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Vol. 34, No. 2 - Mar/Apr 2012D-Tales Your Municipal News Source Vol. 34, No. 2March/April 2012 Village of Deerfield 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 847/945.5000 Visit us online at www.deerfield.il.us Meeting Schedule Meeting times/dates subject to change. For a complete list of meetings visit, www.deerfield.il.us March Family Days Commission March 5, 4:00 p.m. Board of Trustees March 5 & 19, 7:30 p.m. Village Center Development Comm. March 7, 7:30 p.m. Sustainability Commission March 8, 7:00 p.m. Plan Commission March 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m. Appearance Review Commission March 19, 7:30 p.m. April Family Days Commission April 2, 4:00 p.m. Fine Arts Commission April 2, 6:00 p.m. Board of Trustees April 2 & 16, 7:30 p.m. Village Center Development Comm. April 4, 7:30 p.m. Sustainability Commission April 12, 7:00 p.m. Plan Commission April 12 & 26, 7:30 p.m. Appearance Review Commission April 23, 7:30 p.m. check it out! Page 2: • Voting Precinct Map Page 3: • Alternative Electricity Continued Page 4 & 5: • Electrical Aggregation Program FAQ Page 7: • Disabled Parking Regulations Page 8: • Deerfield Park Foundation Scholarship Page 9: • Senior/Disabled Transportation Services Alternative Residential Electricity Supply Services Referendum Question on March 20, 2012 Ballot On December 5, the Village Board approved a resolution to authorize placement of a referendum regarding an opt-out electricity aggregation program on the March 20, 2012, primary election ballot. Voters will be asked if the Village should be given the authority to seek competitive pricing bids for electricity services and to enter into a single contract that would include residents and small businesses if lower electric bills can be realized. The Village is a member of the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium, a group of eight north suburban municipalities working together to identify potential electricity cost savings. The other members of the Consortium are Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Park Ridge and Skokie. Collectively, the Consortium’s members will collaborate for the duration of the bidding process and seek prices for the aggregated electricity load of the municipalities that approve the referendum. If the referendum is approved in Deerfield, the Village will proceed with the bid solicitation process, even if the referendum is not approved by the voters of any of the other Consortium members. If the referendum is approved in March, bids will be solicited for the Consortium’s aggregated electricity load. The Consortium intends to seek proposed pricing for one-, two- and three-year terms. The bids will be compared to ComEd’s current rates, and the Village only intends to approve a bid that will result in lower electricity prices than current ComEd rates. Continued on Page 3 Primary ELection is March 20: Vote for Candidates for president, congress, state and local legislators Voter Registration You may register to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years old at the time of the next election, and a resident of Lake County for 30 days prior to the election. Your registration must reflect your current, permanent address. If you have moved, even just across the street, make sure to re-register to vote. Grace Period Registration If you missed the February 21 registration deadline, or have changed your name or address and have not updated your information with the Lake County Clerk’s office by the close of registration, you may still register in person at the County Clerk’s Office through March 13 and vote at the time of your registration. Two forms of ID are required, one of which must show your current address. Continued on Page 2 Page 2 villageNEWS Certificates of Voter Registration Often called “Voter ID” or “Registration Cards”, Certificates of Voter Registration were mailed to all registered Lake County voters in September, 2011. These reflect new precinct boundaries and polling places and list Federal, State and County districts. Your new card also includes a QR code to link smart devices directly to the Lake County Voter Power web page for elec- tion information. If you misplaced or did not receive your card, contact the County Clerk’s office by email at VoterRegistration@ lakecountyil.gov, or call 847/377.2410 voting by mail: february 9 - march 15 Any registered voter may choose to receive a ballot by mail. To request an application for a ballot, complete the online one-time request at www.countyclerk.lakecountyil.gov, contact the County Clerk’s office by email at VotingByMail@lakecountyil.gov, or call 847/377.2406. Applications for a ballot by mail cannot be requested any later than March 15 for the upcoming primary. If you receive a ballot by mail, you may not cast a ballot on Election Day. Early Voting: february 27 - march 15 Any registered voter may opt to vote early and will be required to present valid, government-issued ID containing their photograph when voting. Residents of West Deerfield Township have several early voting sites which will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Early voting ends March 15 (Thursday before Election Day). To find your early voting site, go to www.LakeVoterPower.info, or call 847/377.2410. Please note: Not all West Deerfield Township residents will use the Township Office as their early voting site. pre-election day voting: march 16 - march 19 • Hours for Friday, March 16 and Monday, March 19: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Hours for Saturday, March 17: 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. elections continued Continued from Page 1 Election day In-Person Voting: March 20 Find your polling site on your Certificate of Voter Registration, visit www.LakeVoterPower. info, or call the West Deerfield Township at 847/945.0614 important 2012 election dates: • Grace Period registration at the County Clerk’s Office: Feb. 22 - March 13 • Voting by mail: Feb. 9 - March 15 • Early Voting: Feb. 27 - March 15 • Pre-Election Day Voting: March 16-19 • General Primary: March 20 • Voter Registration Reopens: March 22 • General Election: November 6 To find your polling site visit, www. LakeVoterPower.info For a map of all voting precincts in West Deerfield Township visit, http://gis2.co.lake.il.us/output/districtmaps/ twppcts/wdflpcts.pdf For a map of all voting precincts in Moraine Township visit, http://www.morainetownship.org/ MorTwpPrecincts_b_w.jpg e Precinct 391 Congregation B’Nai Tikvah 1558 Wilmot Road Precinct 392 Deerfield Village Hall 850 Waukegan Road Precinct 393 St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 815 Wilmot Road Precinct 394 St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 815 Wilmot Road Precinct 395 Deerfield Village Hall 850 Waukegan Road Precinct 396 Deerspring Pool 200 Deerfield Road Precinct 397 Deerspring Pool 200 Deerfield Road Precinct 398 St Gregory’s Episcopal Church 815 Wilmot Road Precinct 399 Patty Turner Center 375 Elm Street Precinct 400 Patty Turner Center 375 Elm Street Precinct 401 Patty Turner Center 375 Elm Street Precinct 402 Patty Turner Center 375 Elm Street Precinct 218 (Moraine Township) Red Oak School 530 Red Oak Lane, Highland Park Page 3 fire hydrant flushing Beginning the week of April 23, and finishing on or about May 4, Deerfield Public Works will flush all fire hydrants in the Village of Deerfield to make sure they are in good working order in case of emergencies and to help flush sediment out of the distri- bution system. Signs will be posted in each area before flushing begins. Flushing will be done between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Do NOT do laundry on the day hydrants are flushed in your area. Flushing stirs up rust that can enter washing machines. Also, if there is any discoloration in your faucet water, let it run for a few minutes, preferably from the tub spout, and it will clear up. The water is safe to drink at all times. If you have any questions, please call the Village of Deerfield Water Department at 847/307.7245 (M-F 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) or email publicworks@deerfield.il.us e publicWORKSvillageNEWS Alternative Residential Electricity Continued Continued from Page 1 Approval of the referendum does not obligate the Village to implement an opt-out electricity aggregation program. If a program is implemented, all residential and small commercial retail customer accounts will automatically be moved to the new supplier; however, information will be mailed in advance of the change to residents and commercial retail customers who may choose to opt-out of having their account transferred to another supplier and prefer to remain with ComEd. Please note that, under an opt-out electricity aggregation program, ComEd will remain the distributor of electricity in the Village; the selected alternative supplier will merely generate the electricity provided and deliver it to ComEd for distribution. Additionally, customers will continue to receive electricity bills from ComEd. Likewise, ComEd will remain responsible for all distribution system issues, including power outages. On August 10, 2009, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 96-176, amending the Illinois Power Agency Act to allow municipalities to arrange for the provision of electricity to residential and small commercial retail customers by alternative electric suppliers (instead of ComEd). Under the new law, a municipality may seek bids for the provision of aggregate electricity supply services to residential and small commercial customers, in hopes that the selected rate will be lower than the standard rate offered by ComEd. The legislation contemplates an “opt-out” program in which all residential and small commercial retail customers would be switched automatically to the alternative supplier selected by the Village, unless a customer affirmatively opts out of the program and continues service through ComEd or another provider. However, in order to seek competitive prices for an opt-out electricity aggregation program, the Village must first obtain approval from residents through a referendum. See page 5 for a full list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions about this program, contact Assistant to the Village Manager, Jenny Maltas at 847/719.7403 or email jmaltas@deerfield.il.us e Dine Out In Deerfield is On Facebook Visit www.facebook.com/ DineOutInDeerfield and receive Deerfield restaurant specials and coupons. For more information visit the Deerfield- Bannockburn-Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce website at www.dbrchamber. com, or call 847/945.4660 e Downspout and Sump Pump Connections Spring is on the way and now is the time to start thinking about stormwater run-off. In Deerfield, many homeowners have downspouts that go directlty down and the water is eventually circulated away from the home by a sump pump. Do you know where your sump pump discharges? Sump pump installations should be connected to the public storm sewer system or flow into your yard. If sump pumps are not connected to the storm sewer or discharging overland, they are connected the sanitary sewer. Discharging stormwater to the sanitary sewer is a violation of Village Code. All water in the sanitary sewer ends up at the Village’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) for treatment. Stormwater is clean water and should not have to be treated at the WRF. Steps should be taken to re-direct all rain water away from the sanitary sewer. If you are uncertain of how your systems are connected please call a plumber or the Public Works Department at 847/317.7245 (7:00a.m. -3:30 p.m.) or email publicworks@deerfield.il.us for an in-home appointment. For more information refer to the Village’s Municipal Code at www.deerfield.il.us e Page 4 boardREPORT communityCALENDAR deerfield park district Kid’s Flea Market, March 3 Casimir Pulaski Day - School’s Out Program, March 5 Golf Lottery at Deerfield Golf Club and Learning Center, March 7 Mom/Son Activity Night at Jewett Park Community Center, March 9 Theater D Performance at Patty Turner Center, March 9-11 & 16-18 Spring Flings at Jewett Park Community Center, March 26-30 Spring Break Sports Camps at Sachs Recre- ation Center, March 26-30 ThorGuard Lightning Prediction System Test, (Monthly) 1st Tuesday, April - November Half Day Happening at Jewett Park Community Center, April 5 Preschool Spring Sing at Jewett Park Community Center, April 17 & 18 Art Show at Patty Turner Center, April 22 Register now - Deer Dash: 5k, 10k, 1-mile Fun Run (ages 8+), May 6 For more information or to register for Park District programs, call 847/945.0650, or visit www.deerfieldparkdistrict.org deerfield public library The Deerfield Public Library will open at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23; be closed all day Sunday, April 8; open at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24. The Deerfield Library Board meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Special Board meetings primarily related to the renovation project are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The Library will be closed most of the month of May and reopen at its temporary site in Cadwell’s Corners in early June. Visit the Library’s website and Facebook page for more information. Adult Programs: The Submission by Amy Waldmen, April 12, 10:30 a.m. at PTC The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman, April 19, 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Good- man, May 10, 10:30 a.m. at PTC Children Programs: Preschool Pals - Threes, March 12, 19 & April 2, 9 Preschool Pals - Fours and Fives, March 12, 19 & April 2, 9 or March 14, 21 & April 4, 11 Fun for Ones, March 13, 20 & April 3, 10 Time for Twos, March 15, 22 & April 5, 12 Preschool Pals - Threes, March 12, 19 & April 2, 9 After School Stories, March 15, 22 & April 5, 12 Baby Lapsit, April 13 & 27 Sensory Storytime: Stories and Emergent Literacy Activities for Children with Special Needs, March 17 & 24 Annual Bookmark Contest, March 5 through April 9 Preschool through 8th Grade Family Times, Saturday, March 3 through April 28 All ages, plus parent or caregiver No pre-registration required Note: Please register in advance for all programs by calling 847/945.3311. For more information and a full listing of events, please visit the library on the web at www. deerfieldlibrary.org west deerfield township Township Board meetings will be held March 20 and April 10 at the Township Offices, 601 Deerfield Road. The Annual Town Meeting will be held April 10 prior to the Board meeting. The following is a synopsis of actions taken by the Village Board since the last issue of D-Tales. For complete sets of minutes from Village Board meetings or to watch meetings on-demand, please visit the Village’s website at www.deerfield.il.us. village board action Approved ordinance abating a portion of the 2011 tax levy requirements for the series 2010 general obligation bonds Approved ordinance abating all of the 2011 tax levy requirements for the series 2008 general obligation bonds Approved ordinance abating a portion of the 2011 tax levy requirements for the series 2011A general obligation bonds Authorized agreement with SAC Wireless for Village Hall monopole maintenance Authorized engineering design services for the improvements to Pfingsten Road Lift Station Appointed Susan Wexler as Chairperson of the Manpower Commission Approved ordinance amending Section 12-18 (Residential Waste Collection) of the Deerfield Municipal Code Approved ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Deerfield to authorize a child enrichment center as a Special Use in the R-1 Single Family Residence District Approved ordinance authorizing a Special Use for a child enrichment center at 445 Pine Street (Starland) Authorized the issuance of general obligation bonds of 2012 of the Village of Deerfield Adopted 2012 MFT Street Rehabilitation Project Authorized the purchase of two vehicles for the Deerfield Police Department Approved ordinance for the filiing of a tentative annual budget of the Village of Deerfield and for public inspection and hearing thereon Conducted public hearing to consider a proposed Plan of Operation and Governance for the Village’s residential and small commercial retail electricity aggregation program Approved ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Deerfield for alternative energy, including wind, solar and geothermal energy systems awards and proclamations Presented the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Award to Finance Director Fialkowski Presented Officer Pettorelli, Officer Kupsak, Sergeant McCowan and Sergeant Annen with a Life Saving commendation Congratulated the members of Hadassah on the occassion of the organization’s 100th anniversary Page 5 villageNEWS North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium Electrical Aggregation Frequently Asked Questions: Referendum Question on the March 20, 2012 Ballot In December 2011, the Village Board approved Resolution R-11-14 authorizing that a question regarding electrical aggregation be placed on the March 20, 2012 election ballot. This question is as follows: “Shall The Village of Deerfield have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such a program?” As a homeowner or small business owner, you may be wondering what this question means and how it may or may not impact you. Below are several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will help you better understand electrical aggregation and what it means for consumers. 1. What is electrical aggregation? On August 10, 2009, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 096-0176 which allows municipalities to arrange for the provision of electricity to residential and small commercial retail customers by alternative electric suppliers (i.e. suppliers other than ComEd). Un- der the new law, the Village may seek bids for the provision of aggregate electricity supply services to these customers, in hopes that the selected rate will be lower than the standard rate offered by ComEd. Electric aggregation combines the retail electric loads of customers, in this case with thousands of customers from eight communities. By combining the electrical loads, the community can leverage the buying power of thousands of residents and small businesses. 2. What is the referendum on the March 20, 2012 election ballot? As indicated above, voters will be asked whether the Village of Deerfield should have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such a program. Should the referendum pass, the Village will then seek competitive bids utilizing the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium (a joint purchasing cooperative consisting of eight communities: Deerfield, along with Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Park Ridge, Northbrook and Skokie) in an effort to obtain bids that would secure a lower electrical rate for residents and small commercial users. Once bids are received and it is determined that savings can be realized for consumers, a contract will be negotiated to lock in the rate. Once the contract is approved, the Village will work with ComEd and the new provider to ensure that all individuals eligible for the new rate are automatically transferred to the new supplier unless they have previously opted out. If the referendum does not pass, the Village of Deefield will not be able to participate in the Consortium’s joint purchase. 3. When would the Village seek competitive bids? If the referendum passes, the Village, along with the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium, will seek competitive bids in the spring of 2012. It is expected that the new rate would be effective during early to mid-summer, 2012. 4. Will there be a public information process? The Village will provide information regarding both the referendum and, if the referendum is approved, the bidding process, through its normal communication outlets including the Village’s website and the D-Tales newsletter. In addition, the Village is required to host two public hearings as a component of the bidding process. A public hearings was held in Deerfield on February 21 and a second hearing will be held March 5 as a part of the regular Board of Trustees meeting. 