Austin Weekly News 062922

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NAACP leader’s granddaughter fatally shot

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FREE Vol. 36 No. 26

June 29, 2022

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Also serving Garfield Park

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austinweeklynews.com

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M Meett D Deondre d Rutues, page 2

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Former 24th Ward alderman’s sister appointed to replace him Ald. Michael Scott will be succeeded by his sister, Monique Scott, on June 20

By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

The Chicago City Council approved Monique Scott to the 24th Ward aldermanic post left vacant by her brother, former Ald. Michael Scott Jr. Monique Scott was Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick and will now represent the West Side ward until the 2023 aldermanic election.

Lightfoot’s office quietly announced Monique Scott as her pick to fill the post on a holiday afternoon on June 20. With the approval of City Council, Monique Scott will take over her brother’s position after he resigned to work in a new role at clout-heavy CineSpace Chicago film studios on the West Side.

Like her brother and late father, Michael Scott Sr., Monique Scott spent much of her career dedicated to the Chicago Park District, where she is the supervisor for Ellis Park. Before being elected alderman in 2015, her brother was area manager for dozens of parks and facilities on the West Side.

The Scott family has a powerful political legacy punctuated by Michael Scott Sr.’s posts as president of the Park District Board, president of the Chicago Board of Education and a close ally of See MONIQUE SCOTT on page 3

PAUL GOYETTE/Contributor

Young people participate in activities during the summer launch of the Austin Safety Action Plan (ASAP), which took place June 23 at Austin Town Hall. See photos on pages 6 and 7.

West Side pastor seeking to build a research library

Rev. Walter Arthur McCray is planning to purchase a lot in East Garfield Park to house an archive for his Black Light Fellowship publishing house PEOPLE MY AGE DON'T THINK THE BOOSTER IS NECESSARY

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

East Garfield Park may get a research library containing about 6,000 “Black, African and Christian” books sometime within the next few years, if all goes according to the plan of See RESEARCH LIBRARY on page 8

KIYA C.

CHI.GOV/REALSTORIES

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

West Sub hospital listed among best maternity facilities The Family Birthplace of West Suburban Medical Center recognized

by Newsweek as one of country’s best maternity hospitals this year

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

The Family Birthplace of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park has been recognized by Newsweek as one of the United States’ best maternity hospitals of 2022 – a distinction it was also awarded in 2021. West Suburban is one of 350 hospitals to receive this recognition this year.

“We are proud and honored to again earn this outstanding national distinction for our Family Birthplace center at West Suburban,” West Suburban CEO Barbara Martin said in a news release.

“We’ve built an outstanding reputation as one of the most innovative labor and delivery centers in the metropolitan area to guarantee expectant mothers the safest and most satisfying birth experience possible,” she wrote.

In collaboration with data firm Statista, Newsweek evaluated maternity wards across the country based on three different data sources: a nationwide online survey where hospital managers and maternity healthcare providers were asked to recommend maternity hospitals;

FILEt

West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park. medical key performance indicator data related to maternity care, such as a hospital’s rate of births via cesarean section; and patient satisfaction data.

This year, Newsweek categorized each of the 350 hospitals by performance, awarding five and four ribbons to each institution on the list. Out of the 350 maternity hospitals listed, 161 received a performance category of five ribbons and 189 received four ribbons. West Suburban re-

West Side Lives Deondre Rutues, West Side activist, discusses his vision for the place he calls home

By SAMANTHA CALLENDER Community Narrative Reporter

When I would ask people who they consider West Side community stakeholders, Deondre Rutues’ name kept coming up. During a recent Zoom interview, Rutues spoke about his activism, his love for the West Side and his run for alderman for 37th Ward alderman in 2017.

I knew nothing about politics. Before I even ran [for alderman], I went to several elected officials to try and get some insight and guidance on the process. I either got no response or some generic, canned response. It was very discouraging.

Even going out into the community to petition and get

Deondre Rutues

PROVIDED

signatures on the ballot was super interesting, but not surprising. I remember I ran into this one couple and I was telling them about my plans and wanting them to sign my petition and they flat-out told me that they

ceived a four-ribbon designation in 2022. No such ribbon performance category system existed in 2021.

West Suburban Medical Center has been in the news quite a bit of late, due to its impending sale to Resilience Healthcare in a package deal that includes West Suburban’s River Forest campus, Chicago’s Weiss Hospital Memorial Hospital and Weiss’s medical office building.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the sale of the two hospitals, currently owned by Pipeline Health System, on June 7. The state board’s approval is a critical step in the process of changing ownership but not the final step, according to Pipeline spokesperson Jane Brust.

