Community Collaboration: May 8 Update 
 
Changes to Northbrook 2020 4th of July Celebration

After much deliberation and the consideration of safety first, the Village of Northbrook and the Northbrook Park District have made the decision to cancel most of the traditional Independence Day activities, with the exception of the fireworks display, which has been postponed.

Last week, the Village and the Park District decided to cancel 4th of July activities including the annual Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk, the Mile-long Parade, the Bike Parade, and the Police and Fire Department softball game due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rotary Club of Northbrook canceled the Pancake Breakfast and plans to reschedule the Rubber Ducky Race.

The Village of Northbrook has rescheduled the fireworks display for Saturday, September 5, at the traditional location, pursuant to any State Executive Orders.

"The 4th of July Parade, Liberty Loop, and other activities are long-held Northbrook traditions and I am saddened we had to make this difficult decision," said Northbrook Park District Board President Penny Randel. "At the same time, I know it was the right one, as we are protecting the health of participants, spectators, and the community. A great deal of work and planning goes into Northbrook 4th of July festivities and we want to be proactive during this unprecedented time. Even if we can't be together, we can still celebrate the spirit of Independence Day and the feeling of solidarity that unites us all."

Village President Frum shared, "While I am disappointed, the safety of our community comes first. This year's celebration of our country's Independence Day will be in our hearts and with family as we continue to put the health of everyone as the top priority. I eagerly await future community celebrations, including the fireworks this fall."

   
Earlier this week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker released Restore Illinois, a five-phase approach that will serve as a general framework for regions of the state to loosen restrictions and, eventually, to reopen. The five phases are:


Statewide, we currently are in Phase 2 (Flattening). In order to move to Phase 3 our region must experience: 
  • At or under a 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND 
  • No overall increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19-like illness for 28 days, AND  
  • Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators. 
Our organizations are working collaboratively to understand the many complex details and make the important decisions to ensure safety in our community and support for citizens as our region moves through the phases. Restore Illinois is a roadmap; we will look to metrics and further guidance from the Illinois Department of Health for specific directions as we navigate that road.
 
 
Update From NorthShore University HealthSystem
NorthShore University HealthSystem reported a significant uptick in COVID-19-related hospitalizations over the past week. In addition, as testing increases, so does the positive rate, which stands at 27%. E-visits and health hotline calls also continue to grow.

This data reinforces the need to continue to take measures to stop the spread of COVID-19: 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Follow the statewide stay-at-home order, and stay home especially when you are sick. 
  • When you are out in public, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others, and wear a mask or face covering.
Those who show COVID-19 symptoms ( listed on our website ) should: 
  • Call 847-HEALTH9 (847-432-5849) and talk to a NorthShore clinical expert; or
  • Log onto NorthShoreConnect through the app on your mobile device or on the website ( www.northshoreconnect.org/immediatecare) .
Community Needs
The Northfield Township Food Pantry continues to welcome donations to stock its shelves so that it can meet the growing number of families in need.   Click here to make a donation to the Food Pantry.  
 
Good News Stories
If you follow any of us on our social media channels, you'll get a healthy dose of stories that highlight the strength of our community and the boundless goodness of those who live and work here. We will share some of those stories here each week. 
 
First responders showed their appreciation to healthcare workers at Glenbrook Hospital.


Northbrook Park District Sunshine Preschoolers sent their teachers a wonderful photo for Teacher Appreciation Week. 




Municipal Leaders
Richard Nahrstadt, Village Manager, Northbrook
Matt Formica, Village Manager, Glenview
Jill Brickman, Northfield Township Supervisor
 
School District Superintendents
Dr. Charles Johns, Superintendent, Glenbrook High Schools District 225
Dr. David Kroeze, Superintendent, Northbrook School District 27
Dr. Larry Hewitt, Superintendent, Northbrook School District 28
Dr. Brian Wegley, Superintendent, Northbrook/Glenview School District 30
Dr. Erin Murphy, Superintendent, West Northfield School District 31
Dr. Dane Delli, Superintendent, Glenview School District 34
 
Community Leaders
Michael McCarty, Executive Director, Glenview Park District
Molly Hamer, Executive Director, Northbrook Park District
Kate H all, Executive Director, Northbrook Public Library
Vickie Novak, Director, Glenview Public Library
Betsy Baer, Executive Director, Glenview Chamber of Commerce
Tensley Garris, President, Northbrook Chamber of Commerce