Today, when I was reading my Google Reader, I came across two news stories that seemed to have negative implications for people living in and around Oak Park.

The first one was from Triblocal about several Chicago alderman who have been tossing around the idea of a suburban commuter tax:

A handful of Chicago aldermen today…

Despite the rain, I felt a strong urge to get out of the house today so my husband and I decided to check out some nearby open houses because we enjoy being nosy neighbors.

We swung by a house on the 1010 block block of Hayes and a bungalow on…

The semi-annual Parenthesis children's and maternity consignment sale is this weekend. Here are the details courtesy of fellow Oak Parker Carrie Kirby:

This is a huge sale of gently-used clothing that benefits the Parenthesis Family Center. They also sell baby gear such as strollers and high chairs. It's a great opportunity to clothe your children stylishly for very little money. For your safety, please do not bring small…

Green Connections Bike Tour

Despite the fact that we have a number of Asian restaurants in Oak Park already, I still having found one that I absolutely love (although I do think Mama Thai and Sen Sushi are very good). Soon, another Asian restaurant will be added to the mix with the opening of Hutong on Lake Street, just down the street from the Sushi House.

OakPark.com mentioned them…

I was near Lombard and Harrison just west of the construction site. I saw the most unsafe ramp for wheelchairs and others who might not be able to go up the curb. I read in the Wednesday Journal that this is supposed to be here until Thanksgiving. I was really shocked. I hope no one is injured because of this. I will not use it because it looks so unsafe.…

Building a Community Resource to Strengthen Education, Environment, Leadership

The Communityworks endowment campaign on Tuesday reached its $2 million goal with less than a month to spare.

More than 400 individuals, organizations and businesses have donated to the endowment fund, which is part of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation.

Sophia Lloyd, the Community Foundation’s executive director, said gifts ranged from $5 to $500,000…

From this week's e-blast from the village:

Any resident who has an off-street parking space they would like to rent is urged to e-mail parking@oak-park.us. The Village will share the information with other residents who need a place to park. To add a space to the list, provide your name, street address, contact information, parking space description (garage/outdoor) desired monthly rent and availability (24 hour/day/night). Generally, spaces rent for $40 - $75 per month.…

I'm not sure exactly when Munch opened, but the Marion Street restaurant had a good sized crowd when we walked by this weekend. Has anyone been yet? I'll admit that vegan/vegetarian food isn't really my thing so I have bee a little hesitant to try them out.

 …

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16TH, 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M.

Galleries come to life with live music,

art demonstrations, and special guests.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17TH, 11:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

It’s all about Embracing the Arts of Oak…

It's been a while since I've driven down Harrison Street, so I was surprised to see several colorful crosswalks on the street. What do you guys think of them?

 …

A few weeks ago, the news broke that Crumbs Bake Shop would be opening in Oak Park. They recently opened a new location in downtown Chicago and gave away 1,000 free cupcakes. I'm hoping that they'll do the same for Oak Park when the time comes! It looks like they'll be opening sometime this winter. I'm definitely looking forward to their arrival.

 …

On August 10. 2011 the building that housed Prodigy Glassworks in the…

It seems like it was summer just yesterday. But, now it's fall and that means all kinds of harvest festivals! Here's one upcoming event from the park district:

HarvestFest Sunday at Cheney Mansion



Before you head over to the Children's Day at Pleasant Home on Sunday, September 25, stop by Cheney Mansion to enjoy the Fall Open House featuring Scarecrows 101,…

In my heritage, Filipino, we have a saying, utang ng loob, debt of gratitude. It's a deeply felt thankfulness that, at least in our culture, can never really be repaid. Ah well, we keep trying. It's what children owe their parents, neighbors owe neighbors who help feed them through lean times, and what, in general we owe when someone else nurtures our hungry spirit. That said, utang ng loob is a sense I also have towards the artistic community here in Oak Park. My husband…

For those of you looking for something to do next weekend, consider checking out the Oak Park film festival:

 

Oak Park documentarian Stan West hosts Rights, Radicals and Revolutions to showcase emerging global points of view through independent films

OAK PARK, IL – On…

Unfortunately, I don't have any paint to share, but for anyone else who's interested, here's the info from the recent Village e-mail blast:

Paint exchange is Saturday

Residents can safely dispose of unwanted, but useable latex paint at the Great Paint Exchange, scheduled for Sat., Sept. 10, at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. Half–to–full cans of latex paint will be accepted from 9 – 11 a.m. Anyone in need of paint may pick it up from 12:30 –…