Archived
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-07-02 15:39:36 CDT
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION TOMORROW; FIREWORKS @ 9:30 P.M.! Message from Mayor Alex Lopez July 2, 2010 Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, The City Council and I extend an open invitation to you and your family to attend our Independence Day Celebration tomorrow, Saturday, July 3rd! The festivities will begin with our annual Hometown Parade, kicking-off at 11:00 a.m. on Chicago Road, at Independence Way. The Parade will head north to Dixie Highway, and end at 10th Street, in the parking lot behind Skyline Restaurant. Also, the South Side Cruisers Car Show and Burnout Contest will take place throughout the day at the Route 1 Cut-Off. And, of course, our Spectacular Fireworks Show will begin at 9:30 P.M. in the north field at Bloom High School. For the full schedule of events, please click-on the links located in the upper-right hand corner of the home page. Please Note: There will be some temporary traffic delays and road closures in-and-around the Bloom High School campus. Please acknowledge detour signs and road blocks, and please cooperate with Police and Fire personnel. And one final reminder: City Hall will be closed on Monday, July 5th, in observance of Independence Day. We will re-open on Tuesday, July 6th at 8:30 a.m. Wishing you and your family a Safe and Happy Fourth of July Holiday Weekend! Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-07-02 11:22:23 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez July 2, 2010 IMPORTANT REMINDER: TODAY, FRIDAY, JULY 2ND, IS THE LAST DAY TO PURCHASE AND DISPLAY YOUR 2010-2011 CITY VEHICLE STICKERS WITHOUT PENALTY! Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Just a friendly follow-up reminder that today, Friday, July 2, 2010 is the last day to Purchase AND Properly Display your new 2010-2011 City Vehicle Stickers without facing penalty fees. City Clerk Ethel M. Taylor notes that you can still purchase your City Sticker at City Hall today until 5:00 P.M., for the regular fee of $30.00 by cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard or personal check with valid photo identification. A complete list of Fees and Vehicle Classifications are as follows: Passenger Vehicles (Non-Senior Residents) = $30.00 per each vehicle. Senior Residents (Age 65 and older) = $5.00 per each vehicle. (limit 2 per household with valid vehicle registration and proof of age) Veterans = $5.00 per each vehicle. (limit 1 per household with valid military I.D. or DD214 papers) B Truck Classification = $30.00 per each. D Truck Classification = $46.00 per each. Antique Classification = $10.00 per each. Motorcycles = $15.00 per each. For your convenience you can also purchase your City Stickers at the following Currency Exchange locations: Chicago Heights, 82 Illinois Street, 754-3645. Lincolnway (Wilson Plaza), 403 Lincoln Highway, 755-3730. Olympia Plaza, 157 West Joe Orr Road, 755-7922. Please remember that buying your City Sticker is just one part of the process. All vehicle stickers must be applied to the inside of your windshield in the lower right-hand corner. Failure to do so may result in a ticket for non-display. Once again, the deadline to purchase and properly display your new 2010-2011 City Vehicle Sticker is TODAY, Friday, July 2nd. For further information or to report that you no longer live in Chicago Heights, please contact the Clerk's Office at 1-708-756-5304. Thank You, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-07-01 17:20:22 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez July 2, 2010 IMPORTANT REMINDER: TODAY, FRIDAY, JULY 2ND, IS THE LAST DAY TO PURCHASE AND DISPLAY YOUR 2010-2011 CITY VEHICLE STICKERS WITHOUT PENALTY! Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Just a friendly follow-up reminder that today, Friday, July 2, 2010 is the last day to Purchase AND Properly Display your new 2010-2011 City Vehicle Stickers without facing penalty fees. City Clerk Ethel M. Taylor notes that you can still purchase your City Sticker at City Hall tomorrow during regular business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 P.M., for the regular fee of $30.00 by cash, money order, Visa, MasterCard or personal check with valid photo identification. A complete list of Fees and Vehicle Classifications are as follows: Passenger Vehicles (Non-Senior Residents) = $30.00 per each vehicle. Senior Residents (Age 65 and older) = $5.00 per each vehicle. (limit 2 per household with valid vehicle registration and proof of age) Veterans = $5.00 per each vehicle. (limit 1 per household with valid military I.D. or DD214 papers) B Truck Classification = $30.00 per each. D Truck Classification = $46.00 per each. Antique Classification = $10.00 per each. Motorcycles = $15.00 per each. For your convenience you can also purchase your City Stickers at the following Currency Exchange locations: Chicago Heights, 82 Illinois Street, 754-3645. Lincolnway (Wilson Plaza), 403 Lincoln Highway, 755-3730. Olympia Plaza, 157 West Joe Orr Road, 755-7922. Please remember that buying your City Sticker is just one part of the process. All vehicle stickers must be applied to the inside of your windshield in the lower right-hand corner. Failure to do so may result in a ticket for non-display. Once again, the deadline to purchase and properly display your new 2010-2011 City Vehicle Sticker is TODAY, Friday, July 2nd. For further information or to report that you no longer live in Chicago Heights, please contact the Clerk's Office at 1-708-756-5304. Thank You, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-06-08 19:23:27 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez June 8, 2010 Council Meeting Highlights - Monday, June 7, 2010 Community Service Fee Reduced by 25% Street Improvements Planned for All 6 Wards June Ward Meetings Announced City Vehicle Stickers Now On-Sale Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, I am pleased to provide the following highlights from last night’s City Council meeting; as well as list the upcoming June Ward Meetings and offer a friendly reminder that the City’s Vehicle Stickers are now On-Sale in the Clerk’s Office: Community Service Fee Reduced by 25% The City Council voted to amend Chapter 39 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, commonly known as the Community Service Fee. This finalizes the process that began at the May 17th meeting when the City Council unanimously voted to REDUCE the Community Service Fee by 25% for all non-Senior residents (please note that on July 7, 2008, the City Council unanimously voted to lower the Community Service Fee for our Senior residents). Therefore, ALL residents who pay a water bill will now begin seeing the reduced line-item on their bi-monthly water billing statements. Street Resurfacing Approved For All 6 Wards Additionally, the City Council unanimously voted to approve the bid award to Alpha Construction Company for Street Resurfacing Projects in all 6 Wards. According to Ms. Joann Doggett, Project Coordinator, a pre-construction meeting is planned for this Friday, June 11th, with work expected to begin on Monday, June 21st. Therefore, further details will be announced next week and I will provide another update at that time. Until then, please feel free to contact the Mayor’s Office at 1-708-756-5315 or Ms. Doggett directly via phone at 1-708-755-3115 or via e-mail at: jdoggett@chicagoheights.net. Upcoming June Ward Meetings Ward 1 – To Be Announced. Ald. White is working to determine a date and time for his June meeting. Ward 1 residents are welcome to call the Mayor’s Office at 1-708-756-5315 or leave a message for Ald. White on his voice-mail at 1-708-756-5322 for any updates. Ward 2 - Ald. Perez’s