🌱 Building Demolition Planned + Tax Hike To Help Forest Preserves

Happy Friday, Oak Park and River Forest! It's the last day of a very busy September in our area. In today's issue, find out:

• When Oak Park could appoint a new trustee
• Why a nearby candy factory is being fined more than $200,000
• How to register for holiday events at the Park District

But first, today's weather: Sunny; nice in the afternoon. High: 68 Low: 52.

Here are the top 4 stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman hopes to appoint a new trustee by Oct. 3. Eleven people applied to finish the term of Arti Walker-Peddakotla, who stepped down from the village board over the summer. See the full list of candidates here. (Wednesday Journal)

2. River Forest trustees voted to demolish three structures in the village, including the former Lutheran Child and Family Services building on Madison Street. The other two are single-family homes. The village will use a $350,000 state grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development to finance the demolitions. (Wednesday Journal)

3. A November referendum will ask Cook County voters about a tax hike to support local forest preserves. If approved, taxpayers would ultimately pay about $20 per year to help fund operations at the preserves, WBEZ reports. The move would generate $40 million. (WBEZ)

4. The Park District of Oak Park will open registration tomorrow for holiday events. Cookies and pet photos with Santa are on the December calendar, along with The Santa Trolley and Holidays Around the World. Non-resident registration opens Oct. 8. (PDOP)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• It’s the final day to bid on Studio of Art pieces to support Beyond Hunger. (All day)
• Get early-bird pricing to the upcoming OPALGA+ Scholarship Gala. (All day)
• Make an upcycled photo album at Dole Center. (6 p.m.)
• Romantic comedy “Bros” and horror film “Smile” open at Lake Theatre. (7:25 p.m.)
• Oak Park and River Forest High School hosts its Homecoming football game. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Ferrara Candy Co. factory in Bellwood faces more than $200,000 in fines for safety violations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. (ABC)
• This weekend’s Whirlwind Folk Festival has been canceled. (Whirlwind Coffee Co.)
• Local playwright Aline Lathrop will host a free online reading of her new Odyssey-inspired play next week. (Broadway World)
• Planning your weekend? Check out the Team Owen Block Party, a community art event outside Oak Park Public Library or the return of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest. (Patch/Library/Chamber)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In the Village — (Visit website)
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• Add your business here

Events:

• Oak Brook Artisan Market — Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 1-2 (Village Green at Oakbrook Center) (October 1)
• Crafts & Drafts Craft Market @ Elmhurst Brewing (October 2)
• Add your event

That's all for Sept. 30. Have a great weekend!

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her feature articles have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Daily? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.