708-366-2323 - contact@forestpark.net

On Tuesday, the Mayor and I had the pleasure of being guests at Ferrara Candy Company as the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), Makers on the Move bus tour made a stop in Forest Park. Ferrara has been a staple of our community for decades, and I have such fun memories of visiting their charming candy store as a child—a tradition I still enjoy today! Their generosity shines through in their support for local events, as they regularly donate candy for trick-or-treating, our St. Patrick's Day parade, and the annual no-gloves softball tournament.

The IMEC bus tour showcases modern manufacturing—highlighting high-tech, clean, diverse, and sustainable practices—by visiting facilities, colleges, and high schools across the state. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spotlight the innovative manufacturing sector and the incredible job opportunities available today. I was proud to be there, celebrating Ferrara's ongoing commitment to our village and community.

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.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Village Hall will be closed on Monday October 14

Neighborhood Watch October 15 - Cancelled due to officer liaison in training

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, the Mayor celebrated Manufacturing Month by participating in the Makers on the Move bus tour, which made a stop at Ferrera Candy Company in Forest Park. Organized by IMEC, this eight-day tour highlights the manufacturing facilities across Illinois, and it's always a pleasure to showcase our local businesses like Ferrera Candy Company.

On Wednesday the Mayor attended a Municipal Leader Breakfast hosted by the Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS, where he served on a panel alongside other local elected officials. This event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with realtors active in our Village and discuss key challenges in housing and economic development, while also sharing our collective goals for the future of our neighboring communities.

Today, our new Fire Chief, Lindsey Hankus, was sworn in by the Mayor. Lindsey has been a dedicated member of the Forest Park Fire Department since 2002, starting as a paramedic before becoming a full-time firefighter in 2005. Her extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable as she leads the department. Additionally, we celebrate the promotion of firefighter Phil Damato, who was sworn in as a Lieutenant today. With nearly 20 years of service, Phil exemplifies the commitment and professionalism of our team. We are truly fortunate to have such exceptional individuals serving and protecting our community.

Pictured below Village Administrator Entler and Mayor Hoskins with Ferrera Candy executives and on the right David Boulay, President of IMEC.

Pictured above Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, Elmwood Park Village President Skip Saviano, Mayor Hoskins, River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci, John Lawrence (panel moderator).

Pictured below: Village Administrator Rachell Entler, Lieutenant Phil Damato, Fire Chief Lindsey Hankus, Mayor Rory Hoskins.

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

COMED Management Notification

In the coming months, ComEd will be conducting tree-trimming in Forest Park to enhance electrical reliability. Affected customers and property owners have been notified with important details, including an overview of the planned activities, a website address, and a toll-free telephone number where they can find written information on dispute resolution processes, rights, and remedies available through the utility. Additionally, customers and property owners have the opportunity to appeal the planned vegetation management efforts through both the electric public utility and the Illinois Commerce Commission. All work will be performed free of charge by qualified arborists and all debris will be removed.

 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

Today was busy at the Fire Station as we celebrated two significant milestones. Lindsey Hankus was officially sworn in as our new Fire Chief, bringing fresh leadership and vision to our team. Additionally, Phil Damato was promoted to lieutenant, recognizing his hard work and dedication. Join us in congratulating both Lindsey and Phil as they take on their new roles!

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 15, Village Council Meeting 7pm

October 15, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm CANCELLED: officer liaison in training

October 15, Board of Health Meeting, 7pm

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

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:



• Forest Park Public Library
• Forest Park School District 91
• Village of Forest Park

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