HomeMy WebLinkAboutVol. 47, No. 5 - September/October 2025Harvest Fest Back Sept. 20 for a Day Full of Fun
Downtown Deerfield will be buzzing with food, music, cars and
community on Saturday, September 20!
Start the day at the Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring
fresh produce, live music, and the popular touch-a-truck event. In the
afternoon, from 2:30 to 5 p.m., enjoy the Cruise into Harvest Fest car
show brought to you in partnership with the Deerfield Lions Club. The
event will showcase vintage, classic and unique modern vehicles. During
the car show, enjoy live music by local bands Roger That from 3 to 4 p.m.
and Delta Pines from 4 to 5 p.m.
From 5 to 10 p.m. Harvest Fest offers 13 food vendors, a beer and wine tent, a bags
tournament hosted by the Deerfield Park District and live music all evening. Catch
Blooze Brothers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles from 8 to 10 p.m. Parking is
available at the Downtown Deerfield Metra Lot and the Lindemann Lot.
Thank you to Platinum Sponsors Alpha Graphics, PVOLVE, K9 Resorts and Fortune
Brands Innovations.
For more information, including how to win free apple cider donuts for pedaling your bike to
Harvest Fest, please visit deerfield.il.us/harvestfest
D-Tales
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 VOLUME 47, NO. 5
INSIDE
Village News 2
Mayor’s Message 3
Board Report 3
Public Works Updates 4
Police Department News 5
Our Community 6
Meeting Schedule 8
9th
Harvest Fest
13
Food Trucks
1,000+
Attendees
2nd
Cruise into Harvest Fest car
show
2
Healthy Lifestyles Expo October 11
Explore local resources, services and activities that support
a healthier lifestyle for all ages! Join the DBR Chamber of
Commerce at the Patty Turner Center on Saturday, October
11, from 9 a.m. to noon, for a morning dedicated to promoting
health and wellness.
This free community event brings together local health, wellness
and lifestyle experts to help you and your family live your best life.
Discover exhibitors offering fitness, nutrition, medical care,
mental health support, safety tips and more. Enjoy interactive
demonstrations, health screenings and family-friendly activities
designed to engage all ages. Whether you’re looking for new
workout ideas, healthy eating tips or ways to improve your overall
well-being, you’ll find plenty of resources and inspiration.
This is also a great opportunity to connect with community
organizations, meet local business owners and learn about services
available in the Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods area.
Village News
Sustainability Commission Presents: Healthy
Hedges and Buckthorn Removal
Learn how to remove invasive buckthorn and replace it with
beautiful, eco-friendly native plants.
Want to make your yard healthier and more beautiful? Join the
Village of Deerfield Sustainability Commission at the Deerfield
Public Library for an informative presentation on Saturday,
October 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. by Lake County Forest Preserves
experts Matt Ueltzen, Manager of Restoration Ecology, and Brett
Peto, Environmental Communications Specialist.
Learn practical techniques for removing invasive buckthorn and
discover native plants you can use instead to boost biodiversity,
support pollinators, and create a more resilient landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you’ll
leave with tools and inspiration to improve your own outdoor
space while helping the environment.
SPECIAL WATER SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
The Village is required to monitor your drinking water for specific
contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring
are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets
health standards. As part of the 2025 water system testing, the
Village is providing public notice of violation for not collecting
TTHM and HAA5 samples within the newly set timeline. The col-
lection due date was January 19, 2025. However, due to January
19, 2025, being a Sunday and January 20, 2025, being a federal
holiday, samples were collected and sent to the lab on the next
business day on January 21, 2025. Samples were tested and were
within parameters set forth by the IEPA and the Village remains
in compliance. In the future, the Village will work to meet all
testing windows. Therefore, due to this two-day delay during
January 12 – January 19, it was established by the Illinois EPA
that we did not complete all monitoring or testing for TTHM and
HAA5 contaminants, and therefore cannot be sure of the quality
of your drinking water during that time.
2
SAVE THE DATE: FIELD OF HONOR NOVEMBER 7-11
D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 3
For complete sets of minutes for Village Board meetings or
to watch meetings on demand, please visit deerfield.il.us.
