F CUSTHORNTON TOWNSHIP

Joyce M. Washington, Trustee

Gerald “Jerry” Jones, Trustee

Norbert Cipowski, Trustee

Stafford C. OwensTrustee

Jacqueline E. Davis-Rivera, Clerk

Cassandra Holbert, Assessor C.I.A.O.

Robert “Bob” Piekarski, Highway Commissioner

Presorted StdU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSouth Holland, ILPermit No. 618

RESIDENTIALCUSTOMER

MAY 2014 Follow Thornton Township news on:

333 E. 162nd Street • South Holland, IL 60473 • 708-596-6040 • www.thorntontownship.com

INSIDETHISISSUE

Job Fair2014Pages 2 & 3

Youth andFamilyServicesResourcesPage 4

St. Patrick’sDayCelebrationsPage 5

ThorntonTownshipEmployeeSpotlightPage 8

For a long time you’ve heard me talkabout how I have been deeply commit-

ted to keeping Thornton Township fiscallyresponsible and accountable to you.

We provide a great many servicesdesigned to improve the quality of life ofthousands of our neighbors. Many of those

programs you’ll read about in this and other editions of ourFocus Newsletter.

It’s important for you to know about these services, but it’sjust as important for you to know that all these programs andmore are provided for less than ten cents. That’s right, less thanten cents.

Of every property tax dollar you pay, only ten cents goes toThornton Township to provide all the programs and assistancethat have helped so many of our neighbors, family and friendsduring these tough economic times.

Meeting the responsibility we have to help people isespecially difficult these days because of all the cuts in Federal,state and county assistance, that township government hashad to endure.

So how are we “keepin’ it lean” in Thornton Township?By keeping a laser-like focus on every dollar and by creating

more value for township residents (our customers) with fewerresources.

But everyone should know that “lean,” is not a cost-cuttingtactic or service reduction plan, but a way of thinking of howwe can provide greater value and service to taxpayers whileminimizing waste.

A lean organization understands customer value and re-directs its critical public service processes and activities tocontinuously increase it.

To that end we asked residents in a recent survey toevaluate the services they received from the township. Whilethe vast majority rated the programs as very valuable, issueswere raised about “how” those services were sometimesprovided.

Now we are probably different from most other electedofficials you’ve experienced, because I actually encouragefeedback, complaints and honest criticism from the peoplewe’re trying to serve. That’s how we’ll ultimately create betterprograms and real value while eliminating waste.

The survey we conducted is providing a solid road mapregarding the changes and modifications we need to make inorder to improve services and the Thornton Township “experi-ence” for every family, while continuing our commitment tobeing fiscally accountable and responsible to every taxpayer. I’llhave more to report in future editions regarding our progress

Sincerely,

Frank M. ZuccarelliThornton Township Supervisor

FROM THE SUPERVISOR: KEEPIN’ IT LEAN

UpcomingBoard

Meetingsl Tuesday May 13, 2014l Tuesday May 27, 2014l Tuesday June 17, 2014l Tuesday July 22, 2014

The Townshipbuildings will beclosed:l Memorial Day, Monday May 26thl Independence Day, Friday July 4th

Office Locationsl Thornton Township Town Hall

333 East 162nd StreetSouth Holland, IL708-596-6040

l Senior Center1420 Huntington DriveCalumet City, IL708-596-6040 Ext. 3190

l Senior/Youth and FamilyServices Center14323 HalstedRiverdale, IL708-596-6040 Ext. 2000

l The Food Assistance CenterTemporarily located:425 169th StreetSouth Holland, IL708-596-6040 Ext. 4003

The regular food pantry located at15340 Page Avenue, Harvey, IL isclosed for renovations and will reopenlater this year.

IN MEMORIAMThe Supervisor, Clerk, Trustees, Elected Officials, and Employees of

Thornton Township would like to express our sincere sympathy to thefamily and friends of Vallie Mines and Lawrence P. Gulotta.

