Oak Park Arts District Keeps Creative Juices Flowing
Virtual Art Show – Ongoing
Dancing Krow Studio has put out a call for entries for their Facebook Art Exhibit. Simply post an original new or previous work in the theme “Nesting” (other ideas welcome). Post and view art here: facebook.com/DancingKrow.
Are you kitting me? Curbside Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Bead in Hand has created kits for ages 6 to adult: Creating Patterns with Beads, Memory Wire Suncatcher Kit, Wacky Beaded Person and the Bead & Ring Wrap Bracelet. Shipping also available. More/order: beadinhand.com/kits-for-sheltering-in-place.html. 145 Harrison St.
Fiber Fun Nights – Wednesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.
The stitching and creating typically held at Dye Hard Yarns continue at home. Simply sign up for the Zoom conference. The shop is also taking merchandise orders, and is offering video concierge service, free shipping and curbside pickup. 210 Harrison. Zoom sign up/more:
https://dyehardyarns.com/pages/new-covid-19-shelter-in-place-services.
Creative Takeout – Ongoing
Art Studio 928 has ART! To Go kits. With nine subject-matter options, kits include materials to paint a 9×12 canvas, live video instruction/free replays. $34 includes, free shipping or curbside pickup. Order: studio928.net/product-category/time-for-art-to-go. 911 S. Lombard Ave.
Music to Fill the Time
Val’s halla Records has inventory in its online shop: valshallarecords.com/product-category/lps. Call to check store inventory: 708-524-1004. Gift cards also available. All items available for shipment or delivery.
Tomato Growing Tips Webinar
Wednesday, April 8, 6 p.m.
Join Veronica Porter, an expert edible gardening teacher, who will cover planting and spacing, fertilizing and healthy soil, using raised beds and containers, pest control, pruning, trellis choices, how best to choose tomato varieties and growing methods and more. Q&A follows. Brought by Deep Roots Project. Register: deep-roots-project.org/workshops-and-events.
Still Time to Appeal Property Tax Assessments
The Cook County Assessor’s office has suspended the April 7 appeal deadline. Homeowners who would like free assistance appealing their property taxes can make phone appointments, Monday through Saturday. Schedule a time: 708-383-8005.
Volunteers Needed to Help Seniors
Person-to-person contact is not anticipated for delivering groceries, meals and other items; pet care; moving refuse and recycling carts and more. Organized by Oak Park Township and other community organizations. Sign up: surveygizmo.com/s3/5512346/Oak-Park-Community-Volunteer-Interest-Form?utm_source=March 24%2C 2020 &utm_campaign=enews&utm_medium=email
Stay Fit Oak Park/River Forest
Local personal trainer Tommaso Sanna has daily workouts posted:
facebook.com/TommasoSannaPersonalTrainerOakParkIl.
Ahimsa Yoga (Oak Park, Berwyn, LaGrange, Elmhurst) has a wide variety of free yoga classes along with meditation and crystal bowl sound bath sessions: ahimsayogastudios.com/online-classes. Donations to support teachers accepted for both.
FitzGerald’s Virtual Open Mic
Musicians can submit videos of their “in quarantine” music performances. This is set up to allow open mic performers to share while they are unable to do so at FitzGerald’s. Organizers are asking for donations to support FitzGerald’s, under new ownership. More: veltwaypress.com/index.php/2020/03/22/fitzgeralds-virtual-open-mic-proceeds-to-benefit-fitzgeralds-night-club.
Helpful Resources
Sarah’s Inn Continues to Serve Victims of Abuse
To access services, schedule a remote appointment for an intake or a counseling or advocacy session, or to be connected to a Legal Advocate (also onsite at 555 Harrison, Chicago) for help obtaining an Emergency Order of Protection. Call 24-hour crisis line: 708-386-4225, or text 708-792-3120. Message Partner Abuse Intervention Program staff for case management and support: 708-386-3305 x1010
Mental Health Support
In the NAMI Guide to the Coronavirus, read topics on anxiety, medication, losing a loved one to coronavirus, mental illness, how homeless and prison populations are affected by the pandemic, and more: nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US.
The Support4U app is for youth in school districts 90, 97 and 200, who may text a licensed clinician 24 hours a day. Support is available for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, thoughts of suicide or any other mental health-related topic. Enter: 844-670-5838, then D90 – text SAFE; D97 – text HOPE; D200 – text CARE.
For other mental health/social emotional support, contact the Thrive Counseling Center Crisis Line: 708-383-7500 x204, Riveredge Hospital: 708-771-7000 or the Community Mental Health Board: 708-358-8855.
Beyond Hunger
Food continues to be distributed for those who qualify. Bring photo ID and proof of address in service area. See website for qualifications: gobeyondhunger.org/need-help. Food Distribution Hours – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon; starting April 1, the 1st Wednesday, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.; all other Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. A Social Service Coordinator helps people apply for public benefits, including SNAP and benefits access. Social Service Hours – Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.
Oak Park Township
Take-out lunches for seniors ($1.50, suggested donation) are offered Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 130 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Questions about any senior services: 708-383-8060. Senior transportation for medical appointments ($1.00, suggested donation), can be arranged: 708-383-4806.
Questions about Youth Services: 708-622-8535. Those in need of supportive services for youth may call 708-445-2727.
Online Resource Search: healthconnectionhub.org. More: oakparktownship.org/township-updates-on-covid-19, 708-383-8060.