June meeting is Friday, June 25th at 7:00 P.M., at the Park District Rec Center, in the Social Room. Ward 3 - Ald. Rodgers' June meeting is this Thursday, June 10th at 6:00 P.M., at Wacker Park, 1025 Lowe Avenue (across from Jefferson School). Ward 4 - Ald. Faso’s June meeting is Monday, June 28th at 7:00 P.M., at Roosevelt Elementary School, 1345 Sunnyside Avenue (at Lincoln Hwy./Rt. 30). Ward 5 - Ald. Aprati’s June meeting is Wednesday, June 30th at 6:30 P.M., at Bloom Township Center, 425 South Halsted Street. Ward 6 - Ald. Zaranti’s June meeting is Thursday, June 24th @ 7:00 P.M., at Commissioner's Park Field House, 311 N. Chicago Road. City Vehicle Stickers Now On-Sale A Friendly Reminder: The new 2010-2011 City Vehicle Stickers Are On-Sale In The Clerk's Office. Our business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. For your convenience, the Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, June 19th and Saturday, June 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon for Vehicle Sticker purchases only. The deadline to purchase AND properly display your new 2010-2011 City Vehicle Sticker without penalty is Friday, July 2nd. For more information, or if you haven’t as yet received your Reminder Postcard in the mail, please call the Clerk's Office at 1-708-756-5300. Reminders As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share: 1-708-756-5315; and remember to visit our City’s website at www.chicagoheights.net. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-05-28 13:27:24 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez May 28, 2010 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, On behalf of the City of Chicago Heights and our local Veterans organizations, I would like to invite you, your family and friends to our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony this coming Monday, May 31, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Mound, located at the northwest corner of Lincoln Highway/Rt. 30 and Chicago Road, to honor all American Servicemen and Servicewomen who have bravely served our great country. This year’s observance has special meaning, as we will be unveiling our new Memorial Wall, which was made possible by a generous donation from the Chicago Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 2825, in the amount of $75,000.00., and includes the original terra cotta tiles from the V.F.W. 1955 Post home, located at 82-86 East Illinois Street (please note: when this V.F.W. Post home closed in 2008, its Veterans members now meet at the Bloom Township Center, 425 South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, IL 1-708-754-9400). I would like to thank the Cook County Board President, the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for their guidance and support. Additionally, I would like to thank the following Chicago Heights-based companies and other local businesses for their generosity, discounts and outright donations in support of seeing this special project come to fruition: Mr. Joseph Grilli and Grilli Construction Company for removing the original terra cotta tiles from the former V.F.W. Post No. 2825 home Mr. James Moenck and H. Moenck & Sons, Inc., in Steger, IL for removing and replacing the flag poles and Mound rock in preparation of the new build Mr. Dan Bergin, Jr. and the Chicago Heights Construction Company for constructing the new Memorial Wall Mr. John Izzo, Jr. and Three Star Restaurant for donating all of the food for the post-ceremony reception The Catholic War Veterans Post No. 1060 and the Bloom Township High School Jr. Navy ROTC for donating the World War II Rifle that will remain part of the City’s permanent Veterans Mound ceremonial collection Mr. Don Schultz and Mr. Ken Latzke of JDM Coatings, Inc., in Steger, IL for power-coating the permanent Memorial Wreath display stand Mr. Frank Bednarek of B & F Fabricating, Inc., in Steger, IL, for creating and donating the display stand for the “Fallen Soldier” memorial Once again, I hope you will be able to join us! Until then, wishing you a Safe and Happy Memorial Holiday Weekend. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-05-17 21:18:00 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez May 17, 2010 Council Meeting Highlights: •Budget Passed; 3.5% Reduction Still Maintains City Services •Community Service Fee Reduced by 25% •Street Improvements Planned for All 6 Wards Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Tonight, I am pleased to provide the following highlights from a very productive City Council meeting: The City Council approved the Appropriations Ordinance, passing the City’s budget for Fiscal Year commencing May 1, 2010 and ending April 30, 2011. Even with increased obligations to all City pension funds, we were able to reduce expenses in each department by 5% without cutting any of the City’s vital services, such as full-time Police and Fire protection; and Street, Sewer and Building Maintenance, which includes sewer cleanings, street and sidewalk repairs, vacant lot grass-cutting, parkway tree trimming, branch removal. Further, we were able to infuse $4-million dollars for Capital Improvements, which include a new 9-1-1 Center. We’ve allocated $300-thousand dollars in Street Improvements for all 6 Wards with the bond restructuring from last December 2009. We’re refunding $1.5-million dollars in the Cub Food TIF, which will generate tax dollars for all taxing bodies -- including the City, which will see approximately $400-thousand dollars -- as well as for our public schools, the park district, and library. Perhaps the most anticipated item to report this evening is what I am sure will be very good news for our residents: The City Council also voted to REDUCE the Community Service Fee by 25% for all non-Senior residents (Please Note: On July 7, 2008, the City Council unanimously voted to lower the Community Service Fee for our Senior residents). The Finance Committee has continued to conduct comprehensive reviews of past budgets in order to reduce our FY 2010-2011 budget, while still retaining vital and essential City Services. I believe that by continuing to work together, we can restore civic pride and promote public responsibility to make Chicago Heights a cleaner and safer community. The long-range benefits will become more obvious as our neighborhoods regain stability through our F.I.N.D. Program, home values continue to increase and new development continues to expand in our town. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-05-07 16:54:17 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez May 7, 2010 Citywide Spring Clean-Up and Other Weekend Happenings Happy Mother’s Day! Vehicle Stickers Now On-Sale DEAR RESIDENTS AND CITY WEBSITE E-SUBSCRIBERS, Good afternoon. Once again, I am writing to note the various events taking place around town this weekend, especially our City’s 2nd Annual Spring Clean-Up tomorrow, Saturday, May 8th. And I would like to also wish all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday, too! And please note our first reminder that the 2010-2011 City Vehicle Stickers are now on-sale. EVENTS-AROUND-TOWN FOR SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010: 9:00 a.m. CITYWIDE SPRING CLEAN-UP The City’s 2nd Annual Citywide Spring Clean-Up will take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.M. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Parking Lot, 1601 Chicago Road, to pick-up cleaning supplies (i.e., garbage bags, gloves, brooms, rakes, etc.). All residents are welcome to come out and help clean our City. Thank You! 9:00 a.m. SPRING RUMMAGE SALE La Loma Reach Program will be holding a Rummage Sale Saturday, May 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 P.M. at Jirtle Park (East 26th Street & Union Avenue). Food and Beverages will be sold. For more information, please call Dawn at 1-708-856-6271. 