5. Are all residential units in the community eligible? All residential customers would be eligible (except those receiving ComEd’s Residential Space Heat Rate – see question 8 below; those participating in hourly pricing programs; and those with existing supply contracts with an alternative supplier) unless they choose to opt out of the Village’s bidding process. Continued on page 6 Page 6 villageNEWS Continued from Page 4 6. I have a small business - does this impact me? It may. The Act designates that residents and small commercial retailers are eligible for aggregation. Small commercial retail customers have been defined as having a peak demand of less than 100 kW. 7. What if I have already switched to a new provider prior to the Village seeking bids? A number of electricity providers have been soliciting individual customers regarding opting out of ComEd’s rate on an individual basis. If you already have done so, you have likely been locked into a rate and into a contract with that provider. Should the Village bidding process realize lower rates than you have through your own provider, you will still be able to opt-in to the Village’s competitively bid rate, but only within the structure of the existing contract with your provider. You should check with your provider to better understand any restrictions or policies that might apply. 8. What if residents/small businesses do not want to participate in the Village’s rate? Residents and small businesses may “opt-out” of the program if the referendum is passed. Before the aggregation program begins, all residents and small businesses would receive an opt-out notice in the mail from the Village and be given a date by which they must return the opt-out notice or call a number to request to be opted-out of the program. Additionally, ComEd will contact residents to ensure that they intend to allow their accounts to be enrolled in the program. Residents using a third party supplier or residents moving to Deerfield from outside the community would not be automatically included; they would have to “opt-in”. 9. I live in a building that currently receives ComEd’s Residential Space Heat Rate. Will the Consortium’s joint bid process impact me? No, residents of buildings currently receiving the Residential Space Heat Rate will not participate in the joint bid due to the fact that the Residential Space Heat Rate is heavily subsidized by ComEd and likely lower than the joint bid rate. Check your bill to determine if this impacts you. 10. What component of the electrical bill will aggregation effect? Aggregation addresses only one of the three components of an electricity bill. The three components are supply (where the power comes from), transmission (getting the supply from its point of origin or from the high voltage grid), and distribution (getting the electricity from the substation to the consumer’s meter). Aggregation concerns only the supply component, which is typically at least 50% of the electricity bill. The transmission and distribution parts of the bill will be unaffected by aggregation. 11. Will there be any difference or disruption in service because of aggregation? No, there will be no disruption in service. The only difference will be that the energy received will be from a different supplier at lower, more stable rates. ComEd would continue to deliver energy to homes and businesses. Residents and businesses would also continue to receive a ComEd bill and utilize ComEd payment options such as Budget Billing and Automatic Payment. Any outages or requests for service would continue to be directed to ComEd. 12. What if my power goes out - who should I call? ComEd is responsible for ensuring that electricity flows through its distribution network to all homes and businesses in Deerfield. Aggre- gation would not change how ComEd responds to outages. Outages should still be reported to 1-800-EDISON-1. 13. Will there be a “green energy” component to the newly bid rate? All bidders will have to provide at least 7% of cleanly produced energy to comply with 2012-2013 Renewable Portfolio Standards. The re- quest for proposals that the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium communities will solicit offers for higher levels of less pollut- ing energy sources, up to 100%, and the cost associated with those higher levels. If the Referendum passes, and a contract is brought to the Village Board for approval, the Board will determine what percentage of less polluting energy and the associated rate that will be provided to the community. 14. ComEd has indicated that it will be making system improvements to deal with reliability. Does this change any of those commitments? No, this process does not impact ComEd’s commitments to the Village to improve its system and to deal with reliability issues. For more information, please contact Assistant to the Village Manager, Jenny Maltas at (847) 719.7403 or jmaltas@deerfield.il.us e Page 7 policeDEPARTMENT 4. When are sirens tested? Sirens are tested the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. 5. Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal? People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm. 6. Will the sirens warn me of every dangerous storm? The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, a NOAA Weather Radio, and local media. For more information regarding the outdoor warning system please contact the Deerfield Police Department at 847/945.8636 e National Telecommunicators Week: April 8 - 14, 2012 Each year, the second week of April is dedi- cated to the men and women who serve as Telecommunication Officers. In October, 1991 Congress made a formal Proclama- tion to recognize this week as National Telecommunicators Week. Deerfield has 7 full-time and 2 part-time telecommunicators. Telecommunicators serve as an indispensable link between the officers and the public, as