Free rain barrels available to residents

The City of Oak Forest, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, is pleased to offer free rain barrels to our residents. There is a limit of four barrels per household. Public Works will be at the Oak Forest Farmer's Market on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with order forms and sample rain barrels.

Get a free tree tomorrow at the farmers market

The Public Works Department is giving away 50 free trees at the Farmers Market this Saturday. The saplings, which are a mix of Eastern Hornbeam, Eastern Redbud, Red Buckeye, Sargent Crabapple and Saucer Magnolias are 2-to 4-feet-tall, depending on species. The trees have been donated by ComEd and come from the Arbor Day Foundation's tree nurseries.

ComEd is saying “thank you” for cooperating in efforts to improve electric service in Oak Forest’s neighborhoods by offering free trees to help improve the green space. Trees provide shade, wildlife habitat, energy savings, and many other environmental benefits. That’s why ComEd has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to donate trees to our community.

Opening day is tomorrow! We'll be giving away 50 saplings and taking registrations for free rain barrels. Also, enjoy a kids craft table, face painter and DJ from 9 a.m. to noon.

Police release tobacco compliance survey results

The Oak Forest Police Department conducted the third and final round of the 2015-16 “Kids Can’t Buy Them Here” tobacco compliance surveys at various retailers on May 26. The purpose of the program is to determine which businesses may be selling tobacco products to minors (persons under 18 years of age) within the city. Find out which businesses sold to minors.

City Hall will be closed tomorrow and Monday

City Hall will be closed tomorrow and Monday in observance of Memorial Day. NuWay Disposal also will be closed on Monday so garbage pickup will be delayed one day.

City Council meets next week

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. for its regular meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall. Citizens are invited to attend the meetings and are welcome to participate at the designated time.

Fieldcrest Neighborhood Watch meeting is June 2

REVISED DATE: Everyone is invited to attend the Fieldcrest Neighborhood Watch meeting on Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Don Gorman Fieldhouse.

Congratulations to Oak Forest Fire Chief Jack Janozik (at left with State Fire Marshal Matthew Perez), who recently completed a year-long program to earn his chief fire officer certification from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

Little Libraries are coming to Oak Forest

The Street Art Committee is bringing the Little Library concept to Oak Forest. A Little Free Library is a "take a book, return a book" free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, and anyone can make one. Watch this CIC-TV special promo to learn more about Little Libraries and how you can be a part of this fun community art project.

Check out what's happening at the library in June

Visit the calendar page on the Acorn Public Library website to find out what programs and events are happening in June.

Beware this Facebook "friend request" scam

The Better Business Bureau advises that Facebook users be on the lookout for signs like poor grammar or spelling, strange wording and new friend requests from people you are already friends with. If you get such a request, check with the person to find out if they created a new profile.

What your kids don't want you to know: online gaming dangers

Watch this ABC Good Morning America clip to find out if your kids are at risk while playing online.

Tune into CIC-TV

If you are a cable television subscriber, you can view the Community Information Channel (CIC-TV) on Comcast channel 19, Wide Open West channel 6 and AT&T U-verse channel 99 to learn more about city programs and events. If you do not subscribe to cable television, you can watch Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings online or check out the DVDs at Acorn Public Library.

e-Briefs is a free, voluntary e-mail service, which provides information about government services, activities and events. On a weekly basis, you can expect to find City Council news and agendas, construction updates, public safety reminders, senior and youth news, and much more! Please forward this e-mail to friends and family and encourage them to sign up for the weekly e-Briefs by visiting the Notify Me section of our website. Contact the City of Oak Forest at 708-687-4050 or cityofoakforest@oak-forest.org.