Community News
2019 Ravinia Festival Schedule is Revealed
Ravinia is a staple of Lake County. Since 1905, the Highland Park fest has featured the top musicians in a variety of genres, making it the oldest outdoor festival in U.S. history. For more information...
More Lake County Festivals

For more Lake County spring festivals go to
Earth Day: Keep our Planet Clean
Earth Day is a day to plant a tree or to bike instead of drive, or it's a day to use reusable bags instead of plastic bags. But most importantly, it's a day when you can educate yourself and those around you on what you can do to improve the environment.  
Do You Know the Recycling Guidelines?
A recent audit showed that one in four items placed in recycling bins are not recyclable. To help reduce contamination, a statewide task force created new  local recycling guidelines . As not everything can go in recycling containers, these guidelines help determine what you should and shouldn’t recycle curbside.  Watch this video  to see how easy recycling is if you do it right.  

There are many items that you should not put in your recycling bin that CAN be recycled elsewhere! The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has free drop-off sites around the county for the following items: 

Electronics:  Bring your old TVs, computers and other electronics to one of four year-round  electronics recycling drop off sites .

Reuse-a-Shoe:  Don’t throw away shoes that no longer fit or that you don't wear anymore. Drop off your gently used or worn-out shoes at  sites throughout Lake County .

Clothing and Textiles:  Visit one of several  local collection bins  to drop off your new and gently-used clothing and textiles to be reused or recycled into usable new products.

Composting:  You can compost organic wastes such as food, manure, leaves, paper, coffee grounds, etc. You can buy your own  compost bin  or drop off your organic wastes at  designated locations . 
Rain Barrel, Compost Bin Native Plant Sale
Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale:
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9AM to 3PM (One Day Only)
Native Plant Sale:
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9AM to 3PM and Sunday, May 12, 10AM to 2PM

Independence Grove Forest Preserve
North Bay Pavilion
164000 W. Buckley Road (Rt. 137) Libertyville, IL
Located just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Rt. 21)
Purify our Water
Waste water from inside and storm water from outside eventually flows back into different bodies of water. There are over 200 lakes and rivers, and more than 100 beaches in Lake County. Do your part by keeping harmful contaminants out of Lake County's water. 

Drop off unwanted or expired medications at  drug collections boxes  in your area.

Dispose of household chemical wastes for free by dropping them off at the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.   Schedule an appointment .

Adopt   best practices   when deicing driveways and parking lots.
Prescriptions Drop-off Locations in Lake County
Walking in Nature Season
Lake County, Ill. — The simple act of walking, can improve your physical and mental health. This is why the Lake County Forest Preserves, the Lake County Health Department and NorthShore University HealthSystem have teamed up to bring “ Rx for Health: Walking in Nature ” to the community. Residents are invited to attend nine free walking tours of Lake County’s forest preserves led by NorthShore representatives, Health Department staff, and forest preserve naturalists. 

The 2019 Rx for Health season includes walks, held on specific Saturdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.:
  • May 18, Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda
  • June 15, Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1110 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago
  • July 20, Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods
  • August 17, Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, 10200 W. Blanchard Rd., Waukegan
  • September 14, Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, 117 Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest
  • October 19, Pine Dunes Forest Preserve, 42909 Hunt Club Rd., Antioch
  • November 2, Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville
The walks are open to all ages and take place rain or shine. Those 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. All walks range in length from one to two miles.No pets are allowed with the exception of service animals. For more information...
 
Is the State holding YOUR Money?
The State Treasurer is holding 2.9 billion dollars in unclaimed funds for Illinoisans. The State holds these lost funds until they are claimed by either the original owner or their heirs. Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification.
Listen to the Radio for traffic Updates
Highway Advisory Radio  1620 AM   communicates real time traffic information directly to Lake County motorists. Broadcast information includes location of delays due to crashes, construction and extreme traffic congestion to help motorists in planning their commute.
A Private App for YOUR Neighborhood
Nextdoor, the private social network for your neighborhood. Available for both IOS and Android.
Our Community Services
We do Passports
Come in and apply for your passport at Shields Township.
Passport photos are available for $12. No appointment necessary.
Passport hours: 9 am – 4 pm Monday – Thursday; 9 am – 11:30 am Friday.

Fees go to aid our neighbors in need. 
RTA Reduced Fare
Seniors:   If you are 65 years or older, you are eligible for a reduced fare permit.

