August/September 2015 ■ NewSkokie - the award winning municipal information source
Skokie Backlot Bash
Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30
The Village of Skokie, together with the
Independent Merchants of Downtown
Skokie (IMODS), the Skokie Chamber of
Commerce and the Skokie Park District
will co-present the Backlot Bash on Friday,
August 28 from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday,
August 29 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and
Sunday, August 30, from noon to 8 p.m.
The Backlot Bash features activities for
all ages to enjoy, including live music,
carnival rides, a classic auto show, a
business expo, a 5K run on Saturday,
bingo, a pancake breakfast on Sunday
from 8 to 11 a.m. and an outdoor sidewalk
sale. Food and beverage vendors will be
available throughout the event, including a
separate beer tent. Family friendly events
and games will be held at the Skokie Public
Library, and the historic Skokie Theatre will
feature free film screenings throughout the
weekend.
Continued on page five
National Night Out in Skokie
Tuesday, August 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton Street
in this issue
2-
CodeRED Test
The Skokie Police Department’s Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit hosts the 4th
Annual National Night Out Campaign on Tuesday, August 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., at Oakton
Park, 4701 Oakton Street.
3
Skokie Valley Trail
Extension and Green
Alleys
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a
safer, better place to live.
3
Fine Arts Grants
4
Skokie Farmers’ Market
4
National Citizen Survey
5
9/11 Remembrance
Ceremony
7
Public Safety Notes
8
Village Board Action
9
Health Notes
Come out, meet your neighbors and talk to Skokie Police officers and Village staff members
about crime prevention, Neighborhood Watch, the new Many Cultures, One Community Keeping Skokie Safe campaign and other happenings in the community.
The National Night Out campaign complements the Skokie Police Department’s “COPS”
Community Outreach Police Substation program by providing Skokie residents with a
unique opportunity to meet police officers. Tours of the COPS vehicle will be available.
Meet McGruff the Crime Dog and the Skokie Explorers, play games and win prizes!
For more information please contact the Skokie Police Department - Crime
Prevention/Community Relations Unit at 847/982-5922. ■
10- Community Calendar
11
12 Clean, Green Skokie!
Wrap Up
village
Notes
Electric Aggregation Update
After the three-year electric aggregation contract with MC Squared expired
in May 2015, all Skokie residents’ electric supply was switched to ComEd.
As a member of the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium, the
Village of Skokie has entered into a new agreement with Constellation
Energy to provide electricity supply and services to Skokie residential
homes and small businesses. Until Constellation Energy can offer pricing
that guarantees savings to Skokie residents, customers will remain with
ComEd.
The Consortium is monitoring electricity pricing with the goal of locking in
rates that will be lower than the new ComEd default rates.
If a new electricity supply price is set, the Village will send opt-out letters to
all residential and small commercial accounts to provide account owners
the opportunity to either participate in or opt-out of the new municipal
aggregation supply contract. Accounts that are enrolled in the new
municipal aggregation supply contract will then receive a final letter from
ComEd verifying that the account has been enrolled with Constellation.
If a new rate cannot be set that is less than ComEd’s default rate,
customers will remain with ComEd.
The new 24-month agreement with Constellation Energy resulted from an
extensive, competitive process that started in November 2014. Responses
to a Request for Proposals process from suppliers were evaluated by the
Consortium’s members, legal counsel and energy consultant.
The Consortium negotiated with the suppliers to gain meaningful consumer
safeguards and supply standards that include affordable renewable
energy options. The Consortium’s goal of this has always been to seek
opportunities to save electricity customers money on their electric bill by
securing the lowest price available to residents. ■
September 1 CodeRED Test
On Tuesday, September 1, the Village will test the CodeRED
high-speed telephone dialing system that is designed to
deliver a recorded emergency telephone message to Skokie
residences and businesses. To add a mobile phone or
other contact number to the CodeRED emergency
notification system, please visit www.skokie.org.
Skokie residents are reminded that September is emergency
preparedness month. In an actual emergency, tune to 1660
AM Skokie Radio or visit www.skokie.org for information. Be
prepared with supply kits, a family emergency plan and be
sure to stay informed.
For more on emergency preparedness, visit
www.skokie.org. ■
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Child Safety Seat Program
Did you know that in Illinois,
children less than eight years
old must be strapped into a
child safety seat whenever
they travel in a vehicle? Child
safety seats protect infants
and young children from
serious injuries that can occur
from even minor accidents.
at the time of the loan. This
program has been especially
popular with residents who
need seats when their
grandchildren visit.
At the September 13 Skokie
Farmers’ Market, the Skokie
Health Department will
conduct car seat safety
The Skokie Health Department checks. Reserve your
has infant seats, toddler seats appointment by calling
and booster seats available
847/933-8252.
for short-term loan to Skokie For more information or to
residents. A $10 charge per
reserve a seat, please call
child safety seat is required
847/933-8252. ■
August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org
village
Notes
Skokie Valley Trail Extension and Green Alleys Construction
Skokie Valley Trail (Oakton Street to Lincoln Avenue
Extension)
The Skokie Valley Trail extension project between Oakton
Street and Lincoln Avenue opened in early July. The trail
travels along Commonwealth Edison right-of-way and
consists of a 10-foot-wide asphalt surface with two-foot
gravel shoulders. The path has connections to nearby
streets, parks, Emily Oaks Nature Center and the Oakton
Community College campus. This path connects with
the previously constructed trail north of Oakton Street
and will connect to a future path, built by Lincolnwood.
The path features many new trees and plantings.
Bioswales have been constructed to help improve
stormwater runoff.
The new Skokie Valley Trail from Oakton Street to Lincoln Avenue.
Green Alleys
The Village recently received a grant from the Illinois
EPA that funded reconstruction of four “green” alleys.
The grant paid for 75 percent of the construction and
engineering costs, and the project was completed early
this summer. The center of the alleys allows stormwater
to flow between the pavers and infiltrate the soil below.
These new alleys provide both reduced maintenance
for public works and stormwater management
improvements for the entire area. The alleys are located
at the 8100, 8200, and 8300 blocks of Kilpatrick Avenue
and the 8300 block of Knox Avenue. The cost of “green”
alley reconstruction is approximately five times greater
than traditional alley reconstruction. The Village will
continue to seek additional grant funds to underwrite the
cost of more “green” alleys throughout the community. ■
New “green” alleys installed in four blocks in the community.
Village Fine Arts Grants
Available to Skokie Schools and Arts Organizations
The Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission offers Cultural
Arts Grants to Skokie schools that promote arts and cultural
diversity in the community. Cultural Arts Grants are available to
Skokie schools for in-school performing arts programming and
Project Grants are available to Skokie arts organizations.
The Fine Arts Commission will offer a grants workshop on
Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 5127
Oakton Street. The deadline to submit applications for either
grant is Friday, September 25.
Cultural Arts Grants
Skokie public and private schools that host professional
visiting artists are eligible to apply for a Cultural Arts Grant.
Programs should have an emphasis on fine arts, music and
dance while promoting cultural diversity. The maximum grant
award level is $500.
In 2014, over $3,500 was awarded to local Skokie schools for
various projects, author visits and educational performances.
All proposed programs/projects must take place between May
1, 2015 and April 30, 2016.
Project Grants
The Project Grant program offers grants to organizations
and sponsors of visual, audio and creative projects. These
competitive grants provide larger funding amounts, and
Skokie not-for-profit arts organizations and institutions are
encouraged to apply. All proposed programs or projects must
take place between May 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016.
Applications for 2015 Fine Arts Grants are available
online at www.skokie.org or by contacting the Public
Information Division at 847/933-8257. ■
NewSkokie ■ August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org | 3
village
Notes
Skokie Farmers’ Market
Bring the family to the Skokie
Farmers’ Market this season
for a wide selection of fresh
grown seasonal fruits and
vegetables and many fun
activities. Also available are
fresh baked goods, farm
fresh eggs, meats, a variety
of mushrooms and cheeses,
fresh cut flowers, plants and
much more.
The Farmers’ Market is
open every Sunday through
October 25 from 7:30 a.m.
until 12:45 p.m. in the Skokie
Village Hall parking lot at
5127 Oakton Street.
Special attractions at the
Skokie Farmers’ Market
in August and September
include:
August 2 – Music by jazz
guitarist, Doug Blake
August 9 – Chef demo with
the Cheese People and
music by guitarist and singer,
Gene Lim
August 16 - RC Juggle the
amazing balloon artist and
music by guitarist and singer,
Gene Lim
August 23 – Music by jazz
guitarist Doug Blake and
guitarist and singer Whitey
O’Day
August 30 – Enjoy the
Backlot Bash and music by
guitarist and singer Gene Lim
September 6 - Music by the
Amadeo String Duo
September 13 – Car seat
safety checks with the Health
Department, by appointment
only. Please call 847/9338252. Enjoy music by jazz
guitarist Doug Blake
September 20 – Document
Destruction event and music
by guitarist and singer, Gene
Lim
September 27 - Meet RC
Juggle the amazing balloon
artist and music by the
Amadeo String Duo
For more information
on the Skokie Farmers’
Market contact Janelle
Silva, Market Manager,
at 847/933-8257 or visit
www.skokie.org. ■
2015 National Citizen Survey
During fall 2015, some 1,400 randomly selected Skokie households will receive the five-page 2015 National Citizen Survey
asking residents to rate and express their opinions on quality of life in the community as well as specific Village programs and
services.
