Forest Park Review 052423

Consultant to esh out Altenheim site development plans

Commissioner complains about limited public input

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Forest Park Village Council broadly ag reed to work with Tim Brangle, head of the Chicago Consultants Studio development consulting firm and a member of the River Forest Economic Development Commission, to flesh out the Altenheim Advisory Committee’s recommendations for redeveloping the villageowned portions of the historic Altenheim property.

The Altenheim Committee was assembled in June 2022 by commissioners Maria Maxham and Jessica Voogd to suggest the best uses for the site, based on a review of past proposals, conversations with local stakeholders and public feedback. The Chicago-based Muse Community + Design consulting firm helped with the process. While it finalized its re port during the March 6

Alternative school planned for 30-acre St. Joseph campus

Westchester had hopes for tax-paying development

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

The for mer St. Joseph High School campus in Wes tchester has been purchased for $8 million, with plans for it to be the home of an alternative school run by West40, a state funded entity which is an intermediary between the state board of education and 38 public school districts and three co-ops in western Cook County. The school, targeted to serve vulnerable students, is projected to open in Fall 2024.

The ‘landmark project,’ as Dr. Mark Klaisner, executive director for West40, calls it, has been a long time in the works as the agency has been working with several state agencies to design a state-of-the-art school for at-risk students, such as foster students and those who might have social-emotional concerns.

“We are looking at an intensive, small population to support kids that don’t have services elsewhere,” Klaisner said, adding the student population will be approximately 40 students. West40 also plans to provide additional services for the community. “There are a lot of possibilities that we are working with … we don’t want to duplicate things that other people are doing but we want to be a service-minded organization that provides services for our kids who are maybe struggling.”

The old St. Joseph High School campus, located at 10900 W. Cermak Rd., closed its doors at the end of the 2021-22 school year, citing a decrease in enrollment and financial issues worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason. The high school had served the community for 61 years and was known as a basketball powerhouse in Chicago’s west suburbs

Following its closure, the future of the campus has been the subject of many discussions as the village of Westchester looked into various prospects, including a community center as well as a light manufacturing complex.

As previously reported by Village Free Press in 2022, the proposal sparked a debate on how economic developments should happen in the village with many rising in opposition to bringing industrial development to

Westchester.

Greg Hribal, village president of Westchester, said the village was surprised to lear n about the purchase as they had been working with other potential developments

“The village was working with several individuals, groups, organizations and development firms,” said Hribal. The recently elected village president said there were about seven interested parties and he had been working with tax-paying businesses which had interest in the large site.

Despite the surprise, the village of Westchester is determined to be a good, welcoming neighbor, said Hribal.

“I certainly believe it is going to be a positive thing for the school and the district that surrounds us,” Hribal. “I do believe we need to work with West40 so that they complement the village as a whole.”

Hribal said he is looking forward to seeing a more concrete development plan from West40.

Earlier this year, a survey was sent to families in the Proviso Township High School District 209 to gauge support for the district to purchase the St. Joseph campus. According to now board president Amanda Grant, Supt. James L. Henderson had brought up the ide a for the purchase during an executive session in March.

The survey sparked many questions and concer ns throughout the community as D209 had been under scrutiny due to its management of funds along with rising tensions with district faculty following a teacher strike in 2022.

All speculation is now moot as West40, an agency entirely funded by the state of Illinois, begins it work.

Klaisner said West40 works alongside local superintendents, school districts, and principals to help provide professional learning and support systems for at-risk students, as well as overseeing districts to ensure they are in compliance with the state board of education.

One of the districts that West40 supports is D209, said Klaisner, adding they already have programs and grants operating out of Proviso as well as having advocates at each campus helping provide resources and support to the

district.

West40, which has operated out of Hillside for over a decade, recently also bought the for mer Lexington Elementary School, 415 W. Lexington St. in Maywood, in July 2022 to serve as its new home. The building was purchased from Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview District 89 for approximately $330,000, according to previous reports by Village Free Press.

According to Klaisner, West40 will be vacating the Hillside location, which they currently rent, and moving their main office into Maywood this summer

West40 plans to open the St. Joseph campus as a school for at-risk students after renovations are completed. Klaisner said they anticipate renovations to take approximately 18 months and it will be tearing down two of the four buildings on the property

“Two of those [buildings] have dilapidated to the point where they can’t be repaired,” Klaisner said. “The full high school and what was the convent, those two buildings are in really good shape so we will renovate those to establish our school.”

Renovations have already begun and Klaisner said they are working to get everything up and running, as they currently look to the state and other agencies to really tap into what the biggest need for them to address is

“There have been lots of conversations about students in foster care, students at DCFS,” Klaisner said.

Additionally, conversations have been had regarding how to open the space up for the community as well. Klaisner said there is space and potential to partner with the village for outdoor and indoor activities.

“It would be a great opportunity to be good

neighbors with the village of Westchester in spaces that we are not going to use every single day, or all day long,” Klaisner said, adding that the building in Maywood has also been the topic of conversation on how to be a positive space for the community. “They are going to be beautiful facilities; it would make sense to share.”

Conversations surrounding the purchase of St. Joseph began in June 2021, said Klaisner, adding the asking price at the time was out of the budget. In fall 2022, St. Joseph contacted West40 to re-engage in a potential purchase, with serious conversations starting around December 2022. West40 closed on the property on May 5, 2023.

According to Klaisner, being able to keep the legacy of the school as a bonus of the purchase, aligning in purpose and mission with St. Joseph’s values

“To the best of my knowledge, there were no other buyers at the table when we purchased St. Joseph’s,” said Klaisner

With renovations expected to take time, Klaisner said they do not anticipate being open and ready for children until Fall 2024 if everything goes according to plan.

“Our byline on our logo is ‘connecting communities.’ We are an organization that does everything we can to support our communities,” Klaisner said. “We are excited about the St. Joseph space, that we can possibly make a difference … take a 30-acre campus and turn it into something wonderful and serving planted.”

When part of the initial work is completed, Klaisner said they will be opening their doors to town-hall style meetings.

“We want to be doors wide-open and totally transparent in the exciting work we are about to do,” Klaisner said.

Former St. Joseph High School ormer Joseph School

e 30-acre campus of the former St. Joseph High School has been sold to West40 which plans an alternative school

May 24-31

BIG WEEK

Authors Discussion & Signing

By Bill Rapp & Michael Black

Saturday, May 27, 2-4 p.m., Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

Bill Rapp, author of A Turkish iangle, will appear in tandem with Michael A. Black, author of Devil’s Reckoning. 7419 Madison St. Forest Park.

Rest is Best Workshop

Saturday, May 27, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Let’s Play Work

Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting

Saturday, May 27, 11 a.m., Park District of Forest Park Aquatic Center

You are formally invited to check out all the new features at the Splash Pad Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Let the splashing begin! This event is followed by the opening of the Park District of Forest Park Aquatic Center for the season at noon. You must have an Amilia account to check in. Create the account now to avoid lines at the door. We are not requiring re -entry for our regular opening day aquatic center hours. 7501 Harrison, Forest Park.

A workshop that tackles sleep at various stages and how to implement/foster good sleep habits in children. Topics include: The bene ts of good sleep (for children and their parents); how to form good sleep habits; age-appropriate schedules, and much more. Register online: https://tinyurl.com/3y3fdnwp 7228 Circle Avenue, Forest Park.

Outtafest 2023 - Seven Year Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, May 27, 4 p.m., Outta Space

All-day commemoration of this local rock club will feature music from the Snake Bite Healers, Dirty Green, Naomi Ashley ’s Other Band, Barb Cli ord & the Shakin’ Tailfeathers and the New Heartaches. $10, 6840 32nd St., Berw yn.

The Forest Park Community Clean-Up

Saturday, May 27, 9 a.m., Roos Recreation Center

Join our friends at the village of Forest Park, the Rec Board, Public Works, and the Forest Park Public Library as we team up to help clean up trash around the community. A sweet treat will follow the clean-up t. All volunteers must register at: https://tinyurl.com/58cs3ucw 7329 Harrison St, Forest Park.

Lurrie Bell & the Caught O Guards

Friday, May 26, 5-7 p.m., Oak Park Arms Senior Living Lurrie Bell, a longstanding veteran of the Chicago blues scene, will sing and play guitar with the Caught O Guards, an Oak Park blues/soul/jazz oc tet. A c anned-food donation for Oak Park Community Fridge is encouraged at this outdoor event. 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

Listing your event in the calendar

Forest Park mechanic noted for work ethic, customer ser vice

Vladimir Rejman ed Soviet crackdown in Czechoslovakia, came to United States as refugee

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

In the late fall of 2022, the Park District of Forest Park demolished several properties at 7400-7412 Harrison St. The for mer Pines Restaurant and Oak Leaf Lounge had been vacant for years, but the other business, the Forest Park Foreign Car Repair shop, 7400 Harrison St., kept going until last September The business operated on a month-tomonth lease, and owner Vladimir Rejman decided to retire rather than try to pick up the pieces. And after he passed away suddenly earlier this month, his son, Eric Rejman, reached out to the Review. He said that, while what the park district ultimately does with the site is out of his hands, he wanted to do his best to ensure his father wasn’t forgotten.

“What I’m really ...” Rejman paused to collect his thoughts. “There’s a story, people because my dad, like many other people, like any other refugees, really, came to America and fulfilled the American Dream. He made sacrifices to serve the community and provide the solutions to our community, fixed people’s problems that they had, so they could have operating cars.”

He said he wanted his father to be remembered not just as a hard worker, not just as a business owner, but as a member of a vanishing Czech community in the wester n suburbs. And while his parents shied away from discussing politics, Rejman sees a parallel between his father’s story and current events. Once again, Russian tanks are invading a Slavic country that tried to walk its own path, sending refugees like his father out across the world.

Vladimir Rejman was born in 1950 in Prague, then the capital of Czechoslovakia. By that point, the country was run by a socialist gover nment backed by the Soviet Union. But in January 1968, a more reformminded gover nment led by Alexander Dubcek came to power. The new gover nment relaxed cultural censorship and repressions against non-Communist organizations and tried to move the economy away from the centralized planning model.

But the gover nment ultimately lasted only a few months. On Aug. 20, 1968, the Soviet Union and some of the Warsaw Pact nations

invaded Czechoslovakia. Rejman was among the thousands of people who fled

Eric Rejman said his father spent a fe years in a kibbutz in Israel before coming to the United States. Like current-day Ukrai nian refugees, he benefited from a politica asylum program that helped him get a home and find a job. The elder Rejman moved to the Chicago area in 1972 and met his futur wife in Berwyn a year later.

He began working at the Foreign Car Re pair Shop in 1978, eventually becoming an

owner.

Eric Rejman said he was proud of the fact that his father was able to build a life from scratch in a new country. He reflected that his father’s success allowed him and his brother, also named Vladimir, to be the first people in their family to go to college. He thought that a big part of his success was that his father went above and beyond for his customers.

