W E D N E S D A Y
January 15, 2020 Vol. 39, No. 24 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
P Preservation ti Award winners Page B1
Rush Oak Park snapping up real estate
The hospital owns three houses on the same block of Maple Avenue By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Rush Oak Park Hospital purchased the house at 613 S. Maple Ave. on Nov. 15, 2019, making it the third hospital-owned house on the west side of that particular block. “Rush Oak Park Hospital has recently purchased additional properties near its campus,” confirmed Bradley Spencer, who handles the hospital’s media relations. The house sits directly next 609 S. Maple Ave., which has been under hospital ownership since at least 1992. The hospital also owns 605 S. Maple Ave., which was acquired in August 2019. Rush appears to have paid in excess of market value for its two most recent Maple Avenue purchases. In 2015, a private buyer purchased See RUSH on page 13
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: From left, OPRF seniors Seihla Nunez, of Oak Park, Ella Haas, of Oak Park, Jana Casey, of Oak Park, Chris Ray, of River Forest and Aidan Coch, of River Forest, eat breakfast together at George’s Restaurant before school begins.
A sweet tradition for OPRF students On late arrival days, high-schoolers flock to George’s
By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Don’t expect to get a booth at Oak Park staple George’s Restaurant, 145 S. Oak Park Ave., on certain Wednesday mornings until 10 a.m. Any earlier, and the place is flooded with lively – but polite – teenagers.
On late arrival Wednesdays, Oak Park and River Forest High School students flock to George’s, for a delicious, if not always nutritious, breakfast with pals. “I actually started working Wednesday mornings because of it,” said John, eldest son of George Konstantos, owner of the eponymous diner.
“In the old days, I used to work just nights, but when they started doing late arrival at the high school and the kids started coming, my dad was just a little overwhelmed by so many kids, so I picked up the shift,” he said. See GEORGE’S on page 18
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FPSD91 Garfield Primary School ad (FPR) 011520.pdf
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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I N S I D E
R E P O R T
OPRF alum gets Air Force promotion A 1988 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, George Kurtzer, was promoted to the permanent rank of Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Kurtzer’s recent deployments include Ramstein, Germany and Bagram, Afghanistan. In Ramstein, Kurtzer served as the Health Information Technology Section chief, while in Bagram, he served as the Health Services manager, overseeing the safe transfer of injured personnel from the battlefield to regional medical centers. He was also deployed in support of Desert Storm, the Bosnian War and Kosovo War as an intelligence analyst. Kurtzer currently serves as the Health Services superintendent for the Aerospace Medicine Enterprice at the 934th Aeromedical Staging Squadron. He has been married for 27 years to
George Kurtzer retired Air Force Master Sergeant Carole Kurtzer. Together, they have two children.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Stacey Sheridan
Brown snow Kids get ready to race down the hill on Sunday, Jan. 12, at Barrie Park’s sled hill. It doesn’t look appetizing but it looks like fun.
Local kids in Beetle/Beatle commercial
Volkswagen paid tribute to its iconic Beetle, which ended production in 2019, with a national commercial called “The Last Mile” — which features an animated film scored with the Beatles’ popular song “Let It Be.” Among the voices singing the iconic song? Students from Oak Park’s Mann School and the Oak Park Pro Musica Youth Chorus. “Since 1990, PMYC has brought choral music education and performance opportunities to three generations of singers,” according to the organization’s website. “In that time, we have worked with over 1,000 children singing in over 150 performances around the world.”
Michael Romain
River Forest ranks in most expensive Chicago-area ZIP codes
The Chicago Tribune ranked River Forest’s 60305 ZIP code the tenth most expensive in the Chicago area. The median real estate sale price in 60305 is $523,000. Rankings are based on closed residential transactions in Cook and DuPage counties that occurred between Jan. 1 and Nov. 22 of 2019, including sales of condominiums, co-ops, and single- and two-family homes. Two other western suburbs made the list. Hinsdale’s 60521 ZIP ranked third most expensive, with a median real estate sale price of $850,000, while Oak
Brook ZIP code 60523 took spot 13, with a median sale real estate sale price of $483,000.
