Dear Neighbor:
After months of hard work and careful decision-making, many local school districts have begun to open their doors for in-person and hybrid learning models. I am so grateful for the hard work of school board members, teachers, and administrators that made this possible.
I also want to thank the parents, students, and community members who have patiently followed public health guidelines. You kept our spread lower than neighboring states and have allowed us to reopen more quickly and safely. It’s an inspiring example of the sense of community that makes our piece of Illinois so special.
We still have a great deal of work to do in order to get our community back to 100%. Every day, I am working with small business owners, parents, and displaced workers to find real solutions to the problems they face. Please reach out to my office if you need help accessing services or resources.
The next few weeks are crucial to the future of our state and our country. November 3rd is the 2020 General Election. Voting is both a privilege and a duty. If you haven’t yet voted or made a plan to do so, please take time now. If you can volunteer to help at the polls that will ensure our election goes as smoothly as possible.
Our community has shown incredible endurance, compassion, and genuine concern for others. Now more than ever, I am so proud to be your representative, and I am so grateful for your engagement and support.
Stay safe and stay well.
Warmly,
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
- The Josselyn Center in Northfield is offering several programs for school personnel, including individual and group counseling for teachers at a reduced cost to mental health first aid training to help students. Learn more at www.josselyn.org.
- Both the Family Service Center and the Family Action Network are offering a series of presentations and webinars to equip parents of school age children with information and ideas to make transitions easier in the time of Covid-19.
- Improving student learning, closing achievement gaps, and supporting educational excellence; and/or,
- Expanding educational opportunities for underserved students; and/or,
- Resolving a crisis or major difficulty with the result of more equitable outcomes for students.
COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORTS: Mortgage Support and Business Interruption Grants
COOK COUNTY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Applications are open through October 16th, 2020. Learn more and apply here or contact: Info.Edev@cookcountyil.gov.
ILLINOIS BUSINESS INTERRUPTION GRANTS. Applications are still open and funds are available for companies or organizations affected by Covid-19. Priority is given to organizations in heavily impacted industries and those operating in disproportionately impacted locations. Information from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) can be found here.
VOTING: Locations, Hours and Resources
The general election is Tuesday, November 3rd. A record voter turnout is expected so plan your vote. Key deadlines to keep in mind:
- October 18th: last day to register online.
- October 19th: early in-person voting starts throughout suburban Cook County (some locations are already open). Most polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, with shorter hours on the weekend.
- November 3rd: Mail-in ballots must be postmarked November 3rd or earlier to be counted.
Drop boxes for completed ballots are generally co-located at early voting sites, which are:
- Evanston – Evanston Civic Center
- Glenview – Glenview Village Hall
- Niles – Niles Village Hall
- Northbrook – Northbrook Village Hall
- Skokie – Skokie Courthouse and Oakton Community College/Skokie Campus
- Wilmette – Centennial Park
For specific information about your local polling place location and available times, please visit https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations.
If you requested but have not received your mail-in ballot, you can check the status of your ballot through the Cook County Clerk’s website on the voter information page by clicking here. If you’re experiencing delays with your absentee ballot, contact the Clerk’s office at (312) 603-0946.
- For Northfield Township the deadline is October 21st.
- For Evanston and Niles Townships the deadline is October 30th.
- The program offers $5,000 in annual grants to non-profit groups or individuals with projects focusing on environmental conservation, sustainability, community engagement or youth development. To be considered apply by December 18th, 2020.
- Medicare’s Open Enrollment period runs from October 15th to December 7th, 2020. Seniors can renew or change their Medicare and drug plans. Learn more on the Medicare website.
- Flu Shots are particularly important this year with the coronavirus circulating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises getting a flu shot before the end of October if possible so it is effective before flu season peaks. Many pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS allow you to make an appointment online.
- Northbrook Park District’s Pumpkinfest. October 17th, 1-4 p.m., at Indian Ridge Park, 3323 Walters Ave. You can register here for this outdoor event.
- Northbrook/North Suburban YMCA. Bingo in the Lot – October 18th, 4-6 pm, with Halloween Costume Contest. Reserve your spot and sign up as a group or individual here.
- Glenview SpookTRUCKular – October 24th, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Park Center. Drive through a reverse parade. Dress up in costumes and get ready to “Truck or Treat”. This is a timed entry event, and costs $10 per car. Register and get tickets here.
- Free days at Shedd Aquarium Monday-Wednesday in October for Illinois residents. Sign up for timed-ticketing in advance via the Shedd’s website (transaction fee applies) or phone 312-939-2438.