🌱 OPRF High School Cancels Activities After COVID-19 Outbreak

Good morning, OPRF! Let's get to the news for Dec. 5.

First, today's weather: Rain in the afternoon. High: 43 Low: 31.

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

1. Oak Park River Forest High School will cancel all athletics and extracurricular activities through winter break after 17 cases of COVID-19 were reported at the school. Several students and families gathered Saturday night to protest the decision and raise questions about testing and vaccine policies. (ABC7)

2. Fenwick High School will officially purchase Dominican University’s priory campus. President Glena Temple said the high school was the “best partner” of several potential buyers for the 7.6-acre lot located at 7200 Division Street. (Wednesday Journal)

3. The former Ashland Avenue home of mobster Anthony Accardo sold for $1.5 million this week. He lived in the River Forest residence from 1964 to 1979. (Paid source: Tribune)

4. The Village of Oak Park is seeking community feedback for its Climate Action Plan. Residents are welcome to respond through a new interactive platform or by emailing ClimatePlan@oak-park.us. (VOP)

5. Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School students are making a difference in the community with service projects. Among their efforts are writing holiday cards for Oak Park Arms residents, creating inspiring murals and recognizing the accomplishments of Black and indigenous people. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• The Knights of Columbus collect diapers and baby wipes for local charities at Ascension Catholic Church. (8:30 a.m.)
• Shop the Animal Care League Holiday Bazaar. (11 a.m.)
• Last chance to see “The Nutcracker” in River Forest. (12 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
• Oak Park author Robert K. Elder celebrates his book “Christmas With Elvis” along with School of Rock musicians. (4 p.m.)
• The C.S. Lewis Fellows of Chicago host an annual Christmas Celebration at Calvary Memorial Church. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• On this day in 1936, Park Superintendent Gus Lindberg dressed as Santa Claus and led 5,000 Oak Parkers in a Christmas procession. (OPRF Museum)
• Chabad Jewish Center’s Rabbi Yitzhok Bergstein spoke about the origins of Hanukkah at this year’s menorah lighting. (Forest Park Review)
• Featuring a little-known but historic Oak Park house, PBS special “Beyond Chicago From the Air” is now available to watch on WTTW. (WTTW)
• The Oak Park Fire Department's Keep the Wreath Green safety campaign will continue through Jan. 2 to promote holiday fire safety. (VOP)
• Airbnb is renting out the “Home Alone” house in Winnetka for one night this month. (The New York Times)

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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for more news.

— Georgi Presecky

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