Beloved Fenwick Teacher Dies + High School Updates COVID Policy

Happy Wednesday, OPRF! In today's Daily, OPRF High School updates its COVID-19 policy, a beloved Fenwick teacher is remembered and a longtime theater director steps down.

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Oak Park-River Forest? Our premium local sponsorships will keep you at the top of inboxes around town every morning. Contact us here for the lowdown.

First, today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 76, low: 59.

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

1. “Legendary” Chicago swimmer George Wendt has died. The Fenwick High School teacher and Hall of Fame alumnus died swimming in Lake Michigan Sept. 11 during the Big Shoulders Open Water Classic. The River Forest resident was 73 years old. (Wednesday Journal)

2. Oak Park River Forest High School is updating its remote learning policies due to the ongoing pandemic. Beginning today, “students with COVID-related absences will be able to observe classes from home via Zoom or Google Meet during their assigned class periods,” Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Dr. Laurie Fiorenza wrote in a Sept. 14 memo. The new rules only apply to students who have COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus. (OPRFHS)

3. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park is speaking out about the much-discussed state energy bill, which passed the Senate Monday. “Our goal all along was to enact reliable, renewable and affordable energy policies that position Illinois to lead the nation in combating climate change and growing green energy,” Harmon wrote via social media. (Twitter)

4. LemonAid raised $400 for Hephzibah Children’s Association over the weekend. Chaired by OPRF High School students, the annual River Forest children’s charity fundraiser has been a mainstay in the village since the first anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Paid source: Forest Leaves)

5. Beginning today, Dominican University’s O’Connor Gallery will feature quilts made by Oak Park artists Bill Kerr and Weeks Ringle. Kerr teaches graphic design at the university, and the couple founded the Modern Quilt Studio. Their art will be on display through Oct. 22. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

Today's Oak Park-River Forest Daily is brought to you by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Fine art and furniture are up for bid at a Toomey & Co. auction. (10 a.m.)
• The Forest Preserves of Cook County launches its “Lunch and Learn” series. (12 p.m.)
• Ahimsa Yoga Studio offers “Girl Power Yoga” for students in 4th-8th grade. (4:30 p.m.)
• Pleasant Home Foundation presents “Dressing Mrs. Farson: A History of Fashion in the Early 1900s.” (7 p.m.)
• Oak Park Art League begins an Advanced Drawing course. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• Residents can take part in the Village’s Keep Oak Park Beautiful initiative by organizing a neighborhood clean-up. (VOP)
• Oak Park Public Library has kicked off its Wednesday-morning fall story-time series. (OPPL)
• The Illinois moratorium on enforcing evictions has been extended until Sept. 18. (Cook County Sheriff's Office)
• Ann Filmer stepped down as the head of Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater. (Chicago Tribune)
• A former Notre Dame professor could be the next owner of a historic Frank Lloyd Wright home in South Bend. (South Bend Tribune)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Vintage Garage in Evanston - 75 Vendors (September 19)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Remote Marketing Assistance Needed! (Details)
• Add your gig or service

That's all for today! If you have thoughts on the Daily, my inbox is always open at georgi.presecky@patch.com.

Until tomorrow,

Georgi

If you're into these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.