SkokieNews - Business of the Year, Sculpture Park path paving, and more!

The latest news from the Village of Skokie

November 21, 2023

And the 2023 Skokie Business of the Year is…

Soul Good Coffee! The Village's Consumer Affairs Commission unanimously selected Soul Good as this year's winner. Nominations cited its unique coffee and food offerings, excellent customer service, and support of the Skokie community at events throughout town.

See how they brew it. Watch a short video highlighting why community members love Soul Good.

Stay cozy and caffeinated. Look for Soul Good at its winter pop-up location at Sketchbook Brewing Company (4901 Main St.).

Additional awardees. Congratulations are also in order for this year's honorable mentions: Charcoal Oven, Qahwah House and Take Flight Spirits.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Village Hall hours: Skokie Village Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. Regular Village Hall hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many Village services can be accessed 24/7 online at skokie.org.

Refuse and recycling:The following holiday refuse and recycling schedule will be in effect during the week of November 20:

Monday and Tuesday collections as normal
Thursday collections on Wednesday
Friday collections as normal

Got leftover leftovers? Don’t throw those food scraps in the trash! Compost all of your food scraps at any of our nine drop-off sites.

After Filling Your Belly, Fill the Boot!

Skokie firefighters will be at major intersections around Skokie on Friday morning, November 24 for the “Fill the Boot” fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Making an impact: The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has supported MDA for more than 60 years and raises more than $26 million annually to help MDA. If you spot one of our firefighters out there on your way to or from Black Friday sales, please be generous with your support!

CTA Yellow Line Service Updates

CTA Yellow Line service has been temporarily suspended following a November 16 incident near the Howard Station. Shuttle bus service is available between Howard and Skokie/Dempster, serving all affected stations during normal hours of operation.

Stay informed. The CTA is working to restore service. Visit the CTA website for updates and service alternatives.

Happening now: Traffic Signal Work at Howard/Lincoln/Skokie

The Illinois Department of Transportation is completing traffic signal upgrades at the intersections of Howard Street, Skokie Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. Work is anticipated to be completed by November 28.

Advice for drivers: Traffic delays are expected. Consider using an alternate route until work is completed.

Smooth Ride: Sculpture Park Path Paving

Do you use the Sculpture Park Multi-use Path? You’ll notice a fresh, smooth asphalt surface between Howard and Oakton Street on your next jog or bike ride!

A plan for paving: The Village recently repaved that section of path, completing five years of maintenance work in which a portion of the trail was resurfaced each year.

The bigger picture: The Village Board approved more than four miles of residential streets and a half mile of bike path paving as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget process.

Explore Skokie

S-Loft Furniture & Decor

Does your home need a little refreshing before the holiday season? S-Loft Furniture & Decor has unique furnishings and accessories that are sure to wow your guests. Take a peek inside on our Explore Skokie Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Last Call for Cookies!

Don’t miss your chance to explore Downtown Skokie and collect cookies along the way! The Inaugural Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Reserve your spot: Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds will benefit the Skokie Community Foundation.

United Against Hate

The Village of Skokie joined more than 30 area communities in condemning all acts of hate and reaffirming our shared commitment to being inclusive and welcoming communities for all. Read the joint statement.

Welcome, Officers Levy, Ghosh and Munoz

At Monday’s Village Board Meeting, Commissioner Ferdinand Soco of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners oversaw the swearing in of three new police officers: Amanda Levy, Abishai Ghosh, and Elizabeth Munoz. Welcome to Skokie!

‘Start Your Day in Skokie’ with Free Coffee or Tea!

Need a great gift idea for a Skokie coffee or tea lover? Beginning this Saturday, you can purchase a “Start Your Day in Skokie” coffee travel mug, which can be used for a free cup of coffee or tea every day for the month of January 2024!

Where to find them: Mugs will be available for $45 starting November 25 while supplies last at Will’s Place (7927 Lincoln Ave.), Kneads and Wants Bakery (8042 Lincoln Ave.), Qahwah House (5238 Touhy Ave.), and Soul Good Coffee (4901 Main St.).

Gifts that give back: A portion of the sale will be donated to the Skokie Community Foundation.

Support Skokie Families in Need

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Donate to the Village’s Assist-A-Family Campaign!

How we help: In addition to providing year-round emergency financial assistance, the Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) Department identifies eligible Skokie families during the winter holiday season and provides them with gift cards for area businesses to purchase food, household necessities and other items specific to their needs. Donate today.

Got Wrappers?

Even though Halloween is over, the Village is still accepting any brand and size of flexible plastic-based candy and snack packaging and wrappers (PDF). Wrappers can be dropped off at the Village Manager’s Office (2nd floor) at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., during regular business hours. Wrappers will be recycled by TerraCycle into products, such as deck chairs, park benches, countertop compost bins, plant pots, and more.

Do not include food waste (which can be composted) or cardboard master cartons (which are recyclable in your curbside bin).

Apply to Be Village Clerk

Are you interested in being considered for the position of Village Clerk? Complete the online application by December 15. View the job description (PDF) with position responsibilities.

Niles Township Community Interfaith Service Tonight

Join the Niles Township Clergy Forum for its annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service tonight, Tuesday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 8237 Kenton Ave. All are welcome. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend in person.

‘Tis the Sneezin’ to Protect Your Health

The Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a funny and informative series of videos to remind residents how to avoid the triple-threat of RSV, COVID-19 and the flu this winter. View the series.