December 2016 Des Plaines DIgest

Winter 2016

News For the Community

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH GOOD WISHES Dear Neighbor,

It’s that time of year again.

Before we know it, family parties, end of year office deadlines, gift shopping, house tidying, and cookie baking will be upon us. In this flurry of activity, it’s important to take a step back to appreciate those around us who make all that chaos worth it! I, for one, couldn’t serve as your Mayor without the love and support of my family and friends. Equally important to the success of any mayor, council, or city is the staff who keep us safe, build our streets, promote our economy, and serve us all. Our monumental progress wouldn’t be possible without world class professional partners.

The holiday season is also time where anticipation grows for the year to come. As for Kate and I, that means anticipation for our growing family!

Neighbors across Des Plaines have been incredibly generous with their well wishes and parenting tips for our first child, and with some luck I’ll be able to report a happy and healthy addition to our city in just a few months!

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate this holiday season. Join me on Friday, December 2nd, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in Metropolitan Square for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year, we will host guest appearances of the little yellow Minions, enjoy savory hot chocolate, and revel in the live music. Following tradition, the winners of this year’s Holiday Poster Contest will accompany Santa into the square aboard a fire engine!

Then, together as one community, we’ll flip the big switch and light up our city! While the event is free to all, we ask neighbors to consider bringing a non-perishable food item and/or winter clothing item for donation to the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet & Food Pantry.

Your Mayor, Matt Bogusz

IN THIS ISSUE

From the City Manager............2 The City Clerk...........................3 Economic Development...........4 Finance Department ...............5 Public Works & Engineering...6-7 Fire Department........................8 Police Department....................9 History Center News.............. 10 Health & Human Services........11 Frisbie Senior Center..............12

Your Elected Officials Mayor • Matthew J. Bogusz 847.391.5301 mbogusz@desplaines.org City Clerk • Gloria J. Ludwig 847.391.5311 gludwig@desplaines.org First Ward • Patricia Haugeberg 847.514.8526 phaugeberg@desplaines.org Second Ward • John Robinson 847.530.3345 jrobinson@desplaines.org Third Ward • Denise Rodd 847.514.6318 drodd@desplaines.org Fourth Ward • Dick Sayad 847.204.7729 dsayad@desplaines.org Fifth Ward • James Brookman 847.812.6463 jbrookman@desplaines.org Sixth Ward • Malcolm Chester 847.372.1097 mchester@desplaines.org Seventh Ward • Don Smith 847.878.5289 dsmith@desplaines.org Eighth Ward • Mike Charewicz 847.878.5291 mcharewicz@desplaines.org

THE CITY OF DES PLAINES | City Hall, 1420 Miner St | 847.391.5300 | desplaines.org

the-art

growth

fresh

vision

fresh

original

NEW

research

future

original state-of- NEW

better

versatile

IMAGINATION

idea

inspire INNOVATION technology invention improve

advance CHANGE

Michael G. Bartholomew

NEW

Your City Manager

NEW

creative

better

ingenuity

Innovations That Keep the City Moving Forward

One year ago, the City began developing a modernization plan that would encourage departments to bring forward technological innovations to develop efficient communication tools and enhance the ease of doing business in Des Plaines.

I am proud to say we have had good success with this goal, and expect 2017 to see even more innovations that make doing business with the City even easier.

What’s new?

Just this month, the City introduced a new, versatile mobile app to help residents and business owners communicate with the City. Appropriately named “DP311,” the App allows citizens to report concerns and ask questions “on the go” from the ease of their mobile device.

Uploading the App on their iPhone or Android phone allows users to choose from a list of our most popular requests and even submit questions about specific areas of interest. The App also communicates when the status of the request changes, from received through completion.

For people who prefer to access the same system on our website, they can visit www.desplaines. org/DP311 to make a request from their work or home computer.

Is there more?

In addition to DP311, use of online resources has become more of the norm in day-to-day City operations, allowing ease of access and increased mobility for our residents.

In 2016, online renewals of alarm system certifications, licensing of rental properties, business license renewals, and vehicle and pet licensing were at an all time high in the City. Over 4,569 licenses, 3,913 vehicle stickers, and 340 pet registrations were issued just this year, and we expect to see even more online activities in 2017.

Our online module for submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests has improved the process dramatically as we work to complete over 1,800 FOIA requests in 2016, and residents interested in running for public office in 2017 will find the City’s online filing link much easier when submitting the required documents to the County.

