The local community organization, Southeast Oak Park Community Organization, is holding candidate forum for the upcoming municipal election set for April 2.

A much-anticipated documentary film, "Knock Down the House," debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last week 

A teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School was recently named a finalist for the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

The River Forest Civic Association will hold several forums for local candidates this year, in partnership with the League of Women Voters.

The River Forest Public Library is aiming to re-open on February 7, after its boiler failed during the deep freeze last week and caused pipes to burst. 

The Book of Love

Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., First United Church: 

The Oriana Singers, six of the "best classically trained singers in Chicago," present a concert of a cappella music about love from many times and places: having it, not having it, wanting it, losing it, etc.

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The renowned psychologist Albert Bandura writes that a "strong sense of efficacy enhances human accomplishment and personal well-being in many ways," adding that individuals who have strong self-efficacy, or a "high assurance in their capabilities" confront difficult tasks not as "threats to be avoided," but as "challenges to be mastered."

These days, it can be hard to escape the stories in the media about grit. People call it grit, gumption, self-sufficiency.

But how about calling it self-efficacy, believing you have the stuff to make happen what needs to get done, the ability to work your way through inevitable challenges. 

Ben Rankin-Parker likes to be busy. The Oak Park resident doesn't let his disabilities keep him at home. He has two part-time jobs and feels a sense of purpose, as well as an enhanced sense of community, from punching the time clock on a weekly basis.