Stacey Sheridan
OPRF mourns teacher
The Oak Park and River Forest High School community is mourning the death of business education teacher Brian Davis, who died on Jan. 13 due to complications from cancer treatment, District 200 Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams announced in an email sent out to families on Monday. “Brian was dearly loved and respected by so many of us, and to say that today
will be a difficult day is a gross understatement,” Pruitt-Adams said, adding that counselors and social workers were deployed Monday to provide support for students BRIAN DAVIS throughout the day. Arrangements for Davis are below: ■ Visitation: Friday, Jan. 17, 3 to 8 p.m., at Ahlgrim, 201 N. Northwest Highway in Palatine ■ Funeral: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m., at the Chapel Palatine, 431 N. Quentin Road in Palatine
Michael Romain
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BIG WEEK January 15-22
“Benjamin H. Marshall, Architect” Friday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m., Pleasant Home: Screen a documentary from the Benjamin Marshall Society. Learn more about the designer of the Drake Hotel, the Blackstone and other Chicago landmarks. Discussion and questions follow. $10, suggested donation. Proceeds support Pleasant Home Foundation and The Benjamin Marshall Society. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.
“The Death of Cleopatra” Saturday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m., Oak Park River Forest Museum: Meet Forest Park author John Rice, hear the story of sculptor Edmonia Lewis and the local connection of her sculpture. There will be a Q & A, brief reading and book signing. Museum admission required to attend talk. $5, Oak Park/River Forest residents; $7, non-residents; $3, students; free, members. More: oprfmuseum.org/events/deathcleopatra-presentation. 129 Lake St., Oak Park.
Free Readers Ensemble: “Good People” Sunday, Jan. 19, 3 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Drop in on a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, this month’s paycheck covers last month’s bills and Margie Walsh has just been let go from yet another job. Hoping an old fling who “made it out” of Southie might be her ticket to a new start, Margie is about to gamble what little she has. Free, donations accepted. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Issues Facing Unrepresented Litigants in Our Courts Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m., Shanahan’s: Hear from the Honorable Catherine Schneider as well as Tanya Pietrkowski, Director of Development of the CARPLS a nonprofit offering free legal advice to Chicago area residents. Brought by League of Women Voters of OP-RF. 7353 Madison, Forest Park.
Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Lecture Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Center, Dominican University: Dr. Simon Balto presents The Life and Legacy of Fred Hampton, leader of the Illinois Black Panthers, who was allegedly assassinated by the Chicago PD, in coordination with the Cook County State’s Attorney and the FBI in 1969. From Maywood, Hampton worked toward Black liberation while helping construct a Rainbow Coalition of Black, Latinx and poor white Chicagoans that would challenge the racial and economic status quo in the city. Free. 7900 West Division St., River Forest.
MLK Day of Service: Blood Drive Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., River Forest Library: Each donation can save three lives in the community. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/ events/blood-drive; walk-ins welcome. Brought in partnership with Heartland Blood Centers. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.
“The True Story of Mary Lincoln as Told by Her Sister” Monday, Jan. 20, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Historical actor Betty Kay presents the story of the Lincolns through the eyes of Elizabeth Todd Edwards. $15, requested donation. 178 Forest, Oak Park.
Ralph’s World Concert Monday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m., Glasser Preschool: Hear Ralph’s rock ‘n’ roll style combined with music for the whole family at a concert benefitting Glasser Preschool. All welcome. $10, advance; $15, at door. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy, or purchase desserts and drinks, in the Community Hall after the concert. Tickets: glasserpreschool@oakparktemple.org. 1235 N. Harlem Ave., Oak Park.
