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In This Issue
Fall Fest Recap
Annual Pasta Palooza
Fire Department Open House
Annual Parade of Lights
League Hosts Candidate Forum
Improved Online Services
Remove Signs Please
A Fun Evening Out
October is Domestic Violence & Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Village-wide Improvements
Girls Night Out
Touch of Green Saturday
Hobo Night
Hall of Fame 2010
Brian Carey Scholarship Fund
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. 

Issue: # 70September 29, 2010
Fall Fest & Annual Chili Cook-Off Recap


Hickory Road embodied the picture perfect autumn day in Home Sweet Homewood as residents met up with friends and families enjoyed fun activities and delicious food. 

Fall Fest and the Annual Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the Community Relations Commission each year, was another successful event held to maintain Homewood's close-knit way of life. 

With a little chill in the air, residents eagerly gathered to warm up with a sample of each chili entry.  Three entries were chosen as the best:  Chuck Mokijewski, representing the Homewood Bunco Babes (First); Cathy Matula, representing Churchill School (Second), and Beth Follmer of Arbor Eyecare (Third).The Chili Cook-Off also serves as a fundraiser.  This year generous residents donated over $760.00 for Boy Scout Troop #342.

The Homewood Area Chamber of Commerce also held a spirited contest, Name That Pumpkin, in which three awards were given to the most creative name suggestions for some outrageously decorated pumpkins:  Alex Soleim, Morgan Grudzien, and Kristen Maxwell.

"Thank you to all for coming and painting your pumpkins with us this year.  They all turned out great!," says Kathy Nussbaum, executive director of the Homewood Area Chamber of Commerce.

The winner of the Chamber Basket with coupons and two Chicago White Sox Tickets donated by U.S. Cellular was Clark White. 

"Stop by the Chamber's new office at 2022 Ridge Road to see the winning pumpkins and to pick up information and coupons from the local business community," adds Nussbaum.
Fourth Annual Pasta Palooza


Fourth Annual Pasta Palooza
Saturday, October 23 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
James Hart Cafetorium, 18211 Aberdeen Street

Join Foundation 153 and the Parent Music Association for the Fourth Annual Pasta Palooza.  This revamped benefit will offer lower prices than previous years, more pasta options, a great bake sale, and fun activities for children.   The evening will feature performances by School District 153 students, including music, poms, choir, steppers, and drama groups. All proceeds from this event will be used for programs throughout School District 153. Foundation 153 and the Parent Music Association are volunteer based non-for-profit organizations.  To purchase tickets online or for more information, please go to Foundation153.org


Fire Department Open House


Fire Department Open House
Sunday, October 3 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
17950 Dixie Highway

On Sunday, October 3, the Homewood Fire Department will host its annual Open House  to commence National Fire Prevention Week.  Residents are invited to visit the station to meet firefighters, view equipment and learn about fire and burn safety.  Adults and children will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Visitors will have the opportunity to play fire safety video games.  Watch  a video and see how fast a fire can engulf a room.  A new interactive  exhibit this year is "The Fire Triangle" which demonstrates the chemistry of fire.

14th Annual Parade of Lights


Parade of Lights
Tuesday, October 5 | arrives in Homewood at 8:15 PM
Ridge Road from Halsted to Dixie Highway

The Homewood Fire Department will participate in the 14th Parade of Lights, a silent parade of fire apparatus that honors firefighters who have given their life in the line of duty or have suffered injury.  The parade also marks the start of Fire Prevention Week, a reminder of the importance of fire safety in our daily lives.

In remembrance of  lost firefighter Brian Carey and injured firefighter Karra Kopas, the Parade of Lights will travel through Homewood for the first time.

The parade will begin in South Holland and end at the Homewood Fire Station.  An impressive light show with 40-50 engines, aerial ladder trucks, squad cars and ambulances will  arrive at Ridge Road and Halsted at approximately 8:15 PM. The parade will  then travel west on Ridge Road to Dixie Highway.
 
Residents are encouraged to come out and line the parade route to show their participation in this moving event. Click here for an event flier and parade route.

League Hosts Candidate Forum


Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 5| 7:00 PM
Flossmoor Library, 1000 Sterling Avenue
 
The League of Women Voters of Homewood-Flossmoor Area invites H-F residents to attend a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00 PM at the Flossmoor Library. 

