The Bridge
February 3, 2022
Help Deter Vehicle and Home Burglaries
Area burglaries and thefts have involved unlocked vehicles that are parked outside of homes, some with the car keys or fobs still left inside and/or with valuables in sight. To thwart opportunistic vehicle burglars, please remove all valuables from vehicles, lock doors to cars and homes, and turn on exterior lights as part of a nightly routine. Avoid hiding spare keys inside or near vehicles. Report all suspicious activity to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200, which is staffed 24/7. In the unfortunate event your car is burglarized, please be sure to file a police report.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office offers house watches for residents while they are away from their homes for extended periods. To set up a house watch, call the Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200 or click this link for more information. Find tips on how to protect your home and prevent burglaries here.
Clothing and Textile
Donations and Recycling
New or gently used clothing can be conveniently donated right in the downtown area. The Village’s collection bin for clothing and textile donations is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, in the Archer Municipal Parking Lot and is made possible through a partnership with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO). Click this link for a complete list of acceptable donations. SWALCO regularly collects donations, but if the bin is full, items can be left in sealed plastic bags next to the bin. Please note: pillows, rugs and shoes cannot be accepted.
Be a Good Neighbor On
Refuse Collection Day
Residents are encouraged to be good neighbors for the weekly Waste Management refuse and recycling collection. Remember not to leave refuse containers out for pickup before 8 p.m. on the evening before your collection day, and bring empty garbage containers back to where they are stored (as soon as possible) after the collection takes place. Please note: all refuse and recycling containers should also be stored in a location that is concealed from public view. View the Waste Management pickup schedule here.
Ice Safety Tips For Winter Enthusiasts
Frigid temperatures are not a guarantee that all local lakes, ponds and streams are completely frozen, and residents should follow ice-safety practices when ice fishing or during other winter activities or sports on the ice. Bodies of water can be dangerous and unpredictable, and many factors can affect how and when ice freezes and thaws. Following are some safety reminders:

  • Plan ahead and know the thickness and quality of ice before venturing out.
  • Ensure everyone who plans to be on the ice has a floatation vest.
  • Never go onto ice alone and closely supervise children.
  • Keep pets on a leash; do not attempt to rescue a pet if it falls in – call 9-1-1 for help.
  • If someone falls through the ice, throw a rope, branch, or jumper cables to them (and do not go in after them). Call 9-1-1 immediately. 

For more information, contact the Long Grove Fire Protection District at 847-634-3143 or the Countryside Fire Protection District at 847-367-5511.
Nurture Your Green Thumb Through Gardening Series
Interested in learning how to grow your own garden? The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) and the University of Illinois Extension are hosting a free gardening education event on the second Wednesday of every month, February 9 through June 8 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Master Gardeners will share advice on seed starting, vegetable gardening, and tending your garden, as well as information on pest control and composting. The gardening workshops are offered through a federal grant and are focused on local efforts to promote composting and food waste diversion. Click here for more information about the series, and to register to receive the Zoom meeting link.
Park District Classes and Programs for Kids and Adults

Check out the winter in-person and virtual programs for children, teens and adults offered by the Park District. Programs include yoga for kids and adults, nature and history programs, horseback riding, fencing, pickleball, tennis lessons, Taekwondo, ice skating and more. Download the winter program guide here for fees and registration information.

For a nearby outdoor adventure, take time to enjoy the trails and acres of wildlife at Reed-Turner Woodland or Heron Creek Forest Preserve. Hike by foot or with snowshoes to witness the rare beauty of these places. For maps and more, visit lgparks.org.
Downtown Cocoa Crawl Is This Saturday!
This Saturday, February 5, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. is the annual Cocoa Crawl hosted by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association! Visitors can enjoy a family-friendly day savoring complimentary hot cocoa served from heated ‘cocoa huts’ while strolling the festive downtown retail winterscape. Village shops, boutiques and restaurants will feature promotions and cocoa-inspired specials for purchase. Guests who spend $100 or more before taxes can pick up an official Cocoa Crawl mug from the Long Grove Visitor Center. More information is available at this link.
Upcoming Village Meetings

Click the 'View Details' links below the meetings to view agendas and information on how to participate. To view all upcoming and past Village of Long Grove public meetings, agendas and minutes, please click here. Visit the new Get Connected webpage to review the many ways you can connect with the Village. Learn more about the Village's different commissions and committees here.
Village Board Meeting

February 8
Architectural Commission

February 21