🌱 Storm Topples Century-Old Trees + Park District Hiring Lifeguards

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! Let's get to today's top stories.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and warm. High: 69 Low: 49.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. Two cars were damaged during attempted thefts Friday, the Oak Park Police Department reports. Another car owner reported a stolen side mirror. (OPPD)

2. Clean-up continues this week after widespread damage caused by last week’s storm. Homeowners at the Peter A. Beachy House told Wednesday Journal they lost two trees that dated back more than a century. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Several local students will take the stage in Aurora for a production of “School of Rock.” Performances begin April 21 at Paramount Theatre. (Wednesday Journal)

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From my notebook:

• Work begins today at Lake Theatre to install heated recliners in the remaining auditoriums. (Wednesday Journal)
• The Park District of Oak Park is now hiring lifeguards for the summer season. The next scheduled swim test is April 16. (PDOP)
• Nominations are open for the 2023 Fitzsimmons Awards. The annual honor goes to “individuals, businesses and organizations who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in creating a healthier Oak Park.” (VOP)
• Oak Park residents can recycle yard signs at the Public Works Center through April 18. A recycling bin is also available near River Forest Village Hall through Friday. (VOP)

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Featured events:

• Spring '23 Weekend Wonders in Elmhurst (1st-5th grades) (April 15)
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• Artisan Market @ Imperial Oak Brewing Brookfield (April 15)
• A Charcuterie Happy Hour: Networking Event (April 19)
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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for more local stories.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her feature articles have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter? Contact me at georgi.presecky@patch.com.