🌱 Shooting In Austin + RUSH Oak Park Hospital Outpatient Center

Hello, Oak Park-River Forest! I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek and I'm filling in for your usual curator Georgi Presecky for the next couple of days. Please note that your newsletters may be a bit lighter during this time. Now, here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Colder; a.m. snow, up to 1". High: 39 Low: 30.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

Ready to enjoy one of the most popular Lettuce Entertain You spots for comforting–yet healthy–cuisine? Beatrix is coming to Oak Park on Wednesday 3/29, offering a vast array of delicious items for every taste — and almost every meal. Whether it’s the vegan tortilla soup and a shaved brussel sprouts salad with fresh pasta for dinner, or pastries, enchiladas, pancakes, and avocado toast for brunch, there’s something for everyone. Order here by 5pm on Monday 3/27.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

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

1. A shooting in Austin has left a 19-year-old dead and a 17-year-old seriously wounded. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the two victims got into an argument with an individual who subsequently pulled out a gun and fired. Chicago police are currently questioning a person of interest in connection with the shooting. (Chicago Sun-Times)
2. RUSH Oak Park Hospital plans to build a $70 million outpatient center on the site of a former Sears store in Austin, bringing much-needed medical services to an area of the city experiencing health disparities. The three-story, 60,000-square-foot facility will have 90 exam, consulting, and procedure rooms, and provide urgent care, cancer, neurology, and cardiology services. The center will also offer primary care appointments and lab and radiology services, as well as 200 parking spaces. (Block Club Chicago)
3. Oak Parkers can come together in their neighborhood by hosting a clean-up party with the help of the Keep Oak Park Beautiful initiative. The Village offers heavy-duty trash bags, gloves, and stickers to collect litter, plus brooms and shovels are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To learn more or to sign up to host an event, visit the Oak Park website. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Shake, Rattle & Read - Oak Park Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Bunny Bash - North Riverside Park Mall (11:00 AM)
• Salsa Jumpstart: Beginner Salsa Workshop - 7518 Madison St, Forest Park (1:00 PM)
• Oak Park And River Forest Neurodiverse Social Club Coffee Chat - Oak Park Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Get ready to become the ultimate babysitting pro by registering for the Safe Sitter Class! The first session kicks off on Saturday, Apr. 1 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm; visit the link to secure your spot. (River Forest Park District via Facebook)
• Get charged up about electric cars and their role in combating climate change by joining the Forest Preserve District for a free Sustainability Lunch & Learn webinar on Wednesday, Mar. 29! Attendees will learn about the basics of electric vehicles and how to make the switch, plus explore new tax rebates and incentives. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)
• Activists from the Southwest Environmental Alliance have called on mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson to address the high levels of pollution on the city's Southwest Side. The Southwest Environmental Alliance is holding a "people's dialogue" on the environment on Mar. 27, and both candidates have said they will attend. (Chicago Sun-Times)

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)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Music to Dine By with Doug Lalli at Tre Sorelle (March 25)
• All Hail the Queen: Tribute to Aretha Franklin (March 25)
• Live Jazz Jam Sunday at Tre Sorelle Ristorante by Mancini (March 26)
• Live Jazz Every Sunday with John Scoville & Friends at Tre Sorelle (March 26)
• Wedding Band Event at Bella Cosa Jewelers (April 15)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll be in your inbox soon with 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.