Publications & Sites 
News Briefs: Forest Preserve ready to launch summer concerts
Updated: July 22, 2012 6:17AM
The Lake County Forest Preserves is starting its eight-week summer Events in the Plaza free concert series in Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville.
The series kicks off on Tuesday, June 19 with the folk band “Old Californio”. “Big James and the Playboys” will perform on June 26, fresh off the 2012 Chicago Blues Festival main stage. The Naval Band Great Lakes performs American classic patriotic songs on July 3. Other concerts will be held on July 10, 17, 24 and 31, on Aug. 7 weather permitting. In case of a rainout, concerts are held on Thursday of the same week. View a full concert schedule at www.lcfpd.org/docs/concerts_independence_grove_2012.pdf.
Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. They are open to people of all ages and are held at Independence Grove’s outdoor amphitheater, Millennia Plaza. Concert goers should bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. The walk-up cafe is open during concerts and serves entrees, snacks or beverages.
Parking is $5 per car after 5 p.m. on concert days. To ensure safety and enjoyment, cars are turned away when the parking lot is full. To learn if the park is filled or if a concert has been postponed due to rain, call the Visitors Center at (847) 968-3499.
Fremont extends superintendent contract
Fremont District 79 Superintendent Jill Gildea’s contract was extended by five years, following unanimous school board approval this month. The contract begins July 1. Gildea is finishing her second year as superintendent of Fremont School District 79.
“The board is extremely pleased with Dr. Gildea’s work. Our district is headed in the right direction with Dr. Gildea as its leader,” said Sandra Bickley, board president.
In the fall, the school board commissioned its administration to develop a strategic plan. The plan was the outcome of information provided by staff and parent focus groups, survey and achievement data.
Gildea believes the goal of the strategic plan is to yield a safe, student-centered and future-focused learning organization and to create a seamless preschool through eighth grade educational experience for children.
Vernon Hills to host movies in park
The Vernon Hills Park District will host free movies in the park the last Friday of the summer months. The first movie of the season, “E.T.”, will begin at dusk on June 29 in Deerpath Park.
Bo-Bo’s Restaurant will be on-site offering snacks for a nominal cost. Washrooms are available on site at the Deerpath Shelter. The movie screen is located at the north end of Deerpath Park. Park at the Cherokee Park entrance and walk up the path to the viewing area.
Acting agent to appear in Libertyville
An Agent/Casting Director acting showcase will be held at Improv Playhouse led by Diane Christiansen, a top Los Angeles based acting coach, from July 9-13 for youth through college students.
Christiansen began coaching actors in 1992. Among her most recent students is “True Grit’s” Oscar nominee, Hailee Steinfeld. This year, Children in Film her as the “#1 Top Rated Acting Coach in Hollywood” for kids and teens. The last four years, she was voted “One of the Top 10 most effective Coaches in Hollywood” by Actors Access.
Each evening will cover audition techniques for agents and casting directors with developmental age groupings on different nights culminating in a showcasing of talent to specific agents and casting directors from Chicago and/or Milwaukee.
Monday is for students grades 3-8, Tuesday for high school through college students, and Wednesday and Thursday combined ages focusing on rehearsal, image prep, resume creation/refining, agent presentation packet and interview skills. Friday will be a closed showcase to agency representatives. Actor head shots or 8x10 images are suggested for pre-submission.
The event will be held at Improv Playhouse Black Box Theatre, 735 N. Milwaukee Avenue, near the Metra station behind Caribou Coffee. Fee includes the combined workshop and showcase for registered students.
For more information, contact the Improv Playhouse at (847) 968-4529 and go to their website at www.improvplayhouse.com.
Sullivan to sponsor flag exchange in Mundelein
Residents of Illinois’ 51st House District who wish to turn in an old U.S. flag in exchange for a new one may bring their used flag to the district office of State Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-51st, of Mundelein, between now and July 2.
Sullivan is sponsoring the U.S. Flag Exchange Program through his district office for the fourth year in a row as a way to provide residents of the 51st district with the ability to properly dispose of their old flags and to obtain a new U.S. flag to display or keep at their home or office. The program is free of charge and open to the first 100 constituents of the district.
Sullivan’s district office is located at 700 N. Lake St. (Route 45), Suite 101, Mundelein or contact Jean Smuda, legislative aide at (847) 566-5115 for more information.
