🌱 Pediatrician On Leave For Twitter Comments + Dancing In The Streets

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back with your new edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 69.

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

1. In case you missed it: Oak Park pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, allegedly known on Twitter as "SuzySidewalk," is currently on extensive leave from Oak Park Pediatrics due to various homophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-mask, and anti-trans tweets. Oak Park Pediatrics addressed the situation by saying that it does not support statements that are "non-inclusive and hateful in nature" and said that the organization prides itself on being a safe space for all. (Wednesday Journal)
2. West Town's Dancing in the Streets Festival recently announced the lineup for its upcoming three-day event from Aug. 4-6. Festival headliners include Rocky & Rye, Terrapin Flyer, and Old Shoe, and the event will also feature art installations and other programming. You can view the full lineup here. (Block Club Chicago)
3. In case you missed it: Former River Forest resident Paul Fischer was recently drafted to play in the NHL with the Nashville Predators. As a child, Fischer played hockey for Oak Park's Ice Bears Youth Hockey team at the RCRC ice rink. (Park District of Oak Park via Facebook)

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• Ready to enjoy one of the most popular Lettuce Entertain You spots for comforting–yet healthy–cuisine? Beatrix is coming to Oak Park on Wednesday July 19th, offering a vast array of delicious items for every taste — and dietary request. Vegans will enjoy the tortilla soup, or the Wild Mushroom Teriyaki Bowl which is also Gluten Free. Other fan favorites include the parmesan-crusted Chicken Bebe, the full-flavored Green Chili + Chicken Enchiladas, or indulge in the Slow-Cooked Short Ribs. Order here by 5pm on Monday July 17th.

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Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Wednesday, July 12

• Community Art Project At River Forest Public Library (3:30 PM)
• Jazzin' At The Shedd At Shedd Aquarium, Metro Chicago (5:00 PM)
• Pocket Candy At Exit Strategy Brewing Company (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Going out of town soon? You can schedule a vacation watch from the Oak Park Police Department to make sure your home is periodically checked on while you're away. Schedule a watch by emailing your RBO (find your RBO here) with your name, address, phone, dates needed, and emergency contact information. (Oak Park Police Department via Twitter)
• The River Forest Park District recently extended registration for its Full Day Improv Comedy Camp for children ages six to 12. The camp will take place the week of Aug. 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Depot. (River Forest Park District via Facebook)
• Next week, Landmarks Illinois will host a landmark lecture on Dr. Percy Julian, a former African American chemist and Oak Park resident who made history by synthesizing medicinal compounds from plant sources. The event will take place on Wednesday, Jul. 19 with Dr. Julian’s daughter, Faith. (Oak Park Public Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Prime Day Is Happening Now — Shop & Save! (July 12)
• Mutt Strut Virtual 5k Run/Walk (July 14)
• Grace Strawberry Festival (July 15)
• Saturday at Tre Sorelle by Mancini. We have the Keys to Romance (July 15)
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For sale:

• All One Up and Live Savers on Patch (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning 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.