Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - August 17, 2024
Welcome to the Village of Forest Park's weekly e-newsletter! Please use this e-newsletter as a resource to provide you with the latest news, events, and resources in and around Forest Park!
In this edition, please find updates from the Village Council, the Clerk's Office, Public Works, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Community Center, community news, job opportunities, and more!
We want to hear from you! If you have news or events that you would like to include in future editions, please let us know.
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A Note from the Village Administrator
Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next week, and I want to keep you informed about what to expect in our village.
First and foremost, I want to assure you that Forest Park is well-prepared for this event. We don’t foresee any issues, but we’re taking all necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Here’s how we’re staying on top of things:
Communication: We will keep you updated with any important information through multiple channels. If there are any relevant updates, we’ll send out email blasts, post on our Facebook Page, and update our village website. Stay tuned to these platforms for the latest news.
Emergency Preparedness: Our Forest Park Police, Fire Departments, and Public Works are fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise. They have been briefed on the event and are ready to respond quickly if needed. Your safety is our top priority, and our first responders are on alert to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Transportation Information: The CTA has announced some changes to bus schedules around the United Center and McCormick Place. If you’re planning to travel in these areas, please check the CTA website or app for the most current schedule updates to avoid any disruptions.
Over the next week, you may see an increase in helicopters and law enforcement around Forest Park and I290. Forest Park's access to the expressway and CTA train lines makes us a good spot for law enforcement organizations to stage officers. Their presence is in preparation for the DNC and does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate this busy time together.
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Village Council Meeting Information
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.
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Can't make the meeting in person? Village Council meetings are streamed live and recordings are published to the Village website within a few days after the meeting.
To view the meetings live via Zoom, click here and then click on the Zoom link for the current meeting. Meetings will start at 7pm.
To view recordings of the Village Council meetings, click here, then click on the date you would like to view.
| News from the Village Clerk's Office |
Are you receiving all eligible tax savings on your property tax bill? Review you property tax bill to ensure you have received all eligible exemptions. For more information, from the Cook County Assessor's Office, click here.
Are you registered to vote? Whether you're new to the area or have been here for years, your vote matters. Take a moment to verify your voter registration status or register if you haven't already. Registering to vote is quick and easy and ensures that you have a say in the decisions that affect us all. More voter registration can be found here.
| News from the Mayor's Office |
Save the Date: Leaf Pick Up Townhall
Residents are invited to attend a Leaf Pick Up Townhall on Tuesday, September 24, at 7 PM at Village Hall. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the current leaf pick-up program's pros and cons and explore alternative ideas. Village staff, along with members of the Forest Park Environmental Commission, will be present to offer insights and answer questions. Participation and input from the community are encouraged.
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety |
The CDC is issuing a Health Alert Network advisory due to an increase in human parvovirus B19 cases in the U.S. This seasonal respiratory virus spreads through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. Symptoms can include fever, headache, cough, and sore throat. In children, it often causes a characteristic “slapped cheek” rash, while adults may experience joint pain lasting one to three weeks. For more information, please click here.
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News from the Public Works Department
The Village's Lead Service Line Replacement Project is underway, and we need your help! If you receive a letter or have a sign on your front lawn like the one pictured below, please use the QR code to complete the form required for the Village to replace your lead service line. The replacement is free to homeowners in the Village's designated service areas.
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Mosquito Abatement
Increased West Nile Virus (WNV) levels detected in local mosquitoes! The mosquitoes spreading WNV are passive biters, making them harder to notice. Warm weather has boosted their numbers.
Spraying to control these mosquitoes will occur from dusk to midnight as needed. Check the District’s website and Facebook page for more information.
We will always post on our Village Facebook page when Forest Park is scheduled.
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News from the Community Center | |
Final Groov'n in the Grove!
August 20
Join us at The Grove (7824 Madison Street) for the final concert of the summer! Feel free to bring your own chairs, food and drink. Concessions will also be available for purchase. The fun starts at 7pm.
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Food Pantry
Residents who are in need of assistance with groceries can visit the Forest Park Food Pantry located at the Community Center. For hours and more information, call 708-771-7737.
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News from the Fire Department | |
9-1-1- Emergency and Non-Emergencies
Anyone requiring immediate assistance from the Forest Park Police and Fire Departments should call 9-1-1; this also includes non-emergency situations which require a response. The Village’s 9-1-1 dispatch center will route your call to the appropriate personnel to assist with the matter at hand. The Village’s 708-366-2425 number is not to be used to request service for public safety personnel.
This change is a result of the State's dispatch consolidation requirements that went into effect in May 2017. If you call Village Hall in need of police or fire personnel for either non-emergency or emergency response, you will be transferred to our WESCOM dispatch center where a dispatcher will route your call to the appropriate police or fire personnel. WESCOM services Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest. Since three towns are being serviced, you may be asked a series of questions in order to confirm your location.
