Oak Park police will join law enforcement agencies across Illinois in targeting impaired drivers from Aug. 16 through Labor Day as part of the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
While Oak Park police are always on the lookout for impaired drivers, they will be especially aggressive during the statewide campaign and will have extra officers on patrol.
“If you choose to drive impaired in Oak Park, you will be arrested — no warnings, no excuses,” Oak Park Deputy Police Chief Anthony Ambrose said.
In addition to targeting impaired drivers, Oak Park police also will be looking for seatbelt violations — especially during late-night hours when seatbelt use is lowest and accident rates highest. Ambrose said his officers will have zero tolerance for seatbelt law violators — front and back seats both.
OP library lobby redo
Stage one of the library redo began in July, and by September the second part will be checked off the list.
The work is part of the library’s strategic plan to meet the demands of evolving services. Phase one was completed ahead of schedule and now offers a new, adaptable, multipurpose area for special events, special displays and new energy-efficient lighting.
By late September, customers will be able to benefit from eight new checkout stations; four tabletop stations will replace the self-checkouts in Children’s Services and the library’s second and third floors. The Dole and Maze branches will each add a kiosk and one tabletop station.
The redo will also include tighter security for materials with new gates at the main entrance.
Donate blood, get free ice cream
Those interested in donating blood can do so on Thursday, Aug. 15, through Heartland Blood Centers, an independent nonprofit blood center serving 49 hospitals in a 12-county area.
At the library, time slots are available between noon and 4 p.m., and all donors will receive a certificate for a free quart of Oberweis ice cream, while supplies last, when they donate blood. Donations can be scheduled online at ht.heartlandbc.org or by calling 708-697-6915.
Potential donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood. A photo ID is required. Some health issues and certain areas of travel may be cause for deferral.
Farmers Market corn roast
The Aug. 17 Farmers Market will feature the annual corn roast, as fresh-picked corn from market growers is sold by the ear, hot off the roaster from about 9 a.m. till noon.
The Oak Park Farmers Market is held every Saturday through the end of October in the Pilgrim Church parking lot just west of the intersection of Lake Street and Ridgeland Avenue.
