VILLAGE OF ANTIOCH
COMMUNITY CALENDAR

February 2005

Taso Maravelas, Mayor
Alan J. Probst, Village Administrator

ANTIOCH PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

Congratulations to our World Champions! Antioch Parks & Recreation’s Shotokan Karate Program traveled to Las Vegas this past November where seven of our participants took home World Champion titles at the Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association World Championships. They are: Michael Terzic (Intermediate Kata Division), Colin Bennett and Ian Calvert (Intermediate and Brown Belt Division), JR Nauseda and Beth Koch (Cadet and Adult Division), Andrew Burkhart (Kumite/sparring), and our Sensei, Anna Conners. Other medallists included are: Jordan Keller, Ian Keller, Steven Dschida, Marc Mrozinski, Jon Mrozinski, Cindy Trombino and David Keller. These champions will be honored at the Village Board Meeting on February 7th.

This is the last week to get tickets for the 2005 Daddy Daughter Date Night. They are available at the Parks Office at 806 Holbek Drive until February 4th or until sold out. They will not be sold at the door. The Dance is once again being held at the Antioch Upper Grade School on Saturday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. Doors will not open until 6:45 p.m.
Our annual Eggcellent Easter Adventure will be held on Saturday, March 19th beginning with the parade at 10:30 a.m. and the hunt at 11:00a.m. Please see details inside.

Check out the inside back page of this newsletter for upcoming winter park programs.

February Calender:

SPECIAL EVENTS AND NOTICES

ANTIOCH SENIOR CENTER NEWS

2/11 – Fri. Toenail Clinic: Reservations needed.
2/21 – Mon. Health Van: Preventive screenings 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. No appointment necessary.
2/16 – Wed. Valentine Party: 10:30 – 3:00, Chicken Kiev Dinner and Ernie Garner Band.

Other daily or weekly programs include: Line dancing, pinochle tournaments and lessons, day trips and extended trips, bingo, bridge tournaments and lessons, AARP meetings, crafts, sing-a-long choral group, Meals on Wheels, Senior Social Services information and referral, computer services, Cribbage and Canasta games, exercise class and a daily luncheon. Any questions, please call Paul Howard at the Center at 847-395-0139.

WINTER SNOW PLOWING
It’s that time of year again when Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Our snow removal policy is as follows: After one inch of snow accumulates, please note that no parking is allowed on any Village street until snow removal has been completed. Also no plowing, snow blowing, or shoveling of snow onto Village streets is permitted.

Unfortunately, mail boxes occasionally are knocked over by the heavy snow pushed by the snow plows. If mail boxes are too close to the road edge, it is difficult to remove snow from the full width of the street. Please follow U.S. Postal guidelines for the placement of your mailbox.
We do receive complaints of snow being pushed in driveways during snow storms, so we ask you to wait until the shoulders are pushed back before shoveling driveways. On cul-de-sacs we will make one pass with the plows, then finish the clean-up at the end of the storm. We do contract out some of our subdivisions to private companies for snow removal, but as always any questions or concerns will be handled by the Public Works Department at 847-395-1881. We thank you for your cooperation, and hope you have a safe winter season.

PARKS DEPARTMENT SUMMER STAFF

The parks department is now taking applications for our summer staff. We will be hiring a few new counselors for our summer day camp program and we also have lifeguard positions available. You must be at least 16 years old for both positions. Lifeguard certification is required for the lifeguard positions. Classes are held at Hastings YMCA in Lindenhurst. We will also have positions open for pre-school instructors this fall for our Camp Crayon Pre-school program.

Applications can be picked up at the Village Hall or Parks Department. Please call the parks department for more information on these positions at 847-395-2160.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ASKS FOR ASSITANCE

The Fire Department would like to remind everyone that snow-covered fire hydrants, blocked access routes and covered address markings will slow down not only the department’s response, but also our ability to provide the necessary emergency service. There is something that you can do to help. Residents, business owners and snow removal crews can assist the Fire Department by clearing away the fire hydrants and keeping an area approximately four feet around the hydrant clear.

