Forest Park Review 122122

D91 plans for STEAM labs at FieldStevenson, Middle School

Hope to be up and running by the start of the 2023-24 school year

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Park’s District 91 school board got a preview of plans for the new Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) labs that will be built in currently underused spaces at Field-Stevenson Intermediate Elementary School and Forest Park Middle School, both at 925 Beloit Ave. Some details are still being worked out – for example, the renderings didn’t show any color schemes because they haven’t been settled on yet – the plans were far enough along for Amy Tiberi, the architect for project design contractor Wight and Company,

John Rice: Ah, December in Dubai in a dragon boat

Jill Wagner: Salutations and closings, the key to being heard

STORY BY TOM HOLMES, PAGE 15

SARA JANZ/Photographer

D209 school board race fleshed out

Eight candidates, including two incumbents running for D209 board

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Eight people are running for the three open seats on the Proviso Township High School District 209 school board in what is likely to be a contentious campaign ahead of the April 4, 2023 election.

Incumbent school board members Theresa Kelly and Claudia Medina have filed to run for reelection while Ned Wagner will not seek reelection. All three candidates were on the first slate created by the Proviso To gether party. Kelly, Medina and Wagner were elected together

in 2015 and again in 2019.

Three more candidates with the newly for med Proviso 209 Cooperative have filed to run for board seats: Jennifer Wenzel Barbahen, David Ocampo and Sandra Lee Hixson. Three other candidates have also filed though any affiliations are unclear at this moment. They are Maribel Aguir re of Hillside, Jayda James of Hillside and Jon Kubricht of Forest Park.

Earlier this year, the Proviso To gether party dissolved, months after relationships between some members of the party had fractured, with tensions often spilling out into the open during board meetings.

The April election could be a referendum on the performance of D209 Supt. James Henderson, who was hired in 2020. The board has since given the superintendent two 5-year contracts, with Kelly joining board majorities in voting for both of them. Medina has voted against the contracts. Since his hiring, Henderson has overseen a nearly month-long teacher strike, a mass exodus of veteran teachers and staf f, complaints about a lack of financial transparency, alle gations of intimidation among current and for mer employees, and widespread frustration with his leadership style.

D209 approves 5% tax levy

e full amount allowed under the state’s tax cap

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

During a re gular meeting on Dec. 13, the Proviso Township High School District 209 school board voted 5-2 in favor of officially adopting the administration’s recommended 4.7 percent tax levy

Village officials said the levy amounts to $67.8 million, a roughly $3 million increase over the 2021 tax levy extension of about $64.6 million. The 2021 tax extension was about 2% over the 2020 extension, officials said.

At a meeting on Nov. 15, Cedric Lewis, the district’s chief financial officer, said if the district doesn’t utilize the full amount it levies, then the administration plans to refund taxpayers.

“We’ re asking for the 5 percent and then we’re going to turn around and refund part of the levy back to the community so we can lower our taxes,” Lewis told board members. “You have to capture the base; otherwise, the district loses the money for perpetuity.”

Board members Claudia Medina and Amanda Grant voted against the proposed levy in November and against officially adopting the level on Dec. 13, with Grant arguing that the district should be investing the funds in additional services instead of refunding the money

“So instead of investing that money, as we have in the past, in infrastructure, teacher services and other educational services for our students, you are going to get the full 5 percent so we capture that tax base and the plan is to refund that money [to families and businesses]?” Grant said.

Lewis said that if the board decides not to refund the money, then the administration won’t do so.

Board members who voted in favor of the 5 percent levy said that capturing the full amount makes sense in case the district needs to utilize more funds than it anticipated. School districts in Illinois must abide by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which caps their ability to raise property taxes at either the level of the change in the Consumer Price

In an interview earlier this year, Barbahen and Kathleen Franzwa, the cofounders of Proviso 209 Cooperative, said they started the group, which might be considered a successor to Proviso To gether, to hold Henderson accountable.

School board candidates had until Dec. 19 to file their nominating petitions with the Cook County Clerk’s office. The last day to file objections to nominating petitions is Dec. 27. Write-in candidates have until Feb. 2 to file a declaration of intent to run with the clerk’s office.

CONTAC T: michael@oakpark.com

Index or 5 percent, whichever is smaller.

The school district adopted its budget for the 2022-23 school year on Sept. 27, with budgeted operating expenditures amounting to $101 million. District administrators said there’s an operating surplus of $20 million.

Medina said that the surplus is largely due to open staffing positions in a district that is bleeding teachers. Many teachers, students and community members have complained about the district’s low staffing and poor morale under Supt. James Henderson, which has resulted in class sizes of more than 40 students in some instances.

CONTAC T: michael@oakpark.com

SANDRA LEE HIXSON

BIG WEEK December 21-28

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Scoville P Oak Park and neighboring communities will come together Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 3:30 p.m. in Scoville Park for an anti-hate rally and unity event. At the same time, the librar y will hold an all-ages discussion and stor celebrating love, kindness, and community. All ages welcome. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 800 La Oak Park.

Outta Space Winter Holiday

Open House & Music Pa

Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m., O utta Space

This annual holiday hootenanny is hosted by the One Night Stand Band, with Maggie Dahlberg, Tommy Rive Valenzano, plus a few special guests and “regional all stars dropping by. 6840 32nd St., Berw yn.

Expo ‘76 Big Xmas Bash

Friday, Dec. 23, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Expo ‘76 is one of the better, more intelligent cover bands in the Chicago area. If they decide to throw a special holiday show, you know it will be a special event. Especially with an “ugly Christmas sweater” contest. Can’t lose! $20 advance, $25 day of show. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Winter Secrets Hike

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1:30 p.m., Trailside Museum of Natural History Winter can appear barren of wildlife, but much is happening above, within, and beneath snow. Join us for a walk to see what’s happening. Family program. 708-366-6530, trailside.museum@ cookcountyil.gov. 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest

Longest Night Ser vice

Grace Lutheran Church, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m., in River Forest

This evening (Dec. 21), Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St. in River Forest will hold a Longest Night Ser vice that will begin at 7 p.m.

“We have this ser vice,” explained Troy Medlin, associate pastor at Grace, “as a way of acknowledging that the holiday season is often di cult for many people.

Whether folks are living with illness, grief, a recent loss, or a family that is fractured or does not accept them, the holidays can be a time of deep pain and loneliness, not joy and merriment.

“We believe that in the darkness we nd God dwelling there with us and leading us into a future where it all belongs. Many folks nd this to be a peaceful place to pray, sing, lament, and hope together with others.”

Listing your event

Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park 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

■ Send details to Wednesday Jour nal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Algoritmo

Dec. 22, .m., FitzGerald’s An evening of Latin jazz designed to warm you up eep the cold snap elt Road,

Popelka Park to get new playground, picnic tables

Park district hopes to complete work by 4th of July

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Popelka Park will be getting a new, treehouse-themed playg round, picnic benches and a park identification sign as part of improvements scheduled to be gin next spring.

The Park District of Forest Park Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 15 to approve a contract with Minooka, Ill.-based Hacienda Landscaping, which submitted a $173,426 bid. The project is funded entirely from the park district’s capital budget.

The project is part of the park district’s ongoing effort to improve the four village “pocket parks” since it took over responsibility for their maintenance in November 2020. Hacienda is expected to star t work on April 15, 2023, with the goal of finishing up the project by Inde pendence Day.

Under the deal between the village and the park district, Forest Park is leasing four out of six pocket parks to the district for the symbolic cost of $1 a year The park district took over responsibilities for maintaining and improving them. It contracted Napervillebased Hitchcock Design Group to come up with the new designs.

Funding for work on the two larger parks -- Reiger Park, 1526 Circle Ave., and Remembrance Park, 7341 Randolph St -- required state grants. The park district received a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) state grant for Reiger Park improvements on July 8, and it applied for an OSLAD grant for Remem-

brance Park in Se ptember

During the Dec. 15 meeting, pa rk district Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli said work on Reiger Park is still expected to star t next spring, and that they’re “crossing our fingers” that they get the grant for

ground at the west section with a new, treehouse-themed playg round that will include a new swing set. Iovinelli told the board that the new playground will be larger. She also mentioned that the playground design would accommodate kids with sensory is-

new park identification sign facing Adams Street. The existing memorials at the east cor ner of the park will be preserved.

Commissioner Cathleen McDer mott wondered whether the renovations would remove an existing drinking fountain,

Remembrance Park

Popelka Park, 501 Thomas Ave., is physically smaller than Rieger and Remembrance. The renovations will keep the general layout, re placing the existing play-

sues

Two picnic tables will be added in the middle of the park – one near the playground and one toward the south end. The park will get a new or namental fence and a

which isn’t marked in the project renderings Iovinelli assured her the fountain won’t be af fected.

PROVIDED

Popelka Park concept renderings.

April elections contested for mayor, council, school board

Two mayoral, six village commissioner candidates submit petitions

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The upcoming April municipal and school board election promises to be competitive as most candidates running for elected of fices in Forest Park face at least one challenger

While several candidates announced their intent to run months ahead of the Dec. 19 filing deadline, there were a handful of late entries. And Tuesday mor ning the Cook County Clerk’s of fice said it was still processing some school board petitions with final results not clear until after the Review’s print deadline

Incumbent mayor Rory Hoskins is facing of f against John Doss, currently a park district commissioner. There are six candidates vying for four village commissioner seats, and [park district candidates info here]

Meanwhile, at Forest Park School District 91, four candidates are vying as of deadline for three seats

Village hall races

The race for mayor has been set for a while, with both Hoskins and Doss announcing their intention to run in late May. While there have been rumors of another candidate joining the race, they were the only two candidates to file nominating petitions by deadline

Doss has served as park commissioner since 2007. Most recently, he was re-elected in 2019 to a six-year ter m. If he wins the mayoralty, the park board would need to appoint a re placement to serve out the remaining two years. Hoskins is seeking a second ter m as mayor.

While commissioner Joe Byr nes decided to retire, the remaining three incumbents are running for re-election. Commissioners Jessica Voogd and Ryan Nero are running for a second term, while Commissioner Maria Maxham, who was the Review editor until she was appointed to re place commissioner Dan Novak in July 2021, is running for the first time.

Grant writer and development professional Michelle Melin-Rogovin was spotted passing nominating petitions for commissioner in late Se ptember But the race also had some late entries – real estate broker Joe Landgrebe and for mer park district employee Ryan Russ. While Landgrebe and Melin-Rogovin are political neophytes, Russ ran unsuccessfully for village commissioner in 2019.

Landg rebe told the Review he’s been interested in politics for a while, and he felt that this was the right time to throw his hat in the ring. On his recently launched campaign Facebook page, Russ wrote that he was trying ag ain because he wanted “to give back to the place that raised me.”

Forest Park voters will be able to submit objections to any of those candidates’ nominating petitions between Dec 20 and Dec 27 during re gular village hall of fice hours.

Contested race in D91

At Forest Park School District 91, three

incumbents are running for re-election, but only two of them are facing a challenge. Incumbents Shannon Wood and Monique Cotton Yancy are facing of f against former Forest Park Recreation Board member Monica Angelo for a chance to hold one of the two four-year seats. Meanwhile, board member Al-Fuquan Brooks, who was appointed to re place board member L’erin Cross earlier this year, is the only candidate running to serve out the last two years of Cross’ ter m.

And remember, the county is still processing some school board petitions.

Uncontested race at park district

At the Park District of Forest Park, only the three incumbents filed to run. Commissioners Roy Sansone and Cathleen McDermott are running for six-year ter ms, while commissioner Tim Gillian, who was appointed on Nov. 18, 2021 to fill the seat vacated by Matt Walsh, is running to ser ve the remaining two years of Walsh’s ter m.

Hanukkah happening

Forest Park Fire Dept. o cial (le ) lights the rst candle of the Hanukkah menorah in Dow ntow n Forest Park.

(Below) Residents listen to the story of Hanukkah, told by Alison Pure-Slovin.

PHOTO S BY SARA JANZ/Photographer

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS SUMMARY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING

Copies of the detailed Annual Statement of Affairs for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2022

JUNE 30, 2022

763,409 531,863 2,135 919,686 694,893 797,462 Other Changes in Fund Balances

Ending Fund Balances without Student Activity Funds - June 30, 2022 20,469,836 2,070,932 98,746 951,571 565,346 2,138 921,246 516,756 798,454

Ending Fund Balances (all sources) with Student Activity Funds - June 30, 2022 20,473,426 2,070,932 98,746 951,571 565,346 2,138 921,246 516,756 798,454

GROSS PAYMENT FOR CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL

Salary Range: Less Than $25,000

AGUILAR, NORBELLA ANDERSON, TAHNEE BLONDA, TERESA M BROOKS, M B BRUNSON, TIFFANY S CLARK, EDITH A CONNOR, ERIC DEMIRTAS, PETEK ARIKAN

INNOCENZI, ROBERT A LAUDADIO, CYNTHIA A LEAHY, CAROLYN C MORRIS, DONALD R PADDOCK, VIRGINIA

Salary Range: $25,000 - $39,999

BERNAHL, JENNIFER A LAKY, AMANDA J

Salary Range: $40,000 - $59,999

BALLWEG, GREGORY BRUZZINI, EMILY B

CALLAHAN, KATHRYN G CHOICE, MICHELLE L CLARK, JESSICA U CONWELL, ERICA L DALE, SECCOYAH DAVENPORT, BETHANY DOCKUM, CHRISTOPHER GATLIN, JAMES GONZALES-MALAS, VALERIE HALLIWELL, AMY D HARTMAN, ARIEL JONES, HANNAH K RODRIGUEZ, MALINALI RYAN, JENNIFER J SCHEKIRKE, BRIAN SMITH, THOMAS STARKS, BERNARD ULCZAK, MOLLY VILLAMIEL, CHRISTINA A

Salary Range: 60,000 - $89,999 AGUILAR MCARDLE, ANNISSA K ALI, NITASHA

ALLOCCO, PATRICIA M ALMAOUI, JOSEPH J BELTRAN, ERIC BOUCEK, SARA E CARINI, MARIA A CARRERA, ANNA D CIRILLO, JEANETTE M COCO, ANDREA M CROISANT, SHANNON DALEY, ELIZABETH A DROY, DAVID DUDLO, LESTER R DUEWEL, KELLY EDWARDS, AIMEE L ELFINGER, STEVEN M EMOND, ELIZABETH E ESPINOSA, JULIA A FARRINGTON, DINA M FRAWLEY, CHERYL M GUTIERREZ, ALEXANDER W HAYS, JENNIFER A HIBBITTS, ABIGAIL D HIRSCH, ALLYSON P HOPPER, MATTHEW D KELLY, ERIC KELLY, ROBERT J KERN, ASHLEY N KOSCIARZ, MARIAN M

LIETZ, MELISSA A MCELLIGOTT, DANIEL C MILLMAN, EMILY B MILLS, AMY MILLS, HEATH R MORRELL, EMILY MOTTO, SUZANNE M NIHILL, LAURA M NOVAK, JENNIFER L O’CONNELL, AMY P PARRILLI, MADELINE G PERRY, PEGGY M PETREY, NICOLE M REEVES, ALICE L ROBINSON, ELIZABETH L SKINNER, AMANDA J STEVENS, MARGARET M

STIGLITZ, MICHAEL J TODOR, NANCY M WEIDMAN, MATTHEW S

WHITE-LEGRAND, NICOLE D WHITTINGTON, ERICA L ZANETTI, RYAN P

Salary Range: $90,000 and over

ALVAREZ, ELIZABETH BEAUFORD, ROGER E BINDER, MEEGHAN E BOGDAN, SUSAN M BORK, SHARON R BOTTORFF, ROSE W BRAUN, JENNIFER R BROPHY, EDWARD J CALLAHAN, LYNDA L CARLISLE, MARIE F CATEZONE, JANE M CIARDULLO, REBECCA L

CONNELLY, ANDREA M EDLER, JAMES W FINN, GRACE K GRECO, DEANA M HEARN, RICHARD M HOPPER, MICHELLE L HUFF, TINISA D KASS, DARLA PITARO, ANGELA M RANDAZZO, KELLY E SEERY, ELIZABETH M STASER, DANIEL W STAUDER, MARY J SUAREZ, LUCIA E

TERRACCIANO, JOANNA R TORRES, JILL A UHLMANN, JENNIFER M

WESTOL, JENNIFER I GROSS PAYMENT FOR NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL

Salary Range: Less Than $25,000 ALBA, MA GUADALUPE ALLABASTRO KELL, BETH ANN ANDERSON, CARLENE ARAUJO, RICARDO ARECHIGA, HALEY MIA ATHERTON, CHRISTINA BEJLOVEC, BRYCE BEJLOVEC, DWIGHT BRANDA, LINDA BRAUN, KRISTINA CALABRESE, JORDAN CAVAZOS, ADRIANNA CHAVEZ, APRIL COLGREN, CODY DICKINSON, RYDER A DOHENY, MAUREEN

DUNNELL, SCOTT FARLEY, JEANETTE FARLEY, JOSHUA FREEMAN, KAREN GONZALEZ LIMON, ENRIQUE GONZALEZ, DAVID HALL, CHARLENE M HERNANDEZ, ADAN JOHNSON, MICHELE LAUDADIO, ISABELLA J MAYE, IAN P MERCADO, KARINA MOORE, DENISE MORALES, NOAH NIX, JABRI NOVAK, SAMANTHA S O’CONNELL, ROBERT J PETERSON, ROSS PHILLIPS, CRYSTAL RAGLIN, TAKIISHA A REID, JOSEPH ROA, ELIEL IVAN ROBINSON, JANICE L ROYBAL, MICHELLE RYAN, DYLAN SAINT, PAMELA

SHEPPARD II, TERRANCE L WESLEY-WARD, TENILLE WILLIAMS, CHEVON Salary Range: $25,000 - $39,999

ALLEN, JESSICA BARKULIS, KELLY BAYNE, ALEXIS A BROWN, JULIE L BURNETT, DEDRA BUSSERT, CHERYL L CROTTY, CAROL A DEJESUS, MICHELLE DICKEL, MEGAN GEHRKE, NANCY HANSEN, JEREMY HERNANDEZ, OMAR HIBBITTS, MARY HOWARD, TAMMIE JENKS, CHARLES JIMENEZ, JESUS KIBIR, JOY LABARBERA, JODIE LEONARD, JENNIFER L MAGGITT, STACEY MAKARIS, TRACEY MARSHALL, LAUREN E

MARTHALER, LEISA A MCDONALD, CHANTAL MONTANO JR, JOSE M MOORE, ROSCHELLE S MOY, LOTUS NESSINGER, KATHARINE PARKER NEWMAN, LISA PINERO, NANCY M POPELKA, BARBARA L PUSAVC, VIRGINIA QUIRK, MICHAEL QUIRK, ROBERT K REID, SARAH ROMERO, CARLOS SHORNER, CHRISTINA SMITH, FELICIA C SORKIN, ANNE STREET, DORIS

Salary Range: $40,000 - $59,999 ALI, BRENDA ATHERTON, CHARLES D BELL, KATEIA BROECKER, ELIZABETH

JOHNSEN, STEVEN RICE, DIANE SAUCEDO, NELLY WAWZENEK, THERESA W

Salary Range: $60,000 and over ARECHIGA, HUMBERTO BARNES, JEANETTE F BEJLOVEC, ROBERT A BERNERO, MICHELLE CALDERONE, HARRY A DICKINSON, LAURA D DICOLA, VINCENT J DOOLIN, BONNIE L FRANGIDAKIS, ZACK LAUDADIO, ROBERT F MCNULTY, NOREEN A MORONI, ROSEMARY PANZANI, DINO A RENZ, MATTHEW J STOXEN, JASON UCETA RAMOS, NURYS

BMO AMPLIFY 7,623.11

BMO ANDERSON PEST SOLUTIONS 3,588.44

BMO APPTEGY 10,100.00

Person,

Corporation

AANEVCO, INC. 15,442.10

ACCESS CU 79,960.00

ADDICTION TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 13,387.50

American Enterprise Investment Services 6,000.00

ANDERSON ELEVATOR CO. 16,796.00

BINDER, MEEGHAN E 4,500.00

BLAZER WORKS 84,640.76

BMO ACCURATE OFFICE SUPPLY 30,396.75

BMO ACHIEVE 3000 17,906.55

BMO AGENCY 1204 LLC 15,000.00

BMO ALL SEASONS UNIFORMS 3,421.05

BMO AMAZON 135,231.75

BMO AMPLIFIED IT 9,654.06

BMO Archive Social 3,990.00

BMO ASSET GENIE 7,492.50

BMO BACKUPIFY 4,700.00

BMO BERWYN GARAGE 11,952.46

BMO BLACKBOARD 13,138.72

BMO BLICK ART MATERIAL 3,578.54

BMO BLONDA’S 7,602.94

BMO BLUE CAB 44,805.00

BMO BRAINPOP 10,057.50

BMO BROWN COW 3,390.00

BMO BUONA BEEF 2,797.80

BMO BUS/TRUCK GAS 24,283.26

BMO CALL ONE 36,613.01

BMO CAPSTONE 3,597.60

BMO CASE LOTS 18,263.38

BMO CDW 15,422.11

BMO CENGAGE 3,044.43

BMO CHICAGO TRIBUNE 6,045.62

BMO COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN 23,192.55

BMO DEMCO 3,038.99

BMO EDUCATION FRAMEWORK 3,015.00

BMO ESGI 3,616.00

BMO EVERYDAY SPEECH 3,297.91

BMO FOLLETT 40,822.87

BMO HAPARA 4,289.95

BMO HOME DEPOT 7,333.28

BMO IASBO 2,654.40

BMO ILLINOIS ALARM 15,027.69

BMO ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARD 13,796.54

BMO ILLUMINATE 22,251.38

BMO IMAGINE LEARNING 4,650.00

BMO INCIDENT IQ 7,672.72

BMO ITSAVVY WEB 30,382.00

BMO KAMIHG 3,090.00

BMO LAKESHORE LEARNING 6,970.19

BMO LEARNING A-Z 7,359.00

BMO LIFE STORAGE 5,728.80

BMO LVC SCREEN PRINTING, LLC 8,690.00

BMO MARIANO’S 4,499.86

BMO Media Impract Group 22,893.15

BMO MENARDS 5,836.57

BMO MEREDITH CULLIGAN WATER COMPANY 2,854.25

BMO METRO SELF STORAGE 3,055.20

BMO MOBYMAX 6,799.00

BMO MONSIDO, INC 4,200.00

BMO MUSIC & ARTS 2,984.12

BMO NEARPOD 7,365.00

BMO NEWS2YOU 3,531.48

BMO NEWSELA 9,043.95

BMO OFFICE DEPOT 2,724.12

BMO OPEN KITCHEN 3,482.57

BMO OTC 3,575.46

BMO PEARSON 3,613.17

BMO PROVEN BUSINESS 77,971.10

BMO QUALTRICS 5,000.00

BMO QUILL CORPORATION 7,468.44

BMO REINKE 19,156.40

BMO REKTRIX 5,586.32

BMO RESTAURANT 11,255.15

BMO ROSETTA STONE 8,055.00

BMO ROY STROM REFUSE REMOV 17,570.78

BMO ROYAL PIPE AND SUPPLY CO 3,613.17

BMO RUSSOS HARDWARE 2,709.66

BMO SCHOLASTIC 7,009.76

BMO SCHOOL HEALTH CORPORATION 2,517.25

BMO SCREENCASTIFY 4,125.00

BMO SEESAW 4,125.00

BMO SHERWIN WILLIAMS 4,656.41

BMO SIGN EXPRESS 3,126.00

BMO SPRINT 9,590.56

BMO STARS AND STRIPES 3,214.00

Forest Park approves property tax increase

Actual scale of increases won’t be known until next summer

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Forest Park Village Council unanimously agreed to raise the tax levy by 6%, though not before discussing why the village could ill-afford to lower taxes and fees under its current financial constraints

The levy approved at the Dec. 19 meeting doesn’t represent what the village will actually end up getting. As a non-home rule municipality, Forest Park falls under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which limits tax levy increases to 5% or the level of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is smaller. The village had to raise the levy above that to account for the library portion, which was set based on preliminary reports from the County Clerk’s office.

The rate at which the individual properties are taxed is based on a complex for mula

that takes into account the change in property values and the new properties that have come on the tax rolls The County Clerk isn’t expected to have those estimates until next summer, but that’s likely to lower the village levy as well. If that happens, the village council asked the clerk to take the difference out of the corporate fund portion of the levy, keeping the portion that goes toward pension payments intact.

For the most part, municipal libraries like the Forest Park Public Library set their own tax levies, but the village collects it on the library’s behalf This year, the delays from the Cook County Assessor’s office of and the Cook County Clerk’s office set back tax levy filings for all taxing bodies. Since the library had to submit its levy to the village before Forest Park set its own levy, it had to go with preliminary estimates, which projected more funding than the final estimate.

If a taxing body requests a levy that’s higher than PTELL allows, the Cook County Clerk will simply reduce it — but if it asks for less than it’s entitled to, the clerk doesn’t adjust upward.

This year, the CPI has gone up more than 5%, so 5% is the de facto cap.

According to the tax levy worksheet, for the most part, the property tax revenue will go toward salaries and pension obligations

According to the Dec 15 memo from Finance Director Leticia Olmsted, the village will be using property tax revenue to cover 65% of the actuarially recommended public safety pension contributions.

The village council held a budget hearing ahead of the vote, and the only public comment was emailed ahead of time Resident Chris Harris asked the commissioners not to increase the levy

“The economy is entering a recession, interest rates and the cost of living are skyrocketing, people are hurting and, with the village hiking everything from water rates to garbage rates, every cent counts,” he wrote. “Forest Park is a middle-class village with hard-working folks who deserve a break every now and again. You are afforded a chance to do that now. Please vote against the increase.”

This prompted commissioner Ryan Nero to ask Olmsted and Village Administrator Moses Amidei what he should tell constituents who ask why the tax rates are going up Accounts and Finance Commissioner Joe

Byr nes responded that, with the water rates set by the city of Chicago, the village can either pass on the increase to the customers or cover it from its own budget, the way it had in the past. He also noted that the village had salaries, benefits and pension obligations to consider.

Amidei added that, given that Forest Park is a non-home rule community, its ability to generate revenue is more limited. The village doesn’t have a large shopping center, which allows villages such as northwest suburban Schaumburg to reduce reliance on property taxes, he said. Amidei also mentioned north suburban Highwood, where he previously served as a village manager, which was able to keep the property taxes flat because the revenue from sales tax, motor fuel tax, and video-game gambling offset it.

“As we know, the retail market is still in flux; it’s not as strong as it once was,” Amidei added. “So without new businesses opening, or new businesses closing, we’re still waiting for that rebound.”

“We, as a community, need to be open-minded, and really be investigating and looking at alter native sources of revenue — if nothing else for that reason,” Nero responded

BMO TEACHBOOST 7,080.00

BMO TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE ADVISORS 181,228.50

BMO THE CHICAGO TOURS 4,543.65

BMO THE FORGE ADVENTURE 3,150.00

BMO TWOTREES TECHNOLOGY, LLC 121,679.05

BMO VILLA PARK ELECTRICT 10,191.44

BMO VILLA PARK OFFICE EQUIPMENT 5,192.00

BMO VILLAGE OF FOREST PARK 19,540.87

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BMO WALMART 10,089.86

BMO WAREHOUSE DIRECT 126,162.94

BMO WEST MUSIC 7,905.63

BMO WEVIDEO 3,197.00

BMO WINDY CITY LIMO AND BUS 2,656.00

BMO YOUR THERAPY SOURCE 2,850.00

BMO ZANER BLOSER 13,904.04

BMO ZOOM 11,400.00

Camino Group LLC 11,000.00

CARRIE SLAYMAKER 3,329.00

CHILDHOOD VICTORIES 6,500.00

COLLECTIVE LIABILITY INSURANCE COOP179,273.00

COLONIAL LIFE 4,290.45

COLORS 47,575.00

Computer Information Concepts 23,564.00

DELTA DENTAL OF ILLINOIS 135,983.53

DREAMBOX 17,616.60

E-RATE ONLINE, LLC 10,000.00

EASTER SEALS METRO CHICAGO 18,088.74

ECRA Group Inc 19,822.00

EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT

COOPERATIVE (EBC) 1,789,275.77

EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT

COOPERATIVE (HRA) 276,742.91

EQUITABLE 162,872.99

EVANS, MARSHALL & PEASE PC 11,225.00 EYE MED 14,395.78

FIRST STUDENT 34,173.91

FOREST PARK GRAPHICS, INC. 3,079.23 Forest Park Public Schools 91 23,225.92

FOREST PARK SCHOOL DIST 91-STUDENT ACT F 4,000.00

FOREST PARK TEACHERS ASSOC. 65,664.00

FOXHIRE 26,785.30

FRONTLINE PLACEMENT

TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 21,096.35

GIANT STEPS ILLINOIS, INC. 67,026.48

GLENN B STEARNS CHAPTER 13

TRUSTEE 13,392.00

GRAND PRAIRE TRANSIT 30,438.41

GYKON LLC 21,400.00

HEARN, RICHARD M 3,800.00

HELPING HAND AUTISM SCHOOL 98,397.06

HIMES, PETRARCA & FESTER 60,945.00

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS 8,389.00

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE 512,765.83

IMRF 487,078.23

INTEGRATED BUILDING

AUTOMATION LLC 11,155.50

ITR Systems, Inc 4,124.80

JOSEPH ACADEMY AT MELROSE PARK149,017.35

JR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 7,030.00

MAJOR JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 3,859.18

Marilyn O Marshall 13,200.00

MENARD CONSULTING, INC 2,600.00

MENTA ACADEMY HILLSIDE 19,934.40

NATIONAL EQUITY PROJECT 26,250.00

NEW YORK LIFE 35,779.68

NEXTERA ENERGY SERVICES 278,943.02

NICOR GAS 24,251.70

OAK BROOK MECHANICAL SERVICES 27,329.28

OPEN KITCHENS 132,128.49

PACTT LEARNING CENTER 42,550.65

PAVEMENT SYSTEMS INC 17,889.00

PITNEY BOWES 3,600.63

PROVISO AREA-EXCEPTION

CHILDREN 113,974.23

PROVISO TWP SCHL TREAS. OFFICE 54,851.00

QBS LLC 7,375.00

RAM MECHANICAL SERVICES 40,814.50

RCM TECHNOLOGIES (KERSEMEIER) 18,111.50

RCM TECHNOLOGIES (Saucedo) 5,554.50

RCM TECHNOLOGIES USA Inc 8,561.70

RELIANCE STANDARD LIFE INS CO 13,240.25

ROSEMONT MASONRY CORP 17,801.77

ROYAL PIPE & SUPPLY 6,827.77

RUSH DAY SCHOOL 34,299.42

SASED 87,594.00

SCHEKIRKE, BRIAN 3,000.00

SEAL OF ILLINOIS 44,251.68

SHANNON SHERMAN 24,300.00

SMITH, THOMAS 3,000.00

SOARING EAGLE ACADEMY 7,520.63

Spannuth Boiler Co 8,577.00

Spindle 14,316.75

State Disbursement Unit 6,216.00

STONE AGE ELECTRIC CO 12,013.00

SUNBELT STAFFING 46,225.08

SUNRISE SOUTHWEST LLC 32,696.46

TEACHERS’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM 1,030,235.78

team select 24,592.16

TIM STEFL, INC 5,839.96

TRACEY SCHREIER 70,500.00

Twotrees Technology 88,711.00

UNITED STATES TREASURY 1,918,923.70

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO 8,000.00

VANGUARD ENERGY SERVICES, LLC 33,731.56

VILLAGE OF FOREST PARK 29,226.89

Wells Fargo Bank MN NA 3,500.00

WEST 40 COLLABORATIVE LEARNING CENTER 31,430.68

WET USA, INC 5,724.12

YATES ENTERPRISES 4,200.00

For folks whose Christmas is not merr y

This evening (Dec. 21), Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St. in River Forest will hold a Longest Night Service that will begin at 7 p.m.

“We have this service,” explained Troy Medlin, associate pastor at Grace, “as a way of acknowledging that the holiday season is often difficult for many people. Whether folks are living with illness, grief, a recent loss, or a family that is fractured or does not accept them, the holidays can be a time of deep pain and loneliness, not joy and merriment.

“We believe that in the darkness we find God dwelling there with us and leading us into a future where it all belongs. Many folks find this to be a peaceful place to pray, sing, lament, and hope together with others.”

Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, 744 Fair Oaks in Oak Park, held their Longest Night Service last Saturday. On a bitterly cold night, 11 worshippers quietly filed into the darkened sanctuary. The Call to Worship set the tone:

Leader: Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.

All: Listen to the sound of my cry.

Leader: It is to you, you alone, I pray.

All: Be gracious, and hear my broken

prayer.

Pastor Ben Lynch, one of the co-pastors of the congregation, lit the first of the four Advent candles and said, “Sometimes hope feels impossibly distant. Hear our cry of hopelessness, O God, and break into our lives once again.”

To which the people responded, “Lord, have mercy upon us.”

The service continued with more candlelighting, a reading from Psalm 22, 15 minutes of silence and a blessing

Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park, held their Longest Night service on Monday evening

“It is a holy night,” said Colin Knapp, Pilgrim’s senior pastor, “when we’re given a safe place to cry out to God and to name our longings for a new day, for light, for hope. A time to sit through the beautiful darkness with each other, waiting on God, waiting for hope.

“Pilgrim has had a Longest Night Gathering since 2017 — we usually have about 50 people show up. For some, it feels like the holiest thing, the most authentic thing we do all year.”

Tom Holmes Forest Park

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math

from page 1

to give a presentation during the Dec 8 board meeting. While the details vary to account for the students’ age dif ferences, both rooms would feature areas where students can do experiments, a more casual lear ning and research area, and an auditorium-style seating area where students can make presentations Each lab will also feature a quiet area with transparent walls where students can work in groups while still being visible to the teachers in the main lab.

The design would be flexible enough to adopt to changes in technology, get as much use out of the space they have “in order to make this space multipur pose and multi-functional,” and accommodate the needs of students with sensory issues. The district is expected to select the contractors for construction and fur niture in January, with the goal of having the labs up and running at the star t of the 2023-2024 school year

The district has been developing plans for putting STEAM labs in every school – Field-Stevenson and Forest Park Middle schools are simply first on the list. Supt. Dr. Elizabeth Alvare z previously said the goal is not only to get students to do experiments and design conce pts, but to work together. The idea is for kids to take ownership of what they create, whether it’s something they came up with on their own or as part of the group

Tiberi said Wight staf f has been meeting with teachers and administrators to figure out where the labs would go and what kind of features they would have They settled on putting the Field-Stevenson STEAM lab in what is now a staf f lounge at the west end of the building. The plans have a quiet room in the southeast cor ner of the lab, the experiments area on the south side of the lab, a presentation area on the nor th side and the research area on the east side. Tiberi said some of the features they are considering are a Wordle wall and presentation area seats that would double as storage compartments

The Forest Park Middle School lab would be located in the currently unused Home Economics classroom, which Tiberi said had the advantage of being at the nor theast cor ner of the existing “cafetorium” auditorium/cafeteria space, “at the hear t of the school.” The research area would be on the south side of the room, while the experiment area would be in the nor thwest portion and the presentation area would be at the nor theast portion. The quiet room would be at the southwest corner, with the two transparent walls giving those inside a view of the entire lab.

Tiberi said designers were discussing putting 3-D printers along the experimental area wall, and moving the existing Computer Numerical Control machine, which can cut designs into various materials, to the nor thwest cor ner. For the presentation area, they are considering putting in a piece of furniture that looks like a horseshoe-shaped couch with a table students can sit at in the back.

The staf f would be able to utilize every inch of the wall in some way, and there will be overhead power outlets hanging over the experiment area tables.

The project is expected to cost $1.944 million, with $200,000 of that covering furniture purchases District 91’s 2023 budget allocated another $120,000 to hire the teachers to staf f the labs Tiberi said the goal is to star t construction June 12 and finish it by Aug. 18, but given ongoing material shor tages, it could take longer. If they need more time to finish up, she said, it shouldn’t inter rupt the district operations

“Right now, this [timeline] is our best guess, with the market conditions we’re in,” Tiberi said. “I don’t have crystal ball. I wish I did.”

Support Community Journalism. To buy or re-new a subscription call Jill at (708) 366-0600 or visit ForestParkReview.com and click subscribe

Field-Stevenson and Forest Park Middle School proposed plans.

CRIME

Burglar tries to use stolen truck to break into currenc

A burglar ditched a stolen truck after trying to use it to break into a currency exchange at 7207 Roosevelt Road.

On Dec. 13 at 3:57 a.m., security footage captured a white 1990 Chevrolet pickup ramming into the back of the building and fleeing, heading north on the north-south alley between Harlem and Elgin avenues The employee on duty said the force of the impact shook the building and they immediately checked the footage

The rear door turned out to be heavily damaged, with a pickup truck hitch stuck in the glass.

Later that day, at around 7:30 a.m., police got a call from a resident living on the 1000 block of Marengo Avenue. He said he woke up to discover the white pick-up in front of his garage. The garage’s Ring camera showed the suspect leaving the car shortly after the burglary and jumping into a red SUV of unknown make and model and taking off. The SUV was last seen turning east on Harvard Street.

The check of the pickup’s license plate re-

vealed that it was stolen out of Berwyn on Dec. 6. Its rear bumper was damaged, and its steering column was peeled. The pickup was towed to Nobs Towing for processing.

Antique store theft

At least 26 rings were stolen from Krenek’s Antiques storefront display while the only employee on duty was helping another customer

The incident took place Dec. 13 at around 3 p.m. Several customers were already browsing when a customer came in and asked some questions. When another customer asked about some items at the rear of the store, the employee followed him, and the first customer stayed at the front counter. He was still there when the employee returned, asked a few more questions and left the store, leaving $40 “to secure the future purchase.”

At that point, the employee realized that several rings were missing. He said that he didn’t keep a list of every item on sale, but

that, based on a recent photo of the display, at least 26 rings were missing, each ranging in value between a few hundred dollars and around $2,000.

The two customers were also spotted at the nearby Forest Park Emporium antique store, 7345 Madison St., around the same time frame. The Emporium employees said the two were likely captured on the store’s security cameras, and that they would tur n over any relevant footage to the police

Customer support fraud

A customer trying to get help with her Amazon order got scammed out of $4,899.

On Dec. 15 at 2:42 pm., the victim called what she thought was the Amazon customer support number. The call-taker claiming to be an Amazon representative said they needed to verify her Venmo online transaction account and asked her to send money to another account using the app’s instant deposit function. The victim didn’t realize anything was amiss until she saw money

transactions.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Dec. 12-17, 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

Now

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First United Church of Christ disbands after 167-year run

‘Small and powerful congregation gives wa

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Last Sunday Elder Mike Crawford said the words the 35 people assembled in the basement worship area in the building 1000 Elgin knew were coming for a long time: “We declare that it [our cong tion] is no longer the First United Church of Christ of Forest Park and is now disbanded.”

Back on Jan. 16 the cong re gation wh had owned the church building for than a century, had an average of j members at worship. They gathered service to share memories and emotions in anticipation of the closing of their cong gation.

The 10, all of whom were eligible to be AARP members, had accepted the reality that the faith community they loved could no longer survive, because their treasurer Lotus Moy had infor med them that income had simply decreased to the point where they were unable to pay the bills.

Three days ago, the time had come to make it official. But the service, which could have felt like a funeral, was framed by its planners as a Le gacy Worship and had a celebratory tone. One form or another of the words “thank you” were repeated throughout the service. The Le gacy Service program packet contains the list of the 21 pastors who have served the church during its 167-year history.

A Litany of Thanksgiving was part of the service which featured 8 petitions including “as the founding cong re gation prayed its prayers, their children have sung your praises with friends, neighbors and strangers, and your Spirit has blessed countless worshippers,” to which the 35 people responded with “We give you thanks, O God.”

The Rev. Dr. Marietta Hebert-Davis, who had served as the small cong re gation’s interim pastor for the last two years, said in a written statement, “Thank you to every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I could not have had a better cong re gation than First United Church of Christ of Forest Park.”

When the time for testimonies came, one person after another recalled good memories. One thanked Rev. Clif f DiMascio,

who served as the cong re gation’s pastor from 1987 till 2007, for his ministry with the young adults.

Another focused on being part of three generations who had been baptized in the church. Others recalled the choir who “sang like angels,” and one person remembered the days when they had to set up folding chairs to accommodate the overflow crowds on Easter Sunday

The memories shared were all good and often came from the 1950s when congreg ations throughout the country were booming. In 1957, for example, the cong regation’s building of an education wing revealed their belief that the wave of success would continue into the future.

Marty Moy and his wife Lotus recalled that First United was the very first church to host a PADS overnight shelter back in 1992. “We had the recreation room all set up with mattresses and a hot meal prepared,” he remembered with a laugh, “and no one came.”

That, of course, changed and First United continued to be the Friday night site for two years. When that involvement ended, members continued to participate in the

shelter program by making and serving meals.

Indeed, the cong regation does have a long and storied history. Founded in Chicago in 1865 just three months after the end of the Civil War as the First German Refor med Church of Chicago, the cong re gation decided to move to the suburbs and in 1915 purchased the property at the corner

of Harvard and Elgin.

Rev. Dawayne Choice is the pastor of Engage Church which purchased the building at 1000 Elgin in 2018 at a bargain price and responded by allowing the previous owner to hold services in the basement worship area.

He praised the shrinking cong re gation saying, “Reg arding the closing of First United Church, it has been kind of strange for me. I felt heavy knowing this was their last month as a church. I hate to see any church close. But First United Church is a precious group of people.

“I said it before and I will say it again and again. We couldn’t do the ministry we do without the generosity and forward thinking of First United Church. I’m really go-

ing to miss having them around.”

A banner hanging above the altar in their basement worship space seems to capture how the cong re gation feels about itself even at its closing—“We are small and powerful in and by faith.”

SARA JANZ/Photographer

SAYING GOODBYE: Rev Marietta Herber t-Dav is, pastor, preaches to congregants during the “Legacy Completion of Ministry Worship” Serv ice on Dec. 18.

Hephzibah is celebrating its 125th anniversary celebration with a series of stories about the children and families whose lives were transformed by our programs and services, as well as some of the “Hephzibah Heroes” who help make our mission possible. We hope you nd these stories as inspiring as we do!

Peter Murphy, the subject of this story, talks about his journey from an orphaned ve-year-old in foster care to a belove d residential counselor who has helped more than 2,000 other vulnerable youngsters nd hope and healing at Hephzibah Home.

Peter Murphy’s Journey of Hope and Healing

The year was 1982 and it was shaping up to be the worst year ever for five-year-old Peter and his older siblings John, Marita and Anne Marie, who had just lost their single adoptive mom, Elizabeth, to pneumonia.

Peter, now 46, remembers that loss vividly. He and Anne Marie had been at home watching Bozo’s Circus with Elizabeth when her breathing became labored. After a fierce bout of coughing, she looked over at her youngest child and whispered his name. Peter looked up at her and they locked eyes.

“Then she passed over,” he says quietly more than four decades later. “It was the first time I felt emptiness.”

In the aftermath of their mother’s death, the four orphaned youngsters were placed in temporary foster and group homes. The children were all in good hands, but they were reeling from the death of their mom and the loss of the comforting presence of their siblings When night fell, they lay alone in unfamiliar beds, wondering if they’d ever be together again.

“I felt so lost at the time,” Peter confides. “My temporary foster family was very kind and loving, but I missed my brother and sisters terribly.”

Meanwhile, Mary Anne Brown, Hephzibah’s executive director at the time, was also lying awake at night worrying about the sibling group’s future. The children had just been referred to Hephzibah for placement through the agency’s newly launched Foster Care and Adoption program and Peter was now living at Hephzibah Home. Would she have to split up the siblings permanently to find them forever families? She had to find a better way.

Brown mentioned the children’s plight to her friends, Dennis and Bunny Murphy, who had already adopted three children. Although Peter, John, Marita and Anne Marie were not related by blood, the Murphys felt that the children should be placed in the same foster/adoptive home because they’d been living together as a family before Elizabeth’s death. When Brown voiced her concern that it would be difficult to find a foster family willing to adopt and raise all four children together, Dennis and Bunny Murphy said quietly, “We will do it.”

FROM HEARTBREAK TO HAPPINESS

Those four simple words changed the lives of four extremely vulnerable youngsters and forged Hephzibah’s first forever family

“I still remember the day that Mary Anne Brown drove me over to the Murphys’ house in her yellow convertible to introduce me to my new family,” says Peter. “I was the first of the siblings to arrive When we pulled up in front of the house, a child jumped out of the bushes and ran toward me, screaming ‘I have a new brother! I have a new brother!’ That

was Michael, one of the three children who had already been adopted by the Murphys.”

That joyous greeting caused something to shift inside of the five-and-a-half-year-old, dislodging the grief that had blunted his other emotions. Peter describes it as the moment when everything began to change for the better.

“I had always been an active, outgoing kid. But during the six-month period after my mom died and before the Murphys took us in, I had become kind of an ‘inward’ person,” he explains. “I wasn’t able to process what had happened to me or put the hurt into words, so I spent a lot of time alone, throwing a ball up in the air and catching it for hours on end, day after day.”

Michael Murphy’s enthusiastic welcome reawakened Peter’s innate optimism and zest for life.

“I felt that warm, happy feeling again,” he confides. “Those feelings of love and acceptance that I’d felt before my mom died came flooding back when Michael jumped out of the bushes. I leaped out of the back of the convertible and I was just a little boy again, excited and happy and ready to have some fun.”

When Peter’s siblings arrived, his happiness was complete

“I was thrilled that we were all together again. But I was also excited to be a Mur phy because I felt loved and accepted I had everything I needed and wanted—and I knew that I was home.”

Hephzibah residential counselor Peter Murphy, photographed in front of a viaduct mural featuring his likeness outside of Hephzibah Home

GIVING BACK

Today, Peter and his siblings see Dennis and Bunny Murphy as the stabilizing force in their lives. So it makes sense that Peter is carrying on their good works by serving as a stabilizing force for other vulnerable youngsters as a residential counselor at Hephzibah Home Peter found his way back to Hephzibah at the age of 19—purely by chance.

“I was a Triton College student at the time and I was riding the CTA Green Line train from Ridgeland Avenue to Harlem,” he says. “I was studying for a test later that day and I happened to look up from my textbook just as the train passed a building with a lot of windows. The building looked familiar, but I didn’t know why. So I got off the train to check it out.”

As he climbed the stairs of Hephzibah Home and opened the red brick building’s double white doors, that vague sense of recognition began to coalesce into a memory.

“I was immediately hit by a comforting smell that I remembered from a long time ago—a smell that I associated with homecooked food, happiness and warmth,” says Peter. “I asked the woman at the front desk what kind of a place this was. She told me it was Hephzibah Home, and I said, ‘I think I used to live here.’”

He left his name and phone number with the receptionist, asked if “the boss” could give him a call and headed back out through the double doors.

“I had walked maybe 50 steps when I heard someone calling my name,” he recalls. “When I turned around and saw Mary Anne Brown, the memories came flooding back—and the tears started flowing.

“Mary Anne took me back inside, we chat ted for a while in her office and she asked me what I was doing with my life. I told her that I was going to Triton to become a PE teacher or coach and she asked me ‘Well, do you want to work here instead?’ I be gan working for Hephzibah two weeks later.”

That was 26 years ago. Today, when Peter talks about his work caring for young survivors of severe neglect and abuse at Hephzibah Home, it’s obvious that he sees his work as a calling.

“Within six months, I knew it wasn’t just a job anymore,” he says. “It was a way to help other children in the same way that Hephzibah and the Mur phys had helped me.

“Dennis and Bunny filled the emptiness that I felt after my mom died in so many ways,” he adds. “My mom was always cooking and my dad was always riding bikes and

playing sports with us. They taught me to be the person I am today: self-disciplined, gentlemanly and noncombative. Even their discipline was gentle. If I broke a rule or had a bad day, they would say, ‘Tomor row, make sure you do better’ as they tucked me into bed at night.

“That’s the kind of person I try to be with the children at Hephzibah Home. I have so much empathy for these children. The only thing that I don’t have in common with them is the neglect and abuse. But I remember the feelings of loss and sadness in the months after my first adoptive mom died. That’s what the children at Hephzibah Home go through every single day.”

ever family forged through Hephzibah oster care (l-r): Peter, John, Marita and Anne Marie in 1982, when they were placed with Hephzibah’s rst foster parents, Dennis and Bunny rphy.

After more than two decades of helping traumatized children heal, Peter allows that the work can be intense

“Once I go through the doors of Hephzibah Home, my own life is no longer important because I have 10 different spirits and identities to listen to, love and support. The minute I arrive, I hear the kids screaming ‘Peter!’ and then they are all jumping on me at once. I’ll have two kids hanging on my ankles and more hanging from my arms and I’ll pretend to be King Kong for a couple of minutes to make them laugh and then say, ‘Okay, guys, I’m happy to see you too.’ Like every member of Hephzibah’s child care staf f, I am totally here for the kids, to give them someone to laugh with and lear n from and, when necessary, a shoulder to cry on. This is a really emotional job. If you can’t deal with emotions

on an hour-to-hour or sometimes minute-tominute basis, this job isn’t for you.”

“Every time Pete comes into work, he changes the mood,” says Program Coordinator Re gina Harbor. “His energy is always happy and jolly. He’s a jokester and a fun person to be around. Whenever he’s working with children who are struggling, he goes in with that positive energy and the kids often forget why they were angry or sad. If those feelings persist, they will open up to him and tell him what’s going on.”

Peter’s own early hardships—from the loss of his biological parents to the death of his first adoptive mom—also give the children hope. When they hear Peter’s story, they often feel less alone and more optimistic about the future because this cheerful, compassionate, playful adult is evidence that hard times aren’t forever and happy endings are still possible.

“I think that being a ‘Hephzibah kid’ has helped Pete learn patience and really get down and help these kids on a different level,” notes Harbor. “I’ve seen him share tears and parts of his own story with the children when they are in crisis. This has helped them open up to him so that they can process their feelings. Pete builds relationships with these kids that continue long after they leave Hephzibah Home.”

“I’ve been where they are, so I really appreciate and admire these kids for their strength and their ability to keeping moving forward, despite their losses,” Peter confirms. “I was 12 or 13 years old before I began to process my grief about Elizabeth’s passing. The Murphys really shored me up during that time. Just like the Murphys did with me, I try to shore up the children at Hephzibah Home as they grieve their losses and show them that they, too, can heal and do amazing things with their lives.

“Every evening, before I leave to go home, I tell each child, ‘I believe in you. You did a good job tod ay and tomor row can be even better. Always keep your head up and stay positive and shine bright on your path.’ I’m always trying to think of new ways to share the love and support I got from Hephzibah and the Murphys with the next generation.”

MAKE A GIFT

For 125 years, Hephzibah Children’s Association has helped children thrive and families ourish. Your donation today will make a di erence in a child’s life and allow us to continue to help children heal and families succeed.

Four lives changed for the better: Peter and his siblings in 2015.

D91 goes big on STEAM

Forest Park’s public elementary schools are making a big bet on STEAM education. That’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Ar t and Math, blended in a collaborative teaching and lear ning style

The district will spend nearly $2 million to build out STEAM labs at two of its schools With support from the school board, the district plans to have the new spaces up and in operation by the star t of the 2023-24 school year. The classrooms will be constructed on cur rently under utilized space at the Beloit Avenue campus shared by Field Stevenson Inter mediate School and Forest Park Middle School.

This is a pricey and ambitious project but, in our view, a necessary investment in new lear ning in a district struggling to attract students and posting uninspiring test scores. The goal, Supt. Elizabeth Alvare z has said, is to build a STEAM lab in each school eventually.

The concept inte grates lear ning across subjects, and through projects by moving students into group lear ning settings. The facilities being built will allow for experiments, design work and other high-tech upg rades.

The district has also budgeted to make teaching hires specific to the labs they are building. This is reco gnition that new teaching approaches will need an infusion of teaching talent and, we expect, spur cur rent faculty to greater innovation.

This major ef fort is a signature step by Supt. Alvare z to put her mark on this district. It is bold and forward-looking. We are confident she will direct every resource of energy and focus on this investment in our children.

Growing library leadership

It is only good news when a person who be g an their career in an org anization and then went on to grow in other, larger work environments, chooses to retur n as the leader of the entity that launched them

That’s the situation at the Forest Park Public Library where Vicki Rakowski was just hired as the library’s new director. She star ts work in January. She be g an her career at the Forest Park library in youth services 14 years ago.

Library trustees used words such as “empathy” and “self-aware” to describe Rakowski and their reasons for this hire. In a time when libraries are remaking themselves as core community institutions, of fering leadership and welcome far beyond simply being lending libraries, we’re interested in the direction Rakowski takes the library It is already a progressive and community-centric library. It does not need reinvention but nur turing and growth.

With two phases of renovations just completed, Rakowski and her strong staff can focus on making real the library’s aspirations of inclusion and connection more genuine and vital.

OPINION

Salutations and closings, the key to being heard

The holiday season kicks of f with the holida and just a few weeks ago I may have seen you through the window at Grand pliance. Still riding high from the outpouring of joy on Madison, I am now in the special time of y panic and procrastination meet.

Spent the evening in the wind dressed as an elf creating front-page news stories by drawing pictures of visitors who stopped by the windo and writing headlines with the publisher, Dan Haley We then posted our creations on the Grand Appliance refrigerators behind us

At the end of the evening, there were three wonderful children, Madelyn, Kylee and Kalia, who wanted the glory of being on the inside of the window, drawing their own front-page stories. Kylee, who is 6, took the time to write a note on her front page and, even at a young age, used a salutation.

A salutation is a greeting — or a closure — the open and close of an interaction. It is a secret code we use to say, “I am a human and you are too.” It is a “Hello,” a “Greetings” a “Hey,” a “Good day,” and at the end a “Thank you,” a “Sincerely,” a “Reg ards.”

When eng aging in an exchange, it is customary to take a moment to let the person with whom you are interacting know that you are not an animal by using a salutation, a password that opens the door for your message to be heard.

Most commonly we humans open with “Hi,” or my favorite which I picked up from Jer ry Lordan, “Hello, Friends.” It’s a way of establishing a base of humanity

re sending an email, writ, sending a holiday card, or talking to a person, pull out a “hello,” the seasonally relevant ,” or “Mer ry Christ,” or “Seasons Greetings,” or vus for the rest of us.” our email straight our demand or express your our dir ty , pro tip: Do not expect the ou choose to refrain from a salutation. It’s like a

s face it, if you are one of these salutation-lacking people, you are a victim, a hur t animal inexperienced in managing your own hear tache, always searching for a place to park your pain. After all, you are the king of anguish and a fractured soul, too damaged to dig up the decency of a salutation.

Perhaps you take your damage to the road, and rage your way through intersections and parking lots, expecting the rest of us to heal your g rief.

Well, ’tis the season to raise your aluminum pole up and wave your flag of injustice for all to see.

I’ ll park near Adams and avoid you on Madison, plan to have a little more time to get to my er rands — I know you are out there, and expect to see you blocking the intersection as you had to make the tur n, even though there is no space for you.

We see your flag and are grateful. What a privile ge it is to be like Kylee, and to be able to greet humanity with joy, friends and to see the blessing of simply not being you.

Ah, December in Dubai in a dragon boat

Our weather is cold and gloomy. Let’s go somewhere war m and sunny, like Dubai, Saudi Arabia. That’s where Forest Parker Theresa Marousek competed in the Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship, Dec. 9-11.

A dragon boat is a large canoelike boat fitted with a dragon’s head on the bow and a tail on the ster n. Dragon boats originated in China over 2,500 years ago. Now dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. It’s enjoyed by millions in over 90 countries.

Theresa was invited to join the Windy City Dragon Boat Club six years ago. “I was bit in the butt by the dragon.” The team is outfitted in the colors of the Chicago flag. They train on Lake Arlington starting in March or April, practicing outdoors 3-4 times a week and paddling in pools during the winter.

The club has two 20-person boats and one 10-person boat. Each has a drummer, seated on the prow, beating time to keep the paddlers in unison. They also have a helmsperson in the ster n to guide the boat

Theresa’s team has a female coach from

Serbia, who teaches them the proper paddling technique. The stroke is difficult to master. Padlers use their core and le gs, not ust their ar ms. Being part of a dragon boat crew keeps Theresa in excellent physical shape. It’s also healthy mentally to be outdoors admiring the natural world.

Club members come from all over the Chicago area, Theresa being the only member from Forest Park. At 72, she’s also the oldest member of the crew. Most of her fellow paddlers on the women’s team are in their 40s. They compete in the Senior A Division and travel to events in far-flung places, like Sarasota, Florida, where her team took the Gold Medal.

Dragon boat races comprise sprints like the 200 meter and 500 meter, while the pace for 2K races is slower. There are usually 6-7 boats in each heat. Theresa says it takes about 15 strokes of “cement mixing” to get the boat off to a proper start. Then they stretch out to cruise speed. The short races can be decided by a 1/10th of a second, the winners deter mined by an electronic device.

Twenty-four members of the club went to Dubai. It took Theresa 20 hours to get there.

Their 600-pound boat was transpor ted there by a Canadian company that specializes in shipping dragon boats. There were 140 teams from 12 countries, with over 2,500 paddlers.

They competed in the waters of Dubai’s Waterfront Market. Theresa’s crew wasn’t accustomed to racing in salt water. They found it denser and rougher. One dragon boat capsized. The Windy City women’s team took fourth in their division.

Theresa didn’t know about dragon boats when she moved to Forest Park in 2007. She loved the down-to-earth people of the village For much of her career, she used her jour nalism degree to work as a freelance writer for corporations.

She is now retired but insists she’s “rewired” and busier than ever volunteering. Empowering Gardens is a cause close to her heart. She has written profiles of the employees and a state grant for the business to finally build a greenhouse

The most gratifying part of Theresa’s trip to Dubai was gaining a new perspective on Arab culture. She found the people to be gentle and thoughtful. She saw the world’s tallest building, visited a palace and a mosque, and even rode a camel. That’s a far cry from paddling a dragon boat

Then again, camels are called “ships of the desert.”

REVIEW

Repor ter Igor Studenkov

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Michael Romain

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins

Contributing Repor ters 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

Staff Photographers Alex Rogals, Shanel Romain

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey

S ales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo

S ales & Digital Development Manager Stacy Coleman

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Spirit of the season

The annual holiday concer t at Forest Park Middle School was in full swing in December of 2002.

Led by band director Dave Winstein (who retired in 2015), the students from the concer t and inter mediate bands played a variety of holiday selections, including themes from the “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Fanfare Esprit”.

Jill Wagner

Forest Park Rev iew, Dec. 18, 2002, Historical Society of Forest Park archives.

Board of Directors

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, 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 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com

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

Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP

A L OOK BA CK IN TIME

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver

License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to 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.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Salesforce Tech Lead sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL to wrk w/ stkhldrs in Sales & Loan Support to scpe efrt ndd to add nw ftrs. Telecomm prmtd. Apply @ jobpostingtoday.com #33758

Financial Manager sought by a Financial services company in Chicago, IL. to: Work with business leaders across the organization, driving financial planning, business forecasting, and analysis around key initiatives and growth opportunities; Complete ad-hoc business projects and financial modeling analyses such as revenue & logo retention.

Requirements: Master degree in Science in Finance, Economics, or related field, 1 year of experience in the job offer or related occupations; 1 year of experience working with proficiency in financial modeling, large data sets, detailed & dynamic operating or forecast models, revenue and logo retention analyses, cohort analyses, unit economics, user engagement, or other relevant KPIs for technology companies; Send resume to: Klover Holdings, Inc, attention Timothy Ghosh, 222 W Hubbard St, Suite 210, Chicago, IL 60654

Shipping Manager

Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals, CTA Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 www.fastchangeframes.com

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor. The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications December 19, 2022.

FULL-TIME POLICE RECORDS CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines,

good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned. 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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oak Park, Illinois (Chicagoland) www.collab4kids.org

Since its beginnings in 2002, the Collaboration for Early Childhood (the Collab) has embraced the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, ready to succeed and eager to learn. The Collab’s focus has always been on how much impact the organization could have on the youngest among us in the community.

The Executive Director will be charged with taking the organization into its next phase of organizational life. He/She/They will have the opportunity to leverage the organization’s expanded influence and funding, potentially beyond the state of Illinois. The Executive Director will enhance the organization’s advocacy profile and will help shape a policy agenda for early learning. He/She/ They will help expand the organization’s opportunities for revenue generation, diversification, and strategic partnerships. Most significantly, the Collab will continue to serve as one of the state’s primary thought leaders in early childhood education.

The minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, though a master’s or advanced degree is preferred.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $140,000

and will be commensurable with experience. The Collab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to 12 paid holidays, vacation days and group health insurance, as well as a retirement plan.

It is the policy of the Collaboration to afford equal employment opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. This policy of equal employment applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to: initial consideration for employment; job placement and assignment of responsibilities; performance evaluation; promotion and advancement; compensation and fringe benefits; training and professional development opportunities; formulation and application of human resource policies and rules; facility and service accessibility; and discipline and termination.

Applications are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. For more information or to apply, please

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, County Division.

In re Nicholas J. Russo and Isui Dawn Russo, Petitioner and JeanCarlo Munoz-Ordaz, Respondent, Case No. 2022COAD000505.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Adoption and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 20, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Adoption entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal December 21, 28, 2022, January 4, 2023

NOVENAS

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St . Jude. GLK

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice

STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division

In re the Marriage of: Nina Obi, Petitioner, and Innocent Obi, Respondent, Case No. 2022 D 005212.

The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Innocent Obi, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Nina Obi, 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 January 4, 2023, 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 the Wednesday Journal December 14, 21, 28, 2022.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Ryan Cavario Isom Case Number 20224005929

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Ryan Cavario Isom to the new name of: Rian Isom

The court date will be held: On January 31, 2023 at 11am at FOURTH MUNICIPAL DISTICT COURT OF COOK COUNTY 1500 MAYBROOK DRIVE, MAYWOOD, COOK COUNTY, IL via Zoom.

ZOOM ACCESS CODE: 914 3462 0283 PASSWORD: 988648

Published in Wednesday Journal December 7, 14, 21, 2022

Public Notice

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING Request of bids for the Park District of Oak Park 228-230 Lot Restoration, 228-230 Madison St., Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the 228-230 Madison Lot Restoration, 228-230 Madison St., Oak Park. The project consists of removal of sidewalk, asphalt, curb and gutter; grading, new driveway approach, paving, sidewalk, masonry, drainage, pavers, striping, bike racks and more. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 9:00 a.m. (Central time) on Wednesday, January 4 th , 2023, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the link below as of 9:00 am Wednesday, December 21 st , 2022.

Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via this link: https://www.demandstar.com/ app/buyers/bids/406688/details

For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or (708) 725-2050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park strongly encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park

By: Chris Wollmuth, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal December 21, 2022

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: Y22009963 on December 16, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of SLOAN COFFEE ROASTING with the business located at: 261 HERRICK RD, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MATT SLOAN 261 HERRICK RD RIVERSIDE, IL 60546, USA.

Published in RB Landmark December 21, 28, 2022, January 4, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR FORMATION OF A BANK HOLDING COMPANY

Brookfield HoldCo, Inc., 9136 Washington Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513, has applied to the Federal Reserve Board for permission to form a bank holding company and acquire control of First National Bank of Brookfield, located at 9136 Washington Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513. The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve the application, including the record of performance of banks we own in helping to meet local credit needs.

You are invited to submit comments in writing on this application to Colette A. Fried, Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604. The comment period will not end before January 20, 2023 and may be somewhat longer. The Board’s procedures for processing applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. Part 262. Procedures for processing protested applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. 262.25. To obtain a copy of the Federal Reserve Board’s procedures, or if you need more information about how to submit your comments on the application, contact Jeremiah Boyle, Assistant Vice President for Community and Economic Development at (312) 322-6023; to request a copy of an application, contact Colette A. Fried at (312) 322-6846. The Federal Reserve will consider your comments and any request for a public meeting or formal hearing on the application if they are received in writing by the Reserve Bank on or before the last day of the comment period.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 22-09

HEARING DATE: January 5, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

SUBJECT PROPERTY

ADDRESSES: 6500-6538 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park, Illinois 60304 (“Subject Property”)

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Parcel 1: Lots 137 and 138 in South Ridgeland in South Ridgeland being a subdivision of a part of the Southeast quarter of Section 18, Township 39 North, Range 13 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. Parcel 2: Lots 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and that part of the West half of vacated Gunderson Avenue lying East of and adjoining said Lot 43 in South Ridgeland being a subdivision of a part of the Southeast quarter of Section 18, Township 39 North, Range 13 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. Lots 139, 140, 141, 142 in South Ridgeland, a subdivision of the Southeast quarter of Section 18, Township 39 North, Range 13 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

P.I.N.s: 16-18-426-040-0000, 16-18-426-041-0000, 16-18-427036-0000, 16-18-427-037-0000, 16-18-427-038-0000, 16-18-427039-0000, 16-18-427-040-0000, 16-18-427-041-0000, 16-18-427042-0000, 16-18-427-043-0000, 16-18-427-044-0000, 16-18-426037-0000, 16-18-426-038-0000, and 16-18-426-039-0000.

PROPERTY OWNER(S): Berwyn Properties, LLC and Dei Cugini, LLC, 6501 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL 60402

PETITIONER(S): Berwyn Properties, LLC and Dei Cugini, LLC, 6501 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL 60402

REQUEST: The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on an amendment/major modification to Planned Development Ordinance Number ORD 18-386 to include property commonly known as 6536 Roosevelt Road (former Salvation Army location) abutting the Subject Property to the west of the existing

Planned Development in order to expand the existing surface parking lot. The Applicant seeks the following seven (7) allowances from the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance associated with the Planned Development amendment/major modification: (1) relief from Article 5.4 (Roosevelt Road District Dimensional and Design Standards), Section G.2 (Side and Rear Setbacks: Parking Located Adjacent to Buildings), to reduce the required five-foot parking setback along the north property line to one foot; (2) relief from Article 10.2 (Location of Off-Street Parking Spaces) Section B.2(e) to allow parking within the boundaries of the Village of Oak Park for a building or use being served outside the Village of Oak Park boundaries (i.e., eight van-sized route truck vehicles); (3) relief from Article 10.3 (Off-Street Parking Design Standards), Section G (Landscape and Screening), to allow a reduction in parking lot landscaping requirement set forth in Article 11 (Landscaping); (4) relief from Article 10.3 (Off-Street Parking Design Standards), Section B.2 (Access), to not provide internal pedestrian circulation in the parking lot; (5) relief from Article 11.7 (Required Parking Lot Interior Landscaping), Section A, to allow for a reduction of three required landscape islands; (6) relief from Article 11.7 (Required Parking Lot Interior Landscaping), Section B, to reduce the required parking lot landscape area from 10% to approximately 7.4%; and (7) relief from Article 11.7 (Required Parking Lot Interior Landscaping), Section C, to reduce the number of required landscape areas at each end of a parking row. A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on the Village Website at www. oak-park.us and also on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during current business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, December 21, 2022

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2018-G-CTT Plaintiff, -v.-

ANN W. BELL, MARTIN F. BELL, COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST Defendants 2022 CH 02068 1152 HOME AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 6, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 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 1152 HOME AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-326-0020000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $130,513.82.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE

RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

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

For information, contact Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 314605.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003

E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com

Attorney File No. 314605 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2022 CH 02068 TJSC#: 42-4397

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 02068 I3208865

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB5 Plaintiff, -v.-

UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE L. ADAMS, DONNY ADAMS A/K/A DONALD ADAMS, THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, THOMAS QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE L. ADAMS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021 CH 05255 806 S. TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 23, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 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 806 S. TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-129-0050000; 16-17-129-006-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $470,390.58.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial

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

Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, 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 21 8680.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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. 21 8680 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2021 CH 05255 TJSC#: 42-3674

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Col-

lection 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 # 2021 CH 05255 I3208368

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

Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LACEY WILLIAMS AKA LACEY A. WILLIAMS; ARTIST SQUARE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; OLIVE MARIE RIVERA, A MINOR, BY LANGSTON WILLIAMS, JR. AND ALTHEA WILLIAMS, HER GRANDPARENTS AND NEXT FRIENDS; ALTHEA WILLIAMS; LANGSTON WILLIAMS, JR.; JULIE FOX AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF LACEY WILLIAMS AKA LACEY A. WILLIAMS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 21 CH 5815

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 9, 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. 16-07-323-055-1011.

Commonly known as 1041 Susan Collins Lane, Unit 304, 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 Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W20-0232 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

intercountyjudicialsales.com I3208202

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

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2007-23CB MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-23CB

Plaintiff, -v.-

RORY L VALENTINE, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2022 CH 05449 1178 S SCOVILLE AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 5, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 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 1178 S SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-427-0150000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

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

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) 236SALE

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. 14-22-04053

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 05449 TJSC#: 42-3886

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 05449 I3208571

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-14, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-14 Plaintiff, -v.-

ELIZABETH SMITH, LARRY E. SMITH Defendants

2018 CH 03138 646 LYMAN AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 27, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 19, 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 646 LYMAN AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-114-0150000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales

Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, 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) 236SALE 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. 14-18-00602 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 03138 TJSC#: 42-4547

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 # 2018 CH 03138 I3209538

WELCOME BACK!

Thanks to overwhelming community support, GCM is inching ever closer to meeting our lofty goal, but we need to raise $9,000 this week. We are hoping as readers and subscribers you will consider adding “donor” to your GCM resume before 2022 comes to a close.

The MatchMakers and GCM Champions listed here made gifts of $250 or more – we are grateful for those who donated early to set up our $40,000 matching fund and appreciate the generous contributions that arrived later in the campaign and helped us meet our match.

Now, we are looking to you to help us get to the bonus round – we need you as an active partner in building our non-profit newsroom. Whether you donate $5 or even $500 our gratitude will be the same. If you believe in the work our small and mighty newsroom does every day, then please join in – we know you are our perfect match!

Michelle Arnold

Catherine Bachman

Mark & Dorie Blesoff

William Brauneis

Chris Brown

Bernard Bucholtz

Nancy Clark

Donald Coe

Gary Collins

LaVerne Collins

Ann Courter & Norm Hirsch

Brian Crawford

David Cwik

Judy Dagupta

Dan Davidson

Pam & Pat Deady

Janel Dennen

Ralph & Andrea DiFibo

Bob Downs

Leif & Melissa Elsmo

Nancy Elsmo

Heidi Ewell

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Flynn

Elizabeth Freeland

Thomas Gallagher Galen Gockel

John & Julia Haley

Mary Haley

Suzanne Haraburd

Lynn Hoffstader

Case Hoogendoorn

Edward Jepson Lisa Johnson Bernice Juettner Dennis Kmiec Rich Kordesh

Ralph Lee

Valerie Lester Daniel L’Heureux

Katherine Liebl Elizabeth & Alex Lippett

Daniel Madden Edward F. Malone Sharon Manuel Ann Masur

Victoria May Jean Meister

Melissa Mickelberry

Barbara & Ron Moline

Dennis M. Murphy

Donna Myers

Paula Nessel

Donald Nekrosius

Brendan Nelligan

Mary Ellen Nelligan

Kathryn & Alan Nesburg

Martin & Mary Lou Noll

Joseph and Joak O’Connor

Paul & Barbara Oppenheim

Frank Orland

Lynne Palmore

Charles & Debbie Pastors

Libbey Paul

Mike & Lynette Poirier

Teresa Powell

Janice Pyrce

Joan Radovich

Barbara E. Rose

Amy Rosenthal

Marian Sassetti

Kathleen Schroer

Carolyn Newberry Schwartz

Darnell Shields Greg Sorg

Robert Spatz Sue Sporte

Fran Sullivan Bob Trezevant

Robert Tucker

Donald & Mary Vogel

Kristin Vogen Margaret Walsh

Barbara Watkins Eric & Tina Weinheimer

Mark & Randi Woodsworth

Nancy Woulfe

Scott & Cathy Yen

Michelle Zurakowski and John Flanigan

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF OAK PARK

Saturday, December 24

4:00pmatSt.LukewiththeChildren'sChoirandCherubChoirandcarolsbeforeMassat3:30pm 6:00pmatSt.Bernardinewithavocalensemble/trumpetandcarolsbeforeMassat5:45pm 10:30pmatSt.LukewiththeFestivalChoirandtrumpetandcarolsbeforeMassat10:00pm

8:00amatSt.BernardinewithCantor/trumpetandfestiveinstrumentalmusicbeforeMass 9:30amatSt.LukewithContemporaryChoir,flute,violinandcarolsbeforeMassat9:15am 11:00amatSt.LukewiththeFestivalChoirandtrumpetandcarolsbeforeMassat10:45am

MerryChristmasfromSt.Lukeand St.BernardineParish! St.LukeandSt.BernardineParish

Christmas Eve 6:00 pm Welcome the newborn king! Our Christmas Eve service starts at 6 pm and will feature our diverse music ministry (including traditional pipe organ, handbells, choir, contemporary and gospel selections by our Praise Team) during our candle-light service.

Sunday, December 25

N. OAK PARK AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60302 • www. rstumcoakpark.org

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Christmas Eve Services

Saturday, December 24, 2022

3pm Christmas Pageant and Worship for All Ages

6pm Choir & Candlelight Service

Services will be both in-person and live streamed. To learn more go to: www.unitytemple.org

Holidays at Grace Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24

Two children-led services with music

4:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

A service of Holy Communion 8:00 p.m.

A candlelight service of Holy Communion 10:45 p.m. Prelude music at 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25

A service of Holy Communion in celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord 10:00 a.m.

7300 Division Street River Forest, Illinois, 60305 gracechurch@graceriverforest.org 708-366-6900

New Year’s Eve

Saturday, December 31

A service of Holy Communion 7:00 p.m.

Name of Jesus Sunday, January 1

A service of Holy Communion 10:00 a.m.

Epiphany of Our Lord Friday, January 6

A service of Holy Communion 7:00 p.m.

Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, January 8

A service of Holy Communion 10:00 a.m.

Ascension Church 808 S. East Avenue, Oak Park St. Edmund Church 188 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park

The Parish of Ascension and St. Edmund C E M T L :

Saturday, December 24

with

Schola at

with the St. Edmund Choir at

Church

St. Edmund Church (Confessions at 4:30 pm) Sunday, January 1, 2023 8:00 am and 10:30 am at Ascension Church 11:00 am at St. Edmund Church P S T W D P Sunday, January 1, 2023 at 7:30 pm at Ascension Church

St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church 38 N. Austin Boulevard, Oak Park St. Giles Church 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park

Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church “And this will be a sign for you: you will �ind an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” ‐Luke 1:12

Animal Care League

Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities. With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery.

Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague.org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.

