How your West Side ward voted in the presidential election
Rep. La Shawn Ford also shares insights about why the election led to more red votes, even in blue Chicago
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
With about a month to go until President Elect Donald Trump takes over as United States President, you may be wondering how we got here, given Illinois’, Chicago’s, and the West Side’s Democratic leanings.
La Shawn Ford, state representative for the 8th District, said U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the presidential race is largely a result of
Gar eld Park pop-up grocery store returns
The market has ser ved as temporar y relief for West Side neighbors impacted by the 2021 closing of Aldi
By MICHAEL LIPTROT Block Club Chicago
Org anizers in Garfield Park have reopened a pop-up grocery store as they look forward to a development that will bring a permanent grocer back to the neighborhood
The Garfield Park Grocery Pop-Up, 4316 W. Madison St., is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 30, offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, dry goods and cleaning supplies.
Launched in spring 2022, the pop-up store is hosted by the Garfield Park Community Council in collaboration with the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative and West Side United.
The pop-up, across the street from the under-construction Sankofa Wellness Center, started in response to the abrupt closure in October 2021 of the Aldi store at 3835 W. Madison St. in West Garfield Park. The closure left some 15,000 West Side residents without access to a grocery store.
Last month, the city selected a development to replace Aldi that will include a new grocery store, restaurant and af fordable housing.
The pop-up, which served 663 customers last year, fills the hole left by Aldi, said Samantha Taylor, commercial district manager of the Garfield Park Community Council and manager of the Garfield Park Grocery Pop-Up.
“We’ve been received by the community very well, with just the fact that we are able to have fresh produce,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s role includes finding local vendors for the pop-up, which sells items at the same market-rate prices at which they’re purchased. Fresh fruits and ve getables are provided through Market Produce, 2530 W. Madison St. in East Garfield Park, and
meats are from Mario’s Butcher Shop, 5817 W. Madison St. in Austin.
The pop-up also offers recipe cards from Rush Hospital for healthy meals, and it accepts and matches up to $25 in purchases through the Link Match program.
Taylor said she’s hopeful the new grocer going into the development at the Aldi site, which is about five blocks east on Madison Street, will serve the needs of neighbors who are customers of the grocery pop-up.
“I’m happy to see that there’s something else going into that space, which will bring more residents into Garfield Park, as well as that, [the city of Chicago] also kept in mind that we needed the grocer,” Taylor said.
“But if the [pop-up] is needed, we will still be here,” she said.
As the development makes its way through the city’s approval process, the Garfield Park Community Council is hosting community dinners at St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church, 4106 W. Monroe St., to discuss the project. Check the council’s Facebook page for information on upcoming dinners.
AU STIN WEEKLY news
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MICHAEL LIPTROT/BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
Fresh produce, dry goods, and cleaning supplies on display at the Gar eld Park Grocery Pop-Up at at 4316 W. Madison St. on Dec. 2.
New plan aims to make Ce ntral Avenue ‘the spine of Austin’
Plan to make the corridor safe, vibrant and successful
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Central Avenue in Austin is on its way to becoming an improved main corridor on Chicago’s West Side.
Austin Coming Together and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning released their plan on Wednesday for how to redevelop Central Avenue and its intersections to cultivate an environment that best serves surrounding residents.
“This is just the beginning,” said ACT Executive Director Darnell Shields in a statement. “There is more and more happening in the Austin community, and the ACT Network is at the forefront of it.”
The Central Avenue Action plan outlines recommendations and how to implement and pay for them over the next several years. The plan will cost millions of dollars with funding support from CMAP,
alderperson funds, Tax Increment Finance funds, the City of Chicago, state and federal departments, plus philanthropy efforts. It includes three goals:
■ Creating an attractive, safe public realm for residents and visitors that helps unlock the neighborhood’s development potential.
■ Encouraging development that enhances quality of life and increases opportunities for residents.
■ Building community support and partnerships, identifying funding sources, and securing other resources to advance community priorities.
To create a safe, attractive public realm, the plan envisions making Central Avenue “the spine of Austin” by creating more assets and open space around Lake and Central and around Madison and Central. This means sidewalk repairs, improved street lighting, and even a plan to let local youth design a building for the vacant lot on Central Avenue and Ohio Street.
There will also be an effort to amplify historic sites through tours, exhibitions, and
public art – especially finishing incomplete murals at Lake and Central.
