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February 4, 2025

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

👮🏽 The Skokie Police Department is hiring entry-level police officers! Apply by March 3.

🍬 Indulge in a fun-filled evening in Downtown Skokie as part of “Giggles and Goodies,” February 13.

💻 Learn about our region’s role as a home for new technology this Wednesday at the Illinois Science + Tech Park. (Use SKOKIEVIP to receive a 20 percent discount.)

Rendering of a new 20-unit, mixed-use development planned for Skokie Boulevard and Keeney Street.

On Monday evening, the Village Board reviewed plans for the construction of a five-story, mixed-use building at Skokie Boulevard and Keeney Street, replacing two obsolete commercial buildings that have since been demolished.

The blueprint: Plans call for the construction of 20 residential units, including one unit designated as affordable at 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI).

The bigger picture: The property is located 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). 

Next steps: The Village envisions transitioning single-story, single-use buildings and vacant lots in the area into mid-rise, mixed-use buildings that enhance the district.

A second reading for the development is anticipated in March.

Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography

Shop for game day snacks and more at the Winter Market on Main this Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 4051 Main St.! Pick up bottled cocktails, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, treats and much more. 

Super lineup: Enjoy live music by Nancy Kabat starting at 10 a.m. Kids can take home a grab-and-go football-themed craft. Don’t forget to wear a jersey to support your team!

More dates: Visit the Winter Market on Main on select Sundays: February 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, and April 13 and 27.

From left: Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine and Music Theater Works  (pictured Costume Designer and Skokie resident Rachel M. Sypniewski, Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan and Board President Electra Kontalonis) were recognized with this year’s Artistic Excellence Awards.

And the Artistic Excellence Award Goes to…

On Monday, the Fine Arts Commission and the Village Board recognized Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine and Music Theater Works with this year’s Artistic Excellence Awards!

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. See what’s planned for their 2025 season.

Bird flu (H5N1) is widespread in wild birds and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.

Protect yourself: The best way to prevent getting infected with bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure.

The Village has again earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) prestigious Triple Crown – the highest finance award given to municipalities – recognizing transparency and excellence in financial reporting and budget presentation.

Why it matters: GFOA recognizes governments that receive:

Skokie is one of only approximately 400 municipalities nationwide to receive the award.

Did you know the average person throws away 68 pounds of clothing per year? Don’t trash it – donate it or recycle it!  

Free pickup available: The Village partners with Simple Recycling, a free at-your-door service that collects clothing, shoes, blankets, drapes and curtains, sleeping bags, backpacks and more. Schedule a pick-up and learn more.

Own a small business? You may be eligible for a grant of up to $1,000 to make energy efficiency upgrades, such as LED lighting, HVAC maintenance, EV charging and more.

Get started: Apply by February 21 to take part in the program, sponsored by the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) and Intuit.

The Skokie Human Relations Commission invites you to celebrate Black History Month this February with a series of free events at Skokie Public Library.

Skokie Village Clerk Minal Desai will serve as “Guest Barista” at Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Ave., this Friday, February 7, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Stop by: Support a great local business and learn about Village Clerk’s Office services.

Village of Skokie staff have collectively contributed more than $15,000 to Skokie Community Foundation in 2024-25, helping our community thrive!

How we’ve helped: Village staff and officials have contributed to SCF via one-time donations, bi-weekly paycheck deductions, raffles and campaign kickoff events.

How you can help: Learn more about SCF and make a donation online.

The Skokie Telecommunications and Technology Commission (STAT) and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will host a free utility bill clinic at Skokie Village Hall on Wednesday, February 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

What to expect: Bring your utility bills and meet one-on-one with a CUB counselor to see if you can save energy and money.

Reserve your spot: Register online to let us know you’re coming!

Endeavor Health will host a free community CPR/AED training event to empower you with life-saving skills to respond confidently in the event of a cardiac arrest emergency. The event will take place at Skokie Hospital, 9600 Gross Point Rd., Sharfstein Conference Rooms, on Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m. to noon.

RSVP: Register online to reserve your spot. (Note: This is not a CPR certification course.)

Need certification? The Skokie Fire Department hosts a monthly CPR/AED training course.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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