AustinWeeklyNews_012925 by Wednesday Journal

Community mourns the passing of George Manning

Friends and family remember the legacy of longtime Austin resident

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

George E. Manning II, retired administrator for the University of Illinois Chicago Psychiatric Institute and longtime Austin resident with a passion for music and mentorship, died Jan. 13, leaving behind the extraordinary life he crafted and led in and outside the U.S.

A classically trained musician, Manning was especially known for the elaborate parties he hosted over the years at his grand Midway Park mansion with its own ballroom.

Saddened by the news of his passing, his friends shared their thoughts about what he meant to his community

Thomas Walker, a longtime neighbor to Manning, lives on the cor ner, north of Manning’s home

“I’ve known George for over 30 years,” Walker told the Austin Weekly News. “There are four

e Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, at the corner of Madison and Central, will open in April.

Aspire Center on track

to open this spring

Part of a plan that aims to revitalize Central Avenue and build wealth for Austin residents

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

After seven years in the making, the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation will open in the spring.

The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, as its name suggests, will be a space for free training for trades and career development. But it will also offer services to support financial, legal, emotional, and familial aspects of life.

“It’s also what the center is looking

to achieve – what happens within the building and how it transforms individuals’ lives,” said Darnell Shields, executive director of Austin Coming Together – one of the organizations planning and developing the Aspire Center –and a member of the board of directors for Growing Community Media, which

More “I’ll be there.”

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More “I’ll be there.”

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More “I’ll be there.”

As you get older, your risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV is higher. Vaccines bring your risks down, so you can keep showing up. vaccines.gov

More “I’ll be there.”

Less “Where have you been?”

As you get older, your risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV is higher. Vaccines bring your risks down, so you can keep showing up. vaccines.gov

More “I’ll be there.”

Less “Where have you been?”

MANNING Committed to Austin

from page 1

historic structures in our neighborhood

Our house is one of them and his house is one of them and there are two others not far from our houses. George was instrumental in setting up the Austin Schock Historical Association and T he Society of Midway Park. Frederick Schock was the architect who designed the four houses that are landmarks.”

Walker described Manning as outgoing and as someone who put forth effort to highlight and maintain his community and his neighborhood

“He was very talented and had great taste,” Walker said. “I last saw him this past summer. Every year he sponsors a white party where he invites the neighbors to his house, and he would provide a guided tour of his house…and the yard parties that he had eve spring. So, that has been a tradition in the neighborhood.”

Walker said Manning house was impressive, due to his interior design talents.

“He restored the interior of that house so that going inside was like taking a trip back a hundred years,” Walker said. “Up in the attic is of course a ballroom for celebrations and so for th. There are stars on the ceiling. When it’s dark, it’s like looking at the sky.

ther, Manning bought the historic Victorian-style house built in 1891 by Architect Schock. Often described as a “modern-day renaissance man,” he single-handedly restored the house that was featured on Oprah, following its restoration, and recognized in numerous periodicals (Ebony, Inland Architect, Chicago Magazine, the Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and the New York Times).

Manning’s home is also listed in the National Re gister of Historic Places, District of the Austin Community. This historic house was built 400 years after the discovery of the New World.

He was shaped by early exposure to cultures outside his own, the arts and historic events such as hearing firsthand Dr. Martin King Jr. ‘s ‘I Have a Dream

Crane High School.

His background served him well as a member of the Review Committee for the City of Chicago Arts grant program. He also pursued a post-secondary education at Ripon Colle ge of Ripon, Wisconsin, where he majored in Russian studies. George also received advanced de grees in piano performance and pedago gy from Roosevelt University and the University of Chicago.

In addition to being an accomplished musician and performer, he also composed music as well.

Manning, a retired UIC psychiatric medical research director and pipe organist, led a caroling event, always held during the third week of December. This started when his dad was terminally ill with cancer and people visited him for Christmas.

George Jones another neighbor, said, “I’ve known him since he moved in. I’ve been here for 50 years. … I’ve been invited to every one of the parties he would have outside. He was friendly and welcoming. I’ve seen all the pianos in his house. I’ve seen all the changes. Sometimes it’s kind of hard to describe how he was. He was just a wonderful guy.”

