🌱 Metra Adds Local Service + River Forest Tree Trimming

Welcome to December, Oak Park and River Forest! In today's edition of the Daily:

• Oak Park's first co-housing development plans groundbreaking
• Forest Park proposes a 6 percent tax levy increase
• Winterfest comes to downtown Oak Park this weekend

But first, today's weather: Plenty of sunshine. High: 38 Low: 33.

Big love to our premier local sponsor. We couldn’t keep the community informed without 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.

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

1. Metra will increase service during peak times for passengers in Oak Park, River Forest, Maywood and more. New schedules begin Dec. 5 and “represent something of a return to pre-pandemic service levels.” (AWN)

2. The Oak Park Commons co-housing development is set to break ground in 2023, the Wednesday Journal reports. The 24-unit building at the corner of Madison and Carpenter is expected to cost $11.5 million. “Cohousing in general, and Oak Park Commons specifically, embodies what Oak Park used to be like,” lifelong village resident Jonathan Shack said of his involvement in the project. “It’s something you just don’t see anymore. For us, it’s getting back to what we grew up with in Oak Park.” (Wednesday Journal)

3. Forest Park taxpayers could see a levy increase of up to 6 percent, the Review reports. Proviso Township High School District 209 is also adopting an increased tax levy. (Review)

4. A Concordia University senior has been honored by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Caleb Gustafson was named a Student Laureate for his academic record and extracurricular contributions. (CUC)

5. Downtown Oak Park’s Winterfest & Cookie Walk is set for Saturday. The event includes caroling, a free Christmas movie screening, hot chocolate and visits with Santa. (DTOP)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Economy Shop has a sale. (9 a.m.)
• “Elf” screens at Lake Theatre. (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
• River Forest Park District hosts its annual holiday tree trimming. (4 p.m. and 5 p.m.)
• Learn about the restoration of the "Old Post Office" during a free presentation at Unity Temple. (7 p.m.)
• Make holiday wreaths at Cheney Mansion. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Forbes real estate writer Regina Cole is examining why Frank Lloyd Wright “hated garages” despite adding one to his Oak Park home. (Forbes)
• Fenwick and Trinity High Schools will host their freshman entrance exams Saturday. (FHS/THS)
• Student clubs at Brooks and Julian middle schools were honored by the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association+ “for their collective work to promote diversity and combat discrimination.” (D97)
• Monday is the final day to donate new and unwrapped toys or books to Sarah’s Inn at the River Forest Public Library. (Library)
• Animal Care League's 37th Annual Holiday Bazaar begins tomorrow and runs all weekend. (Chamber)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In the Village — (Visit website)
• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• 8th Grade Entrance Exam (December 3)
• Favorite Hymns of Fanny Crosby (Free Concert) (December 3)
• Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market (December 4)
• MIDWINTER'S TALES: Simple Gifts (December 4)
• Holiday Soirèe (December 9)
• Add your event

That's all for today! See you tomorrow for the Friday 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 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.