October, 2026

Serving Our Community

Road District: 847-381-7793

Township Office: 847-381-1924

Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120

Supervisor Christopher Karam

Dear Cuba Township neighbors,

Join Us for Our 25th Annual Fall Festival

Gather your family and friends and join us for Cuba Township’s 25th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10, from 1–4 p.m. This festive afternoon will be filled with activities for children and plenty of fun for guests of all ages. Enjoy a pumpkin patch featuring pumpkin decorating, hayrides, Touch-a-Truck, alpacas, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 demonstration, cotton candy and pulled pork sandwiches, and more!

Sons of Bildor will keep the celebration rocking, and residents can sign the America 250 flags commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The signed flags will remain a keepsake in the Cuba Township office.

Walk With Us and Support the Food Pantry

We also encourage walkers and donors to support the 44th Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 11, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 120 Ela Street in Barrington. Whether you walk, donate or cheer on participants, your support will help neighbors in need.

Attendance at the food pantry continues to increase. If you are able, please consider donating items from the list in the Township Services section of the newsletter. Every contribution helps the pantry serve local families with care and dignity.

The Cuba Township Office will be closed on Monday, October 12, in honor of Columbus Day.

A Halloween Reminder

On Halloween night, please slow down, stay alert, and watch for little ghosts and goblins crossing our streets. Together, we can help make the evening safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Warm regards,

Christopher Karam

Supervisor

Township Services

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

Passport Services

Passport Applications: Passport processing takes 2-3 weeks for expedited processing and 4-6 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. You can also complete an online Intake Form, save it to your desktop, and email it to info@cubatwpil.gov, to sign up for the food pantry. A staff member will contact you within 24 hours (except on weekends).

If you are interested in organizing a food drive or donating to the food pantry, contact Ant at 847-381-1924, and she will assist in promoting the drive.

Below is a list of needed items:

Bags of brown or white rice
Madras lentils
Canned corned beef hash and Spam
Canned meals including chili (mild), and stew
Pasta Sides
Ramen Noodles
Rice Sides (Rice-a-Roni or Near East)
Whole wheat pasta
Cereals
Pinto and Garbanzo beans
Scalloped potatoes
Oatmeal - old fashioned oats
Pasta sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes
Snacks including Cookies, Crackers, Nuts, Dried Fruit and Granola Bars
Gluten-free products
Cake, Bisquick, and brownie mix
Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
32 oz bottles of liquid laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Cleaning wipes
Paper towels, toilet paper
Shampoo and conditioner

Cuba Township Half-Fare Taxi Program

The half-fare taxi program is available for Township residents who are 65 or older. The Township will subsidize half of the taxi fare up to $10.00. Please stop by the office to sign up for this program. Proof of age and residency is required. Limits may apply.

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), formerly RTA

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority, formerly RTA, launched NITA.ILLINOIS.GOV. This web-based online customer portal allows seniors and residents with qualifying disabilities to apply for, replace, and renew Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits. The portal can be accessed at NITA.ILLINOIS.GOV. Please call our office at 847-381-1924 if you need assistance with your application.

Cuba and Barrington Township PACE Service

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

The service is available to seniors and disabled persons. Service hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. The fares are $2.00 each way. Advanced reservations are 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

LIHEAP, Nicor Sharing, Energy Aide and Shield of Caring Programs

Program Requirements:

Must meet income guidelines
Utilities must be in the applicant’s name
Applicant must have a photo ID
Applicant must have proof of Social Security Card
Applicant must provide proof of income for the last 30 days
Applicant must provide a lease agreement if renting

Clerk Heidi M Shannon

The next Monthly Meeting is Set for Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The next monthly meeting is set for Tuesday, October 13, at 6:00 PM. View the Agenda for the Annual Town Meeting.

2026 General Election Voter Information

2026 General Election Set for November 3, 2026

October 6 is the last day to register or update your address for those eligible to vote in the November 3, 2026, General Election. Residents living within the State of Illinois may not register to vote with deputy registrars after this date. Deputy registrar registration re-opens on November 5, 2026.

Click here for voter registration information.

Once deputy registrar registration closes, grace period registration for the General Election will be available at the Lake County Clerk's Office in Waukegan, Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM.

Grace period registration begins at all Early Voting Sites as well. Grace period registration requires two pieces of valid ID, both with the current name and one with the physical address. Registrants must also vote at the time of registration. Grace period registration is available at all Election Day vote centers as well.

