rich township fall/winter 2010 newsletter

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Fellow Rich Township Residents,There have been many sage and enduring quota-

tions attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. A quotation that he actually did make was this one: “The perfecting of one’s self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.” How true. Let us extend Confucius’ philosophy to organizations; public, private or not-for-profi t. Self assessment is the sine qua non of determining your effectiveness in ser-vice delivery to your constituents. Without it, there is nothing. What have we accomplished? How did we do so and at what expense? What are the plans for the future? Did we distinguish ourselves in our constitu-ents’ name? As we move toward our Annual Meeting in April, the Township is doing such an assessment; it is an ongoing process with us.

I can report emphatically that we did achieve our goals, and then some. There will be more detail in a later newsletter. But I can tell you that we distin-guished ourselves by meeting and exceeding our own established departmental performance standards for the previous fi scal year. We fully complied with Gov-ernment Auditing Standards with respect to our fi nan-cial record keeping and reporting as adjudged by an outside independent auditing fi rm. We have complied with requirements from the County and the State of Illinois. We saved our residents property tax dollars by helping to ameliorate problems with their tax as-sessments. We received public recognition and awards from outside organizations familiar with our work, in-cluding “Township of the Year” by the Township Of-fi cials of Illinois, the PACE Suburban Bus System and other state and local agencies.

Finally, and most importantly, we received recogni-tion from the residents of Rich Township. This is the highest form of recognition of a job well done. Daily

feedback and communica-tion with you helps us to de-liver our services more effi -ciently. Such is the nature of the client-servicer relation-ship endemic to local gov-ernment operations. As you know, our guiding principles continue to be: fairness, in-novation and geographical equity. We would not have it any other way; you deserve no less.

In our media driven so-ciety, there are those who have made the dissemination of misinformation a cottage industry. Unlike many pundits, we have a track re-cord. We are also here to serve and to inform. We also possess community respect; borne of that record, ex-perience and the fact that we live here with you. We have averaged about 170,000 units of service per year to Rich Township residents over the last four years. That distinction has loomed large as we’ve increased our service delivery efforts while not raising our tax rates—not an easy task.

As I have often said, when any of us look into the eyes of a resident requiring service, we see ourselves – as it should be. Thank you for your attention and support.

Sincerely,

Al RileyAl Riley, AICPRich Township Supervisor

A Message From Supervisor Al Riley

SupervisorAl Riley

Rich Township has been named Township of the Year by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Cit-izens Committee.

The “Commitment to Senior Ser-vices Award” is presented annual-ly to one township in Illinois that demonstrates an outstanding com-mitment to meeting the needs of seniors within the community.

The award was presented to Su-pervisor Al Riley during the Town-ships of Illinois Annual Conference in Springfi eld.

“Service to seniors is extremely important,” Riley said. “Seniors de-serve the care and attention given to them for all their long years of service. This is an award all the residents of Rich Township can be proud of because it shows we re-spect our senior citizens and are taking care of them properly.”

Under the direction of Sally Fuhrmann, the Senior Center pro-vided services and activities to near-ly 40,000 senior citizens last year, according to Rich Township statis-tics. This includes exercise classes, health screenings, home-delivered meals, the Senior Companion pro-gram, art classes, seminars, movies, monthly trips, and holiday parties, among dozens of other activities and services.

In addition, the Township’s bus service enables senior citizens to lead independent lives, providing approximately 60,000 person/trips annually, according to Transporta-tion Director Pat Peters. Rich Town-ship is also the only township in the region to offer transportation for medical appointments to any hospi-

tal or medical facility in the great-er Chicagoland area for outpatient surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and other medical proce-dures.

Lastly, the Township’s Food Pantry served 4,700 seniors over the age of 60 last year. More information about senior programs is at 748-5454.

Looking at the award Rich Township received for providing the best township senior services in Illinois are (from let) Township Administrator Tim Brad-ford, senior citizens Agnes Kenney of Park Forest and John Faklis of Park Forest, Senior Director Sally Fuhrmann, Township Supervisor Al Riley and senior citizen Velma Walker.

2 RICH TOWNSHIP REPORT WINTER 2010

CNN site offers nutritious lunchCNN site offers nutritious lunch

Fresh produce available Fresh produce available for low-income familiesfor low-income families

Township Administrator Tim Bradford (center), a longtime Rotarian, packs his car with Thanksgiving dinners, which he delivered to resi-dents in need on behalf of the Matteson Area Rotary Club. Bradford is assisted by Joe Moran (right) and Mark Mason.

