Discovering Grayslake: Unveiling the Stories and People That Make Our Town Unique

In 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 new data centers and infrastructure improvements, aiming to boost local businesses a...

In 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 at state this year. The episode highlights the growth of girls' wrestling, the import...

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 challenges, and the adaptations made during the pandemic. With playful anecdotes and a home...

In 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 music. They share personal stories, emphasizing their deep roots in Grayslake and com...

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 reflects on his involvement in local governance and the chamber of commerce, emphasizing t...

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 research. The event, set for April 4th, features head-shaving and hair donations, foste...

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 resale shopping, and how her store provides a lowe...

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 ...

​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," cate...

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 holistic beauty and wellness. They discuss her experiences working with cancer patients and...

Bachelor/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 something for everyone!

Plus, learn about this year’s beneficiary, the Diaz family, ...

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 ...

Anthony 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 learning disabilities and also depends on daily care and support.

After losing both par...

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, and a vinyl listening club that brings music lovers together. Nick's background in fil...

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 hosting community gatherings inspired him to start the food drive. They discuss the ...

In this episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host David Woll sits down with Linda Scholz, the owner of "Something's Brewing" coffee shop and the online business "Uniquely Sweet." Linda opens up about her journey from her upbringing in Chicago to establishing herself as a business owner in Grayslake. She delves into her early experiences in the food industry, the hurdles she faced while running a coffee shop, and how the pandemic has...

Join us for an exciting Lake County premiere of Don't Turn Your Back on Friday Night at the James Lumber Center on February 1st. This unique event features a film screening, a Q&A with the filmmakers, and a live performance by Ike Reilly and his band. Discover the journey of a musician navigating life, creativity, and camaraderie, with insights from executive producer Tom Morello. Don't miss this chance to experience ...

Kelly and Chloe - Blush Spa and Boutique. Get ready for a fun and informative episode featuring Blush Boutique and Spa! Discover the wide range of spa services they offer, explore the unique finds in their boutique, and hear the inspiring story of how this local gem got its start. Tune in to learn ab...