Born Feb. 25, 1949 in Chicago to Jamesia and George Edward Manning Sr., he was the youngest of two children. George and his sister Mary Anna had parents who exposed them culturally, educationally, spiritually and sociologically.

A classically trained pianist and violinist, his long list of a ccomplishments included memberships on various c ultural boards

In 1975, following the death of his fa-

Speech” in 1963.

It was said that George Sr. travelled by train with his son to the east coast where thousands gathered to hear people speak about education, se greg ation, and voting rights. A very young George remarked telling his father that one speaker said ‘I Have a Dream’ at least ten times already!” to which his father – who was deaf and relied on lip reading – re plied, “Listen for both of us, this might be an important speech one day.”

Manning ’s for mal art lessons be ga n at the Junior School of the Art I nstitute of Chicago at age five where he studied painting, anatomy, figure drawing , sculpture, printmaking and ceramics He attended Joseph Medill E lementar y School and gr aduated from Richard T.

Manning remained actively engaged in education throughout his life and was proud of a select oup of individuals he often rered to as his “children.” who benefited from his mentorship.

Extracurricular activities included playing the violin in an orchestra of young, gifted musicians at Northwestern University, under the direction of Maestro Isaac Stern, when Manning was just 16 years old.

He also played the piano for three U. S. presidents, including the late Jimmy Carter. He also yed the organ at the Washington Cathedral, Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park, Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, the Westminster Abbey Pipe Organ (St. Peters) in London, England, and the First Cong re gational Baptist Church (Chicago) which has the largest Kimball Pipe Organ just to name a few.

Manning believed that everyone should have a passport and should use it as often as possible. Periodically, he would spend time traveling between his home in Glattbrugg, Switzerland (a suburb of Zurich) and Northern Africa. He also spent time in England, Italy and France just to name a fe w. In tur n, his Swiss housemates (Swiss Airline personnel) had the luxury of calling Manning’s Chicago residence, their HOME when they vacationed in the United States.

Manning also devoted his time and energy to the leadership and membership of First Immanuel Lutheran Church, where his f amily has served and worshiped since 1954.

He resided in his Midway Park home with his mother until his passing.

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Where it’s a good thing to ght like a girl

Local boxing program helps girls 10-18 build con dence

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Erica Rodriguez remembers well starting her collegiate career at Northwester n University 15 years ago.

It didn’t take long for that experience to become stressful for the Ohio native She was working hard academically, but felt like she was struggling to keep up with her peers.

So, she decided to begin working out at a nearby boxing gym, which turned out to be a great move because she was able to relieve stress while at the same time feel better about herself.

She’s now bringing the basics of that experience to girls throughout Chicago, including the West Side and Oak Park

“It became pretty transformative for me,” said Rodriguez, who studied human development at Northwestern and pursued a career in that area, while becoming a competitive boxer for many years.

These days, Rodriguez is program director for Box United, which offers the Fight Like a Girl program for girls ages 10 to 18 at three locations in Chicagoland, including the west side at the Salvation Ar my Freedom Center, 825 N. Christiana Ave., Chicago, in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood.

The program has 70 participants who visit for two hours twice per week. It’s a structured program: The first half hour is all about homework Then it shifts to noncontact boxing, i.e., punching into gloves or mitts with a peer. It concludes with an emotional/social learning session.

Rodriguez points to a dire statistic that says girls in Chicago Public Schools score higher in post-traumatic stress disorder than veterans returning from active duty. Often, girls are socialized to inter nalize stressful behaviors, she said, instead of exter nalizing them.

“When they come to our program, they get to exter nalize those things and work through to form a new relationship to their body and the voice inside their head,” she said. “

The program is funded by the city of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, and is partly focused on girls who are either involved with the juvenile justice system or indirectly impacted by it. The good news, Rodriguez said, is that “across the county, there are pretty few girls who that are on probation. So, understanding that, we’ve opened the program to all girls.

“It’s a healing-centered program,” she said. “We keep in mind a young person might come in with any experiences, trauma or otherwise, and we’re cognizant of creating a healing space.”

That said, the endgame of the program, which is free but requires parent or guardian consent, is developing confidence for solid, astute decision-making.