“This is not a done deal; this is an ongoing process,” Brust told Wednesday Journal earlier this month. “The state review board approval this week was a huge step forward and we’re grateful that the board members acknowledge the importance of these hospitals to their communities.”

West Suburban’s Family Birthplace maternity ward boasts 12 private birthing suites for labor, delivery and recovery with 20 private rooms for postpartum recovery, as well as a large midwifery program. The hospital partners with Lurie Children’s Hospital to connect premature infants and severely ill babies directly to the most advanced care. Lurie neonatologists are on staff at West Suburban Medical Center’s Level II Nursery, according to the news release.

CONTACT: stacey@oakpark.com

wouldn’t sign it.

One, because they didn’t believe that I had any chance of winning against [37th Ward Alderperson] Emma Mitts. Two, they were loyal to Alderwoman Mitts, because she was able to get their family a turkey every year for Thanksgiving. That’s what secured their votes for her.

That was all it took.

I like a challenge, so after talking with them some more they eventually warmed up to me and did sign my ballot, but that couple stands out the most to me, when I think back on my time spent running.

Austin is like that though: the fact that a turkey secured votes for her. There’s so much more that can be done to improve the quality of life for people in Austin, but people are grateful for a turkey.

As we know, I ultimately didn’t win that election but that’s okay. I learned a lot about what people in the community truly want and need.

Community safety and police relations came up a lot.

People want better relationships with the police beyond little events. They want a different approach to community policing that actually protects them and makes them feel safe. So, part of what I do with the Policing Project [a project from the New York University School of Law], is help create policy that’s in line with what community

Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

AUSTIN WEEKLY

MONIQUE SCOTT

Filling her sibling’s shoes

news

from page 1 former Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Before working for the Park District, Monique Scott worked as a health consultant for North Lawndale Christian Health Center. She also coaches the North Lawndale Eagles cheerleading team.

“I am honored to be chosen to represent the hardworking men and women of the 24th Ward,” Monique Scott said in a press release. “Building on the work of the previous alderman, I will strive to bring economic development and safety to my residents. At this crucial moment, I am excited to serve my community and make North Lawndale a better place for all.”

In the mayor’s announcement of her pick Monday, which did not note the relationship between the siblings, Lightfoot said Monique Scott has been a dedicated and active member of the North Lawndale community her entire life.

“There is no one better suited to lead the residents of the 24th Ward at this critical time for recovery and development,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Furthermore, Monique has the resourcefulness and community connectedness to work across sectors to get things done.”

The appointment of a resigning alderman’s sister as own replacement raised eyebrows and drew accusations of nepotism.

“Nepotism means being entitled to something because you’re related to someone.

What you can do is have a special election and let the people in that ward pick who they want,” said George Blakemore, a concerned citizen who regularly comments at city council meetings.

The mayor dismissed critics who warned of nepotism as “frankly lazy.”

members want.

I used to substitute teach at Austin High School and worked a lot with kids in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] programs. I did this program called Project Exploration that introduced kids to STEM so that was cool. I learned alot about what the youth want for themselves and the resources teachers need to make that happen.

I may run again for alderman. My platform this time would be about revitalizing

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 COLIN BOYLE/Block Club Chicago

Monique Scott is sworn into City Council to replace her brother, former Ald. Michael Scott Jr. (24th), on June 22, 2022.

Ald. David Moore (17th) defended the mayor’s choice, saying Monique Scott’s family has “worked with you to be a servant” of the community, he said. It wouldn’t be fair for Monique Scott to be excluded from city council due to her family’s connections, Moore said.

“If we’re not grooming people in our family to serve… then what are we here for? It should start at home. …Succession planning starts at home,” Moore said.

Michael Scott Jr.’s colleagues in city hall poked fun at the former alderman while welcoming his sister into city council.

“We know you have some small shoes and some short shoes to fill. We welcome you and we know you’re going to do a great job,” said Ald. Jason Ervin (28th).

Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) welcomed Monique Scott to work with other West Side aldermen to “make sure that we’re working in conjunction so that we’re working not just for one neighborhood but for all neighborhoods,” Mitts said.

