Niles Township Scholarship Assistance ProgramsIn the words of one of our camp scholarship recipients, “Thank you for helping me to go to camp. I am having a lot of fun. My favorite is Capture the Flag!” The Niles Township Park District Camp Scholarship Program was initially offered in the summer of 2015. That first year, we were able to assist 27 campers in attending township park district camps. Last year in 2017 we helped 41 campers! This scholarship has provided financial assistance and summer fun to eligible township families. The parents of a scholarship recipient wrote, ”We cannot thank you enough for the camp scholarship for our kids. This help means so much to us.”

Camp attendance is limited to Niles Township Park District Camps including: Glenview, Lincolnwood, Niles, M-NASR, Morton Grove, and Skokie. Eligible campers are elementary through high school age. Financial assistance is also available to eligible Niles Township Residents through our Child Care Program. The Niles Township Child Care Scholarship is for children up to 5 years of age. The daycare facility must be a state approved and licensed program or an early childhood preschool program sponsored by local township school districts. Both township scholarships will enable families to send their children to daycare during the hours that the parents or guardians work full-time or attend vocational training programs.

These programs are administered by Niles Township Supervisor Marilyn Glazer and Trustee Donald Gelfund. Financial assistance is available to eligible Niles Township residents for Park District Summer Day Camps and for Child Care. Both of these scholarship assistance programs are awarded based on income eligibility and have residential requirements.

For additional information please call Lauren Davis, Scholarship Coordinator: 847-673-9300 or e-mail at ldavis@nilestownshipgov.com

Please see the current applications on our website:

Childcare Applicationhttps://tinyurl.com/ycppmvpb

Summer Camp Applicationhttps://tinyurl.com/y8afec4o

News & Events in Your Township • Marilyn D. Glazer, Supervisor • 5255 Main Street, Skokie, IL 60077 • (847) 673-9300

www.NilesTownship Gov.com Twitter @NilesTownship You Tube — Niles Township Facebook — Niles Township

SPRING 2018

Marilyn’s Message Welcome to the Spring Edition of our Newsletter.

Winter proved a season of change for our food pantry. With construction taking a few months, we now have a welcoming waiting area, which will keep people out of the bitter cold of winter and the stifling heat of summer. You can read about the entire remodeling project within this issue.

You’ll notice the addition of some bike racks, so know you can feel free to pedal over and take advantage of the many services your township government provides.

We were extremely proud to have joined with other organizations within Niles Township to build awareness of the American Muslim community, through the Coming Together program. I hope you were able to attend some of the more than 60 free events held at various locations throughout the township since early February.

This winter, our Assessor’s Office was busy helping people file tax protests and senior exemptions.

Our Clerk’s Office was busy with passport applications and temporary handicap placards.

We also want to welcome Maribeth Stein of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office. Maribeth will visit our offices on the second Tuesday of each month, from 9-11 a.m., providing assistance on a myriad of programs to help support seniors living within the township.

Spring will also be a busy planting season in our community garden.

Our semi-annual Free Paper Shredding event is scheduled for Saturday, May 5 from 12- 2 p.m., so get your old paperwork ready.

Need a new license plate, a state ID, or simply need to renew your driver’s license (except for those needing to take the road test). The Secretary of State’s Mobile Office will once again visit the Township offices on Wednesday, May 16. It’s a convenient way to save yourself a trip to the Secretary of State’s Offices in Chicago, Des Paines or Deerfield.

Give the gift of reading and keep those children’s books coming! Niles Township is one of the area’s largest supporters of Bernie’s Book Bank and has a permanent drop-off box right in our Main St. lobby. To date, Bernie’s has provided more than 10 million books to disadvantaged children living throughout Chicagoland.

If you are having a financial crisis, please come and visit with our social workers. If they cannot provide you the assistance required, they may be able to refer you a to an area agency that can help.

Remember the fun of park district day camp? We’re proud to provide scholarships to help children in the township have that same fun experience.

Wave that Flag: Don’t forget to say hi to your township elected officials as we participate in Fourth of July parades in Skokie and Morton Grove.

