The Lake Forest Podcast

Join Pete Jansons, Skoo Walker, and Joe Weiss on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast for a fiery Fourth of July talk on Lake Forest’s hottest issues!🍺 Should the Beer Garden really move from the tennis courts?🎾 Is $500K too much for West Park's new pro-level tennis courts?🏊 Why doesn’t Lake Forest have a public pool?🎙️ Amy Jacobson exits WIND — what’s next for AM 560?🎆 Huge shout-out to Art Miller and Friends of the Fourth for an amazing fireworks show!We also discuss Parks and Rec Director Michael Wick’s revenue ideas, a strange sign-theft caper, and local business support.Key Moments:0:00 – Intro: Pete Jansons, Skoo Walker & Joe Weiss Kick Off!2:30 – Sign Caper: Stolen Signs Returned – Kids’ Prank?4:28 – Amy Jacobson Exits WIND: What’s Next for AM 560?8:01 – Beer Garden Debate: Tradition vs. $500K Tennis Court Move10:00 – Art Miller Shout-Out: Celebrating Lake Forest History41:40 – No Public Pool? Lake Forest’s Community Needs52:28 – City Revenue: Why Not Use Local Businesses?57:50 – Michael Wick’s Role: Is Parks and Rec Delivering?1:03:17 – Sponsor Thanks: Support Our Local Businesses!Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LakeForestPodcastVisit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport: https://www.patreon.com/lakeforestpodcast#LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #SkooWalker #JoeWeiss#LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #BeerGarden #500KTennisCourts#WestPark #PublicPool #MichaelWick #AmyJacobson #FourthOfJuly#LocalBusiness #ArtMiller #IllinoisPodcast #ChicagoSuburbs

BREAKING NEWS from The Lake Forest Podcast!Join Pete Jansons, Jeff Urso, and Joe Weiss as they dive into the shocking Lake Bluff Youth Baseball scandal, where two assistant coaches were fired after streaking naked in front of under-12 players at the Cooperstown All Star Village tournament in New York. EXCLUSIVE AUDIO: Hear edited clips from a team meeting where the coaches admit to being drunk and dismiss their actions as a “joke.” All minors’ names have been censored for privacy. The fallout: Team disqualified, coaches terminated, Otsego County Sheriff involved, and parents outraged. The solution: Should Lake Bluff Youth Baseball enforce a strict no-booze rule for coaches? We break down: The incident’s impact on Lake Bluff and Lake Forest communities Gaps in coach vetting and oversight How a no-alcohol policy could prevent future scandals What parents and leagues must do to protect kids Disclaimer: This audio was provided anonymously to The Lake Forest Podcast. All minors’ names have been removed. It is shared under Fair Use for journalistic purposes to promote accountability in youth sports. Contains adult language—viewer discretion advised. We want YOUR thoughts! Should LBYBA ban alcohol for coaches? Email [email protected] or comment below. Full story covered by CBS Chicago Aired: July 3, 2025 —Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast   #LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #JeffUrso #JoeWeiss #LakeBluffIL #LakeForestIL #YouthBaseball #LakeBluffYouthBaseball #CoachScandal #Cooperstown #BreakingNews #NoBoozeRule #StreakingIncident #OtsegoCountySheriff #BaseballTournament #YouthSports #AccountabilityMatters #ProtectOurKids

Join Pete Jansons, Jeff Urso, and Joe Weiss on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast as they dive into the latest local buzz: 🍝 the grand opening of Follia restaurant, 🍺 the surprising move of Beer Jail for Lake Forest Days, and 🎉 a full recap of the Western Ave Block Party. We also cover 🚨 electric scooter enforcement in Lake Bluff, the 🥵 heat wave in town, Starbucks drama, Deerpath construction, Duffers updates, and more!Key Moments:0:002:42 – Recap: Western Ave Block Party3:36 – Lake Forest Heat6:16 – Shoutout to Cathy Czerniak & Her History with Jeff Urso9:07 – Police Enforcement on Oakwood Ave    • Are Lake Forest Cops Avoiding Law Enforcem...  11:10 – Joe Weiss Checks Out Follia11:39 – Bruno Abate Shoutout (Founder of Follia)12:10 – Paul Hamman clip    • Paul Hamann Independent Candidate for Lake...  12:50 – Dress Code at Follia15:45 – Difference Between Sophia’s and Follia19:40 – Starbucks Says No to West Side Locationhttps://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/0...22:20 – Did Starbucks Hurt Its Business by Changing Their Shops?28:10 – Dan Dorfman Article on Electric Motorbikes in Lake Forest30:00 – Is Anyone Using Nextdoor for Local News?31:00 – Lake Bluff Police Crack Down on Electric Bikes34:00 – West Side vs East Side Lake Forest36:20 – Parking at Follia42:50 – Deerpath Street Update44:17 – Music Licensing Issues49:20 – Beer Jail Moves from Tennis Courts for Lake Forest Days54:43 – Lake Forest Day Changes Video59:40 – July 4th Fireworks Infohttps://events.com/r/en_US/registrati...1:02:15 – What’s Going On at Duffers This Weekend?1:03:10 – Boil Water AlertSubscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #JeffUrso #JoeWeiss #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #FolliaItalian #BeerJail #WesternAveBlockParty #OakwoodAve #ElectricBikes #StarbucksLakeForest #LakeForestDays #Duffers #DeerpathConstruction #FourthOfJuly #BrunoAbate #PaulHamman #NextdoorApp #MusicLicensing

