Austin Weekly News 092221

FREE

■

Vol. 35 No. 38

■

A West Side youth center honors its namesake

September 22, 2021

■

austinweeklynews.com

■

Also serving Garfield Park

@AustinWeeklyChi

PAGE 2

@AustinWeeklyNews

Remembering Allison Payne, page 10

A garden oasis materializes in Austin Former Mason Community Garden in Austin’s Island neighborhood reopens as the Island Oasis

By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

Volunteers were still putting the finishing touches on the newly minted Island Oasis community garden a day before the much-anticipated Sept. 19 grand opening.

Formerly known as the Mason Community Garden, the lot at 1114 S. Mason Ave. has been extensively renovated into a combination of a garden, a play area and an outdoor meeting space. The 1100 South Mason Block Club teamed up with NeighborSpace, a community garden development nonprofit, and Human Scale, a nonprofit architecture firm, to acquire the lot from the city and build the amenities.

The volunteers involved in the project said that it demonstrates how much the community can accomplish when they work together and that they’re proud to do their part to improve the Island’s only park.

The Island neighborhood is separated from the rest of the Austin community area by the Eisenhower Expressway in the north and industrial businesses in the east.

Nate Tubbs, president of the Mason block club, has said that because the neighborhood doesn’t have its own park, residents end up going across the expressway to Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., or to the parks in neighboring Oak Park and Cicero.

The block club has been taking care of the See ISLAND OASIS on page 14

Causing a riot

Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Lupe Fiasco performs The Cool during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021. More of Block Club Chicago’s Riot Fest photos on pages 4 and 5.

West Side garden to become art installation Installation for Chicago Architectural Biennial shows potential of vacant urban space

By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

A West Side community garden will soon host a functional art installation that will merge a structure meant for people with the ecological environment surrounding it.

A pavilion, designed to be a haven for people, plants, animals and fungi, is expected to be completed Friday as part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, the largest international expo for contemporary design and architecture in North America. The project is known as The Living Room.

The installation is part of the ongoing development of a permaculture food forest at six formerly vacant lots at 1320 S. Pulaski Rd., owned and managed by the Chicago Christian Alternative Academy in North Lawndale. The sustainable food See GARDEN on page 3

2

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

West Side youth center plans lessons to honor namesake On anniversary of Birmingham church bombing, the Carole Robertson Centers for Learning will host activities and lessons to teach students about the tragedy

By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

On the anniversary week of the Civil Rights-era bombing of a Black church in Birmingham, students and teachers at a West Side youth center are commemorating the legacy of the four girls killed in the White Supremacist attack.

The Sept. 15, 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church by the Ku Klux Klan became a rallying cry for civil rights leaders that spurred the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Carole Robertson Centers for Learning is planning a week of lessons and activities for their students to celebrate the memory of the four girls and the intensified push for social change that followed their deaths.

The early education and youth development organization is named for one of the 14-year-old girls who was killed in the racist bombing, Carole Robertson. The other girls killed at the church were Addie Mae Collins, 14, Cynthia Wesley, 14, and Carol Denise McNair, 11. As many as 22 others in the church were injured in the bombing.

The second annual commemoration, Baptist Church, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedubbed Legacy Week, aims to “refresh our livered a eulogy for the girls where he pledge commitment to social justice and equity, not their deaths would not be in vain, describing only through speech but through action, edu- them as “martyred heroines of a holy crucation and the provision of resources to our sade for freedom and human dignity.” King families,” said Candice Washington, teacher also sent a message to Alabama’s governor and co-chair of the group’s social that read, “The blood of our little justice and equity committee. children is on your hands.”

Activities for younger chilAt least 160 students and staff dren will be geared toward “seeacross the Carole Robertson Cening the humanity of these four ters in North Lawndale, Little Villittle girls,” Washington said. In lage and Albany Park will particitheir daily lessons, students will pate in a peace march Thursday to learn about Robertson’s life, and commemorate the lasting impact who she was as a person. the young girls had on the advance“She was just a child who ment of social equity. loved to laugh, who loved sciOlder youth between ages 11-17 ence and dancing,” Washington CAROLE ROBERTSON will create mixed-media murals said. throughout the week at each of The week’s activities will also the centers. The murals will be dehighlight the tremendous impact Robertson signed by the young people to depict the four and the other three victims had on the Civil victims of the bombings. Students will also Rights era. Their deaths mobilized masses participate in a reflective essay writing activof people to take to the streets, become politi- ity that will accompany the mural. cally engaged, and fight back against racism The center will screen the 1997 Spike Lee and segregation. documentary, “4 Little Girls,” which will alDays after the bombing of the 16th Street low older children to “dive into the human-

DO IT FOR THE WESTSIDE VISIT

ity and the lives of these four little girls, their families, Dr. King and give them an understanding of what really happened.”