Furthermore when possible, keep the sidewalks, driveways, and entrances to a business or residence clear. The snow removal companies can help by making sure they are not placing the plowed snow in any of the above-mentioned area, which would create the hazards we are trying to avoid.

The fire department wants to remind everyone that shoveling snow can be a very labor-intensive process and offers the following suggestions:

• If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.
• Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants, which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict. This places extra stress on the heart.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
• Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.
• Warm up your muscles before shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.
• Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.
• Begin shoveling slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your heart. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.
• Protect your back from injury by lifting correctly.
• Stand with your feet about hip width for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from the knees (not the back) and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Avoid twisting movements. If you need to move the snow to one side reposition your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.
• Most importantly — listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain!

If the fire hydrants are not marked, or the marker has been removed, please call the Fire Department at 847-395-5511 so the problem can be remedied as soon as possible

SNOW BLOWER SAFETY
By Lee Shannon – Director of Antioch Emergency Management

Now that we are receiving significant amounts of snow, people are using snow blowers more frequently then snow shovels. We need to refresh our safety rules when using snow blowers to prevent permanent injuries to ourselves.
To help prevent clogging of your snow blower before using it spray a silicon lubricant onto the rotor blades. Before starting to remove the snow, pickup any newspapers, sticks and other objects that could cause the snow blower rotor blades to become jammed.

When a snow blower becomes clogged, most of them will shut down. Never stick your hand or other part of your body in to the rotor blade area to remove the clogged snow. The rotor blades are under tension due to the clog.

Once the clog is removed the tension releases and the rotors move, typically without prior warning. Most injuries occur due to this action. The best way to remove a clog is to make sure the snow blower is off. Use a stick to unclog the rotors or move the snow blower to a warmer area and allow the snow to melt.

The discharge chute presents projectile injuries. Always make sure that the discharge chute is aimed away from people. Should the chute become clogged, turn off the snow blower. Attempt to push the clog down with a stick, not your hand. If this does not work, again, move the snow blower to a warmer area and allow the snow to melt.

Should you become injured, immediately cover the wound with a dry dressing and call 911. If an amputation of a body part occurs, have some one locate the amputation and place it in a dry plastic container or bag. Place the container or bag in a larger container containing ice water – not straight ice. Paramedics are well trained in dealing with these types of injuries. With today’s advances in medicine, the amputations can, in most cases, be reattached.

SPECIAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT

Friends of the Wetlands is a volunteer group formed to maintain and enhance the William E. Brook Wetland Sanctuary in downtown Antioch. We are looking for volunteers who would like to help with this project. We meet once a month to work on planning, cleaning, and planting. Our goals for this year are to continue to clear the wetlands of Reed Canary Grass, European Buckthorn, and Garlic Mustard, and to stabilize the shoreline by planting native plants. We are also looking for someone to help us apply for grants and donations. You don’t have to have a green thumb to join in; in fact, most of us have brown thumbs! If you can help, please call Billie Horton, Department of Special Events at 847-395-6342.

The 4th of July Committee will hold it’s first meeting of the year on February 17, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Building at 884 Main Street. If you would like to help with this event, please call Billie Horton, Special Events Coordinator at 847-395-6342.
The Professional Walleye Tournament is coming to the Fox Chain of Lakes in April this year. The Village of Antioch, Antioch Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Fox Lake and the Fox Lake Chamber of Commerce are hosting this event. We are looking for volunteers to help during the tournament on April 20th to the 23rd. Antioch is also sponsoring a Meet The Pros Night at the VFW in Antioch on Saturday, April 16th from 6 – 9 p.m. If you are interested in helping, please contact Billie Horton, Special Events Coordinator at 847-395-6342.