“The Day the Circus Didn’t Come to Town” Sunday, Jan. 19, 2 to 5 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Meet producer/director Charles Williams and view the documentary, which chronicles one of the worst train wrecks in U.S. history, near Hammond, Indiana, in 1918. Eighty-six people were reported to have died and another 127 were injured when a locomotive engineer fell asleep and ran his train into the back of a circus train. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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ART BEAT
Telling stories of recovery through art By MICHELLE DYBAL
I
Contributing Reporter
t could be somebody’s basement. People are relaxing on a couch; others sit at a table. There’s even a foosball table. It is Songwriters’ Night, so a band has assembled, and a woman starts singing India Arie’s “I Choose.” This is the NAMI Metro Suburban Drop-in Center in Oak Park, 814 Harrison St. Some from the group are preparing for Re:Cover the ’20, while others watch. The event, in its second year, allows participants to “break out of the four walls” and encourages the community to join in on what recovery means to them. It takes place this Saturday at Unity Temple. Participants at the NAMI Drop-in Center live with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and schizoaffective disorder. Some find it hard to hold a job or be widely accepted — even at their churches — but at this center things are different. “I’m always helping people around here and they always encourage me and make me feel better,” said Rosalynn Clark. “I don’t know what I’d do without my NAMI family.” Recovery through the arts is specific to the Oak Park Drop-in Center, thanks to program manager Charles Torpe, who has been here for 7½ years. A musician entering addiction recovery nearly 30 years ago, he found replacing the urge to drink or get high with a creative endeavor like making music to be transformative. “I always seem to gravitate and find a way to bring that element into the work environment as a prevention tool, as a life
skills tool and as an experiential education tool,” Torpe said. Now there is a NAMInation group at the drop-in center along with a regular Songwriters’ Group and Art Studio. These are opportunities to write and read poetry, create visual art, make music and plan events. “I love it here because I have so much to give as far as my talent and ability to reach out to people and get along with people,” said Lee Shields, who performed at Re:Cover the ’19 last January at Unity Temple. Afterward, she felt, “For the first time, it’s like fulfilling a purpose in my life.” Besides NAMI participants, Mental Health Awareness Team (MyHAT) of Unity Temple, Addition Recovery Team (ART) of the Township Community Mental Health Board, and Hope for the Day also have participants joining. These individuals present art from the “recovery wisdom tradition,” including spoken word, testimonials, visual art and original music or music chosen because it represents something significant in its message. That fills the first hour of this year’s Re:Cover the ’20. There’s a break for food and signing up for the second half, which kicks off with an improv segment by an OPRF High School comedy group. “At the Open Mic we want to encourage anyone to use the metaphor of recovery to talk about anything they want to recover in 2020 and beyond — in their lives, families, schools, communities, country, the planet, etc.,” Torpe said. Not every NAMI participant chooses to perform at Re:Cover. For Clark, a poet, doing Spoken Word at the Dropin Center has been a growing experience in itself.
Photo by Michelle Dybal
Angelia Holman rehearses “I Choose” at the NAMI Dropin Center in Oak Park in preparation for Re:Cover the ’20, which takes place on Saturday at Unity Temple. “As I do open mics, I become more and more confident,” she explained. “I look up and I become more self-assured and people encourage me.” Clark also said she’s writing more poetry since visiting NAMI. A dozen of her poems have been turned into songs by musicians at the center. Telling recovery stories through their art at events such as Re:Cover the ’20 prompts others to share their experiences and take the next step. Re:Cover the ’20, with emcee Maui Jones from Echo Theater Collective, is Saturday, Jan. 18, 2 to 5 p.m. at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. Free tickets/more: facebook. com/events/811926219267768/ Questions: torpe@namimetsub.org. More on NAMI, which provides free services: namimetsub.org.
