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Week Ending - October 15th, 2021

Welcome to the weekend! This edition is full of information, resources and upcoming events to give you the latest on what's happening around the Village of Forest Park. And if you have not completed the communications survey (information below), please take a moment to do so. Please remember to email us at [email protected] with your events, resources and stories so that we can include them in future editions. Have a great weekend!

Sarah's Inn Domestic Violence Action Month Kick-Off

Sarah's Inn Domestic Violence Action Month kicked off last week with Executive Director Carol Gall, and other Sarah's Inn representatives, sharing the organization's successes and upcoming events. Held in the parking lot of Forest Park National Bank at 7348 Madison Street, the event drew dozens of supporters to hear more about Sarah's Inn. In attendance were Rory E. Hoskins, Village of Forest Park Mayor, Jessica L. Voogd, Village of Forest Park Commissioner of Public Property, Maria Maxham, Village of Forest Park Commissioner of Public Health & Safety, Camille Lilly, State Representative, Vicki Scaman, Village of Oak Park President, LeDon Reynolds, Village of Oak Park Chief of Police, Daniel G. Watts, Forest Park National Bank President and Donald A. Offermann, Forest Park National Bank Senior Vice President. Forest Park business Play It Again Sports is partnering with Sarah's Inn for the month, and customers who bring in used sports equipment can choose to donate the proceeds to the domestic violence prevention organization.   Sarah's Inn moved to Forest Park in 2020, which was also the year the organization celebrated its 40th anniversary. Learn more at sarahsinn.org.

Invasion of the Scarecrows The scarecrows have taken over Forest Park! Over 100 scarecrows are spread around the Village. Click here for a map that shares the locations throughout Forest Park.

9th Annual Forest Park Casket Races Get in the ‘spirit’ and join the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce for a frightfully good time at its 9th annual Casket Races on October 23rd. For more information, please click here. WGN recently interviewed Forest Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laurie Kokenes to talk about the the Casket Races. You can view the interview here. Senior News and Resources The latest edition of the Forest Park Senior newsletter is now available! Click here to read the newsletter. Senior Bingo On Thursday, October 28th, join us for Senior Bingo at the Howard Mohr Community Center at 1pm. Reservations are required. For more information, please see the flyer below. Flu Shot Clinic On Tuesday, November 2nd, flu shots will be available at the Howard Mohr Community Center from 10am - 1pm. For more information, please see the flyer below. Mammogram Screening Event On October 25th, the West Suburban Medical Center is conducting a free mammogram screening event from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. More information is available below. Village Communications Survey The Village of Forest Park wants to hear from you! Please take a moment and fill out a communications survey to help us better communicate with you. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete. Click here to participate in the survey. Cook County Rental Assistance If you are in need of rental assistance, the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program has resources available to help. To find out if you qualify, and to apply, please click here for more information. The deadline for applying is October 29th, 2021.

Upcoming Park District Events

Halloween Softball Tournament: The 2nd annual 16" Coed Halloween Softball Tournament will take place on Saturday, October 16th from 8:00am to 11:00pm. More information is available here. Trunk or Treat: On October 30th, join the Park District of Forest Park for Trunk or Treat. During the event, you will "transform the trunk of your car into a Halloween Candy paradise! Help us surprise trick or treaters by decorating the trunk of your car and passing out treats in the Roos Recreation Center parking lot! Participation is free, but registration is required to secure a spot. Registration is only needed for those wishing to decorate a car/table and pass out treats. Participants are responsible for their own decorations and treats. Treats must be individually wrapped." More information is available here.

Public Works Leaf Removal Program - Reminder

The Village of Forest Park offers an opportunity for residents to dispose of leaves during the fall season. There is no added cost for this service. Leaves should be raked curbside into the street gutters and will later be removed by the Village's Public Works Department. The Public Works Department Leaf Removal Program spans from October 1 – December 1 each year. The leaf pick-up schedule follows the street sweeper daily schedule, which is available by clicking here. Residents shall rake their leaves curbside a day before their scheduled pickup day. No grass clippings, bags or tree limbs are allowed. Contractors illegally dumping leaves (from other sites) will be cited.