New Skokie Spring 2024

Youth Art Contest: Help Decorate Skokie’s New Refuse Truck

Ahead of Earth Month, the Village of Skokie is calling on local students to use their creativity and artistic ability to call attention to the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goal of reducing landfill waste community-wide.

Skokie students in grades 5-12 are invited to share their original artwork inspired by the theme, “Reducing Waste,” as part of the Village’s Refuse Truck Art Contest. Two submissions – one from grades 5-8 and one from grades 9-12 – will be selected to adorn each side of the Village’s new refuse collection truck.

Contest Guidelines

Submissions will be accepted online at skokie.org/artcontest from February 13 through March 15.

Continued on page 2

1 Year, 199 Tons of Food Scraps Composted

Skokie collectively composted 398,000 pounds (199 tons) of food scraps in 2023 through the Village’s curbside and drop-off composting programs, preventing 175 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

• A little perspective: That’s equivalent to preventing the CO2 emissions generated by traveling 448,000 miles in an average gasoline-powered vehicle!

• More locations coming soon: Due to popular demand, new drop-off composting sites will be added in early summer to make free composting even more accessible.

Thinking about composting? It’s so easy! All food scraps are accepted – including meat, dairy, and bones. Visit skokie.org/composting for more information on curbside service, dropoff locations, and tips on storage and transport.

The Village is grateful to the Skokie Park District and the Niles Township Government, for providing locations for many of the drop-off sites.

Drop-off Composting Locations

• Central Park - 9350 Central Park Avenue (on Central Park Avenue side, near north end of park)

• Weber Leisure Center - 9300 Weber Park Place

• Skokie Public Works - 9050 Gross Point Road (near entrance)

• Devonshire Park - 4422 Greenwood Street (Grove Street parking lot near basketball courts)

• Niles Township Government Building - 5255 Lincoln Avenue

• Village Hall - 5127 Oakton Street (near entrance)

• Oakton Park - 4701 Oakton Street (south parking lot off Kenton Avenue near tennis courts)

• Hamlin Park - 7651 Hamlin Avenue (back of parking lot)

• Fire Station 16 - 7424 Niles Center Road (Fargo Avenue parking lot)

New Blue: Jesse Barnes Sworn In as Skokie Police Chief

Village Manager John Lockerby has appointed Jesse Barnes as the Village’s next police chief following the retirement of Chief Brian Baker.

His journey: Barnes, a 23-year veteran of the department, was sworn in at the Village Board meeting on January 2, and previously served as the department’s deputy chief. He began his law enforcement career with Skokie in 2000, advancing through the ranks to hold a number of specialty and leadership positions, including detective, tactical intervention unit team commander, sergeant of the patrol and investigative services divisions, and commander of investigative services.

The quote: “Chief Barnes is a proven and respected leader who has dedicated his law enforcement career to serving the residents of Skokie,” said Village Manager John Lockerby. “His integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, along with his deep understanding of the Skokie community, will further advance the department and support the excellent quality of life our residents enjoy.”

More good news: Following Barnes’s appointment, John Oakley, a 13-year veteran of the department, was promoted to deputy chief of police and Rogelio Cantu was promoted to sergeant.

Grant Funding Available to Assist Skokie Small Businesses

The Village of Skokie has allocated funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist Skokie-based businesses (particularly those who qualify as women-owned, minority-owned, and/or as low-income) who have been negatively impacted by closures, revenue loss or disproportionate economic hardships in their growth or establishment due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

If you are a small business that has been operating in Skokie prior to January 2019 and have been impacted by COVID, you may be eligible for a grant up to $15,000. More information and the initial application can be found at skokie.org/BusinessAssist.

Refuse Truck Contest (continued)

• Students must be enrolled in grades 5-12, live in Skokie, or attend school in Skokie

• Artwork should have an aspect ratio of 4(h) x 8(w)

• Photoshop, Illustrator, SVG, EPS or highresolution PDF submissions preferred Submissions will be shared online in late March and two entries will be selected by a public vote. Winning student artists and their artwork will be recognized during Earth Month this April.