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OK, the police station is an obsolete pit
O
dds and ends with some a bit odder than others: The cop shop: A trio of Wednesday Journalists were at the Oak Park Police Department Friday to talk through access to information issues with LaDon Reynolds, the still new, by my standards, police chief and several of his colleagues. A fruitful discussion. Not one to miss an opportunity, though, the chief urged us to stay on for a tour of the department’s facilities in the basement of village hall at Madison and Lombard. He even invited Village Manager Cara Pavlicek to join us. Admittedly I have not toured the police space in decades. And I assume we were invited because the editorial page of the Journal has been, at best, lukewarm in recent years as talk has percolated about the need for a new police station. It is not disrespect to our police department, which is well above average. Our concern has been about cost and taxes. With property tax angst rightly rising, how many construction projects — village government, park district, high school, elementary schools — can taxpayers absorb? And my parallel question, how bad can the police department be? It’s only 46 years old. Built, obviously, at the same time as the “new” village hall in 1974. Well, folks, Oak Park can have a long debate over taxes and what is affordable, but after Friday’s tour, I have to say there is no debate the police station is dismal, obsolete, overcrowded and not built for anything resembling modern policing. Further, because a new facility has long been contemplated, the existing station has seen virtually no upgrades for what appears to be decades. Reynolds was excited to show off two bathrooms and the women’s locker room that had been modestly refurbished in the past couple of years. That’s it. Office spaces for detectives, training, records are woefully cramped. The shooting range, state-of-the-art in the 1970s, no longer functions. Nothing flows logically, resulting in logistical issues of separation when victims and alleged perpetrators are both in the facility. The hallways are filled with mismatched metal cabinets used for storage. Officers’ lockers are not deep enough to hold boots. There is virtually
no meeting space, no community space. And that doesn’t even get to the issue that everything is 1970s brown and, of course, being in the basement, there is not a single window. Gutting a working police station would be difficult but not impossible. Building a new facility on the south end of the village hall campus is an option but may not be big enough. The price tag on any significant updating is in the tens of millions. I certainly had my eyes opened. Would urge, though, that any discussion of a major fix should also include a thorough-going public and positive discussion about policing in Oak Park. Modern policing, more respectful engagement, more community-based, would require what sort of police station? God knows, something far different from the current grim facility. CPD’s interim chief: Instructive to look at the comments made in a speech Monday by Charlie Beck, Chicago’s interim police chief. He is looking to flood neighborhoods with officers doing active outreach to young people as a way to bring down violence. He describes community policing “on steroids” as the essential method of building trust. Ideas I’m betting Chief Reynolds would be open to discussing for Oak Park. Honor and connection: On a number of fronts genuine connections are growing between Oak Park and Austin. Yes, it took 50 years — a half century — to begin moving beyond the fear and the suspicion that has captured all of us on the Greater West Side. That’s what America’s preoccupation and avoidance on race metastasizes into. So the news this week that the Leaders Network, an alliance of West Side ministers, will present its 2020 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Award to Rabbi Max Weiss and the Oak Park Temple congregation is great and good news. Weiss, a leading member of the Community of Congregations and now a board member at the Leaders Network, has been building bridges and bringing the social justice fight for five years now. Powerful bonds, growing understanding and respect, and passion for people are growing this small miracle of connection.
DAN HALEY
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Deer-culling contract killed by River Forest board By ROBERT LIFKA
Contributing Reporter
Following nearly three hours of resident comment and village officials’ discussion, the River Forest Village Board, Jan. 13, decided not to proceed with a plan to address deer overpopulation through a culling contract with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Instead, the board agreed to create a resident task force to study the issue and make recommendations by Sept. 30. Trustee Patty Henek will lead the process of forming the task force. She hopes to have applications created and available online by the end of January. Two trustees suggested models to follow, with Katie Brennan citing guidelines available through a Cornell University study and Respicio Vazquez recommending a similar task force effort in District 200. Vazquez acknowledged the D200 effort was “time-consuming.” He also stressed the importance of having equal representation on the task force of residents advocating a deer-culling program and those opposed. Henek noted the task force is likely to be ongoing, leading Trustee Erika Bachner to suggest the application include reference to a multi-year commitment. Several trustees expressed hope for participation by Tim Preuss, urban deer proj-
ect manager with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, who attended a village meeting in June on deer overpopulation affecting River Forest. The path leading to the Jan. 13 actions was circuitous. Officials were originally set to vote on a deer-culling contract in November but when a large group of residents from both sides of the issue came out, the board agreed to suspend the vote. While they agreed to form the task force, they postponed the discussion of any specifics until a later date. At the time, it was understood that there would be no further vote until the task force had a chance to consider the issue. But after a prolonged discussion, a majority of the board agreed in December to vote on the culling agreement in January, while still working to form the task force. In recent years, deer sightings have been on the rise, and the village has been getting an increasing number of complaints about landscaping damage, tick-borne diseases and deer droppings in resident yards. River Forest and the Cook County Forest Preserve District have been discussing the possibility of expanding the existing deerculling program to the three forest preserves in River Forest — Thatcher Woods, G.A.R. Woods and Thomas Jefferson Woods. The
Forest Preserve District contracts sharpshooters to go into the woods and kill the deer. The proposed contract called for the village to pay up to $40,000 a year, an amount that might decrease if River Forest entered an agreement with Elmwood Park to share the expense of the deer-culling program if it were expanded to include Forest Preserve District property within Elmwood Park boundaries, which are adjacent to the north of River Forest. Under that proposed agreement, as outlined in a Jan. 9 memo from Village Administrator Eric Palm to the village board, Elmwood Park would contribute up to $10,000 annually. The majority of the 18 residents who addressed the village board during the resident comment portion of the Jan. 13 meeting opposed signing the intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve District, but others offered support for the culling program. Resident comments ran well over an hour. The main reason for opposing the culling program was a lack of qualified information, which many residents said would be addressed by forming the task force. Surveying residents was suggested by several speakers. Several speakers expressed concerns about Lyme disease, which can be caused by ticks carried by deer and other animals.
“This is a health and safety issue,” Village President Cathy Adduci said in advocating tabling a vote on the proposed intergovernmental agreement. “We want to solve this problem and get it right. “We either start culling and create a task force or delay culling to study the issue.” During the discussion that followed the resident comment period, which also ran well over an hour, several trustees expressed frustration with the lack of information in the proposed intergovernmental agreement, specifically a work plan and determining the number of deer to be culled. “We want to review the work plan,” Trustee Robert O’Connell said. Trustee Tom Cargie questioned whether Forest Preserve District officials would have sufficient time to create and implement a work plan by the end of March, which is the end of the time period when deer culling typically takes place. “I don’t see how they can do it,” he said. In the end, Adduci cited “too many questions and confusion” in supporting creation of the task force and deciding against voting on the proposed intergovernmental agreement. She also suggested that the task force address the health issues, especially the Lyme disease risk, and recommend landscaping alternatives for residents whose property is close to the forest preserves.
at Concordia University Chicago Ferguson Art Gallery
The Collective Theater
Music Concerts
Eternity, A Moment—Geer Tu’s Travel Record by Geer Tu January 13 - February 22
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised) Book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner Additional dialogue by Michael Mayer Additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Student Composers Recital February 28 at 7 p.m., Chapel
Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Ferguson Gallery is located in Kretzmann Hall
Directed by Tomica S. Jenkins | February 21 - March 1 Bergmann Theatre at CUC Tickets: CharlieBrownCUC.brownpapertickets.com
Event details are subject to change. Unless noted, all events take place at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. Visit CUChicago.edu
Music Department Information: 708-209-3060
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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Plan commission extends Madison Street apartment complex
