ComEd has agreed to provide $40,000 in funding for a high-speed notification system initially to serve persons in the Barrie Park area, but to be later expanded to benefit the entire community. Sometimes described as "reverse 911," the notification system will allow simultaneous notification of residents through standard telephone lines, cell phones, email and faxes. Calls can be directed to special teams and crews, specific groups of residents or a specific geographic area of the Village. The system could be used to notify residents of mosquito abatement efforts, missing persons or emergency situations. A detailed description of the system is available at www.dccusa.com. For more information, call the Department of Public Health at 358.5480 or email health@oak-park.us.

West Nile Virus forum
The Oak Park Board of Health, in conjunction with the citizen Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee, will host a community forum on the West Nile Virus at 7:30 p.m., Wed., April 23, in Council Chambers at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Speakers will offer tips on reducing the mosquito population and avoiding infection. For more information, call 358.5490.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers sought
Volunteers are needed to assist the Health Department form a local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) to prepare for the possibility of a public health emergency. Responsibilities of volunteers will include logistical planning, records keeping and assisting in public health awareness campaigns. The Oak Park Health Department was one of only 42 community-based organizations awarded a grant to begin building a local MRC unit. To learn more call 358.5490.

Immunization clinic
Immunization services are available from 3 - 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Health Department Clinic, 320 Lake St. The next immunizations clinic will be April 9. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 18. No appointment is necessary. For more information call 358.5491.

Animal licenses due
May 1 is the deadline for all dogs and outdoor cats to display their 2003 animal licenses. The license fee is $7 for a neutered/spayed animal and $10 for any non-spayed/non-neutered animal. Proof of a current rabies inoculation and spaying/ neutering is required for licensing. For more information call 358.5679 or visit Animal Control in Village Hall, 123 Madison St.

Public Health Week
Individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the community's health will be honored during National Public Health Week, April 7 - 13. Among the activities will be a Village Hall display of artwork promoting the theme "Getting in Shape for the Future" and a "Quick & Healthy Recipe" promotion to gather and share recipes that are colorful, lower in fat or higher in fiber. For details, call 358.5487.

Keep rodents in check Help keep rodents in check by reporting sightings, exposed garbage, unapproved refuse storage or structural defects in buildings that might be conducive to rats. Working with citizen volunteers in the Rodent Control Coalition, the Health Department assesses sightings and conditions, develops educational campaigns and utilizes integrated pest management techniques to keep rodents in check. For more information call 358.5480.

Smoking cessation support group
A support group for smokers who have recently quit is held from 7 - 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The group shares tips on sticking to the resolve to quit and new ideas on coping with the urge to smoke. Call 358.5484.