Bertha Purnell, gun violence activist in Austin, dies at 64
She founded Mothers on a Mission 28 and was a pillar in Austin in the ght against gun violence
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
The Austin community and greater West Side have lost a bold activist and community advocate in Bertha Purnell, who died Jan. 18 at age 64 from cardiac arrest.
Purnell is survived by her daughter Theandelia and her sons, Marcus Purnell and Terry Lee.
Purnell was an Austin resident and went to school to be a nurse, but changed her career path after her youngest son, Maurice, 28, was killed in 2017 by gun violence. That same year, Purnell launched Mothers on a Mission 28, a West Side nonprofit that helps victims of violence get holistic support and services.
“She just wanted to bring support to families who have lost their loved one – not just mothers, but anyone who has lost a loved one due to gun violence,” Theandelia told Austin Weekly News. “She had a strong passion to help, to speak out, to
See BERTHA PURNELL on pa ge 6
$11M in
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Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) takes the podium alongside West Side Black elected o cials.
BLACK LEADERS TRASH TRUMP
By CHARLES THRUSH Block Club Chicago
U.S. Re p. Danny Davis stood alongside a group of Black leaders from Chicago ’s West Side F riday to denounce a slew of Trump administration policies speakers described as discriminatory and fascisti c. Davis and other elected officials gath-
ered for a press conference in the ward office of Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), who leads the West Side Black Elected Officials group. Speakers rejected many of
CHARLES THRUSH / BLOCK CLUB CHICAG O
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Saint Anthony Children’s Hospital launches SPARK
The program o ers mental health programs for young people on Chicago’s West and Southwest sides
By JESSIC A MORDAC Q Staff Reporter
Young people living on Chicago’s West Side have a new resource to help improve their mental health.
In November, Saint Anthony Children’s Hospital launched its SPARK program, which stands for Supportive Psychiatry and Resilience for Kids, a mental health resource for children under the age of 18.
Saint Anthony Children’s Hospital’s SPARK program offers psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management, rehab services, occupational and speech therapy, and support for parents. SPARK accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid.
teens with their mental health, at a time when people everywhere are experiencing low accessibility to, and high wait times for, psychiatry and therapy programs.
“Long wait times for the child and adolescent psychiatry population is widespread across the board,” Takher said. “No matter where you go, whatever major academic institution or major hospital is out there, with time, you run into just the sheer volume of patients that end up needing these services.”
While some hospitals have months-long wait times, those who want to access SPARK can schedule an appointment within a few days of asking for one. This helps reduce wait lists at other nearby institutions.
“Whatever a family is looking for or needing support with, our team will do our best to help them with that.”
DR. ANOOP TAKHER
Medical director of child psychiatry at St. Anthony
“It’s a one-stop shop, where patients can get all these different modalities of treatment under one roof,” Dr. Anoop Takher, medical director of child psychiatry at St. Anthony, told Austin Weekly News
SPARK was created to help children and
“How can we support and alleviate other providers in the area,” Takher said of SPARK, “and help them treat this population the best that we all can and all be a source of support for the community?”
St. Anthony Children’s Hospital staf f saw a specific need for something like SPARK in West and Southwest Chicago, the primarily areas it serves. SPARK offers a safe and supportive environment to a community that has experienced systemic divestment, trauma and crisis.
Chicago’s West Side has one of the highest rates of violent crimes in the city, according to the Chicago Police Department’s
AU STIN WEEKLY news
Interim Executive Direc tor Max Reinsdorf
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq
Assistant Editor, Ar ts & Enter tainment Dalal Or fali
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks
Columnists Arlene Jones, Aisha Oliver
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
PROVIDED
Dr. Anoop Takher, medical director of child psychiatry at St. Anthony.
ClearMap. And a high rate of homicides and gun violence can contribute to trauma, especially among young people.
“The West and Southwest communities of Chicago deserve quality care for, not only their physical ailments, but also for their mental needs. SPARK will provide assistance that is so greatly needed for our children,” said Guy A. Medaglia, president and CEO of St. Anthony Hospital, in a statement.
