It has been almost a year since there’s been a comment about the Village Of Oak Park’s ever increasing cost to park here in the People’s Republic.  No fair making comments about “No park – Oak Park!”.

The cost to park at the Avenue Parking Garage has gone from $174.00/quarter to $195.00/quarter as of January 1, 2012.

It might be nice if the VOP could make sure that the lights are not always burnt out in the garage, that the elevators are kept in good working condition (hint: why does the elevator on the east have a carpet covering damaged tiles?)  and that the handicapped doors all work (hint: take a look at the pedestrian door at the south-westerner most corner, just off the alley and North Blvd).

Overheard from an Oak Park Resident who parked in the garage recently…

Ten dollars to park here!  Who do they (the Village) think they are, Downtown Chicago?

It is our Village after all!

The Village of Oak Park is giving serious consideration to tearing-up Oak Park Avenue between Ontario and Pleasant to create a Streetscape similar to those of Marion Street.

An artist rendering of South Oak Park Avenue if streetscape improvements are approved by the village. (Graphic submitted by the Village of Oak Park)

Many Oak Park residents, retail merchants, restaurants and service business owners are not so sure that this is a good idea.  To keep up on the debate and to get more information about the proposed costs & benefits, visit www.opans.org.

We wish all our readers, friends, neighbors and fans a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Eat too much, Laugh too much, Play touch football (two-handed!)  and Spend quality time with friends & loved ones.

Take care and celebrate the bounties or earth and sea!

Veterans Day is, officially,  Friday, November 11th. Please take some time on Friday or over the weekend to thank our veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service to our country!

November 11th was originally celebrated as Armistice Day – the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In the enabling legislation that was passed in 1938, the 11th of November was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’ As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.”

Fast forward to 1954, when after both World War II and the Korean Action, the 83rd Congress – at the pointed prodding of veterans – amended the law by striking out “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” So did it come that we honor veterans on the 11th of November, every year.

Of course with everything else, Congress just can’t seem to keep things simple, so we celebrate Veterans Day on Monday the 14th of November, this year. But do yourself a favor and remember our veterans – both living and past. And don’t forget their families, too!

October is Fire Prevention Month! and from personal experience, being in close proximity with a building fire is no fun!  Trust me!  80% of all fires in the United States occur in the home; resulting in almost 4,000 deaths annually. We don’t want the scene above to be a familiar sight so we have provided you with 5 simple steps to make your home a safer place by minimizing fires. This check list could save your home and more importantly your family.

1. Smoke Detectors: Smoke accounts for 3 out of 4 deaths. Install a smoke detector on every floor near bedrooms. Test your detectors every month to make sure they are working properly and replace the batteries at least once a year.  It is always a good idea to change the batteries when you set the clocks back and forth.
2. Fire Extinguishers: Check to make sure your extinguishers are not expired or drained. There is a gage located on the extinguisher to let you know if it’s full or needs to be recharged. Kitchens, garages and workshops are the best places for fire extinguishers. When a fire is small and you are there when the fire begins, a fire extinguisher is a great option for immediate response. Make sure you know how to use one before an emergency occurs. If a fire is large or uncontrollable get out of your home immediately and call 911.   If you don’t own a fire extinguisher, they make a great gift idea!
3. CO2 Detectors: Carbon Monoxide Detectors are vital if you have gas running through your home. They should be located near your furnace since that is the biggest culprit for leaking CO2. Gas leaks are not only very flammable but death can occur by inhaling this odorless gas.
4. Clothes Dryer: Dangerous heat can build up in clothes dryers. Never leave home with it running. Dryers must be vented to the outside, not to an attic or interior wall. Clean out your dryer flue twice a year to prevent lint build up and blockage of the airway. Especially in the dry winter months with lots of static electricity the heat from the dryer can spark the lint and cause fires.
5. Have a Plan: Make sure every member of your family knows what to do in case of a fire. Have escape plans from every room of the house including how to properly open windows, use escape ladders and what to do when you are trapped. It’s also important to have a meeting spot outside so everyone can be accounted for.   For more fire safety tips visit http://www.safetyresource.org/firesafety.html.