Austin Weekly News 081424 by Wednesday Journal

DNC Chair and South Side native outlines many ways to help Harris ticket

Minyon Moore lauds “unprecedented” nomination of a Black woman

By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter

With Democrats set to meet in Chicago next week for the party’s national convention, a behind-the-scenes person from the South Side is already looking ahead to fall activism by rank-and file Democrats.

As chair of the Democratic National Convention, Minyon Moore has been involved in overseeing the nominations of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the ticket standard-bearers.

While the convention will hear from them and many other prominent Democrats Aug. 19 to Aug. 22, Moore had lots of advice for those wanting to

Greater West Town Project acquires YCCS West

The char ter school will expand the organization’s wraparound services for alternative education on the West Side

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Greater West Town Project acquired Youth Connection Charter School West High School in Austin this summer.

Greater West Town Project is an organization increasing economic opportunities on Chicago’s West Side through community building. YCCS West is a career pathway school that aims to re-engage and re-enroll at-risk youth who have been unsuccessful in traditional school settings.

After acquiring YCCS West on July 1, GWTP hopes to increase educational opportunities in Austin, such as industry training and career development that support students who are receiving an alternative education.

The conversation about joining forces started around the time oflast year’s enrollment season, according to Early King, principal of YCCS West. Although the high school had nearly 200 students before COVID-19, enrollment declined after the pandemic. This past school year, YCCS West had just under 100 students.

So, YCCS West reached out to nearby West Town Academy in Garfield Park,

cations throughout Chicago.

The schools collaborated on how to expand resources to YCCS West. Such resources include industry training — with curriculum tracks that certify students in IT or Allied Health, which prepares certified nursing assistants — and job placement services, all with a social justice focus. The schools also offer career development with services for postsecondary and social-emotional support, dropout prevention and retrieval, plus financial education.

“Whether it was 100 students, whether it’s 200, we still wanted them to have that opportunity to have those jobs and those skills that we said we would provide for them,” King said.

YCCS West was managed by the Youth Connection Charter School Network and will now be managed by GWTP. CPS approved the acquisition.

The change in governance allows GWTP to expand its workforce and education programs, plus enhance YCCS West’s services, said Keisha Davis-Johnson, who’s been the CEO of GWTP for the last 7 years.

“Because Greater West Town Project has so many post-secondary services that we

tion that we serve,” Davis-Johnson said.

While West Town Academy and YCCS West are open to all 16-to-21-year-olds living in Chicago, over 90% of YCCS West’s students are from West Side neighborhoods like Austin, Garfield Park and North Lawndale, Davis-Johnson said.

These areas have long been disinvested

from, and it shows when it comes to their schools and students.

According to the Chicago Health Atlas, about 82% of Austin residents graduated high school from 2018 to 2022. West Garfield Park and North Lawndale had graduation

AU STIN WEEKLY news

Editor Erika Hobbs

Sta Reporters Jessica Mordacq

Amaris E. Rodriguez

Special projects reporter Delaney Nelson

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks

Columnists Arlene Jones

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Sales & Marketing Representatives

Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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BIG WEEK August 14-21

Chicago SummerDance

in the Parks at Douglass Park

Wednesday, August 14, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Chicago SummerDance in the Parks is a social dance party bringing people of all abilities and ages together for free dance lessons followed by live music and DJs.

Many styles of dance are explored throughout this series, and each neighborhood program includes creative activities with local ar tists. www.ChicagoSummerDance.org.

Free. 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.

School Daze, New Wayz: An Education Conference or the West Side

Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Kehrein Center for the Arts. Free, with all day events! Learn more: https://ow.ly/ OeV050SU6Tr. 5628 W. Washington Blvd.

Healing Foods: Foods & Nutrients to Help

Summer Health Issues

Beyond Hunger

Monday, Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m.

At this event, experts will discuss healthy foods that can address health issues experienced in the summer season, how to ght o colds, allergies, infections, and other topics. RSVP by emailing PattyRingo@yahoo.com by Saturday, August 17.

3rd annual Unleashed Youth Leadership Summit

Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m – 1 p.m., BUILD, Inc.

Hosted by Life Without Limitations. The is an inspiring and transformative free event dedicated to empowering future leaders ages 10-16. The Unleashed Youth Leadership Summit’s goal is to encourage transformational change by equipping youth with essential leadership skills, fostering self-con dence, and encouraging a positive mindset. Tickets and registration can be found at: https://ow.ly/ bqxi50SU6Rv. 5100 W. Harrison St

Stabilizing Neighborhoods with Habitat for Humanity Chicago

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 12:30 -1:45 p.m., Virtual

5th Annual Unity in the Community Peaceful Gathering

Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Hosted by Taproots, there will be a school supplies giveaway, music, game truck, and more! Madison Street and Menard Avenue

ACT’s Austin Community Hub team will be hosting Habitat for Humanity Chicago for the next Hub 101 virtual info session! Participants will learn about valuable o erings, including:

• Home care education

• A ordable Homeownership

• Community action resources

• Neighborhood grants

Please join ACT and Habitat for Humanity Chicago for this virtual session.

