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Summer Solstice open house at Yerkes Observatory.
The yearly celebration takes place on Friday, June 20, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Yerkes will be partnering with the Northwest Suburban Astronomers, where they will provide observing outside on our South Lawn if clear. The event will also have exciting family activities that help inform everyone about the planet’s relationship with the sun. Engaging talks, an ice cream truck with treats to purchase, and more for families and individuals to enjoy. The open house will take place rain or shine. There will be a scavenger hunt with prizes, crafts, and more. Tickets for this event cost $5 per child, $10 for adults, and are available at yerkesobservatory.org. There will not be parking onsite at the Observatory. Ticket holders must park at Williams Bay School and board an accessible trolley that will run a continuous shuttle between the school and the observatory during the Open House. Amazingly, there’s no charge for riding the shuttle.
To keep informed on lake issues, check with the GLEA (Geneva Lake Environmental Agency) on social media every Tuesday for weekly E. coli updates and more.
The GLEA (to be found at gleawi.org) is all about keeping lake users informed so all can have a great lake experience. The GLEA’s lake testing protocol is to ensure the public’s health and safety. During May through September, GLEA does weekly water testing around the lake. Test results, weather observations, and follow-up actions are all logged into the GLEA database and published for the public at www.gleawi.org.
When or if E. coli levels confirm fecal matter is present, further testing is done, and the origin is pinpointed. If any risk is present, proper steps are taken to inform the public, and signage is posted warning the public of the issue. Last summer season, Geneva Lake experienced an algae bloom, closing the public beaches. Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that produce their own food using sunlight. It is commonly found in fresh water, often appearing as a blue green or brownish scum. Certain algae blooms can be harmful to humans and animals.
The blooms need to be monitored and studied to ensure the public’s safety. This is not a typical issue for Geneva Lake and has caused concern, leading many city officials and other lake organizations to educate themselves on the issue. In the event of another blue-green algae bloom, reporting will be immediate. The GLEA will initiate an immediate protocol response. The bloom will be inspected, and if it looks to be harmful, videos and pictures will be taken and sent to Walworth County Public Health, the Department of Natural Resources, and all the municipalities that share the lake. The GLEA will serve as a liaison with county and state departments. Constant communication will be vital with all those affected. Ongoing monitoring, updates, and resolutions are all part of the protocol. The goal is to have a safe lake for all to enjoy. The GLEA also has a site on Faceboo,k so check it out.
