🌱 Community Grant Program Suspended For 1 Year + Power Outages

Hello, neighbors! I'm back with your new copy of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon shower; cooler. High: 70 Low: 61.

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

1. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation has decided to temporarily suspend its community grant program for a year to assess and revise its operations to better align with an enhanced mission. This program allows nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support their general operations or specific needs. The decision follows three years of work by the foundation's staff and board to gather input and perspectives from underrepresented voices in the community. (Subscription: Chicago Tribune)
2. Over 3,000 people experienced a power outage on Wednesday morning in the Chicago area, where a flash flood advisory was also issued. The weather, initially hot and humid with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s, is expected to transition to a fall-like feel by the end of the week. Before the cold front arrives, severe weather warnings, including strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and the possibility of small hail, are expected to persist, potentially impacting morning commutes. (NBC Chicago)
3. The former home and studio of renowned Oak Park architect E.E. Roberts, known for its Prairie-style features, was sold for $1.3 million, surpassing the asking price by approximately 8.4 percent. The house, originally an 1890s Victorian, was transformed by Roberts into a Prairie-style design in 1911, featuring art glass windows, tiled floors and fireplaces, and a unique grandfather clock integrated into a staircase post. The home is notably located just three blocks from Frank Lloyd Wright's famous home and studio. (Subscription: chicagobusiness.com)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, September 7

• Shake, Rattle & Read At Euclid Square Park (10:00 AM)
• Digitizing Photos For Older Adults At Oak Park Main Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce has released a new edition of its Wednesday Newsletter. Check it out, here. (Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• On Saturday, Sep. 9, from 9:00-11:30 a.m., there will be a free event at NEIU El Centro in nearby Chicago, offering paper shredding, electronics recycling, and medication take-back services. The event will continue until the trucks reach their capacity. (Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) via Facebook)
• Real estate specialist Roz Byrne will be hosting a seminar called "The Upside of Downsizing" at the Oak Park Arms on Sep. 16 at 10:30 a.m. This free seminar will address the concerns of seniors when it comes to moving. (Oak Park-River Forest Patch)

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• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (September 12)
• Sal-MexFusion brings the flavors of Mexico and El Salvador together. Order Wednesday (September 13)
• College Funding Workshop (September 13)
• High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
• A Tail to Remember: Animal Care League's 50th Anniversary Gala (September 23)
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That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— 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.