🌱 Cook Co. Reconnect Program Launches + OPPD Pawfficer Howie Birthday

Hi there, Oak Park-River Forest. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunlit and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 58.

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

1. Cook County Reconnect, a program aimed at providing $23 million in rental assistance and services to residents returning to the county after periods of incarceration has launched in Cook County. The initiative combines rental assistance with individualized support services to address common challenges faced by returning residents, such as stable housing and employment. Managed by the Cook County Justice Advisory Council with support from the Housing Authority of Cook County, the program aims to increase economic opportunities and reduce recidivism, ultimately contributing to safer, stronger communities. Eligibility is based on referrals from the Illinois Department of Corrections or designated community partners, and services will be available until November 2026. (Chicago Defender)
2. A car crashed into a home in nearby Rolling Meadows on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the 2700 block of Millstone Lane. The crash involved an SUV driven by a woman with two children inside. While there was damage to the home's facade, the vehicle did not enter the house, and the homeowner, who was present, was reportedly unharmed. According to police, all injuries sustained by the driver and passengers were non-life-threatening, and there was no suspicion of drugs or alcohol as factors in the crash. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. (Fox 32 Chicago)
3. Oak Park Police Department's very own "Pawfficer" Howie, their officer wellness and community service dog, is celebrating his fourth birthday on Sep. 19. A special birthday party will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall's south lawn on Madison Street. The community is invited to attend, and instead of gifts and treats, donations to the Animal Care League are encouraged. You can also follow Howie's adventures as a therapeutic service dog on his Instagram page. (Oak Park Police Department)

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Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Friday, September 15

• Shake, Rattle & Read At Dole Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Amy Shark At Park West, Chicago (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Village of River Forest is offering a generous incentive to new businesses by providing a free six-month membership to the OPRF Chamber of Commerce for every new business license issued in 2023. This membership offers valuable education, community engagement, and support precisely when it's most needed for new businesses. More details can be found here. (Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Tonight will be the last of the series "Movies in the Park" for the summer! Head down to Scoville Park for a screening of "Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." (Park District of Oak Park)
• Cook Cook K9 Ella utilized her sniffing skills earlier this month to locate a missing child who had wandered off during an outing with their family. Ella and her partner safely located the child shortly after midnight. Photos of Ella can be found at the link. (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:

• Home and History Tour 2023 (September 17)
• Boycott - presentation of movie and discussion afterwards (September 20)
• A Tail to Remember: Animal Care League's 50th Anniversary Gala (September 23)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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.