January 27, 2022
Greetings!
Vehicle Sticker And Dog Tag January Renewal - Deadline This Monday!
Your current vehicle sticker(s) will expire this Monday, January 31, 2022.

Payment can be made in the following contactless manner:

  • You may pay online at www.aptvsa.com/hawthornwoods/resident. You will need your PIN number found on the front of the application. There is no additional service fee to use your credit card online.
  • Mail your renewal form to the Village of Hawthorn Woods, 2 Lagoon Drive, using the mailing envelope you will receive with your form. Please return the entire form (top and bottom). If paying by check, make checks payable to the Village of Hawthorn Woods. If paying by credit card, please complete the credit card information on the front of the form. Envelopes must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2022, or a late fee will apply.
  • Utilize our drop box at Village Hall, 2 Lagoon Drive. The drop box is located to the right of the double doors.
  • Order by phone with credit card by calling (847) 847-3537 or (847) 847-3586.

If you have ordered your vehicle stickers and have not yet received them in the mail, please know we are processing them as quickly as possible. Like many businesses, we are experiencing the impact of the COVID surge among our staff, but are working expeditiously to ensure your orders are mailed as quickly as possible. The police department has been notified of the backlog, and will be granting a 2-week grace period until February 14, 2022, for residents to display their stickers. For stickers purchased after January 31, a late fee will apply.

Senior rates are available for residents 65 years of age or older. To qualify for a senior rate, a copy of each driver’s license must be provided. Such copy will be destroyed after the birthdate is verified. If you should reach the age of 65 by February 1st, 2022, you may email, mail-in or drop-off in the Village Hall outdoor drop box a copy of your driver’s license.

If you have any questions, please contact either Amy Belmonte at (847) 847-3537 or abelmonte@vhw.org, or Erica Rezula at (847) 847-3586 or erezula@vhw.org.
2022 Road Referendum
Hawthorn Woods Hickory Drive
Hawthorn Woods Still Working to Pave the Way!

On June 28, 2022, the Village of Hawthorn Woods is planning to place a referendum question on the ballot seeking a replacement funding mechanism for road repairs and maintenance. The Village has a unique opportunity to replace the existing road Special Service Area (SSA) tax rates with a Village-wide $0.18 dedicated road tax. $0.18 is equivalent to the average of the combined current road SSA tax rate. Year 2022 is the last year the road SSA taxes will be collected. If the proposed referendum is successful, a more equitable funding program would replace the current SSA road bond.

Currently, some residents pay a higher portion of their real estate taxes than others based on their SSA population and location in town. Some residents pay no portion of their real estate taxes for the current SSA because they were not enrolled in the SSA program, as their subdivisions were not part of the Village at the time the SSA’s were created. This program will include all properties in the Village based on the assessed valuation of each property. The plan will not borrow in bonding capability, incurring interest. Rather, annual street maintenance projects, as outlined in the engineering plan, will occur as taxes are collected.

Pertinent information regarding Village roads is noted below:

  • An independent engineering study performed in 2013 and updated in 2018, indicated that the Village’s average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was 3.9 (Good) in 2013 and decreased to a PCI of 5.0 (Fair) by the 2018 update, illustrating that the roads are significantly deteriorating.
  • The study also identified failing pavement, roads without concrete ribbon, and aging metal culverts under our streets.
  • Over the next 20 years, all Village roads will need resurfacing or reconstruction. With proper maintenance, the lifespan of a road is 15 to 20 years with our freeze/thaw cycles.
  • Currently, some residents pay a higher portion of real estate taxes to current road SSA's and some residents pay no portion.
  • Starting in 2023, there will be no more road SSA taxes, as the last road program is expiring. The replacement program would promote more equitable funding for all residents as our municipal roads belong to everyone.

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 the $0.18 tax rate, or approximately $25.00 a month.
  • The new road tax would begin in 2023, just as the current road SSA is no longer collected. This would create a neutral effect for most tax bills.
  • The plan will eliminate the annual Village vehicle sticker fee charged each year for all vehicles.
  • The referendum will include all properties within the Village based on the assessed valuation of each property, creating a more equitable plan for all neighborhoods.

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, 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, additional culverts will fail, forcing emergency road closures and detours.