The Village has conducted a National Citizen Survey every three years since 2003, and Village officials carefully consider
resident feedback obtained through the survey. For example, after the citizen survey indicated that residents wanted additional
street resurfacing, the Village Board approved additional funding for residential street resurfacing throughout the community
each year.
The National Research Center (NRC), in Boulder, Colorado, conducts the survey on the Village’s behalf. Historically, the Village
has had a nearly 40 percent response rate to the National Citizen Survey, which is at the high end of the 25 to 40 percent
industry standard response rate range.
Selected homes will receive a post card with
the Mayor’s signature informing them of their
selection as survey participants, and the survey
will follow in the mail about 10 days later.
Residents who were not selected to participate
but wish to complete a survey can do so online.
While all survey responses will be reviewed, only
those from the written, mailed survey will be
included in the final survey data.
The 2015 survey report is expected to be
complete during late 2015, with a report to the
community during the early months of 2016. ■
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Keep Your Knox Box Current
A Knox Box, known officially as the KNOX-BOX Rapid Entry System,
is a small, wall or door-mounted safe that holds building keys for
the Skokie Fire Department to retrieve in emergency situations. The
department holds a master key to all Knox-Boxes in the Village so that
they can quickly enter a building without having to force entry.
The Department wants to remind Knox Box owners that you must keep
the keys in your Knox Box current. If entry keys are changed, you must
update the keys in the Knox Box. Contact the Skokie Fire Prevention
Bureau, 847/982-5340, to schedule an appointment to update your
keys. ■
August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org
village
Notes
Skokie Backlot Bash
Continued from front page
The Backlot Bash musical main stage
schedule is as follows:
6:15 p.m. - Tributosaurus becomes
‘The Cars’
Friday, August 28
6:45 p.m. – Decoy Prayer Meeting
8:30 p.m. – The Fabulous Thunderbirds
featuring Kim Wilson
The Backlot Bash will be held in a
closed-off, two-block portion of Oakton
Street between Lincoln and Laramie
Avenues adjacent to Skokie Village
Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. Oakton Street
will be closed from Friday, August 28 at
10 a.m. through Monday, August 31 at
2 a.m.
Saturday, August 29
11:30 a.m. - Angela James
12:45 p.m. - Gillespie Jazz
1:45 p.m. - Matt Hendricks
3 p.m. - Infamous Banjolele Bandit
4 p.m. - Nu Bambu
5:15 p.m. - Eric Unger
6:45 p.m. - The Luck of Eden Hall
8:30 p.m. - The Psychedelic Furs
Sunday, August 30
12 p.m. - Steve Rosen
1:15 p.m. - Infamous Banjolele Bandit
2:15 p.m. - Jess McIntosh
3:30 p.m. - Chris Corsale
4:30 p.m. - Dann Morr & The Dashing
Bastard Sideshow
Handicapped Parking available at
5200 Oakton Street. Enter through the
alley from either Lockwood or Laramie
Avenues north of Oakton Street.
Handicapped parking also is available
in all general parking lots.
General Parking:
•
Oakton Community College - 7701
Lincoln Avenue, Mulford Avenue
Parking Lot
•
Illinois Science + Technology Park
- Parking Garage - 4835 Searle
Parkway
•
Chase Bank - Parking Deck
located at 8001 Lincoln Avenue
and parking lot located on
Elmwood Street north of Village
parking lot
•
Lincoln Jr. High School - Parking
lots at 7839 Lincoln Avenue and
Mulford Street
Bicycle Parking: Available throughout
the event grounds including at the
Skokie Public Library and Skokie
Village Hall. Village Hall office hours
remain the same on Friday, August 28
from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information contact the
Backlot Bash hotline at 847/674-1500
extension 2274 or visit
www.backlotbash.com. ■
9/11 Remembrance
On Friday, September 11, 2015, the Village of Skokie Fire
Department will dedicate a moment of silence with a bell
ceremony beginning at 8:58 a.m. at the flagpole of each
of its fire stations in remembrance of the attacks on the
United States on September 11, 2001. At 8:59 a.m., a “last
alarm” bell ceremony will take place followed by a minute of
silence at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend.
