April 30, 2020 Update from the Mayor

In the U.S., more than 1 million infections and 60,000 deaths have been recorded, according to Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday.  Around the world, the death toll has reached 227,000 as nearly 3.2 million people have been infected, according to a Johns Hopkins count on Wednesday.  Illinois is not expected to reach its peak for approximately two weeks.  Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 2,563 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 52,918 cases, including 2,355 deaths, in 97 counties in Illinois. There are now 59 confirmed cases in Hickory Hills with 2 confirmed deaths

Across the news today, it is reported that more states intend to open their economies despite not meeting the federal government’s public health guidelines.  When restrictions are further eased here, we all must be vigilant about maintaining social and physical distancing, wearing a mask in public place and washing our hands.  Until there is a vaccine, this virus will remain with us and knows no borders.   In just this past week, my wife and I have learned of 8 people who died due to complications related to COVID.  Most were senior aged parents of friends and acquaintances.  However, we have several friends who contracted and recovered from COVID.  Each story is a little different, but all described COVID as the worst sickness they have ever experienced.  The fever, the lack of energy, the inability to fully breathe just lingers on for weeks.  Regardless of your age, this truly is not something that you want to contract.   I know that we are all anxious to get back to our regular lives, but please continue to act responsibly, follow public health guidelines and stay far away from those who ignore these public health directives.

City Little Necessities Box

The city received more donated cloth masks and will place some in the City’s Little Necessities Box in front of City Hall.  Should you be interested in a cloth mask you may also call city hall at 708/598-4800 to arrange a contact free pick up.

Elsie’s Food Pantry

The city received 4 more monetary donations for Elsie’s Food Pantry.  We will keep you updated with the amounts that you have so generously donated and how Elsie’s is using the money to feed needy families.

Hickory Hills Only Ranked 10 out of 17 Communities in Census Responses

 Another reminder to please be sure to complete your Census form online or via mail.  It took me about 5 minutes to complete online.  To complete you need your personal census code that we all should have received in the mail.  Below is the current update from the Census Director.  Though this is only for the portion of Hickory Hills located in Lyons Township, I thought it was a good opportunity again to remind you that it is very important to properly account for everyone who resides in Hickory Hills so that we can receive our lawful funding.

Township of Lyons Overall Response Rate: 57.1%

Hickory Hills Overall Response Rate: 62.2%

Internet Response: 55.9%

Hickory Hills ranks at 10 out of the 17 villages within Lyons Township.

Quinn Girls Out for Walk with Jack

Tricia, Laurna and Carly Quinn got out after the rain stopped to take their dog Jack, a playful Wheaten Terrier, for a walk around the neighborhood.

Happy May Day….Flowers Can Dance 

Family Quarantine Life

Mayor Mike