Free income tax Free income tax preparationpreparation

Clerk’s CornerClerk’s Corner

By Bobbie G. King,Township Clerk

I would like to remind everyone that the Primary Election is on Tuesday, February 2. Polls are open 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Please re-member to exercise your Constitutional right to VOTE!

Also, all registered voters have the oppor-tunity to vote early through Thursday, January 28.

Early Voting is conducted on touch screens. Early Voting sites that are located nearby are: Matteson Village Hall, Park Forest Village Hall, and Chicago Heights City Hall.

Just remember to bring a government-is-sued photo ID, such as a current drivers license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. State law requires early voters to display valid identifi cation to an election offi cial before receiving a ballot.

More information on Early Voting is available at www.cookcounty-clerk.com. Or, as always, you may call my offi ce at 748-6722 for any assistance!

Disabled Parking PlacardsPermanent disabled parking placards will be expiring at the end of

your birth month in 2010. The Secretary of State’s offi ce will send you a new medical form to be completed by your physician for renewal. It will be sent to you about four to six weeks prior to your renewal date. If you have moved since receiving your permanent placard, you may obtain the form from our offi ce, but not until four to six weeks before your renewal date.

Thank you for your generosityI’d like to thank all of you who have so generously donated to the

Tabitha Clothing Pantry for the Needy, located at the First Baptist Church, 80 N. Orchard Drive, Park Forest. After many of you read about my support of Tabitha in a recent Township newsletter, you kindly responded with your own donations of hats, scarves, gloves, and monetary gifts. The Tabitha Pantry provides clothing and some household items to very low-income resident of the south suburbs. Tabitha continues to need our support. Please call Tabitha at 748-2566 and ask them what they need. Let’s all pull together to help our neigh-bors in need—not just at Christmastime, but every day of the year.

Vote on February 2Vote on February 2

Bobbie G. KingTownship Clerk

Starting Monday, February 1 and continuing through April 15, free income tax preparation—in-cluding electronic fi ling—will be available for citizens 60 years of age or older. The service is also available to all ages with middle or low income.

This service will be held at the Park Forest Health Department, 350 Victory Drive (located on the lower level of the Park Forest Vil-lage Hall).

For an appointment, pleasecall the Rich Township

Senior Center at 748-5454.No walk-ins will be accepted.Volunteer tax counselors are

trained by the IRS and sponsored by AARP. This free service is avail-able Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last scheduled appointment taken at 2 p.m.

Those who wish to receive tax assistance must bring copies of their 2009 tax return, 2009 W2s, 1099s, property tax forms, and all other income forms (except for self-employment and rental in-come).

Transportation is available through Rich Township. Please call 748-6727 for bus service to the Park Forest Health Depart-ment.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository offers a Fresh Produce Day for low-income residents on the fi rst Wednesday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the transportation garage of Rich Township, 22013 Governors Hwy., Richton Park. Please note that doors do not open until 9:30 am. All south suburban residents in need are eligible to pick up a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The next Fresh Pro-duce Days are February 3, March 3, and April 7. Call Pantry Director Vicki Sline at (708) 748-6722 for more information.

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch week-days at the Community Nutri-tion Network site, located inside Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Downtown Park Forest.

All seniors, regardless of their income level, are eligible for the CNN lunch program. The CNN site is open to all south suburban resi-dents, including those living out-side of Rich Township. Participant must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.25. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo be-

gins at 11 a.m. For more informa-tion or to make a reservation for lunch, phone 747-2700.

CNN site supervisor Sandy O’Neill serves food at a recent holiday party.

Township Clerk Bobbie King (left) registers a fi rst-time voter at the Township offi ce.

Vote Feb. 2Vote Feb. 2The Primary Election is Tuesday, February 2. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you do not know your polling place, call Cook County Elections at (312) 603-0906 or visit www.voterinfonet.com.

WINTER 2010 RICH TOWNSHIP REPORT 3

assist taxpayers in fi lling out and fi l-ing these forms. The applications will be delivered to the Board of Re-view Offi ce as soon as it is open for our township. We currently do not have a date as to when the board will open.

The 1st installment tax bills for 2009 (payable in 2010) will be mailed around the last week of January. These bills will be due and payable Tuesday March 3, 2010. Please note: There are no exemp-tions listed on the fi rst installment bills. All exemptions appear on the 2nd installment.

The Senior Freeze Renewal Appli-cations will be mailed approximate-ly the last week of January 2010. All taxpayers will need to bring in all of their 2008 income to fi le for this exemption. (All of your Social Secu-rity or Railroad Retirement must be added as income). To apply for the Senior Freeze for the fi rst time, you must have been born in 1944 or ear-lier and have lived in your home for more than two years. My staff will be able to assist in fi lling out these forms and notarizing them for you.