Achieving Skokie’s Waste Reduction Goal

The Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan, adopted by the Village Board in 2022, calls for decreasing landfill waste by 10 percent by 2030, among other goals.

Last year, the Village educated residents about proper recycling, attaching guidelines to nearly 4,000 recycling carts in single-family residential areas. The recycling rate for these customers was 24 percent, and items sent to the landfill decreased by 5 percent from the previous year! In addition to recycling, community members can also reduce landfill waste by composting, reusing and repairing items, and implementing other sustainable strategies – we want to hear from you!

For more information about Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan, visit skokie.org/sustainability

Pictured (from left): Sergeant Rogelio Cantu, Chief Jesse Barnes, Deputy Chief John Oakley, and Deputy Chief Denise Franklin.

Board Adopts Electoral Referendums Implementation Plan

On December 4, 2023, the Skokie Village Board of Trustees unanimously adopted an implementation plan for three citizen-initiated electoral referendums impacting future Village Board elections.

The referendums, approved by voters in November 2022, changed Skokie Village Board elections to non-partisan, staggered terms for trustees, and established hybrid representation through the creation of four geographic districts represented by one trustee each and two at-large trustee representatives.

To ensure that the approved referendums were implemented professionally and in accordance with state election laws, the Village Board directed staff to develop an implementation proposal in consultation with outside experts and to conduct a comprehensive community engagement process to inform and gather input from residents. The Village and its experts held a series of three public meetings at the Skokie Public Library on August 14, September 11 and October 10, and also gathered input through an online survey, email and written comments.

What’s Changing

The implementation plan adopted by the Village Board is outlined below, and will be in effect for the February/April 2025 Election.

• Four election districts now exist. Beginning with the February/April 2025 Election, one trustee will be elected by voters from each of the Village’s four newly created geographic districts and two trustees will be elected at-large.

• Municipal elections will now be staggered, occuring every two years instead of every four years. The mayor,

village clerk and two at-large trustees will be elected to four-year terms in the February/ April 2025 Election. Trustees elected from the Village’s four newly created geographic districts will be elected to initial two-year terms in the February/April 2025 Election followed by four-year terms in the February/April 2027 Election and every four years thereafter.

• Elections are non-partisan. Candidates will be prohibited from listing any political

Recognize a Sustainability Superhero!

party affiliation on their nominating papers, and no political party affiliation will be listed on the ballot. A nonpartisan election system does not prohibit candidates from coordinating their campaigns, fundraising and platforms with other candidates and political parties.

More information is available at skokie.org/ electoralreferendums

Do you know a Skokie neighbor who is a leader in home sustainability? Nominate them (or yourself!) for a 2024 Residential Sustainability Award! This new award recognizes households that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices within the Village of Skokie.

Submit your nomination at skokie.org/sustainabilityaward by March 25. Awards will be presented at the April 15 Village Board meeting.

The final district map approved by the Skokie Village Board of Trustees on December 4, 2023.

Carjacking: What to Know

With carjacking capturing headlines across the country, the Skokie Police Department reminds community members of tips to keep themselves and their vehicles safe:

• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at gas stations, car washes, ATMs, driveways, lots and garages, and controlled intersections.

• Don’t stop for stranded strangers. Note their location and call 911. Beware of individuals approaching your vehicle to ask for directions, money or a ride.

• Be aware of the “bump and run,” when a vehicle with at least two occupants lightly rear ends your vehicle to get you to pull over and exit. If you feel it may be intentional, drive to the nearest police station or well-lit populated area and call 911.

• Keep at least one car length between you and the vehicle in front of you when stopped in traffic, providing you space to maneuver.

• Lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Keep your cellphone on you.

• Do not leave your vehicle running unattended.

• If you are confronted by a carjacker, give up your vehicle and avoid confrontation. If your child is in the vehicle, let them know. Make a mental note of the suspect and vehicle descriptions. Call 911 immediately to report the crime.

It’s Smart

to

Sign Up for Smart911

• Get emergency alerts regarding weather and public safety incidents.

• Be notified when alternate-side parking regulations are in effect.

• Add optional information on medical conditions, preferred medical providers, emergency contacts, pets in the household and more to help emergency response teams provide the best care to you and your family during a crisis whether at home or on the road.

Learn more and sign up at skokie.org/Smart911

Village Seal Development Process Continues

At press time, the Village Seal Committee was in the process of selecting an individual artist or firm to develop design concepts for a new Village seal.

The selection follows a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process completed in November, which sought qualified artists and firms from Skokie and beyond interested in working on the project. The Village Seal Committee reviewed submissions and interviewed three finalist candidates in January.

Next Steps

• After selecting an artist or firm, the Village Seal Committee will share with them input received from the Skokie community through a survey conducted this past summer. The survey was available both online and in-person at special events, including the Skokie Farmers’ Market and Wednesdays on the Green.

• The Committee will then work with the artist this spring to develop and refine design concepts, soliciting further public input before arriving at a final design.

What is the Village Seal Committee?

• Community members interested in sharing any visual inspirations, concepts or ideas with the Committee are encouraged to complete the public input form, available at skokie.org/seal.

Background

After a yearlong review that included extensive research and outreach to Chicago-area Native communities, a Village committee unanimously recommended that Skokie design a new Village seal for use on official documents and materials, replacing the current seal featuring Native imagery that has been used since the late 1940s. The committee further recommended that the Village begin the process of developing a new, culturally appropriate design that reflects the rich history and promising future of the Village.

The volunteer committee includes representatives of the Village’s Human Relations Commission, Appearance Commission, the Skokie Historical Society, Skokie Heritage Museum, Village staff, and representatives of local Native communities.

Spring Greening

Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Take the opportunity to clear out those overflowing closets and cramped garages! This recycling event is open to residents living in communities served by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), including Skokie. The event is free with the exception of paint recycling.

Westfield West Lot (enter from Old Orchard Road and turn south onto Lavergne Avenue):

• Document destruction: Securely shred up to four boxes of documents, such as medical forms, tax documents, and documents with personal or account information. (NOT accepted: magazines, newspapers, junk mail, folders, clips, binders, and covers)

• Electronics: Responsibly dispose of computers, mice, keyboards, monitors, printers, televisions, cable receivers, converter boxes, fax machines, cell phones, PDAs, scanners, video game consoles, VHS/DVD players, zip drives, and MP3 players.

Green Office Building Lot (enter from Golf Road and turn north onto Lawler Avenue)

• Accepted materials: Lithium or rechargeable batteries (tape batteries or place individually in sealable sandwich bags), car batteries, clothes and other textiles, latex and oil-based paint, fire extinguishers, American flags, prescription eyeglasses, and holiday lights.

More recycling vendors will be added. A final list of accepted materials and pricing for paint will be available at skokiespringgreening.info a few weeks prior to the event.

Reduce your wait: Historically, there have been no or very low wait times after 11 a.m.

Take Pride In Your Community!

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? The Clean Green litter pickup program is great for all ages and group sizes!

How to participate: Call Skokie Public Works at 847-933-8427 with your preferred clean-up location and the estimated number of adults and children in your group. Select any date, March 18 through April 19. No location? No problem. Staff will direct groups to areas in need.

What you’ll get: A clean-up kit includes trash bags, gloves, and safety vests. Participating groups will be listed in the Village’s weekly eNewsletter, SkokieNews, and entered into a drawing to plant a tree in their honor at a public location in Skokie.

Skokie Roots for Trees

Skokie Earns ‘EV Ready’ Designation

Skokie is one of the first 12 Illinois communities to be recognized by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd as an “EV Ready” community!