The plan also envisions enhancing transit and pedestrian safety through measures taken to slow traffic on Central Avenue with raised crosswalks or pavers. The plan suggests adding a left turn signal at Lake and Madison.
It also aims to make Central Avenue and Lake Street a community hub by improving the area under the train tracks and organizing regular programming at Austin Town Hall. It proposes redesigning a stretch of Corcoran and Lake to have curbless streets for pop-up events
Recommendations for development include:
■ Creating a vibrant intersection at Central and Lake by filling vacant storefronts, working with existing businesses to address safety issues, and adding a nonprofit or political official’s office to Central Avenue.
■ Re placing the site where the Corcoran Food Mart once stood with another food option.
■ Adding more workforce training op-
portunities on and around Central Avenue, possibly housed in the nearby Austin Colle ge and Career Academy High School.
■ Par tnering with area arts organizations to establish creative training programs and putting a city service center on Central to assist locals with resources.
Action items to encourage such development include reaching out to those who own multi-family apartments to encourage building repairs, plus exploring whether these structures could be bought and co nverted to affordable housing. ACT is also considering which first-floor Central Avenue units could be converted to retail or mixed-use
To do this, ACT will need to craft a planning and investment strateg y, build partnerships, and explore funding sources.
Transforming the Central Avenue corridor comes as part of ACT’s Austin Forward. Together quality of life plan. Among Central Avenue ef forts, the quality of life plan has led to turning Chicago Avenue into the Soul City Corridor and the creation of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation.
Christmas cheer
By The Hand Club’s annual Christmas giveaway attracted dozens of locals and Rep. La Shawn Ford
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Every year, the after-school program By The Hand Club ensures that the more than 2,000 kids it serves across Chicago get a Christmas gift.
This year was no different.
On Saturday, State Representative La Shawn Ford and other volunteers visited the By The Hand Club in Austin to help pass out gifts. Then, they went next door to Austin Harvest, a youth-led produce store that came out of Austin’s By The Hand Club, to help dozens of families load free Christmas trees into cars.
For the 60 or so CPS students who attend Austin’s By The Hand Club, this event kicks off the holiday season.
Shauntay Rowe, an Austin resident
and mother of five, has attended this local celebration for a long time.
“Over the years, we’ve received so many blessings from By The Hand’s Christmas party,” Rowe said in a statement. “The kids have come home with everything from Nerf blasters to necessities like coats and shoes. But, above all, it’s the sense of community that keeps us coming back year after year.”
Last week, By The Hand Club representatives picked up more than 45 pine trees from Navy Pier, which were funded through donations and shipped by the United States Coast Guard.
In addition to helping pass out these trees, Austin Harvest participants opened up their market for visitors to buy fresh produce and flowers ahead of the holiday season.
OPRFCF Announces New Focus of Community Grants
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation recently announced the new direction and focus for its Community Grants program. A er a yearlong process of fact- nding, research and interviews, the Foundation has decided to focus its grantmaking on the intersection of two priority areas identi ed in its landmark Community Voices report: Safety and Belonging, and Health — speci cally, addressing behavioral and mental health for young residents in western Cook County.
“By focusing on behavioral and mental health, we are seeking to repair some of the damage and division caused by the historic inequities in our region and empower the solutions the community has called for,” said Elizabeth Chadri, Foundation program director. “We are now putting forth a grantmaking strategy that is responsive to our community’s expressed needs, through a process that engenders equity, trust, and inclusion.”
e 2024-25 Community Grants cycle will prioritize proposals that focus on creating pathways to a robust, representative workforce of mental and behavioral health professionals; or facilitate access to and/or provision of services or treatment for youth and young adults. ese priorities will be further re ned in 2025 by a steering committee made up of Foundation board, sta and members of the West Cook community to develop a multi-year grants process. e multi-year program will include convenings and shared decision-making, and will bolster opportunities for advocacy and other systemic change.
We are seeking to repair some of the damage and division caused by historic inequities in our region.
e deadline for applications was in October, and applicants will be noti ed of decisions no later than January 31, 2025. Funding will be disbursed shortly therea er.
TODD BANNOR
State Representative La Shaw n Ford gives Christmas gi s to children at By e Hand Club For Kids’ annual Christmas celebration on Saturday Dec. 7.
