F CUS Follow Thornton Township’s social media accounts on:
333 E. 162nd Street • South Holland, IL 60473
708-596-6040 • www.thorntontownship.com
FALL EDITION Meet Your Thornton Township Officials ’d like to draw special attention to pages 4 and 5 of this edition of the Focus, where we are beginning a “ Meet Your Township Officials” series. Thornton Township has newly elected Trustees and returning members of the Board, that each resident should get to know. One returning member that deserves special recognition, is Trustee Joyce M. Washington who was re-elected last April. Joyce is the “Dean” of the township board, having served longer than any other Trustee. She has been a close friend of mine for many, many years and her commitment to helping people and her community is
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second to none. Joyce is one of those rare leaders who run for public office because she wants to DO something – not because she wants to be something. And since she was first elected Trustee in 1997, she hit the ground running – giving top priority to helping solve the problems people have. In all these years, Joyce has never wavered from that commitment. Each of the other Trustees, Jerry Jones, Christopher D. Gonzalez and Darlene Gray Everett are featured in this edition as well and, as you will see, each of them brings a passion and commitment to helping improve the quality of life for every township family and taxpayer. In our next Focus edition, we will be featuring our returning Township Assessor, Cassandra W. Elston and our newly elected Township Clerk, Loretta C. Wells – two people who play an especially vital role in township government and whom I am particularly proud to have on my team. I hope each of you and your family will have an enjoyable Thanksgiving and holiday season, consider vaccination and please mask-up when going out. Sincerely,
Frank M. Zuccarelli Thornton Township Supervisor
Riverdale Building Now Open! e are happy to announce the opening of our Riverdale location. The Senior/Youth & Family Services Center had been closed since early this spring for renovations. While this location got a facelift you’ll notice a different look when visiting. Although the Riverdale building has completed its construction, regular activities have not yet resumed. Stay tuned on our website www.thorntontownship.com or social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) for announcements of scheduled activities.
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Please note: Senior Drive-thru Lunches have resumed at this location, every Wednesday and Thursday (unless otherwise announced or Holiday). l Time: 11:00 am- 12:30 pm l Location: Thornton Township Senior/Youth & Family Services Center, 14323 S. Halsted Riverdale, IL. 60827
Upcoming Board Meetings: l l
Tuesday, December 21,2021 Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Township buildings will be closed: l Christmas Eve – Thursday, Dec. 23 l Christmas Day – Friday, Dec. 24 l New Year’s Day – Friday, Dec. 31 l Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 Senior Lunches l 1420 Huntington Dr., Calumet City Pick-up/Curb side only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm l 14323 South Halsted, Riverdale Curb-Side Pick-up Only Wednesday & Thursday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Senior Center 1420 Huntington Drive, Calumet City l Senior Exercise Monday, Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am Monday, Friday: 9:30 am – 10:30 am l Line Dancing Thursday: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm l Pinochle Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Senior Center 14323 S. Halsted, Riverdale l No exercise or dance activities l No weekly movie l No group senior counseling Youth and Family Services 14323 S. Halsted, Riverdale l No childhood after school services ****ECRWSSEDDM**** RESIDENTIAL POSTAL CUSTOMER
Loretta C. Wells Clerk Cassandra W. Elston Assessor C.I.A.O.
Geary “Pepe” DePue Highway Commissioner
PAID
Christopher D. Gonzalez Trustee Darlene Gray Everett Trustee
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage
“Doing More With Less”
Joyce M. Washington Trustee Gerald “Jerry” Jones Trustee
Homewood, IL Permit No. 130
Frank M. Zuccarelli, Supervisor
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MEET YOUR NEW CLERK: LORETTA C. WELLS ummer has come to an end; I hope and pray it was enjoyable and you and your loved ones stayed safe! As you know, COVID-19 is still with us, so we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to wear our masks; wash our hands and social distance; This is what we need to do to get through the pandemic. Although the world has not fully returned to normal, the Clerk’s Office has and is ready to assist you!
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Are you registered to vote? Come see us, it takes less than 5 minutes; you must have two (2) forms of identification with at least one showing your current residence. Voter Registration Requirements l Must be a U.S. Citizen; l Must be 18 years old to vote in a Consolidated Primary or General Primary l Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day. l New Election Date: June 28, 2022. Additional Services l We issue 90-Day Vehicle Placards for the Disabled, with a completed application from your doctor. Applications can be picked up from the Clerk’s office. l Did you know, the Clerks’ Office can notarize documents for you at No Charge? We have Certified Notaries on site. l We also sell Hunting and Fishing licenses.
