An employee of the Howard Mohr Community Center who has been serving as an interim director since mid-August was officially promoted to the position last month. Karen Dylewski, a seven-year employee, received unanimous support from the village council Oct. 27 to replace former director Beverly Thompson. Thompson died Aug. 18.
“Karen has been running the center since Beverly’s passing and has done very well under trying circumstances,” Mayor Anthony Calderone said in a memo to the commissioners. In addition to Dylewski’s management experience since Thompson’s death, she was often put in charge of the community center when Thompson was absent.
Free carbon monoxide detectors
During the first two weeks of November, residents can pick up a free smoke detector or a free carbon monoxide detector at the fire station located at the corner of Wilcox and Desplaines. The devices are available at no cost to village residents because of a federal grant program, according to a statement released by Chief Steve Glinke. The department is asking that only those who currently have no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in their homes take advantage of the giveaway.
The November campaign is being timed with the end of daylight-saving time and the return to standard time, which is often used to remind homeowners to change the batteries in their detection units.
Participants will be asked for proof of residency before receiving a smoke detector. Arrangements may also be made with the fire department to have the unit installed. For additional information contact the department at 366-1234.
Altenheim gets winterization grant
A state grant program that provides money to help winterize homes applied $90,000 toward the buttoning up of the Altenheim, a senior housing complex located on the west side of Forest Park. Attic insulation and tune-ups to heating systems inside the building were paid for with money given to the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program by power provider ComEd, according to a statement released by the company. Also working to promote the project was CEDA, a national non-profit that operates more than 40 programs in Cook County.
Local community leaders were invited to tour the Altenheim Oct. 30, which has 36 apartments, as part of National Weatherization Day.
Learn how to fight for your money
Property owners in Forest Park will learn how to appeal their tax bills during a Nov. 13 seminar at the Howard Mohr Community Center. Beginning at 6 p.m., residents are encouraged to bring their bills or their assessment notices and hear from members of the Cook County Board of Review and the Cook County Assessors office. Advice on how to tell whether you’ve been over assessed, what evidence will help your case and which forms you should fill out will be dispensed. This seminar is provided at no charge. The community center is located at the corner of Jackson and Desplaines.