All members of the communities surrounding the Carole Robertson Centers can take advantage of a free multicultural library stationed at each location: 2929 W. 19th St. in Little Village; 3701 W. Ogden Ave. in Lawndale; and 5101 N. Kimball Ave. in Albany Park.

The collection of books, activities and lesson plans will be set up on tables inside and outside the centers, and will consist of books that “enable students and children to gain a better understanding of both our culture and the cultures of others,” Washington said.

Last year’s Legacy Week at the center was a huge success, Washington said. The activities are meant to spark difficult conversations within the classrooms that can encourage young people to develop a strong compass that can guide them through social issues, she said.

“We want to show the children how they can get civically engaged in their communities. … and really start preparing our future leaders to become advocates for hope and justice,” she said.

CONTACT: pascal@blockclubchi.org

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

GARDEN

AUSTIN WEEKLY

Merging humanity with nature from page 1 forest has vegetable plants, edible shrubs and fruit trees that grow apples, pears, persimmons and pawpaws so any member of the neighborhood can access fresh produce for free.

The food forest is a few years old and it will take at least seven years to fully establish the permaculture. The dozens of species of edible plants are naturally suited to thrive in Chicago’s cliPROVIDED mate, said Dr. Myra Sampson, the founding principal for the high Left: The Living Room is a pavilion being built at the CCA permaculture food forest. Right: school.

Architects Michael Loverich and Antonio Torres build totems for the Living Room pavilion from “It’s an attempt to help restore raw wood. the earth as we restore ourselves,” Sampson said. “We are so tion. The materials also will allow students such as beekeeping lessons and soil bioused to trying to mold things to our environ- and residents to grow edible mushrooms on nutrient classes at the food forest. Residents ment and our needs, instead of letting the portions of the totems. can also use the pavilion for their own purearth mold us and tell us what to do, what Birds and insects will be able to nest in the poses, like for performances and meetings. to plant there. That’s a part of permacul- different layers of the structure, which are “Our students need concrete things. Urture that I just really love, that we’re not in intended to “create a lot of different spaces ban agriculture and ecology is just a way control of everything, but we are a part of for either people to hang out in, but also for of teaching them to take care of the earth, everything.” animals to live in and inhabit,” Loverich how to be responsible, how to be in comLike the rest of the food forest, the pavil- said. munity with one another. And at the same ion is being designed to follow principles It will also include 8-foot-high baskets time, to provide food and nourishment for of permaculture — working with nature made from layers of woven willow branch- the body,” Sampson said. rather than against it. The structure is be- es, as well as live willow trees that will grow The events, programs and other ways ing created by Antonio Torres and Michael in and around the pavilion, giving it an “in- residents will utilize the pavilion will also Loverich, founders of the Bittertang Farm terconnectivity of all of these different ele- be an invitation for people to think differarchitecture firm, to “play with permacul- ments to kind of create this self-sustaining ently about ecology, food and health, said ture processes so that they can also start to ecosystem,” Loverich said.

David Brown, artistic director for the Chibecome part of the architecture of the pavil“It becomes a scaffolding for people to cago Architecture Biennial. ion,” Torres said. interact differently with the nature around “Coming there for other activities, it enThe pavilion will include several 20-foot them. That was the thing that was really ex- courages, inadvertently, the awareness of totems made from raw, natural materials, citing for us architecturally,” Loverich said. growing healthy food and healthy eating,” including untreated wood designed to natuThe Chicago Christian Alternative Acad- Brown said. “Those that aren’t necessarrally evolve over the lifespan of the installa- emy hosts community education programs, ily interested in gardening, through the space… may discover gardening.”

The Living Room pavilion stays true to this year’s theme of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Brown said: The Available City. The projects in this year’s expo are meant to inspire people to radically reimagine the possibilities of what could exist in open and public spaces, especially on the thousands of vacant lots around the city.

Like the permaculture forests that are built to evolve alongside nature, this year’s featured architecture projects are meant to highlight “improvisational” designs that “kind of build over time,” Brown said.

