Discovering Lake County is the latest community-driven podcast created and hosted by David Woll. Building on the success of Discovering Grayslake, this new series explores the rich stories, hidden gems, and vibrant people that make up Lake County, IL. Each episode features engaging interviews with local business owners, community leaders, and residents who are shaping the culture and spirit of the area. From spotlighting small businesses to uncovering unique traditions, Discovering Lake Coun ...
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"Discovering Grayslake: Unveiling the Stories and People That Make Our Town Unique is a podcast that explores the unique stories and experiences of local business owners and community leaders in Grayslake, Illinois. Hosted by lifelong Grayslake resident and experienced podcast host David Woll, each episode features engaging and often humorous interviews that give listeners an inside look at the passion and dedication that goes into running a business or organization in our town. Available on ...
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Dr. Terry Miller - Miller Chiropractic
1:04:10
1:04:10
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1:04:10Dr. Terry Miller, a lifelong Grayslake resident and chiropractor. Dr. Miller shares memories of growing up in Grayslake, his journey into chiropractic care inspired by sports injuries, and the legacy of the local practice he now runs—founded in 1922. The conversation covers the challenges and evolution of chiropractic as a profession. Dr. Miller’s …
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Robert Allan Kutzler - Director Operations, Marketing & Special Events at Waukegan Harbor and Marina
56:28
56:28
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56:28David chats with Robert Allan Kutzler, Director of Operations, Marketing, and Special Events at Waukegan Harbor and Marina. They discuss Robert’s radio background, his passion for the marina, and the upcoming 40th anniversary celebration of the South Marina—featuring the world’s largest rubber duck, live music, food trucks, and a water ski show. Ro…
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Laura Faver Dias - State Representative
1:01:00
1:01:00
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1:01:00State Representative Laura Faver Dias discusses her journey from teacher to public servant and her deep ties to Grayslake. Laura shares insights on local politics, community events, and her passion for education and healthcare. The conversation highlights her approachable style, commitment to serving all residents, and efforts to connect seniors wi…
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Mayor Elizabeth Davies discusses the village’s transition to a new garbage service provider and other community updates. Mayor Davies explains the careful decision-making behind the change, highlighting cost savings, preserved services like leaf vacuuming, and Grayslake’s commitment to sustainability. The conversation also covers downtown improveme…
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In this episode, host David Woll welcome's the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce to discuss the upcoming Grayslake Summerfest 2025. They share the festival’s exciting music lineup, family-friendly activities, and the importance of local sponsorships. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, community involvement, and new features like th…
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Javier Franco, a military veteran and dedicated community member. Javier shares his journey to Grayslake, his passion for youth soccer through AYSO, and the importance of volunteering. The conversation highlights Grayslake’s welcoming spirit, the value of local involvement, and the positive impact of youth sports. With heartfelt stories and practic…
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Ryan Curtis - State Farm and Community Leader
1:05:04
1:05:04
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1:05:04Ryan shares his journey from helping launch the Oasis teen center, a project that fostered lifelong friendships and shaped the town’s culture. The conversation highlights the importance of genuine connections, giving back, and cherishing every moment. Ryan also discusses his local insurance agency and the value of honesty in business. Listeners are…
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Bubble Bash Foam Parties for All - Kori Pelikan
50:01
50:01
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50:01In this episode of Discovering Grayslake, host David Woll sits down with Kori Pelikan, founder of Bubble Bash—a unique local business bringing foam and bubble party magic to families, schools, and events across Northeast Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin. Corey shares how a simple birthday party for her daughter sparked the idea for a business that …
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Ballers Bar and Grill - Brittany and Amar
49:17
49:17
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49:17Ballers, the new sports bar and restaurant on Route 45. Co-owners Brittany and Amar share their inspiring journey from longtime friends to business partners, overcoming personal and professional challenges to create a welcoming, community-focused spot. Listeners hear about Ballers’ fresh menu, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to great ser…
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David Woll sits down with local resident known as "The Rock Father," to discuss his fascinating career in the toy, film, and music industries. Together, they celebrate Grayslake’s vibrant community, favorite local events, and beloved businesses. James shares insights into the toy industry, his family’s involvement in local arts, and his commitment …
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Gina Schuyler - District Administrator of Community Partnerships District 127
53:45
53:45
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53:45Administrator of Community Partnerships for Grayslake District 127, to discuss how local partnerships are preparing students for the workforce. Gina shares insights on hands-on programs in manufacturing and other industries, early career exploration, and inclusive opportunities for all students. She highlights successful collaborations with local b…
