I want to express my gratitude to so many in the Oak Park area for the events of the past month.
On Oct. 18, I was one of the honorees at the Ulyssean Awards banquet, presented by the Senior Center of Oak Park-River Forest and the Park District of Oak Park. It was a beautiful evening on the top floor at Brookdale. It was well attended. There was music and wine and a lovely atmosphere with a beautiful view. The food was very good. I was honored to receive the award with Linda Bonner and Ade Onayemi, who have both done so much for the community. We each got to give a short speech and received a beautiful award. So many of my friends and family were there to support me. A great evening.
The other wonderful event of the past month was the third annual Oak Park Illinois Film Festival. You can ask anyone who was there. It was very successful. Everyone who attended any part of it has been raving about it. So many people were responsible for its success. First and foremost, the very hard-working board and our project manager. Also the volunteers, the talented filmmakers, and the presenters all did their part in making it a success. The local restaurants contributed so much food that we were giving out doggy bags at the end.
I also have to thank our individual donors and our sponsors, especially the village and state Senator Don Harmon. The Lake Theatre and Madison Street Theater went out of their way to make sure that our rentals were as smooth as possible. Thanks to everyone who attended, especially those who said they would be sure to tell their friends to attend next year. The Chamber of Commerce also helped us get the word out.
Finally, thank you to Wednesday Journal for helping us with our ads and for the excellent article previewing the festival.
If anyone wants more information about the film festival, go to opilff.org and sign up for our newsletter.
Joyce Porter
President of the Board, Oak Park IL Film Festival