MINYON MOORE

Backing Harris

from page 1

support the ticket, including phone banking and even traveling across state lines to spread support.

“Travel to the midwestern states li Michigan and Wisconsin and all ofthose battleground states,” Moore said.

She reminded the audience that it’s not just about getting people to vote, it’s about the Electoral Colle ge and winning majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“We don’t need to just get the popular vote. We have to get the Electoral Colle too,” Moore said, which is why so-called “battleground states” are so important.

The for mer director ofWhite House political af fairs, Moore made her remarks Aug. 9 at a fundraiser ofthe Ida B. Wells Le gacy Committee at Truth Italian Restaurant, 56 W. Pershing Road in Bronzeville.

When asked about the Harris campaign, Moore discussed Harris being a Black woman and the unprecedented nature of her nomination to be president.

“We are trying to blaze a trail that has never been blazed before,” Moore said. “It’s a mind shift for everybody that can look at her and say, ‘She can be a commander in chief.’ I know she can be one. But we have to constantly prove that to America.”

She praised President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race, saying, “He gave the selfish act ofstepping out ofthis race. What he did was decided to say, ‘I can no longer do this in my capacity, but I have somebody that can.’”

She further said of Biden, “He’s been a good steward ofthis country. He is truly one ofthe finest public servants I have ever had the opportunity to work with, and I’ve worked with them all.”

Moore, a South Side native, has had a storied career, serving the Biden-Harris Administration as Nomination Advisor for Engagement during Justice Ketanji Brown

Jackson’s nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court. She was also director ofWhite House political af fairs under President Bill Clinton and headed Dewey Square Group, a consulting firm based in Washington D.C.

Early in her career, Moore was an advisor to the presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1984. In 1988, she worked closely with his Rainbow Push Coalition.

At the Ida B. Wells fundraising event, Hermene Hartman, publisher ofthe Chicago-based newspaper N’DIGO, oversaw the discussion with Moore about the convention and the campaign ahead.

Moore also shared that social media influencers will be at the Democratic National Convention, with their own spot on the convention floor.

“We wanted to give those folks that got these millions of followers an opportunity to tell the story inside the convention hall.” Moore said.

SLOWKING4, CC B Y-SA

Friday, August 23rd 6pm-8pm

408 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL

s: from the T to the Dogg

to Google it.

I have strong feelings regarding the saga of women’s boxing. The Algerian female boxer dilemma is fairly reported in the AP press story, “Who is Imane Khelif?”

Hopefully all the questions that have now come up can be resolved before the 2028 Olympics.

Snoop Dogg tur ned out to be the Olympic darling, earning nearly $14 million over the course of the games.

athletes who understand the heartache and pain they go through for their sport to be able to honor someone who bested them.

he genre created by American innercity urban youth was dominated by the worst dancers ever.”

The Olympics wouldn’t be the Olympics without controversy. As I write this column, Jordan Chiles lost her bronze medal because of officiating mistakes. As more infor mation comes forward, that decision may have been in haste. Turns out there was timestamped evidence showing the request was made on time. One possible solution is to declare it a three-way tie and have all three gymnasts receive the bronze medal.

I took delight in watching the synchronized swimming. The American team had the first male athlete perform in such an event. Their ability to do what they can in 12 feet of water is amazing — legs sticking 2 to 3 feet out of the water in a synchronized dance. If you didn’t see the competition, feel free

Lastly, the new category of break dancing was an absolute embar rassment. The genre created by American inner-city urban youth was dominated by the worst dancers ever. In particular, Rachael Gunn from Australia should have earned 0 points. Her absolutely embarrassing and stupid performance has gone viral for its lack of talent. If the Olympics needs to add a new category, it should be roller skating. It would be nice to see some creative talent doing some real performances as opposed to the hot mess the break-dancing event was

Sources:

* Why Biles and Chiles bowed to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade during the medal ceremony: (https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/ paris-2024-summer-olympics/simonebiles-jordan-chiles-bowed-to-b ra z ilsreb eca-and ra de-on-the-podium-hereswhy/3935003)

* AP story on Imane Khelif: (https:// apnews.com/article/olympics2024-imane-khelif-boxing-paris2eb07d442ffb29a61e09911884dcdaa9)

View Austin’s beauty through a trolley tour

Check out the community’s gardens and farmers market

By LORET TA A. RAGSDELL Contributing Reporter

“Clang, clang, clang went the trolley. Ding, ding, ding, went the bell.” As one ofthe enthusiastic trolley riders on the Austin Farm-To-Table Trolly Tour, I settled in and hummed those lyrics as sung byJudy Garland in MGM’s 1943 block buster film, Meet Me in St. Louis.

