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| Issue: # 1 |
February 8, 2008 |
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| Homewood Receives ISEN Skyscraper Awards |
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On Wednesday, February 6, 2008 the Village of Homewood received the Illinois Special Events Network (ISEN) Skyscaper Award for best creativity in event promotion.
Community Information Coordinator Rachael Jones and Assistant Events Coordinator Chris Beele received two awards for best in-house advertising for Holiday Lights in Homewood. A third Skyscraper Award was received for the Dog Days of Summer tee-shirt design.
Entries were judged by a panel of graphic design and marketing professors from Columbia College (Chicago). Competitors represented municipalities and park districts throughout the State.
The Illinois Special Events Network and Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau have hosted the awards convention for more than ten years. |
| Public Works Muscles 53" of Snow |
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| The Department of Public Works has successfully cleared Homewood's streets of more than 53" of snow since the first storm event on December 1, 2007.
To date, 17 storm events have required Public Works to utilize five major divisions to keep roads, sidewalks, and parking lots cleared of snow and ice throughout all commercial and residential districts. The Street Division assumes primary responsibility of snow and ice removal operations: six route drivers, three cul-de-sac drivers, two sidewalk drivers, and one parking lot driver. The Vehicle Maintenance Division services the snow removal equipment before and after each snow route.
The Department of Public Works continues to outfit its resources to handle the remaining winter storm events of 2008.
Residents are requested to cooperate with the Village's snow removal operations by abiding to parking restrictions as outlined in the Municipal Code: Snow Removal and Street Cleaning |
| Police Department's Foot Patrol Operations |
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| The protection of people and property is a high priority in keeping Homewood's businesses and citizens safe while conducting daily activities. The Police Department deploys members of each shift for foot patrols. The officers have an opportunity to meet business owners, employees, and customers while providing a service that has a positive affect on the work environment. Officers are encouraged to assist with information or suggestions on crime prevention techniques while walking their beats.
To view Homewood's patrol areas, click here: Homewood's Beat Map
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign-up for the Police Department's E-Watch Program E-Watch Program Sign-Up to stay abreast of crime activities and prevention tips. |
| Police Department Collects $43,000 in State Grants |
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| During 2007, members of the Police Department participated in several Illinois Department of Transportation grant-funded enforcement projects.
Enforcement efforts help in the reduction of traffic crash fatalities, seat belt compliance, speed reduction and targeting impaired driving. Officers are directed to specific high incident locations for violations during specific enforcement periods. This proactive approach to enforcement provides high visibility police presence in the community.
Throughout Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays, more than 798 enforcements were made in 2007. The Department also records 309 enforcement of speeding commercial vehicles. |
| Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Update |
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| On Saturday, February 2, 2008, 60 residents and citizens from surrounding communities attended a community meeting, hosted by the Public Works Department to provide information about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
The meeting was scheduled after the Village of Hazel Crest confirmed EAB infestation. Two weeks later, the Homewood learned that three trees within Calumet Country Club were infected. See news report: Battle of the Bug Begins
At the meeting, Village Arborist, Jim Tresouthick discussed the value of urban trees, the Village's role in handling infested trees, and prepared residents for selecting reputable tree removal services.
Joining Jim Tresouthick was Nancy Pollard, horticulture educator from the University of Illinois Extension, who provided information on how to identify the insect, proper chemical control methods, and the protocol for reporting an infested tree.
Kathy Sharpe (Illinois Department of Agriculture) fielded questions regarding infested wood, and State policy and procedure.
Jim Tresouthick will continue to schedule community meetings as infestation is further discovered in Homewood. Residents who suspect infestation should contact the University of Illinois Extension Program directly at (708) 720-7500.
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| Upcoming Village Events and Public Meetings |
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Chocolate Fest: Saturday, February 16, 2008 the Community Relations Commission will host its sixth annual Home Sweet Homewood Chocolate Fest. The event will be held at 2010 Chestnut Road in the H-F Park District Auditorium. For a complete event ingredients list, click here: Chocolate Fest Details.
Village Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Village Hall Board Room.
Tree Committee Meeting: Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 6:30 PM in the Village Hall Conference Room.
Beautification Committee Meeting: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall Conference Room.
Heritage Committee Meeting: Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Village Hall Conference Room.
Veteran's Committee Meeting: Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Police Department Training Room. | |
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Welcome to Homewood's e-Newswire, a bi-weekly electronic newsletter, containing information pertinent to Homewood's residents and business community. This electronic document replaces the former Manager's Report. The Village has transitioned to this format to provide its partners with up-to-date information on its projects, programs, and plans. Subscribe today! |
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