Lightfoot picked Monique Scott after

communities. Some may call that gentrification, but I think it could be done in a way where we could beautify the community without displacing people. I think the West Side could be a “Hemp Highway,” using [hemp] to create jobs and bring money into the community. There’s so much talk about cannabis in Chicago and I think Black people can be a part of that through hemp.

We need to break this culture of dependency that exists here and focus on goal-

evaluating a shortlist of three candidates selected from a broader pool of applicants by an advisory committee of three community leaders based in North Lawndale, the neighborhood that makes up the bulk of the 24th Ward. Those who sought to replace Scott in the 24th Ward — which includes North Lawndale and parts of Little Village, Austin and Garfield Park — included local entrepreneurs, police officers, and former staffers from Scott’s office.

Brenda Palms Barber, president and CEO of North Lawndale Employment Network, served on the committee that vetted the 24th Ward aldermanic applicants.

Palms Barber said Monique Scott’s “comprehensive understanding of North Lawndale’s challenges and opportunities” made her the best choice.

“I was impressed by her passion for the community and am excited to see her build on the great work being done in the 24th Ward,” Barber said.

CONTACT: pascal@blockclubchi.org

and value-setting as a community. What are our goals for our youth? For ourselves?

How can we revitalize our business districts and bring businesses that bring real dollars to the community and keep those dollars here?

Those are things I want to work with the community to answer and then create action and execute.

CONTACT: samantah@austinweeklynews.com

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 Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

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.

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

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

Teen activist, granddaughter of local NAACP leader fatally shot

Community demands answers after OPRF student gunned down at Oak Park gas station

By STACEY SHERIDAN Wednesday Journal

Oak Park police have launched an investigation into the death of a woman who was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound in the parking lot of the BP gas station at 100 Chicago Ave. at 1:45 a.m. on June 22.

The victim is 18-year-old Jailyn LoganBledsoe of the 100 block of North Austin Boulevard in Oak Park, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, which listed the official cause of death as a gunshot wound to the neck.

Oak Park police located Logan-Bledsoe early June 22 while responding to a call that gunshots had been fired in the area.

She was transported to Loyola University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

A witness reportedly told police two men approached Logan-Bledsoe from behind, fired one shot, took items from her and then fled in her dark Chrysler vehicle, according to a news release.

Logan-Bledsoe was a student at Oak Park and River Forest High School and part of the Class of 2022. She was also a

PROVIDED

Jailyn Logan-Bledsoe former member of the student-led organization Revolutionary Oak Park Youth Action League (ROYAL).

Her grandmother is Phyllis Logan, a longtime member of the Westside Branch NAACP. On June 25, members of the local NAACP branch, along with Oak Park elected officials, converged on the BP gas station to confront the owners about security measures. Some of those activists said that they plan on voicing their concerns at an Oak Park village council meeting on June 27, which was after this publication’s print deadline.

ROYAL posted a brief tribute about Logan-Bledsoe on Facebook, calling her

“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

PHOTO BY LOURDES NICHOLLS

Police process the scene of a shooting at the BP gas station at 100 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park on June 22. a “fierce and brilliant young leader” who cared about her community. Cynthia Brito, an OPRF parent who oversees ROYAL and knew Logan-Bledsoe, said the young woman was courageous, confident, bold and unafraid to speak her mind.

Activism aside, Logan-Bledsoe was also a dog lover, a writer and like most teens, enjoyed hanging out with friends, Brito said.

“She unconditionally loved her friends, and they loved her back. They could count on her, so it’s a huge loss for them,” Brito told Wednesday Journal.

Anthony Clark, a special education teacher at OPRF and community activist, said he knew Logan-Bledsoe as a student and described her as charismatic – someone who had an “exuberant,” “uplifting” spirit. Clark said Logan-Bledsoe had an undeniable sense of humor, often keeping the jokes rolling whenever they interacted.

The high school district also released a statement and encouraged staff and students who may be in distress to reach out to the school’s grief support team. Those interested should contact counselor Joe Herbst at jherbst@oprfhs.org.

“Please keep Jailyn’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time,” the district said.

The West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force is assisting the Oak Park Police Department in the investigation. Anyone with information related to the shooting should contact the police department at 708-386-3800. Those interested in providing information anonymously can do so through the village of Oak Park website at oak-park.us/crimetip or calling 708434-1636.

F. Amanda Tugade and Michael Romain contributed to this report.

CONTACT: Stacey@oakpark.com

Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

I

Traveling is always an adventure

don’t travel often. And the initial COVID-19 outbreak made it scary to even consider getting on a plane with a bunch of strangers.

