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DATES TO REMEMBER 2018/2019

Free Weekly Giveaway

Tuesdays, 9:00—11 am

(Please use FRONT entrance)

Weekly knitting and crocheting club

New residents welcome!

Thursdays, 2:30—3:30 pm

(Please use REAR entrance)

Monday, Oct. 1—Dec. 7

Free leaf bags will be distributed at the

Township

(Closed for Lunch 12—1pm)

Please use the FRONT ENTRANCE,

rear entrance available for disabled

Monday, Oct. 8—Friday Dec. 7

Curbside pick-up on your regular refuse

day

Saturday October 27

National Drug Take Back Day

10 am– 2 pm

Monday, Dec. 10

Senior Christmas Breakfast in Town Hall

9:30– 10:30 am

Monday, Dec. 31

Deadline for turning in nomination forms

for South Rock Island Township Resident

Award( See pg. 3)

Friday, Feb. 22, 2019

Deadline for Moderator Essay Contest for

High School Students( See pg. 3)

ASSESSOR

(309) 788-4513

HOURS

9 a.m.—Noon &

1 p.m.—4 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Closed weekends & holidays

TOWNHALL/GENERAL

ASSISTANCE

1019 27th Avenue

Rock Island, IL 61201

(309) 788-0496

Message from the Supervisor

FALL/ WINTER | 2018/2019

South Rock Island

Township

South Rock Island Township will partner with Arc Industries to

offer a free SHRED DAY for the residents of our Township. The

shredding event will take place on Friday, October 12, 2018

from 9:30 to 11:30. Each resident is allowed to bring up to 1

bag or 1 box of personal papers up to 75 lbs. per person. If you

have any questions please call the Township at: (309) 788-0496.

Grace Díaz Shirk

Fall and Winter Greetings!

We want to start out today by thanking the many volunteers, friends and

neighbors that help our Township every year! We have a variety of programs and

services but they are possible because of the blessings our residents and even

non-residents share with us.

Whether you donate time, items for our free Give-Away, prizes for our Township

Day or other programs, we want to say thank you and let you know how much you

are appreciated!! Please look inside this newsletter and see some of the programs

we offered this past year and the friends and neighbors that helped to make it

possible. A very special thank you to Katie Miller for designing and creating our

newsletter.

We had our 3rd Annual Township Day on September 15th. We will be offering Leaf

Bags again for the City of Rock Island starting in October. We have a class coming

up for our seniors called “A Matter of Balance” starting October 15th. Due to the

high amounts of donations brought in during the summer we have started having

an all-day Free Give-Away, one day a month, along with our regular Tuesday

Give-Away. Please look inside the newsletter for all the programs and services

being offered.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Have a safe fall and

winter!! We are here to serve you!

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Message from the Township Assessor

Nichole L. Finnie C.I.A.O., Assessor– 309.788.4513

The C.A.U.S.E. You can make a difference!

The Mission of the Coalition Advocating the Underage Substance Elimination Is to collaboratively promote community awareness of the negative effects of drugs and alcohol among teens through prevention education and adventure-based activities while targeting the reduction of underage drinking and drug use.

Please join us for National Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10:00am – 2:00pm Rock Island Justice Center Silvis Police Department Milan Police Station Moline Police Dept

For more information please contact, Grace Diaz Shirk, Supervisor, South Rock Island Township (309) 788-0496

South Rock Island Assessor’s Office is excited to announce

Taxpayer Informational Seminar

New Property Search Website

Beginning October 1st, 2018, you will be able to search, view and print property

record cards, photo’s and drawings from our new website at www.sritownship.net.

All information is made available under the Freedom of Information Act. Please

note, our friendly staff is still available with any questions you may have.

South Rock Island Assessor’s Office will be hosting a FREE property tax seminar,

available for taxpayers in South Rock Island Township, on October 17th from

1:30-3:30 p.m. and November 7th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Topics we will be discussing are:

* What home improvements will change my assessment? * Exemptions that are available. * Exemptions and how they affect my tax bill. * I am purchasing a new home, please explain how this will affect my exemptions and my future tax bills. * Township factors * Freezing the assessment, not the tax bill Please join us for this free seminar, to be held at South Rock Island Township, 1019 27th Avenue. Any questions, give us a call (309)788-4513.

