District 21 News 
from Ann Maine 
Lake County Board Member and 
President of the Lake County 
Forest Preserves Board
 September  2014
   
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Dear Neighbor,

The Labor Day Weekend signals the end of summer and the time to return to school, but there are still a lot of important dates and activities in Lake County.  Almost every weekend there is a fun event in the Forest Preserves  (details below).

September 5 is the final date for payment of the second installment of the 2013 property taxes.  See details below.

The Health Department continues offering programs for veterans and their families.  Read below about a workshop on Becoming a Veteran-Military Friendly Ministry.

September is National Preparedness Month.  It's always important that you be prepared; first responders may be overwhelmed and unable to reach you immediately.  You should be able to be self sufficient for 3 days.  Learn how you can be ready.

There is not a community in Lake County that hasn't been touched by heroin.  Lake County is tackling this problem.  Learn more about the Opioid Initiative in this newsletter.

Work on road projects and trail connections continues. The Forest Preserves offer a number of activities in the fall, including the popular Hike Lake County.  Be sure to get out and enjoy the fall colors

As always, I am happy to meet with your homeowners association, school, religious, scout or other group about these or any other issues.  Please feel free to contact me.

Enjoy the good weather while it lasts!

Sincerely,

Ann

Ann B. Maine
President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
County Board District 21

847-857-1732


Tax Assessments
Tax Assessment Help Centers
There are still a few TAX ASSESSMENT HELP CENTERS this fall to help residents understand their property assessment. Residents will work one on one with a member of the CCAO staff to evaluate their property tax assessment and learn how to use valuable web applications on the county website.

Assessment Notices are in the Mail. Get Answers to Your Assessment Questions
Lake County has numerous resources to help answer taxpayers' questions about property tax assessments. For a quick overview, read this newsletter. Visit the Assessor's website for more information. 

County Update: Property Tax Assessments

Learn more about the complex subject of property tax assessments, such as how assessments impact your property tax bill, the appeal process, and how to access helpful resources. Watch Now.

State Law Targets Property Owners Receiving an Erroneous Tax Break
New state law (effective June 1, 2014) gives the Chief County Assessment Office authority to recapture taxable value in instances where property owners have received homestead benefits erroneously. Lake County is providing an amnesty period for the remaining months of 2014 in order to gain compliance. More Information.
Veteran Ministry
Lake County Health Department 
On Friday September 12, from 8:30-4:30 the Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation, with the support and sponsorship from Loyola University of Chicago will present a free workshop on Becoming a Veteran-Military Friendly Ministry.   It is being held at Loyola Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Vernon Hills.

The workshop objective include:  1) understanding military culture and the impact military service has on families; 2) awareness of physical, psychological, social and spiritual challenges for military, veterans and their families; 3) knowledge and identification of the invisible wounds of war and 4) introduction to available faith-based programs and resources to encourage development of increased support for the service member, veteran and family population.
2nd Installment of Property Taxes Due

The Second Installment of Lake County property taxes are due Friday, September 5. A second bill will not be mailed to homeowners. The Treasurer's Office typically experiences long lines close to the property tax due date so taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of alternative payment methods. For more information visit the  Lake County Treasurer's Office website.
Assessment Filing Dates
You should begin any questions about your assessment with your local township assessor.  The final filing date is the last date in which you may appeal the assessment value of your property.  This is separate from the tax bill due this September.  You can check all filing dates.

Libertyville Township--Published July 31--final filing date  is September 2

Vernon Township--Published August 14 with a final filing date of September 15

Warren Township--Published August 11 with a final filing date of September 10

West Deerfield Township--Published August 14 with a final filing date of September 15

Forest Preserves News
Ideas Needed for New Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Exercise Area

The Lake County Forest Preserves is seeking public input on development of a new 40-acre off-leash Dog Exercise Area in northeast Lake County at Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve. To engage in the design process and to share your ideas, complete a short survey by September 22.
 
