Water Main Break: Village Response and Recovery
The Village has completed water main repairs following a February 14 water supply outage and Boil Order.
Next steps: The Village is undertaking a comprehensive analysis to determine more information regarding the cause of the issue, as well as determine any measures necessary to prevent this from occurring in the future.
If you experienced property damage
On February 17, the Village Board approved a resolution declaring an emergency due to this incident. The Village is preparing a Preliminary Damage Assessment Report to demonstrate qualification for potential federal and state disaster funds and public assistance reimbursement.
Please notify the Village at skokie.org/damagereport so that we can track damages and notify you of any potential emergency financial relief that may become available in the future.
This is not an application for reimbursement. This information will assist regional and local officials in requesting disaster assistance.
Contact your insurance provider: The Village will coordinate with the insurance provider to address liability issues if necessary.
Support our businesses
Even though the water main emergency is over, many local businesses are still feeling the impact. Here are a few ways you can help Skokie businesses: Continued on page 4
Early Voting Begins March 17 In Skokie
Early voting for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election will take place March 17 through 31 in Skokie.
What’s on the ballot
The 2025 Consolidated Election will include the Skokie Village Board elected offices of mayor, clerk, at-large trustee and district trustee. Use Cook County’s “Your Voter Information” tool, at cookcountyclerkil.gov, to find details about your ballot, polling place, elected officials and more.
Voting
Early Voting
Early voting will be available March 17 through 31 at two locations in Skokie:
• Oakton College, 7701 Lincoln Ave. (P103-104)
• Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd. (Cafeteria Room 100)
At both locations, early voting will be available Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Continued on page 3
Workers remove the section of water main where the loss of an end cap occurred.
Volunteers distribute water to residents.
Downtown Skokie Update – What’s New and What’s Coming
Foot traffic in Downtown Skokie increased by an estimated 100,000 visits in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by exciting new businesses and community events. (Source: Placer.ai location intelligence data.)
New businesses
More than a dozen new businesses opened their doors in Downtown Skokie in 2024. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming up in 2025:
• Pickledilly Skokie, 4919 Main St., offers 11 indoor pickleball courts, classes, leagues and events
• The Spot, 7909 Lincoln Ave., a rotary hot pot restaurant, is opening soon
• Bon Bon Bakeshop, 5023 Oakton St., a boutique confectioner and bakery, will offer chocolate and ice cream
• Ascione Skokie, 8000 Lincoln Ave., is finishing interior buildout at The Highpoint at 8000 North
• Sizzle, 4853 Oakton St., a halal eatery offering smash burgers, bubble tea and soft serve, is under construction
• Chez Lu’s Extraordinary Finds, 4854 Oakton St., will offer rare and vintage collectibles, posters, memorabilia, artwork, retro clothing and more starting this spring
What we’re working on
The Village continues to work with private property owners to strategically attract tenants and develop properties to enhance Downtown Skokie.
• The Swift District - Four mixed-use properties are in various stages of planning and development on Skokie Boulevard north of Oakton Street.
• Oakton Street hotel – Construction is paused as legal proceedings between project subcontractors and other project parties continue. The Village continues to envision a hotel at this location and is eager to see activity resume as soon as possible.
• 4900-06 Oakton St. (former site of Annie’s and two adjacent storefronts) – The Village Board approved plans to demolish this vacant building, providing a future opportunity to create a direct connection between Downtown Skokie and the Illinois Science + Technology Park.
• Other storefront vacancies. The Village is in frequent communication with owners of private properties that are either vacant or underutilized, offering strategic support to activate spaces, attract tenants, and enhance Downtown Skokie. However, unfortunately, some private property owners may make a business decision to keep a space vacant.
Spotlight: Village Boards and Commissions
Cheers! The Village’s Consumer Affairs Commission has selected Sketchbook Brewing Co. as the 2024 Skokie Business of the Year.
About Sketchbook Brewing
Sketchbook opened its Skokie taproom and production facility at 4901 Main St. in 2020, quickly becoming a beloved community gathering space and a leader in the business community.
