|
|
The Village's draft Environmental Sustainability Plan is ready for your review and comments! |
|
In This Edition:
- Review and Commen on the Environmental Sustainability Plan Meetings
- Community Health Survey
- Catalytic Converter Info from Skokie PD
- Theft Prevention
- Alarm Giveaway
- Food, Clothing and Toiletry Drive this Sunday
- SEAC Commission Recycling Facility Tour and Tips!
- Call for Nominations: Artistic Excellence Awards
- Medicare 101 Presentations
- Early Voting Information
- September 24 Document Destruction Event
- Skokie Farmers' Market
- October SPD Beat Meetings
- Skokie's Soul Good Coffee in the News!
- From the Skokie Health and Human Services Department:
- Cholesterol Testing Information
- COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Booster Info
- Skokie COVID-19 Vaccine Info and Data
|
Draft Environmental Sustainability Plan Review and Comment Period Underway |
|
Click here to review and comment on the draft Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP). Click here to see a short video on using the online review and comment portal, including details on downloading the draft plan into a language translation tool.
The Village also will host a public, interactive listening session for input on the draft sustainability plan on Thursday, September 29 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. Those interested in participating virtually should click here to register to receive a Zoom link shortly before the meeting begins.
The ESP will provide implementation support tools as well as prioritize actions and provide metrics for tracking progress. The overarching goal is to create a plan that is authentically sustainable, works toward carbon neutrality and that supports equity and a higher quality of life for all. Plan development began in May 2022 and is on schedule for completion in coming months.
|
|
 |
Please Take the Community Health Survey |
|
|
|
Click here to take the Skokie Community Health Survey.
Skokie’s Community Health Survey helps the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) gain insight into and improve factors that can impact the community's current health. The data collected will help a group of community leaders set goals and assist in designing and implementing the Community Health Improvement Plan.
Through September 30, Skokie residents are asked to participate in a short and anonymous Community Health Survey to help to shape future planning in Skokie. Your voice matters! The survey will take about five to seven minutes to complete and is available in English, اردو, Española, Tagalog, فارسی and Русский.
As part of the community health assessment process, HHS is looking for Skokie residents to participate in a community health meeting on November 18. If you would like to participate or have any questions please click here to contact Liz Nelson, Public Health Coordinator, or call 847/933-8494.
|
|
|
Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Tips |
|
|
|
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing throughout the country. Catalytic converters are an essential part of most motor vehicles and replacing them is costly. Catalytic converters are a target for criminals because they contain valuable precious metals that can be removed once stolen. Here’s how to protect yourself from catalytic converter theft:
- Park in well-lit areas close to public entrances, or park inside of a garage if possible
- Install an anti-theft device (see article below about Skokie PD giveaway!)
- Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area
- Know if your vehicle is a likely target: hybrids, SUV’s, and trucks have valuable and easily accessible catalytic converters
- Etch your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to help alert a scrap dealer that it was stolen
- Call 9-1-1 if you hear anything suspicious, as criminals often use battery-powered saws to remove catalytic converters
- Call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious and never approach or confront any individuals you think are committing catalytic converter theft
New legislation requires recyclable metal dealers to keep a record of catalytic converters they purchase and requires the seller to provide a driver’s license or ID. The Skokie Police Department monitors recent crime patterns and focuses patrols in areas where vehicles are susceptible to catalytic converter theft. Please email [email protected] for more information on catalytic converters. |
|
|
Catalytic Converter Alarm Giveaway! |
|
|
|
The Skokie Police Department will be providing a limited number of catalytic converter alarms to Skokie residents. Register by October 1, 2022 to win! Click here or scan the QR code to register.
October 16, 2022, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Skokie Police Department parking lot, 7300 Niles Center Road
Event Rules
- By registering for the event, you are not guaranteed to receive an alarm
- If you sign up and are selected, you will be provided with a pick-up time via email
- You must be pre-registered and assigned a time slot for pick-up to receive an alarm.
- You must be a Skokie resident with current ID required at pick up to be eligible
- You must be able to come to the Skokie Police Department on October 16 at your assigned time to receive your alarm
-
Installation of the alarm will not be provided at the event. You will need to install it yourself or have an automotive professional install the alarm.
- The Skokie Police Department reserves the right to prioritize vehicles that do not have access to garage parking and the most commonly targeted vehicle makes and models
This program is sponsored by the Skokie Police Department, Farmer's Insurance and North Shore Community Bank.
|
|
|
Food, Clothing and Toiletry Drive This Sunday |
|
|
|
Members of the Village's Commission on Family Services will collect toiletries, clothing and non-perishable food at the September 25, 2022 Skokie Farmers' Market, 5127 Oakton Street. The collection runs from 7:30 a.m. to noon and all donations will benefit neighbors in need throughout Skokie and Niles Township. Donated clothes are taken to the Niles Township Clothing Closet.
|
|
|
SEAC Members Tour Recycling Facility |
|
|
|
Late last week, representatives from the Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission, Trustee Khem Khoeun (second from right), Village staff and others from the Environmental Sustainability Plan review committee toured Lakeshore Recycling Service’s Heartland Recycling Center. Using a unique system that includes a ballistic separator, optical sorters, magnets, robotics, hand sorting and more, the facility processes approximately 17 tons of recyclables per hour. Here are some quick lessons learned on the tour:
- Take the wrappers off protein shake bottles
- It’s okay to recycle envelopes with window films (whew!)
- About pizza boxes…a dab of grease is ok, please, no significant pizza residue; they want boxes, not pizza
- Put the caps on your plastic bottles
The most important tip of all: recycling needs to be loose, not bagged. Black bags are especially bad and pose a risk to recycling center workers.