Candidates for State Senate for the 40th District (Toi Hutchinson and Adam Baumgartner) and candidates for the 19th Senate District (Maggie Crotty and Adam Wojcik) have been invited to attend. 

State Representative candidates for the 29th Representative District (Thaddeus Jones and Kenneth "Keyyn" Williams) have also been invited.

The Candidate Forum will be moderated by a League member who does not reside in these districts.  For additional information, please phone (708) 799-9721.

WebQA Expedites Response to Online Requests

 

The Village has implemented an online service request system to help expedite responses to frequently asked questions and requests.  Check out the new Online Services tab on the Village website to learn more.

Remove Signs, Keep Village Looking Great

As the election season heats up and the garage sale season winds down, remember that it is illegal to place any kind of sign on parkways and the public right-of-way. Violation of this ordinance not only creates unsightly conditions in our community, but also could result in a fine.

A Fun Evening Out in Homewood


A resident wrote in to tell of a fun evening spent in downtown Homewood this past Monday night: 


An art class was offered at Art 4 Soul and led by a local, professional artist.  We brought our own wine, take-out from a favorite restaurant, and an open mind to learn how to be creative and make our own masterpiece.  We learned how to use chalk to draw a whimsical pumpkin drawing for the autumn season. The result: new friends, empty wine glasses, and a new piece of beautiful art for the mantle - made by moi.

 

Let us know when you've found a great spot or activity in Homewood.  Tell us about your evening so we can share with others. Contact Rachael Jones, public relations manager or post on the Village's Facebook page - with photos please!  If you're a business and have hosted a fun activity or special event, send us a photo and drop us a line too.

 

October is Domestic Violence & Breast Cancer Awareness Month


Two important local organizations will host events next week to commemorate October as Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.


On Sunday, October 3, the Cancer Support Center will host its 12th Annual Walk of Hope.  This community event brings together family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who walk to raise money and awareness for FREE professionally designed programs for individuals and families affected by cancer.

Help families affected by all cancers who receive services at the Cancer Support Center by donating these needed items:

  • Gift cards for necessities
  • Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper)
  • Copy paper of all colors
  • Books about cancer or nutrition
Donations may be dropped off at The Cancer Support Center located at 2028 Elm Road or The Village Door located 2019 Ridge Road.  For more information call (708) 798-9171.

On Monday, October 4, the South Suburban Family Shelter will host its annual Candlelight Vigil in Irwin Park.  The vigil will start at 6:00 PM at the bandshell (Irwin Park).  Residents are encouraged to help the shelter maintain its free services for its clients by donating the following items:
  • Non-perishable food
  • Gift cards (gas, grocery, discount department stores)
  • Diapers/wipes
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Cell phones

Donations may be dropped off at the South Suburban Family Shelter at 18139 Harwood Avenue.  More information is available at (708) 794-2140 ext. 303, or SSFS1.org.

Village-Wide Improvements


 

DIXIE HIGHWAY LANDSCAPING PROJECT
The project will extend from Harwood Avenue to Sycamore Drive.   
Three new decorative informational signs on the east side of Dixie Highway north of the north viaduct will be installed; brush cleared and new landscaping installed, including a retaining wall at the northwest corner of Harwood Avenue and Dixie Highway. The work is scheduled to be completed in six weeks once started.  This section of Dixie Highway will remain open throughout construction, however, expect some delays when traveling during the day.  

DIXIE HIGHWAY BRIDGE CLOSURE 
Due to the heavy spring and summer rains and the three week labor strike, the project has fallen behind  schedule and therefore the projected opening of the new bridge to traffic is now the middle to end of October of this year.   According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the pouring of concrete for the bridge deck should take place near the end of September.  Initially, only the two interior lanes will be open to traffic until the landscaping and punchlist items are complete. 
 
HARWOOD AND MAPLE AVENUE RESURFACING PROJECT
Harwood Avenue and Maple Road will be resurfaced.  The resurfacing on Harwood will extend from 183rd Street south to the south Village boundary  in Homewood.  The resurfacing on Maple Road will extend from Dixie Highway to Ashland Avenue in Homewood.  The work is scheduled to be completed in three weeks. Roads will remain open throughout construction, however, expect some delays when traveling during the day. 

