🌱 Community Recreation Center Opening + What's Blooming On Harrison

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's Daily:

• Sen. Don Harmon lays out the process for replacing Brandon Johnson on the Cook County Board.
• River Forest homeowners are welcome to attend a property tax appeal presentation.
• "Movies in the Park" are back this week and run through the summer.

But first, today's weather: Warmer with hazy sun. High: 77 Low: 61.

Shoutout to the awesome local businesses who keep this newsletter running:

• Get ready for a sugar rush! Sweet Mandy B's, the beloved Chicago bakery known for its cupcakes, cookies, and other old-fashioned desserts, is coming to Oak Park on Saturday, May 27. Sweet Mandy B's has been baking up delicious treats for over 20 years. Their cupcakes are legendary, but they also have a wide variety of other goodies to choose from, including cookies, brownies, bars, and pies. So whether you're looking for a sweet treat to celebrate a special occasion or just a pick-me-up on a regular day, Sweet Mandy B's is sure to have something to satisfy your cravings. Order here by 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 25. Patch readers can save 20 percent off SWEET MANDY B’S with code MAYPATCH.

• 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.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. An arsonist attempted to set fire to three cars in a Forest Park alley on May 7, the Review reports. The person was caught on a doorbell camera in the 1400 block of Harlem. (Review)

2. Sen. Don Harmon will serve as chair of the selection committee to name a Cook County Commissioner to replace Brandon Johnson on the board, the Review reports. Johnson formally resigned the post May 13 before being sworn in as the mayor of Chicago. “Anyone interested in applying to our committee for the appointment should submit a resume and a short cover letter signifying their interest and qualifications,” the Senate President from Oak Park said. (Review)

3. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Community Recreation Center will be held Sunday by the Park District of Oak Park. The new space officially opens Monday, featuring sports courts, exercise equipment and offices for mental health services and after-school programs. (Wednesday Journal)

4. Homeowners in River Forest Township can appeal their property tax assessments through May 31, according to the assessor’s office. A presentation on the process will be held next Tuesday at the River Forest Community Center. (VRF)

5. What’s Blooming on Harrison returns to the Oak Park Arts District this Saturday. The event dates back to 1999 and features an art fair and auction, live music, food, drinks and a carnival for kids. (OPAD)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Drop in at Trailside Museum for kids' nature activities. (2:30 p.m.)
• A night of “music, mindfulness and togetherness” is held at Pleasant Home. (7 p.m.)
• OPRF Museum hosts “Cruising Madison Street: Oak Park's Motor Row.” (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The park district's “Movies in the Park” summer series returns to Scoville Park tomorrow with a screening of “Puss in Boots.” The free event will be held monthly through September, with “Elvis” and “Jurassic World: Dominion” on this year’s schedule. (PDOP)
• OPRF High School track and field athletes will compete at the state meet this weekend. The girls team won the IHSA Class 3A St. Ignatius Sectional last week. (Wednesday Journal)
• A webinar will be held today for business owners looking to learn more about the Oak Park Green Business Program. (Sustain Oak Park)
• Oak Park Public Library is celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with a T-shirt design contest. Designs can be submitted through May 28. (Library)
• FitzGeralds will host “Tom Fest” on Saturday to raise money for the Tom Zimmerman Memorial Fund, which supports music education for Chicagoland youth. (FitzGeralds)

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:

• Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Presents Spring Concert (May 21)
• Do-It-Together Art Community in a Box (May 24)
• Save 20% on Meditteranean from Ema. Order by Sunday. (May 24)
• Save 20% on Tanta Peruvuan Cuisiine at Home. Order by Wednesday. (May 26)
• Save 20% on Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes + more! Order by Thursday. (May 27)
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Featured job listings:

• Environmental Intern - Recycling & Solid Waste (Details)
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You're all caught up on the news for Thursday! See you tomorrow for another 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.