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Week Ending - September 27, 2025
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!
Joke of the week: What do skeletons play in the band?
The sax-a-bone!
| News From the Village Administrator's Office | |
As September comes to a close, I’d like to recognize our Fire Department. September is Firefighter Appreciation Month, and next week we enter October, which marks Fire Prevention Month. Here in Forest Park, we are fortunate to have such dedicated public servants. In times of emergency and uncertainty, it is our firefighters and police officers who step forward to provide help, reassurance, and compassion to our residents.
I’m also excited to share some great news: our Fire Department has been awarded the 2025 ComEd and Mayors Caucus Powering Safe Communities grant. This funding will allow the department to add new tools to enhance community safety, including battery-powered chainsaws that will improve both efficiency and safety during emergency responses, while also supporting our ongoing commitment to renewable and sustainable energy.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend.
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Rachell Entler
Village Administrator
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Village Council News
The next regular Village Council Meeting will be Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7pm at Village Hall. If you missed Monday's meeting, a recording can be found here.
In case you missed Monday’s meeting, here’s a recap:
- Chamber of Commerce – Presentation on social media efforts and promotion of local businesses.
- Library – Approved levy of an additional tax for building and maintenance.
- Grant Awards – Accepted $1,739 ComEd Powering Safe Communities Grant.
- Public Safety – Approved participation in the Organized Retail Crime Grant Program.
- Youth Programs – Accepted IDOT FY 2026 Tobacco Enforcement Program Grant.
- Opioid Settlement – Authorized participation in new national multistate settlements.
- Infrastructure – Approved advertising bids for the 2025 Sidewalk Improvement Project.
- Development – Authorized consulting agreement with Ryan, LLC for potential projects.
- Roadway Improvements – Approved funding and engineering agreements with IDOT/CBBEL for Jackson Boulevard resurfacing (Des Plaines to Harlem).
The Village Council also approved the 2026 meeting schedule.
| News from the Village Clerk's Office | |
Village Hall will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
As a reminder, beginning in 2026, the Village Council has approved a $10 increase for all vehicle sticker fees:
- Passenger cars: $35 → $45
- B trucks: $40 → $50
- Senior rate: $10 → $20
Vehicle sticker fees help fund essential services, including street maintenance, snow plowing, winter salting, and other core operations that keep Forest Park running safely and smoothly.
| News from the Mayor's Office | |
Last week, Mayor Hoskins attended the Suicide Prevention Summit in Oak Brook, where the Village of Forest Park served as a sponsor of this important event. The summit brought together diverse voices in a shared space of learning, healing, and action—advancing suicide prevention through education, connection, and empowerment.
This week, Mayor Hoskins, Village Administrator Rachell Entler, and Public Works Director Sal Stella attended the Mayoral and Community Forum for the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4). C4 prioritizes peer learning and collaboration, resource acquisition, large-scale replicable projects, and metrics. The initiative currently supports 14 underserved and under-resourced Chicagoland communities working together to achieve:
45% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions by 2030 from 2010 levels, and
100% reductions by 2050, in accordance with science-based recommendations.
C4 also focuses on providing funding and support for underserved communities to achieve equitable sustainability outcomes.
Looking ahead, tomorrow is the Community Clean-Up, hosted by Commissioner Jessica Voogd and the Recreation Board. Residents can still sign up to participate!
In addition, the Environmental Control Commission is now accepting nominations for the annual Environmental Award. Do you know an individual or group making a difference in sustainability and climate action? Submit your nominations by October 15. Nominations forms can be found here.
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News from the Public Works Department
Leaf Pick Up Season!
Leaf season has arrived! Residents have three options for leaf removal this fall: bagging for yard waste pickup, curbside bulk collection, or composting for a greener garden.
Yard waste pickup runs April 1 – November 29, 2025 and is already included in your water bill. Leaves can be placed in 32-gallon paper yard waste bags or in containers clearly marked with a yard waste sticker (available at Village Hall). If you’re able, we encourage bagging whenever possible—it helps prevent clogged storm drains and keeps costs down so Public Works can continue providing other essential services.
For those who prefer bulk collection, curbside leaf pickup will run October 6 – December 5, 2025. Simply rake your leaves to the curb. You can also check the street sweeper schedule to see when crews will be in your area.