MEET THE CLERK’S OFFICE STAFF Kierra “KIEA” Lewis, Deputy Clerk l Township employee for 8 years l Resident of Riverdale l A mother of two l Enjoys family time, skating, hair/beauty and traveling “I love extending a helping hand into the needs of our community and serving our residents. The Township has really given me the opportunity to connect with and meet some great people.” Mykel Miller, Administrative Clerk l Township employee for 1 year l Resident of South Holland l Loves babysitting, family-time, nature, writing, assisting others and aesthetics “I enjoy working as an integral part of the administrative team and helping to execute various office functions, as well as meeting new individuals and learning new things through my journey with working with the Township and in everyday life.” Blessings to all! Loretta C. Wells Clerk, Thornton Township
Our office is located on the lower level of the Township Building, the phone number is (708)596-6040 ext. 3123 or ext. 3118. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact my office at any time during office hours. Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
TAX APPEAL ALERT FROM THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE: CASSANDRA W. ELSTON, C.I.A.O. hank you for attending my tax appeal workshops in September. My staff and I were happy to assist over four thousand residents successfully file appeals and exemptions. I hosted ten property tax appeal workshops throughout the Township with invited guest Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and Attorney Mario Reed, who offered additional assistance with estate planning, trusts and living wills. Every three years property taxes are reassessed by the Cook County Assessor. Last year was Thornton Township’s reassessment year, hence causing property taxes to rise. Specifically, the tax value went up and the tax code rate went down. In addition the tax multiplier decreased, causing exemptions to decrease. Homeowner exemptions are ten times the local tax code rate, and senior exemptions are eight times the local tax code rate. This adjustment devastated many Thornton Township residents. Although the deadline to file an appeal through my office closed September 9, 2021, and the deadline to file an appeal through the Cook County Assessor’s office closed September 25, 2021. We are still pre-filing appeals for the Cook County Board of Review and processing exemptions through our office.
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Our office is located on the upper level of the Township Building, near the east entrance. For questions or information, please call 708-596-6040, ext. 3175. Thornton Township Assessor’s Office now open for pre-filing with the Cook County Board of Review. Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Get In The Holiday Spirit With Thornton Township’s
Christmas Care Program ur Christmas Giving Program registration ended October 8th, with registration for toys and food baskets for those in need. Each year we give away more than 4,500 toys to community residents as well as 1,400 holiday food baskets during the Christmas holiday. Our Christmas Care Program was developed with a desire to make the holidays more enjoyable for families and to serve those in need throughout our seventeen municipalities. Our food baskets include all the necessary fixings for an enjoyable holiday meal. There will be individually wrapped gifts for each child registered. Must be Registered to Attend! Spread a little holiday cheer and join us for a fun family photo day. In place of our annual ‘Spirit of Thornton’ Thornton Township’s Human Relations Committee will host a holiday picture day for you, your family, and friends on December 10, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Come in your favorite holiday sweater, take a photo with the township Christmas tree. You will enjoy holiday treats, festive music and a Christmas Surprise!!! Visit our website www.thorntontownship.com to reserve your spot. For more information, please contact 708-596-6040 ext. 3168.
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COVID-19 Update:
“The New Normal” etting back to normal doesn’t seem so promising, as COVID-19 continues to plague our communities. We all have to adjust to a new normal and start looking ahead after the pandemic. Given the events of the past year, many organizations have had to quickly pivot to maintain stability and manage the risks of COVID-19. Enhanced Surveillance Program Manager Epidemiologist Kelley Bemis of Cook County Department of Public Health stated during an interview with our community relations department that, “The delta variant has been the predominant circulating strain in our jurisdiction since late July.” There are many different variants, four of which are considered “variants of concern” by the World Health Organization-Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Lambda variant, which is a “variant of interest.” Federal and State law require employers to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, in addition due to this surge of the delta variant and emergence of new strains, Thornton Township continues to monitor safety guidelines to mitigate the risk associated with COVID-19. In doing so we have implemented an active COVID-19 task force to protect and ensure the safety of residents and employees in order to maintain a healthy work environment by performing routine cleaning and disinfecting; communicate and enhance amended workplace policies. Our COVID-19 task force meets monthly to discuss CDC guideline updates, host COVID-19 training on how to protect employees at work and at home and coordinate regular testing into workplace preparedness and response plans. As an essential organization, it is very necessary for us to remain open and available for our residents needs. We are taking precautionary steps to keep everyone safe and help slow the spread of COVID. Supervisor Zuccarelli actively encourages sick employees to stay home and encourages individuals to self-screen prior to coming to any of the Township buildings. When visiting our buildings, you will see social distancing and mask required signage, available PPE at the entrances and our door greeters occasionally performing virtual health checks.