“Urban design isn’t meant to be something that has direction from the start.

The specific and particular aspects are not known until you really start to work with community organizations, and they can evolve over time,” Brown said.

PROVIDED

The Living Room pavilion is being built in the CCA Academy’s permaculture food forest.

Subscribe to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.

Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.

news

Equity Editor/Ombudsman/Editor Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Contributing Reporter Igor Studenkov 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 Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner ≈ Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich ≈ GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson , Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer ≈ HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 773-626-6332 FAX 708-467-9066 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com TWITTER @AustinWeeklyChi Austin Weekly News is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. It is distributed free of charge at locations across Austin and Garfield Park. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Advertising rates are available by calling our office.

Printed entirely on recycled paper. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

3

4

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

R I O T

F E S T

2 0 2 1

The Smashing Pumpkins perform during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021.

Beach Bunny performs during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021.

Fans watch Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021.

Photos by Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

5

Bring Home a Taste of Some of your Favorite Moments

RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

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

$11.99

$17.99

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

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

Coheed and Cambria performs during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021.

3 Vienna Hot Dogs w/ Fries $ .49

8

Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Fries $ .49

8

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $10.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $7.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .99

2

Medicare has changed.

Find out how it can affect you.

A fan has a moment as Coheed and Cambria perform during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021.

Important changes to the federal Medicare program became effective at the beginning of the year. As a result, retirees in your state may be eligible for coverage with new options.

Find out if you qualify for Medicare Supplement insurance from Physicians Life Insurance Company that can help limit your out-of-pocket expenses.

For FREE information, call:

1-888-551-3072 or visit MedSupBenefit.com/forest

Get the facts that matter to you: • Critical dates for Medicare eligibility • Options that can help keep more money in your pocket • Medicare benefits many retirees may not be aware of

Sublime performs with Rome during the first night of Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 17, 2021.

In CO, LA, WI: Important Information: Medicare Supplement policies are available to people under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to a disability.

We are not connected with, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare Program. Requests for additional information, including costs, exclusions, and limitations, require contact with an insurance agent or insurance company. This is a solicitation of insurance. L030, L035, L036, L037, L038, F001, F002 (LA: L030LA, L035LA, L036LA, L037LA, L038LA; WI: L535, L536, L537, L538, L539). 2600 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68131.

6244_D

6

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

F

A ‘Black woman’s body was never hers alone’

annie Lou Hamer, a brilliant civil rights advocate in the racially dangerous 1960s state of Mississippi, entered a hospital to have minor surgery. She emerged with her reproductive organs altered such that she could never procreate. Unknowingly, she had been the victim of a barbaric act—sterilization without her consent.

In 2002, the state of North Carolina apologized for the irreparable and immeasurable harm many poor Black women and girls endured when their ability to bare children was wrenched away from them by degrading sterilizations performed without their consent or knowledge.

I am a Black woman watching the abominable ways in which powerful white males are attempting to take away women’s rights to control and govern their own bodies, and it dredges up the terrifying history of the many inhumane ways in which Black female bodies have been the site of unconscionable behaviors at the hands of white males.

There is a long history of degradation, damage and harm. So, we must pay attention.

For example, J. Marion Sims, previously dubbed the “father of gynecology,” acquired his knowledge by performing horrific, unsafe, painful, and unsanitary “experiments” on Black women’s bodies. It was the 1800s and these Black women, obviously, lacked agency

Black people’s lack of equal as they were experimented on protection under the law permitwithout even so much as anestheted the wanton exploitation of sia. Until 2018, there was a statue Black women’s bodies in the of Sims in Central Park, across south and, all too often, in the from the New York Academy north, too. of Medicine, commemorating This belief some men poshis life and work. That is, until sess regarding their “right” to women demanded its removal. commandeer a woman’s womb, During slavery, many Black and make life-altering, traumatizwomen were violently forced ing decisions at the site of that to submit to rape to conceive woman’s body has to be stamped children in order to increase the out and stopped. It is absurd and enslaved workforce that built this retrograde. It is a savage assercountry. Black women were also Commentary tion of raw power, and it is a way brutally raped by white men even for men to be in perpetual control when they were “married” (alof a woman’s life. though such marriages were not For if a man rapes a woman, and she recognized by whites) or already pregnant. becomes pregnant without the option of an Black girls were raped and impregnated by abortion, he has continued rights in her life white males, too — sometimes by their own despite this crude and cruel intrusion into white fathers. her world. It is a naked attempt to circumUnrelenting assaults upon Black women scribe a woman’s freedom, psychological continued in the Jim Crow era and made life health, pursuit of happiness, and life. and community extremely difficult. The apHere, in 2021, we are once again in a fight palling 1944 gang rape of 24-year-old Alabamover who controls Black women’s bodies — ian Recy Taylor by white men from “promias if it should even be up for consideration. nent” families, according to the Chicago As if Black women’s bodies were property, Defender newspaper, was just one of many as if Black women’s bodies were publicly atrocities allowed during a time when access owned, as if Black women are never to have to any semblance of justice was mostly off limits for Blacks. Taylor was a wife and moth- sanctuary in, and possession of, their own bodies. As Fannie Lou Hamer once declared, er whose “rights” meant nothing.