However, a couple of months ago I was invited to attend a family reunion with descendants of my grandfather’s sister. They are pretty much strangers to me, but I wanted to get to know them as well as have them get to know me. So I put aside my fear of traveling when they said they were holding a reunion in Orlando, Florida.

I was unsuccessful in reaching out to a couple of travel agents. I hadn’t booked a flight on my own in over seven years, but once I made up my mind that it wasn’t really that difficult, it turned out to be quite easy. The internet has a bunch of travel websites where they will help you with the search for the cheapest flight, the car rental and the appropriate kind of hotel room.

Let’s start with the flight. No longer do these airlines give you free baggage check (carry on can still be free but there are those who charge for that as well). And if you make the mistake like I did and book a ticket on Spirit Airlines, you have to pay for both the seat and the luggage. When all is said and done, after they nickel-and-dimed me for every possible reason, I’m surprised that neither airline wasn’t charging me for breathing air!

I traveled out of O’Hare. Everything is now more automated than when I last traveled. Check-in was via a computer kiosk.

Even getting through security was decent.

And the best part was that we were able to take off on time.

Next, the website I used offered me a decent, inexpensive car rental. It wasn’t from one of the five big ones, and I had to call the car rental agency in order to get them to pick me up from the airport, but the car was clean and it was relatively new and the rental price was absolutely fantastic.

My biggest fear was the hotel I chose. It wasn’t five stars, but it was clean and it was nice. I really liked that it was off a major shopping strip in Kissimmee, Florida. I never tried walking anywhere, but I had access to a lot of places to go and shop.

It was 20 minutes during good traffic to drive to the reunion location. However, Florida has some of the worst drivers in the world.

They cannot make left turns and they pretty much create traffic jams for no apparent reason. I’m almost convinced that anyone who fails the rules of the road test is licensed in Florida.

It was really nice to meet my relatives whom I never met before. They are distant cousins but we have a lot in common. Even more amazing is that everyone knew my grandfather and had his photo.

Traveling has always been an adventure.

It’s even more so now during these changing and challenging times. By next year in May, everybody has to have their REAL-ID. So I guess I’ll work on getting mine via an updated passport.

The opportunity to meet family and to come together with our various shared DNA made it all worthwhile.

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

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

P R O T E C T

O U R

H O O D

P A R T Y

The June 23 summer launch of the Austin Safety Action Plan, called the Protect Our Hood Party, gave resident sof the West Side a safe haven to play, eat, dance and congregate with their neighbors. There will be future opportunities for area residents to connect with yoga, dance classes and the arts.

PHOTOS BY PAUL GOYETTE/Contributor

PEOPLE MY AGE DON'T THINK THE BOOSTER IS NECESSARY

HEAR WHY

KIYA C.

CHI.GOV/REALSTORIES

Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

P R O T E C T

O U R

H O O D

P A R T Y

PHOTOS BY PAUL GOYETTE/Contributor

Israel/Palestine: It’s All About Human Rights I believe that

civilians with military-style weapons in the US • targeting and by Israeli military weapons in Palestine is reprehensible.

• mass executions and ethnic cleansing are wrong – in Rwanda and in Sabra and Shatila. peace strategies, like diplomacy and addressing structural systemic injustice, • replacing with military aid is destructive and morally bankrupt – in Saudi Arabia/Yemen and in Israel/Palestine.

displacement, home destruction, and occupation create refugee crises – • forced in the Donbas and in Masafer Yatta.

More information on this issue and others at cjpip.org/progressive-for-palestine and CJPIP on Facebook

I AM A PEACE ACTIVIST, SO I SUPPORT PALESTINIAN RIGHTS.

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

Austin residents unite to push playground expansion

Residents in the Island are mobilized, pushing to turn abandoned parking lot into school lot for Clark, so kids can have more playground space

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Members of Austin’s Island neighborhood are looking to use an abandoned parking lot at 1100 S. Menard Ave., across the street from Clark Elementary School, 1045 S. Monitor Ave. as a school parking lot, so that its current parking lot can be used to expand the playground.

The proposal came in response to the current owner’s plans to subdivide the property into two lots and build a pair of three-flat buildings. After a group of residents expressed concerns that the plans wouldn’t fit the neighborhood, Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), whose ward includes the property, declined to support the owner’s project. This led to discussions about what would be the better way to use the lot.

