Long Grove Apple Haus Closing is a Heartbreak

Written by on January 26, 2012 · Leave a Comment

 Let Long Grove Apple Haus Closing Be a Wake-up Call!

Last fall when the Farmside Country Store and Winery in Long Grove closed, I was surprised. It had always been there. A sweet store sitting high on the corner of Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin Roads, it has been there in some form since 1869. Sure, the building is still there but it sadly stands empty. When I read the news that the Long Grove Apple Haus closed, I was shocked.

Having lived in Long Grove for over 25 years, I have seen stores come and go. But Farmside and the Apple Haus? These two stores were cornerstones of the village. Many a cider donut has been eaten in our house, brought to friends’ homes and to Coldwell Banker events. Our daughter Kristin rode her bike or walked to her first job at the Apple Haus. I’ve talked with others over the past few days and the sentiment seems to be the same: We haven’t just lost stores, we’ve lost a part of our community.

As a community we need to take action. We can’t just wait for the next small business to close and lament its passing. There are things that we can do right now and the very first is to shop at those businesses. I know that it’s sometimes easier to purchase a greeting card at the grocery store but I promise you that it’s not as much fun as shopping at Diane’s Hallmark in Lake Zurich. The women there are helpful and fun. It’s probably more convenient to run to the mall but have you been to Within Reach in Long Grove for a gift? You’ll be delighted by the beautifully arranged displays of unique items.

Next, tell everyone about your experiences at these establishments. When you eat at Enzo and Lucia’s, D&J Bistro or any of our local restaurants, let your friends know how great the food is. Tell everyone you know about the fine products and experiences at our locally owned businesses. Visit yelp.com and Yelp about it!

Adorable Baby Items at Within Reach

I’m committing to blog about at least one small business in the Lake Zurich area communities each week. If you know of one that you’d like to have featured, contact me. After you’ve read my blog posts, share them on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Together we can get the word out and help our local business owners prosper.

Friendly Faces at Diane's Hallmark

 

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Vernon Hills Police Department Organizes Veterans’ Coat Drive

Written by on September 22, 2011 · 1 Comment

Donate a Gently Used Coat and Help a Lake County Veteran

We owe our veterans a huge debt of gratitude. There’s an easy way for residents of Lake County to show their thanks. The Vernon Hills Police Department, in conjunction with the Veterans’ Assistance Commission, is collecting coats for Lake County veterans and their families. Vernon Hills High School (September 30) and Grayslake High School (October 14) join in the effort by organizing a collection of coats during one of their football games. The Vernon Hills Police Department is also accepting donations.

Mike Peck is the Superintendent of The Veterans’ Assistance Commission. On October 18, 2011, they will be conducting a Stand Down for homeless veterans and veterans in need.  A Stand Down allows veterans in need to receive a medical and dental assessment, a haircut, and a referral for other counseling services, if needed.  With winter approaching, the VAC has long strived toward the goal of providing each veteran in need with a winter coat. More than 300 Lake County Veterans are expected to participate this year. Last year the winter gear was all taken within the first two hours.  They need our community support!

The need is greater this year than ever before. 792 Lake County veterans have registered with the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. These veterans and their families are at risk of becoming homeless as they struggle to make rent or mortgage payments.

Take a look through your closets and find a gently used men’s, women’s or children’s coat. Or, shop a sale and purchase a new one! Also accepted will be new hats, gloves and scarves. If you’re a fan, attend the Vernon Hills or Grayslake High School footbal games and bring a coat. I will also accept donations at the Coldwell Banker Buffalo Grove office (350 Half Day Road) and deliver them to the Vernon Hills Police Department (740 Lakeview Parkway).  If you live in the area and have a donation but just can’t get it to any of the donation points, contact me and I’ll pick it up!

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