December, 2015
11 Conti Parkway
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
p. 708.452.7300
f. 708.452.3957
Angelo “Skip” Saviano
Village President
Gina Pesko
Village Clerk
Alan Kaminski
Jeff Sargent
Angela Stranges
Anthony Del Santo
Angelo J. Lollino
Jonathan L. Zivojnovic
Village Trustees
Save the Dates!
Village Board Meetings
December 7th, 21st, and
January 4th
7 p.m.
in the Village Board Room
Senior Trip–“Elf”
December 3rd
a message from Village President
Skip Saviano
I look forward to seeing you at the annual Holiday Stroll in the
Circle on Saturday, December 5th. We’ll gather for the traditional
kickoff of the Holiday season. It’s always a great time to see friends
and neighbors, especially at such a festive time of year. This event
runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
We can truly be thankful for another wonderful year in Elmwood Park. I’m especially thrilled
to see the successful completion of our two-year street resurfacing program. This is a major
milestone in the history of the Village. Thank you for your patience and understanding during
these many months of disruption as we continue to make Elmwood Park a safe and beautiful place
to call home.
I am pleased that U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is supportive of Elmwood Park’s efforts to secure
federal funding for an underpass at the Grand Avenue rail crossing. I met with Senator Kirk and
other Illinois elected officials in Washington, D.C. last month.
Senator Kirk was the one who recommended that we produce a video to tell our story about
this unsafe crossing. This was the first opportunity we had to show the video to the Senator, and he
graciously agreed to record a personal introduction, so we appreciate his support. You can see the
video on the Village’s website.
The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended a grade separation as the best way
to ensure safety at the crossing. Back in 2008, it was estimated that it would cost up to $90 million
to construct a grade separation. We have been actively pursuing both federal and state funding for
the project.
On behalf of the entire Village Board of Trustees and Village Clerk Gina Pesko, I want to
extend our best Season’s Greetings to you and your family. Let’s have a safe and enjoyable
Holiday season and a very Happy and Healthy 2016!
Leaf Pickup Ends
December 4th
Holiday Lighting Stroll
in the Circle
December 5th
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Medicare Open
Enrollment Ends
December 7th
Coffee with a Cop
December 16th
10 a.m.
Elmwood Family Restaurant
Fight Night
February 19th
Village Vehicle Stickers now on sale
2016 Vehicle Stickers available online Now!
Elmwood Park vehicle stickers went on sale November
1st. The cost for registering a passenger car is $30. Seniors
(65 and older) pay $5 if they buy the sticker before Jan.
31, 2016. Stickers must be purchased and applied to the
inner lower right passenger-side of the windshield by
January 31st to avoid late fees and citations.
Vehicle stickers are on sale both in person and
online. Those who would like to pay online should
visit the online portal via the Village website at www.
elmwoodpark.org. Note that the online option is only
for those residents who are renewing stickers.
Residents who want to buy their stickers in person
should bring their pre-printed forms to Village Hall,
11 Conti Parkway during normal business hours.
Holiday News
Goblins and pumpkins
galore!
This year’s annual Halloween Party was another hit. Parents were able to bring their children to the Parks & Recreation Center for games, crafts and, of course,
Holiday safety tips
Stay safe at home, while shopping and at holiday parties
The Holiday Season can be a wonderful time of year, but it can
also lead to accidents and holiday-related crime. The Elmwood
Park Police Department is recommending a number of safety
tips to keep kids and adults safe in the home, while out shopping
or attending parties.
“We want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable
holiday season,” said Elmwood Park Police Chief Frank Fagiano.
“These are just a few tips to help keep you alert and focused.”
For Motorists
•Minimize driving alone or at night.
•Keep all doors locked and windows closed
while in or out of your car.
•Park in well-lighted areas.
•Park as close as you can to your destination.
•Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running
or with children or pets inside.
•Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
•Keep a secure hold on purses and shopping bags.
•Locate your keys prior to going to your car.
•Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious
people in the area.
•Ask mall or store security for an escort if you feel unsafe.
For Shoppers:
•Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you have
to shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
•Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
•Do not carry a purse, if possible.
•Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
•Keep cash in your front pocket.
•Keep a record of all your credit card numbers in a safe
place at home.
•Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
•Teach children to stay close to you while shopping.
•Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help if
he or she is separated from you.
•Do not allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the
restroom or the car.
•Never leave children or pets alone in the car.