Hearing will resume March 5 By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Substantial design changes are expected to a proposed Madison Street apartment complex after intense objections from neighbors over density and traffic issues at a lengthy Jan. 9 meeting of the Oak Park plan commission. Members of the volunteer commission appeared to share some neighbor concerns. The hearing on the project at 435 to 451 Madison St. will resume March 5. The initial hearing lasted over four hours. Dozens of neighbors spoke out against the five-story, 48-unit complex proposed by Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group (MAREG). “I’m not against having the building that’s there now replaced with an apartment building. I think that’s a good thing,” Tina Birnbaum said in public comment. “But I think this proposed development is an attempt to put 10 pounds of stuff in a five-pound bag. It’s just too big; it’s too much.” MAREG’s application includes five different zoning relief requests, including an increase in building height from the village
maximum of 50 feet to 63 feet. It also proposes doubling the number of units from the allowed 24 units to 48. The building’s ground floor proposes 48 indoor parking spaces, which would be accessed through a vehicular entrance located on Gunderson Avenue, the adjacent residential street. “It’s a narrow street, it’s one lane,” Birnbaum said. That part of Gunderson Avenue is in close proximity to many schools, said Birnbaum. “We got lots of kids walking by that particular area where we were told 620 cars a day are going to be going in and out,” she said. “It’s dangerous for kids.” The proposed complex’s effect on Gunderson was a chief concern for residents, echoed by many of the 20-odd public commenters who spoke out against the project. “A lot of the people here are from Gunderson, but it also affects the homeowners on Elmwood [Avenue] as well,” said Prentice Harris. MAREG, Harris said, mapped the project out “as if no one lives on the east side of the lot.” He also was unhappy that the proposed building’s balconies – one with every unit -- would overlook his yard and those of his
neighbors. The developers and their children, Harris said, don’t have to live there and deal with the lack of privacy that the complex’s close proximity poses to homes. “Surely the builders are going to profit from the whole thing, but we’re losing,” he said. “The people here lose. The only people who will gain are the ones not living there.” Only two people spoke in support of the project. Paul Beckwith, who lives in the Albion high rise on Lake Street and has owned five homes in Oak Park over decades, said it’s a great opportunity for people who want to live in Oak Park but can’t afford a house, as well as for people in the senior demographic. “There’s going to be a lot of older people, like me, that want to have an apartment,” he said. He also supported the project for being a major revenue source for the village. “I want to do everything I can to raise more revenue in Oak Park. I love Oak Park,” Beckwith said. Tim Kelly, a contractor, also spoke in favor of the proposal, citing the structural limitations of the one-story bow truss building that currently sits on the lot. “The curvature of the building next to the
Taco traffic debated at zoning hearing
Proposed Roosevelt Rd. Taco Bell gets ZBA hearing continuance By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
In a Jan. 8 meeting, the Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted to continue the hearing for the proposed Taco Bell franchise location on Roosevelt Road, so that applicant Ampler Development could conduct a traffic study. Many community members voiced opposition to building a highly landscaped drivethru Taco Bell restaurant at 6000 to 6020 Roosevelt Rd., saying it would create too much traffic on adjacent residential streets. The currently empty parcel was formerly a bank branch. “I’m just very concerned about the flow of traffic going down Humphrey [Avenue] and also down Lyman [Avenue],” said resident Emily DiFrisco, who has three small children who like to walk in the neighborhood. DiFrisco also expressed worry that trash from Taco Bell would make its way into nearby yards. “We have Lucky Dog right across the street, and I pick up Lucky Dog trash in my
yard every week,” she said. “I really don’t want Taco Bell trash in my yard as well.” DiFrisco’s concerns were echoed by other community members who also spoke during public comment. Marco Camacho, who also has small children, voiced apprehension at the proposed Taco Bell’s close vicinity to a liquor store and tavern on the Cicero side of Roosevelt Road. “We get people that go to the liquor store and then cross Lyman [Avenue], and oftentimes our neighbors’ cars are hit, crashed in hit-and-runs, so that’s something that’s happened with the current set up that we have now,” Camacho said. “If we move forward with this Taco Bell proposal, I am sure that the traffic is going to increase on Lyman and Humphrey.” The bars and liquor stores nearby combined with the proposed Taco Bell’s hours of operation posed a concern to Oak Park police. “It would be, from our standpoint, a recommendation for the drive-thru to close at midnight not only Monday through Friday, but also through the weekends,” said Chief LaDon Reynolds. “Given the proximity of various liquor establishments and latenight taverns in some of the municipalities that neighbor us, we don’t want this to become a nuisance property.”
