The annual fall leaf collection program is
underway. Six pickups are planned for each section of the
Village. Residents should rake their leaves into the street at
least 18 inches from the curb the day before the scheduled
pickup dates indicated on the map. Residents who miss a
scheduled pickup date should keep their leaves on the parkway
until the night before the next scheduled pickup. Please follow
these simple rules:
•Leaves
only -- no brush, grass clippings or yard waste.
• Do not
park on or near a pile of leaves, which can hinder leaf removal
and pose a fire hazard.
• Rake
leaves onto side streets, avoiding major thoroughfares.
• Do not
rake leaves into or close to cul de sacs or traffic diverters,
which could interfere with collection equipment.
• Keep
catch basins clear of raked leaves to avoid flooding.
• Inform
landscape service of collection schedule.
• Obey all
parking restrictions -- regulations will be strictly
enforced.
• Dampen
piles after raking to avoid windblown leaves.
• Consider
composting or using leaves as garden mulch.
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers sought
Volunteers are being recruited to form a
local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) to prepare and respond in the
event of a public health emergency. Responsibilities of
volunteers will include logistical planning, records keeping
and assisting in public health and 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 358.5488.
Pets available for adoption
Animal Control has cats and dogs available
for adoption. Animals are shown by appointment only at the
Hanover Wellness Center, 7211 Franklin St., in Forest Park.
Anyone wishing to adopt an animal must complete an application
and pay a fee that varies depending on the animal. All pets
eligible for adoption have been spayed or neutered and have
been given all inoculations including rabies, distemper,
heartworm for dogs and FIV for cats. To schedule a
get-acquainted visit call 358.5679, 358.5680 or 366.5670. Pets
may be viewed at www.oak-park.us -- click on
Departments, then Pubic Health.
Affordable Health Insurance
The Oak Park Health Department is enrolling
adults and children in low- or no-cost health care plans.
Participants must meet financial eligibility guidelines. To
learn more about these program call 358.5484.
Dentists needed
Dentists are needed to treat low-income residents
at a reduced cost. The Oak Park Oral Health Referral Program
matches financially eligible residents with volunteer
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 wish to treat. The program offers lab procedures at
reduced cost through a nonprofit dental lab. For more
information call 358.5484.
Smoke-free restaurants listed
The Health Department has compiled in a
handy wallet-sized card a list of Oak Park restaurants
that are 100 percent smoke-free. To receive a card, call 358.5487.
More than two-thirds of local eating establishments are on
the list.
Help for new mothers
The Health Department offers a variety of
services for pregnant women and new mothers including
assistance finding a doctor, free pregnancy testing, referrals
to pre-natal and parenting classes and insurance programs. For
more information call 358.5428.
