Park District Events + Outdoor Sale In Downtown Oak Park

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on in Oak Park-River Forest today.

First, today's weather: Rain in the morning and afternoon. High: 75, low: 66.

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

1. River Forest hired a recruiting firm to help fill vacant positions in the village. Public management consulting firm GovHR will conduct searches for fire chief and village administrator over the next 14 weeks. (Wednesday Journal)

2. About 1 million residents of Cook County are vaccinated against COVID-19, but the health department is continuing its outreach efforts as the delta variant spreads. The mass vaccination site in Forest Park will close July 20, but only 60 percent of the region is vaccinated; the goal is between 70 and 80 percent of Cook County residents. (WGN-TV)

3. The Village of Oak Park is seeking nominations for the 2021 accessibility, aging in place, historic preservation and sustainability awards. Deadlines are in September and October. (VOP)

4. A new Jewish delicatessen is set to open in Oak Park in September. Fritzi’s Delicatessen will be located at 113 N. Oak Park Ave., formerly occupied by Geppetto’s Restaurant. Longtime Oak Park resident Paul Stern named the restaurant in honor of his immigrant father. (Wednesday Journal)

5. A Dominican University professor is speaking out about the recent Chicago health report that declared racism a public health crisis. Acting executive director of nursing Dr. Tamara Bland is sharing her opinion about health disparities in the report, which said Black Chicagoans have an average lifespan 10 years shorter than white, Latino, or Asian residents. (Wednesday Journal)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest

• It’s your last chance to shop Downtown Oak Park’s outdoor sale in the Hemingway District. (All day Saturday and Sunday)
• The Historical Society of Forest Park hosts its annual Garden Walk. (10 a.m.)
• The Rick Simcox Trio performs at Val’s Hall Records. (2 p.m.)
• Kids 4-8 can take an interactive geology class with River Forest Park District. (2:30 p.m.)
• Monthly Food Drive for St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry. (4:30 p.m.)
• Tyler Krienitz performs at Wild Tied Onion House. (6 p.m.)
• Acoustic duo Dowd and Drew perform a backyard concert. (8 p.m.)
• Explore “Summer Blooms” at Trailside Museum. (10 a.m. Sunday)
• Sushi Roll performs in Scoville Park. (6 p.m. Sunday)
• Take a forest therapy walk with the park district. (7 p.m. Sunday)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Free 30-Minute Photo Shoots in Oak Park! (July 17)
• Get Your Illinois Medical Cannabis Card From Home (Six days a week) (July 17)
• Chicago Artisan Market (July 18)

Job listings:

• Now Hiring Butchers! (Details)

That's all for today in Oak Park and River Forest! See you next week.

— Georgi

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.