A few months ago the Mount Prospect Historical Society along with the Mount Prospect Public Library launched a community history project focused on the experiences of residents during this pandemic. To see what kinds of things can be included check out two of the submissions. One is from a furloughed soccer player while the other…
News from the Research Desk - Page 7 of 16
Insurance Calculators
ValChoice, an independent data analytics company focused on the U.S. insurance industry, is offering our patrons unlimited access to online calculators, insurance company ratings, tutorials and “how-to” videos, worksheets, and other tools designed to help users understand how insurance—such as car and home insurance—is priced, and how to decide on policies based on their age,…
Cook County Property Tax Bills
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recently announced that the second installment payment of property taxes is due August 3 but because of the pandemic, Cook County residents can pay without charge through October 1. Partial payments are accepted. Property owners can pay online at the Treasurer's website. They can also search for refunds and verify…
Starting with Sourdough
Sourdough is having a moment. Recent difficulties in finding commercial yeast at the grocery store coupled with a spike in interest in bread baking have made sourdough look like a reasonable option for home bakers. Sourcing and maintaining a sourdough starter require some effort and planning, but with a strategy in place and the right…
Squash Pollination
This time of year, home gardeners are seeing lots of flowers on their maturing squash plants. Squash and cucumbers are monoecious, meaning that both male and female flowers are present on the same plant. The male and female flowers are similar in appearance but the female has immature fruit at its base. Pollinated female flower…
Asclepias Tuberosa aka Butterfly Weed
One beneficial perennial plant that every home gardener should consider growing is Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa). Besides being a native Illinois plant, Butterfly Weed provides larval food for Monarchs and its nectar is enjoyed by honeybees other species of butterflies as well. Asclepias Tuberosa buds before flowering On top of all that, Butterfly Weed (also…
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Each year, the Village of Mount Prospect receives an allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CDBG funds are intended to create viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities for low-…
New Web Resource: Science Reference Center
To meet the needs of curious learners, Mount Prospect Public Library now subscribes to Science Reference Center which contains full text articles from hundreds of science magazines, journals, reference books and a vast collection of images. More than 210 full-text science periodicals More than 770 full-text science reference books More than a dozen full-text science encyclopedias…
Curcubit Pests
Cucumbers, pumpkins, summer and winter squash are all from the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family. And being from the same family (as in taxonomic rank), all varieties of curcubits can succumb to the same diseases and pests. At this stage of the growing season (i.e. late June), curcubits typically are flowering and getting ready to set…
Hot Weather Watering
Now that the days are warming up and hot weather is here to stay, watering the vegetable garden can be a tricky business. The most common mistake a new vegetable gardener can make is over-watering. Outdoor garden plants generally need about one inch of water per week. The best approach is to water deeply and…
