🌱 Historic Home Damaged In Fire + Community Blood Drive

Welcome back, Oak Park and River Forest! In case you missed the news over the weekend, Patch is here with a quick guide to what's making headlines in the area, including:

• How demolition is progressing on a River Forest building.
• Why the property value of a Cook County official and Oak Park resident is notable.
• Where to check out the park district's week-long "Dino Days" activities.

But first, today's weather: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 78 Low: 58.

Here are the top 4 stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. The Village of Oak Park is planning to implement streetscape improvements on Oak Park Avenue in 2025. Community members can provide input on the project at an open house today at the Township Senior Center. (VOP)

2. The Seth Warner House in Austin was damaged in a fire June 15. According to the Wednesday Journal, it dates back to 1869 and is “one of only 13 Chicago landmarks predating the Chicago Fire of 1871.” (Wednesday Journal)

3. Demolition of the Lutheran Child and Family Services building is “nearing completion,” the Village of River Forest announced. Some parts of the project were delayed by the discovery of asbestos at the site earlier this year. (VRF)

4. The Oak Park Department of Public Health is hosting a blood drive this afternoon at Village Hall. Appointments are available from 1 to 7 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome. (VOP)

Here's to our local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you:

Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual abuse? Attorney Tod M. Urban is a survivor of abuse himself who can help you understand your options. After 35 years as a prominent criminal defense attorney, Tod has focused his practice on helping others who have shared his experience. He’s compassionate and has deep expertise in navigating the legal complexities required to get justice and peace of mind. Visit here to learn more or call for conversation today.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• It’s $5 Tuesday at Lake Theatre. (11 a.m.)
• River Forest Public Library offers afternoon crafts for kids K-12. (3:30 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library hosts virtual improv. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tribune political editors Rick Pearson and A.D. Quig analyzed the value assessment of Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s Oak Park home compared to others in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. (Paid source: Tribune)
• A free panel discussion on the subject of the transgender experience will be held tomorrow at Madison Street Theater. (OPALGA+)
• River Forest vehicle stickers must be purchased by July 14. (VRF)
• The Park District of Oak Park is currently hosting a week of “Dino Days” activities, including a movie screening, dinosaur crafts, fossil lessons and more. (PDOP)

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:

• D&D Jazz Duo at Q-BBQ - June 27 (June 27)
• Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th (July 4)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for June 27! See you tomorrow for the Wednesday edition.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her writing has been recognized with awards from the Ernest Hemingway Foundation, Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

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