News Briefs: Virtual Vaccine Town Hall on Monday; Glencoe Public Safety’s Use of Force certification; Input needed for Wilmette’s 150th

Learn about Cook County’s vaccination plan, how to schedule an appointment and how to best protect your health during the pandemic during a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22.

The event is hosted by by 14^th District Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, who represents a portion of Northfield Township, Sen. Ann Gillespie and Rep. Mark Walker. It will take place via Zoom and Facebook Live. Registration is available here. 

The elected officials will provide the public with updates and helpful resources related to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout taking place across suburban Cook County. Residents can submit questions when registering for this event. 

“It’s been a trying year, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Britton said in a press release. “Still, vaccine appointments remain scarce due to the current lack of supply and information seems to be evolving daily. This Town Hall will equip residents with the updates they need to be ready when it is their turn to be vaccinated. With 650,000 individuals comprising Phase 1b, this is no small undertaking. But we want to instill confidence in our constituency that the vaccine roll out will be done equitably and expeditiously.”

Glencoe police achieve Federal Use of Force Certification

The Glencoe Public Safety Department attained certification of its use of force policies under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Standards for Certification on Safe Policing for Safe Communities. 

According to a press release, Glencoe joins many North Shore communities in attaining this certification, which certifies that the Public Safety Department’s policies meet federal standards and allows the department to apply for federal grants. The federal credentialing program began in fall 2020.

The Public Safety Department was certified by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, a designated credentialing agency under the federal program. The two safe policing principles that must be considered when certifying law enforcement agencies include:

Adherence to applicable laws: The applying agency maintains use of force policies that adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Prohibition of choke holds: The applying agency maintains use of force policies that prohibit the use of choke holds, except in situations where the use of deadly force is allowed by law.

Following its review, the ILACP has determined the Glencoe Public Safety Department meets the conditions for certification, the release added.

Glencoe Public Safety Director Cary Lewandowski said the department is proud to be recognized.

“While our policies and practices have been in compliance with federal, state and local laws for many years, this formal recognition underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability in our community,” he said in the release. 

Community input sought for Wilmette’s 150th celebration

The Village of Wilmette will celebrate the 150^th anniversary of its  incorporation on Sept. 19, 2022. To mark this milestone, the Village Board has created a 12-member Sesquicentennial Planning Committee, whose mission is to plan a celebration that will promote community spirit and unity while honoring the village’s history and looking toward its future. 

The committee, whose members include former village presidents, former village trustees and members of  community and civic organizations, are prioritizing community participation and involvement in the planning  process, as well as the celebration itself. 

“We invite all community members to share their ideas about themes and activities that evoke a spirit of unity, history and fun,” committee co-chairman and former Village President John Jacoby said in a press release. 

The committee held its first meeting in December and discussed a number of ideas but recognized the  community at large – not the committee – should set the direction for the celebration, per the release. The committee is  inviting people throughout the community to share their ideas for how to commemorate this historic event. Some possible ideas include concerts, public improvement projects, food and art festivals, history lectures, and  more.  

The public is invited to watch for calls for feedback and follow the planning process on the Village’s website and submit ideas to celebrate150@wilmette.com.  

The next meeting will be held remotely at 6 p.m. April 13. Those interested in joining the meeting can email the above address or visit the Village website for more information.

To submit a news brief, email newsroom@therecordns.org.