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Core Values:

WE LEAD WITH HEART

Humility: We are servants of the Zion community.

Encouragement & Education: We support our residents and equip them with knowledge.

Appreciation: We value partnerships that assist our residents.

Reverence: We respect each person's journey.

Tenacity: We don't give up on believing in the best.

Supervisor's Team

Cheri Neal, Township Supervisor

Sandra Usher, Chief Operating Officer

Adriana Ortiz, Client Services Director & Summer Work Program Coordinator

Grace Gamboa, Client Services Coordinator

Nayeli Cardenas, Administrative Assistant

Erica Delgado, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Amy Onan, Client Workforce Coordinator - 1/25 - 3/25

Assessor's Team

Colette Davis, Township Assessor

Michelle Buttera, Deputy Assessor

LaVella Harris, Deputy Assessor

2025 SWP Mentors

Roderick Henry, Lead Mentor

Shardaye Bone, Mentor

Lisa Bowers, Mentor

CHERI L. NEAL ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

April 2026

DearZionResidentsandPartners,

Thispastweek,duringstaffreviewsandourretreat,Ihadamomentof clarity realizing that what the Zion Township team is pulling off is nothingshortofremarkable.

In the day-to-day, it’s easy to miss the bigger picture. The weight of everything happening can feel overwhelming at times But when I forced myself to pause and step back, what I saw was impact Realpeople Reallives Beingchangedeverysingleday

AtarecentDHSmeeting,threeseparateagencies completelyunprompted sharedhowdeeply grateful they are for Zion Township. Recognition like that cannot be manufactured. It is earned throughconsistentserviceandgenuinecareforacommunity.

Yes, we support residents in crisis every day, and our service reports reflect that. But the work happeningthroughthisTownshipgoesfarbeyondbasicservices.

OurteamshowsuprepresentingZionatcommunityevents Theyareleadingmentalhealthand wellness initiatives, partnering with schools and the library, and helping bring projects like our “FindingBeautyintheBreak”mosaicinitiativetolifeacrossthecommunity.

We hosted our 24th Senior Expo consistently recognized as one of the best in Lake County throughourpartnershipwiththeZionParkDistrict

Ourstaffcontinuesteppingintoleadershiprolesthroughoutthecountyandregion facilitating caseworker meetings, collaborating with DHS to improve systems, helping launch the ZBTHS Foundation, and serving with organizations like the Coalition for Healthy Communities and Community365withBUZ,BuildingUpZion.

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

At the same time, we are reigniting Rebuilding Together to support seniors, launching Beyond Barriers for residents with different abilities, supporting community gardens and neighborhood beautification efforts, expanding murals and Zinnias for Zion, and helping grow events like the Zinnia and Monarch Festival…and Bees Too! all helping reshape how people feelaboutZion.

WearealsoexpandingthewayZion’sstoryistoldthroughtheZionQuarterlyandpartnerships with our high school’s All Things Media program, True Conglomerate Productions, and other localtaxingbodies.

Even the Lake County Joy Summit continues to grow, with more than 50 speaker applications alreadysubmittedfortheJanuary2027eventatZion-BentonTownshipHighSchool

This is what it looks like when a small team commits fully to a community not because we haveto,butbecausewechooseto.

And none of it happens without residents, partners, organizations, and volunteers willing to engageandworkalongsideus.

I know there have been times I’ve been criticized for stepping outside what a Township Supervisoris“supposed”todo AndIrespectthatperspective

Butwhenyoutrulyloveacommunity andIbelievethatistrueofthisentireBoardandteam youdoeverythingyoucan,withinthelaw,tohelpmakeitbetter.

Thisweek,Isteppedbacklongenoughtotrulyseewhat“everythingwecan”lookslike. AndIcouldnotbemoreproudtobepartofit.

Allourbest,CheriandtheZTTeam

Zinnia and Monarch Festival... & Bees Too!

Zion marked its fifth year of the Zinnias and Monarch Festival & Bees Too!, the third weekend in August, welcoming thousands of visitors. A huge thank you to our sponsors and the many volunteers who made it all possible—the ZB Library team, District 6 Art Division, Culver’s, Torres Fresh Market, CJ’s, ZBTHS, Dandelion Gallery for its wonderful performance art, the Zion Park District, and many more who led activities, contests, and learning sessions. Special thanks to our co‑chairs, Erica Delgado and Erika Denny. Because of you all, the 2‑day festival was a great success! Save the date for August 15–16, 2026—the third weekend in August. Making her debut at the festival was “Hope La Monarcha” a striking wooden sculpture standing over six feet tall, by a local artist and sculpture Oscar (Alex) Ceja of Zion IL.

Thank you to our sponsors

Monarch: City of Hope | The Re/Max Plaza Team | Dandelion Art Gallery | Henna Art

Chrysalis: Grove at the Lake | State Senator Mary Edly-Allen | Great Lakes Credit Union |

Caterpillar: It’s All Good | Old National Bank | A Ray of Hope

Erica Delgado

Erika & Aaron Denny

Carlen Borland

Deanna Cruz

Sandra Usher

Cheri Neal

It truly takes a village to host a festival like this!

Thank you to our volunteers

Astrid McLaughlin

Chris Tollefsen Smith

Elena Lopez

Everardo Samano

Gennythya Lopez

Giselle Alcocer

Heidi Pfeifer

Jackelyn Orozco

Jamar Libasci

Janet Eppers

Jean Vines

Jeanne Engle

Joe Knobbe

Joe Lynch

Juan Orozco

Kris Nichols

Linda Perreault

Mary Lou Hiltibran

Michelle Pederson

Oscar Ceja

Paula Reinier

Rebecca Bozarth

Sara Torrez

Sarah Petersen

Sheryl Anderson

Tammy Boyd

Tia Wilson

Wendy Driver

Whitney & Franklin Henry

Zion ESDA

Our MVP’s for dedicating their summer to tending to the Zinnias around Zion goes to:

Mary Lou Hiltibran, Janet Eppers, Joe Lynch, Everardo Samano and Juan Orozco. Also THANK YOU to Arizmendi Landscaping and Carmen Acosta & Acosta and Sons Landscaping for planting Zinnias!!!

by Erica | Pop Up Shoppes

State Rep Joyce Mason

The Zinnia and Monarch Festival expanded this year to include the “Flight to the Finish” 5K, which drew 98 registered runners. Before the race, children participated in a 100-meter dash, and following the 5K, runners and their families enjoyed a community bubble bash.

Zinnias for Zion celebrated its 8th year, with more than 2,500 packets of zinnia seeds distributed to the community through local government offices. In addition, 292 flats of zinnia flowers were purchased by local businesses and households through Anton’s Greenhouse. We are grateful for the Local Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Zion-Benton Public Library and Culver’s of Zion, who recognized the winners with certificates and prizes

FRONT YARD WINNERS

Best Curb Appeal & Champion - 3237 Bethel Blvd

Most Unique Zinnia Display - 2925 Galilee Ave

Best Overall Love of Zinnias - 1722 Dusk Drive

Murals & Business Best Curb Appeal - It’s All Good

Most Unique Zinnia Display - Zion’s Culvers

Best Overall Love of Zinnias - Hermon Park

Thank you to Illinois Dunesland Garden Club Judges

Members: Janet Eppers, Sheryl Anderson & Donna Bybee

ZINNIA

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

SUMMER WORK PROGRAM

The 2025 Summer Work Program concluded on August 1st with a celebration cookout All youth received a certificate of completion from Zion Township and a special certificate from State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and State Representative Joyce Mason Youth also received a special gift from City of Hope celebrating their completion of the program.

Thirty-three youth completed the program, with seven of them were nominated as Employee of the Year. The 2025 Employee of the Year winners are En’Vie Johnson and Brandon Williams. Congratulations to both!

Special thanks to the Summer Work Program youth workers, mentors, and supervisors for their excellent performance this summer, as well as the parents for their support. Zion Township, the Job Center of Lake County, the Zion Park District and the community are lucky to have them. The Zion Township team appreciates all the hard work and dedication.

Nominated Employees

Employee of the Year

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

QUEEN BEES OF ZION RED HAT SOCIETY RELAUNCHES!

The Queen Bees are flying! With 53 members, many enjoyed several day trips this year, spreading joy wherever they went.

LIHEAP

Along with Supervisor Cheri Neal and Chief Program Officer Adriana Ortiz visiting the Zion senior buildings, staff were able to assist in completing 369 LIHEAP applications, totaling over $59,160.00 to help pay utility bills this winter. This was during regular office hours to assist residents each Monday from 911am.

BIRTHDAY CARDS

1269 seniors age 65+ received a birthday card stuffed with cards for free custard from Culver’s, a donut from CJ’s, and a notepad from the ZB Library. These cards were designed by the ZT Team and are chock full of information. The seniors ❤ their cards!

TRANSPORTATION

We were able to assist 43 Zion seniors with the new transportation card. These cards can be used on various forms of transportation and is similar to a debit card. Cards are provided to all seniors over the age of 65 in need.

We also completed 91 Benefit Access/RTA applications for seniors and those with disabilities, completed 248 passport applications, 98 notary requests, and assisted residents with faxing at no charge.

ZB SENIOR RESOURCE EXPO

Coordinated by Chief Operating Officer Sandra Usher, the Zion-Benton Senior Resource Expo was once again a huge success with the Zion Park District, Benton Township, and The Grove at the Lake co-sponsoring. We distributed over 200 bags to seniors loaded with goodies and a guidebook with 60 vendors represented.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

Elf Network

Thanks to the Elf Network and the Chief Elf Jeanine Richards, 80 Zion families - 302 family members, were blessed this Christmas. This is a coordinated effort between the Zion Township, Christ Community Church and Santa's Volunteers, as well as ZB Kiwanis, with stuffed animals for every child donated by PetSmart.

Secretary of State Mobile Unit

Zion Township partnered with the ZB Library to host another successful Secretary of State Mobile Unit visit that allowed 50 seniors, and others to get their licenses and State IDs renewed. This year 33 residents were able to receive their Real ID.

BUZ initiatives for 2025

BUZ (Building Up Zion) is a grassroots initiative bringing residents together to create positive change throughout Zion. Meeting the last Thursday of each month at the ZB Library, BUZ is built on the belief that small acts of service and connection can create lasting community transformation. Through volunteer projects and partnerships like the Zion Pageant Association, residents are empowered to take pride in and help build up the community they call home.

Expansion of Zion-Benton Seed Library

Continuing support for the Garden of Faith Expansion, replanting and care of Zion’s Butterfly Garden Connected YWCA with Library and Township. An Zion Early Childhood Coalition was formed YWCA partnered with LC Joy Summit to offer CEU’s to attendees 2 Annual Lagoon Glow nd

Luminaria Event Launched

$5000 grant obtained to host Mental Health Plate Smashing and Mosaic Art “Beauty in the Break” Project

Partnership with Rep Joyce Mason and Alpine Care of Zion, lead by Teen Miss Zion

The

Zion Township subsidizes a portion of other agency programs to ensure continued, accessible services to residents including:

Love INC: $1,000

Abiding Love Food Pantry: $2,000

The Point Church Food Pantry: $1,000

PADS Emergency Shelter Program: $1,500

Zion Park District Senior Luncheon: $3,000

Zion Park District Weekly Shopping Program: $3,000

Nicasa Substance Abuse Counseling Program: $3,000

Keeping Family Covered: $1,500

COLETTE DAVIS ZION TOWNSHIP

ASSESSOR

Zion on the Rise: Opportunity, and Relief for Homeowners

Zion is in a season of visible change. Across the township, new construction is reshaping familiar spaces as homes rise on once-vacant lots and new businesses prepare to open their doors. That growth is more than a sign of momentum—it reflects a community attracting new residents, new investment, and new opportunities. Recent additions such as Grays Animal Hospital, along with the forthcoming Chipotle location, are expected to expand local services while creating jobs and strengthening thetownship’scommerciallandscape.

What Residents Should Know About Taxes and Exemptions

Alongside this growth, many homeowners are also watching how changes in the housing market affect their property taxes. This year’s tax bill should reflect a lower tax rate, offering some welcome relief. At the same time, property values have continued to rise, making it especially important for assessments to remain fair, accurate, and equitable. One of the most effective ways residents can reduce their tax burden isbymakingsurealleligibleexemptionsareproperlyappliedtotheirpropertyrecords. Residents should be aware of several key points this year. The reduced tax rate is tied to relief from CEJA funds, while rising home prices continue to influence assessed values across the township. It is also important to understand that exemptions do not lower a tax bill directly; instead, they reduce a property’s assessed value before taxes are calculated. For many households, that distinction can still make a meaningful difference. Now is a good time to review existing exemptions, confirm renewals where needed, and apply for any programs that may offer additional relief. Those who need assistance can complete applicationsthroughthetownship’sassessorresourceswebpageorvisittheofficeinpersonforguidance. As Zion continues to expand, staying informed will help residents make the most of the opportunities that come with that growth. Whether it is understanding changing property values, securing available exemptions, or simply keeping up with development across the township, the goal remains the same: to supportastrong,informed,andthrivingcommunity.

Colette Davis

Regular Town Board of Trustee meetings are held in the Zion City Hall Council Chambers, 2828 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL at 6:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday of each month.

SCHEDULE OF 2025 BOARD MEETINGS

January 21, 2025

February 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

Annual Township Meeting: April 1, 2025

Township Budget Public Hearing: April 15, 2025

May 20, 2025

June 17, 2025

July 15, 2025

August 19, 2025

September 16, 2025

October 21, 2025

November 18, 2025

December 16, 2025

ZIONTOWNSHIPBOARD

CURRENT

SupervisorCheriNeal

AssessorColetteDavis

ClerkSherylSpooner

TrusteeChristopherFischer

TrusteeBeverlyStackhouse

TrusteeMikeMcDowell

TrusteeRichardFrierson