The Commission noted Sketchbook’s:
• Outstanding commitment to sustainability. Sketchbook was awarded a Cook County Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment program grant to support its sustainability initiatives, including delivering spent grains to local farms to feed livestock.
• Strong community partnerships. Sketchbook frequently collaborates with Skokie organizations and businesses, including hosting pop-up coffee shop Soul Good Coffee and participating in Skokie’s Green Business Recognition Program.
• Support for community events and gatherings. Sketchbook is a premier destination for community events, concerts, celebrations and gatherings of all kinds.
Honorable Mentions
Congratulations are also in order for this year’s honorable mentions:
• Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Ave.
• Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Café, 8042 Lincoln Ave.
• Schaefer’s Wines & Spirits, 9965 Gross Point Rd.
The Consumer Affairs Commission
The Consumer Affairs Commission sponsors the Business of the Year Award and makes recommendations to the Village Board on ordinances, regulations and methods of enforcement related to consumer affairs. The Commission is one of nearly 20 advisory boards and commissions that contribute time to planning, researching and analyzing issues affecting quality of life in Skokie.
Cesar Marron and Amy Wilkinson, co-owners of Sketchbook Brewing Co., pose with the Skokie Business of the Year trophy.
2024 Community Survey: Skokie Receives High Marks for Governance, Quality of Life
Skokie residents are highly satisfied with the quality of services provided by the Village and overall quality of life in Skokie, according to the results of a statistically valid, scientific survey conducted every three years.
The 2024 Skokie Community Survey, administered by the National Research Center (NRC), asked randomly selected households to rate their experiences in a number of categories, from governance to mobility to inclusivity and engagement.
Highlights
Out of 123 questions, Skokie exceeded national benchmarks in 51 instances, including:
• 90 percent rated Skokie as excellent/good for attracting people from diverse backgrounds (Skokie ranked 2nd out of 288 communities)
• 89 percent rated overall customer service by Village employees as excellent/good (Skokie ranked 24th out of 359 communities)
Early Voting (continued)
Election Day Voting and Vote By Mail
• 87 percent rated opportunities for culture, education and the arts as excellent/ good (Skokie ranked 16th out of 316 communities)
In addition, 92 percent of households rated Skokie as an excellent or good place to live; 92 percent reported an overall feeling of safety; and 83 percent ranked the quality of Village services as excellent/good, placing Skokie Village services in the top 10 percent of communities overall.
The Village scored at or above national benchmarks in all areas.
Top Issues
In an open-ended question, the Village asked residents to rate the top three issues that they would like the Village to focus on in the next two years. Top responses included safety (crime prevention, police activity), mobility (street repair, parking and lighting) and attracting more businesses to Downtown Skokie.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 1. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cook County also offers vote by mail. Get your ballot faster by applying online. Visit cookcountyclerkil.gov
You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person, including at the Skokie Village Clerk’s Office at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.
Changes to Village Board elections
This will be the first election incorporating changes to Skokie Village Board elections following the Village Board’s implementation of three citizen-initiated referendums passed in 2022.
What’s New
District trustees: The 2025 Consolidated Election will be the first in which a district trustee is elected by voters from each of the Village’s four newly established geographic districts. Two trustees will be elected at-large. (In previous elections, all six trustees were elected at-large.)
Each voter will have the opportunity to vote for one trustee from their district and two at-large trustees.
The Skokie Village Clerk’s Office has provided a searchable map to
Also notable, 98 percent of residents strongly or somewhat supported enhancing storm water management systems to mitigate flooding.
Next Steps
The Village Board reviewed the survey results in December, and Village departments subsequently met to further review the findings. Survey data will be considered in planning for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
The complete 2024 Community Survey results can be found on the Village website, at skokie.org
help voters find their trustee district. The map and other resources are available on the Skokie Village Clerk’s Office’s website, at skokie. org/2025election
Staggered elections: Voters will elect the mayor, clerk and two at-large trustees to four-year terms in the 2025 Consolidated Election, and will elect four district trustees to initial two-year terms followed by four-year terms beginning in 2027.
Non-partisan elections: Candidates will not have any political party affiliation listed on the ballot.
In addition, term limits for the elected offices of mayor, clerk and at-large trustee will begin with the 2025 Consolidated Election, and for district trustees in the 2027 Consolidated Election (no more than three terms for each elected office). The Village Board placed a referendum concerning the imposition of term limits for Skokie elected officials on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot, which was approved by voters.
Reminder: Recycle political signs
Skokie Public Works will again be accepting political signs for recycling. Drop-off signs at 9050 Gross Point Rd. (accessible 24/7). Both signs and metal stands will be recycled, but please separate them. Signs will be accepted through May 2.
Staying Safe: Electric Bikes and Scooters
Electric bikes and scooters have surged in popularity as a fast, cost-effective and eco-friendly way to get around. But as their use grows, so do safety concerns—especially for inexperienced riders and those ignoring safety measures.
Safe riding
• Pre-ride check: Inspect handlebars, tires and brakes before riding to prevent malfunctions.
• Gear up: Helmets reduce head injury risk by 44 percent. Closed-toed shoes, pads and reflective gear add extra protection.
• Ride smart: Stick to bike lanes and bike path when possible and follow the Illinois Rules of the Road.
• Stay alert: Assume drivers and pedestrians don’t see or hear you. Use a bell or horn, and watch for road hazards like potholes.
• No distractions: Avoid texting, calls or listening to music with headphones while riding.
• No riding under the influence: Scooting or biking after drinking is just as dangerous as driving.
Visit ilsos.gov for more information on traffic safety and the Rules of the Road.
Safe charging
E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk if not handled properly.
• Look for the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark, which indicates the battery has been tested for safety according to recognized standards.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for charging. Use only the specific charger and power adapter designed for your device.
• Charge outside when possible. Always plug the charger directly into a wall outlet, and store the battery in a safe place away from flammable materials.
• Monitor devices while charging. If you notice signs of malfunction, stop using the device immediately, move it away from flammable materials, and call 911. Don’t charge devices near exits.
• Recycle responsibly. Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. The Skokie Health and Human Services Department, 5127 Oakton St. (lower level), offers lithium-ion battery recycling in partnership with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC).
Water Main Break (continued)
• Purchase a gift card for yourself or others
• Treat your co-workers to coffee, breakfast or lunch
• Share a five-star business review on Google or Yelp
• Dine out or order take-out
• Spend money locally
The Village also organized a “Double Your Love” Valentine’s Day do-over campaign, encouraging residents to make Valentine’s Day reservations on February 28.
Water billing
In recognition of the disruption and hardship experienced by our residents and businesses, the Village has suspended late payment penalties for the one month for all water accounts.
Stay informed
There’s nothing quite like an emergency to demonstrate the importance of emergency notifications.
The Village used the Smart911 emergency notification system and other communications tools to provide updates throughout the water supply outage. Here are three ways you can stay informed:
• Subscribe to Smart911: Visit skokie.org/ smart911, or text AlertSkokie to 226787.
• Sign up for The Scoop: Visit skokie.org/ enews.
• Follow us: Find Village of Skokie on Facebook and Instagram
Help
Keep Skokie Beautiful!
Clean Green Litter Pick-Up Begins March 10
Looking for a simple way to make a big difference? Join Skokie’s Clean Green Litter Pick-Up initiative and help keep our community clean.
Why it matters: Picking up litter protects wildlife, improves water quality, and fosters community pride—plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy the fresh spring air!
This flexible volunteer opportunity is open to all ages and group sizes. Here’s how to participate:
• Pick a location: Choose your own or let Village staff suggest an area in need.
• Pick a date: Any time from March 10 through April 19.
• Get your kit: Free litter kits include trash bags, gloves and safety vests.
• Sign the waiver: Each participant must complete a short online waiver (parents/ guardians must sign for minors).
Get recognized: Participants will be recognized in the Village’s weekly eNewsletter, The Scoop, and entered into a drawing to have a tree planted in their honor at a public location in Skokie.
