Week Ending - January 14th, 2022
Welcome to the newest edition of the Village of Forest Park's e-newsletter, where you will find the latest news, resources and events happening in and around Forest Park. In this week's edition, you will find a message from Mayor Rory Hoskins regarding recent incidents in the Village, upcoming vaccination opportunities, an immediate change to the utility bill payment system and more.

In addition, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Village offices will be closed on Monday, January 17th. Have a wonderful weekend!

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
ICYMI: Message From Mayor Hoskins
In response to the recent incidents in Forest Park, please click here to view a message from Mayor Rory Hoskins about the incidents and how the Village is taking steps install security cameras throughout the village.
Upcoming IDPH Vaccination Event at Grant White Elementary School (1/17)
On Monday January 17th, the Illinois Department of Public Health will conduct a free vaccination event at Grant White Elementary School (147 Circle Ave.) from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Pediatric Pfizer, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson shots and boosters will be available. For more information, please click here.
Mass Vaccination Site Re-opening
in Forest Park (1/18)
Cook County Health in partnership with the State of Illinois will be re-opening the Forest Park Vaccination site on Tuesday, January, 18th. The vaccine site will be located in the former Hobo building located at 7630 W. Roosevelt Road.
Hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Booster shots have been approved for all people age 12+. Due to high demand for Covid-19 vaccines, individuals with appointments at CCH sites will be taken first. Walk-ins will be seen as resources allow. To make an appointment here or call 833-308-1988. Please note: the Vaccine Sign-Up Hotline will be open 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on 1/17/21 in observance of MLK Day.

For more information visit My Shot – Cook County.
If you are homebound or need a ride, click here for information on how to get vaccinated.
New Cook County Covid-19 Mitigation Order, Testing and Vaccine Information
New Covid-19 mitigations went into effect on January 3rd, 2022 in Cook County. Any individual aged two and older and able to medically tolerate is required to wear a mask when indoors in a public place, regardless of vaccination status. Click here for updated details regarding masks and vaccination requirements in indoor settings.

Forest Park has several free Covid-19 testing locations. Sites include 1527 Harlem Ave, 321A Harlem Ave., and the former CVS building at Harlem Ave. and Circle Ave.
Reminder: Village of Forest Park - Utility Payment System Change (Effective Immediately)
Take care of your water and sewer bill quickly and efficiently by paying online.

Beginning in January 2022, the Village of Forest Park will begin phasing out use of the e-Pay portal and is asking customers to use the Springbrook Civic Pay portal to pay water bills online.

Springbrook Civic Pay portal allows water customers the ability to view and download their water account activity, including usage, billing, and payment history. The portal enables 24/7 access to accounts, with the option for safe collection of payments commonly made in person. Payments are posted in real time. Users can make one time payments or create an online profile, choose paperless billing as an option, and sign up for auto pay.

The e-pay portal will continue to be available only for a limited time. When you pay your next water bill, please click here to create a new account in Springbrook Civic Pay and have access to bill payment and account history. You will need you water account number when creating your account.



*Special Note* – The payment links noted above will take you away from the Village’s website.
Village of Forest Park: New Business Openings
The Village of Forest Park welcomes the following new businesses:

  • Foundry/FP - 7503 W. Madison Street    
  • Forest Park Bakery - 7332 W. Madison Street    
  • Mr. Beef and Pizza of Forest Park - 123 Harlem     
  • Joseph Wealth Management LLC - 7600 Roosevelt Rd.      
  • Joseph Eden Investments LLC - 7600 Roosevelt Rd.      
  • Smooth-ish LLC - 7415 W. Madison        
  • Taco Bell - 161 Harlem     
  • Fiore Pizzeria - 7407 W. Madison 
  • Pal Ventures Ltd. - 7216 Circle Ave.          
  • ELW Labs - 321-A Harlem Ave.
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!

 
 
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.
Village of Forest Park Public Works -
Snow Removal/Cold Weather Tips
The snow season is upon us. Please assist the Public Works Department in its snow removal efforts by obeying the snow route signs. Every street in the village has visible snow route signs. They are typically on the same side as the street lights. Snow routes are in effect up to 48 hours after the completion of a snow event of 2” or greater.
 
When the weather dips below freezing for an extended period of time and during bursts of extreme cold, please follow these tips to help you avoid frozen interior water pipes:
  • Let the water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home or business set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
  • Shut off outside water.
Forest Park Senior News and Resources
The latest edition (January/February/March) of the Forest Park Senior News is now available. Please click here to read more.