EV Ready communities must demonstrate that they have taken steps to develop clear guidelines for permitting charging infrastructure, conduct safety training for staff including first responders, and implement plans that engage the community and ensure a safe integration of zero-emissions vehicles.

• Since 2015, the Village has added four EVs to its municipal fleet

• The Village operates four EV charging stations for public use throughout Skokie

• More than 800 EVs are registered to Skokie residents, up from 462 in 2022

With support from a Powering Safe Communities grant, the Village installed its first EV Charging Station designed to integrate ADA parking requirements.

“With transportation accounting for more than a third of our community’s greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating EV usage by removing potential roadblocks to ownership and greenlighting charging infrastructure will pave the way to cleaner air and lower emissions benefitting our entire community,” said Mayor Van Dusen.

The Village’s Beautification & Improvement Commission and Skokie Public Works are developing the “Skokie Roots for Trees” campaign, set to be launched on Arbor Day, Friday, April 26.

The multi-year effort will plant nearly 1,000 trees in public and private areas in coordination with property owners, expanding the Village’s tree canopy and providing environmental, property, and public health benefits.

The program is made possible by increased funding for tree planting approved by the Village Board, funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, and a major grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Look for more details in SkokieNews in April.

MARCH EVENTS

Village Board Meetings

March 4 and 18, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.

Block Party Forum and Networking

Monday, March 4, 6:30 p.m., Skokie Public Library. Whether you’re a seasoned block party host or considering your first event, this session is tailored just for you. Join the Village’s Human Relations Commission for insights from past hosts, learn the permit application process, get tips on engaging with neighbors, and discover creative activity ideas for all ages. Admission is free; register at skokie.org/blockparty

Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 10. Don’t forget to “Spring Forward”

Artifical Intelligence (AI): What Parents Need to Know

March 14, 7 p.m., Skokie Public Library. Cosponsored by the Skokie Telecommunications and Technology (STAT) Commission, this is an invaluable opportunity for parents to get the knowledge and resources they need to guide their children through the dynamic emerging landscape of AI.

Creativity SOARs in Skokie

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites you to attend the annual Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) exhibit in the atrium lobby of Oakton College, 7701 Lincoln Avenue. Running March 1 through 31, the exhibit features artwork from Skokie students ranging from preschool through eighth grade. Exhibition hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CPR Skills Testing

Saturday, March 16 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Avenue. Fees apply and advance registraton is required at skokie.org

Clean Green Skokie

March 18 through April 19

See page 5.

Home Decarbonization 101

Tuesday, March 19, 6 p.m.

Sketchbook Brewing

Join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Village for a presentation on ways to decarbonize your home. Learn about the benefits of building electrification, appliances such as heat pumps and induction stoves, and new tax credits and rebates.

APRIL EVENTS

Edible Gardens

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Skokie Public Library –Business and Community Center

Get inspiration and fresh ideas on design as well as planting tips to deepen your knowledge of fruit and vegetable gardening! Chicago Botanic Garden’s senior horticulturist, Lisa Hilgenberg, will give practical ways to incorporate interesting edible plants, fruit trees, and shrubs into all gardens.

This event is presented in collaboration with the Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission. Registration begins March 1 at skokielibrary.info

Village Board Meetings

April 1 and 15, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.

CPR Skills Testing

Event is free; no RSVP required. Attendees receive $1 off the purchase of any beverage.

Saturday, April 20 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Avenue. Fees apply and advance registraton is required at skokie.org.

Skokie Spring Greening

Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

See page 5.

Yard Waste Collection Resumes

April 3. See page 9.

Arbor Day

Friday, April 26

Skokie Beat

Meetings

The Skokie Police Department invites residents, business owners, and representatives of schools, houses of worship, and neighborhood organizations to join us for coffee or tea at a beat meeting.