VILLAGE BOARD ACTION
Approved an ordinance implementing a municipal grocery retailers’
occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax
Approved an ordinance amending chapter 3 of the municipal code of
the Village of Deerfield of 1975 to increase the number of class E liquor
licenses to ten for FH Restaurant Inc. (Field House)
Approved a resolution approving a building and construction fee
exemption and rebate agreement with Fortune Brands Innovations Inc.
Approved a resolution waiving competitive bidding and approving an
Mayor’s Message
Board Report
agreement with Veregy Central LLC for the purchase and installation of a
solar array
Approved a resolution authorizing a grant to the Lake County
Convention and Visitor Bureau
Approved a resolution authorizing a grant to the Chamber of Commerce
of Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods
Approved an ordinance authorizing an amendment to a sign plan
including necessary exceptions – Amgen and Fortune Brands
Approved a resolution approving a revised native planting license
agreement with the Regional Transport Authority (Metra)
Approved a resolution to award the contract for native vegetation
maintenance and restoration along Waukegan Road
As summer winds down and we start to usher in another
school year, I want to take a moment to speak to the families,
the students, the teachers, the drivers and the residents who
make this community a truly special place to call home.
Heading back to school brings a mix of emotions. Some are
excited, eager to see friends and their favorite teachers. Others
may be nervous, starting something new, entering a new grade,
maybe even a new school. And for the parents? Well, I know it’s a
lot. Packing lunches, catching the bus, making sure everyone has
the right supplies, the right clothes and that first-day-of-school
photo ready to go.
But this season, while full of anticipation, also calls for awareness,
responsibility and a shared commitment to safety. Deerfield is
growing and with that growth comes change, development and
construction that commuters should familiarize themselves with.
Right now, there are significant projects underway across our
village. On Wilmot Road and just north of Lake Cook Road,
Pulte Homes is in the process of building 42 new single-family
homes. These are homes that will welcome new families and new
neighbors. Down the road, also on Lake Cook Road, we’re making
room for our seniors, those who have spent their lives working
hard, raising families and contributing to the fabric of our society.
The new senior living facility is far more than just a building. It’s a
promise. A promise that we value every chapter of life, and that we
are committed to dignity, to care, and to inclusion for all.
Also, six office buildings along Lake Cook Road are in the process
of being demolished. In demolition, there lies the opportunity
for renewal, for revitalization and for a stronger, more vibrant
Deerfield.
Hazel Avenue is now undergoing a full reconstruction. It’s a project
we’ve planned with great care and it’s one we’ll carry out with
meticulous attention to detail to get it done right.
With change comes challenges, and as our students board those
buses, as they walk to
school or ride their bikes
across town, it is on all of
us — every driver, every
contractor and every
pedestrian — to be vigilant,
to be cautious and to be
patient. Nothing is more
important than the safety
of our children. With that
in mind, I’m asking each of
you to put down the phone,
slow down, pay attention, follow posted signs and detours and obey
speed limits, especially in school zones. And when you see a school
bus with its arm out — stop! Take that extra moment, because that
pause could save a life.
I also want to recognize our Public Works Department, our Police
and Fire Departments, and all those who are working tirelessly
to coordinate these projects while protecting our residents. Their
dedication is unmatched, and their service is a testament to what
government, at its best, is capable of.
Now, I know we live in busy times. But in Deerfield, we take the time
to do things with intention. We plan, prepare and move forward,
together. So, as we begin this new school year, let us renew our
commitment to our kids, embrace growth while prioritizing safety
and recognize that progress is not just about the construction of
new roads and buildings, but about people — the people who drive
on them, walk past them and live beside them.
Thank you, may your families be safe, may our students thrive, and
may we continue building a community we’re proud to call home.
Thank you,
Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro
4
Public Works Updates
Leaf Collection Starts October 27
The Village’s annual leaf collection program provides residents with an
alternate way to dispose of their leaves. Residents who do not mulch
or bag their leaves may rake them to the curb or carriage walk edge
the night before their scheduled pickup.
Beginning the week of October 27 and continuing through November
26, Public Works Department crews will make one pass by each house
in the Village every week during the five-week program.
See the following guidelines and reminders for leaf pickup:
• Rake leaves into piles no greater than five feet in width.
