Before I started Live Here Oak Park I was an active member of the Oak Park writers group that meets at the library every month. There are many talented writers in the group, so I'd encourage everyone to check out next week's public reading.…

The Garden Club of Oak Park-River Forest is hosting a talk by Chuck and Karen Lorence on beekeeping and honey at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., this Wednesday, November 2, at 7 p. m. https://gcoprf.org/2011/10/charles-lorence-beekeeper-to-speak-november-2/ 

Last June, the Oak Park Board of Trustees gave the green light to beekeeping--pending approval of the…

Today's e-mail from the Oak Park visitor's center had a few fun events I just thought I'd share:

October 28th



- Spirits in the Night Haunted House Walk



- Halloween 75th Anniversary Show at Lake Theater



- Truck or Treat on South Marion



- Fright at Night at the Oak Park Conservatory



October 29th



- Day of the Dead at Maya Del Sol



- Zombie Walk & Pub Crawl along Roosevelt Road

Read…

We are in need of amazing volunteers to help staff our shelter sites in the OPRF and surrounding areas. Please contact Emily Aker for questions or to sign up for Volunteer Training (see below) at shelter@westsuburbanpads.org or 708/338-1724 x228.

SECOND SHIFT: 10:30 PM TO 5:00 AM…

 We're highlighting eReaders this November! Join us on Thursday, 11/3 at 7 PM for a Tech Petting Zoo at the RFPL. Come to the library to learn about free eBooks and digital audiobooks from Media On Demand, and get hands-on with an eReader. We will have iPads, Nooks, Sony Readers and…

From the web:

... Chicago’s Oak Park, for instance, counts 23 of Frank Lloyd Wright’s modestly elegant, low-slung buildings, but the Americana runs even deeper: 90 percent of the neighborhood is classified as a historic district. No resident is more than two blocks from a bikeway, and the neighborhood is easily reached on the El train.

See the slide show of all 10…

Looking for something fun to do next Friday? I just received the following information from Carla Gini at the Pleasant District:

Halloween Festivities Receive A “Pleasant” Twist

Pleasant District Embraces Construction with Truck or Treat



The Pleasant District is hosting Truck or Treat, a family fun event in the Pleasant District on Friday, October 28th. The evening will consist of trick or treating at Pleasant District…

Unity in the Community-Stand United for Solutions

Please join us:11:11:11 at 11:11 am (11:00 am until 12:00 noon)

Harrison Street at Lombard Ave.(under the scaffolding)

Help make Illness become WEllness

Many believe that there is powerful energy around the date November 11, 2011 and that Intentions set on that date will have support and will come…

Garage thefts seem to be a pretty regular occurrence in Oak Park, but the police department recently issued the following alert regarding a string of thefts. Be sure to keep an eye out for suspicious activity!…

If you're into vintage wares, there's a new store on Chicago Avenue that might strike your fancy. It's called the Oak Park Vintage Market.

I'm not a big vintage shopper, but they do seem to have a number of interesting items ranging from furniture to collectible toys so if you're looking for something unique and old timey, you just might want to check them out.

 …

Find all types of merchandise at bargain prices, from clothes and furniture to computers and children’s toys, at the Oak Park Temple Rummage Sale on Saturday evening, Oct. 29, Sunday, Oct. 30, and Monday, Oct. 31, at Oak Park Temple, 1235 N. Harlem, Oak Park.

This year shopping hours have been added again on Monday. On Saturday, Oct. 29, hours are 6 to 8 p.m. and admission is $5 per person for the…

Ms. Driscoll shows the students at Willard Elementary School in River Forest the importance of wearing helmets and safety gear when they skate, bike, rollerblade, etc.

Ms. Driscoll skates with Derby Lite, Oak Park's roller skating fitness class that helps women get in shape by using the skills and drills of traditional women's roller derby in a non-impact, non-competitive environment.…

Had a friendly visit today from the Food Network's Jeff Mauro (Sandwich King) Boy did he love our Arepas!…

Oak Parkers who were unfortunately impacted by the flooding a few months ago should take note of the upcoming village board meeting:

As a follow up to a meeting in September, Public Works Department staff will present the findings of an investigation into ways to lessen the chance of basement flooding from heavy rain. The presentation to the Village Board is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 20, in Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The presentation will focus on a review of…

Whenever a new restaurant opens in Oak Park, there always seems to be a warm reception with folks rushing to try it out. We decided to check out the recently opened Lake Street Kitchen + Bar and discovered this to be the case. I have to admit that we don't go out on Saturday nights very often, so I don't know if this is normal, but the place was packed.

When I first heard about the restaurant a few months ago,…

Want to learn more about Aripo's? Check out this nice feature about our restaurant!

I recently came across two interesting stories about businesses in Oak Park.

• Celebrating National Cheese Month with David Hammond - Food blogger and Oak Park resident, David Hammond, talks about the popularity of artisanal cheeses. The segment includes an interview with one of the Marion Street Cheese Market experts as well.…

Today's e-mail blast from the village announced a new feature to help keep Oak Park residents informed in the event of an emergency:

Public safety notification system launched

A system to communicate directly with residents when public safety issues arise is now available to Oak Parkers who register at www.oak-park.us/notifyme. The new system allows residents to choose if and how they would like to be notified should an…