April 7, 2020 Update from the Mayor

I hope you all are well and had a chance to enjoy this beautiful weather before the storm rolled in.   I am writing this as a thunderstorm with heavy rain and hail moves through our city.  There is no way you cannot like this next video.

Sights and Sounds of Kids Being Kids

Big sister Saoirse O’Callaghan pulls her brother Jack and Fiadh in a wagon on a beautiful Tuesday evening in Hickory Hills.

Sights and Sounds of Hail

As this Stay Home Order has progressed I have really become more aware of the simpler things that we often ignored or perhaps just gave a quick glance…..watching the trees and bushes begin to bud, robins patrolling the yard in search of worms, or watching squirrels dash about.  The hail storm this evening was no exception.  This video is simply the sight and sound of hail on a back deck.  I am glad I took the time.

Food Pantry and Errand Assistance

Just a reminder that Alderman Scott Zimmerman would like our residents to know that the Hickory Hills Presbyterian church has installed a micro pantry in front of the church located at 8426 W. 95th St (95th St. side). The church will continue to keep it stocked. Alderman Zimmerman stated that it is a take what you need or leave what you can micropantry box. The wooden food box is located right near the main entrance doors on 95th Street.

Clerk Dee Catizone and her clerk’s staff also have been filling a little necessities box in front of City Hall. Thanks to all of the wonderful residents who left donations in the back of city hall as we have used those to fill the little necessities box. We have been filling it up every other night for the last two weeks and will continue until our donations run out

COVID UPDATE

Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 1,287 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 13,549 cases including 380 deaths in 77 counties in Illinois.  Hickory Hills now has 19 reported cases. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provided Guidance on the Use of Masks by the General Public (available via this link). Both IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are now recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). It should be noted that, at this time, this is just a recommendation, not a mandate.

Passing of John Prine from COVID-19 Complications

As I was writing this evening’s update, my phone alerted me to the passing of Maywood’s own John Prine, the legendary American folk singer-songwriter.  I really just started listening to Prine after hearing an interview with him a few years ago on NPR’s Fresh Air podcast.  He was raised in Maywood and attended classes at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music.  After serving our country overseas, he moved back to Chicago and worked as a mail delivery man.  Kris Kristofferson discovered Prine and he went on to have a very successful performing and writing career.  My guess is Prine is enjoying his vodka and ginger ale…

John Prine “When I Get to Heaven”

Keep it up!  Your actions….or inactions are helping defeat COVID.

Mayor Mike