DR. RHONDA SHERROD

a “Black woman’s body was never hers alone.” This must be challenged and changed for the good of all.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once noted that, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This threat to the settled jurisprudence of Roe v. Wade is a threat to the rule of law and to all women everywhere who value autonomy and freedom. A woman who has an abortion has likely made one of the most difficult and heart rending decisions of her life, but it is her decision to make based on her life’s circumstances.

White men who support this egregious harm to the reproductive freedom of women and girls are lusting for complete, unfettered power and control. Many of these men are the same ones willing to fight to the death over their “right” to run around unmasked in the midst of a public health pandemic.

They are the ones who argue, with respect to vaccinations, that they have the right to control their own bodies. The inconsistency in their arguments is obvious, but perhaps the meaning is not: Only their freedoms are important.

This shameless gambit is inimical to everything this country is supposed to stand for and against. It is an affront to the basic tenets of natural and constitutional law and it must be stopped.

Now.

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

I

Happy first day of fall!

f I had to grade myself on doing everything I should have done by this time, I’m only going to give myself a B-. I have huge expectations for myself, and I didn’t do all the one million and one things I should have. I had initially given myself an even lower score, but then I really looked at all the things I did and those I did do, I did very well.

One of the things that happens as we age is that our mind still sees our bodies as they were in the prime of our lives. So I have expectations for myself that are probably impossible to achieve at this point. My mind races at a hundred miles per hour. My body moves more like the speed limit.

One of my major achievements this past summer was to get my second-story deck ready.

That involved stripping the horrific paint I had applied to the floor years back and restoring the wood to its natural glory.

Not only did that take weeks, it also involved me getting on my hands and knees. But the end result was well worth it.

I love the coziness of my finished deck.

For me, there’s a fine line between cozy and clutter. That line will be a reality when it comes time for me to store items that I don’t want to sit out for the winter.

I’ve already started by taking the allseason rugs and power washing them.

Even though, allegedly, they can take the weather, I really don’t want to tempt fate.

Especially because they might interfere with the ability of the deck to melt the snow. After all the work I put into refinishing that wood, I don’t want to risk anything that might lead to mold, rot, etc.

I’m going to determine if I breached that line when I give myself less than two hours to close down the deck for the winter.

I also have a concrete patio out back. For years I kept the slingback chairs that came with the outdoor bar set as the fabric wore thin. My goal was to replace the original fabric with new ones. This year, I ended up finding four replacement chairs. Sometimes we have to let go of the projects that aren’t going to get done so that we can move forward. I powerwashed that patio, planted my garden, and painted the patio table and chairs. I bought the spray paint to paint the bar, but it looks like that will be a nextyear project.

I just finished painting my front security door. In 1989, that door cost me almost $600.

Other than replacing the brass mail slot that has pitted over time, the basic door has held up well. I’m going to let the paint cure for a week and then use liquid car wax to add a waterproofing effect.

I write about these things not to brag, but to demonstrate that keeping these 100-yearold bungalow houses up in appearance is an ongoing, sometimes very slow, but necessary chore. And unlike those TV shows where they do a complete house renovation in an hour, the real world moves at a much slower, but steady, pace.

When even dilapidated houses in Austin are selling for at least $150,000 and more, keeping up the appearance of this neighborhood by maintaining and updating one’s property is imperative. Now that the fall is here, my projects will move indoors.

ARLENE JONES

“ One of may major achievements this past summer was to get my second-story deck ready.”