Throughout the year my offi ce receives numerous calls regarding what the taxes would be on newly constructed homes within the vil-lages located in Rich Township. The chart below was created to show taxpayers what is incorporated into fi guring a tax bill based on a pur-chase price of $200,000 and an as-

Township Assessor Carol Ranieri

Assessor’s Clerk Dee Marnell (right) assists Matteson resident LindaWilliams with a property tax issue at the Rich Township offi ce.

In Octo-ber 2009, Cook County Assessor Jim H o u l i h a n announced that residen-tial property owners in Rich Town-ship would be mailed notices re-fl ecting a re-

duction in the assessed values of their properties. Normally, prop-erties are re-assessed every three years and since Rich Township was assessed in 2008, these properties would not be re-assessed again until 2011. But after an analysis of sales and foreclosures data, Asses-sor Houlihan determined that due to this fi rst-ever downward market, the Rich Township homeowners would receive adjustments to their assessed values for 2009. Therefore taxpayers owning and residing in their homes/condos saw a decrease in their assessed values. This reduc-tion was not seen on Commercial or Industrial properties or on vacant land.

If you missed the fi ling period for 2009 with the Cook County Asses-sor’s offi ce, you still have a chance to fi le with the Board of Review. Ap-plications are available in my offi ce, and my staff and I will be happy to

Important news about your property taxesImportant news about your property taxes

sessment level of 16%. The follow-ing is a breakdown of the way the taxes are calculated: The Property Value (200,000) X the Assessment Level of 16% equals the Assessed Value of the property (24,000) X the State Equalizer (2.9786) equals the (EAV) Equalized Assessed Value X the Local Tax Rate. This will equal the total taxes before any exemp-tions are applied. The local tax rate for all villages consist of various tax-ing districts such as: School Taxes, Municipality/Township Taxes, Cook County Taxes & Miscellaneous Taxes. (The breakdowns of these amounts are located within the body of the

2008 Bill Country Club Hills -SD 160 2008 Bill Flossmoor - SD 161 2008 Bill Hazel Crest - SD 161200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value

16% Assessment Level 16% Assessment Level 16% Assessment Level 32,000 Assessed Value 32,000 Assessed Value 32,000 Assessed Value

2.979 State Equalizer 2.979 State Equalizer 2.979 State Equalizer 95,315 Equalized A/V 95,315 Equalized A/V 95,315 Equalized A/V

13.669% Local Tax Rate 11.535% Local Tax Rate 11.894% Local Tax Rate 13,028.63 Taxes Before Exemptions 10,994.61 Taxes Before Exemptions 11,336.79 Taxes Before Exemptions

2008 Bill Homewood - SD 161 (No Metro Water) 2008 Bill Homewood - SD 161 2008 Bill Matteson - SD 159200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value




2008 Bill Matteson - SD 162 2008 Bill Olympia Fields - SD 161 2008 Bill Olympia Fields - SD 162200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value


2.979 State Equalizer 2.979 State Equalizer 2.979 State Equalizer 95,315 Equalized A/V 95,315 Equalized A/V 95,315 Equalized A/V9.877% Local Tax Rate 9.972% Local Tax Rate 9.922% Local Tax Rate

9,414.28 Taxes Before Exemptions 9,504.83 Taxes Before Exemptions 9,457.17 Taxes Before Exemptions

2008 Bill Park Forest - SD 162 2008 Bill Park Forest - SD 163 2008 Bill Richton Park - SD 159200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value




2008 Bill Richton Park - SD 159 2008 Bill Tinley Park - SD 159 2008 Bill Unincorporated - SD 161/233200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value 200,000 Property Value


2.979 State Equalizer 2.979 State Equalizer 2.979 State Equalizer 95,315 Equalized A/V 95,315 Equalized A/V 95,315 Equalized A/V9.902% Local Tax Rate 10.324% Local Tax Rate 9.710% Local Tax Rate

9,438.11 Taxes Before Exemptions 9,840.34 Taxes Before Exemptions 9,255.11 Taxes Before Exemptions

tax bill.) The three basic factors in determining a tax bill are: Current Assessed Value, State Equalizer and Local Tax Rate. Please note: Start-ing in 2010, for the 2009 tax bills, homes will be assessed at 10% of market value instead of the current 16%, and commercial and industrial will be assessed at 25% of market value. Also, the State Equalizer and Local Tax Rate changes are refl ected on the second installment tax bill.

