🌱 Check-Washing Reports + OPRF Candidate Forums Planned

Good morning! Let's get to today's top stories in Oak Park and River Forest.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and mild. High: 53 Low: 35.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. Check-washing crimes continue to be reported across the region, the Landmark reports. A check mailed at the Brookfield Post Office was “washed” and cashed for more than $4,000 in late January, just weeks after a River Forest resident lost $15,000 by a similar crime. (Landmark)

2. Wednesday Journal will host a forum Thursday featuring four candidates running for seats on the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 board. An additional forum will be held Feb. 21 for Oak Park trustee candidates. (Wednesday Journal)

3. The Dominican University campus can be briefly glimpsed in “Ticket to Paradise,” the recent romantic comedy starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts. The film is now streaming on Peacock. (DU)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• The Nineteenth Century Club celebrates Valentine's Day with a free program. (1:15 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library offers "pajama" story time. (6:30 PM)
• The Oak Park Photography Club meets. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Local artists can submit work to be displayed at Kribi Coffee. (OPAAC)
• The Park District of Oak Park is seeking volunteers for the Dole Center and Economy Shop. (PDOP)
• Unity Temple will host a free screening of a new documentary about the renovation of Tribune Tower. (UTRF)
• The Oak Park Department of Public Health is raising awareness about the dangers of “forever” chemicals. (VOP)
• Trinity High School will host a southern cooking class Feb. 16. (THS)

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Featured events:

• Handel Week Festival Concert I (February 19)
• Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Performs Rarely-Heard Masterpieces (February 19)
• Symphony Presents Ravel and Vaughan Williams (February 19)
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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for more local stories.

— Georgi

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.