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What’s Happening at Thornton Township?
“Tea Time” OVID-19 has definitely made it difficult to connect with our residents as often as possible. This past spring the community relations team started a Lunch and Learn series, that many of you expressed an interest in participating in. We have received feedback regarding topics, location and more importantly time of event. Our department understands that most of our residents are working during the day and have started planning for a Brunch & Learn series for Spring 2022. This Brunch & Learn Series will accommodate the needs of our residents and allow more opportunities for participation. For the fall season, our community relations team campaigned for National Breast Cancer Awareness month. We hosted our annual “Pink Out” event at both Thornton Fractional North and Thornton Fractional South High School football games in October. We offered pink giveaways, t-shirts and cancer signs of encouragement for those who are currently affected and for survivors.
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Taste of Thornton Township Recap n the hottest day of August, Thornton Township held its 21st annual Taste of Thornton Township on August 28, 2021. This year included a family movie night showing the Croods 2: A New Age, bookbags, carnival rides, food and craft vendors. Entertainment consisted of Local hip hop artist Calez, a crowd favorite; Dorothy Doestina as Tina Turner Impersonator, Soul 2 to Bone, Visions of Santana, Divas & Dons, and Fre2Dance. Participants enjoyed the festivities with their children and were excited to see the Taste of Thornton Township back after it’s hiatus from last year. COVID put the Taste of Thornton Township on hold for 2020, residents and vendors were saddened to not be able to attend or participate. Township resident Tina Monroe said “Although the weather was extremely hot, I still enjoyed the event and was very happy to see Thornton Township host it again.” Special thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event a success – Illinois Action for Children, Fifth Third Bank, Excel Printing & Mailing, School District 205 and UChicago Medicine-Ingalls Memorial.
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In addition, the community relations department is interested in uncovering ideas from our residents. During the fall/winter seasons we will be hosting tea-time focus groups to receive your feedback. More importantly, your thoughts and ideas for improvement regarding events, activities, programs, and field trips are more than appreciated. Thornton Township wants to ensure we are meeting your expectations, all are invited. If interested, please contact 708-596-6040 ext. 3150 or email connectwithus@thorntontwp.com.
ZAP ur lawn care ZAP (Zuccarelli Assistance Program) officially ended October 31st. We had another successful season serving over one thousand residents throughout the township and employed close to one hundred students. If you are interested in applying for ZAP services or employment next year our office will begin accepting new applicants February 2022. For more inquiries contact 708-596-6040 ext 4001.
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CITIZEN
CORNER
Ms. Henderson s. Henderson, 66 resident of Dolton, IL expressed tremendous gratitude and satisfaction with the ZAP (Zuccarelli Lawn Care Program). She expressed that it was evident that the crew “put love and care into what they do.” Ms. Henderson wrote the following google review; “On June 10th, I came home from work, I am so pleased with my lawn, I would love for the same crew to come back each time.” Thank you Zap Crew awesome Blessings to you all. For working seniors, such as Ms. Henderson, such a small act can make such a big difference in someone’s day and leave one less burden on their plate. If you are interested in applying for our ZAP program next summer contact 708-596-6040 ext. 4001.
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A Conversation With Your Newly Elected Thornton Township Trustees
Trustee Joyce M. Washington Joyce, tell us a little about yourself. “I was born and raised in St. Louis and grew up in a home where my mother was always active politically. You might say she was the one who instilled in me the importance of being active in politics; of serving and giving back to the community where you live. We came to Chicago and I eventually moved to the Village of Dolton where I’ve lived since 1986. I raised seven children here and was very active in youth sports – volunteering as a “Team Mom” in the Dolton Boys Baseball League. I worked at the Northern Trust Bank for twenty-five years and retired from Northern Trust as a Supervisor of the Teller Department.” Why did you get involved in local politics? “As I said, I grew up in politics in St. Louis. Was always around it. My mother was a Committeewoman who had us passing out literature with her every election so it’s sort of in my blood. When I moved to Dolton and got involved in youth sports, I met Don Manning – the former President of South Suburban College – who recruited me to get involved in local, Thornton Township politics and Don introduced me to Frank Zuccarelli. I volunteered; went door-to-door for Democratic candidates; basically continued doing the work I did with my mom growing up. Frank and Don asked me to run for office on the township team Frank was putting together and I first said ‘no.’ But Frank was persistent and so they finally persuaded me to file as a candidate for Thornton Township Trustee. Now I’m the longest-serving Trustee on the Board.” In your opinion, is township government really necessary? “Absolutely. It is very, very necessary – especially today. Thornton Township govern-
Trustee Christopher D. Gonzalez Tell us a little about yourself. “I’ve lived in Calumet City for over fifteen years and have three children. You might say that Thornton Township has been a big part of my life growing up. I graduated from Mount Carmel High School and actually took a part-time job with the township during the summer for several years. I worked in several different departments – wherever they needed help. I worked with Senior Services; with the disabled; later I drove a bus. You could say that those experiences demonstrated to me how Thornton Township serves the residents of the area. Later on, I took Law Enforcement training and became a police officer with South Suburban College and it was after that, that I ran for and was elected Thornton Township Assessor, serving eight years in that position. After two terms as Assessor, I opted for not running again in order to start my own business – a commercial cleaning business – and still have that today. Why did you get involved in local politics and why did you decide to get back into township government after leaving the Assessor’s position? “My father was always involved in and with our local community He was my example growing up, so you could say that giving back is in my DNA – it’s part of me. As I said before, working with the township over the summer, I realized how much the township actually does for people. I ran for Assessor because I always believed that taxpayers needed an advocate – someone watching out for them and, I saw how Thornton Township was always committed to being fiscally responsible and accountable to residents. I saw too how the Supervisor was committed to transparency and openness
ment is closest to the people. You have a Mayor, a Governor, and a Representative in Congress – most of whom are very caring and dedicated public officials. But many times, they get caught up in day to day work that too often result in ‘people,’ being forgotten. That’s not the case with township government. We’re here, every day, in the community; closest to the community. Helping people every day. We’re closest to people and we feel their needs more than other levels of government.” You are the longest serving Trustee on the Township Board. What excites you about being on the board? “I want to see my community – all the communities in the township and the people who live here benefit from the township. We can help if someone looses their job; we can help people develop new skills and advance their education to get a better job; we help feed families who are hungry and seniors who need transportation, health screening services or even to do yard work if they are no longer physically able to do it themselves. But we do more. I’m Chairperson of the Human Relations Commission and I’m proud of the work we’ve been doing – helping to bring people together; communities together; sponsoring township events like the “Taste of Thornton” and other programs like that to get people together. Through these events, people get to sit down, share a meal, talk to each other, better understand and respect each other. Know each other, really become neighbors. This way we’re also helping reduce crime; helping young people and helping each other.“ Finally, Joyce, what do you really like about being involved as an elected official with the township? “I really love what I do in township government. Helping people solve their problems; helping them improve the quality of their lives is what keeps me going. It’s a mutual thing – I get a chance to make a real difference and help people and that makes me feel great.”
regarding spending, so when he asked if I’d consider running for the position, I did.” In your opinion is township government necessary? “Again, I’ve been around township government in Thornton most of my life and saw first hand what the township does for people; how it helps those who fall through the cracks and how it can at the very least assist in pointing people in the right direction – if the township can’t help with a problem…The township can and does provide invaluable assistance to thousands of residents in that regard.” What is your opinion about the role of government in people’s lives? “To help people wherever it can. To help improve the quality of their lives. But also to serve taxpayers. To be a watch-dog for taxpayers; being open and transparent in how they spend taxpayer dollars. That’s what Thornton Township does and it does a good job of being fiscally transparent. We even won an award recently for transparency in fiscal reporting. Look at the property tax refunds that we’ve given to homeowners. It’s not a lot – fifty or a hundred dollars – but money we don’t spend is better off back in people’s pockets whenever we can give it back. When people look at all Thornton Township does, and they look at how close we really do watch their tax dollars, Thornton Township really does much more with less.” What excites you most about being back as an elected Township Trustee? “I think the township does a great job for people and taxpayers. Supervisor Zuccarelli makes sure of that. We do more with less – our Christmas Programs, Days in The Park, our food pantry and what we do for seniors, the disabled and more. I want to be part of that and I want to do more for the youth in our township. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that’s committed to continue doing the good work we’re doing.”