well as a vital support service in the public safety community. They provide radio, telephone and computer services with dedication and professionalism. They are the first point of contact with the public’s plea for assis- tance. While one call may be just a request with a simple answer, the next call may be the most extreme emergency anyone could imagine. On every call they must be prepared for the unexpected. It takes a special type of person to remain calm when speaking to a screaming mother whose child is hurt, a police officer or fire fighter that is calling for assistance, or when someone that they know is on the other end of the emergency call. The Deerfield Telecommunicators are proud to serve the Deerfield community and thank you for the opportunity to make a difference each and every day. e Disabled Parking The fraudulent use of disability license plates and parking placards is a matter that the Deerfield Police Department takes very seriously. The parking program for persons with disabilities is vital to many Illinois residents with disabilities to help them maintain their independence and stay active. The Illinois Secretary of State works closely with medical professionals, dis- ability organizations and law enforcement to ensure that those who qualify for special parking privileges have the access they de- serve. A parking placard may only be used in a vehicle in which the authorized holder of the placard is driving or is a passenger. Penalties for Misuse It is illegal to: • Park in a space reserved for persons with disabilities without disability plates or a parking placard. Violators may be issued a minimum $250 fine. • Park in an access aisle - the vertical lines adjacent to the parking space for persons with disabilities. The access aisle reserves room for persons to safely enter and exit their vehicle. You can be fined a minimum of $250 for parking in the access aisle even if your vehicle is displaying a placard or dis- ability plates. • Use disability plates or a parking placard without the authorized holder present. Violators face the following penalties: first offense - minimum $500 fine and 30-day driver’s license suspension; second offense - minimum $750 fine and 6-month driver’s license suspension; third offense - minimum $1,000 fine and 1-year driver’s license suspension. For more information on parking programs for persons with disabilities visit www.cyber- driveillinois.com e Severe Weather Awareness Week: March 4 - 10, 2012 March 4 is the start of Illinois Severe Weather Awareness Week. Here are some tips to keep you safe from tornadoes dur- ing the storm season: • Always pay attention to severe weather watches and warnings. • Know where to get weather informa- tion (NOAA weather radio, WBBM Newsradio 780, cable TV, etc.). • Know what to do if tornado sirens have been activated. If you are inside a structure, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If you are inside a vehicle, get out and find a structure with a safe shelter area. If you can’t find a structure, lie flat in a nearby ditch and cover your head with your hands. • Be aware of the potential for flooding. These simple steps could save your life. For more information, visit the National Oce- anic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Severe Weather Awareness page at www. noaa.gov e Outdoor Warning Systems 1. What should I do when I hear the sirens? When the sirens are heard go inside and tune to local media for more information. 2. Why can’t I hear the sirens in my house? Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching. 3. How can I get alerts when I’m at work or in my house? For alerts indoors, every home and busi- ness should have a NOAA Weather Radio. A NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather and it can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area so you can take appropriate action. Page 8 communityINFO Are you a Swiffer Flusher? Dry/wet cleaning cloths and wipes, such as Swiffer and Lysol, are gaining poularity in the marketplace especially with flu season upon us. When people flush these cloths down their toilets they cause problems in your sewer line and in the Village sewer system. These wipes are not biodegradable; they do not dissolve in the sewer pipes. They do, however, get caught on debris such as roots in the sewer lines. One or two cloths may not stop the flow of sewage out of your residence but the cloths could build up over time necessitating a call to a plumber. Additionally, these cloths do not tear easily and can clog the sewage lift station pumps and cause backups in the sewer system. The directions on the containers of these products state that the cloths are to be disposed of in the trash and are not to be flushed down the toilet. Please dispose of these cleaning and disinfecting cloths in the trash. e Deerfield Park Foundation Announces Linda Gryziecki Scholarship The Deerfield Park Foundation announces a new post-secondary/college scholarship opportunity for a qualifying individual. The Foundation’s new Linda Gryziecki Scholar- ship provides one $1,000 scholarship to an accredited, post-secondary institution in the U.S. for the school year beginning fall, 2012. This scholarship is open to: 1.) current or recent