Celebrated opening
A contemporary shop with sleek, home-office furnishings was the subject of a small celebration May 29. Mayor Anthony Calderone ceremoniously cut the ribbon on the new venture, At Work Design, 7500 Madison. The mayor was joined by the store’s husband and wife owners, Julia Archer and Mike Pisanke (middle), and Archer’s parents. The store opened its doors about two months ago.
Ike to see improvements
Federal and state money is expected to bring a massive road project to the western suburbs next year when state transportation officials resurface a 13-mile stretch of Interstate 290. From the junction with Interstate 88, just west of Hillside, to the Kennedy Expressway is slated to see some $36.1 million worth of repairs, according to an Illinois Department of Transportation press release. The work is part of an even larger project, pegged at more than $45 million, that includes bridge repair and other improvements along the highway.
According to a recent Wednesday Journal report, the state is also gearing up for a possible expansion of I-290 that would add a fourth lane of travel in both directions through the Oak Park area. That effort is intended to ease congestion through the area.
Local spellers crowned
Just weeks before the nationally televised Scripps National Spelling Bee crowned its champion, students in Forest Park participated in their own contest and named winners in each grade level.
The winning students in District 91, Forest Park’s K-8 public school system, receive a medal and a savings bond from the Forest Park National Bank. The local contest was held May 13 and is not affiliated with the Scripps bee.
This year’s winners are: Michelle Robins, eighth grade; Michael Stephens, seventh grade; Ralen Ricardo, sixth grade; Rachel Whalen, fifth grade; Alyssa Mance, fourth grade; and Maria Garcia, third grade.