Elizabeth Chadri serves as program director for the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
Sponsored Content
Our nal Big Week will run on December 18. Don’t worry! We have more events coverage coming soon. For a sneak peak, and to submit events to be included in our new calendar, visit austinweeklynews.com/events
December 11-18
BIG WEEK
Christmas give-away event with Alderman Chris Taliaferro
Sunday, Dec. 15, from 12 to 2 p.m. 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro is hosting, “Christmas with Chris”, a holiday give-away event this month. Apparel, infant pampers, goodie bags, household items and toys will be free and available while supplies last. This give-way event is intended for 29th Ward residents only. For more information, call 773-237-6460. 6272 W. Nor th Ave.
Austin Coming Together Toy Drive still open for donations
Accepting donations through Dec. 13
Austin Coming Together has ex tended donations until Dec. 13 for their holiday Toy Drive. D onated toys, coats and games will go to local Austin families. People can donate toys for children and young adults ages one to 18. Items can be dropped o at the Austin Coming Together o ce, located at 5049 W. Harrison St., or items can be bought on the drive’s Amazon wishlist: https://ow.ly/4eXj50UmpCm. Contact hub@austincomingtogether.org for more information. 5049 W. Harrison St.
TNT Roof top Anniversary and Toy Drive
Sunday, Dec. 22
Austin restaurant and business group, Austin Square, is hosting a toy drive and pop-up shop to celebrate the one-year anniversary of TNT Rooftop. The restaurant, TNT Rooftop, will have brunch and dinner specials all day. TNT Private, the event space next door at 5409 W. Madison St., will have a toy drive from 12 to 4 p.m. A child must be present to receive a free toy- drive item. Dressed 1213, a mobile boutique shop, will also host a pop-up shop from 12 to 6 p.m. To sponsor or donate to the toy drive, call 773-417-4529. Multiple locations, 5405, 5409 and 5411 W. Madison St.
Aging Well Together at the Kehrein Center for the Ar ts
Friday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Kehrein Center for the Ar ts is hosting, “Aging Well Together ”, a free event intended for adults 55 and older. Attendees can expect wellness education and programming from Mather, a non-pro t that focuses on wellness opportunities and resources for older adults. A lunch from a local Austin caterer and enter be at the event. Reser ve tickets and information about the event: https:// mather.com/. Located at 5628
Music Under Glass at the Conser vatory
Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 2 p.m., Gar eld Park Conser vatory
The Gar eld Park Conser vator y’s annual holiday concert is bringing “Soulful Sounds of the Season” to this year’s event. Attendees can hear orchestral seasonal songs including works by G.F. Handel, J.S. Bach, Luther Vandross and The Soulful Strings. The event is free to attend. Proof of residence for adults is needed to enter the conservator y for free. Admission to the conservator y is included in the reser vation for the concert. Book a reser vation here. Find more information about the event: https://ow.ly/tFN450UmpJy. 300 N. Central Park Ave.
Compiled
Public o cials and locals celebrated as Santa Claus passed out toys to childern, and a 40-passenger trolley gave free, festive r ides.
Top stories, local government, features, events, dining, art, and sports right at your fingertips!
PHOTO S BY JFORBES PIC TURES
e Catholic Community of Oak Park invites you to Make Room for Hope during the Advent and Christmas Seasons! The Catholic Communit y of Oak Park invites you to Make Roo m for Hope during Advent and Chris tmas Seaso n!
Ascensi on and St. Edmund Parish ww.ascensionoakpark.com | 708-848-2703 or 708-848-4417
Ascension Church
Ascension Church
S East Avenue, Oak Park
808 S. East Avenue, Oak Park e Parish of Ascension and St. Edmund www.ascensionoakpark.com · 708-848-2703 or 708-848-4417
St. Edmund Church 188 S Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
St. Edmund Church
St. Ca therine of Siena - St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish www.stgilesparish.org | 708-383-3430
St. Catherine -St. Lucy Church
188 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
38 N. Austin Boulevard, Oak Park
Meditation and Prayer
Meditation and Prayer
Advent Circle Garden ~ Walking Meditation McDonough Hall, St. Giles
Advent Circle Garden ~ Walking Meditation Donough Hall, St. Giles
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church 38 N. Austin Boulevard, Oak Park e Parish of St. Catherine of Siena - St. Lucy and St. Giles www.stgilesparish.org · 708-383-3430
St. Giles Church 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park
St. Giles Church 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park
2024 Advent Prayer and Re ection O erings
2024 Advent Prayer and Reflection Offerings
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 8:30-10:00am Sunday, Dec. 15 | 11:30-2:00pm
Monday, Dec.16 | 4:00-8:30pm
Tuesday, Dec.17 | 5:30-8:00pm Wednesday, Dec.18 | 7:15-8:30pm
aturday, Dec. 14 | 8:30-10:00am Sunday, Dec. 15 | 11:30-2:00pm Monday, Dec.16 | 4:00-8:30pm
ursday, Dec.19 | 7:15-8:30pm with Prayer service at 7:30 pm
Faith Sharing ~ Praying with Advent Scriptures
uesday, Dec.17 | 5:30-8:00pm Wednesday, Dec.18 | 7:15-8:30pm hursday, Dec.19 | 7:15-8:30pm with Prayer service at 7:30 pm
Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 | 1:30pm | St. Edmund Church
Centering Prayer
h Sharing ~ Praying with Advent Scriptures uesdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 | 1:30pm | St. Edmund Church
Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 | 4:00pm | St. Edmund Church
Evening Prayer Under the Wreath ~ Scripture, Song & Contemplation
Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11,18 | 6:30pm | Ascension Church
tering Prayer uesdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 | 4:00pm | St. Edmund Church
Prayer in the Spirit of Taizé ~ Singing and Praying for Peace
Friday, Dec. 6 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 7:30 pm | Ascension Church
Evening Prayer Under the Wreath ~ Scripture, Song & Contemplation Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11,18 | 6:30pm | Ascension Church
Contemplative Prayer ~ Come to the Quiet
yer in the Spirit of Taizé ~ Singing and Praying for Peace day, Dec. 6 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 | 7:30 pm | Ascension Church
On Zoom, Saturdays Dec. 7, 21, & Jan. 4 | 8:30am.
In-person, Saturday Dec. 14 | 8:30am | Ascension Church
Contact David Anderson for the Zoom link.
ontemplative Prayer ~ Come to the Quiet Zoom, Saturdays Dec 7, 21, & Jan. 4 | 8:30am person, Saturday Dec. 14 | 8:30am | Ascension Church
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Advent Reconciliation Service
Contact David Anderson for the Zoom link
with opportunity for individual confessions
rament of Reconciliation
Monday, Dec. 9 | 7:00pm | Ascension Church
Individual Confessions
Advent Reconciliation Service with opportunity for individual confessions
Saturdays, 8:30-9:00am year-round| St. Giles Church
Monday, Dec. 9 | 7:00pm | Ascension Church
Saturday, 4:00-4:45pm year-round| St. Edmund Church
Additional Reconciliation Times
vidual Confessions
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 11am-12pm | St. Catherine-St. Lucy
Monday, Dec. 23 | 6:00-7:00pm | St. Giles Church
aturdays, 8:30-9:00am year-round| St. Giles Church aturday, 4:00-4:45pm year-round| St. Edmund Church
itional Reconciliation Times
aturday, Dec. 14 | 11am-12pm | St. Catherine-St. Lucy
Find the Silence ~ Eucharistic Adoration and Personal Prayer
Find the Silence ~ Eucharistic Adoration and Personal Prayer
Mondays, Dec. 2,16, 23 | 4:00pm - 9:00pm | St. Edmund Church
Mondays, Dec. 2,16, 23 | 4:00pm - 9:00pm | St. Edmund Church
ursdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | St. Giles Church
Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | St. Giles Church
Advent Feast Days
Advent Feast Days
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Monday, Dec. 9 | 6:30 am Mass | St. Giles Church
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Monday, Dec. 9 | 8:30 am Mass | St. Edmund Church
Monday, Dec. 9 | 6:30 am Mass | St. Giles Church
Monday, Dec. 9 | 8:30 am Mass | St. Edmund Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe Youth Ministry Prayer Service
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 7:00pm | St. Edmund Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe Youth Ministry Prayer Service
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Bilingual Mass
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 7:00pm | St. Edmund Church
ursday, Dec. 12 | 6:30pm | St. Edmund Church
Hosted by the Catholic Community of Oak Park
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Bilingual Mass Thursday, Dec 12 | 6:30pm | St. Edmund Church
Hosted by the Catholic Community of Oak Park
10 facts about the CTA holiday train
What West Siders should know when they climb aboard the holiday train
By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
It’s that special time of year when the Chicago Transit Authority brings back its Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. The holiday train has become a cherished tradition, spreading cheer and brightening Chicago’s streets and its surrounding suburbs with its festive lights and holiday spirit. What began in 1992 as a simple “Season’s Greetings” sign on an out-of-service train has grown into a tradition now in its 33rd year. Today, Santa waves from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar adorned with decorative reindeer and holiday trees as the brightly lit and festively wrapped train cruises and makes its way through the city. To learn more about the magic behind the CTA Holiday Train, I spoke with Charles Plouffe, Media Representative of the CTA Media Relations, who shared insights into its history, design, and community impact Here are 10 fascinating facts about the CTA holiday train.
