Showing posts with label Crestwood Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crestwood Illinois. Show all posts

Friday, December 3, 2010

Look What's Cooking For Lunch Bingo or a movie to follow

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Why not visit the Biela Center soon for lunch and, if you wish, some bingo or a movie.  You're certain to enjoy the lunch and interaction with others of your age group.  You'll make some new friends and meet your old friends too.  Look what's on the menu

Tuesday, Dec. 1 Pizza and salad
Friday, Dec.4, Hot dogs
Tuesday, Dec. 8, Christmas luncheon ($8 donation)
Friday, Dec. 11, Tuna salad
Tuesday, Dec. 15, Sloppy Joes
Friday, Dec. 18, Chicken sandwich
Tuesday, Dec. 22, Italian sausage
Friday, Dec. 25, MERRY CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, Dec. 29, Dessert and bingo
Friday, Jan. 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR

Enjoy a delicious lunch for a $3 donation at the Biela Center at noon.  Bingo and a movie start at 1 p.m.  Please help us by making reservations.  Reservations for Tuesday lunch must be made by 5 p.m. Friday.  Reservations for Friday lunch must be in by 5 p.m. Wednesday.  Call 371-4860, Bon appetite.

Crestwood Public Library District's Holiday Collection for P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

The following items are in need at P.A.W.S. animal shelter.  Please find it in your heart to donate an item or two.

*  Dry or Canned cat or kitten, dog or puppy food

*  Jars of Chicken or Turkey Baby Food

*  Collars & Leashes

*  Animal Toys and Treats

*  Dish Soap

*  Laundry Soap

*  Bleach

*  Paper Towels

*  Disposable Gloves

*  Blankets or Towels

*  Hand Soap

*  Windex

Donations accepted Nov. 16 -Dec. 19.  For information phone 371-4090.

Let's Help Kids For Christmas

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Christmas for some children can be a life of pain, hunger or being cold.  There are many local opportunities to help those children, including the 6th annual Toy Drive in Crestwood in memory of cancer victims Cathy and Alison Beard.  The drive continues until Dec. 23.

Starting Dec. 1, the Village Hall will have a toy box in its foyer to receive contributions of unwrapped toys, gift certificates for food and other stores such as K-Mart, Best Buy, Kohl's, Toys R Us, etc.

All donations benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, lead locally by Nan Beard, mother of Cathy and Alison.

Some Predictions For the Next Century

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Last month's Adviser posed the question of how our world would be 100 years from now.  Readers were asked to gaze into their crystal ball and venture their guesses.  Here are some of the responses we got:

*  Space travel will be commonplace and offer travel to future vacation destinations.

*  We will no longer be dependent on fossil fuel, which will be replaced by inexpensive energy sources such as solar and wind power.  (Editor's note: Wind power from Congress?)

*  The post office will go the way of the pony express because mail will be delivered electronically.

*  We'll be considered middle aged when we hit 75 years old.  (Editor's note: And we can get Social Security when we're 100?)

*  Our diet will be pills replacing traditional food. (Editor's note:  No pizza? No burgers? I'd rather be dead.)

*  Sports will be played only by amateurs because professional athletes and owners will price themselves out of business.  (Editor's note: I thought the Bears already used only amateurs.)

*  Power cords will be a thing of the past and replaced by what we use to power Wi-Fi.  Today.

*  Autos will be replaced by a GPS-guided vehicle that will fly through the air and take off and land vertifcally.  (Editor's note: I think we call them helicopters.)

*  Congress will find a way to tax the air we breathe.  (Editor's note: Aren't they doing that now?)

*  Lawn mowers will be run by remote control and operated from your chaise lounge.  (Editor's note: Today we call them grandkids.)

*  Facts about UFOs will be made public.

*  The Cubs will win the pennant, (Editor's note: Must be a Sox fan.  Cubs fans would say they won the World Series.)

*  The lost continent of Atlantis will be discovered.  (Editor's note: Sounds fishy.)

*  We'll stay on standard time and stop pushing clocks forward and backward. (Editor's note: But how will we check our smoke alarms?)

* Mental telepathy will be our primary source of communication. (Editor's note: And the divorce rate will soar.)

