Patch AM: How a Golden Retriever is Transforming OPRF High School Days

Good morning Oak Park! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter: How a golden retriever is changing days at OPRF High School What Oak Park police reported in last week’s arrest logs Will this new Illinois law finally expand therapy options in Oak Park? Also on today's calendar: CAMERATA CHICAGO PRESENTS: A HANDEL'S CHRISTMAS CONCERT for the Whole Family! and 9 more events. Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!) Weather forecast: Wednesday: A couple of squalls, with a high of 38 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr! Thursday: Mostly cloudy and very cold, temps: high: 23, low: 19. Friday: Mostly cloudy with flurries, with a high of 30 and low of 6 degrees. 📰

News we're reading 1. Oak Park and River Forest High School's new staffer isn't a Huskie, he's a golden retriever Oak Park and River Forest High School has welcomed Griff, a one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever, as its first full-time facility dog to support student well-being. Working with prevention and wellness staff, Griff will offer scheduled calming visits for students, especially during stressful moments, and is already drawing crowds of smiling teens and staff in the hallways.

1. Oak Park police arrest Chicago man on aggravated assault charge Oak Park police reported several recent arrests, including a Chicago man charged with aggravated assault on Elmwood Avenue and two separate domestic battery cases on North Avenue and Austin Boulevard. All incidents occurred within Oak Park, and those arrested have been charged but not convicted as cases move through the courts.

2. Advocates hope newly passed bill will inspire more Illinois therapists to take private health insurance An Oak Park mother’s struggle to find an in-network therapist for her teen helped spur a new Illinois bill aimed at boosting insurance reimbursements for mental health providers. If signed by the governor, it could encourage more therapists to accept private insurance, potentially expanding access to care for Oak Park residents and others across the state starting in 2027.

3. Burt Andersen, 93 Oak Park residents are mourning the passing of longtime neighbor and infectious disease physician Burt Andersen, 93, whose life blended medical achievement, music, and deep community ties. A celebration of his life will be held at Unity Temple on March 7, 2026, honoring his love of nature, social justice, and the arts in Oak Park.

4. Daywatch: 'I thought it was going to be a cold case' A regional Chicago news roundup touches on crime, immigration raids, sports and culture, but also highlights an Oak Park mother who couldn’t find a therapist taking her insurance. Her experience connects to a new Illinois bill that may expand access to in-network mental health care for Oak Park residents and others statewide.

📸 Around Oak Park Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to HAWXTECH.NETAM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Oak Park Add your event to our calendar and newsletter! ★ Featured events ★ Friday December 12 CAMERATA CHICAGO PRESENTS: A HANDEL'S CHRISTMAS CONCERT for the Whole Family! St Alphonsus Church, 1429 W Wellington Ave, Chicago 2:00 pm Saturday December 13 Meet & Greet Santa Clause 1117 Garfield Street, 12:00 pm Sunday December 14 Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Dec 14 (Holiday Market) Morgan MFG, 401 N Morgan St, Chicago 11:00 am Holiday Happenings Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St, River Forest 4:00 pm Saturday January 3 Lunch & Learn West Central SDA Church, 1154 Wisconsin Ave, Oak Park 12:30 pm Want to see your event featured? Click here! Other local events Tuesday December 9 Funnies at the Friendly Friendly Tap, 6733 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn 7:30 pm Friday December 12 This week, food events delivered to you from Iguana Cafe, Five Squared Pizza, Vajra, & more! 3:00 pm Saturday December 13 Cookies & Cocoa with Santa! The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park 10:00 am 6th Annual Gala Black-Tie Scholarship & Awards The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park 6:00 pm Monday December 15 Turbulence on the Water Front: News & Reflections from 18 Years of Public Service The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park 1:15 pm Friday December 19 Jazz Prayer - Where Jazz Meets Spirit Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 611 Randolph St, Oak Park 7:10 pm Saturday December 20 Snoopy Holiday Sip and Paint Art Class Toast To Paint, 7185 W Bloomingdale Ave, Chicago 7:00 pm 📣 Oak Park Shout Outs! Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to HAWXTECH.NETAM! It's free! Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy. Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Oak Park HAWXTECH.NETAM possible: Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (630) 248-1976 Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming… Doug Lalli - Pianist/Composer/Teacher — (708) 228-7150 Call 708-228-7150 to arrange for your first FREE lesson! Oak Park Conservatory — (708) 725-2400 Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL — (312) 371-9526 From Team Off-Sites to Parties – Host It at Studio 928! Doug Lalli - Jazz Musician, Composer and Teacher — (708) 228-7150 Call 708-228-7150 to arrange for your first FREE lesson! Click here to show your appreciation! 💚 Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers. 💬 Chatter What your neighbors are talking about on social media Noteworthy Show Choir Returned To Oak Park Arms For 15th Anniversary Performance —Oak Park Arms Read on HAWXTECH.NET Self Promo: Does a family member need a great oral surgeon with strong reviews and excellent bedside manner? Visit our local family practice led by Dr. Jeffrey Chandler, DDS / MD at Elmhurst Oral Surgery! Dr. Jeffrey Chandler is a board-certified oral and… (Nextdoor Southtown Oak Park) McLovin is still missing. PLEASE still keep an eye out for him. I refuse to give up hope. (Nextdoor Southtown Oak Park) TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Amazon Forklift Operator in Riverside. Apply here. Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Franklin Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Oak Park here. 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 HAWXTECH.NETAM! -- The HAWXTECH.NETAM Team P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I come in peace. You come in pieces. Got a good riddle for HAWXTECH.NETAM? Send it to us! 👉 Help make HAWXTECH.NETAM better Help us grow by suggesting local news sources. Shape this newsletter with your feedback. List items for sale or services offered We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about HAWXTECH.NETAM. Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook