Village of Skokie - Manager's Office - NewSkokie January/February 2007

When it Snows in Skokie
The Plow is on the Way
Anytime the forecast calls for snow, a Skokie Public Works snow commander is placed on call to monitor storm conditions and oversee snow plowing operations. The snow commander uses computerized weather system equipment to gauge a storm’s intensity and progression. If the situation warrants, snow plowing crews are placed on alert.

Severe Storms
When a severe storm is predicted, the Village’s emergency preparedness team meets to develop an action plan. The team is made up of staff from Public Works, Police, Fire and the Village Manager’s Office. During heavy storms, the full resources of the Public Works Department including staff from the Streets and Alleys, Automotive, Refuse, Traffic Engineering and Water and Sewer Divisions may be enlisted to help.

Here Comes the Plow
When the Village experiences multiple days of snow, the team works through evening hours to keep ahead of conditions. It takes about 16 hours to clear the Village’s 160 miles of roadway and 12 to 16 more hours to clear 70 miles of alleys. Heavy snow accumulations require even more time. Over 50 pieces of equipment including 13 Village refuse trucks are used to clear snow from Village streets and, when snow accumulation exceeds six inches, alleys.

Plowing Responsibilities
The Village plows Village-owned streets. Cook County and the State of Illinois own many of the Village’s major roads and are responsible for plowing and salting these roads.

Village of Skokie
Dempster Street, Main Street, Oakton Street (from Long Avenue to Skokie Boulevard), Howard Street, residential streets and alleys and Gross Point (from Church to Lincoln).

Cook County Highway Department
Crawford Avenue (Jarvis to Golf Road), Oakton Street ( Skokie Boulevard to McCormick Boulevard), Old Orchard Road ( Harms Road to Crawford Avenue), Church Street ( Linder Avenue to Gross Point Road).

State of Illinois
Crawford Avenue (Golf Road to Old Orchard Road), Gross Point Road (Church Street to Old Orchard Road), Golf Road (McCormick Boulevard to Harms Road), Gross Point Road (Lincoln Avenue to Howard Street), Skokie Boulevard (Jarvis to Old Orchard Road), Lincoln Avenue, (Linder Avenue to Jarvis Avenue), Church Street (Gross Point Road to McCormick Boulevard), Niles Center Road (Pratt Avenue to Brown Street), McCormick Boulevard (Touhy Avenue to Golf Road), Touhy Avenue (Central to Kedzie).

Refuse Pick up
The first priority during a snow emergency is keeping the streets safe for traffic, emergency vehicles and pedestrians. Refuse pick up can be delayed when Village refuse trucks are used to assist with plowing operations. For current information on refuse schedule changes, visit www.skokie.org or tune into SkokieVision Cable.

Driveways
Unfortunately, during the plowing operation, snow (windrows) may be deposited in front of your driveway or garage apron. This is a frustrating but unavoidable consequence of the plowing operation. To reduce chances of this occurring, pile snow to the left side of your driveway (as you face your house or garage) when shoveling or using a snow blower.

Sidewalk Plowing
Skokie is one of a few municipalities that plows residential sidewalks. The Village plows its entire network of sidewalks when snow accumulations exceed four inches. After streets and alleys are cleared of snow, the sidewalk plows are dispatched to clear sidewalks. School routes are the first priority. During a heavy snow storm or consecutive heavy snow days the sidewalk plow crews are plowing the streets in Skokie so they are not able to immediately plow sidewalks.

Alternate Side Parking
After a snowfall of two or more inches, an Alternate-Side Parking Program is placed into effect. On even-numbered days, all vehicles are to be parked on the even-numbered side of the street and on odd-numbered days vehicles are required to park on the odd-numbered side of the street. The program is in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a minimum of two days. This emergency parking system is placed into effect so that snowplows can clear snow from residential streets from curb-to-curb. If a vehicle is not parked on the correct side of the street the snow plowing operation on that street is hampered. As a reminder, an alert warning siren sounds at the start of alternate-side parking and/or at 7 a.m. each day the plan is in effect. Residents can verify that the Alternate-Side Parking Program has been placed into effect by dialing 847/675-SNOW, watching SkokieVision Cable or visiting www.skokie.org.

In addition, the Fire Department requests assistance in clearing snow from the nearly 2,000 fire hydrants in Skokie. As you clear snowfrom your driveways, sidewalks and walking paths use care so that snow is not inadvertently piled on top of fire hydrants.

Snow plowing operations may cover your fire hydrant. Please assign someone in your household the responsibility of keeping fire hydrants on or near your property clear of snow for easy access. Snow piled on top of fire hydrants slows fire response time. In the event of a fire emergency seconds count!

The Village and ComEd staff have developed a power outage reporting system. The Village receives reports of power outages called in to ComEd by area residents and businesses. This cooperative effort permits the Skokie emergency team to monitor customer-reported ComEd power outages.

1. Clean out all gutters and down spouts. Some landscape companies offer this service.

4. Ensure that your attic is properly insulated. Insulation of R-30 or R-38 grade is generally recommended.

Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes usually occur for one of three reasons: when cold outside air leaks into the house and freezes the water in pipes; when a homeowner lowers the thermostat to lower than 55 degrees when they are out of town or when pipes in crawl spaces or attics are not properly insulated.

If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water comes out a pipe may be frozen. The most likely pipes are those located against exterior walls. It is advisable to have a licensed plumber assist if you cannot immediately locate the frozen pipe. If you choose to thaw the pipe yourself do not use a blowtorch, kerosene propane heater or any open flame device.

• Pace yourself! Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor’s permission.

• To reduce strain on the back, use the shovel to push the snow closer to the snow pile. Do not throw snow over the shoulder or to the side. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one.

• Lift with legs bent and back straight. By bending at the knees and “sitting” into the movement, you keep the spine upright and less stressed.

The Skokie Teen Job Match program offers a listing of teenagers willing to assist with snow shoveling. Residents interested in obtaining a list of teenagers registered for the program can contact 847/933-8257.

• Ask them to contact you if they get any unusual calls saying they have won money or other items that require an advance fee to collect.

• Remind them that there are unscrupulous people that might otherwise appear to be friendly.

• Persuade them to limit the amount of credit that is available on credit cards or in bank accounts in case someone gains access to account numbers.

• Ask them to never wire or send money to anyone without first consulting with a trusted family member or friend.

• Remind them to be careful of mail or Internet solicitations. “Free gifts” are not free if they require payment up front!

For more information contact the Police Crime Prevention/ Community Relations Unit at 847/982-5919.

SOAR Student Art Exhibit
During March the Skokie Fine Arts Commission hosts a youth art show that recognizes the artistic talents of Skokie students and honors Illinois Youth Art Month. Student artwork is on display at the North Shore Center of the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, during business hours. All Skokie schools are scheduled to participate. Visit the lobby of the performing arts center in March to view the works of up-and-coming young Skokie artists.

Fine Arts Grants
As a regranting agency of the State of Illinois Arts Council, the Skokie Fine Arts Commission funds local school and other organizations’ arts-related projects as part of the Skokie School Cultural Arts Project grant program. Grants are provided for Artist-in-Residency projects sponsored by a Skokie organization. The hosting agency must provide a minimum 25 percent match of funds for the project. The application deadline is February 1, 2007.

2007 Refuse Recycling & Yard waste
Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day
Refuse: Monday collections on Tuesday, Tuesday collections on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday collection unchanged.
Recycling: Monday Gold Routes collection on Tuesday, Tuesday Gold Routes collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Gold Routes unchanged. Green Recycling Routes not effected .

Monday, January 15, Martin Luther King Day
Refuse: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged.
Recycling: no changes

Monday, February 19, President’s Day
Refuse: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged.
Recycling: no changes

Monday, May 28, Memorial Day
Refuse: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged.
Recycling: Monday Green Routes collection on Tuesday, Tuesday Green Routes collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Green Routes unchanged. Gold Recycling Routes not effected.
Landscape Waste: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged.

Wednesday, July 4 - Independence Day
Refuse/Recycling/Landscape Waste: no changes

Monday, September 3 - Labor Day
Refuse: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged.
Recycling: Monday Green Routes collection on Tuesday, Tuesday Green Routes collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Green Routes unchanged. Gold Recycling Routes are not effected.
Landscape Waste: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged.

Thursday & Friday November 22 & 23, Thanksgiving Holiday
Refuse: Monday and Tuesday collections unchanged, attempt to complete Thursday and Friday collections on Wednesday.
Recycling: Monday, Tuesday and Friday Gold Routes are unchanged, Thursday Gold Route collection on Wednesday November 21st. Green Recycling Routes are not effected.
Landscape Waste: Monday, Tuesday and Friday collections unchanged. Thursday collection on Wednesday November 21st.

Tuesday, December 25, Christmas Day
Refuse: Monday, Thursday and Friday collections unchanged, Tuesday collection on Wednesday.
Recycling: Monday, Thursday and Friday collections unchanged, Tuesday Green Routes collection on Wednesday. Gold Routes not effected.

Please retain this list for your reference. If you have any questions about your pickup schedule, call the Public Works Department at 847/933-8427.

Community Video Awards
The Skokie Cable Television Commission invites you to submit locally produced, non-professional video programs for this year’s video awards competition. All videos produced in 2006 or 2007 are eligible for entry. Tapes must be submitted in VHS or DVD format. Provide a log for tapes over five minutes long. Entries are not returned. Please submit entries no later than March 12, 2007.

Village of Skokie - Public Information Division
5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077

Recent Board Action
Resolution expressing condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Kraig D. Foyteck.

Heard a report from the Village Manager regarding Downtown Skokie. The report suggested moving forward with some of the recommendations raised in April 2006 by both the Mayor’s Committee on Downtown Development (CODD) and the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie (IMODS). The recommendations largely address the design and build-out of improvements to existing commercial space for retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses, although some may be applicable to any permitted business use. Recommendations also include the implementation of a Downtown Redevelopment Incentive Program, including a façade assistance program, interior rehab grant program, architectural/design expense assistance, change of use allowance in existing buildings, reduced parking requirements and parking reduction for building expansions in the Downtown B5 area. Two additional recommendations and the sponsorship of an arts program to provide funding resources for the purchase of public art, primarily sculptures, for Downtown Skokie and marketing and promoting SkokieLink, the recently installed free public municipal wireless internet project.

Heard an update regarding roadway and infrastructure improvements in the northwest corridor of the Village including Old Orchard Road from Harms Road to Skokie Boulevard and Skokie Boulevard from Old Orchard Road to Foster Street. The improvements will be separated into four construction periods with the first phase scheduled to begin in 2008.

Approved an amendment limiting the number of cats per household. No person may have more than four cats per single-family residence and no more than two cats per single-family apartment or condominium.

• Plan your route before heading out, know your surroundings and travel with area maps

• Keep up routine vehicle maintenance, travel with a full tank of gas and with fully inflated tires

The Skokie Village Board meets the first and third Monday of each month, except in the case of a holiday. Meetings begin at 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.

Watch the Village Board Meetings on SkokieVision Cable Television (Channel 22 on RCN systems, Channel 17 on Comcast systems). The Board Meetings are broadcast at noon and 8 p.m. on the Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday following a Board Meeting.

Stop Smoking
The Skokie Health Depart-ment, in conjunction with the Evanston Health Department, offers a stop smoking clinic free of charge for anyone who lives or works in either of the two communities. The clinic meets January 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 22 at 7 p.m. at the Village of Skokie, 5127 Oakton Street.

Joel Spitzer, program presenter, has over 30 years of smoking cessation and prevention program development. He has conducted over 325 stop smoking clinics and over 570 educational seminars.

Advance registration is required. To register for the clinic, contact the Skokie Health Department at 847/ 933-8252.

Wildlife Feeding
Many people enjoy feeding birds and animals, but most don’t realize that this practice is regulated. Ground feeding attracts rats, skunks, and other unwanted “guests.”

According to Village ordinance, feeding wildlife requires the use of above-ground, approved feeders. The feeders and the areas around them must be properly maintained to discourage unwanted pests.

Officers from the Skokie Health Department’s Animal Control Division are happy to provide recommendations about feeders and how to maintain them properly. The officers also investigate complaints of illegal feeding.

Heart Care
Heart disease is a leading cause of death. There are many things a person can do to reduce the risk of heart disease. These include keeping blood pressure in the normal range, having acceptable cholesterol levels, maintaining a good level of physical fitness, and eating properly. The Health Department offers screenings and clinics to help monitor all of these.

February is National Heart Month. In recognition, the Health Department offers Cholesterol Screening, Lipid Profile and Body Composition Analysis for $2 off regular prices during the month of February. In addition, Blood Pressure Screening and the Nutrition Clinic/Lecture are offered to Skokie residents at no charge.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment, contact the Skokie Health Department at 847/933-8252.

Nutrition
The Skokie Health Department offers a monthly lecture series to provide factual, up-to-date nutrition information. The series is free and is open to all residents.

Upcoming topics include Relax! Recharge! Renew! on Thursday, January 18 and Putting Portions in Perspective on Thursday, February 15. Both lectures begin at 2 p.m. on the lower level of the Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.

These lectures are conducted by Registered Dietitian Francine Dudzinski. If you would like more information or to receive a copy of the schedule of upcoming lectures for the year, contact the Health Department at 847/933-8252.

Avoid Colds
These 10 tips from the Skokie Health Department for defeating a cold should come as no surprise; yet few people follow them.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you blow your nose or cough, wash your hands before touching your eyes or nose so that you do not reinfect yourself.

3. Blow your nose frequently. It cleans viruses and/or virus byproducts out of your system.

4. Take vitamins as they are especially important when you are sick. Whatever vitamins you take, remember to also take vitamin C as it helps strengthen your immune system.

6. Eat healthy, energizing food. Your body always needs fuel but when you’re sick, a lot of the body’s energy is devoted to the immune system. Eating regularly provides the energy the body needs.

7. Although rest is important, too much sleep does not help fight an illness. Whenever possible, maintain a normal routine.

8. Drink water! The human body is about 98% water. Your body naturally needs about eight glasses a day. When you are sick the body needs more.

9. Stay warm and dry. The combination of cold and wet uses energy while your body tries to warm itself and this energy may have been keeping a virus from defeating your immune system.

10. If you have a fever drink cold water or put a slightly moist cool cloth on your head. Staying cool and comfortable helps you to sleep better.

Monday Senior Group
The Monday Group, Smith Activities Center’s general lecture program, meets at 1:30 p.m. Monday afternoons at 5120 Galitz St. All seniors and citizens of Skokie are invited to participate in scheduled activities. There is no membership fee. The Smith Activities Center phone number is 933-8208. The Office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1. The following programs are scheduled for January/February:

January 2 (Tues.) - Healthy Cooking on a Budget
Alexander Aranas of Allied Home Health care presents healthy cooking on a budget. Samples provided. A non-refundable $1 fee is due at time of registration.

January 8 -Table Games
Join us for table games. Register for a fun afternoon.

January 15 - “Senior Stories”
A speaker from Niles North High School presents a program on senior stories. Niles North seeks seniors willing to share a important story. More information available at the presentation.

January 22 - Bingo
Join in for a fun afternoon of bingo. A few prizes will be given to lucky winners.

January 29 - Musical Entertainment
5th-8th graders from St. Paul School entertain seniors. Treats served after the performance. Note: Program begins at 1 p.m.

February 14 (Wednesday) - Musical Entertainment
Join us for a musical afternoon with entertainment by St. Paul 2nd and 3rd graders. Treats served after the performance.

February 22 (Thursday) - Black History Month
Jack Diamond leads a program on Louis Armstrong. Registration required and there is a $1 fee due at the time of registration.

Water Bill Auto pay or E-PAY
The Village offers two easy methods to pay water bills. The first method is automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. If you wish to participate in this program please complete the form on page nine.

Online Payment
The Village also offers online payment for water bills. To make an online payment, follow the link from the front page of www.skokie.org. The link takes you to the Illinois EPay system.

Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act
Effective January 1, 2007, homeowners and landlords must install carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings containing bedrooms and sleeping facilities. Every dwelling unit must have at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Replacement
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke detectors be replaced when they fail to respond to tests or after they have been in use for 10 years. The recommended replacement schedule for carbon monoxide detectors varies depending on the particular detector. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for replacement.

If you have any questions call the Skokie Fire Prevention Bureau at 847/982-5340.

Subscribe to SkokieNews
Visit www. skokie.org to subscribe to the Village’s monthly e-mail newsletter. Residents may also contact the Village at 847/933-8257 during normal business hours to request that their e-mail address be added to the SkokieNews list. Subscribers will be the first to know about important Village news!

Water Billing Automatic Bank Payment Authorization Form
The Village offers an Automatic Water Bill Payment Program for water bill payment. By participating in the program, the amount of your water bill is automatically deducted from your checking account on the due date. The water bill continues to be mailed to you as a reminder of the amount and date of deduction from your account. There is no fee for this service. To enroll in the program, please complete the information below.

Yes! I wish to participate in the Automatic Water Bill Payment Program. Enclosed is my voided check.

I understand that the cost of my water bill is directly deducted from my account on the due date.

Terms and Conditions
Record of Payment - Your bank statement will indicate the amount and date of your automatic transfer. Retain this statement as proof of payment. If you have a question regarding your transfer, or the amount differs from your bill, you must notify the Village and your financial institution within sixty days of the statement date.

Funds Availability - Should there be non-sufficient funds available, the Village assesses a $10 fee for each payment returned. If there are more than two non-sufficient funds within a 12-month period, your direct payment privileges with the Village of Skokie may be cancelled.

Payment Date - Fund withdrawal occurs on the due date listed on your water bill. Generally the automatic deduction occurs with your next bill; however it depends on the date your completed application form is received. Please continue to pay your water bill by check until you see the words “Bank Draft-Do Not Pay” printed on your bill.

Enrollment for Automatic Bank Payment -To enroll in the automatic payment program, submit the above completed authorization form, along with a voided check from your checking account to the Village of Skokie, Water Billing Department.

Termination - In the event that you would like to stop participating in the Automatic Water Bill Payment Plan Program, you must send a completed termination form to the Water Billing Department no later than 30 days prior to your next billing date.

Account Changes - If you change banks it is your responsibility to notify the Village by sending an updated Automatic Bank Payment Authorization Form 10 days before your water bill due date.

Billing Questions -If you have a question about your bill, please contact the Water Billing Department at 847/933-8418.

Village Information
For up-to-date info-rmation on Village services, programs and policies, please visit www.skokie.org, subscribe to SkokieNews, or dial 675-INFO (recorded message line). Cable television subscribers are also invited to tune into the SkokieVision Municipal Cable channel (RCN channel 22 and Comcast channel 17).

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

Devonshire Playhouse: Gay 90’s Plus
Jan. 20, 21, 27, 28
Devonshire Cultural Center
4400 Greenwood St.

Summer Camp 2007 Open House
Learn what programs are offered and meet camp directors. January 17, 6-7:30 p.m. Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

Snowshoe Rentals:
First-come, first-served basis when four or more inches of snow are on the ground. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St.

Daddy-Daughter Valentine’s Dance
February 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20-30 per couple, $10-15 for additional attendees. Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

Winter Chilly Fest
February 10 and 11, 4-8 p.m.
Admission: $4-10
Emily Oaks Nature Center
4650 Brummel St.

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

Lady
Northlight Theatre
Jan. 24-28, 30, 31
Feb. 1-4, 6-11, 14-18, 20-25
Call for showtimes.

String Orchestra Blockbusters
Ars Viva! Symphony Orchestra.
February 4-5, 7:30 p.m.

Health Happenings
Unless stated, 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, Feb. 14, 2-7:30 p.m.
Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.

Blood Pressure Screening
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3-4:45 p.m.
Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Nights, 5-8 p.m.

*Body Composition Analysis
Mondays, 2-4:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesday nights, 5-8 p.m.
$4 Fee

Simple Cholesterol Screening
(Total cholesterol only)
Mondays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
$5 Fee.

*Lipid Profile Screening
(Total Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, LDL, Cholesterol/HDL Ratio)
Mondays & Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
$12 Fee.

*Immunization Clinics
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Jan. 10, 24 & Feb. 14, 28, 1:30-4 p.m.

*Lead Screening
Wednesday, Jan 3 & Feb. 7, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday Nights 5-8 p.m.
$18 fee

Nutrition Lecture
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.
Topic: “Relax! Recharge! Renew!”

Smith Center Activities
Located at 5120 Galitz St. All seniors and citizens of Skokie are invited to participate in scheduled activities. There is no membership fee. For more information or to register call 847/933-8208.

Rules of the Road
Review for driver’s exam
Monday, Jan. 8 and Feb. 5
9:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Chair Exercises
Registration required
Every Monday and Friday
11-11:30 a.m.

Low Vision Support Group
Everyone is welcome
Tuesday, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13
1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

Conversational Yiddish
No fee or registration required
Tuesdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 & Feb. 20, 27
1:30 p.m.

Medicare Supplement Claims Assistance/Senior Health Insurance Program
By appointment only
Wednesday, Jan. 10 & Feb. 14
9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Simple Will/Durable Power of Attorney/Living Will Program
Call for appointment.
Fee charged by attorney.

Women’s Discussion Group
Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 24 & Feb. 14, 28
1:30-3 p.m.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye (Hearing Loss Support Group)
Thursday, Jan. 11 & Feb. 8, 1:30-3p.m.

Skokie Public Library
For information on Library programs, call 847/673-7774.

Korean American Day
Saturday, Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. Celebrate with music, art and a traditional Korean dress fashion show.

Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, Jan. 15, 3 p.m.
A one-man production that traces King’s role in the civil rights movement.

Celebrate Black History Month
February is filled with music, dance and art to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the country’s history, cosponsored by the Village of Skokie Human Relations Commission.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 3 p.m.
Vocalist Pippi Ardennia and the Tim Tobias Trio. A reception follows.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m.
Artist Leslie Baum leads children in grades 3-8 in an art project inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s award-winning book Show Way.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m.
New Orleans jazz musicians displaced by Hurriace Katrina.

Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m.
Reggio “the Hoofer” McLaughlin traces the history of tap.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.
Highland Park Pops Big Band peforms arrangements of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and others.

Register to Vote
Did you just turn 18 or have you recently became a citizen? If so, remember to register to vote. Anyone who has moved or changed his or her name must re-register at the Village Clerk’s Office at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays (closed noon-1 p.m.). For further information, contact Skokie Village Clerk Marlene Williams at 847/933-8203.

Newstaper Program
The Village of Skokie’s Human Services Division offers a News on Tape program for the visually impaired and disabled. Materials are collected from local newspapers and recorded on cassette tape and sent to your home on a weekly basis. This program is free of charge and the only requirement is that you provide your own tape machine for listening. For more information, please call the Human Services Division at 847/933-8208.

Dog Regulations
Owning a dog is an enjoyable experience, but it is accompanied by responsibilities. Family members should be taught proper dog-owner etiquette so that canine family members are welcome in the neighborhood. All dogs should be walked on a leash. Dog walkers should be strong enough to control the dog in all situations. If the dog “goes” when being walked, it is the dog walker’s responsibility to clean up the mess. Dog owners must dispose of dog waste in their own refuse containers, not those of a nearby home or neighbor. Keep dogs off of other people's lawns and out of flower beds! It is important to be familiar with the laws in the area.

Village of Skokie Ordinance prohibits more than two dogs in and about a single-family residence or more than one dog in or about any single-family apartment. In addition, the Village Code includes the following:

• All dogs must be kept on a leash and wear current Skokie rabies and license tags

• Dog owners are required to clean up after their pets both on private and public property

For more information, call the Skokie Environmental Health Division at 847/933-8484.

Catch a STAR
Are you tired of scraping snow off your car or driving on slippery roads? Are you reluctant to venture outside during those cold, icy Chicago-area winter days? Seniors 65 years and older are eligible to join the Skokie Senior Transportation (STAR) program. For just $12.50 a month, STAR bus members are treated to door-to-door Skokie destination service Monday through Friday. Members can arrange for a ride by contacting 1-888-213-STAR just one hour in advance. Sign up for this premier Village service and put an end to waiting in chilly cars while they warm up. To become a STAR member today contact 847/676-STAR.

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 ©2007 by Village of Skokie
All phone numbers have an area code of "847" unless otherwise noted.

Monday January 1, New Year’s Day - Refuse: Monday collections on Tuesday, Tuesday collections on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday collection unchanged. Recycling: Monday Gold Routes collection on Tuesday, Tuesday Gold Routes collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Gold Routes unchanged. Green Recycling Routes not effected.

Monday, January 15, Martin Luther King Day - Refuse: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged. Recycling: no changes.

Monday, February 19, President’s Day - Refuse: Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unchanged. Recycling: no changes.

Feedback

The Village of Skokie is pleased to respond to your individual questions, thoughts and concerns. If you want to see something placed on the web site; included in a future NewSkokie; or have a question about an Ordinance, return this form to the Village Hall or e-mail us at www.skokie.org. Please provide your address so that we can respond to you directly.

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