Note: The chart below is only used as an estimate when a newly constructed home is still on a sub number (an index number where there is more than one home locat-ed) and does not have it’s own assessment.


Volunteers Volunteers neededneeded

Sewing circle shows how social Sewing circle shows how social networking got its startnetworking got its start

While the world tweets, texts and goes on Facebook, one group of women maintains the world’s most enduring social network: the sewing circle.

The Rich Township Yarn-ers meet every Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Senior Center in Park Forest. But socializing isn’t their only objective. The fi fteen mem-bers knit beautiful lap blankets for residents of nursing homes. Last November, the group personally delivered 50 homemade blankets to a nearby nursing home.

“The residents were overjoyed to receive them,” said Senior Di-rector Sally Fuhrmann. “The Yarn-ers bring happiness to so many senior citizens.”

While group members knit, cro-chet and sew, they also make new and lasting friendships.

Gloria Hutton-Leach of Richton Park joined the group six months ago and “met my best friend,” Ann Westerveld, a resident of Park For-est.

“The group sort of adopted me,” Hutton-Leach said. “I was walking through the Senior Center one day and they called me over. I’ve cro-cheted for over 40 years, but I nev-er thought of doing it in a group. Now I’m glad I am because the women are the sweetest things.”

Her friend, Ann Westerveld of Park Forest, started doing needle-work as a small child in the Neth-erlands. That day, she was working on a sentimental project. She was fi nishing up a tablecloth she had started in Holland back in 1950.

“I brought it along with me when I came to the United States,” Westerveld said. “But I couldn’t fi nd the right crochet threads to match, so I put it away. But I just found the right threads and I’m fi nishing it up. My grandson said he wants it for a special table he’s going to make.”

Kay Gjersoe of Frankfort, who was making a beautiful green and

pink quilt, has been a member of the group for nine years.

“It’s fun getting together with the girls. We get to be friends. It’s a nice way to pass the time and do things for other people.”

Ellen Eads of Park Forest jok-ingly refers to her fellow members as “my fi ber friends.” Eads is known for using a mix of bright, vibrant colors in her creations.

“It’s nice to get together with people who understand this kind of craft—who understand yarns and color,” Eads said. “Color is so important in these lap robes. It sets a mood for people. Bright colors

make people happy—you can see it in their eyes. It just lifts your mood. I like to use small pieces of yarn and pieces left over from other proj-ects.”

Aris Tomac of University Park said she learned about the sewing circle from an article in the Town-ship newsletter.

“I had been crocheting and knit-ting for many, many years. When I saw the picture in the paper, I had the spare time and I came out here to help.”

Cory VanSetten of Matteson has been a circle member for more than 10 years.

“I enjoy the socializing and the artwork,” she said. “We give away 50 lap blankets four times a year. But we don’t just drop off the blan-kets. We go there, give them to each resident and socialize with them.”

VanSetten even keeps a picture album of the senior citizens receiv-ing the blankets. She said the Yarn-ers are seeking new members.

“Everyone can come if they have a needle. All are welcome.”

Donations of yarn for the lap blankets are also needed.

For more information about the group or to make a yarn donation, call Sally Fuhrmann at 748-5454.

Free cholesterol

checkIn observance of National

Heart Month, the Park Forest Health Department will provide a free cholesterol and glucose screening on Thursday, Febru-ary 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Health Department, lo-cated at the Park Forest Village Hall. Fasting is required for at least nine hours before testing. Please call for a reservation at 748-5454. The offer is limited to the fi rst 25 people.

The 2010 Senior Fair will be held on Friday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive in down-town Park Forest

All kinds of information will be provided by local vendors on many senior topics. Refreshments will be

offered, and there will be lots of raf-fl e prizes. A large raffl e prize will be awarded to a lucky winner.

The Senior Fair is sponsored by the Park Forest Rotary Club, the Park Forest Senior Commission, and the Rich Township Senior Center. More information is at 748-5454.

Senior Fair set for May 14

Visit GreeceVisit GreeceThe Park Forest Public Library will come to the Senior Center to

give a presentation on Greece at 10 a.m. Friday, February 26. Call the Senior Center at 748-5454 to make your reservation. Refreshments will be provided by the Park Forest Library.

The Rich Township Senior Cen-ter is seeking volunteers to deliver meals-on-wheels to the homebound. Volunteers will be reimbursed for mileage. Call Senior Director Sally Fuhrmann at 748-5454.

