Contributed photo
Contributed photo
Greetings!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity This Saturday!
Partner with your parks and make a difference in your community. Our Parks Department is seeking community volunteers to assist with upcoming spring projects.
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Volunteers, ages 12-15, are welcome and must attend with an adult chaperone 18 years of age or older. Volunteers are asked to register in advance by contacting Brian Sullivan at bsullivan@vhw.org or (847) 847-3531.
Volunteer Opportunity
Clearing a Path for Pollinators
Saturday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Indian Creek Preserve, 3-1 Seneca Avenue West, Hawthorn Woods 60047
Volunteer crews will assist in removing invasive species to clear areas for a new public use trail.
An Update From Mayor Dominick DiMaggio
Village Of Hawthorn Woods Receives Outstanding Achievement National Award In Environmental Efforts By America In Bloom
The Village of Hawthorn Woods is proud to have recently received the Outstanding Achievement National Award in Environmental Efforts by America in Bloom. This is now the second time the Village has received this most prestigious award. The first was in 2019.
America in Bloom (AIB), a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, promotes community enhancement programs that emphasize cultural heritage, community vitality, environmental leadership, beautification efforts, citizen engagement, and urban forestry.
The objective of the AIB Outstanding Achievement Award in Environmental Efforts is a recognition of excellence.
The Village of Hawthorn Woods is a small community with tremendous progressive and sustainable environmental initiatives. We are proud of our agrarian heritage, our award-winning ecological successes, and our dedication to preserving our natural resources. Even amid a global pandemic, the Village of Hawthorn Woods has continued to excel in environmental efforts, as illustrated in the timeline below.
- August 2020 – International Dark Sky Community Designation
- October 2020 – Completion of Meadowlark Park and Arboretum
- November 2020 – Completion and adoption of our comprehensive Sustainability Plan
- January 2021 – Audubon International Green Community Award Recipient
- January 2021 – Audubon International Sustainable Planning Award Recipient
- April 2021 – 2020 Governor’s Hometown Award Recipient in the category of Environmental Stewardship for Brierwoods Preserve volunteer efforts
- June 2021 – Creation and adoption of our Green Business Program
- June 2021 – Implementation of Phase One of our Pollinator Pocket Program, involving the introduction of pollinator-friendly plants within 22 of our 44 municipal road islands
- December 2022 – Audubon International Sustainable Community Designation
The Village of Hawthorn Woods continuously strives to lead the county, state, Midwest region, and nation in its sustainable and environmental efforts.
2022 Road Referendum
Hawthorn Woods Still Working to Pave the Way!
In the upcoming General Primary Election on June 28, 2022, the Village of Hawthorn Woods plans to place a referendum question on the ballot with regards to funding the repair, maintenance, and replacement of our Village roads.
What happens if the referendum is passed?
- The referendum is expected to generate $900,000 annually for Village roads.
- A property with a fair market value of $500,000, regardless of location within the Village, would pay a road tax of approximately $290 annually, based on an average $0.18 tax rate, or approximately $25.00 a month for properties currently paying into the existing road Special Service Area (SSA) tax.
- The existing SSA road tax will expire on December 31, 2022. Therefore, the approximate $290 annual replacement road tax would offset the SSA portion of your tax bill. For most residents, there would be little impact to your tax bill. For some residents, this replacement tax would actually reflect a decrease to your tax bill. However, some residents currently don't pay into the current road SSA.
- This plan would eliminate all annual Village vehicle sticker fees.
What happens if the referendum is not supported by voters?
- The current Village tax rate does not provide enough income to fund the necessary road repair and maintenance program. With the current tax rate, the Village is unable to undertake the repair and replacement of our roads and large diameter culverts, currently estimated at $28 million dollars.
- For every year we delay the program, road conditions worsen and the program expense increases. Pavement on roads will crumble, impacting vehicular traffic and making snow and ice removal difficult. Similar to the Darlington Road collapse (pictured here), additional culverts will fail, forcing emergency road closures and detours.
Please contact the Village at (847) 438-5500 if you have further questions about the referendum. For more information about the 2022 Road Referendum, please click here.
Parks & Recreation
Upcoming Winter Programs
Parent & Me Floor Hockey (Ages 4-6 with Adult)
February 19-March 19
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Sticks & More - Floor Hockey & Beginner Lacrosse (Ages 6-8)
February 21-March 28
Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Go Girl Go Sports & Crafts (Ages 4-7)
February 19-March 19
Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Baseball/Softball Skills Clinic (Ages 4-6)
Sunday, February 27
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Baseball/Softball Skills Clinic (Ages 7-8)
Sunday, February 27
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
A Matter of Balance (Ages 60+)
Thursdays, January 6 - March 3
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Wonder what the pandemic has done to your balance? This popular program is available virtually. We discuss ways to prevent falls, learn why falls happen, and practice exercises to develop strength and flexibility. No registration is required.