Misunderstood: The Outcasts of the Forest  Bats, snakes, wasps and many other outcasts of the forest inspire fear and tend to be misunderstood.  Register for an exciting and informative program where kids and adults will learn fascinating things about the animals and insects they dislike the most. 
Saturday, September 6, 2014, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. 
Lakewood Forest Preserve, Wauconda

View presidential history from the first official presidential photographer in 1963 to today's coverage of Barack Obama. This exhibition includes iconic and rarely seen photos of presidents, with insights from the photographers who chronicled them. 
Assembled by three-time Emmy Award-winner John Bredar, this exhibition features works by veteran presidential photographers Davide Hum Kennerly (Gerald Ford), David Valdez (George H.W. Bush), Bob McNeely (Bill Clinton), Eric Draper (George W. Bush), Pete Souza (Barack Obama) and many more. On loan from National Geographic at the Lake County Discovery Museum  (Wauconda)


 

The Exhibition Opens Saturday, September 13, 2014.  Information on hours and fees.  Download a coupon for $1 off.


 

Bring the family for a fun afternoon of live music, native dancing and authentic food as part of this traditional Mexican and Central American independence celebration. Enjoy the costumes and flare of mariachi, folkloric dancers, marimba music, games and more. The event is free and all ages are invited.    This free event is held at the Greenbelt Cultural Center (North Chicago)  on Sunday, September 14, 2014, 2-7 pm

Co-sponsored by the Lake County Farm Heritage Association come see hundreds of tractors, cars, engines and other farm machinery. Daily highlights include a tractor parade, sheep herding demonstrations, scarecrow making, wagon and barrel train rides and a petting zoo.

When: Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, 2014, from 9 am to 4 pm
Admission: $10 adults, $5 seniors (62 and up) and youth (ages 4-17) per person per day, includes Museum admission, rides and parking. Children 3 and under are free. 

The Farm Heritage Festival is held at Lakewood Forest Preserve, home of the Lake County Discovery Museum. The forest preserve is located on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road in Waucounda, IL. Call 847-968-3400 for more information. 



There is even more! 
Join Twitter to get news, event announcements and fun photos.
Transportation News

At the August Board meeting we authorized a joint resolution for the resurfacing of Deerfield Rd  from Illinois Rt 21 to Riverwoods Rd and asphalt patching on Arlington Heights Rd; we also authorized the the execution of an agreement with the Village of Grayslake for installation and maintenance of the landscape medians along Peterson Road.

Weather permitting, the new traffic signal will be installed at Fairfield Rd and Rt 176 on September 2.  This project is 95% complete!

Peterson Rd, Rt 83 to Franklin Blvd
Concrete for the new main-line Peterson Road was poured last week from Harris Road to west of Midlothian Road. With this new pavement installed, median curb, concrete shoulders and turn lanes at the Midlothian Road and Harris Road intersections can now be poured. Depending on the weather, portions of this work is scheduled to be completed this week.   This project is 40% complete.

Transit and paratransit options in Lake County

Are you confused about transit and paratransit services in Lake County? Not even sure what they are or who can use them?  Watch this LCTV video (6 min) to learn more about them.  Visit our

transit and paratransit web pages

Learn about the 2014 Construction Program

Watch County Update: Learn About Local Food & Farmers Markets

Fresh tomatoes, squash and apples are filling the local farmers' markets.  Nearly every day of the week, you can find a local farmers market somewhere in Lake County. By purchasing produce at these markets, you help our local food system which keeps money in the region, helps local businesses, and provides healthy, fresh veggies to eat. Learn more in this edition of County Update - on the road at the Zion Farmer's Market, and check out our Local Food web page for more info.
Environmental News
Recycle symbol
If you plant it--they will come!
As you plan your fall plantings, consider natives.  Even if you like formal gardens, its easy to squeeze in a few natives to support butterflies, bees, dragonflies and birds.  Learn more about gardening in Illinois from the University of Illinois Extension Service. 
 
There are a number of local organizations that are sponsoring fall sales.  You must pick up your plants, so be sure to note the location!