VallieMinesVallie was a formerGeneral AssistanceCaseworker work-ing for ThorntonTownship and after

her retirement, she served as thepresident of the Committee on Agingfor Thornton Township.

LawrenceP. Gulotta. Lawrence servedas the ThorntonTownship Super-visor from 1977until 1985.

Frank M. Zuccarelli, Supervisor

People workingwith people.

29th Annual

Hunger WalkJune 21, 2014

The Thornton Township Food Assistance Programwill be participating in the Greater Chicago Food

Depository 29th Annual Hunger Walk on June 21, 2014at Soldier Field in Chicago.

If Thornton Township residents want to walk with us,they can contact us at 708-596-6040 ext. 4003 and

leave a message stating that they are interested in participating. We will returntheir call to register them. We have room for 80 and space is on a first come firstserve basis. Registration deadline to participate with Thornton Township is May21st. Buses will depart at 6:00 am from the main Township building and return by2:00 pm.

2

CLERK’S CORNER: JACQUELINE E. DAVIS-RIVERA

With summer rapidly approaching, just a friendly reminder,that you may purchase Cook County vehicle stickers, fishing

and hunting licenses, and stamps in our office. We also distributevarious information pamphlets, bus schedules, bicycle trail mapsand official highway maps. We also provide Notary Services, voterregistration, and handicap parking placard applications in our office.

If you have any questions, or if we may be of any service to you,please contact my office at (708) 596-6040 ext 3123 or 3118. Have a safe andwonderful summer.

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE: CASSANDRA HOLBERT

Assessor Cassandra Holbert and her staff would like to thank the residents for turning in their exemption form(s). These

exemptions will show on your second installment bill for this year.You can check your bill to be certain that the appropriate exemptionhas been applied. Our office has proudly served 2,481 clients at ourwalk-in window from January 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014.

UPCOMING REMINDERS:The second installment tax bill is expected to be mailed on time… from

the Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas with a payment due date within thirty daysof mailing.l The current year is a “triennial year” Properties in Cook County are reassessed every

three years. This assessment is based on market trend. Projected mailing dateof notices from Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios’ office is expected to be forAugust 14, 2014. These notices will contain your property description, the newassessed value along with a deadline date should you choose to appeal.

Our office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, withexception of legal holidays. Please feel free to stop in during these hours if you wish,an appointment is not required. If you have further questions, the phone number toreach us is (708) 596-6040, extension 3175.

JobFair2014Tuesday, May 20

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.South Suburban College Fitness Center

15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinoiswww.ssc.edu

Co-Sponsored by

For Information Call:Gerri Weatherspoon708-596-2000, ext. 2391gweatherspoon@ssc.edu

Employers that will be in attendance:

Job Fair 2014 is Accessible to Persons

With Disabilities

Job seekers should bring copies of their resume and dress appropriately.

Thornton Township & South Suburban College Community

Calumet CityMayor Michelle

Markiewicz Qualkinbush

City of HarveyMayor

Eric J. Kellogg

Village of RiverdaleVillage President

Lawrence L. Jackson

Village of South HollandVillage President Don A De Graff

94

l Accurate Dispersions (Sherwin Williams)

l Advance Auto Partsl Awakened Alternativesl Behavioral Staffingl Calumet Area Industrial Comm.l Cash Americal City of Calumet Cityl City of Harveyl Community Assistance Programsl Countryside Nursing & Rehab l Davis Staffingl Dolton School District 149l Downers Grove Police Departmentl First Insurancel First Merchant Bankl First Students Bus Companyl IBC Investment LLCl IL Dept. of Employment Securityl IL Dept. of Transportationl Illinois Central School Bus

l Illinois Mentor CommunityServices

l Illinois School Bus l Integrity Trade Servicesl Life Wirelessl Lynwood Educational Servicesl Match Convergel Michaels Storesl New Hope Center, Inc.l PACEl Payton Security, Inc.l Sedona Staffingl Staff Sourcel Steiner Security Servicesl T & M Day Care Center, Inc.l Thornton Townshipl UPSl VC Enterprises, LLCl Village of Riverdalel Village of South Holland

Saturday, June 21, 2014Thornton Fractional North High School, Calumet City

Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli actively supports the Relay forLife at Thornton Fractional North in Calumet City.

