🌱 Oak Park Churches Face Future + Village Hall Delays Reopening

Happy Friday! Here's your five-minute guide to today's news in Oak Park and River Forest.

First, today's weather: Mostly cloudy, a snow shower. High: 22 Low: 1.

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

1. Oak Park Village Hall will reopen Feb. 2 on a limited basis as the omicron surge continues. In-person services will be available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through Feb. 11. (VOP)

2. The Archdiocese of Chicago is expected to announce its decision on the future of Oak Park’s churches tonight. Parishioners can sign up now to attend the virtual announcement event with Bishop Kevin Birmingham. (Ascension)

3. River Forest officials voted this week to install four-way stop signs at Vine and Ashland. The Village Board also approved an additional study to address resident concerns about traffic and speeding. (Wednesday Journal)

4. Local school social workers are praising the new Illinois law which allows students to take up to five mental health days off from school. Abby Berman of Brooks Middle School said the move will “legitimize the need” for mental health breaks. (Wednesday Journal)

5. Franklin Park speed skater Jersey Chytla will compete in Austria today at the International Skating Union Junior World Speed Skating Championships. The 18 year old trained at the Franklin Park Ice Arena. (Paid source: Herald-Journal)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Trinity High School’s Blazers Against Cancer host the 12th Annual “Share the Care” event. (All day)
• Oak Park Township’s Caregiver Support Group meets. (10 a.m.)
• “Flee” opens at Lake Theatre. (12:45 p.m.)
• River Forest Park District celebrates National LEGO Day with a family night city build. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park joined Illinois Public Media to discuss the first few weeks of the legislative session. (IPM)
• The OPRF High School Scholarship Foundation’s application closes today. More than 70 college scholarships are available to graduating seniors. (OPRFHS)
• River Forest Park District is supporting local businesses with the sale of Valentine’s Day gift boxes. Feb. 1 is the last day to order. (Park District)
• The village is offering tips to “deal with nuisance wildlife” as the temperatures drop. (VOP)
• On this week’s episode of “The Kitchen,” hometown chef Jeff Mauro made a tavern pizza inspired by Jimmy’s Place in Forest Park. (Food Network)

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• Protect yourself & Family-Illinois Concealed Carry Classes / 3 Hour CCL renewals & a Free law class (February 5)
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• Social Security Seminar (February 10)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 10)
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You're all caught up for today! See you soon for more local stories.

Have a safe and restful weekend.

— Georgi Presecky