Highway Commissioner, THOMAS W. GOOCH III

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SNOW STORMS

We made it through the first major snow storm of the season and hope you had few problems.  The Barrington area received just over ten inches of snow over a continuous 24 hour period.  Your Road District personnel worked 36 continuous hours and used over 100 tons of salt and about 1,500 gallons of liquid chloride.  We maintain approximately 92 miles of roads or 184 lane miles.  One thing I discovered—after spending most of those hours personally driving one of our large trucks—THIS AGING THING IS REALLY NOTICEABLE!!

 

You have to marvel at what Cuba Township residents must have had to do to get around 100 years ago during harsh winters.  Isn’t the thought of a sleigh traveling on Cuba Road during a snow storm pulled by a team of matched horses, filled with a family bundled in blankets sort of appealing? We probably wouldn’t have thought so back then;, still …......

 

During storms, we try to be everywhere in time for you to get out in the morning , but it just isn’t always possible. Please understand that sometimes we only partially clear the streets, in order to get as many open as quickly as possible, and then sometimes, hours later we clean up all the streets.  I am always out with my crews during storms, year round,  and I am always reachable in an emergency at my cell number of 847 508 1201.  My home number is posted on our web site at www.cubaroads.com. Don’t hesitate to call. 

 

Also on the web site, you can request service for snow, ice and other issues and obtain real time nationwide and local road weather information, through a network of road sensors reachable on the internet.  Try our web site for reporting problems, reading about our services and for a wealth of other information.

 

SERVICES

A recent survey indicated that some residents weren’t sure of some of our specialty programs at Cuba Township Road District.  We provide split oak and maple firewood during winter months to township residents.  Recently I delivered on several weekends to Lake Barrington Shores. During the spring and summer, we provide free landscape quality mulch and will deliver, as time allows, to township residents.  However, commercial contractors are not permitted to pick up wood or mulch under any circumstances. Free salt is provided in five gallon buckets for your drive and walkways which is available for pick up at the Road District garage.  Of course, if you pick it up, you then get to meet me!

 

RECYCLING FOR TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

When I assumed this position, I immediately began creating a recycling program.  I am firmly committed to recycling and intend to expand this program greatly in the coming years.  I have some great plans in the works for this!   At the present time, we accept for recycling old paint and stain in containers, old tires and electronics such as old computers, TV’s, microwaves and similar items.  As time permits, I try to rebuild and revitalize computers with fresh drives and no data with the idea of supplying them to senior citizens or youngsters who need them.  It’s a new idea and one I hope to expand. I am always look for things to do in the Township  and thought a pick-up day for electronics could be organized if there was an interest….

 

Stay warm and THINK SPRING.  We’ll be fixing roads, again before you know it!

 

Regards, 

Tom

 

 

 

SENIOR INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE

       The Barrington Area Council on Aging, Inc. (BACOA) is once again participating in the AARP Income Tax Assistance Program. A trained AARP volunteer will assist seniors with their taxes on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, at the BACOA office at the Prairieview Building at The Garlands of Barrington, and on Saturdays, at Barrington Bank and Trust, 201 S. Hough St.  Assistance is by appointment only and will run from February 1 through April 15.

 

Appointments fill quickly so please call as early as possible to schedule your appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call BACOA at (847) 381-5030.

 

 

 

 

The Barrington Area Council on Aging, Inc. (BACOA) is a private, not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to promote the independence, dignity, and well-being of older adults in the Barrington area.