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast with Jeff Urso and special guest Nina, the social media guru from Duffers Pub, as they preview the epic 🎉 Western Ave Block Party happening Saturday, June 21st from 2–8 PM right in front of Duffers! From smoked ribs to geocache hunts, liquor license trivia, and more—this episode brings you all the local buzz.🎸 2 live bands🎁 Tons of giveaways & family fun🍺 D1 liquor license insights🎯 Geocache scavenger hunt??🎥 Behind-the-scenes of Duffers' video strategy with Nina🚗 Parking talk and Oakwood’s “safest street” debateKey Moments:0:00 – Show Intro3:02 – Western Ave Block Party 6-21-25   / 19ddar5nga  4:46 – Oakwood: Safest Street in Lake Forest?    • 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast: Jeff Urso & Skoo W...  8:40 – D1 Liquor License mentioned in City Council9:10 – What are the different liquor licenses?11:40 – Fruit flies at bars13:40 – Automatic Pouring Systems15:50 – Meet Duffers Manager & Video Specialist Nina16:46 – Duffers Remotes & Video Strategy21:57 – Geocache Scavenger Hunt??28:15 – Parking in Lake Forest📺 Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  🌐 Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.com💸 Support:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #JeffUrso #PeteJansons #NinaFromDuffers #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #WesternAveBlockParty #DuffersPub #LiquorLicense #OakwoodAve #GeocacheHunt #FruitFlies #AutomaticPouring #CityCouncilLakeForest #ParkingLakeForest #LakeForestEvents #FamilyFunLakeForest

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast with Joe Weiss and Skoo Walker as we sit down with Scott Herman, founder of Spectrum Sailing—the FIRST national sailing camp created for youth on the Autism spectrum. We cover everything from 🚤 motor vs sailboat skills, to 🧬 genetic testing for autism, to 🎓 LFHS graduation shoutouts, 🎣 smelt fishing, and more.Scott shares amazing before-and-after stories from the camp, and we get real about what’s happening with 🚧 Oakwood Ave and radar tickets.⏱️ Key Moments (With Links):⛵ 0:00 – Spectrum Sailing👉    • Spectrum Sailing  🚔 13:58 – Oakwood Street Show Clip: Why are the cops STILL not writing tickets?👉    • Lake Forest Podcast:  Oakwood Speeders,  D...  🙋‍♂️ 18:06 – Scott Herman Intro🧬 23:16 – Genetic Test for Autism (SPARK)👉 https://sparkforautism.org/⚓ 35:20 – Motor Boats vs Sailboats: Captain skills compared🏅 41:37 – Special Olympics shoutout💙 42:15 – Before & After stories from Spectrum Sailing participants🤝 52:30 – Sailing is a team sport🫡 54:25 – Shoutout to Board President Alwin Brunner🎣 58:41 – Skoo, Pete & Joe talk smelt fishing🚨 59:58 – Skoo updates Joe on Oakwood radar🎓 1:00:43 – Congrats to Lauren Weiss & all LFHS graduates!🥍 1:03:34 – LFHS State Champion Lacrosse Team celebration🎓 1:08:17 – What happens to your grad cap after you toss it?🆚 1:12:00 – Skoo’s graduation vs today’s LFHS ceremony🏆 1:12:30 – John (Founder, Bandits Lacrosse): Why isn’t he on the LFHS Wall of Fame?👉    • John Lazzaretto Founder of Bandits Lacross...  🔗 Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  🌐 Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.com❤️ Support:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #ScottHerman #SpectrumSailing #PeteJansons #JoeWeiss #SkooWalker #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #OakwoodAve #LFHS #Graduation2025 #SmeltFishing #JohnLazeretto #BanditsLacrosse #SpecialOlympics #SparkStudy #LacrosseChamps