Station locations include:
Fire Station 16 (Headquarters) - 7424 Niles Center Road
Fire Station 17 - 8157 Central Park Avenue
Fire Station 18 - 9024 Gross Point Road
Ceremony schedule:
8:58 a.m. - Fire Department personnel assemble
8:59 a.m. - “Last Alarm” Bell Ceremony
9 a.m. - One minute of silence
For more information, contact the Skokie Fire
Department at 847/982-5320. ■
NewSkokie ■ August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org | 5
village
Notes
Outdoor Sales Set in Skokie
August 28, 29 and 30
Many Skokie businesses, including those in Downtown
Skokie, will host outdoor sales August 28 through 30, 2015
and will display and sell their products on the sidewalk in front
of their storefronts. All Skokie businesses are allowed to have
outdoor sales that weekend in conjunction with the Backlot
Bash celebration.
Shopping in Skokie is an investment in your neighborhood
and community. “Like” Shop Local Skokie on Facebook to
learn more about all of the shopping opportunities in Skokie!
For more information, please visit the Village of
Skokie at www.skokie.org and the Skokie Chamber of
Commerce at www.skokiechamber.org. ■
Skokie Village Board Approves FY16 Budget
The Village Board recently approved
the Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Budget,
which continues the Village’s tradition
of careful financial management.
Despite the challenges posed by limited
economic growth and continued financial
uncertainty with the State of Illinois,
the Village’s FY16 budget maintains all
Village services at the levels residents
have come to expect while continuing
a 24-year freeze on municipal property
taxes.
The FY16 operating budget is $55.4
million, representing a 1.2 percent
increase over FY15. The modest
increase is largely attributable to growth
in non-discretionary expenses such
as insurance, recycling collection and
natural gas costs. The Village’s austere
approach to budgeting included the
search for efficiencies and improvements
in all areas during the budget preparation
process. A notable savings in the FY16
budget comes from the continued
vacancy of 15.5 personnel positions
that were frozen during the recession,
resulting in an annual savings of
$831,045.
In addition to maintaining the excellent
municipal services which contribute to
the community’s high quality of life, the
FY16 budget continues the Village’s
commitment to strategically invest in
6
| NewSkokie
■
needed infrastructure improvements.
Notable capital projects for FY16 include,
but are not limited to: residential street
resurfacing, water main replacement
and sewer main relining, East Oakton
streetscape improvements, completion
of the Skokie Valley trail multi-use path
and “green alley” repair projects (more
information available on page three), and
completion of dedicated Main Street
bike lanes. The Village is aggressive in
seeking federal, state, and county grant
funding to supplement the cost of many
of its capital improvement projects.
As noted above, the financial challenges
facing the State of Illinois continue to
impact the outlook of municipal budgets
across the state. Village Manager
John Lockerby explains that “With the
uncertainty of funding from the State of
Illinois both this year and into the future,
it is important for the Village to decrease
reliance on State funds for Village
operations, programs and services.”
In an effort to decrease State reliance
and provide the Village with additional
revenue to supplement operating funds,
if needed, and to fund other financial
obligations, the Village Board approved
a two percent Food and Beverage Tax
that goes into effect on September 1,
2015. The tax applies to the sale of
food or drinks prepared for immediate
consumption from restaurants,
August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org
catering, carry-out and drive-through
establishments in the community, but
does not apply to grocery store or
other packaged food purchases. Many
neighboring communities already assess
food and/or beverage taxes, including
Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton
Grove and Niles. During the budget
deliberations it was noted that the food
and beverage tax is consistent with the
Village Board’s established philosophy of
generating revenue from non-residents
who shop or dine in Skokie, rather than
imposing taxes that are shouldered only
by Skokie residents and businesses.
“After being presented with a variety
of funding options necessary for
Village operations and to lessen our
dependence on the State of Illinois, the
Board reached consensus to focus on
revenues supported by visitors to our
community. To the extent possible,
we want to avoid taxes and fees tied
solely to unavoidable expenses incurred
by Skokie residents such as property
taxes, utilities and groceries,” said Mayor
George Van Dusen. “We continue to
take pride in knowing that during the
Village’s 24-year property tax freeze, our
proportional share of a local property
tax bill has decreased from more than
15 percent in 1990 to less than seven
percent today.” ■
public safety
Notes
Many Cultures, One Community - Keeping Skokie Safe
Many Cultures, One Community
the vehicle, encouraging them
Get to know your neighbors this sum- to form a Neighborhood Watch
– Keeping Skokie Safe, the Public
mer! All Skokie residents are encour- and walking or biking through the
Safety Commission’s public safety
awareness campaign, is underway
aged to get out and walk in their own neighborhoods. Every so often, the
this summer in the 2015 focus areas
neighborhoods this summer to meet police officers have sweet treats
south of Downtown Skokie and in
for the neighbors, too. From time
their neighbors. Knowing your neighthe neighborhood directly east of
to time, the COPS vehicle is out
bors is a great way to help keep your and about in other areas of the
Downtown Skokie between Skokie
block safe and establish connections community, including the Farmers’
Boulevard, Kenton Avenue, Main
and Oakton Streets. Skokie Public
that strengthen the entire community. Market, and it is scheduled to be at
Works crews are active in these
the entire Backlot Bash on August
neighborhoods painting sign posts
28 through 30. Stop by for a tour!
