Breaking ground for the new Public Works facility are (from left) Village Manager Carl Swenson, Seven Generations Ahead Executive Director Gary Cuneen, Village Trustee Elizabeth Brady, Village Trustee Ray Johnson, State Senator Don Harmon, Village President David Pope, Village Trustee Martha Brock, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Program Officer Bob Romo, Village Clerk Sandra Sokol and Village Trustee Greg Marsey. The new 150,000-square-foot facility will be the first certified environmentally sustainable municipal public works building in Illinois and likely will become a model for future projects in Oak Park and the region. The building is expected to be completed in Spring 2007. For more information call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us. Project updates also will be posted at www.oak-park.us.

Free women’s wellness program

Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Find out the connection between risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol through the free 12-week wellness Heart Smart for Women program designed to help women develop healthier lifestyles within busy schedules. Orientation and risk assessment including a lipid profile, blood pressure and body mass index is scheduled for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Jan. 4, at Rush Oak Park Hospital, 500 S. Maple Ave. The program begins Jan. 11. Call 358.5484 or email health@oak-park.us.

First-time homebuyer’s seminar set

A free seminar to help prospective first-time homebuyers understand loan programs available in Oak Park is scheduled for 7 – 8:30 p.m., Wed., Jan. 25 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Financial assistance programs will be explained and participants will receive a free packet of helpful information. Pre-registration is required. Call 358.5408 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.

Life-saving CPR/AED classes offered

The Oak Park Fire Department offers life-saving CPR classes in its certified American Heart Association Community Training Center at 100 N. Euclid Ave. CPR courses available through the Fire Department include infant/child CPR, Heartsaver/AED and CPR/AED for health care providers. Course material is presented by an AHA Certified Instructor. Classes are from 6 – 10 p.m. Registration is free for Oak Park residents, but a $10 text book fee payable by check or money order is required. In-person registration at least two weeks prior to the date of the desired course also is required. For more information, call 445.3300 or email fire@oak-park.us.