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In This Issue
Homewood's Census Response
Vehicle Stickers Sale
Business Breakfast
League hosts a Discussion
Baseball Day Parade
Preserve Spring Art Event
Preserve Spring Art Event
Preserve Spring Art Event
Dixie Highway Bridge Closure
Request to See an ID
Request to See an ID
Ravisloe Country Club
Home Green Homewood Event
Railroad Heritage Days 2010
Village Key Spring 2010
Southland Vision Solutions Expo
2010 Hall of Fame Nomination Form
Public Meetings
Click on the Calendar link for specific dates, times,meeting locations, and cancellations.

Village Ordinances You'll Want to Know About
We're on Facebook!
Residents can now join the Village of Homewood on Facebook. Become a Fan by joining this growing online community.  The Village's Profile will keep fans up-to-date and provide networking opportunities. 
Special Events Information
The Village co-sponsors several events throughout the year.  Learn more.
Issue: # 58April 14, 2010
 
Homewood's CENSUS Response
The Census Bureau is tracking the participation rate for Homewood. As of Wednesday, April 14, we have reached 76% - percentage of forms mailed back by households that received them. 
 
If you are not part of the 76%, please mail back your form by Friday, April 16, to help assure that you are not included in the in-person follow-up phase of the census that starts in May. Census takers will be knocking on doors to obtain responses from every household that didn't mail back its form in time.
 
If you did not receive a Census form or cannot locate it, you can pick up a form at a Questionnaire Assistance Center or Be Counted site near you, which can be found at: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/

The Mail Participation Rate is the percentage of forms mailed back by households that received them. The Census Bureau developed this new measure in 2010, in part because of the current economy and higher rates of vacant housing. The rate excludes households whose forms were returned to us by the U.S. Postal Service as "undeliverable," strongly suggesting the house was vacant. We will still follow up on all these housing units to ensure everyone is counted.
Vehicle Stickers ON SALE!
The purchasing process is easy with many options for your convenience:  
 
  • Purchase stickers by mail, in-person, or using the convenient drop box located right outside the front door of Village Hall: 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL 60430.
  • Residents who obtained stickers last year will receive a pre-printed application in the mail.
  • Check the information on the application to make sure it is correct and return with the appropriate payment in the return envelope. Use the non-shaded area for any corrections. BOTH HALVES of the application are needed for processing.
  • Blank applications can be obtained at the Village Hall.
    Vehicle stickers should be displayed on all vehicles beginning May 1. 
  • A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed for stickers purchased on June 1 or later.  Exceptions are new residents of 30 days or less, or vehicle purchased with the last 60 days.  Proof of date is required. 
  • All vehicles that are registered or used in Homewood must have a current vehicle sticker.
 
If you have questions, please contact the Finance Department at (708) 798-3000.
Business Breakfast
hosted by the Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, April 20 | 7:30 AM
Ravisloe Country Club | 18231 Park Avenue

Businesses should contact the Community Development Department if they have not already RSVP'd to attend the 13th Annual Business Breakfast scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30 AM at Ravisloe Country Club. 
 
Those joining the Economic Development Committee will enjoy networking opportunities, an overview of new development projects and the local economy, along with a complimentary breakfast courtesy of Ravisloe Country Club.  Come out and see the newly remodeled and now public country club, which has been a part of the Homewood community for over 100 years.  Learn about the recreational opportunities the Club has to offer throughout the summer season.
 
Business owners and managers wishing to attend should call (708) 206-3387.
League Presents, "Issues in Suburban Juvenile Justice"
hosted by the Homewood-Flossmoor Area League of Women Voters
Wednesday, April 21 | 7:00 PM
Homewood Public Library | 17917 Dixie Highway

The Homewood-Flossmoor Area League of Women Voters is honored to have Judge Michael Stuttley discuss the many facets of the juvenile justice system focusing on issues in the suburban area. The meeting will be held on Wednesday,  April 21 at 7:00 PM at the Homewood Library. The program is open to the public.
 
