East markedly improves in its latest Illinois Report Card
School has achieved a ‘commendable’ designation for the rst time
By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter
Proviso East High School has achieved a “commendable” designation in its latest report card from the state, moving from the bottom 5 percent of Illinois schools to the 47th percentile
This is the first time Proviso East High School has achieved the “commendable” recognition since the Illinois State Board of Education began rating schools in 2018. Both Proviso West High School and Proviso Math and SciSee REPORT CARD on pa ge 6
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Police see pa
Wages will rise 3% to 4% yearly for some o cers
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Some Forest Park Police Department officers will see a 3% to 4% yearly wage increase following the unanimous approval of a new collective bargaining ag reement at a villa ge council meeting Oct. 28. The ag reement between Forest Park and its patrol officers and sergeants re presented by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council has a few changes from the last one, which expired at the end of April. T he c ollective bargaining ag reement approved last month increases the wage s of Fo rest Pa rk patrol officers and serg eants. T hey g ot a 4% wage increase in May. N ext May, they’ll g et another 3.25% increase, with an a dditional 3% increase in May 2026.
Patrol officers and sergeants also received a 20% increase in specialty pay, or a stipend police get if the chief of police appoints them to a specialty position, such as field training officer, evidence technician, or bicycle patrol.
The new contract also gives patrol of ficers and sergeants a minimum educational reimbursement of $17,000 for each fiscal year. In previous years, there was no maximum or minimum amount for an educational reimbursement, making it difficult
to budget for. In the past, the mayor approved education reimbursements, often without knowing the total amount allocated yearly. Now, the chief of police and village administrator will authorize requests. According to the new collective bargaining ag reement, police re presented by the Illinois FOP will now observe Juneteenth as an official holiday.
The newest collective bargaining ag reement also contains a waiver of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. The act was waived because the village is now providing bargaining-unit members with paid sick leave, vacation days, personal and be-
OB ITUAR Y
John Dudzik, 86
Banker who ran with the bulls
John J. Dudzik, 86, of Forest Park, died on Oct. 22, 2024 after a short illness. Born on Sept. 4, 1938 to John and Anne Dudzik in Whiting, Indiana, he graduated from George Ro gers Clark High School, then enlisted in the Navy and served on the Heavy Cruiser USS Macon.
ollowing his military service, he studied finance at Indiana University, earning a bachelor’s de gree, then went completed an MBA at DePaul University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
reavement leave.
Finally, the newest ag reement cleaned up language re garding the accrual and renewal of benefits, along with gender neutrality.
Contract ne gotiations for the collective bargaining ag reement were unfolding when Village Administrator Entler attended a professional development conference in September. Entler said she learned about ne gotiating and reviewing contracts, plus mediation techniques.
“I was actually in the middle of FOP ne gotiations when I did this,” Entler said about the conference. “I learned a couple
His first job was with Boulevard National Bank in Chicago’s Wrigley Building, kickstarting a 40-year career in banking, ending as Senior VP of Commercial Lending at Comerica Bank.
John met his future wife, Carol Baughman, a school teacher in Oak Park District 97 Elementary Schools, on a blind date. They were married in 1970 and enjoyed a 54-year mar riage filled with travel, ranging from Europe to South America.
John’s interests and hobbies included attending heavyweight title fights, season tickets to Chicago Blackhawks hockey, running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain (man y, many times), and collecting Cuban rums.
John was predeceased by his fa ther John, mother A nne and brother Richard. He is survive d by his w ife, Carol; hi s brother, Gerry; his sister, Patty; his ne phew, Justin and hi s niec e, Kathleen.
Services are private. Information is available through Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Pa rk in Forest Park
things about packaging items together, and how you can do that when you’ re ne gotiating back and forth with the union.”
During the conference, attendees were split into groups re presenting unions and management, Entler said. She re presented a union.
“It’s a different perspect ive when you’ re sitting on the other side of it,” she said. “It was kind of f un to see wh at their motivations b ehind c ontract ne g otiations c ould be.”
The recently passed collective bargaining ag reement will expire April 30, 2027.
CO RRECTI ON
An article titled “Ferrara Pan’s Sylvia Abila ‘straw-struck’ by scarecrow likeness” that appeared in print Oct. 30, 2024, misspelled the name of the Ferrara Candy Shop employee. It is Silvia Avila. We apologize for the error.
PROVIDED
Forest Park Police Depar tment personnel at village hall in April, when four o cers were sworn in.
everyone. Enjoy sports and brews on tap, games and crafts in the co ee shop, and family yoga in the community room. Entr y is free, but pre-registration and an enrollment fee are required for yoga. All ages are welcome with an adult. Par ticipate in mindful movement with Ms. Mary Yoga, focusing on socialemotional learning, breath work, and nervous system regulation, followed by themed crafts and open play with board games in the co ee lounge. https://bit. ly/3NcfLBW 6731 Roosevelt Road., Oak Park
e back with a classic. Come help Ryan and Andre ents to sign up
Tellers Night with Ar ts Alliance Forest Park
Listing your event in the calendar
Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know
what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper ■ Email details to calendar@wjinc.com
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., Rober t’s Westside Ar ts Alliance Forest Park presents Tellers Night with storytellers Mike Speller, Paul Teodo, Dhamana Shauri, Alice Martin, and Margaret Burk, hosted by Susan Rohde. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $10 for AAFP members. For more details, visit forestparkarts.org. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park
Village council dedicates last of ARPA funding to local projects
Commissioners spend the last of the $1.86 million received from the American Rescue Plan Act
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
In 2021, Forest Park received $1.86 million of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, which President Joe Biden signed that year to stimulate the national economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the Oct. 28 village council meeting, Forest Park commissioners attended a public special meeting to discuss and vote on how to spend the remaining $226,177 of the village’s ARPA funds.