ANTIOCH PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

The Antioch Public Library District Adult Programs for February 2005.
February 3, 2005, Thursday at 7 p.m. “Trust Yourself to Transform Your Body: A Woman’s Guide to Health and Weight loss Without Diets.” Laura Bryant, local author and founder of Inspire Fitness will talk on the fitness plan she created and how she succeeded in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Reservations are recommended.
February 13, 2005, Sunday, 2 p.m. Adult Board Game and Cards Afternoon. Are you tired of being cooped up in the house this winter? Bring your favorite board game or deck of cards and play with friends or make new ones. Adults only. Refreshments served. Reservations recommended.
February 17, 2005, Thursday, 7 p.m. “Water Features.” Don Guzman, landscape advisor and answer man, will discuss how to build, maintain, light, and plant for waterfalls, streams, pond-less waterfalls, ponds and dry creek beds. Reservations recommended.
February 27, 2005, Sunday, 2 p.m. Learn to play chess with Zack Simonini, a local chess enthusiast. Bring a chess set if you have one. Reservations recommended. Please call 847-395-0874 for reservations or more information.

PM&L THEATRE

PM&L opens “That Scottish play” MACBETH by William Shakespeare at the PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St. Antioch on February 4th at 8 p.m. Continuing dates are February 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th at 8 p.m. and February 6th, 13th and 20th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 847-395-3055 for reservations. “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble”. Be prepared for the “Weird Sisters” and their incantations as well as a thoroughly innovative production directed by Fran Jansta of Antioch.

Auditions for the delightful comedy MORNINGS AT SEVEN by Paul Osborn will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 7th and 8th at 7 p.m. at the theatre. Director Deane Jones of Round Lake needs 3 men and 3 women who can play ages 60-70 years and an additional couple who are 30-40. Dates of production are weekends April 1 – 17. Anyone interested in tech work is also welcome. For more info, call 847-546-1889.

The PM&L will host a special event on the weekend of February 25. Bob Wang of Bristol will bring a talented cast that includes some PM&L’ers to do a presentation of COTTON PATCH GOSPEL. This “greatest story ever retold” is based on the Cotton Patch version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordon and is set in rural Georgia in the late 20th century. This show, with country folk songs, is the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. Show times are February 25th and 26th at 8 p.m. and February 26th and 27th at 2:30 p.m., one weekend only. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 847-395-3055 all during the run of MACBETH.

EASTER BASKET DONATIONS WANTED

Donations are being accepted for Easter Baskets that will be donated to children and teens at Kids Hope United (formerly known as The Children’s Baptist Home). Easter related items, including baskets (no candy or food items please) can be dropped off at the Village Hall, VFW Hall and the Parks Office. For additional information please call Sheryl Pierce at 847-395-6323.

HEALTH SCREENINGS

The Antioch Fire Department will be hosting a health screening for the community on Thursday, March 17th. The screening will be held at 835 Holbek Dr. and will be open to the public.

Life Line screens the carotid arteries in the neck to determine if you are at risk for stroke. Up to 75% of all strokes are linked to carotid artery blockage. Screenings of the arteries of the legs are offered to check for peripheral artery disease, which is linked to heart disease. A third test is performed for aneurysms in the aortic vessel of the abdomen. Life Line also offers a bone density screening to test for early detection of osteoporosis.

These non-invasive, completely painless, ultrasound screenings take about 10 minutes each. Each of the 3 vascular tests are offered for $45 each, osteoporosis for $35. Complete vascular screening (3 tests) for $109 or all 4 tests for $129. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please call 1-800-324-1851 for your appointment or for more information.

ANTIOCH TOWNSHIP REPUBLICAN CLUB

The Antioch Township Republican Club would like you to mark your calendars and save the date for April 2, 2005 for the 2nd Annual Night At The Theatre. Details will follow in the coming months.

ANTIOCH FINE ARTS FOUNDATION GALLERY

Antioch Fine Arts Foundation Gallery hosts a free acoustic folk music song circle on the second Saturday of every month from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy an afternoon of music and fine art by local artists at 983 Main St. in Antioch. For more information call 847-838-2274.

GERMAN-AMERICAN CLUB OF ANTIOCH

The German American Club of Antioch presents it’s annual “Faschings Dance” (masquerade dance) on Saturday, February 5th, 2005. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is held at the VFW Hall in Lake Villa, IL, 130 E. Grand Ave. (Rte. 132). The more guests in costume, the better but it is not required. Admission is $8 per person.