1. A record-breaking light display
The Holiday Train dazzles with more than 107,400 lights, including 6,000 feet of rope lights that illuminate both the train’s interior and exterior. “The lights and decorations are meticulously arranged to ensure visibility from inside and outside the train, with LED panels mounted on car exteriors,” Plouffe said.
2. One-of-a-kind holiday wrap
Each train car is adorned with festive holiday and seasonal artwork as sparkling lights trace the outline of the train and its windows, with additional lights spanning across the rooftops of the cars. “A notable design feature is the custom exterior wrap, designed in-house by the CTA since 1998. The 2024 wrap depicts a festive North Pole scene with Santa and his companions, enhancing the train’s charm,” Plouffe said.
3. Santa travels in style
Santa rides in the middle of the train on an open flatca r, sur rounded by decorative reindeer and waving to passengers from his sleigh as the train pulls into each station. “Riders can enjoy photo sessions with Santa on select dates for the train,” Plouf fe said.
4. Decorations with a past
Decorations are recycled and reused annually, with only minimal costs incurred to replace worn-out items “Each year, new design elements or themes may be introduced, though the train maintains its iconic charm through recur ring features like Santa’s flatcar and the festive wrap,” Plouffe said.
5. A moving stage for holiday tunes
Passengers and bystanders are treated to synchronized festive music and light shows, creating an immersive experience. “The train’s light show and festive music are synchronized to create a seamless holiday ambiance. The chosen themes often reflect a cheerful and family-friendly holiday spirit,” Plouffe said.
6. An all-access holiday pass
Passengers and viewers along the train’s route enjoy interactive experiences, such as candy canes handed out by Santa and his elves. “The train also travels across all eight CTA rail lines, covering over 200 miles of track, extending this joyous holiday experience to dozens of neighborhoods across the city and surrounding suburbs,” Plouffe said.
7. Santa’s helpers Are CTA trained
Riders are greeted by CTA employees who are dressed in festive attire when they enter the train. “All CTA personnel, elves and even Santa have various levels of CTA rail training, and as such they are equipped to assist customers with any questions or issues, or even troubleshoot mechanical issues on the train if needed,” Plouffe said.
8. From prep to perfection
To ensure smooth operations, the holiday train undergoes re gular maintenance throughout the season. “The CTA has contingency measures for mechanical issues and severe weather, given the train’s importance and popularity. “Routine inspections and adjustments are made to guarantee the train operates safely and reliably during its holiday runs,” Plouffe said.
9. A train with heart
liver about 400 baskets containing a full holiday meal, including canned ham, potatoes, mixed ve getables and dessert. “Community organizations are chosen based on need and their ability to distribute these resources effectively, though specific selection criteria are not detailed,” Plouffe said.
10. A safety-first festive journey
Despite the elaborate decor, safety remains a top priority. “Safety and aesthetics are prioritized, ensuring that decorations do not obstruct passenger movement while maintaining visual appeal,” Plouffe said.
Since its inception in 1992, the Holiday Train has been a symbol of community service, distributing more than 11,400 food baskets. For 2024, CTA employees will de-
ELECTION RESULTS
Trump made West Side inroads
from page 1
the Democratic party’s messaging.
“I think that the Democrats have to be less elite and more about kitchen-table issues of Americans,” Ford, a Democrat, said.
Although the West Side remained largely blue, some areas leaned way more red this year than the past several elections, mirroring a national trend.
HERE IS HOW Y OUR WARD VOTED
24th Ward
Throughout the 24th Ward, which encompasses Lawndale, over 83% of voters cast a ballot for Harris, and more than 14% voted for Trump.
While a majority of Lawndale voted blue, the most Trump votes came from the southeastern-most precinct near Little Village. The 19th precinct had the highest percentage of Trump votes, and the most voters, in the 24th Ward. Out of the 1,239 people who voted in the 19th precinct, more than 47% voted for Harris, and 48% for Trump, or 592 and 600 votes, respectively. The precinct with the next highest percentage and number of Trump voters in the 24th Ward was 16% in precinct 18, where 117 people voted red.