“He was a very distinguished mechanic. He was an honest man,” he said. “That’s why the customers returned to him — because they trusted him.”

In 2007, Tony Kaldis purchased the properties on 7400-7412 Harrison St. for a mixed-use development that ultimately didn’t pan out, and the shop kept operating under a lease. Eric Rejman said he didn’t know why his father agreed to the arrangement. By the time the park district set out to buy the land, the shop was operating on a month-to-month lease

Jackie

Iovinelli,

park district executive di-

rector, previously indicated that the elder Rejman asked for multiple extensions to give him time to move to another location. Eric Rejman said he wasn’t privy to those conversations, so he couldn’t comment on his father’s side of the story. Whatever the case, the park district ultimately declined to extend the lease beyond Sept. 30, 2022.

“The park district doesn’t have a plan for that property yet,” Eric Rejman said. “It’s kind of disappointing that they didn’t allow him to operate his business.”

He said that his brother found work at H & R Auto & Towing which is located right behind the site, at 805 Hannah Ave., but his father decided to retire for good.

“That guy, at the age of 72, was working harder than anyone,” Eric Rejman said.

He said his father remained active to the end. While Rejman didn’t go into detail about exactly what happened, he said May 8 started out like any other day.

“That morning, he made breakfast and coffee for my mother, they kissed goodbye, he went to [H&R],” Rejman said. “My father

lived his life to the fullest all the way until the freaking end. No one ever saw him suffer. He just lived his life until the very end, that was very important, it was magical.”

He said that, even before his father’s passing, he wanted to create some kind of a memorial marker to Forest Park Foreign Cars, because it was a prominent Forest Park business and because it was one of the examples of presence of people from the Bohemian region in the wester n suburbs

“We’re looking at our restaurants left and right — Czech Plaza [Restaurant] in Berwyn, Klas [restaurant] Cicero, and our identity is dwindling,” Rejman said. “People like my dad’s generation — their kids aren’t taking over their businesses, they aren’t taking over their restaurant and their bakeries. I think it’s important for us to hold on to history in our area.”

His father’s passing made him even more determined.

“I wanted to create a call for action, to ask the Park District of Forest Park to have a modest memorial, to at least create a plaque, or plant a native garden,” Rejman said. “Me and my family, [we’]re asking to memorialize part of our community, part of history that would just fade into… it will be forgotten.”

ERIC REJMAN

IN MEMORIAM: “ at guy at the age of 72, was working harder than anyone,” his son Eric recalled.

Water rates rise by 5%, e ective June 1

Increase in response to regular Chicago water rate increases

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Forest Park Village Council voted unanimously on May 22 to raise water

ALTENHEIM

Preliminary plans for property

from page 1

meeting, the village council didn’t officially discuss those recommendations until the May 22 meeting.

It was during this meeting that Courtney Kashima, Muse’s founding principal, said that she and village officials have been talking with Brangle about “putting the meat on those bones” and developing a more solid vision based on the committee recommendations, but she wanted the council’s OK before going any further.

While none of the commissioners objected outright, Voogd argued that the process so far hasn’t had much public input — which Maxham ag reed with. Voogd also questioned why she wasn’t involved in those discussions in spite of being the commissioner of Public Property and thus responsible for overseeing all village-owned land. Mayor Rory Hoskins responded that they wanted to keep the number of officials in the discussions to a minimum to avoid triggering the Open Meetings Act, and he later told the Review that he felt Maxham was a better fit for those discussions.

The committee re port called for keeping the triangle-like north section of the property as a public recreational space, building homes that comply with R-2 zoning between the south edge of the current retirement community and the Altenheim cemetery, and adding denser housing at the southeast corner to take advantage of its proximity to the Forest Park CTA and suburban Pace bus terminal. It recommended allowing commercial use, but only if it’s a small business such as a coffee shop or dry

rates by 5% while keeping the sewer rates the same.

The increase came in response to Chicago raising its rates. Under an ag reement in effect since 2016, the rate the village pays Chicago is adjusted, based on the annual changes in the Consumer Price Index, but the increase can’t be higher than 5%. This year, CPI increased by 5.16%.

Starting June 1, the Chicago rate will be $33.95 per 1,000 cubic feet, or about $4.55

per 1,000 gallons. Forest Park ag reed to increase the rate for commercial and industrial customers from $14.41 per 100 cubic feet to $15.13 per 100 cubic feet. For multifamily housing, the rate will go up from $10.51 to $11.04. For single-family homes and institutions, the rate will rise from $8.36 to $8.78. The senior citizen rate will go up from $6.47 to $6.79.

Since 2018, the village has pinned the water rates charged to its customers to

changes in Chicago water rates. Between 2015 and 2018, Forest Park ke pt the rates the same, absorbing the increases out of pocket, until it determined that such an approach was unsustainable amid growing budget deficits and rising costs.

The new ordinance doesn’t make any changes to late fees, and the sewer rates remain $1.45 per 100 cubic feet.

The village council approved the increase without discussion.

cleaner.

The committee also recommended selling a few pieces of the property back to Altenheim to even out its portion of the property.

While the version approved during the March 6 meeting was text-only, the version shared with the village council included two concept drawings of what that might look like. The main difference is that one shows green space along Van Buren Street and at the southeast corner, while the other re places that greenery with denser buildings.

Kashima told the council that committee member Steve Rouse recommended Muse reach out to Brangle. She said she was impressed with the work his firm did advising the Cook County Board of Commissioners on reusing the historic Cook County Hospital and its work on revamping Hyde Park’s Harper Court shopping plaza.

Maxham wondered if Brangle would be able to look beyond the Altenheim property and consider improvements for a broader area — something that several Altenheim Commitee members suggested in the past. Kashima replied that he would.

Hoskins wondered if it would be possible to look at some grant funding to pay for Altenheim-related costs. Kashima said the federal Inflation Reduction Act gives municipalities “a window of opportunity” to get federal funding, and she would research what might fit the bill.

Voogd pressed Kashima for details on who was involved in conversations with Brangle and wondered why she had no idea this was even going on until the May 22 meeting. The consultant said it started out with a series of phone calls with Steve Glinke, director of Health & Safety. Later, the three had an in-person meeting, and another meeting that included Maxham.

Hoskins said he was conscious of the fact that any meeting involving more than two elected officials would have to be a public meeting under the Open Meetings Act. He told the Review in a followup interview that he was involved in the discussions, and he decided on Maxham rather than Voogd because, at the time, she served as a commissioner of Public Health & Safety, and “I think that [the Altenheim Committee] corresponds more to Public Health & Safety than Public Property.”

Voogd also said that the Altenheim Committee didn’t conduct much outreach to the general public beyond an online survey and last fall’s Wine Walk, and argued that there should be more public engagement going forward. She also pointed to the fact that while committee members handed out printed copies of their final recommendations during the March 6 meeting, the copy was never uploaded to the committee website, so it wasn’t available for public review until the May 22 meeting packet was posted online on May 19.

“I’m asking the council,” she said, “When do we want to listen to our constituents?”

Hoskins disputed that, arguing that 10 public meetings “was public engagement,” a comment that elicited jeers from some residents in the audience. He also pointed to the fact that the committee consulted several area stakeholder groups.

Maxham ag reed that the committee fell short on public input, but argued that the best time to get that would be when Brangle fleshes out the idea.

“I ag ree with Commissioner Voogd. I think we need a lot more public input,” she said. “I think that’s the role the committee

declined to take on beyond public meetings.”

Maxham also said that, whatever plan the council approves, it has to be something all commissioners and Hoskins agree to.

“If it was causing a [disag reement] among council members, I don’t think it would be best for the village,” she said.

GOOGLE SCREENSHOT

MEN’S HEALTHCARE RELUCTANCE

Ispent my spring semester junior year studying abroad in Rome, Italy. When I returned, my parents picked me up from the airport with some concerning news. My dad was scheduled for heart surgery in a few days.

This was surprising to me for a couple of reasons. One, I thought my dad was perfectly healthy. I had never known my dad to talk about his health. My dad was a quiet guy and never complained. Even if he was suffering from a cold or the flu, he did not talk about the way he felt. I would only know he was sick by hearing his hoarse voice or seeing him constantly sneezing.

Plus, to my knowledge, my dad had never visited the doctor before. Sure, he talked about an emergency room trip when he was in a car accident as a teenager, and when I was younger, he received stitches when he cut himself working on the house. But I had never known my dad to visit a doctor for even a routine checkup. So, the fact that he not only spoke of his ill health but had initiated a visit with a doctor that wasn’t an ER trip and was now having surgery scared me. This meant his heart symptoms must have been severe.

Thankfully, my dad’s heart surgery was successful. His prognosis was good. Throughout the next several years, my dad changed his bad habits and visited the heart doctor regularly. Unfortunately, he did not continue that good behavior. By the time he was 68 years old, my dad had long stopped visiting the heart doctor. On August 28, 2002 my dad had a heart attack

and died in his sleep. Sixteen years after his heart surgery.

My dad was only 68 years old when he died. I often wondered, if he had been more comfortable talking about his health and visiting the doctor, would he have lived longer? In my experience, men are more reluctant to talk about their health and visit a doctor than women. Does research back up this theory? If so, what causes the reluctance? What can I do to help my sons avoid the same fate as my dad?

Studies show that men die younger than women, and they have more illnesses throughout their lifetime than women. Men also get sick at a younger age and have more chronic illnesses than women.

Considering that data, you would think men would be motivated to visit a doctor more often than women. But that is not the case. According to a 2014 survey, men were half as likely as women to go to the doctor over a two year period. A 2019 survey found that men would prefer household chores, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, to a doctor’s visit. Many of those who did see their doctor were not completely honest.

In fact, men often delay seeking medical attention even when they feel sick in the hope that the illness will eventually clear on its own. Of course, this delay in receiving treatment often results in serious consequences. Consequences that could have

been prevented with routine medical care.

Why are some men so reluctant to visit a doctor? According to researchers, there are many factors. Men’s risk-taking nature may lead them to believe they can beat disease by toughing it out. Traditional beliefs about masculinity are another reason. Some men hold on to the misconception that seeking help makes them less masculine and powerful. In their attempt to hold on to perceptions of masculinity and power, they get into denial, which eventually increases their vulnerability to diseases.

Time and money are additional reasons for men not visiting a doctor. One study found that the time a man spends in the doctor’s waiting room is a predictor of whether he will return for checkups.

To be fair, women get plugged into the healthcare system at an early age seeing gynecologists and then just get in the routine of annual visits. Still, men have a habit of avoiding doctor visits and only attend if they have a problem that really impacts their lives.

Luckily, healthcare research is focusing on this problem and employing successful tactics to encourage men to visit the doctor regularly. One study found that workplace health promotion programs, which included health education and coaching, can improve men’s engagement with healthcare services. Another study found that reminder

systems, such as phone calls, text messages, or mailed reminders, were effective in improving men’s adherence to recommended preventive care. A third study concluded that involving romantic partners in the process can increase men’s engagement in preventive health services.