The Honorable Michael Stuttley is currently serving  as presiding judge in the 6th Municipal District, Juvenile Justice, in Markham.  His prior assignments on the bench have included abuse and neglect matters; Supervising Judge, 1st Municipal District, Forcible Entry & Detainer Section; and Traffic court.  Before becoming a judge, he practiced in small firms specializing in family law, general , civil, real estate and personal injury.  He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1979.
Annual Baseball Parade and Opening Day
hosted by the Homewood Baseball Leagues
Saturday, April 24 | 11:00 AM
Irwin Park to Izaak Walton Preserve/Little League Baseball Fields
Homewood Baseball Leagues

Cheer for your favorite teams on Saturday, April 24 when the 2010 Homewood baseball season begins. Come out for the annual parade as 75 proud baseball teams sponsored by local businesses and organizations walk east down Ridge Road to the picturesque grass infields at Izaak Walton Preserve. Step-off is at 11:00 AM at Irwin Park.

Established in 1951, Homewood Baseball Leagues is an all-volunteer, non-profit, private organization dedicated to Homewood's youth. This season, the Leagues anticipate approximately 1,200 players at various levels, including the new special needs teams! Over 2,500 invest their time and resources into Homewood baseball each season, including children, parents and siblings.  Every summer, more than 37,500 come to Izaak Walton Preserve to watch the children play baseball.
Preserve Gallery Presents Spring Extravaganza
hosted by the Izaak Walton Preserve
Saturday, May 1 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Preserve Senior Hall | 1100 W. Ridge Road

A presentation of local artists' works of nature oriented art displayed in the newly renovated Senior Hall.For Information Please call John W Miller at (708) 985-1040. Local artists are encouraged to participate.
187th Street Resurfacing Project
 
Iroquois Paving Corporation began the resurfacing of 187th Street on April 12. The resurfacing will extend from Dixie Highway to Riegel Road in Homewood and is scheduled to be completed within 4 weeks. 
 
The work to be performed under this contract consists of minor curb and sidewalk repair, asphalt surface removal, pavement marking, traffic signal detector loop replacement and any other incidental and collateral work necessary to complete the project .
 
This section of 187th Street will remain open throughout construction; however, expect some delays when traveling during the day. Any questions about this project should be directed to the Homewood Village Engineer Max Massi(708) 206-3470.
Village-Wide Street Resurfacing Projects
The resurfacing of eight (8) street sections in the Village began last week and is scheduled to be completed within eight weeks:  
 
  • Howe Avenue from Maple Road to Pine Road
  • Birch Road from Hood Avenue to Loomis Avenue
  • Palmer Avenue from Birch Road to Willow Road
  • Klimm Avenue from Harwood Avenue to Willow Road
  • 186th Place from Heather Road to Poplar Avenue
  • Western Avenue from 175th Street to Dead End
  • Linden Road from Ashland Avenue to Loomis Avenue
  • 182nd Place from Highland Avenue to Homewood Avenue 
 
All roadways will remain open throughout construction; however, expect some delays when traveling during the day.  Any questions about this project should be directed to the Village Engineer Max Massi at (708) 206-3470.
Dixie Highway Bridge Closure
Dixie Highway will be closed April 1 through October 1 for the replacement and reconstruction of the bridge over Butterfield Creek between Flossmoor Road and Holbrook Road (Flossmoor, IL). Flossmoor Road and Holbrook Road will remain open just north and south, respectively, of the construction site.  The designated detour on adjacent State routes around construction will be as shown on the Dixie Highway Detour Map.  The proposed detour will be adequately signed in order to guide and advise motorists about the bridge closure. Any questions about this project should be directed to the Village Engineer Max Massi at (708) 206-3470.
Be Safe! Request an ID
Village employees are issued identification badges and are required to display their badge when visiting a residence, a business, or working in the field.  Make sure you have seen proper identification from Village employees, utility workers, police officers, etc. prior to permitting someone to enter your home. 
Chipping Service Suspended
The free branch chipping service offered to residents throughout the summer will be suspended this season.  Please contact Homewood Disposal  directly for any questions regarding the disposal of brush, branches, etc.: (708) 798-1004. 
Ravisloe Country Club hosts History of Golf in Southern Suburbs
Whole in One:  History of Golf in the Southern Suburbs
Saturday, May 1 | 9:00 AM (coffee service starts at 8:30 AM)
Ravisloe Country Club | 18231 S. Park Avenue
Fee: $38.00 | Registration/Information: (708) 798-9535

Join the South Suburban Heritage Association and the Homewood Heritage Committee for the 24th Annual Cultural Heritage Conference. 