And last, but not least...The

year 2016 brought forward the much needed redesign of the City’s website, allowing us to refresh and reorganize information so that our citizens have better access to the services we offer. The redesign also allowed us to expand the news announcement section, create a more robust calendar highlighting meetings, events, and City service activities, and made it easier for the public to sign up for emergency e-mail notifications, event announcements, bid postings, and job opportunities.

With all these new innovations, Des Plaines is in a great position to continue on a path of innovation to better serve the community.

Michael G. Bartholomew City Manager

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Your City Clerk Gloria J. Ludwig

Proud to Serve and Represent Des Plaines Happy holidays everyone!

The City Clerk’s position is one of many duties and responsibilities regarding recordkeeping, elections and responding to requests from our constituents, City departments and outside entities.

An important goal and priority of the City Clerk’s Office is keep up with the changing laws and regulations adopted by the legislators.

One of the many functions of the Clerk’s Office is processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from the public.

The requirements under FOIA enhance transparency in government by making public documents accessible when requested.

According to Illinois State statute, the public policy is that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees consistent with the terms of this Act. Such access is necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest.

In compliance with State statute, the City’s website www.desplaines.org/FOIAinfo contains a Freedom of Information Act guide and the Freedom of Information Request form.

A request can be submitted by mail, email, electronic form through the City’s website, faxed or dropped off in person at the Clerk’s Office during business hours (Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) Since July 1, 2015, the City of Des Plaines has used a software system designed to electronically generate and track FOIA requests submitted via the City’s website. This system allows the public to submit their FOIA requests from the convenience of their homes or offices 24/7. The requestor can

set up an account and check the status of their request.

The system tracks requests received by mail, email, fax, or in person, and responds quickly to litigation requirements, maintains processing consistency, optimizes staff time, paper and resources, and handles all types of requests.

Additionally, the software product automatically ensures that the City is in compliance with changing FOIA regulations while freeing up staff time to focus on additional tasks at hand. It’s really a good move for the entire community.

Here are examples of types of records requested: Police reports Emails Code violations on real property Building permits Outstanding water bills Liens on real property Candidate petitions Public records such as City Council minutes, meeting agendas and packets, and budget documents are posted on the website for everyone’s convenience and are accessible 24/7.

Visit the City’s homepage at www.desplaines. org to learn more, or contact the Clerk’s office at 847.391.5311. We welcome your questions at any time.

In public service, I am your City Clerk.

Gloria J. Ludwig

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Community & Economic Development Our New Businesses

Des Plaines is home to a diverse range of businesses, from manufacturers to distribution centers to family-owned establishments, we are truly proud to be their community of choice.

This month, we’d like to welcome three new businesses to our City. Amazing Breads and Cakes owner Urszula Chlastawa will be selling delicious bakery items such as artisan breads, pastries, cakes, cookies, and homemade jams from her new storefront at 1460 Miner Street.

New to downtown Metropolitan Square is Ania’s Style Boutique, located at 1519 Market Street.

Business owner Ania Zubowicz offers a variety of European brands like By O La La , Lemonada, Voga Italia, Bastet, and BOOCI. Anytime Fitness is a new fitness center located at 849 South Elmhurst Road, right next door to the Jewel Food Store. Owner Yousef Musleh invites the community to tour the center and its state-ofthe-art fitness equipment.

Renewals of City Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations for 2017 It is that time of the year to renew certificates, licenses and registrations for 2017. Invoices are scheduled to be mailed on December 9, 2016.

The types of licenses and registrations include: Businesses (commercial) Alarms (commercial and residential) Rental Properties Please note, if you do not receive your renewal invoice by the third week of December 2016, please contact the City’s Registration & Licensing Division at 847.391.5366 or email licenses@desplaines.org to request a duplicate.

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Did You Know...?

If your Des Plaines home was affected Home Repair by severe storms and water damage that occured Assistance between April and May of 2013, you may be eligible to receive monetary assistance.

The Residential Resilience Program (RRP) has been established to provide monetary assistance in the form of grants to homeowners of single through four-unit homes.

Qualifying residences are those homes that were affected by severe storms and flooding throughout the Chicago area between April 2013 and May 2013. Applicants must be residents of suburban Cook County with lowto moderate-income.

(Income factors are published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

The RRP assistance is a one-time monetary grant to assist with clean-up from the effects of flooding and to help install flood mitigation elements to minimize future flooding. Up to $25,000 in funds are available per property for damage incurred from the April/May 2013 flood only.

To that end, it is likely the majority of assistance will include backwater valves, overhead sewer, and landscape grading. The North West Housing Partnership (NWHP) is administrating this program for all suburban Cook County communities west and north of 39th Street.

