The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that U.S. mortgage applications fell for a fourth straight week, and were down about 1% last week. (The 4-week moving average is down about 3 %.) At least purchases were up 2.4%. As we all know, it doesn’t matter how low mortgage interest rates go – if a potential borrower does not have a job, or thinks the market will continue to soften, they are not going to borrow or buy a home.

A small man is sitting at the bar staring at his drink when a large, trouble-making biker steps up next to him, grabs his drink and gulps it down in one swig.

“Well, whatcha gonna do about it?” he says, menacingly, as the little guy bursts into tears.

“Come on, man,” the biker says, “I didn’t think you’d cry. I can’t stand to see a man crying.”

“This is the worst day of my life,” says the little guy.

“I’m a complete failure. I was late to a meeting with a customer, and my manager fired me. When I went to the car park, I found my car stolen and I don’t have any insurance, I left my wallet in the cab I took home. I found my wife in bed with the  insurance guy and then my dog bit me.

“So I came to this bar to work up the courage to put an end to it all. I buy a drink, drop the capsule in it and while I sit here watching the poison dissolve;  a smart alec like you shows up and drinks the whole darned drink.”

Did you know the first person to lead the Boy Scouts in the Oak Park-River Forest area was also a founder of West Suburban Hospital?  Or that Henry Austin, Jr. and George Hemingway, Ernest’s uncle, helped the local council survive the Depression?

As the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its centennial this year, the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest has partnered with local Scouting members to celebrate the local history of Boy Scouting with a special exhibit that will open Saturday, October 2, 2010 and run through Jan. 15, 2011.

The exhibit includes photos, uniforms, tents, backpacks and other vintage Scout gear, one-of-kind wood carvings, flags and memorabilia that provide a fascinating view into Oak Park and River Forest’s history and the communities’ relationship with a Scouting program that has guided tens of thousands of boys (and girls, too) in the near west suburbs in the values of leadership, teamwork, fair play, and service to the community and nation.  Next year, a portion of the exhibit will also go on tour throughout the near western suburbs.

A flag retirement ceremony will also be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 3 on the grounds of Pleasant Home in Mills Park.  The community is invited to attend and learn the proper way of disposing of an old, tattered American flag.

The Historical Society is located on the second floor of Pleasant Home, 217 Home Avenue in Oak Park.  Guided tours of Pleasant Home and the Historical Society exhibits are offered daily Thursday through Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 or by appointment by calling 708-848-6755.

The Voter Registration Deadline nears!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 is the final day to register to be eligible to vote in the November 2 General Election, including transferring registration information to a new address. Two types of identification are required, at least one with a current address. A driver’s license or picture I.D. is preferred, along with additional identification such as a utility bill.  Oak Park residents may register at the Office of the Village Clerk in Village Hall, 123 Madison St., or at the Oak Park Township Office, 105 S. Oak Park Ave.

Early Voting to be available at Oak Park Village Hall

Village Hall is one of the more than 40 sites in suburban Cook County for residents wishing to vote early for the November 2 General Election. Early voting will be offered at Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park from Oct. 12 – 28. Ballots may be cast from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Early voters do not need to cite a reason for voting early. Early voters early must be registered and present government-issued photo identification, such as an Illinois driver’s license, state identification card or passport. For more information about the election process, contact the Office of the Village Clerk at 708.358.5670 or e-mail clerk@oak-park.us. Information about absentee voting, forms and lists of candidates are available on the Cook County Clerk’s web site – just click here.

Last minute absentee voting at certain sites

In-person absentee voting will be offered from Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 at the Office of the Cook County Clerk, 69 W. Washington St., and five suburban mini-centers. The last day to cast an early ballot at Village Hall will be October 28.

Somethings came in over the weekend…

Drivers want to outlaw cell phone use behind the wheel, survey finds
Even though motorists say they have used their cell phones while driving, most of them still want to make the practice illegal, according to a survey by Chubb Group. “Our survey shows a disconnect between how people view the dangers associated with distracted driving and their own behavior behind the wheel. We’re hopeful that as people continue to become more educated regarding the hazards associated with distracted driving, they’ll be less likely to engage in risky behavior,” said an executive with the firm.

I can foresee some real issues in enforcement on that one…

Update Sept 28, 2010: “The Governors Highway Safety Association decided against calling for a ban on motorists’ use of cell phones behind the wheel, citing enforcement difficulties as their chief concern.”

Federal Credit-Union Regulator to Securitize ‘Legacy Assets’
Quoting the Wall Street Journal “Two years after the peak of the financial crisis, the federal government swooped in to stabilize a crucial part of the credit-union sector battered by losses on subprime mortgages.”

In other words, the Federal Government has just taken over control of Credit Unions throughout the USA.  And I bet you never heard it on the TV or radio… did you?

From the Oak Park Development Corporation about their Commercial Property Rehabilitation & Preservation Program…

The Oak Park Development Corporation continues to partner with the Village of Oak Park to offer grants to those contemplating changes to exterior facades of local commercial buildings.  Commercial Property Rehabilitation & Preservation Program (CPRPP) grants are available for facade improvement, storefront replacement, awnings and/or signs. Normal building repair or maintenance is ineligible.  Tenants or building owners are eligible applicants. Projects may receive grants up to 50% of the first $5,000 in expenses and 25% thereafter, capped at $25,000 per project. Eligible projects are those which you have not yet begun or contracted.

If you are opening a new business or have recently done so, or you are someone who works with folks who might be interested in this program.  Information about the grant program and the two-part application—1) Program Guidelines and 2) Application/Performance Agreement–is available on our website: www.opdc.net.  (Click on “financial assistance programs.”)

OPDC still has grant funds left for 2010, particularly if you are located in Downtown Oak Park, the Avenue, or on Madison Street and have a project that can be completed by December 1. Although they have limited funds still remaining for the rest of Oak Park for 2010, contact Michelle J. Uhler, Grant Administrator, will be happy to discuss eligible expenses and grant availability, so feel free to contact her with any questions.

OPDC will be informed by the Village of Oak Park of 2011 grant availability at the end of 2010.  Providing OPDC with your contact info will allow us to stay in touch with you about availability and deadlines for 2011 funds.  Grant funds are committed on a first come-first served basis, after OPDC’s review of your completed grant application.  The Oak Park Development Corporation cannot accept 2011 grant applications until they have a 2011 budget in place.

This program allows business and property owners to upgrade the facades of their properties and thereby improve the local economic climate!