The movie’s trolley riders were singing gleefully about their destination. I, like them, was humming the song in excitement and anticipation of my destination, a tour ofseveral beautiful Austin Community Gardens.

An excited group of family members, friends, neighbors, out-of-town visitors and I boarded The Austin Farm-to-Table Trolley Tour in front ofthe Austin Townhall Field House on Lake Street enroute to the first of several visits to three or more ofthe 12 Austin Community Gardens. The Trolley Tour

operates on the first Thursday ofthe month through October. Trolley riders gather around 11:30 a.m. for a noon departure. Depending on the Trolley riders’ interests, and the number of gardens visited, the tour often takes three hours.

Our first stop was the Patient Center Care Clinic ‘s Austin Community Garden. Located at 330 N. Lotus Ave, the garden sits behind the clinic at the end ofa residential block. Chicago Botanical Gardens’ staff operates and maintains the garden. We were provided a tour ofthe garden, brief lectures and gardening tips. Like many of the gardens, PCC’s Garden was complete with a green house, irrigation system and a farmer in overhauls and straw hat.

The Farm Stand offers a garden variety oforganically grown and harvested produce that tourists were able to purchase at below supermarket price. Among the harvest were a variety of greens including robust collards. There were an abundance ofsalad staples including kale, lettuce, tomatoes and fresh garlic.

The Farm to Table Trolley tours is orga-

nized by Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventure and operates through a grant from Austin Eats in partnership with Austin Fresh.

“Many Austin Community residents are affected by diabetes, heart, and kidney disease,” said CAYTA’s founder and director, Crystal Dyer. “We want to give our residents not only knowledge, but tools to engage in a more healthy and productive life.”

CAYTA also works in corporation with Action Coming Together and closely with Austin Garden Collective, which represents and support more than 25 Austin community gardens.

Austin Garden Collective’s mission is: “To build community through the creation and cultivation of Austin’s Community Gardens.” It offers support, resources and training for its members. through connecting, resources and supporting g the garden network. On Saturday, during gardening season, it recruits and train volunteers to help throughout the season with planting, growing, and harvesting. Its vision is “to create connection between existing community gardens in the Austin Neighborhood and pro-

vide outreach opportunity to involve neighbors ofall ages in the care and cultivation of these gardens.”

The tours are on one Thursday and one Saturday each month from June through October. The trolley departs from the Austin Town Hall Park Far mers Market on Thursdays and from the CAYTA Headquarters on Saturdays. Each is about three hours and is free for those who live in Austin.

If you go:

The next tour dates are:

Saturday, August 17

Thursday, September 5

Saturday, September 14

Thursday, October 3

Saturday, October 19

Departure locations:

Thursday departures: Austin Town Hall Park, Far mers Market, 5610 W Lake St.

Saturday departures: CAYTA Headquarters, 4952 W Chicago Ave.

LET’S AGE WELL TOGETHER!

CULTURAL & CREATIVE ARTS

National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th Street

August 29 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. To register, email angela@nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

LUNCH & ENTERTAINMENT

Kehrein Center for the Arts | 5628 Washington Boulevard September 13 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

WALKING & WELLNESS CLUB

Salvation Army Freedom Center | 825 N. Christiana Avenue

Meets every Friday from 8:30–10:00 a.m. To register, email programs@mather.com or text (847) 316.1365.

Registration appreciated! Anyone 55+ is welcome at these FREE programs.

Kyla Blaise seeks 5th District school board seat

The chief of sta for a Cook County commissioner is 1 of 5 vying for the seat

By JESSICA MORD Staff Reporter

Chicagoans will vote for elected school board in Nove coming months, Austin Weekly News will interview candidates in the 5th District — which covers ground from Fulton Mar Galewood, including Austin, Garfield and Lawndale — to learn more they are and their goals for Schools, especially those on the W

One of these candidates, Blaise, 52, lives in Garfield fourth generation West Sider and of staf f for Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar.

Blaise started thinking for the 5th District school board in spring. She said she was inspired hind-the-scenes work at her jobs, her 13and 15-year-old daughters — who will both attend Kenwood Academy Hyde Park in the upcoming school year — and, most recently, the potential that comes with the Chicago mayor, Brandon Johnson, who is an educator from the West Side.

