🌱 Cook Co. $13M Shelter Purchase + CRC Hosting Family Nights

Hello again, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right with a quick review of the most important things going on in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Warm with periods of sun. High: 79 Low: 59.

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

1. Cook County Commissioners have approved the use of over $13 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase two suburban hotels that were converted into homeless shelters during the pandemic. The funds, allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will be provided as 30-year, no-interest loans. The shelters, operated by Connections for the Homeless and Housing Forward, aim to provide comprehensive services in a dignified environment to individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on permanent housing solutions. (Evanston Patch)
2. A series of bomb threats targeted several libraries in northern Illinois communities in late August and September. Evanston Public Library (EPL) received anonymous bomb threats via email on Sep. 12 and 14, leading to evacuations of its branches. Other libraries on the North Shore, including those in Oak Park and Wilmette, also received similar threats. These incidents have occurred amidst national debates on book banning and free speech in public libraries, with concerns that the threats may be related to ideological tensions surrounding these issues. Despite the disruptions, officials emphasize that all libraries remain safe to visit. (The Daily Northwestern)
3. The Community Recreation Center (CRC) in Oak Park offers Family Nights every Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. During this time, the gymnasium is also open for badminton and pickleball. From 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., families are encouraged to engage in playtime with their young children in the Playzone. The event is free for CRC members and costs $10 per family for non-members. It's an opportunity for families to enjoy recreational activities together. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Saturday, September 23

• Oaktoberfest 2023 At Downtown Oak Park (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Stop by the Oak Park River Forest Museum to check out their latest exhibition, "Ever Changing, Yet the Same: OPRF High School at 150." (Oak Park River Forest Museum via Instagram)
• Mark your calendars for a community health walk next Tuesday, Sep. 26 at 10:00 a.m. The Oak Park Public Health Department's nurse will be available to accompany participants. They will also be available to provide free blood pressure checks, offer diabetic risk assessments, and address any questions or concerns during the event. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• Do you want to host a 2024 Business After Hours event? Learn more here. (Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce 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:

• Oaktoberfest 2023 (September 23)
• Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Sep 30-Oct 1 (Oakbrook Center) (September 30)
• 2023 Illinois Statewide Solar Tour (September 30)
• Illinois Woman's Press Association Fall Writer's Workshop 2023 (September 30)
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Featured announcements:

• Board Certified Neuropsychologist opens practice- Riverside Psychology- in River Forest (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today. 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.