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Ryan Rotty Garcilazo - The Rehab Depot
1:09:38
1:09:38
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1:09:38Ryan shares his inspiring journey from his Waukegan and Vernon Hills roots to flipping houses and building a thriving business. Listeners hear about his family’s influence, lessons learned from early setbacks, and the importance of authenticity, community, and hard work. The conversation blends personal stories, business insights, and local pride, …
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Alex "Popeye" Rothaker and Pappy the Poodle
1:04:12
1:04:12
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1:04:12In this heartwarming episode, local dog trainer Alex Rothaker “Popeye” shares his remarkable 53-year journey, from childhood adventures with his first rescue dog in Chicago to training police and trick dogs seen on national TV. Alex Rothaker discusses the importance of patience, positive reinforcement, and community, while delighting listeners with…
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McMahon Services - Tom McMahan & Hunter Ruder
56:48
56:48
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56:48Tom and Hunter from McMahon Services, a family-owned restoration business serving Grayslake for over a decade. They discuss the company’s evolution from window washing to full-service restoration, emphasizing quick emergency response, community involvement, and the importance of empathy during disasters. Listeners receive practical advice on home m…
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J.R. shares his journey in the restaurant industry, the story behind Pizzeria DeVille, and the importance of team building and community support. Listeners get a taste of the pizzeria’s unique menu, local partnerships, and lively events. The conversation highlights the value of customer feedback, the challenges of running a local business, and the …
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Alan Lenczycki ESQ. - Local Family and Criminal Law
1:01:22
1:01:22
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1:01:22In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host Dave sits down with Alan, a local lawyer, to discuss life, law, and community in Grayslake. Alan shares heartfelt stories from his legal career, insights into family and criminal law, and his passion for giving back through local organizations. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdote…
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Rob shares the colorful history of the island, from its Prohibition-era roots to its transformation into a lively bar and community hub. Listeners get a hometown feel as Rob discusses family-friendly events, unique challenges of island operations, and the welcoming spirit that draws visitors year after year. Discovering Lake County: A Journey to Bl…
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Laurie Lambie aka "Mrs. Lambie"- Retirement Episode
48:51
48:51
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48:51In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," the host warmly converses with Lauriei Lambie, a retiring teacher from Woodview School, celebrating her 32-year career in education, with 23 years dedicated to Grayslake. Lori shares her journey from California to Grayslake, reflecting on her teaching experiences and the deep connections she formed with s…
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Jeff Myhra - Grayslake Police Chief
1:05:27
1:05:27
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1:05:27In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," welcomes Jeff Myhra, the Chief of Police of Grayslake. Jeff shares his inspiring journey from childhood dreams of becoming a police officer to his current role, highlighting his dedication to community service and the challenges of balancing work and family life. The conversation delves into the evolution…
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David Woll chats with Bobby Carlson, owner of Sundance Saloon in Mundelein, Illinois. Bobby shares his journey into the bar business, detailing how he and his brother acquired the establishment and transformed it into a vibrant community hub. They discuss the bar's evolution, emphasizing live music, family-friendly events, and unique offerings like…
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Honoring Sacrifice: Veterans Reflect on Their Service and the Meaning of Memorial Day
1:07:15
1:07:15
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1:07:15Honoring Sacrifice: Veterans Reflect on Their Service and the Meaning of Memorial Day. This poignant discussion on Memorial Day with two distinguished Vietnam War veterans, Vincent (U.S. Navy) and Steve (U.S. Air Force). They share their personal enlistment stories, experiences in Vietnam, and the profound significance of Memorial Day. Vincent and …
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The Sundance Saloon Story Part One - Art Lake
1:03:13
1:03:13
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1:03:13In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," host David Woll chats with Art Lake, a former co-owner of the beloved Sundance Saloon. Art shares his journey from commercial real estate to owning the saloon, highlighting the vibrant community and memorable events that defined the venue. He recounts anecdotes about famous musicians like Blake Shelton …
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Heidi Johanningmeier - A Mother's Mission
1:10:18
1:10:18
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1:10:18In this lively episode of "Discovering Grayslake," the host welcomes back author and actress Heidi Johanningmeier to discuss her new book, "A Mother's Mission." Heidi shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, emphasizing the themes of motherhood and resilience. The conversation touches on her experiences teaching at Vagabond acti…
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Dimitri Kallianis - Restauranteur - Chef - Olive Oil Producer
