MAINELY News MAINELY News
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MAINELY News MAINELY News
MAINELY News Summer, 2010 A Report to the Residents of Maine Township Carol A. Teschky, Supervisor Serving Our Community Since 1850 Carol’s Corner Supervisor Carol A. Teschky Summer has finally arrived and with it one of the summer staples, a home grown vegetable garden. At the Township we have set aside a small strip of land for growing our own vegetable garden. The best part is that all the produce will be donated to our Township Food Pantry! If you are fortunate to grow a garden in your yard, our food pantry will be glad to accept any surplus vegetables you care to donate. Our recipients would be so grateful to taste fresh produce. In our never ending effort to keep our residents informed, we are launching a new community information service designed to deliver important and timely severe weather alerts or other emergency announcements using the latest technology. This new Nixle system is simple, trusted and available at no cost, either to the Township or to you. You can receive notifications via the Web, email, and cell phone. I invite you to register now by logging on to www.nixle.com. For now Maine Township residents will be able to receive emergency related information from its Office of Emergency Management via Nixle. Channels providing other kinds of information are expected to be introduced in the future. Also, take note of our many future events listed elsewhere in the newsletter. There is always something to spark your interest. The Township is a busy place – serving all residents, from youth to our senior population. As always, you are welcome to call the Township with any of your concerns or suggestions. Enjoy the summer! Maine Township Supports National Night Out Against Crime The National Night Out Against Crime is Tuesday, August 3 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Dee Park, Dee and Emerson. Sponsored by Maine Township, Neighborhood Watch, Cook County Sheriff’s Police, Golf Maine Park District, North Maine Fire Department and other community businesses, this year’s theme is “Hugs Not Drugs.” Area volunteers are working to put together an exciting night. There will be entertainment, games, prizes, raffles and a guest speaker. Also, informational tables will be set up from the Township and the police and fire departments. The Event Co-Chairs are Township Trustees Susan Moylan Krey and Laura Morask. Around 600 people attended last year’s exciting event. Besides fire and emergency vehicles on display, the police display a helicopter, horses and trained police dogs for demonstrations. Forms for entering the event’s poster contest are available at the Town Hall. Prizes include savings bonds and other items. As always the night will end with a flash light walk led by the Sheriff’s Police. We hope all residents join us to make a statement against crime this night. If any one would like to make a contribution to benefit the event, please contact Susan Moylan Krey at 847-297-2510. The NNO Planning Committee has been hard at work. Here, 1st row, left to right, Bret Fahnstrom, Judy Singer, Cook Co. Deputy Commander Tony Brzezniak, Collector Mary Rohde, Audrey Nankervis, Lila Gardner. 2nd row, left to right, Doriene Prorak, Rebecca Tambouratzis, Louise Friedenson, Trustee Susan Moylan Krey. Not pictured: David Cowen, Steve Meinecke, Paula Kurland, and Trustees Walter Kazmierczak, Laura Morask, and Peter Gialamas. The cooperation between Maine Township and the Cook County Sheriff’s Dept. is year round. Monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings bring Township officials, Sheriff’s Dept. officers, and residents together to discuss fighting crime and other matters. Here, at the annual National Night Out event last year, are Trustee Laura Morask, Deputy Commander Anthony Brzezniak, and Trustee Susan Moylan Krey. Morask and Moylan Krey lead the volunteer committee that runs the event. National Night Out is always a popular event with residents, elected officials and the Cook County Sheriff’s Dept. Here, left to right, State Rep. Elaine Nekritz joins Trustee Walter Kazmierczak, Supervisor Carol Teschky, Trustees Laura Morask, Peter Gialamas, Susan Moylan Krey, and Collector Mary Rohde. Maine Township -Mainely News -Summer, 2010 — Page 1 MaineStay Summer Programs & Seminars What’s happening at MaineStay this summer? MaineStay is dedicated to building healthy communities. We recognize that the hectic pace of life can impact relationships. Our counseling services are available to those who live in Maine Township on an income-sensitive sliding fee scale. If interested in counseling, please call Richard Lyon at 847-297-2510 Ext. 272. For Children Ages 5 to 8 Safety Town will be held on Tuesday, June 29, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the parking lot at 8800 W. Ballard Rd, Des Plaines, IL (a half block east of Town Hall). This program is sponsored by MaineStay and the Cook County Sheriff’s Youth Services Department. Children who attend will learn about bicycle and pedestrian safety. They will enter a pretend “town” of child-sized buildings and pedal cars. Instructors will teach the children basic traffic safety, dangers of oncoming traffic and the meaning of road signs. To register, please call Gloria Stepek at 847-297-2510 Ext. 283. Parent Support Group Do you just need a little support with the tough job of parenting? Join our FREE, confidential self-help Parent Support Group led by a professionally trained Children’s Program Specialist. This group meets Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A light meal will be served and free childcare provided by trained personnel. If interested, call Michelle Lyon at 847-2972510 Ext. 271. E.A.R.N. (Encourage Adolescent Responsibility Now) Hey kids! Do you have extra time on your hands this summer and need to earn some money? MaineStay Youth and Family Services provides a service where we match Township residents needing help with youth ages 12 to 19 who are willing to do yard work, babysitting - or whatever else may be needed. It is the responsibility of the resident and youth to negotiate the cost for the services. If you are interested in registering as youth worker or as a resident needing services, call Gloria Stepek at 847297-2510 Ext. 283. Maine Township Community Garage Sale Start saving your “treasures” for our annual Fall Garage Sale on September 25, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maine Township Town Hall. Proceeds will benefit the summer camp program coordinated by MaineStay, as well as the Maine Township Food Pantry. Space reservations to sell your items will be accepted starting August 1, 2010. You can also donate items for us to Over 1500 attend Annual Senior Expo The 4th Annual Swing into Swing Senior Expo on April 23 had the highest attendance to date. Over 1500 seniors enjoyed singing, dancing and chair yoga along with bingo. In addition, they visited with 60 vendors offering products and services. Here, left to right, during the prize drawings are Senior Director Mary Swanson, Highway Commissioner Robert Provenzano, Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan, Trustee Walter Kazmierczak, Clerk Gary K. Warner, Trustee Susan Moylan Krey, and Supervisor Carol Teschky. Maine Township -Mainely News - Summer, 2010 — Page 2 sell. Item donations can be dropped off starting Monday, September 20, 2010. How about some volunteer opportunities? FISH You can become a FISH volunteer! MaineStay coordinates the FISH (Friends Indeed Serve and Help) program for Maine Township. FISH is a volunteer organization that provides transportation for residents of Maine Township to medical and dental appointments. Contact us if you are in need of a ride or if you are willing to volunteer your time to help a friend in need. Call Gloria Stepek at 847-297-2510 Ext. 283. Mentoring Program MaineStay’s Youth Mentoring Program matches adult mentors with Township youth in need of positive adult role models. The program’s mission is to give guidance and support and to encourage personal growth. This group meets twice monthly and each volunteer mentor (age 18 or older) will be paired with a child (age 8 to 13) for a 16-week session. For more information, call Michelle Lyon at 847-297-2510 Ext 271. If you are interested in staying informed about MaineStay services and programs on a regular basis, go to www.mainetownship. com to sign up for our e-newsletter. Highway Department Update As Township residents perform “spring cleaning,” it’s important to remember that curbside appearance is essential to keeping our neighborhoods clean, vibrant and safe. Highway Commissioner Robert Provenzano is asking that residents do their part by maintaining proper curbside appearance of their properties. This can be achieved by picking up litter and not allowing discarded debris to sit out on the curb for an extended period of time. In addition, basic landscaping and regular upkeep is helpful as well. Curbside appearance is extremely important because it’s the first thing potential home buyers, visitors, family members and other guests see upon their arrival to your neighborhood. It also has a direct impact on property values. Poorly maintained curbside appearance can adversely affect your community’s tax base and the essential benefits and services received from those revenues. Little things do make difference, and it is important to lead by example and not allow the presence of litter or other items on other resident’s property lead to more accumulation in other areas of the neighborhood. A successful preventative strategy is to address problems when they are small and manageable and not wait until they are beyond control. Weekly clean-up – or daily, if possible – is guaranteed to lead to the disappearance of litter and other debris. Also as a reminder, your trash and discarded items may only be set out the night before your scheduled pick-up day. If you notice a violation of this rule, you can call your public works department during the week, or on weekends call your local nonemergency number to report it. Remember, curbside appearance benefits everyone so let’s do our part to keep our properties and neighborhoods clean, vibrant and safe. Please find the following phone numbers listed for your convenience: Cook Co. Sheriff Des Plaines Police Glenview Police 847-635-1188 847-391-5400 847-729-5000 Robert Provenzano, Highway Commissioner Morton Grove Police Niles Police Park Ridge Police 847-470-5200 847-588-6500 847-318-5252 Building Permits If you are not sure if you need a permit for any home improvement project, please call the Highway Department. In order to avoid unnecessary delays, permits are scheduled by appointment only. Branch Pickup Branch pick up has begun and will continue on the third Monday of each month through September, for the unincorporated area. For purposes of safety and efficiency, branches must: be at least three feet long and should not be tied, be limited to no more than a four-by-six foot pile each month, not be put out more than two days before the scheduled pick up day, be curbside by 7 a.m. on Monday morning with the cut ends towards the street. Should you have any questions, or for more information on any of the services we provide, please contact us by phone or email. Regular Hours: Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Phone: 847-297-5225 Email: [email protected] Deep Green. . . We kindly ask everyone to mark their calendars for the pick up dates. Once we Here, left to right, are Kevin Dietsch, Collector Mary Rohde, 6th Ward finish a street, we canAlderman Mark Walsten, Jean Dietsch, Highway Commissioner Provennot return until the next zano, and Josh Knitter. They all participated in Des Plaines’ 2010 Annual month. Branches less than Spring Deep Green Electronics Recycling Program held in April. three feet, or other yard debris, can be put in paper . . . Electronics Recycling yard bags with an Arc Disposal sticker available at Town Hall for $2.35 each. Street Lights and Signs Please report any burned out street lights or missing street signs in the unincorporated area to the Highway Department. Helping With Your Block Party The Highway Department will put up barricades, free of charge, around neighborhoods holding block parties. Please give us at least a one-week notice to insure we can accommodate your request. Call for further details. Commissioner Provenzano works with Township Clerk Gary K. Warner, left, and Supervisor Carol Teschky at the April 24 Annual Park Ridge Chamber Electronic Recycling Day. Over 400 cars left unwanted items during the 4-hour event. Maine Township -Mainely News -Summer, 2010 — Page 3 Trustee’s Corner Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying the arrival of some much needed warm weather. I am excited to inaugurate a new Mainely News feature, “Trustee’s Corner,” developed to introduce the residents of Maine Township to some of the additional volunteer efforts trustees on your Maine Township board undertake in addition to our regular board duties. Each of us has developed an interest and expertise in particular services that benefit our residents. The New Year brought some sweeping changes to the existing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). See generally 5 ILCS 1401. Our Township has been at the forefront of implementing these changes in an efficient, timely and helpful manner. Some of the major changes were to reduce the amount of time a governmental unit has to respond to a FOIA request down to five Trustee Laura J. Morask days (non-commercial) as well as reduce the exemption categories. The new FOIA requires a public body to appoint at least one and up to three Freedom of Information officers who are responsible for implementation of the law and timely compliance with a FOIA request. Our Township decided to go the extra step of appointing three members to a FOIA committee to better serve our residents. As an attorney, I thought legal knowledge may be helpful to implementation of the new FOIA changes and volunteered for appointment to the committee. Supervisor Carol Teschky is the head of our committee, and Deputy Clerk