This program is being held online:
Meeting ID: 945 048 13441
Passcode: 377510
Call-in: 1 (312) 626-6799
(Contact us for an email link)
Kari Pohar, (847) 740-6708 or kpohar@catholiccharities.net
Brian Sullivan, (847) 847-3531 or bsullivan@vhw.org
Spring Youth Soccer
The Village of Hawthorn Woods Youth Soccer League offers young soccer players an opportunity to learn the game of soccer and build upon their existing skills. This program provides instruction in a recreation-based environment where participants learn by playing together on the field. Our program focuses on player skill development through training, drills, and scrimmage games. All levels welcome. Instructed by Coach Tom and Hawthorn Woods Elite Soccer. Visit vhw.org/YouthSoccer for complete details.
Grades Pre-K - 6
April 6 - May 25
Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Location
Heritage Oaks Park - Soccer Fields
310 Fairfield Road, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Special Events
St. Patrick's Day Family Barn Dance
Saturday, March 19
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Village Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive
Young children ages 3-12 can have a date night with their mom, dad, or grandparent! Spend an evening out together dancing the night away in our rustic community barn. Individually wrapped snacks and refreshments will be available. Our DJ will play your favorite songs and lead fun games.
Formal attire is suggested. All children are encouraged to wear their favorite dress, princess gown, tie, or bow tie. Pre-registration is required for all attendees (children and adults); registration is per person; children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult.
Masks are required at the event unless seated in the eating area.
Please register by March 11.
Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center
Early Bird Rates Available Through March 31
Save 10% on your season pass! Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center summer season passes for 2022 are now available for purchase at discounted early bird rates! The Aquatic Center features a 6-lane, 25-yard competition pool, a zero depth activity pool, a diving well with 2 diving boards, 2 water slides, as well as a spray and activity area for children. Don’t wait to purchase your 2022 season pool pass. For more information, please visit our website at www.vhw.org/HWAC.
Now Hiring Seasonal Summer Staff
Be part of an amazing team! We are currently accepting applications from individuals 16 years of age and older to join our team this summer. Work outdoors, build professional skills, and enjoy your summer working in a team environment. Available positions:
- Camp Counselors
- Lifeguards
- Aquatic Center Office Attendants
- Swim Lesson Instructors
Village News
Canadian National Railway Safety Tips and Contact Information
This winter, our community has and most likely will continue to face challenging driving conditions. Freezing rain, snow, sleet, and whiteouts can cause winter driving to be quite dangerous.
The Canadian National (CN) Railway runs directly through the Village of Hawthorn Woods. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there is a spike in railroad crossing incidents during the winter months. Reducing the likelihood of being in a serious car accident at a railroad crossing in winter starts with proper planning and knowing some rail-safety basics.
Safety tips for winter driving:
- Check the weather forecast before travelling.
- Reduce speed: when road conditions are poor, it takes longer to stop.
- When approaching railroad crossings, turn off your radio and heating fans so you can listen for trains.
- Look for railroad warning signs and signals and remember that snow may cover train tracks at a crossing.
Below please find the following CN Railway contact information:
CN Public Inquiry Line
CN’s Public Inquiry Line is the central point of contact for the public with non-emergency concerns, such as:
- Noise
- Train whistling
- General property maintenance
To contact the Public Inquiry Team:
(Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
CN Police
CN Police staff will answer emergency calls and dispatch officers when appropriate.
There are many reasons to call CN Police, such as:
• Trespassing on tracks
• Unlawful activity
• Crossing signal defect
To contact the CN Police:
Emergencies: 1-800-465-9239 (24/7)
SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Disposal
SWALCO is hosting one Household Chemical Waste Event in the month of February. The date of the event is:
Saturday, February 26
The facility where the event is taking place is located at: 1311 N. Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031.
Appointments are required for Household Chemical Waste Events located at the Gurnee Facility to ensure safety & efficiency. Collections are for residential waste only. No business waste will be accepted. All SWALCO HCW Collection Events are FREE for Illinois residents only. Please click here for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
Additionally, SWALCO offers a Residential Electronics Recycling Program for Lake County residents. For more information about this program, please review the Residential Recycling Program drop-off instructions here.
SRACLC Now Hiring
The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) is now hiring support staff and leaders. SRACLC is looking for enthusiastic and responsible individuals to join their team of staff who provide recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities.
If you are interested in learning valuable life skills while also enhancing the lives of others, this job is for you. Work permits are accepted. Visit sraclc.org/work-with-us for more information. Contact Kara at staffing@sraclc.org with any questions.
Upcoming Meeting Calendar
Village Board Virtual Meeting
Monday, February 28, 5:00 p.m.
If you would like to attend a virtual meeting, the meeting agenda will be posted 48 hours prior to the meeting on our Village website at vhw.org with Zoom link instructions.
Village Administration
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Administrative Officer/Village Clerk
Your Elected Officials
2 Lagoon Drive | Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Ph: (847) 438-5500 | Fx: (847) 438-1459
Alerts Sign-up