Community: Skokie program aims to unite diverse neighbors

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Updated: April 25, 2011 6:08AM

No community encourages getting one to know their neighbor more than Skokie.

Maybe that's because Skokie has become a melting pot for residents with diverse backgrounds. Around 100 different languages are spoken in Skokie homes, and the village continues to celebrate its diversity in a variety of ways.

One of the more recent ways is through its Know Your Neighbor, Know Your Community program, which marks its third event next month.

Running from May 2 through June 30, Know Your Neighbor, Know Your Community asks residents to host coffees where they can get to know those they live close to much better.

"Help build a strong, caring community by opening your home for a neighborhood coffee," the village encourages.

The program began as one of several village-sponsored activities or events funded through a $50,000 grant from The Chicago Community Trust. The fund was awarded to Skokie so it could implement programs for immigrants, part of the Trust's $1.5 million immigrant integration initiative.

The village also used the grant to sponsor an International Citizen's Police Academy and a leadership academy among several other activities.

Even though the grant ended last year, village officials recognized the benefits of Know Your Neighbor, Know Your Community and maintained the program with some tweaks.

All registered hosts still receive a kit that includes invitations, maps of Skokie and the world, name tags, conversation starters and a coupon redeemable for a free coffee cake (Kosher or traditional) to serve at their coffee.

At the village's first two events, held in October 2008 and May 2010, more than 100 resident hosts opened their homes to thousands of their Skokie neighbors and friends, officials said.

This year, Mayor George Van Dusen, Village Clerk Marlene Williams and Trustees Michele Bromberg, Michael Lorge, Don Perille, Randy Roberts, Pramod Shah and Edie Sue Sutker, along with one of the village's senior management team members, will also attend coffees that are scheduled for Tuesday or Thursday nights or Sunday afternoon.

When hosts register with the village, they can decide if they would like village officials to attend their coffee event for an hour or so to meet residents and answer questions about Skokie.

This year's Know Your Neighbor, Know Your Community will also kick off with a community potluck meal from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 1 at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

A wrap-up thank you coffee for all hosts is set for 7 p.m. July 11 at Skokie's state-of-the-art new police complex, 7300 Niles Center Road.

It's no coincidence that the event overlaps with Skokie's Festival Cultures, the village's well-known spring celebration of ethnic diversity. The 21st annual Festival of Cultures is scheduled for May 21 and May 22 in Oakton Park.

To register as a host for a Know Your Neighbor, Know Your Community coffee, email info@skokie.org or call the village manager's Office at (847) 933-8257.

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