Wiesia Tytko is our final committee member. Each of us completed our mandated FOIA officer training and got to work. Every FOIA request has been reviewed by our committee, and handled in most cases under the allotted statutory time. Now, when you walk into Town Hall, you can find all FOIA information conveniently posted at the front door. Or, from the comfort of your own home, you can choose to visit our Web site to see our dedicated FOIA area at www.mainetownship. com/government/foia.shtml. Our successful FOIA committee implementation reflects our commitment to open and honest government and increased knowledge of and participation in the services we have to offer you; the people we serve. Maine Township is Highlighted in Historic Tours of Park Ridge New Historic Tours of Park Ridge will soon provide the public with a closer look at Town Hall. Hosted by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, the tours will run from May through November and will feature the history of the people, places and events that have created Park Ridge’s legacy. but will cover everything from pre-historic local occurrences to studios and private homes of famous people. Proceeds will benefit The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge and The Park Ridge Community Fund. “We are very proud of what we do at Annual Meeting Town Hall was designed in the late 1950’s by the son of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was originally used as a church but later sold to the Township. The facility was renovated several years ago, reflecting the improvement efforts of Township leaders such as Supervisor Carol Teschky. The tours can provide knowledgeable docents – guides who conduct taxi or group tours through the nearly two dozen sites along the tour route. Information will also be provided by participating retailers about sites suitable for visiting by walking or biking. Subject matter will not only span the 100 years of Park Ridge’s incorporation, Maine Township and take special pride in our Town Hall building,” says Carol A. Teschky, Supervisor. “We are happy to support and to be a prominent stop for the Historic Tours of Park Ridge during the City’s centennial year of incorporation.” Here Supervisor Teschky presents recognition pins to employees for 10 years of service. Pictured, left to right, are Wiesia Tytko (Clerk’s office), Supervisor Carol Teschky, Gloria Stepek (MaineStay FISH) and Bill Chernikovich (Maintenance). The Township’s 160th Annual Meeting was held on April 13th. Here, left to right, Supervisor Teschky looks on while the Moderator Rich DiPetro ( also a Park Ridge Alderman) signs documents provided by Deputy Clerk Wiesia Tytko and Clerk Gary K. Warner who ran the Annual Meeting. Maine Township -Mainely News - Summer, 2010 — Page 4 Clerk’s Corner Cook County Vehicle Stickers Regardless of when you purchased your last vehicle stickers, all stickers expire on June 30 of each year and must be displayed by July 1. Individuals who have turned 65 by July 1 will be issued a Free Senior Sticker which will remain effective for as long as he/she owns the car. This discount is limited to two passenger vehicles or trucks weighing less than 10,000 lbs. All residents of unincorporated Cook County will be able to purchase the 20102011 stickers after May 15. Don’t be late. My office will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday. In the month of June we will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. Please call my office at 847-297-2510 and my staff will assist you with all your questions. Senior’s Free Ride Applications are available for Seniors 65 and older to apply for a smart card for Free Public Transportation. Applicants must prove their age by supplying a Driver’s Township Clerk Gary K. Warner License, State of Illinois ID Card, Passport or Resident Alien card. The only fee is $2 for a photo, which will be attached to the application. This will allow Senior Citizens to ride all RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) service free of charge. These services include CTA buses and rapid transit, Pace Buses, and Metra Trains in the six-county region served by the RTA. Hunting & Fishing Licences Outdoorsmen, be sure to pick up the latest Fishing and Hunting Booklets when you purchase your Fishing and Hunting Licenses. Discounts are available to seniors and to those who purchase licenses for both Hunting and Fishing. public comment period, after which the new fees can take effect at any time. The new fees will raise the cost of first-time passport for adults to $135, up from the current $100. Adults renewing their passports will pay $110 instead of $75. The cost of a passport for minors (under age 16) will go from $85 to $105. Currently, extra visa pages added to your passport are free. The State Department plans to charge $82 for that service. Voter Registration If you are not already registered to vote, you may do so at the Clerk’s office. Please Need a passport? Act quickly, because its remember, November 2, 2010 is the next Gubernatorial General Election. The last about to cost more money. The U.S. State day to register for this election is October 5. Department proposed raising theJ&T fees in Dedicated 2x5 CMYK.ai 9/19/08 1:30:32 PM February. That was followed by a 30-day Passport Fee Increase Update Your Second Chance at The Location You’ll Love. Time Limited ffer! in O Move- LL CA 5-1161 847-82r visit o n.com fuptow mmito Check out your retirement possibilities by visiting the newly renovated Summit of Uptown. Our Retirement Specialist will show you how you can enjoy the best of modern retirement living in the heart of Park Ridge, where life happens all around you. su C M Y CM 622 Graceland Avenue Des Plaines, Il 60016 dedicated to providing Maine Township the best local newspaper possible Since 1930 Questions, concerns, ideas, news tips & press release email: [email protected] Subscribe to the Journal today! Call 847-299-5511 Display/Classified Advertising email: [email protected] Ph: 847-299-5511 Fax: 847-298-8549 Speak Out: 847-299-1500 www.journal-topics.com MY CY CMY K 10 NORTH SUMMIT AVENUE PARK RIDGE ILLINOIS 60068 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Retirement & Assisted Living Maine Township -Mainely News -Summer, 2010 — Page 5 MaineStreamer News The MaineStreamers program offers opportunities to residents 55 and older. All residents and property owners are invited to apply for membership, which includes a free subscription to our newsletter that lists activities for the upcoming month. Most activities take place at Maine Township Town Hall. Members pay individually for whichever activities they want to participate in. computer. Over time she became an expert, and was able to handle all the changes that continually occur in the MaineStreamers Department. Helen’s vast experience in this department has been invaluable. During her tenure, Helen also received the Claude Pepper Older Worker’s Award and the Cook County 17th District resident “Unsung Heroine Award.” Helen Jung Retires AARP Driver Safety Courses Offered at Maine Township Helen Jung, Senior Associate of the MaineStreamers, retired on March 19, 2010 after almost 30 years of service to the Township. Helen, 99 years old, has decided to enjoy her retirement by relaxing and becoming a participant in the MaineStreamers Program. When Helen began, she had never even sat behind a The next courses, offered at Maine Township Town Hall, are Monday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, call 847-297-2510 and ask for a MaineStreamers staff member. After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and of how you can avoid potential col- lisions and injuries to yourself and others. You may also be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course, so consult your agent for details. Taste of Park Ridge Bingo The MaineStreamers will host the Taste of Park Ridge Bingo Booth at Hodges Park on Friday, July 9 from 1 to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy “free” Bingo and win some nice prizes. Maine Township Elected Officials will be present to call some games and bring you luck! In addition, MaineStreamers and Liberty Bank will be hosting free trolley rides during the day. The trolleys will tour some of the historic sites in Park Ridge and the exciting public art display of two-by-two animals in the Promise of Park Ridge in three parks. Township Looks to Join Forces to Fight Area Flooding Area Township elected officials met recently to discuss the prospect of undertaking a multi jurisdiction planning process to combat flooding in the unincorporated area. The Village of Glenview and Northfield Township are looking to join forces with Maine Township in an effort to decrease the amount and severity of flooding. Hundreds of Maine Township households will potentially benefit from the actions of this combined-Township committee to decrease flood risk. The affected area the committee hopes to alleviate flood risk in is focused on an approximately two mile long stretch of Central Road, from the Des Plaines River on the west to Milwaukee Avenue on the east. Sewer drain systems along Central are the responsibility of IDOT, and have fallen into a state of disrepair recently. The network of sewers becomes overloaded during periods of high rainfall and they are unable to dispense rainwater effectively into the river. This scenario creates the greatest risk for Township residents to experience