Contributed photo | www.cityhpil.com
Contributed photo | www.cityhpil.com
It is crucial that we reduce the stigma surrounding domestic violence and facilitate access to resources that can save lives. Free and confidential help is available in Lake County:
- Information about special programs for Domestic Violence Awareness Month will be available at asafeplaceforhelp.org and on A Safe Place's Facebook page.
- A Safe Place's toll-free, 24/7 crisis line may be reached at 1.800.600.SAFE or 847.249.4450. A Safe Place staff may be reached at 847.731.7165 and info@asafeplaceforhelp.org.
- Luggage for Freedom Packing and Delivery Day will take place on October 24, 2021, 11:30 AM at the West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park. All volunteers will be required to register in advance and provide proof of vaccine. No walk-in volunteers will be admitted. Individuals who cannot attend in person are invited to pack dignity bags and make fleece blankets at home; click here for instructions.
- The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic provides confidential, accessible, high-quality, pro-bono assistance, particularly to domestic violence victims and those that wish to help them. To set up an appointment, please call 847.737.4042 or click here to schedule a consultation. Translators are available upon request in all languages. Services are available regardless of immigration status.
- Domestic Violence Legal Help & Virtual Cooking Demonstration: Guests are invited to join a free, virtual cooking demonstration with a professional chef on the second Thursday of each month. The Clinic will answer legal questions anonymously in the chat; no domestic violence content will be shown on the video. Upcoming dates are Oct. 14, 5-6 PM; Nov. 11, 9-10 AM; Dec. 9, 4-5 PM. Learn more.
- SHALVA's 24/7 Help/Crisis Line is available at 773.583.4673. Individuals can also reach out via email at hope@shalvacares.org. More information about SHALVA's services is available at hope@shalvacares.org.
- Information about upcoming programs regarding domestic abuse and the Jewish divorce process and get refusal are available at shalvacares.org.
- City Council Meeting Recap
City Council approved the 2021-2022 Snow & Ice Control Plan, including the continuation of the Residential Sidewalk Plowing Program. The City will issue a resident survey in June 2022 to garner public feedback regarding the program to assist in City Council's consideration of the program next year.
City Council approved the placement of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Trail Way and North Ave. The effectiveness of the new stop signs will be monitored and evaluated. Future traffic calming measures may be considered if excessive vehicle speeding and other issues continue.
City Council also granted a special use permit for a new physical therapy office that will be located in the Ravinia Business District.
At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Finance Director Julie Logan continued the fiscal year 2022 budget presentations with highlights of the 2022 proposed budget. Video of Director Logan's presentation and the slides are available. The City's proposed budget is balanced, with revenue expected to exceed operating expenditures by $14 million. Proposed operating revenue is anticipated 2% higher than 2021. The proposed expenditure budget includes capital improvements of $25 million, including $8 million for the Ravinia Fire Station redevelopment.
Finance Director Logan indicated that revenues that were affected by the pandemic are showing recovery, based on estimates within an improving, yet still evolving pandemic economy. Finance Director Logan communicated that staff previously implemented cost reductions, including a 10% staffing reduction, and has worked to keep the cost of City services as low as possible. Proposed 2022 cost increases reflect a conservative increase in service and staffing, although proposed staffing remains below the pre-pandemic level.
The City's property tax levy is anticipated to continue to be approximately 8% of the resident's total property tax bill in 2022. A comprehensive review of City
fees and taxes was conducted to ensure they are fair and comparable with other communities. Changes incorporated into the proposed 2022 budget include changes for property taxes, water rate, taxi licenses, coliform fee, certified vital records fees, and certain parking citations.
The 2022 proposed budget workshops will continue with department budget
presentations at the Oct. 12 and Oct. 25 Committee of the Whole meetings. The proposed budget will be posted on the City's website on Nov. 1, with City
Council scheduled to consider its adoption on Nov. 22.
Learn more about the City's budget at cityhpil.com/budget.
Ravinia Brewing Company Infusion Fest
Saturday, October 2
Noon–10 PM
Roger Williams Avenue, between Pleasant and Burton Avenues.
This fan-favorite outdoor street festival offers every adult guest the opportunity to create their own infusion by choosing from a variety of ingredients from the do-it-yourself infusion bar, putting their million-dollar mixologist ideas into action. The fun isn’t just for adults; kids and teens will be given the opportunity to infuse juices, frozen drinks, and sodas for their own delicious creations.
The family-friendly event will have live music, a kids activity tent and a variety of other activities for all ages to accompany the delicious food and beverage offerings from local and regional vendors including Ravinia Brewing Company, BWB.Rocks, Piero’s Pizza, Sally’s Nuts, Bright Bowls, and more! And, participants are encouraged to submit their best infusions to the Ravinia Brewing Squad, who will select a winner of a $100 gift card and a tour of the brewery!
Music Lineup
12 - 1:30 PM Nasty Snacks
2 - 3:30 PM Extra Crispy Brass Band
4 - 5:30 PM Radio Free Honduras
6 - 7:30 PM Ravinia Ramblers
8 - 10:00 PM Chicago Afrobeat Project
Photography Contest
The 2021 Capture the Heart of Highland Park photography contest is now accepting submissions!
The 2021 photo categories are:
1. Arts & Architecture
2. Environmental
3. Daily Life
4. Pets of Highland Park
5. Portraiture
The Cultural Arts Advisory Group will consider submissions in October. A Community Favorite will also be awarded; more information about the community voting process will follow.
The contest is open to all residents and businesses in Highland Park (professional or hobbyist) through October 4, 2021. Learn more about the photo contest and submission details, including the Photographer Release and Waiver form, at www.cityhpil.com/photocontest.
In Season at the Ravinia Farmers Market
The late summer harvest is in full swing at this week’s Ravinia Farmers Market, Wednesday, September 29 from 7 AM -1 PM at Jens Jensen Park in the Ravinia Business District. Be sure to shop for all your weekly menu needs around what’s in season this week: produce, fruit, farm fresh eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, veggie burgers, artisan breads, pastries, snacks, pickles and condiments, local honey, and maple syrup, cut flowers for your table and so much more!
Shop for festive pumpkins and gourds for decorating and baking! Be sure to pick up heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, fall squash, greens and lettuces, herbs and other late summer local and organically grown produce! It’s still fruit season, and this week’s Market is abundant with Midwest pears, apples, jams and jellies, and more.
Live music is sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Energy Efficiency Webinar
Achieve a full house of energy savings! Join North Shore Gas for a free webinar on October 6 from 6:30-7 p.m. to learn how to save money and energy in your home. Register now at bitly.com/EnergySavingsWebinar.
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