H1N1 Flu Vaccines Available Free to Skokie Residents the Village of Skokie Health Vaccination Include Pregnant Basis

155_VillageSkokie:24227 12pg v3 10/23/09 8:11 AM Page 1 NewSk kie November 2009 The award-winning municipal information source H1N1 Flu Vaccines Available Free to Skokie Residents The Village of Skokie Health vaccination include pregnant basis. There is one vaccina- In early December, the Village Department continues to women, children, young adults tion clinic scheduled for each will hold a number of free monitor the spread of the and others with underlying Skokie school, preschool and H1N1 vaccination clinics that H1N1 virus (sometimes called health problems. day care center, with immu- will be open to all Skokie resi- ‘swine flu’) in the Skokie com- nizations limited to students, dents and children attending In mid-October, the Village munity. The H1N1 flu is dif- teachers and others affiliated school, preschool or day care began an H1N1 vaccination ferent from the seasonal flu with the schools. Parents and in Skokie. campaign in Skokie schools, and, thus far, has impacted a guardians are encouraged to preschools and day care cen- Continued on page four younger population than the take advantage of this oppor- ters. All vaccinations are free typical seasonal flu. The ini- tunity to have their child or and are given on a voluntary tial target groups for the H1N1 children vaccinated. In this edition: • Recycling Information, Village Assigned AAA Bond Rating page two • Are You Ready for Winter Retains AAA Rating for Existing Debt Weather?, page three Fitch Ratings, Inc. recently interest rates available when Even with the Village drawing • TeenLink, page three evaluated Skokie’s credit rat- securing debt, and this ulti- on reserves during both the • Village Receives Federal ing and assigned the Village mately saves the Village current and previous fiscal Stimulus Funds for with an “AAA” rating for two money,” stated Village Man- years, Fitch says it, “…expects Skokie Boulevard Beau- bond series sold in summer ager Albert J. Rigoni. reserves to remain within tification Project, page 2009. This is the highest rat- management’s conservative four ing given by bond agencies According to Fitch, “…the vil- policy level.” and is a clear marker of lage benefits from conserva- • I-Go Car Sharing, page The ratings came as the Vil- Skokie’s credit quality. Fitch tive financial management, as four lage sold $24.98 million in cited the Village’s solid eco- demonstrated by five-year fi- • Board Report, page five general obligation bonds of nomic development, moderate nancial forecasts, timely ex- which $18.42 million were • Upcoming Public Meet- overall debt levels and strong penditure reductions and taxable bonds (Build America ings, page five financial performance as pension funding in excess of Bonds) to construct the new among the factors considered statutorily required contribu- • Downtown Skokie Update, police station on Niles Center in assigning Skokie the AAA tions.” Fitch’s report acknowl- page six Road and just over $15 million rating for the new bonds. The edges that the Village has • Smith Center News, page in general obligation bonds to bond rating agency also af- realized reduced revenues in eight refinance outstanding bonds firmed an AAA rating for the light of the current national and provide debt service sav- • Health Notes, page nine Village’s other outstanding economic downturn but could ings. The police station is ex- general obligation debt. “Ob- augment other revenue • Community Calendar, pected to be complete in fall taining the highest credit rat- sources to shield the Village’s pages 10-11 2010. ing enables the Village to financial status from depend- secure the most competitive ence on sales tax revenues.

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VillageNotes

Recycling Programs for Skokie Residents

Compact Fluorescent the vacuum bag after clean- Pharmaceutical and Household Chemical Light bulb (CFL) Recy- ing, put it in two sealed bags Sharps Disposal Waste Disposal cling and place in the outdoor trash Programs The Illinois Environmental The Skokie Health Depart- for normal disposal. Properly dispose of unused or Protection Agency offers a ment encourages everyone to For more information on proper expired pharmaceuticals and household hazardous chemi- properly dispose of burned disposal of CFL bulbs, please sharps by recycling them at cals disposal facility at Goose out or used CFL bulbs. To as- call the Skokie Health Depart- the Skokie Health Department. Island, 1150 North Branch sist with this effort, recycle ment at 847/933-8252. A recycling drop off is located Street in Chicago. For more your CFL bulbs by bringing at the Health Department, information or for drop-off them to the Skokie Health De- Document Destruction 5127 Oakton Street, Monday times, please call 312/744- partment, 5127 Oakton Street, Events through Friday from 8:30 a.m. 7606. For other household Monday through Friday from to 5 p.m. To learn more about The Solid Waste Agency of chemical waste disposal op- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. how to recycle these items, Northern Cook County tions and electronics recycling, please contact the Health De- There is little danger from a (SWANCC) offers document de- visit the SWANCC website at partment at 847/933-8252. single bulb breaking – the struction events throughout the www.swancc.org. amount of mercury in a CFL is year. During spring and sum- less than 5mg, roughly the size mer 2009, SWANCC sponsored of a tip on a ballpoint pen. nine events and collected and Village of Skokie However, as a precaution, take shredded a total of 110,120 the following steps to dispose pounds of paper. To learn when Curbside Recycling of a broken CFL: the next document destruction event will take place, please visit Skokie residents have the opportunity to make a significant • Open the window and leave www.swancc.org or call contribution to the environment through the Village's com- the room for 15 minutes or 847/724-9205. prehensive weekly curbside recycling program. more. Please DO NOT mix garbage in the recycling cart. • Do not use a vacuum Latex Paint Recycling cleaner – wear gloves and Below are some examples of non-paper materials accepted Properly dispose of latex paint scoop the fragments with in the recycling program: by recycling it at Skokie Ace cardboard and place them Hardware, 5035 Oakton Street. • Aluminum cans, foil and tins in a puncture-proof, tightly Bring any unused latex paint in • Steel, tin, and bi-metal cans sealed container such a cans to have it professionally re- glass jar. On carpet, use • Empty/dry steel paint cans cycled for a small fee: sticky tape to pick up small • Empty aerosol cans pieces and powder. • Quart container: $1.50 •Glass containers - all colors • Wipe the area clean with • Gallon container: $2.50 • Plastic containers marked 1 through 7 damp paper towels. • Five-gallon bucket: $8.00 • Beverage six-pack rings • Place all cleanup materials For more information, please • Plastic grocery bags in the sealed container and contact Skokie Ace Hardware at bring them to a CFL recy- 847/673-0700. • Plastic newspaper bags cling center. Wash your • Foam egg cartons hands after the cleanup and disposal of the sealed con- • Small plastic foam trays tainer. For a full list of materials accepted for recycling please visit www.skokie.org. • If you must vacuum, remove

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VillageNotes

Are You Ready For Winter Weather? Medicare The Village of Skokie would like to re- Part D Open mind residents, business owners and visitors about the Village’s Alternate Enrollment Side Parking Program. When there is Medicare Part D open enroll- snow accumulation of two inches or ment begins on November 15, more on the pavement, the Village’s 2009. If you are unsure about Alternate Side Parking Program will the plan you are currently en- go in to effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., rolled in, now is the time to re- seven days a week. The snow removal program is a minimum two-day operation and the Alternate view and make a change if Side Parking Program is an important component of the Village’s snow removal efforts. needed. Sometimes plans An "alert" warning siren will sound at 7 a.m., indicating that alternate side parking will be in effect. drop previously covered med- At 6 p.m., the siren will sound again, indicating that residents may move their vehicles to the opposite ications from their formula- side of the street. ries, leaving the beneficiary without coverage for that • On even days of the month, after two inches or more of snowfall, all vehicles must be medication. It is important to moved to the side of the street with even-numbered addresses. Violators will be tick- review your Part D coverage eted and towed. each year for such changes. • On odd days of the month, after two inches or more of snowfall, all vehicles must be Please contact the Human moved to the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses. Violators will be tick- Services Division for personal eted and towed. assistance. Cable television subscribers will be alerted of the program through the Village emergency override A social worker or volunteer is system at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Comcast customers should tune to available to provide assistance Need help channel 17 and RCN customers should tune to channel 25. in reviewing the options. The shoveling deadline to make changes is snow? See Residents also may tune to 1660 AM, the Village of Skokie's Advisory Radio Sta- tion, to learn more about the alternate side parking program and if it is in effect. December 31, so call for your article below appointment now. for TeenLink The Village's "Snow Hotline" at 847/675-SNOW (7669) provides a recorded mes- program sage noting if the alternate side parking program is or is not in effect. For more information or to information. The Village does have certain streets that are exempt from the Alternate Side Park- make an appointment, please ing Program but only on Saturday, Sunday and some holidays. There also are contact the Human Services Division at 847/933-8208. streets in Skokie that are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation or Cook County. A complete listing of these streets is available at www.skokie.org. To learn more about the Alternate Side Parking Program, please visit www.skokie.org. TeenLink: Uniting Residents & Seniors with Local Teens The Village’s TeenLink program provides residents with names of teens willing to do various outdoor yard tasks such as lawn mowing, pulling weeds, raking leaves and snow shoveling. Teenagers are needed year-round, but especially during heavy snowfalls. Skokie residents often request assistance for snow shoveling during harsh winters and for lawn care in the summer. When a teen provides their contact information to the TeenLink list, Skokie residents can be provided with a complete list of available teens in their area. The resident is responsible for contacting the TeenLink teenager and for making financial/scheduling arrangements. The TeenLink teenager is responsible for completing the task or notifying the resident if they are unable to complete the work. The Village TeenLink program has been connecting residents with Skokie teenagers for over 15 years. Many communities have imple- mented similar programs with limited success. The success of the Skokie TeenLink program is a testament to our community’s spirit. Help out your community - become a member of TeenLink today! If you are a teen that would like to register or a senior who would like a list of available teens, please call 847/933-8257 or visit www.skokie.org