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Trustee Gerald “Jerry” Jones Please share some background about yourself. “I’ve been a resident of Thornton Township since 1990; I’m a husband; a father of seven children and I have 17 grandchildren. I worked for over thirty-years with a Fortune 500, commodities firm in Chicago and after that was employed by the Chicago Park District for a short time. I have always been involved with local youth sports; coaching youth football for twenty-nine years. I also served as Vice President of the Board of the Midget Football League. I truly believe that we need to focus much of our attentions on helping youth in the community; mentoring them. I take that work very seriously and find it very rewarding.”
helped hundreds more find quality, long-term jobs through training and education in collaboration with South Suburban College. Thornton Township does much more than many other townships and we do so while keeping a close eye to being fiscally responsible to taxpayers. I’m very proud to be associated with that work.” What problem or issue would you like to see township government tackle or do more about? “I’d like for us to continue doing the work we’re doing – improving the quality of life for residents and being fiscally responsible in that process. But if there is an issue I think we should do more about, it is helping our youth. We offer a lot now, through Dr. Weems and the youth and family counseling services he provides. I also know the township does very innovative things to help youth, like Frank Zuccarelli’s summer ZAP Program that employs one hundred high school students; providing them with jobs; helping put a little money in their pockets for the next school year; but more importantly mentoring them and keeping them off the streets where they could get in trouble. I also would like the township to do more to help our young people make the right choices; to deter them from gang activity and crime. That’s why I applaud the work and dedication of Dr. Weems. I want to do all I can to assist with that effort and I plan to make that a top priority.”
Why did you get involved in local politics/Why did you run for the Thornton Township Board of Trustees? “I guess I’ve always been involved in civic activities. In college with African American Student efforts. I grew up in the city in the 10th Ward and got involved there, volunteering in neighborhood ‘get out vote’ activities. Later, after moving to Thornton Township, Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about Thornton people took notice of my involvement with youth programs, and asked me to run Township and your work on the Board? “Just that I’m really pleased and fortunate to serve the people of Thornton for the township board. I’m currently in my third term as a trustee.” Township and especially pleased and honored to serve with Supervisor Frank Is township government really necessary in your view? Zuccarelli. He has been an exceptional steward of taxpayer dollars and has set a very “I guess I’m a bit biased since I serve on the township board, but I think it is positive, public service example for all of us. Not only through his commitment absolutely necessary. I also feel that I am very fortunate in being able to be a part of Thornton to being fiscally responsible and accountable, but his passion for public service. Many residents may not know that Thornton Township recently won a national Township government – helping improve the quality of life for people. I really do believe that our township is perhaps the best in the state of Illinois. And we award for “excellence and transparency” for financial reporting and accounting complement local municipalities. Local governments have responsibilities for and that we have won numerous state awards for the programs and services public safety, street maintenance, lighting and more. As they spend their we provide that help people with real needs. Supervisor Zuccarelli sets a great example for public service. I remember him appropriations, nothing is left for other quality of life improvements. That’s where telling each of us – and all township employees that if “you’re not here to help the township comes in and complements local city services. Just look at the number of families our township food pantry helps feed each people, to serve the residents of the township, then you need to think about month – more than 3,500 families. Our work mentoring youth; providing family going somewhere else.” Frank really does care. He listens to people and he resources; transportation for seniors; wheelchair ramps for residents who are works hard for them.” physically incapacitated. We’ve helped hundreds of people avoid eviction and
Trustee Darlene Gray Everett
help. The township provided tremendous assistance to our district in providing food to our kids; clothes and other assistance and they continue to do so. But the township is also quite necessary in that it is a very effective liaison for cutting ‘red-tape’ for people in every community. Too many people fall through the cracks when they reach out to state or county government for help. They get forgotten. Thornton Township is a true advocate for people – helping families, meeting real needs, and doing it right away – cutting the red tape. The township has been very strong and effective providing meaningful help to families and with real needs – helping them improve the quality of their lives. They also act as a liaison for people by lobbying our representatives in Congress and in Springfield to create and help fund programs and policies that meet real needs in the community. So yes, the township is very important when it comes to improving the quality of the lives of families.”