You, as property owners and taxpayers are not

only our customers but also our employers.

Ours is the FIRST place to come to have the

“system” explained in terms you can understand.

We are the “keeper” of the records. We have pictures and sketches on every property in South Rock Island Township.

Professional assistance with the application of property tax exemptions and GREAT PARKING! Only 10 steps to our door!

Have you heard about the senior freeze— it’s downright cold in here!

Human Voice…human voice. No more “push 1 now…push 2 now!

Dedicated to customer service with a full time Assessor and staff available Monday through Friday.

Several years combined experience of the Assessor and staff in the assessment industry.

Every situation and taxpayer is unique we welcome

the challenge and opportunity to help

New roof, new siding? No Worries! Over 50% of the building permits issued each year does not result in an increase in your assessment.

A special thank you to Katie

Miller for designing and creating

our newsletter!!

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Message from the Township Clerk

Nick Camlin South Rock Island Township

Resident of the Year Nomination Form

I nominate: Name

______________________________________________________

Address

______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip

______________________________________________________

Email address

______________________________________________________

Phone Number

______________________________________________________

Please state why you think the above Individual/Business/Organization should be recognized. Please attach additional information if needed. _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Submitted by: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________________

Email: ____________________________________

Phone ____________________________________

Please identify which Award the nomination is for -

_____ South Rock Island Township Resident of the Year Award

_____ South Rock Island Township Business/Organization of the

Year

_____ South Rock Island Township Young Resident Award

(through the age of 18 years old)

Please submit by December 31st to:

Grace Diaz Shirk South Rock Island Township gshirk@sritownship.net 1019 27th Avenue 309-788-0496 Rock Island, Illinois 61201

As our Annual Town Meeting continues to grow and attract new participants, we want to give young people a special role in this time-honored tradition. I am announcing the creation of an essay contest for high school students who live in South Rock Island Township. The winner of the essay contest will serve as Moderator at the Annual Town Meeting on April 9, 2019. The Moderator presides over the meeting, calls for votes, and signs all documents associated with the meeting. To enter the contest high school students must: 1. Be registered to vote in South Rock Island Township 2. Complete an application form (available online or at the Township Hall) 3. Submit a 500-700 page essay as a letter to all Americans explaining how they can be more involved in government There is no wrong answer to the topic. The point of the essay is to show how many options for participation we have at all levels across many mediums, and to call upon youth to deliver those messages in their uniquely creative ways. Applications and essays are due by Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. They can be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office in person at 1019 27th

Ave. or online at www.SRITownship.net (township information tab)

SRI Township Residents of the Year Awards You are invited to nominate residents for the South Rock Island Township Residents of the Year Awards. The goal of the awards is to recognize outstanding achievement and service during the past year and/or contributions to our Township. The Township would like to recognize and thank those residents, businesses, organizations and youth, who either live, work or give voluntary time and effort for the betterment of South Rock Island Township. Nominations must be received by December 31st of this year. Winners will be announced at the South Rock Island Township meeting held in February. The awards will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting of the following year which is held on the second Tuesday of April. There are 3 award categories– SRI Township Resident of the Year, SRI Township Business/Organization of the Year, and SRI Township Young Resident Award, plus selection criteria to be considered as well as eligibility and application guidelines.

For additional information, a list of nomination criteria, or nomination form, contact South Rock Island Township at (309) 788-0496, or stop by the Township Office during regular hours.

MODERATOR ESSAY CONTEST

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Message from the Township Assessor Ongoing Township Services

Winter Items Needed South Rock Island Township is accepting clean, gently used winter clothing items for our annual distribution of free blankets, coats, boots, and accessories for those in need.

‘Warming & Cooling’ Facility The township serves as both a warming and cooling facility during the winter and summer months. Any resident needing a means of staying warm or cool is welcome. Bring a book, play a game, or relax and watch TV.