• Beat 310: April 2, 9 a.m., Nordstrom Café, 4937 Old Orchard Center

• Beat 311: April 3, 6 p.m., Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood Street

• Beat 312: April 9, 6 p.m., Middleton Elementary School, 8300 St. Louis Avenue

• Beat 313: April 11, 6 p.m., Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel Street

• Beat 314: April 15, 6 p.m., SPD Training Room, 7300 Niles Center Road

• Beat 315: April 16, 6 p.m., Jane Stenson School (cafeteria), 9201 Lockwood Avenue

• Beat 316: April 25, 6 p.m., Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton Street

• Beat 317: April 17, 6 p.m., Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Avenue

MAY EVENTS

Village Calendar 7

Skokie Festival of Cultures

On May 18 and 19, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Skokie Park District will host the Festival of Cultures at Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.

Don’t miss this popular, free community event, which features music and dance performances, interactive cultural booths, and the festival’s famous flag display!

Visit skokieculturefest.org for details.

Village Board Meetings

May 6 and 20, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.

CPR Skills Testing

Saturday, May 18 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Avenue. Fees apply and advance registraton is required at skokie.org.

Annual Memorial Day Observance

Monday, May 27, 11 a.m. on the Village Green, 5155 Oakton Street. See page 11.

32nd Annual Chicago River Day

Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to noon, Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park. Join other volunteers to give the river a good spring cleaning on Chicago River Day, organized by the Friends of the Chicago River. Registration begins March 15, 2024 at chicagoriver.org/events.

Memorial Day Schedule Changes

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, please note the following:

Refuse and Recycling:

• Monday collection on Tuesday

• Tuesday collection on Wednesday

• Thursday and Friday collection as normal

Yard waste:

• Collection on Saturday, June 1

In addition, Skokie Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 27. Many Village services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at skokie.org

Village Board Action

The Village Board meets on the first and third Mondays of each month in the Council Chambers of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Village Board Meetings

March 4 and 18

April 1 and 15

May 6 and 20

Meeting agendas are published at skokie.org on the Thursday prior to the meeting date.

Public comments may be:

• Submitted to publiccomments@skokie.org

• Mailed or hand-delivered to Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois, 60077, Attention: Village Manager’s Office

• Placed in the exterior drop box on the west side of Skokie Village Hall.

Comments received prior to or during the meeting will be provided to the Village Board and will not be read aloud. Individuals wishing to speak at a Village Board meeting will be allocated three minutes to do so according to the meeting agenda.

The Village Board recently approved:

• An implementation plan for citizen-initiated electoral changes. The plan was informed by a comprehensive community engagement process conducted after three binding referendums were approved by voters in 2022 (see page 3).

• An upgraded Emergency Alerting System for first responders. The new system will allow 911 dispatch to notify firefighter/paramedics of the nature and location of incidents through a system of speakers, lights and digital sign boards at fire stations.

• Storefront Enhancement Program improvements for two businesses coming to Oakton Street. Funds will support improvements at Sweet Reserve Bakery (4845 Oakton St.) and J&R Hair Academy (4524 Oakton St.).

• Eco-friendly upgrades to Village Hall. The project will replace the facility’s outdated HVAC systems with modern, energy efficient equipment, reducing energy use intensity by 15 to 20 percent. Infrastructure to accommodate rooftop solar panels will also be included.

• Support for expansion of the Skokie Valley Trail. An intergovernmental agreement with Cook County will provide grant funding to support right-of-way acquisition between Dempster Street and Golf Road.

• Expanded locations for co-working spaces. The Village Board approved amendments to the Village Code to allow co-working office space in retail areas with a Special Use permit.

More information and an online application can be found at www.skokie.org. Village Board Meeting agendas are published at www.skokie.org on the Thursday prior to the meeting date. Each meeting includes a period for public comments. All residents are invited to watch Village Board meetings live-streamed on the Village of Skokie YouTube channel or on SkokieVision cable channel 25 (RCN) or channel 17 (Comcast). Meetings also are rebroadcast on both cable channels during the weeks following each meeting. See www.skokie.org for a full calendar of meetings.

Weekly Yard Waste Collection

Begins April 3

Yard waste is collected every Wednesday from April through the first Wednesday of November.

How it works: Place landscape waste into 32-gallon paper yard waste bags and place the bags in the same area where your recycling and refuse are collected no later than 7 a.m.

Keep in mind:

• Grass clippings are not accepted. The Village recommends mulching grass to fertilize your lawn.

• Branches up to 1 inch in diameter should be bundled and tied to a size one person can lift.

• There is a limit of 10 bags or bundles per collection.

Note: During holiday weeks – Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, and Labor Day – yard waste is collected the Saturday following the holiday.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Oakton Street Resurfacing

The Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is developing preliminary engineering plans for resurfacing Oakton Street between Skokie and McCormick Boulevards. The Village is working with the County to review plans and provide feedback.

Project scope: The project will include onstreet bike lanes, additional on-street parking, center shared turn lanes, ADA sidewalk ramp improvements, and other pedestrian improvements. Construction is anticipated in 2025.

Stay informed: A public information meeting is tentatively planned for early spring 2024, along with the launch of a project website. Look for updates in SkokieNews, the Village’s weekly electronic newsletter, as well as at skokie.org

Lithium Ion Battery Safety

The Skokie Fire Department reminds residents of safety tips for lithium ion batteries, which are used in many rechargeable devices, including cell phones, laptops, scooters, smoke detectors, power tools and electric vehicles.

• Do not place used lithium batteries in the garbage. Recycle them at a designated location (see below).

• If the battery is bulging, it’s an indication of a defect or impending failure.

• Keep devices out of the sun.

• Only charge with the cord the device came with.

• Make sure the device and battery are listed by a qualified testing lab.

Recycling locations for lithium ion batteries include Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St. (lower level); Batteries Plus Bulbs, 5708 W. Touhy; Best Buy, 5425 W. Touhy; and Lowe’s, 3601 W. Touhy.

For more on battery safety, visit batteryfiresafety.org

Reducing Rats with Smart Landscaping

Following recent mild winters, rodent activity has increased in Chicago-area communities, including Skokie. In response, the Village has hired two additional part-time environmental health workers and is utilizing a new rodent control device that deprives rat burrows of oxygen.

But it takes a community to reduce the rodent population. In addition to taking preventative actions – such as removing yard debris and clutter, sealing building openings, and managing trash containers – community members can implement smart landscaping practices to beautify their property and discourage rodents.

Incorporating Rocks into Your Landscaping

A new trend in landscaping involves strategically using rocks and stones to enhance outdoor spaces while tackling persistent challenges, such as rat burrows. Why rocks?

• Rocks and stones act as natural deterrents for pests, creating an inhospitable environment for burrowing

• Gravel limits rodents’ ability to conceal

Health & Human Services Health & Human Services

Assist-a-Family Program Supports 290 Skokie Families!

The Village is grateful to the generous donors who supported the Assist-A-Family (AAF) Program in 2023! Throughout December, the AAF program assisted 290 Skokie families facing financial hardship. A full list of donors can be found at skokie.org/AAFdonorlist.

Your support matters: Community contributions are critical to the AAF program, which includes both the annual winter holiday gift card program and year-round emergency financial assistance program. In 2023, 243 donors contributed a total of $35,323, showcasing the spirit and generosity of our community.

Donate today: Contributions are accepted throughout the year, ensuring ongoing assistance for those facing difficulties.

Donate to Assist-AFamily here:

movement and hide burrow entrances

• Rocks and stones are low maintenance and don’t degrade over time, offering a durable and long-lasting solution

Landscape professionals recommend using “sharp” gravel at a minimum depth of 18 inches or pea gravel at a minimum depth of 6 inches. Consult a professional pest control contractor or landscaper for your specific needs. Limestone is not recommended.

What to do if you observe rats on your property

Complete the form at nomorerats.org to have your property surveyed for rat burrows by the Village’s Environmental Health Division, or contact nomorerats@skokie.org or 847-933-8254.

