TOWNSHIP PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE SHREDDING EVENT THIS FALL! Take this opportunity to purge those unwanted items that are taking up space in your home! Palatine Township, and cosponsors Palatine Lions Club, will host a Shredding Event for Palatine Township residents in the fall. This event is free for residents of Palatine Township. Get further information from our website at PalatineTownship-il.gov. Shredding Day Saturday, August 29, 2020 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Township Parking Lot 721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine Shredding provided by AMS Store and Shred, LLC. There is a limit of 2 boxes of paper. If possible, please bring documents in cardboard boxes or paper bags. When you drive through our lot, please stay in your car and pop open the trunk. Your boxes will be unloaded and your documents will be destroyed with secure cross- cut shredding. When driving to drop off boxes, please keep to the right on Illinois Avenue to allow other traffic to pass. You will only be allowed to enter via Illinois Avenue and exit on Quentin Road. TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE Trustee Bill Pohlman PalatineTownship-il.gov SUMMER 2020 Our motto of People Serving People was put to the test when we encountered the State shutdown. While our building was closed to walk- ins, our offices were open. Our dedicated staff stepped up and not only did their jobs but handled new challenges created by the State shutdown. They responded to phone calls, emails and accepted and distributed many donations that were dropped off for needy families. Our Township continued to assist residents during the crisis. Providing curbside pickup for our outreach and food pantry programs along with accepting new applications via email, phone interviews and Webex calls. During this crisis, we assisted an increasing number of residents that needed assistance. Our bus drivers continued to transport dialysis patients to their critical appointments and, when needed, delivered food pantry packages to shut-ins. We also added a new program in which we reached out to our elderly clients and conducted well-being phone calls. Property Tax appeals could not be addressed in the office so our Assessor’s office became creative in accepting appeals. Forms were left outside of the building for individuals to fill out and leave for our staff to submit. We also started a new program where individuals could submit their appeal to the Township via email. We have processed 1,042 appeals! We were able to help families in our neighborhood that, possibly for the very first time in their lives, reached out for help and were at need. We were able to do so because of the kindness and the incredible generosity of our Township residents. We were astounded by the volume and variety of donations that allowed us to help those in need. Palatine Township is local government that is closest to the people. We provide social services to eight area municipalities, of which the village of Palatine is the largest. We assist low-income residents, seniors and people with disabilities with our food pantry, low-cost transportation, outreach programs, and property tax appeals among other services. Some people think that townships are the same as villages but that is not true. Villages provide services such as utilities and police for the community and townships provide assistance such as our food pantry and transportation, that helps you live successfully within the community.
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T O W N S H I P
PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE
SHREDDING EVENT THIS FALL! Take this opportunity to purge those unwanted items that are taking up space in your home!
Palatine Township, and cosponsors Palatine Lions Club, will host a Shredding Event for Palatine Township residents in the fall. This event is free for residents of Palatine Township. Get further information from our website at PalatineTownship-il.gov.
Shredding Day Saturday, August 29, 2020 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Township Parking Lot 721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine
Shredding provided by AMS Store and Shred, LLC.
There is a limit of 2 boxes of paper. If possible, please bring documents in cardboard boxes or paper bags. When you drive through our lot, please stay in your car and pop open the trunk. Your boxes will be unloaded and your documents will be destroyed with secure cross-cut shredding. When driving to drop off boxes, please keep to the right on Illinois Avenue to allow other traffic to pass. You will only be allowed to enter via Illinois Avenue and exit on Quentin Road.
TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE
Trustee Bill Pohlman
PalatineTownship-il.gov
SUMMER 2020
Our motto of People Serving People was put to the test when we encountered the State shutdown. While our building was closed to walk-ins, our offices were open. Our dedicated staff stepped up and not only did their jobs but handled new challenges created by the State shutdown. They responded to phone calls, emails and accepted and distributed many donations that were dropped off for needy families.
Our Township continued to assist residents during the crisis. Providing curbside pickup for our outreach and food pantry programs along with accepting new applications via email, phone interviews and Webex calls. During this crisis, we assisted an increasing number of residents that needed assistance. Our bus drivers continued to transport dialysis patients to their critical appointments and, when needed, delivered food pantry packages to shut-ins. We also added a new program in which we reached out to our elderly clients and conducted well-being phone calls.
Property Tax appeals could not be addressed in the office so our Assessor’s office became creative in accepting appeals. Forms were left outside of the building for individuals to fill out and leave for our staff to submit. We also started a new program where individuals could submit their appeal to the Township via email. We have processed 1,042 appeals!