“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

7

8

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

Split opinion emerges on repainting West Side mural Talks between city officials and artist Rahmaan Barnes to repaint a mural on the Central Avenue CTA/Metra viaduct complicated by ward boundaries

By IGOR STUDENOV Contributing Reporter

The first meeting about replacing the mural on the Central Avenue CTA/Metra viaduct got derailed when it became clear that ward officials and the other attendees had different ideas about the project’s scope.

In 2007, artist Rahmaan Barnes, also known as Statik, worked with Austin youth enrolled in the After School Matters program to paint murals on both sides of the viaduct. Since then, the murals have experienced wear and graffiti damage. Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) is looking to use “aldermanic menu” funds to pay Barnes to repaint the mural.

The issue is that, while the west wall is part of the 29th Ward, the east wall is part of Ald. Emma Mitts’ 37th Ward. During the Sept. 10 virtual meeting on the project, which was attended by around 10 to 12 people, Byron Watson, Talieferro’s chief of staff, said that it would only involve the west wall, since aldermen can only spend the menu funds within their own wards.

But Barnes said that he was under the im-

pression that the project would involve both walls and argued that it made no sense to repaint only half of the piece. After some back and forth, the officials agreed to hold off on any further meeting until the two aldermen could discuss the issue.

The existing murals, entitled “Toward the Bright Future,” are located under the spot where the Green ‘L’ Line and Union Pacific West Metra line tracks pass over Central Avenue. As Austin Weekly News reported at the time, Barnes came up with the theme and the young peple developed the details under his guidance. The resulting murals feature trains and buses, Chicago cityscapes and Black leaders such as Fred Hampton, Nelson Mandala and Martin Luther King Jr. During Sept. 10 meeting, Barnes said that he wanted to elaborate on the earlier mural’s themes, while also doing something that specifically reflects West Side history.

He added that he wanted to gets residents’ input about what kind of imagery they would like to see.

Every year, each alderman gets $1.32 million in menu money to fund infrastructure projects, including the more decorative im-

IGOR STUDENKOV/Contributor

The existing mural on the Central Avenue CTA/Metra viaduct, which was painted in 2007. provements such as murals. Several aldermen, including Taliaferro, use the participatory budgeting process to let residents vote on how they should spend it.

Redoing the viaduct murals was one of the winning projects in the 2017 participatory budgeting vote.

During the Sept. 10 meeting, Joanna Goebel, the curator of public art at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), touched on the history of the mural and Barnes’ work, mentioning that the project would cost “around $30,000.”

But when she mentioned that the mural would be painted on both sides of the viaduct, Watson said that the project would only include the west wall and cost half of that. Barnes said that he would prefer to repaint both sides, noting that the original project costs less than $30,000.

“My goal [with] public art is to make sure that the projects I’m involved with have a large visual impact on the community, making your own neighborhood Mt. Rushmore, if you will,” he said.

Watson emphasized that painting the east wall would require Mitts’ approval and that

any negotiations would slow the project down.

“We have no say over [what happens] in the 37th Ward,” he said. “That’s why it’s the west side of the viaduct. This is where the alderman is spending the money, the west side.”

The residents who tuned into the meeting were divided on the topic. Some agreed that it would be better to paint the west side of the mural up rather than wait for negotiations, given that the project has already been delayed. Others argued that, given how many drivers and pedestrians pass under the viaduct, it makes no sense to only refresh one side.

After some more discussion, the officials agreed to end the meeting and schedule another one once the aldermen discuss the situation.

During his Sept. 15 community meeting, Taliaferro said that he is still working on setting up meeting with Mitts, but he was optimistic that they would be able to come to an agreement.

CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE

Learn Fast, Earn Fast Dream Big, Go Local ccc.edu/wrightjobhire

West Suburban Cares for You! At a time when many hospitals no longer provide maternity services, West Suburban Medical Center is recognized as one of the top maternity hospitals in the nation and among the top three in Illinois by Newsweek and The Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare advocacy organization.

“That’s why West Sub is a blessing to our community.”

- The Rev. Marshall Hatch, Pastor, New Mount Pilgrim, and Member, West Suburban Governing Board

For more information about clinical services at West Suburban Medical Center, visit www.westsuburbanmc.com

9

10

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

My memories of Allison Payne

By DEBORAH FARMER Commentary

Allison Payne was a giant in the Journalism and Media space to many but also invisible to others. Her passing has been a tough pill to swallow for those who knew, loved, and adored her but has been just another flying story for those who didn’t even know her face or name.

