Trinity Remembers Leader + New Mask Guidelines For Schools

Good morning! Thanks for starting your day with Patch's OPRF newsletter.

First, today's weather: Rain in the morning, with a high of 83 and low of 66.

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

1. The Cook County Department of Public Health announced this week it “strongly endorses the new CDC guidance calling for universal masking in all schools, K-12.” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike added that “we are still seeing the virus rapidly spread among the unvaccinated.” (NBC5)

2. At its first in-person meeting since the pandemic began, the Oak Park village board began preliminary budget discussions for the next fiscal year. A complete budget proposal is officially due in November. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Have you seen any “I’m vaccinated because …” yard signs around your neighborhood? Some are still available from the Oak Park Department of Public Health and can be requested via email or at Village Hall. In photos shared on the Village Facebook page, residents used their signs to express their need to get the vaccine because they care about others, respect science and “love vacations.” (VOP)

4. Local nonprofit Housing Forward received a $100,000 grant from the Cook County Justice Advisory Council. Executive Director Lynda Schueler said the funds will help support the organization’s goals in assisting people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. (Wednesday Journal)

5. Trinity High School is remembering its longtime leader, Sister Michelle Germanson, who died in October but whose memorial service was delayed by the pandemic. (River Leaves)

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Today in Oak Park and River Forest

• Learn about earthworms at the Trailside Museum. (10 a.m.)
• Half-priced bottles of wine at One Lake Brewing. (4 p.m.)
• Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” opens at Lake Theatre. (6 p.m.)
• Join the Women of Oak Park Temple for “Picnic and a Play.” (7 p.m.)
• The Park District of Oak Park board meets. (7:30 p.m.)

Oak Park-River Forest Patch Notebook

• The Cook County Department of Public Health issued a map of West Nile Virus detection in the region. (CCDPH)
• Applications are open for the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program. (OPRF Chamber)
• Dominican University alumna Eve Ewing published a children’s book, “Maya and the Robot.” (Chicago Tribune)
• Ascension Catholic Church is seeking catechists for the upcoming year of religious education. (Ascension)
• Oak Park has officially joined the Illinois Monarch Project in encouraging residents to help take care of the endangered butterfly population. (VOP)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Mainstreet Virtual Senior Expo & Education (August 3)
• Free Open House at Anderson Music Studio (August 4)
• Free Family Mini Photo Session (August 7)

That's all for today! Thanks for being here. Please don't hesitate to email georgi.presecky@patch.com with news tips, calendar events or just a note to say hello.

— Georgi