Takher said SPARK also has the potential to collaborate with schools in West and Southwest Chicago. If a child has a mental health concern and could benefit from an individualized education plan, Takher said he can work with the child’s f amily and teachers.
“Whatever a family is looking for or needing support with, our team will do our best to help them with that,” Takher said.
“To be able to make an impact in this community is what we strive to do,” Takher added. “Seeing the patients and how our services are able to make an impact and support these families has been the goal all along.”
For more information about SPARK, visit sahchicago.org or call (773) 446-2960.
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Senior Advisor Dan Haley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Eric Weinheimer
Treasurer Nile Wendorf
Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Audra Wilson
708-467-9066
CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com
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Public safety commission sets 2025 goals for transparent, accountable policing
Meeting at Malcolm X focused on reforms to rules, training, 21st centur y policing
By MICHAEL DRAKULICH Contributing Reporter
A focus on review of Chicago police rules and re gulations, and police transparency and accountability will be among the 2025 goals Chicago’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability set last week when it met at Malcolm X Colle ge
The goals apply to the Chicago Police Board, Civilian Office of Police Accountability and the Chicago Police Department.
The goals address a variety of issues, including reviewing and revising Chicago Police rules and re gulations to determine which remain and which are to be discarded. Creating greater transparency to the public while maintaining the inte g rity of the bodies’ duties was also among the goals as well as continuing to build trust between the community and police.
The CCPSA addressed the Chicago Police Board first. It had one goal for the CPB broken down into three parts. The CCPSA looks to the CPB to review current police rules and re gulations to determine which need to be revised, modified or deleted. The CPB is also to identify rules and re gulations that need to be implemented to ensure “that the Chicago Police Department’s rules and re gulations align with 21st Century constitutional policing, promote transparency and accountability, enhance community trust and foster equitable and ef fective lawenforcement practices.”
The CPB was also tasked with developing a process to review and revise the rules, and hold meetings with various districts, councils and stakeholders for input, said CCPSA commissioner Aaron Gottlieb.
Kyle Cooper, president of the CPB, said examining rules and re gulations in the Chicago Police Department is long overdue.
“It has been several years, and in fact, decades, since there has been a systematic overhaul of the rules and re gulations of the department,” he said.
The commission then addressed the civilian entity focused on police accountability and set goals, which include:
■ Draft a policy with CCPSA that addresses COPA’s communication with the
media and other stakeholders re garding open cases. Commissioner Aaron Gottlieb said it was important to be transparent while maintaining the inte g rity of the investigations
■ Implement a pattern-and-practice policy and mechanism that improves public safety outcomes
■ Create a mediation policy built on community feedback and implement such a policy and report on such progress to the CCPSA by the end of the year.
■ Implement a policy that defines and supports the relationship between COPA and the CCPSA
COPA Chief Administrator, Andrea Kersten, said as soon as she arrived at Thursday’s meeting, people asked about the mediation goal. She said it was one of the most important topics her office will address.
“Mediation provides an opportunity to take what could be a complaint, but maybe we could investigate and maybe recommend discipline,” she said.
“Mediation allows for an opportunity to develop a conversation, perhaps an understanding between the police officer that was involved and the community member that was involved, allowing a neutral third pa rty to facilitate that conversation; hoping to create transformation as opposed to an end result that may or may not change people’s understanding of one another’s experience.”
Kersten said the goal of transparency and public communication re garding the office’s work was of “critical importance.”
She said that for the first time in COPA’s history, the office has a policy research and analysis division that will address the second goal.
The final set of goals addressed was that of the Chicago Police Department. They are:
■ Ensure all officers have a strong foundation in constitutional policing based on impartial policing to guide their work by implementing policies that further impartial policing, including a policy on traffic stops.
■ Execute an interim approach for managing department resources while the Workforce Allocation Study is ongoing. Execute the WFA and develop and implementation policy when complete
■ Prohibitions on criminal and biased organizations and establishing a mechanism to track such complaints.
■ Build and foster a collaborative partnership through eng agements that result in greater public trust between the depar tment and the community
■ Develop and implement systems and improve facilities to ensure a healthy and resilient workforc e.