Ford said the stark difference in numbers in the 19th precinct may come down to how people of certain backgrounds vote, which could be said for anywhere in the U.S.
“They don’t feel impacted, or need to preserve [their] entitlements,” Ford said of West Side precincts that voted for Trump in higher numbers. “Trump offers the protection of what they have,” for example, making a living wage, which is about $37,000 in Illinois.
While nearly 80% of North Lawndale is Black and has a median household income around $33,000, Little Village is over 80% Hispanic with a median household income of about $48,000. These numbers may have impacted votes in these areas.
The Associated Press re ported that 16% of Black voters voted for Trump, while 43% of Latino voters cast a ballot for him this year. In 2020, 8% of Black voters wanted Trump in office, and so did 38% of Hispanic voters, according to the Pew Research Center.
Republican votes in the 19th precinct were way up compared to previous years, a similar trend throughout the rest of the 24th Ward
In the 2020 election, every 24th Ward precinct cast at least 90% of their votes for Biden. Of 473 ballots in precinct 19, 95% voted for Biden.
And in 2016, at least 93% of voters chose Hillary Clinton in all precincts.
“The Republicans really connected with the people that flipped,” Ford said.
28th Ward
In a ward that stretches from Garfield Park to the TriTaylor area, about 87% of voters indicated they wanted Harris in the White House in contrast to the 11% selecting Trump. Those numbers represent a pretty accurate mean across all precincts, though they were much higher for the Democratic candidate in the last election.
The results are in line with the 2020 election, in which every 28th Ward precinct had at least 89% of voters cast a ballot for Biden.
Four years earlier, in the 2016 election, the highest percentage of votes for Trump were in the eastern most precincts – nearly 19% of voters in the 28th precinct and about 18% in the 27th. Both precincts cast about 75% of their votes for Clinton.
29th Ward
T he stretch from Galewood to Austin had the fewest percentage of votes for Harris of any West Side ward with 81% of voters casting a ballot for the Democratic candidate.
In Montclare and Galewood, precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4 had the lowest percentage of votes for Har ris in the 29th Ward. While most precincts saw 80 to 90% of voters mark their ballots for Harris, in precinct 3 and 4, that number was only 63%. Only 57% of precinct 2 voted for Harris. And in precinct 1, 52% of voters voted for Harris, or 474 people, the highest of any precinct by over 100 votes.
Ford said these numbers may have something to do with race, culture and income. Galewood is nearly a quarter white compared to 5% of the population in Austin. And Galewood’s median household income is nearly three times that of Austin’s.
But like in the 24th Ward’s 19th precinct, the northern precincts in the 29th Ward voted Republican in much lower numbers in previous elections.
In 2020, at least 89% of voters in all precincts wanted Biden for president. In 2016, most of the 29th Ward’s precincts saw no more than 26% of voters cast a ballot for Trump, and precincts 1 through 4 were significantly lower.
37th Ward
In Austin and Humboldt Park, more than 84% of voters cast a vote for Harris, and nearly 14% voted for Trump. While Harris had a more favorable turnout in the 37th Ward than some of the other West Side wards, Democratic candidates have received fewer and fewer votes here over the years.
In 2020, Biden received at least 89% of votes across all precincts in the 37th Ward. And in 2016, Clinton won at least 94% of those votes.
What ’s next for the West Side
Fo rd warned that Chicago’s West Side should reco gnize wh at it means that Trump will take office agai n next month.
“Democratic policy, whether Republicans know it or not, actually helps Republicans,” he said. “There are poor people that vote Republican that receive SNAP benefits, that receive Medicaid, that receive rent subsidies.”
Without those supports, and under other Trump proposals, people on the West Side could suffer, he said.
“That’s the reality of a Re publican administration, ” Ford said. “This could really harm the wealth gains in our community.”
High-impact local news takes support from
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Asylum-seekers shelter at the 15th police district station, sleeping on the lobby's floor. | Provided, Christina-Maria Varotsis, Refugee Community Connection
This is the time of year when we naturally look back on the Austin Weekly stories that had the biggest impact on the West Side across 2024. We asked Jessica Mordacq, our Austin Weekly reporter, to tell us which stories resonated most with her:
• Health care is an essential issue on the West Side and the Weekly has been there. We’ve reported on the launch of the West Side Healthy Parents and Babies program, disparities in breast cancer treatment, and ongoing turmoil at West Sub.
• Migrants arriving, departing, getting launched across Austin and Oak Park has been a yearlong focus
• New development and investment on the West Side after decades of disinvestment. We’ve covered the coming opening of the Aspire Center, new grocery options being planned, the Laramie State Bank building and, just this week, an update on plans to reimagine Central Avenue
• Consistent coverage of how Chicago’s first partially elected school board played out on the West Side
• And our year-long series on home ownership opportunities across the West Side
Here’s how you can help:
We have about three weeks remaining in our critical year-end campaign — and we could really use your support to secure much-needed funding for 2025.
And right now, to spur you on, our Growing Community Media board of directors has set up a $10,000 match. That means that every dollar you offer in support of local news gets doubled. You give the Weekly $50 and we get $100!
We need your help to meet this $10,000 match! Will you join us?
With gratitude,
Dan Haley Erika Hobbs Publisher Editor
Jessica Mordacq Austin/Forest Park reporter
City and state officials joined Aspire Center leaders and private and philanthropic donors
Provided, Rudd Resources
BUILD’s Adam Alonso named as a top Latino Leader
CEO named as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2024 Latino Leaders
By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
Adam Alonso, an Oak Park resident and the CEO of BUILD, has been reco gnized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2024 Latino Leaders Honorees.
The nominees featured were selected based on qualifications, ensuring they serve in senior leadership roles, have at least 10 years of experience and demonstrate notable accomplishments in their industry and community. All honorees live and work in the Chicago area, with their profiles drawn from submitted nomination materials.
Since taking the helm at BUILD in 2015, Alonso has expanded the organization from a team of 30 with a $2.3 million budget to 200 staf f and a $22 million budget. BUILD serves more than 3,000 youth and families at risk of violence, providing comprehensive support that includes mental health care, gang intervention, and arts and sports programs.
reer has been dedicated to with a focus on youth services. Alonso emphasizes the importance of feeling connected to caring adults who are invested in their success.
“It’s incredibly important people to feel connected to adults who about them and genuinely succeed. Supporting them on their journey has always meant a great deal to me, and through my work, I’ve str sense of care and encouragement them,” Alonso said.
When offering advice to emerging lead ers in the non-profit sector aiming to create a similar impact, Alonso his own experience starting a non-profit in Cicero.
“It’s incredibly important for young people to feel connected to adults who care about them and genuinely want to see them succeed.”
ADAM ALONSO BUILD CEO
“It’s an honor to be acknowledged for the hard work. I know I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my colleagues who were also listed as notable leaders. And, of course, there are many more leaders in the field who have not been reco gnized. It’s truly an honor to receive this reco gnition, and I know there’s a lot of great work happening across the city,” Alonso said.
The majority of Alonso’s professional ca-
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. Be clear about why the work you’re doing is important. I’m grateful to be where I am today because I had mentors who supported me — people I could turn to for advice. When I wanted to quit or give up, they encouraged me to take a moment for myself and then get right back at it, continuing the good work,” Alonso said.
Alonso’s biggest professional achievement came in 2019 when he launched a $24 million capital campaign to build a youth and community center. Four years later, the project culminated in the opening of a 56,000-squarefoot campus in Austin.
In reflecting on this achievement, he noted that managing a capital campaign for the first time — both personally and professionally — presented a challenge, as he didn’t know what to expect.
Alonso said he was driven by the need for more space and resources for young people
Adam Alonso
in Austin’s West Side, a community long underserved. Alonso embraced a bold vision, rejecting the scarcity mindset often seen in such communities and launched a $28 million capital campaign — one of his proudest professional achievements to date.
“But I think all of that matters when the community responds, when they show up, use the space, and when young people are connected, thriving and receiving the support they need. To me, that’s truly the mark of success and something for us to celebrate,” Alonso said. “Yes, the building itself is an accomplishment, but what happens once the building is up is what really matters most.”
The motivation to keep innovating and advancing BUILD’s mission comes from the young people Alonso serves. By rejecting a scarcity mindset, Alonso believes there is freedom to dream big and explore new ways of doing the work For Alonso, it’s about imagining possibilities and seeking fresh approaches to make a lasting impact
“Not having a scarcity mindset, I think,
frees you to dream and think big, and to imagine new possibilities. I’m not saying you should dream extravagantly, but I am saying you should think big—think of new ways to do your work. Consider all the new ways the building could be used, or the different ways the rooms could be arranged,” Alonso said.
One of the lessons Alonso learned was the gratitude for having parents who not only loved and held them accountable but also took an active interest in his well-being, including in his whereabouts, friendships and academic responsibilities.
“What I know that I’m rich in was the love that my family gave me and the accountability they held for me. Because when you meet kids who have no one like that at home, they’re lost. There’s a sense of hopelessness. So let me find ways that I can give that back to young people — someone who cares, someone who checks in on them, someone who believes in them. All those things matter in the greater scheme of things,” Alonso said.
PROVIDED
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 2024 CH 04243 I3256598
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Machinist (Original)
Associate Process Control Engineer (Original)
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):
Machinist (Original)
Associate Process Control Engineer (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 December 11, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
Sealed proposals, endorsed as above, will be submitted back to the District via an electronic upload to the Bonfire Portal only, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time), on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly as described in the Invitation to Bid by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or designee at 11:00 AM on the stated bid opening date below for:
CONTRACT 22-903-21
CENTRIFUGE IMPROVEMENTS AT THE STICKNEY WATER RECLAMATION PLANT
Estimated Cost: $5,451,597.00
Bid Deposit: $218,000.00
Voluntary Technical Pre Bid Conference: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 2:00 pm Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.
Optional Pre-Bid Walk-Through will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 9:00 am CT at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60804.
Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance
Revised Appendix D, Appendix C, Appendix K, and the Multi Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract.
Bid Opening: January 28, 2025.
CONTRACT 25-646-51 SMALL STREAMS MAINTENANCE IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Estimated Cost: $3,890,000.00
Bid Deposit: NONE
Voluntary Technical Pre Bid
Conference: Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 3:00 pm Chicago Time via ZOOM Link.
Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance
Revised Appendix D, Appendix V, Appendix C, Appendix K, and the Multi Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract.
Bid Opening: January 14, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
*****************************************
The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd. org; the path is as follows: Doing Business > Procurement and Materials Management > Contract Announcements.
Specifications, proposal forms and/ or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement and Materials Management by downloading online from the District’s website at www.mwrd.org (Doing Business > Procurement & Materials Management > Contract Announcements). No fee is required for the Contract Documents. Any questions regarding the downloading of the Contract Document should be directed to the following email: contractdesk@mwrd.org or call 312-751-6643.
All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Published in Austin Weekly News December 11, 2024
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
U.S. Bank Trust National Association as Trustee of Chalet Series III Trust Plaintiff vs. Ruthie Mae Porter; Latisha Porter; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants Defendant 19 CH 12550 CALENDAR 64
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on January 6, 2025, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-16-409-032-0000. Commonly known as 4817 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL 60644. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.
Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 Lucerne Drive, Suite 210, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130. (440) 5721511. ILF1905017 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3256230
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.-
DONNA LOUISE BERNARDONI, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO THE NORTH STAR TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE
U/T/A DATED OCTOBER 16, 2008
A/K/A TRUST NO. 08-11369
Defendants 2024 CH 04243 2517 S SPRINGFIELD AVE CHICAGO, IL 60623 NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 20, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2025, 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 2517 S SPRINGFIELD AVE, CHICAGO, IL
60623
Property Index No. 16-26-120-0050000
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 this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).
If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876
THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527
630-794-5300
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com
Attorney File No. 14-24-02651
Attorney ARDC No. 00468002
Attorney Code. 21762
Case Number: 2024 CH 04243
TJSC#: 44-2702
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE CIM TRUST 2021-R2, MORTGAGE-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2021- R2 Plaintiff vs. JOHN LYDON AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR NADINE FLOYD, MALCOLM C FLOYD, CRANDALL R FLOYD JR, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NADINE FLOYD, UNKNOWN OWNERS GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendant 22 CH 6566 CALENDAR 59 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on January 15, 2025, at the hour 11:00 A.M., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: SITUATED IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, DESCRIBED AS: LOT 13 IN BLOCK 3 IN WILLIAM A. MERIGOLD`S RESUBDIVISION DIVISION OF THE NORTH 50 ACRES OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N. 16-22-205-009. Commonly known as 1219 S. Kedvale Ave., Chicago, IL 60623. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Altman, Strautins & Kromm, LLC d/b/a Kluever Law Group, 200 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1880, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077. SPS001425-22FC1 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3256818
