STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

If you missed the State of the City Address, the text of the speech along with wonderful pictures by Ron Warren Photography are in this link:  http://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/21/oak-park-mayor-gives-2015-state-of-the-city-address/

OAK PARK: WONDERFUL THEN AND WONDERFUL NOW

I have always loved living in Oak Park, for so many reasons, and I am even more excited about our city today.  It was the perfect place to grow up, a great place to start a lifetime of being involved in volunteer activities through the Teen Volunteer program, and a wonderful place to purchase a home and build my own life. 

But times change, and we need to change along with them.  Some things that worked perfectly in the 1970’s do not always fit in 2015.  And some things we had in the past, then lost due to budget cuts are returning.  I love that plans are being made to revitalize Coolidge as well as parts of 9 Mile and 11 Mile  with the Corridor Development Authority, to make Oak Park a more walkable city, and the return of summer concerts in the park this July.

We have the traditional Independence Day Parade and celebration in the park to look forward to, and a fabulous Summerfest coming up August 8-9, 2015.  Please click on the link http://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/21/oak-park-mayor-gives-2015-state-of-the-city-address/ and check out all the fantastic news about Oak Park! 

As Mayor Marian McClellan says at the end of her speech, “The best is definitely yet to come!” 

WE NEED YOU!!  WHEREVER YOU ARE NOW, COME ON BACK TO OAK PARK!

Be a part of it….we need you…please join us for all the fun, join a volunteer activity (hint, hint, Summerfest needs volunteers!).  If you live in the area, please consider returning home for some spring or summer events.  If you are in another state, or another country, now is a great time to consider planning that summer vacation!    July 3, 2015 is the Independence Day Parade and celebration in the park.  July 5, 2015 is the 3rd Annual OPHS Alumni Picnic (Super weekend to be in Oak Park!), and August 8-9 2015 is Summerfest.  Come for one weekend, or come for both!  🙂

TOWN HALL MONDAY, MARCH 30

As you are probably aware, there are two ballot proposals in the special election May 5, 2015.  The first one is about the statewide ballot proposal for road funding/taxes.  The second one is regarding the sale of mixed spirits in Oak Park restaurants.  Regardless of where you stand on either issue, please attend the Town Hall meeting to find out more about them.  The meeting will take place at 6:00pm in City Hall Chambers, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.  If you can’t make that one, another one will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the same time, same place.  I can’t stay for the whole meeting Monday night, but I will be there for at least the first part of it.  Join me if you can!

CONTEST DETAILS!!

As I mentioned earlier, I have purchased a copy of The Hill That Grew by Esther Meeks, which is a children’s picture book about Hamilton Hill, better known as “The Hill” at Shepherd Park (Oak Park Park).  I am giving it to one lucky winner!!

Here’s how you can win:

1.  You have to follow this blog (be a subscriber).  It’s totally free – just click on the ‘follow’ button at the top of the screen. 

2.  Write about what you love most or what you remember most about your time in Oak Park and email it to me at oakparkconnections@gmail.com.  There is no maximum or minimum length of your entry – whatever you choose is totally fine.

3.  At the end of your submisstion, type: “I give my permission to share this on the Oak Park Connections blog”. 

4.  Entries must be received via email by 11:30pm Saturday, April 4th, 2015. 

5.  The winner will be chosen randomly.  I will put the name of everyone who submitted their memories into a drawing and will choose one.  If you win, I will email you for your mailing address.  No money will be awarded, just a copy of the book will be sent to you. 

6.  Winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, April 6, 2015.

7.  All entries will be published on the blog the week of April 6, 2015.

My goal is to have a contest at least every two months, and I hope this blog will become interactive; an ongoing conversation among those of us who love and care about Oak Park. 

If you have any questions, or suggestions for things you would like to read about here in the blog, please let me know.  Email me at oakparkconnections@gmail.com.