2
Using Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
•Choose an ATM inside a mall, bank or
well-lighted location.
•Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
•Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from
anyone standing nearby.
•Do not throw away your ATM receipt at the ATM location.
At Home
•Be sure doors and windows are locked.
•When leaving your home for an extended period of time,
have a neighbor or family member watch your house and
pickup newspapers and mail.
•Put indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.
•Leave a radio or television on when you’re away so the
house looks and sounds occupied.
•Large displays of gifts should not be visible through
windows and doors.
•When setting up a tree or other displays, keep doors and
passageways clear.
•Be sure your Christmas tree is securely mounted so
children or pets cannot pull it over on top of themselves.
•Be sure the wiring of your Christmas lights is not damaged
or frayed.
Holiday parties
•Have non-alcoholic beverages available for guests.
•Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
•Know your limit.
•Arrange for a designated driver who will not drink.
Scams and cons
Unfortunately, criminals take advantage of the generosity of
people during the holiday season by posing as delivery agents or
soliciting donations door-to-door for fraudulent charitable causes.
•Ask for identification
•If you are not satisfied, do not give.
•Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
As always, dial 9-1-1 in an emergency or call the Elmwood
Park Police Department at (708) 453-2137 for any questions
you may have.
The Fire Wire…
…news from your local firefighters
lots of candy.
The Elmwood Park
Fire Department
has welcomed a new
firefighter. Jeff Joncha
graduated from the NIPSTA Fire Academy on September 11th.
He’s now working on Shift #1. Congratulations Jeff!
Holiday Fire Prevention
Coffee with a Cop
Officers from the Elmwood Park Police Department, members of
the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Watch Program and Elmwood
Park residents came together on October 14th at Panera Bread
in Elmwood Park for Coffee with a Cop. Around 50 residents
attended the event.
Coffee with a Cop provided a unique opportunity for community
members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s
work in Elmwood Park. “These interactions are the foundation of
community partnerships,” said Trustee Anthony Del Santo.
The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the
public happens during emergencies or emotional situations.
Those encounters are not always the most effective times for
relationship-building with residents, and some community
members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.
Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed,
one-on-one interaction.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The
United States Department of Justice, Office of Community
Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across
the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting
connections with the communities they serve.
The next Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 16th at 10 a.m. at Elmwood Family Restaurant. Hope
to see you there!
Elmwood Park Fire officials are urging residents to use
caution and make sure their homes are safe over the
Holidays.
Holiday Lights - Always turn off holiday lights (both inside
and outside) when going to bed or leaving your home.
Candles - Keep candles a safe distance from wrapping paper,
Christmas trees and other flammable material. Extinguish all
burning candles when going to bed or leaving the home.
Christmas trees - Dried out pine needles present a very
serious fire hazard. Keep trees watered.
Extension cords - Extension cords are the leading cause
of electrical fires. Make sure your extension cords are UL,
CSA or ETL-approved. Do not run extension cords through
walls or ceilings and do not nail or staple cords to walls
or baseboards.
3
Village News
U.S. Senator Kirk embraces underpass at Grand Ave. rail crossing
Village President Saviano meets with Kirk in Washington, D. C.
U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is throwing his
support behind Elmwood Park’s efforts
to secure federal funding for an under-pass
at the Grand Avenue rail crossing in
the Village.
“This is a key transportation infrastructure
project that we need to upgrade in our state,”
said Senator Kirk in a special introduction
to a video that lays out the need for
the underpass. Senator Kirk is working
to help find federal dollars in the new
Transportation Bill for the project.
“Senator Kirk was the one who initially
had the idea to produce a video to tell our
story about this unsafe crossing,” said
Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano.
“This was the first opportunity we had
to show the video to the Senator, and he
graciously agreed to record a personal
introduction, so we appreciate his support.”
The video recounts the crash that
occurred a decade ago when cars were trapped on the railroad
tracks as a Metra train roared through
the crossing. Since 1956, as many as
45 accidents and at least six accidents
involving a pedestrian have occurred
at the crossing where the tracks cross
Grand Avenue on a diagonal, resulting
in a crossing longer than a football field.
The National Transportation Safety
Board has recommended a grade
separation as the besy way to ensure
safety at the crossing, scene of a chainreaction accident that left seven people
injured the day before Thanksgiving
in 2005.
“This is a regional problem,”
Saviano said. “This affects lives not
only in Elmwood Park but throughout
the area. We’re glad we have Senator
Kirk on our team.”
