Spring has sprung in Elmwood Park and we’re looking forward to all the great fun that’s planned for the coming months.

It’s been a vibrant winter packed with events and developments that continue to make our village a wonderful place to live, work, and

play. The kids had a great time at their Mardi Gras carnival, and Fight Night was a terrific success. We’re also happy to report that the renovation of the Avenue of Flags has been completed, making the main entrance into the circle more inviting and paving the way for some great changes that are in the making for Conti Parkway.

Some of those changes include updated lighting and sidewalk improvements, aimed at encouraging more foot traffic for businesses in the area. In every season, people are out in the circle to visit our library, Parks and Recreation building, and businesses. We’re excited to begin even more improvements in the circle starting in April, and we hope to finish up by summer. A $259,000 block grant provided by Cook County will ensure that the cost to residents is kept low.

Speaking of summer, we’re already looking forward to all of the events that we’ve been scheduling for our residents. Popular local band, Voyage, will launch our Concert in the Park series on June 8th. This year our Circle Classic Car Show will be partnered with a sports card and memorabilia show held in the Parks and Recreation building. We are especially pleased to welcome a local favorite band, “R Gang” on June 22nd to kick-off the concerts in the Circle this summer.

Lastly, the Village is happy to help residents jump-start their spring cleaning with our annual Spring Cleaning Week, on April 17th –20th. Our shredding, tire and electronic drop-off will be held April 22nd. So mark your calendars, and we hope to see you at these upcoming events!

Angelo “Skip” Saviano

11 Conti ParkwayElmwood Park, IL 60707

p. 708.452.7300f. 708.452.3957

Angelo “Skip” SavianoVillage President

Gina PeskoVillage Clerk

Alan KaminskiJeff Sargent

Angela StrangesAnthony Del SantoAngelo J. Lollino

Jonathan L. ZivojnovicVillage Trustees

April, 2017

a message from Village President Skip Saviano

Save the Date

Village Board MeetingsApril 17th, May 1st, May 15th

7 p.m. at Village Board Room

Spring Clean-Up WeekApril 17th – 20th

On your designated garbage pick-up day

Shredding, Tire & Electronic Waste

Drop-off DaySaturday, April 22nd

Public Works 7330 Fullerton 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Neighborhood Watch Meetings

Wednesday, April 26th for Areas 1 & 2

(Belmont Ave. to Grand Ave.)

Wednesday, May 3rd for area 3 & 4

(Grand Ave. to North Ave.)

Elmwood Park Public Safety Bldg., Community Room

7 p.m.

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Village News Annual Fight NightElmwood Park’s 4th annual Fight Night, held February 17th, was another huge success. The night was packed with amateur boxing, food and drink, and live musical entertainment.

Elmwood Park Summer Camp is right around the cornerSummer fun for first through eighth gradersThis year the Village’s Parks and Recreation department will once again extend our popular Elmwood Park Summer Camp! Below is a breakdown of our camp sessions for first through eighth grade students. With three sessions, summer camp will cover your child’s entire summer. Before and after care is also offered. Registration begins April 1st online at parks.elmwoodpark.org or in person at the Parks and Recreation Center.

We are looking forward to another fun filled summer with many exciting new activities!

SUMMER CAMP: GRADES 1 – 8 Please Note: unless otherwise noted, all Summer Camp programs are held at John Mills School.

SESSION 1: June 5th – June 23rd, Monday through Friday (3 weeks) Before Care 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. $112 Mornings 9:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. $126 Afternoons 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $126 Full Day 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $252 After Care 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. $168

SESSION 2: June 26th – July 14th, Monday through Friday (3 weeks) NO CAMP Tuesday, July 4th Before Care 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. $112 Mornings 9:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. $126 Afternoons 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $126 Full Day 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $252 After Care 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. $168

EXTENDED CAMP 1: July 17th – July 28th, Monday through Friday (2 weeks) (Held at Parks & Rec Center) Before Care 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. $80 Full Day 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $180 After Care 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. $120

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Village Events

Summer events are almost hereMovies, festivals, concerts, and moreSummer is right around the corner and with it comes all the fun events that make the season so memorable in Elmwood Park. From staples like the Taste of Elmwood Park to concerts, car shows, movies, and more, there is sure to be something for everyone.