Voter Registration Register to vote or change your voter registration address at the township.

Township Directory South Rock Island Township has compiled a handy, easy-to-read directory of all our programs and services available to residents. To obtain a copy, stop in the township during regular business hours or call us at (309) 788-0496 to have a copy mailed to you.

Use of Township Computer Looking for work? Contact the township if you are interested in using one of the computers designated for researching employment opportunities. Features of the computers include Word documents, and use of the internet to search and apply for employment.

Eye Glasses The township continues to be a collection point of used eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club.

Respecting the U.S. Flag The township has volunteered to accept any resident’s worn U.S. flags. The flags will be forwarded to former Trustee Louie Alongi and the Knights of Columbus for proper disposal. Just drop your flags off at the township during regular business hours.

Free Notary A notary is always available at South Rock Island Township free of charge. All documents must be signed in front of the notary, and you must bring 2 forms of ID.

Fan Relief and Umbrella Donations If you have a new or gently used fan or umbrella that you would like to donate for our needy residents, you can drop them off at the township office.

Temporary Handicapped Placards The placard offers parking privileges for those with temporary disabilities. Doctor’s forms and placards are available at the Township. If you wish to obtain a permanent handicapped placard or license plate, you must mail your application to Springfield.

Toiletries Travel size toiletries are available for residents in need. Anyone wishing to donate these items may drop them off at the rear of the Township. A special thank you to all who have donated, and continue to donate!

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Township Assistance/ General township programs

For General and Emergency Assistance: All

individuals and families must come to the township

for a checklist and application, to see if they qualify.

General Assistance (Monthly)

This program provides a basic needs allowance. All

applicants must meet state mandated guidelines, and

participate in the township’s community work program or

employment job search program.

Emergency Assistance

Once in a 12-month period, families with children, may

receive aid to alleviate life threatening circumstances or

to assist in attaining self-sufficiency. Residents must

produce a Late Notice.

Unemployment Bus Tickets (Yearly)

An unemployed resident may receive 20 free bus tickets in a

12-month period. An ID and current piece of mail dated within

the last 30 days for proof of residency is required to obtain

tickets. Junk mail and medical cards will not be accepted as a

valid piece of mail.

Employment Assistance

Newly hired residents may qualify to receive job related

supplies to begin their jobs. Applicants must provide proof of

hire, ID, and the supplies required by the employer

(i.e. uniform, steel toe boots, state ID/driver’s license, etc. ).

Senior Food and Denture Program –

62 and older!

If you’re a South Rock Island resident, are 62 or older, and income

qualify, you may participate in our Senior Food or Denture

Program. Seniors with a maximum income of $1,600 per month

($19,200 yearly) for one person, or a maximum of $2,000

($24,000 yearly) for a two-person household are eligible to apply.

Those that meet all requirements would receive a $25 monthly

gift certificate to Hy-Vee. Under the same eligibility requirements,

the Township has a program for seniors to receive new or re-

placement dentures.

Individuals must not have dental insurance to apply.

To apply you must submit the following:

● Current piece of mail dated within the last 30 days (no junk

mail)

●Current driver’s license or state ID card showing residence in our

Township

● Current Social Security statement

● Current bank statement

● Any other income from pensions or retirements, employment,

or rental properties

● Last years tax return (only if you filed taxes)

No appointment necessary. Come into the Township with your

information, fill out a short application, and see if you qualify!

Chris Elsberg, Agent 855 46

th Ave. Rock Island, IL

61201 309-788-3060

chris.elsberg.caoy@statefarm.com

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FUN AT THE TOWNSHIP

This Easter, staff and a special guest

visited Eugene Field to sing, dance, and

hand out candy to some of the

classes!