and curbs, evaluating street and alley lighting, trimming trees
Thanks to a generous grant from the Kiwanis Club of Skokie
to enhance existing street lighting and more.
Valley, and assistance from Al’s Cycle Shop, 8118 Lincoln
The Community Outreach Police Substation (COPS) is
out and about in the focus areas, at least two and up to
four days each week. The COPS vehicle neighborhood
schedule is published at www.skokie.org and on the Police
Department Facebook page each Monday, and neighbors are
encouraged to check the schedule online and visit with police
officers. Each COPS vehicle deployment is approximately
3.5 hours long, and three police officers are in and around
the COPS vehicle meeting residents, providing tours of
Avenue, Skokie police officers distributed 18 bicycle helmets
to children without helmets earlier this summer.
A growing number of community partners also are involved
with the Many Cultures, One Community – Keeping Skokie
Safe campaign, including Y.O.U. Evanston, the Niles Township
Youth Coalition, the Skokie Park District, the Skokie Public
Library, Oakton Community College and the Independent
Merchants of Downtown Skokie (IMODS). ■
Every House Needs an Address Number
Residents are reminded
to place home address
numbers away from
obstruction and with proper
lighting.
Reasons for Properly
Displaying Your Address:
•
•
If an emergency service
is needed, fire, police
and EMS will be able to
find the location faster. A
visitor, child or an injured
person may be unable to
give clear directions.
Phone, electric, gas,
cable and other
companies rely on an
address to begin a new
service or respond to a
maintenance issue.
•
minimum of four inches
high.
•
Display address numbers
so they are plainly visible
from the street.
Make address numbers
visible and ensure they
contrast with their
background. Numbers
on a mailbox or post
should be reflective or
on a highly contrasting
background.
•
Use large numbers.
Address numbers
are required to be a
Be visible in the dark.
Put the numbers on your
house under a light.
•
Address numbers
should be visible from
the alley. Where alleys
It’s the law!
You can help locate your
house by properly displaying
your address and following
some very simple guidelines:
•
•
are present, the address
numbers should also
be posted on a garage
so the address is visible
from the alley. If you do
not have a garage, the
address numbers should
be posted on the rear
door, rear wall, or rear
porch of the house, or
on the rear gate.
•
Houses on a corner lot
should post the address
numbers so they face
the street used in the
address. ■
See something? Concerned about it? Report it.
Citizens with information about a crime, suspicious persons or activities, or the whereabouts of a wanted
suspect can call the Crime Tip Hot Line at 847/933-TIPS (8477).
NewSkokie ■ August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org | 7
village
Notes
Village Board Action
The Village Board recently approved:
The Village Board meets the first
and third Mondays of each month,
except in the case of a holiday.
Meetings begin at 8 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of Skokie
Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
Watch Village Board Meetings
live on SkokieVision Cable
Television (Channel 25 on
RCN systems, Channel 17
on Comcast systems). The
Board Meetings also are rebroadcast at noon and 8 p.m.
on the Thursday, Saturday
and Tuesday following a
Board Meeting.
Upcoming Public
Meetings
All meetings are held at Village
Hall (5127 Oakton Street).
Board of Trustees
August 3, 17
September 8, 21
Plan Commission
August 20
September 3, 17
Appearance Commission
August 12
September 9
Zoning Board of Appeals
August 19
September 2, 16
8
| NewSkokie
■
•
The implementation of Residential Permit Parking on the 8500 to 8525
block of LeClaire Avenue, which is in the vicinity of the Skokie Swift
Commuter Parking facility.
•
An upgrade to the traffic control from yield signs to two-way stop sign
controls at the Harding Avenue and Greenleaf Street intersection.
•
An Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County and an agreement with
TranSystems for engineering services for an improvement project in the
west section of Old Orchard Road (Woods Drive to Northbound Ramps).
