Village Hall has gone on the road to discuss service delivery with residents in weekly neighborhood gatherings in each of the community's eight elementary schools. The Village Manager, department directors, police and fire chiefs, and senior staff are on hand at each gathering to talk one-on-one with residents. They are answering questions, providing information on Village programs and taking requests for a closer look at any specific concerns individuals may have about municipal services in their neighborhoods. The goal of neighborhood gatherings, which began in February, is to go out into each section of the community and create awareness of Village services and address whatever specific service delivery issues are of greatest concern to the residents who live there. The purpose of the neighborhood gatherings is not to talk about policies and regulations, which can only be addressed by the Village Board, but to discuss how policies are implemented through the municipal services provided for and managed by Village staff. The gatherings are set up like an open house, with each Village department manning an informational table. Residents can stroll among each department's display, collecting literature, asking questions or simply chatting with key Village staff. Letters of invitation are mailed to residents in the neighborhoods within the boundaries of each of the schools prior to the gatherings. Reminders also are being advertised in the local newspapers, on the Village website www.vil.oak-park.il.us, and on VOP-TV channel 6, the Village's cable television station. For more information, call 358.5770 or email village@vil.oak-park.il.us.

Meeting Schedule
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

• Wed., March 6 Irving, 1125 S. Cuyler
• Wed., March 13 Beye, 230 N. Cuyler
• Thurs., March 21 Mann, 921 N. Kenilworth
• Wed., April 3 Longfellow, 715 S. Highland
• Wed., April 10 Holmes, 508 N. Kenilworth
• Wed., April 17 Whittier, 715 N. Harvey

Residents who have a commitment to racial and other forms of diversity, and who understand that diversity requires proactive efforts, are invited to serve on the Exchange Congress board, a 15-member body of citizen volunteers. In addition to helping organize periodic regional and national conferences, the Exchange Congress plans to provide technical assistance to other communities, including generating news stories on policies that support diversity, and sponsoring research and public forums. The call for new board members is part of a reorganization of the Oak Park Exchange Congress currently underway. Oak Park Exchange Congress members will be involved in a conference of diverse communities being organized for the fall of 2002 in the Cleveland area sponsored by the Philadelphia-based Fund for an Open Society, and The Cuyahoga Plan, headquartered in Cleveland. The Oak Park Exchange Congress was launched in 1977 in response to inquiries from around the country about the Village's success with racial diversity. Organized as an annual national conference to explore programs related to various aspects of community life, the Congress was created to support stable racial diversity and economic development. The conference alternately took place in Oak Park and in other diverse communities around the country. Over the years, more than 150 communities have participated. The last national conference was in 1994, but regional conferences have been held, including a Chicago regional conference in Oak Park last year. To volunteer or for more information, 358.5400 or email comsvcs@vil.oak-park.il.us.

Free "Rock The Block!" Health Fair Set
Healthy Oak Park (HOP) will hold a free health fair from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wed., March 20, in the South Cafeteria of Oak Park & River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville. The fair will feature information and demonstrations on massage, hospice care, martial arts, bicycle helmet fittings and foot care. A full range of free health screenings also will be offered. The health fair is a kick off to Healthy Oak Park's "Rock the Block" campaign, a walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, scootering, any activity club where children, neighbors, friends and co-workers join in an active endeavor. Residents can sign-up for "Rock the Block" at the health fair for $10, which includes a t-shirt and a water bottle. For more information call 358.5488.

Kick the Smoking Habit
The American Lung Association will hold a smoking cessation program "Freedom From Smoking" at 7 p.m., April 9 through May 14 at Village Hall. This six-week, seven-session program will offer stress management techniques and coping skills to remain smoke free for life. The $30 fee will cover the cost of educational materials. A free informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m., March 12. Call 358.5484 for details.

Art and Public Health
Artists are invited to participate in an art exhibit to be held at Village Hall during National Public Health Week, April 1-7. Artwork can be any medium and should be framed or shrink-wrapped and include a short statement on how the work expresses the theme of "Coming Together for Public Health." For more information call 358.5484.

Nominations Sought for Public Health
Week
Nominations for "Contributions in Public Health" for National Public Health Week 2002 are needed by March 22. If you would like to acknowledge a person who exemplifies public health excellence in education, community service, faith-based public health, medicine or environmental health, call 358.5484.

Immunize Now
Immunizations required for pre-school and school age children are available at no charge for residents from 9 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month at the Department of Public Health Clinic, 320 Lake Street. The next clinic will be held on March 16. A parent or guardian must accompany children under age 18. Appointments are not required. Call 358.5486 for information about immunization requirements.