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February 25, 2025

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

👨‍🎨 Join the Skokie Fine Arts Commission for a free artist networking event tonight at The Storefront on Main Street.

🦺 Stay informed in an emergency. Sign up for Smart911 notifications.

🌞 Looking ahead to summer? Apply for seasonal employment opportunities.

Florist Botanik Culture opened its doors at 8112 Lincoln Ave. in December.

Foot traffic in Downtown Skokie increased by an estimated 100,000 visits in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by exciting new businesses, community events and initiatives.

Opening soon: Several new businesses are anticipated to open this spring on Oakton Street, including BonBon Bakeshop (5023 Oakton St.) and Chez Lu’s Extraordinary Finds collectibles (4854 Oakton St.).

Did somebody say Bingo? Play Shop & Stamp Bingo at participating Downtown Skokie businesses in March! Make purchases and collect stamps on your Bingo card for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards, Skokie merch and more. 

Cupitol the Restaurant is one of several Skokie eateries participating in North Shore Restaurant Month.

Enjoy delicious meals and deals at a number of Skokie restaurants this March as part of North Shore Restaurant Month.

Where to eat: Bar Louie, Bar Siena, Cupitol the Restaurant, Ignite Gaming, The Capital Grille, The Hampton Social, Village Inn Pizzeria, Sports Bar and Grill, and Will’s Place are all offering specials.

Pickleball, anyone? Skokie’s all new pickleball club, Pickledilly Skokie, is now open!

Courtside view: The Village’s Explore Skokie Instagram and Facebook accounts recently toured the club, located at 4919 Main St. (behind Sketchbook Brewing), which offers 11 full-size and one half-size pickleball courts, classes, leagues, events and more. 

Show your love for Skokie businesses by making your Valentine’s Day Re-Do Reservation this Friday, February 28! Many restaurants rely on Valentine’s Day sales to help them through the slower winter months, so your support makes all the difference.

More ways to help: Even though the water main emergency is over, many of our local businesses are still feeling the impact. Here are a few ways you can help Skokie businesses:

The Village continues to canvas the area most impacted by the February 14 water main break and is working with property owners to demonstrate qualification for any potential federal and state disaster assistance. 

Report flood damage: If you experienced property damage, please notify the Village as soon as possible so that we can track claims and notify you of any potential emergency financial relief that may become available in the future. If you’ve already notified the Village, we may be reaching back out to you for more information in the coming days. 

Need help with your insurance company? The Illinois Department of Insurance can assist you in the event your claim was denied or provide assistance navigating the claims process.

This will be the first year that residents in each of the Village’s four newly established geographic districts elect a district trustee. Two trustees will be elected at-large.

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. Sample ballots will be available to view using Cook County’s Your Voter Information tool after February 26.

Cast your ballot: Early voting will be available March 17-31 at two locations in Skokie:

View all early voting locations and hours. You can also vote on Election Day (April 1) or by mail (get your ballot faster by applying online).

Watch the Skokie Police Department's 2024 recruitment video.

Want to “be the difference” in the Skokie community? Start your career with the Skokie Police Department! 

Apply now: Submit your entry-level police officer application by Monday, March 3. The test date for the entry-level police officer position is Saturday, March 29. Please share with anyone who might be interested in this opportunity.

Skokie Health and Human Services is partnering with Chicago House to offer free screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV at a walk-in event on Monday, March 10, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skokie Village Hall (lower level), 5127 Oakton St.

Services offered: In addition to free screenings, community members can receive free MPOX, influenza, and COVID vaccines, and pick up STI prevention and educational materials. No ID or medical insurance is required. 

Why it matters: This collaboration aims to break down logistical and financial barriers to enhance access to healthcare for everyone.

Observed by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan will begin around February 28 and continue through the end of March (start and end dates vary depending upon the moon sighting). 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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