Sep 24 - First day of Early Voting at the County Clerk's Office and the First day requested Vote by Mail ballots are sent

Oct 6 - Voter Registration closes (registration available while voting early or on Election Day)

Oct 19 - First Day for Countywide Early Voting (Click here for list of sites)

Oct 29 - Last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot

Nov 2 - Last day of Early Voting

Nov 3 - General Election Day

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

Sincerely,

Heidi Shannon

Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Dear Neighbors,

Tax Relief Exemptions

Filing for exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you can't file online, you may contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment.

The Low Income Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) Threshold Increased FROM $65,000 to $75,000 - Learn more here.

Homeowners 65 or older with an income of $75,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. Proof of income must be filed along with Senior Freeze applications. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1). The SCAFHE must be filed annually to verify income eligibility. The final day to file for the Senior Freeze is October 31, 2026.

General Homestead Exemption (GHE)

If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township, and it is your principal residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). The GHE is $8,000.

Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SHE)

In addition to your General Homestead Exemption, if you or your spouse turns 65 at any time in 2026, and your property is your principal residence, you may be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption. The SHE is $8,000. There is no income requirement and no annual renewal.

Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD)

This exemption may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Applicants must be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply evidence of disability, in addition to completing the PTAX-343 Application for Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and PTAX-343-A Physician's Statement.

Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

You may claim this exemption in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. Disabled veterans qualify if they have at least 30% and up to 100% service-connected disability. Evidence of disability is required along with the completed PTAX-342 Application for Homestead Exemption or PTAX-342-A Annual Verification of Eligibility.

We are here to serve you!

Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski

For the latest road updates, follow us on Facebook!

Firewood Fridays Kick-Off in November

This is available to Cuba Township residents. Pick-up time is 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM at the Road District Office.

If you are interested in this program, you must be registered. Call Sue at 847-381-7793 to register. Once you are registered, you do not need to re-register.

November 6th and 20th

December 4th and 18th

January 8th and 22nd

February 5th and 19th

March 5th and 19th

i3 Broadband Working in Cuba Township

i3 Broadband is expanding high-speed broadband infrastructure. If you have questions or concerns, contact Lisa Ripper at 309-453-5475.

Self-Serve Mulch

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

Mulch Madness!

Mulch is now available for delivery to Cuba Township residents ONLY, for a delivery charge of $125.00 per truckload. Mulch is delivered on Fridays from 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Each load is 6-8 yards. The mulch is a double-ground mixture of hard and softwoods from removed Cuba Township trees. Email Sue at info@cubaroads.org or call 847-381-7793 to schedule your delivery.

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.

Instructions 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.

A Jewel is Reset by Barbara L. Benson

The Jewel Tea Company headquarters is no more, but the land and lagoon are now Citizens Park, a community asset for civic, cultural and conservation events and meetings. And offering a public path to the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve.

But there is a surviving legacy of the original Jewel Tea Company purchase of the 210 acre Kampert farm in 1929, the story told in the Barrington Review of April 4, 1929. "John L. Bell to Plan, Landscape, Jewel Tea Tract." The article reported that plans were almost complete for the erection of the million dollar Jewel Tea headquarters that summer. At this time, Maurice Karker, the President of the Jewel Tea Company owned a 200-acre farm on Harbor Road and his assistant was Robert Hilton of Cuba Township.

The report continued: "Tentative plans call for the development of 100 acres of the 213 acre tract purchased by the Jewel Company, and John Larkins Bell ,landscape architect has been engaged to draw the subdivision plans and to landscape the entire tract." Furthermore: "The proposed subdivision is to be an unusual development laid out in lots of varied sizes, with winding drives of naturalistic beauty and attractive landscaping for each lot." It was noted that the subdivision would be open to the public.

Continuing: "One of the first steps will be to start a nursery to provide shrubs and trees to carry on the landscaping program. This nursery, which will be planted at once, will be started with 15,000 trees and shrubs." The nursery property was in Ela Township, east of Rainbow Road.

It was stated that the (Jewel) property would be cleared of fences and old farm building within a few weeks. There was one building which survived, and that was the Kampert farmhouse at the Pine Street entrance on Hough Street. The Jewel Company enlarged and modernized it, as a guest house for executives visiting company headquarters. Today It is a private residence.

The original Plat of Survey, dated the 10th Day of July, 1929 actually shows a subdivision of tiny lots, but on winding streets named to reflect the landscaper's vision: Birch, Elm, Linden, Magnolia, Maple, Oak, Pine, Sycamore and Walnut. Residences were eventually built on larger lots, reflected in a Plat of Re-subdivision in 1956.

Today, besieged on all sides by development , a many-fold increase in the number of trains passing on the E.J. & E. now the CN Railway, and the current Route 14 Underpass construction, Jewel Park retains the vision of its creators as a leafy village within a village, its older and newer residents protecting its historic and idealistic origins.