Darlene, please share if you will a little background about yourself “I‘ve been a resident of Calumet City for over 35 years; am married and have three children. Before being elected to the Thornton Township Board of Trustees last April, I was elected to the School District 149 Board, were I also served as President for eighteen years. While I’m no longer President, I’m still a very pro-active member. School district work is all voluntary – there’s no salary involved so my service hasn’t been a career, but you might say it’s been my cause. I care deeply about public education and making sure all our children received the education they’ll need to compete. I was also obliged to What is your opinion about the role of government in general? serve on the Library District Board for twenty-nine years.” “Government at every level needs to do more to assist people. Government is What prompted you to get involved in local politics? supposed to be a resource for improving the quality of life; to especially help “Education and doing all I can to ensure that our children get a quality, those who for whatever reason cannot help themselves.” world-class education I suppose, is what prompted me to get involved. I believe that the education of our children is one of the most important issues any What excites you about serving on the Thornton Township Board? community faces, and I wanted to do all I could to help meet that fundamental “I truly love serving. I feel complete knowing that I’ve made a contribution toward need in my community. That was in 1993 and I’ve been active in the community helping people meet their needs; helping kids realize their dreams. It takes a community to address and help solve constituent concerns. Thornton Township and our schools ever since.” is a large area. But Thornton Township is truly part of each community – assisting In your opinion, is Township government really necessary? seniors and families and kids. I’m also excited about serving with the Supervisor, Frank Zuccarelli because “Yes, it is absolutely necessary. As President of the 149-school district, I instituted a program that provided free lunches for our students. For many, it he gets involved, really involved in the community. I’m very proud of the work was the best meal of the day and unfortunately for others, it was their only meal. he’s doing through the food pantry; meals for seniors; transportation for them. If No child, no family should ever go hungry, not in this country, so we developed you explain your concern to Frank, he listens and he goes out of his way to help. He’s loyal, caring and honest and I’m looking forward to working even closer a program to help fight hunger in our school district. It was at that time that I first experienced how the township could and did with him and helping improve the quality of life of Thornton Township families.”
Coming in future editions of Thornton Township Focus Conversations with newly elected Clerk Loretta C. Wells and Assessor Casandra W. Elston
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SENIOR SERVICES
Senior
Senior Luncheon Program You must be a Thornton Township resident, 60 years of age and there is a nominal fee charged per meal. The luncheon program is designed to provide a place to meet new friends in a social setting, eat a nourishing meal and to keep you informed of current information affecting seniors. Proof of residency and age are required at sign up. For information call 708-596-6040, Ext. 3170 or 3190. Drive-up Lunches l l l
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Tuesdays, Wednesdays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Thornton Township Senior Center, 1420 Huntington Drive, Calumet City Wednesdays, and Thursdays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Senior/Youth & Family Services Center, 14323 S. Halsted Riverdale
Dine-in Lunches
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Thursdays 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Thornton Township Senior Center, 1420 Huntington Drive, Calumet City
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TRANSPORTATION
ur transportation services continue to thrive with client pick-ups peaking at 142 in a single day, and over three hundred distinct clients. There is a regular surge in our services during the winter months. That number hit an all time high in January of 2020 when COVID cases initially began to surface. Over 4,000 residents were transported in that month alone. We are expecting to surpass the regular winter surge in transportation services with the Delta Variant currently on the rise. There was an increase in demand during the pandemic for resident transport to doctors offices and grocery stores. We are expecting that trend to continue with the steady increase in COVID cases. Our Transportation Manager, Ralph Hawkins assures us that his team takes the necessary precautions to keep our residents safe by mandating masks, supplying hand sanitizer, and increasing sanitation.
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There is a suggested donation for each one-way ride of $1.00. EXACT FARE ONLY PLEASE! Services available Monday- Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. To schedule a ride, call
708-339-9980 For further information on the program, call
708-596-6040, Ext. 4011 Rides are provided for medical appointments to: l Canterbury Dialysis Centers, 3053-3055 West 159th St. in Markham l Comprehensive Renal Services, 222 Douglas Street in Hammond, IN l Governors Highway Clinic, 17901 Governors Highway in Homewood l South Suburban Hospital, 17800 Kedzie Ave., Hazel Crest l St. Margaret Health Care Center, 5500 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN l Hammond Clinic, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN Mall and grocery shopping rides also provided to the following locations on these specified days: l Monday: Halsted Street Shopping Area (Homewood) l Tuesday: Jewel & Walt’s (South Holland) and Township Aldi’s l Wednesday: River Oaks Center, East & West (Calumet City) l Thursday: Both Walmarts & The Landings (Lansing) l Friday: Food 4 Less & Almar Plaza (Dolton) and Pete’s Produce (Calumet City) Be Respectful of your Fellow Riders: 4 Bag Maximum Please !!! All township bus drivers have CDL (Commercial Drivers Licenses) and must comply with all IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) regulations and guidelines. “Funds (in whole/part) for this program were provided through an award from the Suburban Area Agency on Aging under Title III of the Older Americans Act, as administered through the Illinois Department on Aging and Federal Administration on Aging. Thornton Township does not discriminate in admission to programs or activities or treatment of employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act; the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint.”