How often should men go to the doctor? Much depends a lot on age and health. A general rule of thumb: men ages 18 to 39 should have their blood pressure checked every two years, but if it reaches a certain threshold, it should be checked yearly. Men ages 45 and older should be screened for diabetes every three years, but if they are overweight the screening should start at a younger age. Men over age 35 should be screened for high cholesterol and heart disease prevention every five years, but if they have diabetes, they should be screened more often. Men with no family history of colon cancer or polyps should be screened for colorectal cancer every five to ten years between the ages of 50 to 75, but the screening should start earlier if they do have a family history.

Thankfully, societal norms are changing, and men are finding the education, comfort, and encouragement they need to maintain a healthy body. Estate planning is no different. Men (and women) are finding that creating an estate plan is easier than they realized and more streamlined allowing them to successfully check estate planning off their to do list.

708-819-1580

THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

BRINGING UCHICAGO MEDICINE TO YOU

You’ll have access to UChicago Medicine’s excellent specialty care and the latest clinical trials, right here in the western suburbs. Best of all, you’ll still experience AdventHealth’s whole-person care, treating body, mind and spirit.

Learn more at: HealthyChicagoland.org

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This is big. AdventHealth and UChicago Medicine are now partners.

Youth Soccer: a Saturday morning staple

By JILL WAGNER Contributing Reporter

Families lined up at Veterans Stadium on Harrison, Saturday, to watch their favorite soccer players kick and dribble their teams into victory. The familiar sight of red and white jerseys, little orange cones, soccer nets and soccer parents in lawn chairs along the fences has become a Saturday morning staple since the synthetic turf was put in nearly two decades ago.

Just as the 3- and 4-year-old Little Kickers made their way off the field, the 8-year-old and under Division 1 stepped onto the turf. The full-length soccer field was divided into three separate mini fields to create a pitch of many games, played simultaneously.

“This season we have six teams [in Division 1], which is the most participation we have had in a long time, even before COVID came about in 2020,” explains Forest Youth Soccer Association President Mi Hill, who took the reigns just over 10 ago and credits the strength of the pr to the parents and volunteers who are al stepping in whenever there’s a need. He also cites the Code of Conduct created in his ear days as soccer leader

“I love the kids,” Hill explains. “I gr with youth sports and wanted to give which has brought his many returns to the field. Hill went on to point out that the teenage referees overseeing each game on the field were once kids themselves playing in Di vision 1. “We’ve gone full circle and now our older soccer players give back to referee the younger games.”

The Forest Park Youth Soccer Association provides a semi-competitive environment in an 8-week season. Divisions are separated age: Division 1 for children 8 and under sion 2 for children 10 and under, Division 3 children 12 and under, and a varsity team of 14 and under athletes. The varsity this year, with a roster of 15 players, faces off against other local soccer programs, including North Riverside, Riverside, Elmwood Park, and St Giles and Ascension schools in Oak Park

The coaches are all volunteers, including Cristina Arredono, who remembers playing Forest Park Youth Soccer when she was a tike and returned to the fields as a coach when her son and niece started playing. She especially appreciates the lessons of “teamwork, confidence in self, and competition” that she gets to teach the next generation.

One of the most enthusiastic coaches on

the field is Barry Cooper, who didn’t know anything about soccer when his son first joined. A lively spectator-turned-coach, he continued to coach even after leaving Forest Park and as his son moved to other divisions.

“When we moved to Clarendon Hills,” he said, “my son, who was not into sports, wanted to stay a part of Forest Park Soccer. So when we moved, we didn’t leave the Forest Park soccer field.”

His coaching philosophy focuses on growing skills, understanding fundamentals, and working with others. “We work on drills and skills at practice. Before each game the team and I agree on what we are going to do,” Coach Cooper explains, “and usually the highlight is getting into our lineup and highfiving all the parents. Sometimes we do it two times.”

The robust return of Forest Park Youth

Soccer after the COVID years is reflected in the nearly 150 participants this year, including children from neighboring communities who have joined the program.

Every family agrees to the code of conduct when they participate, which states basic responsibilities every child, coach, parent, and others follow, including being generous when you win, graceful when you lose, being fair, working for the good of the team, and conducting yourself with honor and dignity

TODD BANNOR

Fans and parents watch a Youth Soccer game at Forest Park Veterans Field on Saturay, May 20.

Join the Chef Challenge!

In less than two weeks, Beyond Hunger’s Healthy Chef Challenge is back, live and in person at Goose Island’s Barrel House. Launched in 2018 this annual event captures the enthusiasm and spicy fun behind Beyond Hunger’s Nutrition and Health Education program. This year guests will experience an immersive cooking and healthy eating experience: Health Ambassadors and Dietetic Interns are partnering up throughout the venue to offer hands-on education such as knife skills and meal preparation demonstrations. Guests will enjoy delectable bites featuring Beyond Hunger Healthy Recipes. And over the course

Come out and see this year’s competitors and judges in action: June 1st, 7pm-10pm

Goose Island

Barrel House Competition

of the night, the competition will be heating up in the beautiful Barrel House kitchen where area chefs compete for the best dish, using healthy ingredients found on the shelves of Beyond Hunger’s food pantry. Finally, celebrity judges’ taste, compare, and name the 2023 Healthy Chef Champions.

“We are thrilled to be at Goose Island’s Barrel House this year. Guests will get to sample Goose Island Beers and our VIP’s will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Barrel House.” says Teri Miller, Beyond Hunger Director of Development, “Goose Island has been a phenomenal event partner.”

Master of the Menu: Zita Smith

– Zita Cooks Catering

Connor Hepburn

– The Alinea Group

For tickets visit //GoBeyondHunger.org/events

Victor of Variety: Yvonne Ivy – PHS Dessert Bar

Arshiya Farheen - Verzênay Chicago

Judges: Phil Vettel – The 31-year restaurant critic at the Chicago Tribune

Emily Hallock

– Masterchef Semifinalist Season 12

Sam Yousif – Managing partner of B-Health, OP Chamber

Liz Abunaw

– Forty Acres Fresh Market

The event would not be possible without area sponsors including: First Bank Chicago, Kribi Coffee, Byline Bank, Music & Potlucks, Forest Park Bank, T-Mobile To become a Healthy Chef Challenge Sponsor please contact Teri@GoBeyondHunger.org

Harmon outlines process for selecting Johnson’s successor on county board

Applications due May 31, selection date to be determined

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-39th), who also serves as the Oak Park Township committeeperson, announced the process for filling Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s seat on the Cook County Board.

Prior to his election as Chicago mayor in April, Johnson was the commissioner for Cook County’s 1st District, which includes Oak Park, Forest Park, part of Chicago’s West Side and portions of Proviso Township.

Under the Cook County Code of Ordinances, vacancies on the county board are filled by the members of the election committee of the political party of the person who last held that seat.

The election committees are made up of committeepersons who represent Chicago wards and suburban townships within the district, and their share of the vote is apportioned according to how many voters in their district voted for Johnson in the Nov. 8, 2022 election for county board.

This means that Harmon and County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, the Proviso Township committeeperson, collectively hold 58.72% of the vote. If they vote together, they will determine who is chosen by themselves.

Because Oak Park Township had the highest portion of the vote, Harmon serves as the selection committee chair. In a statement to the media, he indicated applications for the position can be submitted by email to firstdistrictvacancy@gmail.com The dates for in-person interviews and a meeting where the replacement will be selected have not been set yet.

Johnson resigned from his seat effective May 13, two days before he was sworn in as the Chicago mayor. In a statement to the media, he stated that it has been a “true honor” to serve on a county board.

“As excited as I am about my future as mayor of Chicago, I am also sobered and humbled to be leaving my constituents and colleagues on the Board, because together, we have done so much important work to transform Cook

County gover nment,” he stated. “As I look back on these last four years, I am particularly proud that, under President Toni Preckwinkle’s steady leadership, we centered equity and justice in all of our work Whether it was the Justice for Black Lives resolution, which helped frame our budget deliberations, or the Just Housing Ordinance, which protects individuals with arrest records from housing discrimination, we focused our energy on centering and uplifting our most vulnerable, most marginalized communities Compassion, competency and collaboration propelled everything we accomplished.”

Yarbrough previously told Growing Community Media that, until Johnson resigned, the selection committee couldn’t start its work She also indicated that the work likely won’t start until after the Illinois General Assembly adjourns on May 19.

Normally, the city commiteepersons’ shares of the vote would be allocated based on ward boundaries that existed at the time of the most recent election.

But the current committeepersons were elected in the March 2020 Democratic primary, before ward boundaries were redrawn in 2022. Selection committee spokesperson Tom Bowen said that, for the purpose of allocating the vote share, they took the November 2022 precinct-level data and applied it to the previous maps.

This shifted the makeup of the selection committee – 24th Ward Committeeperson Michael Scott and 36th Ward Committeeperson Ald. Gilbert Villegas, whose wards were drawn into the 1st District in 2022, won’t be voting, but 2nd Ward Committeeperson Tim Egan, whose ward was drawn out of the 1st District in 2022, will.

While it doesn’t alter the overall vote difference between the city and suburbs, it does mean that the 29th Ward committeeperson, Ald. Chris Taliaferro, who would’ve had the biggest share of city votes under the 2022 map (13.31%) now has the third-biggest share (6.68%). Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th Ward committeeperson, now has the highest percentage (11.59%) in the city

The seat is open to registered voters who have lived in the 1st District for at least a year. Several West Side community activists and faith leaders have publicly expressed interest.

That includes Rev. Ira J. Acree, co-chair of

the Leaders Network, a faith-based West Side social justice group and pastor of Greater St John Bible Church; for mer 29th Ward alderperson candidate and Cook County Board president candidate Zerlina Smith-Members; Marshall Hatch Jr., head of West Garfield Park’s MAAFA Redemption Project; and Aus-

tin activist Claibor ne Wade Harmon stated he welcomes more applications

“Anyone interested in applying to our committee for the appointment should submit a resume and a short cover letter signifying their interest and qualifications,” he said.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

Security guard red after threatening to stab drivers, shoot up employer’s o ce

A security guard working for the Forest Park-based American Security Services company, 1515 S. Harlem Ave., threatened bodily harm at a job site in north suburban Mundelein — and the threats only escalated after he was warned that his statements would lead to his firing.

The incident happened May 18 at around 3:30 p.m. The man was on duty when the drivers for the company where he was providing security “began to slow down and back up.” This lead to him telling his supervisor that he was “about to go outside and stab everyone.” After he was warned that such statements could get him fired, he responded that, if he was fired, he would “go to the office and shoot up the place.”

The man was fired, and the security company arranged for him to turn over his company uniform under police supervi-

sion. The man turned it over without incident, but he denied making threats.