1:00 P.M. UNION STREET GALLERY PRESENTS Union Street Gallery is offering Creativity Workshops with Artist and Creativity Life Coach, Jeff Stevenson. The first workshop, "Creativity: Not Just For Artists" will take place Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the Gallery’s Education Room, 1527 Otto Boulevard. There is a $45.00 fee. The workshop will focus on a broad definition of creativity as it applies to any life pursuit. Specific strategies will be presented to give participants tools to find their own creative spirit no matter what the occupation or task at hand. Group exercises will energize and open avenues to new thinking about your own creativity and how to nurture creativity in those around you. Space is limited! Please call or e-mail Union Street to Register at 1-708-754-2601 or unionstreetart@sbcglobal.net. To learn more about Jeff Stevenson, please visit his website: www.jeffstevenson.com or e-mail him at jeff@jeffstevenson.com. 5:00 P.M. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH LUAU DINNER & AUCTION St. Paul Lutheran Church, 330 Highland Drive, Chicago Heights is sponsoring a Luau Dinner & Auction Saturday, May 8th. Doors open at 5:00 P.M. Tickets are $25.00 per person. For more information, please call 1-708-754-4492. EVENTS-AROUND-TOWN FOR MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010: 7:00 P.M. CARD and BUNCO PARTY The Polish-American Club (PAC) Women's Auxilary is hosting a Card and Bunco Party on Monday, May 10th at 7:00 P.M. at the PAC, 1317 S. Halsted Street. Donation is $5.00 per person; okay to pay at the door. For tickets, please call 1-708-754-9699. VEHICLE STICKERS NOW ON-SALE A Friendly Reminder: The 2010-2011 City Vehicle Stickers Are Now On-Sale In The Clerk's Office, 1601 Chicago Road. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 P.M. The Deadline To Purchase AND Properly Display Your City Stickers Without Penalty is Friday, July 2nd. For more information, or if you didn't receive your Reminder Postcard in the mail, please call the Clerk's Office at 1-708-756-5300. Thank You. As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share, either by phone at 1-708-756-5315 or via e-mail: alopez@chicagoheights.net. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-04-30 18:19:15 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez April 30, 2010 U.S. CENSUS BUREAU REMINDER: DOOR-TO-DOOR CANVASSING STARTS TOMORROW Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Beginning tomorrow, Saturday, May 1st, through Saturday, July 10th, U.S. Census workers will start going door-to-door to collect information from residents that did not receive or did not send back their 2010 Census forms. This method of information-gathering will take place all across the country, and I encourage you to please cooperate to ensure that an accurate count of our City is taken. However, please use caution and common sense when answering. For example, door-to-door Census workers must wear -- and be able to present -- an official I.D. badge to identify themselves. A U.S. Census worker will assist residents in filling-out the same 10-question form originally mailed out. A U.S. Census worker will NOT ask for your Social Security Number, Bank Account or Credit Card numbers and will NOT solicit donations. If you suspect someone of impersonating a Census worker, ensure your safety by keeping your door locked and call the Police Department. How Your Answers Impact Chicago Heights: The information the U.S. Census collects helps determine how more than $400 billion dollars of annual federal funding is spent on services that go to benefit the public, including: hospitals, job training centers, schools, bridges and roads. Additionally, Census information affects the numbers of seats a state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that the City of Chicago Heights loses $10,000.00 in federal funding for every person who doesn’t respond. Your Information Is Kept Confidential: By federal law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share a resident’s answers with anyone, including the IRS, FBI, CIA, INS or any other government agency. All U.S. Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years. Thank You, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-04-30 17:58:23 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez April 30, 2010 THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS-AROUND-TOWN MONDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLED Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Below, please note the various events taking place around town during this first weekend in May. Additionally, I have noted below that Monday's City Council meeting has been cancelled: THE CHICAGO HEIGHTS DRAMA GROUP PRESENTS: CITY OF ANGELS Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, May 2nd at 2:00 P.M. The Chicago Heights Drama Group Presents City of Angels, the 1990 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical and Best Original Score. This musical comedy is also a noir detective story set in Hollywood in the late 1940’s, weaving together two plots: the "real" world of a writer trying to turn his book into a screenplay, and the "reel" world of a fictional film. Show Dates/Times are: Tonight, Friday, April 30th at 7:30 P.M.; tomorrow, Saturday, May 1st at 7:30 P.M.; and Sunday, May 2nd, a 2:00: P.M. matinee. City of Angels will be performed at Bloom High School’s Workman Auditorium Theatre, 101 W. 10th Street (at Dixie Highway). Ticket prices: $18.00/Adults and $17.00/Students and Seniors. For further information, please call the Drama Group at 1-708-755-3444. Come on out and support one of our local gems -- and one of the oldest volunteer community theatres in the entire country -- bringing Broadway to the South Suburbs since 1931! BLOOM CAR WASH FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 1st from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 P.M. Bloom Township High School’s Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) is sponsoring a Car Wash Fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday, May 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 P.M. at Bloom's Industrial Education Building, located at the southeast corner of Chicago Road and Parkside (Sarff Field parking lot). Prices are: $5.00 for Cars; $7.00 for Vans and SUVs. Come on out and show your support! CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA IN THE PARK Saturday, May 1st from Noon – 6:00 P.M. The Chicago Heights Park District and 2nd Ward Commissioner Sonia Perez are hosting a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta In The Park tomorrow, Saturday, May 1st from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 P.M. at Jirtle Park, East 26th Street & Union Ave. There will be music, food, fellowship and fun! This event is free and everyone is invited. EARLY REMINDER – NEXT SATURDAY’S CITYWIDE SPRING CLEAN-UP Just an early reminder for our 2nd Annual Citywide Spring Clean-Up next Saturday, May 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.M. The City’s Street, Sewer, Water, and Maintenance Departments will be in full-force, along with help from the Chicago Heights Park District; Cook County S.W.A.P.; Saturday Sanction Youth Group from the Police Department; the Beautification Committee; and other civic organizations. I have asked the City Council to identify specific target areas in each of their Wards and I encourage residents to get involved and help spruce up their neighborhoods. Volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Parking Lot, 1601 Chicago Road, to pick-up cleaning supplies (i.e., garbage bags, gloves, brooms, rakes, etc.). COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLED Please Note: Monday’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place in two-weeks on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1601 Chicago Road, First Floor. As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share, either by phone at 1-708-756-5315 or via e-mail: alopez@chicagoheights.net. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-04-16 17:01:00 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez April 16, 2010 IMPORTANT U.S. CENSUS REMINDER! Events Around Town: A Busy and Fun-Filled Saturday, April 17th Upcoming City Council Meeting - Monday April 19th Ward 2 and Ward 4 Meetings Announced for Next Week DEAR RESIDENTS AND CITY WEBSITE E-SUBSCRIBERS, 2010 U.S. CENSUS REMINDER Once again, I strongly encourage ALL Chicago Heights residents to please take the time and fill out the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau form that was delivered to your homes. There are only 10 questions to answer, per each person residing at the same household. If you mail your form back to the Census Bureau before April 19th, no one will visit your home. The U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that the City of Chicago Heights loses $10,000.00 in federal funding for every person who doesn’t respond. The financial consequences are staggering: If 50 people ignore the questionnaire, that’s a potential loss of $500,000.00 that could be earmarked for important public works projects and improvements to our Schools, Hospitals/Emergency Services, Senior Citizen Centers, and Job Training Centers. 10 Minutes = 10 Questions. Remember: We can't move forward until you mail it back. Thank You! A BUSY AND FUN-FILLED SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH Below, please note the many events taking place in-and-around Chicago Heights for Saturday, April 17th: 9:00 a.m. EARTH DAY CREEK CLEAN-UP – In honor of Earth Day, the Chicago Heights Beautification Committee invites all residents and volunteers of all ages to help out at their 5th Annual Creek Clean-Up. Committee Chair, Margaret Burns-Westmeyer, asks all those interested to meet at 9:00 a.m. – Rain or Shine – at Ashland Avenue and Crescent Drive. Supplies will be provided, but please feel free to bring your favorite clean-up or gardening tools. Also, volunteers are instructed to wear grubby clothes and sunscreen. Come on out and help Beautify our City! 11:00 a.m. SPECIAL CAT & KITTEN PARTY – The South Suburban Humane Society is sponsoring a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Party at its Glenwood, IL clinic, located at 18349 South Halsted Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 P.M. Admission to the Party is an item to benefit cats & kittens, such as canned cat food, laundry detergent, blankets, cat toys, etc. For more information, please call Emily Klehm, Executive Director, at 1-708-755-7387, x221. 3:30 P.M. CWV DINNER/DANCE – The Catholic War Veterans is sponsoring a Past Commanders and Presidents Dinner/Dance at St. Agnes Parish Hall, 2525 S. Halsted Street. Tickets are $23.00. Open Bar 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Dinner will be served from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., and Dancing 'til 9:00 P.M. For tickets or reservations, please call Commander Paul Lukacek at 1-708-755-4110. 6:00 P.M. MEATLOAF DINNER FUNDRAISER – St. Paul's Lutheran Church is sponsoring the St. Paul's Ladies World Famous Meatloaf Dinner at 10th Street & Ashland Avenue. The price is $10.00 for Adults and $5.00 ages Kindergarten – 8th Grade. Advanced Ticket Sales Only. Please call: 1-708-755-9363; or 1-708-672-6906; or 1-815-806-1198. Proceeds will benefit Compassionate Social Care Ministries. NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will take place Monday, April 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1601 Chicago Road, First Floor. WARD 2 and WARD 4 MEETINGS ANNOUNCED Ward 2 - Alderperson Sonia Perez Ald. Perez’s April Ward 2 meeting is scheduled for next Friday, April 23rd at 7:00 P.M. at the Park District's Recreation Center, in the Social Room. Ward 5 - Alderperson Lisa M. Aprati Ald. Aprati’s April Ward 5 meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 21st @ 6:30 P.M. at Bloom Township Center, 425 South Halsted Street. As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share, either by phone at 1-708-756-5315 or via e-mail: alopez@chicagoheights.net. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-04-09 16:29:06 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez April 9, 2010 IMPORTANT 2010 U.S. CENSUS REMINDER! DEAR RESIDENTS AND CITY WEBSITE E-SUBSCRIBERS, By now, you should have received the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau form that was delivered to your home a few weeks ago. I strongly encourage all Chicago Heights residents to please take the time to fill out – and return – the form as soon as possible. There are only 10 questions to answer, per each person residing at the same household, and if you return the form before Thursday, April 15th, no one will visit your home. Did you know that by completing the 2010 U.S. Census Questionnaire, you can help our City of Chicago Heights receive federal funding that is determined for the next 10-years to help our Schools, Hospitals/Emergency Services, Senior Citizen Centers, Job Training Centers and Public Works Projects? Remember: Complete the form. Mail it back. Be counted. We can't move forward until you mail it back! Thank You, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-04-01 17:36:18 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez April 1, 2010 • Happy Easter! • Important U.S. Census Reminder • Next City Council Meeting Announced This Coming Monday, April 5th ======================================= DEAR RESIDENTS AND CITY WEBSITE E-SUBSCRIBERS, HAPPY EASTER! Good afternoon. Even though today is April Fool’s Day, there’s no foolin’ that I wish you and your's a Blessed & Happy Easter this holiday weekend. Please Note: City Hall will be closed on April 2nd in observance of Good Friday. We will re-open on Monday, April 5th at 8:30 a.m. ======================================= 2010 U.S. CENSUS REMINDER I encourage all Chicago Heights residents to fill out the U.S. Census Bureau form that was delivered to your homes a few weeks ago. There are only 10 questions to answer, per each person residing at the same household. If you return the form before April 15th, no one will visit your home. Please know that by completing the 2010 U.S. Census Questionnaire, you can help our City of Chicago Heights receive federal funding for Schools, Hospitals and Emergency Services, Senior Citizen Centers, Job Training Centers and Public Works Projects. Remember: We can't move forward until you mail it back. Thank You! ======================================= NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will take place Monday, April 5, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1601 Chicago Road, First Floor. ======================================= As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share, either by phone at 1-708-756-5315 or via e-mail: alopez@chicagoheights.net. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-03-17 13:53:19 CDT
ComEd To Offer Bill Assistance ComEd launches its Helping Hand program and offers $1-million to help customers avoid service suspension due to financial hardship; Offers eligible customers 50-percent credit on outstanding bills. Responding to unemployment rates of more than 20-percent in parts of the Chicago metropolitan area, ComEd launched its Helping Hand program, a month-long effort that will pay half the balances for customers facing a recent or pending service suspension due to a financial hardship. “The Helping Hand program is just that – a one-time opportunity for customers most affected by the economic downturn. This will help those facing special hardships keep the power on and regain the ability to successfully manage their electricity bills,” said Anne Pramaggiore, ComEd president and chief operating officer. From March 1-31, up to $1 million will be made available from ComEd’s customer assistance funds. Eligible residential customers who pay 50-percent of their outstanding balance can receive a credit from ComEd for the remaining 50-percent. To be eligible, customers must have received a disconnection notice within the last 120 days and have experienced a financial or medical hardship. In addition, ComEd and other local assistance organizations will have representatives on-site to process applications and answer questions about other payment options and assistance programs. The assistance fair is open to anyone interested in attending and those who do must identify a hardship and bring a disconnection notice, proof of identification for the ComEd customer of record, a current ComEd bill (within 30 days) and payment (check, credit card or debit card). For those wishing to sign up by phone, please call: 1-888-806-CARE (2273). Please also note: when you call, you will need to provide a ComEd account number, identify their hardship and provide a method of payment (check, credit card or debit card). The Helping Hand program reflects ComEd’s on-going commitment to assist customers who face short- and long-term financial challenges. # # # read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-03-17 13:49:46 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez Seniors Encouraged to Participate in Community Nutrition; Meals-On-Wheels Programs March 17, 2010 Dear Resident: I believe one of the best ways for Seniors to stay fit and healthy is to participate in activities that are informative, fun and help to foster friendship. One such program that I encourage all Seniors to participate in is the Community Nutrition Network. First, the Food… The Community Nutrition Network (CNN) serves Seniors aged 60-and-over a daily nutritional lunch for a suggested minimum donation of $2.25 per person, every Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to Noon and in the lower-level of our Municipal Building. When Seniors sign-in for lunch, they receive a FREE Continental Breakfast that is served daily between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Additionally, a hot breakfast is also offered twice a week every Friday, plus one other day that rotates. The Community Nutrition Network also provides the Meals-On-Wheels service for homebound individuals who wish to arrange Daily Home Delivery, with prices ranging between $2.25 and $2.85 per each meal. Mrs. Janelle Davie is the on-site manager for our Chicago Heights facility, and she and her staff provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all their guests. Special food days are designated, such as “Soup & Sandwich”, in addition to enjoying monthly entrees that highlight ethnic cuisine. The meals are made by a registered dietician and are prepared with the Seniors’ health and nutritional needs in mind: they are heart-healthy, no salt added, and sugar-free. …then the Fun! Free Senior Activities include Bingo and cards daily, and monthly holiday or “theme” parties. On occasion, trips are planned to get the Seniors out and about, for example, to one of the local casinos, or Chicago’s Navy Pier. Also Free-of-Charge: On the 2nd Wednesday of every month, a Doctor of Podiatry, “Dr. Bill,” provides complete foot care and podiatry exams for Seniors who want to ensure their spring stays in their step. From time to time, special guest speakers are scheduled to help explain and discuss issues that are important to Seniors, such as the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. So once again, I encourage all Seniors to take advantage of these terrific programs. If there’s someone you know who might benefit from this information, please pass it on. For further information, please feel free to contact CNN site-manager Janelle Davis directly at (708) 756-5351. She’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions you might have. Community Nutrition Network / Meals-On-Wheels Program is located at the City of Chicago Heights City Hall - Lower-Level, 1601 Chicago Road. Facility Hours Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (except holidays). Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2010-03-17 13:47:34 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez March 12, 2010 Spring Season Reminders: • Union Street Showcases New Juried Event • Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast • Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 14th • Important Reminder from Fire Dept. Chief Martello • Next City Council Meeting Announced for Monday, March 15th ========================================================= DEAR RESIDENTS AND CITY WEBSITE E-SUBSCRIBERS, Good afternoon. I am writing with a few friendly reminders, including a new juried art event at Union Street Gallery; the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast; Springing Ahead with Daylight-Saving Time and the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting: ========================================================= UNION STREET GALLERY Beginning, Friday, March 12, 2010 through Friday, April 9th, Artists from 18 states stretching from the Pacific Northwest through the Great Plains to New York and the Southeast will be showcasing their works in a National Juried Event titled, IMAGE ATTITUDE IMPRESSION. For further information, please call 1-708-754-2601 or e-mail at: www.unionstreetgallery.org/. Union Street Gallery is located at 1527 Otto Boulevard in Chicago Heights. Come on out and support a great community treasure which has earned national recognition! ========================================================== KIWANIS PANCAKE DAY! The Kiwanis Club of Chicago Heights invites you to their annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 13th from 7a-to-Noon at St. Paul's Lutheran School Gym, 10th St. & Ashland Ave. The cost is $5.00/per person; Pre-School Children eat free. ========================================================= DAYLIGHT-SAVING TIME BEGINS Sunday, March 14th, at 2:00 a.m. CST, Daylight-Saving Time will officially begin for 2010, so don’t forget to Spring Forward and set all your clocks ahead one (1) hour before going to bed. This year continues the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a statute that was passed by Congress on July 29, 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush on August 8, 2005 in an effort to conserve energy costs by reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting. ========================================================= IMPORTANT REMINDER FROM FIRE DEPT. CHIEF THOMAS MARTELLO Change The Clocks & Change The Battery! This weekend, March 13 and 14, we will all be setting our clocks ahead to Daylight-Saving Time. The time change is a good reminder to check your smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 66-percent of home fire deaths that occurred between 2003-2006 were in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button, if it has one. Smoke alarms are powered by either a battery or are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Hardwired smoke alarms are usually equipped with a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is powered by battery, the battery needs to be replaced annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance. Thank You, Chief Thomas Martello Chicago Heights Fire Department 83 East Joe Orr Road Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411 708-756-5370 voice 708-756-5358 fax tmartello@chicagoheights.net ========================================================== NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will take place Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1601 Chicago Road, First Floor. ========================================================= As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share, either by phone at 1-708-756-5315 or via e-mail: alopez@chicagoheights.net. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2009-10-30 17:05:31 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez October 30, 2009 Fall Season Reminders: · Halloween Hours tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 31st · Daylight Saving Time Ends this Sunday, Nov. 1st · H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Shots for South Cook County · Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11th · City Ordinance Reminders · Supplemental Leaf Pick-Up Program · Next City Council and Ward Meeting Announcements =================================================== Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, I am writing today with a few friendly reminders specific to the Fall Season. As you know, tomorrow, Saturday, October 31st, is Halloween, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Trick-or-Treaters a Safe & Happy All Hollow’s Eve! I would also like to provide a few friendly reminders with regard to the time change that goes into effect this Sunday; as well as list upcoming events for November, such as our Veterans Day Ceremony, City Council & Ward meetings, and a few City Ordinances that continue to improve the safety and well being of all our residents. =================================================== Halloween Hours This year’s Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The City asks all residents to please keep a watchful eye out for all our children. I urge parents and guardians to accompany their children and to please be cautious when crossing streets and parkways. (Also, please sort through your child’s candy and if anything looks suspicious or tampered with, please notify our local authorities.) =================================================== Daylight Saving Time Ends On Sunday, November 1st, at 2:00 a.m. CST, Daylight Saving Time will officially end for 2009, so don’t forget to turn all your clocks back one (1) hour before going to bed. This year continues with the later time change, based on the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a statute that was passed by Congress on July 29, 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush on August 8, 2005 in an effort to conserve energy costs by reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting. =================================================== H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Shots for South Cook County The Associated Press has issued the following information from the Cook County Department of Public Health (source: SouthtownStar Newspaper, Friday, October 30, 2009): Cook County health officials plan to offer swine flu vaccine by appointment at four sites in the suburbs. The appointment-only clinics begin Monday. Residents may call the Cook County Department of Public Health to book times. The Southwest District Office is in the Bridgeview courthouse, 10220 S. 76th Ave. Phone: (708) 974-6160; TDD: (708) 974-6043. The South District Office is in the Markham courthouse, 165th Street and Kedzie Avenue, Markham. Phone: (708) 210-4500; TDD: (708) 210-4010. Vaccine will go first to pregnant women, people 6 months to 24 years of age, adults with certain health conditions and other people who are at the most risk. Cook County also plans to vaccinate students at school-based clinics. And vaccine also will be available at licensed day care centers. A county-by-county guide to where vaccine is available throughout Illinois is on the state health department's Web site. Search for "Illinois H1N1 shot locations." Cook County: http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org Illinois: Http://www.idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/index.htm =================================================== Veterans Day Ceremony This year’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., at Veterans Mound, which is located at the northwest corner of Lincoln Highway/Route 30 and Chicago Road in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Please join me, the City Council, and members of our local Veterans organizations as we pay tribute to the military veterans who have proudly served in our nation’s armed forces, and honor the servicemen and servicewomen who are currently serving (please see attached flyer). =================================================== City Ordinance Reminders – Curfew For all children under the age of 17, the Sunday through Thursday Curfew is 10:00 P.M. CST. For all children under the age of 17, the Friday and Saturday Curfew is 11:00 P.M. CST. (ONCE AGAIN, THIS YEAR’S HALLOWEEN HOURS ARE 3:00P TO 7:00P) These curfew times will apply to youths congregating in public places, as well as to young people operating motor vehicles. The City’s ordinance will also hold parents and guardians responsible for their children’s whereabouts after curfew. Youths in violation without just cause, such as a job or supervised school related activities, might run the risk of having their motor vehicles confiscated and towed, allowing the Police Department to issue $500.00 tickets. City Ordinance Reminders - Local Littering Last October 1st, 2008, the City Council expanded the local littering ordinance to include "yard waste and leaves" in order to discourage residents from raking or blowing their leaves into the streets, mainly due to the excess vegetation that tends to get washed into the catch basins, causing congestion and making minor flooding more likely. Please take note that there is a minimum fine of $75.00 under this ordinance. =================================================== Supplemental Leaf Pick-Up Program And speaking of yard waste and leaves, the City’s Street Department is pleased to once again offer its Supplemental Leaf Pick-Up Program. This service allows residents to rake leaves onto the PARKWAY in front of their homes on scheduled dates for pick-up by the city crews. · TO AVOID FINES, PLEASE DO NOT RAKE LEAVES INTO THE STREET. · Place leaves in a narrow pile or row in the grassy area between the sidewalk and curb. · If your area is without curbs, place the leaves within 5-feet of the street. · Avoid raking leaves into ditches or drainage swales. · To avoid towing, do not park your vehicle(s) on the street on scheduled pick-up dates. · Leaves must be raked onto the parkway by 7:00 A.M. on the dates scheduled. =================================================== Next City Council Meeting The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will take place this Monday, November 2, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1601 Chicago Road. =================================================== November Ward Meeting Reminders As we enter into November and Thanksgiving, the City Council would like to wish everyone a happy upcoming holiday season! Please note that all City of Chicago Heights residents are welcome to attend any of the following Ward meetings: Ward 1 – Ald. Ald. Willie J. White invites you to attend his next Ward 1 Meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Beacon Hill Church, 275 Plymouth Drive. The meeting will start at 6:00 P.M. Ward 2 – Ald. Sonia Perez invites you to attend her next Ward 2 Meeting on Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Chicago Heights Park District Rec. Center [in the Social Room], 1400 Chicago Road. The meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. Ward 3 – Ald. Wanda Rodgers invites you to attend her next Ward 3 Meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Lincoln Elementary School, 1520 Center Avenue. The meeting will start at 6:00 P.M. Ward 4 – Ald. Joseph A. Faso invites you to attend his next Ward 4 Meeting on Monday, November 23, 2009 at Roosevelt Elementary School, 1345 Sunnyside Avenue (at Lincoln Hwy./Rt. 30). The meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. Ward 5 – Ald. Lisa M. Aprati is in the process of scheduling her next Ward 5 Meeting and kindly asks that you please check the Events Calendar on the City’s website (www.chicagoheights.net) for updated information. Ward 6 – Ald. Vincent J. Zaranti will resume his scheduled Ward 6 meetings after the New Year. Until then, he invites you to please e-mail him with any questions or concerns during this time: vzaranti@chicagoheights.net. =================================================== As always, please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share: (708) 756-5315. Wishing everyone a Happy & Safe Halloween! Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez City of Chicago Heights read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2009-09-23 16:33:04 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez September 23, 2009 Council Meeting Highlights New Housing Program Hopes to Curb Foreclosures Hamilton Woods Road Resurfacing Ward Meeting Reminders Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, I am pleased to provide you with the following highlights from the City Council meeting that took place on Monday, September 21, 2009: =========================================== FIND Chicago Heights: The City Council approved Ordinance 2009-35: Authorizing the Creation and Funding of the Financial Incentives for Neighborhood Development (FIND) Chicago Heights Program. The FIND Program is designed to help prospective new home buyers with down-payment assistance, and the ultimate goals are to stimulate the City’s housing sales market while also stabilizing and revitalizing our neighborhoods by reducing the amount of vacant and foreclosed properties in town. The FIND Program will be infused with $500,000 from the Capital Projects Fund (aka the funds realized from the sale of Thornwood Apartments) to assist the potential homeowners with down payments. An approved applicant would receive $5,000 for a non-foreclosed home; military veterans would be eligible to receive $7,500, and those choosing to purchase a foreclosed or pre-foreclosure home will receive $10,000 in down-payment assistance. Once launched, the FIND Program will accept applications from Chicago Heights residents only for the first 30 days. Thereafter, the program will be open to non-residents who are looking to move into the City. Additionally, qualified buyers must agree to purchase and live in their home – as primary occupant – for a minimum of five (5) years in order for the down-payment assistance to be forgiven. If they choose to move before that time, they would be contractually obligated to repay the City in-full for the amount received. FIND Chicago Heights is intended as a one-time only residential assistance program (per each qualifying applicant). Investors, corporations or businesses will not be eligible to participate. Further information will be announced within the next few weeks. =========================================== Street Improvements: The City Council also unanimously approved the bid award for the repaving of the Hamilton Woods Subdivision. Joann Doggett, Director of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, announced that the project went out for bid, with three companies submitting; all of which were received by and opened on Friday, September 18, 2009 (in alphabetical order): Alpha Construction ($225,354.50); Gallagher Asphalt ($217,599.50); and Iroquois Paving Corp./Interstate Asphalt ($244,503.14). The winning bid was awarded to the lowest bidder, Gallagher Asphalt ($217,599.50). The original estimate from Joseph A. Schudt & Associates engineering firm was projected at $291,955.00. Ms. Doggett noted that the pre-construction meeting is scheduled within the next week, with work to begin on or about October 1st of this year. =========================================== Ward Meeting Reminders: For your convenience, please note the upcoming Ward Meeting schedule for the remainder of September: Tomorrow, Thursday, 09/24/09 -- Ward 6: Ald. Vincent J. Zaranti invites you to attend his next Ward 6 Meeting at Commissioner's Park Fieldhouse, 311 N. Chicago Road. The meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. Next Monday, 09/28/09 -- Ward 2: Ald. Sonia Perez invites you to attend her next Ward 2 Meeting at the Chicago Heights Park District Rec. Center [in the Social Room], 1400 Chicago Road. The meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. Next Monday, 09/28/09 -- Ward 4: Ald. Joseph A. Faso invites you to attend his next Ward 4 Meeting at Roosevelt Elementary School, 1345 Sunnyside Ave. (at Lincoln Hwy). The meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. =========================================== As always, it is the goal of this administration to continue working hard in order to implement the types of improvements that greatly enhance the quality of living in the City of Chicago Heights. Please feel free to contact my office if you should have any questions, suggestions or ideas to share: (708) 756-5315. And be sure to visit our website at www.chicagoheights.net for an update on next month’s Council and Ward meeting schedules. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2009-09-04 11:45:45 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez September 04, 2009 SummerFest Celebration this Labor Day Weekend! Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, The Labor Day Weekend traditionally marks the end of Summer, the beginning of the new school year and forthcoming Fall season…but Summer’s not over yet! Tonight, Friday, September 4th, marks the start of the City’s annual SummerFest and I invite you to celebrate with us this Labor Day Weekend. Centered at the historic Bloom Township High School campus, 101 W. 10th Street in Chicago Heights, the 3-day Fest begins at 6:00 P.M. and features the Annual Police vs. Fire Softball Game. Tomorrow, Saturday, September 5th, our Hometown Parade kicks-off at 11:00 a.m. at 16th Street and Union Avenue with this year’s theme “Mardi Gras” and will feature Bloom’s Marching Band. The Parade Route will continue West on 16th Street to Chicago Road North, to Dixie Highway and continue along Dixie to 10th Street, turning West into the former Bloom Market Plaza Parking Lot (behind Skyline Restaurant). Also on Saturday afternoon is the ever-popular South Side Cruisers Car Show & Burnout Contest that will begin registering cars at Noon, with the first session Burnouts/Holeshots beginning at 1:30 P.M. And the internationally acclaimed Jesse White Tumblers will once again thrill the crowd with their amazing, gravity-defying acrobatics. Additionally, there will be a Carnival with rides, a terrific variety of Food and Beverages – 15 total vendors, 5 more than last year -- Crafts, Musical Entertainment and of course, our Spectacular Fireworks Show on Sunday evening, at 9:00 P.M. in the north field of Bloom High School (also known as the soccer field). Before the fireworks light-up the evening sky, I invite you to compete in my Hot Wings Eating Contest under the Main Tent, sponsored by Wing’n It in Olympia Plaza! And speaking of sponsors, I’d like to thank the following companies and organizations for their continued support and community partnership: Platinum Sponsorship: St. James Hospital and Health Centers Comcast Cable Gold Sponsorship: A-Plus