Message from the MayorThanks to all the Trim-a-Tree participants who have already decorated their trees. They really help bring the Christmas cheer to City Hall and our community. From the purple Mel's Minions tree to promote awareness for Cystic Fibrosis to the green Grinch tree by the Zoberis Cruz Hedstrom Family, to the many Girl Scout Troops' trees and Cub Scout Pack 341 tree, to the trees honoring a Cub Fan, Memories of Marie, as well as local businesses like Doug's Dogs and Susan Semanate Allstate Agency, they show us that not all annual traditions have to end this year.
We did find it socially responsible to cancel our parade, tree lighting ceremony and Santa Claus at the fire house, but I look forward to announcing the Trim-a-Tree winners at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. You can watch online at www.oak-forest.org/live, or if you have cable, tune in to Comcast - Channel 4, Wide Open West (WOW) - Channel 6, or AT&T U-Verse - Channel 99.
If you weren't able to sign-up for the Trim-a-Tree, but your house is decked out with boughs of holly, then you are encouraged to submit an entry form for the Holly Jolly Holiday House Decorating Contest. Open to all Oak Forest residents, businesses and organizations who have decked their homes with Christmas cheer! Look for more details and the entry form on our website next week.
Additionally, if you would like to donate an unwrapped, new toy, there are two bins in the City Hall lobby. One is for Toys for Tots and the other is for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. Both organizations have strong roots in our community and supporting their efforts is appreciated.
Our COVID-19 numbers are coming down from our last e-Briefs, but they are still high. Please remember to wear your mask, wash your hands and stay socially distant whenever possible.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (708) 687-4050, x1005.
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COVID-19 UpdatesThe IDPH reports that the statewide positivity rate is at a record high and that hospitalizations are already surpassing the spring peak, prompting more stringent, statewide mitigations to combat the surge and preserve hospital capacity.
Illinois is currently at Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations.
COVID-19 Testing at SSCSouth Suburban College (SSC) continues to offer FREE COVID-19 testing on its Main Campus located at 15800 S. State Street, in South Holland, IL, until December 31, 2020.
Daily testing is available from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and a security detail is in place while testing is open.
COVID-19 symptoms may include fever, sore throat, loss of taste, cough or shortness of breath. Visit CDC.gov for more information regarding symptoms.
Oak Forest COVID-19 Statistics
Here are the current numbers for Oak Forest from the Illinois Department of Public Health website (www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics) as of Friday, December 4, 2020: - 1,604 positive cases
- 13,766 people tested
- 12.9% Positivity Rate (Suburban Cook County, Region 10)
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Project Fire Buddies in the NewsSince its conception four years ago this month, Project Fire Buddies continues to grow and spread their message of joy, hope and cheer bring joy to kids struggling with serious illnesses.
Recently, Founder & Oak Forest Firefighter, Kurt DeGroot was interviewed on the Car Con Carne Podcast. Hosted by Chicago media veteran James Van Osdol, since COVID-19, James has adjusted from conducting interviews in the front seat of his Mazda 3 to video chat and shared on Facebook, YouTube and podcast.
Kurt was also featured on Whip's Good News with Whip from Eric in the Morning with Melissa & Whip.
Project Fire Buddies also recently had their first expansion with the addition of the Oak Lawn Professional Firefighters Local 3405 and the Oak Lawn Fire Department. Congratulations to Kurt and all those helping in this important endeavor!
For more information about Project Fire Buddies, check out their website at www.projectfirebuddies.org.
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 Venturing Crew 422
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 Mr. Grinch tree was decorated by Zoberis Cruz Hedstrom
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City of Oak Forest Trim-A-Tree ContestBe sure and stop by City Hall to see the trees decorated by local families, businesses, Boy and Girl Scout Troops and organizations. They all signed up for the annual City of Oak Forest Trim-A-Tree Contest.
Due to COVID-19, we will not be having the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Trim-A-Tree winners will be notified and announced during the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. You can watch online at www.oak-forest.org/live, or if you have cable, tune in to Comcast - Channel 4, Wide Open West (WOW) - Channel 6, or AT&T U-Verse - Channel 99.
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Part-Time Job Opening at City HallThe City of Oak Forest is seeking a part-time Code Enforcement Officer / Apartment Inspector who takes a proactive approach to enforcing property maintenance codes. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and communicate effectively while maintaining a professional working relationship with employees, supervisors, and the public.
Schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
For complete details about this employment opportunity, please use this link: https://www.oak-forest.org/jobs.aspx.
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Garbage NewsDid you know you can use your blue trash bin -- normally used for for branches and yard waste -- as a garbage can? It's true! From December 1st through March 31, 2021, residents can use the blue yard waste bins as an additional garbage can.
For more information about garbage collection and recycle in Oak Forest, please visit
Garbage & Recycling.
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Snow Removal RemindersWinter is just around the corner. Please remember that the city prohibits residents from parking vehicles on city streets after 2 inches of snow has fallen to allow Public Works Department crew members to clear and salt the streets efficiently and effectively and
Vehicles must remain off streets for 12 hours after the end of snowfall or risk being fined and/or towed.
Do not shovel or blow snow from driveways into the streets as this can cause a hazard and is also against city ordinance. When snow is shoveled into the street, the plow is likely to push it right back in front of the driveway. Although the city's plows may leave some snow across driveway entrances, they try to keep it to a minimum. The Public Works Department will not remove snow from driveway entrances.
For more information, please read the Snow and Ice Control article on the city website.
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Everbridge System Notifies Oak Forest CommunityIn the past, the City of Oak Forest has reached out to citizens via Reverse 911 calls. This has changed to a new system called Everbridge.
By going to the Everbridge website, you can sign-up and create an account using this link: https://member.everbridge.net/397890065268844/login. You are encouraged to enter a cell phone number for voice and text, landline phone number if you choose for voice, email address for notifications, as well as home address. Entering your home address helps the City of Oak Forest send messages to only certain areas of the town that a particular emergency is taking place, such as a water main break, for example.
Creating an account will also give you access to make future modifications to your account when needed, such as change of phone number, email, and home address.
Additionally, if you ever move and do not want any notifications from the City of Oak Forest, you have the ability to delete account.
Everbridge is a valuable tool for the city and for citizens who want to be informed.
Please sign up today!
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Next Oak Forest City Council MeetingThe next Oak Forest City Council Meeting will be held December 8, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. Residents are invited to attend the meeting (must wear a mask and practice social distancing) or you can watch the meeting live on www.oak-forest.org/live. To watch the most recent meeting from November 24, 2020, please click on the image below. |
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