WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is inviting residents of the 30^th district to join her and a few of her colleagues for a town hall meeting on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m.

“As I prepare for the upcoming legislative session, it is important that I continue to inform and connect with the communities I represent,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “I look forward to hosting this town hall as a chance to have informative dialogue with residents.”

The town hall will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11 at Crist Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan, located at 3106 Belvidere Rd. Johnson will be joined by her colleagues, State Representatives Daniel Didech and Rita Mayfield.

People will be able to receive assistance and make connections with community leaders. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new or lightly worn coats to donate to neighbors in need.

“As cold weather settles in, I am hopeful we can work together to help our neighbors who are less fortunate,” said Johnson. “This town hall will double as an opportunity for residents to donate winter gear to those in need.”

Johnson’s office is available to answer questions by calling 847-672-6201 or visiting her website.

WAUKEGAN – Thanks to continuous support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, Waukegan Park District will receive a $40,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to enhance the Michigan Trail trailhead.

“This funding is invaluable when it comes the positive impact it has in our community,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “When we prioritize our park districts, we see the benefit that it has on our children and overall community.”   

More than $3.7 million was awarded to 19 different communities, which will be used to help meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreational facilities. Grants may be used for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs.

The 19 recipients were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, overseen by IDNR, and is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

The grant for the recreational trail development project at Hinkston Park will help the Waukegan Park District renovate the popular trail into an accessible space where individuals of all abilities will be able to enjoy the outdoors.

“This project will have an immense impact on promoting inclusivity and enhancing the outdoor experience for our community,” said Jay Lerner, executive director of the Waukegan Park District. “The Waukegan Park District is grateful for Senator Adriane Johnson’s advocacy to help us secure several grants like these, and her unwavering commitment to parks and recreation in Waukegan and across Illinois.”

To see a full list of recipients, click here.

VERNON HILLS – State Senator Adriane Johnson hosted a reception celebrating the 30 Wonders of the 30^th District guide. The guide highlights opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation, exploration, education and more at some of the most beloved spots around the 30^th Senate district.

“The 30^th District is a beautiful and diverse area with many parks, restaurants and experiences that often get overlooked,” said Johnson (D–Buffalo Grove). “It is important that we share and celebrate our wondrous community.”

Johnson’s office published the 30 Wonders of the 30^th District guide to celebrate and uplift public amenities, parks, monuments and other experiences around the district. Residents and visitors of the 30^th District can utilize the project to explore their home communities and rediscover the interesting history, artistic vibrancy, social energy and stunning nature in their own backyard. The reception gave Johnson the opportunity to publicly recognize and congratulate the various organization on their work in the district.

“I am proud of the work of each organization that makes the 30^th District such a vibrant place to visit and live,” said Johnson. “The work that they do helps preserve the beauty and history of our community.”

In light of the success of this project, Johnson announced a continuation of the project to highlight 30 people of the 30^th District. She will release more details at the turn of the year. To view the 30 Wonders of the 30^th District guide, click here.

To view Johnson’s remarks from the 30 Wonders of the 30^th District reception, click here.

NORTH CHICAGO – Growing Healthy Veterans, an organization in North Chicago dedicated to healing veterans through horticulture and providing healthy food for the community, received $150,000 to expand operations, thanks to State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“This organization directly supports veterans in the Lake County community combat post-war trauma,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “We have a significant veteran population in our district and it is important they have resources that support them when they return home.”

Growing Healthy Veterans was co-founded in 2016 by Marshall Fox, an Air Force veteran, and the late Lukan Paulus, who was certified in sustainable agriculture from the College of Lake County and horticultural therapy from the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

In 2017, North Chicago offered GHV the use of a 14-acre city-owned property. The group established the North Chicago Community Garden, serving veterans, active duty military and local residents. GHV helps gardeners cultivate healthy crops and teaches sustainable agriculture skills.

“The work that is being done to support veterans is imperative,” said Johnson. “Through the expansion of GHV, even more veterans and community members will benefit.”

The $150,000 capital grant investment secured by Johnson will allow GHV to more than triple its available garden space.