The Answer

The Answer Inc., a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy for families in the greater Chicago area that are challenged with supporting family members with Autism & Developmental Disorders. In addition to providing essential resources & services for parents and caregivers, our agency strives to help contribute to the continued growth, educational and recreational inclusion for the children and relatives specifically impacted.

Learn more about The Answer at theanswerinc.org

Austin Coming Together

Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to increase the collective impact of our 50+ member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. After the pandemic made long-standing inequities even worse, we started addressing growing needs through efforts like the Austin Eats Initiative, a 20+ group focused on strengthening the community’s food access infrastructure.

Learn how Austin is leading efforts to move forward together, and how you can support, at //AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares

Beyond Hunger

For over 40 years Beyond Hunger has created solutions to end hunger at every stage of life. Our programs now include providing emergency food to families in need, summer meals for kids who lack them when school is out, connecting individuals to valuable benefits like SNAP (“food stamps”), conducting nutrition education and cooking classes to combat chronic illness, and delivering groceries to homebound older adults. Organization-wide we focus on health and nutrition. We provide food that families love, that nourishes and sustains.

To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.

BUILD

Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity. Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit www.buildchicago.org

Cicero Independiente

News for the people by the people. Cicero Independiente is a bilingual news organization that investigates underreported issues, elevates stories of people in Cicero and holds the powerful accountable through community-rooted journalism. Donations help us pay local residents so that they can learn journalism skills and report on issues that matter to them. We foster and support civic participation and a sense of belonging in a community that has traditionally been divested in. We’re creating opportunities for more BIPOC storytellers and working collaboratively to make our town a better place to live.

Support community-rooted, bilingual journalism by making a contribution at https://donorbox.org/cicero-independiente.

The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership

The Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership (CSPL) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational spiritually-rooted organization that labors to transform racial, economic, social and environmental systemic structures through grassroots coalition building, community organizing, and liberative formation. CSPL is based in Maywood and works with community residents to bring about change and helps incubate worker cooperatives.

To learn more or join our efforts, visit csplaction.org.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

The Collaboration for Early Childhood turned twenty this year! Thank you for your two-decade-long commitment to striving towards a day where every young child has the care, relationships, and resources needed to thrive and to begin school safe, healthy, and empowered to succeed. We need your support to write the next chapter of our children’s success story. There is so much opportunity for our little ones just over the horizon. Consider setting a recurring donation to keep the good going all year long.

Learn more about our impact and make a donation at www.collab4kids.org.

Concordia University Chicago

Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago has equipped students

to serve and lead with integrity and compassion. Concordia-Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Historically a college for teachers, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes.

Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees through one of four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Science & Technology, and the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities.

To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

D97 PTO Council and Diversity Council

the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow.

To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org

Deborah’s Place

Deborah’s Place has opened doors of opportunity for women who are homeless in Chicago since 1985. Supportive housing offers women the key to healing and moving on from the experience of homelessness. With more than 200 units of housing and over 600 women served yearly, Deborah’s Place is the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Chicago exclusively for unaccompanied women. After 37 years of service, there is still a great need for Deborah’s Place. Women experiencing homelessness are still an underserved population. With donor support, unaccompanied women will achieve their goals and greater self-determination.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit deborahsplace.org, email info@ deborahsplace.org or call 773.722.5080.

Defy Ventures Illinois

Equity and Transformation

Equity and Transformation’s (EAT) mission is to build social and economic equity for Black workers engaged in the informal economy: the diversified set of economic activities, enterprises, jobs, and workers that are not regulated or protected by the state. Our strategy seeks to empower individuals who know about the issues firsthand because they live them. Concretely, EAT makes space for Black informal workers to imagine new possibilities and empowers them with the tools to realize them.

Learn about how EAT ensures Black informal workers play essential roles in Illinois’ decision-making processes and about how you can support at: eatchicago. org.

Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside, IL

The entire Village of Riverside, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1869, is a National Historic Landmark. For over 50 years, the dedicated members and volunteers of the non-profit Olmsted Society of Riverside have strived to preserve, protect, and promote its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, and outstanding architecture through landscape workdays, educational programs, tours, and special events. This very special American place hosts visitors from around the world who come to experience its many charms, and to learn about Olmsted’s principles.

To learn more or to donate online, visit olmstedsociety.org or mail us at Olmsted Society, P.O. Box 65, Riverside, IL 60546.

The D97 PTO Council and Diversity Council (DIVCO) Angel Fund provides financial support to D97 students, prioritizing students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch, as well as those who face socioeconomic or cultural barriers, so that all students have a fair chance to participate fully in their school communities. The Angel Fund ensures that all students have a fair opportunity to engage their best selves in academic activities, school events, and traditions, and that they have their essential needs met during the school day. Please donate to be part of our community of care.

Tax deductible donations can be sent via: Lincoln PTO

ATTN: D97 STUDENT ANGEL FUND 1111 S Grove Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304

The Day Nursery

What if YOU were known for the worst thing you’ve ever done? Do you believe in second chances? Defy Ventures Illinois shifts mindsets to give people with criminal histories their best shot at a second chance. Using entrepreneurship, career readiness, and

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing. The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory

Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs

Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters

Growing Community Media

Growing Community Media connects residents through reader-supported journalism--our stories are based in facts, rooted deeply in our neighborhoods and reflective of voices not always heard. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and Village Free Press, GCM provides a vital civic service worthy of public support. Our journalists tell compelling stories that strengthen the fabric of our democracy by holding local governments and institutions to account. GCM’s non-profit news sources grow political engagement, create shared culture, and connect community members to businesses and local events. It’s about more than news. Donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia.org/donate/

Hephzibah Children’s Association

For over 125 years, Hephzibah has served vulnerable children and struggling families. Hephzibah Home, located in the heart of Oak Park, is where children receive intense therapeutic support to heal from extreme abuse and neglect and is the only program in Illinois designated to care for young children ages 3-11. Our Family Based program supports hundreds of foster care children and stabilizes families in crisis in the Chicago metro area. The after school and summer day camp program delivers quality, affordable care for over 500 elementary school children in Oak Park every year. Change a child’s life with us at hephzibahhome.org

The Historical Society of Forest Park

The Historical Society of Forest Park collects, preserves, and shares the rich heritage of Forest Park. Through history we explore the past to understand the present and shape the future. We offer experiences of history through events, displays, and programs. Virtual tours, presentations, and films about Forest Park are found on our website. They include Forest Park Amusement Park, Bloomer Girls, Veteran History, Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument, Cemetery Symbolism,

and others. Our members support our mission and our programs including the Garden Walk, Prohibition Event, History Hangouts, bicycle tours, and weekly lookbacks to bring history to the community throughout the year.

Visit ForestParkHistory.org to become a member or to learn more about Forest Park

Housing Forward

Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness.

We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to the housing crisis, and create stability through permanent housing. We offer a coordinated response that allows people experiencing a housing crisis to quickly resolve their situation. We offer comprehensive services including homelessness prevention, outreach and diversion, interim housing, medical respite, housing, and wraparound support. Last year, we served nearly 3,000 individuals and families with personalized support and services. Housing Forward also has programs that specifically address the housing needs of families, youth, and veterans.

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email development@ housingforward.org, or call 708.338.1724

Infant Welfare Society

Help us care for the whole child and create greater health equity! At the OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic, we serve publicly insured/uninsured children and address their whole health through sick and well child visits, dental care, behavioral health services, nutrition classes and other wrap-around programs. We treat more than 3,400 area children each year, including Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. Support the whole health needs of children in our community today! $25 provides a mental health screening, $50 provides two vaccines, $100 provides a preventive dental cleaning.

Learn more and donate today at https:// childrenscliniciws.org/donate or 708-4068661.

L’Arche Chicago

L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. L’Arche Chicago is currently in the process of building a new ADA accessible home in South Oak Park that will extend this unique care model to four more adults with disabilities and address the accessibility needs of current members of the community. Whether you’d like to contribute a one-time gift, or commit to a lifetime of giving to L’Arche Chicago, every dollar will create a lasting impact in our community!

Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at www.larchechicago. org/larcheforlife

Maywood Fine Arts

Equity in the arts is the driving force behind Maywood Fine Arts’ programs and people. Access to affordable, high-quality instruction in dance, music, visual arts, drama, tumbling and fitness cannot be taken for granted among families MFA serves from nearby, under-resourced communities such as Maywood, Bellwood, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. MFA serves over 800 students ages 4 to 18 per week, the majority of whom are young people of color. MFA’s facilities anchor downtown Maywood. Families count on MFA’s safe, nurturing out-of-school time environment where children learn artistic and social skills and expand their worldviews.

To donate, visit maywoodfinearts.org or send checks payable to Maywood Fine Arts, 25 N 5th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153.

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program

Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth

breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youths, providing positive role models for college and career choices. Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation.

To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO, at barbaracole@maywoodyouthmentoring. org or 708-344-3577.

New Moms

New Moms’ mission is to strengthen families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. We believe in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and envision a future where all young moms and their children thrive! Coaches in our housing, job training, and family support programs partner with moms, 24 and under, to decrease stress, build social connections, and set and track personalized goals. Together with their coach, moms build the foundations of long-term well-being for their families and communities.

Join us in this essential work! www.newmoms.org/season

The Joyful Giving Catalog

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local non-profits, who account for 80% of its usage. We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The Nineteenth Century is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the building. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join.

If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-386-2729 email to info@ nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donation at nineteenthcentury.org.

Oak Park Art League

The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to Oak Park and the surrounding communities through partnerships, on-site arts programming, and collaborations. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 and online at oakparkartleague.org.

For more information about membership, exhibitions, classes, workshops, outreach, or to donate to these efforts, please contact Brad Nugent, Executive Director, at 708-386-9853 or email inquiries to oakparkartleague@gmail.com.

The Joyful Giving Catalog

Oak Park Public Library

Invest in Oak Park’s future. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

manages eight endowment funds for the Oak Park Public Library. Monetary donations are tax deductible. Giving to these funds connects people and builds community, educates global citizens, and sustains, shares, and respects Oak Park’s community resources.

Choose the fund that means the most to you at oppl.org/give. Or contact Director of Finance Jeremy Andrykowski at jeremya@ oppl.org.

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Oak Park Regional Housing Center has a mission to achieve vibrant communities while promoting intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. OPRHC is the only non- profit agency in Oak Park promoting intentional integrative housing options. OPRHC is celebrating 50 years of service to the Oak Park community. Consider giving a tax-deductible year end donation so that we may reach our goal to raise $250,000 by December 31, 2022! These funds will help us continue to help integrate and invigorate the Oak Park community for up to 500 individuals in the first quarter of 2023!

You may donate at //oprhc.org/donate. To learn more, please call 708-848-7150.

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The mission of the Oak

Park-River Forest Community Foundation is to unite community members and mobilize resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper. In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more about our services to donors, scholars, and nonprofits.

Oak Park River Forest Museum

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is the community’s storyteller, making history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents including walking tours, school field trips, traveling exhibits, and house research. We operate the Oak Park River Forest Museum in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2023 activities, research center, and knowledgeable staff.

Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.

One Earth Collective

One Earth curates vibrant environmental programming that inspires action, facilitates learning, promotes justice, and fosters equity and inclusion to create resilient communities and a healthier planet. We focus our work in 3 areas - One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Youth Voices, and One Earth Local. One Earth Film Fest’s 12th season will take place March 3-12, 2022. We’re excited to welcome Chicagoland audiences back live, in addition to our virtual screenings. Join us for captivating films, engaging discussion, impactful action opportunities and community-building. Memberships start at $35. Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give.

Opportunity Knocks

Opportunity Knocks was established in 2009 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow, and connect within their community. We believe in the strength, power, and value in the voice of every Warrior. We value the importance of an interdependent connection between each Warrior and their community, along with developing healthy relationships and social connections. We approach all of life’s

experiences fearlessly, unhinged by abilities.

We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift is integral in moving our mission forward. Visit opportunityknocksnow.org to learn more.

Our Future Reads

Our Future Reads was founded to promote literacy by connecting curious readers with books that interest them. We partner with other non-profit agencies and survey the recipients to create personalized book donations. Through our surveys, the members request specific genres and we fulfill those requests with our book inventory. Our personalized donations create a higher likelihood that the books will be read and shared with their families and friends. We serve youthful and adult readers that may not have the means to buy every book on the shelf but still would love to read them. Let the curious be curious!

Donate today and learn more at https:// ourfuturereads.com

Parents Against Child Sex Abuse (PAXA)

PAXA is a nonprofit that in 2022 celebrates five years of delivering on the mission of empowering parents to protect their children from sexual abuse.

PAXA offers programs like its PAXA Pointers™ Curriculum, which is a parent-focused curriculum designed to address foundational information about predatory behavior in scenarios where their child is easily accessible. The curriculum is anchored with a high quality printed P.A.X.A. Pointers™ Resource Guide that can be enhanced with a virtual or in-person presentation. The topics included are: Babysitters, Playdates, Sleepovers, Schools, Devices & Online Safety.

Learn more by visiting PAXA.online and KIDSTOO.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog

PING!

PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation), a nearly 25-year-old, community nonprofit organization, provides band and orchestra instruments along with mentoring, workshops, and access to lessons, music camps, and trips to students in need in grades 4 through 12, bringing true equity to instrumental music in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. In our community’s high-quality school music programs, PING! students can be on par with peers, regardless of their family situation, and feel like they belong. PING! serves approximately 130 young musicians annually, 70% BIPOC, bringing diversity to instrumental music classrooms and beyond.

Progress Center for Independent Living

Founded in 1988, Progress Center for Independent Living is a

cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. Progress Center serves people with all types of disabilities in Suburban Cook County. We assist individuals in pursuit of their self-determined goals. Progress Center recognizes the innate rights, needs and diversity of the disabled, works toward their integration into community life, and serves as an agent of social change. Progress Center is dedicated to building a society in which people with disabilities exercise the same freedoms, rights, and civil liberties as everyone else.

Donate today and learn more at http:// progresscil.org/

River Forest Public Library Foundation

In person and online, River Forest Public Library serves everyone from toddlers to seniors by connecting them with information, entertainment, and each other in a welcoming space. RFPL Foundation works to ensure the vitality of the Library through advocacy, fundraising, and grants. Foundation grants have enabled the Library to refresh the Children’s and Teen spaces, maintain the Memorial Garden for gatherings, offer community events like the Dooleys Band concert, explore the feasibility of re-purposing indoor space for community use, and more.

Please donate at rfplfoundation.org and help your Library continue to serve and connect our community for generations to come.

Sarah’s Inn

Donate: pingoprf.org/ donate. Instrument donations: info@ pingoprf.org.

Pro Bono Network

Access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more.

Pro Bono Network has enabled 425+ attorneys to give more than 28,000 hours of free legal assistance to 5,000 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. Let’s transform lives together by increasing access to legal representation.

To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an

Race Conscious Dialogues

Race Conscious Dialogues are designed to deepen awareness of identity, power and privilege, then to integrate learning with everyday life. This nonprofit community resource offers a variety of cohorts both in-person and virtually, and the foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions with light readings to be done in preparation. Conversations are framed around understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism. Thank you for considering a donation as well as participation! www. raceconsciousdialogues.org

Sarah’s Inn is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. We offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention services for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships; and Training and Education for professionals and community-based organizations to create a network of skilled ambassadors. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/ Spanish), and offered free of charge to survivors and their children.

Learn more and donate at sarahsinn.org

St. Angela School

St. Angela has served the families of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for more than five generations,

enriching the lives and futures of their children. We have a storied history and an extended family of generous alumni whose philanthropy provides scholarship funds and whose engagement keeps our campus beautiful. We are richly blessed and deeply grateful for the partnerships that have sustained us through the years. Now, early in our second century, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. We ask those partners to recommit to our cause as well. Thank you!

Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

Silk Road Rising

Silk Road Rising is a community-centered artmaking and arts service organization rooted in Pan-Asian, North African, and Muslim experiences. Through storytelling, digital media, and arts education, we challenge disinformation, cultivate new narratives, and promote a culture of continuous learning. Our work expands and enriches the American story and explores how we understand both Americanness and belonging. In so doing, we create opportunities for communities of diverse backgrounds to experience cultural interchange, challenge racism and coloniality, and upend polarization.

Learn how Silk Road Rising uses stories to help our world heal, and how you can support us by visiting www.silkroadrising. org.

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

The award-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and its

esteemed conductor Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our 91-year tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities.

Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center

Thrive Counseling Center has provided

mental health services to the greater Oak Park area for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. Hope, resilience, and recovery form the heart of our programs and services for youth and adults.

Individual therapy • Group therapy Psychiatry and medication management 24/7 Crisis intervention Case management Suicide awareness and prevention training

Thrive Talks community education programs

Open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc. org or call 708-383-7500.

UCP Seguin

UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities. Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304

Way Back Inn

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.

For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: www.waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422 ext. 22.

West Cook YMCA

A life best lived includes helping others experience a better life. When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you give to our community. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighborstransforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, life-skills training for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self. Make a difference right in your own community today through your support of West Cook YMCA’s scholarship fund.

To donate, visit WestCookYMCA.org/donate or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302. (708-383-

West Suburban Special Recreation Association

West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest and nine other surrounding communities. Donations to WSSRA help provide financial assistance to those participating in our year-round programs and summer day camp. To make a donation please visit wssra.net.

Wonder Works

For 20 years, children have learned through PLAY in the safe, enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum on North Avenue. We put great care into creating a child-sized environment with 8 permanent exhibits that spark curiosity, creativity, and learning in the areas of science, math, literacy, and the arts for children from birth to 8. Your donations support special programs, exhibit improvements, free and discounted admissions for families in financial need, and more! Please join us in our mission to spark curiosity and innovation through play-based learning experiences.

Visit Wonder-Works.org to donate and support the power of play

YoungLives Chicago

YoungLives Chicago is a mentoring ministry devoted to loving and supporting teenage mothers and their babies.

YoungLives mentors walk

community of belonging for young families to thrive. Teen moms meet twice a month with their mentors for YoungLives club and have the opportunity for a summer camp experience specifically designed as a respite for teenage moms. The cost of a week of camp is $500 for the whole family. Your gift impacts two generations at once! Please consider sponsoring a teen mom and her baby today. Thank you for being a part of our YoungLives village.

If you would like information about volunteering, please contact kimberly.y.graves@gmail.com. You can also make donation at giving.younglife.org/ youngliveschicago

Youth Crossroads

Youth Crossroads supports youth, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive community involvement. We provide youth in Chicago’s near west suburbs with the services they need to achieve success at home, in school, and in life. All services are free, in English and Spanish, including In-School and Community Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Youth Leadership Training, Workforce Development, After-School Enrichment, Food Pantries, and Summer Camp.

Your donation makes it possible for youth to get the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to build meaningful lives. Visit youthcrossroads.org for more information.

Property transfers

Homes

e history of a home

Oak Park, River Forest homeowners can enlist local museum to help ll in the blanks

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

They say the cobbler’s children have no shoes, and the old saying seems to fit this Homes re porter as well.

As an Oak Park resident for 20-plus years and a Homes re por ter for Wednesday Jour nal for more than 15, I was well aware of the opportunities residents have to delve into the history of their houses, but until recently, I never ventured too far beyond Google.

My one previous step of research had been looking up my home on the Oak Park village website, which has a number of resources for homeowners interested in historic preservation.

Our house is located in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, so I was able to use the link to historic resources at ruskinarc.com/oakpark/oakpark to determine that my home was built sometime betw een 1920 and 1929 by the architects White and Christie.

The database also listed the original owner as William Lees, the name of the house as William Lees No.2, and the style as colonial revival. Our next-door neighbor’s house, also designed by White and Christie, is listed in the database as the William Lees House No. 1 and was built between 1910 and 1919.

From my work at Wednesday Journal, I knew that White referred to architect Charles White, who briefly worked in Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio before going out on his own in 1905. His work dots the village and includes the Cheney Mansion and the Lake Street post office.

This fall, I finally made an appointment with the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society at the OPRF Museum to see what I could find out about the history, architectural and otherwise, of my home. Rachel Berlinski had pulled relevant records for me and walked me through some basic re-

search steps available to any local homeowner.

Phone and city directories as well as editions of the Oak Leaves and the Wednesday Journal, along with village permits, painted a more detailed history of the home. In addition, the OPRF Museum maintains files of realtor listing sheets from the 1920s to the 1990s, and street files org anized by block. The museum keeps a file of photos, and the Barclay Photo Collection includes photos taken by Philander Barclay of structures existing in 1903.

The owners of our house are not listed in local directories until 1922, when they are listed as Warren S. and Grace N. Corning. An Oak Leaves mention from Dec. 11, 1920 provides more detail.

On that date, William Lees sold the house to Mrs. Grace Corning, the daughter of F.A. Hill, a well-known real estate broker. The listing describes a 60-by-175-foot lot, a two-story brick and stucco home with seven rooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. The home sold for $32,000.

In 1926, the owners expanded the garage,

and in 1933, then-owner Chas. A. Walter sold the home for $15,500. An obituary shows that Walter, an executive at Sears Roebuck, died in 1944.

There are no records indicating when the home next changed hand s, but in 1954, the owner Otto Behimer had an apar tment above the garage inspected. Behimer died in 1968, and his estate sold the home in 1970 for $37,900.

HISTORY on pa ge B12

PROVIDED

Lacey Sikora knew her Oak Park home dated from the 1920s. Using resources available at the Oak Park River Forest History Museum and the village of Oak Park, she was able to lear n more about its ownership history, improvements made over the years and how the property was used by previous owners.

listing cards (below) and newspaper articles (at right) revealing the names and personal details of previous owners.

HISTORY Many resources

from page B11

In 1975, the owners Robert and Mimz Hick sold the house for $69,500. By 1976, the owners are listed as Malcolm Deam, who sold us the house in 2014, after his wife Catherine Deam’s death in 2013.

Berlinski points out that the village can be a good source for information on renovations and changes, as it maintains a history of building permits. Sanborn maps can also help pinpoint construction dates for many homes in the village For those looking to ascertain chain of title, she says a visit to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds can provide records back to the time a lot was purchased

While I hoped to find historical photos of our house, the museum only had two photos of our home, most likely from the 1960s or 1970s. It was nice to see that our choice of paint colors for the shutters aligns with what an earlier owner chose and sad to see two

large trees on the front lawn no longer remain, but other than removal of a wall of ivy, our house today looks largely as it did in the past.

We’ve all seen those tongue-in-cheek plaques on buildings that read some-

thing to the effect of, “On this spot in 1920, nothing happened.” Such a plaque would be apt for the insignificant history of our home, but for us, finding out some of the details and imagining the lives of the people who lived here before us is significant enough.

Oak Park home and painter earn ‘Painted Lady’ award

As part of the Chicago’s Finest Painted Ladies & Her Court competition sponsored by the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association, Oak Park’s Travis Nelson won an award for his home at 312 Clinton Ave.

Painted by Oak Park-based Ronbo’s Fine Painting Inc., the home won in the category for “Best Use of Craftsmanship of Paint Application Professionally Painted.”

PROVIDED

Oak Park home sells for $1,150,000

The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from August and Se ptember 2022. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.

OA K P ARK

ADDRESS PRICE SELLER BUYER

320 Wisconsin Ave $10,000,000 Gla Bon Villa Llc West Cedar Llc

1112 Clinton Ave $1,150,000 Ndumele Uche D Gomez Amanda 908 N Kenilworth Ave $1,125,000 Hosomizu Mika Killian Timothy 620 S Scoville Ave $995,000 Mullins John J Woodworth Mark R Tr 1019 Woodbine Ave $899,000 Galo Matthew G Spahn Philip C 431 Clinton Ave $849,000 Murphy Stephen J Beal David D 1048 N Oak Park Ave $805,000 Mcqueen Dana Porter Waylon C 1040 N Lombard Ave $800,000 Mclaughlin Clayton Gregory Bell Justin 726 S Lombard Ave $780,000 All In 800 Llc Gallo Timothy J 240 Clinton Ave $779,000 Friedman Elizabeth M Tr Convey Timothy 134 S Kenilworth Ave $760,000 Strand Elizabeth H Kenilworth 124 Llc 741 S Scoville Ave $759,000 Anicmcka Ndudi C Senser Aaron P 1033 Augusta St $750,000 Strom Martha A Schenone Thomas 944 N Euclid Ave $745,000 Gorman Robert J Kroshus Connor James 1200 N Elmwood Ave $735,000 Brehm Je rey R Levey Jordan 247 Home Ave $735,000 Hopkins Steven J Buesser Frederick G Iv 512 S Kenilworth Ave $735,000 Sarpy Ann K Dharmapuri Sadhana 1014 Erie St $720,000 Dagostino Michelangelo Vincent King Vincent 422 S Lombard Ave $665,000 Fiddler Morris Richmond David L 1154 S Elmwood Ave $660,000 Looking Good Investments Llc Rajagopal Nimmi 421 N Oak Park Ave $660,000 Oharrow Edwin Extr Cedercreutz Claes Kettil 518 Clarence Ave $650,000 Kandabarow Alexander Maxwell Sauer Katie M 224 S Harvey Ave $650,000 Risch Cindy Tr Kinkley Jonathan 304 S Ridgeland Ave $637,500 Chranko Christopher J Murkhardt Daniel J 515 Jackson Blvd $632,500 Portno Murray A Helser Andrew D 729 S Oak Park Ave $620,000 Erickson Ryan Osorio Sandra Lucia 828 S Highland Ave $620,000 Morris Michael James Hruszkewycz Stephan 925 N Euclid Ave $609,000 Gale William N Davis Matthew W 635 Wenonah Ave $607,000 Rand Gary E Tr Sutherland Daniel J 49 Chicago Ave $600,000 Mccormick Homes Llc Peebles Tonya T 829 N Humphrey Ave $576,000 Heneghan Brendan John Marmon David Christopher 430 N Humphrey Ave $565,000 Mowbray Alisha Prazich Andrew David Tr 810 Fair Oaks Ave $530,000 Rivera Juan B Zimmer Michael 614 Belleforte Ave $517,500 Meyer Diane L Lau James N Tr 942 S Euclid Ave $515,000 Hubbuch Marsha C Dipietro Justin 1175 S Kenilworth Ave $510,000 Cassinelli Jedidiah Tijerina Bonnie L 712 N Lombard Ave $505,000 Beasley Ian Parker Jean-Luc 810 S Highland Ave $500,000 Ryniewicz Steven E Bower Alison J

1112 Clinton Ave., Oak Park

OA K P ARK

1222 N Marion St $495,000 Downward Simon Berin Maria C 646 N Harvey Ave $485,000 Scullin Kelly A Delgado Eleazar 1040 Clinton Ave $480,000 Baldonado Erika G Morrison Ellen Joanna 835 Wenonah Ave $475,000 Woods George F Kratz Ryan 314 Wesley Ave $470,000 Kuzmicki Leo P Patel Ramesh 1123 Wesley Ave $470,000 Volini Anthony G Kaar Elizabeth K 931 Hayes Ave $460,000 Mikelsons Guntis Dsilva Rohini M 905 Wenonah Ave $450,000 Hd Mabss 14 Llc-72 Osemene Kevin 215 S Oak Park Ave $446,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Waitkus Luke Dzimidas Tr 1085136 923 Home Ave $430,000 King Whitney Jackson Corby J 425 S Kenilworth Ave $437,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Bam Oak Pk Llc Tr 8002364769 304 S Kenilworth Ave $428,500 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 13934 Bam Oak Pk Llc 1117 S Humphrey Ave $425,000 Parra Maria C Tr Zeb Dev Llc 801 S Highland Ave $422,000 Little Linda L Potekin Alan 1010 N Lombard Ave $405,000 Coughlin John Waggoner Samuel 1018 Randolph St $402,000 Wagner Zachary Wygonik Edward J Tr 1136 S Taylor Ave $400,000 Trudell Jeannette K Oo Chozin 1121 S Harvey Ave $399,000 Diehl Nina A Pearlman Nasra 925 S Grove Ave $395,000 Durazo-Arvizu Ramon Mor n Edgar 946 S Elmwood Ave $393,000 Karkut Marzena Berrios Benjamin 425 S East Ave $386,500 Fannie Mae Sow Comm Dev Corp 917 S Grove Ave $384,000 Blanchard Lisa M Newman Erin Maureen 713 N Humphrey Ave $380,000 Hermann Peter M Dougherty Douglas 1156 S Harvey Ave $375,000 Buehler P Terrence Thomas Kandrell Tenette 1231 N Euclid Ave $368,000 Murphy Dana A Tr Aceron Christine 844 N Austin Blvd $350,000 Hollis James R Stanton Nathaniel 118 Home Ave $348,000 Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co Tr 118 Home Corp

OA K P ARK

ADDRESS PRICE SELLER BUYER

741 S Cuyler Ave $345,000 Meagher Mark Brandon Brittani B

824 N Ridgeland Ave $344,000 Williams Rita M Tr Macias Norma

221 N Kenilworth Ave $340,000 Marmer Patience Y First Amer Bk Tr 117102

1034 S Maple Ave $338,000 Collier Charles J Ballard Dana Kelly

927 Ontario St $332,500 Stahl Jennifer L Petertil Kerry

22 S Austin Blvd $330,000 Vil Nichayette Moore & Assoc Llc

324 N Marion St $308,000 Wagner Rhonda Dickerson Gayle

946 N Harvey Ave $300,000 Allen James P Morrow David

1109 S Lyman Ave $294,000 Scott Kara Extr Westing Corinne 1183 S Harvey Ave $275,000 Salgado Henry Pagacs Eva 222 N Marion St $260,000 Adams Adrienne C Longstree Pamela D

1104 S Austin Blvd $250,000 Pilati Dominic Johnson Jay D

427 S Taylor Ave $232,000 Bergeron Aurelien Eppley Alecia M

1136 S Cuyler Ave $230,000 Seaks Catherine R Tr Grandview Cap Llc 228 N Oak Park Ave $225,000 Forrest Jennifer F Kremer James

444 Washington Blvd $215,000 Jones Brittany Mance Matt J

735 Gunderson Ave $200,000 Hoover Deborah K Vondrasek Thoma A

801 Washington Blvd $195,000 Comi Samuel Giuntoli Tina 840 S. Oak Park $175,000 Oshea Padraig B Quadrat Amra

1033 Ontario St $175,000 Hernandez Juan P Perera Kathleen A 928 S Lyman Ave $170,000 Perry Jeanne Marie Grandview Cap Llc

912 S Maple Ave $165,000 417 Op Llc 616 Oak Pk Llc 813 Lake St $155,000 Boyer Nedra Brophy George Brian 823 Lake St $155,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Kornutick Lauren Tr 131501

949 Lake St $152,000 Oneill Patricia A Tr Porlier Zachary T 7007 North Ave $116,500 Robinson Gloria Taldone Dominic M 1026 N Grove Ave $387.50 Dirico Pasquale Robert Trask John 6839 North Ave $3,273,000 Gw Oak Pk Llc Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 8002389372 510 N Euclid Ave $1,235,000 Peppler Jon Doobay Chad R 317 S Elmwood Ave $1,100,000 Pikowski Jennifer Tr Mink Tyler 1022 Hayes Ave $900,000 Sanguma Nyenemo Sanguma Jessica 822 Forest Ave $850,000 Doobay Chad Maddrell Rebecca 641 N Kenilworth Ave $830,000 Boyle Malachy Tr Cross Timothy 1041 N East Ave $830,000 Judge Bernard Bgrs Llc 1041 N East Ave $830,000 Bgrs Llc Snel Kenneth J Tr 502 Carpenter Ave $812,500 Central-Division Llc Oak Pk Commons Cohousing Llc 801 N Lombard Ave $760,000 Bartley Paige Bronwyn Morrison Stefanie

OA K P ARK

ADDRESS PRICE SELLER BUYER

811 N Ridgeland Ave $549,000 Worley Carrie Tr Kirk Tyler 119 Le Moyne Pky $538,000 Aubym Patrick S Bowles Edward C 1044 S Grove Ave $525,000 Province Mary T Tr Warrior Const Inc 541 S Humphrey Ave $519,000 G & F Dev Llc Grandaw Elizabeth Kristen 602 Wenonah Ave $515,000 Winans Elizabeth Von Drehle Jennifer H 904 N Harvey Ave $500,000 Sorensen Lisa G White Brian Christopher 614 Carpenter Ave $497,500 Kerwin Diane M Bruni Jacob M 1006 S Kenilworth Ave $475,000 Canavan Robert D Bovo Elisa 311 South Blvd $450,000 Loftus Michelle Orton Tappa Melissa R 1172 Wenonah Ave $440,000 Nzinga Sekile M Richter Kristen 422 N Taylor Ave $379,000 Taylor Carla Hays Andrew 1126 S Lombard Ave $376,000 Zapler Thomas A Carr Kenneth L Tr 226 N Austin Blvd $375,000 Riddle Robert J National Fwe Vtrents Solutions Llc 1164 S Cuyler Ave $374,000 Key Real Estate Dev Llc 1166 Cuyler Llc 825 N Harlem Ave $365,000 Bhatia Sundeep B Shames-Yeakel Michael Williams 822 Belleforte Ave $337,000 Von Drehle Charles W Sanders Ti any 931 N Harvey Ave $320,000 Scanlan Patrick W Jr Barker Bhrianna Sakari 300 N Oak Park Ave $305,000 Ettedgui Hilda Andreoli Lisa 1407 N Harlem Ave $295,000 Citrix Chicago Holdings Llc Ogbuokiri Ngozi 1005 Washington Blvd $280,000 Przybyla Adriana Jung Eugine 1182 S Kenilworth Ave $280,000 Chan Nina Y P Prime Holding Ab Llc

802 S Taylor Ave $280,000 Ennis Sarah Ptacek Zoe Schwartz Stephen

140 N Ridgeland Ave $280,000 Tate John Fanning Jamarcus L 1164 S Elmwood Ave $280,000 Pietrus Daniei Czopek Byron

401 S Grove Ave $269,000 Saylor Paul L Hussaini Akbar

147 N Ridgeland Ave $268,500 Vantassell Karen Rhianna Darins Kelsey 1151 Westgate St $252,000 Russo Gregory H Padgett Marcus

747 S Humphrey Ave $250,000 Homna Gary Robles Abel 1425 N Harlem Ave $240,000 Bradshaw-Castillo Bianca Monique Planetrec Investments Llc 644 Lake St $225,000 Miller Laura Surges Austen 928 S Lyman Ave $225,000 Grandview Cap Llc Revain Llc

222 N Marion St $217,000 Paluchniak Prop Llc Pruitt Alonzo Clemons

167 N Marion St $160,000 Ponder Alvina Jjir Oak Pk Llc

426 S Lombard Ave $149,000 Rao Wenjing Terry James M 429 Wesley Ave $131,000 Thon n Dwight M Melnychuk Andriana 854 Washington Blvd $125,000 Vargas Lorena Alvarez Silvana 1107 Holley Ct $120,000 Diaz Christopher L Gaspar Kim San 426 S Lombard Ave $116,500 Price Christine E Reed Tiphany Nicole 405 Home Ave $105,000 Zamora Hugo Misuer Margarita Decd 938 Ontario St $98,000 Perduto Genevieve K Ernest Opella Finley Trust 1018 N Harvey Ave $90,000 Bendowitz Catherine Lynne Bendowitz Catherine L Tr 420 Home Ave $90,000 Jpmorgan Chase Bk Natl Assn Patterson Donald 651 South Blvd $80,000 Newnert I Llc Perry Ernest Prop Llc 1103 Holley Ct $65,000 Stevenson Stuart M Jjir Oak Pk Llc 464 Lenox St $40,500 The Judicial Sales Corp Yeboah Samuel 1024 S Ridgeland Ave Unknown The Judicial Sales Corp Wilmington Sav Fund Soc Fsb Tr 1131 S Elmwood Ave Unknown Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp Cl Dev Llc

Continued from page B17

RIVER FOREST

FOREST P ARK

ADDRESS PRICE SELLER BUYER ADDRESS PRICE SELLER BUYER

1326 William St $2,000,000 Collins Gary S Tr Durham James

1030 Park Ave $1,850,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 6943 Wendeln Casey F Tr 839 Lathrop Ave $1,625,000 Deziel Daniel J Barthwell David A 1201 Park Ave $1,350,000 Durham James L Dvorak Matthew

726 William St $1,250,000 Mcconnell Gregory A Garcia-Gonzalez Jose Maria

539 William St $1,110,000 Koch Christopher C Treatman Elizabeth

335 Franklin Ave $975,000 Wendeln Casey F Tr Jumic Allison

1435 Franklin Ave $940,500 Gaddipatl Emma L Tr Poirier Ryan E

1115 Forest Ave $870,000 Kirk Tyler Q Behan Brian C 632 Forest Ave $752,000 Poirier Jessica Barton Jordan M 726 Park Ave $637,500 Grady Pamela G Tr Kerr Ryan T

946 William St $540,000 Bhaumik Runa Mustafa Mohamad

1514 Lathrop Ave $520,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Al Zahabi Mohannad Tr 8002345206

7575 Lake St $464,500 Ryan Angelina Tr Laine Herbert W

325 Franklin Ave $442,500 Steinhauer Martin Joseph Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 3801

415 Franklin Ave $317,000 Gihtgp Llc Racaneli Gina M

415 Park Ave $295,000 Heckel Robin R Rotstein Lorin D

1420 N Harlem Ave $280,000 Wirth Jakob Nathaniel Hall Jeremy

311 Forest Ave $278,000 White Anne E 311 Forest Ave Llc

1539 Franklin Ave $168,000 Moorchead Mia Helene Lewis Brandon

425 Edgewood Pl $161,000 Napier Tavye Celeste Lazzaroni Sophia

434 Clinton Pl $160,000 Medina Ivan Stephan Rod

7210 Oak Ave $125,000 Franzen Barbara Boyd Laura

7200 Oak Ave $82,500 Malhiot Robert D Tr Marroquin Norma 7200 Oak Ave $72,000 Furda Zoya Cllins-Mccoy Linda D

7200 Oak Ave $70,000 Scaro Frank Rowe Corey H

914 Ashland Ave $1,790,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 8002385042 Tr 8002389759

1410 Clinton Pl $1,300,000 Dolan Erin Ca ey Parris

755 William St $1,275,000 Manning Lydia K Cosky Elli D Tr

1421 Forest Ave $1,080,000 Nikolov Magdalina B Pacurar Emil E 1407 Clinton Pl $1,000,000 Wisniewski Wlodzimierz M Sofu Tanju

302 Ashland Ave $700,000 Foster Charles E Kaufman Elizabeth Laura 505 River Oaks Dr $699,500 Digre Marion English Bryan M 115 Park Ave $550,000 Hummel Zachary J Ciesielski Thomas

722 Monroe Ave $491,000 Paytuvi Stephanie Ann Oxtoby David W Tr 121 Park Ave $440,000 Bixler Erich Orton Michelle D

546 Park Ave $400,000 Gerulat Ferne Rummans Caroline S

1020 N Harlem Ave $355,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 3568 Kpekpe Edvige

414 Clinton Pl $255,000 Jorge Joseph Barnaby Angela

7352 Lake St $220,000 Dihl Timothy J Limeira Roberto

1543 Monroe Ave $218,000 Jones Ebony Cipolletta Massimo

405 Lathrop Ave $142,500 Butauskas Vilius Busch Sara

7213 W Division St $104,000 Kuntson Lynn Parra Virginia

1540 Park Ave $95,000 Kadziolka Piotr Goralski Michael

7200 Oak Ave $87,000 Lee Hyunsoo De Leon Gilberto

7901 Roosevelt Rd $4,625,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 7279 Tri-State Land Partners Llc

439 Thomas Ave $830,000 Struck Christopher Knierbein George J

155 Rockford Ave $650,000 Robert Amanda Walters Ryan P

936 Marengo Ave $518,000 Castaneda Jose F Santos Arias Chris

7647 Jackson Blvd $415,000 Mcconachie John H Jr Henderson Whitney

832 Elgin Ave $397,500 Allain Jason P Schuler Nathan R

823 Harlem Ave $350,000 Borcher Jeremy M Williams Shamil L

528 Thomas Ave $335,000 Huebner Stephen Tr Terra no Amanda

34 Marengo Ave $330,000 Robichaud Julie Tr Ulozak James

1530 Elgin Ave $310,000 Victorson Emily C Fisher William G

1111 Circle Ave $260,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Qi Qian Trust Tr 001180

906 Dunlop Ave $270,000 Dsouza Austin Tr Cp Prop Investments Inc

1013 Des Plaines Ave $170,000 Anderson Francine R 1005 Dp Equity Holdings Llc 215 Marengo Ave $140,000 Ursini Michael Extr Coleman Dolores Freeman

320 Circle Ave $130,000 Junge Terilynn Tr Martinez Laura

315 Des Plaines Ave $127,000 Zysko Krzysztof Voratanirkitkul Kusol

839 Harlem Ave $119,000 Bsh Endeavors Llc Il Noble Casa Grp Llc

320 Circle Ave $97,000 Ferrell Tracey L Ibarra Natalie Aileen

300 Circle Ave $95,000 Fannie Mae Joudeh Investments Llc

512 Beloit Ave $62,150,000 Emstead Inc Dersch Sara 320 Circle Ave $9,750,000 Maria Megan Paulette Sta Apalkova Anastasiya 440 Thomas Ave $642,000 Abernathy Robert Alexander Anastasia 206 Lathrop Ave $637,000 Cliggett Kevin P Stearns Katherine Suzanne 922 Marengo Ave $602,000 Graham Sean Khan Sanila 7657 Wilcox St $580,000 Hegna Matthew A Tr Nelson Anders Armstrong 1117 Elgin Ave $480,000 Flores Baltazar Buckner Raysson 840 Beloit Ave $480,000 Moroney Colleen Moroney Rico 516 Ferdinand Ave $445,000 Brown Samuel E Mccoy Reginald J 1015 Beloit Ave $430,500 Fox Jorie Blanchard Lisa 321 Burkhardt Ct $415,000 Haukas Sally Williamson Jill 926 Beloit Ave $400,000 Harris Richard Taylor Tr Shah Julie R 7501 Madison St $380,000 Krenek Thomas E Extr Padron Enterprises Inc 1235 Elgin Ave $353,000 Armstrong Jonathon P Sandel Matthew 1006 Hannah Ave $335,000 Narayanan Vishwanath Kent Robert Warren Jr Tr 1110 Dunlop Ave $329,000 Jones Damien D Tobias Aurelio 936 Thomas Ave $325,000 Sacharski Michael Villagran Jaime 927 Harlem Ave $320,000 Red nnow Borrower Llc Ross Tennie 7617 Harvard St $275,000 Wagner Richard A Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 8002389760

1503 Marengo Ave $240,000 Cunningham Timothy B Jackson Jewel 1220 Elgin Ave $180,000 Old Natl Bk Tr 14665 1220 Elgin Ave Llc 7432 Washington St $140,000 Mensah Evelyn A Tr Runnels Joyce 300 Circle Ave $111,000 Patel Jash A Palaparty Eugene 315 Marengo Ave $105,000 Wiedow William R Wiedow Roy 7637 Jackson Blvd $95,000 Manor Claire Gawlik Jacquelyn 850 Des Plaines Ave $64,000 State Bk Of Texas Osorio Joaquin 136 Lathrop Ave Unknown The Judicial Sales Corp Us Bk Natl Assn Tr

As COVID-19 emerged in March 2020, Amanda, resident of a UCP Seguin group home in Oak Park, was presented with a major dilemma. With a dual diagnosis of intellectual disabilities and bipolar disorder, she asked the question: how would she cope with challenges brought on by the pandemic?

Initially UCP Seguin closed its day services sites, including the Levinson Center in Oak Park where Amanda received life skills training and other services to promote community integration. She was relegated to her group home to “shelterin-place.” Amanda faced social isolation and the potential of worsening mental and physical health. UCP Seguin deployed day services staff to her group home to ensure around-the-clock provision of enrichment activities, therapy, and other

Overcoming Social Isolation…with

interventions.

Using her iPad, Amanda participated in remote Zoom video activities, such as cooking and fitness classes, conducted by day services staff. With assistance from UCP Seguin Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Dana Pavlik, Amanda helped conduct a class for other participants every Thursday afternoon called “Fun Times With Dana: Let’s Get Social!” In these classes, participants were presented with a basic understanding of the new norm and how best to cope with it. In this way, Amanda has served as a role model for other individuals with disabilities.

As the pandemic has waned in severity, Amanda has returned to in-person community activities, while continuing some virtual learning and fun engagements with others. With UCP

Help From UCP Seguin

Seguin support, Amanda has been “Alone Together” with the community, succeeding in overcoming the challenges of her dual disabilities and the COVID-19 pandemic.

UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act

provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities.

Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street,

UCP Seguin • ucpseguin.org

Getting ready for a Zoom class, where Amanda engages, participates, and encourages others.

Amanda shopping for Friday’s Cooking Challenge at Pete’s Market on Lake Street in Oak Park, pictured by mural of “House of Rock.”

2022

Holiday Spectacular!

Scan to see tons of local shopping options

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping & Dining in Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Park