•
The purchase of several replacement vehicles and equipment in the
FY16 Capital Improvement Program Budget, including police patrol,
evidence technician, police administrative, fire prevention and public works
administrative vehicles, ambulance, sewer jetting truck and one-ton dump
truck with plow and salt spreader. ■
Mayor Van Dusen Asks Residents to Support
Downtown and Dempster Street Businesses
during CTA Yellow Line Service Disruption
In late May, the CTA Yellow Line was taken out of service after a section of track
failed due to activities at a nearby construction site owned by the Metropolitan
Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). In late June, the CTA
and MWRD announced that, due to the extensive engineering and construction
activities required to safely restore service to the CTA Yellow Line, commuter train
operations will resume on an unspecified date in October 2015. During the service
disruption, the CTA offers commuters free shuttle service to the Howard Street
station from both the Dempster-Skokie and Oakton-Skokie stations. In addition, at
the Village’s suggestion, free parking is in place for Yellow Line commuter parking
at the Dempster-Skokie station and it will continue until service is restored. Both
the CTA and the Village agreed to forgo all parking revenue during the service
disruption.
“I appreciate the community’s patience with this difficult, inconvenient situation,
and I ask that the community make an extra effort to patronize businesses in
Downtown Skokie and in the Dempster Street corridor that rely on Yellow Line
commuters to keep their businesses strong,” said Mayor George Van Dusen.
“While the Village of Skokie is very disappointed over the lengthy time table for
Yellow Line service restoration, we recognize the complexity of the situation and
support the commitment to public safety evidenced by the CTA and MWRD. Village
officials understand and share the community’s frustration over the prolonged
service interruption. Skokie residents can be assured that the Village will continue
to monitor the project’s progress, advocate for commuters and encourage the CTA
and MWRD to be as expeditious as possible.”
For more information on Yellow Line shuttle service, please visit
http://www.transitchicago.com/alerts/. ■
August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org
health
Notes
Appointment Only Flu Shot Clinics for Skokie Residents
During October, the Skokie Health Department will offer flu shots for Skokie
residents four years of age and older on a first-come, first-served basis by
appointment only. Appointments can be made online beginning Monday,
September 14 by visiting the Village of Skokie website at www.skokie.org.
If you prefer, you can call the Health Department at 847/933-8252 to make
an appointment.
Flu shot clinics will be held at the Oakton Park Community Center, 4701
Oakton Street, on the following dates:
•
•
•
Wednesday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, October 19 from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more information, call 847/933-8252. ■
Flu Shots for Homebound
Skokie Residents
Did you know that the Skokie Health Department nurses
can provide flu shots in your home? If you or your family
member are physically unable to leave your home, we
will bring a flu shot to you.
Please call the Skokie Health Department at
847/933-8252 beginning Monday, September 14 for
more information. ■
Improve Your HealthStop Smoking for Good
The Skokie Health Department is offering “Courage to
Quit”, a six-week program designed to help you quit
smoking.
The classes will be held Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on
October 5, 12, 26, and November 2, 9, 16. There is a
$15 fee for the entire session. Registration is required.
For more information, call 847/933-8252. ■
New Women’s Only Exercise Class at the Skokie Park District
Providing access to fitness opportunities for residents is a priority of the
Skokie Community Health Plan.
The Skokie Health Department’s research partners at Northwestern
University have found that a common barrier to going to the gym for
many women is modesty. The mixed gender environment and typical
workout clothing of most group exercise classes can be uncomfortable for
religious, cultural or personal reasons. Recognizing this, the Skokie Health
Department has partnered with the Skokie Park District to offer a women’s
only exercise class at the Weber Center this fall. This fun, low-impact
aerobics class will offer a private, welcoming environment to improve health
and boost energy for women of any fitness level.
Come and exercise in whatever clothing you find comfortable. The class
begins on Sunday, September 13 at 1 p.m. and will continue for six weeks.
Pre-registration is required. Registration may be completed either online at
www.skokieparks.org or in person at any Skokie Park District facility.
For more information, please contact the Skokie Park District at
847/674-1500. ■
NewSkokie ■ August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org | 9
community
Calendar
CPR Schedule
Please call the Skokie Fire Department at 847/982-5340
for program information and schedule. Residents: $20
refundable fee. Non-residents: $20 non-refundable fee.
Health Happenings
Unless otherwise noted, all clinics are held at the Health
Department, 5127 Oakton Street. Clinics marked with an (*)
require advance registration. Proof of Skokie residency required
for all clinics. For more information call 847/933-8252.
Adult Vaccinations*
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays,
August 5, 19 and September 2, 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Walk-in Clinic
- Wednesdays, August 12, 26 and September 2, 16 from 2 to 4
p.m. Call for vaccine fees.
