Oak Park YMCA Could Win $25K for Energy Efficiency Participation

The Nicor Gas program could award up to $25,000, but the specific amount depends on participation of residents here.

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program announced it will award up to $25,000 to the YWCA Evanston/North Shore in Evanston and the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park at the conclusion of the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program Community Challenge. The specific amount will be determined by the participation of local residents. The Community Challenge is a new initiative to help foster energy efficiency awareness and action within two local communities. The Challenge began Feb. 1 and runs through April 30, During that period, each homeowner or business that participates in select Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Programs earns $50 toward their community’s final prize. Each community can earn up to $25,000 through the challenge. Improving the energy …

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The Ultimate New Year's Eve Guide

Area restaurants, venues to have parties, special deals for frolickers and their families.

Looking for some great ideas of where to go on New Year's Eve? From kid-friendly doings to a late-night champagne toast, there's a few places around town that can fill those bills. Just let Patch be your guide! Wonder Works' Children's Museum: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wonder Works, 6445 North Ave. in Oak Park, will be "counting down" to the New Year with a party for the whole family. Sparkling cider, guided crafts, face painting, games from around the world, music and singing all will be included with a $6 general admission. For more information call 708-383-4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org. West Cook YMCA: Celebrate New Year's Eve around the world with family friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the West Cook YMCA. …

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Registration Open for Family Triathlon

Start stretching. A new family-friendly competition will take over the Pleasant District.

Think your family has what it takes to finish a triathlon? No? Well, that's OK. In fact, you and your brood are precisely the type of competitors that organizers with the first-ever Pleasant District Family Triathlon are looking for. The event is scheduled for 7 a.m. on September 29. Competitors will work in teams of two — one child (ages 7 to 15) and one adult (16 and over). Registration is $55 per team. On race day, participants will swim at the West Cook YMCA, transition to cycling on stationary bikes provided by Greenline Wheels, and then run in a race hosted by The Competitive Foot on Marion Street between Randolph Street and South Boulevard. A further breakdown: Kids ages 7-10 years old and an adult will participate in a 100 meter …

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Who Do You Trust?

Who Do You Trust? Fitness Edition

Stop whining. Start stretching.

Resolution time.  Are you going to stick to it? You're going to need a gym that won't keep you bored. Somewhere clean, with hours that fit your schedule. Who do you trust?  Oak Park-River Forest Patch has a seriously extensive business directory, and it's designed for you to share recommendations and praise — or warnings and words to the wise — for businesses and services around town. We want all of our readers to benefit from your experience the way your neighbors do. So please share your knowledge with other readers by leaving reviews on businesses in our directory. Here are some gyms and fitness centers from our "Places" directory. Please consider visiting the listings page for these businesses and writing a review.

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Casey Cora

12:14 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012

Another health club for your consideration, The Oak Park Tennis & Fitness Centre: http://oakpark.patch.com/listings/the-tennis-fitness-centre   more ›

Ultimate New Year's Eve Guide

From kid-friendly to kids-forbidden, we've got you covered for holiday happenings.

Ah, New Year's Eve. Depending on your age, experience and energy, it's a night to be loved or loathed.  Nailing down plans can be tough — reservations fill up fast, noisy amateurs pack the local haunts and transportation is tricky.  Not to worry. We've compiled a list of some of the area's best bets.  First, a few events that are either fun for the family, easy on the wallet or provide a healthy alternative to the booze-fueled feasts:  Oak Park Public Library: Get your family dance on with JiggleJam, a free daytime concert from Jodi Koplin at the library that will feature Koplin's mix of everything from "rock & roll to calypso to boogie & blues." Free. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets available at the Main Branch, 834 Lake Street, or by calling …

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