UPDATE

September2020

MESSAGE From MayorAndré F. Harvey

As you know, the general election is about two months away, and exercising your right to vote will be one of the most important steps our resi-dents will take in this unprecedented year. When you consider the sacrifices our ancestors made to not only exercise their right to vote but to ensure future generations would not face those same obstacles, we should consider sacred the vote and voting process.

In that regard, as you will read in this issue of the Update, the Bellwood Village Hall once again will be a site for early voting, and I strongly encourage you to vote early, on Nov. 3 or by completing and returning your mail-in ballot. Exercise your right to vote, and vote for the can-didates who best reflect your needs and interests. Through our actions we set a positive example for our youth about the importance of voting at a key point in time as they return to school in person, through remote learning or a combi-nation of both. I offer my active support of our students, teachers, faculty and parents as we all transition to a new way of education that must be done safely and effectively. Finally, it bears repeating that all of our resi-dents should always wear a face covering when in public and you are not able to practice social distancing by staying 6’ away from others. It is imperative that we follow the recommendations of medical professionals to work together to combat a virus that is invisible and still dispro-portionately impacts communities of color. Be sure to wear a face covering when you participate in our close-out Census events as we race strong to the finish line to increase the village’s participation rate in the 2020 Census. Don’t miss the flyers in this issue with the details of the final two Census events of our outreach initiative. I look forward to seeing you there.

IMPORTANTBE LLWOODNUMBERSVillage Hall

(708) 547-3500

Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency

911

Police (non emergency) (708) 547-3528

Police Anonymous Hotline (708) 544-5961

Fire (non emergency) (708) 547-3525

Water Bill (Billing Questions)

(708) 547-3520

Building Department (708) 547-3545

Public Works Department (708) 547-3540

Community Service (708) 649-3060

Human Resources (708) 547-3500

IMPORTANTBE LLWOODNUMBERS

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Bellwood residents and people from all walks of life, the village recently stepped up again to help residents stay safe with a donation of face masks to churches in town, including to Life Christian Center, Empowerment Church, Hi-Praz Bible Fellowship, Deliverance Christian Center, True Vine Church and Monroe Baptist Church.

Mayor André F. Harvey presented the masks to the pastors and encour-aged them to remind their parishioners to stay safe.

Bellwood DonatesMasks to Local Ministers

(More images on next page)

Details About Early Voting at Village Hall

The early voting period for the Nov. 3 General Election, which includes the presidential election, is Oct. 19 – Nov. 2. Residents will be able to vote early at the Bellwood Village Hall according to the following schedule:

Oct. 19-23• Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.• Saturday Oct. 24: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Oct. 25 – Nov. 2• Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.• Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.• Monday, Nov. 2: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

How To Identify An Official Census Taker

The Non-Response Follow-Up process is in full swing, and Bellwood residents who have not responded to the Census may get visited from U.S. Census Bureau staff through Sept. 30. Therefore, it’s important to know how to spot an actual Census taker:

• Census takers will visit from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Census takers will have an official U.S. Census Bureau badge • Census takers’ vehicles will be designated with an “official business” notification• Census takers will carry a smartphone or other device • Census takers will always wear a mask and maintain social distancing protocols

(More images from Bellwood Donates Masks to Local Ministers)

THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 17, 7 P.M.

WE WILL DISCUSS. . .

Bellwood Residents … Mark Your Calendar!

BELLWOOD COMMUNITY POLICE

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP

For more information, call Police Commander, William Goodrum at (708) 547-3500 Ext. 1330.

*Presentation by Village Department Heads

Great opportunity to meet, greet and show support for Bellwood’s police officers! Comments, feedback and suggestions are welcome. Hope to see you there!

Face coverings and social distancing will be required.

www.vil.bellwood.il.us

The Anonymous Tip hotline is (708) 547-3500 Ext. 1031.

If you HAVE NOT taken the 2020 Census, the Village of Bellwood is hosting a Take The Census Day.

COUNTSSyro-Malabar Church, 5000 St. Charles Rd., 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

BELLWOOD residents who HAVE NOT completed the Census can drive in the parking lot and bilingual Census Takers will assist you in completing the survey so your household is counted.