58:57
58:57
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58:57Dimitri Kallianis the vibrant owner of The Shanty restaurant in Wadsworth, Illinois. he shares his journey from growing up in Gurnee to transforming The Shanty into a beloved local gem. He recounts his shift from a potential banking career to revitalizing the restaurant, emphasizing the importance of community connections and creativity. Hei also d…
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Anthony Scala - City Chevrolet of Grayslake
54:50
54:50
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54:50Anthony Scala, owner of City Chevy Grayslake, sits down with Dave today. They dive into Anthony's rich family history in the car business and his journey from a porter to a dealership owner. Anthony shares his commitment to community involvement, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships and creating a welcoming atmosphere at Cit…
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Franks for the Memories - A Journey Through 40 Years of Family and Flavor in Mundelein
1:16:56
1:16:56
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1:16:56In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," the host David Woll chats with Jim, the owner of "Frank's for the Memories," a beloved Mundelein, Illinois restaurant celebrating 40 years. Jim shares the rich history of the family business, founded by his parents in 1984, and the evolution of their menu to include Buffalo-style hot dogs and wings. The…
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Drake Haigh - SERVPRO Northwest Lake County
1:00:39
1:00:39
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1:00:39Dave and Drake dive into Drake's journey from Libertyville to Grayslake, his work in water restoration, fire remediation, and trauma cleanup, and his passion for community. The conversation is a delightful mix of professional insights and playful anecdotes, including Drake's first vehicle—a 1999 Harley-Davidson—and his hidden talent for making peop…
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Leading with Heart: Mayor Elizabeth Davies on What’s Next for Grayslake
53:53
53:53
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53:53In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll chats with the newly elected mayor, Elizabeth Davies, who recently succeeded Rhett Taylor after his 16-year tenure. Elizabeth, a former trustee with a decade of experience, shares her vision for the town, emphasizing community engagement and development. They discuss exciting projects like…
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Sips for Scholorships - Grayslake Craft Beer Fest Panel Discussion
51:02
51:02
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51:02In this lively episode of the Discovering Lake County podcast, recorded at the 11th annual Grays Lake Craft Beer Festival, a panel of local brewery owners dives into the vibrant world of craft beer. Hosted by Nader from Beer Bazaar, the discussion features Josh Grubbs of Black Lung Brewing, Kyle from Harbor Brewing, Dave Austin of Ninth Hour Brewin…
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Wrestling with Dreams: Gianna Arzer and Vince DeMarco's Inspiring Paths to Success
27:51
27:51
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27:51In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," the host celebrates the achievements of two standout wrestlers from Grayslake Central High School, Gianna and Vince. Gianna, a junior, shares her journey from wrestling boys to forming a girls' team and placing third at state. Vince, a sophomore, reflects on his progression in the sport, finishing second …
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Julie Jason dive into the heart of the Grayslake Farmers Market. David sets a welcoming tone, highlighting the market's role in fostering community connections. Julie, a market veteran, shares her journey from volunteer to manager, recounting the market's growth and the camaraderie among vendors. They discuss the market's history, logistical challe…
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Black Lung Brewery Opening in Grayslake 2025
50:46
50:46
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50:46In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll chats with Josh and Rob from Black Lung Brewing Company about their exciting new location in Grayslake, taking over the former Light the Lamp spot. The trio discusses the brewery's plans, including a taproom, upscale bar food, and a vibrant community atmosphere with trivia nights and live …
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Josh Grubbs - Black Lung Brewing Company
1:00:54
1:00:54
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1:00:54Discovering Lake County: The Heart and Soul of Black Lung Brewing Company Welcome to another exciting episode of "Discovering Lake County," where we dive deep into the stories that make our community vibrant and unique. In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh, the passionate owner of Black Lung Brewing Company. From its intri…
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In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll engages with Tim Rafferty, a long-time community member and business owner. The discussion highlights the history and contributions of local businesses and leaders in Grayslake. Tim shares anecdotes about his family's business, Rudolph's, and his personal journey in the community. He refle…
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In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," the host interviews Jim, an expert from the Volo Museum in Volo, Illinois. Jim shares the museum's evolution from a classic car collection to a diverse attraction featuring movie memorabilia, animatronic dinosaurs, and interactive exhibits. He highlights the importance of storytelling in engaging visito…
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In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," the host, recording live from Agora, chats with Amy Corey, a passionate seventh-grade social studies teacher at Grayslake Middle School. Amy, the head organizer of the school's cherished St. Baldrick's event, shares the heartwarming origins and evolution of this fundraiser dedicated to childhood cancer re…