“Everyone loves summer in Elmwood Park,” said Jonathan Zivojonvic. “There are plenty of opportunities to get out and meet new friends and reconnect with old ones.”

The Thursday Concert Series kicks off in Central Park with “Voyage” on June 8th. After that, concerts move to the circle with the local musicians “R Gang” on June 22nd, “The Stingrays” on July 27th, “The Acousticles” on August 24th, and “Schindig” on September 7th.

Don’t forget about the silver screen, either: This summer’s Movies in Central Park features Field of Dreams on Thursday, July 20th; Hook on Thursday, September 14th; and The Addams Family on Friday, October 13th.

2017 Sponsorships & vendor spaces availablePreparations for the Taste of Elmwood Park are underway. Drawing visitors from around Chicagoland, the Taste is one of the most popular summer events in the region. More than 30 vendor spots are available for the food festival. The Taste runs from August 10th through August 13th this year.

“People look forward to the Taste of Elmwood Park all year,” said Angelo Lollino. “It’s a great time for family and friends to get together and celebrate. All of the visitors provide fantastic exposure for businesses and vendors.”

Elmwood Park’s Taste brings the entire community together to celebrate culture and food with a variety of epicurean delights and nearly non-stop musical entertainment, arts & crafts, games, rides, and more. Sponsors are critical to the success of the festival. In return, they get the attention of more than 20,000 visitors.

Contact Jim Parenti at (708) 452-3966 or send an email to taste@elmwoodpark.org for more information.

Spring is almost here…time for Spring Clean Up!It’s that time of year again to open the windows and clean out the clutter that’s accumulated in your basement and garage. Spring Clean Up for solid waste will be held the week of April 17th through April 20th on your regular garbage day. Unlimited garbage will be picked up free of charge. (No stickers necessary.) Construction debris, wood, tires or hazardous materials, including paint, WILL NOT be accepted.

Shredding, Electronic Recycling and Tire Drop Off DayThis annual event will be held April 22nd at Public Works, 7330 Fullerton, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Residents can dispose of old tires, computers, television sets, and printers, as well as documents and records that need shredding. Paint WILL NOT be accepted.

Code CornerIt may not feel like it now, but warm weather will be upon us before you know it. With warm weather and sunshine comes green, growing lawns. The Village wants to remind everyone of Ordinance 97-12: “It is hereby declared to be illegal for the owners of real estate in the Village to refuse or neglect to cut grass and weeds when such grass and weeds shall have reached a height in excess of eight inches (8").” So make sure you keep your lawns trimmed! For more information on this ordinance, please call Code Administration at (708) 452-3920.

Garden WalkMark your calendars and prepare your walking shoes: the 2017 Garden Walk is scheduled for Sunday, July 9th. Those interested in showing off their gardens this year – whether flower or vegetable – should contact Ruth at (708) 452-8530.

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Village News Elmwood Park Flood Mitigation Project wins award Recognized for creativity, environmental protectionThe Village of Elmwood Park is pleased to announce that it has received a 2017 Project of the Year award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for its Flood Mitigation Project.

“It’s very gratifying to receive recognition from outside the village,” said Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano. “It took a number of hard-working people to make the Flood Mitigation Project a success. All that work will benefit Elmwood Park residents for years to come."

The Flood Mitigation Project was recognized for Management Innovation, meaning it displayed creativity that enhanced the goals of public works by serving the public and protecting the environment. Elmwood Park won the 2017 Project of the Year award for the APWA's Suburban Branch, which stretches west of the Chicago Metropolitan area from Buffalo Grove to Woodridge.

The Flood Mitigation Project, which broke ground in 2013, separated some of the town's storm water from domestic sewage, increasing storm water capacity and decreasing flooding. Construction of the Thatcher Avenue floodwall also removed 64 homes from a revised Flood Insurance Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Circle will undergo makeoverRenovations will make it a summer hotspot If you’re impressed with the newly renovated Avenue of Flags, which has now been completed, just wait until April! We will be starting on some exciting renovations to the village circle. These include new planters, lights, and pavers in the sidewalks. The streetscape will also feature pedestrian bump-outs at crossings, which will match the new Avenue of Flags streetscape.

“The streetscape will provide a shot in the arm for the circle business district,” said Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano. “We’re dedicated to helping our existing businesses thrive and attracting new businesses to keep the circle vibrant.”

All work to the circle is expected to be completed by summer—which will also be the perfect time to check out the renovations, which will include shifting the sidewalk out to the curb, allowing businesses to set up al fresco café seating. Not only will these renovations help current Elmwood Park staples but it will entice new businesses to the circle as well.

As an added bonus, the Village of Elmwood Park has received a generous grant of $259,000 for this work, which means residents can spend more time enjoying concerts, and playing bocce in the circle, rather than worrying about paying for it.

Relay for Life approaching soonFundraiser expected to be biggest yetGet out your walking shoes: the 2017 Relay for Life is scheduled to take place at Elmwood Park High School on June 9. Relay for Life is a nation-wide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, in which participants join teams and take turns walking around a track and participating in events and activities.

“Everyone knows someone affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly,” said village trustee Anthony Del Santo. “It’s great to see people out every year in the fight to cure cancer, and to see those numbers grow.”

Elmwood Park is once against hosting a Relay for Life fundraiser with River Grove, and is pleased to announce that they will be joined by participants from Franklin Park, Schiller Park, Norridge, Harwood Heights, and Northlake. Organizers expect this fundraiser to be the biggest to date.

Mardi Gras for Kids a Big HitKids and families had a great time again at this year’s Mardi Gras carnival. With games, crafts, and snacks, the event had something for everyone and was a great way to wrap up the winter months.

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Village Safety

Safety Tips from the Fire DepartmentHigh-rise fire safety tipsIt seems that buildings are getting taller by the year. Whether you own an apartment, visit friends, or work in a high-rise or tall building, it’s important to always have a plan in the back of your mind in case of a fire emergency. The Elmwood Park Fire Department has put together the following list of things you should know concerning fire safety and high-rise buildings:

Evacuation route: Smoke from a fire or a change in lighting due to a power outage can make evacuation routes look different than they normally do. Make sure you are familiar with the path of travel to the two exits on your floor. Remember: different floors in the same building could have different evacuation routes.

How to sound the alarm: If your building has fire alarm pull stations, know where they are and how to activate them. Make sure you know the sound of the alarm, too, so that you can respond immediately if the alarm sounds. In an emergency situation every second counts.

Fire extinguisher locations: Not only should you know where to find fire extinguishers, but also how to use one and when is the appropriate time to use one.

Your meeting place: Know your designated meeting location in the event of an evacuation. Do not evacuate to the building lobby, as this will only impede firefighters responding to the alarm and hamper others trying to evacuate behind you.

These are just a few tips to think about it. To find a complete list of tips and recommendations check out the High Rise Safety flyer by asking your building manager for a copy or clicking the Fire Department link at elmwoodpark.org. If you have any questions, you can also contact the Fire Department at (708) 452-3934.

Spring Safety Tips from the Elmwood Park Police DepartmentTips for parents when talking to kids about safetyThe Elmwood Park Police Department wants to ensure that all children are safe and having fun as the weather gets warmer and summer activities get underway. Child safety starts with parents and guardians; we must lead by example and teach our children how to be safe. Don't assume your child knows what to do; instead, talk to them about personal safety. If you're not sure where to start, review the tips below. Read each point to your child, making sure to listen to their questions and concerns.

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings and other people.• Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood.• Identify safe havens, or places your child can go for safety

if they're out: houses of neighbors you trust, stores, shops, police and fire stations, business offices.

