VOP-TV Media Production Manager Joe Kreml. VOP-TV, the broadcast component of Oak Park’s public information programs, earned top honors from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) during the Government Programming Awards ceremony, presented at NATOA’s 32nd annual conference, held in September, in Seattle. (Village of Oak Park photo)

Deerfield

Township to host Halloween bash for special needs kids

West Deerfield Township announced that a Halloween party for children with special needs will be held from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 28 at Deerfield Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Road. Children, especially those with disabilities who may find traditional Halloween events overwhelming, may come in costumes to participate in activities in an accommodating environment. The event includes snacks, games and crafts, and plenty of pumpkins and treats. Admission to this all-ages event is free, and siblings are welcome. For more information, call Township Clerk Kristen Scott at (847) 945-0614 or visit www.westdeerfieldtownship.org.

South Holland

Annual Hiring Event coming to South Suburban College

The village announced that Congresswoman Robin Kelly will host the 5th Annual Hiring Event (for residents of the 2nd Congressional District) from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 27 in the gymnasium at South Suburban College, 15800 State St. Companies and agencies participating in this year’s event include UPS, ComEd, Metra Rail, Comcast, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the U.S. Post Office, PACE and the Metropolitan Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. In 2016, more than 85 employers with active job openings met more than 400 job seekers. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. To register, and for more information, call (708) 679-0078 or visit www.robinkelly.house.gov. 

Oak Park

VOP-TV earns national programming excellence award

The village reported that VOP-TV, the broadcast component of Oak Park’s public information programs, earned top honors from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) during the Government Programming Awards ceremony, presented at NATOA’s 32nd annual conference, held in September, in Seattle. The awards honor excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming produced by local government agencies across the country. VOP-TV was judged best in the programming excellence category of organizations with budgets under $250,000. To enter the category, Media Production Manager Joe Kreml compiled a highlight reel showcasing more than a dozen videos produced for VOP-TV and social media in the last year. Content included videos that focused on public health and safety, village government, local businesses and economic development. VOP-TV’s winning video reel was among more than 900 entries submitted to NATOA by local governments across the country. It marks the fourth time VOP-TV entries have won the top honor from NATOA. For more information, call (708) 383-6400 or visit www.oak-park.us/publicinformation.

Schaumburg

Village to host LifeSource Community Blood Drive

The village announced that its next LifeSource Community Blood Drive will be held from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at The Barn, 231 S. Civic Drive. The blood drive is open to the public. Participating donors will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a $25 Pilot Pete’s gift card. In addition,all participating donors will receive a Culver’s ice cream pint coupon for donating a pint of blood. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, and for more information, call LifeSource at (877) 543-3768 or visit www.lifesource.org.

Skokie

Village to host free health and wellness event

The village announced that the Boomers and Beyond Resource Fair, a free health and wellness event open to all, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St. The event includes interactive education presentations (Brain Health, Mindfulness, Learn About Healthy Sleep, Sit and Be Fit, and Dehydration & Nutrition), an exhibit area with more than 40 vendors, Medicare consultations, free refreshments, and free prizes and giveaways. For more information, call the Village of Skokie Human Services at (847) 933-8208 or visit www.skokie.org.

Mount Prospect

Finance Dept. nets lofty budget presentation award

The village announced that Mount Prospect’s Finance Department has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2017 budget. This marks the 27th time the village has received the prestigious award. GFOA established the awards program to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting — and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. Receiving the award represents a significant achievement as it reflects the commitment of the village to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Mount Prospect’s budget document represents the village’s plan for anticipated expenditures for the fiscal year and identifies the means by which those expenditures will be financed. For more information, call (847) 392-6000 or visit www.mountprospect.org.

Northbrook

Village to develop bicycle and pedestrian plan

The village announced that it has retained Alta Planning + Design and sub-consultant Christopher Burke Engineering to prepare a Master Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which ultimately will guide residents, businesses, village staff and elected officials to make Northbrook a more enjoyable place to walk and ride bicycles. The plan seeks to connect the Central Business District, industrial areas and major employers via sidewalks and bike routes, as well as engage residents, employers and other interested parties to improve education, encouragement and enforcement of the rules of the road in relation to walking, driving or using a bicycle in Northbrook. For more information, call (847) 272-5050 or visit www.northbrook.bikepedplan.com

–Cook County News Briefs–