Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - September 21, 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.
| |
As we welcome the arrival of Fall this weekend, it’s a great time to remember that the days are getting shorter and it’s getting darker earlier. Your safety is our top priority, so I wanted to share a few tips to help you stay secure during these autumn evenings. Before nightfall, make sure to fill up your gas tank, keep an extra phone charger handy, and consider signing up for AAA roadside assistance. When parking, opt for well-lit areas and stay vigilant of your surroundings. Installing a floodlight with a motion sensor near your home can enhance security, and it’s always wise to let someone know your plans and expected return time. Ensure your phone has emergency numbers programmed, and if you’re interested in community safety, join us at our Neighborhood Watch program meeting at 7 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Village Hall. For more details, click here.
Autumn also ushers in the excitement of weekend football, and Forest Park is the perfect place to enjoy the games with fellow fans. The Beacon Pub boasts a wide selection of beers and a roomy beer garden for enjoying the match. Events by Cibula is hosting touchdown and teamwork fun to raise money for Empowering Gardens while also supporting the Bears. For a tasty bite, FatDuck’s renowned fries are a must-try, and you can catch a game while you’re there. Robert's Westside hosts Bears watch parties and teams up with Opportunity Knocks for some football fun. Don’t miss Scratch Public House, where you can savor their unique Bear Down Menu. Old School, with its famous Maxwell Street pork chop, offers a vibrant atmosphere for NCAA rivalries on Saturdays and NFL action on Sundays. This fall, explore these fantastic local spots for the ultimate food-and-football experience.
Stay safe and enjoy the new season!
| |
Rachell Entler
Village Administrator
|
Village Council Meeting Information
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, September 23, 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 |
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 |
Strong Cities Workshop
This week, I had the privilege of attending a workshop in Columbus, Ohio, alongside mayors from around the globe. This gathering provided a platform for us to discuss the pressing challenges facing our communities, including the impacts of climate change, the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, migration issues, and the plight of the unhoused. Through Strong Cities Network, we were able to exchange resources and strategies with a shared commitment to fostering social cohesion. While addressing these crises is never straightforward, it is heartening to see mayors coming together to collaborate on safeguarding the human rights and well-being of all residents.
| |
News from the Department of Public Health & Safety | Flu season is approaching, and it's crucial to take preventive measures. Last year, approximately 25,000 people in the U.S. died from the flu, and around 400,000 were hospitalized. To ensure you’re protected, the CDC recommends getting your flu shot between mid-September and the end of October. This timing helps your immune system build protection before flu activity increases and ensures that your immunity lasts through the winter. Note that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the flu shot to offer full protection. To support your health efforts, the Howard Mohr Community Center will host the Cindy Lyons Health Fair on Wednesday, October 30, offering free flu shots. For more details, call the Community Center at 708-771-7737. For more details on the flu and tips on how to protect yourself, click here. | |
News from the Public Works Department
From September 30 to October 4, Canadian National Railway will be replacing tracks, requiring the partial closure of Madison Street. West of Des Plaines Avenue, will be closed to through traffic up to Thatcher Avenue.
Traffic will be redirected via Lake Street, so please plan your routes accordingly. Road closure signs will be posted in advance over the next two weeks.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
| |
News from the Community Center | |
Food Pantry
Residents who are in need of assistance with groceries can visit the Forest Park Food Pantry located at the Community Center. For hours and more information, call 708-771-7737.
| |
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.
|
|
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.
| |
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.
September 23, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
September 25, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm
October 2, Board of Health, 7pm
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
| |
Environmental Control Commission
Sustainability Fair!
The Forest Park Public Library and the Forest Park Environmental Control Commission present the Forest Park Sustainability Fair on Saturday, September 28 from 2-4pm.
Stop by the Library for this all-ages fest that helps you explore how to live more sustainability. Great for all ages!
- Eco-crafts fun for the whole family
- Recycling opportunities: batteries and electronics will be collected during the event to recycle.
- Bring an item to get fixed with the Oak Park DIY Repair Cafe
- Worm composting with Empowering Gardens
- Learn about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it can help you with the Citizens Utility Board
- Learn how to compost, saving energy, and more in Forest Park
- Seed bombs from Scouts America
- Tasting from Happy Apple Pie Shop
-
TMuseum of Science and Industry Curiosity Station
- Chance to win a computer or buy a reduced-price computer.
Sign up here.
ECC September Newsletter
| |
Purchase a Computer at a Reduced Cost
On Saturday, September 28, the Forest Park Public Library will be hosting the nonprofit social enterprise PCs for People at the Sustainability Fair.
Eligible community members can purchase a low-cost computer through PCs for People throughout the month of September and pick them up at the Sustainability Fair or have them shipped to a home address.
Community members are eligible if they are enrolled in a government assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Pell Grant, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program etc., or have a household income that is less than 60% of the area median income. (See the flyer more information on household income levels).
Computers cost between $100-150. Models vary.
See details and sign up click here.
|
Planning & Zoning Commission
The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall.
| |
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.
| |
Senator Lightford's Family Fall Fun Day at Brookfield Zoo
(south entrance)
Sunday, September 22
12pm - 2pm (registration begins at 11am).
| |
Red Line Extension Project - Meet the Contractor Event
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has made significant progress on the Red Line Extension (RLE) Project by selecting Walsh-VINCI Transit Community Partners as the contracting team for the 5.6-mile extension from 95th Street to 130th Street, which will feature four new stations. Join us to meet the contractor and learn about opportunities for DBE-certified businesses specializing in various trades. Don't miss this chance to get involved in this transformative project!
| |
Veterans Resource Fair, Sunday September 29
The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual veterans' resource fair at the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to providing a space for military community members to connect with veteran service organizations, CCVA is honoring Cook County’s Gold Star mothers and families at this year's event. The fair will be held from 1:30 pm - 5pm at the Brookfield Zoo. More information can be found here.
| |
Proviso Handyman August 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
| | | | |