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Week Ending - February 8, 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!
As we begin February, we’d love to hear about the winter traditions that make Forest Park feel special to you. Which of these do you look forward to the most? Email your ideas to contact@forestpark.net
Choices:
- Enjoying a warm cup of cocoa or coffee at one of our cozy local cafés
- Taking a peaceful walk through your neighborhood after a fresh snowfall
- Experiencing the magic of the annual Holiday Walk
- Volunteering to help others during the winter season
- Staying cozy indoors with family or friends
- Other (we’d love to hear about your unique tradition!)
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As we begin Phase 1 of the lead service line replacement project, I want to inform residents that those who are part of this phase will receive direct communication from the project lead with more details about the process and what to expect. This is an important step in improving the water infrastructure in our Village, and we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to make these necessary updates. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please feel free to contact us at 708-366-2323 or email contact@forestpark.net, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, be sure to check out the incredible events hosted by Table & Lain. On February 13, they’ll be offering a Chocolate and Champagne Love Affair, a delightful pairing that promises to be the perfect way to kick off your celebration. Then, on February 14 & 15, indulge in a complete Culinary Experience, with expertly crafted dishes designed to impress. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out or simply want to enjoy a special evening in an intimate and charming atmosphere, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience all that Table & Lain has to offer right here in our village.
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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, February 10, 2025, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.
| News from the Village Clerk's Office | |
Vehicle Sticker Renewal
The Clerk's office has been busy this week mailing out vehicle sticker renewals. Please keep an eye out for yours in the mail. You can conveniently renew your sticker online, in person, or by mail. Be sure to renew by April 1 to avoid any issues. A big thank you to our staff for managing this busy time of year and ensuring everything runs smoothly!
| This year, as you purchase your vehicle sticker, please consider supporting a great cause by donating to this year’s charitable option. Your donation will be shared between two amazing organizations: the Forest Park Library (Forest Park Cares Fund), and Empowering Gardens. These organizations are dedicated to giving back to our community. Click here to donate! | News from the Mayor's Office | |
The Mayor's Office conducted a quick poll among village staff to see who they are rooting for in this Sunday's Super Bowl. While some had no preference and no idea who was playing, the majority are hoping for an Eagles victory, including the Mayor, who will be watching the game at home with his family, cheering on Philly. Clerk Belmonte, on the other hand, is hoping to see a three-peat for the Kansas City Chiefs, which would be a historic first in Super Bowl history.
In other news, the Mayor’s Office is excited to announce that the Arts Alliance will be hosting its third annual 48-Hour Film Challenge. Filming will take place the weekend of March 7-9, with the screening scheduled for March 22. Be sure to register before February 28, and tickets will be available online after March 1. What a wonderful and creative village we live in!
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety | |
Free Flu and Covid vaccinations Extended
In an effort to address the ongoing high flu activity and low vaccination rates in suburban Cook County, the Cook County Department of Public Health, Cook County Health, and CountyCare are expanding their Saturday vaccination clinics in Arlington Heights, Robbins, Blue Island, and Cottage Grove. “We are still in the thick of flu season, and it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccines have a direct impact in reducing hospitalizations and fatalities from these viruses. Getting vaccinated remains one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health. Residents are encouraged to bring a form of I.D. and an insurance card, if available. To learn more about the Saturday vaccination clinics, click here.
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News from the Public Works Department
Spring will be here before you know it. In 2022, the Village of Forest Park compiled a full GIS Tree Inventory, along with a Forestry Comprehensive Management Plan. The Village is excited to finally be able to tap into these valuable resources in moving forward with their tree planting goals. The majority of the trees planted per season will be based on Arborist recommendations from our new resources. The Forest Park Public Works Department is taking minimal tree requests in each planting season. There are limited request amounts available, so act quickly. Please visit The Village of Forest Park’s GIS tree map FP Trees. The black circles with the blue pins inside represent open planting spaces. If your location falls in these areas, the Village will plant the tree at no charge. Otherwise, residents will be charged full price for the tree they request in all other areas. Included will be the free planting of the tree by the Public Works staff and a watering bag. All those interested should email the Director of Public Works at sstella@forestpark.net. You will be sent a tree list to pick from. Once the location and tree species is approved by the Director of Public Works, You will be added to the planting list for Spring 2025. Any requests that were not able to be met in Spring will be considered for the fall planting in the order they were received. Please have all requests sent to the Director of Public Works by March 1, 2025.
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News from the Fire Department | |
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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.
During National Burn Awareness Week (February 2-8, 2025), the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is focusing on burn prevention in all living spaces, from homes and apartments to temporary shelters. This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” emphasizes the importance of taking practical steps to reduce burn hazards in kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas, and storage spaces. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera stresses the urgency of following safety measures, noting that burn injuries can happen quickly and have lasting physical and emotional impacts. Simple, proactive changes in the home can prevent life-altering injuries and promote safer living environments for everyone.
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News from the Police Department | |
For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here. | |
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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.
February 10, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
February 13, Recreation Board, 7pm
February 18, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm
February 19, Safety & Traffic, 7pm
February 24, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
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Environmental Control Commission
Don't let February's chilly weather keep you indoors! The ECC found some exciting local events to help you connect with nature—no matter the temperature. Check out the details below and be sure to register in advance where required.
Children’s Storytime
Listen to a nature-themed children’s book read aloud, followed by a themed activity. Program held indoors at Thatcher Woods Pavilion.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Thatcher Woods (Chicago Ave, west of Thatcher Ave)
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Photography Walk
Join a naturalist for a quest to capture some magical winter photos.
Friday, Feb. 14
Thatcher Woods (Chicago Ave, west of Thatcher Ave)
9:30 a.m.
Restoration Workday - registration required
Help restore the natural community structure of our woodlands, savannas and prairies, control invasive species and enhance native vegetation. Gloves, tools and light refreshments provided. For adults and kids ages 12 +; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
9 a.m. to noon
Senior Fitness Walk - registration required
Join a one-mile, easy-paced walk in beautiful Thatcher Woods, led by University of Illinois Master Naturalist Roberta Jannsen.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Thatcher Woods (Chicago Ave, west of Thatcher Ave)
9 a.m.
Remember to register early for events with limited space. See you outside!
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Join the Library for a series of events celebrating Black History Month
Babybugs Storytime Celebrates Black Voices
Fridays in February at 11 am
Total-T Magic with Terrence Hunter
Sunday, February 9 at 4 pm
The Blues: The History & the Music
Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm
Edmonia Lewis & The Death of Cleopatra: Uncovering the Forest Park Connection
Wednesday, February 19 at 7 pm
Art & Flo
Thursday, February 27 at 7pm
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More info and registration can be found here. | |
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Proviso Handyman February 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 | |
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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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