You can view a summary of various funding options available that local businesses can apply for below.
Stickerless Wheel Tax
The Cook County Department of Revenue now has a new STICKERLESS Wheel Tax Liability Notice Process! There will be NO MORE PHYSICAL STICKERS/TAGS. Qualifying Senior Citizens/No Fee Categories will not be required to register. Remit payment by utilizing your Renewal Wheel Tax Liability Notification. Payments accepted online, by mail, in-person at Department of Revenue and 100+ participating ELS Currency Exchange locations! Please visit cookcountyil.gov/revenue for more details.
Cook County Assessor Changed Appeal Date for Maine Township to July 24 through August 29
The Cook County Assessor updated the Assessment Calendar on June 23, 2020, and has changed the Maine Township Appeal Date to July 24 through August 29, 2020. Residents that would like assistance in filing an appeal through the Maine Township Assessor’s Office should call 224-257-4830 to schedule an appointment.
Click this link to view the most recent Cook County Assessor’s Assessment Calendar.
Maine Township Launches Township Day June 20
In the same week that Maine Township reopened to the public, it is launching a new virtual event called Township Day to be available for viewing starting Saturday, June 20. Maine Township joins other townships throughout Cook County in this virtual event aimed at providing residents and other interested parties with an updated look at the wide range of services and programs offered by this unique form of local government. The overall effort is being coordinated by the Township Officials of Cook County (TOCC) which represents over 30 townships.
Founded in 1850 as the original local government to oversee land disputes, maintain roads and bridges, and provide general assistance to residents, Maine Township is often called “the government closest to the people.” As part of Township Day, a new video and other information will show how services have greatly expanded and programs been added to meet the growing needs of local residents who live in the unincorporated area as well as those who live within one of the five municipalities within the Township borders. To access the video visit https://youtu.be/73wYHZsF2dU.
Maine Township reopened to the public on June 15. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, all services are now by appointment only to maintain social distancing and limit capacity in Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. Masks are mandatory for both residents and staff who will be required to observe designated entrances and exits, signs and arrows that will direct traffic.
“I’m so proud of our staff for keeping our township not just running but thriving with creative new remote distanced safe programming for our residents over the past few months,” said Laura J. Morask, Township Supervisor. “But I’m thrilled to have in our first Township Day coincide with the week of our Town Hall re-opening for residents. Thank you as well to all of the fantastic donors who kept our food pantry stocked.”
Township Day will highlight areas such as General Assistance (GA) which aids residents appeals for benefit programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). GA is perhaps best known for its active Food Pantry operation. Staff also helps with Medicare, Public Aid, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), cash assistance and Medicaid.
Another highlighted area is the Clerk’s Department which helps residents apply for Passports, RTA passes, handicapped parking placards, hunting and fishing licenses, yard waste stickers, notary and MaineLines coupons and much more.
Know someone who needs mental health therapy? MaineStay Youth & Family Services offers telehealth services exclusively during the Covid crisis. Residents can access affordable counseling and psychiatric services via video or phone sessions.
As one of the most active senior programs in the area, MaineStreamers offer virtual programs including Morning Bingo, Comedy & Trivia, Day at the Races and Coffee Talks. In addition to the regular scheduled programs, members can join the virtual exercise programs with instructors from Zumba Gold and Senior Aerobics. Links to various activities such as virtual tours, informative programs, theater, music and cultural programs, health, brain teasers, crafts and puzzles have been posted on the MaineStreamers Activities page.
Maine Township Recovery Connection, a social support program for young adults in recovery from addiction, organizes pop up events for people in recovery to address drug and alcohol abuse that has soared during the Covid 19 crises. Recovery Connection can also help family members find resources for treatment.
The Assessor’s Office sees residents by appointment only including appeals, exemption requests and tax bill questions.
For more information about Township Day and township services/programs, visit www.mainetown.com or call 847-297-2510.
New Date for Document Shredding Event at Town Hall
Maine Township will be sponsoring a free Document Shredding Event for its residents in the Township parking lot at 1700 Ballard Road in Park Ridge on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Shred First, Inc. of Des Plaines will perform the document shredding.
Please limit your shredding to three plastic or paper grocery bags so as to allow all the township residents the opportunity to participate in this event. Also, please make sure you remove all paper clips, binder clips and rubber bands; staples are acceptable. Spiral notebooks and plastic notebooks will not be accepted for shredding.