Get started: The sign-up form and waiver are available at skokie.org (search Clean Green Skokie) or by calling Public Works at 847-933-8427.
Spring Greening
Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Clear out your over-flowing closets and cramped garages! Skokie’s Spring Greening 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, which has a fee.
Westfield West Lot – Enter from Old Orchard Road and turn south onto Lavergne Avenue:
• Document destruction: Securely shred up to four boxes of documents. (NOT accepted: magazines, newspapers, junk mail, folders, clips, binders and covers. No plastic bags.)
• Electronics: Responsibly dispose of receivers, cell phones, computer monitors, computers, tablets and notebooks, converter boxes, fax machines, keyboards, mice, MP3 players, printers, scanners, televisions, video game consoles, video recorders and zip drives. (NOT accepted: Small household appliances, such as toasters, blenders, vacuum cleaners, lamps and stereo equipment.)
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.
A final list of accepted materials and pricing for paint will be available at skokiespringgreening. info a few weeks prior to the event. More recycling vendors will be added; check the website.
Pro-tip: Historically, wait times are shortest after 11 a.m.
Recognize a Sustainability Superstar
Know a Skokie neighbor who’s a leader in home sustainability? Nominate them for a 2025 Residential Sustainability Award!
Submit your nomination at skokie.org/sustainabilityaward by June 16. Awards will be presented during a Village Board meeting in July.
6 Village Calendar APRIL EVENTS MARCH EVENTS
Village Board Meetings
March 3 and 17, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.
Winter Market on Main
March 9 and 23. See page 7.
CPR Skills Testing
Saturday, March 15 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org.
Clean Green Skokie
March 10 through April 19. See page 5.
Arts and Craft Fair
March 29 and March 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Storefront, 4051 Main Street. Explore a diverse collection of handmade art, crafts, and unique creations by local artisans!
Downtown Skokie Shop & Stamp BINGO
March 1 through March 31
This March, make a purchase at participating Downtown businesses and receive a stamp on your Bingo card, qualifying you for fun prize drawings. Visit downtownskokie.org
SOAR: Celebrating Young Talent
The SOAR (Student Outstanding Artist Recognition) art exhibit showcases the creativity and talent of PreK-8th grade students from 21 Skokie-area schools.
The public is invited to view the exhibit in the atrium lobby of Oakton College, 7701 Lincoln Avenue, through March 31. Exhibition hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Election Day
Tuesday, April 1. See cover page.
Yard Waste Collection Resumes
April 2. See page 9.
Village Board Meetings
April 7 and 21, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.
Winter Market on Main
April 13 and 27. See page 7.
Skokie Spring Greening
Sunday, April 6. See page 5.
CPR Skills Testing
Saturday, April 19 at Fire Station 17, 8157
Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org
Arbor Day
Friday, April 25
Get Emergency Alerts by Signing
Up for Smart 911!
Learn more and sign up for phone, text and/or email alerts at skokie.org/ Smart911 or by scanning the QR code.
MAY EVENTS
Village Board Meetings
May 3 and 18, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.
CPR Skills Testing
Saturday, May 17 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org.
Festival of Cultures
May 17 & 18 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton Street
Visitors will be treated to live music and dance performances throughout the weekend, along with a variety of food, beverage and merchandise vendors. Interactive cultural booths will showcase different traditions, and there will be a children’s games and activity area for younger attendees.
Memorial Day
The Village’s Memorial Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Village Green (5155 Oakton Street).
Holiday Schedule:
Village Hall:
• Closed on Monday, May 26
Refuse & Recycling Collection:
• Monday’s collection will occur on Tuesday, May 27.
• Tuesday’s collection will occur on Wednesday, May 28.
• Thursday & Friday collections as usual.
• Yard waste collection will occur on Saturday, May 31.
New In 2025: Winter Market On Main
You don’t have to wait until June to see your favorite Skokie Farmers’ Market farmers and artisans.
New in 2025, the Village of Skokie launched Winter Market on Main, a seasonal, bi-weekly indoor/outdoor market featuring a rotating selection of vendors. Visitors can warm up by the fire pit while enjoying live music and children’s activities, and explore a variety of locally produced goods, including farm fresh eggs, jam, honey, baked goods, coffee, bottled cocktails and more.