FREE FREE

Food and Masks

for the First 300

Households!

School Supplies

for the First

100 Households!

Our Village ... Our Response ... Our Count

Take The Census DaySeptember 19, 2020BELLWOOD RESIDENTS ONLY

Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle for this event.

September 26 Census Complete Count Celebration!

If you have completed the Census survey, bring your Census receipt by September 23 to the Bellwood Village Hall, Room 206 to enter a village-wide raffle!

AirPods

Tablets

COUNTS

Food & GiveawaysFREE Village Hall parking lot from 12 - 2 p.m.

Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle for this event.

Bellwood Residents:

Raffle winners will benotified in advance.

2 FREE Census Events Coming Up!

Bellwood Update is published monthly by the Village of Bellwood, 3200 Washington Blvd., Bellwood, IL 60104 • www.vil.bellwood.il.usMayor, André F. Harvey, Clerk, Janel Moreland, Trustees: Jophelia Boston, Michael J. Ciavattone, Annie N. Delgado, Gloria Holman, Ronald Nightengale, M.C. Robinson, Editor, Tonita S. LeShore, Editor, Derrick K. Baker, Graphic Design, Mazique Design Services,

Photography, Johnny Boston Sr. © 2020 Village of Bellwood

7* Labor Day

14 Committee of the Whole, 3:30 p.m.

15 Water Restriction Ends

16 Village Board Meeting, 6 p.m.

17 Neighborhood Watch Meeting, 7 p.m.

S E P T E M B E R CALENDAR

19 Take The Census Event, 12-2 p.m., Syro-Malabar Church

21-25 Cleanup Week

22 Fall Begins26 Census Complete Count Celebration, 12 p.m., Bellwood Village Hall

*Village Hall will be closed.

BELLWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 88 “Providing Quality Care for Your Children”

NOW ENROLLING!

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERLicensed Teachers & Staff Assistants

Ages: 3-5AM Session – 8:05a – 10:45aPM Sessions – 12:15p – 2:55p

{708} 410-3701 or {708}410-3719CALL TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!

BIRTH TO 3 PROGRAM Certified Parent Educators & Bilingual Staff

*Personal Visits/Activities*Developmental Assessments

*Resources, Group Connections and Various Donations

(708) 410-3710 CALL TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!

Lincoln Primary3519 Wilcox – Bellwood, Illinois 60104

Office: {708}410-3700Principal: TeQuila Stamps

Bellwood ECC is currently accepting registration/enrollment of new students. The BSD 88 serves preschool students throughout the Proviso Township Area, who are ages 3-5. There is an AM and PM Session and locations offered at both Lincoln Primary and

Grant Primary. Please contact the main office to set up a screening for newly enrolled students.

Bellwood residents: When you are having plumbing repairs done and need your water turned off from the street, call (708) 547-3500 Ext.1500 to schedule an appointment.

Water Shutoff Requests From Homeowners

PLEASERECYCLE!

Bellwood is accepting applications for the following positions:

• Meter Reader• Billing & Collections Coordinator• Community Service Officer• Part-time Police Officer

For more information or to apply, visit www.vil.bellwood.il.us. Click on Government and Em-ployment Opportunities; each position includes a link to the job requirements. To apply for a position, complete the online application below the list of job openings. For more information, call (708) 547-3500 Ext. 1512.

Bellwood Job Openings

There has been an increase in what is referred to as the “The Covid-19 Unem-ployment Scam” in which scammers obtain stolen identity information, and use it to file for unemployment benefits.

The benefits are paid out on a debit card and mailed to an address where the thieves retrieve the debit cards.The victims of this crime usually do not realize they have been victimized until they apply for unem-ployment benefits, or they receive the debit cards in

Beware: COVID-19 Unemployment Scam

the mail before the thieves. Thieves obtain stolen identity information through many different ways. They will often ask for personal information through phone calls, emails and text messages pretending to be utility companies and government entities. It is extremely important to be cautious when sharing personal information.

Anyone who suspects they’ve been a vic-tim of an unemployment scam should call the Illinois Department of Employment Security at (800) 814-0513 or contact the Bellwood Police Department at (708) 547-3528.