Professional Towing Bloom Township High School Chicago Heights Construction Company Innophos, Inc. Silver Sponsorship: NuFarm Americas Bronze Sponsorship: A Better Door & Window Company Able & Willing Plumbing Aunt Martha’s Prairie State College To view the SummerFest flyer/schedule of events, please log-on to the City’s website at www.chicagoheights.net and click-on the link above the Picture Gallery, on the right-hand side of the home page. Friendly Reminder -- Road Closures Additionally, just a friendly reminder that due to the many scheduled activities over Labor Day weekend, there will be some temporary traffic delays and road closures in-and-around the Bloom High School campus. Please acknowledge detour signs and road blocks, and please cooperate with Police and Fire personnel. Next Council Meeting Please Note: City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. Therefore, the regularly scheduled Council meeting for that evening has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on Monday, September 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1601 Chicago Road, 1st floor. Until then, I look forward to seeing you over the holiday weekend at SummerFest. Wishing you a Safe & Happy Labor Day Holiday Weekend, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2009-08-20 12:02:17 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez August 04, 2009 National Night Out Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Tonight, Tuesday, August 4, 2009, is the "26th Annual National Night Out" (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to: Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. One way to show your support is to turn your front porch lights on this evening and “Light Up The Night” against crime. Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2008. To learn more, please go to: http://nationaltownwatch.org/nno/ Our 9-1-1 Center The City’s 9-1-1 Center is your connection for police, fire or medical emergencies when immediate action is required; i.e., someone's health, safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress. REMEMBER TO DIAL 9-1-1 IN AN EMERGENCY! Deaf and hearing/speech impaired callers can dial 9-1-1 through TTY (telephone typewriter) units. If you know someone who is blind or visually-impaired, please remind them that they can pre-program the digits 9-1-1 on their telephone speed dial button specifically for emergencies only. For non-emergency calls, you can reach the Chicago Heights Police Department by dialing 1-708-756-6400. Thank You, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
Mayor's Messages
Posted on 2009-08-20 12:00:22 CDT
Message from Mayor Alex Lopez July 2, 2009 HAPPY 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY! Dear Residents and City Website E-Subscribers, Just a friendly reminder that the City of Chicago Heights will not be having a fireworks display this 4th of July weekend. As we have done in the past few years, we will have our Spectacular Fireworks Show on Sunday, September 6th at 9:00 P.M. during our Annual SummerFest Labor Day Weekend Celebration. We encourage you to safely enjoy the fireworks and festivities offered by many of our neighboring communities in honor of our Nation’s 233 birthday! Below is a list compiled by the SouthtownStar Newspaper for your convenience: BEECHER - Firemen's Park, 673 Penfield St., (708) 946-2261: The free 83rd annual Beecher 4th of July Festival will take place from Thursday to July 5 and will include food, bingo, entertainment, a bean-bag tournament, a 5K run and two-mile fitness walk, and a carnival. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. Saturday. COUNTRY CLUB HILLS - 4116 W. 183rd St., (708) 798-8133: Entertainment and fireworks are scheduled for Saturday at the Country Club Hills Theater. FLOSSMOOR - (708) 798-3885: The Flossmoor Fire Department will present the annual Independence Day Children's Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday down Flossmoor Road to the central business district. The event is for all ages, and strollers to two-wheelers are allowed. Children can decorate their bicycles, tricycles or wagons for the parade, which will line up at 9:30 a.m. at Parker Junior High School, 2810 School St., Flossmoor. FRANKFORT - Main Park, 200 S. Locust St., (815) 469-9400. The Frankfort Park District will present the 4th of July Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The event will include activities for the children, music and food. Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. HOMEWOOD - (708) 206-3400 (parade applications), (708) 957-0300 (fest schedule): The Homewood Fire Department and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District will present the Independence Day Parade and Family Fun Fest at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The parade will line up at the Parish of St. Joseph, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood, and go south on Dixie Highway to Ridge Road and east on Ridge Road to the Izaak Walton Preserve. After the parade, the village's civic groups and businesses, family activities and food will be at Izaak Walton. MOKENA - (708) 479-2468: The Mokena Chamber of Commerce will present the Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. This year's theme is "Celebrate Your Heritage." The parade will step off from Main Park, LaPorte Road and Mokena Street, Mokena, travel west to Wolf Road and end at Granite Drive. Attendees can bring their chairs or blankets to Main Park, where the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry will appear in the early afternoon with Civil War artillery pieces and artillery drills and demonstrations. A patriotic concert will begin at 7:30 p.m and conclude at 9:30 p.m. when the fireworks, which are sponsored by the village of Mokena, will begin. OAK FOREST - 159th Street and Central Avenue, (708) 687-4050: The annual Oak Fest, which features free admission, will run from Tuesday to July 5 and include a comedy night, entertainment, bingo, a car show, a bean-bag tournament, and Pro Championship Wrestling matches. Fireworks will be at dusk Wednesday and Saturday. OAK LAWN - (708) 636-4400: The village of Oak Lawn and the Oak Lawn Park District have a full day planned for Fourth of July including the Independence Day 95th Street Parade at 10 a.m., the Star-Spangled 4th Family Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and free entertainment from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks will be at dusk. ORLAND PARK - Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave., (708) 403-5370: The Independence Spectacular, which will feature free admission, will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and include a pet parade, a bicycle parade, a Liberty Family Fun Run, a softball challenge and movies on the lawn. Fireworks will be at dusk Saturday. PARK FOREST - (708) 748-1112: The July 4th Celebration will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday and include hot dogs, soda and a fireworks show. TINLEY PARK - McCarthy Park, 16801 S. 80th Ave., (708) 342-4200: The Tinley Park Park District will present Fourth of July events from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The celebration will include the 19th annual Stars & Stripes 5K run-fun walk, batting cages, miniature golf, food and beer tents, bingo, a penny carnival, a horseshoe tournament, and entertainment. Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. Please remember to visit our City’s website at www.chicagoheights.net for upcoming event postings, including our Annual SummerFest Labor Day Weekend Celebration. Wishing you and your families a Safe & Happy 4th of July Holiday Weekend. Sincerely, Mayor Alex Lopez read more...
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