Residents are encouraged to contact
both state and federal elected officials
to urge them to support the funding of this critical project.
Save the Date!
Dont miss the Holiday Stroll in
the Circle! Join us on December 5th
from 6 – 8 p.m. to visit with Santa
and to officially light the decorations
in town! Visit the Village’s website
at www.elmwoodpark.org for
more information.
Do you want to be a police officer when you grow up?
Third graders from John Mills Elementary School paid a special visit to the Elmwood
Park Police Department on October 15th and 16th. The children toured the facility and
had the chance to talk with some of the on-duty officers.
Officers talked about the importance of the police department in the community,
the daily job requirements, and how to become a police officer.
4
Village News
Curbside snow removal plan aims to speed clearing of Village streets
Triggered by snowfall of two inches or more
The Village is implementing its curbside snow removal plan again this winter. The
program is designed to speed the process of clearing Elmwood Park streets after a
snowfall of two inches or greater.
“We rolled this out last year, and it helped us begin curbside removal sooner,” said
Public Works Director Dino Braglia. “It’s still a little new, but we think residents will
get the hang of it pretty quickly.”
Parking restrictions on curbside snow removal days apply to all Village streets, with
the exception of Harlem, Belmont, Grand and North Avenues. Once there is a snowfall
of two inches or more and the center lanes of residents streets have been plowed,
residents will be notified of the curbside snow removal plan via Blackboard
Connect, which sends out automated phone calls, emails and text alerts. You
may also find information regarding snow removal days on the village’s
website and facebook pages.
If curbside snow removal is set to begin on an ODD-numbered date,
no parking would be allowed on the sides of streets with ODD-numbered
addresses between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day. The following day, no parking
would be allowed on the sides of streets with EVEN-numbered addresses.
EXAMPLE: The Village notifies residents that Curbside Snow Removal
is set to begin on December 20th. No parking would be allowed on the
even-numbered side of the streets that day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. On
December 21st, vehicles would not be permitted to park on the odd-numbered side of the streets.
Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in cars being towed at the owner’s expense along with a fine of $50. Please
call Public Works at 708-452-3945 for more information.
Holiday House Decorating Contest
Bringing it up to code
Village Tradition returns again this year
Busy year indicates Village’s economic strength
As it has in years past, the Village is again sponsoring a communitywide Holiday House Decorating Contest. Each year, homes and
businesses and entire neighborhood blocks are festooned with lights,
wreaths, garland and other holiday decorations.
“This is always a highlight every holiday season,” said Trustee
Jonathan Zivojnovic. “To see neighbors come together around
common themes is really exciting. We want to thank the local
merchants who have agreed to donate gift certificates to the winners.”
Winners will be selected in January at the conclusion of the
Holiday season. Winners will be chosen from two categories:
Individual Residential Winners and Block Winners.
This has been a very busy and productive year for the
Building Department. In the category of new construction,
new projects have included:
•Walgreen’s at Harlem and North Avenues
•Gas station with mini mart at Harlem and
Diversey Avenues
•Nine unit residential building on Harlem Avenue
•Five unit townhouses on Diversey
•Four individual single family homes throughout
the village
“I see this as a great indicator of the Village’s economic
viability,” said Trustee Angelo Lollino. “It shows there’s a
strong desire to work, live and invest in Elmwood Park.”
5
Seniors
Senior Snow Removal
Free program for seniors and residents
with disabilities
Following a snowfall
of 6 inches or more:
Elmwood Park
seniors (65 and older)
and residents with
disabilities or special
needs have free snow
removal services
available. Snow is
shoveled from the front
steps and to clear a
path from the home to
the street free of charge. Snow shoveling begins 12 to 24 hours
following the end of the snow fall.
Snowfall less than 6 inches: Seniors can obtain a list from
the Village with names of Elmwood Park High School students
who are available to shovel snow. Starting rate for a snowfall of 3
inches or less is $10, which includes sidewalks around the house
and stairs; corner lots start at $15. Driveways and garages are not
included; however, cost for additional work is negotiable.
Call the Village at 708-452-7300 or Senior Coordinator Tina
Gordon at 708-261-1154 for more information.
Senior Advocate
Medicare General Enrollment Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2016
Did you miss your
enrollment for
Medicare when you
were first eligible?
