Oak Park University (OPU) officially launched Monday with its first session hosted at the Oak Park River Forest History Museum, welcoming a full house of 28 participants from across the community. Special thanks to Frank Lipo, OPRF Museum Executive Director, and Rachel Berlinski, OPRF Museum Operations Manager, for hosting and accommodating the space for OPU’s inaugural session. Village President Vicki Scaman shared opening remarks and encouraged participants to provide feedback to help strengthen the program. Village Manager Kevin Jackson provided an overview of the council–manager form of government and the role of the Village Manager. Village Clerk Christina Waters shared an overview of the Office of the Village Clerk and highlighted opportunities for residents to engage in their communities. OPU is a nine-week civic education program designed to build understanding of local government and equip residents to be more informed and engaged civic leaders. Learn more by visiting www.oak-park.us/OPU.

Community members came together to celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations who make Oak Park a stronger and more connected place to call home during the A Night in Our Village awards ceremony Wednesday in the Veterans Room at the Oak Park Public Library. The Neighborhood Services Department recognized six Cavalcade of Pride Award winners, the Historic Preservation Commission selected five Preservation Award winners, the Environment & Energy Commission joined community partners in handing out five Green Awards and the Board of Health Board of Health presented the Fitzsimmons, Johnson and Haennicke awards. The awards offer an opportunity for Village and several of its volunteer commissions to recognize citizens for their commitment to protecting Oak Park's heritage and making the Village a more vibrant, healthy and sustainable place for residents and visitors alike. Find more information and a list of this year’s winners on the Village website www.oak-park.us/communityawards2025.

The Village’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience was awarded a “BEAMie” in the Creative Engagement Strategies category for its work on Oak Park’s benchmarking program. The award was presented by ClearlyEnergy in recognition of the Village’s engagement efforts via the Benchmarking Help Desk on the Building Energy Analysis Manager (BEAM) platform. This award highlights the supportive strategies the Village implemented to help building owners identify and correct energy and water benchmarking errors as well as the introduction of the Village’s building spotlight initiative.

The Village's Office of Sustainability & Resilience is hosting a Benchmarking Data Jam from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the small meeting room at the Oak Park Public Library. During this hands-on workshop, building owners and managers will learn how to set up a free account in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, how to set up a building profile, how to collect and enter monthly energy and water use data for an entire building, and how to share data to comply with the Village of Oak Park's Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance. Find more information and a link to register at www.oak-park.us/datajam21126.

With Black History Month set to begin, the Village’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office invites the community to participate in a series of events to mark the occasion. The festivities will culminate with Village’s annual Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. This year's theme is "Celebrating a Century of Black History," honoring 100 years since the first national Black History Week was established in 1926. The Village’s family-friendly Black History Month program will feature music, dance, historical reflection and storytelling that celebrate the richness and resilience of Black history and culture. The program will also include a special keynote address by acclaimed author and speaker Maggie Anderson. The event is free to attend, but registration is required as space is limited – click here to register. The Village is also teaming up with the Oak Park Public Library and other community partners in promoting Rapbrary, a multi-week immersive experience curated by Roy Kinsey during Black History Month. The series kicked off with a live opening performance at the Library’s main branch this past Thursday. The Village is hosting a special screening of Rapbrarian: Reading Came First, the documentary chronicling Kinsey’s journey as both rapper and librarian and the creation of Rapbrary as a radical act of cultural preservation. This screening will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Council Chambers at Village Hall – click here for more information.

The contractor was on site this week to clear snow, mark utilities and install the remaining detour signage along the detour route for the Renew the Avenue project on Oak Park Avenue. Crews will be out next week installing erosion control measures and installing tree protection fencing along the entire project area. The contractor hopes to start the pavement saw cutting as early as Thursday, Feb. 5, at which time Oak Park Avenue will be closed from Lake Street to Ontario Street and Randolph Street to Pleasant Street. The contractor and the project team continue to monitor the weather forecast and will update all parties at least 48 hours in advance of the closure date for Oak Park Avenue. Visit www.renewtheavenue.com for the latest information about the project.

The Village’s annual sewer cleaning and inspection project is scheduled to begin in early February. Crews will inspect approximately 40 locations throughout Oak Park. Short-term partial lane closures are anticipated while work is in progress.

Frick Kids Art recently opened its storefront sewing studio at 130 Madison St., just across the street from Village Hall. Village staff joined the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce in welcoming the growing business to its new commercial location. Sewing classes are open to students ages 7 and up, including adults, and to stitchers of all skill levels from beginners to lifelong needleworkers. In addition, Frick Kids Art offers private lessons and open studio days.