Purely Personal Perspective

by Sandy May

Happy, happy, New Year! May it prove to be the very best. Let us all attempt to work together and try to enrich our lives in unison. Last year certainly gets mixed reviews, however, let’s surge ahead—become realistic members of society and work for the betterment of our nation and our city.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our subscribers, both out-of-town and here in Blue Island. We are delighted—and our base in this community just keeps on growing. Thank you one and all!

Happy Wedding Anniversary to the Reverends Judy and David Jones who are celebrating 35 years.

Oh! Those wonderful folks at Angel’s Touch—they do so much. If you’ve ever seen the baskets they make up for recipients, you will quickly realize that what they do is overwhelming—collecting thoughtful, useful items—even things like paper products and personal items (and we all know how pricey these things can be) along with the food stuff and just surprise goodies. The amount of work all of this requires is mind-boggling. Thank you to the Angels just for being here and for honoring our community.

Speaking of nice things, maybe you remember a For-U-Mail letter (12/16 issue) in praise of city events by a former Blue Islander which read in part “thank you Blue Island for making me step back and remember the magic of Christmas and making my son’s eyes light up…” Well, along comes another kind and generous Blue Islanders, asking if he can make those little eyes light up even more. We were delighted! Mr. Kmak met here in our office to give him some Blue Island mementoes and to thank Mom for her letter.

On to an unpleasant reality -called taxes. The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program is a State of Illinois Program allowing qualified persons to defer all or part of their real estate taxes on their personal residence. Qualifications include, age 65 or older by June 1st 2010, annual income not greater than $50,000, property has no delinquent taxes, having lived in the residence for at least 3 years and home insured against fire hazard loss This tax relief program works like a loan.. Applications must be filed between January 1st—March 1st. For more information: Cook County Assessor’s Office, 118 North Clark Street, Suite 301, Chicago, 60602 (312) 443- 7550 and feel free to call our Senior Office, Rita Pacyga 388-5735.

Now separate from this program is the Assessment Freeze Exemption (more information available as the assessor’s office). This program must be applied for annually and is based on the value of the property. This is the most valuable homeowner exemption program. Check to see if you qualify—as both programs offer savings.

On to another unpleasant reality— our streets! They were bad enough before the recent snow/ice accumulation—but now! And, many, many city parking lots remain un-plowed, guaranteeing that you will get stuck (or worse!). Why is this? We are wondering if city council should consider starting up an emergency committee—to reimburse citizens for car damages. There are alleys here that are impassable in the best of weather—and we certainly are entitled to streets that were cleared and salted.

Let’s end on this note: Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul genera ted by love. MLK