To-Go Cocktails Extended To 2024 + Lyric Opera Comes To Oak Park

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! This is the first June issue of the Oak Park Patch Daily, your five-minute guide to what’s new in the area.

In today’s Daily, read about a special Lyric Opera Chicago concert in Oak Park, the police department's latest crime report, and how new legislation out of Springfield affects the area.

First, today’s weather: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. Temps reach a high of 74 and low of 56.

Here are the top five stories in Oak Park today:

1. The Oak Park and River Forest High School Board voted to waive local graduation requirements last week. The move allowed three students, who would otherwise have fallen short, to graduate. The board agreed to waive summer school fees, but did not change its grading policy. Wednesday Journal reports that 26 seniors still need to meet state requirements to graduate. (Wednesday Journal)

2. Oak Park police released its final May crime report last week, citing incidents of armed robbery and driving under the influence. Bikes and lawnmowers were also reported stolen from several private residences in the final week of May. (Oak Leaves)

3. The Illinois legislature wrapped up its session this weekend, passing a number of impactful bills: to-go cocktails were approved in the state through 2024, important progress was made on replacing toxic lead pipes, and more inclusive hairstyle policies will be implemented in Illinois schools. (Chicago Tribune)

4. Lyric Opera Stage Artists announced it will host a fundraising concert in Oak Park Sunday, June 5. Performers from the Chicago company will sing a variety of music at 7 p.m. at Calvary Memorial Church. The performance is free, but optional donations will benefit a nonprofit that serves Chicago youth in need. (Oak Leaves)

5. A correction to Saturday’s Daily: the Park District of Oak Park will not open Ridgeland Pool until June 11. Rehm Park Pool opened May 29, with lighter COVID-19 restrictions than last summer. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park:

• Seniors can play call-in bingo with the township senior services department. (10:20 a.m.)
• Styles 4 Kidz will celebrate its Grand Opening on Harrison Street. (11:30 a.m.)
• Join the forest preserve for a Wellness Walk in Thatcher Woods. (1 p.m.)
• Belmont Village Senior Living plans a hiring event at its Oak Park location. (1 p.m.)
• STRIDE will host a free outdoor workout for all ages and fitness levels. (6 p.m.)
• River Forest residents can learn about the advisory board volunteer process at a public meeting. (7 p.m.)
• Oak Park’s Zoning Board of Appeals will broadcast its remote meeting. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park Patch Notebook:

• More than 800 seniors graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School this weekend in two outdoor socially-distanced ceremonies. (Oak Leaves)
• High schools in Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park and Leyden ranked among the U.S. News and World Report’s best schools. (Oak Leaves)
• The Village of Oak Park is answering commonly-asked questions about COVID-19 population immunity. (Village Facebook)
• The Chicago Transit Authority will reduce its one-day pass fares this summer. (Chicago Tribune)

You're all caught up on what's new in Oak Park and River Forest. As always, feel free to email me at georgi.presecky@patch.com with your thoughts.

As John Steinbeck wrote in his final novel: "In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different." Enjoy this first week of summer.

-Georgi

About me: I am a lifelong Illinois resident and Lewis University graduate with a passion for White Sox baseball, classic literature and local news.