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Week Ending - June 29, 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



Village Council News

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.

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!

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.


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

IDPH Warns Illinoisans to Protect Themselves from Dangerously High Heat 


With dangerously high levels of heat forecast across the state of Illinois in the coming days, including heat index forecasts approaching 100 degrees, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is warning Illinoisans to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

 

You can protect yourself from heatstroke and heat exhaustion with these basic steps:

  • Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If you don't have air conditioning in your home, go to a public place such as a shopping mall or a library to stay cool. Or check for cooling centers at the Keep Cool Illinois website.
  • Wear light, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as it reflects heat and sunlight.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water often and don't wait until you are thirsty. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you like those that contain caffeine or alcohol.
  • Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning, especially during times of peak heat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
  • Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Those at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Here are some symptoms of heatstroke to look out for:

·        Body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit

·        Difficulty breathing

·        An elevated heart rate

·        Skin hot to the touch

·        Feeling dizziness, nausea or disorientation

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. While you are waiting for medical assistance, you can use ice packs on the neck and underarms and drink cool water to lower your body temperature.

More information here.

 

News from the Public Works Department



ATTENTION Residents of the 800 & 900 Circle/Marengo Alleys

 

Removal & construction of your new Green Alley will start on Monday, June 10, 2024. Please plan accordingly and visit the Parking Division at Village Hall to obtain your temporary street parking pass. Your garbage & recycle totes should be brought to the front of your residence on collection days. If you are not physically able to bring your totes to the front, the contractor or resident engineer will assist. Please click here for more information. Thank you for your cooperation during construction.

 

 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.


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



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.

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.

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.


July 4, Village Hall Closed

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

Environmental Control Commission (ECC)


The next ECC meeting will be held on July 24 at Village Hall.

Click here to view our June newsletter!



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.

Community News & Events



Bike Safety Carnival!

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



Speaker Welch to Host 12th Annual Job Fair

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is hosting his 12th annual job fair on Saturday, June 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Speaker Welch’s constituent service office at 708-450-1000 or RepWelch@EmanuelChrisWelch.com


Proviso Handyman June 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.

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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