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VillageNotes

H1N1 Flu Vaccines Available Free to Skokie Residents Continued from page one The clinics will be held at Oak- The federal government main- tion when available, residents The situation with H1N1 vacci- ton Park, 4701 Oakton Street, tains that there will likely be an are encouraged to avoid illness nation clinic plans is subject to according to the following adequate supply of novel H1N1 by practicing the 3 C’s: change depending on vaccine vaccine to immunize persons at availability. For up-to-date in- schedule: 1. Clean: wash your hands sev- risk of infection. The H1N1 formation, see www.skokie.org eral times a day with soap • December 3, 12 to 8 p.m. vaccine also will be distributed and subscribe to SkokieNews and water. In the absence of • December 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through private physician of- electronic newsletter for regular soap and water, alcohol- fices and pharmacies. email news updates on H1N1 flu • December 9, 12 to 8 p.m. based hand sanitizers can be matters and other Village pro- All Skokie residents are encour- used if rubbed until dry. • December 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. grams and services. Visit aged to get a seasonal flu shot to Proof of Skokie residency or 2. Cover: your cough with your www.skokie.org for more infor- protect against other influenza proof of enrollment at a Skokie elbow instead of sneezing mation on the H1N1 virus please viruses expected to circulate school will be required to re- into your hands; teach this to visit the Centers for Disease Con- this year. A seasonal flu shot ceive a vaccination. your children, too. trol web site at will not provide protection www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. With The majority of the U.S. popula- against the H1N1 virus. 3. Contain: stay home if you other questions call the Skokie tion does not have immunity to have flu-like symptoms to In addition to getting a seasonal Health Department at 847/933- the H1N1 virus and can expect keep from spreading the flu shot, and an H1N1 vaccina- 8252. to be susceptible to infection. virus.

I-GO Car Village Receives Federal Stimulus Sharing Funds for Skokie Boulevard Beautification Now in Project Downtown The Village has received notice from the Governor's Office that Skokie will receive approximately Skokie $858,000 in federal stimulus funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a Skokie Boulevard beautification project. Skokie's grant award is one of 27 project awards in the State The Village Board has ap- of Illinois. The project area is Skokie Boulevard from Oakton Street to Main Street, and includes the proved an agreement with I- area adjacent to the new CTA Yellow Line station, construction of which is expected to begin in GO Car sharing and I-GO 2010. Project improvements include replacing existing sidewalks with streetscape elements and vehicles are located in two re- adding ADA-compliance upgrades, installation of pedestrian lighting, upgraded street lighting, served parking spaces in the wayfinding signage, area-appropriate trees and other plantings. The funding program requires proj- municipal parking lot at Lin- ect completion in 2010. coln Avenue and Oakton Street (behind Veterans Memorial at Krier Plaza). I-GO is a non- Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook profit, locally based car shar- County to Host “Trashy Fashions Show” ing service. I-GO members have access to vehicles on an SWANCC will host its third “Trashy Fashions Show” on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. in as-needed basis 24 hours a recognition of America Recycles Day, nationally observed on November 15th. The event will be held day, 365 days a year. For more at The Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview. This community-based project will show- information visit www.igo- case outfits created by 30 designers, including students from Niles North High School, from “trash”, cars.org or call I-GO member materials destined for the landfill rather than purchased from a store. There is no cost to attend, but services at 773/278-4446. space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, please visit www.swancc.org.

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BoardReport

Village Board Action

The Village Board gave authorization for an intergovernmental agreement for wireless alarm The Skokie Village Board meets monitoring. The intergovernmental agreement will modernize the current manner in which the first and third Mondays of police/fire alarms are monitored by the Skokie Police and Fire combined dispatch center. each month, except in the case The Village will save $150,000 annually and benefit the subscribers who would experience of a holiday. Meetings begin at fewer false alarms and see less of an impact in terms of inflationary increases in annual fees. 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Skokie Village Hall, The Village Board authorized Mayor Van Dusen to execute the Local Agency Agreement for 5127 Oakton Street. Federal Participation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the resurfacing of Main Street between Skokie Boulevard and Crawford Avenue. The total estimated cost is Watch Village $950,000, of which $760,000 is a federal grant. The Village will contribute approximately Board Meetings on $190,000 of construction costs funded by the fiscal year 2010 Capital Improvement Program SkokieVision Cable Tele- budget. This project is scheduled for a state bid letting in November by the Illinois Depart- vision (Channel 25 ment of Transportation, with construction scheduled to begin in 2010. on RCN systems, Channel 17 on Comcast The Village Board approved a Buffer Zone Protection Program grant by the Department of systems). The Board Homeland Security in the amount of $199,000. The funds are provided to increase the pre- Meetings are broadcast paredness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for the safety and security of communi- at noon and 8 p.m. on ties. The money will be used as follows: $138,495 for the purchase of VirTra 300-HD the Thursday, Saturday Firearms and Use of Force Simulator from VirTra Systems, and $60,505 for the purchase and and Tuesday following installation of a video surveillance and security system at the North Side Water Reclamation a Board Meeting. Plant at 3500 Howard Street.

