Learn more about city programs and events! If you are a cable 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.

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.

December CIC-TV Programming Schedule

City Hall is closed Saturday, December 8

All payments can be dropped in the Night Depository Mail slot to the right of the City Hall main entrance after hours.

Next City Council Meeting is Tuesday, December 11

8:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers

Click and watch the City Council Meeting from Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Battle of the Badges

Oak Forest Community Blood Drive

It’s that time of year to see who is favored to win the “Battle of The Badges” blood drive. Celebrate our local heros and the season by donating blood. Join the Oak Forest Rotary Club and the City of Oak Forest on Saturday, December 8, 2018 between 9 AM and 1 PM.

The blood drive will be held at City Hall located at 15440 S. Central Avenue in the council chambers. To schedule an appointment, please contact Rotarian Jody at 630-297-1902 or rotaryjody@gmail.com, or Rotarian Jim at 708-715-5800, or sign up online at www.heartlancbc.org.

Open to the public! Bring a friend!
Walk-ins welcome; appointments will be honored first.

At time of donation, you can vote for either Oak Forest Fire or Oak Forest Police Departments. Hope to see you there!

Heartland Blood Centers is the primary provider of blood products to the Chicagoland Veterans Hospitals.

Tickets: $25.00 per person - Call 708-687-0500 ext. 3603

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony 2018

The donation bin will be inside City Hall now until Friday, December 21. Donate today!

Toy Drive
Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

November 19 - December 21 / City Hall Lobby

Help put a smile on the face of children and teens fighting cancer. Bring new unwrapped toys (no stuffed animals), $5 gift cars of gifts for teens to the City Hall Lobby and place it in the red barrel by Friday, December 21.

Find more information about the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation and the great work they do at www.treasurechest.org.

Keep It Local: Support Local Businesses

Over the last few months, the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce introduced Keep It Local; a new initiative to urge local residents to support local businesses in our community.

What happens when you support local businesses?

Builds Relationships
Meeting neighbors and friends in and around businesses helps build a closer community.

Strengthens the Local Economy
Every dollar spent at an independent businesses returns 3 times more money to the local economy than one spent at a chain and almost 50 times more than buying from and online merchant.

Creates a Healthier Environment
Local businesses typically use less land, use locally-made products and are easier to access creating less traffic and air pollution.

Offers Choices and Gives Character
Local businesses have a better chance to offer services residents want and help give the city its distinct personality.

Lowers Taxes
With more centralized locations, local businesses put less demand on roads, sewers, and safety services generating more tax revenue per sales dollar.

Look for the Keep It Local decal at businesses around the city. If your business needs a door decal, contact the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 708-687-4600 or visit oc-chamber.org.

Metra Safety Poster and Essay Contest

For the 13th straight year, Metra asked the region's students to illustrate through posters or essays the importance of safe behaviors near railroad tracks and rail crossings. The theme for the 2018-2019 school year: “Use Your Senses."
The contest is open to all students in grades K through 12 living or attending school in Metra’s six-county service area: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will. The deadline for all entries is Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019.

One first-, second- and third-place winner will be selected from each grade, K through 12, and awarded the following prizes:

First Place: iPad
Second Place: $250 gift card
Third Place: $100 gift card

The winning designs will be featured in Metra’s safety calendar, website, station displays and on weekend passes.

Visit metracontest.com for more information.

Click the image to download the flyer for the next Senior Luncheon on January 24, 2019 featuring fan favorite Edizon Dayao!

Join the Senior Commission!

The Oak Forest Senior Commission is looking for senior citizens who might like to serve as members of this commission, which meets in City Hall on every second Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM.

The Senior Commission gets involved in various community events, such as the annual Health Fair at the Oak Forest Park District and monthly senior lunches at the Oak Forest Community Center.

Should you wish to join this commission, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 708-687-4050, extension 1005.

Bremen Township:
Senior Lunch Program in Oak Forest

In partnership with AgeOptions, Bremen Township continues to serve hot, healthy lunches to seniors age 60+ with no residency requirement. Come try our good food and warm atmosphere at Noon, Monday-Friday, at 15350 S. Oak Park Avenue. The requested donation is $4 and a reservation is requested but not always required, depending on availability.

For more info, call 687-8220 or visit their website at www.brementownship.net to review the menus via "Senior Services" link. (Menus also available at the Senior Center and OF City Hall). Activities are also listed on the menu such as Mahjongg, Bingo and Show & Tell.

Bremen Township is also seeking substitute volunteers who are very active to help set up, serve and clean up. Shifts are usually 11am-1pm, one or two weekdays per month. Get your steps in! Leave your name & number for Sue at 687-8220.

Upgrade Your Old, Drafty Home!

Oak Forest is the first suburb to benefit from the ComEd® Energy Efficiency Program partnered with the Chicagoland Vintage Home Association (CVHA).

CVHA, formerly the Chicago Bungalow Association, has helped 3700 homes in Chicago for the past 17 years with a staggering satisfaction rating of 9.98 out of 10! Check your eligibility below and apply. No detailed financial information needed!

Eligibility
To qualify for this program you must meet the following criteria:

Vintage single-family home built at least 50 years ago
Home must be owner-occupied and receive electric delivery service from ComEd
Located in Cook County
Household income of 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or lower—see chart here.

Complete and submit the application either online or with the paper form. Paper forms are available at the City Hall front desk or you can download one here. Remember that no detailed financial information is needed except an approximate household income.

The ComEd® Energy Efficiency Program services include attic and sidewall insulation, air sealing, health and safety measures, and installation of energy-saving products.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chicagoland Vintage Home Association at 312-675-0300 extension 13.

ACT FAST! Approvals are limited this year!
APPLY TODAY!

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.