Scholarship Opportunity for Area Students

The Chamber by O’Hare is providing two scholarship opportunities for the upcoming year. Both are open to all Franklin Park, Schiller Park, and River Grove residents. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student accepted at an accredited college, university, or community college; with a minimum GPA of 2.8. The second $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time current or incoming Triton College student with a minimum GPA of 2.8 and pursuing a degree in an engineering technology/ manufacturing-related academic area.

Applications may be obtained at info@chamberbyohare.org or patzinga@triton.edu. Include a contact phone number with your email. Applications and all required information must be received by May 1, 2015. The award selection will be completed by June 1, 2015. Direct any inquiries to info@chamberbyohare.org or patzinga@triton.edu.

Community Blood Drive - March 13

The next Blood Drive will be held on March 13 from 3 to 7 PM at the Franklin Park Community Center. The drive is held in partnership with LifeSource and the Village's Senior Commission. Blood is needed daily for surgeries, emergencies, medical procedures and cancer treatments. Blood Drives help to save millions of lives each year! The actual donation process is quick, easy and painless! Please take the time out of your busy day to donate blood and give the gift of life..

Warming Centers Available

Please stay safe during this extreme weather! Temperatures will remain dangerously cold over the next several days. Avoid travel if at all possible, and check on friends, family, neighbors, and the elderly. If you must travel and are travelling in a car, bring extra clothing to keep warm in case of breakdown.

Village and Park District of Franklin Park have made the Community Center located at 9560 Franklin and the Center at North Park facility located at 10040 Addison available as warming centers for those residents that need shelter during the cold weather. To report an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency requests please call (847) 678-2444.

Protecting Your Pipes in Freezing Temperatures

With winter temperatures plunging into a deep freeze, a few simple steps can help you to protect your pipes from freezing. Start by opening the cabinet doors to help warm up the pipes. Also, you can prevent freezing by keeping a small trickle of water running through the pipes. To learn more helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if your pipes are frozen, click here.

Spay and Neuter Rebate Program

During the month of February Cook County Animal Control offers a $40 rebate for neutering your dog, cat or ferret. Help prevent animal overpopulation in Cook County and stem the possible spread of dangerous diseases to pets and people through stray animals.

To be eligible:

• Pets must be owned by Cook County Residents.
• Limit of two (2) pets total per household.
• Must show proof of your pet being current with the rabies vaccine.
• Must have a Cook County rabies tag.

For more information, call 708-974-6140 or go to http://www.cookcountyil.gov/animal-rabies-control-home

Throw a Energy Impact House Party

Mayor Barrett Pedersen hosted an Energy Impact House Party recently and was joined by friends and neighbors for an energy loss demonstration. A certified contractor conducted the energy audit of the home and identified where energy was being wasted or lost. For a limited time, residents can schedule to host a House Party and receive a full energy assessment, valued at $400, for free! Participants are not required to sign up for services.

Click here to learn more about house parties. Rebates are avilable to mkae your home more comfortable and save on energy costs. Click here to learn more about rebates.

Train Horn Quiet Zone Update

The Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) on Train Horn Quiet Zones met for the first time on December 17. The CAB discussed the potential options for safety improvements necessary to obtain quiet zone designation from Scott Street to Thatcher Avenue. Engineers provided the CAB with data on the current risk index of all the crossings and which improvements would bring the risk down to a level sufficient for approval. A brief report on the progress of the proposed Train Horn Quiet Zone is now available as a link on the homepage's left-hand column and will be regularly updated. You may also click here to read the update.