The Rich Township Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to work at the Greater Chicago Food Deposi-tory once a month to help the Town-ship Pantry earn credit dollars. Vol-unteers would work twice a month. Transportation is provided. More information is with Pantry Director Vicki Sline at 748-6722.

Member of the Yarn-ers knit lap blankets for residents of nursing homes at the Rich Township Senior Center in downtown Park Forest.

Aris TomacAris Tomac Ellen EadsEllen Eads Kay GjersoeKay Gjersoe

Cory VanSetten holds a pic-Cory VanSetten holds a pic-ture album of seniors re-ture album of seniors re-ceiving their homemade lap ceiving their homemade lap blanketsblankets

Gloria Hutton-LeachGloria Hutton-Leach

Ann WesterveldAnn Westerveld


Administrator’s Administrator’s MessageMessage

This past year has been very diffi cult for a lot of families within Rich Town-ship. The economic crisis has left the State of Illinois, Cook County and oth-er local governments—including Rich Township—with a decrease in their revenue resources. These are the same revenues that help provide necessary fi -nancial assistance and services to indi-viduals and families.

The tax revenue that Rich Township receives provides a variety of assistance and services to eligible residents, in-cluding short-term rental assistance, partial utility payments, medication, food, counseling and transportation for medical treatment. The number of cli-

ents that have a need for Rich Township services has increased tremendously due to the high unemployment situation. At the same time, it is because of our current economic situation that many social service programs have been cut at the State level. This in turn has created fi nancial hardships for community or-ganizations whose clients must now look to other government entities such as Rich Township for help.

If you look at the statistics to the left, you can clearly see that the demand for Township services in all categories is high and increasing on a yearly basis. For instance, the number of Food Pantry clients has skyrocketed from two years ago. In 2007, the Pantry served 8,201 families, totaling 28,632 individuals. During 2009, we served 9,212 families, totaling 30,680 individuals. That amounts to 1,000 more families—or 2,000 more individuals. To put it in perspective, imagine 2,000 people coming to your door one day needing food. That’s a lot of grocery bags to fi ll.

We at the Township are doing everything possible to keep up with the growing demand. As a reminder, no tax dollars are used to buy food that is distributed by the Pantry. In order to operate, the Pantry relies on fundraisers, donations of food and money, and the work of volunteers. In other words, the Pantry is able to operate so successfully because of the generosity and compas-sion of our Township citizens and businesses. So, in closing, I would like to remind you that any food or monetary contribu-tions that you can make to the Rich Township Food Pantry will go to help make life better for those who are faced with hard-ships and, in return, provide you with the reward you’ll feel by helping your struggling neighbors.

Township responds to Township responds to needs of residentsneeds of residents

Township AdministratorTim Bradford

2009 statistics show increased demand for services The following statistics report how many thousands ofcitizens used Rich Township services during 2009.

❱❱ Township buses transported 60,306 riders in 2009.

❱❱ The Food Pantry provided food for a record 9,212 families or 30,680 people in 2009.

❱❱ The Rich Township Assessor’s Offi ce provided tax assistance to about 3,800 people and had over 4,800 phone calls during 2009.

The Rich Township Clerk’s Offi ce provided thefollowing services last calendar year:

❱❱ Registered 52 individuals to vote.

❱❱ Processed 101 passport applications.

❱❱ Assisted 135 people in obtaining permanent disabled parking placards.

❱❱ Issued 60 temporary disabled parking placards.

❱❱ Provided FREE Notary Public service.

❱❱ Issued 849 Cook County vehicle stickers to residents of unincorporated Cook County.

Rich Township Senior Center statistics

A total of 39,905 participated in senior services andactivities during 2009. The breakdown is as follows:

❱❱ In-Home service Clients: 660 served

❱❱ Case Management Contacts: 4,088 contacts

❱❱ Home-delivered Meals: 5,351 meals delivered

Participation in some senior activities was as follows: ❱❱ Movie: 324

❱❱ Flexercise classes: 5,146

❱❱ Cards: 553

❱❱ Needlework class: 476

❱❱ Art class: 457

❱❱ Jewelry class: 96

❱❱ Health Screenings: 408

❱❱ Monthly trip: 563

❱❱ Podiatrist: 787

❱❱ Blood pressure: 1,080

❱❱ AARP Safe Driving class: 89

❱❱ Rules of the Road: 66

❱❱ Line Dancing: 1,273

❱❱ Senior Chorus: 224

❱❱ Bowling: 277

❱❱ Walking Club: 153 ❱❱ Yoga: 339 ❱❱ Haircuts: 153 ❱❱ AARP Meetings - 118

Special Senior Programsduring 2009:

❱❱ Income Tax Assistance (Feb.-April) 1359

❱❱ Senior Fair: 375 ❱❱ Circuit Breaker (April) 75 ❱❱ Volunteer Recognition

Luncheon 115 ❱❱ Bazaar & Bake Sale 185 ❱❱ Holiday Party 120 ❱❱ Park Forest Library

Travel Series 56

Santa visits Township Senior CenterSanta visits Township Senior Center

Santa, aka Toni Brucker, and Cathy Santa, aka Toni Brucker, and Cathy Gallus serve food to Betty Ruzich of Gallus serve food to Betty Ruzich of Olympia Fields.Olympia Fields.