Well, you get the idea.  These are some of the predictions we got from our readers.  Got any thoughts on what our world will look like 100 years or so?  Drop us a line at the Adviser.

These are just predictions, aspiring Nostradamuses, and there's no penalty for being wrong, just like weathermen.  You might even spark an idea for an invention.

No need to feel silly writing a silly suggestion.  Nobody reading this will be around to make fun of you.

Heating Bills, Foreclosures Are Topics For Program

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Saturday, Dec. 4, is the day that subjects of home heating costs and real estate foreclosures will be the topics at a forum hosted by Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy.

The Energy Assistance Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crestwood Bingo Hall, located in the Playfield Shoping Plaza.

Applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be reviewed, as with assistance programs offered by NiCor and ComEd.  Representatives from CEDA will also be present.

When applying for assistance, applicants should bring proof of income for the past 30 days, the original Social Security cards for all household members, a copy of a current NiCor or ComEd bill.

Those renting must also bring evidence of heating costs included in their lease agreement.

Income guidelines for households by the number of people in that household are the following:

One, $1,354; Two, $1,821; Three, $2,289; Four, $2,756; Five, $3,224; Six, $3,691; Seven, $4,159; Eight, $4,626; Nine, $5,093; Ten, $5,561.

A foreclosure workshop is also on the Dec. 4 agenda, beginning at noon and lasting for 45 minutes.  It will be presented by the law firm of Suliaman and Associates.

The title of the workshop is "How To Save Your Home from Foreclosure."  Free legal advice on the topic will be offered.  For additional information on the program contact CEDA at 708-339-3610 or 708-371-1522.

Sometimes No News Is the Best News

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

If it bleeds it leads is the motto of many "professional" news organizations, meaning that any sensational event (plane crashes, mass murders, new wars, scandals, ad infinitum) will be splashed across front pages and breathless lead-ins on radio and television stations across the county.

While the vast majority of our great country go through the day doing what they have to do to support their families, help others voluntarily, save lives, go to the church of their choice, their individual acts of care, concern, courage and loving go unnoticed,

What news value is there in normalcy?

The Adviser's role is different from the "mainstream" media in most respects.  In this issue, for example, we attempt to clarify the numbers in those mysterious (and expensive) real estate tax bills, encourage the participation in Crestwood's annual holiday decorating contest and ways to help the needy at this time of the year.

We also attempt to emphasize the importance of local business support as it relates to our citizens' best interests and spotlight a local business every month.  We encourage contributions from our readers to share individual accomplishments and concerns.

We further try to promote local business by keeping our advertising rates the same as they were in 2002, $5 per column inch, when the Adviser started accepting advertising.  Call 371-4800 for information.

There are no plans for change as we enter the new decade,

We wish you all blessings for the Christmas season and health and happiness in the New Year.

Keep Your Sales Dollars Right Here In Crestwood

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

We can't emphasize enough the importance of supporting Crestwood businesses during this holiday season.

We stated in last month's Adviser that this could be a make-or-break time for many businesses, and they need our support.  Empty store fronts produce neither sales tax nor employment opportunities.

Paying sales tax is not an option.  You must pay it wherever you shop.  Accordingly, it makes sense to buy locally and keep your sales tax here, where it will benefit the entire community.

If you're not sure that Crestwood offers the goods or service you need, just inquire at the Village Hall, 371-4800.

Finally, it should be noted that sales tax in Crestwood is lower than that of other surrounding communities because we don't have Home Rule government.

Couple that with less travel time and expense and you add further meaning to that old saying, "There's no place like home for the holidays."

Coming Soon..."How's My Mom?"

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

A free courtesy call program brought to you by your friends at Crestwood Care Centre and The Pointe at Kilpatrick Supportive Living Community.

Have you ever been at work or away from home and suddenly found yourself wonder...Did Mom remember to eat breakfast? Or...Is Dad feeling lonely and depressed?

Let us help put your mind at ease.

Register your loved one for a daily courtesy call from one of our trained staff members.  It will brighten your family member's day...and take the worry out of yours.  To sign up, call Monica or Peter at 708-371-0400.

This free program is available Monday through Friday by registration only.  Courtesy call recipients must be 65 years or older and reside in the Village of Crestwood.

