Tremendous Volunteer Effort To Clear Indian Creek Preserve! |
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On Saturday, February 19, the Stevenson Green Team, the residents of The Conservatory of Indian Creek subdivision, as well as additional community members (all pictured here), spent the morning diligently clearing invasive Buckthorn at the Indian Creek Preserve, an 11-acre parcel of land in considerable need of restoration.
The preserve is located on Seneca Avenue West in The Conservatory of Indian Creek and is composed of an upland forest, a wetland complex, and a creek. Over an acre of Buckthorn was cleared to create a new public use trail and three large garage bags of debris were collected by this incredible group of volunteers!
The Stevenson Green Team is a Stevenson High School student organization looking to promote a “greener” way of life for the Stevenson community. The students meet weekly to discuss, coordinate, and participate in events intended to create a more environmentally aware and friendly community.
Buckthorn is an invasive plant detrimental to the preservation of our woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and parks. Buckthorn squeezes out native plants. Its foliage creates dense shade, in which wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs are unable to survive. Its shade also prevents the growth of young oaks and damages soil and wildlife habitat.
A total of sixteen volunteers participated in this clearing effort!
The Village of Hawthorn Woods would like to applaud this group’s volunteerism in assisting to restore this park site. We are so very grateful for your service to our community!
The Village would like to thank Larry and Judy Friedrichs for organizing the neighborhood volunteer effort. Larry is the Executive Director and Founding Member of the Friends of Indian Creek Wetlands. Thank you, Larry and Judy!
The Village would also like to thank Peter and Jinah Waitzman, residents of The Conservatory of Indian Creek, for generously providing lunch for the volunteers that day. Thank you, Peter and Jinah!
The next Indian Creek Preserve Volunteer Restoration Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, 3-1 Seneca Avenue West, Hawthorn Woods. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Brian Sullivan, Director of Parks and Recreation, at bsullivan@vhw.org or (847) 847-3531.
Partner with your parks and make a difference in your community!
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An Update From Mayor Dominick DiMaggio |
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February Village Board Meeting Highlights
This past Monday, February 28, the Village Board met virtually for their monthly meeting. Highlights from the meeting are as follows:
- A Resolution of Appreciation was passed to recognize Police Officer Brian Cvitkovich for his outstanding achievement in DUI enforcement in 2021, keeping the roads of Hawthorn Woods safer for all.
- Director of Public Safety, John Malcolm, commended Sergeant John Tennant and Police Officer Anthony Cortez for quickly locating a missing juvenile resident, found out of state.
- Steve Riess, Trustee Liaison for our Sustainability Committee, announced the purchase of 600 tree saplings from the Mason State Nursery to be distributed to residents on Saturday, May 14, during our annual FREE Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. This community event will take place at the Aquatic Center.
- Teagan Johnson has recently been hired as our new Aquatic Center Manager and Recreation Specialist. Welcome Teagan!
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A Resolution was passed to recognize the week of February 20-26, 2022, as National Engineers Week.
The next Village Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 28, at 5:00 p.m.
The public is always welcome to attend.
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Hawthorn Woods Still Working to Pave the Way!
In the upcoming General Primary Election on June 28, 2022, the Village of Hawthorn Woods plans to place a referendum question on the ballot with regards to funding the repair, maintenance, and replacement of our Village roads.
What happens if the referendum is passed?
- The referendum is expected to generate $900,000 annually for Village roads.
- A property with a fair market value of $500,000, regardless of location within the Village, would pay a road tax of approximately $290 annually, based on an average $0.18 tax rate, or approximately $25.00 a month for properties currently paying into the existing road Special Service Area (SSA) tax.
- The existing SSA road tax will expire on December 31, 2022. Therefore, the approximate $290 annual replacement road tax would offset the SSA portion of your tax bill. For most residents, there would be little impact to your tax bill. For some residents, this replacement tax would actually reflect a decrease to your tax bill. However, some residents currently don't pay into the current road SSA.
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This plan would eliminate all annual Village vehicle sticker fees.
What happens if the referendum is not supported by voters?
- The current Village tax rate does not provide enough income to fund the necessary road repair and maintenance program. With the current tax rate, the Village is unable to undertake the repair and replacement of our roads and large diameter culverts, currently estimated at $28 million dollars.
- For every year we delay the program, road conditions worsen and the program expense increases. Pavement on roads will crumble, impacting vehicular traffic and making snow and ice removal difficult. Similar to the Darlington Road collapse (pictured here), additional culverts will fail, forcing emergency road closures and detours.
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Check out what's happening in Hawthorn Woods this summer! We are excited for our Concerts in the Park series, Movies in the Park, and 4th of July festivities.
Registration for the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center season passes, swim lessons, and Woodchucks Summer Camp is now open.
Download the Parks and Recreation Summer 2022 Fun Guide to see what we have to offer you and your family right here in Hawthorn Woods.
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Little Jins Taekwondo (Ages 5-7)
Wednesdays 4:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
& Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
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Kids & Family Taekwondo (Ages 8+)
Wednesdays 5:05 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.
& Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. - Noon
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The Village of Hawthorn Woods Youth Soccer League offers young soccer players an opportunity to learn the game of soccer and build upon their existing skills. This program provides instruction in a recreation-based environment where participants learn by playing together on the field. Our program focuses on player skill development through training, drills, and scrimmage games. All levels welcome. Instructed by Coach Tom and Hawthorn Woods Elite Soccer. Visit vhw.org/YouthSoccer for more information.
Grades Pre-K - 6
April 6 - May 25
Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Location
Heritage Oaks Park - Soccer Fields
310 Fairfield Road, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
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Wednesday, March 9
Noon
Community Room, Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center
Welcome back! Come and join us for good friends, good food, and memorable moments. You are invited to attend our in-person senior gathering in the Community Room located at the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center. Bring a dish to pass to share with friends, if you like. We will be serving pasta, salad, and garlic bread. We welcome our featured guest: John Malcolm, Hawthorn Woods Director of Public Safety
The Community Room is located at the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center, 94 Midlothian Road, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047. Masks are optional.
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St. Patrick's Day Family Barn Dance |
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Saturday, March 19
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Village Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive
Young children ages 3-12 can have a date night with their mom, dad, or grandparent! Spend an evening out together dancing the night away in our rustic community barn. Individually wrapped snacks and refreshments will be available. Our DJ will play your favorite songs and lead fun games.
Formal attire is suggested. All children are encouraged to wear their favorite dress, princess gown, tie, or bow tie. Pre-registration is required for all attendees (children and adults); registration is per person; children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult.
Masks are optional based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations in March. Please register by March 11.
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Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center |
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Early Bird Rates Available Through March 31 |
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Save 10% on your season pass!
Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center summer season passes for 2022 are now available for purchase at discounted early bird rates! The Aquatic Center features a 6-lane, 25-yard competition pool, a zero depth activity pool, a diving well with 2 diving boards, 2 water slides, as well as a spray and activity area for children. Don’t wait to purchase your 2022 season pool pass. Visit www.vhw.org/HWAC for more information.
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Swim Lessons, Dive Camp and Swim Team |
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Registration is now open for all summer aquatic programs, including swim lessons, Dive Camp, and the Water Dragons Swim Team. Swimming is an essential skill. Our programs ensure your child will learn to swim gradually to include the introduction and mastery of various skill sets before progressing onto new skills. We will assist your child in growing more confident in a safe and loving aquatic environment. Visit www.vhw.org/HWAC for more information.
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Let’s take an adventure this summer... a Woodchuck adventure! Registration for the 2022 summer camp season is now open. Campers explore and discover with friends through various crafts, activities, and games. Each week a theme will guide us on our adventures of music, art, sports, and more! Our variety camps are designed to encourage socialization, exploration, and discovery in a structured and fun environment. Our new sports camp will utilize the play of various sports to teach teamwork and sportsmanship.
Our counselor-in-training program allows the opportunity for your future counselor to work alongside our experienced counselors learning leadership and teamwork skills, all while enjoying the fun of the camper experience.
All campers will visit the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center once per week for one hour of swimming, weather permitting.
Please register by May 15, 2022. Registration is limited. Woodchucks Summer Camp will follow all local, state, and federal COVID-19 precautions and guidelines. Visit www.vhw.org/Woodchucks for more information.
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Now Hiring Seasonal Summer Staff |
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Be part of an amazing team! We are currently accepting applications from individuals 16 years of age and older to join our team this summer. Work outdoors, build professional skills, and enjoy your summer working in a team environment. Available positions:
- Camp Counselors
- Lifeguards
- Aquatic Center Office Attendants
- Swim Lesson Instructors
- Parks & Recreation Intern
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Hawthorn Woods Happenings Spring 2022 Newsletter
Now Available Online!
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The Village of Hawthorn Woods is pleased to announce that the Hawthorn Woods Happenings quarterly newsletter for the Spring of 2022 is now available online!
The contents of the newsletter include the following:
- A message from Mayor DiMaggio
- June 28, 2022 Road Referendum
- What is Light Pollution?
We want all residents to stay connected and up-to-date on all events, programs, and Village business.
We look forward to seeing you out and about this spring!
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Coffee And Conversation With Illinois State Representatives |
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Upcoming Meeting Calendar |
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Planning, Building and Zoning Commission Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Virtual Meeting
Monday, March 14, 6:00 p.m.
Village Board Meeting
Monday, March 28, 5:00 p.m.
If you would like to attend a virtual meeting, the meeting agenda will be posted 48 hours prior to the meeting on our Village website at vhw.org with Zoom link instructions.
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Chief Administrative Officer/Village Clerk
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2 Lagoon Drive | Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Ph: (847) 438-5500 | Fx: (847) 438-1459
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