For the 2nd time, this summer for 5 weeks, children ages 8-13 got to participate in a

cooking class where they learned how to chop, mix, and cook different meals that

are not only healthy but also delicious! A huge thank you to Brent (Mr. Apple),

helpers, and Illinois Extension for providing this program for our community! We

look forward to working with you guys again on this program! More information

will be in our 2019 Spring/Summer newsletter regarding the Jr. Chef Kids Program

for Summer 2019.(For more pictures see next page)

Each month, our seniors come in and have a good time. They either

listen to a speaker and eat delicious food or play games like BINGO!

To see if you qualify for this program please see page 4 of this newsletter for

the guidelines.

South Rock Island Township will have more spooktacular fun for our South

Rock Island youth. We will be inviting residents to bring their children down

in costume, and they can go from desk to desk playing games and receiving

treats. It will be a safe environment for the children to have all sorts of fun.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you would like to donate candy or costumes for this event, it will be

appreciated. You can drop off at the Township office during business hours.

This will take place from 12:30 to 2:30 on

Wednesday afternoon, October 31st

at the South Rock Island Township at 1019 27th

Avenue. So come and have a spooktacular time!

The staff walking and handing out candy in

this years Labor Day Parade promoting

Township Day!

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FUN AT THE TOWNSHIP

South Rock Island Township always has its doors open to our residents. However, on Saturday, September 15th, we

hosted our Third Annual Township Day. It was an extra special day where we inviting you, our residents to come to

the South Rock Island Township Office (1019 27th Avenue) for food, fun and prizes. Township Day is geared towards

educating all of our community on the various programs and services offered. It also gives us a chance to learn what

other programs you think are needed. Here are some photos of our Township Day this year, which was a wonderful

success.

We were fortunate with some wonderful people and businesses that helped make our day a success. Please take the

time to thank the following if you get the chance for their donations on our special day:

A.D. Huesing

Alleman High School

Arthur’s Garden Deli

Bill & Edna Sowards

Blackhawk Bank & Trust

Chick– Fil– A

Circa 21

Checkers

El Patron

Family Museum

Fareway

FIGGE Art Museum

Gary Porter

Grace & Jerry Shirk

Hardee’s

Huckleberry’s Pizza

Jewel Osco

Jumer’s Casino

Mike & Deb Nesseler

Mulkey’s

Niabi Zoo

Olde Towne Bakery

Putman Museum

Quarter Til

Rent A Center

Rock Island Park & Rec. Dept

Vicki Hess & Denny Anderson

Vincent Family

Unity Point

University of IL. Extension

South Rock Island Township loves supporting our youth!

We donated homecoming and prom dresses, as well as reduced

fare bus tickets, to Rock Island High School to help out

our local students.

If you would like to help with a donation for prizes or a volunteer

to help at the 2019 SRI Township Day, Please contact us at

(309) 788-0496

Jr. Chef Summer Kids Camp

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Happenings at the Township Matter of Balance– New Class for Seniors!!!!!!

We are excited to incite you to be a part of a new class we are making available at the Township. We will be working with the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging in Rock Island to offer this class

on “A Matter of Balance” for FREE! Do you find it hard to get out of a chair? Are you afraid of falling? Would you like to get over your

fear and increase mobility? This class is for you!! 1 in 4 Americans age 65+ fall each year. A fall is the leading cause of all unintentional injury, deaths,

and non-fatal hospital admissions according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This class will be offered from Oct. 15—Nov. 7th from 9:30-11:30 am on

Mondays and Wednesday at the Township. Seats are limited to the first 12 participants.

Please call us soon to reserve a spot at (309) 788-0496!! Please RSVP by Friday, October 12th, 2018

Beginning October 1st, residents may again pick up free leaf bags using the front entrance, at South Rock Island Township - 1019 27th Avenue. (If needed, there is a disabled entrance located at the back of the building.) The Township hours are 9:00 a.m.. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A daily maximum of 20 bags, with a Rock Island ID, will be provided to each resident.

Curbside pickup of leaf bags will be Oct. 8th— Dec. 7th. Please be aware that leaf bags will only be picked up on your regular garbage pickup day. Yard waste stickers are not necessary during this time, due to this being a free program through the City of Rock Island.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the City of Rock Island at 732-2200, or visit them at www.rigov.org.