I remember sitting on the campus of Lewis University as a Radio and Television broadcasting major watching the legendary Allison Payne on the news Monday through Friday, wishing I could just be even half the journalist that she was.

The summer of ‘93, it was me armed with the same Greek letters she had, Delta Sigma Theta of course, from Lewis University, to intern at WGN where I went to meet my idol. Allison was the ultimate blend of my two sheroes: Iman and Shirley Chisholm.

She was a tall and beautifully statuesque freedom fighter. Nothing brought the kind of excitement than me rolling up and seeing her pearl colored Infinity car in her personal parking spot. I spent 11 years working at the same news organization she worked at, watching her every move and being impressed with her style and grace.

For every athlete who grew up wanting to be like Mike, there was a generation of

young Black and Brown girls with a mic who wanted to be like Allison Payne. She was just that good. No, better than good.

She was just that special. Allison was “Being Mary Jane” before Gabrielle Union stepped forth in her role of that dynamic woman on BET. She was the consummate class act, an amazing media professional who went above and beyond to tell the stories. Had there been a consultant needed for “Being Mary Jane”, Allison Payne should have been at the top of the list.

Her office was like a therapy session for many people. The only thing she was missing was a couch, but when you entered into that space it was as if you were transported. You may have gone in to vent and talk about things but you always came out changed. Sitting in my cubicle outside of her office, I witnessed firsthand how many people sought Allison for counsel and advice or just shared their weekend stories.

She served everyone and she gave everything she had to whoever needed it.

See, it didn’t matter what was happening, Allison taught you how to find the story in it. It was after our work trip to LA that an unexpected incident happened during our stay. That incident made me come back to Chicago and pitch a story to her and our news director about Black men living a double sex life. The lifestyle was called

PROVIDED

Allison Payne “Brothers on the Down Low.” We interviewed JL King who wrote a book with the same title. By her crafting this story, we could address the epidemic of Black women getting HIV and AIDS from men that lived this lifestyle.

She gave me so many opportunities and tools needed to be successful in this industry. She was a big sister and mentor all in one. Allison used to tell me I was wise beyond my years. Telling me things like, “Deborah Brown, you see the red flags for

EVERY THURSDAY THROUGH 9/30 1 P.M. - 6 P.M.

FA RM ER S AUSTIN TOWN HALL M A RK ET 5610 W. LAKE ST

what they were and I see them and put it on like a cape. Like Little Red Riding Hood.”

We would laugh hysterically about things like that and so many others.

Read the full tribute online at: austinweeklynews.com.

Deborah Farmer is the president of Brown Farmer Media Group Inc., a full-service, Chicago-based communications firm. She’s the former director of station relations at NBC5-TV Chicago.

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

W E S T

S I D E

L I V E S

West Suburban Cares for You!

FILE

Athena Williams

Remembering her father’s West Side restaurant

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Athena Williams, a West Side native and the executive director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center in Oak Park, spoke briefly on Thursday about memories she has of her father’s West Side restaurant, once a community institution.

My father had a business, Green Southern BBQ. It’s interesting, because as old as I am, some people, when they see me, they reflect back to my father’s business.

Growing up, it was on the corner of Lake and Pulaski, right under the L stop.

I graduated from Whitney Young and I would take the train, get off and go right there to the business. And then we moved

over to Washington and Pulaski later on.

I grew up in Garfield Park, we had the business there, and we lived in the 4400 block of Jackson and I would walk home from the restaurant and see all of the business owners. Business was thriving then. It was just great to see all the Black business owners in the community.

My father was a staple and I was Mr. Green’s daughter. So, walking home, I would stop in all of the businesses and talk to the business people. We were thriving back then. And I’m looking forward to the Soul City Corridor [a portion of Chicago Avenue, from Austin to Kilpatrick] becoming that again.

At a time when many hospitals no longer provide maternity services, West Suburban Medical Center is recognized as one of the top maternity hospitals in the nation and among the top three in Illinois

by Newsweek and The Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare advocacy organization.

“That’s why West Sub is a blessing to our community.”

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

- The Rev. Marshall Hatch, Pastor, New Mount Pilgrim, and Member, West Suburban Governing Board

For more information about clinical services at West Suburban Medical Center, visit

www.westsuburbanmc.com

APPLY NOW: COOKCOUNTYSHERIFF.ORG

11

12

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

River Forest Public Schools District 90

River Forest D90 has an opening for a Evening Custodian. Responsible for cleaning of buildings and grounds, as assigned. A strong work ethic, interpersonal skills and custodial experience is required. Salary commensurate with experience. For consideration, please complete an online application on our District website at www.district90.org.