“The decisions you make in your life reflect how you feel about yourself,” Rodriguez said, adding the program is available to “provide a place for girls to heal and have their needs met, and get the support they need to feel strong and self-assured. That leads to girls making good decisions in their lives.”

Fight Like a Girl is the brainchild of Box United founder and executive director Mary Kate Vanecko, and is rooted in her own experience of needing an outlet that challenged her to grow

There are plans afoot for expanding the program, including opening the first girls boxing gym in Chicagoland, possibly by the end of 2025.

Rodriguez has been with Box United since October, and even since then, she’s seen marked changes among the girls with which she interacts.

“For a lot of the girls, I see them walking in the door with more confidence,” she said. “When I ask them why they joined, ‘Oh, my mom made me.’ Now they are a boxer, and that’s where they belong

“I see them developing a growth mindset, so feeling like when you can’t do something, that’s not the end of the road.”

To learn more about the Fight Like a Girl program, visit https://boxunited.org/

Good Neighbor Campaign opens community development center on Madison Street

GNC is a part of Westside

an organization with a mission to better the reduce gun violence in Chicago. Since, JAC 650 people through training, ounseling and mentoring.

a 23-year-old living in Garfield self-proclaimed success story out am. At the grand opening, ttendees how he was struggling to ile on probation. But after his about JAC, he completed training through the program to operate estside Health Authority then its Good Neighbor outreach team, and Ray now serves as an intake spe-

ogram has been a major part ife,” Ray said. “And I believe that the am should not only be a part of the , but [all of] Chicago.”

oni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook Commissioners, said the continue funding violence ntion and capacity building ef for ts for community org anizations. celebrate not just the opening

of the community center, but a renewed commitment to building safe, thriving neighborhoods,” Preckwinkle said at the grand opening.

The idea for a Garfield Park site came about after Good Neighbor heard from residents in the community that they wanted the same resources that Austin residents were getting. The newest development center is next door to Three Crosses of Calvary M.B. Church, where Good Neighbor will use the sanctuary for larger events

Ald. Jason Ervin of the 28th Ward said the conversation to open a development center in Garfield Park started about six years ago. Then, he said he asked Morris Reed, CEO of Westside Health Authority, for a special service area on Madison Street.

“We have additional resources, people and folks that are coming to West Garfield Park to bring about the necessary resources and the ability that we need to see in our community here,” Ervin said. “This is about changing the trajectory of Garfield Park.”

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Black Chicago’s crossroad

Black Chicago has been tried and tested over and over. We now stand at a critical junc ture — one that can either build us up or break us down under the cu administration. While many are consumed with the antics of the 47th president, I urge Black Chicago to refocus its energy on those closest to us. Our local, state, city, and county elected officials, the clergy entrusted to lead, and the heads of nonprofit organizations in our communities — these are the individuals who claim to advocate for us

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they re present community development.

Yet despite their presence in decision-making positions and their shared backgrounds, Black Chicago remains at a deficit. Generations have passed, and still there is no real protection for Black Chicago, particularly on the West and South sides of the city.

Will we rise together or allow ourselves to be divided and conquered once more?

As a longtime resident of Austin, I have watched with a keen eye the intentional actions — or lack thereof — of our so-called leaders who re peatedly prioritiz e profits over people. There is a quote that resonates deeply: “People who profit from your ignorance will not educate you.”

For far too long, Black communities have been under the control of poverty pimps, individuals who exploit our struggles for their gain. Today, Black neighborhoods are being monopolized, sold of f and gentrified, often with the complicity of our own people. This exploitation is only possible because we, as residents, have grown complacent. We accept crumbs and are told

Have you felt the impact of the millions of dollars funneled into our neighborhoods? Have you seen eal, tangible benefits? If ou examine the new plans touted for Austin, they claim to be community-centered, ut I have sat in these meetings. The faces at the table are often unfamiliar; they do not live here, yet their voices are counted as ours. The individuals leading these plans boast about benefitting Austin and its residents, but they seldom engage the real community. It is the same people in the same meetings, month after month, peddling the illusion of progress

Real change does not come from re cycled conversations in closed rooms. It be gins at the ground level, with the actual residents. Why is there no concer ted ef fort to eng age and educat e longstanding residents and our younger generation? Where is the push to ensure community ownership — not just token input but actual equity — in these new developments? How much of the wealth generated by these projects will remain in our hands?

