How To Help Seniors With Snow Removal, Coyote Sightings

The first sign of winter isn’t the first flurry landing on the sidewalk, but Oak Lawn Tr. Alex Olejniczak’s annual pitch for volunteers for the senior snow shoveling program.

For the past several years the village has paired volunteers with seniors or disabled persons with little or no family in the area to help with snow removal from walks and driveways.

Volunteers agree to be that individual’s official “snow angel” for the winter, and to remove snow within 24 hours of a snow incident.

Olejniczak (Dist. 2) started the program when he saw seniors in his district who needed help shoveling their walks and driveways. The program has since been expanded village-wide. The program kicks in Dec. 1.

We’ve seen Olejniczak and his sons in action, scraping five driveways clean in an hour with shovels and snow blowers.

There is still time for seniors to apply for snow removal assistance, Olejniczak said.

Students looking to fulfill community service hours for school or confirmation, scout troops and youth groups, are especially encouraged to apply. Adults or families can also adopt a senior this winter.

For some seniors, being able to get out of the house for doctor appointments, or those with healh conditions that make shoveling snow dangerous, the volunteer program can mean the difference between life and death.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Sgt. Jim Pacetti, the community service officer for the Oak Lawn Police Department, at 708-499-7880 or by email,  jpacetti@oaklawn-il.gov.

Seniors and/or family members wishing to arrange for snow removal assistance can also contact Sgt. Pacetti.

Also in the Neighborhood …

Toddler Art

Children ages 2-3 can show up with their favorite big person to dance, sing, hear stories and do an art project at the Oak Lawn Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Aprons are provided. 9:30 a.m.

Boy Scout Troop 596 Open House

Boy Scout Troop 596 invites boys from sixth grade and older to attend an open house at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 104500 S. Kostner Ave. Boys and their parents will be treated to displays and demonstrations of scouting skills and activities, as well as refreshments. Troop 596 is an active troop that goes on monthly camping trips and has produced 75 Eagle Scouts. The open house starts at 6 p.m.

Yoga at Jacob’s Well, 3450 W. Maple Ave., Evergreen Park, 6 p.m.

You don’t have to be a local celebrity to get a GIANT FREE PLUG in “Today In Oak Lawn.” Post your EVENT on our calendar. We show you how to do that HERE.

Coyote Sightings

Three coyotes were spotted in Worth in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, near 109th Street and Worth Avenue. The coyotes were running up and down the embankment along the Metra tracks, possibly headed to Galemore Park.

Have you spotted coyotes, raccoons, possums, rats, etc., in your neighborhood? Let us know by leaving a note on our SPEAK OUT board, or by posting on the Oak Lawn Patch Facebook page, where we love discussing wildlife.