🌱 Business Owners 'Barely Hanging On' + Cavalcade Of Pride Winners

Hello Oak Park and River Forest! In today's edition of the Patch newsletter:

• River Forest residents sound off on traffic issues.
• Illinois horror authors will speak on a panel at Oak Park Public Library tonight.
• Oak Park Festival Theatre is planning ahead for its summer production.

But first, today's weather: Cooler with a few showers. High: 43 Low: 34.

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

• Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual abuse? Attorney Tod M. Urban is a survivor of abuse himself who can help you understand your options. After 35 years as a prominent criminal defense attorney, Tod has focused his practice on helping others who have shared his experience. He’s compassionate and has deep expertise in navigating the legal complexities required to get justice and peace of mind. Visit here to learn more or call for conversation today.

• 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, March 31! 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 meal you can't get elsewhere. Order here by 3 p.m. on Wednesday 3/29.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

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

1. River Forest residents and business owners “packed” a recent traffic commission meeting to provide input on traffic patterns in certain areas of the village. Many expressed the need for additional stop signs and speed bumps, while others noticed improvement thanks to one-way traffic changes and cul-de-sac installation. (Wednesday Journal)

2. Oak Park business owners Myeisha and Samuel Campbell told the Sun-Times they are “barely hanging on” with the rise of online ordering during the pandemic. The Maywood couple opened their store House of Melanin on Chicago Avenue in 2018, selling Black hair care products. (Paid source: Sun-Times)

3. Several Illinois horror authors will discuss the genre and read “spooky stories” on a panel at Oak Park Public Library tonight. The free event begins at 7 p.m. in the main library’s Veterans Room. (Library)

4. Vendors looking for a spot at this summer’s A Day In Our Village event can apply through May 12. The annual celebration is set for June 4. (VOP)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Take a free self-guided tour of Pleasant Home. (11 a.m.)
• Kids 7-11 can join “slime time” at River Forest Public Library. (4 p.m.)
• Animal Care League hosts a trivia night fundraiser at One Lake Brewing. (6 p.m.)
• Author Pablo Cartaya delivers the 11th Annual Butler Lecture at Dominican University’s Martin Recital Hall. (6 p.m.)
• Learn about birding and technology with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park’s Community Design Commission announced the winners of the annual Cavalcade of Pride Awards. Fifteen homes were recognized this year. (VOP)
• A West Side cannabis craft grower looking to open a location in Austin received some “pushback” at a recent public meeting. (AWN)
• Fenwick High School students launched a “Friar Nation” podcast. (Fenwick)
• The Collaboration for Early Childhood is hosting a potty-training workshop for parents this weekend at Wonder Works Children’s Museum. (Collab4Kids)
• A stage manager is needed for Oak Park Festival Theatre’s summer production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Resumes are due by April 7. (Broadway World)

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:

• All Hail the Queen: Tribute to Aretha Franklin (March 25)
• Apps, Salads, and Incredible Mains from Beatrix Are Coming on Wednesday! Order by Monday. (March 29)
• Peruvian favorites from Tanta like ceviche and empanadas are heading to you. Order by Wednesday. (March 31)
• Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Café bringing brunch and sweets right to you! Order by Friday. (April 2)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago Announces Move Confidently 2.0, Make Room (Details)
• Add your announcement

That's all for today, Oak Park and River Forest! See you tomorrow for the Friday edition.

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.