Memorial Day Ceremonies + Park District Pools Reopen

Happy Memorial Day weekend, Oak Park and River Forest readers!

In today’s Daily, let’s celebrate the unofficial start to summer! Graduations are on the calendar and park district pools are opening. But most importantly, we’re honoring the memory of American service members this Memorial Day.

First, today’s weather: Clear throughout the day, with a high of 61 and low of 47.

Here are the top five stories in Oak Park today:

1. Monday is Memorial Day. The annual Oak Park ceremony to honor military members will be held at the Peace Triumphant monument in Scoville Park at 11 a.m. Residents are welcome to attend but have the option to watch virtually. All Village buildings will be closed, including schools and libraries. (OPRF Museum)

2. A ceremony is also planned May 31 in River Forest. In lieu of the usual parade, an event is expected to be held at 10 a.m. at 7525 Lake Street. Members of the public are welcome, but are asked to wear masks and socially distance. (Oak Leaves)

3. Park District of Oak Park pools open for the season this weekend, with COVID-19 protocols in place. Contactless check-in, face masks and social distancing between groups will be required at Rehm Pool and Ridgeland Pool. Reservations must be made in advance for time-slots ranging from 90 to 150 minutes. (PDOP)

4. Seniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School will graduate today in two separate ceremonies to account for social distancing. The OPRF “no-fail” issue is still pending as of publication, with 29 students falling short of graduation requirements. They are asking the board for leniency due to the pandemic. Fenwick High School seniors also graduate today, while Trinity High School held its commencement May 27. (Oak Leaves)

5. The championship softball team at Triton College ended their record-breaking season Wednesday in a 5-4 loss to Delaware Technical Community College. The 15-inning contest in Oxford, Alabama, was the longest game in the history of the NJCAA Division II Softball Championship. The season ended with a 53-10 record for the Trojans, making their first national tournament appearance since 1988. (Triton Athletics)

Today in Oak Park:

• The Farmers Market is open at Pilgrim Church. (7 a.m.)
• A new sculpture exhibit opens at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. (7 a.m.)
• Trailside Museum of Natural History hosts a special guided nature walk for dogs and owners. (10 a.m.)
• Enjoy live music at Salerno’s. (7 p.m.)

Sunday in Oak Park:

• Join the park district for a “Sunday Funday Yoga Brunch” in the Cheney Mansion Greenhouse. (10 a.m.)
• Unity Temple hosts a piano trio concert as part of its chamber music series. (3 p.m.)

Oak Park Patch Notebook

• Oak Park resident Joe Harrington pens “A Memorial Day Story.” (Wednesday Journal)
• Emmy-winning series “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific” are streaming on HBO Max for Memorial Day viewing. (HBO Max)
• High waves and hazardous conditions have delayed the opening of Chicago beaches. (Patch)

That’s all for your holiday weekend edition of the Daily. We’ll be back Wednesday, June 2, for a new month of daily newsletters.

Until then,
Georgi

“War is brutish, inglorious, and a terrible waste...The only redeeming factors were my comrades' incredible bravery and their devotion to each other. Marine Corps training taught us to kill efficiently and to try to survive. But it also taught us loyalty to each other - and love. That espirit de corps sustained us.” ― Eugene B. Sledge, “With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa”