Understanding your property assessment, Dispose unwanted medications, and More
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well and enjoying the bountiful flocks of migratory birds gracing our skies and yards. Even with our bi-polar spring weather, I hope you've had a chance to get outside.
As the summer approaches, it's also time for "blue card" tax assessments and bills to hit your mailbox. Do you need help understanding your tax assessment and how to appeal it? I will be hosting a special free information session with our Lake County Assessor Bob Glueckert and Treasurer Holly Kim at 7 p.m., May 31 at the Avon Township Hall, 433 E. Washington St. in Round Lake Park. You can also get more information by checking out your Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which I authored with Treasurer Kim.
Forest Preserve News
Our country celebrated Earth Week in countless ways last week. I was grateful to join a corps of veterans, College of Lake County students and other volunteers at Rollins Savanna on April 16 and 23. Along with our great Forest Preserve staff, we cleared numerous piles of invasive buckthorn, which will allow prairie grasses and trees to grow (pictured with Commissioner Jessica Vealitzek). We couldn't do this restoration work without our hundreds of volunteers. We heartily appreciate your time and energy!
Special thanks to Paul Baffico and his team at the Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation and the students from the College of Lake County's Sustainability program, directed by David Husemoller. Everyone who volunteers -- or just hikes/bikes/rides our amazing Forest Preserve Trails -- is making a difference. It's also great for physical, mental and spiritual well being. If you want to volunteer at the Rollins Savanna native seed nursery, learn more!
By the way, you are welcome to attend or watch all of our county and Forest Preserve committee meetings, particularly our Energy and Environment Committee.
Speaking of Forest Preserve activities, I'm told that the Independence Grove Beer Garden is fermenting its second season, which is slated to begin Memorial Day weekend. Keep on eye on events coming up at the forest preserve and many others in coming months.