The Relay for Life is the main fundraising event benefiting the American CancerSociety. What is a Relay For Life? It is an overnight "Relay-type of walk” whereteams come out and take turns walking throughout the night to bring awareness thatCancer Never Sleeps.

The Relay for Life is a great event for those of all ages who have gone throughthe fight, a chance to inspire others, a wonderful support system for families andcaregivers, and an outlet to meet others who understand what it is to be touchedby cancer. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay. Each dollar raised,helps save lives. We need to find a cure during our lifetime.

For more information about Thornton Township’s Relay Team contact Brunu’Sheppard at 708/596-6040 ext 3142.

Fight the BattleAgainst Cancer

3

Guidelines for men:l a two-piece suit is preferable;l suit colors should be navy through medium blue or

charcoal through light gray;l always wear a long-sleeve shirt that is white, cream

or pale-blue;l the tie should complement your suit;l shoes should be either black or brown leather.

Guidelines for women:l jackets should be well-tailored and stylish;l skirts should fall at or no more than 2 inches above the knee;l blouses should be long-sleeve (solid colored);l the color of your shoes should always be the same or a

darker tone than your skirt;l keep an extra pair of pantihose in your purse;l an excellent accessory for women is a briefcase as a

symbol of authority;l belts should match or complement the shoes you select;l as far as jewelry goes... less is more.

Dress for Success

Attractive, controlled hair style

No food,gum or

cigarettes

Cleanfingernailswith nochipped polish Clean,

pressed suit ortailoreddress

Minimalmake-up

and perfume

Polishedpumps in

good repair

Moderatejewelry

Conservativehosierywithout runs

The Successfully Dressed Woman

The Successfully Dressed Man

Writing AnEffectiveResumeALWAYSl Always print your resume on standard

letter size, white paper.l Always leave plenty of space between

paragraphs adequate margins.l Always use conventional English. Use

one- or two-syllable word for clarity.l Always use short paragraphs — pref-

erably no longer than five lines.l Always make sure the resume and the

cover letter are error-free. Proofreadand have others proof read too.

l Always revise a resume to fit thespecific position for which you areapplying.

l Always include your significant contri-butions at each one of your jobs.

l Always allow the most space to thework experience that is most relevant tothe position for which you are applying.

l Always list your activities with profes-sional, trade and civic associations —but only if they are appropriate.

l Always keep a permanent file of yourachievements, no matter how inconse-quential. This is the basis for a goodresume, and is essential information tonegotiate a raise or promotion.

l Always give each of your references acopy of your resume.

l Always send a brief, customized letterwith each resume.

l Always re-read your resume beforeevery interview, chances are theinterviewer did just that too.

l Always keep it short (one page).l Always list any special training you

may have had.

NEVERl Never give reasons for termination or

leaving a job on the resume. You’re farbetter off explaining it in person.

l Never take more than two lines to listhobbies, sports and social activities.

l Never state, “References Available OnRequest.” It’s assumed and clutters upthe resume. Other things to leave outinclude your social security number,your spouse’s occupation and yourpersonal philosophies.

l Never use exact dates. Months andyears are sufficient.

l Never include your company phonenumber unless your immediate boss isaware of your departure.

l Never include your height, weight orremarks about your physical appear-ance or health.

l Never list your high school or grammarschool if you’re a college graduate.

l Never state your objectives on yourresume unless the resume is targetedto that position or occupation.

l Never use professional jargon or buzzwords.

l Never provide salary information onthe resume.

l Never lie.

