May 7, 2024

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Attention Eco-Minded Entrepreneurs

The Village and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) are partnering to create the Skokie Green Business Recognition Program.


Participating businesses will receive:

  • A review of their current sustainability practices
  • A checklist to further improve their environmental impact, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency
  • A platform to track their sustainable business practices
  • Public recognition as a Skokie Green Business


Get involved. We’re initially seeking 20 small businesses to join the program, including food establishments, retail and office. Secure your spot.


All part of the plan. Achieving Skokie’s Sustainability Plan goals requires a community-wide effort. This program signals an expansion of the Village’s focus to include local businesses, schools and other organizations.

Severe Weather Possible Today


The National Weather Service has indicated that there’s an increased threat for severe weather this afternoon and evening. Stay alert and have multiple ways to get weather warnings.

A Petiquette Primer


As summer approaches, many “pet parents” are eager to get out and enjoy our parks and public spaces. For the benefit of everyone, please remember:

  • Dogs must be on a leash and under your control in public areas.
  • Dogs are typically not allowed on school grounds and are not permitted on some park district properties, including playgrounds, tot lots, athletic courts, and more. Review a list of park district restrictions.
  • Pick up after your pet. Pet waste isn’t just a nuisance – it’s also a public health problem.
  • Prevent excessive barking. Keep the peace on your block by following these tips.

Happening This Month

Festival of Cultures, May 18 and 19


Celebrate Skokie’s cultural diversity at the Festival of Cultures on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Oakton Park.

Community-wide Garage Sale, May 31 through June 2


Find great deals on unique items at the Village’s 2nd annual Community-wide Garage Sale, Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. 

Compost Week: Are You Up to the Challenge? 


May 5 through 11 is International Compost Awareness Week! We ❤️ composting and want all Skokie residents to ❤️ it too, so we’re hosting a giveaway! 


The prize: Win a composting starter kit including a kitchen countertop compost bin and CMA-approved bin liners for yourself and one for a friend!


Three easy steps to enter:

  1. Like the post on the Village of Skokie Facebook or Instagram.
  2. Follow Village of Skokie on at least one of those platforms (if you don’t already)
  3. Tag a Skokie resident friend or neighbor in the comments of that post and challenge them to try composting!


Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.

Ready to Start Composting?


Familiarize yourself with convenient composting options in Skokie, including:

  • Free drop-off composting sites located around town
  • Curbside “orange bucket” subscription service
  • Backyard composting


Why compost? Diverting organic waste from the landfill reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions and supports nutrient-rich soil. It’s a win-win!

Explore Skokie

Cafe Castemila


The weather is warming up and we’ve found the perfect place to grab a cool treat! 


Gelato on the Gram: New at Westfield Old Orchard is Cafe Castemila, which features gelato, shakes, bakery items and coffee drinks in a truly Instagrammable setting. Get some inspo from our visit featured on the Explore Skokie Instagram and Facebook.

Coming Soon


A new business is coming to Downtown Skokie! Learn about Sweet Reserve Bakery set to celebrate their grand opening at 4845 Oakton St. this Friday, May 10 at 3 p.m.

Old Orchard Road Improvement Project Update


Cook County is completing major roadway improvements on Old Orchard Road, from Woods Drive to Skokie Boulevard.


The latest: Temporary traffic signal installation is underway and is expected to be completed by mid-May. Once complete, traffic on Old Orchard Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction.


Stay informed: Visit Cook County’s web page for project updates.

What to Know About Bird Flu


A recent outbreak of H5N1 bird flu has appeared in U.S. poultry and backyard flocks, as well as in dairy cattle. While these viruses usually do not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection including a recent report of a dairy worker in the United States.


  • No cases in dairy cattle have been reported in Illinois.
  • The commercial milk supply is safe because of the pasteurization process. 
  • The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) strongly recommends that Illinoisans avoid any unpasteurized raw milk or raw milk products at this time based on the potential risk of infection.


While the current public health risk is low, the IDPH and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) are monitoring the situation. See guidance from the CDC.

What’s the BUZZ on ‘No Mow May’?


Sorry, "No Mow May" doesn’t get you out of doing yard work all month! Here in Skokie (as opposed to the UK where the campaign began), earlier warm temperatures means that in order to support pollinators, you only need to delay mowing until about Mother's Day at the latest. Learn more about how to help the bee population (PDF).


UnBEElievable Project

Did you know that the Village partners with Oakton College to host a community apiary site on their campus? CBS2 featured the program on a recent broadcast. Learn more about beekeeping in Skokie.

Help Prepare for Hazards


Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) is updating its hazard mitigation plan and wants to know how it can better prepare you for disasters.


Take the survey: Complete a short survey by May 24.


Attend a meeting: Cook County will host community meetings to review potential hazards and gather input on mitigation measures. The County will host a meeting in Skokie tonight, Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m., at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St.

Donate Diapers this Week


The Skokie Commission on Family Services, in partnership with Skokie Public Library and the Niles Township Food Pantry, is hosting a Mother's Day Diaper Drive this week to benefit township families in need. 

Upcoming Events

Community Calendar

Public Meetings

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.


Fine Arts Commission Meeting

May 8, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Conference Rooms D&E

More Details


Appearance Commission Meeting

May 8, 2024, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM @ Council Chambers

More Details


Performing Arts Center Board Meeting

May 13, 2024 @ North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (9501 Skokie Boulevard)

More Details

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