🌱 Next Steps For Oak Park Parishes + Holiday Events Abound

Welcome to the weekend, OPRF! Let's get to the news for this busy Saturday.

First, today's weather: Cooler with clouds and sun. High: 42 Low: 34.

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

1. The health department reports 114 people in Oak Park have tested positive for COVID-19 since Nov. 17. More than 4,200 cases have been reported in the village since March 2020. (VOP)

2. The Archdiocese of Chicago will officially announce its plans for Oak Park’s four parishes on Jan. 28. According to a joint statement issued by the pastors this weekend, the Renew My Church team recommended two potential plans to the archdiocese, involving a one-parish or two-parish structure. (St. Giles)

3. A juvenile was charged this week in connection with an October armed carjacking. The minor stole a car at gunpoint in the 700 block of South Oak Park Avenue and was turned over to the juvenile detention center, according to the Oak Park police. (Paid source: Oak Leaves)

4. Oak Park native Maya Bird-Murphy launched a nonprofit to bring her passion for architecture to youth in under-served neighborhoods. Logan Square-based Chicago Mobile Makers "engages young people in the art of architecture." (Paid source: Sun-Times)

5. Parking in the vicinity of South Oak Park Avenue is free on Saturdays through Dec. 25. “As a way of thanking residents and visitors who shop locally,” the village will waive parking fees at marked meters and pay-by-plate stations. (VOP)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Pilgrim Nursery School hosts a Craft Fair fundraiser. (10 a.m.)
• See the Holiday Open House at Oak Park Art League. (10 a.m.)
• Make miniatures at Dole Center. (10 a.m.)
• St. Giles hosts a free Holiday Gift and Art Fair. (11 a.m.)
• Learn about local environmentalist Isabel Bassett Wasson on a history hike in Thatcher Woods. (1:30 p.m.)
• Tea with Santa at Cheney Mansion. (2:30 p.m.)
• Downtown Oak Park, the Winterfest & Cookie Walk takes over Marion Street. (3 p.m.)
• The Service of Lessons and Carols at Concordia University. (4 p.m.)
• Madison Street Theater hosts its Holiday Kickoff. (5 p.m.)
• See Ballet Legere’s “The Nutcracker” at Dominican University. (7 p.m.)
  
• The Michael Teolis Singers perform “Christmas Favorites.” (7:30 p.m.)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• WALK-IN HIRING EVENT: UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial (December 4)
• Virtual Holiday Housewalk & Grand Raffle — For Healthy Kids! (December 10)
• Chicago Artisan Market (Holiday Edition) in Fulton Market — Sunday, Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (December 12)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (December 14)
• Add your event

Free stuff:

• Best Learning App for Kids (Details)
• Add your free stuff

That's all for today, OPRF! Have a safe and festive Saturday.

— Georgi Presecky

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