🌱 Cavalcade Of Pride Nominations Open + Racial Equity Week Announced

Welcome back, Oak Park-River Forest! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 89 Low: 64.

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

1. The Village of Oak Park is seeking nominations for the 2023 Cavalcade of Pride, Historic Preservation, and Sustainability awards, recognizing efforts in property preservation and sustainability. The Cavalcade of Pride Awards honor property owners who maintain and enhance the exteriors of their homes and businesses, while the Historic Preservation Awards recognize achievements in restoration, rehabilitation, and design. The Green Awards highlight individuals, organizations, and projects promoting climate action and sustainability, aligned with Oak Park's Climate Ready plan. The nomination deadlines for each category are Sep. 15, Sep. 29, and Oct. 15, respectively. (The Village of Oak Park)
2. Police in nearby Chicago is seeking the public's assistance in locating Thoudens Goldman, a missing 16-year-old boy who was supposed to take a flight from O'Hare Airport. Goldman was last seen at the airport around 10:00 a.m. and did not board his connecting flight. He is described as five-foot-six inches, 148 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, and was last seen wearing black sweatpants and a light blue sweatshirt with a white Nike symbol, carrying a gray Adidas backpack. If anyone has information about his whereabouts, they are asked to contact Area Five detectives at (312) 746-6554. (FOX 32 Chicago)
3. Cook County officials have announced the details for the fifth annual Racial Equity Week, which will take place from Sep. 11-15 throughout Cook County. The theme for this year's celebration is "Interwoven Narratives, Collective Impact: Celebrating Five Years of Racial Equity Week," aiming to encourage residents to explore justice and equity at the intersections of identities. The county will offer a week of free events, both in-person and virtual, open to the public and Cook County employees, focusing on advancing racial equity through policy and practice and highlighting the work of partners and advocates. (The Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle)

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Wednesday, August 2

• Adult Board Game & Lego Night At Oak Park Public Library (6:30 PM)
• Grant Park Music Festival - Beethoven Symphony No. 7 At Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chicago (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening a new restaurant in the nearby Wicker Park neighborhood at 1611 N. Western Avenue, featuring the brand's signature "Chipotlane" for convenient drive-thru pickup of digital orders. (FOX 32 Chicago)
• The nearby La Grange Park Public Library is starting a building project and will be closed from Aug. 7 until about May 2024. During this time, patrons can visit the library's temporary location at the First Baptist Church of La Grange starting on Aug. 16. (Subscription: Shaw Local News Network)
• The Cook County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) is teaming up with Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge for a CCSO Showcase and Hiring Event on Aug. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Lodge. The event will provide an opportunity to accept job applications for correctional officer roles and various civilian positions directly on-site. Click here to learn more. (Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) via Facebook)

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:

• La Grange Endless Summerfest Aug. 4-6 (August 4)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Personalized Italian Language Lessons (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.