If you didn’t sign
up for Part A and/or
Part B (for which you
must pay premiums)
when you were first
eligible, and you
aren’t eligible for a
Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General
Enrollment Period between January 1st and March 31st.
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when
you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty
for as long as you have Part B and could have a gap in your
health coverage. Your coverage would begin on July 1st.
If you have questions or are interested in enrolling in
Medicare Part A or Part B, you can contact Laura Bilben,
Village Senior Advocate at 708-359-0143 or email:
[email protected].
Seniors Dial-A-Ride Bus Hours
Ridership continues to grow! Elmwood Park has a free Seniors
Dial-A-Ride Bus Program! The door-to-door bus service is
available to anyone 65 or older and residents with disabilities
or special needs. Service Area boundaries are from Irving Park
Road to Lake Street, and from Narragansett to 25th Avenue.
Schedule YOUR next trip, call 708-452-7300 at least 24 hours
in advance. Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday: No Service.
6
Trips & Excursions
Seniors are welcome to invite (adult) friends and family members,
including those who don’t reside in Elmwood Park, to join them
on trips and excursions hosted by the Village of Elmwood Park.
Call Senior Coordinator Tina Gordon at (708) 452-3962 (or email
[email protected]) to make reservations today!
Elf, the Broadway Musical, Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire
Thursday, December 3rd, 2015
Cost: $90 per person, includes lunch at Wildfire
($10 deposit due now!)
Departure/Return Times: 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ameristar Casino in East Chicago
Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
Cost: $25 per person
Times to be determined.
Island Resort Casino in Harris, MI
Wednesday - Friday, March 23rd - 25th, 2016
Cost: $160 per person dbl occ., $220 single, $140 triple
Departure: 8 a.m. on Day 1, return approximately 6:45 p.m. Day 3
Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City
Thursday, April 14th, 2016
Cost: $25 per person
Includes lunch buffet, earn 1,000 points that day and receive $10 in
downloadable e-play credits. Times to be determined.
Seniors Italy trip a memorable adventure
The Elmwood Park Seniors trip to Italy was
an adventure of a lifetime. “Reflections of
Italy” departed October 5th for a 10-day
tour of Rome, Assisi, Perugia, Siena,
Florence, Venice and Milan.
“Wow! What an adventure,” said Senior
Coordinator Tina Gordon. “We went, we
saw and were awed all the way through
Italy, from the Coliseum and the Vatican in Rome to the beautiful
rolling hills of Assisi. We experienced the culture, food and fine wines
of the country, bringing back lasting memories and new friendships.”
The complete tour package included hotel accommodations and
transportation throughout Italy.
Library
News... brought to you by the Elmwood Park Public Library
Kids & Teen Services Redesign
Wireless Printing Now Available
The Kids & Teen Services redesign project is done, and the
department looks great! The new layout is open and inviting,
also allowing staff to better
see, monitor, and serve.
You can enjoy fun, vibrant
colors on the wall. There
is a new help desk, comfy
seating for families and
teens, and charging stations.
Our picture book room has
new, browsable book bins for
more popular collections.
And young children can try out new enrichment activities,
including a LEGO table, a puppet theater generously donated
by the Friends of the Elmwood Park Public Library, as well as
using a marble wall, fun house mirror, and boards for art displays,
which are part of our new balcony railing.
We hope that you will visit us in our new space and share our
excitement and pride. Keep an eye out for Open House dates in
December for tours, refreshments, games, and prizes.
Funding for this project was provided from the Illinois State
Library, a department of the Office of the Secretary of State,
using Live & Learn Construction Grant Funds.
We are proud to announce that wireless printing is now available
at the Elmwood Park Public Library! We
have upgraded our print system and so
now you can send a print job to the Library
from any device, from anywhere.
To get started all you have to do is click the
new printer icon at the top of our website,
elmwoodparklibrary.org. The new link
will take you to our Print Delivery Hub where you can submit print
jobs. The next time you visit the Library, you can pay to print any of
the jobs you’ve submitted over the last 4 days. Visit the How Do I?
section of our website for detailed instructions on how to get started.
Kids in Grades K-8 are welcome to
join us January & February for our
Winter Reading Program, sponsored
by the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team.
Sign up at the Library and read three books in January and three
books in February and be entered to win awesome Chicago Wolves
prizes, including tickets to a game!
And don’t miss January 13th when a player from the Chicago
Wolves visits the Library to talk and sign autographs.