flooding. One of the main reasons Maine Township is involved with this committee, besides its location in the affected area, is that it has had such success in securing federal grant money for highway and infrastructure imLeft to right, Village of Glenview Engineer Russ Jensen, Glenview Director of provements. There Public Works Jerry Burke, Glenview Assistant Director of Capital Projects Joe is federal money Kenney, Maine Township Highway Commissioner Robert Provenzano, Northfield Township Road District - Director of Emergency Management Services available, and the Township is making Robert Dunne, Maine Township Supervisor Carol Teschky, and Maine Township Director of Emergency Management Robert Cohen discuss possible solutions to efforts to secure it the flooding problem along Central Road at a recent meeting. in order to provide and ask for the remainder,” says Maine some of the financial support IDOT has Township Highway Commissioner Robert failed to. Provenzano. “We’ve had four 100-year The Village of Glenview has already floods in this area in the last 20 years,” Says taken some significant steps to address the Provenzano. “We need to fix this problem problem, but there is much more work to as soon as possible and Maine Township is be done. “After securing grant money, we glad to step in and provide our help.” intend to present it to the State of Illinois Maine Township -Mainely News - Summer, 2010 — Page 6 Assessor Updates Triennial Property Reassessment in 2010 Assessor Rueckert has not yet been notified by the Cook County Assessor as to when Maine Township will open for the 2010 Triennial Reassessment. Please check the Maine Township Web site for any updates. 2009 Second Installment Property Tax Bills May Not Be Mailed Until 2011 Cook County officials responsible for assessing, reviewing complaints for assessments, certifying assessments to the Illinois Department of Revenue, calculating the taxes bill, preparing and mailing tax bills to property owners are apparently in conflict as to the reason for the delay in sending out the 2009 second installment property tax bills. It is possible that taxpayers may not receive their real estate tax bills until early 2011. This delay 4/22/09 would LibertyBank_Ad_B_Mainly.pdf impact property owners since they would From the Assessor Township Assessor Tom Rueckert not be able to claim the second installment payment on their 2010 income tax return. Long Time Occupant Applications are estimated to be mailed from Cook County in June. The Long-Time Occupant Exemption enables certain property owners to receive an Expanded Homeowner Exemption. Requirements for this exemption are that you must have: The Cook County Assessor’s office estimated the applications to be mailed in June. Recipients of the Senior Freeze will not qualify for this exemption. • Owned and occupied the residence from January 1, 1999 to January 1, 2009 • A total household income of $100,000 or less, and • An assessment increase that was significant enough to exceed the maximum exemption amount set by the Illinois legislature. Serving Our C o m m u n i t y S i nc e 18 5 0 12:14:06 PM R E T I R E M E N T L I V I NG “IT’S AMAZING HOW MUCH BIGGER OUR WORLD GOT ONCE WE DECIDED TO MOVE TO THE PARK.” Your story continues here... Visit or call today! (847) 296-0333 8975 West Golf Rd. Niles, IL 60714 w w w. h o r i z o n b a y. c o m Maine Township -Mainely News -Summer, 2010 — Page 7 MAINELY News A Report to the Residents of Maine Township MAINE TOWNSHIP • 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068-1006 847-297-2510 • www.mainetownship.com Upcoming Meetings & Events Town Board -- Fourth Tuesday of each month @ 7:30 p.m. Neighborhood Watch – First Wednesday of each month @ 7:30 p.m. MaineStay Safety Town - June 29, 8800 W. Ballard Rd. @ 1 p.m. National Night Out - August 3, Dee Park @ 6:30 p.m. For other meetings, please call 847-297-2510 or visit www.mainetownship.com Printed on recycled paper How to Contact Our Departments Maine Township Officials Main Phone 847-297-2510 Departments/Extension Numbers Assessor’s Office, Ext. 227 Clerk’s Office, Ext. 222 Code Enforcement Officer, Ext. 259 General Assistance, Ext. 236 MaineStreamers, Veteran’s Assistance, Ext. 240 or 241 Ext. 236 Carol A. Teschky Supervisor Walter Kazmierczak Trustee Laura J. Morask Trustee Susan Moylan Peter Gialamas Trustee Krey Trustee MaineStay Youth & Family Services 847-297-2510 Emergency Management Agency 847-297-5911 Highway Department 847-297-5225 You may also e-mail any department by accessing the Township Web site: www.mainetownship.com. Maine Township -Mainely News - Summer, 2010 — Page 8 Gary K. Warner Tom Rueckert Mary E. Rohde Collector Assessor Clerk Robert Provenzano Highway Commissioner