We were able to help families in our neighborhood that, possibly for the very first time in their lives, reached out for help and were at need. We were able to do so because of the kindness and the incredible generosity of our Township residents. We were astounded by the volume and variety of donations that allowed us to help those in need.
Palatine Township is local government that is closest to the people. We provide social services to eight area municipalities, of which the village of Palatine is the largest. We assist low-income residents, seniors and people with disabilities with our food pantry, low-cost transportation, outreach programs, and property tax appeals among other services. Some people think that townships are the same as villages but that is not true. Villages provide services such as utilities and police for the community and townships provide assistance such as our food pantry and transportation, that helps you live successfully within the community.
PalatineTownship-il.gov | PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE2
APPLE TREE CAMPAIGN
Palatine Township’s Apple Tree Campaign is launching its 32nd year!! The success of this program is attributed to the overwhelming support and generous donations. Because of you, backpacks full of donated school supplies are provided to underprivileged students so that they can start the school year prepared and ready to learn.
Please bring your donation of new school supplies directly to the Palatine Township. School supply donations may be dropped off during normal business hours at Palatine Township through July 29, 2020. There will be a bin outside to drop off if you are uncomfortable coming inside.
Monetary donations to purchase school supplies are also appreciated. Please make checks payable to Palatine Township Needy Family Fund and mail to Palatine Township, 721 S. Quentin Rd, Suite 101, Palatine, IL 60067. (Please write Apple Tree in the memo part of your check.) You can now donate online to the Apple Tree Campaign by visiting the Palatine Township website Donate page. Designate your donation directly for Apple Tree Program by adding a note to the donation.
School supplies will be distributed July 30, July 31 and August 1, 2020. If you have other questions about the program please contact Lori at [email protected] or Judy at [email protected].
PALATINE TOWNSHIP - A GENEROUS COMMUNITY
The generosity of our Township residents is remarkable. A heartfelt thanks to each individual, family, school, church and business who helped make a difference in the lives of struggling families in our community, especially during the State shutdown.
A special thanks to our anonymous individuals that donated their entire stimulus checks and more. Thank you to Inverness Good Samaritan Fund ($5,000), Allied Air Conditioning & Heating ($5,000), Chicago Bar & Stool ($1,000), Preserve of Palatine Condominium Assn. ($1,000), and Rotary Club of Palatine ($1,000). We’ve also received grants from Northrop Grumman ($2,000), Greater Chicago Food Depository ($1,500) and matching grants through Allstate Insurance and Bank of America.
We also received very generous donations from food drives held by the following companies and individuals: ABC Plumbing and Cooling, Auburn Woods Homeowners Association, District 211 Palatine High School, Girl Scout Troup 41376, Quest Academy, Rolling Meadows Public Works, St. Theresa School students, and the Whytecliff Subdivision. This is in addition to the hundreds of donations we received from individuals and companies that remained anonymous.
Your donations helped us to serve more than 400 families per month!
If you are struggling to provide meals for yourself or your family, please call the Township and make an appointment to sign up for the food pantry which serves anyone in need within the Township.
PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE
We would like to acknowledge an individual that is very special to the Township: Irene. A volunteer and donor, Irene began to bring us much-needed bread and bakery items from the local grocery stores. She goes above and beyond to help not only the Township food pantry, but many other pantries and churches that are feeding needy families during the State shutdown. Our staff looks forward to seeing Irene and hearing all about her adventures around town when she makes deliveries. Thank you Irene. Your good works and kindness does not go unnoticed.
On behalf of the food pantry, we want to extend a special thank you to our co-workers in the Township transportation department for stepping in and helping with pre-packing client selected bags, assisting in curbside pickup, and helping with distributions. We know the State shutdown was hard on everyone, but the Township bus drivers set that aside and all stepped in and worked very diligently in our department. They worked very hard at a job that wasn’t theirs. The entire Township staff all helped us to adapt to the changes and the new procedures with curbside pickup. We in the food pantry
wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate all you do for us.
Palatine Township is also fortunate to have a dedicated volunteer who is our designated gardener: Jim. This is the second year that Jim has devoted his time and talent to grow fresh produce for our food pantry. In early 2020, and despite the State shutdown, Jim prepared and planted the food pantry garden. He has been hard are work planting, tomatoes, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, peppers and strawberries.
Our volunteers continue to do good things in their communities and we are very grateful for Jim and his dedication to the food pantry garden.
We also ask you if you have a summer backyard garden please consider donating a portion to the food pantry. Fresh produce is most costly, and a great way to get healthy options to our clients. These donations are greatly appreciated. We are here on Mondays and Thursdays to accept these donations.
FOOD PANTRY EXTENDS SPECIAL THANK YOUS!
OUTREACH CALENDAR OF EVENTS Look in the newsletter for more details!
JULY
30-31 Apple Tree Distribution
AUGUST
1 Apple Tree Distribution
29 Shredding Event at the Township
SEPTEMBER
4 ½ day Closed for Labor Day
5 Closed for Labor Day
7 Adopt A Family Donor Registration Begins
NOVEMBER
2 Angel Trees Arrive
11 Veterans Day – Township Closed
12-19 Thanksgiving Baskets Due at Township
26-28 Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
PalatineTownship-il.gov | PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE 3
TOWNSHIP IN ACTION TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us at the Transportation Department.
We ask that you please:
• Use all mobility assistance tools (walkers, chairs, canes, etc.)
• Wear masks and maintain recommended social distancing.
• Carry and use disinfectant wipes whenever possible.
Please be aware that in response to the State shutdown, our service was limited by the State government to medical appointments. This included dialysis, therapy, doctor visits, and medicine pick up. Since the beginning of Phase 3 of recovery, we have begun transporting clients to hairdressers and barbers. We are looking forward to returning to our regular destinations when we enter Phase 5.
Also, ride reservations should be made daily between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Please be sure to call to verify pick up appointment between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on the day before your trip.
If you have interest in a particular destination that you would like to suggest, please contact the Transportation Department at 847-358-6907.
GENERAL ASSISTANCE ACCOMMODATIONSIf you or someone you know have been affected by the State shutdown directly or indirectly, please call our General Assistance Office at 847-358-6110 to see how we can assist. We evaluate on a case-by-case basis and if we are unable to assist, referrals are always offered to clients to agencies who may better assist them.
During this time, there were many questions, and a frequent question was about Mortgage Forbearance. Forbearance is not forgiveness. Mortgage Forbearance is a program that allows borrowers to temporarily stop or pause monthly payments, or have a lower payment. This was extremely helpful for many homeowners during the pandemic, but there are many factors to consider. Forbearance is based on case-by-case situations, and depends on the lender, what type of loan you have, and payment options. Something to be aware of is that interest on the loan amount continues to accrue, and you are required to pay the loan back. There are many payment options to consider. Your best bet is to speak to your lender. For general information, a good source is Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. For additional information go to their website at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-forbearance-en-289/
SERVICES AT A GLANCE
Administrative Office
847-358-6700
Temporary disabled parking placards
RTA senior reduced fare applications
Voter registration
Free notary public service
Township maps
Assessor’s Office
847-358-6164
Explanation of property assessment and
tax bill
Property tax exemption applications
Property tax appeal forms
Zoning variances
General Assistance
847-358-6110
(for those in need)
Access to Care
Career Resources
Emergency Assistance
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Food Pantry
Mobile Dental Clinic
Road District
847-358-6336
Road and bridge maintenance for
unincorporated Palatine Township
Transportation Services
847-358-6907
Rides for seniors and disabled
Veterans
Vet Center Counselor
847-980-1827
Veterans Service Officer
847-485-2772
PalatineTownship-il.gov | PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE4
DONATIONS OF AT LEAST $1,000 1/2/20 TO 3/21/20
NEEDY FAMILY FUND DONATIONS Anonymous $3,000Anonymous $1,000Experian $1,000Anonymous $6,000Anonymous $6,000Anonymous $5,000Anonymous $5,000Anonymous $5,000Anonymous $5,000Anonymous $2,800Anonymous $1,500Anonymous $1,500Anonymous $1,500Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Chicago Bar & Stool $1,000
Total $53,300
DONATIONS OF AT LEAST $1,000 3/22/20 TO 5/31/20
FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS Anonymous $5,000Inverness Good Samaritan Fund $5,000Anonymous $2,400Anonymous $2,400Anonymous $2,000Northrop Grumman (Grant) $2,000Greater Chicago Food Depository $1,500Anonymous $1,200Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Preserve of Palatine Condominium Assoc. (Fundraiser) $1,000Rotary Club of Palatine $1,000
Total $26,500
PAYPAL DONATIONS3/22/20 TO 5/31/20Dedicated to disaster assistance Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Corp $5,000Anonymous $1,200Anonymous $1,200Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000Anonymous $1,000
Total $14,400
Total thru 5/31/2020 $94,200
Palatine Township reached out to our elderly clients with well-being phone calls.
MaryAnn: Wonderful services offered at the Township. Just excellent. Thanks for calling. So happy someone cares enough to check on us.
Syed: I take the bus for dialysis and I like the service a lot.