Healthy Household Habits - Septic System Use and Maintenance

 * It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 3 years, and have the septic tank pumped as necessary (usually every 3 to 5 years).

Care for the septic system drainfield by not driving or parking vehicles on it.  Plant only grass over and near the drainfield to avoid damage from roots.

Flush responsibly.  Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system.  Other iterms such as diapers, paper towels and cat litter, can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.

STORM DRAINS CONNECT TO WATERBODIES!

Healthy Household Habits - Swimming Pool and Spa

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels.

Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system.

Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater.

STORM DRAINS CONNECT TO WATERBODIES!

Healthy Household Habits - Pet Care

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.  Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.  Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.

STORM DRAINS CONNECT TO WATERBODIES!

Healthy Household Habits - Home Repair and Improvement

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.

Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.

Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible and follow the directions on the label.  Clean up spills immediately and dispose of the waste safely.  Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.

Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products whenever possible.

Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.  Filter and resue paint thinner when using oil-based points.  Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program or donate unused paint to local organizations.

Reduce the amount of paved area in your yard.  Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods.  Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

STORM DRAINS CONNECT TO WATERBODIES!

Healthy Household Habits - Lawn and Garden

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.  When use is necessary use these chemicals in the recommended amounts.  Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise chemicals will be washed into your local stream.

Select native plants and grasses that are drought and pest resistant.  Native plants require less water, fertilizers and pesticides.

Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas.  Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.

Don't overwater your lawn.  Water during the cool times of the day and don't let water run off into the storm drain.

Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies.  Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent erosion.

STORM DRAINS CONNECT TO WATERBODIES!

Healthy Household Habits - Vehicle and Garage

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody.

Check your car, boat, motorcycle and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills.  Make repairs as soon as possible.  Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand and don't rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain.  Remember to properly dispose of them in your trash.

Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations.  Don't dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

STORM DRAINS CONNECT TO WATERBODIES!

Crestwood Mall Where It Pays To Shop

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

When you're bored with daily monotony or if you're having one of those days where nothing seems to be going right, it's time to break routine, relax and spend some quality time with your family by dining out.

If you choose to go somewhere close where the food and service are good and offers a well-rounded menu at affordable prices, the description sure sounds like the Omega Restaurant, 13233 Cicero.

The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and open 24 hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  On Sunday through Wednesday they open at 6 a.m. and close late at night.

Good news: the original Downers Grove ownership and management is back as part of a five-restaurant network.

When you visit the Omega the toughest decision you'll face is what to choose from their vast menu.  They offer three soups every day and a vast variety from their menu, including fancy desserts and your favorite beverages.

If you're planning a party for 40 or less you can plan to hold it here and enjoy a variety of menu options.  In December, holiday pies will be on sale for carry-out, $9 for fruit pies and $11 for creme pies.  And speaking of the holidays, Omega will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Years Even and New Year's Day.

Take a look at Omega's December specials: a complimentary dessert with all dinners; Crestwood businesses presenting a business card with carry-out orders get a 20-percent discount Monday through Fridays, not valid on holidays; customers can apply for an Omega local reward card for a 9-percent discount Mondays through Fridays, not valid on holidays.

Crestwood businesses that dine in and leave a business card will also be rewarded a 9-percent discount Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays.

If all of this food talk is making you hungry, just head for Omega, and we guarantee you will never leave with an empty stomach.  Your biggest problem will be choosing what to order.  Omega - the last word in eating out.

And they are just one more reason we say, "Smart Crestwood Shoppers Shop Crestwood"

Holiday Contest Judging Is Week of December 13

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

There's still time if you haven't yet completed decorating your outdoor home or business for this holiday season.

Judging by the Crestwood Recreation Commission has been scheduled for the week of Dec. 13, and everyone will automatically be entered in the contest.

You may, however, want to call attention to a particular well-decorated site.  This can be easily done by forwarding the address to the Village Hall.

The competition is wide open, and last year's winners are not eligible for any of the three cash prizes this year.

Once again, the first-place winners will receive $300, second place $200 and third place $100.  It's not a bad way to start your holiday season.

