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November 4, 2025

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

🍃 Yard cleanup: As leaves continue to fall, review guidelines for leaf collection and yard waste pickup.

💝 Assist a family: Contribute to the Village’s Assist-a-Family program in advance of the holiday season to support Skokie families in need.

🎖 Veterans Day is November 11: Village offices and services will operate as normal.

Mayor Tennes joined area elected officials at a news conference on October 31 following federal immigration enforcement operations in Skokie and surrounding communities. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography.)

On Monday evening, the Village Board approved amendments to Skokie Village Code to strengthen restrictions on using Village-owned facilities and properties for immigration enforcement operations without a valid criminal warrant. This includes Village-owned buildings, parking lots, garages, vacant lots and other property.

The Code update follows previous Village actions to inform and support community members, including:

Skokie values inclusion, dignity and respect for all, and is committed to providing safe access to Village services and protecting the rights of all who live in our community.

What you can do: Check on neighbors who may be especially vulnerable. In an immigration emergency or to report Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).

If you're concerned about the legitimacy of any observed law enforcement activity, contact the Skokie Police Department by dialing 911.

On Monday evening, the Skokie Village Board advanced plans for a five-story, mixed-use building at 8201-8209 Skokie Blvd. 

The blueprint: Plans call for 66 residential units, including six of which would be designated as affordable for individuals with incomes not greater than 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).

Zoom out: The property is one of several planned for 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). 

Community members donated non-perishable items at this past Sunday’s Skokie Farmers’ Market. All donations were provided to the Niles Township Food Pantry.

Thank you to the many community members who donated non-perishable food items at Sunday’s final Skokie Farmers’ Market of the season! All donations were provided to the Niles Township Food Pantry.

As the federal government shutdown continues, see the resources below for ways to support your neighbors or receive assistance. 

SUPPORT NILES TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY

Drop off donations Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Niles Township Food Pantry, 8341 Lockwood Ave., in Skokie. 

Donate online: You can also make a financial donation online. 

GET ASSISTANCE

2025 Skokie Green Businesses recognized at the November 3, 2025 Board Meeting. (Photo by REP3.com)

At the November 3, 2025 Village Board meeting

Watch a recording of the Village Board meeting for a discussion of these items and more.

Student tour at Oakton College as part of Skokie Manufacturing Day event, October 27. (Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography)

As part of National Manufacturing Month, the Village’s Economic Vitality Division organized a series of tours that opened the doors of Skokie businesses and facilities to local high school students last week.

Paths to success: More than 60 students from Niles North, Niles West and Evanston Township High School participated. Tours of Skokie facilities included UL MDRI labs, Maya Romanoff wall coverings, Seman Violins, Azul 3D and Oakton College. 

Meet Village representatives and become more familiar with Village services and programs at the Meet Your Village Departments event at Skokie Public Library (Radmacher Room) this Wednesday, November 5, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What to expect: Drop in to talk with Communications and Engagement, Health and Human Services, Public Works and more. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is a partnership with Skokie Public Library.

Staff at Will’s Place in Downtown Skokie.

Meet Village officials while supporting a great local business this month!

Guest baristas: Mayor Ann Tennes and Village Clerk Minal Desai will be serving up coffee, pastries and more at Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Ave., this Thursday, November 6 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Later this month: Fire Chief Nicholas Eschner and Police Chief Jesse Barnes will be guest baristas later this month.

Aging in Skokie? Don’t miss Live Well, Age Well, a free health and wellness resource event for older adults at Oakton Park Community Center this Friday, November 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

What to expect: You’ll receive information and expert advice about local resources, Medicare, financial products, assistive devices, fitness and nutrition, senior housing, social activities and cognitive wellness. Free health screenings, refreshments and giveaways will also be available.

Composting at Sunday’s Pumpkin Smash event.

Composting was a smash this past Sunday in Skokie! Community members composted pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns of all sizes, saving 1.95 tons from the landfill and supporting cleaner air and nutrient-rich soil. Missed it? Find more pumpkin composting events in the area.

Do more: Take part in the Village’s popular food scrap drop-off program, sign up for curbside composting, or do it yourself with an approved, discounted backyard compost bin. Learn more about Village composting programs.

Now that we’ve transitioned from trick-or-treat to unwrap-and-eat, keep in mind that candy wrappers can be recycled through the Hefty ReNew orange bag program. 

What is Hefty ReNew: Single-family households and those in buildings with four units or fewer in Skokie can use the Hefty ReNew orange bags to collect hard-to-recycle plastics, such as chip bags, foam egg cartons, plastic pet food bags, plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, foam cups, plastic utensils and other flexible film and packaging.

How it works: Simply fill an orange Hefty ReNew bag with accepted items. When the bag is full, tie it up tightly and place it in your recycling cart alongside other loose recyclables.

Important: Regular recyclables, such as bottles, jugs, cans, tubs and jars, should continue to be placed loose in your recycling cart. Do not place regular recyclable items into orange Hefty ReNew bags.

The Skokie Police Department is hosting an open house on Saturday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 7300 Niles Center Rd. 

What to expect: Drop in and tour the police facility, meet officers and command staff, and learn more about a career in law enforcement.

Spread the word: Please share this event with anyone who may be interested.

With darker commutes upon us, enhancing your visibility on the road is especially important for bicyclists during the fall and winter months.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility: Darkness reduces visibility for all roadway users, including drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Use extra caution when driving and traveling this season to keep yourself and others safe. Learn more about roadway safety.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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