Village Administrator Rachell Entler presented to the village council items that they previously discussed budgeting for. The village council unanimously voted to dedicate the remaining ARPA funds to the following projects:
■ $35,177 to improve the insulation in the fire station’s bunk room, plus $4,400 for the maintenance of the fire station, including painting and grounding the radio tower on the building’s roof
■ $15,000 to update the Forest Park Police Department’s locker rooms, where Entler said many lockers don’t lock, and the women’s portion is too small.
■ “The women’s locker room just isn’t adequate for the number of police officers we have,” Entler said at the ARPA meeting. Locker updates would cost about $27,000, with the remaining $12,000 coming out of the village’s general fund.
■ $100,000 to rewrite the village’s decadeold comprehensive plan, which outlines the community’s vision for the likes of local land use, community facilities and transportation.
“It would help take $100,000 of pressure of f of the general fund if we were to use ARPA funding for this,” Entler said at the meeting. Though, she added, it would likely be more than $100,000 since that cost doesn’t include paying Muse Community
Design, the village’s planning consultant, to review the plan.
Entler said she would get a request for proposal to the village council at its next meeting. The request for proposal would advertise to the public what the village is looking for when it comes to hiring help to rewrite the plan.
■ $17,500 for a potential electric vehicle charging station. Entler said she and Public Works Director Sal Stella met with ComEd to discuss locations for the station. ComEd told them it could possibly pay for the entire cost of the project with ARPA funding that Cook County gave the company to help with EV projects. Forest Park is setting aside $17,500 in ARPA funding for the project, just in case. Constitution Court on Madison Street is the primary location the village is considering for the charging station, followed by the parking lot on Circle Avenue just south of Madison Street. ■ $4,000 for engineering and le g al fees associated with the Van-Buren Prairie Path extension.
“Until we get the whole situation situated with the Altenheim, we wanted to have some funds to pay for any consultants fees,” Entler told the Review. T he village is still trying to acquire the land from the Altenheim.
Entler said she and Mayor Rory Hoskins recently met with a family that owns space on Madison Street and wants to donate it to the village.
“The idea that we have for this space would be one that could be used for the community,” Entler said during the ARPA meeting.
She mentions possibly moving the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce from the basement of Forest Park Bank to the new building. Entler said the likes of the Forest Park Historical Society and Arts Alliance could also share the space. Entler suggested setting aside about $50,000 in ARPA funding to cover the approximate cost of the building over the next three years. This includes about $10,000 to get a consultant to help get the property of f tax rolls, plus the cost of renovations, like installing a security system, re placing the building’s awnings and re painting. Entler suggested setting aside an additional $8,000 a year for three years for building maintenance.
FIRE STATION UPGRADE: e village council dedicated nearly $40,000 of its remaining $226,000 of ARPA funding to the Forest Park Fire Department.
The village of Forest Park must assign its ARPA money by the end of the year –and spend it by the end of 2026 – or return it to the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Since the village received its ARPA funds, staf f has had budget meetings to discuss how to spend them.
Entler said that, while the village was keeping track of how it spent the $1.86 million ARPA funds, there wasn’t really a timeline of how much to spend each year.
Previous ARPA funds have been spent on the likes of a new air conditioning unit for the Howard Mohr Community Center, re placing the fire station’s roof and an ambulance, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce’s marketing ef forts, and for a construction services company to evaluate the village’s aging facilities
The village’s original ARPA budget set aside over $522,000 to buy seven police vehicles and upfit them to the police department’s needs. This year, the village set aside an additional $20,000 to upfit two of those vehicles, since the cost was more expensive than the initial estimate.
Before last month’s ARPA meeting, Entler said she individually spoke with commissioners, who also approved dedicating $80,000 of ARPA funds to buy a new vehicle for the public works department.
They’re Coming... Guests!
Create a warm, inviting space for holiday visitors with functional furnishings. Start by evaluating your layout to provide ample seating and dining areas. Incorporate multifunctional pieces like ottomans or benches for extra seating and storage.
In the guest room, o er a cozy bed with fresh linens and a nightstand with a lamp for convenience. If space is limited, consider a sofa bed in a common area for overnight stays.
Add festive touches with throw pillows and blankets in holiday colors for comfort and style.
Don’t forget about lighting—so , warm lamps can create a cozy atmosphere for gatherings. Enhance with decorative candles or string lights for added ambiance. Ensure your kitchen is stocked with enough tableware and utensils to cater smoothly to mealtimes.
Divine Consign provides everything you need to make your home holiday-ready. Enjoy quick delivery or immediate pickup. Visit Divine Consign for new and nearly new furniture and seasonal accessories.
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ence Academy have consistently maintained commendable designations
The recently released annual Illinois State Board of Education’s report card provides an in-depth view of student performance and growth from the 2023-24 school year. The report shows how the state, and each school and district, are progressing on a wide range of educational goals
The Illinois State Board of Education recognizes schools with four different summative designation levels: exemplary, commendable, targeted and comprehensive. Required by federal accountability law, the levels are based on multiple indicators, such as graduation rates, academic growth and attendance.
The latest report was welcome news for Proviso East High School administrators.
