News You Can Use
Weatherproof bike lockers available...
Fully enclosed, weatherproof bike
lockers located at the CTA/Union Pacific station near the
downtown mall are available for an annual fee of $75 and
a refundable key deposit of $25. Call 358.5726 or email bikelocker@oak-park.us.
Energy bill assistance...Residents in need of help paying energy bills may
qualify for financial assistance through the Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program. Priority enrollment for seniors and
individuals with disabilities runs through Oct. 31, after
which the program opens to all other eligible persons. Call
1.800.252.8643 or 1.800.785.6055 (TTY).
Tire recycling...The West Cook County Solid Waste Agency (WCCSWA)
and the Village of Schiller Park will host a tire recycling
event from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sat., Oct 11, at the Schiller
Park Community Center, 4501 N. 25th Ave. All tires must be
off-rim. Call 708.450.0100.
Centennial keepsakes...A limited number of banners flown in celebration
of the 100th birthday of the Village are on sale for $10 each
at the cashier's office in Village Hall, 123 Madison St.
The banners, which measure about five feet by 19 inches,
feature a turn-of-the century picture of the streetscape of
what is now the Marion Street pedestrian mall. For more
information call 358.5770 or email village@oak-park.us.
Parking office extends hours...The Parking Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to
7:30 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 27 for permit renewals. For more
information call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.
Tree plantings to begin...Diseased parkway trees removed during the 2003 growing
season will be replaced beginning in early November.
Approximately 160 trees will be planted. Species include Autumn
Blaze Maple, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Fall Festival
White Ash and two DED-resistant Elms, Accolade and Pioneer.
Residents are urged to water the newly planted trees throughout
the fall until all leaves are off. Call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.
Addresses checked...The Oak Park Police Explorers will canvas streets and
alleys in October to check all buildings for compliance with
Village code that requires addresses be clearly visible from
the street, which assists emergency services response. Owners
who do not have their addresses marked will be notified of the
violation. Call 358.5546 or email police@oak-park.us.
Yardwaste collections continue... Appropriately packaged or bundled yardwaste will
be collected on the regular trash collection day through
December 1. Yardwaste must be contained in paper bags or rigid
containers up to 32 gallons each or 50 pounds. Brush must be in
bundles no larger than two feet in diameter and four feet long.
Each container or bundle must have a green yardwaste sticker
affixed. Stickers are $1.80 and are available at Village Hall,
123 Madison St., and at various local merchants. Yardwaste will
be collected during the winter by appointment only by calling
at 888.656.5350. Call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.
Free cell phones for seniors...A program to provide seniors and other at-risk
residents with free cell phones programmed to only dial 9-1-1
is being expanded. The program began in July when the Police
Department provided phones and chargers to Mills Tower. Since
then additional phones have been given to the Oak Park Arms,
Holley Court Terrace and Sarah's Inn. For more
information call 386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.
Free depression screenings...Family Services and Mental Health Center of Oak
Park and River Forest and the Department of Public Health are
sponsoring free depression screenings from 10 a.m. -
noon, Thurs., Oct 9, at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., and all
day at Family Services, 120 S. Marion St. Call 358.5490 for
more information.