An Oak Lawn trustee said residents can purchase rain barrels through a program sponsored by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Trustee Paul Mallo (3rd) attended a recent Southwest Conference of Mayors meeting where it was mentioned that rain barrels are available to residents.
Rain barrels are available through the MWRD for $43. Mallo said the price is sometimes lower for seniors.
The rain barrels weigh about 20 pounds and can hold up to 55 gallons of water. When full, the barrel can weigh as much as 500 pounds. Rain barrels must be placed near a downspout and on level ground.
The MWRD rain barrel program promotes local green infrastructure to capture rainwater from roofs and save it for later use, such as watering gardens and flowers.
Mallo also said registration will continue for the Oak Lawn Halloween Home Decorating Contest. The village will partner with Midnight Terror House, 5520 W. 111th St. The registration deadline is noon Wednesday, Oct. 23.
A panel from the Arts and Events Commission and staff from Midnight Terror will evaluate the decorated houses. Prizes will be awarded to the top three houses. More information can be obtained by contacting Gary Gudino at ggudino@oaklawn-il.gov or by calling 708-499-7774.
Mallo also announced that the Santa on the Green event will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Village Green, 9446 S. Raymond Ave. More details will be forthcoming.
Hometown Heroes
Mike Sutko thanked Mayor Terry Vorderer and the board for the development of the Hometown Heroes program, which features banners of village residents who are currently serving or have previously served in the military.
“It’s been a huge success since it was introduced not that long ago,” Sutko said during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Sutko, a veteran himself, said the banners are lined up along 95th Street. He thanked Bill Meyer, the director of the public works department, for his work in getting the banners raised.
Vorderer also thanked Sutko, noting that he originally came up with the idea for the banners. The mayor added that the banners will be displayed in other locations throughout Oak Lawn.
Veterans assembly
Vorderer mentioned that the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School Veterans Day Assembly will take place from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the school, 5345 W. 99th St.
The mayor, a Vietnam Army veteran, will be one of the guest speakers, along with U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill.
“They’ve honored veterans over the years, and they usually have about 50 veterans they recognize,” Vorderer said. “It’s important for students to honor our veterans and recognize their contributions. This is a great event.”
Veterans who want to attend should contact the school ahead of time to make arrangements. More information can be obtained by calling the school at 708-499-6400.
Early voting
Early voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, through Saturday, Oct. 26, in meeting room C at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Early voting will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the library.
Residents can continue to vote early from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, through Friday, Nov. 1. Early voting will also take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the library.
The last day for early voting will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at the library.
Village Hall will remain a polling place for the general election in the main lobby on Tuesday, Nov. 5.