The Highland Park Fire Department is hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, November 1 from 8 am to 2 pm at Fire Station #33, 1130 Central Avenue. Call LifeSource at (877) 543-3768 or click here for an appointment using sponsor code 243D.
Highland Park does not truly experience darkness … Should we care?
This was the first slide of a presentation given at the Natural Resources Commission meeting this month. I believe the answer is, yes, we should care. There are many benefits to reducing light pollution beyond improving our view of the stars. The health of birds and pollinators is impacted by the lack of darkness. We can increase energy efficiency and provide better lighting by directing it where it’s needed, thereby reducing light pollution. There may be benefits to human health and safety, too. Simply considering this issue in the design and purchase of new fixtures would have a significant impact.
Fill the Shelves at Moraine Township Food Pantry
The Moraine Township Food Pantry provides assistance to over 300 of our neighbors each month. The pantry’s shelves are looking pretty bare, as most donations come in during the winter holidays. Click here for a list of what they need now. You can drop off donations at the Moraine Township Pantry, 777 Central in Highland Park.
North Branch Trail Grand Opening
The Green Bay Trail is now connected to the North Branch Trail along Lake Cook Road. Thanks to Chicago Botanic Gardens for building this beautiful path for cyclists and walkers to use. Photo credit: Chicago Botanic Gardens
City Budget
City Council began discussing our 2015 budget on August 25. The budget is the most important policy document of any organization. An organization puts money into those things that are priorities. The budget documents will be available on the City’s website. Feel free to attend future meetings to hear our discussions or provide input, or contact me directly with your thoughts.
Help Wanted: Bike and Pedestrian Counters
The City of Highland Park is seeking volunteers on September 6, 9 and 11 to help with our semi annual bicyclist and pedestrian counts. The City uses data gathered in the counts to assess the impact of improvements implemented in accordance with the Complete Streets Policy and the Bike-Walk HP 2030 Plan, passed in September, 2012. You can choose to participate in one or more of the shifts, which are: Saturday from 10 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday from 7 – 9 am and 4 – 6 pm. For more information or to volunteer, click here.
Apples Available
A few shares are still available for Earth First Farm’s Apple CSA for this season. CSA members receive 75 pounds of certified organic apples and a gallon of apple cider. Every 2 weeks, each CSA member picks up a 10-pound bag of certified organic apples. The variety varies each week, and they are delicious. The pick up site is conveniently located near Lincoln School. Click here for information or email the farm to order a share.
Zipcar coming to Highland Park
Highland Park will be home to two shared cars through Zipcar beginning Wednesday, June 11. It’s a great option for those who don’t need a car all the time, as they can be rented when you need them. This may allow some of us to become single car or carless households. Stop by the west lot of the Highland Park Train Station on June 11 to learn more or sign up. The official kick off will take place at 5:30 that day. You can also join or learn more at the Zipcar website here.
Bike Friendly Community
Highland Park earned an Honorable Mention as a Bike Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. The information provided to Highland Park from the League will help us to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities and safety. Read more here.
Help Wanted: Bike and Pedestrian Counters
As part of Highland Park’s Bike-Walk 2030 plan, the City is conducting bicycle and pedestrian counts again this year. It’s a fun and easy job, and a great opportunity to spend some time outside. If you can help on May 6 or 7 from 4 – 6 pm, please click here to contact Lee at the City of HP.