Marilyn D. GlazerSupervisor

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Niles Township Government Childcare Scholarship Application School Year September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018 Lauren Davis 5255 Main Street

Administrative Assistant Skokie, IL 60077

Ldavis@nilestownshipgov.com 847-673-9300

Child(ren) and Parents (or Legal Guardians) must reside on a full - time basis

within the boundaries of Niles Township. Also, all recipient families are expected to contribute a portion of the childcare fees. Application Instructions:

Select desired childcare facility and hours and days that child(ren) will attend

Child(ren)must be officially registered in a childcare facility Call Lauren Davis to schedule an appointment for an interview at 847-673-9300.

During the scheduled interview you will submit the completed Niles Township Childcare Scholarship Application and all required supporting documents.

1. Child and Parents or L egal Guardian must reside within the boundaries of Niles

T ownship. T he program is available for children from birth through age 5.

2. A ll r ecipient families are expected to contribute a portion of the tuition fees.

3. T he childcare program selected must be one of the following:

a. State licensed or approved day care provider b. Accredited preschool program

4. Both parents, custodial parent, if single or divorced, and Guardian must be

wor king, attending school or in a job-tr aining pr ogr am dur ing the hour s of the

childcar e pr ogr am. 5. Gross Household Income per year must be less than or equal to the amounts listed

below. Family Size Gross Income Family Size Gross Income

2 $ 16,460 5 $ 29,420

3 $ 20,780 6 $ 33,740

4 $ 25,100

G r oss income includes, but not limited to: wages and salaries before deductions,

child support payments, alimony and unemployment or disability insurance. *Once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed and approved,

payment will be s ent direc tly to the C hildc are F ac ility after regis tration has been

con�rmed . If you do not register your child for the originally requested days and hours,

the amount awarded will be adjusted accordingly. E xtraordinary medical expenses or

circumstances will be taken into account.

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Seniors: Beware of Medicare ScamsSupervisor Marilyn Glazer would like all of our seniors and those on Medicare and/or Medicaid to be aware of the notice recently received from the Illinois Hunger Coalition, which was received from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in regards to fraudulent schemes around the new Medicare cards being issued in April of this year.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is scheduled to begin sending new cards to Medicare recipients in April 2018. As a result, starting in February 2018, we started seeing telephone phishing scams and social media scams from people claiming to be from SSA or Medicare and either asking for information or money for a “temporary card.” These are scams! Bottom line: if any one calls claiming to be from a government agency asking for information or money, HANG UP! Government agencies will not call people and ask them to give information over the phone.

CMS says Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give them personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card. Scam artists may try to get personal information (like your current Medicare Number) by contacting you about your new card.

If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Free Coast2CoastRx Discount Prescription Card Continues to Save Residents $$

Through the township’s participation in the Free Coast2Coast Discount Prescription Card Program, we’ve helped our residents save more than $3 million on their medical and healthcare costs.

Stop by the township offices to pick up your card and immediately begin to save on your family’s dental, vision, veterinary, hearing, diabetic equipment/supplies, lab imaging services, and much more.

Here are just some of the benefits:• Save up to 75% on prescriptions• Accepted at most local pharmacies• Requires no paperwork to fill out• No health restrictions• No fees are ever charged for the card• Save on brand and generic drugs• Covers many drugs not covered in health plans• Covers many pet prescriptions

For more information on benefits or for frequently asked questions, call (800) 931-8872 or visit www.coast2coastrx.com.

The Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE SeniorLife) has partnered with Niles Township Government to offer two special exercise programs designed especially for our senior-aged residents. Classes are free, open to the public, and will be held in the Lee Tamraz All Purpose Room at our 5525 Main St. offices in Skokie. We encourage you to attend as many of these sessions as possible. They include:

Healthy Steps in Motion Healthy Steps in Motion is a group exercise program taught in eight, one-hour sessions and designed to reduce the risk of falling by building strength, flexibility and balance. Each session includes a brief educational component, warm-up, balance and strength exercises and concludes with cool down and stretching element.

Health Steps in Motion will take place on consecutive Mondays: June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 2, 9, 16, 23.

Healthy Steps for Older AdultsHealthy Steps for Older Adults is a nationally-recognized, evidence-based program that has

been proven to reduce the risk of falls and has served more than 35,000 participants to date.

Sessions will be held on Monday, May 7 and Monday, May 14. Classes will include screening to demonstrate your physical skills and a review of your environment, health and lifestyle educational workshops on preventing falls and staying active, and suggestions to motivate you to take action and prevent falls and maintain and improve your health.

