🌱 More Than 50 COVID Cases + School Considers New Curriculum

Hello, Oak Park and River Forest! I’m happy to be back bringing you the latest local news. Let’s catch up on what you might have missed this weekend.

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First, today's weather: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 72 Low: 54.

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

1. The Oak Park Department of Public Health reported 52 new cases of COVID-19 from Oct. 6-14. “These new cases range in ages from less than age four to residents into their 70s,” the department said via social media. (VOP)

2. Oak Park resident Aneesh Sohoni is the new CEO of One Million Degrees, “a Chicago-based leader in increasing community college enrollment.” Sohoni has served as Teach For America’s regional executive director for almost six years. (Paid source: Daily Herald)

3. Oak Park and River Forest High School will consider “detracking” its freshman curriculum beginning in fall 2022. The move would eliminate all college-prep and honors levels classes for freshman. The school already voted to eliminate tracks for science courses. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

4. The OPRF High School football team defeated Downers Grove North Friday. Fenwick tennis players are headed to state finals, plus an OPRF golfer broke a school record at state last week. Get the latest high school sports news from Growing Community Media’s Melvin Tate. (Wednesday Journal)

5. The Park District of Oak Park is hiring! More than 30 positions are available, from sports instructors to preschool teachers. (PDOP)

Today's Oak Park-River Forest Daily is brought to you by GoodRx, a Patch Brand Partner. Recognizing the early signs of the common cold is important in helping prevent yourself and others from getting sick. Here's what you need to know about the causes of the common cold, its symptoms and how you can combat this seasonal malady.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Memory Café hosted by Oak Park Township. (2 p.m.)
• The township also hosts its Strengthening Families Program. (6 p.m.)
• Huskie MusicFest is held in the gym at Oak Park and River Forest High School. (6 p.m.)
• Oak Park native Lisa Lucca discusses her book "Ashes to Ink" with Oak Park Public Library. (6:30 p.m.)
• Coopers Hawk hosts a "Bewitching Soiree" wine dinner. (7 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• On this date in 1918, the Oak Park Commissioner of Health declared the equivalent of a stay-at-home order after 765 cases of Spanish flu were recorded in the village. (OPRF Museum)
• The Oak Park Fire Department is reminding residents to "recognize the sounds of fire safety." (OPFD)
• See photos from the historical society's 30th Annual “Tale of the Tombstones” Cemetery Walk. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)
• Village officials wrote via social media this week wearing a mask "is no different from everyday things we do to stay safe, like buckling a seat belt or wearing a helmet." (VOP)
• The Park District of Oak Park won a Best Green Practices Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. (Patch)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Wondereen & Boo! A SPOOK-tacular Halloween Event! (October 24)
• Celebrate Beethoven with the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest (October 24)
• FREE Concealed Carry Training Classes for Everyone! Signup Drive (October 24)
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That's the news for Tuesday! See you tomorrow for the next edition.

— Georgi Presecky

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