Upcoming Public Meetings Skokie Fine Arts Commission All meetings are held at Village Hall (5127 Oakton Street). The Skokie Fine Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 granting year. To be eligible for a grant, all projects and programs must take place between May 1, 2009 and April 30, Board of Trustees: 2010. November 2, 16 Skokie schools are invited to submit arts-related projects and programs for Cultural Arts Grants in Plan Commission: the amount of $500. Skokie-based arts organizations may apply for Project Grants in varying November 5, 19 amounts. Applications for both grants are available on the Commission’s web page at www.skokie.org. Appearance Commission: If you are a first-time grant applicant, please consider attending the Fine Arts Commission Grant November 11 Workshop on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals: first-time grant applicant presentation also is available on the Commission’s web page at November 4, 18 www.skokie.org. For more information or to download a copy of the grant application, please visit www.skokie.org.

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VillageNotes

Downtown Skokie Update The Village continues to plan for for various areas on the Down- ready the area for further devel- features jazz and live theater per- Downtown Skokie improve- town district. Around the same opment. Implementation of ac- formances and is an important ments. In a 2006 community time, and after an extensive Re- tion steps will begin right away, Downtown Skokie destination. survey, the Village asked resi- quest for Qualifications process, with most projects funded The Village provided a measure dents to rate the importance of the Village selected and worked through the Village's Downtown of financial support for the the- redeveloping Downtown, and with a national developer to Tax Increment Financing Dis- atre renovation efforts. trict. overall, residents strongly favor build a mixed-use retail devel- Successful mixed-use and Downtown Skokie redevelop- opment on the northwest corner While the Downtown Skokie residential developments ment. In total, 86% of respon- of Lincoln Avenue and Oakton planning process has been Some are new and others have dents said that investment in Street. As the national economy lengthy, and continues, there are been in place for more than 10 revitalizing Downtown Skokie is began its current state of de- a number of current success years, but all add to the Down- important, very important or es- cline, the developer changed its stories in the area that should be town Skokie market. The Metro- sential (32% ranked it essential). terms and the Village deter- noted: Some 88% rated having unique mined that the development was politan on Oakton Street and retail stores and restaurants as not feasible under the amended Illinois Science + Madison Place on Lincoln Av- essential, very important and economic conditions the devel- Technology Park enue are examples of new developments. The mixed-use important, with only a 3% "not oper requested. The nearly 24-acre research and very important" rating. Having development on Oakton Street Earlier this year, the Village development park is north of a variety of housing options and just west of Niles Avenue and the hired Lisle, Illinois-based con- Oakton Street and east of Niles retail stores in Downtown Lincoln Terrace and Lincoln sultant 4Insights to develop a Avenue. With the recent an- Skokie also received high essen- Court townhomes-above-retail Downtown Skokie market as- nouncement that German- tial, very important and impor- at Lincoln and Warren Avenues sessment and retail strategy. based Vetter Pharma tant ratings at 76% and 73%, are examples of older mixed-use The rationale is to have a report International signed a long- respectively. The Village asked developments. The Village pro- in hand and begin taking action term lease for approximately similar questions in the 2009 vided incentives for some of steps to ready Downtown Skokie 25,000 square feet of space, the National Citizen Survey con- these developments, and also ac- for new development that will, park now has 15 tenant firms ducted in October 2009; 1,200 quired property to assemble the hopefully, result when the cur- with a total of more than 800 randomly selected homes re- land used for some of the proj- rent national economic down- on-site employees. This is more ceived the five-page written sur- ects. turn improves. The 4Insights than half of the number of on- vey that included questions on a study found strong market con- site employees working at the variety of topics. Data from the Successful retail ditions in and around Down- park when it was owned by a 2009 survey is expected by the town Skokie that should attract single pharmaceutical firm. Walgreen's on Oakton Street is end of the year, and a summary retail development. Further, the the first national chain to come of results will be featured in a study cites the CTA Yellow Line CTA Yellow Line Oakton to Downtown Skokie. The Aldi spring 2010 edition of Oakton Street Station (construc- Street Station and Market Place food stores on NewSkokie. tion expected in 2010) and the Construction of the "Kiss 'n the south side of Oakton Street Subsequent to the 2006 survey, Illinois Science + Technology Ride" station is expected to are examples of a successful site the Village began an intense Park as key drivers for the begin in early 2010. The station re-use that help make Down- Downtown Skokie planning Downtown Skokie economy, is fully designed and will cost town Skokie a destination. process. In fall 2007, after sev- along with Oakton Community approximately $20 million, with More recently, Sweety Pies bak- eral public hearings, the Village College and the Skokie Public the Village funding $6 million ery moved from a modest-sized Board approved a master plan Library. In early November Vil- and the additional $14 million location on Lincoln Avenue for Downtown (also called "Sec- lage staff expect to present the coming from federal funds. south of Oakton Street to a sig- tor A"), the purpose of which is Village Board with a three-year nificantly larger space on Lin- to provide development direc- action plan for Downtown im- The Skokie Theatre coln Avenue north of Oakton tion by determining land uses provements and activities to The beautifully renovated 140- Street. seat landmark theatre building Continued on page seven