My call to action for Austin and all of Black Chicago is simple: wake up and prepare. A new wave is coming, and we cannot af ford to be unready. We must reclaim our neighborhood s, demand transparency and accountability from those in leadership, and refuse to settle for anything less than what we deser ve

Black Chicago, we are at a crossroad. The choice is ours. Will we rise together or allow ourselves to be divided and conquered once more? The time to act is now.

ASPIRE Center for Workforce Innovation

from page 1

publishes the Austin Weekly News.

In a webinar update on the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation Jan. 21, Shields said it will be a place where “Austin residents imagine making the impossible possible, go beyond their limits, and achieve their highest potential in building wealth.”

ACT is moving its headquarters to the Aspire Center, and the building will also house the Jane Addams Resource Corporation, a workforce trade agency that provides free training. The center is estimated to train more than 2,000 West Siders by 2030. Tenants will also include the Westside Health Authority, which will provide services for reentry and youth development, and BMO Harris for advising and financial planning services.

West Side Health Authority’s sub-tenants will be the Law Office of the Cook County Defender and Legal Aid Chicago.

Other Aspire Center services on the building’s first and second floors will include recruitment, intake, coordination and referrals for workforce advancement. It will also support small business development by keeping businesses infor med on opportunities and referring them to partners with resources and incubators, plus hosting events and pop-up vendors at the Aspire Center

Though the building’s third floor is not yet leased out, Shields said, for now, it will serve as a space for organizations working in partnership with tenants to feature community programming

Throughout the Aspire Center, there is ample public space for those who reserve it to hold meetings and community events. Anyone can visit the building, even if they’re not participating in programs there, to use public Wi-Fi and other free resources. The center also boasts a cafe, community plaza and one of the city’s POP! parks.

The base of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation has been constructed. Now, tenants are building out their spaces, except for BMO, which is designing its space and submitting building permits. After tenants move into the building and staff are hired to run the Aspire Center, there will be a grand opening come April

Aspire Center partners are holding community tours ahead of the grand opening, as well as Hub 101s, where locals can meet anchor tenants through a Facebook Live on Austin Coming Together’s Facebook page

“This center will be operated to the level of success that will meet the needs of Austin residents and possibly even the greater West Side once we get going,” Shields said. “We really believe this place is going to be a game changer in our community.”

Awakening the Aspire Center

The seed for the Aspire Center was planted nearly a decade ago, when Robert Emmet Elementary School closed in 2013.

After serving the Austin area for over a century, Emmet was one of 50 Chicago Public Schools that shuttered that year. But locals knew they wanted to keep and develop the land at the cor ner of Madison and Central.

A few years later, conversations started about how to repurpose the lot. Locals made it clear that they wanted the project to include existing community resource partners, rather than outside developers, and pitched a building that houses job training programs.

In 2018, the lot was bought by Westside Health Authority, a nonprofit that aims to improve the health and well-being of Austin and its surrounding communities. The purchase was “to ensure that the redevelopment will reflect the community’s vision and needs,” Shields said.

years to meet its mission.

In 2023, the project’s partners officially broke ground on the Aspire Center. Over 300 community members and public officials gathered to watch and celebrate, Shields said.

From 2020 to 2023, the building was funded by more than $40 million in capital. The money came from a grant from the state of Illinois, TIF funding from Chicago, about $10 million from new market tax credit equity, plus philanthropic support from Blue Cross Blue Shield, BMO, the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, and United Way.

The hope is for the soon-to-open building to improve the narrative about living in Austin and on the West Side

“This development can really act as an opportunity to change the perception and outlook of our community,” Shields said.

He added that they’re working with residents to develop a mural on the outside of the building that will wrap along the wall and into the lobby. The mural will be painted by local artist Shawn Michael Warren, who created a portrait of Oprah Winfrey for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in 2023.

