A weekly summary of Skokie news sent from the Village right to your inbox.

September 17, 2024

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

💉 Sleeves up! There’s still time to book your free flu shot appointment.

🗳️ Nominate your favorite local business for the Skokie Business of the Year Award!

🚧 The Skokie Public Works (9050 Gross Point Rd.) food scrap drop-off site may be periodically unavailable due to construction over the next few weeks; composters should use one of the nine other drop-off locations instead.

Last week, Skokie celebrated the ribbon cutting of UL Research Institutes’ new Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) laboratory at Downtown Skokie’s Illinois Science + Technology Park!

Local impact: In addition to boosting Skokie’s standing as a destination for life sciences and technology companies, UL Research Institutes anticipates that the state-of-the-art lab space will be home to approximately 35 full-time employees supporting our local economy.

Global impact: Through the collaborative research environment, MDRI aims to advance the discovery, development, and deployment of novel materials into practical applications that contribute to a safer, greener and more sustainable world – starting right here in Skokie.

Project rendering

On Monday evening, the Village Board approved the next steps to advance Crawford Avenue improvements, from Oakton Street to Golf Road.

Safety and efficiency: Improvements are expected to reduce overall travel times, especially during the afternoon peak travel period, calm traffic to increase pedestrian safety, enhance bicycle connectivity by adding designated on-street bike lanes, provide clearly defined parking lanes, and preserve landscaped medians, as feasible. 

You should know: Although this stretch of Crawford Avenue is owned and maintained by Cook County, the Village is taking the lead on design engineering and will be reimbursed for its expenses. Construction is anticipated in 2026.

Looking to upgrade your work life? Check out Enclave Coworking, a stylish work space and social lounge designed for suburban professionals. 

Look inside: The Village’s Explore Skokie account visited Enclave, which is located in Downtown Skokie at 8000 Lincoln Ave. in the Highpoint building.

Have you noticed the vibrant new street banners along Dempster Street by the Yellow Line station? They’re part of the Village’s campaign to invite visitors (and residents) to Explore Skokie’s diverse cultural, dining, retail and entertainment attractions.

Dining. Fun. Shopping. Culture. Follow the Explore Skokie Instagram and Facebook accounts to explore local businesses, events and attractions and support your community.

Last week, the Village’s Public Works Department hosted its first-ever Field Day event, providing local landscape companies, property managers, schools and other entities the opportunity to learn about and try electric landscaping tools.

Why it’s important: The educational event is part of the Village’s efforts to reduce noise and air pollution generated by gas-powered landscaping equipment, and is one of the strategies of Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan.

Did you know: Skokie Public Works has replaced more than 25 pieces of gas-powered equipment with electric, including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and accessories.

As part of its annual awards program, the Village’s Beautification and Improvement Commission is recognizing 28 Skokie properties for landscaping excellence! 

Great gardens: The top five property owners will receive the new “Skokie Best” award, and several properties will be recognized as “pollinator pantries” for incorporating native plants and creating habitat for pollinators. All winners will receive a yard sign and be recognized at the November 4 Village Board meeting.

On Monday, September 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Skokie Health and Human Services will partner with Chicago House to offer free STI and HIV screenings as well as free mpox vaccines and prevention materials at Village Hall.

All are welcome: No appointment is necessary; no ID or medical insurance required.

On Wednesday, September 25, at 7:15 p.m., Endeavor Health will host a free virtual webinar to help community members reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

On Monday evening, the Village Board proclaimed September 23-29 as “Diaper Need Awareness Week,” calling attention to the importance of ensuring all children and families have the supplies they need to stay healthy and thrive. The Board also recognized local organizations that support families, including Early Childhood Alliance, Niles Township Food Pantry, Metropolitan Family Services and Bundled Blessings. 

Donate diapers: The Village’s Commission on Family Services will host its next monthly donation drive at the Skokie Farmers’ Market on Sunday, September 29. Donate diapers, non-perishable food, clothing, toiletries and more.

Board and commission members at an appreciation ceremony in March.

Looking to get involved in local government? The Village has more than a dozen advisory boards and commissions, which plan, research and analyze issues impacting quality of life in Skokie, including arts and culture, public health, safety, sustainability, and more!

Get started: Vacancies exist on a number of boards and commissions, including Beautification & Improvement, Consumer Affairs, Family Services, Fine Arts, Human Relations, Performing Arts Center Board, Public Safety, and Telecommunications & Technology. Apply today.

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