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Lake County &
Forest Preserve News
From
Ann Maine
County Board Dist 21
Forest Preserve President
November 2011
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A Note From Ann
| Dear Neighbors,
November is a time to remember the many sacrifices made by millions of veterans and their families. The Lake County Health Department has a number of programs specifically designed for veterans. In addition, the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission is available with free assistance in filing service and non-service claims. They offer a number of other programs. Help is also available from the
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.
At the October Board meeting the Forest Preserve approved the annual tax levy. After an abatement related to taxable General Obligation Land Acquisition and Development Series 2010A Bonds and taxable General Obligation Land Acquisition Series 2010B Bonds, the amount levied is $3 million less than last year (5.5% decrease). The levy includes the first year principal and interest payments for the new $25 million General Obligation Land Acquisition and Development Series 2011 Bonds.
The County Board voted in favor of a management and staffing agreement with Health Dimensions Group (HDG) of Minneapolis for a 2 year contract to run Winchester House. HDG will be paid $50,000 a month and must keep the same payer mix; you can view a Winchester House update with Board President David Stolman and County Administrator Barry Burton.
In October the County Board held a series of budget meetings. You can learn more about our budget policy and view the proposed budget. We will be voting on the budget at our November meeting.
Residents of Vernon Township--November 14 is the last day to file an appeal of your property assessment. Residents of West Deerfield Township-- November 28th is the last day to file an appeal of your property assessment. More information is provided below.
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.
Rainbow trout fishing opened October 15th at Banana Lake in Lakewood. Fishing in Lake County Forest Preserves is FREE. However, anglers ages 16 and over must have an Illinois fishing license. Trout fishermen must also have an Illinois inland trout stamp. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps help fund the stocking program. Join Friends of Ryerson for a book discussion of The Wild Trees: A story of Passion and Daring. Prof. Ben Goluboff leads the discussion on Wednesday, November 16 from 7:30-9 pm. There is a fee. Register here.
There are a number of other wonderful programs offered by Friends. On Saturday November 12 come search for Flying Squirrels! Go on an owl prowl on Friday November 18. Interested in art? The weekend of November 12 and 13 brings a number of offerings. For more information on fees and registration.
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.
Interested in doing more for conservation? The Habitat Project of Chicago Wilderness offers a number of opportunities for grass roots work. They will train you to monitor butterflies or dragonflies. You can help with the Calling Frog survey or take part in the Plants of Concern or a Bird Blitz.
Learn about the Forest Preserve School and Scouting Programs.
View the Complete Calendar of Events.
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Transportation Update
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Rt 21 (Milwaukee Avenue)
Construction on the new lanes will begin in the spring of 2012. The project involves reconstructing the roadway, building a second lane in both directions and adding a landscaped median along 2.2 miles. The entire $25 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2013. For this and other projects check Lake County Construction Updates.
Buffalo Grove Road Corridor: Rt. 22 to Deerfield Parkway There will be a public information meeting hosted by the Lake County DOT on November 8th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove. LC DoT and consulting staff will be there to answer questions and discuss current road conditions and solicit additional information from the public. For more information on the process and how to give comment, even if you can't attend see Buffalo Grove Corridor Public Meeting.
Gilmer and Midlothian Road Intersection Improvement
An open house on the proposed intersection improvements study will be held: Wednesday, November 9 Come anytime between 5pm and 7pm to Lake Zurich Middle School North 95 Hubbard Ln, Hawthorn Woods. You can get more information.
Rt. 22 and Waukegan Road Weather has delayed work on this project. The projected dates are all weather dependent. Traffic on Rt. 43 (Waukegan Road) was switched to the newly constructed lanes on October 24, 2011. The Route 22 (Half Day Road) traffic is scheduled to be switched onto the newly constructed lanes by November 11, 2011. Surfacing Rt. 22 east of Waukegan Rd. also continues.
Find the latest IDOT road projects in Lake County. |
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Election Update
| The 2010 Federal census lead to the 2011 redistricting, resulting in new County Board, State and Congressional Districts. This also required redrawing precinct lines. The popularity of early voting --almost one-third of voters--means fewer people vote on election day. As a result, we have consolidated precincts. In November you will receive a Certificate of Voter Registration Card from the County Clerk's Office, with all your updated information.
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Environmental News
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SWALCO America Recycles Day (which is November 15) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling in the United States. Here in Lake County we will hold a collection on Saturday, November 19 at the Lake County Department of Transportation from 9 am to 1 pm. Learn more about what you can recycle in your curbside bin, and drop-off (to be recycled) "hard-to-get-rid-of" items that can not be recycled curbside, including: personal documents and papers, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, C02 detectors, propane tanks, athletic shoes, household electronics like computers, televisions and small appliances, and latex paint. No businesses - residential only. Free copy of Recycling Guidelines and eco-clip for every household while supplies last. Free to the public - only fees that apply are minimal fees to Earth Paints Collection Systems for latex paint recycling In light of our mission and goal here in Lake County to increase recycling to 60% by 2020, as well as the Illinois landfill ban on electronics which will begin this January 1, 2012, it's a perfect time to take advantage of opportunities like these. Get more information. Or call Merleanne 847-336-9340 x 4 |
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Educational Opportunities
| | The University Center of Lake Country hosts its College Open House on November 9. The event, from 6 to 8 p.m., is being held at their state-of-the art Grayslake facility. The Center is located at 1200 University Center Drive, near the intersection of Washington Street and Lancer Lane. You can learn about how to complete your degree in more than 100 programs. Get more information and reserve a place at the open house.