Around the same time, ACT was developing its Austin Forward To g ether plan, and with it, the Aspire Initiative Along with the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, the initiative aims to revitalize the area bound by Madison, Chicago, Central, and Laramie Avenues. In the future, the Aspire Initiative will include an education and wellness campus, housing, and a reinvention of the Austin Colle ge and Career Academy

The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation was reoriented on the lot from when it served as a school. What was once the building’s entrance is now the rear “so it could rightfully interact with the commercial side of the intersection right there at Central and Madison,” Shields said.

To develop the building, there was an extensive community engagement process. After a session in 2018 where residents convened to create a vision for a new building, there were several community panels at local summits.

“Community engagement is at the heart of this effort and is something that we will continue to do,” Shields said. “There’s nothing like this center in development that we know of,” he added, which means locals will have to help perfect the Aspire Center in the coming

When the Aspire Center received state funding, one of its requirements was for historic preservation. So, there will also be an art installation inside that includes images and information depicting the building’s history.

“Anybody that comes in, they’ll know what’s been the plight with this building and what’s been Austin’s plight over time,” Shields said.

But the Aspire Center will be much more than a building that offers free resources and shares its history through art installations.

“The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation is really about representing the community’s effort to reclaim historic space in our community and transform it into a place that will meet Austin’s present-day needs,” Shields said.

The center is located at 5500 W. Madison St in Austin.

Follow the Aspire Center on Instagram @acwichi. Scan the QR code to sign up for newsletter updates, which include information about when training programs start.

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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):

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Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.

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Published in Austin Weekly News January 29, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES

Loan Program (35 IAC Part 365), the Davis-Bacon Act (40 USC 276a through 276a-5) as defined by the United States Department of Labor, the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act (30 ILCS 570), Illinois Works Jobs Program Act (30 ILCS 559/20-1), and the federal “Build America, Buy America Act” requirements contained in the Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58. This procurement is also subject to the loan recipient’s policy regarding the increased use of disadvantaged business enterprises. The loan recipient’s policy requires all bidders to undertake specified affirmative efforts at least sixteen (16) days prior to bid opening. The policy is contained in the specifications. Bidders are also required to comply with the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended. The requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in 41 CFR 60-4.

Bid Opening: March 25, 2025 CONTRACT 25-655-11 MANHOLE AND INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS

Estimated Cost: $1,200,000.00

Bid Deposit: NONE Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Conference: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 1:00 pm Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.

Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendix V and the Multi Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract.

Bid Opening: February 25, 2025 *****************************************

The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/ or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd. org; the path is as follows: Doing Business > Procurement and Materials Management > Contract Announcements.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE OF CIM TRUST 2020-R5 Plaintiff, -v.-

LOUISE BROOKS, CITY OF CHICAGO, SMITH-ROTHCHILD FINANCIAL CO., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2024 CH 02163 5315 WEST CRYSTAL STREET CHICAGO, IL 60651 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 6, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5315 WEST CRYSTAL STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60651

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

Monday, February 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CT at the John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant, 550 South Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL.

Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Conference: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 11:00 am Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.

Compliance with the District’s

Affirmative Action Ordinance

Revised Appendix D, Appendix V and the Multi Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract. Any contract or contracts awarded under this invitation for bids are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Neither the State of Illinois nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees is or will be a party to this invitation forbids or any resulting contract. The procurement will be subject to regulations contained in the Procedures for Issuing Loans from the Water Pollution Control

Specifications, proposal forms and/ or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement and Materials Management by downloading online from the District’s website at www.mwrd.org (Doing Business > Procurement & Materials Management > Contract Announcements). No fee is required for the Contract Documents. Any questions regarding the downloading of the Contract Document should be directed to the following email: contractdesk@mwrd.org or call 312751-6643.

