July 4 Parade Cancelled + Dominican President Retires

Good morning, Oak Park and River Forest! Welcome to your weekend edition of the Daily, your five-minute guide to what’s new in the area.

In today’s Daily, we’re focusing on the legacy of Oak Park’s own. From a retiring University president, to women who fought for suffrage in the early 1900s; from Vietnam veterans to local coaches, today's edition shines a light on hometown heroes.

First, today’s weather: Clear throughout the day. Temperatures will reach 91 with a low of 72.

Here are the top five stories today in Oak Park:

1. Oak Park will not celebrate July 4 with its usual parade and fireworks, the Village announced this week. The pandemic continues to pose health and safety risks, especially in large crowds. Local health officials say they hold out hope for large Village gatherings in the fall if the pace of COVID-19 vaccination remains steady. (Village of Oak Park)

2. A longtime Oak Park and River Forest High School instructor has died at 86. Wendell Smith coached soccer and track for 29 years at OPRF, during which he was named Illinois Science Teacher of the Year and Illinois Coach of the Year for Women’s Soccer. Smith is survived by his wife of more than 55 years and their six children. (Wednesday Journal)

3. Dominican University President Donna Carroll is retiring in mid-June. She has served as president of the Catholic school in River Forest since 1994, leading it to become a U.S. News and World Report Top 10 regional school. (Wednesday Journal)

4. The Oak Park Public Library is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth with a first-floor exhibit, resources and a list of local celebrations. June 19 became an official Village holiday in 2020, signifying the date in 1865 when slaves were officially freed. The library's Juneteenth "Idea Box" exhibit is on display through June 25. (OPPL)

5. Students at Percy Julian Middle School are honoring the experiences of Vietnam veterans with its eighth grade community service project. Lifelong Oak Park resident Al Krause spoke to Liam O’Connor and Charlie Newman about his service, and the difficulties he faced returning home. The students also interviewed Oak Park native Neil Morgan, along with other area veterans. (Wednesday Journal)

Today in Oak Park:

• Purple Sun Arts hosts a “Cosmic Smashbooking” craft event. (10 a.m.)
• Enjoy a guided “Forest Therapy Walk” through Thatcher Woods. (10 a.m.)
• Magnificent Mutts and Meows hosts an outdoor adoption event at River Forest Public Library. (11 a.m.)
• The First United Church of Oak Park recognizes Gun Violence Awareness Week with a peace vigil at Scoville Park. (4 p.m.)
• Ascension Catholic Church is collecting diapers and baby wipes today and tomorrow to benefit Catholic Charities. (4:30 p.m.)
• Oak Park Art League hosts its summer fundraiser “An Evening Under the Starry Night.” (7 p.m.)

Oak Park Patch Notebook

• The Village is reminding residents about recycling guidelines. (Village Facebook)
• This week in Oak Park history: on June 7, 1916, more than 200 local women marched down Michigan Avenue along with thousands of Chicagoans fighting for women’s suffrage. (OPRF Museum)
• Appointments are now open for an upcoming urgent-need American Red Cross blood drive in Oak Park. (Patch)
• A popular Chicago taqueria is moving to 220 Harrison Street in Oak Park. (Eater)
• A local couple is sharing their experience of restoring a historic house on Marion Street to help “keep Oak Park Oak Park.” (Wednesday Journal)

You’re all caught up on what’s new this weekend in Oak Park and River Forest.

I will be away until June 14, but Patch breaking news reporter Eileen O’Gorman will have your Daily newsletter covered beginning Tuesday morning.

Until then,
Georgi

About me: I am lifelong Illinois resident and Lewis University graduate with a passion for White Sox baseball, classic literature and local news.