Volume 1 October 22, 2026

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Kathleen M. O'Connor

Supervisor

From the Supervisor's Office

Libertyville Township Board Meeting

Tuesday, November 10

7:00 pm

at the Township Office

359 Merrill Court, Libertyville

Food Pantry News

The food pantry operates on Tuesdays from 10 am - 3 pm for any Libertyville Township resident in financial need. If an individual is not a registered user of the food pantry, they will be asked to provide a photo ID and a copy of a current utility bill as proof of residency. The bagged food will be distributed via drive thru. Residents will remain in the car and Township staff will load the food items.

We are in need of diapers (sz 4,5 & 6), peanut butter, jelly, ground coffee, olive oil, garbage bags, kleenex, bar soap and dish soap.

*****WE ALWAYS NEED PAPER GROCERY BAGS!*****

Donations can be made Mon-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

at our office located at 359 Merrill Court, Libertyville.

Monetary donations are always welcome.

Call 847-816-6800 if you have any questions.

Did you miss the last newsletter? Click here to view!

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN SPACE VOLUNTEER WORK DAY!

Saturday, November 14 - Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve

9:00 a.m. - Noon

Directions: Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve

18295 W. Casey Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.

Located on the south side of Casey Road, one mile west of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21).

Turn into the driveway and park/meet where the driveway crosses the trail. This is a private driveway. Parking is only permitted on volunteer work days.

Weather Cancellations

We’re tough and hardy but we know our limits. Workdays will not be held under the following conditions:

Temperatures of 95 degrees or higher
Lightning or extremely high winds.
Deep, heavy snow
Temperatures or wind chills of 10 degrees or lower

Youth Guidelines

Children 12 and older are welcome if accompanied by a supervising adult. High school students who enjoy working in the outdoors are welcome with parental permission. Releases will be available at the work day.

Questions?

Please contact us at 847.362.9760 or email jhapp@libertyvilletownship.us

Free Firewood Available!!

As the Township continues our restoration efforts, we have an excess of firewood. Free firewood is available to Libertyville Township residents at the Oak Openings parking lot - Route 45, Grayslake, IL

On the east side of Route 45, one-half mile north of Casey Road.

Trick or Treat Hours

Libertyville----Saturday, October 31---- 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Mundelein-----Saturday, October 31---- 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Vernon Hills---Saturday, October 31---- 3 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Green Oaks----Saturday, October 31--- 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Poetry Corner

Theme in Yellow

I spot the hills

With yellow balls in autumn.

I light the prairie cornfields

Orange and tawny gold clusters

And I am called pumpkins.

On the last of October

When dusk is fallen

Children join hands

And circle round me

Singing ghost songs

And love to the harvest moon;

I am a jack-o'-lantern

With terrible teeth

And the children know

I am fooling.

--Carl Sandburg

Blue Envelope Program

On January 1, 2027, Illinois will launch a statewide Blue Envelope Program. The new voluntary program is designed to aid communication and reduce stress for drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during traffic stops. The program also provides law enforcement with a simple tool to enhance safety and understanding.

Under the program, a driver, passenger, or vehicle owner can keep their driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance inside a distinctive blue envelope. When presented during a traffic stop, the envelope lets the officer know that the individual may benefit from different communication techniques or added patience.

The envelope will also feature guidance for both drivers and law enforcement, including preferred methods of communication and space for emergency contact information.

The Illinois blue envelope will be free and available at all DMVs and the Illinois State Library in Springfield beginning January 1, 2027 to anyone who asks. No medical certification or documentation is required.

More Information

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 Battery Network 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 batterynetwork.org. 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)

SWALCO hosts two Gurnee drop-off events each month. These events are free for all Illinois residents, and appointments are required. Schedule your appointment today: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ab9f2c49

Libertyville Connect

NARCAN Is Now Available Over the Counter

NARCAN, which reverses fentanyl poisonings and other opioid overdoses, is now available at your local pharmacy. You can save the life of a friend, neighbor, or family member by keeping NARCAN at home and carrying it with you.

Most health insurance companies cover NARCAN if you purchase it through the pharmacy. If you don't have health insurance, or your insurance doesn't cover it, you can request free Naloxone from the Lake County Health Department.

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For Tips on Talking With Your Kids

Check out our website. Topics include:

· Conversation Goals

· Tips by Child's Age

· When to be Concerned

· Risks & Facts

Check out the Libertyville Connect site

Lake County Passage

Know before you go! Check Lake County PASSAGE for real-time, local traffic information. Through PASSAGE you can also sign up for email traffic alerts, twitter alerts, and smartphone apps. Another feature that can be helpful when winter weather strikes is the ability to view camera images from intersections.

Flood Insurance Premium Discounts

Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $241 a year on their flood insurance policies. Currently, there are more than 508 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County.

Annual Evaluation Report the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20% savings on flood insurance premiums. This results in a potential annual total savings of $121,526 overall for residents across the county. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information.

Since 2008, Lake County has participated in the CRS program and received favorable ratings saving property owners thousands of dollars on their policies. Lake County is required to create an Annual Evaluation Report to maintain the favorable rating.

Highlights from the report include:

During the project year, Lake County issued a number of flood protection-related permits, including elevating structures and utilities as well as the addition of flow-through foundations. These improvements, required per the Lake County Unified Development Ordinance, are designed to protect these structures from future flooding
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission's (SMC) Watershed Management Board cost-share grant program helps fund local stormwater projects. The highest funding priority is flood damage and prevention/mitigation, but other project benefits are also included in funding decisions.
Lake County works continuously with residents and coordinates with other agencies such as the Township Highway Commissioners and Lake County SMC to respond to drainage complaints affecting private properties.
View details of the Annual Evaluation Report

The 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, emergency dental, and vision care.

· Job service assistance.

· Food, clothing and other supplies at Midwest Veterans Closet.

· Proper burial for indigent veterans.

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.vaclc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakecountyvac/ or call 847.377.3344.

Ride Lake County

Ride Lake County is a borderless countywide paratransit service that provides seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities transportation to any area of Lake County for work, shopping, medical appointments and more.

As a dial-a-ride program, vehicles do not travel in a fixed route each day. Riders schedule their trips in advance and the vehicles provide curb-to-curb service from the rider's desired pick-up and drop-off destinations. Ride Lake County is a shared-ride service, so vehicles may make stops for other passengers.

Click here for Brochure

211 Is Here to Help

211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline connecting individuals & families in need with access to available health and human services.

211 is Lake County's one-stop shop for help!

Lake County residents can connect to a wide range of services by phone or text, and an expert navigator will guide them to the help they need, regardless of the time of day, the language they speak, or where they live.

More Information