For more information, please contact NWHP at 847.969.0561 or www.nwhp.net.

Your Finance Department The 2017 City Budget: An Overview

The City’s 2017 General Fund budget is based upon projected revenues from taxes, fees and other sources totaling $61.5M. Excluding other financing sources, the 2017 budgeted revenues represent a slight increase of $1.9M from the 2016 budgeted revenues.

As a whole, Property Tax, Utility Tax, Sales Tax, State Income Tax, and Telecommunications Tax account for almost 71.7% of the revenue collected by the General Fund.

The City adopts its tax levy in December each year and the County collects this in two installments, in March and September of the following year. Thus, the 2016 tax levy is the basis for the 2017 revenue budget.

The Corporate Property Tax Levy is the largest source of revenue for the City’s General Fund, comprising 20.86% of all receipts within the General Fund. As a “Home Rule” unit of government, the City has no limitations on its levy, but the City has worked diligently to keep the tax levy’s growth to a minimum.

For the 2017 Budget, the total City property tax levy is $23,083,150, a 0.0% increase over the prior year’s tax levy. The following is a 10 year trend of the property tax levies passed and excludes the additional amount added by the County for loss and cost (3% for corporate purposes and 5% for debt service).

Corporate Property Tax

Levy Corporate Year

Police Pension

Fire Pension

Debt Service

Total Levy

% Change

2007

14,730,000 2,450,000 1,875,000

1,267,682

20,322,682

7.08%

2008

15,171,900 2,612,000 2,125,000

1,257,799

21,166,699

4.15%

2009

14,979,057 3,240,960 3,042,315

1,220,531

22,482,863

6.22%

2010

15,273,223 3,338,189 3,395,608

1,174,740

23,181,760

3.11%

2011

15,924,580 3,472,544 3,577,776

206,860

23,181,760

0.00%

2012

15,645,194 3,661,515 3,671,041

105,400

23,083,150

-0.43%

2013

14,675,600 4,150,000 4,150,000

107,550

23,083,150

0.00%

2014

14,373,640 4,300,000 4,300,000

109,510

23,083,150

0.00%

2015

13,576,870 5,000,000 4,400,000

106,280

23,083,150

0.00%

2016

12,830,100 5,250,000 4,900,000

103,050

23,083,150

0.00%

AVERAGE INCREASE (last 10 years)

Corporate Levy Total Levy

Levy over Levy -0.51% 2.01%

Levy over Cook County Extension -3.41% -1.02%

“The mission of the City of Des Plaines is to continually enhance the quality of life enjoyed by the residents and businesses of the community through the development and delivery of reliable and efficient services.”

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Public Works & Engineering Department Refuse Collection by Republic Services

The City of Des Plaines’ contracted residential waste hauler, Republic Services, is accepting yard waste through December 16, 2016. Collection of yard waste will begin again in April 2017.

Please note changes to refuse and recycling services in the near future. With Christmas Day, December 25, 2016 and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2017 both being on Sundays, both Mondays will be observed as the holidays and refuse and recycling collections will be delayed by one day.

Additionally, regular collections will be conducted without interruption on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 16, 2017 and President’s Day, Monday, February 20, 2017. Much like the snow routes, this information is also available in the Curbside Calendar mailed to residents annually.

Republic Services will pick up holiday trees from residences they service on regularly scheduled collection days, through January.

2017 Holiday Tree Recycling

The Public Works and Engineering Department will be collecting bare holiday trees (no decorations, lights, tinsel or plastic bags) January 3 through January 6, 2017 (weather permitting). The trees must be at the curbside before 7:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 3 for pick up and recycling. Trees with any decorations on them will not be accepted.

Keeping Snow Routes Clear

The City is asking for the public’s cooperation and patience with Public Works during snow plowing and salting operations this winter season. For snowfall over two (2) inches, please park vehicles in designated overnight parking or private driveways until snow removal operations are completed.

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Please place shoveled or plowed snow on parkways, assuring the safety of drivers on public streets.