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management

Property Index No. 16-04-131-0170000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088

E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com

Attorney File No. 23-16536IL

Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 2024 CH 02163

TJSC#: 44-3012

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2024 CH 02163 I3258196

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC Plaintiff, -v.-

CARRIE MAE HEIDELBERG, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - FEDERAL HOUSING COMMISSIONER

Defendants 2023 CH 10312

450 NORTH MONTICELLO AVENUE

CHICAGO, IL 60624

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 19, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 450 NORTH MONTICELLO AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60624 Property Index No. 16-11-132-0260000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under

the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-23-07868 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2023 CH 10312 TJSC#: 44-3374

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK

Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF DONALD J. O’MALLEY JR., DECEASED; NANCY M. MCDONOUGH; KEVIN JOHN O’MALLEY; EDWARD MICHAEL O’MALLEY, SR.; UNKOWN HEIRS AND/ OR LEGATEES OF MARY PAT O’CONNOR, DECEASED; GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR DONALD J. O’MALLEY, JR., DECEASED; MARINA TOWERS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; PATRICIA ZUBER; TOM O’CONNOR; KEVIN O’CONNOR; DANIEL O’CONNOR; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF MICHAEL O’MALLEY, DECEASED; STATE OF ILLINOIS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS;; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS; Defendant 21 CH 5947 CALENDAR 62

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on February 24, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 17-09-410-014-1250. Commonly known as 300 North State Street, #3606, Chicago, IL 60654. The real estate is: condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act.. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, LOGS Legal Group, LLP, 2801 Lakeside Drive, Suite 207, Bannockburn, IL 60015. (847) 2911717. 21-095165 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3258908

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

US Bank Trust National Association as Trustee of the Cabana Series III Trust Plaintiff vs. ERIC C. TAYLOR; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD

CLAIMANTS; Defendant 17 CH 4153

CALENDAR 64

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on February 25, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following

described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-12-311-019-0000.

Commonly known as 2824 West Walnut Street, Chicago, IL 60612. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 Lucerne Drive, Suite 210, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130. (440) 5721511. ILF2102012 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3259025

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC

D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.DOROTHY KNIGHT, JAMES KNIGHT, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 02027 27 N LATROBE AVE CHICAGO, IL 60644 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 8, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on February 25, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT TWENTY (20) IN BLOCK ONE (1) IN J.H. WHITESIDE AND COMPANY’S SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST HALF (E1/2) OF THE EAST HALF (E1/2) OF THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER (S.E.1/4) OF THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER (S.W. 1/4) OF SECTION NINE (9), TOWNSHIP THIRTY NINE (39) NORTH, RANGE THIRTEEN (13), EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 27 N. LATROBE AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60644 Property Index No. 16-09-324-0150000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The judgment amount was $66,844.76.

bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 18-5690. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650

Chicago IL, 60602

312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 18-5690 Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 18 CH 02027

TJSC#: 44-3279

Case # 18 CH 02027 I3259232

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006EQ1

Plaintiff, -v.DOROTHY ESCO A/K/A DOROTHY MCGEE ESCO A/K/A DOROTHY MEGEE, ELI ESCO, STATE OF ILLINOIS

Defendants

18 CH 160 946 NORTH DRAKE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 15, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on February 27, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

LOT 508 AND THE SOUTH 5 FEET OF LOT 509 IN DICKEY’S THIRD ADDITION TO CHICAGO BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 2 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Commonly known as 946 NORTH DRAKE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-02-415-0260000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $222,093.47.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please

refer to file number 17-085373. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com

Attorney File No. 17-085373

Attorney Code. 42168

Case Number: 18 CH 160 TJSC#: 45-196

Case # 18 CH 160 I3259467

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CAG NATIONAL FUND IV LLC Plaintiff, -v.-

QUEEN ESTHER WALLER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICASECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, REX WALLER, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SAM L. WALLER, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF FREDDIE WALLER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SAM L. WALLER (DECEASED) AND FREDDIE WALLER (DECEASED)

Defendants 2024 CH 07806 5436 W MONROE STREET CHICAGO, IL 60644 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 8, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 24, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5436 W MONROE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-16-101-0280000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527

630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-24-02616

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2024 CH 07806

TJSC#: 45-137

Case # 2024 CH 07806 I3259560

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at:

1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

session to session and they have come to us in a variety of ways. Some of them have been in the audience at a previous show and have approached us and said: “I want to do that.” Some of them have come through our own personal and professional networks, or they have been in another storytelling event or process that we met along the way.

Q. How crucial is it to have a safe place for women of color, and women in general to express themselves and explore these topics?