This year's conference is the "History of Golf in the Southern Suburbs." 
Spend a day at historic Ravisloe Country Club learning of the role golf played in the growth and culture of the southern suburbs.  Featured will be Tim Cronin, Golf Editor of the Southtown Star Newspapers, Alberta Adamson, director of the Wheaton History Center's Golf Museum, Dr. Claude Gendreau, new owner of Ravisloe Country Club and representatives of some of Chicagoland's oldest south suburban clubs. 
  • Who were the early members? 
  • Who designed the courses? 
  • What tournaments and players graced the turf?
  • What is a Chick Evans Scholar?
The Distinguished Friend of South Suburban Heritage Award will be presented.

Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 23 so lunch can be ordered and packets prepared.  Coffee served at 8:30 AM. Conference begins at 9:00 AM.  Fee of $38.00 per person includes hot lunch, coffee, rolls, and a packet of information.  For more information, contact Elaine Egdorf at (708) 798-9535. Make check payable and return pre-registration to South Suburban Heritage Association, P.O. Box 917, Homewood, IL 60430.  Deadline is April 23rd.

Home Green Homewood Event
hosted by the Homewood Tree Committee
Saturday, May 8 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Independence Park | Hickory Road at Dixie Highway
(708) 798-3000 | homesweethomewood.com
 
Join the Homewood Tree Committee for a Saturday of green living in downtown Homewood. This event will connect eco-minded residents with local businesses who share a passion for earth-friendly practices and products.  The focus will be on outdoor living. Click here for an event flier. 
ALL ABOARD!  Railroad Heritage Days
Slideshow and Photography Exhibition
hosted by the Homewood Rail Committee
Saturday, May 15 | 7:00 PM
St. Joseph's School Gymnasium | 17951 Dixie Highway

Train Show
hosted by the Homewood Rail Committee
Sunday, May 16 | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Village Hall and Auditorium | 2010-2020 Chestnut Road
(708) 798-3000 | homesweethomewood.com

Saturday evening features a multi-media slide and digital photography exhibition. On Sunday, the big train show will feature historical societies, antiques, model train layouts, and railroad related vendors at Village Hall from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Kids of all ages can take free rides throughout downtown on Lil Obie, the CN Safety Train. Click herefor the official event flier.
Village Key | Spring 2010
The Spring 2010 issue of the Village Key is now available online.  Click here to read the current issue.  Be patient as the document downloads - it's a little over 15 MB. 
Southland Vision Solutions Expo
Saturday, May 22| 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Irwin Center | 18120 Highland Avenue
Admission:  FREE
  • Learn about trends and treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases
  • Learn how good nutrition plays a role in eye health
  • Live independently with vision loss using technology and tools that can help you every day
  • Meet with company representatives and experiment with a wide variety of low vision devices and products
Registration is requested.  Call Kathy Austin at (312) 236-8569. Go to www.lowvisionfair.com for details.
2010 Hall of Fame Nomination Forms Online
The Homewood Heritage Committee is pleased to announce that the 2010 Hall of Fame Nomination Form is now available online. 
 
Residents are encouraged to nominate someone who has made a significant and beneficial contribution to the life and well being of the Village of Homewood over a span of time.  Nominees may be individuals, married couples, or a family. Homewood is privileged to have many individuals who have given generously of their time and talent to maintain and strengthen the sense of community that is vital to developing Homewood as a prosperous community. 
 
Nominations must be received by Friday, May 28, 2010.
Electronic Neighborhood Watch Alerts
Homewood Days 2008The Homewood Police Department has moved its Electronic Neighborhood Watch Alerts to the same email marketing service as the e-Newswire.  If you are a subscriber, make sure to update your profile by adding the Electronic  Neighborhood Watch list to your interests. 
 
If you are not a subscriber of the e-Newswire or Electronic Neighborhood Watch community, sign up now.
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Next Issue: Wednesday, April 28, 2010