Anonymous: Growing old is not for sissies. I think that 2 drinks at end of day is very helpful.
Sandra: Township just great for me. The Assessor’s office and the front desk have all the answers when I call. Thanks to the Township for helping me when I needed it.
Evelyn: I came to the Township recently to sign up for the food pantry. I had a fun talk with Jerald. He is just great!
Lenore: I like the taxi service. Assessors also help me. I have come to the Township for the notary service.
Veronica: My two sons help get groceries. I just love all the bus drivers. Andy was so kind and compassionate. He made sure everyone was comfortable in his bus.
CONNECTING WITH RESIDENTS
SAFELY PROVIDING SERVICES TO TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS!
Easter Basket Distribution!Safe curbside pick-up for our Easter Basket program.
Food Pantry Distribution!Preparing and distributing food in the curbside pickup for food pantry clients.
PalatineTownship-il.gov | PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE 5
DONATIONS TO THE TOWNSHIP:
Thank you to Jess Streepy, who made and sold facemasks. She generously used the money from the sale of masks to buy groceries for the Palatine food pantry.
Thank you to Susan, Mithya and Sukanya at Frontline Fabric Masks for donating masks which were distributed to food pantry clients.
Thank you to St. Theresa School’s “Angels Among Us” food drive for the very generous donation. We received carloads of food!
Cost Plus World Market in Deer Park donated multiple boxes of Easter treats to help the Township pack and provide needy children with Easter Baskets.
Auburn Woods Homeowners Association generous donation.
Quest Academy “Care Packages” of toilet paper, paper products, hand sanitizer and soap. Were generously donated to the food pantry.
We received many pallets of food from the “Fill-A-Truck Food Drive.” Thank you to the city of Rolling Meadows and their Public Works Department!
Thank you to Shruti Agarwal and family for 40 decorated bags of snack packs. They were given as treats for food pantry families with children.
Thank you to the anonymous donor who generously donated masks to the food pantry which were shared with clients!
Thank you to Brownie Troop #45781 for your donation of Girl Scout cookies to our food pantry families.
Thank you to Girl Scout Troop for their donation of $600! They are truly a reflection of the spirit of Palatine!
This is only a small representation of the donations we received.
PalatineTownship-il.gov | PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE6
PALATINE TOWNSHIP
ROAD DISTRICTAaron Del Mar, Highway Commissioner
FROM THE DESK OF COMMISSIONER DEL MARIn response to the State shutdown Palatine Township Road District (PTRD) shall remained open and staffed to serve the community’s infrastructure needs. We have informed the employees that everyone has a role to play in staying healthy and like the rest of the world; we have implemented procedures in line with the CDC recommendations. We have discussed and cooperated with the Village of Palatine to share administration knowledge and maintenance work force in case of absences, quarantines, or direct closures. Additionally, we have expanded the radius of support by joining the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN). This will allow PTRD to reach to other public work agencies during emergencies for aid and to provide aid. These are truly unprecedented times and with patience, consideration and understanding, we will continue to work through this situation together.
We began our annual yard waste collection for the unincorporated areas in April and will continue through the Thanksgiving week. The yard waste is processed and allowed to age for a year, turned, and watered to aid the aerobic breakdown of the organic material into compost. Once the compost has been cooled, we make it available for free at the Townhall, corner of Quentin and Illinois, and at the material yard on Smith Street. Although we quickly ran out of material this spring, we will have more material ready for the autumn months. Keep your eyes open to the stockpiles as this product does move quickly and there is a limited supply. During late April and early May we organized, accepted, and opened bid documents for a two-year contract of delivered bulk treated rock salt to be used for snow and ice control operations during the upcoming winter seasons. Once again, we worked together with the Village of Inverness to combine our quantities to realize the lowest, responsible unit price. In late May, we collected over 400 tires from the residents of Palatine Township. The collection days prevent tires from being “fly dumped” on the side of the road, in open areas and in ditches and creeks where they can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, unsightly
landscape, mowing problems, not to mention flooding concerns during the summer months.
Currently, we are in the process of coordinating, bidding, and scheduling the resurfacing of the southern roadways within the Plum Grove Estates Subdivision. During the year before the paving project, we will survey the roadways for drainage concerns and will work to make any corrections needed to ensure positive drainage. Storm water drainage is a key component to the design, function and longevity of the roadway pavement. To protect our roadway, it is necessary to have the correct drainage. Once the improvements have been made, we will return to install new high intensity prismatic traffic signs to provide better retro-reflectivity of sight. Additionally, street name signs will be updated according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Finally, to keep our roadways fully maintained and functional, permits are necessary for any home or driveway improvement. Permits are free of charge and easy to complete. We use the permits, certificate of insurance and surety bond to document contractors and hold them accountable for any accidental damage that may occur within the roadway right of way.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, concerns or need any additional information regarding our services please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Aaron Del MarHighway Commisioner
PalatineTownship-il.gov | PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE 7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR PALATINE TOWNSHIP FUNDED AGENCIESPalatine Township supports specific programs at twenty-nine local social service agencies that provide vital human services to Township residents. Here are fundraisers for some of those social service agencies.