FREE fall Leaf Bag Distribution Site – Oct. 8th– Dec. 7th

Residents of the Year 2018

This year we honored Jean Whitcomb and Michelle Lillis as our

Residents of the Year for 2018 at our Annual Town Meeting.

Thank you to both wonderful ladys and all

they did for our community and Township!

Another huge thank you to Kaye Whitley for

moderating the Annual Town Meeting and

donating the money she would have gotten,

back to the Township!

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Happenings at the Township

Senior Food Program

This year South Rock Island Township, once again, partnered with the University of Illinois Extension to host 5, hour-long, lessons on Eating Healthy for our local seniors. The dates for the rest of 2018 Senior Food Voucher Pick-up days are as followed: 10/22/2018 11/19/2018 12/10/2018(Christmas Party) For the dates in 2019, please check with the Township Office December 2018. We will have special programs each month for our seniors starting at 10 am! For more information please contact the General Assistance office at (309)788-0496 for more information.

FREE Tuesday Giveaway! South Rock Island Township offers FREE clothing, shoes, personal and household items, as well as toiletries, to those in need. We hold our giveaways every Tuesday morning from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. at the Township, located at 1019 27th Ave., Rock Island. Please enter through the front entrance. If you have gently used items you would like to donate, they may be dropped off at the Township during regular business hours: Monday through Friday 9 am – 12 pm and 1 – 4 pm. Items we cannot/do not accept: Large furniture or appliances, old TV’s and computers, well-worn/tattered (stained, ripped, or torn) clothing, and non-working or “just needs a new part” appliances. It’s by your donations only that we are able to continue this service – Thank you! We would like to extend a special thank you to Patricia Vincent and Vicki Hess for volunteering their time to set up and run the Free Giveaway Program.

This summer we partnered with Rock Island Farm ‘n

Gardens, a ministry of Broadway Presbyterian

Church. This wonderful group kids from all over the

Midwest, planted many different types of fruits,

vegetables, herbs that were all organically grown. All

the plants were then given to the Township to hand

out to our residence to enjoy!

*this program is funded by the Amy Helpenstell

Foundation Fund

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FLU CLINIIC

WOULD YOU LIKE HELP WITH YOUR UTILITY BILL?

PROJECT NOW WILL BE HERE TO FILL OUT ENERGY

ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS

WHEN: October 25, 2018 & December 19th, 2018

WHERE: South Rock Island Township TIME: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

30 DAY GROSS INCOME* (ALL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS) SOCIAL SECURITY CARD(S)

PHOTO ID MEDICAL CARDS

LINK CARD CURRENT UTILITY BILL

*THIS INCLUDES: WAGES (FULL-TIME, PART-TIME OR TEMPORARY), SOCIAL SECURITY/SSI, UNEMPLOYMENT, CHILD SUPPORT, PENSION, TANF, AABD, TOWNSHIP, VA BENEFITS, ALIMONY, RENTAL INCOME, WORKER’S COMPENSATION, ADOPTION SUBSIDY, INCOME & CO-PAY RECEIVED FOR CHILDCARE, & SELF-EMPLOYMENT (LEDGERS, CHECK

STUBS, AND RECEIPTS ARE NEEDED)

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HOUSING OFFICE TO

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

The Rock Island County Health Department is holding a flu clinic for adults at the South Rock Island Township Hall on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 9am- 11am. The flu shot and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccine will be offered. The Whooping Cough vaccine is called Tdap and also includes a tetanus and diphtheria booster. For billing purposes, please bring your insurance card. Medicare Part B will not pay for the Tdap vaccine. For those who are underinsured or uninsured, a program is available to cover the cost of the Tdap if the patient meets the criteria. No South Rock Island Township resident will be turned away if they are unable to pay.

Refreshments will be provided.

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TRY-PLAY (Township Recreational Youth

Assistance Program)

With the 2018 Mid-Term Election fast approaching,

be sure to make it a plan to exercise your right to

vote and make sure your voice is hear. Election Day is

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, and polls will open from 6 am

to 7 pm, but there are many opportunities to cast you

vote early. For all early voting options, please contact

the County Clerks Office at (309) 558-3570

SRI 01,02,15,16: Moose Lodge #190– 4410 9th St.