“The Proviso East community is proud of the growth that the school has experienced in the last three years,” said Principal Rodney Hull. “Coming off the pandemic with a new administration and over 70 new teachers makes this recognition and school designa-
tion special. As we continue to explore new pathways of reaching and educating our students, the foundation for future growth has been mapped out.”
Proviso High School District 209’s Interim Superintendent Alexander Aschoff said this achievement has been a long-time goal.
“I am incredibly proud for all the stakeholders in Proviso Township and am grateful for everyone’s efforts who made this possible,” he said.
Proviso East High School made measurable gains across key academic indicators, including a 5% increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, a 2% increase in math proficiency, and a notable 14% increase in science proficiency.
“The biggest part, I would say, is our Principal Rodney Hall, who came in 2021,” said Aschoff. “He, with our administration, has made several changes.”
Aschoff said the district as a whole has gotten better at analyzing and acting upon data regarding where improvements are needed
“Systems are then put in place to show measurable growth in those areas,” he said. According to Aschoff, teachers have also been provided the time and space to have cross-curricular conversations.
“Basically cross-curricular means that science teachers talk with math teachers, or so-
ers,” he said. “They have cross-curricular discussions and collectively work to increase performance.
In addition to making academic strides, Proviso East also improved its graduation rate by 2% and reduced chronic absenteeism by 8%.
Aschoff said these improvements can be attributed to systems that have been put in place to help with communication between the school and parents
This includes weekly newsletters and targeted communication to parents of students
pproaching being defined as chronically absent.
“Knowing which students need more support is something that I think the team district-wide has gotten much better at, and being able to identify what those students need,” Aschoff said. Achieving a commendable designation, Aschoff said, shows the commitment that Proviso East’s teachers, administrators, and support staf f have to the students
“We are an educational institution,” he said. “We educate students, and we do it very well.”
Prov iso East High School PROVIDED
Stormy Daniels is set to perform stand up at Comedy Plex
Club hosts the comedian and adult entertainer on Nov. 14
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
By any measure, Comedy Plex Comedy Club’s maiden voyage this year has been a success, but that will be enhanced Nov. 14 with the appearance of Stor my Daniels Comedy Plex, at 1128 Lake Street Lower Level, Oak Park, will host Daniels at 7:30 p.m., with Greg Studley as her opening act. Daniels, an adult entertainment star whose involvement with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been well chronicled, will perform for about 40 minutes with a questionand-answer period afterward.
Studley, who has performed at big venues such as The Comedy Store and The Improv Hollywood, both in the Los Angeles area, opened for her in 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic waylaid further plans, but they stayed in touch. They started working together again in 2024 and even launched a Roku TV series called Woke Up Late Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, wasn’t available for comment for this story, but Studley was.
“It’s not traditional standup,” he said of Daniels’ style. “It’s like funny storytelling. And she’s got a message with a little dash of politicism.
“She makes a great connection. She’s got that something. She’s really smart. You’re going to be pleasantly surprised.”
Studley is friends with Comedy Plex co-owner Marz Timms, and about five years ago, the two were in Colorado, talking comedy, when the conversation took a turn to the future.
“He told me Stor my Daniels was doing standup,” Timms said. “He talked about how funny she was.”
Fast-forward to three weeks ago, and Timms saw a social media post that mentioned Studley and Daniels were doing standup together. He made a congratulatory comment on that post, and a little while later, Studley directmessaged him. They started talking, and Timms seized the opportunity, noting that the pair could come do a show in Oak Park Comedy Plex, which has hosted renowned
comics like Hannibal Buress and Seinfeld alum Steve Hytner, added Daniels for Nov. 14. It was a process that moved fast, he said.
“It took maybe a week to get it set up,” he said. “It was maybe three or four in the morning, Greg and I were talking, and the next day, he’s like, ‘She’s interested.’ We started working out contract details and dates.”
Daniels’ reputation through the media precedes herself, but what did Timms know about her through a comedy lens? Not much, frankly. He hadn’t seen her perform, except for some clips posted on Instagram.
The reaction to booking Daniels for a club that’s been in business since January has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“Everyone is surprised … ‘I can’t believe you got Stor my Daniels,’” he said. “Things like this help establish us and will help get our name out there.”
Of course, Timms is aware of the irony that Daniels will be performing at his club so close to the presidential election. Earlier this year, Trump was found guilty by a New York jury of 34 charges related to a plan to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election through a hush money payment to Daniels, who said the two had sex.
“There is some of that,” he said. “We are going to be doing our best to make sure it’s a great environment for everybody involved That’s what we’re looking at. Everyone coming out and having a good time and listening to Stor my’s stories.”
While Daniels is a funny gal by all accounts, getting on stage and telling humorous stories isn’t as easy as it looks. Just ask Timms and Studley.
“I tell a lot of young comedians, it’s reading the room,” Timms said. “That’s a big part of it, making sure your timing is correct and hitting your punch lines. You have to make a connection with the audience. If they see you’re comfortable on stage, they’ll be comfortable as well.”
Daniels has what it takes, Studley added.
“She knows how to perform and get on stage,” he said. “There are a lot of things that go into a live performance, how you look and carry yourself. She knows how to perform.”
General admission tickets are $50 with VIP seating in the first two rows for $65. A frontrow platinum package is available for $150, that includes a meet-and-greet, gift bag and pictures prior to the show. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.comedyplex.com/.
NATURAL FUN
Walk, bike or run: With 350 miles of trails, this is where to get outside and get healthy.