Follow the story in its entirety: online, Barrington Area Library, Local History: Newspapers, Barrington Review, April 4, 1929.

Recycle Latex Paint for Free at SWALCO's HCW Events

SWALCO will accept latex paint free of charge at Household Chemical Waste (HCW) collection events. Lake County residents can bring up to 20 gallons of leftover latex paint per drop-off for recycling at no cost. Previously, SWALCO accepted latex paint for a fee at Special Material Collection events. Residents will still need to make an appointment to recycle latex paint at HCW events.

This change comes as Illinois launches the statewide Paint Stewardship Act, P.A. 103-372 (SB 836). The program, managed by PaintCare, will be funded by a fee on new paint sales and will feature hundreds of convenient drop-off locations across the state beginning in December 2025.

SWALCO offers two options for HCW disposal:

Year-round collection events twice a month at SWALCO's Gurnee facility (1311 N. Estes Street, Gurnee, IL 60031)
Mobile events from May through September at various Lake County locations

Visit the SWALCO website to schedule your appointment today at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49

Join us - Eliminate Textile and Shoe Landfill Waste

Clothing and Textile and Reuse-A-Shoe Drop-Off Location – SWALCO Partnership

Did you know clothing is now the fastest growing waste in the US waste stream today? Join us in dropping off used clothing, linens, and shoes at the Cuba Township Textile, and Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off locations in partnership with SWALCO.

Clothing, textile, and shoe recycling is a full-circle program, diverting your new and gently used donations from landfills.

Clothing/Textiles

Unacceptable Items:

Wet, odorous, or moldy items
Nylons and Pantyhose
Fabric Scraps
Craft Scraps (yarns, threads & other craft materials)
Pillows
Sleeping Bags
Mattresses
Rugs
Carpet
Cushions
Foam furniture and foam mats
Large Luggage
Electric Blankets & Mattress Pads
Non-Fabric Household Linens: Vinyl Shower Curtains, tablecloths, furniture covers, etc.

Shoes

Dress boots, hiking boots, and rain boots are accepted. NO WINTER BOOTS ALLOWED. Shoes in any condition, from new or gently used, to those that are worn, will be accepted. And, the great news is that 95% or more of all the materials collected will be recycled or reused.

Before dropping off your shoes, please tie the laces of each pair together; if they are sandals or have no laces, please place a rubber band on the pair to keep the shoes together.

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS include Roller Blades, Ice Skates, and Winter Boots.

Homebound and need a State ID?

The Homebound State ID program is a service program for older adults, bedridden individuals and people with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes to obtain a state ID card from a Secretary of State facility. The card may be used for identification purposes in the same way as a standard driver’s license is used for identification.

Certain documents are required to obtain the card. Once an applicant submits the information via our web form below, we will determine eligibility and the documents required to complete the transaction. For assistance to help determine if you or your loved one qualifies for this service, call 312-814-3121.

Quick Links

Homebound State ID Card Contact Form

Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County

The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) promotes the welfare of honorably discharged veterans of military service and their families. The VAC acts as a central service office for all veteran organizations and has general oversight of the distribution of emergency assistance to military veterans and their families.

Types of Assistance

Assistance with rental and mortgage payments.
Utility payment assistance.
Emergency medical care is provided to any member of the Veteran’s
immediate family who qualifies. Medical care includes hospital payments,
outpatient care provided by Lake County clinics, and emergency dental, and vision
care.
Job service assistance.
Proper burial for indigent veterans.

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.vaclc.org/ and view their most current newsletter Here.

Illinois Battery Stewardship Law

Beginning January 1, 2026, all single-use and most rechargeable batteries will be accepted at retail and government locations throughout the state, thanks to the Illinois Battery Stewardship Law. The non-profit organization Call2Recycle has been working to establish a network of collection sites to meet the requirements of the new law. To find a location near you, visit the Battery Network site. As some retailers continue to adjust to the new regulations, please call locations before visiting to confirm they will accept your battery type.

The following batteries are accepted at SWALCO's household chemical waste (HCW) collection events:

Single-Use Non-Rechargeable Alkaline and Primary Batteries: AAA, AA, C, D, 9v & 6v, Lithium, Zinc-Air, Zinc-Carbon, Zinc Chloride, and button batteries labeled CR/SR/LR
Non-Automotive and Non-Marine Lead Acid Batteries: Backup sump pump, riding lawn mower, and small sealed lead acid batteries
Rechargeable Batteries: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)

This month, SWALCO will host Gurnee drop-off events on January 17 and January 31. These events are free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49