🌱 Fenwick Mourns Alumni + Stolen Cars + COVID-19 Business Grants

Good morning, OPRF! It’s a busy final day of September, so I’ll save the usual Notebook for tomorrow’s edition of the Daily. Now let’s get to the news.

First, today's weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High: 79, low: 60.

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

1. Oak Park is mourning the loss of two Fenwick High School graduates who were found dead in a Chicago apartment last week. Ryan Joseph Masi, 25, and Michael Beaudin, 24, were both pronounced dead Sept. 19 after possible drug overdoses. (NBC5)

2. Applications are now open for the Village Coronavirus Recovery Grant Program, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The goal is to help Oak Park businesses and nonprofits which have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. (VOP)

3. Burglary and vandalism of parked cars continued last week in Oak Park, according to the latest police department crime report. Two catalytic converters, three vehicles and personal items were all reported stolen between Sept. 16-21. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

4. The Elementary School District 97 Board of Education has interviewed five potential candidates to fill its vacant seat. The position should be filled by Oct. 30. (Wednesday Journal)

5. Longtime Riverside Mayor Richard N. Scheck died Sept. 26 at the age of 78. Scheck grew up in Oak Park and attended OPRF High School. (Landmark)

Today's Oak Park-River Forest Daily is brought to you by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Fall Fungi Identification Hike at Trailside Museum. (10 a.m.)
• Youth Yoga at River Forest Public Library for students grade K-4. (3:45 p.m.)
• “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” opens at Lake Theatre. (4 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library hosts a virtual Medicare Educational Seminar. (5 p.m.)
• “OktoBEERfest” at BeerShop. (6 p.m.)
• “Fiendish Flowers” workshop at Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center. (6 p.m.)
• “Patio Pours” wine tasting at Anfora Wine Merchants. (6:30 p.m.)
• River Forest librarians talk buzzed-about books. (7 p.m.)
• Thrive Talk: “Where to Go When You Feel All Is Lost: A Blueprint for Mental Health Care.” (7:30 p.m.)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Evanston Made Fall Studio Tour (October 2)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (October 5)
• Frontera Grill Being Delivered to Oak Park on 10/6 (October 6)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Personalized Lessons in Italian Language, Art, and Culture (Details)
• Add your gig or service

You're all caught up on the news in your neighborhood! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow for everyone's favorite Daily: the FRIDAY edition!

— Georgi Presecky

If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.