🌱 Local Stars In 'The Lehman Trilogy' + Second Annual Sip N' Stroll

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny; a nice end to August. High: 77 Low: 59.

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

1. Oak Park actor Anish Jethmalani is taking on the role of Emanuel Lehman in "The Lehman Trilogy," a Tony-winning play that depicts the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers, a key figure in the 2007-2009 global financial crisis. The play, held at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago until Oct. 29, follows the company's journey across two centuries and through three generations of the Lehman family, highlighting not only financial but also personal dynamics. Jethmalani, alongside fellow actors Mitchell Fain and Joey Slotnick, portrays multiple characters in this critically acclaimed production, which has garnered praise for its theatrical and poetic portrayal of the Lehman Brothers' story. (Wednesday Journal)
2. Nearby Elmwood Park's Central Park is hosting the second annual Sip N’ Stroll event on Sep. 8, inviting wine enthusiasts to indulge in a 21-and-over wine-tasting experience complete with live music, food, and, of course, wine. With over 10 wineries participating, attendees have the chance to explore a variety of wines and discover new favorites. The event, which offers 10 wine-tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass for a $50 ticket, also features food vendors, including Elmcrest Banquets and Massa Café Italiano, as well as tequila and whiskey tastings for those who prefer alternatives to wine. (Wednesday Journal)
3. A temporary migrant shelter has been set up at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago facility on the city's Northwest Side. This location is part of the city's efforts to transform various buildings into housing for asylum seekers, with officials continuously seeking additional shelter locations. While the exact number of individuals being moved to this facility is unclear, the city indicates that it will accommodate a significant number of migrants, aiming to address the ongoing challenge of providing shelter for migrants in Chicago. (FOX 32 Chicago)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, August 31

• Music In The Garden: Graphic Art & Live Music At Oak Park Public Library (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Michael Soria, a Cook County man, is facing charges of burglary, possession of burglary tools, and aggravated fleeing and eluding after allegedly stealing around $8,553 worth of merchandise from a Villa Park tobacco store and leading police on a high-speed chase. Soria was apprehended after fleeing the scene on foot and was found in possession of stolen merchandise and burglary tools. (My Suburban Life)
• After reaching record highs in 2022, nationwide rates of catalytic converter thefts appear to be on the decline for the first half of 2023. In Illinois, catalytic converter thefts have decreased by 30.99 percent from 2022, though rates are still up over 3,768 percent from 2019. (BeenVerified)
• You can see top short environmental films created by youth worldwide at the One Earth Film Festival Young Filmmakers Contest, taking place on Sep. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago and virtually online. (Oak Park Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• How To Protect Your Business: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes (August 31)
• Aba is coming and bringing delicious Mediterranean. Order by Thursday. (September 7)
• Get gourmet Vietnamese food like you've never experienced from HaiSous. Order by Thursday. (September 8)
• College Funding Workshop (September 13)
• High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
• A Tail to Remember: Animal Care League's 50th Anniversary Gala (September 23)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.