It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly one year since the City Council adopted the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

Revisiting the objectives and initiatives outlined in the plan, I’m proud to share that we’ve made meaningful progress in each of the seven priority areas:

Fiscal Stewardship
Infrastructure and City Facilities
Public Safety
Recreation and Community Well-Being
Community’s Visual Character and Development
Business and Economic Vitality
Community Engagement

From strengthening public safety initiatives to pursuing grant opportunities to expanding recreation programming to meet the community’s needs, the progress we’ve seen this year is a direct reflection of your hard work and dedication. We’ll be sharing a more detailed Strategic Plan update with City Council this fall, and I look forward to highlighting all that has been accomplished.

At the same time, the strength of our organization comes from more than just hard work – it’s also built on the connections we have with each other. That’s why I’m looking forward to the Annual Employee Picnic this Saturday, September 6. With a full lineup of rib smokers and dessert bakers, it’s a great chance to enjoy time together and with our families.

🧁Save the Date! 2025 Family Picnic, Rib Cook-Off, and Bake-Off 🧁

Calling all bakers and sweet-toothers! Here's how you can participate in the bake-off:

How to Enter

Please fill out this form by September 4.

Servings

Prepare bite-size servings of your dessert.
About 80-100 employees an family members are expected to attend, but feel free to bring as much as you're able to!
Bring your dessert ready to serve, as well as any serving utensils.
Arrive at the picnic by 11:45am to set up your dessert.

Blind Tasting

This is a blind tasting, so desserts will only be labeled by type and any allergies provided on your entry form. Please list all ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.

Set-Up & Judging

Attendees will taste the desserts and vote for their favorites.
The dessert with the most votes wins!

Questions? Reach out to Brina in HR.

🏈 Gear Up for NFL Kickoff Weekend – Friday, September 5 🏈

In the words of Hank Williams Jr., “Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!”

Show your team spirit on Friday, September 5, by wearing your favorite NFL team’s gear. Jerseys, t-shirts, shoes, foam fingers – just how passionate are you?

Don't drop the ball—join us in celebrating the start of the new season.

Open Enrollment – It’s Not Too Early to Start Planning!

Open enrollment is scheduled for November 10-23, and the HR Department has been meeting over the last several weeks to schedule ample opportunities for employees to ask questions about the various insurance plans available.

While details are still being finalized, HR expects to lead a virtual learning session, provide opportunities for 1-1 consultations, and host a “Benefits Fair” with most of the insurance and benefits vendors.

In the meantime, employees are encouraged to start reviewing current coverage, consider any changes in healthcare needs, and discuss options with family members. Taking time now to evaluate what worked well—and what didn’t—over the past year can help ensure you select the plan that best fits your needs for 2026.

Benefit summaries, plan documents, and more can be found on Citylf.org.

Madi Johnson

Program Supervisor

Madi joins the Recreation Department as a Program Supervisor in the Athletics section. She attended Lakeland University and achieved her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science.

Madi enjoys hiking, traveling, running, and photography. Last summer, she had the incredible opportunity to extend her softball career overseas, spending three months living in Switzerland while competing, coaching, and exploring Europe.

Nathan Rentas

Firefighter

Nathan attended Marietta College and achieved his undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine. He also achieved his Paramedic license prior to starting at Lake Forest.

Nathan enjoys sports and hanging out with family and friends. During his time at Marietta, he played college baseball.

Congratulations to Zenaida Cabrera on her promotion from HR Admin Assistant II to IT Admin Coordinator.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

General BCBS Buzz

Well onTarget App

Members can now redeem Blue Points for physical gift cards. All earned Blue Points are available for redemption and new activities will continue to earn points. The physical gift card experience includes new features to streamline the experience.

Well onTarget Customer Service can answer questions about earned Blue Points, redemptions and updating mailing addresses.

Blue365

Check out Blue365 Deals that encourage exercise, eating well, and being healthy. Participants can save money on fitness products and wellness services not usually covered by insurance.

PPO Buzz

Member Rewards

With the Member Rewards program, participants can call a Health Advocate or use the Provider Finder feature on the BCBS website and earn cash rewards when selecting a rewards eligible provider

Hinge Health

BCBS PPO members now have access to a new innovative digital program for chronic back, knee, hip, shoulder, and neck pain – with no out of pocket costs for the employee, register Online

Wondr - Weight Loss Program

Wondr is a digital behavioral change program that teaches skills to have a healthy relationship with food, lose weight, sleep better, and lower stress.

You may access the Wondr digital library at: Engage with Wondr | Password: expectit

HMO Buzz

Changing a Medical Group

Any employee that wishes to change their HMO medical group can do so by calling BCBS or using Blue Access for Members

Wondr - Weight Loss Program

Wondr is a digital behavioral change program that teaches skills to have a healthy relationship with food, lose weight, sleep better, and lower stress.

You may access the Wondr digital library at: Engage with Wondr | Password: expectit

Delta Dental Buzz

Delta Dental of Illinois offers the Smile Perks member discount program. Employees can now enjoy exclusive savings on Oral-B oral health products, including electric and manual toothbrushes, replacement brush heads, water flossers, and more!

The Smile Perks program offers additional discounts for Delta Dental of Illinois members. Members can enjoy savings on everyday essentials including groceries, entertainment and travel, hearing health care and hearing aids through Amplifon, LASIK eye procedures with QualSight, and more.

Medicare 101

We'd like to share an opportunity, hosted by the Lake Forest Library, to those nearing age 65 and want to learn more about Medicare.

Register and join us in person with health insurance expert Tom Perrucci to better understand your Medicare options and confidently choose coverage based on your health needs, budget, and eligibility. We will review Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Coverage, and cost saving strategies when you first enroll and every year thereafter.

More information and registration can be found here.

JOIN US FOR THE 23RD ANNUAL CONWAY PARK AUTUMN CLASSIC!

Volunteers, walkers, and runners needed!

Start/Finish Line: Trustmark, 400 Field Drive

When: Tuesday, September 16

Runners start: 11:30am, Walkers start right after

Running Distance: Just over 3 miles

Walking Distance: 1.5 or 2 miles, depending on course selection

Lunch: The City will cover the cost of lunch for all participants and volunteers.

Chicago Bears Care t-shirts will be available for purchase with credit card only. Take pictures with Staley da Bear and Chicago Bears players!

Whether you run, walk, or volunteer, earn 30 Think Healthy points by participating in this event!

Make Plans Now for Peace of Mind Later – Schedule Time with MissionSquare

In addition to the webinars scheduled in September, MissionSquare representative Jeff Cook will be at various City facilities the week of September 22 to meet one-on-one with employees to discuss 457(b) retirement plan options and strategies.

Click here to schedule an appointment with MissionSquare's Jeff Cook

Monday, September 22

Virtual meetings

Tuesday, September 23

Municipal Service Building – 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday, September 24

Public Safety Building – 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Thursday, September 25

Public Safety Building – 7 a.m.-noon

CROYA – 1-3 p.m.

Friday, September 26

Public Safety Building – 7 a.m.-3 p.m.