🌱 Gilbane Inc. To Manage $102M Project + Chicago Waffles In Oak Park

Good morning, everybody. I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny, pleasant and warmer. High: 84 Low: 64.

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

1. The Oak Park and River Forest High School Board of Education is set to hire Gilbane Inc. to manage a $102 million construction project known as Project 2. This project involves demolishing and rebuilding a school section, along with constructing a new 10-lane swimming pool. Gilbane, a family-owned construction company with a strong track record, was selected after a competitive process. The project is expected to start next summer, with Gilbane chosen for its experience, successful project management, diversity focus, and positive recommendations. The school board is anticipated to approve the contract soon, aiming for completion by the 2026-2027 school year. (Wednesday Journal)
2. Chicago Waffles, a popular breakfast and lunch cafe celebrated for its Belgian waffles, is extending its presence to the suburbs. In addition to its downtown spots in the West Loop and South Loop, the eatery has launched new branches in nearby Willowbrook and Oak Park. This expansion brings their waffle offerings to suburban areas, building upon their existing city locations. (NewsBreak)
3. The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education has unanimously approved new four-year contracts for the school's security officers and buildings and grounds employees. The contracts, totaling about $239,000 for the Campus Safety Team and $495,000 for buildings and grounds over four years, were praised for their positive negotiation process. The contracts include raises in starting salaries and hourly differentials, with adjustments for seniority, longevity bonuses, and provisions for vacation days. (Wednesday Journal)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Wednesday, August 16

• Open Playgroup At Dole Branch Library, Dole Branch Meeting Room (1:00 PM)
• Summer Sounds '23: Radius At Dominican University, Outside (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Prioritize your mental health by attending the NAMI Metro Suburban presentation this Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Community Center Room from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Discover the art of self-care, gain stress management strategies, and prevent burnout through this free program suitable for all ages. Register here to learn valuable ways to nurture your well-being. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)
• Donate your gently used books and materials year-round through the new Open Books collection bin located in the alley north of the Main Library building at 834 Lake St. Access the alley by turning west from the 100 block of North Grove Avenue. However, please note that magazines, textbooks older than five years, and books in poor condition will not be accepted. (Oak Park Public Library via Facebook)
• Join the Park District of Oak Park on Sep. 29 for a nostalgic 50s/60s-themed Sock Hop Skate event. Lace up your skates and groove to past tunes while wearing your best retro attire. Admission is $8 (free with Rink Pass) and skate rental is available for $3. The best costume will even earn a Park District of Oak Park Gift Card. (Park District of Oak Park 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)
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Featured events:

• Bridal Event (August 19)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
• How To Protect Your Business: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes (August 31)
• High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll be 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.