Join Jill Cataldo on Thursday, June 7 at Oak Park Public Library to learn how to maximize your grocery savings and purchase hundreds of dollars worth of groceries for just pennies! Learn couponing secrets of the pros, which stores will let you stack multiple coupons, how to track sales and discounts online, and best of all - how to get the store to pay YOU to shop. The free event runs 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Main Library at 834 Lake Street.

Jill Cataldo's couponing habits have…

Local artists will themselves be on exhibition as they create their artwork in Oak Park Public Library’s glass-walled Idea Box. The RAW (Real Art Work) exhibit will be at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street, May 29 through June 15 during regular library hours. All RAW artwork will be available for purchase at the closing reception on Saturday, June 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm.

At RAW, artists will use Oak Park Public Library’s glass-walled Idea Box as a temporary studio. With the door closed…

Maywood, IL – West Suburban PADS today announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors and the retirement of four members.

The new Board members are:

• Sandra Gates, Illinois Department of Employment Security
• Ruxandra Hill, BMO…

Interested in learning to knit? Make time to attend the free Novel Knitters 101 class on Tuesdays, June 19 and June 26 at Oak Park Public Library. Knitter extraordinaire Sue Jaffee will help you learn the basics, including casting on, binding off, knit stitch, and purl stitch in this two-session class. Sue will also share simple project ideas for new knitters. Each session starts at 10 am at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street. Register in person, online, or call 708-452-3480. Required…

Pride of the Prairie Giveaway

Enter your email address for a chance to win Wright Plus Housewalk and Uncork Illinois tickets on Saturday, June 2nd.



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Hi All,

We are planning one last event to support our local artists.  The event is planned for Saturday 5/26.  If you know any local artists that want to display and sell their pieces in this one day event, please pass on my email address theyovashop@gmail.com

Thanks to all - more details on the event to come!

I'm a big fan of the Oak Park 4th of July Parade. It's such a fun community event and it makes me feel like we live in an old fashioned small town for some reason. And of course, it wouldn't be possible without the folks in the community, so I just wanted to pass along this announcement for volunteers, sponsors and participants:


Participants, volunteers and sponsors are now being sought for the annual July 4th Parade. June 8 is the deadline to register to be in the…

Maywood, IL – West Suburban PADS today announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors and the retirement of four members.

The new Board members are:

• Sandra Gates, Illinois Department of Employment Security
• Ruxandra Hill, BMO Harris Bank
• Barrington Lopez, Verizon Wireless
• Rogelio Lopez, PNC Bank
• Christina Mickens, Educo…

Does anyone know why I can't get the blog via email anymore?

Hear about adventure travel, discover the latest research on brain health, then end the week playing computer games that encourage dancing, singing, playing with animals, and journeying down roaring rapids (without getting wet). All three of these events will be at Oak Park Public Library and are free and open to all ages.

Tuesday, May 22, 2 pm Main Library “Brain Health” presented by Dr. Shah

People who stay active are less likely to have problems with their…

Oak Park teens starting their sophomore year are invited to apply to News Know-How, a national campaign to engage high school students, journalists, news ethicists, and librarians in a news literacy education project. The goal is to give students basic news literacy skills and the tools to become watchdogs in connection with the 2012 presidential campaigns. Complete the online application at…

If you've been following the latest D97 news, you'll know that the district has been in the process of hiring several new administrators. Chris Jasculca, director of policy, planning and communication recently shared this update:

Just wanted to let you know that, during its meeting tonight, the District 97 Board of Education unanimously approved the appointments of Todd Fitzgerald as the principal of Percy Julian Middle School, Mike Michowski as the principal of Gwendolyn…

Summertime is just around the corner. If you haven't made plans for your kids yet, here's some info from the Oak Park Conservatory that might be of interest:

Eco-Friendly Art Camp

Ages 8-12

Learn basic drawing, painting and simple sculpture skills influenced by the natural world. Educational craft projects for each of the four seasons will be created using the elements of water, wind, fire and earth with emphasis on the use of natural paints,…

The sun is out, the spring colors are vibrant, and your kids are cuter than ever! Now if only you were better at capturing their smiles in your photos. Professional portrait photographer Lisa Green will provide expert advice at “Mom & Pop-parazzi” on Sunday, May 20 at 2 pm at Oak Park Public Library’s Dole Branch at 255 Augusta Street. With decades of experience getting the very best shots, Lisa Green has plenty of tips to share. Whether you need help with lighting, framing, or…

Team Derby Lite raised more than $32,000 for the American Cancer Society's 2012 Walk & Roll. The 10-mile skate took place Sunday April 29^th on Chicago’s lakefront.  This is the 5^th year Derby Lite has participated and has raised more than $135,000 overall. Team Derby Lite thanks everyone who donated and the more than 40 team members who skated.…

Seven brave and graceful contestants -- including Rabbi Robin Damsky and Cantor Stewart Figa -- will perform with professional dancers in a contest that follows the format of the popular show "Dancing With the Stars."  After a score and critique from a panel of professional judges, the audience will get to vote. After the contest, enjoy dancing, dessert and a cash bar. 

The fun begins at 8:15 on Saturday, May 12 at West Suburban Temple, 1040 N. Harlem Ave. in River Forest.

The…

The dramatic art work of Jesse Howard will be on display in an exhibit titled “The Abyss Series: The Diminishing Black Male” through May 30 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street. The exhibit brings to light how the plight of African American youth is indicative of a greater social and cultural dilemma.

A reception for the artist will be Saturday, May 12 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the library’s art gallery. The exhibit is open seven days a week during regular library hours.…

Newcomers & Neighbors of OPRF Fundraiser Benefiting OPRF Food Pantry

Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 7:00 -10:00pm

Fitzgerald’s Night Club, 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn

Rock the night away atFitzgerald’s featuring The Z Orchestra! Food and drinks included in ticket purchase.

Tickets are $30…

Hundreds of thousands of Slovaks and Czechs fled their homeland during the communist era, many risking their lives in the process. Their stories, about why and how they emigrated, are sometimes dramatic, sometimes tragic, and essential to our understanding of the events that shaped the 20th Century. These first-person accounts form the core of “Leaving Czechoslovakia,” a new traveling exhibition from the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. “Leaving Czechoslovakia” will be at…

Fervent competitors, casual players, and newbie’s age 6 and up are welcome to participate in Oak Park Public Library’s spring Scrabble Tournament. Put your Scrabble skills to the test starting at 1 pm on Saturday, May 19 at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street. Registration begins May 1. Register at the library, at http://oppl.org, or call 708-452-3440.

Players at the Scrabble Tournament will be divided into four age brackets:

(1) ages 6 – 9

(2)…