Nate Tubbs, president of the Island Civic Association community organization and Clark’s Local School Council, said that the students were the ones who came up with the play lot expansion idea. He said the plan presents a rare opportunity for an otherwise landlocked school to expand. But any deal would require the Chicago Public Schools district to buy the property.

The Island neighborhood gets its name, because it is separated from the rest of Austin by industrial areas to the east and the Eisenhower Expressway to the north.

“I think it’s important that we try to maximize any properties we do have,” he said.

Clark Elementary open space is about evenly split between the outdoor areas, with some playground equipment and faculty parking. Shifting the parking lot somewhere else would double the school’s play area.

He said that, to the best of his knowledge, the Menard Avenue parking lot was previously used by the industrial businesses across the street, but it has been abandoned “for a number of years.” The fence and the parking date show some rust, and plants grow through multiple cracks of the pavement.

Adam Zegarski, the owner of West Humboldt Park based A-Z Builders construction and remodeling business, 4715 W. Chicago

RESEARCH LIBRARY A building of his own from page 1 a West Side publisher.

Rev. Walter Arthur McCray, a lifelong resident of East Garfield Park, publishes Christian books that are tailored for Black people through his Black Light Fellowship publishing house.

The publishing house is in the process of purchasing a vacant lot at 115 S. Francisco Ave., where he plans to build a mixed-used building with publishing offices on the first floor and four apartments on the second and third floors. He presented his plans during the June 22 meeting of the Garfield Park Community Council’s Open Space and Land Use Committee.

McCray said that anyone in the public would be able to browse the materials, but they wouldn’t be able to check the books out.

The land sale is expected to be finalized within a month and McCray will have three years to finish the project.

PROVIDED

Rev. Walter McCray, a lifelong West Sider who wants to build a research library for his publishing house.

McCray has pastored a number of churches over the years, but currently pastors the Near West Side’s Greater Union Baptist Church, 1956 W. Warren Blvd. He launched Black Light Fellowship in 1979 as an extension of his efforts to promote Black-centric perspectives of Christianity.

Most of the titles currently available on sale were written by McCray himself.

Ave., bought the property in November of 2021. He applied to change the zoning from Neighborhood Shopping District to residential and divide the property into two lots.

Each lot would have a three-unit building with three parking spots.

“I and a few other neighbors began receiving calls from other neighbors asking what was going on,” Tubbs recalled. “We reached out to [Taliaferro], who informed us of the zoning change request and that he didn’t think the request was a bad idea.”

The alderman said that, since the surrounding area is residential, “it would be good to keep it consistent, to keep it residential.” Taliaferro said that he would want to hear input from residents.

Tubbs said that residents opposed the plans for various reasons, including impact on parking and “not wanting more housing in the neighborhood” to concerns that the buildings would look “too modern” compared to other buildings.

Tubbs said that some residents preferred to “see the space used for something our community needs, rather than what a developer wants.”

He and Taliaferro said that a public meeting on Jan. 21 had a strong turnout and the alderman was persuaded not to support the

plan. While the application was referred to the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards on Dec. 15, 2021, the City Clerk’s website indicates that the ordinance hasn’t moved anywhere since then.

Zegarski said that he still intends to build something residential on the property, and he was working with Taliaferro to design something that would be more acceptable. Taliaferro said that he hasn’t heard anything from Zegarski since the Jan. 21 meeting.

When asked whether he would support the playlot expansion proposal, Taliaferro said that “it’s not for me to support or not to support,’ since he has no say over CPS’ real estate decisions.

Tubbs said that he is leery of what might happen to the property if Ald. Taliaferro wins the June 28 Democratic primary race for 11th subcircuit judge. With no Republican opponents in general election, the primary win would be as good as winning a seat.

“The most likely thing is, the developer would try again, and we, as the community, would like to be notified of those plans,” Tubbs said. “And, if the [alderperson] changes, I would be concerned about the future of the property. I would like to see it used for something the community wants.”

“We provide knowledge, identity-based knowledge,” he said during the June 22 meeting. “Black Light fellowship does Black Christian literature [for] those who are Christian and those who have a sense of Black African history.”

While Black Light Fellowship has had its own office space and even a bookstore in the past, he and his wife currently run the company out of the basement of their home.

The vacant lot McCray is buying is located across the street from his house, at the northeast corner of Francisco Avenue and Wilcox Street. He said that the Cook County Land Bank Authority agreed to sell the lot “about a month ago,” but they were still in the process of closing on the property.