■ Ensure that the department supports every victim of crime, including referrals to other city agencies where appropriate.
Commission President Anthony Driver Jr. said the goals were developed with Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling
Snelling stressed that the department wanted to work with the public to ensure everyone’s safety. He said continuing to build trust was vital to that goal. He also said he understood that some residents have been traumatized by experiences with the police and that it may take longer to gain those people’s trust ag ain. In what appeared to be in reference to goal five, Snelling said he didn’t necessarily f ault police officers for the erosion of trust between citizens and police. He said previous leadership may have been to blame for police officers’ trauma and that his goal was to address it. Once issues with police officers are addressed, then the relationship between police and the public can improve.
“We now have to make sure that we step up and re pair our officers and build that trust,” he said. “Once we can do that, through wellness, we now have a very well-trained police department with officers who are available to the community with a clear understanding of what the community needs. That’s my jo b.”
Snelling also said that the development of public policy wasn’t just between the police and the CCPSA. He said input from the community was particularly important. And he said the city needed to develop policies that remain in place during future administrations
Goals for all three agencies were adopted unanimously.
BERTHA PURNELL
Fought the good ght
from page 1
make sure that we all were aware of things going on in our community.”
According to the Goldin Institute, Bertha was also a chapter coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, a national organization of crime survivors working to shape public safety policy. And she was on the board of Nature120, an organization serving Chicago and Oak Pa rk residents to heal their trauma by learning about health and wellness, and playing outside.
Bertha also was a member of the Ethics and Equity Advisory Committee for Axon, a company that designs training and technology for law enforcement that helps prioritize public safety.
“There are people who don’t just touch your life – they transform it. Bertha was one of those people,” said Axon CEO Rick Smith on LinkedIn. “She was a trusted advisor, a mentor and above all, a living embodiment of our mission: to protect life.”
Theandelia said she’s heard several stories from locals who have lost a loved one and felt comfor ted by Bertha, whether she visited their home on the anniversary of a death or sent a bouquet of flowers.
“She just wanted people to know that you weren’ t alone,” Theandelia said.
Theandelia tells the story of someone who called her after Bertha’s death and said they’d spoken with Bertha two or three days before.
“She was so weak, but she held on just to have a conversation with someone who felt alone,” Theandelia said. “I just want people to know how powerful she was, even in her weakened state.”
“Even when she was sick, even when she
Bertha Purnell with an image of her son, Maurice Purnell Sr.
was in pain, she wanted to make sure she fought for the people who couldn’t speak for themselves,” she added.
Theandelia said her mother’s attitude made her stronger herself.
“It made me feel like you could do anything, even when you’re hurt,” Theandelia said. “She didn’t want to let anyone down. She would do anything to help anybody.”
Darnell Shields, executive director at the nonprofit community organization Austin Coming Together, said he first met Bertha when she joined the public safety task force for Austin Forward Together, ACT’s quality-of-life plan to revive Austin.
Shields said Bertha came to ask him if the AFT plan would affect the north side of Austin, where she lived, in addition to the south side of the neighborhood, where
Meditation for Everyone
ACT is based.
“I really appreciated Bertha’s forwardness and boldness to speak up about things that she felt needed to be discussed,” said Shields, who also sits on the board of Growing Community Media, the company that publishes Austin Weekly News. “I think it really helped her connect with people, maybe not in the most pleasant way at first, but ultimately you value connecting with her nonetheless because she spoke a lot of truth and she stood in truth.”
“As an activist, she was strong-willed,” Theandelia confirmed. “If she had an opinion, you were going to hear that opinion.”
“I used to think that she was quiet,” T heandelia added, “As a mother, she was a person who hid well behind the fact that she cried.”
In Austin and on the West Side, Bertha put on a brave face and threw herself into her work
“She really was out there and, on all fronts, moving the work forward. I don’ t know if I know of anybody else that’s been out there or really pushing it in the way that she was,” Shields said. “I hope people take a page from her book about being someone of character in good and bad situations.”
Shields added that he hopes those continuing Bertha’s work supporting survivors of gun violence will carry on with her vigor and heart.
“She had a lot of character, and I’m really
PROVIDED
Bertha Purnell with an image of her son, Maurice Purnell Sr., whose death inspired her to become an activ ist against gun v iolence
blessed and privileged that I had a chance to get to know her,” Shields said. “She’s a powerful spirit and will be greatly missed in our community.”
“I think a lot of the communities will miss that powerful woman,” Theandelia said, “speaking love [and] life to families who feel lost, broken, letting them know that we got to fight together and we need to stand up for ourselves together.”
Exciting news from Austin Weekly News
Dear Austin Weekly News readers,
In 1980, when my two partners and I launched what would later become the Austin Weekly News parent company, Growing Community Media (GCM), we dreamed of creating a local community newspaper filled with the kind of journalism we wanted to read and that our fellow residents desperately needed.
tive Director title will re place the Publisher title, which better reflects the realities of our not-for-profit organization.
Kindness is always the best currency.
Then, as now, we set out to create a paper that provided rigorous, insightful coverage of local government; helped parents and taxpayers follow events in their local schools; connected readers and business owners to local businesses right here in our own backyard; and showcased the rich stories and strong opinions of the remarkably talented and diverse group of neighbors in the communities we call home.
Forty-five years later, I could not be prouder of all that we have accomplished along the way.
As we reach that milestone, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the future—for Growing Community Media, and for me personally.
Leading this organization has been the joy and privilege of a lifetime. But I’ve come to believe that the time is right to scale back my day-to-day responsibilities and pass the baton to new leadership.
So I’m delighted to announce that, with the support of our Board of Directors, I will be moving into a new role as Senior Advisor. This will let me spend a bit more time with my family while also allowing me to continue to support our team as we strive to build a strong, sustainable foundation for GCM’s future. My primary focus will be on growing our partnerships and fundraising, and I’ll also lead special projects from time to time.
Later this spring, the Board will be hiring a full-time Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth, service and impact. The Execu-
In the meantime, I’m pleased to announce that Max Reinsdorf will become our interim Executive Director. Effective immediately, Max will lead every aspect of our ef fort and work with all of us and our Board of Directors to sustain and grow this essential nonprofit newsroom. Max has already been working with GCM to help us do a deep dive on our business management and operations, so he knows our organization, our team and our needs. Max brings a passion for community news, having previously worked at both the Tribune and the Better Government Association. He has a sharp focus and deep understanding of digital growth with a healthy respect for the value of print. He has also worked on the philanthropic side of local news. Importantly, Max is a good listener and knows well our staf f’s commitment to this work.
I could not be more excited for the future.
But these are not easy times for local jour nalism, as you know. Changing habits, new platfor ms and evolving business models have taken their toll on far too many local newsrooms around the country.
A community news organization is nothing without a community willing to support it —as readers, advertisers, subscribers, donors and champions. You’ve been essential to our success over these last 45 years—and you’re critical to our future, too.
I look forward to working with our new leadership and with all of you to keep that mission alive and thriving on the West Side.
With gratitude, Dan
DA N HALE Y MAX REINSDORF
West Side, South Side groups shar $11M in MacA grants
The grants will fund pr create jobs, improve transpor and bring new businesses to sev commercial corridors
By ARIEL PARRELLA-AURELI Block Club Chica
Ten community and social service the West Side, are getting a financial boost to strengthen their work as part of a progr am suppo velopment.
T he John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundatio n awarded each of the groups $1.1 million in g eneral operating support for development, job training and small business assistance in Austin, Belmont Cragin, Gage Park, Garfield Park, Englewood, Roseland, West Pullman, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, Little Village and South Shore, the foundation announced last week. The gifts total $11 million.
The money was awarded last fall. Allocations began last year and run through 2027, according to a MacArthur Foundation spokesperson.
“This grantmaking supports place-based economic development in 10 Chicago communities that were identified based on indicators including levels of community engagement, income and wealth, demographic shifts, public safety, and the history of investment and/or disinvestment, among others,” the foundation wrote.
The recipients are:
■ The Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Humboldt Park
■ Northwest Side Community Development Corporation in Belmont Cragin
■ Austin Coming Together in Austin
■ Lawndale Christian Development Corporation in
Austin Town Hall at the corner of Lake and Central, where ACT hopes to organize regular programming to enhance Central Avenue’s public realm.
North Lawndale
■ Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative in West Garfield Park
■ Far South Community Development Corporation in Roseland and West Pullman
■ Go Green Development Group in Englewood
■ Greater Southwest Development Corporation in Gage Park
■ Latinos Progresando in Little Village
■ South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation in South Shore
Jose Lopez, executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, said the funds will enhance the group’s work to build out Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rico Town, the state-designated cultural district along Division Street that aims to preserve Puerto Rican culture and housing in the neighborhood
Lopez said his center will use the money “for develop-
ment and growth of the state-designated district, which has four pillars” — economics, education, af fordable housing, and health and wellness.
The added funds will help increase economic vitality along North Avenue, develop and bring in new businesses and market underutilized land along the corridor. The center also plans to use the funds to invest in more arts and culture programs within the community. Specific details and projects are still being ironed out, Lopez said.
The other grant recipients will use the money on specific projects, including creating jobs, improving transportation, attracting foot traffic and bringing new businesses to each area’s business corridor.
The grants are part of the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment arm, which has invested nearly $1.7 billion and served almost 1,800 organizations in city neighborhoods and projects to advance racial equity and inclusivity since 1979.
BLACK LEADERS
Together, defying Trump
from page 1
President Donald Trump ’s recent actions, including an executive order restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies in federal workplaces and a sweeping financial aid free ze mired in national confusion that’s now facing a le g al challenge.
“We cannot afford to be silent while the economic well being of Black communities and working-class families across the nation are under direct attack by President Donald Trump’s financial schemes and economic policies,” said Davis, a longtime congressman whose district includes much of the majority-Black West Side and west suburban communities
Davis said the Trump administration poses a unique threat to the livelihood of Black Americans. That includes West Side community organizations that serve working-class Black neighbors in his district, he said.
Yet, Davis also took care to project a sense of hope Friday.
“The [Trump administration wants to] turn back the clock on all of the progress that it has taken more than 100 years to generate,” he said. “So we stand here today to simply say we are not going back.”
“We cannot a ord to be silent while the economic well being of Black communities and working- class families across the nation are under direct attack .”
DANNY DAVIS Congressman
In an interview with Block Club, Davis said he would “fight tooth and nail” against Trump and he expects to see numerous lawsuits directed against the administr ation in the years ahead.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order banning “illegal” DEI policies in federal workplaces. The full scope of the order hasn’t been realized yet, but federal employees have already seen changes. Federal employees were ordered in a memo on Friday afternoon to remove the designation of their personal pronouns from their email signa-
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) and Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) dur ing a City Council meeting on Sept. 18.
tures, according to ABC News
Mitts, who leads the City Council’s Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity, said Trump’s attempts to stifle diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the federal government “just wiped away” such policies
“The president is wiping away the history of so much strife since the Civil Rights Movement,” said Mitts. “To just wipe it away is making us go backwards in history, and to see that in my lifetime is absolutely insane.”
Trump’s attempts last week to implement a vast federal funding freeze and carry out an ideological review of gover nment aid also came under fire Friday.
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), chair of the city’s Budget Committee, said the potential freeze could destabilize a city such as Chicago, which relies heavily on federal funding.
“The one thing that really troubles me personally around this issue is the fact that 30 to 40 percent of the city of Chicago’s budget actually flows from the federal gover nment,” Ervin said. “To freeze those resources coming to our communities does great harm, especially to communities like ours.
“Here on the West Side of Chicago, they say when someone else gets cold, we catch pneumonia” he said.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze and the Trump administration rescinded the original order by Wednesday, according to multiple news reports. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later wrote on X that the action was “Not a rescission of the federal funding freeze” but “simply a rescission” of the original memo to “end any confusion created by the court’s injunction.”
COLIN BOYLE/BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
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Published in Austin Weekly News February 6, 2025
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.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2017-RPL2 Plaintiff, -v.ARETHA MORRIS, EDWARD DAVIS, JR., DAVID DOTSON, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-JL1, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF EDWARD DAVIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR EDWARD DAVIS (DECEASED)
Defendants 2024 CH 03308 1448 NORTH MENARD 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 December 2, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on March 4, 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 4 IN BLOCK 2 IN WASSELL AND BRAMBERG’S NORTH AVENUE SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 5, ALSO, THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 5, ALL IN TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 1448 NORTH MENARD AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651
Property Index No. 16-05-211-0220000
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
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
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. 14-24-01335
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2024 CH 03308
TJSC#: 44-3168
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 03308
I3259870
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but solely as Trustee of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Mortgage Trust 2018-1
Plaintiff vs. JSP Development Corp.; Jae Young Noh; Unknown Owners and NonRecord Claimants; Defendant 24 CH 4142
CALENDAR 63
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on March 11, 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: LOT 29 IN BLOCK 1 IN VANCE AND PHILLIPS BOULEVARD ADDITION IN THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 (EXCEPT THE NORTHEAST 1/4 THEREOF), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N. 16-23-104-031-0000. Commonly known as 1246 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL 60623. The real estate is: multi family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multiunit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession.. 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, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563. (630) 4536960. 1491-198284 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3259926
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,
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.
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.
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
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 # 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.
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.
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
Case Number: 18 CH 160
TJSC#: 45-196
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 # 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.
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.
E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 17-085373 Attorney Code. 42168 REAL ESTATE FOR 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.
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
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 07806 I3259560
e stories of four local bakers in Oak Park Sweet Success
From custom cakes to cookies with a story, these bakers turned their love for baking into thriving home businesses.
By RISÉ SANDERS WEIR Contributing Reporter
While creaming butter, separating eggs and adding sugar, some local home bakers discovered a surprise: some people wanted to buy their delicious creations
And so the creative adventure began for several local bakers – but only once they developed a business plan and obtain necessary gover nment approvals to run a food operation from home.
Valentine’s Day seems an appropriate time to review the journey of four such local bakers.
Oak Parker Lillian Kong started her Lit Cake Bakery as a blog where she shared her baking techniques and used her love of literature to inspire the shapes and flavors of her treats
“I was told for years I should sell what I
made,” Kong said. While she began with weekly treat boxes, she shifted to custom orders like birthday and anniversary cakes to focus on quality and efficiency.
It is an artistic outlet, according to Kong, but “I do have to make enough to pay for ingredients, insure myself I have to make sure that I cover those at least.”
terpieces for celebrations,” Watkins said. “I love talking to someone. They tell me about their event, what they’re celebrating, the theme. Then I translate all of that into this edible piece of art.”
FOLLOW THEM ONLINE:
The business side was something Maywood resident Tanesha Watkins felt prepared for. But she said that she had to grow a thicker skin to deal with customers. There was one, for example, who agreed her cakes were the best but complained they cost the most. She responded “thank you so much for the compliment. And as you mentioned that my work looks the best, the price is reflective of the work that goes into it.”
During COVID-19, she expanded her reach to out-of-town orders sent to loved ones who couldn’t visit their families
Lit Cake Bakery: Instagram @thelitcake
Tee Tee’s Sweets: teeteessweets.com
Cookie Dad: tiktok.com/@russell.ja e.cookie.dad
Petal & Moon: petalmoonpastr y.com
Watkins’ be g an making cupcakes for her ne phew for his first birthday – he is now 22 – baking has been her full-time job now for a decade
“I am a cake and cookie artist. I create cen-
COVID inspired Oak Park’s “Cookie Dad” Russell Jaffe to reach for his oven mitts and to cook more. When Christmas 2020 rolled around, he wondered what to do with the rest of a carton of eggnog
“I remember being like, are there recipes that use eggnog? I found one for cookies and then one for frosting,” said Jaffe.
The taste was spot on, so he proudly posted on a dads’ social media group
“It actually was sort of like the closest thing I can think of to Fight Club. One of the dads, reached out. He was like can I get some of them? The next year, I did it again,”
Jaffe said. By 2023, it had become a tradition. And in 2024, he decided to make it official. Because he still has a day job, Jaffe limits his offerings.
“I do not like expansive menus. I like a few things done really well,” Jaffe said.
Gluten-free options are an important part of that mix for the Cookie Dad
“I have a gluten allergy, a wheat allergy When I bake gluten stuff, I put on the mask and the gloves. And if I make gluten-free things, I have a whole second mixer that never touches gluten at all. I take it seriously because I live it,” said Jaffe.
Baking a cake for a child with allergies was what ramped up Oak Parker Ashley Renée Johnson’s business, Petal & Moon. She had been a pastry chef at well-known places like Somerset, then Spiaggia
“I had just gotten one of my pastries on the menu. It was this chocolate brioche with a hazelnut frangipane and some orange cream and chocolate ganache. It got on the brunch menu in February of 2020. Then everything came crashing down,” said Johnson, referring to the pandemic.
She went home and baked sourdough bread, like so many others.
“One of my customers was like, my child has all these allergies. Can you make his birthday cake? So that was the first. I posted it on my Instagram page and then it slowly snowballed,” said Johnson.
A career in kitchens led Johnson to put emphasis on ingredients. For her the more local the better.
“It just feels special because I’m connecting with the growers and the land. All those things are super important to me because even though it’s a cake, it’s still food. And
even though it’s sweet, it’s still going to nourish,” said Johnson.
She relies on Janie’s Mill flours from Illinois, growing and drying her own flowers for decorations and gathering local fruit in the summer to preserve their flavors into winter. She even gathers grapes from her
grandfather’s Oak Park backyard
All four of these bakers put their hearts into what they create. Their craft goes beyond business. For them, it’s about feeding their community and spreading love the way only a good bite of food can.
“When you go to your grandma’ or aunt’s
house. They say, ‘Do you want something to eat?’ That’s why I love doing this,” said Tanesha Watkins
Save the date for Bite the Burbs, area’s culinary event
Seize the deals and explore local restaurants Jan. 31 to Feb. 8
By DALAL ORFALI Vibe Assistant Editor
As we wrap the holiday season and dig into the bitter cold winter, a culinary event is set to heat up the west suburbs
Bite the Burbs is coming back for its second year from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8. The event brings together more than 70 local restaurants, offering you a chance to explore diverse dining options with enticing deals
Organized by Visit Oak Park, Bite the Burbs aims to energize local dining during a typically slow time of the year
Annie Coakley, executive director of Visit Oak Park, shared the inspiration behind the event, saying: “It’s a promotion to bring people in the area who would prefer to stay home and order food in to get them to go out, and we’re enticing them with some kind of a deal.”
She added: “Restaurants have a choice of
the deal that they want to provide, which is either a free appetizer with entree purchase or a free dessert with entree purchase or 15% off the check or providing a prix-fixed meal.”
While named for Oak Park, Bite the Burbs extends to Forest Park, Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Riverside and North Riverside
Coakley emphasized the event’s regional focus, saying, “We have so many interesting restaurants – not your cookie-cutter establishments. For example, we’ve included Cuban, Venezuelan and Mexican restaurants, along with unique takes on pizza like brick-oven styles.”
The timing of Bite the Burbs is strategic It coincides with Bite Nite, a food-focused fundraiser hosted by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber on Jan. 31, creating synergy between two celebrations of local culinary art.
“We kick off the week with their event, then we have the rest of that week to get people out and explore restaurants they have tried and get a deal while they’re at it,” Coakley said.
Bite the Burbs provides an important platform for locally-owned restaurants, aiming to increase foot traffic and bolster community support
Participating restaurants were recruited through collaborations with local chambers and village economic development departments. “We are putting this promotion together. We provided them with a link to the form, and there is no cost for the restaurants to participate,” Coakley said. .
Restaurants also benefit from enhanced visibility through marketing strategies such as table tents with QR codes, posters and a user-friendly website listing all participating establishments and their deals
Feedback from last year’s event has influenced this year’s approach. “Restaurants requested more social media promotion, and we’ve increased our advertising budget,” Coakley noted. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Yummy Food Tours and Takeout 25 have helped spread the word and elevate the event’s profile.
Reflecting on Bite the Burbs’ potential, Coakley shared her enthusiasm. “Seeing the growth from 32 restaurants to over 70
in just one year shows that this benefits restaurants and that they appreciate the work we’re putting into it on their behalf,” she said.
While future plans may include extending the event’s duration or adding interactive elements like chef demonstrations, Coakley said that feedback from participants will shape the event’s evolution. She expressed gratitude for partnerships with organizations like Takeout 25 that have helped amplify the event’s reach. “They helped us spread the word to the restaurant community that this is available for them to take advantage of,” she said. .”
Bite the Burbs is not just a celebration of food; it’s a testament to the creativity of local restaurants. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or looking for a reason to venture out, this event promises an unforgettable culinary journey with the added value of a deal.
For more details, visit the Bite the Burbs website and check the list of participating restaurants. https://www.visitoakpark .com/bite-the-burbs-restau ra ntweek
RISÉ SANDERS WEIR
From le : Tanesha Watkins, Tee Tee’s Sweets owner; Lillian Kong, Lit Cake Baker y owner; Ashley Renée Johnson, Petal & Moon owner; Russell Ja e, Cookie Dad owner.
Submit events and see full calendar at austinweeklynews.com/events/
Valentine’s Day Happenings: Local events to celebrate
By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter
OA K PARK
La Notte
■ Feb. 14, 1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park
Head over to La Notte to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu crafted by executive chef and owner Giovanni Mancini.
Cheney Mansion
■ Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., 220 North Euclid Ave., Oak Park
View the Cheney Mansion decorated in lights at its Glow Valentine’s Day Dance Party. Expect dinner and dancing.
Little Gem Cafe
■ Feb. 14, 189 N. Marion St., Oak Park
Visit Little Gem Cafe for its four courses, Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu. Choose between five diverse main courses and three tempting desserts.
Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studios
■ Feb.14 and Feb.16, at 9 a.m. and 4 a.m., 1011 Madison St., Oak Park
If you are looking for something f estive for your little ones to do this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Schoolhouse Kitchen + S tudio ’s Valentine C ooking C amp. Want a f amily activity? Indulge in i ts Valentine’s Day pizza pa rty for families.
Pleasant Home
■ Feb. 14, at 7 p.m., 217 Home Ave., Oak Park
Celebrate being single at Love Bites: An Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration put on by the Park District of Oak Park at the Pleasant home. Expect a night of antilove ballads and fun activities.
FOREST PARK
Robert’s Westside
■ Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m., 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Feel neighborly love at Robert’s Westside’s King of Hearts event. The community is being asked to nominate a person who spreads the most love and joy; then they will be crowning a king or a queen while listening to the music of Jeff Mauro & The Jewel Bags and The Shams Band.
Table and Lain
■ Feb. 14 -15, at 6:30 p.m., 7322 Madison St, Forest Park
Cook a four-course romantic meal with your loved one at Table and Lain’s Valentine’s Day cooking class. From seared duck breast to a chocolate cake with gold leaf, this elevated experience will surely impress a date.
Scratch Public House
■ Feb. 15, at 12 p.m., 7505 Madison St., Forest Park
Get your gals and your dollar bills out for Valentine’s Diva Drag Brunch at Scratch Public House.
AUSTIN
Su Taqueria Thaly’s
■ Jan. 21 to Feb. 15, 3156 N. Austin Ave., Chicago
Su Ta q ueria T haly’s is the perfect spot for I nsta gr am- wo rt hy Valentine’s Day food, having all the heart-shaped snacks and love - themed drinks. Order a vitrolero (5-gallon jug) of horchata and a heart-shaped torta for a g ood meal and a good photo.
BROOKFIELD
Warm Wick Company
■ Feb. at 7 p.m., 3732 Prairie Ave., Brookfield
Cozy up with your loved one at Warm Wick Company’s Valentine’s Date Night candle-making event. Work to g ether to create a custom fra grance while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and chocolate-covered strawberries.
