News Briefs: NSCD Camp returns after COVID hiatus; Wilmette prepares for Sidewalk Sale; Cook County delays property tax bills

The North Shore Country Day Camp is back for its 71st season.

On June 21, campers arrived on the school’s 16-acre campus, ready to go with sunblock, swim gear and a strong desire to make new friends, learn new skills and push themselves to grow, according to a press release issued from the Winnetka school. 

Campers hit the ground running with activities like archery, gymnastics, creative play, arts and crafts, tennis, a climbing wall and daily swim lessons in the outdoor, heated pool.

Last year was the first time in 70 years that NSCD did not run a summer camp program. State guidelines around COVID-19 prevented large gatherings, and after many conversations with the school’s administration, board of trustees and medical advisory team, the press release says NSCD made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 camp season.

But this summer, thanks to the declining COVID-19 positivity rate and increased availability of vaccines, camp is back — with only a few modifications, per the release. The day camp, which serves children ages 4-12, is running four consecutive two-week sessions from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Before and after care is also available.

Wilmette Summer Sizzle & Sidewalk Sale to return this month

The Wilmette Summer Sizzle & Sidewalk Sale will return Friday-Saturday, July 16-17, to the downtown area. 

Businesses throughout Wilmette, plus artisans, crafters and vendors, will be taking part in this annual event. Shoppers will enjoy music on Friday, and there will be family entertainment and music throughout the day on Saturday.

“Of course, shoppers will find amazing bargains on merchandise from everyone’s favorite Wilmette stores. And we’re excited to have several really talented artists, specialty merchandise and other interesting items,” Chamber Executive Director Julie Yusim said in a press release.

For more information, visit www.wilmettekenilworth.com or call (847) 251-3800.

Pandemic delays Cook County property tax bills

For nine years, Cook County’s second installment property tax bills have been sent on time, with tax bills hitting mailboxes in late June and being due on or about Aug. 1. 

According to New Trier Township, pandemic-induced disruptions brought an end to that streak of on-time tax bills in Cook County. Second installment tax bills this year will likely not be due until Sept. 1 at the earliest.

“There are a number of steps that must take place before second installment tax bills can be calculated and mailed, most importantly that all Cook County tax appeals for the year must be resolved,” a press release says. “Once that has happened, it typically still takes state and county agencies about two months to do the calculations and printing needed to mail out bills.”  

Last year, final tax appeals for 2019 were resolved on May 5; this year, appeals for 2020 were not resolved until June 14.

If the agencies that calculate and print tax bills can work faster than they did last year, the township says tax bills will be mailed at the end of July and will be due Sept. 1, but there is no guarantee they can finish their work so quickly. If it takes longer to finish the required steps, the township adds the due date for second installment tax bills will be even later than Sept. 1.

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