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Welcome 2020 - Looking Forward to Great Things

Last year was an incredibly busy year in Des Plaines. In 2019, the City experienced significant downtown streetscape improvements and, even more exciting, the purchase and renovation of the Des Plaines Theatre. The community saw a surge of development activity - from the completion of Elinson Apartments to a city block mixed-use project to its west. At the same time, the City created a new TIF District that includes the busy Lee and Oakton streets corridor and a proposed new Metra station. In 2020, we’re excited to ride the momentum we’ve worked to build over the past eight years and look forward to what the new-year may bring.

Interim Fly Quiet Update Interim Fly Quiet update

The Interim Fly Quiet plan is expected to be in place from November 3, 2019 to May 17, 2020 and from September 13, 2020 through January 31, 2021. The plan will be impacted by airfield construction projects, which will result in reverting to the original Fly Quiet program during those periods.

The Interim Fly Quiet Runway Rotation Plan was proposed by the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC), in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), in 2017 to provide relief from nighttime noise for the communities around O’Hare International Airport. For each week, a primary and secondary runway use configuration is provided to accommodate potential changes in wind direction.

Check the web site for the weekly summary reports, which provide information on runway usage, as well as weather conditions and safety inspections that may impact operations.

Christmas Tree Collection

Christmas trees will be collected at the curb for chipping the week of January 6 on your regular garbage day. Please remove the trees from the bags and take off all lights, garland and ornaments. Christmas trees placed out at other times, or in the alley, will be collected by Groot and taken to the landfill. Brush and branches from the yard will not be collected.

Police Explorer Program Open House

The Police Explorer Program is a career education program for youth and young adults between the ages of 13 and 20 who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The program is ongoing and meets every other Tuesday. The Morton Grove Police Explorer program will provide a comprehensive program of training, competition, service and practical skills. Members will develop an awareness of the purpose and mission of American Law Enforcement, and will receive training in police related topics which include: First Aid and CPR; arrest, search and seizure procedures; building searches; evidence work; traffic enforcement procedures; traffic and crowd control; crime prevention techniques; defensive tactics; and other police related operations. MGPD Explorers will also attend various community events and help with tasks such as traffic direction, pedestrian & parking control, crime prevention assistance, etc.  Please join us at one of our next meetings on Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 or Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be located in the Morton Grove Council Chambers, 6101 Capulina Ave. Morton Grove, IL 60053.  Any questions can be directed to Detective Johnson #130 at 847-663-3826 or [email protected]. Local Preserves, Local Programs

When Deloris Lucas started meeting staff from the Forest Preserves of Cook County at community meetings on Chicago’s South Side a few years ago, she was already aware of nearby Beaubien Woods. The bike and wellness group she founded, We Keep You Rollin’, included the preserve in some of their rides for local residents.

As the Forest Preserves began forging deeper connections with residents and organizations in the area through its Better Beaubien project it was clear that We Keep You Rollin’ was a perfect fit.

Last year, we asked Lucas’ group to provide bikes so visitors could take a ride at our Beaubien Celebration and River Paddle events at the preserve, and supported her Eco Tour bike rides that conclude at Beaubien Woods, too.

“The biggest impact is providing more ‘wellness in the woods’ opportunities for getting the community healthier,” Lucas says.

The Forest Preserves holds more than 1,000 public events and programs each year, and is looking to expand those offerings by continuing to develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships with local community partners like We Keep You Rollin’.

We’re seeking partnership proposals from community members and organizations for activities, events and programs in the Preserves that educate and encourage the public to become regular visitors and advocates of the Forest Preserves. That could be leading a tour, holding a sing-along, bringing out toddlers or teens, a presentation on local history—or whatever you think your community would enjoy.

Forest Preserves programs typically focus on nature education, outdoor recreation, or cultural and seasonal celebrations. But we will consider any proposal that emphasizes the health benefits of nature for people and communities, engages new and diverse visitors from all walks of life, or celebrates the natural and cultural treasures of the Forest Preserves and surrounding communities.

In addition to providing space or a location for your proposed event or program, the Forest Preserves will consider requests that include an ask for staff support and up to $5,000 in funding. Help connect your community to their forest preserves by sharing your ideas—or sharing this article with members of your community.