. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and help make Grayslake and Avon Township a stronger, more caring hometown for everyone.

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Discovering Grayslake: A Community United Against Food Insecurity

Hey there, Grayslake neighbors!

I'm Dave Woll, your host of the "Discovering Grayslake" podcast, and I'm thrilled to share some heartwarming stories and powerful insights from our latest episode. This time, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Baumann, the Avon Township Supervisor, about the incredible efforts our community is making to combat food insecurity. Here's a sneak peek at what we discussed:

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
Community Response to Food Insecurity**: Michelle shared a touching story about a recent food pantry event where the demand was so high that they ran out of food. The community's response was overwhelming, with over 250 people sharing her social media post and donations pouring in almost immediately.
The Power of Volunteerism**: We talked about how volunteerism is more than just providing food—it's about building a community. Michelle highlighted the need for volunteers to sort, check expiration dates, stock shelves, and distribute food.
Heartwarming Stories**: From a mother preparing complete meals with her family to a local firefighter making multiple large donations, the generosity of our community members is truly inspiring.
Collaborations with Local Schools**: Michelle recounted how local schools are working with the township to provide easy-to-prepare meals for children facing food insecurity at home.
Expanding Food Pantry Services**: The pantry has extended its hours to five days a week to meet the increased demand, offering nutritious and sustainable options that cater to dietary needs.
Holiday Initiatives**: With Thanksgiving approaching, the pantry anticipates needing traditional holiday items like milk, butter, oil, and flour. There's also a holiday toy drive where community members can adopt families or individual children in need.

How You Can Get Involved:
Volunteer Your Time**: Even just two hours a month can make a huge difference. Contact Michelle directly at 847-514-7087 or mbaumann@avonil.us to find out how you can help.
Donate Food and Essentials**: Drop off donations at the township office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. They're especially in need of snacks, easy-to-prepare foods, and items for specific dietary requirements.
Spread the Word**: Share posts on social media about local businesses and organizations doing good work. Every bit of awareness helps.

A Call to Action:
Let's keep this momentum going, Grayslake! Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

Thank you for being such a compassionate and generous community. Tune in to the full episode to hear more inspiring stories and learn how you can make a difference.

Stay kind and stay connected,
Dave Woll

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to "Discovering Grayslake" for more stories that celebrate and strengthen our wonderful community!

Nick Groh from Electric Bikes of Chicago, located right on Route 83. Nick shares the story behind the shop, explains the benefits and versatility of e-bikes for all ages, and highlights their commitment to quality, service, and community safety. The conversation covers local trails, e-bike regulations, and the importance of responsible riding. With a friendly, hometown vibe, listeners learn why e-bikes are gaining traction in Grayslake and how Electric Bikes of Chicago is making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.