“Edible Gardening Checklist for Success”
Access this free eBook from Oak Park’s Deep Roots Project. It walks you through every step of edible gardening and has tips for gardeners whether they are experienced or new to edible gardening. From how much to water to a list of plants to attract beneficial insects, there is a lot to learn in this earth-friendly resource. Written by Estelle Carol with help from the Deep Roots Education Team. Access book: deep-roots-project.org/1-edible-gardening-ebook-intro
Queer Stitch Group
Sundays, 3 to 6 p.m., Zoom with Dye Hard Yarns
Members of the LGBTQA+ community who also knit, crochet and partake in fiber arts are invited to join for connection, friendship and discourse. Email for meeting info: Team@DyeHardYarns.com
Summer Art with Gene Ha
Wednesdays, July 1 through July 22, 2 to 3 p.m.
Zoom through the Oak Park Public Library
Continue to join creator of the Mae comic book series, learn basic steps artists use to develop their own comic books and design your own comic strip this summer. Grades 1-8. Free. Supplies, such as pencils, paper, black markers, are needed. Register for each Wednesday event: oppl.org/calendar
Writers’ Word Feast
Sunday, July 5, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Zoom through the Oak Park Public Library
Bring your words and words yet to be written to this writers’ group for all types and genres. Each writer has a chance to read a story, poem or novel chapter and receive feedback from the group. Every first and third Sunday. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Free Testing for COVID-19
Community-based state testing sites are open to everyone regardless of symptoms or other criteria. Anyone who has been part of a rally or protest is recommended to be tested according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Appointments, doctor referrals or insurance are not needed. Public health officials say testing is critical to identify new cases and prevent further spread. To find a testing site, go to: dph.illinois.gov/testing. Local sites can be found by typing in your zip code.
Climate Change: Is It Already Too Late?
Monday, July 6, 1:30 p.m.,
Zoom with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Dr. Jason Funk, principal and founder of the Land Use & Climate Initiative, and Amy Rosenthal, director of the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center, will debate the Climate Change issue. Rosenthal will offer a realistic assessment, highlighting current impacts and the ongoing lack of political will to address this problem. Funk will describe how to change course. Free; donations appreciated. Register: ncca.memberclicks.net/events-calendar
NAMI Family Support
Tuesdays, 7 p.m., WebEx
Drop in anytime to a virtual support group that offers hope and shared experiences for family members with a loved one with a mental health condition. To join, create a free login at webex.com, then enter meeting number 291 478 541, password: Connect. Brought by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban. For more on NAMI’s family services, call: 708-524-2582 X108, or email: bockus@namimetsub.org
Crafting with Maria
Tuesday, July 7, 2 to 2:30 p.m.,
River Forest Public Library Facebook and Instagram pages
All ages are welcome to make a craft project every Tuesday. Watch live or find it a few days later on the River Forest Library’s YouTube Channel. Here you will find previous projects like wax-paper garlands and paper embroidery. You can also learn how to make a no-sew cloth mask.
Emergency Response Volunteers Needed
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers are needed in the Village of Oak Park. MRC needs medical and non-medical volunteers ready to help in emergency situations with logistical planning, record keeping, health awareness campaigns, staffing first-aid stations, providing emergency care, distributing medication and vaccinating residents. CERT volunteers play a vital role in local disaster response and recovery activities. More/apply: oak-park.us/emergencypreparedness
Coffee Monday
July 6, 10 to 11 a.m., Zoom through the River Forest Public Library
Join Rachel Watson from HOPE Fair Housing Center, who will discuss adults with disabilities and their rights to have grab-bars, railings and ramps in their homes and grants to pay for these modifications. Held the first Monday of each month, bring you hot beverage and snacks and join the conversation as you get to know your neighbors and learn about things in the community. Brought in partnership with River Forest Township. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/coffee-monday-zoom-1
Many Voices Book Discussion: “Queenie”
Wednesday, July 8, 7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom through the Oak Park Public Library
In Candice Carty-Williams’ novel, Queenie, a young Jamaican-British woman in London finds she is often compared to her white middle-class peers and she makes a series of questionable decisions after a breakup before challenging herself to figure out who she wants to be. Part of the Many Voices, Many Stories summer reading program. Register: oppl.org/calendar
