🌱 Longtime Village Employee Retires + Annual Wright Walk Planned

It's Tuesday, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's guide to the headlines:

• More thefts are reported at Target
• Concerns rise across Chicagoland about a new COVID-19 variant
• The Pickwick Theater approaches its closing date

But first, today's weather: Periods of clouds and sun. High: 41 Low: 31.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. COVID-19 cases are climbing across the nation as experts warn against a new variant known as XBB.1.5. Chicago Public Schools asked students to get tested before returning from winter break Monday. (NBC)

2. Two more thefts were reported at the Lake Street Target store over the weekend. Stolen items include cosmetics, hair products and a pocketknife. Oak Park police estimate the total loss as more than $500. (OPPD)

3. Oak Park Community Relations Director Cedric Melton will retire today after more than 20 years working for the village. Melton is credited with creating a youth employment program and making award-winning internet videos about Oak Park. The village recognized his career as a “mediator and unofficial ambassador in contentious situations.” (VOP)

4. Tickets are now on sale for the Wright Plus Housewalk event this May. Eight historic Oak Park homes dating back to 1982 will be featured during the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s annual event. (Wednesday Journal)

5. The Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge is approaching its closing date. The owners hope to announce a new tenant later this week. Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson recently spoke to the Tribune about the future of cinema-going at venues like the Tivoli in Downers Grove and the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview. Classic Cinemas also operates Oak Park’s Lake Theatre. (Paid source: Tribune)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• River Forest Public Library hosts a virtual story time. (10 a.m.)
• The Village of Oak Park and partners host a webinar to help businesses with their sustainability goals. (2 p.m.)
• Oak Park Public Library hosts a Latinx Author Book Cafe. (6 p.m.)
• Gypsy jazz band The New Deal performs at Encore. (6:30 p.m.)
• The Grow Collective hosts a free webinar on anxiety and depression in children. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Salvation Army is collecting new or gently used winter coats at the River Forest Jewel through Feb. 15. (VRF)
• More than 6,000 parkway trees are set to be pruned in Oak Park this winter. (VOP)
• River Forest Public Library recently welcomed children’s librarian José Cruz, who previously worked in Oak Park’s libraries. (VRF)
• Dominican University is partnering with WTTW for a digital footage restoration program. (DU)

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

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (January 17)
• Add your event

That's all for today! See you tomorrow for more local stories.

— 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 feature articles have been recognized with awards from the 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 Daily? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.