Please join us for an evening of “Gemutlichkeit”. For ticket information, please call Dorothy Jodahl at 847-356-5484.

AARP TAX PREPARATION

Once again, volunteers from the AARP Tax Aide program will be preparing tax returns for seniors and those with low-income. The volunteers will be at the Antioch District Library on Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. starting February 3rd and ending April 14th. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! To make a reservation, please call the library and ask for the adult reference desk. Make sure to bring to your appointment, all necessary paperwork, such as last year’s tax return, W-2’s, all 1099’s, 1099 R, SSA (social security benefit statements), K-1’s and stock sales and costs. Taxes will be prepared in the Eide room on the lower level.

COMMUNITY SERVICES & ORGANIZATIONS

ANTIOCH JR. WOMAN’S CLUB
COMEDY NIGHT WITH A TWIST

The Antioch Jr. Woman’s Club will be holding their annual Comedy Night on Saturday, March 5th at St. Peter Father Hanley Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner. An added feature this year will be a Male Beauty Contest with contestants from our local Antioch Organizations and our comedian will be Sonya White. A Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle and raffle tickets for a $1000 Travel Certificate will also be available. Dinner/Show tickets will be $20 each and will be available from club members or at First National Bank Employee Owned, State Bank of the Lakes and at the door.

AJWC SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Two Community Scholarship Awards of $500 are open to any female or male who reside within the Antioch Township. They must be a current full-time student at a 2 or 4 year college or university or must be a current high school senior who intends on enrolling on a full-time basis at a 2 or 4 year college university. Scholarship forms are available at the Antioch Parks Office and at ACHS, LCHS and Carmel High Schools.

The Antioch Junior Woman’s Club (AJWC) is an organization that serves the Antioch community through charitable and philanthropic activities while promoting intellectual development and sociability among its members. AJWC is open to any female that resides in Antioch Township and would like to make contributions toward the objectives of AJWC. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month (September – May) at 7 p.m.

ANTIOCH WOMAN’S CLUB

The Antioch Woman’s Club will meet on February 9th at 1 p.m. at the Antioch United Methodist Church, 848 Main St. in Antioch. Parking behind the church. This month’s program is one-man band Edizon Dayao of Vernon Hills. This handsome 38-year-old musician and singer makes his keyboard sound like a full orchestra.

Anyone interested in joining the Antioch Woman’s Club, which is a part of the G.F.W.C. should call membership chair, Pat Goone 847-838-6688 for more information.

ANTIOCH BROWNIE TROOP SHOE COLLECTION

Antioch Brownie Troop #2596 is collecting old gym shoes. Their goal is to collect 5,000 shoes! There are various locations around town including the Parks Office, where you can drop off your old gym shoes January - March. The shoes will then be given to Waste Management who will deliver them to NIKE. NIKE will then recycle them by making them into new gym floors and playgrounds. In doing this, they are helping to save landfill space and the Earth. Any brand of athletic shoes will be accepted for this unique recycling program, but shoes need to be relatively clean and dry. The following items will not be accepted: dress shoes, boots, flip-flops, shoes with any metal (such as metal eyelets or zippers), cleats, or sandals.

COMMUNITY TELECARE

If you live alone or are a shut-in, you might like a daily check up call from Community Telecare. This service is free and is staffed by volunteers. If you or someone you know would like to use this service, please contact Carol at 847-395-2240 or Bev at 847-395-0897.

ANTIOCH VFW BINGO

The Antioch VFW sponsors Bingo every Tuesday night. Open to the public. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. Pull tabs are available. Lightning game available as well.

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A.A.R.P. MEETING

Antioch A.A.R.P. Chapter 387 meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Antioch Senior Center at 817 Holbek Dr. in Antioch. For more information, please call Sharon at 847-395-5068.

ANTIOCH KIWANIS

Kiwanis Club of Antioch meets at the Double Eagle restaurant in Antioch every Tuesday at noon. Kiwanis is about “Serving The Children in our Community”. Come join us, and have the opportunity to share your experience, knowledge and service project ideas. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Antioch please call Melissa at 847-486-8044 or e-mail her at mjrigoni@hotmail.com or Jennifer at 847-838-6391.

FIBROMYALGIA/CHRONIC FATIGUE SUPPORT

The Advocates for FMS meets the first Saturday of each month at 884 Main Street (Rte. 83) in Antioch from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Please join us for a free, informative session and feel free to bring a spouse, friend or family member along. To make a reservation or for more info, call 847-362-7807. Also, check our website www.AFFTER.org mailto:info@AFFTER.org

YWCA OF LAKE COUNTY FREE MAMMOGRAMS

The YWCA of Lake County ENCOREplus provides breast and cervical cancer education services as well as free and low cost mammograms, free clinical breast exams, scheduling assistance, transportation, childcare and other supportive services to women that may not receive life saving early detection screening tests. Our participants are mostly minority women with little access to medical services. For more information concerning these services, please call 847-662-4247.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKS

The Antioch Fire Department is now offering free child safety seat checks. For more information, call the Antioch Fire Department at 847-395-5511.

TOPS

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Wednesday. Weigh-ins start at 6:30 p.m. and meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Antioch Senior Center at 817 Holbek in Antioch. For more information, please call Dorothy at 847-395-7407 or Betty at 847-838-3907.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN
A COLLECTION & DISTRIBUTION CENTER

If you have any items that a family in need could use, we’ll collect them. If you know of a family in need, we’ll distribute to them. Some of the items we have are: Coats, Outerwear, Clothes, Linens, Toys, and many other items. If donating clothing, please make sure that all clothes are clean. The Distribution Center is at Distinctive Signs which is located at 43420 N. Rte. 45 in Antioch. Please call Jeff at 847-395-7217 for more information. For Food Pantry assistance or to donate food call Kathy at the Open Arms Mission Food Pantry at 847-395-0309.

CENTER FOR CULTURAL INTERCHANGE

CCI, an Illinois based exchange program, is looking for individuals and families to host a foreign exchange student for either a semester or for the school year. Find out more on how you can open your home and heart to a student at www.cci-exchange.com or contact Marge at 888-488-4056.

SCHOOL/CHURCH EVENTS AND MEETINGS

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION LUNCHEON

Ladies, you’re invited to a luncheon at Twin Oaks Country Inn on Thursday, February 10th at 12:30 p.m. This month’s program is Master Quilter, Liz Los Design and the speaker will be Chuckie O’Leary, “A Life Changing Story”. Twin Oaks is located on Highway C in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Fee is $11 inclusive. For reservations and cancellations call Dori at 847-546-4877 or Jan at 262-843-1586. Reservations should be honored, cancelled or used by a friend! Free nursery provided for children 10 and under upon reservation. Call for reservation and location. Presented by the Christian Women’s Connection, Stonecroft Ministries.

OPEN ARMS MISSION FOOD PANTRY

Open Arms Mission is pleased to announce our move to a new location. Effective February 1st, we will be located at 1548 S. Main Street (Rte. 83) in Antioch. This move to a one-story building was made possible by a tremendous donation by a local family. Other local support will be assisting with our utilities. Our Adopt-A-Mission program is under way. We are currently seeking support for our “Fill the Milk Jug” program. We purchase about 800 gallons of milk each month at a cost of about $2.50 a gallon. Can you help with a cash donation to support 10, 20 or more gallons each month?

Thanks to all those who supported the Food Pantry and Mother Teresa Home, especially over the holiday season. Because of you, 150 families were “adopted” for Christmas. Because of your generosity, over 100,000 pounds of food were distributed during 2004 to our neighbors in need. We look forward to your continued support as we fight hunger in our local community.
Open Arms is a non-profit (501C-3) community organization providing assistance with daily living necessities, one neighbor at a time. All donations are tax deductible. Our mailing address is Open Arms Mission, P.O. Box 79, Antioch, IL 60002. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community. For further information, please call 847-395-0309.