“If there’s any time that soak this traditionally divested community with resources, with money, with opportunity, this is it,” Blaise said.

She said she plans to advo if elected to the school board. with her decades of relevant experience.

Blaise has worked for Ald. Helen Shiller of the 46th Ward, served as an executive director at Judicial Accountability PAC and, for 12 years, ran political consulting firm Blaise and Associates.

As Shiller’s staf f member, Blaise experienced the city and county budgeting processes. She said that background knowledge should come in handy when dealing with CPS’ $9.9 billion budget that was passed in July

At her political consulting firm, Blaise coordinated campaigns and dealt with constituent issues, so she said she has good working relationships with some aldermen, state representatives and senators. She also honed her collaboration skills, a necessary component for a school board member to connect institutions and people around the city, she said. Collaboration is also a potential pathway to offer more pro-

PROVIDED

Michilla “Kyla” Blaise, Chief of Sta for Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar, is running for the 5th District school board.

grams to CPS students.

“I know for a fact that the county mostly works with suburban folks. But some of the programs they have, I think are really intriguing,” Blaise said – like those out of its public health department, which is one of the largest in the United States.

Blaise’s views on CPS and West Side schools

Blaise said she can point to several things that she thinks are working well in CPS. For one, its sustainable community schools, or hubs that serve as resource centers for the community after the school day is done.

“CPS is doing some of that now, realizing with the sustainable school model that bringing in some nonprofits and offering wraparound services is key,” Blaise said.

Another aspect about CPS that inspires

Blaise is its work with curriculum development, specifically student-led curriculum so that children have a chance to learn what they’re interested in.

As a Grassroots Curriculum Task Force board member for two years, Blaise said she learned more about the educational system and what is taught in schools. She said the way that curriculum is learned has changed from when she was in school, when the model was to read a textbook, do homework, then take a test.

“We don’t have to do as much memorization as we used to. We have the whole entire world in our phones,” Blaise said. “I think it opens up a lot of opportunities to have better conversations about learning and about critical thought and about how one approaches questions, or life in general.”

But Blaise said she also sees where CPS improving spe-

me to find a SpEd that is happy with how their kid is being approached,” Blaise said. “I really do think people are we haven’t

the story of one 5th District constituent, who told her about a time that she sat in with a young mother for special needs. The mother was alone in a room of her, telling her

“My friend noticed that she was comerwhelmed and cleared the nd the woman just e starting of f this they want, to think things through a little more and make sure are providing people with the best

Considering the West Side, where she La Shawn the construction of a s the need for a school that the kids can really be proud of,” Blaise

“I don’t see it as dark as some do,” she added about the state of the West Side’s educational institutions. “I do think that there’s some empty buildings that we need to get rid of or transform or make relevant again,” she said of underpopulated schools on the West Side.

In order to ensure that schools on the West Side are receiving equitable funding compared to other schools, Blaise said the community needs bell ringers who call attention to the area and ask for resources and money.

She also stresses the need for visiting schools to get information from administration and families. Communicating effectively and continually with families, students and schools is what the elected school board is all about, Blaise said.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to load up that board with lots of people who care a lot about kids and families,” she said.

Westside Stories brings local narratives and activism to Austin community

Monthly curated open mic event spotlights real stories

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

Westside S tories will once again spotlight the real-life narratives and personal a ccounts of West Side residents, b oth p ast and present, at the Front Po rch Arts C enter ’s next monthly story-telling event on Au g. 27.

Westside Stories is a curated performance and open mic event that offers a unique opportunity to share experiences and build community connections on every fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5851 W. Madison St., Chicago.

Attendees are not required to be West Side residents. The event typically begins with an open mic segment where guests can sign up to share a five-to-seven-minute story on a topic of their choice while enjoying light refreshments

This is in addition to featured speakers, who this month will be Tara Stamps, a Cooks County commissioner, and Jessica LaShawn, an author.

“Both Tara and Jessica are masterful storytellers with roots in activism and it will be fascinating to hear about their ex-

YCCS WEST

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rates of about 75% and 80%, respectively. But in the Loop, that number is over 97%.

“We’re excited to work collaboratively with YCCS West to make sure all young people who have not completed high school have excellent options for earning their

periences as second-generation activists on the West Side,” Front Porch Arts Center founder Keli Stewart said.

Stamps serves as the Cook County Commissioner for the 1st District and is actively involved in numerous committees, including those related to finance, criminal justice, and emergency management. She also holds roles on various Forest Preserve District Board committees, focusing on areas such as recreation and ecolo gical restoration.