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VillageNotes

Continued from page six Village-sponsored façade renovation assistance pro- In doing so, the owners took ad- gram that was started in vantage of the Downtown the 1990's. Skokie Business Incentive Pro- gram that offers up to $100,000 Skokie Public Library or more in financial assistance The Library draws thou- for new or existing Downtown sands of people to Down- Skokie businesses undergoing town Skokie each year and façade and/or interior renova- in 2003 expanded to its tion. The Village began offering current size of 133,190 this program in 2008. square feet. To accommo- date its ever-growing Successful restaurants number of patrons, the Downtown Skokie has a unique Library also added Shown above: Carnival ride at the 2009 Backlot Bash mix of new and established additional parking on the west Special events Village redevelopment efforts. restaurants. In recent months, side of the building. The Village has provided fi- Yolo Mexican Eatery opened on The Backlot Bash, a collabora- tion between the Independent nancial support to the organi- Brown Street, and De Jred Oakton Community Col- Merchants of Downtown Skokie zation and its programs. restaurant featuring Caribbean lege cuisine opened on Oakton (IMODS), the Skokie Park Dis- Adding to the above list of In 2005 the college began trict, the Village, Skokie Cham- Downtown Skokie successes Street. These new eateries join holding classes in the new Art, the established Annie's Pancake ber of Commerce and other are the new stoplight being in- Science and Technology Pavil- entities, this popular, three-day stalled on Madison Street at House, Subway, The Curragh ion, construction of which Irish Pub, Toscana, Tub Tim outdoor community festival Niles Center Road and the re- added 59,000 square feet to takes place in late August and configured roadway and park- Thai and Village Inn Pizzeria the campus. In fall 2009, the Sports Bar & Grill. draws tens of thousands of peo- ing area around the United Village began improvements ple to Downtown Skokie. The States Post Office, the Village Parks to Lamon Avenue to upgrade Chamber and IMODS also col- Board's recent approval of an the pedestrian connection be- In 2004, the Village of Skokie re- laborate on the Cruise the Back- agreement with I-GO Car tween the campus and Down- located the Veterans Memorial lot car shows during the Sharing to locate two vehicles town Skokie. Improvements from Village Hall to the newly summer and fall months that in a municipal parking lot on include street and pedestrian renovated Krier Plaza at Oakton take place in the parking lots Lincoln Avenue behind Veter- lighting, new handicapped Street and Lincoln Avenue. Now near Village Hall and the Village ans Memorial at Krier Plaza ramps, improved crosswalks, called Veterans Memorial at Green. The Skokie Farmers' and the Village learning that it benches and street resurfac- Krier Plaza, the park serves as Market, voted "Best on the will receive $858,000 in federal ing. the site of the annual commu- North Shore" is held every Sun- stimulus funds to beautify and nity Memorial Day observance. day from late June through late add pedestrian amenities to Public art The Village also purchased and October in the Village Hall park- Skokie Boulevard between razed two dilapidated residences A number of outdoor sculp- ing lot and brings many visitors Main and Oakton Streets. on Lincoln Avenue just south of tures are in place in Down- to Downtown Skokie. town Skokie. Several years While there is much more Cleveland Street. The Skokie work to be done in Downtown Park District transformed the ago, the Village established a IMODS Public Arts Advisory Commit- Skokie, the past 15 years have area into the beautiful Veterans This active group of Downtown included many successes such Park. tee and established a fund to Skokie restaurateurs, retailers procure public art for Down- as those mentioned above. For and others interested in the more information on Down- Façade renovations town Skokie. In the past year, area's success meet regularly two sculptures were added to town Skokie, visit A number of Downtown Skokie and has instituted a number of the Village Green between Vil- www.skokie.org. businesses, including Eurostyle important programs. They sup- lage Hall and the Skokie Public Deli, have taken advantage of a port and provide suggestions on Library.

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SmithCenterNews VillageNotes Senior Activities

