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Week Ending - October 19, 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


Don't miss the chance to explore the delightful scarecrows around town, thanks to the wonderful efforts of the Historical Society in organizing this event! You may see cicada scarecrows, Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, Remi from Ratatouille, the band Kiss and don't forget to check out our very own "Village People" outside Village Hall! You can find a map online and vote for your favorite scarecrow here.


Tomorrow, join us for the annual Casket Races hosted by the Chamber, running from 9:30 AM to noon, with the exciting races starting at 11 AM along Beloit Ave. It was great to see Laurie Kokenes and the casket races featured on WGN last week! After the races, stick around for trick-or-treating along Madison from 12:30 to 2:30 PM.


Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Park District of Forest Park's Trunk or Treat on October 26 from 11 AM to 1 PM at 7329 Harrison St. Participants can register their cars to hand out candy from their trunks, with Ferrara Candy Company generously donating candy as well. Both car registration and trick-or-treating are free! For car registration, click here.


A big thank you to all the groups that make our community such a special place to live!


In my role as Village Administrator, I participate on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Illinois City Managers Association (ILCMA). This committee focuses on raising awareness among its members about the vital importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of government. In Forest Park, we've made significant progress in DEI over the past few years. Just this week, we celebrated the appointment of the village's first female fire chief. While there is still work to be done, I am proud of the strides our village has taken in advancing DEI initiatives.

Rachell Entler

Village Administrator


Village Council News

Village Council Meeting Information


The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, October 28, 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.


October 15, 2024 Village Council Meeting Recap


The Village Council approved the following at the 10/15/24 Village Council Meeting


  • The Levy for an additional library tax for building and maintenance was approved.
  • Lindsey Hankus was appointed as the new Fire Chief.
  • A waiver for the hiring freeze for IMRF employees was approved to hire a full-time Pace bus driver.
  • An intergovernmental agreement for Health Inspectional services was approved.
  • A small equipment grant for the fire department to apply with the Illinois State Fire Marshal was approved.
  • An intergovernmental agreement between the CTA and the Village for Special Transit Police services was approved.
  • A resolution to approve and authorize the Professional Engineering & Services Proposal for the 2024 Ferdinand Avenue Watermain and Storm Sewer Replacement and Ferdinand and Adams Street Resurfacing Project with Burke Engineering was approved.
  • A resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement for the Phase 1 Engineering Study of the Harlem Avenue Viaduct was approved.
  • An ordinance fixing the salaries for the officials and employees of the Village of Forest Park from May 1, 2024, was approved. This is for non-union personnel.
  • An ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 8 of the Village zoning code to update the residential zoning codes was tabled for further discussion at a future meeting.
  • An ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 8 of the Village zoning code to update parking codes was approved
  • The 2025 Village Council Meeting Schedule was approved.
  • Senior Trip Contracts with Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Company were approved.
  • Ratification of a request to hang banners for the Forest Park Theater was approved.
  • A raffle license request for Oak Park Windmills was approved.


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.


Information for Forest Park Residents


On election day, Nov 5 – you must vote at your local polling office from 6am – 7pm Find your local polling place here.


Need to vote early?

Beginning 10/21 until 11/4 voters can go to one of the locations below, 9am – 5pm

Maywood Public Library 121 5th ave, Maywood

Oak park Village hall 123 Madison, Oak Park

Brookfield Village hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield

Cicero Community center – 2250 S 49th St, Cicero

Elmwood park Rec center – 2 Conti Pkwy. Elmwood Park

Stickney Library – 6800 43rd St, Stickney

News from the Mayor's Office

Exciting news from the Mayor's office! A few weeks ago, the Mayor and his family welcomed a furry new member: Spencer, their adorable puppy! They adopted him in August, and he’s already brought so much happiness into their lives. You might spot the Mayor out walking more often, as Spencer loves to explore Forest Park! As a new pet owner, the Mayor has picked up a few tips to share: always keep some treats handy for training, ensure regular vet visits for a healthy pup, socialize your pup and introduce to different people and environments and make time for play—it's the best way to bond! The family is thrilled to have Spencer and excited for all the adventures ahead!

At Tuesday's Council Meeting, we officially appointed our new Fire Chief, Lindsey Hankus. As mentioned in last week's newsletter, she has been a long-time member of our Fire Department and will undoubtedly excel in her new role. The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize and honor Phil Chiappetta, who became Chief in 2020. His leadership was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he worked tirelessly to advocate for additional personnel to replace contract paramedics. As Phil embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we thank him for his dedication and service to our community.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding residents that with the arrival of fall comes the start of the traditional respiratory virus season. To protect against illnesses that typically surge during this time, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, the department urges Illinoisans to utilize proven preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated if eligible. In addition, IDPH has enhanced its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and released two new FAQ documents on its website, offering the latest guidance on vaccinations, testing, and treatment for these seasonal illnesses. Furthermore, the CDC has launched a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel, which provides county-specific information nationwide—an invaluable resource for anyone planning to travel out of state.


And don't forget the Cindy Lyons Health Fair. Wednesday, October 30 from 10 AM – 1 PM at the Howard Mohr Community Center for a day of wellness and community support.

The Illinois DMV will be onsite to help you renew your driver’s license or apply for a State ID. (Vision test may be required—visit https://www.ilsos.gov/ for required documents.)

FREE vaccines and health checks:

• Flu shots (high dose for seniors, regular dose for ages 10+) • Covid, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Tetanus shots

• Blood pressure checks, balance tests, and more!

Everything is FREE! Forest Park residents, need a ride? Call us at 708-771-7737 for transportation.



News from the Public Works Department


Autumn Leaves: What You Need to Know About Leaf Pickup


During autumn and winter, we want to remind residents of their leaf removal options. You can bag leaves for yard waste pickup, use bulk curbside collection, or compost them for your garden.


From April 1 to November 29, 2024, leaf and yard waste pickup is included in your monthly refuse charges on your water bill. We encourage residents who can, to please bag their leaves to keep roadways clear and prevent storm drain blockages. Yard waste can be disposed of in 32-gallon paper bags or clearly labeled cans.

 

Our curbside leaf collection runs from October 1 to December 1, 2024. To participate, please rake leaves to the curb, avoiding storm drains, by the evening of your collection day. Note that hired landscape contractors must properly dispose of all debris and cannot leave leaves in the street, as this may result in fines. For more details and to view the schedule, please click here.

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 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

Last Friday 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

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 21, Planning & Zoning, 7pm

October 23, Environmental Control, 7pm

October 28, Village Council Meeting, 7pm

November 6, Board of Health, 7pm

November 12, 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. The next PZC Meeting is Monday, October 21. Please stay informed and join us if you can. Upcoming Agenda.

Community News & Events


Forest Park Fall Wine Walk

November 2 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – $50.00


Enjoy tastings of three wines at 16 locations, paired with locally prepared small bites and art from local artists.

Tickets are $50 per person, which includes all tastings and a free bottle of wine (pick up from Famous Liquors within 30 days). Choose from a 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm registration time at Forest Park Bank (7348 Madison) to receive your wine glass and itinerary.

Tickets must be purchased in advance—none will be available at the event. The Wine Walk is rain or shine, and tickets are transferable but non-refundable. Registration details will be emailed two weeks prior to the event. Purchase tickets here.

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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:



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

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517 Des Plaines Avenue

Forest Park, Illinois 60130

Telephone: 708-366-2323

E-mail: contact@forestpark.net

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