Austin Weekly News 051122

■

Coffee shop planned for West Side still poised to open

PAGE 5

FREE Vol. 36 No. 19

May 11, 2022

■

Also serving Garfield Park

■

austinweeklynews.com

Austin native’s new play inspired by her hometown

@AustinWeeklyNews

@austinweeklynews

Ayanna Bria Bakari and Demetra Dee in Tyla Abercrumbie’s “Relentless.”

@AustinWeeklyChi

Okami Sushi brings Japanese flavors, page 4

CPS CEO answers questions on the 2022-23 schools budget

Martinez said the 2022-23 budget emphasizes equity, urged parents to give input on budget process before final board vote on June 22

Actress Tyla Abercrumbie’s play ‘Relentless,’ which debuted at Goodman Theatre, draws on her West Side roots

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

On Friday, I interviewed Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez about the 2022-23 school budgets. In March, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the new budget “prioritizes robust and holistic teaching so that students can continue to learn, grow, and succeed academically, socially and emotionally.”

PHOTO BY LIZ LAUREN

By SAMANTHA CALLENDER Community Narrative Reporter

Born and raised in the Austin community, the characters in Tyla Abercrumbie’s debut play “Relentless” were

inspired by the people Tyla knew in her community.

Describing her childhood as the days before the internet and social media, Abercrumbie said that while Austin lacked resources and residents strug-

gled, they still survived and had joy.

Those qualities live on in Abercrumbie’s characters in “Relentless,” a tale about survival, aspirations, and the re-

Can you give an overview of some of the most important features in the new budget?

We did it differently this year than we’ve done in the past. This has been such a difficult period that our schools and families have gone through

See RELENTLESS on page 6

See CPS CEO on page 3

2

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

Chicago Police planning range of summer programming The 15th District Police are planning events for Memorial Day weekend

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ AustinTalks

This summer, teens and young adults in Austin will be able to enjoy multiple events and activities organized by the 15th Police District and community partners.

Events for Memorial Day weekend (May 28-30), a date that traditionally marks the start of summer and a rise in violent crimes, were announced at the 15th District’s faith leaders’ monthly meeting.

On Memorial Day weekend, young people who participated in the 15th District’s Police Explorers spring program will be eligible to attend a camping trip in Woodhaven Lakes in western Illinois. Teens will enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, and painting, said William Martinez, police officer and youth liaison.

The Police Explorers is a program that connects teens ages 10-24 with their local police officers. Following the Boys Scouts model, the youngest teens —10 to 13 — explore what a career as a police officer looks like, receive basic training and are also introduced to careers in fire rescue, government, journalism and medicine. Teenagers can then join the Explorers programs that best interests them, including the 15th District’s Explorers.

Teens ages 13-24 who participate in the 15th District Explorers learn more about law enforcement from police officers. They learn procedures such as finger printing and visit the police academy to see how officers are trained. Meeting weekly, they also engage with their peers and participate in other youth programs led by the 15th District, such as Hip Hop Tuesdays.

The 15th District Police Explorers’ summer program starts on June 15th. It will include a 24-hour camping trip at Columbus Park open to Austin residents that will take place by the end of summer.

Also during Memorial Day weekend,

Nationally recognized Leader in Me school

Circle Rock

Teaching Minds and

Touching Hearts

High quality education rooted in love, values and family located in the heart of Austin

Kindergarten-8th Grade

Apply now at: catalystschools.org 5608 W. Washington Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60644 773-945-5025

Proud campus partner with Circle Urban Ministries and Rock Church

New

Austin youth and adults will be able to participate in faith-based community eventsm such as peace circles, prayer hours, music, worship and outside service, organized as part of Hands Across Chicago.

This is a citywide faith-based initiative promoting peace that brings together faith organizations and the city’s 22 police districts to occupy spaces that have previously been identified as “hot spots,” said Dorin “Pastor Mac” McIntyre of Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church.

Sgt. Darrick Scott said the event ties into the mobilization activities that has 15th District police officers out in the streets engaging with community members, a strategy to prevent violence in Austin.

Other activities for Austin’s young people will continue to take place throughout the summer.

Grip Outreach for Youth, will continue to host SLAM, a faith-based sports and outreach program for young people, at By The Hand Club for Kids located at 415 N. Laramie Ave. Once a month, SLAM brings together

on-campus performing arts center with student orchestra, choir, and dance programs

about 70 teens with mentors, including teachers, ministers and other community leaders, who participate in games, team sports, Bible teachings and small group discussions. This summer, SLAM will be meeting weekly on Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., said SLAM director Will Wagner.