LaShawn is an author known for her works such as “Mogul Guide: Building a Branded Business Plan Workbook and Worksheets” and “The Perfect Website Workbook.” Operating her own consulting firm, Jessica LaShawn Consulting, she focuses on le gacy, timelessness and networking to build successful brands and foster valuable business partnerships.

“Storytelling takes courage,” Stewart said. “Last month, one open mic participant shared a story about a bully, which inspired others to share their own experiences. Front Porch welcomes the diverse experiences of our community, whether they’re funny, dramatic, or otherwise. As the host, I find that storytelling requires a deep dive into the human condition.”

Front Porch Arts Center serves as the Austin neighborhood’s vital hub for arts,

high school diploma on the West Side,” said Angela Gibson, principal at West Town Academy, in a statement.

‘We’re not the traditional charter school’

Davis-Johnson said that expanding YCCS West’s services won’t take students away from already underpopulated neighborhood schools on the West Side

“I don’t believe in destabilizing schools,” Davis-Johnson said. “I know it’s really politi-

community and culture, celebrating the history of Chicago’s Westside. Through its initiatives, the center aims to showcase community voices, bridge connections with the broader creative community, support Westside artists and explore the area’s rich history.

Stewart notes that on the West Side, there are very few arts and cultural spaces in the neighborhood, and Westside Stories sprang from that idea.

“We wanted to create a West Side-centric storytelling platform that celebrates both past and present narratives of west siders,” Stewart said.

Stewart said that since 2019, Westside Stories has been highlighting the experiences of West Side residents through their narratives, offering positive recreational activities for the neighborhood, fostering community building, and helping to change the prevailing media narrative about the West Side, with a brief pause during the pandemic.

Front Porch Arts Center is working on collecting stories to build a database that will be available to the public once the organization receives more funding.

“We hope to create a digital database of stories and engage youth in learning methods to tell their own stories. We aim to have this database online by mid-next year and

cal right now in terms of using the word ‘charter,’ and that it appears to be taking resources from neighborhood schools.”

“We’re not the traditional char ter school,” Davis-Johnson added. “We’re targeting the most vulnerable students in the community that have been disengaged or not successful in a traditional big system,” like those who have been victims of violence or have committed violence.

GWTP’s smaller schools, like West Town

are looking for grants to support this,” Stewart said.

Stewart stresses that creating an environment where individuals feel heard and not judged is essential.

“Westside Stories, one of the longestrunning storytelling platfor ms on the West Side, provides a space for people to share their raw, funny, and courageous stories,” Stewart said.

When asked about the primary goals of Westside Stories and its intended impact on participants and the community, Stewart said that storytelling is one of the oldest for ms of human conversation that offers testimony, humor and a reflection of daily life.

“We find many similarities among the stories we tell, and stories connect us. This connection is the most important part for us. Front Porch Art Center is a multigenerational organization, and our work provides space for multigenerational narratives. It’s important to have conversations between elders and younger people, to map out where we’ve been and where we’re heading,” Stewart said.

Tickets are $10 a person and includes light refreshments and a chance to build community. To purchase tickets visit https://ow.ly/UsOW50SW3EA.

Academy and YCCS West, have more capacity to provide wraparound services to at-risk students.

“In a city where violence, poverty, homelessness, mental health issues and heavy policing disproportionately affect communities of color, YCCS serves not just as a place of learning, but as a safe haven for many youths,” Davis-Johnson said. Enroll at YCCS West at yccswest-yccs. org and WTA at westtownacademy.org.

MWRD JOB OPENINGS

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

Financial Analyst (Original)

Painter (Original)

Buyer (Original)

Senior Buyer (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

Published in Austin Weekly News August 14, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Biánca Nicole Hrobowski Case Number 2024 CONC001307

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Biánca Nicole Hrobowski to the new name of: Biánca Nicole Arriaga.

The court date will be held:

On October 17, 2024 at 11am at Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, Cook County, Illinois 60602 in Courtroom # 1706 and on Zoom at Zoom ID: 97032500245 Passcode: 895226

Published in Austin Weekly News

August 14, 21, 28, 2024

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

SELFRELIANCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, F/K/A

SELFRELIANCE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, -v.PETRO GLIBKA A/K/A PETER GLIBKA, MARIA GLIBKA, CAVALRY

PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC, CITY OF CHICAGO, OLEKSANDR MYRONYUK, OLEKSANDRA MYRONYUK, GALYNA MYRONYUK, ELENA MYRONYUK, PARVIDA VIBOON, MYKHAILO VALCHYSHYN, ROMAN POROKHNYAK, SVITLANA SKOROBOGACH, ULIANA

PAZIUK, IHOR PAZIUK, HALYNA KHABA, MYKHAYLO KHABA, TARAS KHABA, UNKNOWN

OWNERS AND NON-RECORD

CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2022 CH 5668

2528 WEST CORTEZ STREET CHICAGO, IL 60622

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 4, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 21, 2024, 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 2528 WEST CORTEZ STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60622

Property Index No. 16-01-410-0250000

The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

The judgment amount was $638,144.68.

