SkokieNews - Leaf collection, holiday light recycling and more

The latest news from the Village of Skokie

November 28, 2023

Got Leaves? Fall Leaf Collection Continues

Even though temperatures have dropped, the Village’s Public Works Department is continuing its fall leaf collection program.

Where to leave leaves: Instead of bagging leaves in landscape bags, you can rake leaves into the street next to the curb in front of your home. Crews collect leaves throughout Skokie every five to seven days, as weather permits, through early December. Review fall leaf collection guidelines.

Or, leaf them alone: Fallen leaves can help improve soil quality and provide nutrients to landscaping and lawns. Try raking a few inches of leaves into your landscape beds, or mulch leaves into your lawn.

Respiratory Viruses Are On the Rise

Take Action to Stay Healthy!

Hospitalizations for COVID-19, RSV, and Flu have increased across Illinois. Make sure you’re taking action to protect yourself this winter season.

Action 1: Get the latest available vaccinations. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent severe illness. Contact your primary healthcare provider, visit vaccines.gov, or explore Skokie Health and Human Services vaccination services.

Action 2: Employ healthy strategies. Wash your hands well, ventilate indoor spaces, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home and get tested if you’re experiencing symptoms. Order free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Photo: Skokie Health and Human Services flu shot clinic in October by Rich Cahan

Electoral Referendums Update

The second reading of the proposed implementation plan for three voter-approved, citizen-initiated referendums impacting future Skokie Village Board elections will occur at the next Skokie Village Board meeting on Monday, December 4.

Burned-out Bulbs?

Drop off holiday string lighting and extension cords for recycling at Skokie Public Works, 9050 Gross Point Rd., through January 31! Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

DO bring: Mini-lights, C7 and C9 lights, rope lights, LED lights and extension cords.

DON’T bring: Ornaments, garland or other decorations. These items are not accepted.

Giving Tuesday: Support Skokie Families in Need!

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Donate to the Village’s Assist-A-Family Campaign!

Make an impact: Your donation 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.

CTA Yellow Line Service Updates

CTA Yellow Line service continues to be suspended following a November 16 incident near Howard. Shuttle bus service is available between Howard and Skokie/Dempster, serving all affected stations during normal hours of operation.

Stay informed. Visit the CTA website for service updates.

Check that Coffee or Tea Lover Off Your Holiday Shopping List!

Purchase a “Start Your Day in Skokie” coffee travel mug, which can be used for a free cup of coffee or tea every day for the month of January 2024!

Where to find them: Mugs are available for $45 while supplies last at Will’s Place (7927 Lincoln Ave.), Kneads and Wants Bakery (8042 Lincoln Ave.), Qahwah House (5238 Touhy Ave.), and Soul Good Coffee (4901 Main St.). A portion of each sale will be donated to the Skokie Community Foundation.

Shop and Dine Local this Holiday Season!

Spend your dollars locally this holiday season and support the unique, local businesses you know and love!

Explore local businesses, holiday gift ideas and more on the Village’s Explore Skokie Instagram and Facebook accounts next month as part of the “What a Gift” campaign.

Hot Off the Presses!

The Winter 2023 edition of NewSkokie is being delivered to Skokie households. Explore an easy-to-browse digital version on the Village’s website.

Last Call for Cookies!

Explore Downtown Skokie and collect cookies along the way as part of the Inaugural Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk this Saturday, December 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Reserve your spot: Tickets are $25 and are available through Wednesday, November 29 at noon while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the Skokie Community Foundation.

World AIDS Day is December 1

The CDC encourages you to talk to your healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a safe and effective prevention option that can greatly reduce the risk of getting HIV.

Do You Know Someone Who’s Made a Local Impact

Through Art or Tech?

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites nominations for residents or groups that have made a significant contribution to furthering the arts in Skokie for its 2023 Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence. Submit your art nomination.

The Skokie Telecommunications and Technology Commission (STAT) invites nominations for organizations or individuals that have demonstrated superb service to the community via access to technological resources, teaching or learning opportunities, or efforts that help community members navigate or move further into the 21st century. Submit your tech nomination.