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Serving Skokie: Village Recognizes Retiring Elected Officials
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On Monday evening, the Village recognized outgoing elected officials for their dedicated service to the Skokie community. Honorary proclamations were presented to Mayor George Van Dusen, Trustee Edie Sue Sutker, Trustee Ralph Klein, Trustee James Johnson, and Trustee Khem Khoeun.
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“Nobody does it alone,” said Mayor Van Dusen, recognizing the work of the Village Board in collaboration with community members and staff. “You do it together.”
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2024 Skokie Block Party of the Year awardees.
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Party Planners Extraordinaire: Block Party of the Year Awards
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On Monday night, the Village’s Human Relations Commission recognized three Skokie blocks with the 2024 Block Party of the Year Award!
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- 3900 block of White Cloud Drive
- 4600 block of Grove Street
- 5100 block of Morse Avenue
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By the numbers: In 2024, Skokie neighbors organized 79 block parties throughout the Village, building community, making connections, and having fun.
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Get a Head Start On Planning Your 2025 Block Party
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The Human Relations Commission will host its annual Block Party Forum on Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Skokie Public Library. Register in advance.
What to expect: Learn how to get your block party permit, get tips for planning and organizing your event, and share ideas for fun activities. Refreshments will be served. Families and guests of all ages are welcome!
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Skokie Spring Greening recycling event on April 6, 2025. (Photo by Karie Angell Luc.)
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Skokie Springs Into Recycling
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Approximately 2,200 vehicles participated in Sunday’s Skokie Spring Greening recycling event – a more than 30 percent increase from previous years!
Special thanks to the Skokie Park District, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), Niles Township High Schools District 219, Westfield Old Orchard, Imperial Realty, LRS and the more than 100 volunteers who supported the event.
Recycling resources: Even though this year’s Spring Greening event is over, the Village’s recycling web page provides resources and options for recycling a variety of items year-round.
Additional events: SWANCC will host more one-day recycling events throughout the area this spring and summer. View SWANCC’s event calendar.
Clothing recycling: Did you know 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? Try it out!
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Feeding birds directly on the ground is prohibited, as it provides an easy food source for rats.
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Prevent Rats: Reminders for Bird Feeding
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The Village’s Environmental Health Division has documented a clear link between bird feeding practices and rat infestations.
Why it matters: Spilled or scattered birdseed provides a consistent food source for rats, encouraging burrowing and nesting on private properties and in nearby public spaces.
Rules and Guidelines:
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- Ground feeding is prohibited. This includes scattering bird feed on lawns, driveways and patios, or placing food in low, open containers.
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Use properly designed bird feeders. If you choose to feed birds, use elevated feeders with trays or baffles that prevent seed from falling to the ground. Platform-style feeders are prohibited.
- Clean up daily. Spilled seed should be swept up and removed every day.
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Consider seasonal feeding limits. During warmer months when natural food is more abundant, consider pausing bird feeding to limit the risk of attracting rats.
- Monitor your property. Watch for signs of rat activity, such as burrows, droppings or gnawed materials. Early detection and prompt action are key to preventing infestations.
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Do your part: Rat control cases served by the Village’s pest control contractor are down by over 50 percent compared to this time last year, but we need your help to achieve a rat-free Skokie. To report rat activity or for more information on the Village’s rat control program, visit nomorerats.org or email nomorerats@skokie.org.
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Winter Market on Main. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)
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Winter Market On Main this Sunday
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Even though spring has sprung, there are two remaining opportunities to visit the Winter Market on Main! The next Market will take place this Sunday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 4051 Main St.
Shop and savor: This Sunday’s market will feature oven-fresh pizza from Forno Pavese, plenty of eggs, kettle corn, bread, jams, pasta and much more.
Activities: Enjoy live music by David Hayes starting at 10 a.m. Start your home garden with vegetable plants available for purchase from Patyk Farms.
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2024 Skokie Health and Human Services flu shot clinic. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)
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National Public Health Week: Supporting a Healthier Skokie
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National Public Health Week (April 7-13, 2025) shines a spotlight on the importance of public health and the people and programs that help our communities thrive. The Skokie Health and Human Services Department is proud to play a key role in supporting residents’ well-being through a wide range of essential clinic services:
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- Flu vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccines (limited inventory)
- Blood Pressure (BP) screenings – No fee
- Lipid Profile screenings – $15
- Diabetes screenings – $5
- Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Testing – $10
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Affordable and accessible: These services help prevent disease and promote early detection of health concerns for all residents.
Contact us: To learn more about clinic services and hours, visit the Community Health Services page or call 847-933-8252.
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Learn About Land Trusts, April 14
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The Village is exploring the creation of a Housing Land Trust as a method toward increasing affordable housing options in Skokie. Learn more about land trusts by attending a "Listen & Learn" session on Monday, April 14, 6 p.m., at Village Hall.
Hear from experts on community land trusts and affordable housing, including Richard Koenig, executive director at Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC), and Rob Anthony, president at Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH).
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2024 parkway tree pruning in Skokie. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)
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Parkway Tree Pruning Planned for Week of April 14
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The Village’s tree pruning contractor, Advanced Tree Care, will conduct routine parkway tree pruning in a portion of Skokie during the week of April 14, 2025.
What to expect: Pruning will take place in the area bounded by Howard Street and Jarvis Avenue, from Hamlin to Lincoln Avenues. Door hangers will be distributed to all impacted households. View a map of the tree pruning area.
Pruning with a purpose: Trees are pruned for clearance, deadwood and structure; no other pruning will occur. Learn more about routine pruning.
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Updated CTA Rail Service Schedules Begin April 20
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The CTA has outlined new spring rail service schedules to meet the anticipated seasonal growth in ridership. New schedules take effect April 20.
Yellow Line early morning weekday service will better align with the Red Line early morning weekday service. The first northbound Yellow Line train will depart Howard at 4:40 a.m., and the southbound service from Dempster-Skokie will start at 4:55 a.m.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
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