Monday Senior Group Lunch at Lincolnwood Place All programs take place at the Smith Activities Center Join the Smith Activities Center on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 located at 5120 Galitz Street. Programs begin at 1:30 for lunch and a tour of Lincolnwood Place. The trip will leave p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information on from the Smith Activities Center, 5120 Galitz Street, at 11 a.m. Monday Senior Group Programs please call and return around 2 p.m. This is a free trip with a limit of 20 847/933-8208. participants. Registration is required. For more information, please call the Human Services Division at 847/933-8208. November 2 - Table Games Village of Skokie Human Bring a table of friends and enjoy an afternoon with your favorite table game. Bring treats to share with your Services Division tablemates. The social work staff of the Skokie Human Services Division provides information and referrals for such needs as: November 9 - Safe and Smart The Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office will inform Skokie seniors • Community Resources on what to do in an emergency situation. • Employment Resources • Home Care Providers November 23 - Harvest Party with Entertainment • Housing Resources NOTE: This program begins at 1 p.m. Join the Smith • Financial Assistance Providers and Availability Activities Center for the annual Harvest Party. Coffee and dessert will be served, and “Still Acting Up” will provide • Legal Assistance Resources entertainment with a musical review. Registration is required • Retirement/Nursing Home Resources by Thursday, November 19. Please call 847/933-8208 to The social workers provide advocacy and short-term counseling register. for personal difficulties, family problems and other life issues. Long-term counseling needs are referred to outside agencies. The November 30 - Silver Singers experienced staff can make home visits if requested. Sing-a-long while Miriam Strauss plays her musical tunes on the piano. To learn more about this program or to make an appointment please contact the Human Services Division at 847/ 933-8208. Skokie Community Lending Closet Giving Program The Skokie Human Services Division Lending Closet offers For 15 years the Village of Skokie Human Services Division has Skokie residents the use of canes, walkers, crutches and wheel- coordinated a Skokie Community giving program designed to chairs for periods up to six months. A driver's license is required assist Skokie families with limited financial resources that might for wheelchair loans. For wheelchairs only there is a $25.00 re- not otherwise be able to celebrate winter holidays with their chil- fundable deposit for 24-hour or up to a five-day loan period, and dren. Families receive gift certificates for area businesses which $25.00 non-refundable fee for six-month loan. they use to purchase holiday food and to buy items specific to The lending closet is open Monday through Friday at the Smith each child’s needs and wants. In 2008, the Skokie community Center, 5120 Galitz, between 9 and 10:30 a.m. and again from 2 to generously donated more than $38,000 to the program. For fur- 4 p.m. ther information or to make a donation this year please contact Please call 847/933-8208 for further information. the Skokie Human Services Division at 847/933-8208. Those interested in making a donation are asked to please do so by De- cember 11, 2009.

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HealthNotes

November Clinics Change H1N1 Community Due to the H1N1 flu vaccination program taking place in Skokie schools, the majority of in-office Health Department clinics for November have been cancelled. Vaccination The following clinics will be held: Clinics Coming • Immunization Clinic (by appointment only): Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Skokie Health Department • TB Skin Testing (by appointment only): Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be holding four H1N1 com- • Nicotine Addiction Seminar (registration required): Wednesday, November 18, 7 to 9 p.m. munity vaccination clinics during the month of December. The clin- If you have any questions or to make an appointment, please contact the Skokie Health Depart- ics are open to all Skokie residents ment at 847/933-8252. and children who attend a Skokie school, pre-school or day care. The clinics will be held at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Thanksgiving Turkey Safety Oakton Street on the following dates: As Thanksgiving approaches, • THAWING IN COLD stuffing per pound of turkey. cooking the traditional turkey WATER: If you forget to thaw The stuffing should be moist, • Thursday, December 3, dinner may give rise to anxieties the turkey or don’t have room not dry, since heat destroys bac- Noon - 8 p.m. and questions. The Skokie in the refrigerator for thawing, teria more rapidly in a moist en- • Sunday, December 6, 9 a.m. - Health Department recom- you can submerge the turkey vironment. Place stuffed turkey 5 p.m. mends these simple steps to en- in cold water and change the in the oven immediately. water every 30 minutes. Allow • Wednesday, December 9, sure a delicious and safe meal. Use a meat thermometer to about 30 minutes defrosting Noon - 8 p.m. check the internal temperature Plan Ahead time per pound of turkey. • Saturday, December 12, of the turkey. When the temper- 9 am - 5 p.m. • FRESH OR FROZEN: To • THAWING IN ature of the poultry (as meas- most consumers there is no MICROWAVE: Microwave ured in the thigh) has reached Proof of Skokie residency or proof appreciable difference between thawing is safe if the turkey is 180°F, the entire bird should be of enrollment at a Skokie school is a fresh or frozen bird. It is just not too large. Check the manu- at a safe temperature of 165°F. required. a personal preference. facturer’s instructions for the Check the temperature in sev- For more information, please see • WHEN TO PURCHASE: If size turkey that will fit into eral locations, being sure to in- the article on page one or contact you choose to buy a frozen your oven, the minutes per clude the wing joint. All turkey the Skokie Health Department at bird, make sure you have ade- pound, and the power level to meat, including any that re- 847/933-8252. quate storage space in your use for thawing. Cook immedi- mains pink, is safe to eat as ately after thawing. freezer. If you buy a fresh soon as all parts reach at least Safely Storing Leftovers turkey, be sure you purchase it 165°F for a minimum of 15 sec- Preparation of the Turkey Cut the turkey into small pieces; re- only one to two days before onds. The stuffing should also frigerate stuffing and turkey sepa- cooking. Do not buy a pre- Make sure you have all the in- reach 165°F for 15 seconds. rately in shallow containers within stuffed fresh turkey. gredients and equipment you Stuffing temperature is easier to will need to prepare your holi- control if it is cooked in a sepa- two hours of cooking. Use leftover • THAWING IN REFRIGERA- day meal, including a roasting rate dish outside the bird. turkey and stuffing within three to TOR: Place frozen bird in pan large enough to hold your four days; gravy within one to two original wrapper in the refrig- When the turkey is removed turkey and a meat thermometer. days; or freeze these foods. Reheat erator (40°F). Allow approxi- from the oven, let it stand for 20 thoroughly to a temperature of mately 24 hours per five Wet and dry stuffing ingredients minutes before carving. This al- 165°F. pounds of turkey. After thaw- can be prepared ahead of time lows the meat to reabsorb some ing, keep turkey refrigerated and refrigerated separately. If of the moisture lost during the For additional food safety informa- for only one to two days. you choose to stuff your turkey, cooking process. tion you can call the Skokie Health stuff loosely – about 3/4 cup of Department at 847/933-8484 or the NewSkokie • Page 9 USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 800/535-4555. 155_VillageSkokie:24227 12pg v3 10/23/09 8:11 AM Page 10

