Editorial: Helping our neighbors (Wkgn) to the north

[fedupinwaukegan]

As a nearly lifetime Waukeganite this was interesting to read. :roll: What a perception they have of Waukegan 'in general.'

Editorial: Helping out our neighbors to the north
Comments

June 3, 2010

Many children in Lake Forest don't know how fortunate they are. As summer arrives, lush lawns, open lands, swimming pools and other amenities are the norm.

Only a few miles away, youngsters in North Chicago and Waukegan are more likely to spend the nice weather avoiding gangs, dodging gunshots -- even about worrying whether they'll eat at night.

That's why the Deer Path Middle School eighth-grade class gift is such an important gesture.

The committee charged with researching ideas for the gift learned that Neal Math and Science Academy in North Chicago did not have a sign identifying it. Anyone driving by had no idea it was a school. Thanks to the eight-graders, now they have a sign. Not only that, the Class Gift Committee also decided that the money left over after their graduation planning was completed would be donated to Neal Math and Science Academy for a graduation party and dance for their eight-graders.

Said Tommie Deering of the Deer Path Middle School committee, "We have so much in Lake Forest. Sometimes we don't realize others don't have as much as we do."

Local eighth-graders aren't the only ones helping out nearby schools. Pat Sikorovsky of Lake Forest started "Bravo Waukegan," which helps the Waukegan public schools acquire used musical instruments. Thanks to the group, many performed at a fantastic concert at the Genesee Theatre recently. The "Waukegan to College" program, just started last year, boasts a number of volunteers from Lake Forest who help Waukegan students prepare for college. The Lake County Community Foundation, I Have a Dream and Reading Power are among other organizations whose local volunteers contribute time and money to the impoverished schools up there.

It is easy to forget there are children so close who have so little. Thanks to all who help our neighbors to the north.

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[WT Reader]

Some memorable quotes from this article...

"....only a few miles away, youngsters in North Chicago and Waukegan are more likely to spend the nice weather avoiding gangs, dodging gunshots -- even about worrying whether they'll eat at night...."

"... class gift is such an important gesture..."

"... the impoverished schools up there..." (referring to North Chicago and Waukegan)

-- WT Reader

[enriqueM]

It was very nice of those kids to make the donations, but the Editorial doesn't need to make it seem like they were helping out a Third World country. Whether the folks in Lake Forest believe it or not, not every kid in this community spends their summer dodging bullets and going to bed hungry. Heck, I bet some kids in Waukegan even have lush lawns and swimming pools. Gasp!

[ClassicalLib17]

...?

[JazminH]

It's the least they could do considering many of these 'poor kids' are children of the illegal immigrants employed by the NIMBYs down in Lake Forest. They love illegals as long as they go back home to Waukegan/North Chicago at the end of their shift

[lasma]

A men, Jazmin!!! Those lookin as though they are the solution quite often are THE problem.

[ClassicalLib17]

While most of these people call themselves Republicans, they conveniently forget to mention that they are of the Progressive persuasion. Yes, this particularly insidious form of political cancer affects both major political parties.

[Danno]

While most of these people call themselves Republicans...

Where do you find those kind of stats?

[enriqueM]

While most of these people call themselves Republicans...

Where do you find those kind of stats?

Well, this method is far from scientific, but if you look at the 2008 election results, you'll see that the northern part of Shields Township (north chicago, great lakes, parts of lake bluff) voted democratic, while the southern parts (southern lake bluff and lake forest) voted republican.
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[suele3]

Then there are all the people I meet who are embarrassed to live in Waukegan. "Oh,well I live on the western border right next to Gurnee" comments are so annoying. One of our southern neighbors' banks, Highland Park Bank was a sponsor of the 8th Annual Mardi Gras Silent Auction & Casino Night to benefit Waukegan Main Street. Some folks in Waukegan can use Lake Forest residents' help. But what Waukegan really needs to make a long term impact is involvement (and counsel) of large businesses such as the Highland Park Bank. I was surprised to see this but encouraged. Well organized, financially successful professionals providing donors (and input) is just what we need. - Assuming it's a well run bank with some leadership who enjoy making a positive impact. Outsiders welcome for such endeavors. Maybe they can be recruited to add input and guidance, our town sure needs it.