Harmon Hosts Town Hall + Bike Shop Marks Milestone

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest readers! Thanks for starting your Wednesday with local news.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day, with a high of 87 and low of 73.

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

1. Illinois Senate President Don Harmon hosted a town hall meeting last night at Brooks Middle School, alongside State Rep. Camille Lily. The Oak Park state senator has additional town hall meetings planned in Franklin Park and Northlake with Lily and Rep. Kathleen Lewis. (Twitter)

2. Some of Oak Park’s American Rescue Plan funds will likely be used to help the homeless, according to the Board of Trustees’ preliminary discussions. Officials recommend putting $500,000 toward helping homeless or at-risk members of the community, along with $550,000 to help struggling small businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic. (Oak Leaves)

3. Barnard’s Schwinn is celebrating 110 years in business this summer. Opened in 1911 by Robert Barnard, the bike shop moved to its North Avenue location in 1984, where it is now run by his great nephews Jeff and Greg Hajduk. The shop is known nationwide for restoring vintage Schwinn bicycles, but also sells new models. (Oak Leaves)

4. Wednesday Journal is remembering the lives of locals who died this month, including Forest Park home inspector John Saraceno, Under the Ginkgo Tree B&B owner Gloria S. Onischuk, former Percy Julian Middle School principal Dr. Benjamin Williams, and longtime Oak Park resident Angela Madden. (Wednesday Journal)

5. Oak Park native Dianna Elizabeth Jordan is being recognized for “normalizing the disability experience in Hollywood.” In a recent Forbes profile, the actress and OPRF High School graduate discussed growing up with cerebral palsy, working in entertainment, and coaching other actors with developmental disabilities. (Forbes)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest

• Trailside Museum hosts a “Hooray For Herons” talk and hike. (9 a.m.)
• “Abominable” is playing at Lake Theatre for $2 as part of its Wednesday Morning Movie series. (9:30 a.m.)
• Kids can make “Messy Art” on the River Forest Library lawn. (2 p.m., with additional time slots)
• River Forest hosts a meeting of its Age Friendly Advisory Ad Hoc Committee. (7 p.m.)
• Oak Park Festival Theatre returns to Austin Gardens with William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” — free tonight only for Oak Park residents. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• Leaving for vacation? River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci recommends calling the police department to schedule a vacation watch to protect your home. (Village of River Forest)
• Sgt. Samantha Deuchler is sharing her story of being born and raised in Oak Park and serving the community as a police officer. (Twitter)
• Award-winning writer and Oak Park resident Harriette Gillem Robinet was born on this day in 1931. (OPRF Museum)
• It’s the final day to purchase tickets for MORA Oak Park’s guest chef event. (Facebook)
• Today is the deadline to purchase River Forest vehicle stickers. (Village of River Forest)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free 30 Min Photo Shoots in Oak Park! (July 17)
• Get Your Illinois Medical Cannabis Card From Home (6 days a week) (July 17)
• Chicago Artisan Market: Sun, July 18 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) (July 18)

That's the latest news in Oak Park and River Forest! See you tomorrow for the Thursday edition of the Daily.

— Georgi

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Daily? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.