🌱 Patch AM: How an Oak Park native helped round out Chicago’s Olympic speedskating trio

Hello again Oak Park! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How an Oak Park native helped round out Chicago’s Olympic speedskating trio
• How an Oak Park death doula is reshaping final goodbyes
• Why immigration activists are bringing new protests to Oak Park.

Also on today's calendar: Master Bespoke Tailor Launches Hands-On Fashion Classes at E.W.S. Fashion Academy, est. 1995 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Cloudy; p.m. rain, breezy, with a high of 58 and low of 41 degrees.
• Friday: A little morning rain, temps: high: 48, low: 34.
• Saturday: Colder with snow and rain, with a high of 38 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• After torn ACLs and 10 surgeries, Chicago's Sarah Warren is an Olympian (chicagotribune.com) — An Oak Park connection is headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics, as native speedskater Emery Lehman joins fellow Chicago-area athletes on Team USA’s long-track squad. The story centers on Chicago’s Sarah Warren, whose remarkable comeback from multiple ACL tears and 10 surgeries culminated in a clutch 500-meter race at Milwaukee’s Olympic trials to secure her spot for Milan.
   

• ‘Death doula' provides comfort and support to the terminally ill on their final journey (suntimes.com) — An Oak Park-based death doula is helping terminally ill people and their families plan meaningful final days, including navigating Illinois’ new right-to-die law taking effect in 2026. She offers emotional support, practical planning, and even handmade willow caskets, aiming to make end-of-life choices more intentional and less frightening for local families.
   

• Feds' statements after Minneapolis driver killed by ICE officer echo pattern from Midway Blitz in Chicago (chicagotribune.com) — Activists are planning immigration-enforcement protests in west suburban Oak Park following a fatal shooting by a federal agent in Minneapolis that echoes controversial ICE shootings tied to Chicago’s recent “Operation Midway Blitz.” The report details disputed federal self-defense claims, reactions from Illinois members of Congress, and how Chicago-area organizers are responding as enforcement actions spread nationwide.
   

📸 Around Oak Park

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Oak Park

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday January 9

• This week, food events delivered to you from George's Deep Dish, Manny's Deli, 3LP, & more!
  3:00 pm

Friday January 16

• Dinner + a Show with Comedian Adam Burke
  Salerno's Pizza & Pasta of Oak Park, 7128 Roosevelt Rd, Oak Park
  8:00 pm

Friday January 9

• Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
  Arts Center, 200 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
  6:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday January 10

• Master Bespoke Tailor Launches Hands-On Fashion Classes at E.W.S. Fashion Academy, est. 1995
  137 N Oak Park Ave , Oak Park
  9:00 am
• A Vision Board Workshop For Empowered Parents and Caregivers
  Forest Park Public Library , 7555 Jackson Blvd , Forest Park
  10:00 am

Monday January 12

• Threading Community
  The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association , 178 Forest Ave , Oak Park
  1:15 pm

Wednesday January 14

• Story Time at the Conservatory
  Oak Park Conservatory , 615 Garfield St , Oak Park
  10:00 am

Friday January 16

• Jazz Prayer - Where Jazz Meets Spirit
  Good Shepherd Lutheran Church , 611 Randolph St , Oak Park
  7:10 pm

Saturday January 17

• Dixon's Violin LIVE!
  Belle's Lounge by Valentine Distilling Co. , 161 Vester Ave , Ferndale
  4:00 pm
• Abstract Mystical Forest Sip and Paint 🎨
  Toast To Paint , 7185 W Bloomingdale Ave , Chicago
  7:00 pm

Sunday January 18

• Rembrandt Chamber Musicians: Philippe Quint plays Chausson
  Chicago Temple Building , 77 W Washington St , Chicago
  3:00 pm

Wednesday January 21

• Kindergarten Readiness: Returning to Routines through Movement and Mindfulness
  St. Catherine - St. Lucy Catholic School , 27 Washington Blvd , Oak Park
  5:00 pm

📣 Oak Park Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Oak Park PatchAM possible:

• Doug Lalli - Jazz Musician, Composer and Teacher — (708) 228-7150
  Call 708-228-7150 to arrange for your first FREE lesson!
• Oak Park Conservatory — (708) 725-2400
  Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty
• Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL — (312) 371-9526
  From Team Off-Sites to Parties – Host It at Studio 928!
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (630) 248-1976
  Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming…
• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
• Doug Lalli - Pianist/Composer/Teacher — (708) 228-7150
  Call 708-228-7150 to arrange for your first FREE lesson!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Illinois Lawmakers Champion Energy Affordability & Clean Energy —Carina Daniels Read on Patch

• Is this your dog?
  It's been hanging around 45th pl & Western Chicago. Has tags and is clean. (Nextdoor Southtown Oak Park)
• Hey guys!
  I’m a hairstylist with some openings the next coming weeks. Let me know if you are interested! My ig is hairbymaryadolfino (Nextdoor Oak Park Marion)

• Brookdale Senior Living posted a job opening for Server in Oak Park. Apply here.
• AireServ Heating and Air Conditioning posted a job opening for HVAC Sales & Service Technician in Oak Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oak Park here.

🗞 Nearby News

River Forest

• Joyce Tasch, 95 (oakpark.com)

Forest Park

• Improvement plans for D91 discussed by school board (forestparkreview.com)
• Migrant Ministry Safe haven (forestparkreview.com)
• Are you looking forward to 2026? (forestparkreview.com)

La Grange

Ok Oak Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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