Village is not transparent about zoning updates, residents say
Some say meeting minutes and recordings should be made available a er code updates were tabled for the second time
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
A small group of Forest Park residents are criticizing village officials for what they say is a lack of transparency around recent potential zoning code updates
“I can’ t speak as to whether these zoning changes are good, bad or indifferent because I don’ t know anything more about the zoning than I did when I started this process,” Michelle Fitz-Henry told commissioners during the public comment section of last week’s council meeting.
T he process she referred to be g an at the first October village council meeting, when commissioners voted to table an or-
dinance amending Forest Park’s zoning code, which would have allowed hundreds of nonconforming buildings in residential districts to align with the village’s code and current land use patter ns
T he planning and zoning commission, which recommended the village council approve the ordinance, held three public meetings in Februar y, March and April, announcing them in the Forest Park Review newspaper.
Although no residents shared public comments at any of the meetings, those at the Oct. 28 village council meeting said they wanted to know what transpired.
Fitz-Henry said there’s no video recordings or minutes of the three commission meetings earlier this year that discussed the changes to Title 9, Chapter 3 of the zoning code – which the village council tabled for a second time at its last meeting.
After Fitz-Henry submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to see meeting transcripts, she said she received a transcript from the April commission meeting and minutes from the ones in February and March. But she said that, under the
“approval of minutes” section for those two meetings, the document says “no minutes.” Fitz-Henry said the village told her the February and March meetings had no transcripts because a court re porter is only required to be present when there’s an official hearing.
But those meetings also lack clearly taken minutes, which according to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, must include a summary of everything that is proposed, discussed or decided.
“The Open Meetings Act was enacted to protect the citizens’ right to know the actions and the reasonings of a public body’s decisions,” Fitz-Henry said. “That didn’t happen.”
“Something’s broken here,” Fitz-Henry added. “This process doesn’t only not scream public and transparent, it doesn’t even whisper it.”
Resident T homas Kovac said he couldn’ t find information about what happened at the three meetings, either Kovac questioned the reasoning behind the zoning code updates and whether they were proposed as special favors to benefit
private developers.
Mayor Rory Hoskins told the Review that Kovac has freedom of speech and “we don’ t really act on public comment.”
Kovac added that he’s against the zoning code updates “I am absolutely, strongly opposed to the proposal to amend the zoning code for the three residential districts,” Kovac said, calling it “hideous” and “hor rible.”
If the zoning updates are passed, Kovac said those living next to R3 zoning districts, or high-density residential districts, could experience the construction of 60-foot-high buildings with 80% lot coverage and no minimum setback from the proper ty line
Enhancing transparency
When it came time to address the tabled ordinance to update the zoning code at the Oct. 28 village council meeting, Hoskins said the council wasn’t quite ready to vote on the agenda item.
“There wasn’t really a consensus on a way to go,” Hoskins told the Review after
the meeting. “I don’ t know what could’ve been said the other night that would’ve been productive.”
“We had commissioners who still had questions,” Village Administrator Rachell Entler said, “that either I haven’ t been able to answer yet or that have come up.” She added that she has a list of queries about stormwater management and density to address at a later meeting
Entler said that, after she answers these questions, the village council can choose to accept the zoning code updates as is, make amendments and approve them as a village council, or send the code back to the planning commission with what they want chang ed.
At the Oct. 15 council meeting, Commissioner of Public Property Jessica Voogd and Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements Michelle Melin-Ro govin had questions about how the code updates would impact stormwater management and building density
While Commissioner of Accounts and Finance Maria Maxham ag reed with Voogd and Melin-Ro govin to table the vote, Maxham previously told the Review that she thinks the code updates are ready to be approved. Commissioner of Public Health and Safety Ryan Nero did not agree to table the vote.
Voogd said she partially voted to table the agend a item at the first October meeting because she wanted more public feedback.
T hose who gave public comment at the Oct. 28 meeting, including Voogd’s husband, Daniel Marcus, ag reed
“I want to thank the council for taking the time to
discuss this in an open f ashion for the public’s sake,” Marcus said in an emailed public comment. “As much as the PZC is advisory, you all are the decision makers.”
Marcus suggested the village host a town hall to discuss the zoning code changes and called for all public meetings to be recorded and posted online, like village council meetings are.
“I see a wonderful opportunity for the village to fu rther enhance transparency by recording and streaming public meetings that discuss issues directly impacting a majority of residents and/or businesses,” Marcus said.
Entler told the Review that she is working through the logistics of recording public meetings. T he village’s recording system, she said, will need to be updated, and enough village staf f must be present at meetings to meet retention requirements
“We will work to g ether to make sure the decision is made for the best of Forest Park moving forward,” Nero said at the last village council meeting. “Although that might take some time, or maybe too f ast for some folks, in our hearts are the residents of Forest Park.”
Z ONED OUT … OR IN?: Some Forest Park residents want to see more transparency from the village council about zoning updates.
Growing Community Media is hosting three events this November as the final part of our year-long At Home on the Greater West Side project. Our goal is to increase homeownership among Black and brown renters in our communities.
Each one is a primer on essential tools you’ll need to make the dream of homeownership a reality.
First, we’ll tackle how to boost your credit score. Next, just how do you know what sort of mortgage is best for you? And finally, we’ll walk you through the actual process of making the purchase happen.
At each event, you’ll meet real estate experts and advocates who know how hard this can be and the best ways to accomplish the goal of getting you into your own home. We’ll introduce you to real people in our neighborhoods who have pulled this off.
