Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - December 7, 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!
We want to hear from you and keep all residents informed about the latest news and events in Forest Park. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out via email at contact@forestpark.net or call us at 708-366-2323. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates and community highlights!
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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Last Saturday, despite the chilly temperatures, dozens of residents and friends of Michael Lee gathered to honor his legacy at the street naming ceremony. It was a privilege to stand alongside the Lee family and recognize the many years of service Mr. Lee dedicated to our community. We sincerely thank all who attended.
Tonight, join us for the annual Holiday Walk on Madison Street, where the area will be filled with festive excitement, including horse-drawn carriage rides, live window displays, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Additionally, the Community Center is hosting a coat drive from December 2-13. Details can be found below in the newsletter.
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Rachell Entler
Village Administrator
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Village Council Meeting Information
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, December 16, 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 | Santa Claus is gearing up to return to Forest Park, and once again, he and his reindeer are letting the CTA do the driving! The CTA is thrilled to announce the upcoming service schedule for the 2024 Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. The brightly decorated train and bus will be transporting Santa and his elves throughout the Windy City, spreading holiday cheer to passengers of all ages. It’s sure to be a festive and joyful ride for everyone! Click here for Santa photo information. And here for holiday train. | News from the Mayor's Office |
This past week, the Mayor attended the Strong Cities Fifth Global Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. The summit brought together mayors, local leaders, civil society organizations, and national and international partners from around the world to share strategies for tackling rising hate, extremism, and polarization in the face of ongoing global challenges. This event provided a valuable platform for cities to showcase their efforts in creating safer, more inclusive communities. Additionally, the Village of Forest Park was recently accepted as a member of the Strong Cities Network, further strengthening our commitment to these important global efforts.
Below: Mayor Jan Van Zanen (Hague, Netherlands) with Mayor Hoskins
| Pictured above Mayor Hoskins, Mayor Perparim Rama (Pristina, Kosovo), Mayor Van Johnson (Savannah, GA), Mayor Steve Patterson (Athens, OH). |
Wednesday, December 11, Join us at Robert’s Eastside for the annual Mayor Hoskins' Community Toy Drive. This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and support families in need during the holiday season. Whether you're donating toys or simply attending to show your support, everyone is welcome to be part of this meaningful event.
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety | As colder temperatures arrive, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging Illinoisans to prepare for the respiratory virus season by getting recommended vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. While the IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard currently shows that the overall illness level in Illinois remains low, public health officials anticipate an increase in viral activity as the holiday season and indoor gatherings begin. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases this year, with the largest monthly total in 20 years recorded in October. If you haven't yet received updated vaccines for flu, COVID-19, or RSV, now is the ideal time to schedule your shots. It typically takes about two weeks for vaccines to provide full protection, so getting vaccinated this week will help safeguard you and your loved ones before holiday celebrations. | |
News from the Public Works Department
Final Public Works Leaf Pick up
Yard waste pickup with regular garbage collection has officially ended for the season and will resume on April 1, 2025. However, Public Works will continue curbside and street pick up until Friday, December 13. After this date, curbside pickup will no longer be available. We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for helping keep our community clean.
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News from the Community Center
Winter Coat Drive
The Howard Mohr Community Center is hosting a Winter Coat Drive to help keep our neighbors warm during the cold months ahead. Your donations of new or gently used coats will make a big difference in our community.
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News from the Fire Department | |
As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. This easy-to-follow tip sheet covers picking, placing, lighting, and disposing of the tree. | |
Fill the Truck Food Drive - now through December 24th!
Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753 is collecting food donations to restock the Village’s Food Pantry which is housed at the Howard Mohr Community Center. The Food Pantry provides food all year long to residents in need.
Donations are being collected at the Firehouse. No donation is too small, and every donation is very much appreciated!
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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.
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News from the Police Department | |
For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here. | |
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.
December 12, Recreation Board Meeting, 7pm
December 16, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
December 17, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm
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Environmental Control Commission
Thinking about Christmas and wondering how you can make your holiday a little more environmentally friendly? Below are some good ideas.
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Holiday Makers' Market - December 14, 2024
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Roberts Westside, 7321 Madison Street, Forest Park
Join us for the Arts Alliance Forest Park's Holiday Makers’ Market, a celebration of local talent and creativity! Featuring 28 exceptional artists and artisans, this is your chance to shop unique, handmade gifts while supporting the area's finest makers. Avoid the holiday rush and packaging of big-box stores—find something special and sustainable for everyone on your list. Don’t miss out on this festive, community-focused event!
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Harm Reduction Workshop with Liv4Lali
Thursday, December 12 at 7pm
Forest Park Public Library
7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL
| Join the Forest Park Public Library for a presentation by the harm reduction team at Live4Lali. This organization works to reduce stigma and prevent substance use disorder among individuals, families, and communities, and minimize the overall health, legal and social harms associated with substance use. Register here. |
Wall of Renown Nominations!
The Historical Society of Forest Park is updating its Wall of Renown in the lower level of Village Hall for the first time since 1998. Established in 1984, the Wall of Renown honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and success of the village. The display features photographs and brief biographies of Forest Park residents who have dedicated their time and talent to the community. This long-awaited update will continue to celebrate those whose efforts have helped shape Forest Park into the thriving village it is today, bringing renewed attention to the remarkable individuals that have enriched its history. Nomination form will be open until the end of 2024, The HSFP executive board will vote on nominees. Nomination form here.
Thank you to Public Works for helping us with this project. We appreciate your work!
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Proviso Handyman December 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.
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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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