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

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

For information, contact B. GEORGE OLEKSIUK, OLEKSIUK & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 422 EAST PALATINE ROAD, PALATINE, IL, 60074 (847) 202-4030.

CHICAGO, IL 60623

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

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.

B. GEORGE OLEKSIUK OLEKSIUK & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 422 EAST PALATINE ROAD PALATINE IL, 60074 847-202-4030

E-Mail: bgoleksiuk@gmail.com

Attorney Code. 39474

Case Number: 2022 CH 5668 TJSC#: 44-1888

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 # 2022 CH 5668 I3248647

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

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF2 ACQUISITION TRUST

Plaintiff,

-v.-

FRANKIE C. JENKINS, STATE OF ILLINOIS, CHICAGO TITLE AND TRUST COMPANY

Defendants 2019 CH 09458 24 S. CENTRAL AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60644 NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 11, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 13, 2024, 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 24 S. CENTRAL AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-17-205-0320000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $274,354.67.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no

representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 18 6423. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 18 6423

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2019 CH 09458

TJSC#: 44-1618

Case # 2019 CH 09458 I3249100

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

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3 Plaintiff, -v.NAVETTA D. ABDULLATEEF, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2024 CH 00168 1524 S KOSTNER AVE

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 14, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 10, 2024, 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 1524 S KOSTNER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60623

Property Index No. 16-22-117-0250000

The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-24-00113

Case Number: 2024 CH 00168 TJSC#: 44-1317

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

NEIGHBORHOOD LENDING SERVICES, INC Plaintiff, -v.-

MARQUETTA D. WILLIAMS Defendants 2023 CH 01452 1246 N MASSASOIT 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 June 7, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 10, 2024, 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 1246 N MASSASOIT, CHICAGO, IL 60651 Property Index No. 16-05-228-0190000

The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. 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 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

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-23-00763

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 01452 TJSC#: 44-1769

Case # 2023 CH 01452 I3249839

AT HOMEONTHE GREATERWESTSIDE

Nontraditional ways of buying a house? NACA real estate broker Josie Hood explains how

There are actions plans, she says

By DELANEY NELSON Special Projects Reporter

With 20 years of experience in real estate as an agent, developer and broker, Josie Hood is often on both sides of the selling table. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Hood is now a managing real estate broker for Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, a nationwide non-proﬁt organization that advocates for economic justice through homeownership and community action. She works in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois and Indiana.

“I’ve been doing this since 2004, so I’ve been around long enough to see the crash, the rise, and the crash again. It’s cyclical,” Hood said. “Whatever’s going on in real estate, when it goes down it comes back up — you just got to stick it out.”

Hood started in 2018 as a real estate agent at NACA, which is the largest certiﬁed counseling agency in the country.

Hood spoke with Austin Weekly News about how NACA helps home buyers navigate the real estate market.

What does the real estate market look like right now?

We just came out of a seller’s market, where you could go $20,000 to $30,000 above the asking price and still not get the deal. We entered a market not too long ago where there’s just no inventory. We’re still very short of housing inventory across the country; there’s such a housing shortage.

What do you expect to see from the real estate market in the coming months and year?

What’s happening across the country is you’re getting more and more developers who are switching gears, myself included. In a lot of cities, including Chicago, there’s a housing shortage, so people are building more multifamily units. Not only are people doing more multi-families, we’re doing multi-families with different incomes. So we have some units at market rate, some affordable units and we have some low-income units. Because there’s such a shortage, a lot of the cities have funding to help with that. With those multi-families and condos, you’ll start to see more amenities with more people, like co-working spaces, because so many people work from home.

Do you work only with buyers and sellers associated with NACA?

A majority of our clients are NACA. We used to say we work exclusively with NACA buyers, but I will not say that anymore because if you

sell, you may not buy with NACA. So we don’t work exclusively with NACA buyers. We do work with sellers — we offer them a discount

COURTESY

Josie Hood of Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America

Now that you own home, what’s next

Here are some keys to sustainability

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Special Projects Reporter

As ﬁrst-time homebuyers —or longtime West Side residents who may inherit their family properties— embark into homeownership, it is important to plan for expenses and housing costs outside of their monthly mortgage. In this article, experts share advice on achieving sustainable homeownership.