Thornton Township Senior Services Our Senior Services department offers a wide variety of activities and events. These programs and services are designed to assist seniors in enjoying their “Golden Years.” Thornton Township’s senior department is usually busy with scheduled special events however due to COVID-19 the following activities have been suspended/cancelled for the remainder of 2021. ● 55 Alive Mature Driving Classes ● Cholesterol & Glucose Screenings ● No Flu Shots have been scheduled at this time for 2021 ● Senior Trips ● Senior Parties For additional information regarding any of our programs or services, or to make an appointment, please call the Township Hall at 708-596-6040, Ext. 3170, the Calumet Senior Center at Ext. 3190 or the Riverdale Senior Center at Ext. 2000
Pinochle Club Every Tuesday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Senior Center in Calumet City
Bunco Club Every Thursday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Senior Center in Calumet City
Bingo Last Monday of each month 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Senior Center in Calumet City The Senior Center in Calumet City is located at 1420 Huntington Dr., Calumet City, IL 60409 Bingo cards ¢50 each or 3 cards for $1.00 Lite Refreshments served
Exercise Class This class provides light to moderate aerobic workouts to aid seniors in maintaining health and fitness. A certified instructor currently conducts this class Mondays and Fridays Senior Center in Calumet City 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Line Dance Class Wednesdays Senior Center in Calumet City 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Senior Center in Calumet City is located at 1420 Huntington Dr., Calumet City, IL 60409 Please wear comfortable clothes & shoes
Play Thornton Township Trivia How many Township buildings are in Thornton Township and where are they located? All answers to quick facts trivia questions can be found on our website, social media pages or from previous FOCUS editions. Win a prize. The first three residents (no current township employees or their families) to submit the correct answer to connectwithus@thorntontwp.com will win a prize.
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Youth and Family Services
Innovative Changes on the Horizon or the past 10 years, Youth and Family Services (YFS) has researched and awaited the opportunity to move forward with innovative ideas and technological tools to better serve members of the community who could benefit from our counseling services. Implementing some of those ideas were challenging and failed to gain sufficient traction pre-COVID-19. However, the global pandemic forced people of all ages and demographics to become “more comfortable” with receiving much needed counseling/therapy services virtually. Since April 2020, the Youth and Family Services department has offered counseling service (free of charge to residents of Thornton Township) via telehealth. This means that clients have been able to participate in individual, couples, and group sessions remotely and conveniently from the comfort of their homes, jobs, or wherever
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else they may find themselves. This offering has made it easier for clients to attend their appointments, consistently. Transportation, child care, access, and stigma issues once had a significant impact on a client’s ability to remain compliant with treatment recommendations. Now, clients can participate in counseling/therapy services (with minimal challenges) by using their smart phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. In anticipation of new clients’ preferences towards telehealth, we are also implementing an on-line intake process. In this way, client’s will be able to complete preliminary forms, screening tools, and, request counseling/therapy appointments with a YFS clinical therapist 24/7/365. Clients are still able to reach our Intake Coordinator, Meghan Dudek, at (708) 596-6040 ext. 3155
GENERAL ASSISTANCE ur General Assistance department continues to play a pivotal role in the community during this pandemic. Many people and families have been faced with financial hardship and are in need of utility and rent assistance. Thornton Township’s General Assistance department is one of the largest CEDA sites for the South Suburban region and serves approximately 50 plus clients a day. The GA department is currently accepting applications and registration for CEDA, LIHEAP, PIPP, Weatherization and Water Assistance. Clients will be seen on a first come first served basis with no priority period.
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Forms needed to apply for GA assistance include; l Applicants Photo ID (Driver’s license or State ID) l SSN for all household members (including children) l Income from all household members (includes Child Support, Section 8, TANF, SNAP) l Utility bill from last 30 days Our Food Pantry here has also been an evident increase in demand at the food pantry during the pandemic, and that demand has remained consistent in the current months. We are expecting the need will be even greater during the holiday season, with the assistance in the packing and distribution of food boxes. This need is quintessential during the holiday season when our food pantry distributes over ten thousand holiday food baskets for the Township’s annual Christmas Giving program. If you are interested in volunteering for the Holiday food box distribution please contact 708-596-6040 ext. 3119.
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General Assistance Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm For more information about assistance programs, please contact 708-596-6040 ext. 3184. For Spanish ext. 3130.
Around Town... Here’s What’s Happening in Thornton Township
Harvey
Homewood
South Holland Blue Island
December 18 Christmas Toy Drive Harvey City Hall 15320 Broadway Ave.