UPCOMING PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS

PLEASE REGISTER FOR ALL CLASSES AT LEAST 1 WEEK BEFORE START DATE!!
The following classes will be coming up soon. Please call the Parks Office at 847-395-2160 for more information on the classes listed below or stop by the Parks Office at 806 Holbek Dr. for a detailed brochure.

LITTLE FEET – STEPPIN’ OUT – This class is offered as an alternative to preschool or for the child who will be starting a preschool program in the future. It gives the child who is ready to graduate from the Parent/Tot classes, a little taste of being away from their caregiver in a time frame that enables them to adjust to separation. This class will include free play, arts and crafts, songs and stories. There are six 4-week sessions, 2 instructors. Ages: Must be 3 years old by first day of class and toilet trained (no pull ups). Class is held on Mondays from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at the Parks Building, 806 Holbek Dr. Session 5: 2/28 – 4/4 (no class 3/7 & 3/28). Fee: $35/45 Limit 15 children.

TIME FOR ME TWO – Space is still available in our Time For Me Two Class. This class is a unique experience between a parent/guardian and child ages 2 and 3. Classes are an hour and a half, once a week on Friday. In class your child will experience many age appropriate activities in motor development, language, music, art and social/playtime. A parent or other significant caregiver must attend with the child. There are three 8-week sessions and the last session is 6 weeks. Class held at the Parks Building on Fridays from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Session 3: 1/28 – 4/8 (No class 2/18, 3/25, 4/1) Fee: $60/70. Limit 10 couples.

DANCE ACADEMY – Parent & Toddler Class (ages 16 mos. – 3 years old): This is a ½ hour class which is designed to get even the youngest of dancers to have fun and learn to follow music with the help of a parent or caregiver. Class held at the Dance Academy on McMillan Rd. in Antioch from 9 – 9:30 a.m. on Mondays. Session 4: 2/14 – 3/21. Fee: $37/42. Preschool Tap & Ballet (ages 3 – 4 years old): Class held at Dance Academy from 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. on Mondays. Session 4: 2/14 – 3/21. Fee: $43/48. Teen Hip-Hop Class (ages 13 and up): Learn to dance in the style of the music video stars of today. Classes run monthly on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Fee: $43/48. Adult Hip Hop Class held on Fridays from 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Fee: $40/45 per month. Cheerleading Class: (ages 6 – 9 yrs.) taught by Jen Fritsch is held on Fridays from 4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Monthly Fee: $40/45.

AMERICAN STARS OF DANCE – Parent n’ Tot Class (ages 18 mos. – 3 years): This 45 minute class includes play-acting, obstacle courses and creative movement as well as stretching. The class will give children a structured play experience away from home with other children of the same age and a parent or caregiver. Class held at American Stars at 237 Depot St. on Fridays from 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Session 4: 2/18 – 3/25. Fee: $45/50.

SHOTOKAN KARATE – Many Shotokan Karate classes are available for children beginning at age 3 all the way up to adults. Classes offered: Lil’ Dragons (3 – 5 yrs.), Lil’ Tigers (5 – 8 yrs.), Beginner/Intermediate 1 & 2, Advanced Mixed, Adult Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Class, Beginning Kobudo, Strength & Conditioning Class, Advanced Kata Class, Tournament Training, and Cardio-Kickboxing. All classes held at the Parks Building at 806 Holbek Dr. Please call 847-395-2160 or 847-395-5424 or more information.

HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS – at Windance Acres, 803 Cedar Lake Rd. in Lake Villa. Indoor and outdoor arena. Wednesdays from 4 – 5:00 p.m. Session 6: 2/16 – 3/9. Fee: $120/130.

PILATES – Mat class taught by certified fitness instructor Jan Fenske. Designed to restore muscular balance and improve overall body strength. Bring a towel and a mat. 4 week session. Held at the Parks Building on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7:00 p.m. Session 6: 2/2 – 2/23. Fees: $40/45.

