BUFFALO GROVE – To give people the opportunity to ask questions, interact with their neighbors and get updates about what’s going on in Springfield, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is inviting residents to attend the first in-person session of her monthly outreach event series, Coffee & Connect.

“Due to the pandemic, many community events have gone virtual, and it’s been more difficult to get to know our neighbors,” Johnson said. “With more and more people getting vaccinated every day, I’m excited to be able to meet and chat with residents in person about their vision for our community’s future.”

The next Coffee & Connect session will be held Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m. in the outdoor picnic shelter at Diamond Lake Sports Complex in Mundelein. Residents who are more comfortable participating virtually can sign up to join the meeting via Zoom at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/CoffeeConnect.

Each monthly Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is open to any resident of the 30^th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events, visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com or connect with Senator Johnson on Facebook and Twitter.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – Job seekers had the opportunity to connect with 15 local companies and learn more about open positions, employee benefits and getting hired at a virtual job expo on Thursday hosted by State Senators Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

Johnson and Bush partnered with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Job Center of Lake County to host the expo, which attracted 60 candidates.

“In a time of such great need, I’m grateful for the chance to connect those looking for work with diverse, long-term career opportunities,” Bush said. “And I am beyond thankful for the partnership of Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Job Center of Lake County, and all the employers who participated. Our communities are in a much better place thanks to your leadership and support during this pandemic.”

During the three-hour event, companies from a range of employment sectors—including the Illinois Department of Public Health, FedEx Group and the Sherwin-Williams Company—explained their open positions and company benefits via Zoom.

All job openings discussed during the webinar are also posted on IllinoisJobLink.com.

“I want to thank the companies and candidates who participated in today’s event,” Johnson said. “I’m excited and hopeful that this event gave Lake County residents a leg up in the job search process—and I’m committed to supporting anyone looking to build a new and better life for themselves.”

Residents can find more information on participating organizations and other hiring employers by contacting Bush and Johnson’s offices:

• Senator Bush: (847) 548-5631 or http://senatormelindabush.com/contact
• Senator Johnson: (847) 672-6201 or https://www.senatoradrianejohnson.com/contact-us

The Job Center of Lake County is now open for limited appointments and continues to assist job seekers remotely. A full list of resources and upcoming workshops is available on their website, LakeCountyIL.gov/Jobs. Call (847) 377-3450 for assistance or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BUFFALO GROVE – To help kids build important literacy skills and make reading a lifelong habit, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is launching a summer reading club for children and young adults in the Lake County area.

“Books have the power to transport kids to a new and exciting world, and to help keep their minds active during summer break,” Johnson said. “The benefits of reading follow young learners for years.”

To join Johnson’s summer book club, students must read eight books of their choice, record the names of the books and return the form to Johnson’s office by Aug. 2. Everyone who completes the program will receive prizes and be invited to attend a pizza party hosted by Senator Johnson.

“Staying engaged is an important step toward bridging the achievement gap and preparing kids for the next school year,” Johnson said. “This program aims to keep young students learning when they’re not in the classroom.”

To participate, download and print the form here. Parents can also call Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 to request a form by mail.

Johnson urges interested residents to call her office with any additional questions.

BUFFALO GROVE – Lake County residents will be able to enjoy the outdoors more safely thanks to over $2.5 million in funding to improve local bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Walking and biking are great ways to get outside, stay healthy and enjoy time with friends and family,” Johnson said. “These investments will ensure residents can continue to enjoy our beautiful natural spaces for years to come.”

Residents of Lake County will see improvements to a number of area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, including over $500,000 to advance the Route 60 Bicycle Path Connectivity Project and $2 million to complete Stage 4 of the Patriot Path, a 5.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle route along Route 137 between Libertyville and North Chicago.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investments include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

“Our infrastructure plans must make travel safer not just for motorists, but walkers and cyclists too,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to see our community expand opportunities for greener transportation and recreation.”