• Do not rake leaves into the streets, sidewalks or carriage walks.
• Do not put out leaves more than one day prior to pickup day.
• Do not park on the street the day of your pickup.
• Do not rake grass clippings, sticks, rocks, branches or mud to the
curb with your leaves.
• Inclement weather may delay pickups, but crews will make at least
five trips through each neighborhood.
• Any leaves remaining after the program has ended can be placed in
the compost bin through December 15 for collection.
PUBLIC WORKS
BY THE NUMBERS
7,422 cubic
yards
of leaves collected
in 2024
8,060 cubic
yards
of leaves collected
in 2023
7,763 cubic
yards
of leaves collected
in 2022
MYTH: I can’t get flood
insurance because I’m not in
a high-risk zone.
Virtually anyone who lives
in or owns property in an
NFIP-participating community
can buy flood insurance for a
residential building, business,
condo, or apartment, and the
contents can be insured as
well.
MYTH: Even if my house
floods, it wouldn’t be much.
There may not be very much
water, but that doesn’t mean
there won’t be much damage.
Only one inch of water in an
average home can cause more
than $25,000 in damage.
MYTH: I don’t need flood
insurance because FEMA
gives disaster assistance.
FEMA can only provide
disaster assistance when the
President issues a disaster
declaration — this happens
for less than half of all floods.
If you need more information
on floods, please visit the
Additional Flood Information
page on the Village website.
Hazel Avenue
Reconstruction
The Hazel Avenue
Reconstruction Project
includes a complete water
main replacement, full
roadway reconstruction
and sidewalk improvements
along Hazel Avenue
between Waukegan Road
and Wilmot Road. Designed
to meet federal funding
requirements, the project
was awarded nearly $5
million in federal funding.
The project is expected
to be completed by
Thanksgiving 2025. In
accordance with state
regulations, some tree
plantings may take place
in spring 2026. To keep
residents up to date, Village
staff are maintaining a
dedicated project blog.
Interested residents are
encouraged to subscribe
via the Village website for
updates.
For more information, contact
Tyler Dickinson, Assistant
Director of Public Works &
Engineering, at 847.719.7463
or tdickinson@deerfield.il.us.
Public Works crews collecting leaves.
Help Burst Those
Flood Insurance
Myths
An important component of
promoting flood insurance
is dispelling the myths that
persist about it. Below
are a few of the most
salient misunderstandings
about flood insurance
and some straightforward
explanations of what is
really true.
MYTH: My homeowner’s
insurance covers flooding.
Almost no homeowner’s
insurance policies cover
flood damage. That is why
the federal government
created the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flood insurance is sold as a
separate policy. To find an
agent, contact the NFIP call
center at 800-427-4661 or
www.FloodSmart.gov.
MYTH: I don’t need flood
insurance because I’m not
in a high-risk zone.
It can flood almost
anywhere, and it doesn’t
take much water to cause
expensive damage. About
a third of all flood disaster
assistance goes to people
outside the high-risk zone.
With a changing climate,
extreme weather events will
be more likely in the future.
Back to School Safety Tips
The Deerfield Police Department wishes
everyone a very happy and safe school year
ahead. Here are some tips to keep drivers and
students safe while we all transition into the new
school year.
For drivers:
• Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing at
crosswalks and intersections
• Never go around a school bus that has its
lights activated and stop arm extended
• Always stop for crossing guards
• Obey posted speed limits
• Watch out for children
For students:
• Never walk or cross the street while distracted
by your electronic device
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Be sure to use designated crosswalks
• Stay alert and be vigilant
• Adopt a safe route home and walk with others
Lock – Take – Hide
Deerfield Police along with surrounding
communities regularly respond to reports from
residents who wake up to discover their cars were
rummaged through and personal items were
taken overnight — or worse, the car was stolen. In
most cases, these incidents involve vehicles that
were left unlocked.
Please remember to always:
• LOCK your vehicle and take your keys. Even in
your driveway and even during the day. It’s
easy to forget to lock up in the evening, so
make sure your car is locked at all times.
• TAKE your valuables out of the car. Laptops,
headphones, purses and shoes are valuable
and lightweight, making them easy for
criminals to steal.
