SkokieNews - Leaf collection, pumpkin composting and more

The latest news from the Village of Skokie

October 17, 2023

Giving Health a ‘Shot’ this Flu Season

Photo by Rich Cahan

The Village’s Health and Human Services Department (HHS) administered more than 1,300 flu vaccines to community members and staff at flu shot clinics this October, helping keep our community healthy this flu season!

New this year: More than 640 high-dose vaccines were administered, providing Skokie seniors with enhanced protection from flu-related illness.

Still need a shot? Flu shots are available by appointment for Skokie residents, including children ages 6 months to 4 years old and homebound residents. Call 847-933-8252, or visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you.

Cheers to our volunteers: The Village’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Oakton College RN students helped make the clinics a success. Interested in joining MRC? The Village is seeking individuals, including licensed mental and behavioral health professionals, to assist with future events and needs.

Congrats, Citizens Fire Academy Graduates!

Last week, the Skokie Fire Department celebrated the graduation of 11 students from its 2023 Citizens Fire Academy program! The graduates, ages 22 to 85, received a first-hand look at fire department training, skills, and operations, including fire investigations, CPR, vehicle extrication, firefighting and much more. After completing the program, three program graduates now aspire to become future firefighters.

See them in action: Watch a video highlighting a Citizens Fire Academy training exercise, and view photos of program activities on the Village’s Facebook page.

Interested in participating? Registration for the Fall 2024 program will open in the summer of 2024 at skokie.org.

Halloween Happenings in Skokie

Enjoy a frighteningly fun time in Skokie this October! Check out upcoming Halloween events, including Oakton College Trunk or Treat this Friday, October 20; Downtown Skokie Trick-or-Treat on Saturday, October 28; and trick-or-treat at the Skokie Farmers’ Market on Sunday, October 29.

Mark Your Calendar: Pumpkin Composting, November 5

This Halloween season, give your pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns an afterlife…as compost!

Stop by Oakton Street and Floral Avenue on Sunday, November 5, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and help us “smash” last year’s record of 4.5 tons of pumpkins collected. View pumpkin guidelines.

Afterwards, don’t forget to shop at the Skokie Farmers’ Market across the street.

Fall Leaf Collection Has Begun

Skokie Public Works has begun fall leaf collection operations. That means that instead of bagging leaves in landscape bags, you can now rake leaves into the street next to the curb in front of your home. Crews will collect leaves throughout Skokie every five to seven days, as weather permits.

Don’t forget: Grass clippings, twigs, branches and other garden debris are not permitted in leaf piles.

Leaf them alone: Did you know that 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.

Road Safety Reminder: Stop for School Buses

The Village’s Public Safety Commission reminds drivers to be alert for school buses and to stop when bus arms are extended or flashing lights are lit.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Visit the Village’s Traffic Safety page for more information and helpful tips for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

In Case You Missed It: Electoral Referendums Meeting

Last week, the Village hosted its third public meeting as it works to implement three citizen-initiated referendums impacting future Skokie Village Board elections.

Recap: View the meeting recording, presentation, proposed map, and other materials on the Village’s Electoral Referendums web page.

Share your feedback using the Village’s input form or by emailing electoralreferendums@skokie.org.

Health and Human Services News

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 22-28

October 22 through 28 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, established to reduce childhood lead exposure and increase awareness of lead hazards. Households in Skokie as well as our surrounding communities are all considered at high risk for lead exposure.

Take steps to reduce your risks:

Remove potential lead hazards from your home
Get a blood test if you believe your child has been exposed to lead

Contact Skokie’s Health and Human Services Department for guidance and case management at 847-933-8252.

Medicare Open Enrollment through December 7

Check your Medicare plan! Most Medicare Part D plans in Illinois will have higher monthly premiums next year, with some seeing a cost increase of more than 30 percent.

Open Enrollment is the time to compare and make changes to your coverage for 2024. Call Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8208 to schedule an appointment with a SHIP Counselor.

Medicaid Renewal Reminder

Medicaid coverage must now be renewed every year to continue receiving coverage. Don't risk losing your Medicaid!

Visit the state’s Application for Benefits Eligibility page and click “Manage My Case”
Verify your mailing address under "Contact Us"
Find your due date (also called redetermination date) in your "Benefit Details"
Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away

If you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the Affordable Care Act marketplace for Illinois. For more information, visit the Medicaid Redetermination page or call 800-843-6154.