Please call (847) 673-9300 for questions or additional information.

New Exercise Programs Offered for Our Senior Aged Residents

Present this card and your prescription to any participating pharmacy. At the time of service you are responsible for payment of your

prescriptions. This program is VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.Patient Services; Servicio para Pacientes: 1-800-931-8872

Additional Benefits: Dental/Vision/Hearing/VeterinaryPrepaid Lab/Imaging Discounts/Diabetes Savings Program

More information: www.coast2coastrx.com

This is NOT insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. By using this card, you agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. Savings may vary by drug and by pharmacy. The program administrator may obtain fees or rebates from manufacturers and/or pharmacies based on your prescription drug purchases. These fees or rebates may be retained by the program administrator or shared with you and/or your pharmacy. Prescriptions purchased through this program will not be eligible for reimbursement through Medicaid, Medicare or any other government program. This program does not guarantee the quality of the services or products offered by individual providers. We do not sell your personal information. Call the member toll-free number on the back of your ID card to file a complaint related to this program.

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SAVE THE DATE!SAVE THE DATE!

May 5, 2018

Scholarships Now Available for Good Citizen StudentsOur country has seen a surge of powerful youth movements in the past few months like never before. Did you know that Townships of Illinois (TOI) awards $1,500 scholarships to high school students who are good citizens? Scholarships are awarded to those wishing to further their education and have a history of extracurricular activities that demonstrate any of the following:

• A willingness to accept leadership responsibilities (student government, club officer, etc.)• A commitment to civic responsibility and social consciousness• A willingness to serve the community through service projects, volunteer activities with local service agencies, or charitable institutions.

To learn how you may qualify for a Township of Illinois Good Citizen Student Scholarship, visit www.toi.org

No one ever said getting older would be easy. But thanks to several Niles Township Government programs and to Maribeth Stein, help is right around the corner.

Raised in Wilmette and having spent nearly 20 years helping older adults and their families reduce the stress and anxiety that accompanies the challenges of aging, Maribeth is excited to be working for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky as a constituent advocate.

We are pleased to announce that Maribeth will be visiting our Niles Township Government offices in Skokie on the second Tuesday of every month, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. During her visits, she will be available to assist residents with issues including Medicare, Social Security Retirement benefits and Social Security Disability payments, as well as programs to help with the costs of prescription medications.

She will also be able to assist with a myriad of other issues. The Congresswoman’s office also has advocates whose areas of expertise include immigration, veteran’s affairs, Internal Revenue Service issues, housing, and more.

“It’s our responsibility to work with senior residents in our district to ensure that they understand all that they are facing,” Stein explains. “The costs associated with healthcare alone, for example, are so significant that they often account for the majority of the budget for a person living on a fixed income…one wrong turn can oftentimes sink the whole boat.”

Although there are many area organizations in addition to Niles Township Government that provide seniors with much-needed assistance and education,

Stein notes that sometimes people simply don’t know that help is nearby and readily available.

“It’s important that we do our best to reach out to senior residents to help them understand their options and to ensure that they are able to make informed choices; that they are able to understand their Medicare coverage and evaluate their Medicare Part D plans each year. These are some of the ways our office can help,” she says.

You can also reach her by email or phone at:Maribeth Stein Outreach Coordinator/Constituent AdvocateOffice of Congresswoman SchakowskyMaribeth.stein@mail.house.gov773-506-7100

Providing Assistance and Peace of Mind to Our Older Residents

Township Plays Essential Role in Children’s Literacy;Ranked Among Top Collection Sites for Bernie’s Book BankNiles Township Government is bursting with pride upon learning that we are among the top organizations contributing on a near-daily basis to Bernie’s Book Bank. Every day, residents stop by our offices, as well as by nearby partnering drop-off locations, to donate their new and gently used children’s books.

On a recent morning, 1,600 books were picked up from our offices on Main St., bringing the total number of books we’ve collected to an incredible 23,538. Through the generosity of our residents, we have collectively helped serve nearly 2,000 children with 12 books each year.

We applaud Bernie’s Book Bank for distributing more than 11.5 million books since 2009 and are proud to be able to play a continuing role in helping low income families and children who cannot read proficiently the opportunity of literacy.

A Bernie’s Books volunteer loads up donated books at a recent pickup from our township offices.

May 5, 2018

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Message from Assessor Scott Bagnall My office deals with property values. Property value, as in all of the property values within Niles Township. The Township is divided into tax code areas, generally the elementary school district. The property value is used to calculate the tax rate for each tax code area (Total Levy/Total Property Value). Then, that tax rate is applied to each individual separate property in the tax code area.

Township property values are recalculated and adjusted every three years, 2016 being the most recent valuation year. We can look to median (i.e. the mid point, not the average) values to get a sense of 2016 values. The Niles Township median house value in 2013 was $233,000. In 2016 the median value is $276,000.

What do these numbers tell us? Some incorrectly believe that there is a Cook County scheme to take advantage of the taxpayer by increasing the stated property values. Not so. Tax bill increases come from a number of situations: a decrease in total neighborhood value on account of tax base loss; an increase in the total levy; or a value increase greater than the median.

All other things being equal, reassessment tends to adjust and shift the tax burden among the individual properties and therefore some decreases and increases in tax bills are expected due to relative value changes rather than due to the increase in and of itself.

My office also assists taxpayers with exemptions. Just about everyone is entitled to a homeowner exemption. Age 65? Then the taxpayer is also entitled to a senior homeowner exemption. Age 65 and household income under $65,000? Then the senior assessed value freeze kicks in.

Veterans Administration disability rating of 70% or more? The vet will usually qualify for a $0 dollar property tax bill. This is a huge exemption limited only by a large home value.

Taxpayers frequently miss exemptions to which they are entitled. Many times I can get this fixed so stop by the office if you think that you have a problem. Niles Township Assessor, 5255 W. Main St., Skokie, IL.

Visit my website and get on my email notification list to receive property tax related information and notices. NilesTownshipAssessor.com

Scott BagnallNilesTownshipAssessor.com

Message from Clerk Levy Clerk Charles Levy’s Office has been a designated U.S. Department of State Passport Processing Office for well over eight years. Among their many other duties, Clerk Levy has three agents on hand from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. every weekday to assist with first time passport applicants as well as passport renewals.

“We are also more than happy to help folks who are having any difficulty with the forms to renew their passports,” said Clerk Levy. “We have processed not only our local residents’ applications but have had folks from Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, and other suburban areas as far as Bloomingdale come to our facility because they tell us that we are so helpful, friendly, and accommodating.” The Clerk’s Office also has evening hours by appointment only on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Clerk Levy and Deputy Clerk Kitty Kendrick are your Niles Township Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers. The Clerk’s Office will fulfill any requests made by groups or individual residents. Request forms can be found on our website as well as in our office. Please note that many questions may be easily answered within Niles Township’s webpages.

Send direct requests to Clerk Levy at clerklevy@nilestownshipgov.com or to Deputy Clerk Kitty Kendrick at kkendrick@nilestownshipgov.com.

Clerk Levy’s Office also issues temporary handicap placards for up to six months with a form filled out by you and your doctor. If your handicap is permanent, we also have the forms and will be happy to help you make sure they are filled out properly and mailed to the correct address. Your Vote is Your VoiceRegister to vote now if you have not already done so. Clerk Levy’s Office has three Deputy Registrars to help. The online process can be found at www.vote.org/, and there is more helpful information at www.cookcountyclerk.com. The 2018 United States General Elections will be held on the first Tuesday, November 6th, 2018, at which time the offices of Illinois Governor and other Illinois Offices, State Legislators, Cook County Offices, and U.S. Congressional Representatives will be filled. If we can be of any assistance to our constituents, please do not hesitate to call. We are here for you. Have a happy spring and a safe summer!

Charles LevyNiles Township Clerk

Along with food from outside sources, a newly planted community garden with 17 plots allows township residents the opportunity to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables. “Fifty percent of the plots are used by food pantry clients,” Food Pantry Manager Tony Araque explained. “What’s most heartwarming is to watch people grow their own vegetables for their families,or generously give back to the pantry to help other people.The garden provides a sense of community, while providing an additional opportunity for fresh produce.“ Some plots may be available for public usage. The cost of rental is$25.00 for the season unless some of the harvest is donated to the Food Pantry. Near the garden, new bike racks have been installed, giving the growing numbers of pantry clients, volunteers, and staff who bike to the site a safe and convenient place to store and lock their bicycles.