Please share this news with your neighbors. 9-1-1 is for both emergencies and non-emergencies requiring police or fire personnel assistance.
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News from the Police Department | |
The Forest Police Department proudly swore in two new patrol officers, Daniel Dudek and Robert Topps III. Both will soon embark on a rigorous 16-week police academy program, which encompasses over 1,000 hours of instruction. Upon successful completion, Daniel and Robert will return to Forest Park for further specialized training. Chief Ken Gross and the entire department are thrilled to welcome them to the team. Below, is a photo of Daniel and Robert with their families, as well as with Chief Gross and Mayor Hoskins. We wish them the best of luck at the academy! | |
For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here.
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Upcoming Board and Commission Meetings
All meetings are held at Village Hall unless otherwise noted.
Dates and Times are subject to change- check the village website for the most up-to-date information.
August 19, Planning & Zoning Meeting, 7pm
August 20, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm
August 26, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
August 28, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm
September 9, Village Council Meeting 7pm
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Planning & Zoning Commission
The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall.
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Forest Park Theater Presents Pericles!
FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
AUGUST 16-18
5 PM
THE GROVE AT ALTENHEIM
7824 MADISON ST., FOREST PARK, 60130
This summer Forest Park Theatre will bring to the stage the story of a young prince exiled from his country, who finds, loses and regains his life in his search for a true home.
Pericles is Forest Park Theatre’s fourth free summer Shakespeare performance, a stormy tale of loss, love and redemption. In August, our diverse company will perform at the meadow behind Altenheim.
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Let's Talk Balance
Altenheim is excited to host a series of enriching sessions designed to help you stay balanced and stress-free! The "Life's A Balancing Act" event will feature practical workshops on preventing falls, reducing stress through music, and engaging in chair yoga. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors while learning valuable wellness tips. The events are open to everyone, so bring your friends and family! Attend one or all of the sessions (August 26, 27, 28 & 29 at 1pm).
For more details, call us at 708-366-2206 or click here for more information.
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Invasion of the scarecrows is back!
The Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance are excited to bring back the Invasion of the Scarecrows this October! This year’s event will feature 300 scarecrows—up from 100 last year!
Here’s how to join the fun:
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Order Your Kit: Purchase online here.
- Pick Up Your Kit: Collect it at Garage Galleries on August 24 or at the Park District’s Fall Fest on September 7 (details to follow).
- Create & Display: Decorate and display your scarecrow(s) in October.
Reuse last year’s scarecrow for just $5. New kit with blank face scarecrow $35; Child scarecrow $25; or order a face painted by an artist $45.
New Kits include everything you need!
Vote for your favorites and compete for prizes in categories like Most Historic, Most Artistic, and more. Plus, there’s a special award for the block with the highest participation!
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Savor the Best: Top Steak Dinner Spots in Forest Park Area
There's no greater indulgence than savoring a perfectly cooked steak. Steak dinners are ideal for marking a special occasion—whether it's a romantic anniversary, a significant birthday, or just a celebration of life's pleasures. For an exceptional steak experience in and around Forest Park and Oak Park, consider visiting Golden Steer or NReboza in Forest Park. Both offer distinctive and mouthwatering menus that are sure to impress. For more details on these fantastic dining options, explore further here
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Proviso Handyman August News
Proviso Handyman department is here to serve the needs of our senior residents over the age of 60 and /or disabled residents who are homeowners in our community. More information can be found here.
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Local Hiring Opportunities | |
The Village of Forest Park and several community partners are hiring. Please see the links below for more information and to apply:
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Important Phone Numbers
Police, Fire and Medical Needs
Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988
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Text to 911 Now Available
West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center which provides emergency response services to Forest Park, along with Oak Park and River Forest can now receive 911 texts from a cell phone to report an emergency.
While calls to 911 will best assist emergency responders in being able to locate a caller, texting is an option for those who may need it. Text should only be used when some is unable to voice call to 911.
A text to 911 cannot include any other recipients. Texts to 911 may also take longer to reach the dispatch center.
Texts to 911 should be brief. Please include the type of help needed and the location where help is needed. Be prepared to respond to follow-up questions via text to better assist emergency responders.
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Village Hall/Clerk's Office - 708-366-2323
Police Department - 708-366-2425
Parking/Records - 708-366-7272
Fire Department - 708-366-1234
Community Center - 708-771-7737
Forest Park Public Library - 708-366-7171
Park District of Forest Park 708-366-7500
School District 91 - 708-366-5700
Proviso Township High School - 708- 338-5900
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