Join our interactive panel discussions and come ready to have your questions answered by professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your dream.
Our events are free. Light refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to win gift cards, as housewarming gifts from us to you!
How to boost your credit score
Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.
Kinfolk CoLab, 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park
What’s the best mortgage for you?
Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.
Oak Park Public Library Dole Branch, 255 Augusta Ave., Oak Park
Before you buy, do these things
Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.
BM Media Group, 1359 S. Kildare Ave., Chicago
Education and Guide Enrichment
Advantages of Progressive Education at The Children’s School
Children learn better when they study what they’re curious about. When they have a voice in what they learn at school, learning becomes exciting to them. That’s when their innate drive toward mastery leads to real accomplishments rather than just a grade or a check mark.
Honoring children’s voices is just one way The Children’s School fosters both academic skills and life skills. TCS grads report greater social skills than their peers, better self-advocacy, the ability to communicate effectively with high school and college teachers, and a lifelong love of learning.
As the only school dedicated to progressive education in the western suburbs, The Children’s School is committed to:
• An integrated, project-based curriculum that aligns with local, state, and national academic standards.
• Experiential learning that encourages hands-on, cooperative experiences.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation.
• Challenging students to take personal and social responsibility, and to respect their own and others’ values.
• Assessing students’ skills and knowledge in a developmentally appropriate way without reliance on test scores.
• Developing students who are confident leaders.
• Child-centered learning with small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios.
• Encouraging children to investigate, explore, question, and discuss.
• Honoring each child’s unique blend of personal qualities, family makeup, and cultural knowledge.
• Welcoming parents/guardians as partners in teaching.
TCS offers year-round admissions along with private, group, and virtual tours so that families can explore first-hand the advantages of progressive education. Visit www.thechildrensschool.info or call 708-484-8033 for more information.
GGrace Lutheran School –A School That Cares About Students’ Faith, Knowledge, and Character
race Lutheran School, serving students from 3 years to 8th grade in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, and the surrounding communities, combines competitive academics with faith-based learning, along with strong art, athletic, and music programs.
We strive to differentiate and offer opportunities for students to excel in various subjects. In math, students can advance a grade level, with junior high students having the option to take advanced math courses such as high school algebra and geometry. This year, we are thrilled to introduce a new
reading program for K-2nd grade from the University of Florida (UFLI), which emphasizes phonics. This program aims to improve our students’ reading fluency and comprehension.
Our commitment to science education is also stronger than ever. We have upgraded our science materials and are eager to engage students with more hands-on science lab activities, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.
Grace Lutheran School prides itself on academic rigor at every grade level while caring for each student as an individual. Our class sizes range from
14 to 24 students. We offer before- and after-school care, as well as a variety of enrichment programs and sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track & field. We deeply value diversity and are proud to have a vibrant community of families from a variety of racial, ethnic, geographical, economic, and religious backgrounds, believing that rich diversity enhances the learning experience for all.
In addition to academics, we focus on character development, guiding students to follow Jesus’ example in all aspects of life. At Grace Lutheran School, we are dedicated to nurturing
well-rounded individuals who excel academically and grow spiritually.
For more information about our programs, tours, and enrollment, please visit our website at graceschoolrg.org or email agarcia@graceriverforest.org to get in touch with our Director of Enrollment.
A School That Cares About Faith, Knowledge, & Character.
Grace Lutheran School offers an exceptional education with class sizes from 14 in Pre-K to 24 in 8th grade. Before and after-school programs are available.
Students at Grace participate in activities such as choir, art, orchestra, band, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track & field, German, Spanish, robotics, chess, writing, and more!
Our teachers care about your student's success and well-being. We prioritize open communication with parents and support each child's educational journey.
At Grace Lutheran School, our Christcentered community helps your child thrive academically and spiritually.
All River Forest Public Schools Awarded Exemplary Designations
On October 30, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education published the Illinois School Report Cards, which compile student achievement data for all public schools in IL and provide each school with an individual “Summative Designation.”
Lincoln Elementary School, Willard Elementary School, and Roosevelt Middle School all earned Exemplary Designations, the top Summative Designation issued by the State Board of Education.
Exemplary Designations are awarded to the top 10% of schools across the state that achieve high levels of student academic growth, overall achievement,
attendance, and other relevant factors.
District 90 was the only district in Illinois with three or more schools to be awarded Exemplary Designations for all schools in the district.
“Our schools flourish thanks to our talented educators, caring families, committed Board leaders, supportive community members, and most of all, our hard-working and inquisitive students who bring a love of learning to school every day,” said Dr. Ed Condon, Superintendent. “Congratulations to the entire River Forest school community.”
Review the Report Cards at www.IllinoisReportCard.com.
Terra Incognito Studio and Gallery has proudly called Oak Park home for over 30 years.
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Adult wheel throwing classes
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God At Work at The Field School
Private school was not on my radar. It was the unique synergy of The Field School’s three distinctives that drew me in: diverse, classical, and Christcentered. But even more fundamentally, I was drawn to The Field School because I could see God at work.
When our daughter began in Kindergarten, it felt like joining a new family. The community was small in the beginning—every student and family mattered, belonged, and was needed. By God’s grace, that philosophy has continued, even though the school has grown tremendously! I am grateful to be welcomed into the school each day for worship, prayer, and as a volunteer. I am humbled by other moms who have graciously built community with me— especially those whose paths I would
not have crossed apart from The Field School. From that shared experience, we can begin to listen, learn, and celebrate our diversity. My Field School friends are examples of faith, trust, courage, grace, forbearance, and forgiveness; knowing them has changed me.
