Nearly 70 people came out to support my campaign for Highland Park City Council on December 2. I am proud to have such strong support at this early stage in the campaign.

Anne Flanigan Bassi, who has represented Highland Park on the Lake County Board for ten years, said, “We’re fortunate to live in a community where so many talented and experienced individuals volunteer their time and effort to making our community great. But even in Highland Park, what Kim brings to the table with the depth and variety of her skills and engagement in the community is unique.”

Thank you to everyone for your support.

The City of Highland Park is working with SWALCO to reduce the amount of garbage going to the landfill by increasing recycling. Click here to learn more about the program, and find out what you can recycle in Lake County. Both electronics and styrofoam can be dropped off for recycling on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 am – 1 pm at the Firearms Training Center, 1180 Half Day Road in Highland Park.

If you have ideas for recycling or reuse of items not commonly recyclable, email me and I will post the information.  For creative recycling ideas, check out this link.

I have filed my petitions with the City Clerk, making official my decision to run for Highland Park City Council. While I only needed 96 signatures to qualify for inclusion on the ballot, I turned in just over 400. I’m grateful to everyone who helped gather signatures, or signed the petitions. You have proven that, by working together, we can accomplish much.

Safer Pest Control Project recognized Kim in October for her two decades of successful work to promote healthy communities.

Pictured with SPCP Executive Director Rachel Rosenberg and Board Chair Ann Alexander.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident recently and filed a report with the Highland Park Police Department, you may now purchase copies of the accident report online at your convenience. Accident reports are generally available within four to five days after the accident occurred, excluding holidays and weekends. Online reports are provided electronically in a PDF format. To obtain a copy of an accident report, click here and select “Illinois,” then “Highland Park Police Department.” you’ll need to provide the date of accident, report number, and a credit card for payment of the copy fee. Then follow the instructions to obtain a report. For more information, please contact Debbie Dayboll, Records Supervisor, at (847) 432-7730.

Blood donations are needed to maintain supplies, since drives have been cancelled on the east coast. You can donate at Highland Park Hospital on November 8. Make an appointment here.

As a recipient of a blood transfusion 12 years ago, I thank all who have donated blood.

Early voting begins on October 22 for the November 6, 2012 general election. There are several important local races on the ballot, so make your voice heard by voting. The race for U.S. Representative in our district is close with Brad Schneider running to unseat Bob Dold. State Sen. Susan Garrett, State Rep. Karen May and Lake County Board Member Anne Flanagan Bassi are all retiring from their positions, and there is a contested race for Lake County State’s Attorney. Be sure to check out the backgrounds of the candidates and vote all the way down the ballot. For Highland Park voters, early voting takes place at the North Shore Health Center, 1840 Green Bay Road. Hours for early voting are: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

John Van Bergen was a Prairie Style Architect who designed more than 30 buildings in Highland Park. The City’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Historical Society have teamed up for a series of events highlighting the career of this brilliant Prairie Style architect. They’ve planned house tours, exhibits, lectures, and more. To join the celebration, purchase tickets through the HP Historical Society.

Of all the Prairie architects, John S. Van Bergen (1885-1969) is probably the most closely associated with Highland Park. He worked for Frank Lloyd Wright for a year and started his own practice in Oak Park in 1911. He moved to Highland Park at the end of the First World War and lived here with his family for 25 years. The more than 30 buildings in Highland Park he designed include Braeside School as well as single-family homes throughout the city. Jens Jensen, the noted landscape architect, was Van Bergen’s neighbor, friend, and mentor, and they collaborated on several projects including an addition at Ravinia School.

Kim will be honored for her activism over the past two decades to improve community and environmental health by Safer Pest Control Project at their annual Ladybug Bash on October 18. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.spcpweb.org.