🌱 Successful Gala For Historical Society + Hines VA Treatments

Hi all. I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with a passing shower. High: 43 Low: 25.

Our local sponsors have some great stuff to offer:

• Get your home ready for Spring with a fresh coat of paint! Elite Decorating & Remodeling offers expert exterior painting services to make your home look like new. Trust their experienced team to enhance your curb appeal and protect your home from the elements. Contact Mark today at (773) 332-5264 and let him help you bring your home improvement dreams to life. From painting to decks to full remodels, Elite Decorating & Remodeling has got you covered!

• Get world-famous fried chicken, delivered right to your door. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, located in trendy Fulton Market/West Loop, brings that southern charm right to Oak Park on Thursday, April 6th. The Chicago output of this southern fried chicken joint brings a little heat with its fresh, never-frozen, all-natural chicken. Order pieces, meals for the family with sides in many different sizes, as well as tenders and sauces. Order here by 5pm on Tuesday, April 4th.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

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

1. The Oak Park River Forest Museum Gala raised more than $25,000 for the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. The funds raised at the Mar. 9 event go toward operational expenses at the Oak Park River Forest Museum. Two local residents – Camille Wilson White of Oak Park and Jan Novak Dressel of River Forest – were each honored with the "Heart of our Villages" award. (Chicago Tribune)
2. Down the street at the Hines VA Medical Center, veterans are receiving specialized treatments for toxins they encountered during their service. Dr. Kalea Colletta, a neurologist at Hines VA, explained that toxin exposure can lead to Parkinson's disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Treatments are available at no cost due to the passage of the PACT Act in 2022, which covers those who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and post-9/11 conflicts. Veterans can apply for treatment at this link or by calling 800-698-2411. (FOX 32 Chicago)
3. In nearby North Lawndale, a "pay what you want" pop-up bookstore is opening for the third year. The bookstore first opened in 2021 to promote childhood literacy and is the result of a partnership between Open Books' North Lawndale Reads and the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot. The store will be open for limited hours Wednesday through Saturday during April. (Block Club Chicago)
4. Pickleball courts are coming to nearby parks! Portage Park on Long Avenue and Shabbona Park on Addison Street will have new pickleball courts installed later this year. Shabbona Park will see upgrades to three of its existing tennis courts, and two of the current tennis courts will be turned over to pickleball. The design for Portage Park is expected to be unveiled this summer. (Block Club Chicago)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

• Kids Club: Play Date - North Riverside Park Mall (10:00 AM)
• Film Screening: Disney's "Strange World" - Oak Park Public Library (1:30 PM)
• Junior Justice League - River Forest Public Library (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Oak Park Police Department released an analysis of 2022 crime statistics which showed an 11 percent increase in the overall crime rate. Thefts and property crimes were the most-reported categories in 2022. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• The Oak Park Sculpture Walk will be back this May! At least 12 sculptures will be installed for a year-long exhibit in downtown Oak Park. You can find the guidelines and application, with the deadline for submissions this Friday, Mar. 31, here. (Oak Park Area Arts Council via Facebook)
• The River Forest Park District is still accepting sign-ups for its Safe Sitter class on Saturday, Apr. 1. This event is for teenagers between 11 and 15 years old to learn basic safety, child care, and first aid skills. Sign-ups are available here. (River Forest Park District via Facebook)
• Dinosaurs are coming to Wonder Works Children's Museum! Today, Mar. 29, through Sunday, Apr. 2, attendees can see a T-Rex skull or get their hands dirty with a sensory dinosaur dig. Tickets are available here. (Wonder Works, A Children's Museum in Oak Park via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• "An Afternoon with Tanya Egler – A Heritage of Black Gospel Music," a concert by Tanya Egler (April 2)
• Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Presents Berlioz Te Deum and World Premiere Symphony (April 3)
• Berlioz Te Deum and a World Premiere Symphony (April 3)
• Wedding Band Event at Bella Cosa Jewelers (April 15)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with 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.