The Field School affirms the dignity of every child by putting what is good, true, and beautiful before their eyes, prioritizing character development, and pointing them to Jesus. I pray that God grows our students into adults who are filled with praise, gratitude, and love for all that He has made, and who have strong character that allows them to live in healthy relationships with themselves, God, and others. I can think of no better place than The Field School to guide our children toward that end.
— Heather, Field School Parent
ST. LUKE SCHOOL
APlay Paves the Way
t Oak Park Friends School we believe that children are intuitively curious learners and we seek to foster that through our child-centered, play based approach. Research shows that play based learning not only fosters long term academic success and lifelong curiosity in learning, but also aids in developing internalized self regulation, executive functioning, and attention skills. We believe that children learn best when engaged in learning that is meaningful to them which is how OPFS builds its curriculum each year. We value children having the opportunity to create, sing, move, discuss, observe, and read each day. We help them become lifelong learners who are curious about the world and the people around them.
Why Choose OPFS?
• We have chickens!
• We value outdoor time. Kids have about 2 hours of outdoor play every day in almost all weather on our 4 playgrounds. Most classrooms also regularly visit Thatcher Woods.
• Our qualified and experienced teachers are passionate about working with kids.
• We allow children to develop into their authentic selves.
• Our kiddos have long uninterrupted periods of play time which allows for developing problem solving and creative thinking skills.
• Organic learning sets kids up for a natural curiosity and future academic success.
Current Openings
We currently have openings for kids ages 2 - 5.
• Authentic Programming Designed, Created and Led by GrandMaster Yu
• Emphasis on the Discipline, Wellness and Safety Bene ts of Martial Arts Training; creating Community Wellness and Responsible Citizenship
• All Instructors and Masters are Local, trained from within by GrandMaster Yu: consistent, high standards
• Safe, Accessible Facility with on-site parking and a caring, Asian-inspired environment in North Oak Park
“GrandMaster Yu is an important part of our community, and personally, part of our family.” – Oak Park Dad
“We were referred to you by our son’s OT; we stayed because he feels welcome and we like how you incorporate character building into your instruction and the sense of responsibility.” – Another Oak Park Dad
“GrandMaster Yu has a unique ability to instill self-love and self-discipline in children in a purposeful way with structure and humor.”
– River Forest Mom
“GrandMaster Yu and the Instructors are all amazing: they have had such a positive impact on our daughters!” – Oak Park Mom
OUR VIEW
Grow transparency
While there may be some frustration that Forest Park can’t yet pass its updated zoning ordinance, we see so many plus signs in the continuing discussions that we are nothing but optimistic.
On Oct. 28, for the second time in a month, the village council voted to table a vote on what is a very significant and way overdue overhaul to the village’s convoluted residential zoning. Two commissioners, Jessica Voogd and Michelle MelinRogovin, still have substantial questions they need answers to before they commit. Good for them.
The two areas where they seek further clarity are stormwater management and limits on building density. Read stor mwater management as climate change and we say thanks for paying attention in this river town. There is more water coming down and at more intense levels than ever before. The village’s zoning needs to be proactive at building in new methods of keeping that water out of our basements. In a village with lousy sewers, it is even more essential.
Density is also a vital topic. We say that with our long view that adding density is not automatically a bad thing. Landlocked Forest Park can use more housing. But it must be thoughtful and creative. The key driver of the zoning overhaul is to finally come to terms with the hundreds of odd side buildings and back-of-thelot coach houses that were built in town way back when. Those small and more affordable dwellings are really part of Forest Park’s appeal and strength. While other places stress out about affordability, Forest Park, sort of by accident, has a layer of affordable housing, which is great. But it needs to be made legal, in a zoning sense, and so code enforcement can be evenly applied. A small coach house is wonderful, but only if it is well cared for.
Another positive aspect of the slowdown on this ordinance is the clarity it is bringing over transparency. This has never been Forest Park’s strong suit. There used to be a conscious effort to keep curious eyes out of gover nment affairs. That’s why, years back, village council meetings were 20 minutes long. All the actual debate took place at the pre-meeting, which was couched as executive session material.
Now it is gratifying to watch an active Forest Park community poke and jab at failings in transparency. Why aren’t important commission meetings, such as the three public hearings on the zoning overhaul, streamed? Why aren’t full minutes of such meetings available? Good questions. Fair demands.
Listening to Village Administrator Rachell Entler’s response, we are hopeful she is on the side of transparency and needs to find the funds for the necessary tech to stream, and staff to make transparency real.
Let’s keep a focus on transparency. Let’s refine this important zoning overhaul to address legitimate issues.
This is all good
OPINION
Concordia’s compassionate conservatives
Traditional conservatives in our area, I imagine, felt like they were caught between the devil and the deep blue sea when they voted yesterday.
The devil is Donald Trump who has hijacked their party, turning it into a populist, xenophobic, anti-free trade, anti-gover nment party of grievances. The deep blue sea is Kamala Harris, whose ideology may be far too deep blue than they can support, even though they admit they are attracted to her temperament.
But wait! There are signs that the party of the Bushes and the Romneys might be at the early stages of making a comeback, at least locally. Dr. Rachel Ferguson established the Free Enterprise Center (FEC) at Concordia University in 2019 and points to Milton Friedman’s book Capitalism and Freedom as articulating where the center is coming from.