Santa, aka Toni Brucker, greets Shirley Rowley Santa, aka Toni Brucker, greets Shirley Rowley of Park Forest (right) and Althea Hawthorne of Park Forest (right) and Althea Hawthorne of Park Forest at the Senior Center Christmas of Park Forest at the Senior Center Christmas party.party.

Santa, played by Toni Brucker, hugs Santa, played by Toni Brucker, hugs Georgia Branson of Richton Park (left) Georgia Branson of Richton Park (left) and her guest at the Senior Center and her guest at the Senior Center Christmas party.Christmas party.

In thanks for her support of Rich Town-ship senior services, Cook County Com-missioner Deborah Sims was a special guest at the Senior Center’s Christmas party. Also pictured (from left) are Town-ship Administrator Tim Bradford, Su-pervisor Al Riley and Richton Park Presi-dent Rick Reinbold, also a big supporter of senior services.


Apply for passports Apply for passports at Rich Townshipat Rich Township

Passports are now required for all travel outside the continental limits of the United States.

The Rich Township Clerk’s Of-fi ce is a Passport Acceptance Fa-cility and is currently processing passport applications.

All the forms necessary to ap-ply for a passport are available at the Township Offi ce, 22013 Gov-ernors Hwy., Richton Park.

The total processing fee is $100 for individuals 16 years of age or older; and $85 for children under the age of 16. The fees and re-quirements are exactly the same at all passport acceptance facili-ties.

Processing takes approximate-ly 4-6 weeks from the date of ap-plication.

An applicant must bring in proof of citizenship, such as a cer-tifi ed copy of a birth certifi cate;

two headshot photos against a white background; and identifi ca-tion, such as a driver’s license or state identifi cation.

The U.S. Department of State now requires everyone, including children, to appear in person at the passport facility.

Passports are processed 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Call Deputy Clerk Debbie Pas-carella at 748-6722 for more infor-mation.

2010 Census 2010 Census begins in Marchbegins in March

Rich Township has been ad-ministering the Senior Compan-ion Program for the entire subur-ban Cook County area since July 2005. Since then, the program has provided approximately 339,300 hours of volunteer service to se-nior citizens. This extraordinary number of hours was completed by 67 Senior Companions serving 218 clients.

Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other se-niors live independently by pro-viding assistance with daily er-rands, socializing with seniors, and transporting them to doctor’s ap-pointments. The all-volunteer Se-nior Companion program is part of the federal Senior Corps, which is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

339,300 hours of companionship339,300 hours of companionship

The 2010 federal Census kicks off in March. Households should receive census questionnaires in February or March.

By fi lling out the short Census form, residents are ensuring that their community receives its fair share of government funding, ser-vices and resources, and Congres-sional seats.

A complete count means more federal dollars for each of the municipalities within Rich Township, including Park For-est, Matteson, Richton Park, Olympia Fields, Homewood, Flossmoor, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Tinley Park and Frankfort.

The 2010 Census could shape the future of the South Suburbs. The federal government relies heavily on census data for many of its programs. The census de-termines the distribution of $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services and generates thousands of jobs across the country.

Census data is used to make important decisions about a com-munity, such as where to build roads, schools, hospitals, child-care centers, senior citizen cen-ters, job training centers, and more. Billions of dollars in funding for these projects are at stake—an incomplete count could mean your community misses out. Businesses also use Cen-sus statistics to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and other facilities.

The Census affects political representation. The Census de-termines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the boundaries of legislative districts. A complete count is vital to accu-rate representation.

IT’S SAFE: The Census Bureau protects information that identi-fi es respondents or their house-holds. Every Census Bureau work-er takes an oath for life to protect the confi dentiality of Census re-sponses. Violation could result in a jail term of up to fi ve years and/or a fi ne of up to $250,000. By law, the Census Bureau can-not share an individual’s answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies.