• HIDE your belongings. If you must leave items
in your locked car, make sure they are in the
trunk or out of view from the window to avoid
a “smash and grab.”
Multiple burglaries can happen in just minutes.
Criminals will approach a group of vehicles and
pull on door handles looking for unlocked doors
before quickly moving on to the next car. Be
smart and stay safe. If you see any suspicious
behavior, do not approach a potential criminal,
instead dial 9-1-1.
Pink Patch Patrol Returns This October
October 1 marks the start of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and the return of the
Deerfield Police Department’s Pink Patch Patrol
fundraiser. The Department is proud to once
again partner with the Cancer Wellness Center
of Northbrook — an organization chosen by
officers for the meaningful and lasting impact
it has on those affected by cancer. The Cancer
Wellness Center provides free counseling,
support groups, health and nutrition programs,
and many other essential services to individuals
and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.
To show their support, officers and civilian staff
will wear uniforms featuring pink shoulder
patches throughout the month. You can join
them in supporting this cause. With a minimum
donation of $10, you’ll receive your very own
limited-edition Deerfield Police Pink Patch.
Deerfield Social Services
The Deerfield Police Department has two full-
time social workers to provide residents with
a wide range of resources, regardless of the
nature or severity of their struggles. Whether an
individual is struggling with a personal crisis or
seeking assistance in navigating the complexities
of daily life, Village social workers are available
to assist. Social Services offer crisis intervention
services including short-term, solution-focused
counseling and referrals to community
resources for those in need. You can reach the
Social Services Department at 847.945.3120.
Police Department News
In 2024, Deerfield
Police employees
completed 9,442
training hours.
2,183 hours
Police Officer Ongoing
Training
1,164 hours
Supervisor Training
453 hours
Civilian Training
700 hours
Firearms Training
4,756 hours
New Officer Training
(Basic Academy/Field
Training)
186 hours
Other/Misc. Training
D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 5
6
Our Community
6
approximately 20% of the
Water Reclamation Facility’s
annual electricity needs
with clean, renewable
power. The total project
cost is $2,248,297 with a
net project cost of $642,306
after incentives. This equates
to an 11-year return on
investment and a 20-year
net positive cash flow of
$1,101,678.
Construction is expected to
begin in September and be
completed by the end of the
year.
The Village selected
Veregy LLC as its project
partner under a 20-year
performance contract. This
model provides guaranteed
solar production levels,
revenue assurances, and
ongoing system monitoring
and maintenance. If
production falls short, Veregy
is contractually obligated
to cover the difference,
significantly reducing financial
risk for the Village.
By investing in renewable
energy infrastructure, the
Village is not only making a
fiscally responsible decision
but also demonstrating
leadership in sustainability.
The solar array will play
a critical role in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions,
lowering operating costs, and
moving Deerfield closer to the
vision laid out in the Climate
Action Report.
THE GREEN LINE
Join the Deerfield Energy
Saver Sweepstakes
The Village of Deerfield’s
Sustainability Commission
is pleased to announce
the launch of the Deerfield
Energy Saver Sweepstakes
to encourage residents to
save money on their ComEd
bills while also helping the
environment.
Not only will participants save
an average of $377 per year in
electricity costs, but they will
also have a chance to win fun,
local prizes including a $100
gift card to a local restaurant
just for taking part in this no-
cost program. To participate,
households need to sign up for
a free ComEd Energy Efficiency
Program home assessment
and submit their assessment
confirmation to sweepstakes@
deerfield.il.us to be entered
into the drawing.
With a free, in-home or virtual
ComEd Energy Efficiency
Program assessment, certified
professionals will install
energy-saving items like
LED bulbs, energy-efficient
shower heads, programmable
thermostats, pipe insulation
and a personalized energy
savings report tailored to your
home — all for free. It’s simple
and already paid for through
your ComEd bill.
Scan the QR code to sign up
today.
WRF Going Solar
Solar Array on Its Way
The Village is moving
forward with the installation
of a new ground-mounted
solar array behind the
Water Reclamation Facility,
marking an important
milestone in advancing the
goals of the Village’s Climate
Action Report. Adopted by
the Village Board in 2022,
the Climate Action Report
sets ambitious targets to
reduce emissions by 45%
by 2030 and achieve carbon
neutrality by 2050. Among
its objectives are converting
100% of electricity to
renewable sources by 2030.