I think it’s absolutely critical for our self-protection, for our healing, for our surviving and our thriving. And especially considering the political moment that we see ourselves walking into in the future, I think they’ll still even be more critical.

Q. What is this event bringing to the community?

I think it’s bringing joy, it is bringing celebration, and it’s bringing people together in a way that has been very isolating because of this moments of uncertainty. Isolating because we are still actively recovering from all of the trauma and loss that we’ve experienced during the pandemic and post-pandemic. It is giving us an opportunity to feel unified and to celebrate each other in a way that we probably don’t get enough times to celebrate each other

Q. Are there any events coming to the west side in the future?

It just depends, you know, our relationships. One of my roles as the co-founder is to build partnerships and we continue to seek out partnerships that make sense for us, so who knows what the future brings? We do two shows a year as a collective and then, all of us individual storytellers do other things, so it just depends on where the opportunity is

More info:

SOL Collective website: chisolcollective.com/ Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/p/ SOL-Collective-Storytelling-by-Women-of-Color-100075819836151/

Oak Park’s North Avenue, bite by bite

A journey along North Avenue reveals a mix of culinary staples and fresh avors that bring Oak Park’s northern boundary to life

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Oak Park’s stretch of North Avenue is not as restaurant-filled as River Forest/ Elmwood Park’s Section, but it’s a dining destination that sometimes gets overlooked by those of us “south of the border.” Here’s a roundup of what’s new and tasty at our norther n boundary.

Heading from east to west the first restaurants on the south side of North Avenue are in a strip mall. J&J Fish has long anchored the mall with wings, catfish, gizzards aplenty.

The restaurant hosted an event for his family and friends and they have a poster of him up in the restaurant. His parents say that North Ave Falafel’s chicken shawarma wrap and Alpine Food Shop subs were his go-to treats

“It’s hilarious – at his memorial, one of his friends called him a ‘sandwich connoisseur.’ I have never been prouder,” said his father, Brian Souders.

Just past Narragansett, at the next strip mall over, China Chop Suey has stood the test of time. A new location of the locally-based chain Taco Pros is under construction in the old Surf ’s Up space.

Continuing west, at the intersection with Oak Park Avenue, Michael’s Beef House upgraded their restaurant and refreshed the menu a few years ago.

While you can still get a Chicago dog, Italian beef and many burgers, they also feature chicken and fish sandwiches and five different salads.

Passion Eats Express a Buona Beefa Rainbow Cone

The Onion Roll a

Woodbine Nor th Av e

Na Siam a

Michael’s Beef House a a Nor th Ave Falafel a Linda Michocana

Taco Pros a

Across the street in Galewood, — making one exception to the tour of the south side of the street — is another strip mall. Linda Michoacana serves ice cream and savory treats. On weekend, they add homemade tamales. Flavors are chicken and green salsa, chicken and red salsa, rajas con queso, and sweet versions. Pre-ordering is the best way to make sure you get the ones you want.

In the same mall is North Avenue Falafel. Owner Youssef Salama forged a special bond through food with Oak Park teen Hank Souders, who died recently at the age of 19.

it is still delivering Jewish deli and NY diner style treats, like hand sliced lox. Bagels are made in-house, and the ones that don’t sell are sliced, toasted, then given to customers along with butter and jelly when they settle in at a table.

Oak Park Ave.

China Chop Suey a J&J Fish a Ridgeland Narragensett

continued from page 12 c

“We brought the chocolate egg cream to Oak Park. I do not know of another diner that serves egg creams in the area, but they are a must try and very different from the Chicago Chocolate Phosphate,” said co-owner, Ryan Rosenthal.

Edging closer to Harlem, Buona Beef has been at the corner of Belleforte since 1989. It was the second location for the Buonavolanto family’s growing business. Since 2018 their ventures include Rainbow Cone ice cream.

The iconic Rainbow Cone with its “slices” of chocolate, Palmer House (vanilla, cherry, walnuts), followed by pistachio and orange sherbet — has been a Chicago tradition for almost a century.

A block further on is Na Siam. New owners Knock and Honey Wareewanich came from Thailand to take over this Thai staple eight months ago. The menu includes all the Thai food basics, but they are starting to branch out into more flavors and tastes rooted in their memories of home.