SRI 03,04,05,14: St. Pius-Farrell Hall– 2502 29th Ave

SRI 06,11,12,13: First Baptist Church– 3020 30th St

SRI 07,08,09,10: Tri City Jewish Center– 2715 30th St

RI Library News

• Petite Picassos

Art and story program for ages 5 and under. Use all your senses during our hands-on are projects. Dress for the messiness! Offered at 1030 am at the following locations each month: 30/31 branch: Oct. 9, Nov 13, Dec. 4 Southwest: Oct 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 12 Downtown: Oct. 26, Nov. 30, Dec. 21

• Toddler Tales

Stories, songs, and a craft on a new theme, ages 5 and under accompanied by parent or caregiver. 10:30 am, following locations: 30/31 branch: Oct. 2,23,30, Nov, 20, 27, Dec. 11, 18 Southwest: Oct. 3, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 28, Dec. 19 Downtown: Nov. 2, 9, Dec. 7 , 14

• Wizards and Wands Interactive Movie Night

We could tell you the movie is based on the book, Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, but then we’d have to lay a Memory Charm on you, and you know how well that worked for Professor Lockhart. Interactive script and kit supplied for children attending. Movie fun for the whole family! Please register with the name of each child attending. Thursday, Dec. 27, 5:30-7:30 pm

For more exciting events and programs, please visit the RI Library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org

You can go to camp, take lessons or classes at the Rock Island

Fitness Center, White Water Junction, the Library, the MLK Center or

the Townships at little or no cost!!!! Our goal is to make sure all of

the youth in our community have the opportunity to be involved in

programs that provide mentoring, character, team building, and

FUN! TRY-PLAY will have limited scholarships and bus passes avail-

able, based on need.

For more information please contact South Rock Island Township at

(309) 788-0496.

2018 VOTING INFORMATION

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Important Phone Numbers

Rock Island County- (309)786-4451 Congresswoman Cheri Bustos- (309)786-3406 Social security- 800-772-1213 Senator Neil Anderson- (309) 736-7084 Representative Michael Halpin- (309)558-3612 State Driver’s License Division- (309) 796-0934

Department of Human Services- (309)794-9530 County Board Chairman- (309)558-3605 Project Now Senior Center- (309)788-6335 Fire Department Non-Emergency- (309)732-2800 Police Department Non-Emergency- (309)732-2677 Department of Revenue- (309) 732-2000

Mayor, Mike Thoms- 732-2012 Ward 1, Ivory Clark- 235-8156 Ward 2, Virgil Mayberry- 428-0090 Ward 3, James Spurgetis- 737-3226

Ward 4, Stephen Tollenaer- 230-5443 Ward 5, Dylan Parker- 738-3416 Ward 6, Joshua Schipp- 428-1011 Ward 7, David Geenen- 738-4569

CURRENT CITY OFFICIALS:

(309) 788-0496-General

Assistance

(309) 788-4513– Assessor HOURS

9 a.m.—Noon &

1 p.m.—4 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Closed weekends & holidays

This is your South Rock Island Township Team

Visit our new and improved website: www.sritownship.net

Thank you to the Augustana Web Guild!

Monthly Township

Board Meetings-

Generally held the LAST MONDAY OF EACH

MONTH AT 5 P.M. in the Town Hall

Here To Serve You! - Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

(Front Row) Katie Miller, Head Caseworker | Pam Hammond, Caseworker |

Grace Diaz Shirk, Supervisor | Patricia Vincent, Clerical |

Nichole Finnie, Assessor | Nicholas Camlin, Town Clerk

(Back Row) Mark Parr Jr., Trustee | Bill Sowards, Trustee |

Wendy MacDonald, Deputy Assessor | Stacie Young, Chief Deputy Assessor |

Chris Elsberg, Trustee | Frank Skafidas, Trustee