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The Forester Says...

Arbor Day
Remember April 27th is Arbor Day! As a Tree City for over 20 years, this day has special meaning for Skokie. Each year on Arbor Day the Village and the Skokie Park District co-sponsor a tree planting ceremony. This year’s ceremony is April 27 at 10 a.m. in front of the Public Works Department, 9050 Gross Point Road.

In honor of Arbor Day, residents are encouraged to plant a tree on the parkway in front of their houses. The Village’s 50/50 Parkway Tree Planting Program will pay for 50 percent of the cost of the tree. Parkway Tree Planting Applications are available from the Village Forester.

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Village of Skokie Special Report
Economic Development Update - Spring 2007

Skokie’s Approach to Economic Development
In the early 1990’s, the Village of Skokie began a concentrated focus on proactive economic development as a means of stabilizing property taxes. In 1991, the Village Board pledged to hold the line on municipal property taxes. While the initial tax freeze was intended for a five-year period, the Village’s 2006 tax levy was the 16th consecutive levy in which the Board continued the tax freeze. Last year, the Village of Skokie’s percentage of an average property tax bill was 8.53%, down from 15.22% in 1990.

This decrease in Skokie’s reliance on property taxes is possible, in part, because of the Village’s encouragement of and participation in significant economic development initiatives to generate additional sales tax revenue. In the 1990’s the Village focused on revitalizing Old Orchard Shopping Center, developing the Village Crossing Shopping Center and on bringing mixed-use residential developments and streetscape improvements to Downtown Skokie. The Village utilized a variety of economic development and land use to tools to achieve these results.

Illinois Science + Technology Park
In summer 2003, the Village turned its focus to Downtown Skokie when Pfizer announced the closure of its Skokie locations, including the Downtown Skokie research and development campus. Village officials worked closely with Pfizer executives on disposition of the property, sharing a goal of retaining the campus’s research and development character. Several possible buyers surfaced, with the 23.4-acre parcel ultimately purchased in March 2005 by Forest City Enterprises, a Cleveland, Ohio-based firm with previous experience developing office research parks.

In the intervening months, Forest City named the property the Illinois Science + Technology Park (IS+TP) and demolished a majority of the site’s buildings, retaining the state-of-the-art research facility previously known as Building Q and three other buildings with newer or versatile office/research space. Village staff spent over a year working with Forest City on master plan development. The Plan Commission approved the plan after several months of consideration, and the Appearance Commission approved design guidelines. In January 2007, the Village Board gave the plan final approval and a new zoning district was created for the campus. New buildings consistent with the master plan will be built to suit as required by lease agreements.

In total, the park is projected to have up to two million square feet of office and laboratory space for a total project cost of about $300 million. The completed development should result in 3,000 to 5,000 on-site jobs. Analysts project that the IS+TP will generate $1.8 billion annually in statewide economic activity, with park employees spending $2 million annually in Downtown Skokie, just at lunchtime.

The master plan for the park balances taller buildings with open spaces and pedestrian ways. A zoning district provision stipulates a minimum 25% of open space that is accessible to the public. The site plan includes a provision that limits retail uses in the ground floor of each building to 20% of the building footprint, thus creating an environment where park employees venture away from the campus for meals and services.

The Appearance Commission worked with Forest City to develop design guidelines for the park to provide consistency of design during what is anticipated to be many years of development growth. Design guidelines include façade and building materials specifications, landscaping treatments, identification signage for the IS+TP and tenants and more.

Approximately 700 people currently work at the IS+TP, including 600 from Evanston Northwestern Healthcare that moved one of that company’s major divisions to the site in late 2006. Other firms at the park include MidWest Bio Research, NanoBusiness Alliance, NanoInk, Nanotope and Polyera. At press time, Forest City reported being close to several other lease agreements.

To date, Forest City has received $5 million in State of Illinois funds for the project through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Prime Sites grant program. The Village nears Board approval of a redevelopment agreement with Forest City, through which the Village will provide $10 million in bond proceeds that the developer may use for eligible project expenses. The Village will receive a return on its investment should Forest City’s project revenues exceed specific benchmarks included in the agreement.

Groups Provide Input on Downtown Skokie Redevelopment
As evidenced by data from the Village’s 2006 citizen survey, Skokie residents are anxious for a revitalized Downtown area. Some 86% of Skokie residents rate investment in revitalizing Downtown Skokie as a highly important community initiative.

Those responding to the survey gave the following possible Downtown Skokie amenities essential/very important/important ratings:

• 88% favor unique retail stores and restaurants

• 76% want a variety of housing options

• 73% support national retail stores

• 72% expressed interest in a local trolley transportation system

• 62% want Downtown Skokie to be a tourist destination

In addition to input from Skokie citizens through the recent survey, the following groups advise the Village Board on Downtown redevelopment:

Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie, or IMODS, group. According to a recent IMODS newsletter, the group is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Skokie.” The newsletter further describes IMODS membership as “merchants, property owners, residents and interested citizens who recognize the need to be involved to help shape the future of downtown Skokie.”

The Mayor’s Committee on Downtown Development, or CODD. Members of this group include Trustees Frank McCabe, Don Perille and Edie Sue Sutker and Plan Commission Chairman Paul Luke and Plan Commissioners David Marek and George Mitchell.

CODD held seven public hearings in late 2005 and submitted a report to the Village Board that can be viewed on the Village web site, www.skokie.org.

The Village Manager’s Downtown Task Force, consisting of Village staff from various departments including Community Development, Economic Development, Engineering, Finance, Marketing as well as the Assistant Village Manager and Corporation Counsel. The Committee meets several times a month to discuss Downtown Skokie redevelopment initiatives.

Village Offers Downtown Development Incentives
In late 2006, the Village Board approved a number of incentives to attract traditional retail, restaurant and entertainment uses to Downtown Skokie. They include:

Facade Assistance Program
The basic benefit of the program, that started 15 years ago, is that owners of existing properties (or tenants with the owner’s approval) can receive 50% of the cost of a complete exterior façade renovation up to $50,000 per façade, or 15% of limited exterior improvements such as signage and awnings. Program applicants retain their own architects, but can be eligible for design assistance benefits.

All façade designs are pre-approved by Village staff and the Skokie Appearance Commission.

Interior Rehab Grant Program
Like the Façade Assistance Program, this new program is offered to fund 50% of interior improvements up to $50,000, limited to restaurants and retail uses. The program covers building materials, built-in fixtures that remain with the property if the business closes or relocates and rehab resulting in capital improvements. The program is limited to existing properties that are at least five years old.

Design Assistance
In connection with either the Façade Assistance or Interior Rehab Programs, the Village will rebate 50% of the architectural/design service expenses incurred by a property owner or tenant up to a maximum of $3,000. The rebate is in addition to benefits derived directly from the façade or interior rehab grants, but is only extended after construction activity completion.

Change of Use Allowance
The Village will continue the unique practice in the Downtown B5 zoning district that allows for any change of permitted commercial uses in existing buildings (retail, office, restaurant, beauty salon, business services, entertainment or any other zoning-permitted land use) without triggering a different parking requirement.

Reduced Parking Requirement
Any new commercial building in the B5 zoning district is only required to provide parking at the reduced rate of one space per 400 square feet for any commercial/business uses. Most commercial and business uses elsewhere in Skokie are required to provide more parking than this, depending on the intensity of the uses. The reduced rate for the Downtown B5 district is in recognition of the supply of both on-street and off-street public parking, and the synergy of the many land uses in Downtown Skokie.

Other Downtown Skokie Redevelopment Initiatives
In January 2007, the Village issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from developers for a new mixed-use retail and residential development in the western section of Downtown Skokie. The block boundaries are Brown Street to the north, Oakton Street to the south, Lincoln Avenue to the east and Floral Avenue to the west. The focus will be on the southern portion of the block that has Oakton Street frontage and includes Village-owned parking lots and adjacent commercial properties. The RFQ stipulated that the selected developer is solely responsible for negotiations and property purchases necessary for project completion. The Village received seven responses to the RFQ in February 2007 from both local and national developers. In coming months, Village Manager Albert Rigoni and a staff committee will interview developers and seek detailed proposals from one or more finalists. It is expected that sometime in 2007 the Village Board will ultimately select the most qualified developer offering a comprehensive, progressive redevelopment plan that officials deem in the best interest of furthering progress in Downtown Skokie.

Village officials do not yet know when construction will begin or how long it will last. The Village plans to continue regular communication with Skokie residents and Downtown Skokie businesses during all phases of the new redevelopment project, and pledges assistance to area businesses should relocation become necessary.

SkokieLink Public Internet Access
In fall 2006 the Village began providing free wireless Internet access to outdoor public areas in Downtown Skokie. SkokieLink offers full internet access while enjoying outdoor activities in beautiful Downtown Skokie. The pilot program is called SkokieLink and is the first no-charge multi-zone municipal Internet access program in the Chicago suburbs. The Village operates and maintains the system in cooperation with the Skokie Public Library, Skokie Park District and Niles Township High School District 219.

The public spaces that have free WiFi Internet access include: Memorial Park at Krier Plaza (Lincoln Avenue at Oakton Street), Veterans Park (Cleveland Street at Lincoln Avenue), Village Green between Village Hall and the Skokie Public Library (including parking lots) and Oakton Community Park (Oakton Street at Skokie Boulevard). Each area features a sign designating the location as a SkokieLink ‘hotspot’. Please visit www.skokielink.org. for more information.

Public Art Building Fee
The Village has traditionally supported the Arts, having created the first suburban Fine Arts Commission in the state. The Village continues to support such outstanding art projects as the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

In commercial areas, art can be a significant amenity by providing a unique ambiance to attract visitors and shoppers and by adding to the attractiveness of the existing parks and open spaces. The Village and IMODS share an interest in having outdoor art as part of Downtown Skokie’s redevelopment. As TIF funds (see definition below) generally cannot be used to purchase public art, the Village Board recently asked Village staff to develop an ordinance outlining a funding mechanism for the purchase of public art, primarily sculpture, for Downtown Skokie.

Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIF) and Special Service Area (SSA) Financing
The Village currently has two TIF districts in Downtown Skokie. A TIF district essentially captures the new, or incremental, taxes in a specified redevelopment area to pay for a variety of expenses related to the redevelopment effort.

Property taxes relative to the initial value of properties when the TIF was created continue to be paid to the various governmental agencies that levy such taxes, such as the Village, park district, schools, library, township, etc. As taxes in the area increase due to redevelopment, the difference between the initial tax amount and the new amount assessed is defined as the ‘increment’, which, by statute, the Village must use for TIF-area improvements. Examples of TIF-eligible expenses are streetscaping, such as adding brick pavers and light poles along a sidewalk, roadway improvements, building rehabilitation, land acquisition and other projects that enhance the area’s appearance and attractiveness to consumers and businesses. In Illinois, TIF districts are normally limited to a maximum of 23 years.

The first TIF district in Downtown Skokie, established in 1990, encompasses most of the Downtown properties along Lincoln Avenue and Oakton Street. When the TIF was established, the Village Board mandated a 15-year TIF limit instead of the 23 years allowed by state statute.

In spring 2005, at the request of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and IMODS, the Village did not end the TIF but instead reduced its size by 44%. This allows School Districts 69 and 219, along with all affected taxing jurisdictions, to receive additional property taxes from the fully redeveloped parcels that the Board disconnected from the TIF.

The balance of the TIF district was extended to the 23-year term to facilitate additional opportunities for Downtown redevelopment.

In fall 2005, the Village Board established a second Downtown Skokie TIF district that includes the IS + TP and properties to the east and north of the development.

When the Village/Forest City redevelopment agreement is complete, Forest City will be able to apply for reimbursement of TIF-eligible expenditures, such as capital improvements and other expenses that qualify under the TIF Act.

The Village Board also recently approved establishing a Special Service Area (SSA) to further redevelopment at the IS+TP. The SSA allows the Village to assess an additional property tax only on the Forest City property, which the Village can then use to make payments on the $10 million in TIF bonds issued for the IS+TP project and to also fund municipal services relative to the new development, such as roadway and sidewalk installation and maintenance, landscaping, signage and other improvements all within the SSA. The SSA tax would likely only be implemented if the property tax increment from the IS+TP is insufficient to pay the debt service on the $10 million bond issue.

Other Skokie Redevelopment Projects
Details of a few additional economic development initiatives underway throughout Skokie include:

DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center – Chicago North Shore
The Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center, Chicago North Shore has undergone a multi-million dollar interior and exterior transformation. The high-rise building has renovated all 369 guest rooms, lobby, indoor/outdoor pool, gift shop, fitness center, ballrooms and meeting areas. The renovation also includes an all new, technologically advanced Executive Meeting Center, certified by the International Association of Conference Centers, with over 22,000 square feet of meeting space as well as a fully equipped business center.

Holiday Inn North Shore -Skokie Banquet and Conference Center
The Skokie Banquet & Conference Center opened in January 2007, with the construction and interior design cost of nearly $10 million. The new Banquet and Conference Center creates many new full- and part-time positions in the community. With over 14,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and banquet capacity for 1000 people, the Skokie Banquet and Conference Center space is one of the largest on the North Shore for meetings, trade shows, weddings and other social events.

Westfield Old Orchard and Surrounding Roads
Westfield Old Orchard is undergoing a $20-plus million redevelopment to replace the building formerly occupied by Saks Fifth Avenue with approximately 63,000 square feet of specialty retail and restaurant space in two new buildings. The reconfiguration of the northeast corner of the center will create views from multiple angles. Newly created plaza areas detailed with beautifully landscaped pathways will blend the new structure into the existing center and its surroundings.

A study is underway for improving the Skokie Boulevard corridor from Old Orchard Road to Foster Street. The study includes the intersections of Golf Road and Skokie Boulevard and Skokie Boulevard and Old Orchard Road, and the Village is working on a corridor study for Old Orchard Road from Harms Road to Skokie Boulevard. These studies involve cooperation between the Village, Cook County and the Illinois Department of Transportation and include local, State of Illinois, Cook County and Federal funding.

West Dempster Street
West Dempster Street is designated as a Transit-Oriented Development District because of its proximity to the Dempster Street Skokie Swift Station. The West Dempster Street Streetscape Improvement project is substantially complete and gives the area a significantly improved appearance with new sidewalk pavers, light poles, decorative identification banners and more. Several new mixed-use developments for West Dempster Street are possible in the next few years, with retail stores on the street level and condominium units on upper floors.

East Industrial Area
Improvements to Skokie’s industrial areas continue with the current phase of this multi-year initiative including the industrial area north of Oakton Street from Hamlin Avenue east to McCormick Boulevard. Special Service Areas are established in the industrial areas, through which property owners fund approximately half of the improvement project cost while the Village pays the other half. Components of the improvement projects include installation of new sidewalks, street resurfacing, new street lighting and other amenities. A number of industrial properties on McCormick Boulevard, Howard Street and Monticello and St. Louis Avenues are currently undergoing renovations by new or existing property owners.

Downtown Skokie Swift Station
The Village continues to work with the State of Illinois and the Chicago Transit Authority on plans to construct a new Skokie Swift station in Downtown Skokie on Oakton Street just west of Skokie Boulevard and adjacent to the IS+TP. To date, the Village has received over $10 million in Federal funds for the project. According to Village engineers, the Oakton Street station is intended as a destination station for Downtown Skokie, the IS+TP and surrounding residential neighborhoods. It will include a “kiss and ride” drop-off area for patrons that walk or receive a ride to the station.

Conclusion
The Village of Skokie’s consistent focus on economic development has generated additional sales tax revenues to support Village service delivery. The current emphasis on revitalizing Downtown Skokie is expected to not only bring additional revenues, but new employment opportunities, services, restaurants and other amenities that will add to the already excellent quality of life in Skokie.