Disabled:   All persons with a qualifying disability who are not enrolled in the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access program are eligible for reduced fare permit. 

Veterans:   If you are a veteran with a disability, a letter from the Veteran's Administration regarding your service connected disability must be submitted with your application.   For more information...
ElderCARE
ElderCARE services are catered to the needs of adults over 65 years of age residing in Northern Lake County.
ElderCARE will match you with a caring volunteer who will assist you. They will take you to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and even pay a friendly visit.

For more information call 847-406-4683 or visit their website ElderCARElakecounty.org . 
Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Did you know one of the duties of our office is to help our low income residents obtain heating assistance? If you are aware of Shields residents who meet the income guidelines, please have them contact our office. Call Devon Nelson at (847) 234-0802.
Household Size
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Maximum Gross Monthly Income
 
$1508.00
$2030.00
$2553.00
$3075.00
$3598.00
$4120.00
$4643.00

GENERAL ASSISTANCE AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE 
General Assistance: The Township’s General Assistance Program provides monthly financial assistance to low-income residents to help in meeting their basic living expenses. The process of applying involves filling out an application, then making an appointment for an interview. For more information, call Devon Nelson, Case Manager, at 847-234-0802 . The application is available for download here .

Emergency Assistance: Assistance may be provided by the Township to alleviate life-threatening circumstances. Residents experiencing financial hardship may apply for this assistance to pay for shelter, food, utilities, medical services, or transportation. An individual may receive Emergency Assistance once in a 12-month period. Call Devon Nelson, Case Manager, at 847-234-0802 for information.
Dial-a-Ride
You can register at the Shields Township office for this curb-to-curb service that takes the elderly or disabled where they need to go. Once you are registered and have made a reservation, you will need $3 for a one way trip and $6 for a round trip.
Property Tax Relief
Illinois law provides homeowners with homestead exemptions that may lower the amount of property tax you owe. Our office can assist you with filing your exemptions. Call us at 847-234-3485 for more information .
Electronic Recycling Opportunities
Prairieland Disposal and Recycling
21N988 Pepper Road, Lake Barrington, IL 
Monday - Friday ​8:00 am to 3:00 pm
​Saturday ​8:00 am to NOON​
​Closed on Legal Holidays
No cost for Lake County residents
​Businesses are prohibited
​LIMIT OF TEN ITEMS PER VISIT INCLUDING ONE TV
​(excluding misc. cords and cables)


Grayslake: Public Works Facility
585 Berry Avenue, Grayslake, IL
​Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Saturday ​8:00 am to NOON
​Excluding Holidays
Also Accepting:
​Clothing & Textiles, Shoes,
​Mixed Paper, Cardboard,
​Plastic Containers, Glass Bottles & Jars,
​Steel Cans,  Food Scraps 
Grant Township: Road District Facility
26535 Molidor Road, Ingleside, IL
​Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
​Excluding Holidays
No cost to Lake County residents
​Business are prohibited
​LIMIT OF TEN ITEMS PER VISIT
​​(excluding misc. cords and cables)


Highland Park: Recycling Center
1180 Half Day Road, Highland Park, IL
​Every Tuesday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
​1st Saturday of the month 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
​​Excluding Holidays
Also Accepting:
​Clothing and Textiles, Shoes,
​  Polystyrene Foam: Cup, Containers &
​Packaging, Fluorescent Light Bulbs 
Opportunities to Give Back
Help your neighbors in need by donating to our Food Pantry. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the township office. Contact Heather Kerr at 847-579-9739 or to organize a food drive. PhoenixRising.foundation
Thank You for Subscribing
Terry Darraugh, Township Supervisor
Thank you for subscribing to our email newsletter. Our goal is to keep you informed on local issues that may impact you. If you know of residents who may not receive our e-newsletter, please forward this to them and invite them to sign up via our website. If you need to contact me, please call the office at 847-234-0802.


Your Shields Township Officials
Supervisor: Terry Darraugh, t.darraugh@shieldstownship.com
Highway Commissioner: Scott Anderson, svanderson@shieldstownship.com
Assessor: Scott Helton, Shelton@shldassessor.org
Trustees:
Clerk: Joy Gayter, jgayter@shieldstownship.com
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847-234-0802 [ShieldsTownship.com]