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September 9, 2025

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Greetings Skokie73.5! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

💉 Stay healthy: Sign up to get your free flu shot this October.

🚩 Design a new Skokie flag: Learn about flag design best practices and Skokie history, and then create your own flag design this Wednesday evening at Skokie Public Library.  

🍝 Pasta praise: A Chicago food blogger raved about his experience at this Skokie restaurant.

The Village of Skokie is aware of the potential for increased federal immigration activity in the Chicago region. Although the Village has not been notified of any planned actions in Skokie, community members are encouraged to know their rights and available resources.

The Village of 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.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND WHERE TO FIND HELP

All individuals—regardless of immigration status—have legal rights. Individuals and families seeking immigration assistance are encouraged to use the following resources:

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).

Community members may also contact Skokie Health and Human Services at 847-933-8252 for additional support and information related to immigrant rights.

VILLAGE POLICY

The Village of Skokie upholds the Illinois TRUST Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement operations or detaining individuals based solely on citizenship or immigration status, except under a valid criminal warrant. Community members concerned about the legitimacy of any observed law enforcement activity are encouraged to contact the Skokie Police Department by dialing 911.

OUR COMMITMENT

The Village of Skokie is a welcoming community, committed to serving all who call Skokie home. The Village recognizes the uncertainty and fear many are experiencing at this time, and reaffirms that Skokie is a place where everyone is valued and respected. The Village calls on all community members to embody Skokie’s welcoming spirit and continue showing compassion, respect and support for one another.

Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography

At last week’s Village Board Meeting, the Human Relations Commission provided an update on the implementation of the Village’s Human Relations Ordinance, which codifies Skokie’s commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals regardless of immigration status, prohibiting registries and coercion, ensuring access to services, and outlining both prohibited and mandatory Village actions in alignment with state laws, including the Illinois Trust Act and the VOICES Act.

Sharing information, support and resources: The Human Relations Commission will work with community partners to ensure all residents – particularly immigrants – are aware of the ordinance and their legal rights, and promote the safety and accessibility of Village services for everyone regardless of immigration status.

Photo by Joerg Metzner Photography

Help design a roadmap for Skokie’s future! We need your input to develop the Village’s Strategic Plan, which will guide programs and resources for the coming years.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

If you fit into one of the categories above, please complete the focus group interest form. (Note: Additional groups are planned beyond those listed above.)

2024 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Station 17.

This Thursday, the Skokie Fire Department will host ceremonies in remembrance of those lost in the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

Join us: Ceremonies will take place beginning at 8:57 a.m. at all three Skokie fire stations.

Each week, volunteers from St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Village’s Commission on Family Services gather donations from generous Skokie Farmers’ Market vendors to support local families in need.

Bushels of kindness: This past Sunday, R&B Miller Farms shared an incredible gift—36 half bushels of peaches donated to the Niles Township Food Pantry.

Thank you to Roger Miller and his amazing crew for their kindness and generosity. 

Skokie website users participate in a focus group to inform the Village's website redesign.

Later this week, the Village will update its website with a refreshed design and reorganized navigation. The redesign was informed by website analytics, user feedback and content best practices to improve information accessibility and user experience. Check skokie.org later this week for our new look!

Environmental Health Officer Lillian LaSanta conducts an inspection. (Photo by Rich Cahan.)

The Village and community’s commitment to achieving a rat-free Skokie is making a measurable difference. Since 2023, overall rat activity across Skokie has declined, even as some locations experience seasonal spikes.

Stay vigilant: Report rat activity promptly and take these actions to make your property less hospitable to rats.

As part of its annual awards program, the Village’s Beautification and Improvement Commission is recognizing 31 Skokie properties for perfect pruning and gardening greatness! 

Green thumbs up: Properties were evaluated on design, plant choices and maintenance, and for supporting proven sustainable practices that help make our community a better place to live. All winners will receive a yard sign and be recognized at a Village Board meeting this fall.

Sip and shop at Westfield Old Orchard on Thursday, September 25. 

What to expect: Enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations by industry professionals, and indulge in a culinary experience to tantalize your tastebuds. Visit stores and restaurants for special deals and giveaways. Proceeds will support Niles Township Food Pantry.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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