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast with co-hosts Jeff Urso and Joe Weiss as they unpack some of the hottest local topics heating up Lake Forest!🚨 Speeding on Oakwood Ave: Residents are fed up, radar guns are deployed, and the city is under pressure. Are scooters part of the problem—or the solution?🛴 Electric Scooter Safety: With teens zooming through town, is Lake Forest ready to regulate scooters before someone gets seriously hurt?📺 Comcast PEG Channel Debate: The City Council is considering cutting the senior-accessible Comcast channel. Should tech-savvy assumptions drive policy—or do our seniors deserve better?Key Moments:0:002:40 – Pete and Skoo monitoring radar speed on Oakwood17:34 – Radar signs: good or bad?19:57 – Dog park incident26:27 – Do you want Pete on your street?26:50 – What's the solution?33:13 – City Council Meeting Channel 17 issue1:00:14 – Suggestions for Channel 17 issue1:07:50 – Joe's tax bill rant1:12:03 – Matt Montgomery show clip: Referendum1:18:07 – Meet the Fleet1:20:05 – Shout-out to Public Works and Recycling crew1:24:35 – Save money with ComEd's Hourly Pricing program https://hourlypricing.comed.com/1:27:44 – Shout-out to Jeff Urso's FB Group: LF/LB Takeout, Dine-In & Music   / 2813478842064449  1:28:17 – Jeff Urso update on new restaurant opening next to DuffersExpect real talk, sharp takes, and a few rants as the guys break down what's working, what’s not, and who’s really looking out for Lake Forest residents.#LakeForestPodcast #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #OakwoodAve #Speeding #DogParkIncident #Channel17 #ComcastPEG #SeniorCitizens #RadarGun #CityCouncil #ElectricScooters #PropertyTaxes #PublicWorks #ComEd #FiaTokco #LocalDining #CommunityNews #LocalPolitics #PublicSafety

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast with Jeff Urso (Duffers) and Skoo Walker (Dakota Insurance) for a local roundup packed with community buzz!We cover:🍝 The opening of Falia Italian Restaurant (June 10th)🧺 A new Italian grocery store coming this fall📲 Jeff's take on DoorDash and its impact on small businesses🎓 Prom stories from the past and present — and a post-prom crowd at Duffers😮 LFHS graduation drama at Ravinia (parents kicked out!)🔥 The Boosters’ cookout fire🎂 LFHS's 90-year anniversary celebration🦊 A fox hit on Oakwood Ave sparks safety concerns🚧 The community push for speed humps to protect kids🎉 Should Lake Forest Day move to a weekend instead of a Wednesday?🌊 Plus: Bluffinia, Sunrise Rocks, and the Zack Porter Foundation👇 Key Moments0:00 – Show Intro2:25 – Show Start4:02 – Falia Restaurant Opening (June 10th)4:51 – New Italian Grocery Store Coming This Fall5:52 – Jeff Urso’s Thoughts on DoorDash17:46 – Post-Prom Crowd at Duffers18:20 – Skoo Walker’s Prom Experience19:50 – Jeff Urso’s Prom Memories22:00 – LFHS Graduation at Ravinia (Parents Kicked Out)23:47 – Bluffinia in Lake Bluff26:22 – Lake Forest Day: Weekend vs. Wednesday Debate30:40 – Coach Spagnoli Retiring from Teaching, Staying to Coach36:50 – Boosters’ Cookout Fire Incident40:32 – LFHS 90-Year Anniversary Party43:18 – Fox Incident on Oakwood Ave45:50 – Sunrise Rocks & Zack Porter Foundation47:47 – Push for Speed Humps on Oakwood Ave📺 Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  🌐 Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.com💬 Support the show:   / lakeforestpodcast  Thanks to our sponsors:📞 Michelle Parnell: 847-528-8721🌱 Iliad Epic Grow: [email protected]📊 Larry & Company CPAs: larrycpa.com💉 Aesthetic Lounge Med Spa: 224-768-0828🙏 Thank you to our Patreon supporters: Otto, John C., Helen Herrick, JM, and Paul G.🔖 Hashtags#LakeForestPodcast #LakeForestIL #JeffUrso #SkooWalker #FaliaItalian #Duffers #DakotaInsurance #SpeedHumps #LakeForestDay #Bluffinia #ZackPorterFoundation #DoorDash #LFHS90Years #SunriseRocks #LocalBusiness

