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Lake County &
Forest Preserve News
From
Ann Maine
County Board Dist 21
Forest Preserve President
October 2011
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A Note From Ann
| Dear Neighbors,
The warmer, drier fall predicted by the almanac seems to have passed us by! It's an important reminder to check the back up sump pump.
Residents of Libertyville Township--October 10 is the last day to file an appeal of your property assessment. More information below. If you live in Vernon or West Deerfield Township--your assessments have not yet been mailed.
In September the County Board authorized an agreement with the Village of Deerfield to share computer aided dispatch and traffic monitoring video along various county highways and state roads. We have a number of these agreements in place and are able to use this information to improve response times to emergency 911 traffic related events. In addition, information is used by PASSAGE, our real time traffic information system.
This Sunday, October 2, is the Public Opening of the Greenbelt Cultural Center. Join us for tours to learn more about the living wall, and other green technologies.
Last month the Forest Preserve approved a cost sharing agreement study with the Army Corps of Engineers to investigate the feasibility of removing the remaining low head dams on the Des Plaines River.
In October the County Board will begin our budget hearings. As in the past years, we will strive to keep expenses low, while meeting our obligations to the citizens of the county.
I am always glad to hear of your concerns, interests and ideas. Please let me know if you'd like me to speak with your homeowner's association or other group.
Sincerely,
President Lake County Forest Preserve District
Lake County Board District 21
847-374-9787
Help me go paperless! I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address information to: amaine@lakecountyil.gov or click "join our mailing" list above.
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Forest Preserve and Environmental Happenings |
 is the site of a new national touring exhibit: This special show contains 70 images of photographs hand-printed by the artist for his daughter--and considered by him to be some of his best work. These are not reproductions! The exhibit has not been in the Chicago area before; it runs through January 8, 2012. Admission fees include general admission to the museum. Adults: $6, Youth (ages 4-17): $2.50, Students (ages 18-25) & Seniors (ages 55+): $3, Children 3 and under: free.
On Discount Tuesdays Adults: $3, Youth (17 and under): free. Download a coupon for $1 off.
For the month of October, seniors are admitted to the Lake County Discovery Museum for free!
Fall is the perfect time for fun on the farm! Bring the family to the
The Bonner Heritage Farm was settled in 1848 by Scottish immigrants. See the barn built at that time, as well as the carpenter's shop built in 1850 while you enjoy farm animals, wagon rides, crafts and live entertainment.
Admission is $3 per person. Children three and under are free. Bring a picnic. The parking area to Bonner Heritage Farm is located on Country Place, off of Sand Lake Road, just west of Route 45.
There is also a Fall Festival on October 9 at Ryerson Woods. Enjoy walks, games and wagon rides. No registration is required and the event is free.
 Sign up now for a candle light family hike to watch costumed performances in the woods. This is not scary--so even preschoolers will have fun. Hikes run between 6 pm and 8 pm October 28 and 29 at Ryerson Woods. There is a fee and reservations are required.
The days are shorter and cooler, but the events and opportunities in your Forest Preserves continue. Our annual Hike Lake County has begun. Hike 7 out of 12 designated trails between August 15 and November 30 and earn a free commemorative shield for your hiking stick. One of the 7 can be a Wild Card trail of your choice.
View the Complete Calendar of Events.
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Transportation Update
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Rt 21 (Milwaukee Avenue)
Rt. 22 and Waukegan Road The Illinois Department of Transportation has notified the Lake County Division of Transportation of the following road closure and detour information regarding Metra's closure of the railroad crossing south of Illinois Route 22 (Half Day Road) starting at 6 a.m. the morning of Wednesday, October, 5, 2011 and lasting approximately 9 days. A detour route will be posted. Eastbound Illinois 22 traffic will be directed to northbound Riverwoods Road, eastbound Everett Road and southbound Illinois 43 to reconnect with Illinois 22. Westbound Illinois 22 traffic will be directed to northbound Illinois 43, westbound Everett Road and southbound Riverwoods Road to reconnect with Illinois 22.
Find the latest IDOT road projects in Lake County. |
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Assistance in Lake County for
Individuals & Organizations
| The Lake County Community Foundation has been working since 2005 to find ways to expand health and community services in the county. The Foundation awards grants to organizations with 501(c)3 status that serve residents of the county. Get more more details on grant process and guidelines.
Vernon Township is continuing its tradition of providing Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets and a Holiday Gift Program. If you and your family or organization can help, or your family would benefit from this program, please call Kathie at (847)-634-4600 by October 3.
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Libertyville Township Assessments
for 2011
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The Final Filing Date for Libertyville Township will be: October 10, 2011
Libertyville Township includes the Village of Libertyville, Green Oaks, Mettawa (north or Rt. 60) parts of the City of Waukegan and numerous unincorporated areas including Forest Haven, Libertyville Estates, Countryside Manor, Terre Faire and others.
See below for additional information on appeals. |
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Assessment Information
for 2011
| The 2011 assessments are starting to be published. This is done by Township. As a county board member I don't have anything to do with the assessment of property, but I do want to make sure you are aware of available resources that will teach you to gather the information you need to provide to the assessors office. If you want to appeal your property assessment for 2011, it is essential that you do so with in the 30 days of receiving the assessment.