Child Vaccinations*
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays,
August 5, 19 and September 2, 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Walk in Wednesdays, August 12, 26 and September 9, 23 from 2 to 4
p.m. $5 fee.
Well Child Clinic*
Mondays, August 10 and September 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Diabetes Screening*
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Wednesdays,
August 5, 19 and September 2, 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. $5 fee.
Hearing Screening*
Fridays, August 14, 26 and September 11, 30 from 9 a.m. to
noon.
Lipid Profile Screening*
(Total Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, LDL, Cholesterol/
HDL Ratio) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Wednesdays, August 5, 19 and September 2, 16 from 5 to 7
p.m. $15 fee
Blood Pressure Screening
Walk-in clinics: Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays from 9
a.m. to noon. Wednesdays, August 5, 19 and September 2, 16
from 5 to 7 p.m.
TB Skin Testing*
Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays from 9
a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. $10 fee.
Refuse & Recycling
Collection Schedule
Holiday Refuse Collection
Week of September 7 (Labor Day)
Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday collections unchanged
Recycling Collection
Week of September 7 (Labor Day)
Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday collections unchanged
For more information please visit www.skokie.org or call the
Skokie Public Works Department at 847/933-8427.
Human Services Activities
Unless otherwise noted, all events are located at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
Call 847/933-8208 for more information or to register. Please note that the Skokie
Human Services Division is now located in Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
Skokie Senior Men’s Group
Chess
Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Weber
Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to
Park,
9300 Weber Park Place.
4 p.m., 5120 Galitz Street.
Senior Health Insurance
Program
Consultations available for new and
existing Medicare beneficiaries to
learn about their health care benefits.
Selected dates, by appointment only.
Rules of the Road
Review for driver’s exam. Mondays,
August 3 and September 14 from 9:15
a.m. to noon.
German is Fun!
All German language speakers, from
beginners to natives, are welcome.
Thursdays, August 6, 20 and
September 3, 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Oakton Community Center, 4701
Oakton Street.
Conversational Yiddish
No fee/registration required. Everyone
is welcome. Tuesdays, August 18,
25 and September 15, 22, 29 at 1:30
p.m., 5120 Galitz Street.
Low Vision Support Group
Tuesdays, August 11 and September 8
from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
10
| NewSkokie
■
August/September ■ www.skokie.org
Stamp Club
Wednesdays, August 5, 19 and
September 2, 16 at 1:30 p.m., 5120
Galitz Street.
FOCUS (For Optically
Challenged Upbeat Sorts)
Wednesdays, August 12 and
September 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Silver Sing-a-long
Mondays, August 31 and September
28 at 1:30 p.m., 5120 Galitz Street.
Simple & Living Will/
Durable Power of Attorney
Program for low-income seniors. Fee
charged by attorney.
Family Caregiver Support
Group
Hosted by North Shore Senior Center.
Please contact Lauretta Hart at
847/424-5661 or [email protected] if
you would like to attend. This group
meets Wednesdays, August 26 and
September 23 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
community
Calendar
Skokie Public Library
For more details on library events, visit www.skokielibrary.info.
Frozen Sing-Along
Sunday, August 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Beauty and the Beast
Jr. with the Devonshire
Players
Tuesday, August 4 at 2 p.m. or
7 p.m.
Win Your Fantasy
Football League with
Evan Silva
Monday, August 10 at 7 p.m.
Reveries in Motion
Dance Performance
Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m.
Fade to Black: How to
Make Great Videos
Monday, August 17 at 7 p.m.
Hidden Memory: An
American Story
Tuesday, August 18 at 7 p.m.
Tech Bytes for Seniors:
Cut Copy, and Paste
Wednesday, August 19 at 1
p.m.
Library Closed
Monday, September 7
Family History
Resources at the
Library
Wednesday, September 9 at 7
p.m.
Native Plants and Your
Garden
Thursday, September 10 at
7 p.m.
Demystifying
Computers
Wednesday, September 16 at
7 p.m.
Main Street Opera:
Puccini’s Madama
Butterfly
Sunday, September 20 at 3
p.m.
Sunday Sundown Concert, The Student Body
Sunday, August 2 at 7 p.m. Devonshire Park, 4400 Greenwood Street.
Block Party at the Pool
Sunday, August 9 from noon to 4 p.m. Devonshire Aquatic Center, 4422
Greenwood Street.
Sunday Sundown Concert, Jimmy Warren Band
Sunday, August 9 at 7 p.m. Devonshire Park, 4400 Greenwood Street.