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Discovering Lake County: A Deep Dive into Smokehouse Dispensary with Zach Edgerton Nominate your Teacher Here https://forms.gle/KvsnQawDGArseY7C8 In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," the host engages in a lively and informative conversation with Zach Edgerton, the manager of Smokehouse Dispensary. Located on Route 12 by Passaic Lake, Smoke…
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In this episode, we sit down with Karlien, the owner of Closet Traders Resale, a curated consignment shop in the heart of downtown Grayslake. Closet Traders offers a unique blend of locally handmade goods and high-quality consigned items, giving pre-loved treasures a second life. Karlien shares her passion for sustainable fashion, the benefits of r…
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Discovering Lake County: The Journey of Derrick Baker and the Rise of Relish In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," the host sits down with Derrick Baker, the creative force behind the Chicago-themed clothing brand "Relish." The conversation delves into Derrick's background, his journey into entrepreneurship, and the challenges and triumphs …
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John Santner, owner of the beloved local spot, "The Freeze," formerly "Tastee Freeze." dives into the rich history of the business, the reasons behind its name change, and the unique challenges of running a bustling ice cream and fast-food joint. John shares heartwarming anecdotes about community connections, the importance of quality, and his dedi…
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The Grayslake Area Public Library District, accessible at grayslake.info, serves as a vibrant community hub in Grayslake, Illinois. The library offers an extensive collection of books, digital media, and unique items through its "Library of Things," catering to diverse interests and age groups. Patrons can access various digital resources, includi…
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STU "The Piano Guy" - Michael Stoinski
1:07:27
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1:07:27Michael “Stu” Stoinski was born and raised in the Northern Chicago Suburbs and found his love for music at a very young age. As a child he would spend countless hours listening to music from his library of records & would hide his Fisher Price Tape Recorder under his pillow and listen to cassettes while falling asleep. The piano stole his heart at …
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In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll chats with Rosie Dow, an esthetician and owner of the soon-to-open 3/1//25 "Tru You Beauty." David expresses his enthusiasm for the local community and the importance of supporting small businesses. Rosie shares her journey from corporate America to the beauty industry, emphasizing holisti…
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Grayslake is a true baseball town, where the love of the game brings the community together. As we gear up for the 2025 season, we take a deep dive into the many levels of Grayslake baseball, celebrating the passion and dedication that make it all possible. Join us as we learn from two of the top volunteers who help shape this great organization.…
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Bachelor / Bachelorette Auction 2025 - Something for Everyone
44:32
44:32
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44:32Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction – The Ultimate Community Event! 🎉 In this special episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2nd Annual Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction—a night filled with fun, excitement, and incredible prizes worth tens of thousands of dollars! 🎁 From unforgettable experiences to must-have auction packages, there’s s…
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In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," host David Woll explores the annual Street Scenes event at Carmel Catholic High School. Joined by Brian, the Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer, and Michelle, the Director of Street Scenes, they delve into the event's history and significance. Brian discusses the school's commitment to providing a…
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Mark Willhite - Strang Funeral Chapel If you know Mark, you know this is going to be an engaging and insightful conversation. In this episode, Mark dives into the fascinating history of Strang Funeral Chapel, shares valuable information about sensitive topics we all need to understand, and gives us a glimpse into his role as a community leader.…
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Anthony Diaz - Bachelor / Bachelorette Auction
57:53
57:53
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57:53Anthony Diaz - Bachelor / Bachelorette Auction. 💙 Help Support James and Gabriel Diaz 💙 James Diaz, 19, has faced a lifetime of severe medical challenges, including heart failure, seizure disorders, and countless hospitalizations. His resilience is nothing short of inspiring. Alongside him is his brother Gabriel, 26, who has developmental and learn…
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In this upbeat episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll chats with Nick Rush, the passionate owner of Andy's Records. Nick shares the exciting journey of relocating his beloved record store to downtown Grayslake, where it now thrives as a vibrant community hub. Listeners are treated to tales of live music events, a cozy listening room, a…
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Together We Can: The Power of Local Engagement in Addressing Food Insecurity. In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll speaks with Austin Woodruff about his community initiative, "The Welcome Table," a food drive aimed at supporting Grayslake residents by collecting non-perishable food items. Austin shares his background and how …
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