YOGA – Introduction to Basic Yoga postures, relaxation and breathing exercises for men and women of all ages. Bring yoga mat and a towel. 4-week session. Held at Parks Building on Mondays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Session 6: 1/31 – 2/21 also offered at LCHS on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (call for info) Fees: $40/45. YOGA/PILATES FUSION – A blend of Pilates and Yoga. 4-week session. Held at Parks Building on Thursday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Session 6: 2/3 – 2/24. Fees: $40/45.

BASKET WEAVING –Party Round up Basket. This unique basket is really 2 baskets that form 2 tiers to hold party snacks or desserts. Students will weave 2 shallow baskets that have solid round wood bases and are attached to a wood stand. Students may choose color accents at the time of class. Held at Parks Office on Thursday, 2/24 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fee: $35/40.

BEST DEFENSE SAFETY SKILLS & SELF DEFENSE FOR KIDS - What every child should know! Stranger-danger, bullies, the Internet, and other real-world hazards. Help your child manage scary situations and gain self-confidence. Includes 25 discussion topics and 25 simple practical, self-defense maneuvers taught in a fun, non-threatening way by a certified instructor. Illustrated Home Study Guide, Certificate and Poster included. Parents welcome to observe. More info at www.bestdefenseillinois.com Wear casual clothing and clean, tied gym shoes. All materials included. Class will be held at the Parks Building Classroom. Class held on Tuesdays, 2/1/05 – 2/15/05 (3 weeks), 4:45 – 6 p.m. Fee: 50/55.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all. Even in the cold of winter, Antioch is a warm and vibrant community. Events such as the ‘Daddy-Daughter Dance’ keep the chills away. The calendar is quickly filling with spring and summer events.

Year-round, Antioch is a desirable place to live for many reasons. It is a balanced community. People of all ages live here comfortably. Many generations of the same family live in the village and township. Our housing is good quality and reasonably priced. Our many lakes, streams, hills, and forests attract residents and visitors. Our downtown provides us history, community, and commerce.

These are also the reasons we are experiencing a lot of growth pressure. We have matured as a community, now better able to manage growth and development. Two years ago, we recognized that our 1991 comprehensive plan, although good, was not sufficient for development pressure along Illinois Route 173. We now have an Illinois Route 173 Corridor Plan which governs development along the corridor with a land use plan along with architectural and landscaping guidelines. Now that the village budget is balanced, we will plan for downtown redevelopment and the Illinois Route 83 corridor. Our capstone will be a plan for areas west of the village, or the “Gateway to the Chain O’Lakes”. These plans will guide decisions for a generation. This process also gives citizens input into what Antioch will look like in the future. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities.

The Village of Antioch is in the lead environmentally. We continue to invest much time and money to protect our lakes, streams, and drinking water supply, while ensuring businesses and homes don’t flood. Growth cannot jeopardize this. New development must abide by federal, state, county, and increasingly village laws and guidelines. Our citizens’ dedication to civic action is demonstrated by the massive outpouring of residents who contributed many, many hours of hard, demanding work to restore Sequoit Creek.

We have increased development fees and coordinated with our school districts to better fund new schools. It is only fair that development ‘pays its way’. Residential development requires increased schools, police, fire, parks roads, and other municipal services.

Other municipalities are in the unenviable position of offering incentive packages to lure new business - property tax breaks, sales tax breaks, free land, etc. Fortunately, Antioch does not need to ‘give away the farm’ for large commercial developments. Our village finances are improving and businesses are competing with each other to build here. Commercial development should ‘pay its way’, providing tax revenues. Your property tax bill should not increase due to development. We should be able to buy goods and services close to home, keeping the money in Antioch, providing jobs for our neighbors. These are the benefits of growth.

We should also have priorities for growth. Our downtown is a gem, and we can make it even better with more businesses, commuters, pedestrians, and restaurants. We continue to stress living options for senior citizens with potential developers. We must also improve our parks and recreation. We have opportunities currently to improve the quality of life for Antioch’s citizens. We must plan for growth and benefit from it. We can maintain our community’s character and keep property taxes low. Antioch is a great town and getting better. I urge everyone to join us and keep moving forward on these issues.

Taso Maravelas Mayor

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