Movies in the Park, Wreck it Ralph
Thursday, August 13 at dusk, Lorel Park, 8135 Lorel Avenue
Skokie Park District - Resident Registration
Register for classes or programs at any district facility or online at
www.skokieparks.org. Saturday, August 15.
Backlot Dash 5K and Kid’s Fun Run
Register now, then after the Saturday run, check out Skokie’s Backlot Bash for
music, food, beer and fun! Saturday, August 29 at 8 a.m.
Nature Photo Contest Deadline
Take photos at Emily Oaks Nature Center and enter them in this year’s contest.
Call 847/674-1500, ext. 2500 for information. Deadline: September 13 at 4
p.m.
How to Start and Grow
a Business in Skokie
Monday, September 28 at
7 p.m.
4th and 5th Grade Back-to-School Bash
Hang out with friends and make new ones while you dance the night away.
DJ, pizza and juice. September 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Oakton Community
Center, 4701 Oakton Street.
Located at 9501 Skokie Boulevard. For performance dates and
information visit NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847/673-6300.
Theater Wit presents
Northlight Theater
presents Funnyman
Bad Jews
In the Northlight Theatre
In The Northlight Theatre
September 11 through
through August 8
October 18
MattyB Live in
Imagination Movers
In the Center Theatre
Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m.
For more information on Park District programs, call 847/674-1500 or visit
www.SkokieParks.org.
Chicago in the Movies
Sunday, September 27 at 3
p.m.
North Shore Center for the
Performing Arts in Skokie
Chicago
In the Center Theatre
Sunday, August 9 at 3 p.m.
Skokie Park District
Fall Flea Market
Buy amazing treasures or sign up for a spot to sell your own priceless goods.
September 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakton Community Center Parking
Lot, 4701 Oakton Street.
Touch-a-Truck
See the big rigs up close featuring various trucks from around the community.
Free! September 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oakton Community Center,
4701 Oakton Street.
North Shore Center’s
Feature Series 20152016 Season - Vijay
lyer Trio
In the Center Theatre
Friday, September 18 at 8
p.m.
NewSkokie ■ August/September 2015 ■ www.skokie.org | 11
Village of Skokie
www.skokie.org
1660 AM Skokie
Council/Manager
Government Since
1957
Departments
Village Hall
847/673-0500
Officials:
Mayor
George Van Dusen
Civil Engineering
847/933-8231
Clerk
Pramod C. Shah
Trustees
Michele L. Bromberg
Karen Gray-Keeler
Ralph Klein
Randall E. Roberts
Edie Sue Sutker
Ilonka Ulrich
Manager
John T. Lockerby
Counsel
Michael M. Lorge
Phone Numbers:
Emergency
9-1-1
Crime Tip Hotline
847/933-TIPS (8477)
Information
847/673-0500
Fire Non-Emergency
847/982-5300
Police Non-Emergency
847/982-5900
Citizens Assistance
847/933-8480
Managing Editor
Ann E. Tennes
[email protected]
Clerk’s Office
847/933-8203
Community
Development
847/933-8223
Economic Development
847/933-8446
Planning
847/933-8447
Health Department/
Personal Health
847/933-8252
Animal Control
847/933-8484
Environmental Health
847/933-8484
Human Services
847/933-8208
Public Works
847/933-8427
Signs and Street Lights
847/933-8232
Village Manager’s Office
847/933-8210
Water Billing
847/933-8418
Assistant Editor/Layout
Nicholas A. Wyatt
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with vegetable-based
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Copyright © 2015
Village of Skokie
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Clean, Green Skokie! Wrap Up
The April 2015 Clean,
Green Skokie! program
focused on pride in
the community and
collaborating efforts for
a good old fashioned
neighborhood litter
cleanup. Over 20
individuals and groups
participated in the 2015
Clean, Green Skokie
initiative and over 120
adults and 85 children
took part in the initiative.
Additionally, over 60
bags of refuse and
recycling were collected,
totaling more than 700
gallons.
Pictured is Skokie Cub Scout Pack 85 in front of the tree planted in the
pack’s honor at the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park.
Clean, Green Skokie! participants were automatically entered for a chance to
have a tree planted in their honor at the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park.
Their chances were increased five extra entries when a photo was taken and
tweeted to #cleangreenskokie or posted to Facebook with a tag to Shop Local
Skokie.
Rahmil Magsimo’s name with Skokie Cub Scout Pack 85 was drawn. A tree
has been planted in their honor at the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park by the
Skokie Public Works Department.
Look for Clean, Green Skokie! 2016 information next spring. For more
information on this and other Village events, please contact the Village
Manager’s Office at 847/933-8210. ■