HOLMES
“Milton Friedman,” she explained, “argues that economic freedom, achieved through a free market system, is a necessary precondition for political freedom, essentially stating that the more economically free a society is, the more politically free its citizens will be; he believes that gover nment intervention in the economy should be minimal to allow for maximum individual liberty and choice in the market.”
She said the center’s conservative economics fit well with Concordia’s social and theological conservatism. Concordia Senior Nadia is a Lutheran Education major and explained why she became a fellow in what is essentially an economic and business center. “If we desire to live in a just society, a free market is the best option because it is a society that is ruled without favoritism, protectionism, or prejudice.”
And here’s where the compassionate piece fits. Concordia’s motto is truth, freedom, vocation. The concept of vocation is big in Lutheran thinking. It’s the idea that the work we do is not just a way to pay the bills. It’s bigger than a career or profession.
The concept of vocation is captured in the promotional material for a Business Leaders Breakfast hosted by the Free Enterprise Center, scheduled for Nov. 15. “Is business just a way to make money?” the flyer asks. “Or can the marketplace be a venue for service to others?
Dr. Ferguson puts it this way, “I refer to myself as a classical liberal. One of the things about the Scottish Enlightenment tradition is that there is a strong emphasis on the fact that in a free society people need to be virtuous.” She is aware of the reality that free markets can breed unethical entrepreneurs who are in business for themselves only and are willing to achieve success by any
means available.
She would agree with commentator David Brooks, who a couple weeks ago made the comment, “The rise of Donald Trump shows it’s an advantage [now in our society] to have no conscience, that you can rise and succeed in America, both in his business career and now in his political career, if you actually have no conception of right or wrong. You only have a conception of yourself.”
True to her ideological foundations, Ferguson, and therefore the FEC, argue that the antidote to bad behavior is not more government intervention but a society that focuses on virtue
The FEC applies this moral perspective to how they respond to their neighbors. “We want to serve people who are very close to us geographically,” she said, “who are in declining neighborhoods.”
Part of the FEC’s approach to a compassionate relationship with their neighbor across the Des Plaines River is the attitude that the people in the neighborhood know what they need, which prevents the center from swooping in from an ivory tower with “the solution.”
That’s why they cultivate relationships with people they refer to as “persons of peace,” i.e. “anchors in the neighborhood, grassroots leaders like Bishop Reginald Saffo, the chairman of the Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance Network (PTMAN), who have already been trying to do good but need more resources.”
One of the complaints Ferguson kept hearing as she got to know the business community was how isolated many business owners felt, what Ferguson calls “network poverty.”
To address this issue, FEC and PTMAN jointly sponsored a daylong workshop, which was held at Concordia in August and led by a nonprofit called True Charity. At the event, poverty was compared to a hole that people at the bottom could not get out of
One way of addressing poverty is to throw money and food down to people in the hole. That approach makes life for the poor better for a day or two but it doesn’t help them get out of the hole or free them from dependence. Better to throw them a ladder called business and enterprise, which they can use to climb out of the hole
So far, the rungs on the ladder have included the True Charity event on Aug. 5 and three networking breakfasts On the calendar is a film called Vision on Nov. 7, followed by discussion at Concordia and the Business Leaders Breakfast, referred to above, and pluralism training, scheduled for Jan. 24, which will include the screening of the film Undivide Us
Let’s hope they’re on to something
Editor Erika Hobbs
Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq
Digital Manager Stacy Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
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Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a
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Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Business & Development Manager
Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Publisher Dan Haley
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Board of Directors
Chair Eric Weinheimer
Treasurer Nile Wendorf
Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charlie Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon Audra Wilson
HOW TO REACH US
ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066
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Mike Chiappetta was a rule breaker. He didn’t abide by the “rule” that a white guy couldn’t step up for a Black family that needed help. It was January 1976 and Ezra Buckner had just bought the house at 1001 Ferdinand. Mike heard on the radio that the Buckners were suf fering harassment, including bricks thrown through their windows.
We should all be like Mike
Mike had just said goodbye to his 5-year-old daughter, Sandy and couldn’t imagine what the Buckners were going through. He immediately drove to the house and of fered to protect the family for free. The little Buckner girls seemed freaked out and Ezra was grateful for the help
Mike and his security guards seemed unlikely saviors. After all, Mike was an Italian-American who lived in Galewood. When neighbors heard Mike was helping a Black family, some were not pleased. Mike also paid a price when he was arrested by the Forest Park police for impersonating a police officer
Mike was never for mally charged and
the Forest Park police started regular patrols to protect the Buckners. The incident seemed forgotten until I called Mike in 2011. He agreed to be interviewed for a documentary film we were making.
When we filmed Mike, my ameraman and I ruined the ootage by laughing at what he said. Mike wasn’t trying to be unny. He just had a hilarious way of expressing himself We later filmed an interview with Ezra Buckner. We were hoping to film a reunion of Ezra and Mike in front of 1001 Ferdinand but Ezra died before the reunion could take place. We did, however, film a reunion between Mike and the Buckner girls at that location. When Shanda Buckner talked about being a “daddy’s girl” who had just lost her father, she started to cry and Mike comforted her. It took us six years but we finally completed the film “Ezra & Mike: Facing Racial Tension in Forest Park.” We screened the 22-minute film at various venues but the high point came when we showed it at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park. There were about fifty people in the audience and the film was well-received
School supplies, 1895 style
The town of Harlem, which was incorporated in 1884, included to day’s Forest Park and areas of River Forest. The Harlem Post was local German weekly newspaper for Harlem’s German population. According to the publisher, a German weekly was necessary becaus Harlem, based on its population at the time, “is considered one of the most German settlements in Illinois, because the large German papers do not reach this area, and because most residents are not able to understand the English weekly papers.” Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895.
The Oct. 3, 1895 edition contained minutes from a school board meeting, which was held on Sept. 26, 1895. Durin this meeting, the following letter from the superintendent was read:
During the Q&A, a woman praised Mike for reaching across racial lines. Mike humbly replied, “There’s a lot of guys like me, Black guys, white guys, but no one has the opportunity. I had the opportunity because I was right there and knew how to do it.” Afterwards, Mike and his family joined us for pizza at a nearby restaurant. He didn’t tell us but he had lost his wallet. He received a call from Bennie Washington, a Black man from Maywood who found Mike’s wallet. Mike was so happy he immediately drove with his grandkids to meet Bennie. He insisted that Bennie accept $20 as a reward. The kar ma had come full circle. Mike had stuck out his neck to help a Black family. Now Bennie had stepped up to help Mike.
I recently heard from Shanda Buckner for the first time in 11 years. She had finally watched “Ezra & Mike” and asked me for a copy. I called Mike to tell him. He was in a nursing home and complained about how difficult it was to be 80 years old.
On the morning of Nov. 2, I received a message from Mike’s granddaughter, Deanna, that Mike had passed away and the services were about to start. I made it in time to reminisce with Mike’s family and see my old friend lying there wearing a jaunty cap. Thank God for Mike who broke the “rules” to do the right thing
Dear Gentlemen, we need the following articles for next month: 3 drinking cups, 1 waste paper basket, 4 dozen clothes hangers, 2 reams regular paper, 2 reams drawing paper, measurements for teachers to teach numbers, and 1,000 report cards. I would also like to point out that several of the clocks and organs in various class rooms are in need of repair. Respectfully, F. Curtis, Superintendent.
Gar eld School, third grade, circa 1910
This notice led to the establishment of a standing committee for repairs, with Trustees Witt and Evert as committee members for one year, tasked with handling the matter
Essential Civics
Accountability.
Monday at 5 p.m.
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: G24000600 on October 25, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of B-THE BEAT with the business located at:6250 S. ARCHER AVE SUITE #5, CHICAGO, IL 60638. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LAURA A. CRUZ CONCHA 612 RANDOLPH ST, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.
Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, November 6, 13, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
THE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway, Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614
STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division
In re the Marriage of: Tigist Samuel Zeleke, Petitioner, and, Amdemichael Lidetu Tariku, Respondent, Case No. 2024D007809
The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Amdemichael Lidetu Tariku, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Tigist Samuel Zeleke, for Dissolution of Marriage and that said suit is now pending.
Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before November 27, 2024 default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage Entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.
IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.
Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, November 6, and November 13, 2024.
Public Notice
Notice is hereby given that Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is soliciting proposals from qualified providers for turn-key installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic project pursuant to Section 19b of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/19b-1 et. Seq. Sealed proposals shall be received at the district office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 no later than 12PM local time on December 16, 2024. Mandatory site walkthroughs will begin at Longfellow Elementary School, 715 South Highland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304 at 12PM local time on November 14, 2024. All firms wishing to respond to this Request for Proposals must be present at the mandatory site walkthroughs. Direct questions regarding this Request for Proposals to Dr. Sheila Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, sjohnson1@op97.org and John Pahlman, Senior Director of Buildings & Grounds, jpahlman@ op97.org.
Published in Wednesday Journal November 6, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING For: HVAC service contract for various buildings for the Park District of Oak Park.
Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302
The Park District of Oak Park seeks bids for a service contract for the HVAC of our various buildings. The Park District of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids until 10:00 am (Chicago time) on Tuesday, December 3rd , 2024 at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Park District’s website as of 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024. A mandatory pre-bid walk-thru of the facilities will be held on Tuesday, November 19th and Wednesday November 20th at 9:00am starting at the John Hedges Administration Building, 218 Madison St., Oak Park. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Demand Star website at: https://www.demandstar. com/app/buyers/bids/480671/details For additional information, contact Nelson Acevedo at nelson.acevedo@pdop.org or 708-725-2053. This service contract must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2024. Only the bids in compliance with the provisions of the bidding specifications will be considered. Minority and Women Owned businesses are strongly encouraged.
Park District of Oak Park
By: Sandy Lentz, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison Oak Park, IL 60302
GCM’s reader supported newsroom turns to you for support
With focus on democracy, GCM launches its biggest fundraiser ever
Election Day and the launch of Growing Community Media’s largest ever fundraiser do not intersect by accident.
Democracy is on the line this minute and it has never been clearer that local news is essential to salvaging and strengthening our democracy – whether that is across this great country or in the villages and neighborhoods we have covered for decades.
That’s why in our reader supported newsroom we focus on the Essential Civics and why democracy is at the top of our list of five virtues for local news. Democracy. Accountability. Equity. Connection. Civility. That’s the list.
Between now and Dec. 31 we aim to raise better than $300,000 from readers in our communities. We have a good head start toward that hefty goal thanks to the dozens of MatchMakers who have already offered their financial support.
In the coming weeks, we’ll use those funds to double your investment in the newsrooms which publish Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.
If you believe that our reporters nurture democracy with every local municipal meeting we cover, every school budget we explore, each candidate we profile, then we ask you to invest in those reporters by becoming part of our newsroom.
We need hundreds of supporters who either renew their investment or decide for the first time that genuine, independent local news coverage deserves their support right now.
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