McCray said that the business entrance will be located on the Francisco side while the residential entrance will be located on the Wilcox side. The building will have four two-bedroom apartments, two on each floor.

McCray said that they haven’t decided how the tenants would be selected and whether the apartments would be affordable. The research library would go in the basement, he said.

The lot is currently zoned residential and McCray said they would need to rezone the property to allow for the publishing office use. He said that they “already have financing” for the project, but he didn’t elaborate any further.

When asked about the timetable, McCray said that one of the conditions of the sale is that they must complete the project within no more than 36 months.

Marietta McDuffy was among several West Side residents in attendance who wondered how the project would benefit the community. McCray said that, in addition to publishing books, which will allow them to do some local hiring, the offices will function as the extension of his ministry, offering information about area job opportunities and educational seminars.

“Our presence on that particular corner, on this corridor, will be impactful in and of itself,” McCray said, adding that if his planned research library “doesn’t serve the least of these in the community, why should it be here, whether it’s an academic situation or not?”

CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com

AustinWeekly News, June 29, 2022

HELP WANTED LIFELONG AUSTIN RESIDENT CONSULTANT

Seeking Austin resident 38-45 years old who grew up in Austin to consult on character development for a fiction project. Nerdy or interested in science fiction and fantasy particularly suited. Contact editoranaea@ gmail.com or DM @anaealay on Twitter. $25/hour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HELP WANTED PARK DISTRICT OF OAK PARK LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Part-time Landscape Specialist with an hourly pay rate of $15.00. 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=66642 &clientkey=41D830018490 6117978771C10E755DC6

    

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.

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

CLASSIFIED 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.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

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

ESTATE SALE Chicago Austin

ESTATE SALE 5945 W. MIDWAY PARK THU 6/30 9AM--4PM FRI 7/1 10AM--4PM EVERYTHING’S OLD!

60 drawer card catalog from a library; sewing machines; books; souvenir collectibles; chairs; end tables; mirrors; batiks; African sculptures; Flow Blue China; Raggedy Ann; vintage clothing & hats; Chinese decorative art; canning supplies; brass items; milk bottles; bench plane; Duncan Phyfe sofa; Birk Bros. beer glasses and so much more. For photos go to candacesantiques.com.

WANTED TO BUY

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

CLASSIFIED REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available 24/7/365

AustinWeeklyNews.com • PublicNoticeIllinois.com IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.DERRYL SANDERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF RUTHIE SANDERS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, JOHN LYDON, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR RUTHIE SANDERS (DECEASED) Defendants 2021 CH 05085 1522 N LOCKWOOD AVE 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 March 31, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 22, 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 1522 N LOCKWOOD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651 Property Index No. 16-04-105-0150000 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 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. 14-21-03018

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 05085 TJSC#: 42-1384 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 05085 I3197047 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of the Cabana Series V Trust Plaintiff, vs. Unknown heirs of Kenneth Polk; IMC Mortgage Company aka Industry Mortgage Company, LP, DBA IMCC Financial and DBA IMCC Financial, Inc. and DBA American Mortgage Reduction; City of Chicago; Deborah Polk; Kenneth Polk, Jr., possible heir; Asia Polk, possible heir; Jeremy Polk, possible heir; Kenyrah Polk, possible heir; Gerald Nordgren as Special Representative; unknown owners and non record claimants; Defendants, 21 CH 3383 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 Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 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: Commonly known as 1059 N. Springfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651.

P.I.N. 16-02-311-001-0000.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a 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: 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 Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 Lucerne Drive, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130.

(440) 572-1512. ILF2201032 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3196731

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Austin Weekly News, June 29, 2022

Growing Community Media

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NewsDiningGovernmentActivismArts EducationEventsRealEstateNonprofits Dear reader, We are so close to meeting our end of the year Match Fund of $10,000.

Since last Monday readers like you have donated $7,577. By my calculations that means we need to raise $2,423 between now and midnight Thursday when our fiscal year wraps up.

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Generous donations from engaged readers like you help pay our journalists and critical freelancers, but your gift will also pay the camera repair bill I approved a few minutes ago. And while fixing a camera isn’t glamorous, the images our staff photographer Alex Rogals captures are a powerful and essential part of our weekly news coverage.

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This is one of those moments in the year when we ask you to jump in. Please don’t assume that someone else is going to carry the weight of the independent community journalism you want to see.

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