Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - July 3, 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.
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A Note from the Village Administrator
It's now been over 9 months in which I have had the pleasure of serving as your Village Administrator. In that time, staff and I have been extremely productive! Implementing a new budgeting process and updating financial controls are significant achievements. It’s also wonderful to hear about the positive interactions staff is having with business investors and developers, which can bring great opportunities to Forest Park. We have welcomed new staff and seeing them settle in is very rewarding. Teamwork truly makes a difference in achieving community goals. I am looking forward to the exciting things this team will do in the coming months!
If you've driven on the north side of town recently, you may have noticed the "Coming Soon!" sign at the corner of Harlem and Randolph. The Village is happy to report plans for a brand-new Aldi are in place! Over the next several months, construction crews will be transforming the former Bed, Bath and Beyond building into a 24,000 square foot grocery store. Stay tuned for more information on the store's official grand-opening later this fall!
Summer is in full swing as we head into July. Kids are enjoying a break from school and the pool is busy keeping patrons cool in the hot weather. The warm weather and festive atmosphere make it a perfect time for outdoor fun with family and friends. It’s important that we are also mindful of safety. Fireworks can be beautiful, but they do come with risks. Leaving them to the professionals is definitely the best way to enjoy them safely. Each year, fireworks are involved in accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs, and in some cases, even death. Do your part and celebrate safely this 4th of July!
Do you have any specific concerns or questions you’d like to address with the Village staff? If you have any questions or need to report something important, it’s best to contact staff directly through official channels rather than social media. Email us at contact@forestpark.net or give us a call at 708-366-2323. Staff will direct your question or concern to the right department. Our Village staff is attentive and ready to help.
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!
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Village Council Meeting Information
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, July 8, 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 |
Please note that Village Hall will close at 2 pm on Wednesday, July 3rd, and remain closed on July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on Friday, July 5th. Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!
Also, the overnight parking restriction will be suspended Friday, July 5th from 2AM-5AM. Therefore, you do not need to call your car in on Thursday, July 4 to park overnight until Friday.
| News from the Mayor's Office |
It was a busy weekend for Mayor Hoskins, starting with the Forest Park 3rd Annual Pride Fest on Friday. The vibrant event was made possible by our generous sponsors, and it was great to have Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman and Cas Scaman from OPALGA+ join in the celebration, with Cas playing a pivotal role in organizing. Special thanks to Play it Again Sports and Robert's Westside for their invaluable support in organizing the event with Cas. On Saturday morning, Mayor Hoskins attended the kickoff of the Torch Run in Forest Park, where neighboring village mayors also gathered to rally behind law enforcement staff running to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois. Both occasions highlight our village's commitment to inclusivity and community spirit.
Pictured below Vicki Scaman, Cas Scaman with Mayor Hoskins.
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Pictured below: Mayor Hoskins, Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey, Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker, Westchester Village President Greg Hribal.
| Pictured above Village Administrator Rachell Enter, Lt. Nick Petrovic, Officer Cristal Avila, Chief Ken Gross, Mayor Rory Hoskins, Commissioner Maria Maxham, Megan Roach. | |
News from the Department of Public Health & Safety |
Department of Public Health Reminds Residents to Avoid July 4th Hazards & Celebrate Summer Safely
Food Safety
It can be difficult to keep food cold during warm weather, especially while picnicking or traveling. Keep meat, poultry, and seafood refrigerated until ready to grill. When transporting keep foods 40°F or below in an insulated cooler. One tip to help keep your cooler below 40ºF is to pack beverages in one cooler and food in another. The cooler with the beverages will likely be opened more frequently, causing the temperature inside the cooler to fluctuate. You can also keep coolers in the shade and out of the direct sun.
Ticks and Mosquitoes
Whether camping, hiking or in the backyard, guard against insect-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis and other serious infections.
- WEAR INSECT REPELLENT. Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions
- Avoid being outside during prime mosquito-biting hours, dusk to dawn
- Avoid tick-infested areas, such as the woods and high grasses
- Check people and pets for ticks every 2 to 3 hours
- Remove ticks attached to the body promptly to help prevent diseases. Use tweezers to remove the tick and call a health care provider if a rash, fever or body aches develop during the 1 to 3 weeks following a bite.
- Check with a veterinarian about preventing tickborne diseases in pets as they can carry ticks into the home
Sun and Heat
When the temperature is elevated, guard against sunburn and heat illness:
- Never leave anyone, including pets, alone in a closed, parked vehicle
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside
- Increase fluid intake - drink more liquid than thirst indicates; avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, clammy skin, pale or flushed complexion, and fast and shallow breathing
- Be aware of heat stroke symptoms - hot, dry skin, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion/dizziness and slurred speech
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News from the Community Center | |
2024 Groovin in the Grove!!
June 18, July 16, August 20
Join us at The Grove (7824 Madison Street) for an evening of FREE music under the stars. Feel free to bring your own chairs, food and drink. Concessions will also be available for purchase. The fun starts at 7pm.
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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.
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News from the Fire Department | |
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. | |
Law Enforcement Torch Run!
Despite the challenging heat, Saturday's Law Enforcement Torch Run was a success, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved. The Torch Run not only raised crucial funds but also increased awareness for the remarkable athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Chief Ken Gross, Lt. Nick Petrovic, Officer Cristal Avila and Officer Connor Solms ran with members from the Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, Maywood, River Forest and Westchester communities. The route progressed through all of the 7 participating towns, starting in Forest Park and reaching the finish in Hillside.
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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.
July 8, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
July 11, Recreation Board Meeting, 7pm
July 15, Planning & Zoning Commission, 7pm
July 16, Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7pm
July 18, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm
July 22, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
July 24, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm
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Environmental Control Commission (ECC)
The next ECC meeting will be held on July 24 at Village Hall.
Click here to view our June newsletter!
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Planning & Zoning Commission
The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall. Next meeting is June 17.
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Join us at Constitution Court for the Bike Safety Carnival on Saturday, July 13th, from 9-11am! Special thanks to Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin for organizing and donating helmets, and to our sponsors Play It Again Sports and Ride Illinois. We look forward to seeing you there! |
Forest Park's Dining Scene
Explore Forest Park's diverse dining scene, home to some of the most delicious food in the Chicago area. Madison Street is the hub of culinary excellence, lined with exceptional restaurants stretching from Harlem to Des Plaines Ave and beyond. Whether you're gathering with friends, enjoying a date night, or opting for delicious takeout, Forest Park offers it all. Discover the flavors that make our community unique. Click here to explore the amazing food options. Support local businesses and savor the best of Forest Park
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Proviso Handyman July 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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