W E D N E S D A Y
November 6, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 14 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Community of Caring Special pullout section
Housing Center’s 2019 funding reinstated Oak Park board OKs release of withheld checks to OPRHC By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park village board voted unanimously Monday to reinstate previously withheld 2019 grant funds to the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC). The board had suspended payments to the center after it had failed to turn in its semi-annual and second quarter reports to the village government on time. The board also voted to extend the deadline of the center’s 2018 financial audit, required under the 2019 funding grant agreement, until the end of the month. “It’s a small victory,” said Athena Williams, OPRHC executive director. “It’s not just about getting the money for me or the agency. It’s about the establishment and the community.” The released 2019 funds will be used to pay the center’s bills and its staff. OPRHC is still facing a potential cut of all its village funding in 2020 as the village board prepares its budget for next year. “The language in the agreement which is the same as all your traditional partner See HOUSING CENTER on page 14
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
GOING OUT IN STYLE: Residents thank Priscilla Laff for her service during her retirement party at the Brookdale senior residence in Oak Park.
Hair stylist hangs up shears
Brookdale’s Priscilla Laff has styled the hair of notable politicians and public figures By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
For almost 28 years, Priscilla Laff has cut and styled hair at Brookdale Oak Park, 1111 Ontario St. Nov. 1, after a long and fulfilling career, Laff worked her last day at her salon, located inside the senior living commu-
nity. The day before, Brookdale staff threw Laff a retirement party, where she and her loyal Brookdale clients-turned-friends celebrated a new and exciting chapter of her life. Prior to cutting the celebratory cake, Laff gave a tearful, heartfelt address. “I have been blessed with the good fortune of
SHOPPER’S
operating this hair salon since its grand opening on May 20, 1992 when it was known as Holley Court,” she said to the crowd. “I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have met so many wonderful people. It has been a truly amazing journey.” See HAIR STYLIST on page 14
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