February, 2025

Serving Our Community

Road District: 847-381-7793

Township Office: 847-381-1924

Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120

Our hearts break for those impacted by the recent fires in Southern California and the plane tragedies in Washington DC and Philadelphia. We cannot take anything for granted and these catastrophes were a grave reminder to remember what we have.

More daylight is on its way this month as the days get longer and our cabin fever peaks - thank goodness Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow.

February is an active month for Cuba Township as we finalize our budgets for the new fiscal year beginning in March, set our priorities for the year, and complete our calendar of community events.

We welcome two new Trustees to our Cuba Township team – Adam Jurczyk and Dan Koob. You can see their smiling faces on our Township officers' site. We are excited to put their business experience and expertise to work. Our priorities for the next fiscal year include updating our physical presence at both the general town office and the road district, improving our cyber infrastructure, and enhancing our community recycling opportunities.

These priorities will surface monetarily on the next fiscal year’s budget, and we will share the exciting developments throughout the year.

Our upcoming Spring calendar features a paper and electronics recycling event, a brush pickup, and a compost give-a-way (in partnership with SWALCO), Look for more details in the next newsletter.

This month, we get to indulge in the Super Bowl with friends, show appreciation for our special someone on Valentine’s Day, and celebrate Black History Month. I found a terrific resource with suggestions on celebrating Black History in Illinois here. It is complete with things to do and places to visit throughout Illinois.

It’s also my wife’s birthday this month and it’s remarkable to watch aging in reverse every day!

Sincerely,

Chris Karam 

****Appointments for services are REQUIRED****

Passport Services

Passport Applications: Passport processing takes 2-3 weeks for expedited processing and 6-8 weeks for standard processing. Expedited processing is an additional $60 per passport. Passport appointments are required - call 847-381-1924 to schedule an appointment. To check the status of your passport, click here.

Visit Travel.state.gov's renewal page if you want to renew an adult passport.

Food Pantry

The Tuesday food pantry continues weekly, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 1 PM. If you need food assistance, please email info@cubatwpil.gov or call 847-381-1924.



Below is a list of needed items:

• Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
• 32 oz bottles of liquid laundry detergent
• Canned chicken, salmon, spam, and tuna
• Canned meals including chili (mild), stew, and pork & beans
• Canned soups including vegetable, chicken noodle, and any chunky soups

Visit the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Online Portal for Reduced Fare and Ride Free Customers

The RTA'S Fare Programs Online is a web-based online customer portal that allows residents with disabilities and seniors to apply for, replace, and renew Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits. It's quick and easy to use - go to Fares.RTAChicago.org.

Metra Access Pilot Program

Metra Access is a pilot program running through July 31, 2025, providing a reduced fare on all Metra lines and zones for individuals enrolled in the SNAP program who live within the RTA six-county region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties). To apply, you will need a SNAP eligibility letter, a government-issued ID, and a 2" photo of yourself. You may apply at Fares.RTAChicago.org.

Cuba and Barrington Township PACE Service

The Pace program is subsidized by Cuba and Barrington Townships, as well as the Villages of Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, South Barrington, and Tower Lakes.

The service is available to seniors and disabled persons, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. The fares are $2.00 each way. Advanced reservations required. Call 1-800-451-4599, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

For additional assistance, call Pace customer service at 800-606-1282, option 2.

Ride Lake County - PACE Service

Seniors aged 60+ and people with disabilities interested in using Ride Lake County are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446.

Registering early for Ride Lake County will allow riders to schedule trips. Seniors must provide their date of birth at registration, and individuals with disabilities must provide their RTA Reduced Fare Permit number at registration. Learn more

Utility Assistance Programs - Appointments Required

View income guidelines (above) and required documentation for applicants. Call 847-381-1924 to make an appointment.

Documentation:

• Proof of income from all household members for the 30 days before the date of application.
• Most recent, original utility bills.
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.
• Applicant Identification (Driver's License or State ID)

For the latest updates on roads, please follow us on Facebook!

The Cuba Township Road District operates 24/7 during inclement weather. Call us if the matter concerns falling trees blocking roads. 

Please get in touch with your utility company for power outages.

Firewood Friday February Dates

February dates are Friday, February 14, and February 28. Pick-up begins at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:30 PM or sooner if supply runs out. Firewood pick-up is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. If you have a tag, bring it to the pickup. If you do not have a tag, contact Sue at 847-381-7793 and register your name and address.

Important Snow and Ice Removal Reminder

Snow Plow Action Items & Safety Protocols

• Remove cars from the street and cul-de-sacs during a snow event
• Don't crowd the plow
• Stay at least four car lengths back from a snowplow, and never pass a plow
• Drive slower, brake sooner
• Stay off electronic devices
• Stay off the roads during severe snow events, if possible
• If it snows on garbage day, DO NOT put the totes in the street - leave them at the end of the driveway.
• Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to wear LED lights and vests so they are visible to plow drivers

Mailbox Check

Be sure to check your mailbox post before the snow begins. Most mailboxes knocked over during a snow event are commonly due to weak bases.

Self-Serve Mulch

Self-serve mulch is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The mulch pile is next to the textile recycling bin in the same lot as the road salt.

Driveway Alert for Unincorporated Homeowners

If you are a homeowner in unincorporated Lake County and planning to put in a new driveway over an existing culvert, contact the Cuba Township Road District to inspect the culvert.

Instruction for Trees or Limbs Touching Utility Lines or Power Outages

If you have issues with trees or limbs touching utility lines, contact the utility company directly. The Township cannot trim trees or limbs within 10 feet of utility lines.

If trees are blocking the road, dial 911.

Need to report a pothole?

• Lake County roads - (847) 377-7400 or visit the LCDOT site.
• Unincorporated Cuba Township Roads - 847-381-7793

The Road District does not offer year-round electronics recycling. Visit LRS Recycling, Wauconda Recycling, or the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.