IT’S EASY: The questionnaire contains only a few simple ques-tions and takes just a few minutes to answer and return by mail.

So mark March 2010 on your calendar and look for the Census questionnaire in the mail. Your quick response will mean more federal dollars that will ultimately

benefi t and improve your community.

Clinton and Betty Ross could have easily spent their retirement years in quiet solitude, enjoying their hobbies and one another’s companionship.

Instead, the Park Forest couple chose to become companions to other senior citizens who are homebound.

Betty Ross became a volunteer Senior Companion three and a half years ago, after fi nding out about the program through a friend. Her husband joined a few months later. The Rosses are the only husband-wife team in the en-tire suburban Cook County Senior Companion Program.

Betty visits three clients who all reside in Park Forest, while Clinton visits two clients in Floss-moor and Park Forest. The couple volunteers for a total of 30 hours a week.

Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other se-niors live independently by pro-viding assistance with daily er-rands socializing with seniors, and transporting them to doctor’s appointments.

Betty Ross said it’s so easy to become friends with her clients.

“I was a companion to Mrs. Bobbie Boyd, who became one of my dear friends. We shared a lot of the same interests. She was the

most beautiful person. It was re-ally devastating to lose her.”

Betty said she loves the pro-gram and fi nds her work gratify-ing beyond measure.

“It’s satisfying doing something productive in life—meeting new friends, exchanging ideas. I really love helping other people.”

Her husband said the program has had unexpected effects on his own life.

“I didn’t have a good idea of what the program was about until I got into it,” Clinton said. “Then I realized that it gets me out of the house and gets me involved. It’s also great to help somebody and listen to others. I’m a good listen-er. I’ve found that helping them has also helped me.”

Clinton said he especially en-joys listening to the stories of his Park Forest client, who is a long-time resident of the Village.

“I’ve learned a lot about the history of Park Forest,” he said. “It’s very interesting listening to the experiences she’s had living in the Village.”

Commodore Edmond, direc-tor of the Suburban Cook County Senior Companion Program, de-scribed the couple as “reliable, dedicated, trustworthy, and be-yond professional. The good of their clients always comes fi rst.”

Couple makes Couple makes companionship a prioritycompanionship a priority

Husband-and-wife Senior Companions Betty and Clinton Ross.


Sign up for ‘Safe Sign up for ‘Safe Driving’ classDriving’ class

Pantry fundraiser Pantry fundraiser gathers strength from gathers strength from community supportcommunity support By Calvin Jordan

Highway CommissionerThe Rich Township Road Dis-

trict is off to a fast pace. We are making sure that the roads are safe and clear of snow and ice. The Road District has kept con-tinuous watch of all inclement weather through this winter sea-son.

Foreman Horace Smith has implemented a balanced strat-egy for snow removal. Foreman Smith makes sure that staff mem-bers Curtis Rich and Dan Zetter are in rotation to provide snow removal in a 24-hour cycle. This strategy, along with constant vigilance, will continue to keep the roads from accumulating ice and snow throughout the day.

I believe that it is imperative for the residents of Unincorpo-rated Rich Township to be able to travel safely during times of bad weather. The staff and I are dedicated and committed to making sure the roads are clear.

I am currently preparing for the annual Crawford Country-side Civic Association meeting on February16th, when I will discuss details of the 2010 Road District budget for the residents of Unincorporated Rich Town-ship. I hope to see many of you there.

On December 11, I hosted a Christmas party for the senior citizens of Rich Township. Ap-proximately 150 seniors attend-ed the event, which took place at

the Senior Center in Park For-est. There was plenty of good food for ev-eryone and I presented each se-nior with a small gift bag. After the party, Rich Town-ship treated the seniors to a free bus tour of the holiday lights in the South Suburbs.

I’ve hosted the Christmas par-ty for eight years now, and ev-ery year the event gets bigger and better. I love and respect our seniors and want to honor them in every way I can in my capacity as a public offi cial. Our senior citizens have contributed so much to our communities and to our nation. I feel it’s impor-tant for all of us to remind them that they are appreciated and re-spected.

Lastly, I am always at your service. Residents living in the unincorporated areas who have any questions or concerns can contact the Road District Offi ce at 228-5050 or my cell number at 692-6305. Or, you can email me at [email protected]. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All inquiries are welcome.

C l i J d h S i

Road District always Road District always snow readysnow ready

Highway CommissionerCalvin Jordan

The Pantry of Rich Township raised $32,000 from its 2009 “Fall into the Holidays” Fashion Show fundraiser at the Holiday Inn Select and Convention Cen-ter in Tinley Park.