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Opportunities for Veterans
| | Veterans' Writing Workshop Starts November 17
Veterans in Lake and McHenry counties who enjoy writing now have a place to share and explore their work with a community of fellow veteran writers. The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program will begin hosting a veterans' writing workshop in conjunction with the Voices of Veterans Creative Writing program on Thursday, November 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The workshop will take place at the Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services Drop-in Center, 5330 W. Elm Street in McHenry.
The workshop is free of charge and will offer participants the opportunity to express themselves on paper, convey their experiences, and explore the basics of writing. After November 17, the workshop will continue every other Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the same location through February 23. For more information or to register, please contact Kevin Russell at (815) 322-2620 or email him at: Kevin.russell@mcvfs.org.
The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services initiative is being led by a consumer-driven governance council in conjunction with the Lake County Health Department and the McHenry County Mental Health Board. It is funded through a five-year, $3.6 million grant from the federal government's Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration to transform the way services are provided to veterans, service members and their families across both counties. The process involves training providers and working with area community-service agencies to develop a strong, trauma-informed network of care that will continue to provide services after the grant ends.
The program is entering its second year. Objectives are to reduce homelessness, prevent suicide and reduce hospitalizations among veterans and active military personnel. Also, referrals for veterans who return with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury will be available. A primary focus is to support families of service members or veterans who have been deployed or who are experiencing adjustment issues upon return.
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Financial, Job & Business News
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The State of Illinois has a new law--unclaimed paychecks are sent to the state after 1 year instead of 5. But you can still get your money back. Check
is offering a workshop on Financing Options for Businesses on Thursday November 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. If you are an attorney, realtor, banker, or anyone who has a small business or works with small businesses, this seminar will provide you with the latest information about new State of Illinois programs.
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Township Assessments
for 2011
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The Final Filing Date for Vernon Township will be:November 14 , 2011
Vernon Township includes the Village of Lincolnshire, most of the Village of Riverwoods, Mettawa (south of Rt. 60) parts of Deerfield, Lake Forest and unincorporated areas.
The Final Filing Date for West Deerfield Township will be:November 30 , 2011
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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Help with Foreclosures
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Emergency Forgivable Loans of up to $25,000 for Families Facing Foreclosure
The Illinois Hardest Hit Fund offers families facing foreclosure some help while they get back on their feet. Eligible Lake County residents may receive up to $25,000 to help bring their mortgage current, and to assist with ongoing monthly payments for up to 18 months. Eligibility criteria can be found online. Lake County residents will work with the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County (AHC), a HUD-certified nonprofit agency, to receive free guidance and loan coordination services. AHC also offers information sessions and other helpful information at 847/263-7478. There is no cost to apply. Illinois anticipates assisting about 15,000 households. Don't delay in applying, as applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis.
Illinois Hardest Hit Fund
Emergency Forgivable Loans of up to $25,000 for Families Facing Foreclosure
The State of Illinois and the U.S. Department of the Treasury are working together to assist 15,000 Illinois homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. The Illinois Hardest Hit Fund will provide families facing foreclosure with some much-needed breathing room while they get back on their feet.
In Lake County, residents will be working with the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County, a nonprofit HUD-certified agency, to obtain free guidance and loan coordination services.
Eligible participants of the Illinois Hardest Hit Fund may receive up to $25,000 as a 10-year loan to bring their mortgage current, and to assist with ongoing monthly payments for up to 18 months. The loan is forgiven over the last 5 years of the 10-year term, and carries no interest.
Eligibility criteria includes, but is not limited to:
- Household has experienced a 25% reduction in income due to unemployment or under- employment through no fault of their own.
- Gross household income does not exceed 120% of area median income ($89,750 for a family of four).
- Principal loan balance is less than $500,000.
- Household liquid assets do not exceed 3 months mortgage payment.
- Property must be located in Illinois, may be a 1-4 unit building, and must be the primary and only residence of all borrowers/owners.
- Homeowners must have a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan; interest-only and negative amortization loan not allowed.
- Delinquency and necessary assistance may not exceed $25,000.
- Applicants have not been convicted of a mortgage-related felony in the last 10 years.
To begin, applicants must log onto www.illinoishardesthit.org, the official and only website of the program. There is no fee to apply. Homeowners are encouraged to be aware of the prevalence of mortgage assistance fraud; no genuine assistance program requires a fee.
Applicants are also encouraged to attend an information session at the Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County by contacting
or 847/263-7478. This will help homeowners better understand the program, and assist them in submitting their application package properly so as to avoid delays.
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Community Events
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The Stevenson Center on Democracy is hosting a fall lecture series. On November 13, at 2 pm, Karen AbuZayd will speak on the plight and promise of refugees of the "Arab Spring". The cost is $15. Please register. Or call 847-816-7433 Cook Memorial Library is participating in the Museum Adventure Pass program. You can check out free passes to local museums. Many other local libraries are also participating.
The Pajama Program is at the Vernon Area Public Library November 12-23. Donate new pajamas and books for children ages newborn to 12 years old who are in group homes, shelters and other situations.
November 6 at 2 pm the library is sponsoring a special showing of Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women. The library also offers a number of computer programs, you canregister for these and other programs on line. Call 224-543-1485 to register for computer programs.
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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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will experience temporary closure due to construction work. Be sure to check before you and your dog head over for a walk. Our other 3