Sergeant Derrick Verge was honored with the Police Medal of Valor from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police during Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. The award, presented by Chief Patrick Kreis of the Vernon Hills Police Department on behalf of the Association, recognizes extraordinary valor and heroism, outstanding actions, exceptional achievements and innovative approaches to public service while maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism. Sergeant Verge was recognized for his courageous actions during the events of Nov. 29, 2024, which brought an end to a deadly assault against members of the Oak Park Police Department, including Detective Allan Reddins, who was killed on this day. The Village extends its gratitude to Sergeant Verge and congratulations to him for this high honor.

Executive Coordinator Vanetta Logan and Deputy Village Clerk Cindy Hansen recently completed a local leadership development program organized by the Community Connections Fund. The Community Connections Leadership Course is a 10-month program that encourages participants to find their authentic self in the pursuit of purposeful leadership. The first half of the program is focused on helping participants live a values-led life and understand their style and strengths. The second half focuses on community leadership building skills. The program also includes personal, one-on-one executive coaching sessions.

Media Production Manager Joe Kreml recently worked with the Development Services Department and Office of Sustainability & Resilience to produce a video highlighting the project at 407 South Blvd. as a prime example of a building owner balancing sustainability and historic preservation. The video features William Scholtens, owner of the building and Elements Architectural Group, discussing the work that went into restoring the exterior of the building to its original 1922 design while retrofitting the interior with energy efficient upgrades. The video is posted on the Village’s YouTube page and will be shared across the Village’s social media channels in the coming weeks.

Community members are invited to help guide the future of the Roosevelt Road Corridor and share opinions for how it can be improved at a Community Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 at Salerno's Pizza, 7128 Roosevelt Rd. Enjoy free pizza and refreshments while learning about this joint effort between the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Village of Oak Park. All ages are welcome to stop by at any time during the open house. More information about the initiative is at www.rooseveltroadcorridorplan.com.

Plans are coming together for two open houses and public hearings hosted by the Village for community members to ask questions about the Oak Park Bike Plan Update and weigh in on the plan before it comes before the Village Board for a vote. The open houses are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on July 14 at the Carroll Center, 1125 S. Kenilworth Ave. and 6 to 8 p.m. on July 16 at the Community Recreation Center, 229 Madison St. Refreshments will be served. A copy of the draft Bike Plan Update is posted at www.engageoakpark.com/bike-plan. Comments made at the public hearing or submitted via email to transportation@oak-park.us will be shared with members of the Village Board. More information about the open houses is available at www.oak-park.us/BikePlanOpenHouse.

Village Hall will be closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 7. Refuse and recycling collection that normally occurs on Friday will be delayed to Saturday this week. Should an incident that doesn't quite rise to the level of a 911 emergency occur when Village Hall is closed, residents can call the Police non-emergency number 708.386.3800 for assistance. More information about Village Hall hours is posted at www.oak-park.us/villagehall.

Oak Park’s Fourth of July parade steps off at 10 a.m. this Friday from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street. Parade participants march north on Ridgeland to Augusta Street and disperse at Whittier School. The route offers many viewing opportunities along the way and features dozens of groups commemorating the nation’s birthday and celebrating Oak Park’s rich diversity. An appearance by the Jesse White Tumblers is expected to be among the highlights of this year’s parade. The Oak Park Police Department reminds residents that road closures near the parade route start as early as 8:30 a.m. The parade is coordinated by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and will feature a Village float created by the Public Works Department for members of the Village Board and Village Manager’s Office. More information is at www.oak-park.us/july4parade.

The Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce’s First Fridays street festival in the Chicago – Austin District is happening following Oak Park’s Fourth of July parade. The fun is taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday on Chicago Avenue between Lombard Avenue and Humphrey Avenue. The event marks the first in a series of street festivals hosted by the Chamber with support from the Village happening the first Friday of the month through October. In each case a different business district will be transformed into an open-air celebration with live music, vendors and family fun. More information is at www.firstfridaysoakpark.org.

Oak Park is the backdrop for a scene in the popular television series “The Bear.” In episode five of the fourth season of the series, which was recently released on Hulu, the character Chef Carmy – played by actor Jeremy Allen White – visits the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and is filmed along Forest Avenue in front of other historic homes designed by Wright. Click here for an article about the episode published in the Wednesday Journal.  Information about the Village’s film permit process is available on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/communityrelations.

The Oak Park IL Film Festival is back for a second year with a gala opening night showing of “Moonstruck,” featuring longtime Oak Park resident John Mahoney, on Sept. 11 at the Lake Theatre. The independent film showcase will run Sept. 13-14 at Madison Street Theatre. After a successful launch last year, the festival is returning with a full slate of special screenings and panel discussions featuring the best filmmaking talent that Oak Park has to offer. The festival is open to movies of all genres and lengths – the only qualifying criteria is that the film must have a local connection, through cast or crew members from Oak Park, setting or shooting location. Submissions are being accepted until the July 31 entry deadline. For more information, visit www.opilff.org.

Pavement preservation – This week the contractor continued microsurfacing in various locations throughout the Village, working from north to south. Application of rejuvenating agent was completed on Tuesday. Next week the contractor will complete microsurfacing application and then will finish with pavement markings.

Water and Sewer improvements – The contractor returned to the intersection of Forest Avenue and Greenfield Street to begin sewer improvements, with work progressing south toward Division Street. The contractor is flushing and pressure testing the new water main on Forest in anticipation for the upcoming water service reconnections. Meanwhile, sewer work continued on Columbian Avenue working north toward Division from Thomas Street. Crews are installing mainline sewer pipe, public-side sewer services and storm sewers. All residents impacted by the work on both Columbian and Forest have received parking passes.

Alley improvements – The contractor is on pace to have all alley construction complete and full vehicle access restored by the end of this week. Next week the focus will shift to minor punchlist items that should not disrupt vehicle access or refuse collection.

Bike boulevards – The contractor is continuing to stripe the Scoville Avenue corridor from Roosevelt Road to Chicago Avenue with large “BLVD” symbols.

ComEd conduit project – ComEd’s contractor will be constructing sidewalk improvements on East Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to Harrison Street and plans to pave this section of roadway the week of July 14. Complete restoration will follow the paving operation.