Kids and teens can also attend the 15th Police District’s weekly youth mentoring and tutoring program, which provides a safe space for youth to gather, get support to complete their homework and play games in the 15th District’s community room, at 5701 W. Madison St. Game consoles like Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch are available, along with a basketball ring, giant board games and other table games young people like to play, Martinez said.

“The kids work hard, right? So if they raise their grades or keep their grades at an honorable level, they get to add something new to the program,” Martinez said.

In the last three years, they’ve added See SUMMER PROGRAMS on page 3

After school programming including athletics, clubs and arts programs until 6:30 PM Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms with teacher and aide per 20 students

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

CPS CEO

Can you talk a little more about how this year’s budgeting process is different than previous years?

This is the first time we asked, with the input of our school leaders, what are the founfrom page 1 dational resources that every school should have? What we’ve always done is we’ve said, with the pandemic, so we brought in our ‘Here’s school A, they need these resources principals. because maybe they’re very small. Here’s We looked at our academic data and where school B, which may not need as many beour children were at and we asked princi- cause it’s larger.’ pals what are the conditions that need to be But we’ve never said, for example, that in place for every school so that our children every child should have access to the arts. can be successful next year. They We’ve never done that. We’ve nevsaid we need to have foundationer said that every school should al resources that are universal have intervention teachers or to every single school — regardenough teachers with reasonless of size. able class sizes. And that’s why That means having enough this school year, when I started in teachers for reasonable class September, we had schools with sizes (so under 30 children), not over 30 children where we had having to combine classrooms, to go in and add resources. The freed up intervention teachers problem was that school had alfor students who are struggling, ready started. So, we’re doing all PEDRO MARTINEZ making sure that every school of this upfront to make sure that has access to the arts (we still the schools have the resources have hundreds of schools without strong now. That’s why we’re in the process of hirart programs and no art teachers), resourc- ing 1,600 teachers. es for professional development, training for every teacher and more intense support How will you all recruit teachers, for schools that need it. particularly teachers of color, when Apples to apples, we’re increasing the bud- across the country, teachers are leaving get by about $130 million at the school level. classrooms in droves?

That’s in spite of the fact that we’ve seen enThe good news is last year, we were able to rollment declines of 25,000 children over the fill 97% of our teaching positions. We have last two years. Even with that, we’re spend- about 21,000 classroom teachers by the way. ing more than ever on a per student basis. We’re doing quite a bit of early hiring. We The highest is our Black students and we’re started hiring in March. saying that unapologetically, because they We also have residency programs that are have the most needs. Next are our Latinx producing a lot more teachers of color. One students. And then our other students. But of the most exciting things I did this year was spending on all of them, on a per pupil basis, attend an event where we had 65 of our gradis going up by about 7%. uating high school students, children of color And then, for the first time in our dis- from 30 different high schools, who have comtrict, every school will have these founda- mitted to become teachers. They’ll do their tional resources. In fact, we’re hiring over first two years at Truman, they’ll do their last 1,600 teachers, including a couple hundred two years at Illinois State University. And in art teachers so we can really meet those four years, they’ll be certified teachers. We’re giving them scholarships, so they don’t have needs.

Budget talk

SUMMER PROGRAMS Continued from previous page table tennis, an air hockey table and a hot shot basketball game.

Job opportunities with the 15th District also are available for young adults through One Summer Chicago. Young adults ages 16-24 can join the Youth District Advisory

Council to work as advocates for their community and partner with the police department to find solutions to the challenges they face.

“They are the voice of the youth for the community, so if there is something that they feel they wanna change in their community, it’s led by them. I just get them help in the door,” Martinez said.

Youth also work to help spread the word to their peers about the opportunities and

to pay for college. So, we’re building that pipeline with our students, as well.

The program is called Teach Chicago Tomorrow. We’ve really ramped that up. We more than doubled it this year from last year and I’d like to double the number again next year. Imagine being able to teach in your own district where you went to school, even in your own neighborhood. So, that’s how we’re providing our own pipeline of teachers, especially teachers who are diverse.

We’re also doing big recruitments at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). So, we’re going to the colleges we know that have these candidates — both within the Midwest and nationally. Our teacher salaries are some of the highest around the country.

Next year, our starting salaries are about $60,000 a year. And that’s not counting summer work or after school work.

Can you explain for the average person how the CPS budget process works and how parents and families can get more involved in the process?

We started asking for feedback for our budget as early as the beginning of the calendar year. So, we were doing sessions and workshops. We were in the middle of the pandemic, so you can imagine that a lot of people had other concerns on their minds.

As we get into the budget process, the best way for our families to participate is through their local school. So, every school has a Local School Council. Those meetings are open to the public, where they can see the budgets.

We are still going through the budget process. I would invite any parent to really talk to your school principal and your LSC chair about what is in that budget. And make sure the principal is in touch with us. We’re still making adjustments as needed and this process will continue through June. The budget will be finalized at our June board meeting, which is the fourth Wednesday in June [June 22].

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

great organizations available to them in Austin, he said.

For more information about the 15th Police District’s youth programs, contact the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy office at 312-743-1495.

To learn more about Hands Across Chicago, visit: chiunitepray.com/handsacross-chicago-2022/#what.

CONTACT: austintalks.org@gmail.com

AUSTIN WEEKLY

news

Editor/Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Reporter Igor Studenkov Community Narrative Reporter Samantha Callender Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnist Arlene Jones Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales & Marketing Representavies Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson , Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 773-626-6332 • FAX 708-467-9066 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com TWITTER @AustinWeeklyChi Austin Weekly News is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. It is distributed free of charge at locations across Austin and Garfield Park. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Advertising rates are available by calling our office.

Printed entirely on recycled paper. © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP.

3

4

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

Savor Anime inspiration and Japanese fare at Okami Sushi

Colorful maki rolls and remarkable ramen at intimate North Ave. eatery

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Tom Uiprapassorn, chef and co-owner of Okami Sushi, 6818 W. North Ave., Chicago, combines his love for Japanese anime and architectural sushi at his restaurant nestled in the North Avenue District. In Japanese, Okami can mean “Great God” or “wolf,” but owners of the sushi centric restaurant bearing the name took inspiration from Ōkami Amaterasu — a white wolf goddess character at the center of a video game launched in 2006.

Born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Uiprapassorn earned his degree in architecture prior to emigrating to the United States and settling in Chicago with his sister, Wow Morales. Though excited to be in the United States, he was not passionate about pursuing a career in architecture – after his arrival he went looking for “any job” to make ends meet. He spent his first years in the city working at a small-scale sushi bar with a lean, but dedicated staff.

“I learned every part of the business because we all had to be able to do everything,” said Uiprapassorn. “I learned how to source and handle quality fish and prep fresh ingre-

dients and cook rice. After some time, I knew it was time for me to open my own business.”

After a brief stint driving delivery orders for restaurants, Uiprapassorn partnered up with his sister and brother-in-law, Moses Morales, to bring Okami Sushi to life. Morales manages the front-of-the-house while Wow Morales keeps the family business humming by waiting tables when the need arises. She is also responsible for painting a mural prominently featured on the restaurant’s wall. Uiprapassorn enjoys tossing ideas around with his chef-friends who work at Momotaro, but also relies heavily on his own imagination to keep dishes coming out of Okami’s open kitchen.

“This is our first restaurant, and I didn’t know what was ahead of me when I opened,” said Uiprapassorn who opened Okami in January of 2021. “I was drawn to the space because it wasn’t too big or too small and it is located in an up-and-coming area. It was kind of bad timing though because we could only be open for carry out back then.”

These days, however, Okami is welcoming guests into the dining room to experience Uiprapassorn’s creative take on sushi and ramen. Ramen and udon noodles are new additions to the Okami menu and they are slinging some seriously noteworthy noodles.

The Chin ramen from is a rich and memorable combination of pork bone broth, thin ramen noodles and garlic oil crowned with crispy chicken karaage, bamboo shoots, kizami seaweed, chili threads and a soft-

“The” Friendship BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Reginald E. Bachus, Pastor

5200 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60644 773-378-6600

fbcchicago.org • facebook.com/friendshipbcchicago JOIN US FOR ONLINE SERVICES • FACEBOOK @FriendshipBCChicago • YOUTUBE @The Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago

Sundays - 9:30 am Sunday School • 11:00 AM Worship Service Wednesdays - 6:00 pm Bible Study

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

DYNAMIC DUO: Moses Morales and Chef Tom Uiprapassorn, in front of the mural painted by Wow Morales, are eager to welcome diners to their Japanese restaurant known for creative takes on sushi and ramen. boiled egg. Warming Yuma udon boasts a clear chicken soup broth with thick noodles topped marinated shiitake mushrooms with tempura fried shrimp, oyster, scallop and kanikama. Both offerings are hearty, complex and well executed. Though Okami’s spicy miso soup features the addition of fresh chili, togorashi, chili oil and sriracha, the menu mainstay is well balanced and approachable.

Folks looking to embrace the energy of free-style Japanese cooking will do well to order some of Okami’s signature maki rolls or chef ’s selection of sushi. The Princess “Monoke” Roll gives a nod to another character in Japanese anime and features shrimp tempura, BBQ eel, avocado, cucumber topped with seared super white tuna, honey mayo, unagi sauce and crispy shallots. The Davy Jones roll, topped with fried beet, is stuffed with octopus, cilantro, and jalapeno before being deep fried. Traditional maki rolls and nigiri are also available.