The man has a valid Firearm Owners Identification card. The Forest Park police asked the Illinois State Police to revoke it.

Road rage incident

A cargo van driver threatened to beat up a driver who passed in front of him.

On May 16 at around 5:38 p.m., the victim was driving a black 2019 Subaru SUV south on Desplaines Avenue when he approached Adams Street intersection. South of the intersection, the southbound side of the street was reduced to one lane due to construction. The victim saw a white 2010 Chevrolet Cargo Van trying to merge into his lane. Figuring that there wasn’t enough room for that, the victim ke pt driving.

The cargo van driver screamed and honked at him. The victim ke pt going, but he had to stop at the Jackson Boulevard intersection due to a red light. The cargo van driver got out, shouted homophobic insults at the victim and threatened to drag the victim out of the SUV and beat him up. The driver also said that he would track down where the victim lived.

The driver then got back into the van and drove of f, getting onto the Eisenhower Expressway and heading west. The victim was able to get the license plate number. While this allowed the police to identify the re gistered owner, the victim’s description of the van driver didn’t match the owner. The police were unable to identify him at the time of the re port.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Depart-

ment, May 15-18, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Igor Studenkov

First step to becoming a foster parent is a picnic

Child welfare agencies hope to attract loving foster families

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Those who have ever considered being a foster parent were welcomed to attend an informational picnic last weekend to learn more about taking the next step to being a welcoming family for kids in need. The event took place in Thatcher Woods in River Forest.

The Chicagoland Foster Care Recruitment Collective’s Foster Parent Recruitment picnic was an opportunity for those who have felt the nudge towards being a foster parent to receive more information on the process in a low-pressure environment.

“Becoming a foster parent is not a decision people just wake up and decide to do, it is usually a long game,” said Nancy Silver, foster parent recruitment and suppor t specialist at Hephzibah Children’s Association. “It can be a slow burn when you are just getting information and learning about the first steps. I think each time we build a little thing and see certain people come back and build moments and build support there.”

“Months of planning went into this event, so it was amazing to see it take of f on Saturday,” said Emma Fojtick, intake and licensing supervisor at Hephzibah Children’s Association. “I can speak for every agency involved in the collective when I say that any opportunity for the community to learn more about foster care is worthwhile. This is especially true when it gives current and/or for mer youth in care the platform to articulate their lived experiences in the system. This is my second collaborative recruitment event, and both times I’ve been incredibly moved and inspired by the stories of each panelist. Everyone in attendance came with open ears, curiosity, and a willingness to listen. I would have loved to see a larger turnout, but if this event leads to even one person becoming a foster parent or support to a youth in foster care, than I consider it to be a success.”

The free, family-friendly event included

presentations on the licensing process, the criteria needed to foster in Illinois, informational tables, and agency re presentatives who provided additional information. There was also a panel of for mer foster care youth who talked about their experiences along with the importance of having a safe and supportive foster home in their lives.

The event was a collaborative ef fort among members of the Chicagoland Foster Care Recruitment Collective, a group of social service agencies helping provide foster care and adoption services in the Chicago area including Oak Park-based Hephzibah Children’s Association, Kaleidoscope, Kids Above All, Lawrence Hall, Little City, Our Children’s Homestead, SOS Illinois, and UCAN.

Fojtik said having all the agencies un-

der one roof allowed for people to gather information quicker rather than having to reach out to each individually.

“If you have ever wanted to be a foster parent you can learn about the next step and where to go from there,” Fojtik said.

A goal of this event was to raise awareness and encourage others to look into fostering and drawing back the curtains on a need that is often not spoken about.

Silver said the world of fostering, and the needs of children in the foster care system, is oftentimes misunderstood, which gives space for events like these to bring some understanding.

“You can see movies and shows and they talk about foster care but there aren’t many opportunities to engage in the f oster care community,” Fojtik said, “Fostering is really a life changing experience and it

shakes up your world and it is important go through that with an agency that you are connected with.”

The need for foster parents is crucial, said Silver.

According to the press release by Kaleidoscope with data from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, as of April 30 of this year, there were 20,448 children ages zero to 21 years old in the Illinois’ child welfare system.

“There is a huge need for additional loving people to open their homes to kids in need,” Silver said. “You can talk to any agency in the country and they will tell you the same thing, which is that we need more foster parents. Frankly speaking there aren’t enough homes for the kids who need homes.”

SARA JANZ

Above: Ev rod Cassimy of NBC Chicago opening the presentation. Le : Children play ing with dogs during the Picnic.

The future is now for the In ation Reduction Act

When we moved to Forest Park over two decades ago, my first wish was to install solar panels, but there were many roadblocks at the time. So we optimized energy consumption instead, from lightbulbs to smart meters and overall mindfulness on avoiding waste in as many for ms as we could figure out, from composting (half of U.S. landfills are stuffed with food waste apparently) to insulation (we got recycled denim instead of fiberglass on our attic)

Along the way, a hybrid Honda Civic car meant that we only needed to load on gas every two weeks instead of every week like with our previous Honda Civic. We eventually installed the solar panels and bought two electric cars (one used) that we charge at home most of the time (for drives out of town we stop to charge somewhere). We do not miss gas stations, motor rumbling and noise, most car maintenance, or the time and attention it took to deal with all that.

We know that this was all possible because we could take the time to look into the correct information available as if it were a hobby, yet something that has paid off both in terms of savings and quality of life. Now with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the things that we did over the years are much easier to figure out, and have extra support.

Why the extra support? Because the big

picture is now clear. It is not just that fossil fuel industries are responsible for the pollution that is harming the web of life as we know it, but the pollution is being channeled through you and me, and anybody who needs food, shelter and transport.

This means over 30% of pollution in the country is coming from home appliances and over 40% if we add our means of personal transportation. And we are paying for it dearly, not just in the cost of utilities and fuel, but with our personal health. For example, an important cause of asthma derives from air pollutants emitted from appliances such as furnaces and kitchen ranges inside our very houses.

In short, the Inflation Reduction Act has been created to reduce our dependence on obsolete polluting appliances and devices that are causing harm at global and personal scales, and drastically reduce the monetary and health costs associated with paying for utilities, services, and being sick, not to mention the time involved.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits such as:

■ $2,000 for a HVAC heat pump (a device that replaces both a/c and fur nace)

■ $2,000 for a heat pump water heater

■ $1,200 for weatherization

■ $600 for electrical panels

■ $600 for windows

■ $500 for doors

■ 30% for battery storage

■ 30% for geother mal heating

■ 30% for rooftop solar installation

In late 2023, there will be electrification rebates for up to:

■ $8,000 for heat pump AC/heaters

■ $8,000 for some home energy efficiency upgrades

■ $4,000 for electrical panels

■ $2,500 for electric wiring

■ $1,750 for heat pump water heaters

■ $1,600 for weatherization

■ $840 for electric stoves (note that induction electric ranges are as good if not better than gas in terms of heat adjustment, not to mention that there is no energy waste like in old coil electric or natural gas versions. We got a portable one last year, just to try, and that is all we use now!).

To check on your eligibility for tax credits and rebates, the gover nment has set an IRA calculator where you can enter the size of your home, its location and annual income

The main website where you can find the IRA calculator is https://www.rewiringamerica.org and it is full of good infor mation, including a fact sheet for starters.

Let’s get our homes ready for the future Forest Park, for our families and for our home planet!

Dr. Julieta Aguilera, a Forest Park resident for over two decades, is a Climate Reality trainee and mentor.

Dirt y politics returns

I am appalled by the behind-thescenes maneuverings that apparently went on before the May 8 village council meeting. The top vote-getter for commissioner traditionally takes over the Accounts and Finance Department, which apparently also includes the position of vice mayor. This traditional arrangement makes sense, since that commissioner clearly has garnered the most support from the voters.

But instead of the commissioner with the most votes — someone who got more votes than the mayor himself — we have a person who was hand-picked by the mayor to be appointed to Dan Novak’s vacated seat in that position. This reeks of cronyism and backscratching. End runs around the will of the voters were something I came to expect from the last mayor, I did not expect it from this one.

I would like to thank Commissioner Rogovin for refusing to go along with this farce, which is more than I can say for Commissioner Nero, who meekly went along to get along.

Kristen McCoy Forest Park

OPINION No Altenheim transparency

We’ll give the mayor credit, we suppose, for being direct enough to acknowledge that he limited participation of elected officials in a meeting to discuss the future of the villageowned property at the Altenheim because he did not want to trigger the Open Meetings Act.

That the person excluded from the meeting was Commissioner Jessica Voogd was the least surprising news of the week. That Mayor Rory Hoskins prefer red to talk in private with a potential consultant about next steps at the Altenheim is also predictable. Hoskins, for all his lip service about transparency, has never been transparent about what should happen at this prime piece of open land which the village wisely purchased 20 years ago.

Perhaps that is because, year by year, the portion of those 11 acres that Hoskins wants left open, green and public just keeps shrinking. The latest version of a plan is substantially more housing oriented than public recreation focused.

We think a straight-up, fully public conversation about preserving open space would elicit strong support for that vision and little backing for another batch of townhomes on the last wide-open space in the village. But Hoskins has never wanted to have that conversation, so he has exercised his advantage by controlling the process.

And that now manifests itself in a tight little circle of discussion including only two elected officials, Hoskins and Commissioner Maria Maxham, to guide the proposed consultant’s role in “putting the meat on those bones” of the general recommendations from the Altenheim Advisory Commission.

Not a strong show of support for open government by this mayor.

Solong, Joe

Joe Byrnes has of fered a life of service to Forest Park Now, with his departure from the village council after two worthy terms, Byrnes will most certainly continue to be visible and active in the village as a volunteer.

Let us join so many others in thanking Joe for his effor ts on so many fronts. After nearly a decade of military service, he was a Forest Park police officer, starting in 1974. He served at almost every rank within the department and retired after 25 years as de puty chief. He was elected to the park district board and then ran for village council. He is a generous presence whether at the board table, volunteering, or in a casual encounter on a village street. He has served this village extraordinarily well and this is a better community for his service.

Finding a just narrative for Memorial Day

My father was ambivalent about Memorial Day. He was drafted into the Ar my during World War II and then, to his dismay, was drafted again into the Air Force for the Korean War. He served as a navigator/ bombardier in a B-26, and had to fly 50 missions over enemy territory, sometimes with anti-aircraft flak exploding all around him. He hated war

I, too, am ambivalent about Memorial Day but for different reasons. I was only 4 years old when my father flew those 40 missions in Korea, so I don’t remember much about it in a personal way, but I clearly remember Vietnam. I was eligible for the draft in those days, and the possibility of me fighting in those rice paddies gave me nightmares

HOLMES

There is a draft right now in Ukraine, but the young men in that country feel very differently than I did in the 1960s. I was convinced that the whole situation in Vietnam was not just a mistake but downright immoral. What a contrast. The young men and women in Ukraine know what they are fighting for.

I want to feel love for my country on Memorial Day, and here is how I think I might be able to do it this May 29:

My understanding is that the seeds of a day of remembering began right after General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. In 1868 people in small towns like Forest Park — in both the North and the South — needed occasions for public g rieving the loss of loved ones and the terrible loss of life in that war, and that makes me realize that parents, spouses and children in Russia are going through the same emotional and spiritual grieving processes as their counterparts in Ukraine

The problem is that, in their search for healing, people tend to create narratives about what happened or, more often, accept narratives created by someone else. Talk to someone who has been recently divorced and you will hear a narrative, a story about what happened to cause the relational polarization. Then talk to the other partner

The victors, it is said, write the history of what happened in a war, but the losers also write narratives. The “Lost Cause of the Confederacy,” according to the Encyclopedia of Virginia, “is an interpretation of the American Civil War that seeks to present the war from the perspective of Confederates and in the best possible terms. … In a postwar climate of economic, racial and social uncertainty, the Lost Cause created and romanticized the Old South and the Confederate war effort, often

distorting history in the process.”

In that sense, the Trump supporters’ Big Lie is a lost-cause narrative.

I respect Germany so much for preserving the site of the Dachau concentration camp to remind themselves and us of the horrors that can result from basically good people surrendering their sense of right and wrong to a demagogue who distorted reality by lying about the cause of their suffering and creating a MGGA (Make Ger many Great Again) narrative.

These days we have two polarizing narratives competing with each other in the minds of the 334 million people who call this nation home

Look at what President Lincoln tried to do in his Second Inaugural Address. First, he spoke the truth. He named slavery as the cause of the war. As with South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s strategy for moving toward national healing, Lincoln declared that part of building a bridge between disparate cultures included constructing it on a foundation of truth.

In the two years following the end of World War II (19451946), the victorious Allies conducted the Nuremberg Trials “held for the purpose of bringing Nazi war criminals to justice, criminals who were indicted on such charges as crimes against peace and crimes against humanity.”

(History Channel)

Creating a narrative based on the facts is critical for restorative justice to happen.

But for justice to actually be restorative, speaking the truth must not be done with the intent of humiliating the other side or vindicating ourselves. In that regard Lincoln first tried to find common ground. He said, “Both [the North and South] read the same Bible and pray to the same God and each invokes His aid against the other.”

Then Lincoln added what I will call “love for the enemy” to the foundation of truth. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us strive to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”

After WWII, the U.S. walked that talk by implementing the Marshall Plan, which eventually gave war-tor n countries in Europe, including Germany and Italy, $12 billion in aid.

This Memorial Day I will tape a gold star to my bathroom mirror as a way of memorializing those who died in our wars, whether those wars were justified or not, and trying to create a narrative in which justice for our land can actually be restorative.

Sta Reporter Igor Studenkov, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a

Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice

Big Week Editor James Porter

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Sales and Marketing Representatives

Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Unsolicited advice on the spirituality of golf

Our Father’s Day tradition is nine holes of golf with my sons and sons-in-law

Since we’re playing on a Sunday, I will deliver this ser mon to them on the spiritual benefits of golf.

Like faith, golf requires us to lose our “old nature.” Our old nature tells us to grip the club tightly, so we have total control. In golf, though, a tight grip keeps us from meeting the ball squarely and it sails off in the wrong direction.

When it comes to using the proper grip, I am a wayward soul. A fellow golfer accused me of having the strongest grip he’d ever seen and suggested I take a lesson, thus violating one of golf ’s commandments: Thou Shalt Not Give Unsolicited Advice.

Human nature tells us the harder we swing, the farther the ball will fly. But this doesn’t work in golf. Using our strength to muscle the ball will only advance it a short distance. Golf requires a light touch and an easy swing.

The most common mistake golfers make is looking up during their swing to see where the ball is headed. This causes them to top

Board of Directors

Chair Judy Gre n

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

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com

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ONLINE ForestParkReview.com

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)

In-county subscriptions: $34 per year. $55 for two years, $69 for three years.

Out-of-county subscriptions: $42 per year.

the ball, or completely miss it We have the same problem in ife. We’re so busy looking ahead, we don’t focus on the present.

Our urge to look up is especially strong when we’re facing a hazard, like water or sand. We’re onstantly looking ahead for trouble. But if we keep our head down and focus on the ball, we’re less likely to splash.

The closer we get to the green, the more likely we’re going to eek during the swing. We want to get close to the hole so badly, we look up and ruin the shot. On these chip shots, our nature tells us to stop our club when it hits the ball, so it won’t go over the green. Faith requires us to follow through with our swing, or the ball will come up short. It reminds us to follow through with decisions, rather than being afraid of the consequences

Golf is a frustrating game, but we can’t give into these frustrations. The golfer must calmly accept adversity. They must humble themselves. Nothing is more humbling than raking a sand trap, after wasting three shots to get out of it

Our nature is to blame others for our problems, but in golf there’s no one else to blame

Bicentennial blood dr

The 1976 Forest Park Memorial Day Parade was jointly sponsored by the Forest Park American Legion Post 414 and Forest Park Memorial Post 7181. The parade assembled at Circle Avenue and Randolph Street and marched south on Circle to Madison, west on Madison to Desplaines, turning south to Harrison and ending at The Pa rk

The Forest Park Blood Assurance Program was one of the entries, as Forest Park had engaged in a supply promise to the Red Cross. Their first draw netted 169 pints and they were preparing for their second draw with a goal of 225 pints, using the parade to remind the community of the need.

Jill Wagner

Golf also teaches us courtesy and respect for others. We don’t talk during someone’s shot, or do anything to distract them. The golf course may be the last bastion of courtesy.

It may also be the last bastion of sportsmanship. Golfers are on the honor system, keeping their own scores. Golfers are so honorable, they call penalties on themselves.

Golf demands honesty. It’s tempting to “improve” our lie to hit from a more desirable spot but an honest golfer “plays it where it lies.” It’s against our nature to count every stroke and finish every putt. But we can’t improve until we face what we’re shooting now. It’s the reason golf pencils don’t have erasers. Golf offers many opportunities to cheat but we’re only cheating ourselves

As in faith, there are elements of grace in golf: the cart path bounce, the ball that skips across the water, the line drive that is stopped by the pin. We need grace on the golf course because it’s so difficult and contrary to human nature.

Golfers have devised their own form of grace — they’re called mulligans. God wants us to use only one of these do-overs per round, lest we cheapen grace.

Can I hear an Amen?

Forest Park Rev iew photo June 2, 1976: e Memorial Day Parade, traveling south on Circle, included the Forest Park Blood Assurance Program, chaired by Jan Behnke

LOCAL DELIVERY DRIVER

Full Time M-F

Must be able to lift 60 pounds.

If interested call 708-209-1636 or email peg@berniesaw.com

Bernie’s Saw & Supply

1222 Circle Avenue Forest Park, Il. 60130

COLLECTIVE IMPACT MANAGER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Collective Impact Manager in the Village Manager’s Office. Under the general direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, the Collective Impact Manager will be responsible for building and assessing racial equity impact needs and developing a strategic plan to support those needs. This includes driving the initiatives focused on the Racial Equity Action Plan through community assessments, community engagement, data functions, and overall internal and external functions. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at ht tps:/ /secure.entertimeonline. com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537117711 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

CASHIER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Cashier in the Finance Department. This position will perform all clerical tasks related to the cash receipt function. Collect, process, and deposit payments made to the Village received directly from customers, via mail, lockbox, or from other internal departments. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled, first review of applications will be on May 23, 2023.

The Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is looking to hire talented and experienced individuals for the following positions. OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide competitive compensation and a generous benefits package.

MARKETPLACE

HOME SERVICES

JOB OPENINGS

SENIOR PROPERTY MANAGER, HOUSING PROGRAMS – Provides oversight in the management of three housing communities in Oak ParkMills Park Tower, The Oaks, and The Farrelly-Muriello Apartments.

ROSS PROGRAM SERVICE COORDINATOR (RPSC) – MILLS PARK TOWER – Develops and coordinates service programs that promote self-sufficiency and independent living for Mills Park Tower residents.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ PROGRAM SUPPORT – MILLS PARK TOWER - Provides administrative and clerical support to Mills Park Tower Property Manager and Assistant Property Manager.

HCV PROGRAMS CASE MANAGER(S) – Provides case management to Oak Park Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher participants.

PROPERTY MANAGER, MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL –Manages multiple market-rate buildings throughout Oak Park. In collaboration with leasing and maintenance teams, provides excellent customer services to residents.

For a complete job description for each of these positions and information about how to apply, please visit our website at https://oakparkrc.com/ about-us/work-for-oprc/ OR Send Cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com

Data Associate sought by Avant, LLC in Chicago, IL to Model new data sets that can be incrprtd into the data warehouse. Telecommuting (remote wrk) permitted. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com Ref# 66215.

IT Professionals: Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl. (Multiple positions) SAP Consultants are needed for our Chicago, IL Ofc. Must be willing to travel to set up systems to various clients at unanticipated locations across the nation. Send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Tequity Partners LLC at 3348 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Video Producer, Editor sought by Teamfire Productions in Chicago, IL to wrk w prj ownrs & mngs all aspcts of prdctn job frm start to fnsh. Reqs BS in Film, Arts, or rltd field & frqnt dmstc trvl. Telcmtng frm Chicagoland area prmtd. Mst hv perm auth to wrk in US. Snd rsm & cvr lttr to 200 E Illinois St, Unit 2504, Chicago, IL 60611

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer(s); Shifts to be filled are 8:00pm – Midnight or Midnight – 6:00am. The position is a rotating schedule assigned by the Supervisor – 4 days on and 4 days off which includes weekends and some holidays. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills.

Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

Tuckpointing / Masonry Work

AUTO SERVICES

HOME SERVICES FLOORS

KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 • www. klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN

Mike’s Home Repair

Drywall H Painting H Tile

Plumbing H Electric H Floors

Windows H Doors H Siding

Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

PAINTING

WOODWORK

Terry's Woodwork Restoration

On-site refinishing of wood and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

YARD SERVICES

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Blonde Cedar $54/yd

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PETS

While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 9:00am. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2023-24 school year. If you are the parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Kiara Colas at kcolas@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3706 to request the Zoom Link information.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 17, 24, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: YY23010544 on May 9, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Request of Nathan Christopher Gonzales Case Number 2023CONC000747

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Nathan Christopher Gonzales to the new name of: Nathan Ace Pietri

The court date will be held: On 08/10/2023 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 17, 24, 31, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: YY23010581 on May 17, 2023

708-524-1030

Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Firewood, Compost, Gravel, Sand

SureGreenLandscape�com

847-888-9999 • 630-876-0111

Under the Assumed Business Name of NOTHING MATTERS with the business located at: 3938 N CALIFORNIA AVE APT 1E, CHICAGO, IL 60618. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CLAUDIA LICETH CRUZ 3938 N CALIFORNIA AVE APT 1E CHICAGO, IL 60618, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal May 17, 24, 31, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of ARCADIA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES with the business located at: 830-A NORTH BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60301. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID WALZ 1518 ELGIN AVE. FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

Published in Forest Park Review May 24, 31, June 7, 2023

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Request for Bids

Priory Park Asphalt Path

Replacement Project

Bids for the River Forest Park District’s 2023 Priory Park Asphalt Path Replacement Project in River Forest, IL, shall be received until 2:00 PM local time, Friday, June 9, 2023, at which time they will be publicly opened.

Bid documents are available electronically at www.rfparks.com starting Friday May 19, 2023. This is a State of Illinois/Cook County Prevailing Wage Project, with a certified payroll to be turned into the Park District.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 24, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

FY 2024 Tree & Stump Removal

This project consists of the removal of designated parkway trees throughout the Village in addition to stump removal and area restoration.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, May 22, 2023 at:

www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Friday, June 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 24, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday June 15, 2023 for Project: 23-2, Resurfacing of Various Streets. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, this contract includes removal and replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalks and sidewalk ramps, and driveways; combined sewer repairs; drainage structure adjustments; pavement patching; full depth pavement removal; earth excavation; cold-milling of bituminous concrete; installation of hot-mix asphalt base, binder and surface courses; installation of HMA speed humps at various locations; installation of RRFB systems; pavement markings; parkway restoration; and all appurtenant work thereto.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic

service starting on Thursday June 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8539392 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. All prospective bidders must be pre-qualified in the HMA Paving category by the Illinois Department of Transportation. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, May 24, and May 31, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.MELANIE MARTIN, 300 CHICAGO CONDOMINIUM, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF HAZEL J. ANTHONY, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HAZEL J. ANTHONY (DECEASED)

Defendants

2022 CH 04036

300 CHICAGO AVE 4N OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 17, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 13, 2023, 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 300 CHICAGO AVE 4N, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-05-321-0341007

The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.

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. 14-22-03237

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 04036

TJSC#: 43-1809

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 04036 I3219832

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN

TRUST 2006-FF14 MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FF14

Plaintiff, -v.-

JUANITA J. LACOURT, CHARLES T. GRANT, WELLS FARGO BANK N.A. Defendants

2020 CH 07380

817 S. SCOVILLE AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 16, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 20, 2023, 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 817 S. SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-228-019000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $584,316.19.

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, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 20 8287.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORA-

TION

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

SALE

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

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 20 8287

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2020 CH 07380

TJSC#: 43-1333

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2020 CH 07380

I3219657

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of the SCIG Series III Trust; Plaintiff, vs. GAD IKEANUMBA AKA GAD C. IKEANUMBA; 1030-32

NORTH AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AKA 1030

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. 16-05-314-031-1001.

Commonly known as 1032 N. Austin Blvd., Unit 1N, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 Lucerne Drive, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130. (440) 572-1512. ILF1810025 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3219409

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-3; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KAREN PEISS AKA KAREN P. PEISS AKA KAREN GARDINER KOLOZSY; EDWARD J. KOLOZSY AKA EDWARD KOLOZSY; MICHELLE P. PURCELL AKA MICHELLE PURCELL AKA MICHELLE PEISS; CHARLES H. PEISS AKA CHARLES PEISS; WILLIAM (BILL) BUTCHER AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR KAREN GARDINER KOLOZSY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 8974

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 Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at the hour

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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. 15-34-124-065-0000 (new); 1534-124-056 (underlying ). Commonly known as 9523 Monroe Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513. 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 The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1396-183819 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3221091

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; Plaintiff, vs. PATRICIA CRAWFORD; MARION-AT-MILLS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 9108

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 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. 16-07-309-045-1019.

Commonly known as 248 S. Marion St., Unit 206, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees re-

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

quired by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)

(4) of Section 9 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 The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7020184095

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3220520

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

HMC Assets, LLC solely in its capacity as separate trustee of CAM XI Trust

Plaintiff, vs. Elizabeth Meza aka Elizabeth A. Meza; Agustin Meza; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants

Defendants, 21 CH 2539

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 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. 16-18-135-009-0000.

Commonly known as 826 South Grove Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. 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 The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illi-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

nois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1491189651 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3220513

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 20151; Plaintiff, vs. MATTHEW O. MCMURRAY AKA MATTHEW MCMURRAY; SOUTH MALL COURT CLUB CONDOMINIUMS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 11906

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 Wednesday, July 5, 2023 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. 16-07-314-024-1022.

Commonly known as 1150 Washington Boulevard, Apartment 1, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 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 The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6184190190 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3221092

-32

N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AND HENRY SILVERMAN LIVING TRUST

U/A/D AUGUST 26, 1996;

Defendants, 11 CH 33740

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN.

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

64

Just last week

Across the 5 flags of Growing Community Media News. Sports. Business. Real estate. Features. Faith. Every story written by one of our reporters or dedicated freelancers. Stacey Sheridan. Bob Uphues. Igor Studenkov. Amaris Rodriguez. Francia Garcia Hernandez. Bob Skolnik. Lacey Sikora. Melvin Tate. Bill Stone. Jessica Mackinnon. Tom Holmes. James Porter. Jill Wagner. Kelly Pollock. Jackie Pisano.

Every story local to your hometown.

Growing Green 2023

Nurturing Small Businesses to Thrive and Grow.

Amanda Daly Owner | The Daly Bagel

When I was looking for a small business loan, people kept telling me to talk to FPB. After just one meeting, I completely understood what they meant.”

Forest Park Bank

Makes it Possible.

When it comes to community, Forest Park Bank stands with you.

Becoming Illinois’ rst ‘green dining hub’

A collaboration of three organizations, including Oak Park’s Takeout25

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Local restaurants across the Greater West Side – city and near west suburbs -- have risen to the voluntary challenge of becoming Illinois’ first “green dining hub.” The program is supposed to roll out in earnest this summer, but so far, 12 restaurants and counting have committed to altering operations to become part of an environmentally sustainable restaurant eco-system.

One of those restaurants, the Daly Bagel, signed on to the initiative last October after hearing about it at a meeting of Takeout 25, an Oak Park-based nonprofit that supports local restaurants and other food establishments started by the sustainability-minded Oak Park village trustee, Ravi Parakkat.

Since then, Daly Bagel co-owners Adrienne Guldin and Amanda Daly attest the greening process has been smooth, interesting and relatively easy at the bakery, 130 Chicago Ave. This was a pleasant surprise for the two, who initially felt a little overwhelmed at the prospect of what going green could entail.

“We’re already so strapped for time,” said Daly. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, what are we getting ourselves into?’ but I have to say it has been so painless.”

This, according to Daly and Guldin, is in large part because of Cassie Carroll, founder of the Illinoi Green Business Association and program director of the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The two organizations teamed up to create the Illinois Green Business Program, which provides technical assistance and cost-saving energy efficiency opportunities to businesses

Carroll connected with Parakkat and Takeout 25 through staff at the Village of Oak Park Village staffers had reached out to Carroll initially as part of it Climate Ready Oak Park climate change plan to explore what a green business program might look like for the village From there, her collaboration with Parakkat was born, according to Carroll.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity to help restaurants, especially because they were some of

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State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)

State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

Estimated to be an additional 25-40% of the system cost, paid out to homeowners in a lump sum.

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The cost and demand for electricity is going UP. Over the course of 20 years the average homeowner can save over $20,000 by going solar compared to just “renting” energy from their utility.

The cost and demand for electricity is going UP. Over the course of 20 years the average homeowner can save over $20,000 by going solar compared to just “renting” energy from their utility.

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GREEN DINING

A dozen sign up from page B3

the hardest hit during the pandemic, really connect to the energy and cost saving opportunities,” said Carroll. “But then bring sustainability practices to the broader community and ultimately provide greener dining experiences for those in the region.”

To do this, Carroll and her team assess the participating food businesses based on a set of standards, gauging their ener tion and waste and cycling methods, among other areas. Based on how the businesses measure up against the standards, Carroll dev plans for improvement, tailored to each businesses’ needs and limitations Essentially, Carroll the heavy lifting.

For the Daly Bagel, tha meant such suggestions as switching refrigerator to reduce yearly ener costs. Carroll, accordin to Guldin and Daly, provided a list of ommended refrigerator models at different price points and where to buy them.

“She’s doing the consumer reporting and the stuff that we would really like to be able to have the time to do,” said Guldin Carroll and her team understand the individual limitations of businesses and help to find workarounds to offset the environmental and financial impacts associated with certain fixed variables. This includes the massive oven used at the Daly Bagel, which was built in the 1930s for baking bagels

“Because of the nature of what we do, we

can’t change this oven,” said Daly. “This is an oven that is specifically built for what we do, and they haven’t changed the design in nearly 100 years.”

The experience has been so positive for Daly Bagel, the co-owners have been encouraging their peers to sign on to the initiative, which was changed from being a green dining district to a hub, representative of the several municipalities Takeout 25 works within. Food businesses generally want to employ more sustainable practices, according to Daly, but owners often don’t have the know-how or the resources to implement them.

“Our time and our mental energy are already spread so thin, the thought of taking on something, that on the surface appears to be a lot of work, can be a deterrent,” said Daly.

Carroll is something of a green fairy godmother, stepping in and solving problems for food businesses, then returning annually to make sure things still run smoothly. And to help assist the businesses in making these investments, Takeout 25 is putting $25,000 toward the effort if 25 businesses commit.

“It’s not just talk; we are putting our money where our mouth is,” said Parakkat, who is in the process of mobilizing financial sponsors.

And it’s not too late to get involved. Beyond taking active steps to address climate change, the intent is to get as many food businesses on board as possible to make the Greater West Side a dining destination, attracting customers throughout the greater metropolitan area. Carroll and Parakkat are excited to help make that a reality

“We look forward to helping more restaurants within the community really go green,” said Carroll.

JAVIER GOVEA

Amanda Daly show ing the oven used for baking bagels.

A snapshot of environmental burdens in Austin, West Side

Austin residents are dispropor tionately exposed to environmental pollution

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

In the city of Chicago, historic redlining, disinvestment and the effects of past and current zoning laws, have disproportionately exposed South and West Side residents to pollution. On the West Side, Austin residents live close to sources of pollution that may increase their risk of chronic disease. In 2020, the city’s department of public health found that air pollution disproportionately affects Austin, among other south and west side communities. Due to its proximity to major high-

ways and industrial corridors, there are higher levels of pollutants like particulate matter and ozone in the air.

As a result, Austin residents are at higher risk of health issues like lung irritation, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, and early death. The city estimates 5% of premature deaths in Chicago each year can be attributed to exposure to particulate matter

“The Austin area is an overburdened community,” said Michael Cailas, associate professor of environmental and occupation health sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Cailas is part of a group of researchers from the university who study disparities in environmental pollution in Chicago. As part of the research titled “Proximity to environmental health hazards in Chicago,” in 2022 they published an interactive map where residents can easily visualize hazardous sources close to a specific location. Considering that children are a vulnerable population, Chicago Public Schools are identified on the map so residents can see what hazardous sources are near a school and how close they are.

MICHAEL C AILAS

professor of environmental and occupation health sciences at

University of Illinois Chicago.

Lavergne Avenue, there are five industrial facilities that release toxic chemicals, including lead and lead compounds, and four brownfields. Lead is known to be a carcinogen, however more research is required to determine if the quantity released is sufficient to pose a health threat to students near facilities that release it Yet, it is known that industrial facilities often increase heavy traffic in the area, worsening air quality due to vehicle emissions. According to the city of Chicago’s 2020 re port, diesel particulate matter is more prevalent

For example, in a mile radius of Spencer Technology Academy, located at 214 N.

See WEST SIDE on pa ge B8

North Austin Communit y Center was built on site of an abandoned paint factory.

“The Austin area is an overburdened community.”

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in areas with significant traffic and industry. Railyards also increase the presence of particulate matter in the air.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires certain industrial facilities that generate toxic chemicals to report how much of each chemical they manage or release to the air, water or land. According to the federal environmental agency, toxic chemicals are those that cause cancer, chronic health effects, severe immediate health effects and adverse damage to the environment. The information is compiled in the Toxic Release Inventory, which was used to include industrial facilities that release toxic chemicals in the interactive map.

Brownfields are commercial, industrial or abandoned properties with actual or perceived contamination that have potential to be redeveloped. However, the potential presence of one or several contaminants on these properties usually means brownfields remain abandoned as cleanup

tends to be expensive and complex.

The recently inaugurated North Austin Community Center is located on the site of the for mer Glidden paint factory,

a brownfield. The presence of xylene and other toxic substances almost doubled the cleanup costs and delayed the construction process of the new education and sports

facility, said Andraya Yousfi. Yousfi is the manager of partnerships and development at By The Hand Club, one of the organizations which purchased and redeveloped the site that had been abandoned for 40 years. The benefits to the community outweigh the lengthy and costly cleanup, she said. In years past, residents and environmental justice organizers in areas like Little Village and McKinley Park have opposed known polluting companies like metal shredders and asphalt mixing plants from operating in their neighborhoods for environmental and health concerns.

Austin residents can utilize data to urge local government and policymakers to evaluate environmental and health data when making development decisions. Last year, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development ruled the city violated residents’ civil rights by deliberately placing heavy industry facilities in industrial corridors largely concentrated in the city’s predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods. The ruling came after a two-year long investigation started after three environmental groups on the Southeast side of Chicago filed a complaint to prevent a metal-scrapping facility from opening in the area.

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ

Parks like LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., are in proximity to indust rial facilities that release regulated chemicals.

From soap bottles to plastic benches, Austin artists grow jobs

Project employs locals, teaches skills that can translate into jobs

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

It all started with a chance meeting.

The Happy Returns art studio and Alt_Chicago (pronounced “Alt Space Chicago), a nonprofit that seeks to improve communities like Austin through art, both operate out of the basement of an Austin loft studio building at 5339 W. Lake St. One day, around two years ago, Happy Returns co-directors Tom Burtonwood and Cody Norman ran into alt_chicago co-founder Jon Veal in a hallway. They talked about their mutual interest in creating something that supports the community around them, combats harmful narratives and improves environmental sustainability.

That conversation led to the creation of Redemptive Plastics. The project hired a mix of West Side residents and people from elsewhere in the city to melt down used laundry detergent containers, forge them into plastic “beams” and use those beams to make benches. Their goal is relatively modest to build three benches in public locations around the Central/Lake Line el station – with the benches scheduled to be installed and un in early June. But in the long run, the project hopes to continue making more benches, training more local residents as they go.

Norman and Burtonwood decided to launch Happy Returns in 2020, and they decided to mo to that building because Burtonwood was alread familiar with it – he had a studio there in 20162017. By that point, Norman and his wife moved

to Oak Park, near Austin Boulevard, and he appreciated having a studio he could easily bike to.

Veal was an Austin native, and fellow Alt_Chicago cofounder Jordan Campbell worked as a substitute teacher at Austin College and Career Academy high school, 231 N. Pine Ave. Veal previously told this newspaper that they wanted to “reframe the narrative, the narrative of disinvestment, the narrave of negativity” on the est and South sides, as ell as to inspire people to take control of their destiny by “taking ownership our community.”

Norman recalled that one of the things they talkabout in the hallway was the lingering impact plastic waste, which oesn’t break down easily. hey kept talking about it “since probably 2021” and developed the idea by early 2022. A $65,000 grant from the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation’s E(art)H Chicago program helped

to kickstart the project in July of that year.

Alt_Chicago CEO Curry Greene said their goal was threefold – to reduce plastic waste, provide employment opportunities for local residents and address a major symptom of disinvestment in communities like Austin.

“One of the signs of disinvestment in the community is trash [on the ground],” she said, adding that “it isn’t that the community itself is dirty” – it’s that there are fewer garbage cans on the streets people can throw trash into Greene said they originally thought they would have to pick up laundry containers of f the street – but it turned out that laundromats welcomed someone taking the used containers off their hands. After all, she said, hauling waste costs them money

“Now, we’re inundated with plastics every week,” she said. Workers cut them apart and thoroughly clean them of any detergent residue. The large pieces are then sliced into tiny pieces, and those pieces are mixed together, melted down and poured into a mold that creates board-like plastic beams. They then use those beams to make benches. Happy Retur ns and Alt_Chicago spaces are close to each other, and work is spread across both.

“It’s a true collaboration,” Norman said. “The only thing that’s separating us is a hallway.”

For the first cohort, they hired 10 people. About two-thirds of them came from either Austin or another West Side neighborhood. Greene said they used their networks to try to get the word out.

Alt_Chicago CEO Curry Greene (le ) and Cody Norman.

IGOR STUDENKOV

Cody Norman shows a beam being made out of melted-down laundry detergent containers.

See BENCHES on pa ge B11

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BENCHES

Recycled plastic

from page B9

“It was really important to Jon that we offer jobs to people who live in the community,” she said. “We really need jobs here, so it was really important to him and for all of us to offer jobs. We [recruited] heavily in the Austin community, we had a workshop back in October, just inviting people to see the process and sign up as part of the cohort.”

Norman said they train the members of the group. While the first cohort will only work through the end of spring, the hope is that the skills and experience will help them find jobs elsewhere, or work on their own art projects.

Greene said they wouldn’t start the search for a new cohort until later this summer, but anyone interested can apply by filling out the volunteer interest form on the project website and noting they want to be hired in the message field

The benches will be installed at the Aus-

tin branch library, 5615 W. Race Ave., Harambee Community Garden, 5701 W. Midway Park, and a privately owned vacant lot at 327 N. Waller Ave. Redemptive Plastics will hold a grand opening event.

From there, Redemptive Plastics plans to continue making benches, and they are considering other uses for the beams, such as fences and even school rulers. They have even been toying with the idea of making a whole playground out of recycled plastic.

As the interview concluded, Green and Norman made a point to mention someone who wouldn’t be there for the festivities. Veal passed away suddenly on Dec. 21, 2022.

“He was a huge part in the [project’s conception], coming up with the name, Redemptive Plastics, and the vision of the project,” Greene said. “It was a huge loss for us, and we’re committed to continue this vision and staying true to his values.”

Those values, Norman said, are “thinking about the community, and sustainability in the community” and making sure that the community has meaningful input on anything they do.

“We just want to make sure that the West Side gets the oppor tunities,” he added.

IGOR STUDENKOV

Alt_Chicago Joseph Campbell, Tom Burtonwood and Cody Norman

“We just want to make sure that the West Side gets the opportunities.”

CO DY NORMAN Austin artist

How Manolo Avalos’ trip to Egypt brought climate change home

OPRF student joined UN climate conference and keeps focus on local level

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

While getting to travel halfway across the world to attend one of the largest conferences on climate change, a local student says it is the changes that we make on a local level that can make a difference.

Manolo Avalos, 17, attended the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 held in November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. He made that trip along with other students from the Chicagoland area who participated in the Seven Generations Ahead youth-driven project, It’s Our Future.

The junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School said he was dedicated to addressing issues surrounding climate change that his generation has inherited, saying that the consequences of passiveness will be grave.

“We are going to be dealing with it,” Avalos said. “Sorry to be blunt towards the old generations but they have frankly done nothing or a poor job. We will see cities, villages, wiped out because of sea levels rising, flooding, and that is just one of the reasons why we should care and act and educate ourselves. That is a barrier with some people, especially with topics such as recycling and composting, education is key.”

For Avalos the interest in environmental issues began in his seventh-grade science class at Roosevelt Middle School, 7560 Oak Ave., River Forest, where his science teacher raised trout in class to release into the wild.

“That really got me interested,” Avalos said. “Just watching it during class, when we weren’ t taking care of it, he had us put in a lot of work but it was for a good purpose, releasing it afterwards.”

At OPRF, Avalos got involved in the OPRF Sustainability Committee, which helped create the high school’s ambitious sustainability plan, which is currently being implemented. Avalos also got involved in the environmental club at OPRF

Cindy Wong, OPRF Environmental Club

Sponsor, said Avalos, is the president of the environmental club.

“He is the type of kid that just goes for it, he is not afraid of the red tape or people possibly saying no, if there is something on his mind that he feels is an issue, he goes for it,” Wong said. “Rarely do I see

kids who have that sort of initiative.”

That initiative to be active in finding solutions to the climate crisis has long been with Avalos, who not only participated in clean ups but also joined It’s Our Future when he was in the eighth grade. The program was developed by Seven Generations Ahead with the help of local community partners as well as Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, Chicago Climate Youth Coalition, Sunrise Chicago, and The River Forest Sustainability Commission among others.

It was through It’s Out Future that Avalos attended the biggest climate change conference, COP 27.

Gary Cuneen, founder of Seven Generations Ahead, said the program received support from the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation along with the Lumpkin Foundation to help send participating students to the conference after receiving approval from the United Nations to be an official observer of the conference.

Cuneen said a major goal of the program is to send Chicagoland youth who might not otherwise have exposure to the conversations surrounding climate change.

“Now we are expanding to new communities, to make sure that youth of color and some low to moderate income youth have the opportunity to participate in the COP experience as well as other students,” Cuneen said. “This project gives us the opportunity to expose high school students to the largest conference in the world that is attempting to deal with the climate crisis.

It is a life changing experience; all the students say it.”

With over 200 countries participating in the conference, students were able to hear important dialogue and learn more on how certain actions from more affluent countries are impacting others across the globe.

“A big part [of this year] was loss and damage, where they talked about how a lot of rich countries, like the United States, are causing the damage but we are not paying it forward to more lower-income countries that don’t have the resources to combat that issue,” Avalos said.

Being able to go to Egypt was a phenomenal experience, said Avalos, adding every

DAVID SAT TLER

Manolo Avalos

day they were exposed to different panels as well as sessions by key leaders in the world of climate change advocacy, including John Kerry, U.S Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, who gave the closing statement at COP27.

Avalos said a highlight of the conference was speaking with Dr. Katharine Hayhoy, a climate scientist and professor at Texas Tech University, who said something that will stick with him forever.

“She said we have to connect our hearts to our hands,” Avalos said. “I think a lot of people in Oak Park and River Forest, and I would argue across the country, we know what is happening, we are feeling the impacts, or hearing it on the news…the hands part, that comes in by educating and taking small steps to make a difference.”

While learning and coming face-to-face with issues surrounding climate change can be overwhelming for many, including himself, Avalos said the best way to combat the information anxiety is to take action.

“I need to get my hands dirty and start acting,” Avalos said.

These opportunities give students a chance to see issues from outside the perspective of Oak Park, said Wong.

“The number one thing is perspective. We, here in Oak Park and River Forest, I

Growing Green 2023

think that we are a little bit cuddled. We have leaders here, at the school level, at the village level that are very environmentally focused,” Wong said. “But when you look outside globally, that level of support is not there…so for them to go to a conference with such a global perspective, they get to see [that].”

Being able to expose students to the conversations happening around the world re garding the climate crisis opens up their minds to how they can help on a local level, said Cuneen.

“It gives them an opportunity to see what other people are doing, to learn from other leaders and hopefully [it] gives them a leg up moving forward on developing their interest, and potentially professional interest, in relationship to sustainability and climate and equity,” Cuneen said. “As you know, climate and equity go hand-inhand.”

Avalos said he has walked away with a stronger passion for change at a local level, saying it is often more doable and reachable, and important.

“Local actions are easier to convince mayors, like in Oak Park and River Forest, and others, than working on the federal level,” Avalos said. “While there are big federal groups that are lobbying, that is really hard.”

DAVID SAT TLER

OPRF student Manolo Avalos (center) talking to Al Gore while attending the COP27 event.

“I need to get my hands dir ty and start acting.”

M ANOLO AVALOS OPRF student

Talking trash: composting in Proviso

Grant funds food waste alternatives in three school districts

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Looking to create a more sustainable and climate conscious community, three Proviso communities, Bellwood, Maywood, and the Lindop school district, are working alongside Seven Generations Ahead, to make composting a part of daily life.

Seven Generations Ahead SGA, dedicated to building healthy and sustainable communities, co-developed The Cross Community Climate Collaborative C4 with the Urban Efficiency Group and the mayors of River Forest, Oak Park, and Broadview to help bring together minority and non-minority communities to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions and other equity and sustainability goals. Currently, C4 helps support 14 disinvested and under resourced communities in the state of Illinois.

ready implemented composting to see what they would be able to make work at D92.

Additionally, D92 would like to figure out a plan to be able to redirect food that is still able to be consumed and give back to community members who might be experiencing food insecurity.

“It was very enlightening to hear that some schools were already doing this and they have ways to make the food available to people who might not have it,” Jackson said.

In response to the element of composing, Jackson said it will be a learning tool for the community, so its inception beginning in schools where students will be able to directly learn about the benefits makes sense

JANIECE JACKSON

As part of their work, the collaborative submitted a project for a USDA grant via their composting and waste reduction grant program, which provides funding for municipal programs serving residents as well as programs serving K-12 schools. Fo the grant, SGA will be workin with Broadview, Bellwood, and Maywood to help implement food scrap collection residential program as well as provide community education on recyclin and composting, which will be showcased through their SGA’ Zero Waste Schools program.

The two-year $300,000 grant was awarded in February 2023.

“I think Proviso Township is really taking the lead on that and to partner with the school districts is the way to go,” Jackson said. “We are educating our students and we need to be on the forefront of that but also making sure their health is good and the environment is good and how important it is for us to stay on top of that.”

GARY CUNEEN

According to Gary Cuneen, SGA’s director, the program will help organize zero waste teams in schools for Bellwood School District 88, Maywood District 89, and Lindop School District 92. They will be working with faculty, school administrators, custodial and food service staf f along with students to eliminate waste sources, increase recycling, and divert food scraps from the landfill by collecting them and taking them to a composting site.

Dr. Janiece Jackson, superintendent of Lindop School District 92, said the district was looking into different ways to be able to address different food issues they have seen, including food waste. Jackson said the district is currently focusing on touring other school districts which have al-

“We will be working with their municipal governments to analyze their hauling contracts to support provisions that build in food scrap diversion and collection and to design educational components to the programs so that residents are educated on

See COMPOSTING on pa ge B17

Over

Ruby Blair

Martha Murphy Sharon Unick Isaac Jordan Shalena Thomas

Denise Espinosa

Denise Sacks Michele Strimaitis

Cynthia Howe Gajewski

Karen Baldwin Debra Rachal

Phil Joseph Erica Cuneen

COMPOSTING Proviso project

from page B15

what can be composed and what can’t be,” said Cuneen.

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said targeting composting “just made sense” when talking about environmental issues

“We wanted to make sure that we can have residential value of organic waste that is captured,” Thompson said, adding that composting falls under their resource and regeneration goals to achieve sustainability. “When you talk about partnerships and collaborations it makes sense for our municipalities to partner with our school districts and the nonprofit sector to roll out these initiatives so that we can become wholesome in the types of works we participate in.”

The importance of these partnerships is crucial, especially fo r Black and Brown communities which have historically seen a disparity in the resources allocated to them.

munities, especially in the Black and Brown communities, then we have to take an active role in the change and in the process,” said Jackson.

The program is still in the very early stages of implementation, as Cuneen said they are currently looking at hauling contacts before they begin the second step, which would be setting up a collection bin system within the schools

Cuneen said participants are also working towards building a regular meeting schedule with those who will be involved in the implementation of the programs at the schools.

“We are also in a data gathering phase right now,” said Cuneen. “We want to know what they are currently doing with recycling and eventually we will be doing waste audits that will look at what the waste sources are and how they can be eliminated.”

Bringing these programs to the Proviso Township community is seeing a larger worldwide issue and breaking it down to work that can be addressed at a community level. By working to remove food scraps from entering landfills, Cuneen said it lowers the production of methane gasses which contributes to green-

Oak Park Regional Housing Center supports sustainable living!

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you can take steps for a more sustainable, energy efficient, and cost effective home!

Composting: Compost your food scraps! Oak Parkers can sign up for curbside composting if they live in a single-family home or up to a five-flat building. Renters can also bring scraps to one of four locations. Visit bit.ly/VOPCompost to learn more.

Weatherization: Homeowners and renters can reduce energy waste and costs by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. Proper insulation, LED lights, and weatherproofing are simple ways to improve energy efficiency. For home efficiency resources, visit Oak Park Climate Action Network's resource guide at bit.ly/electrify-your-oak-park-home.

Solar Energy: Homeowners and renters can switch to clean energy. Illinois Solar for All and Community Solar programs offer options to fit a variety of housing situations. Visit Citizens Utility Board's community solar resource guide at https://bit.ly/cub-community-solar. Learn about Illinois Solar for All at www.illinoissfa.com.

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“It impacts the Black and Brown

In tackling climate change, investors also have a voice

Financial experts explain how sustainable investing works

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

With the urgent need to tackle climate change, more attention is paid to the impacts of companies on the environment and the communities they operate. A 2023 report published by the Intergove mental Panel on Climate Change -- the United Nations scientific arm on climate change -- notes that greenhouse gas emissions need to be cu by almost half by 2030. This reduction needs to happen in all sectors so global temperatures in crease no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius w compared to pre-industrial levels, a goal that quires private and public entities to make chang es in their operations and investments

For everyday people, ESG investing, also referred to as sustainable or socially responsible investing, provides an avenue to invest their money in companies that make better environmental and social decisions. This often includes taking steps to reduce their carbon emis-

sions. In the last decade, and particularly, in the past four years, more people have become interested in these investments

“When I started working with sustainable in ing in the 1990s, the way that people did sociall responsible investing was using gative screens to avoid owning the types of companies that they didn’t want to own in their inv ment portfolio,” said William M. illy, senior vice president and senior financial advisor at Mer rill Lynch Wealth Management.

“Now through technologica vancements and better re ing, what’s more common is onsidered ESG investing, that not only avoids the types of companies that people don’t want to own, but actually identifies companies that are making good decisions in those areas.”

While the terms sustainable investing and ESG investing are often used interchangeably, investment firm Edward

Jones differentiates between the two. Sustainable investing is an all-encompassing term for financial investments that take into consideration people’s values. Within this umbrella are investors who exclude specific types ompanies they consider “negative actors” from their investment portfolios, for example, ossil fuel companies or gun manufacturing ompanies, commonly referred to as valuesased investing.

ESG investing, as its acronym denotes, coniders a company’s environmental, social and r nance performance. This information is monitored and self-reported by companies.

“What ESG investing typically does is incenompanies to make good decisions,” Reilly added that because companies have to repo rmation like their environmental risks, carbon footprint, the way they treat their employees and the diversity of their board, they tend to make more responsible decisions

This information is paired with traditional financial measures so investment managers can evaluate the company’s

WILLIAM M. REILLY

risks and opportunities and align them to their clients’ financial goals

“We rely on them to provide data through their annual reports, but a good active manager in that space is going to do their own research and assign their own risk factors to certain companies,” said Joe

O’Krepky, financial advisor at Edward Jones

This additional layer of active management is important as the demand for ESG investing has increased and continues to increase. Bloomberg projects that by 2025, global ESG assets will exceed $53 trillion. Knowledgeable financial advisors are key, as companies can provide misleading information suggesting they are more environmentally responsible than they really are, a ter m known as greenwashing

Financial research shows that ESG investments offer benefits to investors, such as diversifying their portfolio and reducing risks. “If you invest in companies who have good scores in environmental, social and corporate gover nance metrics, those compa-

nies tend to have higher earnings, they tend to have higher dividend yields, their stock tends to perform better on a 12-month basis [and] they’re less likely to go bankrupt,” Reilly said.

ESG investing also provides a mechanism for people to encourage comanies to have a better performance.

“To me, ESG is always about being an active investor and having a voice in that boardroom,”

O’Krepky said, adding qualified and committed financial advisors are key to help investors have a voice in the companies they own.

“And if the company that you’re investing with isn’t carrying your voice to them, then they’re not the right manager for you.”

“Shareholder activism is when owners of companies, owners of stocks, owners of mutual funds take action to address the company and make them act better,” Reilly said. “So, we help our client be good shareholders and help the companies that they invest in make better decisions and become better.”

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

JOE O’KREPKY