🌱 Oak Parks CFO Leaving + OPRF Renews Parking Lot Lease For 5 Years
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Oak Park-River Forest.
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Morning, neighbors! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your fresh copy of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.
But first, today’s weather:
Hot; breezy in the morning. High: 99 Low: 80.
Here are the top three stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:
- Oak Park’s chief financial officer, Steve Drazner, is leaving his position to become the chief financial officer for the Northbrook community, where he will work alongside Oak Park’s former village manager, Cara Pavlicek. Drazner, who has overseen Oak Park’s finances since August 2015, was approached by Pavlicek for the position due to the tight labor market in municipal fields. Oak Park is currently working on a plan for interim support and will launch an executive search for a replacement. Drazner’s departure coincides with the beginning of the budget season, and he expressed gratitude for his time in Oak Park. (Wednesday Journal)
- The Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF) has renewed its lease for parking space in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot for another five years. The new lease includes a 7 percent rent increase this year, amounting to $76,025 for the current school year, with subsequent annual increases of 1.75 percent. Pilgrim Church also added a provision that would give OPRF a 60-day notice if the church decides to sell the parking lot property, allowing OPRF an opportunity to make an offer for the property during that period. Despite this provision, both parties affirm that there are currently no plans for the church to sell the property. (Wednesday Journal)
- Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRF) will hold its inaugural Civics Service Learning Fair today (Aug. 23) from 8:00-10:45 a.m. The fair will feature a panel discussion involving notable figures such as State Reps. Danny Davis and La Shawn Ford, Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, and representatives from various organizations like Takeout 25, Opportunity Knocks, Build Chicago, Hephzibah, and the League of Women Voters. Further details are available here. (Village of River Forest via Facebook)
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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:
Wednesday, August 23
From my notebook:
- Join OPALGA+ for free, family-friendly gatherings aimed at LGBTQ+ families and those wishing to create an inclusive community for their children. The events will be held at Rehm Park in Oak Park, featuring fun activities and free snacks. The events are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 27, and Saturday, Sep.23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Oak Park-River Forest Patch)
- Kribi Coffee has acquired Buzz Café, a well-known coffee shop in the Oak Park Arts District. The owner of Buzz Café, Laura Maychruk, decided to sell to focus on her real estate career. Kribi Coffee, a Forest Park-based roastery and coffee chain, plans to respect the legacy of Buzz Café, make minor adjustments like serving their coffee, and integrate the Oak Park Arts District into their brand. (Wednesday Journal)
- After vandals destroyed the Mills Park Little Free Library, the Park District of Oak Park removed it, leaving the community without access to books. However, Oak Park Library employee Janet Lorch and another individual initiated efforts to rebuild the library. They gained support from the Superintendent of Parks & Planning, enlisted the help of Boy Scout Troop 16, and ultimately found Hederik Kosten, along with his father Folkert, who constructed a new and beautiful Little Free Library in Mills Park. (Wednesday Journal)
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Featured businesses:
Featured events:
- Irish Fest – Day 3 (August 27)
- What is the Difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care at Oak Park Arms (August 29)
- Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
- How To Protect Your Business: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes (August 31)
- High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
- Add your event
That’s it for today! I’ll see you soon.
— 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.