Please contact the Village at (847) 438-5500 if you have further questions about the referendum.
Parks & Recreation
Upcoming Winter Programs
Parent & Me Floor Hockey (Ages 4-6 with Adult)
February 19-March 19
Saturdays, 10:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sticks & More - Floor Hockey & Beginner Lacrosse (Ages 6-8)
February 21-March 28
Saturdays, 10:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Go Girl Go Sports & Crafts (Ages 4-7)
February 19-March 19
Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A Matter of Balance (Ages 60+)
Thursdays, January 6 - March 3
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Wonder what the pandemic has done to your balance? This popular program is available virtually. We discuss ways to prevent falls, learn why falls happen, and practice exercises to develop strength and flexibility. No registration is required.
fall prevention
This program is being held online:
Meeting ID: 945 048 13441
Passcode: 377510
Call-in: 1 (312) 626-6799
(Contact us for an email link)

Kari Pohar, (847) 740-6708 or kpohar@catholiccharities.net
Brian Sullivan, (847) 847-3531 or bsullivan@vhw.org
Bingocize (Ages 60+)
Monday, January 31, 9:00 a.m.
& Tuesday, February 1, 9:00 a.m.
Bingo + Exercise = Bingocize!
Bingocize combines the game of Bingo with fall prevention exercises. Come play bingo and meet new people while learning about techniques to reduce falls. No registration is required, but please RSVP to Kari or Brian.
bingocize
This program is being held online:
Meeting ID: 734 215 2035
Passcode: 377510
Call-in: 1 (312) 626-6799
(Contact us for an email link)

Kari Pohar, (847) 740-6708 or kpohar@catholiccharities.net
Brian Sullivan, (847) 847-3531 or bsullivan@vhw.org
Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center
2022 Season Passes On Sale Now!
Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center season passes for the 2022 summer season 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. For more information, please visit our website at www.vhw.org/HWAC.
Volunteer
Park Trail
Partner with your parks and make a difference in your community. Our Parks Department is seeking community volunteers to assist with upcoming spring projects.

Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Volunteers, ages 12-15, are welcome and must attend with an adult chaperone 18 years of age or older. Volunteers are asked to register in advance by contacting Brian Sullivan at bsullivan@vhw.org or (847) 847-3531.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity
Clearing a Path for Pollinators
Saturday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. - Noon, at Indian Creek Preserve
Volunteer crews will assist in removing invasive species to clear areas for a new public use trail.
Special Events
Barn Dance Update
St Patrick's Family Barn Dance
The Village has made the decision to postpone the Sweetheart Family Barn Dance due to the recent rise in Covid cases. The event has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 19, and has been re-themed as the St. Patrick's Family Barn Dance. The health, wellness, and safety of our community remains our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to safely gathering with you in March!
St. Patrick's Family Barn Dance
Saturday, March 19, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Village News
An Update From Mayor Dominick DiMaggio
Headshot of Mayor Dominick DiMaggio in front of American Flag
January Village Board Meeting Highlights

This past Monday, January 24, the Village Board met virtually for their monthly meeting. Highlights from the meeting are as follows:

  • Approval of the acceptance of Phase 4 of the Hawthorn Hills subdivision.

  • Approval of an Ordinance authorizing the adoption of the Village of Hawthorn Woods Urban Forestry Management Plan.

  • The Village of Hawthorn Woods will conduct our first annual “Party in the Park” in Community Park on Saturday, September 24, 2022, with details to follow in the coming months.

  • Mayor Dominick DiMaggio received national recognition as a winner of the Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award for outstanding public service volunteerism. Congratulations, Mayor!

The next Village Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 28.
The public is always welcome to join us. 
2022 Garden Learning Series
SWALCO  Garden Learning Series Image
SWALCO and the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Announce FREE 2022 Garden Learning Series

The University of Illinois Extension, Lake County, and SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) are happy to present the 2022 Garden Learning Series. Programs will be held on the second Wednesday of the month, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The first in the series, Seed Starting for your Garden, will be held on February 9 (virtually) and will feature tips on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden.

2022 Garden Learning Series Virtual Schedule:

February 9, 2022
Seed Starting for your Garden

March 9, 2022
Successful Vegetable Gardening

April 13, 2022
Vegetable Gardening...Beyond Basics

May 11, 2022
Composting: How to Make the Most of it

June 8, 2022
The Garden is Planted: Now What?

These workshops are offered through a collaboration between SWALCO and the University of Illinois Extension as part of a two-year grant from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), focusing on local efforts to promote composting and food waste diversion. The grant also hopes to increase the generation and use of compost in commercial, residential, agriculture, and community garden sectors in Lake County, Illinois.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Lake County has released a Coronavirus Data Hub to centralize data related to COVID-19 in Lake County. To access the data hub please click here or visit the Lake County website available at www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data.

What to do if you are sick:
Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Do not walk into a healthcare facility, urgent care clinic, or hospital before calling. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your doctor believes that you need to be tested for COVID-19, your doctor should call the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease Program to arrange for you to be assessed.
Upcoming Meeting Calendar
Board of Police Commissioners Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, February 9, 3:00 p.m.

Finance Committee Special Virtual Meeting
Monday, February 15, 6:00 p.m.

Village Board Virtual Meeting
Monday, February 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.
Village Administration
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Administrative Officer/Village Clerk
Your Elected Officials
2 Lagoon Drive | Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
Ph: (847) 438-5500 | Fx: (847) 438-1459 
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