• Walk/play with other children and try not to be alone. There is always safety in numbers.

• Stay in well-lit areas.• Report suspicious persons to teachers, or police officers.• If you are approached or followed by a suspicious vehicle

or person:1. Scream.2. Run away in the opposite direction.3. Run to a safe haven.4. Call the police.

• If you encounter a suspicious vehicle or person, take note of these details: Type and color of vehicle, license plate number, male/female, clothing description, and distinguishing marks, such as a scar or tattoo.

• Talk to your child about their friends and get to know them.• Anyone can dial 9-1-1 from a public phone for free.• Speak with your child/children about gun safety. If you

have a gun in the home, make sure it has a gunlock on it or is locked in a safe. Teach your child that if they see a gun, they should never touch it. They should run away and tell an adult.

• Speak to your child/children about internet safety. Monitor your child’s access. Talk openly about online dangers.

Save the Dates! CPR ClassesSaturday, May 6th Saturday, July 8th Saturday, September 9th

All CPR classes will be held in the the Community Room of the Public Safety Building located at 7420 W. Fullerton Avenue. The classes begin at 9 a.m. Anyone interested in taking the class can go onto the village website under the Fire Department page to print out a “CPR Registration Form”. They can then bring in the form to the Village Hall to register. Residents are free of charge and Non-Residents cost $50. Please call the Fire Department at (708) 453-2600 for more details.

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Seniors

Seniors Dial-a-Ride Bus ProgramThe Dial-a-Ride door-to-door bus service is available to anyone 65 or older and residents with disabilities or special needs. Service Area boundaries are from Irving Park Road to Lake Street, and from Narragansett to 25th Avenue.Ride stops include

• Elmwood Park restaurants, markets, banks and Metra Station

• Gottlieb Hospital• Harlem and Irving Plaza• Brick Yard Mall• Thatcher Woods Mall• Winston Plaza Shops• Downtown Oak Park.To schedule your next trip, call (708) 452-3902 at least 24

hours in advance. The bus operates Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is no service on Sundays.

ADA Para Transit ServiceIf you have a disability that prevents you from using the fixed route Pace bus, CTA bus, or train services, you may be eligible for ADA Paratransit Services. This is a shared ride, advance reservation, origin-to-destination service. Individuals interested in applying for this service may call RTA’s ADA Paratransit Program to request an application at (312) 663-4357.

Trips & ExcursionsSeniors are welcome to invite (adult) friends and family members, including those who don’t reside in Elmwood Park, to join them on trips and excursions hosted by the Village of Elmwood Park. Call Seniors Coordinator Tina Gordon at (708) 452-3962 (or email cgordon@elmwoodpark.org) to make reservations today!

Ameristar Casino, includes $10 toward lunch buffetThursday, April 20, 2017

Cost: $25 per person Departure/Return Times: 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

“Chicago” the Musical, Drury Lane OakbrookThursday, May 11, 2017

Cost: $78.00 per personDeparture/Return Times:10:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: TBD per personDeparture/Return Times: 10:45a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $170/person dbl, $230/person single, $140/person triple Departure/Return Times: 8:00 a.m. day one/5:30 p.m. day three

The Chairman’s Board at Drury Lane OakbrookThursday, June 22, 2017

Island Resort Casino in MichiganAugust 2, 3, 4, 2017

Transportation and TripsSenior citizens interested in learning more about public transportation should mark their calendars for Monday, May 8th. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a representative from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will give a presentation on the benefits of public transportation and on special programs the RTA offers. The presentation includes a Q&A session and the opportunity to apply for a reduced fare or a ride free card. The presentation will take place at La Frambois Center, 11 W. Conti Parkway. To attend and increase your transportation savvy, please RSVP to Laura Bilben at (708) 359-0143.

Save the Date!Senior Seminar on Fraud/Scams

Wednesday, April 26th

11 a.m. at Village Hall.

Please contact Laura at (708) 452-3916 orTina at (708) 452-3962 for more details.

