Utilize services your taxes pay for

The second installment of real estate taxes is due Tuesday. I'm sure that no matter what the number is, you wish it were less.

I can't do anything about the amount of money you must pay. But I do have a suggestion. Utilize the services that those dollars fund.

See that dollar figure that's going to the Geneva Park District? Visit one of our many parks. If you have children, take them to one of the playgrounds.

No kids? Then simply enjoy the beauty of nature and the wide open spaces. Take a walk through Peck Farm Park. Or attend a district special event, such as the Autumn Fair at Peck Farm Park, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11.

Even programs and classes that cost money cost less for district residents who already help support programming via those tax dollars you're about to contribute. So look into the class offerings and see if anything there strikes your fancy. There are classes in everything from fitness to saving for college or retirement to holiday decorating. There are also trips, to Chicago, to Lake Geneva, to the theater.

Want to get fit? The fitness centers - the Peck Farm version opens soon, in addition to the existing Sunset Fitness Center - cost residents hundreds of dollars less than private centers.

I have long said (and written), that the Geneva Public Library represents one of the biggest bargains around. Instead of buying the latest best-seller, check it out of the library instead. Yes, you probably will have to wait your turn, you'll have to put the book on hold and stand in line, so to speak. But good grief. There are substantial savings in delayed gratification.

I looked up the value of eight items I currently have checked out, pricing them at Barnes & Noble.com. One item wasn't available, but the value of the other seven, which includes a brand-new novel and two audiobooks, was

nearly $250.

At the library? Free - outside of the fines I do still manage to accumulate upon occasion. Plus, I'd like to point out that the library had one of the items I couldn't even get at the store.

And that's just books. The library also offers DVDs, including popular television shows, plus the aforementioned books on tape and books on CD (which, I must tell you, represent a huge savings over the purchase price), an extensive selection of compact discs, magazines, newspapers and reference materials.

Patrons can use library computers to surf the Internet, if they don't have access at home. People with laptops who want a change of scenery can set up shop at the library; there's even wireless Internet access.

No, you probably can't get the latest DVD on short notice. But you'll probably be able to find something you want to watch. And you won't have to pay $5 or $6 for the privilege. You already paid, via your tax bill.

We all know the schools represent the biggest chunk of change on that bill. It's certainly true that you can't go sit in on calculus class (and I'd question the sanity of anyone who'd want to!). You can't use the weight

room at the high school, or the great sewing machines at either middle school.

But kids can use the playgrounds after hours. Drive your youngsters to a school that's not their own for a chance of pace, as I did, when my children were small. In search of a running track, I once headed out to the great outdoor track at Geneva Middle School South, though I will confess I felt very isolated and was a little nervous about being so alone and headed over to Peck Farm instead. There's a walking path that meanders through the ball fields at Geneva High School that's open to everyone.

And for a small fee, community residents can enjoy various public performances of all kinds at the schools. There are sporting events, of course. It's time for Friday Night Lights at Burgess Field, and though I'm not trying to promote one sport over any others, football is a standard draw to people throughout the community.

As the year progresses, there will be plays, concerts and variety shows showcasing the talent of our kids. Anyone can enjoy them for the price of admission.

The Geneva School District even offers "Senior Activity Passes," which permit free admittance to dress rehearsals of all fine arts performances, plus to all home sporting events, excluding IHSA state tournament games.

The passes are free and available for those who are 62 years or older and who live within the district, said communications coordinator Kelley Munch. Passes may be picked up at Geneva High School's athletic office (416

McKinley Avenue) or Geneva School District's administrative offices (227 N.

Fourth St.). We also pay taxes to other entities, including the Kane County Forest Preserve District, which has an incredible number of preserves to enjoy.

How many times have you heard someone mutter, "your tax dollars at work?" It generally is when the person sees an example of what they perceive as waste. But there are plenty of opportunities to see your tax dollars to work - - and save yourself a bundle at the same time.