CommunityCalendar

Smith Center November 2009 Activities Village Hall Closed Refuse and Located at 5120 Galitz The Village of Skokie will be closed on Thursday, Street. Please call November 26 and Friday, November 27 in obser- Recycling 847/933-8208 for more vance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Collection information or to register. Schedule Monday Group Simple Will/Durable Bright Ideas ESL See page eight for Power of Attorney/ Liv- Holiday Refuse Collection Class details. Mondays at ing Will Program Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday (Thursday and Registration required. 1:30 p.m. Program for low-income Friday, November 26-27, 2009), Monday and Mondays and Thurs- seniors who meet re- Tuesday collections are unchanged, with an at- days from 9:15-11:15 Medicare Supplement quirements. Fee charged tempt to complete both Thursday and Friday a.m. Claims Assistance/ by attorney. Call 847/933- Senior Health Insur- 8208 for program details collections on Wednesday. To find out which days Chess ance Program your refuse is collected please visit Mondays, Wednesdays and registration informa- Appointments are tion. www.skokie.org. and Fridays from 12- necessary. Tuesday, No- 4:30 p.m. Stamp Club Holiday Recycling Collection vember 10 from 9:30 Conversational a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays, November 4, Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday (Thursday and 18 at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 26-27, 2009), Monday, Tues- German Music and Laughter Thursdays, November (formerly known as U.S. Citizenship Class day and Friday collections are unchanged, 5, 19 at 1:30 p.m. Thursday collections will take place on Wednes- Men’s Discussion Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at Conversational Group) the Smith Activities Cen- day. To find out which day your recycling is col- ter. Please call 847/933- lected and what items are recyclable, please visit Yiddish Fridays at 1:30 p.m. No fee or registration re- 8208 to register for the www.skokie.org. Needlework class. quired. Everyone is wel- Socialization and For more information please visit come. Tuesdays, needlework. Womens’ Discussion www.skokie.org or call the Skokie Public Works November 17, 24 at Tuesdays from 10:30 Group Department at 847/933-8427. 1:30 p.m. a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays, November 11, 25 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. FOCUS (For Optically News and Views Health Immunization Challenged Upbeat at Oakton Community Discussion Center, 4701 Oakton Happenings Clinics* Sorts) Fridays, 10 a.m. Immunizations are Wednesday, November Street, Skokie. Due to H1N1 Flu available for only a $5 11 from 7-8:30 p.m. Rules of the Road CPR Schedule vaccination clinics per person clinic visit Please call Juanita at Review for driver’s Please call the Skokie Fire being held in the fee. Appointments are 847/933-8208 for more exam. Monday, No- Department at 847/982- community this required. Tuesdays information. vember 2 from 9:15 5340 for November 17 fall, only the fol- from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. a.m.-12 p.m. Hearing Loss Support program information. lowing Skokie Residents: $15 refund- Health Depart- Nicotine Addiction Group Silver Singers Seminar* Thursday, November 12 For details, please call able fee. Non-residents: ment clinics/ events $20 non-refundable fee. will be held during Wednesday, November from 1:30-3 p.m. 847/933-8208 or see page eight. the month of No- 18 from 7-9 p.m. Illinois Cares RX and Skokie Park vember: RX Plus Skokie Senior Mens’ District TB Skin Testing* For more information on Unless otherwise Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to (Formally known as Group Discussion Circuit Breaker) Wednesdays at 9:30 Park District programs, noted, all clinics are noon . $5 fee. call 847/674-1500 or visit held at the Health Appointments are a.m., Weber Park, 9300 necessary. Weber Park Place. www.SkokieParkDist- Department, 5127 rict.org. Oakton Street. Clin- Low Vision Support ics marked with an Group Devonshire Playhouse (*) require advance Tuesday, November 10 Presents: Footloose registration. For from 1:30-3 p.m. November 7-22. Call more information or 847/674-1500 ext. 2400 to register for a for showtimes and ticket clinic, call 847/933- information. Devonshire 8252. Playhouse, 4400 Green- NewSkokie • Page 10 wood Street. Continued on page 11 155_VillageSkokie:24227 12pg v3 10/23/09 8:11 AM Page 11