Free Shred Day at Vernon Township
Monday, October 6 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Vernon Township Office, 3050 N. Main St
Buffalo Grove

Help prevent identity theft; shred personal papers including old insurance policies, medical records, invoices and cancelled checks.  All materials will be used in recycling efforts.  No magazines or newspapers.  Please, only 3 boxes per person.  Call 847-634-4600 for more information.

Volunteers Needed for Des Plaines River Clean Up
Saturday, September 13, 9 a.m.
Meet at Riverwoods Village Hall at 9 a.m. for the 4th annual Des Plaines River Cleanup. Collect items and either keep them or have them disposed for you. To register or for more information call Tom Reckles at 847.863.7046 
300 Portwine Rd., Riverwoods

Sustainability is important in the Village of Deerfield.  Visit  Green Up Deerfield and learn more about what they are doing and how you can help.  The West Deerfield Township office collects used eyeglasses.  Drop your off so someone else can use them.


You can always find information from SWALCO.  There are a number of opportunities for electronic recycling, including many that are year round.
Board Approves New Radio System for Public Safety First Responders

The County Board recently approved use of a new statewide radio communications system (known as STARCOM), in partnership with the Lake County Emergency Telephone Systems Board (911 ETSB), which will allow public safety personnel to communicate more effectively on a local, regional and statewide level using a common system - what's referred to as "interoperability." More

Voter News
College students heading out soon?  Make sure they are registered to vote.  They can check their voter status.

Everyone is eligible to Vote by Mail.  You need to request an application form.  Make it easy and visit vote by mail.

The Lake County VoterPower website has all of your voter information. 
Lake County Opioid Initiative
Local agencies in Lake County are working to address the rising problem of use and abuse of opioids, including heroin and prescription pain medications.

Awareness: August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day which aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. Wear silver to show support or attend this local Stop Overdose IL event.

Education: Learn more about the efforts being made here in Lake County with the Lake County Opioid Initiative.

Disposal of Unused Medications: Unused prescription drugs often end up in the wrong hands. Please view this list of Drug Collection Boxes to find out where to safely dispose of unwanted medications.

In addition, the Lake County Sheriff's Office is once again participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Drug Take Back event.  On September 27, 2014 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm anyone having unwanted or unused prescription drugs can drop them off at one of the following locations for proper disposal.  Beach Park Village Hall located at 11270 W. Wadsworth Rd Beach Park, Volo Village Hall located at 500 S. Fish Lake Rd Volo, and Fremont Township Office located at 22385 W. Route 60 Mundelein, IL 60060.

Community Happenings

The 39th Annual Book Sale at the Lake Forest Library will be held at the Lake Forest Recreation Center Gym, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest.

Hours
Thursday Sept. 11, 9am to 5pm (members and volunteers only, 20% mark-up)
Friday Sept. 12, 9am to 8pm
Saturday Sept. 13, 9am to 5pm
Sunday Sept. 14, 9am to 5pm (1/2 off day!)


The annual Deer Path Art League Art on the Square is Sunday August 31 and Monday September 1 from 10 am - 5 pm.  It is on market square and the surrounding streets in Lake Forest.

First Friday Main Street LIbertyville is September 5.  Come on out between 6 pm and 9 pm for music, food, fun and more.

Libertyville High School Faculty recital is September 17 at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium.  Fine Arts calendar.

In September the Vernon Area Public Library patrons who owe fines for overdue materials can clear their obligations with canned goods and other nonperishable food donations. "Food for Fines" runs from September 2 to September 30. During the drive, donors receive a $1 reduction in their owed fines for each nonperishable food item donated at the library. Donations benefit the Vernon Township Food Pantry.

Vernon Township 6th Annual Community Garage Sale is Saturday September 13 at the Prairie View train station.  Deadline for reserving a space is August 29.  Get an application form here.  For additional information call 847-634-4600.  Proceeds benefit the food pantry.

For upcoming community events around Lake County, go to Visit Lake County's website and check their calendar of events for happenings near you!

For more information local areas, visit these community websites:
Ann Maine, Lake County Illinois | 847-377-2300 | amaine@lakecountyil.gov | http://www.lakecountyil.gov
18 N. County
Waukegan, IL 60085



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