Hello Oak Park! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Getting Out The Vote and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. When You Don't Know Where to Start, Start With Us (oakpark.com) — If you or an older loved one in Oak Park feels lost navigating Medicaid, benefits, or new care needs, Oak Park Township invites you to start with them. Staff can explain options, help with applications, arrange home assessments, and connect you to local programs so you're not figuring everything out alone.
2. Where oaks find safe arbor (oakpark.com) — Oak Park's rich canopy and historic bur oaks take center stage in this reflection on the village's 'urban forest' and efforts to preserve pre-settlement trees. The piece recalls a Downtown Oak Park Arbor Day contest, local activists' propagation project, and why oaks still shape the character and resilience of Oak Park's neighborhoods.
3. First United: Faith and Connection for All Ages (oakpark.com) — First United Church of Oak Park is kicking off a new program year with inclusive worship, education, and social activities designed for every age and ability. From nursery care and accessible services to adult Bible study, social groups, and family nights out, the church emphasizes community connection for Oak Park residents wherever they are on their faith journey.
4. Police say Flock is invaluable. But as misuse mounts, many wonder how to rein in the surveillance system (nny360.com) — Flock license plate reader cameras are now operating over I-290 in Oak Park, putting the village directly into a growing national debate over how these powerful surveillance tools are used and misused. Recent cases elsewhere describe officers abusing the system to track romantic partners, raising questions for Oak Park residents about privacy, oversight, and how local police access and monitor this data.
5. Alabama A&M to Induct Nine into Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday (aamusports.com) — An Oak Park native and former Oak Park and River Forest High School swimmer, Lorie Reid Fuller, is being inducted into Alabama A&M's Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend. Fuller, who once starred in OPRF's pool, went on to set multiple collegiate and national records and earn repeated All-American honors, joining eight other standout Bulldogs in the 2026 class.
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Ok Oak Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
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