Interviewing Rules of ThumbHere are some “thumbs up” tips on doing your best

when interviewing with company representatives.

l Be honest! You will be in better shape with employerswho want you for what you can bring them and whoyou are.

l Be yourself! Use your own words and style whenpreparing your interview answers. A good bit of selfconfidence comes from being yourself.

l Have well-practiced opening and closing statementsfor the interview. Remember this quote, “Peopleremember best what they hear and see first and last.”Your job is to make sure that the interviewerremembers you and only you.

l If asked a complex interview question, break it intosmaller parts. By doing this you will be able to answereach of the single parts much easier than you wouldthe entire question. Make your brain and mouth worktogether.

l Never talk about money until you receive a job offer.Once you get an offer, you know the employer wants

you. This will give you the leverage to negotiate for abetter salary and benefits.

l Prove you can do the work by giving a few examplesof when you have used skills similar to the onesneeded in the job. Examples of your skills caneliminate the interviewers hiring risk.

l Stress reliability and flexibility. Tell the interviewer thatyou are willing to work on any shift, including weekends, holidays and overtime... but be ready to do it!

l Research the company. Never go into an interviewwithout knowing a little about the company, itsproducts and the general demands of the job.Employers appreciate people who have spent sometime learning about their company.

l Talk about your successes, results and achieve-ments. An interview isn’t the place for false modesty.If you won’t talk about your success, the employer willnever know about it. If you can prove it, it’s notbragging but rather a fact.

The moment we set eyes on someone, our minds quickly make an evaluation or judgment. The same is true for the potentialemployers who must assess applicants in a very short period of time. Like it or not, your outward image, your attitude and

your confidence level are all affected by the clothes you wear. The proper image at an interview will give you a real edge overthe competition.

The safest look for both men and women at an interview is traditional and conservative. Dress for the position you want, notthe one you have. Remember, you must feel comfortable in what you wear in order to present a confident image.

Clean, pressedbusiness

suit

Clean nails

Shined shoes

Minimal or no cologne

Matching socks

Light shirt

No food, gum or cigarettes

Conservativetie

Emptypockets

Clean, trimmed head and facial hair

or freshshave

4

Several months ago, Dr. J. L. Weems, Director of Youth and Family Services, wrote a Focus article entitled, “A New

Math.” The crux of the article’s subject matter involved the evergrowing need for counseling services given the current socio-economic environment and other life stressors. Thornton Town-ship’s Youth and Family Services team of experienced behaviorhealth providers (masters and doctoral-level counselors and

therapists) are available to meet the various needs of each Thornton Townshipresident without the client incurring any additional “out-of-pocket” expense.

Unfortunately, even after the article, the number of clients requesting counselingservices has remained underwhelmingly low. We know that our residents areresilient, utilize other support systems (e.g., church) and even accustomed to“coping” with every adverse situation on their own. However, some issues really dorequire professional help. Some of these issues may include: Depression, anxiety,stress, marital and relational problems, anger management, substance abuse andother addictive behaviors, parenting issues, domestic violence, abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a host of others.

In addition to the aforementioned counseling services, Youth and Family Services also provides the following:l Mentoring Programsl After School Programsl Summer Enrichment Programsl Dance Programsl Job Training and Placement Programsl Volunteer Training Programsl Clinical Training Programsl Community Outreach Programs

In our continued effort to engage the community, we are taking on someinnovative and groundbreaking initiatives. In May, we are co-sponsoring anExpungement Workshop. We are also in the initial planning of a series of paneldiscussions and activities between Youth and Law Enforcement. This initiative is acollaborative effort led by Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli, Mayor Don DeGraff, SouthHolland Police Chief Gregory Baker, retired Police Chief Hollis Durrough, LieutenantShawn Staples, and Dr. J. L. Weems. Again, these programs and services areavailable at no additional cost to residents of Thornton Township. We need your helpin spreading the word. It is our contention that the reason our services are not fullyutilized is because most community residents are unaware that these resourcesare freely available to them. Hopefully, this article will go a long way in changingthat reality.

Now, if there are other reasons (e.g., transportation issues, stigmas, etc.) whyTownship residents are not fully utilizing our services, we would also like to hearfrom you.

The warm weather is finally here and that means the Zuccarelli AssistanceProgram (ZAP) lawn care service for senior citizens is in full swing.

The ZAP Senior Lawn Care service provides low-cost basic lawn maintenance forsenior residents residing in single family homes who need assistance in performingroutine lawn tasks. ZAP Senior Lawn Care runs from May through October annually.Thornton Township hires students from Thornton Township High School Districts205 and 215 to provide this lawn service. All students must be recommended by theschool counselor and/or principal based upon their academic and attendance merits.

The cost of the service is determined by income and lawn size. A cost estimatewill be provided prior to confirmation of the service schedule.

Since the program’s creation in 2004, over 3,000 seniors have taken advantageof ZAP.

Here’s what the our seniors are sayingabout ZAP:

“Hello seniors,At this time I would like to thank Mr.

Zuccarelli for the great services heprovides for us. Spring is coming and sois grass cutting (ZAP program) forseniors. I feel the young people he hascutting grass are very good. They dotheir very best and they are learning. Iapplaud them.”

–Virginia R. of Calumet City (pictured here at her home with a ZAP crew)

“Mr. Frank Zuccarelli,Thank you very much for the lawn care program. The workers are doing a great

job cutting my lawn. The best part is the nominal fee, which is in my budget.”–William, Calumet City

“Dear Sir,Thank you for helping me to receive the lawn care program. It means so much

to be able to stay in my own home. Your programs are a great help. You and yourstaff have been so kind and helpful. Thanks again.”

–Lenora, Lansing

“Dear Mr. Zuccarelli,On behalf of my mother and myself, I want to express our thanks and

appreciation for the senior lawn service you have afforded my mother. My motherturned 100 years old on January 16th and now having lived such a long life, herresources are dwindling and so your service is particularly welcome. Once again,a big thank you!”

–Betty, South Holland

For more information on ZAP please call 708-596-6040, Ext 4001 with anyquestions, and we will be happy to help.

The ZAP Senior Lawn Care Program encourages feedback from Thornton Township residents. Please send your comments,thoughts and notes to:Thornton TownshipC/O Community Relations333 East 162nd Street,South Holland, IL 60473

Or send us a message on facebook Facebook.com/thorntontwpor visit our website Thorntontownship.com/contact-us

Senior/Youth and Family Services

A Valuable Recoursefor Thornton Township

Senior/Youth and Family Services Center. 14323 Halsted, Riverdale

Z.A.P. Senior Lawn Care

In Full Swing

ZAP Manager James Wilson and Dorothy Lolich interview students for lawn care positions.

Coming SoonRenovations on our

Food Assistance Center will be completed this summer.

5

Thornton Township Presents

DaysParkinthe

Thornton Township Celebrates

St. Patrick’sDay

Saints preserve us… there was a lot of a “wearin’ of the green” thispast March as a gathering of Thornton Township seniors and residents

took part in this year’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the CalumetSenior Center.

Music, dancing, plenty of food and a “gift for gab” was all the luckanyone needed to have a good time.

Not to be outdone, Thornton Township’s Department of SpecialServices also got into the holiday spirit with a party of it’s own at

Thornwood High School.

Thornton Township residents should check their mailboxes for information on upcoming Days in the Park community events.

Look for theThornton Townshipfloat in theseupcoming parades…

South HollandMemorial Day

ParadeMay 26th

Thornton Memorial Day

ParadeMay 26th

Harvey Independence Day

ParadeJuly 4th

Don’t Miss This Year’s

Presented by

Frank M. Zuccarelli, Supervisorthe Human Relations Commission

and our sponsors

Saturday, August 23, 20149:00 am – 6:00 pm

333 East 162nd StreetSouth Holland, IL

Enjoy food, crafts, games, rides and Live Entertainment

6

SeniorRXBlood PressureScreenings

Daily 10:00 am - 3:00 pmThornton Township Hall

Calumet City Senior Centerand Riverdale Senior Center

Cholesterol andGlucose Testing

Monday through Friday9:00 am - 3:45

Thornton Township Hall

Two hour fasting is required andresults are given within three minutes.There is a nominal fee to help cover

the cost of materials.

Flu ShotsThornton Township, in cooperation

with the Respiratory HealthAssociation of Metropolitan Chicago,administers flu shots once a year tosenior citizens age 65 and older and

also those individuals who arechronically ill. Call for date and form.

Senior Health andInformational Fair

Senior Health and Informational Fair isheld at Thornton Township SeniorCenter for all residents. Some of theservices offered at minimal or no

charge, include cholesterol screenings,glucose screenings, blood pressure

readings, glaucoma/cataractscreenings, foot screenings, pulmonary

function testing, and much more. Coming August 11th, 2014

Senior HealthInsurance Program

(S.H.I.P.)This free program is sponsored by theIllinois Department of Insurance andprovides counseling to seniors. Thispublic service is designed to help

answer questions, and organize andassist in the filing of insurance papers

to Medicare and supplementalinsurance companies. The service

also provides assistance incomparisons of supplementalinsurance plans and affordable Med D drug plans. Now serving

you at three (3) locations.

Income Tax ServiceThornton Township, in conjunction

with A.A.R.P., assists persons 65 years of age and older with federal

and state income tax preparation. This service is provided every

Friday beginning on the first Friday of February through the end of the tax season in April.

Senior Committee on Aging

This committee meets monthly to advise the township of the

needs and concerns of their senior community.

They also serve as volunteercoordinators for luncheons and special township events. A list ofmembers is available at either theTownship Hall or Senior Center.

SeniorTRANSPORTATIONThe Thornton Township Senior Transportation Program operates a curb-to-curb service for township seniors age 60 and older.

Our service complies with all American With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.Service is available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Monday – Friday to any point within the township and designated medical

facilities only.Appointments are made on a first call, first serve basis.Medical appointments are given priority status. Residents are

asked to call the township dispatch office with any changes to your appointment.Suggested donation for each one-way ride is $1.00. An Exact Fare Only Policy is also in place to avoid the bus drivers from

having to handle money on the busses.To schedule a ride, call 708-339-9980

For further information on the program, call 708-596-6040, Ext. 4011

Senior Transportation ScheduleThe following is a list of the only major medical facilities outside the township that riders may be transported to.l DaVita Comprehensive Renal Service, 222 Douglas, Hammondl Governors Highway Clinic, 17901 Governors Highway, Homewoodl South Suburban Hospital, 17800 Kedzie, Hazel Crestl MetroSouth Medical Center, 12935 South Gregory, Blue Islandl St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center, (North) 5500 Hohman Avenue, Hammondl Hammond Clinic, 7905 Calumet Avenue, Munsterl Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster

Shopping is also provided to the following locations on these specified days:l Monday: Halsted Street Shopping Area (Homewood)l Tuesday: Jewel, Walt’s & Aldi’s (South Holland), Ultra Food & Walmart (Lansing) 2:00 pm Returnl Wednesday: River Oaks, East & West (Calumet City) 2:00 pm Returnl Thursday: K-Mart (Lansing)l Friday: Food 4 Less (Dolton), Almar Plaza (Dolton), and Pete’s Fresh Market (Calumet City)

All township bus drivers have CDL (Commercial Drivers Licenses) and must comply with all IDOT (Illinois Department ofTransportation) regulations and guidelines.“Funds (in whole/part) for this program were provided through an award from the Suburban Area Agency on Aging under Title III of the Older Americans Act, as administered through the Illinois Department on Agingand Federal Administration on Aging. Thornton Township does not discriminate in admission to programs or activities or treatment of employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human RightsAct; the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint.”

55/Alive MatureDriving Course

This is an eight hour class roominstruction course that refinesexisting safe, defensive driving

techniques.

55/Alive teaches preventive measures to use when driving

that saves lives. Upon completion, a certificate is provided that will

entitle participants to receive a carinsurance premium discount.

This course is currently offeredevery month except December atthe Senior Center in Calumet City.

Upcoming datesJune 17th & 18thJuly 15th & 16th

August 19th & 20th

8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$15 for AARP members$20 for non-members

SENIOR SERVICES

Exercise ClassThis class provides light to moderate

aerobic workouts to aid seniors in maintaining

health and fitness.

A certified instructor currently conducts this class

Monday and Friday Senior CenterCalumet City

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WednesdayThornton Township Hall

in the lower level

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday and Thursdayclass is scheduled at the Senior Center in Riverdale

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

7

Information andReferral ProgramSenior citizens can obtain forms and receive current

information regarding Medicareforms, Social Security forms, legal services, housing, IllinoisLiving Will Act forms, and Illinois Statutory Short forms such asdurable power of attorney for health care and property.

Other information affecting local seniors will also be

disseminated as the informationbecomes available. Now serving

you at three (3) locations.

Pinochle ClubEvery Tuesday

12:00 pm to 3:00 pmCalumet City Senior Center

Bunco ClubEvery Thursday

1:00 pm to 3:00 pmCalumet City Senior Center

Pinochle & Bunco: $3 per person$1 is used to purchase refreshments

and $2 goes towards prizes

Bid Whist ClubFREE Every Tuesday9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Riverdale: Thornton TownshipSenior/Youth & Family Center

Senior Trips

A variety of one day trips are sponsored throughout the year to theaters, dinner shows,

professional sporting events, touring and gambling boats.

Due to the popularity of these trips, seniors are requested to reserve tickets in advance.

Senior LuncheonProgram

Thornton Township senior citizens,60 years of age and older, areentitled to attend one luncheon perweek at your designated townluncheon site. There are currentlythirteen luncheon facility siteslocated throughout the township.There is a nominal fee charged permeal. The luncheon program is de-signed to provide a place to meetnew friends in a social setting, eata nourishing meal and to keep youinformed of current information ef-fecting seniors. Proof of residency andage are required when you sign up.For information call 708-596-6040,Ext. 3170 or 3190.

Tuesdayl Harvey: Ascension Church,

15234 Myrtlel Lansing #1: Eisenhower Center,

2550 178th Streetl Lansing #2: Thornton Township

Senior Center, 1420 Huntington Drive

l Hazel Crest, American LegionHall, 17034 Park Avenue

Wednesdayl Dolton: Park Fieldhouse,

721 Engle Streetl Riverdale: Thornton Township

Senior / Youth & Family Center,14323 S. Halsted

l Homewood: Freedom Village,935 Maple

Thursdayl Calumet City #1: Thornton

Township Senior Center, 1420 Huntington Drive

l Calumet City #2: Downey Park,Stewart Ave & Jeffery Ave

l South Holland: ThorntonTownship Hall, 333 E. 162nd

l Burnham: Village Hall, 13925 Entre Ave

Lunch & Movie Days are open toall senior Township residents. Call(708) 596-6040, ext. 3170 for moviedates and listings.

Wednesday Movie DayLocation:l Thornton Township Senior

Center, 1420 Huntington Drive,Calumet City

Thursday Movie Day Location:l Thornton Township

Senior/Youth & Family ServicesCenter, 14323 Halsted,Riverdale

Upcoming EventsThornton Township Senior Center

1420 Huntington Drive, Calumet City, IL

Tickets for events are sold on a first come – first serve basis.

For more information call (708) 596-6040, EXT. 3190 OR 3170

SENIOR SERVICES

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n nnn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

nn

State of IllinoisIdentification CardTwice a year, Thornton Township

in conjunction with the Secretary ofState’s Office, offers seniors 65 years of age and older an opportunity to get

their I.D. card at the township. Call for information and requirements.(708)-596-6040, Ext. 3170 or 3190.

Benefit Access Application (BAA)Formally Circuit Breaker

A program providing assistance with license plates and bus fares for qualifying seniors and persons with disabilities. Assistance in preparing your claim is available beginning

annually in mid-February. Call for information or to make an appointment.708-596-6040, Ext. 3170, 3190 or 2000.