Another great option is composting—it’s an environmentally friendly way to recycle nutrients back into your garden. For helpful composting tips, click here.
Thank you to all our residents for doing your part to keep Forest Park clean and beautiful this fall!
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety
Save the date! The annual Cindy Lyons Health Fair
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Howard Mohr Community Center. The Illinois DMV will be onsite to assist with driver’s license renewals and State ID applications (a vision test may be required—please visit ilsos.gov for details on required documents).
This year’s fair will feature free vaccines and health screenings, including flu shots, COVID, shingles, pneumonia, and tetanus vaccines, along with blood pressure checks, and more.
Everything is completely free of charge. Forest Park residents who need a ride can call 708-771-7737 to arrange transportation.
| | News from the Fire Department | | |
October is Fire Prevention Month
Next week we head into October, which is also Fire Prevention Month. This is a time to raise awareness about fire safety and help keep our homes, families, and community safe.
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing helpful tips each week to remind residents of simple but important steps. A little preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.
Weekly Tip: Check Your Smoke Alarms
Test all smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries if needed. Make sure there’s a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
| | News from the Police Department | | |
September is Preparedness Month
This month, we’re encouraging all residents to take a few minutes to review your personal and family preparedness plans. Emergencies can happen without warning—being ready can make all the difference.
Below are some helpful resources to help you prepare:
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Board of Health
Suicide can be a scary topic, and it’s often hard to talk about—especially if you fear someone you love may be at risk. A common myth is that bringing up suicide will make someone more likely to consider it. In fact, research shows the opposite: talking openly about suicidal thoughts reduces the likelihood that a person will harm themselves.
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. They often arise during times of pain, stress, or hopelessness, but experiencing these thoughts does not mean someone is weak, and it does not mean they have to act on them. Reaching out can feel overwhelming, but help is always available.
If you believe someone you know is struggling, here are some ways to start the conversation:
- Ask openly: “I’m worried you want to harm yourself. Can we talk about it?”
- Express care: “I’m asking because I care, not because I’m upset.”
- Be non-judgmental: “What you’re going through is hard. I understand why you feel this way.”
- Offer support: “I’m here for you. Let’s figure out how to get help.” (Call/text 988, or reach out to the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264.)
- Check in: “I’ll keep reaching out. You’re not alone.”
Suicide is serious, but talking about it helps. Everyone has the ability to support someone in need—including you.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans can press 1 for dedicated support, and Spanish speakers can press 2.
Casey Castle, LCSW, PMH-C, BC-TMH
Forest Park Board of Health
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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.
October 1, Board of Health, 7pm
October 9, Recreation Board, 7pm
October 14, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
October 15, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm
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Don’t miss the final weekend of the Mums the Word fundraiser at Good Earth! 🌸
With every purchase, you’ll receive 10% off, and The Altenheim will also receive 10% of your pre-tax total. 💐 A simple way to save while giving back!
Details below
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CMAP needs your help! Improving safety and access to local railway crossings
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is working with local communities to improve safety and access at railway crossings, and your voice matters! Whether you're a resident, commuter, or business owner, please take a couple of minutes to complete the community survey. Your input will help guide decisions that impact travel, emergency access, and pedestrian safety. Help us build a safer, more connected community! Take the survey now at: https://engage.cmap.illinois.gov/berwyn-riverside-crossings.
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Mark Your Calendar – Exciting October Events Ahead!
The Historical Society of Forest Park has two incredible events lined up for early October that you won’t want to miss!
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Haymarket Martyrs Monument & Radical Row Tour
Join for the final tour of the year exploring this powerful chapter of labor history.
Click here for more info and tickets
Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Bicycle Tour of Forest Home Cemetery
Pedal through history with a guided ride through this storied cemetery, rich with radical heritage.
Click here for more info and tickets
Don't miss these unique opportunities to connect with history in meaningful—and memorable—ways!
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Calling All Knitters & Crocheters!
The Forest Park Arts Alliance is gearing up for its annual Fiber Flash—and we need you!
This is a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity, connect with fellow fiber artists, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just picking up your needles, your handmade creations will bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most.
Join us in stitching together something beautiful for the community!
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Proviso Handyman September 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.
| | 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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