🌱 Animal Care League Expanding Campus + River Forest Sustainability

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Low humidity with sunshine. High: 80 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. The Animal Care League (ACL), a pivotal provider of animal services since 1973, is constructing a new facility that will expand its pet resource campus to 19,000 square feet and quadruple its capacity to assist pets, according to Executive Director Kira Robson. To fund the expansion, slated for completion in 2024, the ACL is hosting a capital campaign and underlining the crucial role community support plays in their ongoing success. An open house on Jul. 20 will showcase the first completed construction phase, provide a platform to discuss the upcoming stages, and further the capital campaign, offering community members an opportunity to engage with the organization. (Wednesday Journal)
2. The Village of River Forest Sustainability Commission is proposing an ordinance to eliminate the use of polystyrene foam in disposable food service containers, with a public meeting slated for Jul. 11, to solicit community feedback and provide more details about the proposal. The ordinance, if enacted, will come into effect from Jan. 1, 2024, but businesses earning under $500,000 annually per location will have an extra year to comply. Local businesses subject to this change, including those listed below, have been directly informed and are encouraged to attend the public meeting or reach out to Seth Jansen, the Sustainability Commission Staff Liaison, for more information. (Village of River Forest)
3. Oak Park Festival Theatre's performance of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" kicks off next week at Austin Gardens in Oak Park. This live outdoor theatre experience begins with Community Night on Jul. 12, previews on Jul. 13 and 14, and regular performances from Jul. 15 through Aug. 19. General admission tickets cost $38, with senior and student discounts available and free admission for children under 12. Thursday performances are “Pay What You Can” at the door. Tickets are available for purchase here. (Oak Park Festival Theatre)

Big love to our local sponsors. We couldn’t keep the community informed without you!

• Ready to experience the flavors and culture of Peru from the comfort of your home? Tanta is bringing Peruvian delights to Oak Park on Friday, July 14th! Enjoy Empanadas, ceviche, skewers, and more from the long-running River North Chef-Driven hotspot. Local ingredients are paired with authentic Peruvian sauces and seasonings, making for a truly delicious summer meal you can't get elsewhere. Order here by 3pm on Wednesday 7/12.

• Get ready to celebrate — YogaSix Oak Park is turning "2" this summer! And they're bringing you an amazing offer to kick off their anniversary in style. Prepare for rejuvenating yoga as YogaSix presents their exclusive $2 class offer, available all month long! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience a blissful yoga session at a fraction of the regular cost. Call the studio and book your class today, or visit them here and enter the code "CELEBRATE" to unlock this special offer.

• Get your home ready for Summer with a fresh coat of paint! Elite Decorating & Remodeling offers expert exterior painting services to make your home look like new. Trust their experienced team to enhance your curb appeal and protect your home from the elements. Contact Mark today at (773) 332-5264 and let him help you bring your home improvement dreams to life. From painting to decks to full remodels, Elite Decorating & Remodeling has got you covered!

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Friday, July 7

• Chamber Takeout Stakeout At Poke Burrito (12:00 PM)
• Book Bike: Beer Shop Pop-Up At Oak Park Public Library (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Grace Episcopal Church of Oak Park is hosting its first Strawberry Festival on Saturday, Jul. 15, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 924 Lake Street in Oak Park. This event is free and open to the public. Mark your calendar for music, food, and family fun! (Grace Episcopal Church of Oak Park via Facebook)
• Looking for a fulfilling career in law enforcement? The Cook County Sheriff's Office is now hiring. View all open positions and job details here. (Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) via Facebook)
• In case you missed it, the Village of Oak Park's July/August edition of its OP/FYI newsletter is now available online. Visit the link to learn all about what's happening in Oak Park for the rest of the summer. (Village of Oak Park)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
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Featured events:

• Anime Midwest's Massive Annual Anime Festival (July 7)
• Mutt Strut Virtual 5k Run/Walk (July 14)
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For sale:

• All One Up and Live Savers on Patch (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.