THE BRIDGE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Bridgeyouth.org
Golf Fore Youth Fundraiser
August 17, 2020
Check the website for more information
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholiccharities.net
2020 Golf Invitational
July 22, 2020
Check the website for more information
CLEARBROOK
Clearbrook.org
Clearbrook Challenge Golf Tournament
August 10, 2020
Check the website for more information
LITTLE CITY
Littlecity.org
57th Annual Little City Invitational
September 24, 2020
Check the website for more information
RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY LIVING Rescoliv.orgRace for Independence Derby GalaSeptember 18, 2020Check the website for more information
SHELTER, INCShelter-inc.org
16th Annual Michael Portelli Memorial Golf OutingSeptember 23, 2020Check the website for more information
SPECIAL GIFTS THEATRESpecialgiftstheatre.org
Special Gifts Theatre 5k Run/3k WalkOctober 4, 2020Check the website for more information
SPECIAL LEISURE SERVICES FOUNDATION Slsf.mePalatine Hills Golf ClassicAugust 13, 2020Check the website for more information
WINGS wingsprogram.com20th Annual Purple Tie BallOctober 3, 2020Check the website for more information
During the State of Illinois shutdown, all Palatine Township Employees jumped into action and assisted everywhere needed. Andy Ostrowski, a loved Transportation Driver, was one of those. Andy was fantastic! He always wore a smile and was always counted on to tell a good joke. He made friends fast at the Township with both co-workers and clients. He was caring to every person he came into contact with.
The morning of May 6, we received the horrible news Andy had passed away overnight from a heart condition. We were all shocked and devastated by his loss.
Andrew is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ellen (nee Martinez), his children Jennifer and Mark (Missy); his grandchildren, Alice, Anchor, Arrow, and Archie; his mother Krystyna Ostrowski; his sister Violet Filipiak and his brother Christopher Ostrowski.
Andy, we will never forget you and will always miss you. Thank you for bringing sunshine to each day. Godspeed.
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Palatine Township Report, Inc.721 South Quentin Road, Suite 101Palatine, Illinois 60067-6778
Nonprofit Org.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPermit No. 2851
Palatine,IL
LETTER FROM THE SUPERVISOR
This has been a difficult year for everyone with many changes. There is not a person in the world who has not been affected by this year’s pandemic. Many have lost their jobs and some have lost their family. The inability to comfort a loved one in their last hour, will have an impact on family for years to come. Be kind to those who have had losses, they will need your support.
The Township has had a significant increase in requests for financial assistance since the state shut down, and expect many more in the next year. We have been overwhelmed by the response of residents. The compassion our own community has shown in food and household good donations and cash, is something we can all be proud of. Palatine Township is “People Helping People.”
The Township and it’s amazing employees never stopped. All staff stepped up to continue providing services without complaint or hesitation. We continued to provide financial aid to all who needed, energy assistance, processing property tax exemptions, notary services, transportation to medical appointments and other crucial locations, and even continued our “choice” food pantry by providing check lists for the residents to choose what they needed. Without everyone helping each other, no matter what their job description, it could not have been done. We have some of the best and dedicated employees in the world, and the residents of the Township, are lucky to have them.
As I write this article, the Township building is open. When I became Supervisor almost eight years ago, I had changed many bathroom features to be automatic including faucets, paper towels, and soap. I also added hand sanitizer stands all through the building. When the Township was closed, we added webcams for staff to be able to assist where visual contact was required. Last month, we have added Plexiglas shields to the desks and counters. Because we had already had many precautions in place, the Township was easily able to transition and continue to provide its services without disruption.
Today, with more provisions, residents can be assured every step has been made to allow individuals comfort to come in. Palatine Township recognizes there are medical reasons individuals cannot wear a mask. Those individuals continue to be welcome in for services without fear of “mask shaming,” bullying, threatened or unlawfully inquired to disclose medical information, as I have personally witnessed by shameful members of the public. I ask anyone who enters the Township, to be sure they are in good health, wash hands or use sanitizer stands frequently, practice social distancing, and above all, respect others. America has survived much worse, and we will this too.