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Library News… brought to you by the Elmwood Park Public Library

7Elmwood Park Public Library 1 Conti Parkway (708) 453-7645 • www.elmwoodparklibrary.org Library Hours: Mon. – Thurs.: 9 – 9 • Fri.: 9 – 6 • Sat.: 9 – 5 • Sun.: 1 – 5 (Closed Memorial Day – Labor Day)

National Library Week: April 9th–15th

Come celebrate libraries with us the week of April 9th to 15th: • Coffee and snacks during the week in the morning. • Fun library and book-related trivia on social media.• Mug and bag giveaways with our new logo.• We’ll also kick off the week by hosting our:

1st Annual Edible Book Festival April 9th • Voting at 2:00 p.m. • Eating at 2:30 p.m. Make and bring cake, cookies, or anything else edible that

represents a book, cover, or character, or is a clever take on a book title. We’ll vote for winners in five categories: Kids, Teen, Family, Adult, and Best Overall. Then we’ll eat it all! (no entry required for voting and eating.) Bring entries starting at 1:00 p.m. the day of, and the related book, if possible.

Hora de ConversaciónMiércoles • abril 5 - mayo 24 • 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.¿Quiere practicar su habilidad de comunicarse en inglés? Acompáñenos para una hora de conversación guiada por el instructor de ESL (Inglés como Segundo Idioma) Michael Fitzgerald.

Godzina rozmowyŚrody • 5 Wiek - 24 maja • 19:15 - 20:15Czy potrzebujesz poćwiczyćswój angielski? Przyjdź na godzinną konwersacje, prowadzoną przez instruktora kursu języka angielskiego ESL, Michael Fitzgerald.

English Conversation HourWednesdays • April 5 - May 24 • 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.Want to practice your English conversation skills? Join us for an hour of guided conversation with ESL instructor Michael Fitzgerald.

Upcoming Event Highlights Check the Programs/Events section of our website for the scoop on our programs through May, including:

• Laser Comedy Show, Grades K-4 (April 11, This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library)

• Coin Collecting, Adults (April 17, This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library)

• Downsizing & Decluttering, Adults (April 10)• Photo Editing w/Photoshop Elements, Adults (April 20)• Family Bingo, All ages (May 4)• Essential Oils 101, Adults (May 23)

Don’t forget regularly occurring programs — Story Time, Chair Yoga, PNG (Project Next Generation hands-on technology workshops), and weekly movies — are waiting for you. Get more info on programs and new books with our eNewsletter! Visit the About section of our website to sign up.

Nuestro boletín informativo está disponible en español en líneaOur newsletter is also available online in Polish & Spanish.

Nasz biuletyn internetowy dost pny po polsku.

Upgraded Wifi and Faster InternetComputer users rejoice! Over the last several months we’ve been working on upgrading our internet and wifi. Now our internet computers have faster speeds, and our wifi is also faster with stronger connections.

So bring in a laptop and try it out! And while you’re at it, don’t forget that we have wireless printing. Just click on the printer icon in the upper right corner of our website.

New: Integrated Article Search on SWANHave you ever used EBSCO or any of our other databases to do research for articles, but wished you didn’t have to open multiple databases to get it all done? Now your research is about to get a whole lot easier.

In May our SWAN Catalog will be upgrading to integrate our database content into the search results of the catalog. When you do a search in SWAN, you will have your usual results, but there will be a new “Article Search” tab that you can click on to find the full-text articles that normally would require visiting individual databases. If you have questions, come ask us and we’ll be happy to show you how it works.

Help Us Improve User ExperienceWe want to make it easier for visitors

to find their way around the Library, and we need your help! This summer, we’re looking for volunteers to let us shadow them during their visit to the Library, and answer a few questions about how we could make it easier for them to find what they need.

If you are interested in helping us out, please contact Mandy McGee, Head of Adult Services, at (708) 395-1240 or mmcgee@elmwoodparklibrary.org. As thanks, participants will receive one gift branded with the Library’s new logo!