Winter Market on Main is located at The Storefront at 4051 Main St., a commercial building recently purchased by the Village as part of its strategic efforts to revitalize and revision the Main Street Commercial Corridor. In launching the market, the Village aims to further activate the corridor during the winter months, increase patronage to local businesses, and support the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan strategy of increasing availability and access to locally-produced food. SNAP payments are accepted.
Market Schedule
Winter Market on Main will be held on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., January through April. Remaining dates include:
• March 9 and 23
• April 13 and 27
Stay Informed
Subscribe to the Skokie Farmers’ Market’s seasonal eNewsletter, at skokie.org/enews, and follow Skokie Farmers’ Market on Facebook and Instagram.
Save the Date: Community-wide Garage
Sale, May 30 – June 1
Bargain hunters, rejoice! Back by popular demand, the Village will host its third annual Community-wide Garage Sale from Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1, 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.
Rethinking Lawns: Incorporating Native Plants Into Home Landscapes
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Skokie Public Library, Petty Auditorium
The U.S. devotes more than 50 million acres to lawns—an area the size of Minnesota. Maintaining these green carpets comes at a steep environmental cost:
• 3 billion gallons of gas burned annually for mowing (3 percent of U.S. gas use).
• 53 million pounds of herbicides applied each year.
• 9 billion gallons of water used daily—30 percent of all U.S. residential, business, and school water use
The big idea: What if we replaced some of that turf with native plants? Conservation experts are experimenting with prairie flowers and grasses as eco-friendly alternatives.
Join the conversation: Becky Barak, an assistant conservation scientist at Chicago Botanic Garden and adjunct professor at Northwestern University, will discuss how you can bring some of these ideas into your own backyard.
This event is hosted in partnership with the Skokie Beautification and Improvement Commission.
Registration opens March 1 at skokielibrary. info
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 St. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming Village Board Meetings
March 3 and 17
April 7 and 21
May 5 and 19
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 St., 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:
• Reviewed plans to guide the future redevelopment of the Main Street Commercial Corridor, between Crawford and Tripp Avenues. The study lays out a unified vision for the corridor as an active neighborhood hub that supports small businesses, identifying actions to bring that vision to life.
• Approved the purchase of 4051 Main St., immediately putting the Main Street Commercial Corridor Study detailed above into action. The previously vacant commercial building – rebranded as The Storefront – has already activated Main Street, hosting the Winter Market on Main (see story on page 7) and an artist networking night.
• Approved plans for the transformational redevelopment of Westfield Old Orchard, including the construction of more than 600 apartment homes, street-level retail and restaurant space, a new public common area and event space, a 200-key hotel or additional residential units, a parking garage and more.
• Approved Building Code improvements to ensure alignment with best practices and support a business-friendly approach to permitting and inspection work. Changes include requiring new multi-family buildings to include a fireproof storage room for e-mobility devices (see e-scooters and e-bikes story on page 4) and allowing for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy that will allow new businesses in Skokie to open more quickly.
• Reviewed plans to construct a five-story, mixed-use building at Skokie Boulevard and Keeney Street, replacing two obsolete commercial buildings that have since been demolished. The property is one of several new developments planned in the transit-oriented area surrounding the CTA Yellow Line Oakton-Skokie station known as “The Swift District,” which leverages the proximity to the CTA, Downtown Skokie and the Illinois Science + Technology Park (ISTP).
• Approved an emergency declaration related to the February 14 water main break and water supply outage.
More information 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.
A Cleaner Alley, A RatFree Skokie: How You Can Help
Remove Overgrown Vegetation to Prevent
Pests
As spring approaches, now is the perfect time to inspect and address overgrown vegetation behind your fence lines in the alley.
Why it matters: Dense vegetation creates ideal hiding spots for rats and other pests, traps litter and debris, and contributes to unsightly alley conditions. Overgrowth can also obstruct visibility, posing safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians entering or exiting alleys.
