🌱 Legal Services Center Launching On South Side + New Picasso Exhibit

Hey, neighbors. It's Saturday in Oak Park-River Forest and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 86 Low: 69.

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

1. The Cook County Public Defender is launching a new legal services center on the Far South Side, which will offer legal representation, education and case management services to neighborhood residents. Local residents have played a key role in bringing the resources they need to their neighborhood, advising the public defender’s office on the center's mission, location, and services. The Freedom Defense Center of Roseland is set to open in early 2024. (Block Club Chicago)
2. Don't miss the last FREE "Concerts in the Park" for the season, taking place this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at Scoville Park. The talented cover band Serendipity will be headlining, and they're known for performing current Pop hits and Classic Rock songs from the ’60s, 70’s, and ’80s. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)
3. As part of the global celebration of the famous artist's life, The Elmhurst Art Museum will present programming for “Picasso: Fifty Years Later” from Sep. 9 through Jan. 7., 2024. The exhibition is organized into three sections: a gallery introducing Picasso in the context of his contemporaries; a gallery exploring the demanding process of Picasso’s printmaking; and a presentation of contemporary figurative artists influenced by Picasso. All related programs are free with timed ticket reservations to the museum. (Shaw Local News Network)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Saturday, August 19

• Oak Park Farmers' Market At Pilgrim Church Parking Lot (7:00 AM)
• Live Music In The Library: Luciano Antonio Duo At River Forest Public Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Thursday evening, a 7-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the hand inside a home in Humboldt Park. He was hospitalized and is currently recovering. The CPD is still investigating the event, although no arrests have been made. (WGN TV Chicago)
• The CRC's first Family Night of the season will take place on Sep. 8 at 6:00 p.m. This recurring event each Friday has a diverse array of activities and is FREE for CRC member families and $10 for walk-ins. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)
• Building owners, take note: the Village and Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance are offering a two-part workshop to help owners and managers of large buildings in Oak Park comply with the Village’s energy and water benchmarking ordinance. The first meetings will take place virtually next week—click the link to learn more. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Bridal Event (August 19)
• Doug Lalli Plays Jazz at Tre Sorelle Every Saturday (August 19)
• School of Rock Open House (August 20)
• 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)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll catch up with you soon with your next 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.