News You Can Use
Vehicle stickers...Vehicles in Oak Park must display a valid Village
vehicle sticker, which must be renewed annually by June 30. The
regular cost of an annual vehicle sticker is $45 ($35 for
residents 65 and older or the disabled). This fee increases $5
on the second day of each month starting on July 2. Late fees
also are assessed. The vehicle sticker fee for individuals who
move to the Village or residents who purchase new vehicles
after Dec. 31 is one-half of the annual license fees.
Applicants for reduced fees must submit satisfactory evidence
of being a new resident or having purchased a new vehicle after
Dec. 31. Stickers are available through the Office of the
Village Clerk at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Call 358.5670 or
email clerk@oak-park.us.
Day in Our Village...The deadline for reserving a space in the annual
Day in Our Village community information sharing gathering is
April 15. Oak Park civic, cultural or business organizations
that wish to participate should call 358.5409 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us and request an
application packet. This year's event is scheduled for
Sun., June 6, in Scoville Park, Lake Street and Oak Park
Avenue.
Holiday closing...Village Hall will be closed on President's Day,
Mon., Feb. 16. Regular Village Hall hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on most
Mondays. Call 358.5670 or email clerk@oak-park.us.
Crime Tip Hot Line...Citizens are urged to report any suspicious
activity to the Police Department's Crime Tip Hot Line at
386.0740. All callers will remain anonymous. In an emergency,
always call 9-1-1.
Become a cable access producer...Residents and employees of non-profit
organizations based in Oak Park can become qualified users of
public access television simply by taking the regularly
scheduled classes offered by the cable company at 820 Madison
St. In addition, community events sponsored by local
organizations can be listed on the bulletin board message
system that scrolls whenever there is no programming. The cable
provider must provide portable cameras, an editing suite and a
public access studio in the Village. Cable subscription is not
required to take advantage of this free service. Channel 19 is
reserved entirely for use by the public. For more information
call 383.2678.
Childcare center information...The Village maintains current information on
licensed childcare centers in Oak Park. To obtain a list of
centers, call 358.5491 or email health@oak-park.us. To learn more about
licensing requirements, call 358.5670 or email clerk@oak-park.us.
Stop solicitors...To prevent door-to-door solicitors from knocking on
your door, obtain a "No Soliciting" sticker to
place on or near your front door. For more information, call
358.5670 or email clerk@oak-park.us.
Saving parking spaces illegal...Saving a parking space by placing items such as
furniture in the street after a snowfall makes it difficult for
crews to plow. Items found in the street will be removed. For
more information call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.
Spot handicapped violations...Volunteers are needed to write citations for
improper use of disabled parking spaces. If you are interested
call 386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.
Caregivers education series...Oak Park Township will host an educational series
designed to provide caregivers with the tools needed to take
care of themselves while taking care of a loved one with a
chronic illness. The six, two-and-one-half-hour sessions will
be held from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., every Tuesday,
beginning Feb. 3. Two experienced class leaders will conduct
each session, which will entail interactive lessons,
discussions and brainstorming to help caregivers reduce stress,
improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings,
balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough
decisions and locate helpful resources. For more
information call 383.8060 or email dferdinand@oakparktownship.org.
New CTA fare card...A new electronic fare
card that can be managed through an online account is now
available for CTA riders. Value can be added to a card
automatically by charging a credit card for a predetermined
amount each time the balance falls to $10. The card is free if
purchased by March 31, but will then be $5. For more
information call 1.888.968.7282 or visit www.chicago-card.com.
Carbon monoxide check...The Fire Department will check the level of this
lethal, odorless gas in your home or apartment upon request.
Call 445.3300 or email fire@oak-park.us for more
information.
Visitors Bureau calendar...To keep up to date
about community events visit www.visitoakpark.com. A free visitor guide
also is available at 158 N. Forest Ave. For more information
call 524.7800 or email info@visitoakpark.com.