Good morning, Chicago.

Corrine Sodergren, believed to be the oldest person in the Chicago area, celebrated her 106th birthday on Wednesday at Sunrise Senior Living in Schaumburg—she was surrounded by family, friends and staff.

Born in Chicago to Swedish immigrants, she raised two sons and will become a great great grandmother next year.

Bartlett’s Hearthwood Senior Living residents filled 100 backpacks with $2,500 in school supplies for Hanover Township students in need—each equipped with a handwritten note from over 50 locals, including 18 retired teachers, and the backpacks will be given out from Aug.

6 through Aug. 8 at Astor Avenue Community Center in Hanover Park.

A search for a missing kayaker is ongoing near Ferson Creek Park in St. Charles after the boater was reported missing Tuesday night — dive teams led by the St. Charles Fire Department began their operation just before 10 p.m.

On July 31, 1985, a fire started in the Horseman’s Lounge and spread to the grandstand at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights—firefighters poured over 4,000 gallons of water per minute to fight the blaze that left 7,000 tons of melted steel—and longtime staff and race fans watched as the flames grew out of control.

Hyde Park offers a slate of free cultural events this week—today, the teen art showcase 'Made in Unity' runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Green Line Performing Arts Center and Delia West’s 'Making Sense' exhibit opens on August 1 at First Presbyterian Church.

Additional events include Shakespeare in the Park on August 1—3 and again 8—10 p.m. at Nichols Park, a soundwalk in Jackson Park on August 2 from 12 to 1 p.m., and LOS GALLOS performing at Nichols Park Fieldhouse on August 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.