Des Plaines snow routes are listed on the City’s website at www.desplaines.org/snowroutes and in the curbside calendar. Our Public Works Department plows in Des Plaines EXCEPT for the following roads: Cook County Roads – P: 847.827.1164 Mount Prospect Road Dempster Rd./Thacker St. west of Wolf Road East River Road Potter Road, north of Ballard Road Village of Mount Prospect Road – P: 847.870.5640 Central Road west of Wolf Road State of Illinois Roads – P: 847.705.4228 Algonquin Road west of Wolf Road Ballard Road Central Road east of Wolf Road Dempster Street east of Rand Road Devon Avenue Elmhurst Road Golf Road Higgins Road Oakton Street east of River Road Potter Road south of Ballard Road Rand Road west of Elk Boulevard River Road Touhy Avenue Wolf Road, south of Cumberland Circle and north of Central Road Public Works snow plowing priorities are as follows: Arterial roadways and central business district, roadways adjacent to schools, bus routes, alleys, dead end streets and cul-de-sacs. Additionally, our salting priorities focus on stop signs, yield signs, railroad crossings, traffic light controlled intersections, overpasses and underpasses, and steep grades.

Homeowner Tips and Topics What is the Community Rating System?

The CRS Program rewards communities that go above and beyond minimum requirements to protect their citizens from flooding. As a result of the City’s CRS classification, property owners within the City of Des Plaines in the regulatory floodplain are eligible for a 15% reduction in flood insurance premiums.

For more information on the City’s CRS Program, contact the Engineering Division at 847.391.5390.

Can a property be removed from the floodplain?

If you feel that your home has been incorrectly mapped within FEMA’s regulatory floodplain, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).

If your home meets FEMA’s requirements, the LOMA process will remove it from the regulatory floodplain.

Typically, an Elevation Certificate from a licensed surveyor is needed to complete the LOMA paperwork. Go to FEMA’s website (www.fema.gov) for more information, or contact the Engineering Division at 847.391.5390.

Learn more about the City’s substantial improvement regulations in Title 14 of the City Code or by calling the Engineering Division at 847.391.5390.

Reporting Residential Sewer Back-Ups

If a resident is experiencing a sewer back up, please contact the Sewer Division at Public Works BEFORE contacting a plumber. Please call 847.391.5464.

Help Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

Residents with water lines and water meters in locations vulnerable to freezing temperatures must be sure to take proper measures to protect them.

Leave your tap water running ever so slightly so that the water can’t freeze. Other options include insulating pipes or having a home’s water turned offif the home is left unoccupied. Also, owners of vacant properties are reminded to keep their home thermostats set at 62 degrees.

MapOffice™ is a free, comprehensive mapping and property information tool that gives residents access to important city geographic information and customizable property maps.

What is a “substantial improvement”?

To participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), communities must adopt and enforce regulations and codes that apply to new development in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).

Local floodplain management regulations and codes contain minimum NFIP requirements that apply not only to new structures, but also to existing structures which are “substantially improved.”

To access MapOffice™, residents simply visit the city’s website at www.desplaines.org/GIS, type in and search for their address, activate the Parcel Summary tool, and retrieve information such as: Garbage Pick-up Day, County PIN and Assessor Data, Polling Locations, School Districts, Ward Alderman, and Zoning Information.

A substantial improvement is any combination of improvements to a structure in the floodplain where the project costs equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement.

These improvements may include repairs to homes that have been flooded or otherwise damaged. If a the improvements to a structure meet the criteria for a substantial improvement, the structure must be brought into compliance with the current floodplain ordinance.

MapOffice™ also indicates if a property is located within a FEMA flood zone. However, official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) can be found at www.msc.fema.gov. The Engineering Division can review the FIRM for you to determine if a property is located within the regulatory floodplain or floodway, located within an area with known flooding, and the expected flood depths. You can request a free floodplain determination letter for any property within the City by calling 847.391.5390.

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Your Fire Department Interesting Facts...

What is the biggest difference between an engine truck and a ladder truck?

An Engine Truck Company:

Carries 750 gallons of water, connects to fire hydrants and pumps water into hoses to extinguish fires and supply other vehicles with water Carries roughly 2,600 feet of different-sized hoses to provide options for handling many types of situations; also carries various types of tools Carries 48 feet of portable ladders Provides personnel responsible for activities such as rescuing victims, extinguishing fires, preventing fire from spreading and preserving property Provides initial care and/or assistance to ambulance crews on emergency medical calls

A Ladder Truck Company:

Has a 100-foot ladder on top of the vehicle with a basket on the end to reach taller locations Has a piped waterway on the 100-foot ladder that can provide up to 1,200 gallons of water per minute Provides personnel responsible for activities such as search & rescue of civilians and firefighters, ventilation, gaining entry, controlling utilities, and property salvage Carries heavy extrication, rescue, and other specialty tools and equipment Carries 171 feet of portable ladders Investigates carbon monoxide alarms and other hazards Performs vehicle, elevator, and other rescues Provides initial care and/or assistance to ambulance crews on emergency medical calls

Tips for Portable Space Heaters

The Des Plaines Fire Prevention Bureau reminds residents of Des Plaines that portable space heaters pose a greater risk of fire than central heating units. Space heaters also have Pg. 8

greater potential for safety problems due to human errors, such as leaving combustible materials too close to the heaters or failing to install, fuel, operate, and maintain the heaters properly.

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that each year, more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters, causing more than 300 deaths.

Additionally, an estimated 6,000 people receive hospital emergency room medical care due to burn injuries associated with coming in contact with space heaters.

If you must use a space heater, please observe the following safety precautions: The space heater selected must be tested by an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL).

Keep the space heater accessible – do not store anything within three feet of the unit, as the leading cause of space heater fires occurs when this is not followed.

The unit must have thermostatic controls and automatic shutoff features.

The space heater must be plugged directly into an outlet, as using a light-duty extension cord or a multi-outlet strip/surge protector can start a fire with a high-wattage appliance.

Position the power cord so that no one steps on it or trips over it.

Turn off the heater when you leave the room for any length of time.

To schedule a free home fire safety survey, please contact the City’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 847.391.5340.

Your Police Department The Public Records Division

Public records, law enforcement activities, and animal control may not seem to have much in common, but these are just three of the many areas maintained by the Police Department’s Records Division located in City Hall.

The Des Plaines Police Department Records Section is the repository for all criminal arrest and accident, as well as miscellaneous reports, including moving violations. These are tracked using state-of-the-art software to bring citizens the highest quality of service. In addition, animal control assistance, licensing, inquiries, and obtaining public records remain critical elements of day-to-day City operations.

Just this year, our Records Division offices moved to City Hall to help provide easier access to staff by the public at-large. The Division specializes in monitoring official complaints ranging from income tax collections to parking violations, channeling the workflow of records, and administering permits for specialized alarm systems.

Staffing within the Division includes a Police Support Services Manager and two Community

Service Officers, supported by clerical staff dedicated to excellent customer service and accurate report management. We also have a staff liaison who processes subpoenas, conducts background checks for law enforcement applicants, and records and transcribes court processions for requested viewing.

The Police Records Division is actively involved in supplying information for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, which often includes locating and providing copies of transcripts, accident reports, statistics, maps, structural blueprints, and photographs.

One of the most unique responsibilities of the Division is animal control assistance and licensing.

Occasionally, domesticated and wild animals need to be trapped, and the Division humanely facilitates such activities. Our Department can also help protect against, and repair structural damage caused by, wild animals. For questions about their services, please call 847.391.5427.

Candy Cane Land Celebrates 25 years in Des Plaines If you’re looking to enjoy an evening of holiday lights this season, stop by the annual Candy Cane Land neighborhood located right here in Des Plaines. This year marks the 25th season for this beautiful holiday tradition that boasts over 100 homes in Westfield Gardens, located east of Mount Prospect Road and south of Dempster/Thacker Street.

This unique, must-see neighboorhood captures the true spirit of neighbors sharing their enthusiasm for transforming their neighborhood into a place where memories are made and holiday traditions come alive year after year.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy Candy Cane Land from November 27th through January 1st. Hours for viewing are dusk to 10:00 P.M. nightly.

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History Center News Des Plaines History Center Celebrates 50 Years The Des Plaines History Center is preparing to celebrate its upcoming 50th anniversary during its annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 18, from 2:30 P.M to 4:00 P.M. In addition to providing plenty of music and light refreshments at the event, History Center representatives will outline several special activities that are in the works for 2017.

So please join the History Center staff, volunteers, and board at this event. Free tours of the 1907 Kinder House will also be available.

Circa 1940

Founded in 1967, the History Center’s Executive Director, Shari Caine, looks forward to the anniversary and using the occasion as an opportunity to draw attention to the wealth of information available to the public.

“We’d like to invite all Des Plaines residents to take part in this 50 year celebration,” Caine said. “It will be about everyone including the City, the Park District, and other supporting organizations and institutions that have made the first half century of operations possible.”

While at the Holiday Open House, guests are welcome to sing along with guitarist William Grice and converse with friends new and old.

Visitors also can view the exhibit, “Des Plaines Architecture: An Exhibit about our Homes and City,” which includes three touch screens that feature the history of housing and business development in Des Plaines. Anyone who has questions about their home or neighborhood can submit a research request.

Circa 1800

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Circa 1970

Circa 1960 Offering Unique Online Resources

The Des Plaines History Center is extremely proud of its online digital collection found at www.desplainesmemory.org.

“Des Plaines Memory” is the result of a collaboration between the Des Plaines Public Library and the Des Plaines History Center.

The site features digital images reproduced from original photographs, local newspapers, telephone directories, and diaries date from the early days of Des Plaines to the present day.

Community members are encouraged to upload their old images to the collection and even share memories about items in the current collection.

Located at 781 Pearson Street, the History Center is supported by the City, the Des Plaines Park District, History Center members, and local.

The public is invited to “like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and even sign up to become a member. People interested in attending the Holiday Open House on December 18th can RSVP by calling 847.391.5399, or through the History Center’s website at desplaineshistory.org/ discover/contact.

Health & Human Services 2016 Lucille’s Mitten Tree Project

The City’s Health and Human Services Department invites the public to contribute to its annual “Lucille’s Mitten Tree Project” drive this holiday season. This is an opportunity for Des Plaines residents, families, groups and businesses to support this local program and help children and adults stay warm during the winter months.

With so many people needing warm gloves and mittens, the collection ends on December 9, 2016 to allow for distribution to those in need. Please contact the City of Des Plaines Health and Human Services Department with any questions at 847.391.5480 or HHS@desplaines.org.

Collection Dates:

November 2 through December 9, 2016

Collection Sites:

City of Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting Event: Friday, December 2, 2016 Des Plaines City Hall: 1420 Miner Street, 1st Floor Lobby Des Plaines Public Library: 1501 Ellinwood Street, 1st Floor Lobby First Midwest Bank: 749 Lee Street Frisbie Senior Center: 52 E. Northwest Highway Des Plaines Park District Prairie Lakes Community Center: 515 E. Thacker Street Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth: 310 N. River Road

Giving to Those in Need: Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines Founded in 1971 in Des Plaines, the Self-Help Closet & Pantry (SHC&P) serves those residents of Des Plaines in need. The SHC&P is not an agency of the City, however it does receive City support through annual funding and enjoys use of a building at 600 E. Algonquin Road, for which it pays $1 annually in rent.

The Pantry’s Red Barrel Program helps to keep its shelves stocked with food. These large, red plastic tubs are located throughout Des Plaines, and local businesses are always invited to become a red barrel collection site. A 501 (c) (3) organization with a part-time director who oversees a staff of volunteers, the Pantry is unique to Des Plaines and is not associated with any other national or regional organizations.

Food and clothing donations are welcome on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 A.M. to Noon, and Saturdays from 9:00 A.M to 10:00 A.M. The SHC&P is open to qualified clients on Tuesdays from 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M and Saturdays from 10:00 A.M to noon. For more information, please call 847.337.1443 or visit their website at www.selfhelppantry.org.

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The Frisbie Senior Center Since 1976, the Frisbie Senior Center has been responding to the ever-evolving needs of the senior population living in the northwest suburbs, providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere that allows for congregation, social interaction, and encouragement of healthy, active lifestyles. Membership is open to anyone ages 55 or older; new members are always welcome to join.

Membership is not required to participate in programming, however a daily activity fee will be charged for non-members. If you would like more information about the Center’s activites and events, visit our website (www.frisbieseniorcenter.org), or contact the Center directly at 847.768.5944.

Annual Christmas Luncheon

On Sunday, December 25th, the Frisbie Senior Center will be hosting its annual Christmas Luncheon. This event, now in its 15th year, continues to provide a “family of friends” for those living in the immediate community that may not have loved ones in the area.

Since the holidays are often challenging times for older persons for a variety of reasons, but most notably companionship or lack thereof, we again look forward to providing a hearty meal on Christmas Day to those in need. Although reservations are required, this event is open to the public and there is no cost for the meal, however a donation is greatly appreciated.

Frisbie Senior Center Upcoming Events

Saturday, December 3 & Sunday December 4 Winter Wonderland 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, December 25th Christmas Luncheon Begins at 12:30 P.M. Reservation is required.

Wednesday, January 4 Senior Health Talk (Glaucoma Awareness) 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Thursday, January 26th Chinese New Year Luncheon 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Mondays, February 6 through April 10 AARP Tax-Aide 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Appointment is required.

Wednesday, February 8 Chocolate Fest Begins at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, February 22 Mardi Gras Luncheon 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Thursday, Feb. 23 AARP Driver Safety 9:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. Registration is required.

Cover Image Courtesy of Manuel Diaz

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