The new 574 kW solar
system will directly support
these goals by supplying
Rendering of new solar array at Water Reclamation Facility.
6
District 109 Explores Possible Referendum
Deerfield Public School District 109 is exploring
a long-term plan to address aging school
facilities. After convening a representative
Referendum Task Force to review needs
and provide input, the Board of Education is
considering placing a capital referendum on
the March 2026 ballot.
Awareness of the issues and your input on the plan is essential.
The District 109 School Board will not make a decision without
extensive community input.
Community members are invited to learn more about the
proposed plan, view building challenges and renderings, and
share feedback at upcoming information sessions and online.
Visit www.dps109.org/redefine for information, and a schedule of
information sessions held throughout the fall.
The Deerfield Fine Arts
Commission welcomed
the community to an open
house on Wednesday,
August 13, at the Deerfield
Public Library to showcase
the pieces selected for the
ninth year of the Village’s
Public Art Program. Guests
enjoyed light refreshments
while meeting the artists and
learning more about their
creative processes during a
new “Meet the Artist” forum.
This year’s featured artists
include Tracy Jones, John
Calderon, Diane Paserba,
Janet Poppe, Leslie Outten,
Charlotte Kaplan, Alexis
Brandenburg, Matt Plofsky,
Linda Trytek, Sharon Straus
D-TALES DEERFIELD.IL.US 7
and Karen Grage. Their
works, chosen through a
competitive jury process,
will be on display at public
buildings throughout
Deerfield for one year,
providing residents with new
opportunities to experience
and enjoy local art during
visits to Village facilities.
Residents are encouraged to
take a moment to discover
these unique works of art
the next time they visit a
public building and see the
incredible talent within our
community.
For more information about
the Public Art Program,
contact the Village Manager’s
Office at 847.719.7400.
Celebrate Local Creativity: Deerfield Fine Arts Commission Presents 2025 Public Art Program
Deerfield Area Historical Society Events
The Deerfield Historic Village is open every Sunday from 2 to 4
p.m. through September.
Everything Bee Day
Sunday, September 14, 2 to 4 p.m.
Beekeeper demonstrations, local honey and fun for all.
Scout Fun for Everyone
Sunday, September 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Wall climbing, monkey bridge, s’mores and classic scouting
activities.
Resident and artist John Calderon presents his piece “Get Movin Cowboy!”
Resident and artist Leslie Outten discusses her piece “S.D. 109.””
850 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
847.945.5000 I deerfield.il.us
PRESORTED
STANDARD U.S.
POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 1
DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS
VILLAGE OFFICIALS
Mayor
Daniel C. Shapiro
847.719.7402
dshapiro@deerfield.il.us
Trustees
Robert “Bob” L. Benton
847.945.1570
rbenton@deerfield.il.us
Larry Berg
847.719.7422
lberg@deerfield.il.us
Jennifer Goldstone
847.719.7424
jgoldstone@deerfield.il.us
Jesse Greenberg
847.719.7421
jgreenberg@deerfield.il.us
Elaine Jacoby
847.644.3354
ejacoby@deerfield.il.us
Mary M. Oppenheim
847.948.9423
moppenheim@deerfield.il.us
Village Manager
Kent S. Street - 847.719.7400
kstreet@deerfield.il.us
Village Hall/Police Department
850 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
Switchboard and Finance
847.945.5000
Community Development
847.719.7484
Police non-emergency
847.945.8636
Public Works and Engineering
465 Elm Street
847.317.7245
847.317.2490 (Engineering)
MEETING SCHEDULE
For a complete list of
meetings, please visit
deerfield.il.us. Times/dates
subject to change.
September
Board of Trustees
Sept. 2 & 15, 7:30 p.m.
Community Relations Commission
Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Plan Commission
Sept. 11 & 25, 7:30 p.m.
Appearance Review Commission
Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.
October
Board of Trustees
Oct. 6 & 20, 7:30 p.m.
Plan Commission
Oct. 9 & 23, 7:30 p.m.
Community Relations Commission
Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Appearance Review Commission
Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Postal Customer
Deerfield, Illinois 60015