Community Garden & Bike Parking

The newly renovated Niles Township Food Pantry is one that feeds the body while nourishing the soul, making for an enhanced experience for the nearly 5,000 clients who visit the pantry each month. As the need to feed the community grew over the years, so did the lines of the pantry which prompted a renovation process beginning in October, 2017. Today, the new spacious pantry allows for up to 20 shoppers at a time making for a smooth and easy experience. There are over 30 racks lined with baked goods and canned food items, grocery store-style refrigerators filled with eggs and dairy, and an abundance of fresh produce too. Best of all, our clients are empowered by the opportunity to self-select their food, complimenting the pantry’s motto to “Serve with Dignity.”

“Today, our food pantry clients make 99% of the decisions when it comes to selecting their food,” Pantry Manager Tony Araque explained. “This is a big change from the past, when we used to pack bags for our clients, based on their family’s size and needs. Our goal now is for clients to have the chance to make their own choices and have a shopping experience all their own.”

Along with more space within the pantry comes additional space in the surrounding areas. The vestibule, once small and cramped, is now a larger and more welcoming room, where clients can watch television, socialize and stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry during inclement weather.

There are portable shelves on wheels, allowing the pantry to be easily and quickly restocked with the shipments from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Three times a week, the pantry participates in a program called Food Rescue, where trucks visit grocery stores around the area, filling their trucks with meat, baked goods, produce and much more. Now, with additional shelving and refrigeration, food pantry staff can provide a home for the upwards of 10,000 lbs. of food that comes with each shipment. The Niles Township Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:00- 3:30 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesday from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. Food and monetary donations are always welcomed.

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Serving With Dignity: Food Pantry Remodeling Project Complete

Your Elected Officials -the Local Connection to Government

(l-r) Back row: Trustee Mark Collins, Trustee Anthony Lundin, Assessor Scott Bagnall, Trustee Donald Gelfund. Front row: Trustee Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, Supervisor Marilyn Glazer, Clerk Charles Levy.

SAVE THE DATE!

May 16, 2018

DRIVER SERVICES FACILITYDriver’s License Renewal

State ID Cards

Duplicate License

Corrected License

Vision Screening

Vehicle Renewal Stickers

SECRETARY OF STATE

JESSE WHITE

Are you 70 ½ years old and want to make a contribution to the Niles Township Food Pantry Foundation and save yourself some tax dollars at the same time? Go to the Niles Food Pantry Foundation webpage (www.nilestownshipgov.com/food-pantry) to see our Foundation Board Member, Dan Ryan’s, article on using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

Niles Township, 5255 Main Street, Skokie, IL 60077

The Niles Township Report is produced by Silbar Public Relations. Township website design and maintenance by Mark Krukowski.

Presort StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDChicago, IL

Permit No. 475

Township Calendar of Events

Tune in to the Township You can now receive real time updates between newsletters by signing up for our Township emails. Simply visit www.nilestownshipgov.com and type your name and email address in the box found on our home page.

We are also sharing news, updates, community event listings and fun stories about great things happening in Niles Township via our social media channels. Follow us on Twitter @NilesTownship; Like us on Facebook @nilestownshipgovernment; Subscribe to our YouTube channel (Niles Township).

Access to expert advice, community charity events, and services that improve lives are all available in your township. We encourage you to visit and participate in these free, open-to-the-public events taking place at the Niles Township Government office, at 5255 Main St. Main Street in Skokie.

Semi Annual Paper Shred Day - Saturday, May 5, Noon to 2 p.m. - participants are respectfully asked to please limit the amount of paper to two banker’s boxes or two shopping bags full. Weather permitting.

Secretary of State Mobile Event - Wednesday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Among the services to be provided include:• Renewal or correction of Driver’s License• New/renewal/correction of State ID• License plate stickers• Motor voter registration• Organ donor registration

CJE Senior Life Events Healthy Steps for Older Adults - Mondays May 7 & 14, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Healthy Steps in Motion - Mondays June 4, 11, 18, 25 – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Mondays July 2, 9, 16, 23 – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Lincolnwood Memorial Day Parade - May 28

Independence Day - Wednesday, July 4 Your Township elected officials will be participating in the Skokie and Morton Grove Fourth of July parades, meeting community members and sharing in the fun. Check out our website for more information on festivities taking place in the township to celebrate America’s 242nd birthday.