What you can do: Skokie residents are required to remove excess vegetation and clutter along their property lines. Keeping alleys clear not only reduces rat activity, but also enhances neighborhood cleanliness and safety.
Tips for Managing Vegetation
• Trim bushes, trees and plants that extend into alleys or grow along property lines
• Remove weeds and overgrown grass regularly
• Dispose of yard waste properly using the Village’s Yard Waste Collection Program
• Avoid piling debris or storing unused items in the alley that could provide shelter for pests
Other Ways to Prevent Rats
While overgrown vegetation provides rats with
Environmental Health Officer Lillian LaSanta inspects a property for rat activity. Overgrown vegetation is one factor that can encourage rats.
shelter, food sources also play a significant role in attracting them. Garbage left outside of sealed containers, pet waste, birdseed, and compost piles can all contribute to rat infestations. Residents can help by ensuring garbage bins have tightly closed lids, picking up pet waste promptly, limiting outdoor feeding of birds, and properly managing compost. By addressing both food sources and shelter, we can make Skokie less inviting to rodents.
Report Rat Activity
If you see signs of rat activity, report it immediately at nomorerats.org
Let’s work together to keep Skokie beautiful and pest-free this spring!
Yard Waste Collection Begins April 2
Yard waste is collected on Wednesdays from April 2 through November 12, 2025.
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—consider mulching them for natural lawn fertilization.
• Branches up to 1 inch in diameter should be bundled and tied into manageable sizes.
• There is a 10-bag or bundle limit per collection.
Note: During holiday weeks – Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Juneteenth, or Labor Day – collection will shift to the Saturday following the holiday.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Update
In spring 2025, the Village will begin developing its Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects for the 2025-2026 program year. The five-year Consolidated Plan (2025-2029) will be developed concurrently with the one-year Action Plan.
What is CDBG? The Village receives CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development each year to use for a variety of capital improvements, housing rehabilitation and social services that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
How are funds allocated? Funds that are allocated to non-profit and social service agencies are determined by a rigorous application and review process that will begin in spring 2025.
Stay informed. For more information, visit skokie.org/CDBG or email CDBG@skokie.org
Police Beat Meetings
The Skokie Police Department invites you to attend a quarterly beat meeting this April.
Why it’s important: Meetings provide an opportunity for community members and law enforcement to share information about crime trends, build relationships and solve problems.
• Beat 310: April 1 at 9 a.m., Nordstrom Café, 4937 Old Orchard Ctr.
• Beat 311: April 1 at 6 p.m., Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St.
• Beat 312: April 7 at 6 p.m., Middleton Elementary School, 8300 St. Louis Ave.
• Beat 313: April 9 at 6 p.m., Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St.
• Beat 314: April 14 at 6 p.m., Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St.
• Beat 315: April 16 at 6 p.m., Jane Stenson School, 9201 Lockwood Ave.
• Beat 316: April 21 at 6 p.m., Will’s Place Skokie, 7927 Lincoln Ave.
• Beat 317: April 22 at 6 p.m., Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.
Assist-a-Family Program Supports 316 Skokie Families
The Village is grateful to the more than 200 donors who contributed $31,856 to support the 2024 Assist-A-Family (AAF) Program, making a meaningful difference in the lives of Skokie residents facing financial challenges. A full list of donors can be found at skokie.org/ AAFdonorlist
Real impact: Community support made it possible for 316 eligible Skokie families to receive assistance during the winter holidays, helping them celebrate the season with warmth and joy. The AAF Program provides holiday gift cards and also funds emergency financial assistance throughout the year.
Donate today: Donations for the AssistA-Family Program are accepted year-round. Scan the QR code or visit skokie.org and search “Family Services.”
Gift card distribution at Village Hall. Pictured left to right are social worker Amanda Sabri, MRC volunteer Eileen Wright, HHS Intern Sophie Troy and social worker Melissa Versch
Get Help Navigating Medicare
Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! Skokie Health and Human Services offers free, impartial, and confidential assistance through the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
What Can SHIP Do for You?
