Forest Preserve & Lake County News April 2011

Before you head out for a spring hike, visit the Phrenology calender. This will help you be alert for the natural happenings at this time of year. It's also not too early to consider reserving a picnic shelter.

Trail Map Updates

The Forest preserve is no longer printing trail maps. However you can get a map on line. Simply click on the preserve and you can find a printable trail map.

In addition, you can now use your smart phone to get interesting information.

Trail Maps to Go

A QR (quick response) code is a matrix barcode used to quickly

access information via convenient smart phone apps. Users scan the code with their smart phone (equipped with a camera and a QR reader app) decoding text, typically a website URL which can be opened on the phone's web browser. QR codes linking to Lake County Forest Preserve trail maps are now available at select preserves-check the kiosk and map signs in the preserves for the QR code, scan it with your phone and take a trail map to go.

Give it a try

Hold your smart phone to your computer screen or print out this section of the email and scan this code. It will take you to a list of available forest preserve trail maps ready for you to download and take with you on your next outdoor adventure. TrailMap

Did you know you can read Horizons on-line or download Horizons. For those of you who haven't read it, there are more wonderful articles and photographs.

Citizens for Conservation is celebrating their 40th anniversary. This environmental group based in the Barrington area offers a number of interesting educational programs and workdays. Learn more and find out about the programs offered by Citizens for Conservation.

This April is the 150th anniversary of the start of the US Civil War. Visit the Lake County Discovery Museum. February 21 kicked off the Civil War Sesquicentennial. This is free with Museum admission.

You can still Register for summer camps. Scholarships are available in cases of financial hardship.

Visit the Forest Preserve calender for information on the many other programs offered or call 847-968-3321.

Transportation Update

Soon the Construction Ahead" signs will be sprouting faster than daisies. I'll do my best to keep you apprised of all projects, even if they are not being managed by Lake County.

Lake County is providing 31.4 million in bond funds for the widening of Milwaukee Ave from Rt. 137 to Rt. 120. Since it is a state road, the state needs to work with residents, businesses as well as the Forest Preserve to refine the project to minimize impacts. Part of the project will include a tunnel under Milwaukee Avenue to connect different bike path connections. The Forest Preserve has been in constant contact with IDOT, to get all their information. We are making progress. There will be a pedestrian/bike path along Milwaukee Ave on the west side of the road, north of Rt. 137. There will also be a path on the north side of Rt. 137.

Planning for extending the Deefield Rd bike path continues.

In January Lake County signed agreements with a number of communities, including Buffalo Grove, Deerfield and Mundelein, to share Computer-Aided-Dispatch and traffic monitoring data. This information will be fed into the County's Passage system, allowing the County to update traffic information. Be sure you sign up and use Passage to make your daily travels easier.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze

Lake County property owners who are 65 years or older and have a household income less than $55,000 may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. The property must have been the primary residence from Jan. 1, 2010 through Jan. 1, 2011. This homestead exemption freezes the assessed valuation that appears on the tax bill, not the tax rate.

The Chief County Assessment Office recently mailed applications to those seniors that currently receive the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption. There will be 14 public outreach sessions across the county in April and May for residents to get on-on-one assistance completing the forms. The meetings are hosted by the Chief County Assessment Office and the Lake County Township Assessors Association.

View meeting schedule for dates, times and locations

Please note: Residents should bring copies of income received such as their 2010 Federal Income Tax Form and Social Security Statement. Also, If the property is owned in Trust, you may need to provide proof of the beneficiary.

For more information, contact the Chief County Assessment Office at 847.377.2050 or visit www.lakecountyil.gov/assessor.

PASSAGE App for I-Phone

Lake County PASSAGE Launches New I-Phone Application

Apple I-Phone users can now access real-time Lake County traffic information through the new Lake County PASSAGE app available free at the Apple App store. The new I-Phone app allows users to report incidents directly to PASSAGE and submit pictures, location, and description. It also has the ability for the device to detect the individual's current location.

Like the existing web application, users can also get real-time congestion information, view a map of road conditions and events, including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents, as well as camera images of major intersections.

The I-Phone App is another feature of Lake County PASSAGE, which includes Lake County's email notification program whereby users can sign up for real-time traffic alerts for designated roadways. Download is now!

Help is Available

While there are some encouraging signs with the economy, many familes are struggling, including those who are used to helping others. Lake County has partnered with the United Way to compile a list of human services.

Food Pantries Libertyville Township recently completed a 1450 square foot addition of a food pantry to the Township office. Those in need of food are welcome to use the pantry service twice a month. The pantry hours are every Tuesday from 10 - 3pm. Donations of nonperishable food is always appreciated. A list of needed non- perishable items is available on the Libertyville Township website. The pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm. Proof of residency is required the first visit.

Vernon Township has a food pantry. It's hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and on the first Wednesday of the month from 9 am-1:30pm. Proof of residency is required at the first visit.

West Deerfield Township runs a food pantry year round.

More Assistance The township offices also offer some financial aid and other services. To apply for food stamps or other state services visit Illinois Department of Human Services.

Community Happenings

My apologies to Riverwoods. In February the link to their town linked to Libertyville! Here is the correct link: Riverwoods.

This year is the 100th anniversary of Great Lake Naval Base. There are a number of free events open to the public. For more on the schedule visit facebook.com/navalstationgreatlakes.

Cook Library is now open! Be sure to visit and see the new, enlarged space.

Friends of the Vernon Area Public Library Spring Used Book Sale (over 20,000 items)

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire

For more info: 847-634-3650

Friday, April 29 10am-4pm

Saturday, April 30 10am-4pm

Bargain Sunday, May 1 Noon to 4pm

(All items are half price)

Box Sale Saturday, May 7 10am-2pm

Bring a box or use one from Friends

($10 per box)

Health News