The Pulse Newsletter - JANUARY 2024

SEASONAL GREETINGS

 Hello everyone! We hope you've had a fantastic start to the year. As our time in the interim roles comes to a close, we're thrilled about the upcoming transition to the Township Manager. Last year, we accomplished so much together, and we're eager to continue this momentum. Here's to achieving even more in the days ahead!



Pamela Mahn, Senior Services Director

Megan Traficano, Youth and Family Services Director


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New Township Manager: Mr. Michel


The Oak Park Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the hiring of Evan Michel as the new Oak Park Township Manager, said Supervisor Clarmarie Keenan. "I'm very glad you are here, and we are looking forward to a lot of success, a lot of achievement." Mr. Michel will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Township, focusing on using government to help people directly. "This is an organization that I want to be a part of, lead, and help kick into that next chapter. And that's what drove me to this position and really made me excited about this opportunity."


Evan C. Michel, MPA, is a distinguished local government professional currently serving as the Assistant to the Village Manager in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He holds a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Illinois Chicago. Michel's tenure since 2014 has been marked by significant contributions to community engagement and strategic development within the village.


His notable achievements include conducting two major Resident Surveys, leading to the establishment of an award-winning community engagement program. This program featured the creation of the Buffalo Grove Community Champions initiative and the launch of the BG Resident Academy for dynamic community interaction.


Michel's leadership in formulating the 2018-2023 and 2023-2028 Buffalo Grove Strategic Plans, coupled with his role in founding the Buffalo Grove Community Foundation 501(c)(3), underscores his strategic vision and managerial expertise. His collaboration with other communities to create the Suburban Liability Insurance Pool, achieving a 13.7% reduction in insurance costs, reflects his ability to drive significant operational efficiencies. In addition, Michel developed the Open BG platform, enhancing the village's commitment to transparency.

Michel's active involvement in professional associations, including the Illinois City/County Management Association, and his past presidency in the Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants, demonstrates his dedication to professional development and community service excellence.


He takes great pride in his ability to cultivate collaborative relationships with elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders, underpinned by his commitment to inclusivity, accountability, and progressive leadership.


Senior Services


Stay informed and engaged by referring to the monthly calendar highlighting activities and events tailored for our senior residents.


Click Link: January Event Calendar

Oak Park Township Employees: Your Chamber of Commerce Membership Awaits!


Being an Oak Park Township Employee grants you automatic membership to the Chamber of Commerce. This entitles you to attend or register for their events and programs. Enjoy the perks of being an OPT staff member today. Take a look at the Chamber of Commerce's webpage for more information.

Oak Park Township: Get 50% Gym Reimbursement, Up to $20 Monthly!


The Township reimburses you up to 50% not to exceed $20.00 per month for any gym related memberships. Just submit your receipt to your Supervisor, have signed, then submit to Maya for reimbursement. The $20.00 is taxed and comes out to around $17 and some change.

 

MEETINGS


All Staff Meeting

Date: Monday, January 8th, 2024

Location: 9 am in the 130 Building Dining Room

Meeting Status: Mandatory


Board of Trustee Meeting

Date: Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, at 7 pm

Location: 105 Building Conference Room or via Zoom Meeting

Meeting Status: Optional


Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86735446067?pwd=SnBrbXUxalJrQW9Jc3Q5a2JFUG9tZz09


Meeting ID: 867 3544 6067

Passcode: 480832


January Birthday Celebration


Date: January 31st, 2024, at 1:30 pm

Location: 105 Building Conference Room


Need Help with Trello?


If you need further help using Trello, the communications department is hosting virtual and in-person office hours for training. If you are interested in a virtual or in-person help session click here to sign up for a zoom training, if you prefer having help in-person help please send a email to Ashley Elane .

This Month's Birthdays! Celebrating them all.

1/5- Laura Valcour, Senior Services Department

1/6- Ashley Elane, Administration Department

1/15- Jacob Matson, Youth and Family Services Department

1/18- Keara Scott, Information Secretary

1/23- DaToya Burtin-Cox, Township Clerk

Federal Holiday Calendar

Monday, January 1, 2024 New Year's Day

 (Office Closed)

Monday, January 15, 2024 Martin Luther King's Birthday.

(Office Closed)

Celebrating Anniversaries

23-Jen Fryer

7-Years-Dominique Hickman

3-Year-Yazmin Morales

2-Year-Sofia Fernandez

3-Moriah Gale

WELCOME


Dulane Caffrey- Part-Time Driver


Dulane Caffrey is our newest Food Delivery Driver. Dulaney has experience as a driver, delivering fresh food products and supplies to various companies. He also has experience caring for older adults. He will be responsible for helping us get back to a daily hot route!


Tiffany Rice- Food Service Worker


Tiffany Rice joined us as a Food Service worker on December 27, 2023. She has years of experience working in the food industry and caregiving. She currently works for Brookdale Senior Living, where she also works as a Food Service Worker. Tiffany came with a Server Safe Certification and comes with experience working with seniors. She has been a true pleasure to have on the team. 



Angela Aggens- Full-Time Prevention Coordinator


Angela's first day with the Township was Monday, January 8th as our Prevention Coordinator. Angela will be doing youth substance abuse assessments, youth substance education courses, running the prescription take-back box, Narcan distribution, and much more in this position! She will be a great addition to the Community Justice team and local adjudication in Oak Park and River Forest.


Angela is CADC-certified by the Illinois Certification Board and has worked as a counselor at an outpatient treatment facility for opiate use disorders. She is a certified DUI evaluator and has performed counseling services, assessments, and group therapy sessions. In Angela's free time, she enjoys listening to music and art and spending time with friends and family!  

 

We are excited for Angela to use her skills and background to help build programming and resources for the community! Her office will be the first one on the right in the Youth and Family Services hallway before Shawnice! Please stop by and say hello if you can! 

Leading On Purpose Master Certificate


Congratulations to Pamela Mahn our Senior Services Director for successfully completing the "Leading on Purpose" Master course! Thank you for your leadership and dedication.

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Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional


Congratulations to Dominique Hickman, Assistant Director of the Youth and Family Services Department, for earning the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification. Well done Dominique!

 

Payroll Dates

January 5th, and 19th!

Thank you. We appreciate everything you do!