“We reached our goal and even went over it slightly,” said Pantry Director Vicki Sline. “We lost one of our major business donors this year, but we were able to recoup because of the generous support of the com-munity.”

Fashions were provided by Carson Pirie Scott, J.C. Penny, Kluger Furs, Leather House, Old Navy and Rainbows. Models in-

cluded Supervisor Al Riley, State Representative Will Davis, Olym-pia Fields President Linzey Jones, Richton Park President Rick Re-inbold, and Cook County Circuit Court Judge George Scully.

The Fashion Show is the pan-try’s major fundraiser of the year. All money raised benefi ts the pantry, which provided food to more than 30,000 low-income residents in 2009. No tax dollars are used to buy the food that is distributed to residents in need. In order to operate, the Pantry relies on fundraisers, donations of food and money, and the work of 150 volunteers.

The AARP Safe Driving Class takes place Tuesday, March 2 at the Park Forest Health Department, located at the Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The class convenes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch break. You must attend the entire session to become certifi ed.

The classes are under the direction of AARP and are designed to update seniors on driving rules. The course can qualify seniors for a discount on the liability portion of their car insurance. The discount is good for three years.

The fee for the class is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Payment is by check only, and it must be brought to class, along with your AARP membership card. Checks should be made out

to AARP and dated March 2, 2010. Call the Senior Center at 748-5454 to make

your reservation.

Deidre Allen with her Deidre Allen with her grandmother Mattie Allengrandmother Mattie Allen

Ava CeasarAva Ceasar

Olympia Fields Mayor Linzey Olympia Fields Mayor Linzey Jones and wife GloriaJones and wife Gloria

Rich Township Trustee Rich Township Trustee Therese GoodrichTherese Goodrich

Brittany WilliamsBrittany WilliamsState Representa-State Representa-

tive Will Davistive Will Davis

Supervisor Al Riley and Supervisor Al Riley and Rosemary Hulett Rosemary Hulett

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Your RichYour RichTownship Offi cialsTownship Offi cials

SupervisorAlRiley748-6722

ClerkBobbie G.King748-6722

AssessorCarolRanieri748-6722

HighwayCommissionerCalvinJordan747-3616

TrusteeTherese H.Goodrich748-6722

TrusteeElliott H.Johnson748-6722

TrusteeNick Bobis748-6722

TrusteeKarenCaesar-Smith748-6722

TownshipAdministratorTimBradford748-6722

Editor’s NoteEditor’s Note The Rich Township Report is written,

edited and photographed byMary Paleologos, Public Information Director for the Township. Layoutand Design by Cory Ottenwess.

Pantry provides holiday food Pantry provides holiday food baskets to struggling familiesbaskets to struggling families

The Pantry of Rich Township distributed 200 holiday food baskets to struggling families on De-cember 18. The Pantry also furnished toys for 243 children who otherwise would not have received gifts for Christmas.

Township offi cials, staff members and student volunteers packed the food boxes the day before they were distributed to residents. Coming out in full force were Rich Central High School’s French Club and French National Honor Society, headed by instructor Luisa Regalado. The students made beautiful candy sleds to include in the food baskets. This is the 21st year Rich Central’s French Club has assisted the Food Pantry with packing holiday bas-kets.

“Everything went very smoothly and we were able to accommodate all of the families in need with holiday baskets,” said Pantry Director Vicki Sline. “I want to give a special thanks to the French Club for being so reliable. Luisa has been bringing her students here for 21 years, and every year, they make those lovely, miniature candy sleds that add such a warm, wonderful touch to the food baskets.”

Student Chloe Graham (left) and French instructor Luisa Regalado show the miniature candy sleds made by the Rich Central French Club and French National Honor Society to include in the Holiday Food Baskets distributed to struggling families.

Rich Central students Lucas Sneed and Brandon Prendergast pack holiday boxes.

South suburban caterer Jim Wisnasky (right), packs holiday boxes with the help of students Gabrielle West and Katelynn Pruitt, and other members of the Rich Central High School French Club and French National Honor Society.

Joan Abbott of Matteson, representing St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, and Nicholas Sline know the mean-ing of teamwork.

Rich Central students Osayuki Uwumarogie and Jazmine Townsend make sure all the ingredients of a great holiday dinner are packed inside the boxes.

Rich Central High School French Club students Nigel Archibald (left) and Marcus “Sebastian” Sturgis” do the heavy lifting during the food packing.

Rich Central High School student Marcus “Sebastian”Sturgis (right) and Nicholas Sline work the conveyer belt.

rich township fall/winter 2010 newsletter

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