What should you do?
When you have questions about your assessment the best place to begin is to contact your local assessor. Many times the reason for the assessment can be made clear and the need for filing an appeal eliminated. Not sure which township is yours? Visit Find my Local Officials. If you aren't sure if you are over assessed and need help, the Lake County Chief Assessment Officer holds a series of help sessions. In addition, the LCC Assessment Office has a lot of information on the web site. I have included some of the important points below.
Make sure you have all the exemptions for which you qualify.
Do they have the correct information regarding property, i.e (square footage, number of bathrooms, lot size, fire place, finished basement)
Are there comparable sales that make you feel you are incorrectly assessed?
Have you recently purchased your home and your assessment valuation reflects a market value higher than your purchase price?
Make sure you are familiar with the Board of Appeals Rules. This year they have developed a check list to assist you in determining if you meet the minimum requirements for an appeal.
Please help me get this information out by forwarding the information to your neighbors and friends.
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Environmental News
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Many people are interested in a "greener" lawn the natural way. Now you have a chance to learn more about this on October 13th at College of Lake County . The Natural Lawn and Sustainable Landscapes program is being sponsored by nine partner organizations. (Click here for registration flyer.) You can also register on line.
This workshop for landscape companies, turf managers, homeowner associations, and municipalities
Learn how to create and implement cost-effective sustainable landscaping programs in your community. This workshop includes sessions on:
- Introduction to natural lawn care
- Implementing a natural lawn care program
- What to look for in contracts
- Greening your ordinances
- Creating a rain-friendly landscape
$25 (Free for CLC students)
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 13
Room COO5 at College of Lake County, Grayslake Campus
SWALCO The Vernon Township Highway Department will continue to accept electronic waste through October 31. Items can be dropped off in the designated area Mondays-Friday from 9 am until 3 pm. The facility is located at 3050 N. Main St in Buffalo Grove. Please check the SWALCO site for a list of accepted items and other locations. Want to get rid of a hard drive? Many experts suggest taking a sledge hammer to it! (Wear eye protection glasses) You can also check out E-stewards. |
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Health Department
| | How healthy is our community?
The Lake County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) steering committee is a community partnership of individuals and groups working to improve the quality of life for all Lake County residents by looking at our county's health challenges and working to find solutions. MAPP needs your input. Please take this 10 minute community survey (available in English and Spanish) by Oct. 21. The information you provide is anonymous. As a member of the steering committee, I encourage you to take this brief survey, so we can better serve the health needs of Lake County residents.
Survey in English
Survey in Spanish
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Jobs & Business News
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On Thursday September 29 FedEx had a grand opening of their Grayslake distribution center.
Visit LakeCounty Partners for more on sites and building information, SBA loans, incentives and more.
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News You Can Use
| | Beginning October 1, North Shore Gas is accepting applications for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). They are urging all those who may be eligible, to apply while funds are available. During this priority period, LIHEAP will accept applications from persons needing reconnection assistance, from households with children under 5 years of age and from those who require assistance to replace or repair a furnace.
To apply and find the location of the closest LIHEAP application site, North Shore Gas customers can call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 1-847-249-4330. Customers can also look on line for a list of application sites and guidelines.
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Flood Insurance for Unincorporated Residents of Lake County
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Lake County is pleased to announce that, for the fourth year in a row, property owners in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $145 a year on their flood insurance policies. Since 2008, thanks to the leadership of the County Board, Lake County has participated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program. Based on Lake County's rating, residents who meet certain requirements are eligible for savings on flood insurance premiums. Residents should contact their flood insurance agent for individual savings information.
Lake County has an abundance of water bodies and while these are tremendous resources, they also can present a threat when significant rain causes flooding. During a flood, and any emergency, Lake County departments work together to provide resources and deliver services to meet the needs of residents. Learn more in this video.
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Community Events
|  Farmer's Markets continue into October. You can visit on Saturdays and on Thursdays. MainStreet Libertyville is sponsoring Trick or Treat on MainStreet on Friday October 28 from 11 am to 3 pm. See the entire calendar of events. The Stevenson Center on Democracy is hosting a fall lecture series. On October 9 at 2 pm, April Goble, Executive Director of KIPP Chicago will speak about KIPP's belief that all children can succeed through a partnership of parents, students and teachers that puts learning first. The cost is $15. Please register. Or call 847-816-7433 October is Family Month at Cook Memorial Library They are sponsoring a number of special events. Be sure to visit the web site to get more information.
Vernon Area Public Library Used Book Sale begins October 21!
New for fall: the sale opens to the public at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2011. On 
"Bargain Sunday," October 23, all remaining items will be sold for half-price. On "Box Sale Saturday," October 29, remaining items will be sold for $10 per box.
The twice-annual book sale is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of the Vernon Area Public Library. The Friends accept book donations year-round; a collection box is located at the library on the far side of the Patron Services Desk. Items donated to the library are tax-deductible and receipts are available upon request. You can also register on line for other library events.
The Enjoy Illinois app is now available. It's a great tool for creating an itinerary in Illinois for a fall trip. Does your organization have an event that is open to the public? Let me know and I will include it as space allows. |
Lake County News Archive
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Click here to view past issues of Lake County News from Ann Maine.
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