The Village of
Oak Park has been named a Tree City
U.S.A. for the 20th consecutive year
and received the prestigious Growth Award for the eighth year.
The National Arbor Day Foundation presented the awards in
recognition of the Village's on-going dedication and
professionalism in preserving the urban forest. Only about 500
Tree Cities earned the Growth Award, placing the Village among
what the National Arbor Day Foundation considers the
nation's best managed and executed professional forestry
programs. The Village was recognized for its planning and
management tools, including the proper maintenance and care of
some 20,000 parkway trees, public education efforts and a
comprehensive tree inventory program now underway. Under the
direction of the Forestry Division, last year crews planted 300
new trees, pruned more than 2,500 parkway trees and responded
to more 1,000 pruning requests from residents. For more
information, call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.
Screenings help you Know Your Numbers
Health screening and information for 30 to
50 year olds is available from 9:30 a.m. to noon the second
Saturday of each month in the main branch of the Public
Library, 834 Lake St. The Know Your
Numbers program screenings are
for blood pressure, total cholesterol, non-fasting blood
glucose, high-density lipids (HDL), body mass index, height and
weight. Requiring only about 20 minutes from testing to
results, the procedure involves just a finger stick to obtain a
blood sample. Participants also receive a brief counseling
session with a registered nurse who explains the test results.
Screening fees are $5 for just total cholesterol and glucose,
or $10 for all tests, but persons unable to pay may receive
free screenings. For more information or to make an appointment
call 358.5486.
Stop-smoking groups forming
"Freedom From Smoking," a
six-week program developed by the American Lung Association
will begin April 27. Cost is $20, but is refundable for those
who attend all six sessions. Financial assistance is available.
Call 358.5484 to register and receive orientation materials.
Walkers kick off season
Oak Park Walkers Club will kick-off the
walking season from 9 - 11 a.m., Sat., May 8, at the Oak Park
Public Library, 834 Lake St. A local athletic shoe retailer
will be on hand to offer information on training, shoes,
hydration and safety. The first 30 persons to register for the
"walking challenge" will receive pedometers. For
more information, call 358.5484.
Leash and pick up after pets
All dogs that use any public street,
sidewalk, parkway or public area within the Village must be on
a leash controlled by the owner. Pet owners are also reminded
to be considerate of their neighbors and pick up after their
pets. For more information call 358.5679.
Dentists needed
Volunteer dentists are needed to treat
low-income residents at a reduced cost. The Oak Park Oral
Health Referral Program matches financially eligible residents
with practitioners who agree to accept a pre-determined fee for
services. Referred patients have been pre-screened and have a
treatment plan and x-rays. Practitioners select the patients
they which to treat. The program has reduced lab costs through
a nonprofit dental lab. For more information call 358.5484.