Summer Reading 2017: June 4 - August 5Kick off summer reading on Sunday, June 4 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Stop by the party to sign up, get your reading log, and enjoy food, fun, and games. Interested in a summer reading volunteer opportunity this summer? Students in grades 9 - 12 can ask at the Kids & Teens desk in early May.Kick-off Party sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Staff Pick of the MonthThis month’s pick by Mandy in Adult Services is Out on the Wire: Uncovering the Secrets of Radio’s New Masters of Story by Jessica Abel.

A graphic history and exploration of the evolution of many of NPR’s most well-loved narrative radio shows. Abel goes behind the scenes and observes how each show approaches the act of telling a compelling story. Through insightful dialogue and vibrant black and white illustrations, readers learn how shows like This American Life, The Moth, Radiolab and others are developed from start to finish. It’s a fascinating journey and it inspires a deeper appreciation for the work that is involved in creating quality talk radio.

Village of Elmwood Park11 Conti ParkwayElmwood Park, IL 60707

ECRWSSLocalPostal Customer

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Visit www.elmwoodpark.org for current news and events and where all kinds of great resources can be found, including numerous ways residents can “keep in touch” through Facebook and Twitter! Or email the village with questions or concerns at village@elmwoodpark.org.

Village Hall: Phone 708.452.7300 Fax: 708.452.3957Police Dept.: Phone 708.453.2137 Emergency: 911Fire Dept.: Phone 708.453.2600 Emergency: 911

Trustee in the Hall Program Call 708.452.7300 to schedule an appointment with a Village Trustee; or 708.452.3922 to schedule a meeting with Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano.

Get to know your…

Trustees Anthony Del Santo • Angelo J. Lollino • Alan T. Kaminski • Jeff Sargent • Angela Stranges • Jonathan L. Zivojnovic

Elmwood Park Police Chief Frank Fagiano

How did you first get into police work?I started my career as an auxiliary police officer in Elmwood Park in 1990. My father was a Chicago police officer, and for as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a police officer too. In 1992, I took the police eligibility test and became a sworn officer. It was one of my proudest moments. Policing in the ‘90s was much different; today’s sophisticated technology allows officers to stay in touch with crime patterns and helps in solving crimes.

What’s one of your favorite parts of being a police officer? There’s truly no better job than being a police officer; you interact with so many different people in so many different ways. It’s really challenging every day because every day is different and every situation is different. There is no “typical” request for service.

What other work have you done with the police department? On November 5, 1999, I was promoted to sergeant of the Detective Division. During that time, I solved many crimes and learned to rely on networking with other agencies to evaluate crime patterns similar to ours. Many of those relationships I made continue to benefit Elmwood Park today. In May of 2002, I was promoted to watch commander. I expanded my ability to connect with our residents and to listen to their concerns. This relationship with the community helped me to direct police officers strategically – allowing each one of them to quickly address issues impacting the neighborhood. My officers rely on feedback from the community still – and this helps us to keep Elmwood Park safe.

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How did you work your way up to police chief?

In May 2008, I was appointed to deputy chief of police. It was at this point in my career that I felt the transition from the Patrol Division to the Administrative Division of policing was right. I began to work more closely with police commanders to further unify the police department with our residents.

On May 16, 2011, I was appointed to police chief. This position allows me to continue to work directly with our residents and business leaders, but also alongside the mayor and Village Board. As chief, I am able to develop and implement strategies to help keep Elmwood Park safe. We use technology each day – like cameras and data analytics – to both prevent crime and solve it when it happens.

Our officers maintain a 24-hour/day presence throughout our community and as the chief, I remain very visible and involved in leading day-to-day operations. My officers look to me for support and leadership, which I provide by working beside them each and every day. It is my goal to treat residents fairly and to make them feel secure in our community. We are proud to have the finest police officers protecting our residents and serving them with pride and integrity. We face many challenges each day, but the men and women of the police department are highly trained to meet those challenges. I am honored to stand each day beside our officers, serving my neighbors – the people of Elmwood Park.

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