“We love this area. We could see the potential of this restaurant. At first, we try not to change anything much. But we adapt the food as we get to know customers,” said Knock Wareewanich

Just past Woodbine, The Onion Roll also got a renovation refresh recently, but

Now it’s expanding. Rainbow Cone is now in six states. One of those location is at Buona on North Ave.

“We always kind of had that side dining room. Over the last several years as our business shifted a lot to online delivery, it kind of left some vacant space,” said Joe Buonavolanto III. “Rainbow Cone express version as we call it.”

Last, but not least, is the strip mall that marks the other end of our journey. Several national chains have outlets there, including a new Wing Snob location in the works. But eating local means eating with your soul and that’s what you get at Passion Eats Express. Owner and chef Shawanda Simmons says it’s “pick up and go.” You can call ahead, ordering fresh chicken wings, catfish, spaghetti. The goal for Oak Park was to reestablish that Souther n customer service. Every person that walks through the door, whether you are doing a catering order or you are just doing lunch, we want you to feel that you are part of the family.” Said Simmons. That sentiment is found all along North Avenue. These restauranteurs show a dedication to customers and fresh flavors. They don’t just have an address in Oak Park, they are a part of the community.

Harlem

East

Black History Month: A guide to events

By DALAL ORFALI Vibe Assistant Editor.

As February approaches, we’re celebrating Black History Month, dedicated to showcasing African American heritage, highlighting struggles and triumphs, and honoring the generations that paved the way toward liberation. Here’s a selection of events to help you celebrate:

AUSTIN

Struggle & Resilience

■ Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m.

■ The Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 West Washington Blvd.

Enjoy a ballet performance honoring women’s empowerment and resilience. The Caged Bird Sings, in collaboration with Overshadowed and Tobin James, will resonate with the history and culture of Black and Latina women.

THRIVE TALKS

Black history month bingo

■ Monday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m.

■ Austin Branch 5615 W. Race Ave.

Join the Austin Branch for a fun Black History Bingo game, testing teenagers’ knowledge of Black history, with prizes to be won! This event is free and open to those aged 13 and up.

FOREST PARK

Edmonia Lewis and The Death of Cleopatra: Uncovering the Forest Park Connection

■ Wednesday, Feb 19 at 7p.m.

■ Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.

The library hosts a talk by Amy BinnsCalvey on Edmonia Lewis, a groundbreaking African American and Native American sculptor, and her work The Death of Cleopatra. Discover its connection to Forest Park and celebrate Lewis’s life, and le gacy. Sign up on the library’s website at www.fppl.org

Safety in Dating: Teens and Young Adults

More Than a Month: Liberated Arts Movement gallery opening night

■ Saturday, Feb 1 at 6 p.m.

■ Forest Park Public Library – art gallery 7555 Jackson Blvd. Forest Park Enjoy Forest Park art gallery’s opening night in partnership with the Liberated Arts Movement. The event include perfor mances, artist talks, refreshments, and more. Re gister at www.fppl.org.

HYDE PARK

Legacy: A Black Physic ian Reckons with Rac ism in Medicine – book signing event

■ Tuesday, January 28, at 7 p.m.

■ Call & Response Books 1390 East Hyde Park Blvd.

Dr. Uché Blackstock, a physician and leader on bias in healthcare, talks about her memoir, highlighting her advocacy against healthcare inequities. Event tickets are available on Eventbrite.

OA K PARK

Black history month celebration

■ Saturday, February 08, at 11 a.m.

■ The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 178 Forest Ave #1

The Village of Oak Park celebrates Black History Month with speakers, performers, activities, music, and refreshments. Registration available online at oak-park.us.

Living legacies & the Black history of Oak Park

■ Saturday, Feb 24, at 1 p.m.

■ Oak Park Main Library (Veterans Room) 834 Lake St.

Join an inspiring conversation is set to feature three of Oak Park’s remarkable Black elders and educators: George Bailey, Howard D. Simmons, and Betty Smitherman. Dive into the history of the community through their perspectives and their vision on the path forward. These gathering will to offer invaluable insights and reflections on Oak Park’s past, present, and future.