Best Wishes To All For Happy Holidays

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

At this festive time of year the Mayor, Clerk, Board of Trustees and all Crestwood employees wish to take this opportunity to extend their best wishes to all residents and businesses for a happy holiday season.

We recognize that the current recession's hard grip on our economy has touched everyone in some way or another, and it may serve to dampen festivities.

However, we're beginning to see some small signs of an incipient recovery with predictions of more gains to come in the next few months.

History is on our side.  It has proved that our country has always rebounded from previous dilemmas.  This could serve to brighten your outlook for the future.

The holidays are always a time to gather with friends and relatives to enjoy fellowship with them.  These relationship are the real important things of life.

It's also important to extend a hand to those who need it, particularly during this season.  You will brighten not only their holidays but will be amazed at what it does for your own peace of mind.

Reaching out to help the less fortunate will bring joy to both you and them.  The holidays are the most enjoyable and memorable when they are filled with laughter and charity to others.

With those thoughts in mind, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year.

Real Estate Tax Bills 101 - Helping to better understand them

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the December 2009 (Number 393) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Everyone knows that real estate tax bills are sent out twice a year.  But judging by phone calls to the Village Hall, they raise more uncertainties and questions than they answer.

Let's take a look with the hope of gaining a better understanding of this murky subject.

Tax bills you receive in 2009 are for 2008 taxes.  The first installment comes to your home approximately Feb. 1 and is 50-percent of the total amount of the previous year's tax bill.

The second installment, which used to come out on Aug. 1, now arrives sometime in the fall and is the adjusted installment on the 2008 taxes payable in 2009.

The value of the property on which you're taxed is developed by the Cook County assessor's office in conjunction with a state modification factor.

The taxes are based on an equalized assessed valuation (EAV) that they alone determine.  Contrary to popular belief, Crestwood has no official role in this process.

Property is re-assessed every three years during the period known as the tri-annual reassessment.  When this takes place you receive a card in the mail stating, "This is not a bill but a reassessment of your property."

Don't treat this as junk mail!  When you read the statement, "This is not a bill..." because it will definitely impact your future real estate taxes.

Examine it carefully, and if warranted file an objection with the assessor's office.  Since Crestwood does not determine the EAV or the state modification factor, we suggest you go online or contact the respective agencies to learn more about their decisions.

Now, let's go back to the tax bill itself to make sure you've received all the exemptions you're entitled to.  First is a homestead exemption which should be granted to every taxpayer who lives on their property.

Second is the senior citizen exemption for residents 65 or older.  Last is the senior freeze which not only requires being 65 or older but also that one's income qualifies.

That mandates that total household income does not exceed a certain figure determined during that taxing period (currently $50,000 a year).

Let's examine the bill further to find out which agencies receive the tax money and the amount they receive from the bill.

Opposite each entity is the tax levy by each agency, the amount collected and - new this year - the percentage of the tax bill that it represents.  Please note that the tax levy opposite the line indicating the Village of Crestwood is one of the lowest levies of any municipality in Cook County.

In most cases the amount collected by Crestwood is not enough to pick up the garbage at your residence for one year and represents 5-percent or less of your entire tax bill.

This should clear up any misconceptions that Crestwood generates the tax bill and receives all or the majority of the amount you pay.

Total tax bills do vary due to different EAVs, but you can compare them with your neighbor's and see the very small portion that is paid to the Village of Crestwood.

The next time some mis-informed person says, "What are they (Crestwood) doing with our tax rates?" you can correct them by pointing to the actual figures and turn the question around by asking how does the village manage to keep its tax levy low while keeping services high.

2009 Village of Crestwood Board Members

Mayor Robert Stranczek

Village Clerk Nancy Benedetto

Trustee Ronald Wasag

Trustee James Fowler

Trustee Louis Presta

Trustee Victor Hirsch

Trustee William Wagner

Trustee Frank J. Gassmere

Don't miss bingo at Elks Club

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the October 2008 (Number 378) edition of The Crestwood Adviser and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Crestwood in Crestwood, Illinois. *

Elks Lodge, 4428 Midlothian Turnpike, offers exciting bingo any Thursday night, featuring large cash payouts, $2,250 weekly.  Prizes are subject to change with less than 100 players.  Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and early birds start at 6:30, bingo at 7.