Johnson completes first round of small business tours

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson has seen small businesses in the community suffer like never before. To provide those businesses support and let their owners know she is there to help them through this difficult time, the Buffalo Grove Democrat toured a number of shops throughout the Northern Suburbs. 

“Small businesses have faced unimaginable challenges this year, and many owners worry daily if they’ll be able to make it through the winter months,” Johnson said. “Each person I met has faced a unique set of challenges. I’m hopeful our conversations served as a reminder that people are looking out for them and want to see them succeed.” 

Johnson toured Waukegan-based Kapheim Studio, People's Choice Family Fun Center, and A Cuban Experience to learn about each business and discuss the impact of the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, the owners of Kapheim Studio had to completely shut its doors — but not forever. The husband and wife management duo told Johnson they have big plans for the future and hope the community will take advantage of the beautiful space they’ll soon be able to rent. 

Owners of People’s Choice Family Fun Center are also are struggling during the pandemic, just like so many businesses. However, thanks to Business Interruption Grants and the Paycheck Protection Program, it was able to continue to serve its shoppers.

Most customers of A Cuban Experience spend time enjoying its cigar lounge and live music. However, due to the pandemic, its most popular attractions went to the wayside. The owners are hopeful more people will begin to feel comfortable using their lounge in the near future. 

“The owners opened up about the struggles they’ve faced and what they hope the future will bring them,” Johnson said. “I encourage every person to shop and eat local when they can.” 

Businesses in the 30th District are still able to apply to have Johnson visit. 

To sign up for a tour, businesses can visit SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/SmallBusinessTours. Once an application is received, a member of her team will reach out with additional details.

People with questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office by calling 847-623-3006 or visiting SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com and clicking contact us.

Johnson promotes new North Chicago vaccine clinic

BUFFALO GROVE – Up to 750 North Chicago residents will be able to get vaccinated each week at a clinic opening at the Greenbelt Community Center next week. State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging anyone eligible for the vaccine to register for an appointment.

“Seniors have been waiting nearly a year for a sense of normalcy,” Johnson said. “Now that the vaccine exists, many are still waiting for their chance to roll up their sleeves. The North Chicago clinic will allow hundreds of residents to finally receive their long-awaited dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The vaccine clinic, located at the Greenbelt Community Center, opens Feb. 15. Its hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

The clinic is sponsored by AbbVie, a research-based global biopharmaceutical company with a long-standing commitment to North Chicago. Together, North Chicago Community Partners, AbbVie, and the Lake County Health Department hope to reach as many community members as possible.

Registration is required. To register, North Chicago residents should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their full name, phone number and birthdate. Anyone with questions can call North Chicago Community Partners at 847-582-1362.

Those who need assistance getting to the clinic can contact Pace’s Dial-A-Ride service at 1-800-201-6446.

Johnson highlights scholarships for underrepresented students interested in STEM careers

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson is encouraging students from underrepresented communities who want to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or math to apply for the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative.

“Underrepresented groups should have the opportunity to enter and succeed in science and math-based careers,” Johnson said. “College is expensive and seems like a daunting and unlikely possibility for many minority students. I hope this scholarship will give young people from our communities the chance they’ve always dreamed of.”

The Future of STEM Scholars initiative will provide a total of $40,000 to each awarded student, which would be paid at a rate of $10,000 per year. Additionally, the students would receive internship preparation and placement, leadership training and access to mentorship opportunities.

Students who will graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA this year and plan to major in a STEM-related field at a historically black college or university are eligible. Areas of STEM include, but are not limited to, computer science, chemical engineering and biology.

The collaborative equity, diversity and inclusion initiative was spearheaded by the American Chemistry Council along with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, The Chemours Company and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Foundation.

Applications are due Feb. 15. For more information and to apply, students can visit the scholarships tab on the Historically Black Colleges or Universities Week Foundation’s website.

Johnson encourages testing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms

BUFFALO GROVE – As the coldest part of the year continues, families are turning up their thermostats to stay warm. With additional furnace use comes greater possibility of home fires, leading Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to remind people they need to regularly check their smoke detectors, furnaces and other home devices.

“Home fires are more common in winter than any other season, and heating equipment is one of the main causes,” Johnson said. “The best way to ensure your family stays safe this winter is to regularly check that your furnace, furnace filters and smoke detectors are working properly.” 

Between 2012 and 2016 alone, the National Fire Protection Association said local departments responded to more than 52,000 fires involving home heating equipment – most of which happened in December, January and February. Checking home heating devices and smoke detectors is the first step toward ensuring a home is protected.

Homeowners should also keep in mind the harmful effects of carbon monoxide – a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by certain devices and alarms. If that equipment is not checked monthly, carbon monoxide can sneak up on a household – leading to serious illness or death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

“If you don’t check your carbon monoxide devices regularly, you could be putting your family at risk,” Johnson said. “Carbon monoxide can kill you before you’re even aware it’s in your home if you don’t regularly test your alarms.”

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends homeowners keep these tips in mind when it comes to winter heating safety:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Change furnace filters frequently.
• Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of blockages or obstructions.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month and be familiar with the sounds they make.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of each sleeping area.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on replacement of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

For more tips and information on winter heating safety, visit the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal website.