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Village of Wilmette E-news
Enews
Aug. 21, 2020
The following email provides timely information on general news and community events from the Village of Wilmette. For more information, please visit the Village of Wilmette website.
COVID-19 Rates Increasing in Wilmette; Preventative Measure Help Keep Us On Track  


While Wilmette's COVID-19 infection rate remains lower than Suburban Cook County, our community has recently followed a similar trend of increasing infection rates. Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wilmette are up by 27.8% over the past two weeks compared to the preceding two week period, and our region (Suburban Cook County, Region 10) has seen four consecutive days of positive test rate increases and is currently at 6.4% positive test rate (8% is the threshold that may trigger a region to return to more restrictions). 

The Takeaway: Preventative measures like physical distancing, mask-wearing and frequent hand-washing remain as important as ever! These simple and effective tools are necessary to keep our community on track toward recovery.

Explore the data:
Cook County is Hiring COVID-19 Contact Tracers
When someone is exposed to COVID-19, contact tracers help identify and notify their contacts and assist with quarantine arrangements to slow the spread of the virus. The County plans to hire 375 more contact tracers - apply today and share with your networks!
Village Board Meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25

The Village Board will meet remotely on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be broadcast live on the Village's YouTube channel and on Channel 6 and then published on the Village's website. Agenda includes a mid-year financial update. 

Members of the public may submit public comment in advance of the meeting by emailing [email protected] or participate via Microsoft Teams. Details on remote participation here. Visit the Village's website to view agenda materials.

Administration Committee Meeting Postponed
The Administration Committee Meeting planned for Monday, Aug. 31 has been postponed to Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The Committee will also meet on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. 
Just 10 Days Left to Enter Jeep Raffle and Support Housing Our Own - Wilmette!

Housing Our Own-Wilmette's annual fundraiser raffle drawing is coming up on Aug. 31 - Buy your ticket today to support our community and enter for a chance to win a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport! 

Housing Our Own-Wilmette is 100% funded through private donations and relies on the generous support of the community. The organization provides financial assistance to low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Wilmette to help them stay in their homes. Now more than ever, your support is critical.

Visit the raffle page to purchase tickets in advance of the Aug. 31 drawing!
Work or Volunteer for the 2020 General Election

Wilmette residents have expressed interest in working and volunteering at election sites - It's fantastic to see civic pride in our community! Traditionally, in-person poll workers tend to be older individuals who may not feel safe working the polls this year. Here are a few ways to get involved: 
  • Work on Election Day as an election judge or polling place technician. These poll workers are paid $200-$365 depending on the position they work on Election Day. Learn more. 
  • High school seniors and juniors can apply to participate in the Student Judge program. Student judges are paid $200. Learn more.
  • 18-year-old students can serve as Student Deputy Registrars. Learn more.
  • College students can serve as election judges or polling place technicians. Learn more.

Check out the League of Women Voters-Wilmette for more election information and opportunities.

Fall Cooperative Tree Planting Application Available - Due By Sept. 11

It's time to apply for a parkway tree through the Village's Cooperative Tree Planting Program! Supplies are extremely limited and the deadline is coming up soon on Sept. 11. This program allows residents to select a tree from a list of several species with the option to upgrade to a larger size. Participation in the shared-cost Cooperative Tree Planting Program allows the Village to maximize the number of trees planted annually, which helps keep our community green!

Questions? Contact the Forestry Division at [email protected] or call 847-853-7587 or 847-853-7600
Wilmette Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan Moves Toward Adoption


The Village's Transportation Commission recently approved the Wilmette Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan. This is a significant milestone for the Plan, which began in 2018 and has been shaped by extensive public input. Thank you to all Wilmette residents and bike enthusiasts who participated in the development process!  

The Plan will serve as a roadmap for building a safe, inviting and bike and pedestrian friendly transportation network in Wilmette. Next steps include review by the Municipal Services Committee and final adoption by the Village Board. 
Tableside Tunes in Downtown Wilmette Friday and Saturday Nights

Matt Davis
Come dine outdoors in downtown Wilmette tonight (Friday, Aug. 21) and tomorrow night (Saturday, Aug. 22) from 6 to 8 p.m. and listen to some great local musicians!

Friday, Aug. 21: Multi-instrumentalist and singer Matthew Davis will perform an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary Motown, soul, jazz and Caribbean sounds.

Louie Zagoras
Saturday, Aug. 22: Guitarist and singer-songwriter Louie Zagoras will preform roots rock with lots of guitar.

Musicians will play near the corner of Wilmette and Central avenues. Diners are invited to use outdoor seating at Village Hall and Veteran's Park. Thank you for not gathering, as this is not a concert but ambient background music, and Phase 4 health and safety guidelines will be enforced.
Solve the Wilmette History Mystery!

Has your family solved the Wilmette History Mystery yet? There's still time to put on your thinking caps and head out around town to solve this year's outdoor scavenger hunt - and win prizes! Families can pick up activity booklets outside the Wilmette Historical Museum entrance or download them from the Museum website. Complete the activity at your own pace through Aug. 31. 
West Nile Virus Infection Risk Elevated to "Moderate" 


Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus (WNV) have been found in Wilmette and other North Shore communities. The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) reports that the risk of WNV infection has increased to "moderate" in our area. NSMAD will continue adult and larval mosquito treatments and there are steps you can take to prevent bites and WNV exposure.
  • Use insect repellent and wear loose fitting clothing outside. 
  • Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk. 
  • Eliminate items and areas in your yard that can hold water and breed mosquitoes.
Village Construction Projects
The Neighborhood Storage Project is the Village's largest ever infrastructure investment and will bring flooding relief to thousands of Wilmette residents while improving access and safety for our entire community. Visit the project website for construction updates

Phase 1 is now complete! Thank you for your patience during construction. 
  • Phase 1A: Storm sewer and watermain improvements
  • Phase 1: Community Playfield stormwater storage vault. Final update!
  • Phase 2: Hibbard Park stormwater storage vault

Traffic Impacts: 
  • The Lake Avenue eastbound and westbound right lanes will be closed from west of Skokie Boulevard to Hibbard Road. The westbound right lane will be opened at the end of each day.
  • Skokie Boulevard southbound and northbound right lanes will be closed at Lake Avenue.
The Central Avenue Reconstruction and Downtown Streetscape Project will enhance lighting, sidewalks, roadways, plantings and amenities on Wilmette and Central avenues within downtown. Visit the project website for more information.  
Traffic Impacts: Central Avenue is closed to eastbound traffic between 11th Street and Sheridan Road. On Aug. 31, the detour will be extended to Green Bay Road. Please follow the detour and allow extra time for travel.
Every year the Village completes road, sidewalk and alley repairs, brick street maintenance, sewer lining and many other infrastructure improvements. View project timelines and completion status, and check out an interactive map of all Village construction projects.
Wilmette Events & Happenings

Aug. 25 - Village Board Meeting
The Village Board will meet remotely on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be broadcast live on the Village's YouTube channel and on Channel 6 and then published on the Village's website. Members of the public may submit public comment in advance of the meeting by emailing [email protected] or participate via Microsoft Teams. Details on remote participation here. Visit the Village's website to view agenda materials.

Aug. 26 - Wilmette Fire Department Blood Drive
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1304 Lave Ave. (Bloodmobile). Donors will receive free COVID-19 antibody testing with a successful donation. Appointments are required and donors must wear face coverings. To schedule an appointment, call 877-258-4825 or visit vitalant.org and use group code 132D. 

Sept. 3 - Administration Committee Meeting
The Administration Committee will meet remotely on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be broadcast live on the Village's YouTube channel and on Channel 6 and then published on the Village's website. Members of the public may submit public comment in advance of the meeting by emailing [email protected] or participate via Microsoft Teams. Details on remote participation here. Visit the Village's website to view agenda materials.