bloom township news
By the events end over 4,300 people passed through the doors of the free fair, 3,000 backpacks had been distributed and 2,000 hotdog lunches were served.
Its the largest turnout weve ever had with a back to school fair, said Chicago Heights Mayor, Alex Lopez.
During these tough economic times we must make sure that our youth is not affected by the downturn, we must keep them a priority. said T.J. Somer Township Supervisor
COAT GIVEAWAY
Around Thanksgiving, Bloom Township teamed up with the Illinois State Crimes Commission Athletic League in hosting the first Annual Coat Giveaway. Numerous volunteers and staff members assisted in giving over 250 winter coats to local children in need. Children from all over Bloom Township came in to get their winter coats and make sure they were equipped for what promises to be another harsh winter. We are no stranger to bitter winters in the Midwest, so it is important we keep our youth prepared for whatever winter conditions may come our way.
said Town Supervisor, T.J. Somer. The event had a great turnout, and everyone left with a coat and smile. The appreciation of the children receiving coats was reward alone. To many of them it was like Christmas had come early. Its a great event that we hope to continue for years to come said Somer.
These events were totally founded by private donations. We would like to thank all those that made the it possible.
inside supervisors message events from the assessors office services of the clerks office news for our senior citizens
Winter 2010
BLOOM TOWNSHIP CENTER
425 South Halsted StreetChicago Heights, IL 60411Phone: 708-754-9400Fax: 708-754-6024
www.bloomtownship.org
Thomas T.J. Somer | Supervisor 754-9400 | [email protected]
Lisa Aprati | Clerk754-9400 | [email protected]
Joe Stanfa | Highway Commissioner758-7070 | [email protected]
Susan Fares | Township Assessor754-9400 | [email protected]
Kathryn Ellis | Collector754-9400 | [email protected]
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Laretta Perez [email protected]
Carla [email protected]
Robert L. [email protected]
Kevin J. [email protected]
REACHING OUT TO HELP~ SINCE 1850 ~
ELECTED OFFICIALS
bloom township back to school fair & coat giveaway
Bloom Township Supervisor T.J. Somer helping a parent find the right size coat for her child.
On August 22nd, businesses from all over our community joined forces and took part in our First Annual, Back to School Fair! Food, music and entertainers were provided as well as free information for parents and students about gang prevention. Over 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies such as pens, pencils, eraser, folders, etc. were given to children of our community. These children also received free haircuts, hearing, eye and dental exams, speech testing, lead testing and school physicals. This helped in getting the children fully prepared just in time to hear the school bells ring!
Over 50 volunteers and several organizations came together to offer backpacks. I love it because the children seem so happy, said volunteer Rose Gomez, I cant understand how parents and children in this economy can make it. As children and their families entered the event they were greeted with backpacks which were soon stuffed with the essentials for a successful school year.
After receiving supplies and checkups families were treated to a hotdog lunch, music from local DJ Lorenzo Trejo, who volunteers at many local churches and schools, and laughs from the Medinah clowns.
A Bloom Township area student poses with his new backpack. Over 3,000 back packs filled with school supplies such as pencils, pens, folders , notebooks and more were given out at the Bloom Township Back to School Fair.
READYFORSCHOOL
POSTAL PATRON PRSRT STDUS Postage
PAIDPermit 135
Blue Island IL
skyline pool opens in june!
message from the supervisorI hope this message finds you in good health
and good spirits after the holiday season. As
Township Supervisor, I want to wish everyone a
Happy New Year. 2010 plans to be a busy and
challenging year for all of us here in Bloom. In
the end, we are determined to build upon what
we started in the past few years.
2009 proved to be a difficult year for many of us.
The national economy has suffered from multiple
crises in the housing market and the banking
industry. Bloom Township has not been immune
to the economic downturn we have seen over
the past year and a half. At the Bloom Township
Center, however, we have made the best of grim
circumstances. Bloom Township managed to hold
the line and not increase spending and keep taxes
down for our residents at the same time. All the
while, we still provided the same great services
township-wide. In 2010, we hope to accomplish
the same thing.
Over the past few years it has been our top priority
to make Township services meet the needs of every
resident and foster the great sense of community
we have here. Township workers have worked
incredibly hard in order to acheive this goal. As a
result, the quality of life here in Bloom Township
has improved immeasurably. Road conditions have
improved, senior citizens can find better care and
support and kids can find opportunities after school.
All of this is made possible by the dedication of both
Township employees and residents.
More than anything, I hope you use this newsletter
as a resource. In here you will find all the information
you need to know about what Bloom Township has
to offer. All of our exciting programs and services
are highlighted. Whether its General Asistance
or information on registering to vote, you can find
it all in here. I encourage all of you to reach out to
our Township departments for any assistance you
may need. Thank you and Happy New Year.
services of clerks officeThe Bloom Township Clerks office provides the following services:
VOTERS REGISTRATION:
Applicants must be 18 years old by the next election, be a citizen of the United States, live at the address of registration at least 30 days and provide two pieces of identification, including one with a current address.
ELECTION INFORMATION:
Schedule classes in conjunction with the County Clerk for Deputy Registrar training as well as pick-up and drop-off for all deputy registrar material. The Clerks office distributes election judge material, provides absentee ballot applications and general information regarding elected officials of Cook County.
HANDICAP PARKING PLACARDS:
Handicap Parking Placards are available at no cost to the applicants. Temporary disability parking placards are available for persons with a disability, which will not exceed three months. An application signed by the attending health care provider is required. Permanent disability placard applications are available in the Clerks office. Applications must be signed by the attending health care provider and mailed to the Office of the Secretary of State.
COOK COUNTY VEHICLE STICKERS:
Cook County Vehicle stickers for the unincorpo-rated area of Bloom Township may be purchased in the Clerks Office. The Cook County Stickers are valid from July 1st of the current year to June 30th of the following year. A late penalty equal to the price of the sticker or $25, whichever is greater will be applied to stickers purchased after July 1st.
KEEPER OF RECORDS:
The Clerks Office is the Keeper of Records. A request for records must be made in writing. The Clerks Office will produce the records requested within five (5) working days after receipt of a Freedom of Information Act request. The Clerks office may extend the time for responding to the request by five (5) additional working days.
For more information contactLisa Aprati at 708-754-9400, ext. 233.
T.J. SomerTownship Supervisor
The due date for the 1st installment payment is estimated to be March 1, 2010.
SENIOR FREEZE Renewal applications will be mailed at the end of January, or first part of February to all seniors who received the Senior Freeze Exemption for tax year 2008 or any recipient of a 2008 Certificate of Error for the Senior Freeze Exemption. These exemptions must be filed annually. To qualify total household income must not exceed $55,000.
HOMEOWNERS AND SENIOR EXEMPTIONS All Homeowners and Senior Citizens Exemptions for 2009 will be automatically renewed unless there was a recorded 2009 property sale or the property has been categorized NO FILE. New first time seniors may apply for the Senior Exemption in mid February. The senior must meet the following requirements:
Birthdate prior to or in the year 1944Own the property during 2008 (if a property owner takes residence after January 1, he or she may receive a prorated exemption based on the month the property was purchased)Principal place of residenceCopy of current tax bill, drivers license or State ID
upcoming events from the assessors office
ASSESSMENT APPEALS Bloom Township will be open for Assessment Appeals the end of January or first part of February. This will effect the 2009 second installment tax bill. Remember, any mailing received from Cook County is important and should not be ignored or discarded. Please call or visit our office with any questions or concerns regarding your property or tax bills.
Inquiries regarding reassessment, exemptions, tax sales, appeal proced
