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October 15, 2024

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

👻 Get a head start on trick-or-treating at Oakton College’s Trunk or Treat event this Friday, October 18, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

🎃 Save the date! Skokie Pumpkin Smash composting event is November 3. 

🎉 Congratulations to Skokie’s Douglas Center, which is celebrating 25 years serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Watch the CBS News Chicago interview.

Last week, the Skokie Village Board of Trustees advanced plans for the transformational two-phase redevelopment of Westfield Old Orchard.

The blueprint: Plans for the north end of the shopping center include 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. Developers also shared plans to:

Next steps: A second reading of the proposed plans will occur at a future Village Board meeting this fall.

At a public meeting on October 10, Cook County shared plans for improvements to Oakton Street, between Skokie and McCormick Boulevards. 

Missed the meeting? Cook County’s project website provides meeting exhibits and materials, including exhibit boards (PDF), a project map (PDF), and a fact sheet (PDF).

Provide your comments: Email comments and questions to Cook County at OaktonStImprovements@gmail.com. The comment period is open through November 7.

You should know: This portion of Oakton Street, like several major thoroughfares in Skokie, is under the jurisdiction (PDF) of Cook County, which owns and maintains the roadway. 

The Village’s Public Arts Advisory Committee is excited to bring another new mural to Skokie this month!

Fresh paint: Renowned Chicago-based artist Cody Hudson has completed his new mural at the Niles Township Food Pantry, 8341 Lockwood Ave. Hudson worked with food pantry staff to design a mural inspired by the work of the pantry, the fresh food provided to clients, and the gardens surrounding the Township building.

About the artist: Hudson’s graphic work and paintings have been exhibited throughout the world, including the U.S., Europe and Japan. He’s also worked extensively with major brands, including Nike and the Chicago Bulls.

Original works by more than 20 Skokie artists are on display at the Skokie Art Spot pop-up gallery! The free exhibit is presented by the Village’s Fine Arts Commission as part of National Arts & Humanities Month.

Plan your visit: The gallery is located at 4854 Oakton St. and will be open Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through October 27.

More events: Browse the Fine Arts Commission's Arts and Humanities Month calendar for more arts and culture events in Skokie, including live theater, art exhibitions, art in the park, and more.

Photo by Rich Cahan.

More than 1,150 Skokie residents received flu vaccines this October at the Skokie Health and Human Services Department’s free clinics. Nearly 600 high-dose vaccines for adults 65 and older were administered.

Kudos: Thank you to the Village's Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, Oakton College, and Skokie Park District for supporting the event.

Protect yourself and others: October marks the beginning of the respiratory virus season. Take actions proven to protect yourself and others from illnesses, such as COVID-19, RSV and flu. 

Pictured (from left): Joanna Koh, Sibyl Yau, HHS Director Mike Charley, Deborah Grodinsky, and Board of Health Chair Dr. Edward Linn.

Three volunteers – Deborah Grodinsky, Joanna Koh and Sibyl Yau – have been recognized for their exceptional support of public health in Skokie as part of the Village’s 2024 Public Health Partners of Excellence Awards. 

Hip hip hooray: Grodinsky, Koh and Yau have donated their time and expertise to improving healthcare access in Skokie and helping community members navigate their healthcare options. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Skokie Health and Human Services reminds everyone that early detection for breast cancer saves lives. 

Get screened: The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) provides free mammograms and other vital services for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Endeavor Health is hosting an educational event with free screenings on October 16.

Be aware: While breast cancer affects all genders, disparities persist. Black women face the highest mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups. Risk factors include age, family history, and having dense breast tissue. Learn more about early detection and preventive measures. 

Skokie Public Works will begin seasonal fall leaf collection efforts next week and continue through early December, weather permitting. 

Where to leave leaves: Instead of bagging leaves in landscape bags, rake leaves into the street next to the curb in front of your home. Crews will collect leaves throughout Skokie every five to seven days, as weather permits. Review fall leaf collection guidelines.

Another Option: Leaf Them Alone. Did you know that fallen leaves can help improve soil quality and provide nutrients to landscaping and lawns? Try raking a few inches of leaves into your landscape beds, or mulch leaves into your lawn.

Photo by Rich Cahan.

ComEd’s contractor, Asplundh, will be performing preventative line clearance tree trimming in areas throughout Skokie over the next several months. Tree trimming is performed by trained arborists, and helps avoid power outages. View notification postcard (PDF).

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.