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Week Ending - October 5, 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



Happy October!


I want to say how thankful I am to call Forest Park home and have the chance to serve as your Village Administrator. And I’m especially thankful to our Chamber of Commerce for organizing such wonderful events that truly unite our community.


Tomorrow, October 5th: Shop Small Crawl from 11 AM to 4 PM! Discover delightful shopping, dining, and drinks while supporting our unique indie businesses along Madison Street in downtown Forest Park. Tickets are just $5 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Forest Park Food Pantry—a wonderful way to give back while enjoying our vibrant local scene. More information and ticket purchase here.


And don’t miss one of the most exciting traditions—the annual casket races on Saturday, October 19th, starting at 9 AM! If you’ve never witnessed this quirky and exhilarating event, it’s definitely a must-see! The races will take place on Beloit Avenue between Madison and Adams. Enjoy Trick or Treat on Madison immediately following the races. Casket Race information and registration can be found here.


Lastly, the long-awaited opening of Parkway Dispensary has arrived. The Village welcomes this business to our downtown business district and wishes them the best!

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Rachell Entler

Village Administrator


Village Council News

Village Council Meeting Information


The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.

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.

September 23, 2024 Village Council Meeting Recap


The Village Council approved the following at the 09/23/24 Village Council Meeting:


  • The Village will begin exploring options for the relocation and replacement of the Jackson Blvd Water Reservoir and Pumping Station. A Feasibility study will be conducted by Burke Engineering
  • Bolder Contractors was awarded the contract for the 2024 Ferdinand Avenue Watermain and Storm Sewer Replacement and Resurfacing Project
  • A Request for Qualifications will go out regarding the Water Meter Upgrade Project
  • Payments were approved to J. Nardulli Concrete, Inc and Emerald Site Services, LLC for projects completed in the Village.
  • Changes were made to the ordinance related to the Safety & Traffic Commission. The changes will allow the Commission to work more closely with Village Staff on pedestrian, bicycle and traffic issues
  • Forest Park resident, Stanley Brown was appointed to the Rec Board
  • Senior trip contracts and Salvation Army solicitation were approved
  • A proclamation for Disability Employment Awareness Month was made


News from the Village Clerk's Office


Village Hall will be closed on Monday October 14


Voter Information

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024


Voter information on registration status, where to early vote, ballot status, click here.

How to request a mail ballot or get more information on mail ballot. Click here.

Where can I register? Click here.

Where and when can I vote early. Click here.

Where can I find information about voter accessibility and assistance? Click here.

Where can I find information for Cook County residents who are military and are stationed out of state? Click here.

Where can I find election results? Click here.


News from the Mayor's Office


This week Mayor Hoskins had the pleasure of visiting the 2nd graders at Betsy Ross Elementary, where he participated in their persuasive writing project alongside representatives from the library, police, fire department, public works, and health services. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and creativity.


On Tuesday, the Mayor had the honor of speaking at the Sarah's Inn Break the Cycle Rally. The rally focused on the critical issue of domestic violence and explored actionable solutions. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Sarah's Inn remains dedicated to transforming the lives of those affected. Their 24 hour crisis hotline is 708-386-4225 or text 708-669-6149. More information can be found here.


Today, Mayor Hoskins attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Parkway Dispensary, which is now open daily at 9 AM. They take great pride in providing a carefully curated selection of premium cannabis products. It’s an exciting addition to our community!

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to emphasize that early detection is the most effective way to combat this serious disease, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. In recognition of this important issue, Governor Pritzker has proclaimed October 18 as Mammography Day in Illinois. Regular mammograms are vital, as they can detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful. We encourage anyone who may have postponed screenings in recent years—whether due to the pandemic or other reasons—to schedule an exam with their healthcare provider. Key risk factors for breast cancer include older age, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and dense breast tissue, which affects nearly half of women over 40 and can make it more difficult for small tumors to be detected on mammograms. Women are urged to discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare providers to determine if additional screening is necessary.

News from the Public Works Department


POSTPONED

Madison Street Closure during Railroad Track Construction

Now Starting October 14


Canadian National (CN) Railroad will temporarily close their track structure on Madison Street, just east of Forest Avenue. The entire track structure will be replaced, and a new rubber crossing surface will be installed. Track construction is now scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 14. Sections of Madison Street will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will be detoured onto Lake Street using 1st Avenue to the west, and Harlem Avenue to the east during the construction period. Road closure signage will be changed to reflect the new schedule. 


 News from the Community Center


Cindy Lyons Health Fair

October 30th 10 am - 1pm


The annual Cindy Lyons Health Fair, which offers a variety of free screenings, exams and other services, will be held Wednesday, October 30th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Howard Mohr Community Center.

Residents of Forest Park may also receive free vaccinations against seasonal influenza and covid boosters.

News from the Fire Department

Fire Prevention Week October 6th -12th 2024

“Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!”

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
  • Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.



The Village of Forest Park Fire Department is now accepting applications! For more details on how to apply, please click here.



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.

News from the Police Department

The Village of Forest Park Police Department is now accepting applications! For more details on how to apply, please click here.


For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here.


Boards & Commissions

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.


October 10, Recreation Board, 7pm

October 15, Village Council Meeting 7pm

October 15, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm (at Mohr Community Center)

October 17, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm

October 21, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

October 23, Environmental Control, 7pm

October 28, Village Council Meeting, 7pm


Planning & Zoning Commission


The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall.

Community News & Events

Support Local Businesses and Help the Forest Park Food Pantry!


Join us on tomorrow, October 5th, from 11 AM to 4 PM for the Shop Small Crawl! It’s a perfect opportunity to discover amazing deals, savor delicious food, and enjoy refreshing drinks—all while giving back to our community.


How It Works:

1. Buy a $5 tickets here. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Forest Park Food Pantry.

2. Be one of the first 50 to check in & get a $10 gift card to use while shopping & dining

3. Visit participating businesses & 'fill' your Bingo card with stickers provided by merchant

4. Get at least one 'Bingo', then return your card to be entered to win the grand prize ($400 value) & other prizes. Event check in (11am to 4 pm): Twisted Cookie (7401 Madison). 

Thank you to our sponsors Scratch Public House and Shanahan's.


Forest Park Theater presents The Misanthrope


The Misanthrope is a scintillating comedy of hypocrisy, lying, shallowness, and self-righteousness that remains as relevant today as it was when it was written in the 17th century. Richard Wilbur’s translation of Moliere’s story of Alceste, a man whose conscience and sincerity are too rigorous for his time, is considered one of the towering achievements of 20th-century poetry. Satirical, hilarious and romantic, The Misanthrope is the perfect play for the election season. More information and tickets can be found here.


The League of Women Voters of Oak Park

 & River Forest is turning 100!


Join us in celebrating a century of civic engagement at the League of Women Voters Oak Park and River Forest Centennial Gala! A hundred years ago, a dedicated group of citizens in Oak Park and River Forest formed a chapter of the National League of Women Voters, empowering women to embrace their right to vote. Honorary co-chairs Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, Oak Park President Vicki Scaman, and River Forest President Catherine Adduci invite you to the gala on October 20 at 5:30 PM, held at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park. The evening promises cocktails, entertainment, a program, and a history exhibit as we commemorate this significant milestone. Don’t miss out on this special occasion—purchase your tickets online at lwvoprf.org!




Proviso Handyman October 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.

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:



Important Phone Numbers

Police, Fire and Medical Needs 

Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988

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.

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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517 Des Plaines Avenue

Forest Park, Illinois 60130

Telephone: 708-366-2323

E-mail: contact@forestpark.net

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