Library Teens Earn Service Awards
Friends of the Library
We are so proud to announce that three of
our teen volunteers will be receiving this
year’s Illinois Sheriff’s Youth Services
Medal of Honor.
Christian Caballero, Oliwia Ozog,
and Abderrahman Timejardine-Zomeno
each completed more than 100 hours of community service for
the Elmwood Park Public Library. In addition, they serve on the
executive board of the Library’s Young Adult Council, providing
service to the Library and various charity projects throughout the
year. They will be honored at an award ceremony in December.
The Friends of the Elmwood Park Public Library are a group of
volunteers whose purpose is to raise money to support Library
programs and services. Since 2002 they have raised over $25k in
their efforts, and the Library appreciates all the help we receive.
Would you like to help this wonderful
organization? Join the Friends with an annual
$5 membership, and come to monthly
meetings to help plan support and fundraising
efforts. For more information, visit the
About EPPL section of our website, elmwoodparklibrary.org,
and click on Friends of the Elmwood Park Public Library.
Letters to Santa
Staff Pick of the Month
Want to tell Santa your holiday
wishes? We’ll help! Drop off your
letter to Santa at the Kids & Teen
Desk by December 19th, making
sure you include your full name and
address, and we’ll make sure the
big guy sends you a letter in return! (Sponsored by the Library’s
Young Adult Council)
Masterminds is the newest by author powerhouse
Gordon Korman, picked by Kim V. in Kids &
Teen Services.
It is the mystery of a town where nothing ever
goes wrong, there is no crime, and things are
not what they seem. When a group of friends
stumbles upon some information that directly
contradicts what they know about the world,
they begin to dig deeper. As the web of lies that is their
lives begins to unravel, the main characters wonder just who they
really are.
This mystery has you on the edge of your seat, and you will be
dying for the sequel the minute you finish. Don’t worry though,
book two releases February 2nd, 2016.
Upcoming Event Highlights
Check our website or newsletters for the scoop on our programs
through November. Upcoming highlights include:
•Closed: December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st, 18th
•Triton Information Booth in the Library Lobby:
December 10th, January 7th, 14th & February 4th, 18th
•Dave Herzog’s Marionettes (December 21st)
•Soups On! (January 12th, Sponsored by the Friends)
•Dennis DeBondt, Very Funny Magic (January 26th)
Winter Reading Program
Elmwood Park Public Library 1 Conti Parkway
(708) 453-7645 • www.elmwoodparklibrary.org
Library Hours: Mon.–Thurs.: 9–9 • Fri.: 9–6 • Sat.: 9–5 • Sun.: 1–5
(Closed Memorial Day – Labor Day)
7
Trustee Corner
…how well do you know YOUR Village officials?
Alan T. Kaminski
Jeff Sargent
Jonathan L. Zivojnovic
Anthony Del Santo
Angelo J. Lollino
Angela Stranges
This edition of the Village newsletter highlights Village Trustee Jeff Sargent
Q: What’s your focus as a Trustee these days?
A: Ttoo move
continue to work together with the residents
forward with the Village’s goals and
visions, including participating in promotional
activities to maintain a strong public image of
the Village.
Q: What are your hobbies or special interests?
A: Icomplete
take classes
and seminars, read journals and
online tutorials that enhance skills
related to my job. I also enjoy going for walks
around the neighborhood for exercise and
socialization with the community.
Q: W hat do you like best about being a Trustee?
A: Tthat
hereI believe
really are so many things I like about being a Village of Elmwood Park Trustee. I work with an organization
in and feel valued by. I get to collaborate with great people throughout the Village on a lot of
different projects. But probably what I like BEST about being a Trustee is the fact that I get the opportunity to
talk with the community and get their input on the future visions of Elmwood Park, the town in which I grew up.
For me it just doesn’t get any better than this.
Village Hall: Phone 708.452.7300 Fax: 708.452.3957
Police Dept.: Phone708.453.2137 Emergency: 911
Fire Dept.: Phone708.453.2600 Emergency: 911
Trustee in the Hall Program Call 708.452.7300 to schedule an
appointment with a Village Trustee; or 708.452.3922 to schedule
a meeting with Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano.
Visit www.elmwoodpark.org for current news and events and where all kinds of great resources can be found, including numerous ways
residents can “keep in touch” through Facebook and Twitter! Or email the village with questions or concerns at [email protected].
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Village of Elmwood Park
11 Conti Parkway
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
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