December 3 Holiday Lights Friday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Martin Avenue between Chestnut Road and Kroner Avenue
December 3 Winter Wonderland Friday 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park 450 East 160th Place
December 4 Christmas in Blue Island Kris Kringle Mart & Christmas Light Parade Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Lights is a treasured event in Homewood, capturing the joy, excitement, and traditions of the season. ● Musical trolleys. ● Costumed characters and carolers spread holiday cheer. ● Parade of brightly, decorated antique cars, live ice sculpting demos, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, bonfire, and holiday music. H-F Park District at 708-957-0300 for questions about the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Thornton
The Christmas Light Parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and will bring many people to the center of town where the Mart is located. It should be over by 6:00 p.m. with carriage rides and the Santa House for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus starting outside the Mart tents and going until 9:00 p.m.
Lansing December 4 Village of Lansing Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday 6:00 p.m. Fox Pointe 18138 Henry Street
December 3 Santa Parade & Village Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday 6:00 p.m. Thornton Village Hall 115 E Margaret Street Candy cane hunt, library craft and cookies with Santa!
December 31 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Corner of Vermont & Western, Blue Island
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New Businesses in Thornton Township Golden Bear Pancake and Crepery
Hive Nutrition, Wellness & Beauty Center
olden Bear Pancake and Crepery Restaurant is located on 16851 Torrence Ave. in Lansing, IL and is new to the area. It is a small family owned business that is becoming a local favorite. Their hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm seven days a week. They offer a large variety of delicious breakfast items and features a fresh juice bar. The ambiance is a warm and welcoming log cabin rustic theme, which owners Alex and Lisa Fotsis said came from their love of Wisconsin Dells and Tennessee. They wanted to share a little piece of that with the community after identifying that nothing in the area offered that. They currently have one other location in Alsip, IL that has been thriving for over 20 years. With their growing popularity they have several employment opportunities available for all positions. For inquiries visit their Lansing location.
he Hive Nutrition, Wellness & Beauty Center is a new gem to the Township located at 1651 Sibley Blvd. Calumet City, IL. Their hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Owner Brianne Blue, also known as Bella, is a product of Township success. She attended Thornridge High School and South Suburban College, “so it was a no-brainer to give back and grow my community.” She started her journey in the beauty industry eight years ago out of the back of a small salon in Indiana and now has served over three hundred customers since her grand opening on June 19th. She is proof of the success of her program, losing over 50 lbs in her personal journey of health and wellness. Visit the Hive for daily specials and holiday treats.
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South Suburban College is Providing Wide Range of Options to its Community for Illinois’ Vax or Test Mandate outh Suburban College is now providing Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccination options, along with COVID-19 testing at its free drive-thru site in South Holland. Both the COVID-19 vaccination and testing are also now open four days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The drive-thru set up is located within the Northwest Parking Lot at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. No appointment is necessary. More information is available online from ssc.edu/covid19. Self-registration is also available for regular campus visitors from www.ssc.edu/c19vax.
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SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE
Barber College at SSC Provides New Opportunities outh Suburban College (SSC) is now offering a new and unique program to residents of Community College District 510 – Barbering. A brand new state-ofthe-art, fully equipped facility on the first floor of the college’s Main Campus in South Holland. The Barbering curriculum is a 17-month credit program leading to professional certification. SSC is offering a 41-hour Barber Technician (BT) Certificate and a 60-hour Associate of Applied Science Degree in Barbering track for students seeking a college degree as a part of the program. The BT Certificate is a hands-on learning experience that leads to quick employment. Both tracks will include preparation and testing for National Barbering Written Licensing Examination, which is essential to applying for licensure in Illinois. The program is unique in more ways than its curriculum.
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“South Suburban College’s Barbering Program was the first active public Barber School in the state, and is now just one of two,” said Matt Beasland, Dean of Adult & Continuing Education and administrator over the Barber College. “It will provide our constituents with a much more affordable career credential leading to excellent earn-
ing and entrepreneurship potential.” All books, supplies, and materials required to complete the program are included, and tuition may also be covered. The SSC Barbering program was established in part by a Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant the college received through the Illinois Community College
Board which included funding for several new in-demand programs. The WEI project is designed to create, support and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high need areas within SSC District #510. Through expanded access, opportunity, and support services, the project is anticipated to yield impactful outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and local businesses. According to BLS data, the average salary for a Barber in Illinois is $42,930, or $20.64 per hour with an increase in demand by 10.8% locally and 13% nationally over the next 10 years. In the Southland area, there are currently 286 new job openings for barbers. For more information about Barber School and the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei.