‌
Week Ending - December 3rd, 2021
Welcome to the first days of December and newest edition of the Village of Forest Park's e-newsletter. As you transition to the weekend, please find the latest Village news, resources and events below. Highlights include the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Walk, that begins tonight on Madison Street at 6pm, an announcement from the Police Department, career opportunities and an update on leaf removal. Have a wonderful weekend!
Forest Park Chamber of Commerce Holiday Walk - 12/3
Forest Park Police Department Promotions
The Forest Park Police Department announces two new promotions today. Sergeant Tim Adams has been promoted to Lieutenant and Officer Lauren Battistoni has been promoted to Sergeant. Congratulations to Lt. Adams and Sgt. Battistoni!
Village of Forest Park - Menorah Lighting Ceremony
On Sunday, November 28th, community members gathered in Constitution Court to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Mayor Rory Hoskins, along with Village Commissioners Joe Byrnes, Jessica Voogd and Maria Maxham, were joined by Rabbi Yitzchok Bergstein of the Chabad Jewish Center OPRF, and Sarah van Loon, Regional Director of the American Jewish Council, in commemorating the first day of Chanukah with the lighting of the Menorah.

The Festival of Lights celebration lasts 8 days, with a candle being lit each day. Attendees joined in song and were then treated to a traditional jelly donut.
Forest Park Toy Drive - 12/10
ComEd Career Connection - 12/21
ComEd Career Connection is a one day program for those 17-22 years of age conducted virtually on December 21st from 9AM-1PM. Throughout this program, participants will be educated on ComEd careers and the application process required for their entry level positions.

Those who attend will receive information to help build a professional resume and interviewing tips to guide them through the hiring process. They will also gain experience with the CAST test – the exam that requires successful completion to be considered for their entry level positions. Join them for this career readiness course by signing up through scanning the QR code on their flyer. If there are any questions, please reach out to ExternalPrograms@ComEd.Com.
Local Hiring Opportunities
The Village of Forest Park and a number of community partners are hiring! Please see the links below for more information and to apply!

 
 
Energy Saving Program Information
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, via the UIC Energy Resources Center, is offering free, income-eligible energy-saving kits that include the following items: LED bulbs, an LED nightlight, an advanced power strip, a high-efficiency showerhead, high-efficiency aerators for the kitchen and bathroom, and educational instructions to help residents make one money-saving improvement at a time. Households that received the kits have saved $76/year on their electric bills. 

The energy-saving kits can only be distributed to residents whose incomes fall below the lower 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their ZIP code. This form will help one determine eligibility requirements. When picking up an energy-saving kit at the Village Hall or Community Center (during regular business hours), residents shall fill out their contact information on a proof of delivery sign-in sheet. Supplies are limited.

The energy-saving kits program runs through December 31, 2021 and is sponsored by ComEd.

For more information about Residential Energy Efficiency & Assistance Programs offered through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, please click here.
ComEd Bill Payment Assistance
To help customers stay current with their energy bills, and to avoid additional fees, ComEd has two available programs for those needing assistance.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that can help you stay warm in during winter by providing eligible customers with a one-time payment towards your energy bills.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is a choice within Illinois LIHEAP to help manage energy bills year-round.

Applications for LIHEAP and PIPP can be submitted online, by phone or in person and are available at your Local Administering Agency. Visit LIHEAPillinois.com for more information.
Proviso Township Handyman Program
The Proviso Township Handyman Program serves homeowners over the age of 60 and disabled homeowners who are residents of Proviso Township. Call them at 708-547-4001 to register for the Proviso Handyman Program. You can also click here for more information.
Public Works Leaf Removal Program (Updated)
The Village of Forest Park offers an opportunity for residents to dispose of leaves during the fall season. There is no added cost for this service. Leaves should be raked curbside into the street gutters and will later be removed by the Village's Public Works Department.

The Public Works Department Leaf Removal Program spans from October 1 – December 1 each year. (Due to the late start to the leaf season this year, the Public Works Department is extending their leaf pick-up services until Thursday, December 16, 2021.) The leaf pick-up schedule follows the street sweeper daily schedule, which is available by clicking here. Residents shall rake their leaves curbside a day before their scheduled pickup day. No grass clippings, bags or tree limbs are allowed. Contractors illegally dumping leaves (from other sites) will be cited.