For updates on Skokie’s numerous economic development initiatives, visit the Village’s web site at www.skokie.org, watch for articles in future editions of NewSkokie and subscribe to SkokieNews, the Village’s monthly electronic newsletter that often contains concise articles about redevelopment projects around town.

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BoardReport

Recent Village Board Action

Heard a presentation from the Assistant Village Manager regarding the Village of Skokie’s 50th Anniversary of the Council-Manager form of municipal government.

Approved the purchase of an Incident Command Vehicle. The vehicle will provide an ideal work platform for commanding and controlling a variety of incidents and situations, and will be fully capable of serving as a unified command post where two-way communications and coordination of the functions of Fire, EMS, Police and Public Works units is required.

Approved an ordinance establishing Special Service Area #7 in the Downtown Science and Technology Redevelopment Area. The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Area was created in 2005 to encourage redevelopment of the former Pfizer research and development facilities and attract sound and stable commercial growth to the surrounding area. The purpose of the Special Service Area is to protect against the possible insufficiency of property tax increment to pay the debt service on TIF bonds to be issued in conjunction with the redevelopment. The bonds will be used to offset a portion of the costs of building rehabilitation and various infrastructure improvements in and around the new Illinois Science + Technology Park development.

Approved an ordinance establishing Special Service Area #8 within the 9400 and 9500 blocks of Lincolnwood Drive and the adjoining 3446 and 3450 Elgin Street. The purpose of establishing this Special Service Area is to provide improved streets that include curbs, gutters, drainage facilities and sidewalks.

Approved the purchase of air time for a radio advertising campaign on WGN – AM radio station. The Economic Development Coordinator and Marketing and Communications Director will coordinate a 24-week advertising campaign, beginning in late March, to help raise awareness of Skokie’s economic development initiatives, specifically those in Downtown Skokie. This initiative is included in the Village’s five-year Marketing and Communications Plan.

Yard Waste Collection Begins
The yard waste collection season begins the first full week of April and runs through the beginning of December. Yard waste materials will be picked up weekly, on the same day that recycling is collected if placed in regular refuse collection areas or at curbside. Please ensure that yard waste bags and bundles are clearly visible to the collector.

Grass clippings and small brush will be collected if they are contained in paper yard waste bags. Larger-sized brush needs to be bundled in manageable sizes. Please do not mix yard waste with regular household refuse, recycling materials, construction waste or hazardous waste. Illinois State law prohibits landscape waste being deposited in landfills.

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SmithCenterNews

Monday Senior Group
All programs take place at 1:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

April 2 - Table Games
Reserve your table to play a game of your choice. Bring treats and enjoy a fun afternoon with your friends.

April 3 (Tuesday) - Healthy Cooking on a Budget
Alexander Aranas of Allied Home Health Care will present healthy cooking on a budget. Samples will be given out and the program can accommodate approximately 25 to 30 people. Registration is required due to limited space.
Note: This program begins at 1 p.m.

April 16 - Secretary of State
The Secretary of State will issue ID cards (under 65 there is a fee), and renew driver’s licenses to those under the age of 75. If you are over the age of 75, you CANNOT renew your license at this facility.

Note: This program begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues through 2:30 p.m. Individuals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, with only 75 slots available.

April 23 - Horse Races
Cathy Wolfson, the Community Liaison from Oakton Arms at Oakton Place, will sponsor the horse races at our center. Please join us for a fun-filled afternoon. Prizes and treats will be given out.

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Federal Income Tax Program for Seniors
AARP tax aide volunteers will continue to offer free tax help on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Human Services Division, 5120 Galitz Street, thro­­ugh April 10, 2007. The tax aides will assist low-to-moderate income senior residents with the completion and review of simple taxes only.

This program is only available to U.S. citizens. For further information and requirements, or to schedule an appointment, please call the Human Services Division at 847/933-8208.

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Skokie Police Department’s Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit
The Village of Skokie’s Police Department strives to create and maintain a sense of security in the community. To reinforce these efforts, the Skokie Police Department offers many programs at no cost to residents. These programs include:

• The Citizens Police Academy

• Neighborhood Watch Program

• Security Surveys

• Personal Safety/Identity Theft/Business Security Presentations

• Child Safety Seat Installations

• Senior Citizens TRIAD Group representing the National Sheriff’s Association, the International Association of the Chiefs of Police, and the American Association of Retired Persons (a group focused on reducing crime against older persons)

The Skokie Police Department invites any person interested in the program to contact the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit at 847/982-5919.

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HealthNotes

Pet Owner’s Etiquette Quiz
More and more people with pets are living in close proximity in Skokie. As a result, a new kind of etiquette is emerging: pet-owner etiquette. It's based on awareness of the impact animals have on others.

Good pet-owner etiquette not only helps neighborly relations, it can also benefit the pets. It can reduce the likelihood of anger or ill-feelings being directed toward them by others.

The Skokie Health Department invites you to see how you score when it comes to pet-owner etiquette. The goal is a score of 100 on each of the following tests.

Dog owners get 10 points for each yes or affirmative answer. Cat owners get 20 points for each yes or affirmative answer.

Dog-owners' Etiquette

1. I do not allow my dog's barking to disturb my neighbors.

2. My dog is not allowed to jump on guests. He/she is well-trained or stays in another part of the house when we have company.

3. My dog is not allowed to beg guests for food or treats.

4. I observe leash laws and do not allow my dog to run loose.

5. When we meet other dogs or people during leash walks, we do not approach without permission.

6. I always clean up if my dog goes on someone else's yard or on public property.

7. My dog is spayed or neutered so it will not add to the pet overpopulation crisis.

8. My dog has been to obedience class and is well behaved in public.

9. I do not allow my dog to fence-fight with the neighbor's dog. If necessary I use secondary fencing to prevent this.

10. At the vet's office, I keep my dog close to me and/or in a sit/stay so as not to disturb other pets.

Cat-owners' Etiquette

1. My cat is not allowed to go in the neighbors' flowerbeds.

2. Or stalk birds at the neighbor's birdfeeder or birdbath.

3. Or leave paw prints on the neighbors’ cars.

4. My cat is spayed or neutered so there is no night-fighting.

5. Being spayed or neutered, my cat will not contribute to the pet over-population crisis.

Congratulations to all who scored 100. For those who scored less than 100, continue to work towards making your pet a good neighbor.

For more information on pet owner etiquette, please call 847/933-8484.

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Older Adults Vulnerable to Prescription Misuse
Older Americans are more vulnerable than others to the adverse effects of prescription drug misuse because they often use more medications and their metabolism slows with age. When patients take medicine in a way that differs from the prescribed dosage or instructions, it is called misuse.

Research shows older Americans use prescription medications approximately three times more frequently than the general population and they are less likely to follow directions. It is important for older Americans and those who care for them to educate themselves about the potential to misuse prescription drugs. Misuse can occur in a variety of ways:

Patients may misunderstand directions.
Older adults are often on medications from several doctors who are not in contact with one another and may not adequately check on side effects from combining certain drugs.

Medicine and alcohol misuse can unintentionally cause harmful interactions and create symptoms that masquerade as mental disorders.

Age-related stresses such as the loss of a spouse, retirement or loneliness sometimes can trigger prescription drug misuse or even substance abuse. Recognizing a problem can be difficult because symptoms can mimic the signs of diseases common among older adults such as diabetes, dementia and depression.

The Skokie Health Department suggests you share these tips with an older adult to help them avoid prescription drug misuse:

• Always follow the directions on the prescription label.

• Keep a list of all the drugs, vitamins and herbs taken and share this list with doctors and pharmacists.

• Read the insert provided by the drug company or pharmacy.

• Report side effects to doctors.

• Call doctors and pharmacists with questions.

• Never share medicine or take it from others.

• Never order medication from Web sites or countries that do not require a prescription.

• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause medications to be less effective or create unpleasant side effects.

For further information, please call 847/933-8252.

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CommunityCalendar

April 2007 Recycling Schedule
For additional information, contact the Skokie Public Works Department at 847/933-8427 or visit www.skokie.org

Gold Collection Days: April 9-13 & 23-27

Green Collection Days: April 2-6, 16-20 & 30

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Health Happenings
Unless otherwise noted, all clinics are held at the Skokie Health Department, 5127 Oakton Street. Clinics marked with an (*) require advance registration. For more information or to register for a clinic, call 847/933-8252.

Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 11
2-7:30 p.m.

Skokie Village Hall Blood Pressure Screening
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-4:45 p.m.
Wednesdays, 9-10:30 p.m. & 5-8p.m.

Body Composition Analysis*
Mondays, 2-4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$4 fee. 50% off April 2-April 8.

Simple Cholesterol Screening
(total cholesterol screening only)
Mondays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.
$5 fee. 50% off April 2-April 8.

Lipid Profile Screening*
(Total Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, LDL, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio)
Mondays & Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$12 fee. 50% off April 2-April 8.

Diabetes Screening*
Tuesday, April 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Hearing Screening*
Thursday, April 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Immunization Clinics*
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday April 11 & 25, 1:30-4 p.m.

Lead Screening*
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 2-4 p.m.
$18 fee.

Nicotine Addiction Seminar*
Wednesday, April 11, 7-9 p.m.

Nutrition Clinic*
Thursday, April 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Nutrition Lecture
Topic: “What’s in a Label?”
Thursday, April 19, 2 p.m.

TB Skin Testing*
Monday & Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesdays, 1-4:45 p.m.

Well Child Clinic*
Tuesday, April 17, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Smith Activities
Located at 5120 Galitz Street. Please call 847/933-8208 for more information or to register.

Rules of the Road
Review for driver’s exam.
Monday, April 2, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

Needlework
Socialization and Needlework.
Mondays, 10 a.m.

Chair Exercises
Registration required.
Mondays & Fridays, 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Monday Group
Call for program dates.
Mondays, 1:30 p.m.

Woodcarving
Fee required.
Tuesdays, 9-11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Irv Marion

Low Vision Support Group
Everyone is welcome.
Tuesday, April 10, 1:30-3p.m.

Circuit Breaker
Appointments are necessary.
Monday mornings.

Conversational Yiddish
Tuesdays, April 17 & 24, 1:30 p.m.

Medicare Supplement Claims Assistance/Senior Health Insurance Program
By appointment only.
Wednesday, April 11, 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.

Simple Will/Durable Power of Attorney/Living Will Program
Fee charged by Attorney.
Call for program details.

Skokie Senior Men’s Group Discussion
Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Weber Park, 9300 Weber Park Place

Chess
Wednesdays & Fridays, 12-4:30 p.m.

Stamp Club
Wednesdays, April 4 & 18, 1:30 p.m.

Women’s Discussion Group
Wednesdays, April 11 & 25, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

Humanities
Registration required.
Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m.

News and Views Discussion
Fridays, 10 a.m.

Men’s Discussion Group
Fridays, 1:30 p.m.

Conversational German
Thursdays, April 5 & 19, 1:30 p.m.

Hearing Loss Support Group
Thursday, April 12, 1:30-3 p.m.

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CPR Schedule
The Skokie Fire Department’s CPR class is scheduled for April 17th. For information, call 847/982-5340.

Residents: $15 refundable fee.

Non-residents: $20 non-refundable fee.

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Skokie Park District
For more information on Park District programs, call 847/674-1500 or visit www.SkokieParkDistrict.org.

Breakfast with the Bunny and EGG-stravaganzas
Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

Golf Season Begins!
April 1 marks the official opening of the 2007 Skokie Park District golf season, with both the Sports Park Golf Range and Weber Park Golf Course open, weather permitting. For hours and fees, please call 847/674-1500, ext. 3100.

Amazing Animals
Saturday, April 14, 1-3 p.m. at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St. For more information, please call 847/674-1500, ext. 2700.

Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 12-4 p.m. at the Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel.

The Sound of Music
Devonshire Playhouse presents this timeless classic, April 27-May 6 at the Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St. Fee: $10-12.

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Skokie Art Guild
Call For Artists:
Skokie Art Guild seeks artists for its 46th Annual Art Fair, July 7-8, 2007, held on the Village Green, 5211 Oakton Street, next to the Skokie Public Library. For more information, please e-mail skokieart@aol.com or call 847/677-8163.

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Skokie Public Library

A Special Sunday
Sunday, April 15 at 1 p.m., you are invited to learn about the Library’s many services, and stay for a concert by Quintet Attacca. Stay after the concert for a gala reception honoring the performers and artists whose art adorns the Library’s gallery spaces. To be added to the guest list, please call 847/324-3127.

Fabulous Author Visits:
Registration is required for all three of these events. For more information, please call the Youth Service Desk at 847/324-3149.

Cynthia Kadohata, author of Kira-Kira visits on Wednesday, April 11 at 7 p.m.

Darren Shan, author of Cirque du Freak and Demonata visits on Saturday, April 14 at 3 p.m.

Andrew Clements, author of Frindle and many other novels will visit on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

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North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
Located at 9501 Skokie Blvd. For more information, call 847/673-6300 or visit www.northshorecenter.org.

She Stoops to Conquer
April 1, 3-8, 11-15, 17-22 and 25-29.
Call for showtimes.
Northlight Theatre.

River North Dance Company
April 20, 8 p.m.
Centre East Theatre.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
April 21, 8 p.m.
Centre East Theatre.

Defending the Caveman
April 27 & 28, 8 p.m.
Centre East Theatre.

Henry & Mudge
April 28, 1 & 3 p.m.
Centre East Theatre.

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Skokie Fourth of July 2007 Parade Application
Everyone is invited to participate! This spectacular event is organized by a group of dedicated volunteers and co-sponsored by the Village of Skokie, Niles Township Government and the Skokie Park District. Join us at noon in Downtown Skokie on July 4th.

Applications will only be accepted through May 25, 2007. No exceptions!

Name of Group: _____________________________________________

Contact Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Home Phone: ________________________________________________

Work Phone: _________________________________________________

Type of unit: (circle all that apply)

Float or Display

Vehicle

Marching Unit

Category (circle all that apply)

Neighborhood Group

Local Business

Organization

Individual Vehicle

Antique Auto

Commercial Vehicle

($50.00 fee for each commercial vehicle.)

Enclosed is our donation for $___________

(Please make checks payable to the 4th of July Parade Committee)

Number of Adults: ___________
Number of Children under 6 years old: ___________

Want to be (circle one):

Away from music

Near music

Note: All applications must be approved by the Parade Committee. A Letter of Acceptance will be sent upon approval.

Return all applications to:

Fern Katz, Chairperson
4th of July Committee
P.O. Box 702
Skokie, IL 60077

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The Village of Skokie
Council/Manager Government
Since 1957 

Officials:
Mayor
George Van Dusen

Clerk
Marlene Williams

Trustees
Michele L. Bromberg
Michael A. Gelder
Frank G. McCabe
Donald P. Perille
Randall E. Roberts
Edie Sue Sutker

Manager
Albert J. Rigoni

Phone Numbers:
Emergency
911

Information
673-0500

TTY
933-8455

Fire Non-Emergency
982-5300

Police Non-Emergency
982-5900

Citizens Assistance
933-8480

Managing Editor
Nori Van Elzen

Copyright ©2006 by Village of Skokie
All phone numbers have an area code of "847" unless otherwise noted.

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2006 National Citizen Survey By the Numbers
In late summer 2006 the Village conducted a citizen survey through the National Research Center in Boulder, Colorado. Skokie’s results were compared to those from hundreds of other communities across the country, and here’s how Skokie ranked in a few areas:

• 87th percentile nationally as a place to live;

• 93rd national percentile as a place to work; and,

• 97th national percentile for openness and acceptance of the community towards people of diverse backgrounds.

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