Village of Oak Park announcements - Feb. 4, 2013

Courtesy Village of Oak Park

Residents can help choose grant recipient

With just a couple of clicks, Oak Parkers can choose which one of two local not-for-profit organizations will be eligible to receive up to $25,000 from Nicor to help fund an energy conservation project. As part of the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program Community Challenge, $50 will be awarded for every resident and business that signs up for one of six existing Nicor programs intended to help foster energy efficiency awareness and action. Depending on the selection by Oak Parkers, either the West Cook YMCA or a collection of six West Suburban PADS homeless shelters will be eligible to receive the money from Nicor. To make your choice on the recipient, just click here. Voting ends Feb. 11. More information on the Community Challenge – including what you can do to help the community reach the $25,000 prize – is posted at www.nicorgasrebates.com/challenge.

Triton schedules financial aid days

Sessions to help prospective students begin the financial aid process are scheduled for 3 – 7 p.m., Feb. 6, 7, 20 and 21, in Room B-130B of the student center on the main campus of Triton College in River Grove. Topics will include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, veteran educational benefits and loans. Attendees also will receive assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Call 708.456-0300, ext. 3155 or e-mail finaid@triton.edu for more information.. Information also is posted at www.triton.edu/finaid.

Stop smoking help available

Free nicotine replacement patches are available through the Illinois Department of Public Health Tobacco Free Communities fund. Residents age 18 and over are eligible. To register, call the Illinois Quitline at 866.784.8937. More information is posted at www.quityes.org.