CommunityCalendar

Continued from page 10 Mathemagic starring Skokie in Photos: 2009 Backlot Bash Bradley Fields Princess Ball Centre East Theatre This parent/child dance November 10 and 12. involves dancing, hors Call for showtimes. d’oeuvres, and a visit from Cinderella, Belle Thodos Dance and Snow White. Atten- Chicago dees should wear their Centre East Theatre “finest” attire and each November 13 at 8 p.m. child will receive a special invitation in the mail. Bruce Hornsby Pre-registration is re- Centre East Theatre quired, no at-the-door November 14 at 8 p.m. registration. Ages 3+. Ars Viva Symphony Fee: $24-30. November Orchestra: Brahms 14 at 6 p.m. Oakton Centre East Theatre Community Center, 4701 November 15 at 4:30 Oakton Street. p.m. Retro ‘80s Teen Dance Schoolhouse Rock Party Live! Attend the Devonshire Centre East Theatre Playhouse production of November 17 at 10 a.m. Footloose and stay after with the cast for an ‘80s Skokie Public teen dance party. Combo Library tickets are available. For more details on li- Grades 6-8. Fee: $8-10. brary activities and The Backlot Bash was held on August 28 to 30, 2009 in Downtown Skokie. November 21 from 7-10 events, please visit p.m. Call 847/64-1500 www.skokielibrary.info ext. 3500 for more infor- or call 847/673-7774. Giving Thanks for Be an Online Bach to Brazil: A mation. Devonshire 7 Keys to Email Nutrition: A Cooking Detective Harp And Guitar Playhouse, 4400 Green- Marketing Class Thursday, November 19 Concert wood Street. Monday, November 2 at Wednesday, November at 7 p.m. Sunday, November 29 North Shore 11 at 7 p.m. at 3 p.m. 10 a.m. Elements Center for the Performing Arts in Urban Beat Dance Demystifying the Contemporary Ballet Skokie Companies Estate Planning Sunday, November 22 Located at 9501 Skokie Friday, November 6 at Process at 3 p.m. Blvd. For 2009 perform- 6:30 AND 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 12 ance dates and informa- at 7 p.m. tion please call the box Varshavski-Shapiro office at 847/673-6300 or Piano Duos Modern Iran, Ancient Turn Back Time visit www.northshorecen- Sunday, November 8 at Persia It’s time to reset your alarm clock! Daylight Sav- ter.org 3 p.m. Sunday, November 15 ing Time officially ends on November 1. Time Apollo: To the Moon at 1 p.m. will revert back to standard time at 2 a.m. that Centre East Theatre Twitter for Beginners Sunday. Monday, November 9 at Beating Fatigue November 6 at 10 a.m. In addition to setting back and 12 p.m. 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. your clocks, the Fire Depart- An Evening with Greg ment reminds residents to Behrendt change the batteries in smoke Centre East Theatre and carbon monoxide detec- November 7 at 8 p.m. tors and in all emergency kit accessories.

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CAR-RT-PRESORT

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The Village of Skokie www.skokie.org Skokie Offers Online Village Departments 1660 AM Skokie Building/Housing/Zoning Council/Manager Payment Options 847/933-8223 Government Citizens Assistance Since 1957 The Village has a new, convenient online payment program for: 847/933-8480 Officials: • Water bills Civil Engineering Mayor 847/933-8231 • Parking tickets and other non- George Van Dusen Clerk’s Office moving violations 847/933-8203 Clerk Marlene Williams • Miscellaneous invoices Community Development 847/933-8447 Payment may be made online Trustees Health Department Michele L. Bromberg using American Express, Mas- Administration Michael M. Lorge tercard, Discover, Visa credit and 847/933-8252 Donald P. Perille Randall E. Roberts debit cards. The Village does not charge a fee Animal Control Pramod C. Shah for this service. To make a payment or learn more about online 847/933-8484 Edie Sue Sutker payments and Automatic Bank Payment, please visit Environmental Health 847/933-8484 Manager www.skokie.org. Albert J. Rigoni Personal Health 847/933-8252 Counsel Feedback J. Patrick Hanley Human Services The Village is pleased to respond to your questions and concerns. 847/933-8208 Phone Numbers: If you have a suggestion for the Village web site or for a future Public Works Emergency NewSkokie article, or have a question, return this form to the Vil- Forestry 9-1-1 847/933-8427 lage Hall or e-mail [email protected]. Please provide your address Refuse and Recycling Information for a direct response. 847/673-0500 847/933-8427 Signs and Street Lights TTY 847/933-8232 847/933-8455 Streets and Alleys Fire Non-Emergency 847/933-8427 847/982-5300 Water and Sewer 847/933-8427 Police Non-Emergency 847/982-5900 Traffic Engineering 847/933-8232 Name: Telephone: Citizens Assistance Village Hall 847/933-8480 Address: 847/673-0500 Managing Editor Village Manager’s Office Forward inquiries to: 847/933-8210 Ann E. Tennes Village Manager’s Office, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois 60077 Water Billing Assistant Editor/Layout 847/933-8418 Natalie M.K. Marquez NewSkokie is printed on 45% post-consumer recycled content paper with soy-based ink. Copyright ©2009 by Village of Skokie