• Explain Medicare benefits, rights and options
• Assist with Medicare Part A, B, C and D enrollment
• Help you understand Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) and Medicare Advantage Plans
• Provide guidance on financial assistance programs, including Medicaid and Extra Help for prescriptions
• Assist in reviewing and comparing plans to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs
Call Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8208 to schedule an appointment with a SHIP counselor at 5127 Oakton St., Lower Level.
Medicare Seminars
Not ready for a one-on-one appointment? Attend a SHIP seminar designed for new enrollees and beneficiaries wanting to better understand Medicare benefits. Monthly programs are scheduled Thursdays at 1 p.m. at Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., on:
• March 13
• April 17
• May 8
Register by calling Janeen Gorelick at Skokie Park District, 847-933-4969.
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
North Shore Center’s Feature Series
Rita Rudner
March 8 in the Center Theatre
Classical Kids Live!
Beethoven Lives Upstairs
March 16 in the Center Theatre
Youtheatre: JazzReach: Ellington
March 18 in the Center Theatre
Steven Page (Formerly of Barenaked Ladies) w/ Dag Juhlin
March 27 in the Center Theatre
Peabo Bryson
March 29 in the Center Theatre
Aaron Diehl Trio
April 4 in the Center Theatre
Youtheatre: Steve Trash Science Show: Science of Ecology
April 9 in the Center Theatre
Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn
April 17 in the Center Theatre
The Smithereens w/ John Cowsill
April 25 in the Center Theatre
Stop Making Sense:
A Film by Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads –
Live Event Hosted by Jerry Harrison
May 1 in the Center Theatre
Rahzel & Roots Disciples
May 2 in the Center Theatre
The Arcadian Wild w/ River & Rail
May 3 in the Center Theatre
Taylor Shines: The Laser Spectacular
Featuring the music of Taylor Swift
May 11 in the Center Theatre
Glenn Miller Orchestra
May 20 in the Center Theatre
Bill W & Dr. Bob
May 30 in the North Theatre
And the Artistic Excellence Award Goes to…
The Village’s Fine Arts Commission and the Village Board recently recognized Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine and Music Theater Works with this year’s Artistic Excellence Awards!
Why it matters: Each year, the Commission recognizes an individual and a Skokie arts group who have contributed to the visual, performing, musical or literary arts in Skokie.
About Jay Ryan
A local artist with worldwide acclaim, Jay’s whimsical characters and colorful designs have graced thousands of posters for famous and not-so-famous bands, sporting events, and fundraisers. His mural work is featured on the Skokie Public Library’s Bookmobile, the Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), and the east side of Sketchbook Brewing.
About Music Theater Works
Music Theater Works moved to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie in 2021, and has since staged 18 full productions ranging from standard musical theater to brand new works, bringing the highest quality of talent, staging, and theater technology to Skokie.
Music of the Baroque
Handel’s Theodora
March 2 in the Center Theatre
Mozart and his Mentors
April 6 in the Center Theatre
Music Theater Works
Guys and Dolls
March 6 - 30 in the North Theatre
Northlight Theatre
Prayer for the French Republic
April 10 - May 11 in the North Theatre
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd.
Ticket prices vary. For information and tickets, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.
Skokie Council/Manager
Government Since 1957 www.skokie.org
Officials
Mayor
George Van Dusen
Clerk
Minal Desai
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
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Village of Skokie
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077
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Skokie Welcomes Everyone
With more than 90 languages spoken, Skokie has long been a community that welcomes, respects and values all residents.
Know your rights: In 2017, the Village Board amended the Human Relations chapter of Skokie Village Code to codify the rights of all community members to access Village services. It affirmed specifically that immigrant rights are human rights. As a reminder, our Village Code assures:
• You’re entitled to access all Village services and benefits – including police and fire emergency and non-emergency services – regardless of your citizenship or immigration status.
• Village staff or officials will not ask for your citizenship or immigration status for any reason.
• The Village will not support immigration enforcement operations or detain individuals based on their citizenship or immigration status.
Know your resources: Visit the Immigrant Family Resource Program, at icirr.org, or contact Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8208.