SkokieNews - Best holiday light displays, Skokie EV recognition, and more

The latest news from the Village of Skokie

December 12, 2023

Skokie Among First 12 ‘EV Ready’ Illinois Communities

Skokie is one of the first 12 Illinois communities to achieve “EV Ready” designation by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd as part of the EV Readiness Program.

Why it matters: Transportation accounts for more than a third of Skokie’s greenhouse gas emissions. Accelerating electric vehicle (EV) usage helps reduce emissions and improves air quality while making progress towards the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goals.

By the numbers: Since 2015, the Village has added four EVs to its municipal fleet. Community-wide, the number of registered EVs has increased from 295 in 2022 to 819 to date.

Chief Baker Announces Retirement

Congratulations to Skokie Police Chief Brian Baker, who announced his upcoming retirement after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the Skokie community.

Making an impact: As chief, Baker implemented the department’s “Be the Difference” program, establishing a culture based on service to the community, alternative approaches to low- and no-crime service calls, and enhanced communication with the public.

Got Spirit? Share Your Holiday Light Display

Does your household's holiday décor light up the Skokie sky? Share a photo and the location with us! Your twinkling triumph could be featured on the Village's social media channels for the entire community to enjoy.

Explore Skokie

I’ll Have What She’s Having

Hungry to learn about Jewish culture? Explore the “I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Jewish Deli” exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, on display through April 14. Get a sneak peek on the Village’s Explore Skokie Facebook and Instagram accounts.

CreationZ Art

CreationZ Art on Dempster Street creates customized Arabic and Islamic calligraphy artworks, including timepieces, layered artwork, cake toppers, and more. Owner Zeeshan Farooq shared more about his unique creations on the Village’s Explore Skokie Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Small Business Grants Available

Did you start a small business during the pandemic? You may be eligible for a grant of up to $30,000! The State of Illinois has opened a new Illinois Back to Business Grant Program (B2B NewBiz) for small businesses that began operations in 2020 or 2021.

Find a Unique Holiday Gift at the Giftorium!

Holiday shopping just got easier! The Village has partnered with The Village Makery to gather local artisans in one place this December.

Plan your visit: Stop by the Skokie Holiday Giftorium at 4853 Oakton St. in Downtown Skokie Thursday through Sunday through December 23.

What A Gift!

The Village’s “What A Gift” campaign is highlighting local businesses this holiday season! Meet the people behind Kneads & Wants, Take Flight Spirits, Village Inn, Sketchbook, Alexander’s and Soul Good, and stay tuned for a new business highlight every day on Explore Skokie.

Be ‘Salt Smart’ this Winter!

Road salt helps keep roads, driveways and walkways safe, but it also pollutes local waterways. Learn strategies to be “salt smart” this winter: Stop by Village Hall this week to view the Salt Smart Collaborative’s traveling exhibit or review helpful tips online.

Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft

The Skokie Police Department reminds community members to take action to prevent motor vehicle theft this winter season:

Close and lock all windows and doors when you park
Keep garage doors locked
Don’t leave keys, fobs or valet keys in your vehicle
Ensure your vehicle is turned off and locked when parked or unattended, including when getting gas
If available, ensure anti-theft software updates for your vehicle are installed
Keep your vehicle make, model, year, license plate and VIN accessible in case your vehicle is stolen

Three Ways to Support Our Community

1. Donate to the Skokie Police Community Food Drive, December 17

The Skokie Police Benevolent Fund will host a Holiday Food Drive this Sunday, December 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Skokie Walmart at 3626 Touhy Ave. All items collected will be donated to Niles Township Food Pantry.

2. Drop Off Toys at Skokie Fire Stations

The Skokie Fire Department is collecting “Toys for Tots” at all three fire stations through this Thursday, December 14. Drop off new, unwrapped toys between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Fire Station 16, 7424 Niles Center Rd.; Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave.; and Fire Station 18, 9024 Gross Point Rd. Toys will be picked up on the morning of December 15.

3. Support the Assist-a-Family Campaign

There’s still time to donate to the Village’s Assist-A-Family Campaign! Donations will provide eligible Skokie families with gift cards for area businesses to purchase food, household goods, and other items specific to their needs. Donate today.

One recipient wrote: "Thank you for treating our family with respect and love. Since the death of my dear husband, it’s been a little difficult financially. Thank you for your love and support!”

Protect Yourself this Holiday Season by Getting a Flu Shot

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced that hospitalizations are increasing across Illinois due to flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Protect yourself: Skokie Health and Human Services offers the flu vaccine to all residents age 6 months and older at Village Hall. Call 847-933-8252 to schedule an appointment.

Uninsured and underinsured residents can also call to schedule an appointment to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. If you have insurance, contact your primary healthcare provider or visit vaccines.gov.

Photo by Richard Cahan.