H.S. graduates who are current or recent Deerfield Park District employees or volunteers; and/or 2.) cur- rent or recent H.S. graduates who are Deer- field Park District residents. This scholar- ship is for a period of one year and is not renewable. The scholarship may be applied toward any undergraduate year (freshman - senior). The scholarship is named to honor Deerfield Park District’s former Executive Director, Linda Gryziecki, who retired in 2011 after 38 years of service. The Deerfield Park Foundation is the fund- raising arm of the Deerfield Park District, supporting programs and services including Grants-In-Aid (scholarships) for residents in serious financial need to attend Deerfield Park District programs, support for projects such as Deerfield’s ThorGuard Lightning Prediction System, Recycling Containers for parks and park/school locations and more. Qualified students must complete the application form and submit applica- tion and accompanying forms to Deerfield Park Foundation on or before Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Announcements regarding any scholarship recipient is expected to be made by the beginning of May, 2012. Applications are available online at www. deerfieldparkfoundation.org or may be picked up at the Deerfield Park District ad- ministration office, 836 Jewett Park Drive, in Deerfield, during regular office hours. Forms have also been provided to guidance counselors/advisors and/or principals at area high schools serving Deerfield Park District residents. For more information about this scholarship, please contact the Deerfield Park Foundation at 847/945.0650 e Web Streaming - Watch Village Board Meetings Village Board meetings can now be watched live or on demand on the Village’s website. On the first and third Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m., Village Board meetings will stream live on the internet. The morning after each Village Board meeting, the video will be indexed to the meeting’s agenda on the website for easy viewing. Residents can select the section of the meeting they are interested in and the video will jump right to that section of the meeting. The service is also searchable, which means that residents can search for an item of particular interest, and meetings where that issue was on the agenda will appear. A link to the meeting videos is on the front page of the Village website at www.deerfield. il.us – just click on the link called “Watch Board Meetings Online.” e AT&T U-Verse The Village’s cable station – Channel 10 – is now available on AT&T U-Verse’s Channel 99. Village Board meetings broadcast live and are also replayed on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. e digital Household elec- tronics collections Do you have any household electronics like televisions or old computers that you would like to dispose of? In cooperation with SWALCO, the Village will sponsor 5 household electronics collections this year. Events are held at the Deerfield Public Works Facility 465 Elm Street, from 9 a.m. - noon, unless otherwise indicated. Visit one of SWALCO’s 2012 Electronics Collection events: • April 23 (Walgreens Corporate 7-11 a.m.) • May 19 • June 16 • August 18 • September 22 For a listing of items accepted, please visit the SWALCO website at www.swalco.org. If you have questions, please contact SWALCO at 847/336.9340 or Deerfield Public Works at 847/317.7245 e Family Days Vendors & Sponsors Needed Deerfield Family Days would like to offer you the opportunity to “show and sell” at our annual Arts/Crafts/Gourmet Food event on July 4th, 2012, at Jewett Park. Over 1,000 visitors from Deerfield and surrounding communities attend the Family Days event on July 4th and we would like you to be a part of our new gourmet food area. If you are interested in participating in the Gourmet Food show please contact Judy Geuder at 847/508.0427 or email jgeuder@ gmail.com. If you would like to become a sponsor please contact Barb Reich at 847/848.3048. For more information please visit the Family Days website, www.deerfield.il.us/familydays e Page 9 communityINFO upcoming events @ ptc For a complete listing of programs or to register to become a member, please call the Patty Turner Center (PTC) at 847/940.4010 or visit www.pattyturnercenter.org. March 9, Fabulous Friday Flicks ~ “The Postman Always Rings Twice” March 12, “60 Minutes” - Both Sides Dig In March 13, “We Will Survive” March 21, Gardening for Life Enrichment Workshop March 23, Fabulous Friday Flicks ~ “The Big Sleep” March 26, “60 Minutes” - The Years that Changed America (1864/1865) April 6, Fabulous Friday Flicks ~ “My Favorite Year” April 10, “Letters from Camp” April 11, “Ten Chimneys” at Northlight Theater April 19, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” April 20, Fabulous Friday Flicks ~ “Con- fessions of a Dangerous Mind” April 26, “Charlie Wilson’s War” April 29, “4 Hands” piano concert SHIP Volunteers are available free of charge to help interpret and resolve problems with medical bills, Medicare Supplemental Insurance and appeals. e lending closet The Patty Turner Center lends on a short term basis wheelchairs, walkers, canes, bath benches, commodes, grabber sticks, etc. e senior car program The Patty Turner Center offers a drop off/ pick-up service for older adults in Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Bannockburn and Riverwoods. The service is available on a reservation only, first come/first served basis. e Senior/Disabled Transportation Services Providing reduced fairs to senior & disabled riders courtesy of the Village of Deerfield, West Deerfield Township and the Deerfield Park District Village of Deerfield Taxi Subsidy Program Seniors (65+) and disabled Deerfield residents are offered reduced taxi fares courtesy of the Village of Deerfield. Register at Deerfield Village Hall to recieve 50 taxi ticket vouchers per month, free of charge. Each ticket is valid for a reduced fare on a one-way trip. When traveling to destinations within Village limits, present the ticket and your fare will cost only $1.00. When traveling to destinations outside the Village limits, present the ticket to receive $5.00 off your fare. Tickets are only accepted by American Taxi and 303 Taxi. Phone numbers to participating taxi companies and complete program details are included on each taxi coupon ticket. For more information about this program please call Management Analyst, Andrew Lichter- man at 847.719.7400 e West Deerfield Township - Going Places The West Deerfield Township and the Deerfield Park District are joining forces to provide more cost-efficient senior transportation options. Going Places - the Township’s program will begin including riders from the Patty Turner Center’s Van Program on April 1. The prorgram is appointment-based and provides independence to those who might otherwise find it difficult to get to physician or dentist appointments. Going Places is a transportation service for West Deerfield Township residents who have mobility challenges that may restrict their ability to meet their health care needs. The Township minivan accomodates wheelchairs, walkers, and companions. How do I apply? Mobility-challenged residents from West Deerfield Township must pre-register with the Township Transportation Department. Riders must also complete a form, signed by a physician, indicating the rider is able to ride in a sitting position. Where does the van go? Trained drivers will pick up riders and deliver them to appointments at local medical offices and hospitals as well as the V.A. Hospital in North Chicago and even non-medical appointments when time and space permit. How do I make an appointment? Rides may be scheduled directly with the Transporta- tion Secretary at 847/945.0614 ext. 310. Medical riders, who can book up to 30 days in advance, are given first priority. Call to make your request for non-medical trans- portation three days in advance. Requests will be granted if scheduling allows. What does it cost? Effective April 1, 2012 there is a fee of $5.00 round-trip and a vet- eran discount of $2.00 round-trip. For more information about this program visit www.westdeerfieldtownship.org e lastPAGE Village Officials: Mayor: Harriet E. Rosenthal - 847/945.3545 Email: harrietrose@comcast.net Trustees: Robert L. Benton - 847/945.1570 Email: bobbenton@prodigy.net Alan L. Farkas - 847/374.9592 Email: alfafoxtrot1@gmail.com Thomas L. Jester - 847/945.6489 Email: tapjester@yahoo.com Mary Meirose Oppenheim - 847/948.9423 Email: mmoart@comcast.net William S. Seiden - 847/945.2442 Email: wss5@comcast.net Barbara J. Struthers - 847/940.0917 Email: bjstruthers@bjsltd.net Village Manager: Kent S. Street - 847/719.7400 Email: kstreet@deerfield.il.us Village Hall/Police Department 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 847/945.5000 (Switchboard and Finance) 847/719.7484 (Community Development) 847/945.8636 (Police non-emergency) Public Works and Engineering 465 Elm Street 847/317.7245 847/317.2490 (Engineering) PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1 Deerfield, Illinois D-Tales 850 Waukegan Road Deerfield, Illinois 60015 POSTAL CUSTOMER DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015 reminders: earth hour 2012 On Saturday, March 31 from 8:30-9:30 p.m., households, organizations and businesses across Illinois will turn off their lights and turn their attention towards the need for sub- stantial, long-term action to raise awareness about energy efficiency and global climate change. Last year, more than 2.7 million Illinois residents helped the lights in communities across the state go dark for one hour — Earth Hour. e daylight savings time Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour– from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.– on Sunday, March 11. e Fine Arts Festival The 2012 Festival of Fine Arts will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3. e Village Board Meetings are the first and third Mondays of the month and are held at 7:30 p.m. in the Robert D. Franz Council Chambers at Village Hall. If a meeting falls on a holiday, it is scheduled for the following business day. The Village Board agenda and agenda packets are posted on the Village’s website at www. deerfield.il.us, and cable channel 10 on Friday prior to the Village Board meeting. e Dine out in Deerfield is a partnership of the Village of Deerfield and the DBR Chmaber of Commerce For more information visit the DBR Chamber of Commerce website at www.dbrchamber.com, or call 847/945.4660 e