If you have any questions about these projects, please contact Village Engineer Max Massi at (708) 206-3470.
Girls Night Out


Friday, October 15 | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Participating Downtown Homewood Merchants
Look for the Open Flags and shop specials on Friday, October 15 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a Girls Night Out event hosted by the Downtown Homewood Business Association.Contact your favorite Downtown Merchant for further information.  Learn more about the DHBA, their members, and upcoming events at dhba.biz.
Last Green Saturday of the Market Season

Expired Medication Recycling
Saturday, October 16 | 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

St. Joseph Parking Lot | 17951 Dixie Highway

In conjunction with the Homewood Farmers Market, the Village hosts special eco-friendly activities for residents called Touch of Green events.  In October, the last month of the outdoor market, the Village will offer recycling through Cook County's Expired Medication Recycling Program.  Collect your old medications and bring them to this event.  When you're done, shop in-season fruits and veggies and more with these local vendors:
  • Bloomberg Gardens: organic herbs and produce
  • Brzuchowski Farms:  natural honey and beeswax products
  • Charleston Transitional Facility: all-natural dog treats
  • Enjoi Bake Shop: homemade baked goods 
  • Hansel Farms: organic produce, dairy, and flowers
  • Herr Farms: organic produce and flowers
  • Homewood Kitchen Gardens: organic produce
  • Jeffrey Farms: produce and flowers
  • Labriola Breads: fresh breads
  • Lyons Fruit Farm: produce and flowers
  • Pampered Chef:  cooking supplies and spices
  • Paul's Dogs:  Chicago-style hot dog stand
  • Paula Newton's Jams: jams, jellies, and fruit butter
  • Stamper Cheese: gourmet cheeses
  • Tempo Kettlecorn:  kettlecorn
  • Watkins Products: organic household products and spices
  • Witvoet Farmstand: produce and flowers
 
For more than two decades, Homewood's market has linked local farmers to consumers with fresh nutritious foods. For market information, please call (708) 206-3375. 
Rail Committee Hosts Second Annual Hobo Night

Hobo Night
Saturday, October 16 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Homewood Rail Park, off Park Avenue next to Amtrak Station

Last year was a huge success and fun evening out for the entire family, so the Homewood Rail Committee has coordinated another Hobo Night for Saturday, October 16 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  The event will be held in the Homewood Rail Park located on Park Avenue, adjacent to the Amtrak Station.  Come on out for an evening of stories, hot chocolate, and fun family activities by the campfire next to a fully restored antique locomotive.



Now Accepting Reservations, Hall of Fame 2010

 

Homewood Hall of Fame 2010 Induction Luncheon
Sunday, October 24| 12:00 PM, reception; 1:00 PM, luncheon
Calumet Country Club, 175th Street and Western Avenue

The Homewood Heritage Committee invites the public to the sixth annual Homewood Hall of Fame.
 
The Committee will be inducting: Robert  E. Ahlf, Aurelio Family, Thomas E. Brabec, Brian C. Carey, Henry W. C. Gottschalk, and Nicholas W. Kuhn.
 
Reservations are $30.00 per person and are due by
Tuesday, October 12.  Cash or Check.  Make checks payable to the Village of Homewood Hall of Fame.  Mail-in or drop-off payment and list of names for each reservation to the Village of Homewood, 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL 60430.

For more information contact Rachael Jones, or Chris Beele in the Manager's Office at (708) 206-3375.
Brian Carey Scholarship Fund
In honor of Firefighter Brian Carey a scholarship fund has been established at Loras College, his alma mater.  Contributions are being accepted at any Charter One Bank (nationwide). This is a way to honor and perpetuate this fine young man's memory.
 
For information about making donations at a local Charter One Bank, contact Homewood Branch Manager DaveHomewood Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Carey Zimmerman at (708) 647-2070, or simply visit any Charter One location and request to make a donation to the Brian Carey Scholarship Fund.  Once $25,000 is reached, Charter One Bank will present a check to Loras College for a scholarship endowment in honor of Carey.  Money will not be accepted at Homewood Village Hall or the Homewood Fire Department for the Carey Scholarship.
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, October 13, 2010