Maine Township Seniors Get Much-Needed Masks
More than 550 seniors picked up a free face mask on Saturday, May 30, when Maine Township and MaineStreamer staff members turned the Township parking lot into a drive-thru face mask distribution center.
Although Illinois residents have been required to wear a mask or face covering in public places and in situations where they are unable to keep their distance from others since May 1, many MaineStreamer members and other seniors have had difficulties acquiring masks, according to Marie Dachniwsky, Director of MaineStreamers, a social group for Maine Township residents 55 years and older.
“This was a huge success and in these times it is so great to see our seniors taking care of other seniors. Plus, they are beautifully made and a true labor of love. Taking care of that vulnerable population is very important to me as well as our entire staff,” said Supervisor Laura J. Morask.
“In true Maine Township spirit, “Heroes” Sharon Slobodecki, Carol Szymanski, Joyce Ratliff and Carol Witcher devoted their time to hand sew more than 600 reusable cotton face masks for our members. We thank them for their time and skills to help our community at this uncertain time,” said Dachniwsky who also thanked Krysia Link-Wardawy, Ania Ostrowska, Superhero Masks, K&K Dress Making, Rest in His Arms Angel Gowns and Hephaestus Technologies for their donations.
For information about these senior services and for any other questions, call 847-297-2510 or visit www.mainetown.com.
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Town Hall Reopening to Residents by Appointment Only June 15
Starting on June 15, the Maine Township Town Hall will be open to residents for services by appointment only. No residents will be allowed into the building without an appointment. Please contact the specific department you need in order to set up an appointment prior to coming to the building. All residents will be required to wear masks when entering the building and proper social distancing measures and capacity limits will be adhered to. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. See below for additional details.
To schedule an appointment please call 847-297-2510 and ask for one of the following departments or extensions:
- Assessor x255
- Clerk x222
- General Assistance x236
- MaineStay x241
Maine Township to Reopen June 15
Maine Township will reopen to the public Monday, June 15. All services will be by appointment only to maintain social distancing and limit capacity in Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge.
Masks will be mandatory for both residents and staff who will be required to observe designated entrances and exits, signs and arrows that will direct traffic.
Township Supervisor Laura Morask has created a task force of township department heads and administrative staff which have exhaustively planned the reopening. She stated that “Although we have been serving residents remotely for many of our services, we are excited to actually re-open our doors! We have worked to develop a reopening plan that provides residents with a safe experience while keeping wait times at a minimum and following recommended guidelines.”
“These guidelines follow the Restore Illinois plan. But we have gone even further to ensure the safety of our residents and staff alike,” Morask adds. “To that end, there will be a full reopening guideline available at www.mainetown.com. As stated, we will be appointment only and there will be people at the front door to ensure that those waiting for their appointment are appropriately social distanced. There will be floor markers and separate entrances and exits. We have installed plastic shields throughout all public service areas. Additionally, the entire Township has been deep cleaned.”
I would like to emphasize that masks will be required to enter the building. If you come for your appointment and do not have one, we will provide it. Furthermore, there will be hand sanitizing stations readily available. We are excited to move to this next phase and fully expect that our residents will continue following the safety measures and care for their fellow citizen that has been displayed throughout this crisis.”
General Assistance will see residents by appointment only. Those without an appointment may be turned away. Residents may call now for appointments for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), regular General Assistance and help with Medicare. Applications will be mailed for those who need help applying for Public Aid, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), cash assistance and Medicaid.
Senior license plate sticker discount appointments (Benefit Access) will be made for July. License plate stickers that expired any time in March through May have been extended through the end of September. RTA passes that expired in March and April have been extended through September as well.
The Maine Township Food Pantry, which has been open throughout the shutdown, will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Maine Township residents only for food pickup. Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
MaineStay Youth and Family Services will continue to offer telehealth services exclusively. Residents can access affordable counseling and psychiatric services via video or phone sessions. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program will continue to meet virtually during the summer months.
MaineStreamers will continue to offer programs through Zoom including Morning Bingo, Comedy & Trivia, Day at the Races and Coffee Talks. In addition to the regular scheduled programs, members can join the virtual exercise programs with instructors from Zumba Gold and Senior Aerobics. Links to various activities such as virtual tours, informative programs, theater, music and cultural programs, health, brain teasers, crafts and puzzles have been posted at mainetown.com/departments/mainestreamers. Watch for information about the first ever “in person” Tailgate Bingo” to be held in Maine Township’s parking lot.