🎉 Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — especially Carley Walker (Fordham Business, summa cum laude) and Lauren Weiss (Lake Forest High School)! The Lake Forest Podcast celebrates all the amazing graduates this year.In this episode, Pete Jansons, Skoo Walker, and Joe Weiss dive into:🛑 City Council drama over dissolving boards like Parks & Rec🏗️ The future of Bank Lane redevelopment🏬 Why Market Square retail is fading📡 Cell towers and blocked upgrades🇺🇸 Memorial Day plans in Lake Forest👥 Hosts:Pete Jansons, Joe Weiss, Skoo Walker🗓 Memorial Day Ceremony📍 Market Square, Lake Forest🕚 Monday, 11:00 AM – Join the community in honoring those who served.🎧 Key Moments:00:00 Intro & Sponsors2:45 🚰 Pump Switch Clip –    • Lake Forest Illinois and Lake Bluff I...  3:24 🎓 Congrats to Carly Walker – Graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University7:40 ⚖️ Legal Committee discussion18:00 🏗️ Bank Lane Project – https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/0...24:01 🎉 Congrats to Lauren Weiss – Graduated from LFHS – https://theforestscout.com/?s=weiss26:20 🎨 Deer Path Art League – https://deerpathartleague.org/26:50 🧾 George Pandaleon Clip –    • George Pandaleon on Lake Forest's New...  33:15 😤 “Screaming Meanies” blocking development35:25 📶 Cell Tower Alternatives – What Skoo saw driving to NY37:05 📺 Cell Tower Show Clip –    • The 4th Ward Deserves Reliable Cell S...  38:21 🚫 Lake Forest Caucus Leader blocks better cell service – Clip reference38:50 🇺🇸 Memorial Day in Lake Forest – https://business.lflbchamber.com/even...41:34 🪖 American Legion spent $300K on Memorial Park – Why isn't event held there?📧 Have feedback or show ideas? Email: [email protected]🔗 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/lakeforestpodcast🔖 Hashtags:#LakeForestPodcast #CongratsCarly #CongratsLauren #Graduation2025 #FordhamGrad #LFHSGrad #PeteJansons #JoeWeiss #SkooWalker #LakeForestIL #CityCouncil #BankLane #RetailWoes #MemorialDay2025 #CellTowers

🎙️ Join former Mayor George Pandaleon (2019–2023) on The Lake Forest Podcast as he reveals the launch of the Community Fund of Lake Forest, a permanent endowment built to provide long-term, consistent support to local nonprofits serving real needs in our community.🎧 Hosted by Pete Jansons, Joe Weiss, and Jeff Urso✅ Learn how the Community Fund, managed in partnership with the Lake County Community Foundation, streamlines charitable giving and guarantees support to vetted nonprofits in Lake Forest✅ Hear how the fund empowers groups like Paws for Patrick, Mothers Trust, Beef for Hunger, and Fill a Heart for Kids✅ George Pandaleon explains how donors—from $5 to $50,000+—can contribute, including estate planning and legacy giving✅ Explore the need for reliable nonprofit funding beyond gala-to-gala fundraising and how the fund supports social services and mental health✅ Understand the fund’s origin, governance, low-cost management model, and vision for future grants✅ Dive into local topics like the new police station project, the 1% grocery tax debate, and how Lake Forest Day could evolve to serve more charities✅ Hear community insight from Duffers’ Jeff Urso on running local business, charity rib cook-offs, and student engagement✅ Plus: updates on downtown Lake Forest vibrancy, art gallery vs. hospitality trends, the Elawa Farm Café, and Lake Forest College sports✅ Key Moments:✅ 0:00 Guest Former Mayor of Lake Forest George Pandaleon✅ 3:35 Introduction✅ 6:35 Objective of https://lakecountycf.org/community-fu...✅ 11:58 How can people get access to these funds?✅ 12:20 Mental Health Aspect – Paws for Patrick https://www.pawsforpatrick.org/✅ 12:42 Mothers Trust https://motherstrustfoundation.org/✅ 12:47 Beef for Hunger https://www.beef4hunger.org/✅ 15:29 "50 for 50" Donation Option✅ 17:13 Former Residents in Florida Needing Charity Insight✅ 19:53 CROYA was created in the 1980s to combat teen suicide✅ 23:55 Should Lake Forest Day support more charities than just the American Legion?✅ 28:14 Learn how to donate https://lakecountycf.org/community-fu...✅ 30:12 Grocery Tax 1% Discussion✅ 31:38 Should the budget surplus eliminate the 1% tax?✅ 34:49 New Police Station Clip    • 🎙️ Inside Lake Forest: Unveiling Our ...  ✅ 37:03 Developer Approached George Late in His Term✅ 38:26 No Space for Police Social Worker✅ 41:30 Are We Filling Up Downtown Storefronts?✅ 42:40 TIF Incentive Issues?✅ 44:15 Current Lake Forest Vibe✅ 46:10 Post Office Property Insights✅ 49:35 Artificial Turf Revenue: Where’s the Money?✅ 51:35 Final Thoughts from George✅ 52:10 Dogs at the Beach✅ 54:03 Elawa Café✅ 55:00 Graduation Buzz✅ 56:00 Lake Forest College Football & Hockey✅ 57:45 Duffers Update✅ 58:55 Firefighters as Rib Smokers📌 Want to help or donate? Visit:https://lakecountycf.org/community-fu...👍 Subscribe for more Lake Forest insights and real conversations with your local leaders!#LakeForestIllinois,#CharitySupport,#MentalHealthAwareness,#PawsForPatrick,#MothersTrust,#BeefForHunger,#CROYA,#DuffersLakeForest,#LakeForestCollegeSports,#LocalNewsUpdate

Former Alderman of the 3rd Ward, Ara Goshgarian, joins The Lake Forest Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on his six impactful years serving the City of Lake Forest. Hosted by Pete Jansons, Joe Weiss, and Skoo Walker, this farewell episode covers key moments from Ara’s time on City Council, leadership through challenging issues, and the lasting value he places on transparency, civic service, and community engagement.✅ Topics Discussed in This Episode:➡️ Ara’s 6-year journey as Alderman for Ward 3➡️ Transparency, city governance, and how the caucus really works➡️ The new police station: why it was needed➡️ Parks and Rec board controversy explained➡️ Volunteerism and public engagement in Lake Forest➡️ Ara’s personal path: From LFHS football to orthodontist to public servant➡️ How local politics really works in Lake Forest➡️ Shoutouts to former colleagues, staff, and political opponents✅ Key Moments:0:006:15 Dr. Ara Goshgarian joins the show – Ara C. Goshgarian, D.D.S.8:32 Ara Goshgarian City Council Send-Off41:45 Alderman Nick Bothfeld will be taking over as 3rd Ward Alderman42:42 Ara's contested election against Joann Desmond44:40 Ara's football career46:05 “Wishbone Ara” of Lake Forest High School Football46:45 Shoutout to Ara's coach George Barry https://uwwsports.com/honors/athletic...50:28 How did Ara get involved with volunteering?51:40 Ara's first interactions with the Caucus53:29 Pete’s resignation from Caucus clip54:55 Mayoral contested election55:55 Regina Etherton new Caucus president clip    • 🚨 Inside the Lake Forest Illinois Cau...  https://www.lakeforestcaucus.com/cauc...56:50 Where has the podcast got it wrong57:40 Police station clip    • Why Lake Forest Needs a New Police St...  1:02:00 Communication regarding eliminating the Law and Parks and Rec boards1:09:35 Fill out Volunteer Profile Sheet (VPS) – first step to volunteer for Caucus https://volunteer.lakeforestcaucus.com/1:16:00 Communication issues that keep popping up regarding city matters1:20:26 Cell tower issue clip    • The 4th Ward Deserves Reliable Cell S...  1:27:15 What should we be worried about that isn’t in the public eye? Pensions?1:31:00 What’s going on with the 1% grocery tax1:33:40 Why don’t we use the $3.5 million surplus to pay for the grocery tax1:36:40 Kum Ba Ya serenade✅ Support the show:   / lakeforestpodcast  📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and community conversations from Lake Forest.#LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #JoeWeiss #SkooWalker #AraGoshgarian #LakeForestIL #CityCouncil #LocalPolitics #AldermanFarewell #LakeCountyPolitics #CivicEngagement #LakeForestCommunity