Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - November 30, 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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Parking Ban suspended for Thanksgiving Weekend
The overnight parking restriction will be suspended from Thursday, November 28th through Sunday, December 1st.
Overnight passes must be requested for 2 AM to 5 AM street parking on Monday, December 2nd.
Parking passes may be requested by calling 708-366-7272 between 8 PM and 2 AM or online here.
Di'Vino is OPEN!!!
On Monday evening, Village Hall department heads and Commissioners visited the newly opened Di'Vino restaurant at 1527 Harlem. The food was outstanding, with highlights including the date chorizo appetizer, ceviche, and skirt steak—highly recommended for anyone stopping by. The restaurant offers an eclectic menu with something for everyone, and for those looking to host special events, they have a private party room available in the back. Be sure to check out this exciting new spot in the neighborhood!
Below Village staff with the owners of Di'Vino.
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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 | The 2025 Village Calendars are now available! Pick one up at Village Hall or Schauer's Hardware to keep track of all the important dates for the upcoming year. Please note that Village Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29, for Thanksgiving. Garbage pickup will occur on Friday, November 29, that week. We wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving! | News from the Mayor's Office |
The Mayor's office wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
On Saturday, November 30th at 11 a.m., the Village will honor the memory of Geung Goo (Michael) Lee with an honorary street naming at the corner of Madison Street and Des Plaines Avenue, where he operated Lee’s Auto Service for over 30 years. The Mayor will be joined by Mrs. Lee, their children, and grandchildren to celebrate Mr. Lee’s lasting impact on Forest Park. The street naming will recognize his contributions, dedication to the community, and legacy as a respected businessman and community leader. Residents, family, and friends are invited to attend this special event. More information can be found here.
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety |
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging Illinoisans to celebrate Thanksgiving 2024 safely by taking steps to prevent foodborne illnesses and seasonal viruses. Hosts should ensure food safety by keeping hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and properly thawing turkeys in the refrigerator. The CDC advises on safe turkey cooking to avoid illnesses like Salmonellosis. More information here.
While current seasonal respiratory illness levels are low, IDPH warns that flu, COVID-19, and RSV may increase as colder weather sets in. To protect guests, ensure proper indoor ventilation, encourage hand hygiene, and remind everyone to cover coughs and sneezes. If feeling ill, stay home to avoid spreading illness.
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News from the Public Works Department
Annual Water Main Replacement
Public Works would like to inform residents that over the next several months, there will be construction work along the 400-500 block of Ferdinand, from Madison to Jackson. Before colder temperatures set in, the water main will be replaced, followed by the replacement of the water service lines in the spring. During work hours, flaggers will direct traffic on Jackson Avenue as needed to ensure that motorists can travel in both directions. The street will remain accessible at the end of each workday, and local traffic can continue to use Ferdinand during evening and overnight hours. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the village.
Pace Update
Effective Sunday, December 8, Pace will launch a pilot project to enhance and expand service on Route 301. A summary of the changes is outlined here.
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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 | |
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.
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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 4, Board of Health Meeting, 7pm
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 | |
Book Recommendation: A Refreshing Take on Recycling
Year of No Garbage: Recycling Lies, Plastic Problems, and One Woman’s Trashy Journey to Zero Waste
By Eve O. Schaub
If you’re tired of dry, academic books on recycling, this one’s for you. Year of No Garbage offers a refreshingly honest and sometimes humorous perspective on the environmental impact of our waste. Eve O. Schaub takes us on a personal journey as she challenges the lies and misconceptions surrounding recycling in America, all while trying to live a year with zero waste. It’s relatable, engaging, and anything but boring—perfect for anyone looking to make a change, but with a smile.
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Small Business Saturday, November 30 11am - 4pm
This Small Business Saturday, November 30, show your love for Forest Park's unique small businesses by shopping small in a big way! While you're out supporting local shops, be sure to stop by the Chamber at Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor to sample some local treats, pick up a free 'letter to Santa' kit, and grab a player's card for our new Elf Hunt. Get out early, shop 'til you drop, and you could win one of $2,000 in local gift cards (while supplies last)! After shopping, return to Brown Cow with your receipts to claim your free gift card: spend $75-$150 and get a $25 gift card, or spend $150+ and score a $50 gift card. Small businesses are the heart of our community, and they need our support—let’s show them some love in Forest Park! *Receipts must be from a Forest Park business. Sponsored by the Forest Park Chamber & Village of Forest Park.
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6th Graders Light Up Wishes for Make-A-Wish
Forest Park Middle School's sixth graders are hosting the second annual Wish Upon a Light event! They are selling paper lantern kits, with all proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The last day to order is December 7. On December 14, everyone is invited to display their lanterns on the sidewalk. For more details and to order, click here.
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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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