November 11, 2020 Update from the Mayor
Thank You Veterans!
First of all, thank you to all of our Veterans on this 2020 Veterans Day. I thank you all for your service, commitment to safeguard our nation and desire to protect the freedoms that we enjoy each and every day. We are all forever indebted to you.
Illinois public health officials on Tuesday reported 12,623 new cases of COVID and 79 additional deaths, as the state passed another bench mark: more than 500,000 total known cases for the outbreak. There are now more than 240,000 COVID related deaths in the United States. In Hickory Hills there are now 509 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID and tragically, 10 deaths. The three most recent deaths occurred last week and were just reported on the public health data. Below is an age related breakdown of the deaths in our town.
While there has been promising news of late regarding the effectiveness of a possible vaccine, the nationwide inoculation process will take some time to complete. Clearly, given the rising positivity rates, the virus is not under control and with cold weather moving in, our best protection remains to wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing, wash hands regularly and avoid attending indoor social settings.
CDC Recommendations for Thanksgiving
Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Follow these tips to make your Thanksgiving holiday safer.
The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer.
In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer, take these additional steps while attending a Thanksgiving gathering.
- Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
- Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
- Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
- Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
If having guests to your home, be sure that people follow the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer. Other steps you can take include:
- Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
- Limit the number of guests.
- Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
- If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
- Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
- Have guests bring their own food and drink.
- If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
Consider Other Thanksgiving Activities such as hosting a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you. Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually.
Hickory Residents Complete a Virtual 10k Run in Honor of Polish Independence Day
Congratulations to Iwona Klimowska and her father, Kazimierz Fryzowicz, on completing a virtual 10K run to celebrate Polish Independence Day. Casey and Iwona ran through Hickory Hills and Hickory Hills Police Officer Al Lopez was kind enough to escort them the final few blocks to the finish line that they set up in the front of their house.
Passing of Former 4th Ward Alderman Ron Mouw
Ron Mouw, a former 4th Ward Alderman, recently passed away suddenly in a fishing cabin while on his annual fall musky fishing trip in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. He died with his two sons and grandson sitting in the cabin while they discussed the plans for fishing that day. He was with his best fishing buddies in the world looking out on a beautiful northern Wisconsin lake when he was taken from this earth. Ron served our city with honor, integrity and a simple desire to do what he believed was in the best interest of the City of Hickory Hills. Our current city council is fortunate that people like Ron were willing to serve and provide example for what public service is all about. On a personal level, I am grateful that I not only had the good fortunate to marry Ron’s daughter, but that an amazing father in law (and two great brothers in law) also were part of the “wedding package.” Ron lived a life of honesty, humility, kindness and concern for others and his example left a lasting, positive impact on the lives of everyone who knew him.
It Is Only a Game
True Iron Man
Mask Up and Stay Safe!
Mayor Mike