Click here for more information on Skokie’s recycling program and watch for a new video soon about last week’s tour!
|
|
|
Call for Nominations:
Artistic Excellence Awards
|
|
|
|
The Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites individual and group nominations for the 2022 Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence. The award will be given to one individual and one group who have made significant contributions to the arts in Skokie, including visual, musical, performing or literary arts. In 2021, Skokie-based arts non-profit organization Anatomically Correct and founder Debra Hatchett (right) received an award, as did Skokie resident and jazz pianist Richard Lichtenstein (center).
The 2022 Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence will be presented to one resident and one Skokie arts group who have been nominated and who the commission believes have made significant contributions to furthering the Arts in the community. Judging criteria include visibility in the community, scope of artistic talents, other awards received by the artist or group and breadth of impact or number of people reached in Skokie and the entire region. The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2022.
|
|
|
Medicare 101 Presentations |
|
|
|
Medicare 101
Thursdays, September 22, October 13, and November 17
1 to 2 p.m.
Oakton Community Center
4701 Oakton Street, Skokie
Register at 847/674-1500
Are you new to Medicare or close to your enrollment date? Are you a long-time Medicare beneficiary, but find your coverage confusing? This program will give an overview of Medicare and help you understand your healthcare choices. Please register by calling the Skokie Park District at 847/674-1500. Free of charge.
Want to meet with a SHIP Counselor to discuss your Medicare coverage? Call the Skokie Health and Human Services Department at 847/933-8208 to schedule an appointment.
|
|
|
September 24 Document Destruction Event |
|
|
|
Saturday, September 24
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Centennial Park
2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette
The event is free and open to Skokie residents with a valid ID. Here's how to prepare your documents:
- Paper must be dry, clean, and loose
- Remove metal clips, plastic sleeves, folders, and binders (small staples are okay)
- Place paper in paper shopping bags or cardboard boxes - NO PLASTIC BAGS - please!
- Limited to six bags or boxes
|
|
The Skokie Farmers’ Market continues every Sunday through November 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the west parking lot at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. No smoking or pets, please!
In addition to the non-perishable food, clothing and toiletries drive by the Skokie Commission on Family Services (all morning - see article above), here is this week's entertainment/activities line up:
- 10 a.m. to noon:
- Music by Brad Moldosfy
- Kids activities by Twisted Fiber Studio
|
|
The Skokie Police Department will resume its quarterly beat meetings in October 2022. All meetings begin at 6 p.m.
- Beat 310: October 3, Weber Park Center, 9700 Weber Park Place
- Beat 311: October 6, Devonshire Cultural Center (second floor), 4400 Greenwood Street
- Beat 312: October 12, Middleton Elementary School, 8300 St. Louis Avenue
- Beat 313: October 11, Emily Oaks Nature Center (second floor), 4650 Brummel Street
- Beat 314: October 19, Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton Street
- Beat 315: October 20, Jane Stenson School (cafeteria), 9201 Lockwood Avenue
- Beat 316: October 25, Arie Crown multi-purpose room, 4600 Main Street
- Beat 317: October 26, Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton Street
Attendees can expect a discussion about neighborhood and Village-wide crime trends and crime prevention methods, as well as other public safety topics.
|
|
|
Skokie's Soul Good Coffee in the News! |
|
|
|
Skokie's own Soul Good Coffee, a fun new mobile coffee, tea and pastries experience owned by a Skokie family, was featured recently in Sprudge Media Network, a popular coffee publication.
Wondering where to find the Soul Good Coffee trailer? Click here for a schedule!
|
|
|
Skokie HHS Cholesterol Screenings |
|
|
|
Your cholesterol levels are related to your overall risk for heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes. There are two types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is the bad type of cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is damaging to your health and can be caused by an unhealthy diet, smoking, and a lack of exercise. High density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol removes excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver for removal. Click here to see more information from the Skokie Health and Human Services Department.
The Skokie HHS offers cholesterol screenings for Skokie residents by appointment only, for more information please click here or call 847/933-8252 to schedule an appointment. |
|
|
New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Update |
|
|
|
This fall, everyone who is eligible should get a bivalent COVID-19 booster. Really, that’s all you need to know: get a vaccine, any bivalent vaccine, Moderna or Pfizer.
The new Moderna and Pfizer bivalent booster vaccines include the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccinations by targeting the variants being observed in 98 percent of current COVID-19 cases. Skokie residents curious about whether they are up-to-date on their COVID-19 boosters can visit the CDC website and use a simple booster tool to check. Click here for more information from the Skokie Health and Human Services Department (HHS).
HHS has a limited supply of bivalent Moderna booster doses. All September clinics are full, but registration for October clinics will open on Wednesday, September 28. Click here for information. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.vaccines.gov to find other area COVID-19 vaccine providers. |
|
|
Update on Skokie's Vaccination Statistics and Data |
|
|
|
The Skokie Health and Human Services Department (HHS) offers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine product only for individuals age six months and older on the lower level of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, by appointment only. Those individuals wishing to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can find a clinic by visiting www.vaccines.gov, or by reaching out to their primary care provider.
-
Click here for information on getting therapeutic medications to reduce your chances of severe illness from COVID-19 (in addition to vaccinations).
-
Click here for information on newly-authorized COVID-19 vaccines for very young children ages six months to five years of age.
-
Click here for information on vaccination safety for young children.
- The Village's COVID-19 data page is updated when new data is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
-
Click here to see the Village's COVID-19 website for info on testing, symptoms and more.
- Please stay vigilant and practice the 3 W's: Wear a Mask, Watch Your Social Distance and Wash Your Hands!
|
|
Village of Skokie
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 847-673-0500
Hours: M-F 8:30 am -5:00 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