INCREASE YOUR FINANCIAL READINESS

Black Chicagoans face more barriers to home buying as they have reduced access to banking and financial support than other groups, said State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (IL-8th). Eighty-three percent of Black households own checking accounts, in contrast with the 99% of white households who do so. Only 10% of Black homeowners received financial support to purchase their homes, while 23% of white homeowners did, according to a 2022 report by the Financial Health Network. High unemployment rates and underemployment rates reduce access to credit and loans. Austin has a 14% unemployment rate compared to 8% citywide, according to 2024 data by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. In West Garfield Park, the unemployment rate reaches almost 20%, more than double the city’s

rate. In North Lawndale, the unemployment rate is about 15%.

Michelle Flores, executive secretary of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Chicago chapter recommends prospective buyers establish credit if they don’t already have a credit history, improve their credit scores and save money to cover a down payment, closing and repair costs.

PREPARE FOR RISING COSTS DUE TO TAXES AND INSURANCE

Property taxes and home insurance rates are the main concern for homeowners in the 8th Dis-

“When those numbers change, it puts homeent budget situation and sometimes that sometimes drive people out of their homes,” Ford said.

Property taxes can drastically increase withnotice, putting homeowners at risk of falling behind in payments. This year, property taxes in Cook County increased by 4%, although homeowners in some south and southwest suburbs saw their bill increase almost 20% from last year, according to data by the Cook County Treasurer’s ce. This drastic increase mostly affected Black communities – 13 of the 15 suburbs with the highest increases have mostly Black populations. Insurance rates can also increase without no-

study predicts home insurance costs will continue to increase in 2024. Weather events could also increase the cost of insurance by forcing homeowners to purchase additional insurance products that protect them in case of ﬂooding or other events, according to Guaranteed Rate LLC.

Homeowners should continue to save money for reserves that can cover unexpected cost increases. Real estate experts recommend saving between 1% to 4% of the home’s price in reserves.

INVEST IN MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

“Once you become a homeowner, it’s like having a child. You have an expectation that you’re going to have a new expense added to the family,” Ford said.

As homebuyers become responsible for their home, they need to budget the cost of maintenance and repairs. New owners of older homes – those built before 1950 – spent more on annual

“Once you become a homeowner, it’s like having a child. You have an expectation that you’re going to have a new expense added to the family.”

— State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford

and repair costs can ﬂuctuate as materials and labor costs increase due to inﬂation. Check for local programs that assist homeowners with completing needed repairs or maintenance, such as the city’s annual Home Repair Program, which provides eligible homeowners grants to improve their roofs or porches.

CREATE A WILL OR TRANSFER ON DEATH INSTRUMENT

A report by the Institute of Housing Studies found estate planning is one of the keys to pass down generational wealth and reduce the risk of property deterioration and abandonment. When home owners do not set a plan for their properties, known as a estate planning, properties can fall in a complicated legal scenario that can be costly and lengthy

Homeowners should consider create a will that establishes how assets will be inherited and managed in case of death, Ford said.

CONSIDER THE ADVANTAGES OF A MULTI-UNIT PROPERTY

Multi-unit properties offer advantages to ﬁrsttime homebuyers as they can live in their property and rent another unit, having an additional income stream that helps pay for the mortgage and property maintenance.

“It’s absolutely the right move for people to weigh their options as it relates to their needs, whether they should buy a single family home versus a two-ﬂat,” Ford said.

Rep. La Shawn K. Ford

Michelle Flores from National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals

BUYING A HOUSE

Continued from page B1

when they sell with NACA. We occasionally have members who leave NACA and they still want us to be their agents; we’re licensed the same as everyone else. There’s nothing that any other brokerage in the state that I can’t do as a managing broker at NACA.

What services does NACA offer?

We do organic lending. We don’t look at the things traditional lenders look at in terms of credit score. Now, we don’t look at credit score, but we are going to look at your payment history, if you have bankruptcy or foreclosure, all of those things do matter We just don’t look at the actual score. With us, if we don’t qualify you right away, you have to be HUD-counseled. We have people that come through our program who have never saved before in their life, and they may not really have a lot of credit. If you don’t have a lot of credit, that affects your score too. They may have one credit card bill and a light bill and a cell phone bill that we have to use to qualify them. We put everybody on a plan so they have to attend a workshop.