Judith Alexander, president of the North Avenue District, is proud to have Okami Sushi in the district and expects the business to thrive because of the quality of their food and the influx of residential housing developments on North Avenue. She notes that it “can be difficult to convince Oak Park residents to cross North Avenue,” but both Morales and Uiprapassorn are hoping their attention to detail and creative menu will draw business from both Chicago and Oak Park.

South Oak Park resident and optometrist,

Sarah Manongdo-Joya, is more than willing to make her way northward to dine at Okami. She was drawn to the restaurant in part because they are open for lunch on Mondays but became a regular customer because of their bold menu and friendly service.

“I love all their dishes but what drew me was their lunch special – so affordable but so delicious,” said Joya, who recommends the ginger salad and octopus appetizer. “At the height of delta/omicron I would call to reserve my table. Moses was so nice and always accommodated me. He also helped me with the menu choices. I would actually let him choose my lunch order!”

Uiprapassorn feels at home in his restaurant kitchen and admits he completed architecture school in Thailand only to please his parents. After opening Okami, his mother and father crossed the ocean to visit and dined in their son’s restaurant for the first time.

“My mom could cook everything well and she is my inspiration,” said Uiprapassorn.

“When they came here, saw the restaurant and ate my food they were both so proud of us.”

For now, the owners are taking things day-by-day, but in the future hope to have a second location. In the meantime, they want to invite everyone to pay them a visit in the North Avenue District.

Okami Sushi is closed on Tuesdays, but open from noon to 9 p.m. every other day of the week.

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

5

Coffee shop planned for West Side still poised to open Passion House is still planning a move to East Garfield Park, but city permitting issues are holding up plans

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Passion House Coffee Roasters is still planning to open a coffee shop in East Garfield Park after the pandemic waylaid plans to open it in 2020, but the timeline remains unclear.

In 2019, the coffee roasting company, which also has coffee shops in Goose Island and Logan Square, moved its roastery from the Near West Side to a larger warehouse space at 328 N. Albany Ave. in East Garfield Park. At the time, the owners said that they planned to open a coffee shop in the other part of the building no later than the summer of 2020. The company still plans to open a coffee shop, but that would be contingent on how soon the city can issue the necessary permits, they said.

Passion House was founded in 2011.

The company moved to the East Garfield Park in order to have more room to expand. In the interview in the fall of 2019, James Gray, Passion House’s CEO, said the move was a natural extension of the company’s mission to create spaces where people can bridge divides and share experiences.

He said that the coffee shop would be located in the north portion of the building. Gray said it would employ “maybe five to 8 people’ and that they planned to hire from the community.

The West Side doesn’t have many coffee shops and while there have been several attempts to open coffee shops over the past four years, only two have borne fruit so far. Beelove Cafe opened last year at 1111 S. Homan Ave. in Homan Square, and Monday Coffee currently has a residency inside the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave., through the

end of this summer.

Breakthrough Ministries operates Bridge Café a little more than a block west of Passion House’s roastery, at 3219 W. Carroll Ave. In a recent interview, Eric Sucharski, the production manager at Passion House Roastery, said that they “are still planning to have [the East Garfield Park coffee shop] up and running in the near future.” He confirmed that the issue has been city permit approvals, but couldn’t elaborate any further.

Sucharski recommended reaching out to Passion House founder Joshua Millman for details. Millman didn’t respond to request for comment by deadline.

For more information about Passion House Coffee Roasters, visit https:// passionhousecoffee.com/.

CONTACT: igors3@hotmail.com

IGOR STUDENKOV/Contributor

The outside of the planned Passion House Coffee Roasters in East Garfield Park.

RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner Full Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

$13.49

$19.79

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 Italian Beef 11am - 9pm Daily 3 Vienna

Hot Dogs w/ Fries

9.49

$

Sandwich w/ Fries $ .99

8

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $11.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $8.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .49

3

6

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

RELENTLESS

West Side inspiration from page 1 alization that people are multifaceted and multidimensional beings.

Told through the lens of two sisters living in the days following the passing of their beloved mother, “Relentless” is set in 1919, but many of its themes resonate with modern audiences.

Tyla was very intentional in making sure that no matter who sees “Relentless” or when, audiences can take away some clear messages. It was important to her that the characters be seen in all of their layers. Abercrumbie said too often Black people in Austin and around the world are caricatured. “‘Relentless’ is about people existing and wanting what every human wants – a good life, respect and joy. These characters are looking for society to treat them the way it treats everyone else,” Abercrumbie said.

Growing up, Abercrumbie’s love of the arts was nurtured outside of her home, such as attending an Alvin Ailey Dance Company performance with her school. Ailey’s “Wade in the Water” is still a major inspiration for Abercrumbie.

The actress and playwright said her older sister encouraged her to freely express herself through the arts by writing poetry and participating in school programs. Abercrumbie’s passion for the arts fueled her journey through Chicago’s lo-

Screenshot/Goodman Theatre

“Too often Black and Brown people are looked at as though we want a favor or there’s this thought outside of the culture that Black people think they’re owed something.”

TYLA ABERCRUMBIE Actress/playwright

cal theater circuit before she began working theater and TV gigs around the country.

Eventually, Abercrumbie joined the TimeLine’s Playwrights Collective, where ‘Relentless’ was developed and brought into fruition with the help of other Black creatives, such as Ron OJ Parson, the play’s director.

Every Weekend Starting February 5th, 2022

We invite you to shop locally in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Fresh produce, meat, baked goods and more.

“Too often Black and Brown people are looked at as though we want a favor or there’s this thought outside of the culture that Black people think they’re owed something,” Abercrumbie said.

“Yes, Austin was struggling, but at the same time there were (and still are) plenty of educated people, business owners, and just overall good people in the community,” she said.

“People not from the West Side look at it as this helpless hole with helpless people and that’s not true at all. That’s not the Austin I saw.”

The West Side native credited Austin for providing her with the landscape in which to imagine characters that span beyond the limitations many people place on Black life.

“One of my favorite characters in literature is Jessie B. Semple by Langston Hughes,” she said. “I love him so much, because he shows that a simple life does not mean one has simple thoughts.”

In “Relentless,” Abercrumbie also pays homage to another idol of hers – Chicago native Lorraine Hansberry. As a nod to Hansberry, whose famous play, “A Raisin In the Sun,” takes place in a Chicago apartment, the entirety of “Relentless” takes place in just one room.

“I feel that you can intimately get to know the characters in this one room in the home,” Abercrumbie said. “The home is a space where people share their innermost thoughts aloud, so this one room can still hold so much narrative.”

“Relentless” completed its run at the Goodman Theatre last week.

CONTACT: samantha@austinweeklynews.com

Powered by: Austin Fresh Contact Menewman@healthauthority.org to become a vendor or call (773) 378-1878.

5713 W. Chicago Ave. Saturdays 9am - 3pm Sundays 10am - 3pm

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

Some deserve to be locked up and key thrown away

I

f I had my way, the state of Illinois would return the death penalty immediately and applied as swiftly as the crime that caused it to be invoked. The same DNA that was used to free innocent people can be the DNA that can convict guilty people. So I don’t want to hear anything about innocence since we now have modern technology to deal with that.

A current crime that was sickening to see is the shooting of Dakota Earley in the Lincoln Park area. Dakota was the young man whose shooting was captured on home surveillance. A car makes a turn and a young thug gets out the passenger side, hiding next to a building’s brick wall, to pounce upon the victim as he walks down the street. A struggle ensues and Dakota is shot several times. The thug’s partner gets out of the driver’s side and comes up and shoots Dakota too. As of this writing, Dakota is still fighting for his life. But where is the call to find those two criminals who purposely sought out a victim? Where are the people in the Black community who know who those two criminals are and should be willing to drop a dime on them?

I realize that most Black parents have a talk with their sons about possible encounters they might have with the police. But where’s the same talk to tell their sons not to become criminals? Those who purposely drive to probably a different neighborhood with the sole intention of looking for somebody to rob is a sad commentary on both the individual who did it and whoever birthed and raised them!

Black people fought hard in the ’60s and ’70s to not have Black people labeled as the face of crime. Back then, our numbers committing crime were not at the level they are today. Sadly, we seem to have raised a generation of young people who have no problem being a criminal and committing crimes. Instead of emphasizing education as the sole solution to eliminating poverty, many prefer the fast money that comes with taking a gun and holding it to someone’s head as they take their property.

If this state cannot return to using the death penalty, then we need to make a deal with the other 49 states to do a prisoner exchange. That means those who are found guilty in Illinois will not be housed here. They might end up in Iowa, or Idaho, or locked up in Montana. Relatives can’t see them easily and they won’t be together with their homies. Because right now, our criminal element accepts going to prison like they were going off to a college campus. Prison is the higher education location for them.

And lastly, we need to re-open Tamms Prison. These folks who are out there taking, or nearly taking, other people’s lives, need to be locked up 23 hours a day with no communication. There are prisoners who can be rehabilitated and those who can’t. When you have a crime like what happened to Dakota, when those individuals are caught and found guilty, they should be locked up and the key thrown away! Only when their butts face the same sort of devastating consequence that they give to their victims, can we then accomplish the goal.

ARLENE JONES

AUSTIN WEEKLY NEWS Mail your letter to the editor to: Austin Weekly News, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 or email michael@austinweeklynews.com

Montclare Supportive Living • (773) 277-0288

S W NE

!

H S A FL

You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box.

Sign up for FREE at AustinWeeklyNews.com

7

8

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

Some residents want festival out, Juneteenth in at park The hip-hop music festival in Douglass Park coincides with Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people

By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

West Side residents have asked the Park District Board to boot the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash festival from Douglass Park so residents won’t be fenced out during Juneteenth weekend.

The hip hop festival has drawn the ire of some neighbors since it launched in 2018 due to issues with noise, parking, traffic, damage to the park and the displacement of sports and youth programs.

But neighbors have an additional concern this year: The music fest headlined by Post Malone and Playboi Carti is happening two months earlier than normal, meaning residents will be unable to use parts of the public park to celebrate Juneteenth. The holiday recognizes the liberation of enslaved African Americans after the Civil War. Many residents were eager to spend Juneteenth at the park, said Princess Shaw, a Lawndale resident who was planning to throw an event June 19 at Douglass Park. The park was renamed in 2020 to honor esteemed abolitionists Frederick and Anna Murray Douglass.

“What we have seen is that other people can come into our community, utilize our parks and displace us where we are not able to utilize the parks,” Shaw said.

Shaw, who previously spearheaded the Light Up Lawndale holiday events, has been planning since December for a Juneteenth and Father’s Day event. The event was going to be a barbecue that would “have people come out like they used to do back in the day and get the community to just be a community again … and celebrate the fact that we’re able to come together,” Shaw said.

There is added buzz around the holiday this year since it is the first time Juneteenth will be recognized as an official holiday in Illinois, Shaw said.

Shaw had to put a pause on planning the Juneteenth event because of the Summer Smash, she said.

COLIN BOYLE/Block Club Chicago

A security guard feeds a slice of pizza to multiple festival goers before Lil Yachty’s set during the first day of The Summer Smash Festival in Douglass Park on Aug. 2021.

“With the size of that event, it causes other people in the community having events to celebrate Juneteenth … to have to close down or minimize their events,” Shaw said.

It Takes A Village — the school that spearheaded the campaign to rename the park — also wanted to host a Juneteenth event at Douglass Park, but its plans hit a snag since the park was already booked for the music festival. But the Summer Smash organizers helped the school get a permit for another location in the park so its Juneteenth event will still happen, school co-founder Nakisha Hobbs said.

“It’s important for us to be able to celebrate our history and culture in our neighborhood in a significant way on a regular basis … in a space that was renamed and reclaimed by a group of young people,” Hobbs said.

Lyrical Lemonade organizers also plan to help the school pay for the relocated Juneteenth event, festival Director Berto Solorio said in a statement.

Solario makes an earnest effort to keep the festival in the good graces of neighbors, is glad the It Takes a Village event will still happen, Shaw said. But the city’s planning process should prioritize residents and allow festivals to work around the needs of the community, rather than forcing the community to accommodate the schedule of a private company, Shaw said.

The fest organizers do their best to be a good neighbor to the community, said Ald. Michael Scott Jr. (24th). The neighborhood

benefits from the festival’s apprenticeship program, free tickets, the park cleanups hosted by organizers and from the economic boost tourists bring, Scott said.

Summer festivals can be an inconvenience, but the revenue they bring to the Park District lowers the cost of sports and programs for West Side youth, Scott said.

“It goes to help subsidize all of our communities,” Scott said.

There are also efforts to make sure the park is fenced-off for as little time as possible, and the organizers work with the city to find alternative locations for programs and events that might get displaced by the event, Scott said.

“If there are people who think it is not being handled correctly, I urge them to have that conversation with me so we can do it the right way, because I don’t want people to feel like the park is not being used to their benefit,” Scott said.

Park District spokesperson Michele Lemons in a statement that the festival’s organizers have gotten the alderman’s input and plan to “provide some benefit with a positive and lasting impact on the park” and neighbors.

Some residents don’t mind the festivals at all. Juanita Areola, a homeowner who owns a commercial property that she rents on AirBnb, gets “a big spike” at the rental during festival season, she said.

“I welcome it 100 percent. I brings in a lot of revenue. Our taxes are high, our utilities are high. In the summer months, I look forward to the festivals because I can survive through

the winter off of that,” Areola said.

Street vendors and nearby businesses also benefit from the foot traffic, Areola said.

“The businesses that are along Washtenaw and Cermak … many business fronts are completely vacant,” Areola said. But during the festivals, “those businesses get very busy.”

The economic boost isn’t enough to justify fencing neighbors out of their community park during the prime days of summer, other residents said.

Neighbor Susan Mullen criticized the Park District Board for allowing private companies to profit from public parks, often to the detriment of nearby residents. Mullen joked that renting the parks to private companies “doesn’t go far enough.”

“I suggest we keep the fences up. I suggest Douglass Park be sold to developer to build a gated community. This will bring in a much greater profit to the park district,” Mullen said.

Allowing private companies to profit by using public land has gotten the Park District in hot water elsewhere in the city. Last year, residents lampooned the city’s plan to allow Amazon to install delivery lockers in more than 100 public parks, including one blocking a narrow sidewalk. Amazon was set to pay the Park District at most $137,000 to place the lockers for the first year.

“Why merely rent the park to corporations when it can be sold? And why stop at Douglass Park when there are so many other parks entrusted to you?” Mullen said.

Between Riot Fest and the Summer Smash, the athletic fields in Douglass Park are unavailable for much of the season, said resident Xochitl Esparza.

The festival “robs our youth and family of recreational spaces, sports and programs in the summer. Once school gets out … there are hardly any spaces for our youth,” Exparza said.

The fields are often left muddied and damaged with compacted soil by the festivals, and require long-term repairs, further extending the community’s exile from their park, said resident Sara Heymann.

“Now that Summer Smash is smack dab in the middle of the summer, how does that affect sports this year? If the fields get completely destroyed in June, that means for the rest of the summer no one can use it,” Heymann said.

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

AustinWeekly News, May 11, 2022

9

HELP WANTED

PARKS DISTRICT OF OAK PARK PRINCIPAL COACH & PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Full-time Principal Coach & Program Specialist with a starting pay of $20.46 hourly to view the full job description and apply online please click the following link: https://www.paycomonline. net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ ViewJobDetails?job=410 11&clientkey=41D83001849 06117978771C10E755DC6

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department.

This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents,

correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies

HELP WANTED through better use of technology.

Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

COVID-19 RESPONSE INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Intern in the Health Department.

This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response sup-

Growing Community Media NFP • Business Manager

We are hiring a part-time business manager to oversee the financial and business operations of our busy community publishing nonprofit.

Essential leadership position which offers flexible hours (25 per week), a hybrid of in-office and work from home options, and a salary in the mid-$40s.

Our long-time business manager is departing after seven years to take a full-time position elsewhere.

• Payroll and benefits Among the key roles for our business manager are: • Payment processing for donors, • QuickBooks proficiency

- General ledger, invoicing, month end

• Budgeting

• AR and AP management

advertisers and subscriptions

• Audit preparation

• Preferred hire will have nonprofit finance management experience.

Bonus points for being a notary!

Send resumes to Dan Haley, CEO, Growing Community Media dhaley@wjinc.com

River Forest Public Schools District 90

Student Support Services - Vacancies for the 2022-2023 School Year District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced student support educators for the following positions: • School Social Worker - Grades 5th - 8th • School Social Worker - Grades PreK-4th • Special Education Support Teacher - Grades PreK-4th • School Psychologist/Facilitator - Grades PreK-4th For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/ about/employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.

Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred.

General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student.

Application: Apply online at www.district90.org.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90. org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.

port, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

COVID-19 RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Coordinator in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Health Department.

This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Open until filled.

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Business License Officer in the Development Customer Service Department. This person will perform a variety of technical duties in the processing and approval of business licenses and permits; and provide assistance and support to the Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. First review of applications will be May 9, 2022.

SANITARIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

10

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED

GRANTS COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will develop and coordinate CDBG and other grant-funded programs for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Development Customer Services Neighborhood Services Division Manager and department director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing Village ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals in the Village; and to impound, care for and assist with redemption of animals as appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the following link: https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=218333253. For additional information on the position please visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. This position is open until filled.

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Business License Officer in the Development Customer Service Department. This person will perform a variety of technical duties in the processing and approval of business licenses and permits; and provide assistance and support to

the Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. First review of applications will be May 9, 2022.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s): Senior Attorney (Original) Pollution Control Technician I (Original) Truck Driver (Original) Environmental Research Scientist (Original) 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.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

RESIDENTIAL LEASING AGENT – OAK PARK, IL

Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is seeking a capable Residential Leasing Agent to join our leasing team. You will present and lease our apartments to prospective tenants. The right candidate will be personable, flexible, informative, and well versed in multi-family residential properties. Experience with YARDI a plus.

OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer a highly competitive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k) with employer contribution, FSA, EAP, paid holiday, vacation, sick leave, and PTO. For a complete position description please go to our website: https:// oakparkrc.com/about-us... or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE OFFICE FOR RENT OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES: Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room.

Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

ROOMS FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

WANTED TO RENT WANTED TO RENT Coach House/Guest House Wanted to Rent Contact George at 708-722-1111or gfunkpunk@gmail.com with info.

WANTED TO RENT Garage Wanted to Rent 2 car or Larger.

Contact George at 708-722-1111or gfunkpunk@gmail.com with info.

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT WITH OPRC

Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join its accounting team. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience in the accounting field with previous experience in accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger analysis, and budget preparation. This individual must also have excellent computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel. Experience in non-profit environment, property management accounting, and/or HUD experience and YARDI software considered a plus.

For a complete job description please go to our website: Work for OPRC – OPRC (oakparkrc.com) or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com.

OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer a highly competitive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k) with employer contribution, FSA, EAP, paid holiday, vacation, sick leave, and PTO.

MARKETPLACE CAREGIVER

Caregiver for senior

Affordable price, excellent references.

With a car. 24-hour live-in overnight or hourly come and go.

708-692-2580

GARAGE SALES

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead or plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

Oak Park

CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

HOUSEHOLD MOVING SALE 1018 WISCONSIN AVE FRI MAY 13-SAT MAY 14 9AM-3PM

708.442.7720

Many small items, hand tools, kitchen items, DVDs, books, knickknacks. No early birds please!

WANTED TO BUY

HOME SERVICES

WANTED TO BUY

'5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored

Cars Motorcycles Cars & & Vintage Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars: Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang Top $$ Etc. $$$$Top $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.

Collector James Collector James 630-201-8122 630-201-8122

CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. Collector James

630-201-8122

Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

HANDY MAN

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

LANDSCAPING FAST DELIVERY

Mulch & Topsoil

Premium Shredded Hardwood ���������������$28/yd Dyed Red ������������������$35/yd Dyed Brown ��������������$33/yd Playmat��������������������$30/yd Premium Blend Dark �$38/yd Premium Bark Fines��$48/yd Blonde Cedar ������������$54/yd • Spreading Available! • Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand

SureGreenLandscape�com

847-888-9999 847-888-9999 •• 630-876-0111 630-876-0111

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost - 708.749.0011

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO Sealed proposals, endorsed as above, will be submitted back to the District via an electronic upload to the Bonfire Portal only, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time), on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly as described in the Invitation to Bid by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or designee at 11:00 AM on the stated bid opening date below for: CONTRACT 22-107-21 INSTALLATION OF A NEW AIR DIFFUSER SYSTEM IN THE NORTH AERATION BASIN AND ASSOCIATED WORK AT THE EGAN WATER RECLAMTION PLANT (EWRP) Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Conference: Thursday, May 19, 2022 - 10:00 AM via Zoom.

Bid Opening: June 7, 2022 Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D,C, K, V and the Multi-Project Labor Agreement is required on this Contract. **************************************** 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.

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 312-751-6643.

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 Chicago, Illinois May 11, 2022 Published in Austin Weekly News May 11, 2022

11

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC Plaintiff, -v.WILLIE SMALLWOOD, DORA SMALLWOOD, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 2021 CH 04794 615 NORTH CHRISTIANA 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 March 8, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 10, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 615 NORTH CHRISTIANA AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60624 Property Index No. 16-11-213-0180000 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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. 14-21-02663 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 04794 TJSC#: 42-1086 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 # 2021 CH 04794 I3193519

West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 17-17-318-043-0000.

Commonly known as 834 S Loomis Street, Chicago, IL 60607.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a 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: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds.

The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Matthew C. Abad at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever Law Group, 225 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 236-0077. SPS000527-20FC1 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3193236

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. 14-21-02695 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 04120 TJSC#: 42-998 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 # 2021 CH 04120 I3193620

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, 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. 14-20-01890 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020 CH 02843 TJSC#: 42-978 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 # 2020 CH 02843 I3192900

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-FRE1, ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES Plaintiff, vs.

ANNETTE VILLAPIANO, DONNA VILLAPIANO, PYOD LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 17 CH 13721 Calendar 61 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, June 6, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC Plaintiff, -v.CAROLYN FOSTER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHARLES FOSTER, THOMAS P. QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHARLES FOSTER (DECEASED) Defendants 2021 CH 04120 1224 S KOLIN AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60623 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 24, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 21, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1224 S KOLIN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60623 Property Index No. 16-22-200-0310000 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.SANTEL MELTON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF HERBERT MELTON JR., STATE OF ILLINOIS - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HERBERT MELTON JR. (DECEASED) Defendants 2020 CH 02843 4112 W 5TH AVE 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 February 3, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 31, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4112 W 5TH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60624 Property Index No. 16-15-406-0210000 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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

12

Austin Weekly News, May 11, 2022