Lake County & Forest Preserve News 
Ann Maine
County Board District 21 Forest Preserve President May 2013 |
|
|
|
I encourage you to to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address to me at amaine@lakecountyil.gov or click "join our mailing list" above.
|
|
|
|
A Note from Ann
|
Dear Neighbors,April was a very busy month for many levels of government as we worked to minimize the damage due to flooding. In the Gurnee area the flooding was less severe than in previous years due to buyouts of properties, including the Gurnee Grade school. County government EMA was a clearing house and resource for municipal and township government. If you have been impacted by floods, please read below for more information on how we are trying to assist you. The Lake County treasurer mailed 264,000 tax bills last week. The treasurer collects and distributes taxes on behalf of all of the taxing bodies in Lake County. The first installment due date is June 6, and the second installment due date is Sept. 6. Taxpayers receive only one bill per year.
Property tax payment options include: U.S. mail, drop box, in person at most Lake County banks, and at the Lake County Treasurer's Office, by phone or online.
The better weather means that more people are outside. The Health Department offers a number of tips to stay safe, including tick precaution. Read more about the resources offered by the Health Department. As always, please contact me about these or other issues. I'm happy to come and meet with you or your homeowner's association or scout, church or other group.
Sincerely,
847-857-1732--this is a new number
|
|
Rain Barrel, Compost Bin & Native Plant Sale
|
TIME - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LOCATION - Independence Grove, North Bay Pavilion
16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville
Interested in saving on your water bill, growing a healthier, greener and more bountiful garden while you're helping the environment? Using Rain Barrels and practicing Backyard Composting, are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond.
Native plants require less watering, less fertilizer and are guaranteed to thrive in local gardens. Native flowering  species also provide an abundance of nectar and attract wildlife, such as butterflies and songbirds. Choose from more than 60 varieties of flowers and grasses. Plants are restocked on Sunday morning. Proceeds from the sale benefit Forest Preserve environmental education programs.
Event co-sponsored by SWALCO, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserves.
|
| Veterans Assistance Commission Takes its Services on the Road |
The Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) will be maintaining office hours at various American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts (VFW) throughout Lake County in an effort to reach more veterans. A recreational vehicle equipped with additional office space will be staffed with VAC service officers who will help veterans prepare claims with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
More information and schedule
|
|
Lake County Recorder Provides Deeds for Flood Victims
|
Owners of flood-damaged properties who are seeking financial assistance from Lake County banks and lending institutions will need to show proof of ownership in order to secure loans. The Lake County Recorder's Office will be working closely with government officials and impacted property owners to provide any necessary recorded documents at no cost to flood victims. To obtain a free certified copy of the deed, contact the Recorder of Deeds Office at 847.377.2575. Lake County military veterans in flood-damage areas may also qualify for additional programs. Veterans may contact the Recorder of Deeds Office to obtain a free certified copy of their Military Discharge Papers, commonly known as DD214s, for proof of military service.
|
|
Disaster Area Reassessment Application
|
As a result of the recent flood event, Governor Quinn declared Lake County a disaster area. Every county which has been declared a major disaster area shall, upon application by the property owner, make a reassessment of any taxable property, which was substantially damaged by the disaster. This can also be utilized when a property is uninhabitable for a period of time as a result of this disaster event.
In order to apply, the taxpayer must fill out the PTAX- 245, Disaster Area Reassessment application. Applications should be sent to the Chief County Assessment Office.
Since local assessors have yet to complete the 2013 assessments, they will conduct inspections on properties that apply. Any changes resulting from this event will then be reflected in the next assessment notice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Outreach Sessions
|
Applications for the 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption have been mailed, and it requires an annual renewal. To assist with the application, the Chief County Assessment Office and the Lake County Township Assessors Association will hold Senior Freeze outreach sessions in April and May.
Residents will receive assistance in completing their 2013 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Applications for taxes payable in 2014; as well as, service taxpayer needs on other homestead exemptions offered. Staff members will be working one on one with residents to complete any necessary exemption forms.
|
|
Forest Preserves News
| |
 Lake County Forest Preserve Progress Report 2012
Thanks to your support, we were able to protect some of Lake County's most important natural areas, maintain over 168 miles of trails, present award-winning educational and cultural programs, events and exhibits, and restore many acres of habitat for Lake County's native plants and animals. This year's update is in the form of an infographic and can be viewed here.
Free Access Cart Tours Even if it is difficult for you to get around, you can still enjoy the Forest Preserves with our free access cart tours that are held throughout the county. The next one is Saturday May 18th at Captain Daniel Wright Woods from from 9:30-11:30 am. Registration needed.
Adlai E. Stevenson Home
The recommendation to designate the Adlai E. Stevenson II Historic Home as a National Historic Landmark was approved unanimously on Tuesday, April 9, in Washington, D.C., by  the Landmarks Advisory Committee of the National Park Service (NPS). With this vote, the nomination goes on for consideration this fall by the NPS Advisory Board, then for final approval by the Secretary of the Interior. A unanimous vote is a strong endorsement and we expect the designation to be successful in the fall.
During the Committee meeting, Paul Loether, Chief of the National Historic Landmarks Division of the NPS, was complimentary of the Lake County Forest Preserve District's stewardship of the site and provision of public access to the site.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, there are fewer than 2,500 historic places that bear this national distinction.
If you are interested in history--then check out the history blog to learn more.
Mucha: Expanding Art Nouveau
View beautiful and rare Art Nouveau objects by Czech artist Alphone Mucha at the Lake County Discovery Museum. The exhibition features an exclusive peek at objects from the Curt Teich Postcard Archives John High Collection, one of the world's leading  collections of Mucha postcards.
Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) is considered a key figure in the Art Nouveau movement, an art style characterized by delicate colors and organic, sinuous designs, which first gained popularity in the 1880s. The exhibition showcases the range and influence of Mucha's work through everyday and commercial objects. Magazine covers, decorative tins, folio plates, jewelry, currency, book illustrations and other objects will be on display, along with a replica fa�ade of the Paris shop Mucha designed for jeweler George Fouquet.
The exhibition runs through Aug. 25 and is supported by Media Sponsor, the Daily Herald. Call the museum at 847.968.3400, or visit online for more information.
 Want to get out, meet some fun people and help nature? Then join our restoration work days! You can come by yourself or with your family or group. Projects are throughout the county with a variety of activities.
Check out the Forest Preserve Nature Blog.
Have a great photo you took at the Forest Preserves? Share it with the flicker account
|
|
Blue Star Museums Program
|
The Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda has participated in the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Blue Star Museums program since its inaugural year of  2010. Participating museums waive admission fees for active duty military personnel and their immediate families during the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Last year, 1,882 museums in all 50 states participated in the program, including art museums, science museums, historic homes, botanical gardens, children's museums and history museums. Together they accommodated 475,000 Blue Star visitors. As an active participant, the Lake County Discovery Museum has hosted 106 visitors through the Blue Star program. Participating families throughout the country praise the Blue Star Museums program as a welcome respite from their daily cares, and appreciate the gesture from the American arts community, honoring their service.
Photo Caption: Military families enjoy an interactive tour of the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, at the launch of Blue Star Museums in 2010. Credit: Sandy Huffaker
|
|
Transist News
| |
Use Your Smart Phone to Check Pace Departure Times
Did you know that you can use your smart phone to check the departure time of Pace Suburban Bus for a specific route in real-time?
The Pace's Web Watch tool uses GPS technology to monitor the location of buses in real time and help you plan your trip by giving you a list of the expected time of departure times.
Take Your Bike for a Ride on Pace or Metra
Spring is here and it's time to get out the bike and hit the road. Pace makes that easier  with fixed route buses that support two bicycles on the front of each bus (with the exception of routes that operate using coach buses or vans). Free to use, the Pace bike rack is attached to the front bumper of the bus and remains folded vertically against the bus when not in use.
To load your bike on the front of the bus, follow these simple steps:
* Pull to release the lightweight rack and lower it into a horizontal position.
* Lift the bike onto the rack, fitting the tires into the corresponding slots.
* Pull the spring-loaded support arm over the front tire to secure the bike.
* Before exiting the bus, remind the operator that you have a bike to remove from the rack.
* After removing your bike, please return the rack to the upright position (if there is no other bike on it).
For more information, please visit PaceBus.com
 Metra's Bicycle Policy allows bicycles on all weekday trains arriving in Chicago after 9:30 a.m. and leaving Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m., and on all weekend trains. For additional information, visit Metra's website.
|
|
|
New Lake County Health Department Executive Director Named
Antonio "Tony" Beltran will begin working May 6, 2013 as the new executive director for the Health Department, replacing Irene T. Pierce, who retired in March after serving as executive director for five years. He brings not only a master's degree in business administration, but also a wealth of experience in public health, including managing community health centers, developing financially sustainable programs and creating accountability standards. Learn more. Healthy Lake County
Do you know what to do if you encounter a coyote? Have you heard about the Express Clinic to quickly screen for sexually transmitted infections? In less than five minutes you can learn about these topics and more in this month's video. Watch the new edition of Healthy Lake County to learn more about addictions treatment, a 24-hour crisis hotline and warm weather nuisances.
|
|
Transportation & Construction Updates
|
 LAKE COOK ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Cook County Highway Department will be initiating road construction on Lake Cook Road from Pfingsten/Deerlake (near the Lake Cook Metra Station) to the Waukegan Road/Route 43 intersection starting in early April. Traffic control will reduce traffic down to one lane in each direction which will result in major traffic delays. The Village of Deerfield is working with Cook County to monitor the project and has initiated a website for updates.
Status update on Rt. 21 and Rt. 137
The first stage of construction is expected to be complete by the end of June. The second stage will begin in July with the anticipated opening all lanes of traffic by Thanksgiving. This schedule is dependent on unforeseen weather and utility conflicts.
It is expected that there will be minor work to complete in 2014.
You can check the status of all 2013 road projects in Lake County.
|
|
Environmental Issues
|
 Cleaning out the garage and basement? Make sure you dispose of electronics and hazardous waste correctly. SWALCO is here to help. New shoes for the school year? If they are too worn, they can still be re-used in the Reuse-A-Shoe program. They also provide a list of scrap yards and recycling centers.
A collection of household hazardous chemical waste will take place. No appointment is needed. The is for residential waste only. Learn which items are accepted.
Vernon Hills Metra Train Station (Route 45 and Ranney Road)
Saturday, May 18, 2013
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Did you make a resolution to live greener this year? We can help. Visit the LCTV video library for great suggestions on sustainability.
Electronics Collection Site
The following are year round collection sites:
Village of Grayslake (Public Works Facility, Recycling Center) 585 Berry Avenue
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
City of Highland Park (Firearms Training Center) 1180 Half Day Road
ONLY Tuesdays and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
(fluorescent light bulbs, foam containers and packaging materials are also accepted at the Highland Park Electronic Collection)
Vernon Township (Road District Facility) 3050 N. Main Street
Buffalo Grove
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
|
|
Community Events & Activities
|
The Parks and Recreation Department of Lake Forest has a full summer schedule of special events including a Kindershop Resale on Saturday May 18 at the Lake Forest Rec Center.
Sports leagues aren't just for kids. The Libertyville Sports Complex offers a number of adult leagues too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