Maine Township Recovery Connection, a social support program for young adults in recovery from addiction, will be organizing pop up events for people in recovery to address drug and alcohol abuse that has soared during the Covid 19 crises. Recovery Connection can also help family members find resources for treatment. For more information, call 847 297-2510, ext. 233. They are also reaching out to every member to assess their needs.
The Assessor’s Office will see residents by appointment only including appeals, exemption requests and tax bill questions. Appointments may be scheduled by calling direct to 224-257-4830.
The Clerk’s office will begin accepting passport applications Monday, June 15, by appointment only. Residents may also call to make an appointment for services such as RTA cards, hunting and fishing licenses, yard waste stickers, notary and MaineLines coupons.
Morask said, “Finally, we are also planning a virtual Township Day for Saturday, June 20 sponsored by Township Officials of Cook County to showcase every service the Township can do of our residents. Next week we will be providing more details on that! Stay tuned, but most importantly stay healthy and safe, we very much look forward to seeing you!”
For more information, visit www.mainetown.com or call 847-297-2510.
COVID-19 Resource Guide
Download our COVID-19 Resource Guide of local resources for Maine Township residents during this pandemic.
Donations Needed for Maine Township Food Pantry
Maine Township Food Pantry is in need of donations to feed more families struggling during this difficult time. Visit the Food Pantry page for a list of needed items. Monetary or food donations may be dropped off during normal business hours of 9-5 pm Monday through Friday at the Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. Check donations may be mailed to Maine Township Food Pantry, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge.
A GoFundMe page has been set up pursuant to much appreciated help from Park Ridge Alderman John Moran for people who wish to make monetary donations for our Food Pantry, while sheltered in place. Alderman Moran will, through a network of community volunteers, then coordinate with “shoppers” to help us obtain actual food which has been the most challenging for our pantry. Many of our usually suppliers are not processing bulk orders at this time or the wait time is increased greatly. Please visit the GoFundMe page to donate if you seek to donate money to support Maine Township Food Pantry.
Another option for people or groups that may want to donate to our Food Pantry is to start their own drive through yougivegoods.com.
Your contributions will strengthen our community by helping others in need.
Maine Township Responds to the COVID-19 Crisis/An Overview of Services
As Maine Township continues to deal with the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, CDC guidelines are being followed and policies and procedures updated as necessary. While the physical Town Hall remains closed through at least May 30, most regular Township services are still being offered to the public. Specifically, the Food Pantry and emergency General Assistance are open and handling an incredible increase in requests. “As of April 3, staff delivered over 400 food boxes to the public,” said Supervisor Laura J. Morask. Maine Township residents may pick up food boxes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. General Assistance is operating as it has been since the beginning of the shelter in place orders.
As part of its response to the larger community, the Supervisor asked the Office of Emergency Management to pull together any masks they had stored or could find and donated hundreds of masks to Lutheran General Hospital and North Maine Fire Department in several batches. “We were so happy to be able to help our medical staff and first responders on the front lines,” said Supervisor Morask.
“We very much appreciate our employees who have volunteered to staff the Food Pantry and the numerous local residents who have donated,” said Supervisor Morask. For information about these services and any other questions, call 847-297-2510 or visit www.mainetown.com.
MaineStay Youth & Family Services now offers telehealth services exclusively and continues to provide affordable counseling and psychiatric services via video or phone sessions. All fees for counseling services have temporarily been waived due to the financial hardship COVID-19 is causing for so many families. MaineStay has also changed the delivery method of some of their programs such as mentoring and parenting classes into a virtual format.
All scheduled MaineStreamer trips for seniors have been postponed through the end of May. However, MaineStreamer staff are working to create and implement virtual Senior programs as well as create a Local Community COVID-19 Resource Guide to assist our residents in meeting their needs. People seeking passports in the Clerk’s office or those who have questions for the Assessor should call and leave a message which will be returned within a few hours. Additionally, the Clerk’s office is able to process any FOIA requests, and the Assessor’s office is working remotely to audit residents’ exemptions ensuring they are applied correctly, while also updating their voluminous files.
Scheduled Board of Trustee meetings will be held via Zoom video conferencing and will be fully open to public participation. A department head meeting was held via Zoom to discuss how the township is handling its services to the residents. Finally, Maine Township residents are encouraged to practice preventative actions, including frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer use, covering coughs and sneezes, social distancing, and staying home when possible.
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