🌱 Oak Park Reparations Task Force + Call For Local Artists

Good morning, Oak Park-River Forest! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Milder with a shower in spots. High: 54 Low: 51.

Our local sponsors have some great stuff to offer:

• 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.

• Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, are you ready for some of Chicago’s best comfort food? The Chicago Diner is coming to Oak Park on Friday 4/9, with dishes so satisfying, it’s hard to believe the food is entirely plant-based. For almost 40 years, The Chicago Diner has been filling the bellies of Chicagoans with their vegan comfort-food specialties — from the Spicy Chicken Sandwich to the Mac N’ Tease — making believers out of the most carnivorous eaters. Order here by 5pm on Wednesday, 4/5.

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

1. Movement is happening on reparations in Oak Park. The Oak Park Reparations Task Force is one of the many reparations leaders that traveled to Evanston last year. The task force, formed in 2020, has a grassroots group called Walk the Walk that focuses on housing and anti-gentrification. Issuing monetary reparations is just one form of justice the task force pursues. (Evanston Roundtable)
2. A Komarek Elementary School band teacher will perform with The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest. Dan Moffett plays the saxophone and has performed with bands including The Buckinghams, The Rascals, Chicago, The Box Tops, and Gino Vannelli. On Apr. 3, he's performing with the local symphony as the featured saxophonist in the world premiere of the original composition “Symphony No. 3.” (RB Landmark)
3. Calling all artists! The city is seeking artists to create murals for the transformation of the railroad retaining walls along the Green Line corridor. Each artist selected will get $750 for materials and another $750 upon completion. The deadline to apply is May 13. (Village of Oak Park via Instagram)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• T-Rexplorers Dino Discovery At Oak Park Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Evening Bachelor Of Business Administration (EBBA) Information Session (Virtual) Hosted By Dominican University (6:30 PM)
• "One True Sentence: Writers & Readers On Hemingway's Art" With Dr. Mark Cirino At Oak Park Public Library (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Game Night! Shuffle through the pictures of the fun, including stealthy tricks for Jenga and a game of Wild Card UNO that took on a life of its own, at the link. (Oak Park - River Forest (OPRF) Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Join Trinity High School on May 12 for an all-day event! The Barbara Rinella Book dramatization, luncheon, boutique, and raffle will take place at the Oak Park Country Club. The cost is $75 per person, and you can reserve your spot here. (Trinity High School via Facebook)
• The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is hosting a Walk & Talk program today. In celebration of the last days of Women’s History Month, join in for free hikes to discuss women in conservation. The two separate walks, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 11:00 a.m., are under 3.1 miles, have a theme, and are walked at a slower pace. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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

Featured events:

• "An Afternoon with Tanya Egler – A Heritage of Black Gospel Music," a concert by Tanya Egler (April 2)
• Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Presents Berlioz Te Deum and World Premiere Symphony (April 3)
• Berlioz Te Deum and a World Premiere Symphony (April 3)
• Bring the brewpub and taco joint into your home with Cruz Blanca! Order by Tuesday. (April 5)
• Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is bringing Southern Eats to you. Order by Tuesday. (April 6)
• Wedding Band Event at Bella Cosa Jewelers (April 15)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all soon for your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.