Every two weeks, we do a home buyer workshop where we go amongst the group and

we say, “Hey, this is who we are. We’re going to help you.” When we do these workshops, it’s a couple hundred people there. They’re offered a priority appointment if they work with me or my team, meaning the in-house agents — but they don’t have to. They can work with any agent they want. We always help. We make sure that people know that you are not required to work with a NACA agent, it’s just that we know the program. And then what happens is they go through counseling. Some people may be approved in two weeks, some people may be approved in two months and some people, it may take them two years. It just depends on where they’re starting from. But we don’t tell anybody no. We may say not now, but we’re not going to say no. We get people that have been through foreclosures, they’ve been through bankruptcies, they’re going through a divorce. If you can’t get qualiﬁed right away, we put you on an action plan, and from that action plan, it is determined that it’s going to take us a certain amount of time, and we need you to do these steps, but if you do exactly what you’re told to do, and you follow that time frame, you’re going to get approved for the mortgage.

Why is the work NACA does important?

We get a lot of buyers who are the ﬁrst person in their family to ever purchase a home, and a

“Some people may be approved in two weeks, some people may be approved in two months and some people, it may take them two years. It just depends on where they’re starting from. But we don’t tell anybody no.”

— Josie Hood

lot of times that’s just because people perish for lack of knowledge, which is what I always say People don’t realize that there are programs out there like NACA that can help them. If you go to a traditional lender and they say, we’re looking for a 680 credit score, we want you to have 20% down, all of this criteria — everybody doesn’t have that. There are people who are on Social Security with a ﬁxed income, or people who have gone through a divorce, or have had

some hiccups in life, some foreclosures and some bankruptcies. Those people need a chance, too, and so we advocate and we ﬁght for them. We counsel them back to health. And the people that aren’t being counseled back to health, we help them to get healthy ﬁnancially

You get some people that come back and they cry because they say, ‘I’ve never saved in my life’. And I said, ‘You know what? You just needed to not go to the coffee shop ﬁve days a week. Maybe you can just go one, right?’ or ‘You don’t need to go to the salon every week, maybe try to go once a month.’ Stop paying those little payments on those credit cards. Stop ignoring those hospital bills.

You don’t know what you don’t know

Sometimes the situation gets so helpless that they just need direction. And our buyers oftentimes do need more hand-holding. People just need to know there’s help out there. What I always saw in my workshops is, “If you got to pay somebody’s mortgage, it might as well be your own. If you can pay $1,800 a month to rent, you can purchase.”

Also, people think NACA is just for low-income people. People think you have to live in a bad neighborhood. That is so not true. You can go through NACA and be extremely well. NACA does 100% ﬁnancing, so why spend that money on a downpayment, for example, when you can take it and invest or do something else with it?

What is your advice to a ﬁrst time home buyer?

Even if I did not work for NACA, I would say to go check out NACA, if nothing else, for that HUD-certiﬁed training, because even if they go through that process and they decide they’re not going to go through NACA, they will certainly be on the right track, because they’re going to talk to you about savings.

Oftentimes, your ﬁrst home, your ﬁrst property purchase is not your dream one. But you got to start somewhere. Stop maxing those credit cards out. You need to pr obably start to prepare yourself six months to a year before you’re preparing yourself. A lot of times, we have to change our spending habits, because when we use our debit cards and credit cards, they make it so much easier to spend money that you don’t have because it’s just a swipe. And when you’re in the process of buying a house, those are things you got to control — the swipes — because you don’t really realize sometimes how much you spent.

Follow us each month in print and at https://www.austinweeklynews.com/ at-home/, where you’ll ﬁnd additional resources and useful information.

What Does the West Side Of To First Time Homebuyers?

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Special Projects Reporter

As of June, the Chicago real estate market was “somewhat competitive,” according to real estate ﬁrm Redﬁn. Throughout the city, homes receive three offers on average, and take about 54 days to sell.

In comparison, homes spend around 65 days on the market in Austin and around 70 in North Lawndale.

During the past ﬁve years, home sales prices

in some West Side neighborhoods increased at a higher rate than the rest of the country

Homes prices increased the most in North Lawndale, by almost 20%. On average, home prices increased 4% nationwide.

Austin homes also increased their prices during the past 5 years at about triple the rate than the rest of the country. Meanwhile, West Gaﬁeld Park home prices increased at about the same rate than homes across the United States.

Yet, within the city of Chicago, West Side neighborhoods offer more affordable housing

than other neighborhoods. Neighborhoods like Austin have a great housing stock and offer buyers more for their money, said State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford.

Despite higher interest rates than those experienced during the pandemic, it is good time to buy for those who are to purchase their ﬁrst home, Ford said.

“Buy it now, because when the rates go down, then the prices go up. So buy lower now and you can always rate,” he said.