Navigating Medicare in 2024

The Village of Skokie Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), in collaboration with the Skokie Park District, will host free “Medicare 101” programs to provide education about options and assist in selecting the most suitable coverage.

Sessions will take place at Oakton

on the following dates:

• March 14

• April 11

• May 16

• June 20

• July 18

• August 15

Entertainment & Leisure 11

North Shore Center’s Feature Series

Talib Kweli

March 16 in the Center Theatre

Ireland with Michael

March 22 in the Center Theatre

Classical Kids Live! & Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras present Saint Georges’ Sword & Bow

March 24 in the Center Theatre

Mandy Gonzalez

April 6 in the Center Theatre

National Geographic Live: T. Rex Rises

April 7 in the Center Theatre

Joshua Redman

April 17 in the Center Theatre

Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart

April 24 in the Center Theatre

Joanne Shaw Taylor

May 3 in the Center Theatre

Additional Presentations

Cherry Orchard Festival: My Grandson Benjamin

March 12 in the Center Theatre

Semyon Slepakov

March 17 in the Center Theatre

Piaf! The Show

March 26 in the Center Theatre

Einstein and Margarita

April 30 in the Center Theatre

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

May 12 in the Center Theatre

Music Theater Works

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

March 7 – March 31 in the North Theatre

Northlight Theatre

Brooklyn Laundry

April 11 – May 12 in the North Theatre

Music of the Baroque

The St. John Passion

March 10 in the Center Theatre

Birds, Frogs, Crickets, & Dogs

April 14 in the Center Theatre

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9501 Skokie Boulevard. Ticket prices vary. For information and tickets, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

Memorial Day Ceremony

The Village of Skokie Memorial Day observance ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27 on the Village Green, 5155 Oakton Street, between Skokie Village Hall and the Skokie Public Library. Parking is available in both the Village Hall and Library lots.

The observance is coordinated by the Skokie Fire Department with participation of local veterans’ posts, scouts, and the Skokie Fire and Police Honor Guards. The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor George Van Dusen, a performance of our National Anthem, Taps and a rifle salute.

Village Hall offices will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of the holiday.

Skokie Council/Manager Government Since 1957 www.skokie.org

Officials

Mayor

George Van Dusen

Acting Clerk

Sylvia Luke

Trustees

James H. Johnson

Khem Khoeun

Ralph Klein

Alison Pure Slovin

Keith A. Robinson

Edie Sue Sutker

Manager

John T. Lockerby

Counsel

Michael M. Lorge

Phone Numbers

Emergency

9-1-1

Crime Tip Hotline

847/933-TIPS (8477)

Information

847/673-0500

Fire Non-Emergency 847/982-5300

Police

Non-Emergency 847/982-5900

Animal Control 847/982-5970

Village Hall

847/673-0500

Citizens Assistance 847/933-8480

Departments

Civil Engineering 847/933-8231

Clerk’s Office 847/933-8203

Community Development

• Permits and Inspections 847/933-8223

• Economic Vitality 847/933-8446

• Planning 847/933-8447

Health and Human Services

• Community Health 847/933-8252

• Environmental Health 847/933-8484

• Human Services 847/933-8208

Public Works

847/933-8427

Signs and Street Lights 847/933-8232

Village Manager’s Office 847/933-8210

Water Billing 847/933-8418

NewSkokie

Village of Skokie

5127 Oakton Street

Skokie, Illinois 60077

NewSkokie is printed on environmentally sustainable paper and published four times a year

Managing Editor/Layout

Meredith Gioia info@skokie.org

©2024 Village of Skokie

Please recycle

Save the Date: Community-wide Garage Sale, May 31 – June 2

Bargain hunters, rejoice! Back by popular demand, the Village will host its second annual Community-wide Garage Sale from Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Last year, more than 200 properties participated in the eco-friendly event. Households can register for this year’s event at skokie.org/garagesale, and will be added to an interactive map with properties, dates and times of participation, and an overview of items for sale. There is no fee to participate.