HIRING BONUS!

Part Time Positions Available for 2021-22 school year After-School Recreation / Day Care Worker Youth Development Specialist On site at Oak Park public schools The Day Care Program of Hephzibah Children’s Association is accepting applications for nurturing individuals to provide care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children in the After School Day Care program on site at Oak Park public schools. The days and hours are Mon – Fri from 2:30-6:00 PM and 2:00-6:00 PM on Wednesdays.

Plan and supervise arts and crafts, indoor & outdoor play, games, sports, homework help and more.

Requirements include: -previous experience working with children -6 semester hours in education, recreation, social work or related college courses desired Program starts mid-August and runs through the 2021-22 school year.

Contact MJ Joyce at mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Responsible for Developing and Implementing real-time, clinical decision-support software for some of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. Requires Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of experience or Master’s degree plus 2 years of experience in software development. Review full job duties online and apply to: employment@vigilanzcorp.com

HIRING BONUS!

HEPHZIBAH DAY CARE PROGRAM SITE SUPERVISOR Hephzibah Children’s Association offers after school day care on site at each of the Oak Park elementary schools.

The Day Care Program is accepting applications for a Site Supervisor for the 2021-2022 school year to provide supervision to childcare staff as well as care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children.

Regular days and hours are Monday through Friday from 2:30 - 6:00 PM, Wednesday 1:30 – 6:00 PM. Additional hours on school closing days, in coordination with the school district calendar. May work other hours during school holidays and for staff meetings.

Associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or the equivalent in child development or education desired. Previous experience working with children required.

Program starts mid-August and runs through the school year.

Contact MJ Joyce at mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department.

This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications September 24, 2021.

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave.

Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt.

312-212-1212

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

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011 OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICE Oak Park: Free wifi; flexible leasing, and offices nicely furnished right down to the Kleenex. Secure building & friendly colleagues, often giving referrals to other office mates. Shared Waiting room, Conference room & option to join Peer Supervision Group. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708-383-0729

YARD SALE Oak Park

FREE RUMMAGE SALE JUDSON BAPTIST CHURCH 1252 N AUSTIN AVE SATURDAY OCTOBER 2 11AM-2PM

Small home appliances, clothing, furniture, and more! Everything is free! Event will take place outside in church parking lot.

ITEMS FOR SALE PIANO FOR SALE

Chickering 1938 grand piano, 5’4”.

Good condition. Refurbished and restrung in the past. Buyer must move. Reasonable at $1000.

Call 312-339-2370

CITY RENTALS

CITY RENTALS

AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list for both One and Two Bedroom Apartments! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Apartments offered with an occupancy of one to four persons. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance. Austin Renaissance will accept requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than , September 15, 2021. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064 or Email requests to mrpaul.tcrg@gmail.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.

Starting a New Business?

Town Center Realty Group LLC

CEMETERY PLOTS

WANTED TO BUY

3 FOREST HOME CEMETERY PLOTS

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

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

(3) Side by side Forest Home Cemetery plots. Lot 83 Block SO Section 75. Located at west end of cemetery. Reasonable offers considered. Contact: 815-671-9321

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

Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang Top $$ Etc. $$$$Top $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.

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

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad!

Call Stacyfor details: 773/626-6332

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

Attention Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Home-Improvement Pros!

Ferrari’s, Muscle Cars, Reach theJaguars, people making the decisions.Place an ad in Austin Classified!

Mustang & Mopars AustinWeeklyNews.com

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.Call 773/626-6332 Collector James

630-201-8122

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-4, Mortgage Loan Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-4 Plaintiff, vs.

Ozzie Givens; Leo Givens, Jr., AKA Leo Givens AKA Leo Givins; Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., its successors and assigns; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants Defendants, 20 ch 5322

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BANTAM FUNDING TRUST 2018-1 Plaintiff, -v.ANNIE COATS A/K/A ANNIE HOWARD, SANDRA DILLON, PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 18 CH 10251 5006 WEST ADAMS STREET CHICAGO, IL 60644 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 26, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 19, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5006 WEST ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60644 Property Index No. 16-16-204-0370000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

The judgment amount was $157,982.04.

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.

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, The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm 3pm.. Please refer to file number 17-085098.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 17-085098 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 18 CH 10251 TJSC#: 41-1453 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 18 CH 10251 I3176347

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, October 18, 2021 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: P.I.N. 16-03-309-026-0000.

Commonly known as 4448 WEST AUGUSTA BOULEVARD, CHICAGO, IL 60651.

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 Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 20-014460 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3175858

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

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

HANDYMAN

LANDSCAPING

HANDYMAN

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

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

773-637-0692

Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

Ask for John

Attention Home-Improvement Pros!

708-243-0571

Reach the people making the decisions.

Place an ad in Austin Classified!

Call 773/626-6332

13

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

PLUMBING Supreme Plumbing & Sewer Services Installation: kitchens, baths, showers •Sewer Systems Piping Clogged drains •Water heaters

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Quality workmanship & service 20+ years’ experience Locally owned & operated

Free Estimates!

708-955-7844

johnlavin530@gmail.com License #PR-1234

Hire Local.

Place an ad on AWN’s Local Online Job Board Visit AustinWeeklyNews.com/classified today!

Contact Stacy Coleman for more information.

(773) 626-6332 • scoleman@growingcommunity.org

14

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

ISLAND OASIS

A refreshing escape from page 1 Mason Avenue lot since 2018, using it as a community garden, a play area and a meeting space. They wanted to improve the space, but they didn’t have the money and resources to do it.

East Garfield Park-based NeighborSpace, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., helps community groups maintain community gardens by paying for insurance, providing access to water and sharing resources, leaving the community groups to handle the actual gardening. If the groups are interested in making improvements, NeighborSpace helps raise the funds and works with the contractors to get it done.

On Feb. 29, the city sold the lot to NeighborSpace for $1. Robin Cline, the organization’s assistant director, said that COVID-19 drove home the importance of outdoor gathering spaces.

“Using community gardens as natural spaces for intergenerational activity, not just for planting, but for playing, for being together, for noticing nature, for being part of a community… the Island Oasis garden is just that, an oasis for this very moment,” she said.

Throughout late 2020 and early 2021, Human Scale worked with residents to refine the concept. One of the volunteers involved said she appreciates that the nonprofit took

IGOR STUDENKOV/Contributor

A child plays in the Island Oasis in Austin in September. their views into account.

Tubbs said that the garden’s name was changed during the design process. “[The neighbors wanted] to convey that the space is for the entire Island neighborhood to enjoy and find rest,” he said. “Our neighborhood does not have any other parks or gardens, so we wanted to connect this space directly to the community.”

The garden features planters by the fence and along the sides, shelters with tables and benches on the east side of the garden, a wooden stage with a pull-down screen and a wooden pit near the middle, and a play structure on the west end.

According to Aylen Pacheco, founder of Human Scale and the manager for the garden project, the benches can be moved in order to serve as seating when the stage is in use, or as benches for those who garden.

She also said that they tried to use as many existing features as possible. For example, the play structure stairs used the existing stumps.

Pacheco recalled when she first saw the lot in November 2020, when it was little more than dirt with some planters. Everything that went up since, she said, is a testament to the community’s hard work.

“When the community is given the op-

portunity to make decisions and be involved throughout the entire development, it produces long lasting and meaningful spaces,” she said. “Together, we transformed an empty lot into a garden, play space and a source of civic pride.”

Volunteers had their last work day on Sept. 18. The grand opening celebration took place the following afternoon.

Tiffany Sanders, who lives in a house directly south of the garden, said she’s been volunteering from the beginning, describing it as “a highlight of my summer.”

“I’m really excited about the garden, and the potential it has for the kids in the community,” she said. “We can come together here, socialize and just enjoy.”

Patricia Quinn, who was among the volunteers who brought food, said that she was impressed that Human Scale took community input into account.

“Since no one has built the park on the Island, we decided to do it ourselves,” she reflected. “This is the community coming together, working.”

Judy Wilson said she was also glad that the neighborhood now had its own park “It brought the neighborhood together, and it made it look better, and it got us to [get to] know our neighbors,” she said.

The Island Oasis community garden will be open from 8 a.m. until sundown. For more information about the garden, visit https://islandchicago.org/the-island-oasis/

CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021

We care about our neighbors Oak Park Regional Housing Center | 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park | (708) 848-7150 | oprhc.org

15

16

Austin Weekly News, September 22, 2021