Now serving you in three (3) locations.

MASQUERADEDay Party

Monday, May 19th, 201411:00 am – 3:00 pm

$15 per person for Township residents

$20 Per person for out of Township residents

Includes dinner and live entertainmentRed, White,& Blue Party

Friday, July 18th, 20145:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$15 per person for Township residents

$20 Per person for out of Township residents

Includes dinner and live entertainment

8

Edward M. Lareau: “Improving services and helping others”

Edward M. Lareau is the Supervisor of Logistical Operations for Thornton Township. Here is what he has to say about improv-

ing services and helping others.

FOCUS: What are your responsibilities?Edward: I’m responsible for the management and distribution ofservices. Also, I make recommendations on how to resolve trans-

portation problems.FOCUS: How do you work with other departments?Edward: I consult with other departments to integrate logistics and business systemsor processes. Also, I participate in department projects to provide technical andlogistical advice on layout, safety, setup and relocation.FOCUS: How long have you been working in government?Edward:When I was 16 years old, I started cutting lawns with the Thornton TownshipZuccarelli Assistance Program (ZAP) during the summer and moved to aTeam Leaderposition while on break from college. I started this job in February 2014 as Supervisorof Logistical Operations.FOCUS: Edward is a 2013 graduate of Northern Illinois University, where he receiveda Bachelors Degree in Operations Management Information Systems.FOCUS: What are some of the big projects that you are working on now?Edward: The LEAN Project is very important; we are trying to find ways to providemore services proficiently. We want to make sure that we are the best township inIllinois.FOCUS: What role do you play in the operations of the township food pantry?Edward: I helped install phone line cables. Also, I assist ensuring a better flow inoperations throughout the building, and review contractors work prior to completion.FOCUS: What is it that you like most about your job?Edward: Seeing the improvements and enhancing the lives of township residents.

Brunu’ Sheppard: “I believe in people working with people”

Brunu’ A. Sheppard is an Administrative Assistant to Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli. FOCUS spent some

time with Brunu’ to learn more about her.

FOCUS: As the Administrative Assistant to the Township Super-visor Frank Zuccarelli and serving the largest township in Illinois;what are some of the challenges of your job?

Brunu’: Administratively, we have many departments and the demand to serve thecommunity is great. We have to be on hand for the physical work as well. TheSupervisor is a hands-on individual. Whenever we’re doing something that involvesthe youth or seniors, he wants to be involved. Basically, I have to be available forwhatever is going on, even outside of regular office hours. I enjoy that challenge.FOCUS: You have a lot of corporate experience, particular with AT&T and AmeritechTelecommunications, how does that experience help you with your job?Brunu’: The majority of my training came from both of those companies. I learnedhow to develop teams of people to work effectively.FOCUS: You were a Manager at the Ameritech Telecommunications Call Center.Explain how working for a Call Center in a large corporation helps you in your job.Brunu’:Well, the first thing that I know about customer service is the customer isalways right! Attitude means everything. I bought small desk mirrors for each of myservice reps. I would tell them to look in the mirror and smile before answering thephone, because the smile adjusts your voice. I never forgot how small things like thatin a Call Center worked. So I’ve got a mirror on my desk now (laughter).FOCUS: How long have you lived in Thornton Township?Brunu’: Actually, it’s almost been 30 years. I’ve been a resident of South Holland for20 years, but prior to that I’ve lived in Dolton and Lansing. I’m originally from Chicago.FOCUS: What do you enjoy most about your job?Brunu’: It makes me happy to be in an environment that helps people like ThorntonTownship. I happily started in February 2013. I believe in people working with people.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

HOUSING H EMPLOYMENT H VA BENEFITS H LEGAL H AND MORE

Friday, June 6th 2014, 9AM - 2PMTHORNTON TOWNSHIP HALL

333 E. 162ND STREET, SOUTH HOLLAND, IL 60473

ALL VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

For more information call312-328-0873

www.picbchicago.org