The community was not entirely in opposition to Ampler building a Taco Bell. “I don’t think it’s fair to single Taco Bell out as being a traffic hazard,” said David Owens, who spoke out in support. “It’s a really busy street to begin with.” Jim Kelly, who moved to the area in 1988, also gave his personal endorsement. “That stretch of Roosevelt Road between Harvey [Avenue] and Austin [Boulevard] has been blighted ever since I moved here and probably before,” Kelly said. “It’s time for some project to ignite the possibility of further development along that stretch and along that blighted intersection.” Kelly further warned that, should this fall through, another development opportunity may not present itself. “That corner could languish for many, many years,” he said. “I don’t understand what people think would go there if not this.” The ZBA tabled discussion on Ampler’s application for a special use permit for a drive-thru and directed Ampler to conduct a traffic study. The zoning board approved Ampler’s request to continue the hearing until its next meeting, Feb. 5. The two zoning relief requests – a reduction in street frontage and in the number of windows the building is required to have – were also tabled until the next meeting.
parapet holds water and just wreaks havoc on the bow trusses,” said Kelly, who has been working on that building for 30 years. The current building, Kelly said, is expensive to maintain. “I don’t want to miss this opportunity to replace this tired building with this attractive building that’s being proposed here today. Before gravity takes it, please replace it with this nice building.” Kelly was seemingly the only person who took kindly to the design of the apartment building. Many people disparaged the design, noting the property abuts the Gunderson Historic District. “Architecturally, the building is ugly. It’s dark brick. They stick a couple pieces of limestone on it and call it art,” said Jim Polaski. “It’s not. What it is puts it out of character with the architecture in the neighborhood.” The plan commission’s comments lined up pretty squarely with those of the public, agreeing that the design didn’t jive with that of the adjacent historic district. “I think the application is sloppy, inaccurate and incomplete,” said David Mann, plan commission chair. “There’s no way we can move forward without that being fixed. I’m surprised it’s gotten to us, frankly.”
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Mystery buyer poised to purchase Obsessed Kitchen and Bar Owners want to step back from the hectic pace of restaurant business By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats
South Oak Park should be prepared to welcome a new restaurant on the corner of Oak Park Avenue and Van Buren Street. Closure rumors are swirling on social media about Obsessed Kitchen and Bar, located at 800 S. Oak Park Ave in Oak Park. While transition is certainly afoot at the local restaurant, the owners say the impending change is not a result of a failing business model or lack of community support. Obsessed Kitchen and Bar owner and chef Daniel Vogel and his wife and co-owner Tricia made the decision to put the business on the market in September 2019 and say they are coming close to getting a deal done. “We thought it would take a year or more to find a potential buyer,” said Vogel. “This is going much faster than we anticipated, but we’ll be open until the deal is officially done.” The potential buyers are doing their due
diligence before finalizing the purchase and Vogel isn’t prepared to share information about who is looking at the space. While he is emotional about departing the restaurant, he said he’s certain south Oak Park will embrace the new business when the time is right. He wants to help facilitate the transition and intends to be supportive by getting the word out about the new establishment and becoming a patron himself. Since the couple opened Obsessed Kitchen and Bar in March 2017, Chef Vogel has treated customers as if they were dining in his home. A seasonally driven menu featuring beloved Brussels sprouts, noteworthy burgers and crispy Korean tacos kept locals coming back for more However, the couple recently reassessed the time-cost of being in the restaurant industry. In addition to having two growing children they’d like to spend more time with, Vogel has a passion for teaching culinary classes and has a vison for opening an adult cooking school in the area. He is toying around with several concepts and likes the idea of celebrating practical life skills (think how to handle a kitchen knife) in a down-to-earth environment. Transitioning out of restaurant ownership
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
ON THE MARKET: Obsessed Kitchen and Bar, 800 S. Oak Park Ave., may have a buyer. will allow the couple to maximize their culinary creativity. “I love this restaurant,” said Vogel. “It has
been our corner of the world for three years and we want to thank everyone for their years of support.”
Developer wants to build senior housing on North Avenue Proposal to turn office building at 7000 W. North Ave. into apartments to go before Chicago’s zoning board Jan. 17 By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
A northwest suburban developer is looking to turn a three-story office building on the Galewood side of the Chicago/Oak Park border into senior housing, with the first floor set aside for office space. The proposed project, located at 7000 W. North Ave., is being developed by 7000 W. North LLC, which according to state records is owned by developer Daniel Pontarelli, Mark Yearian and John Paris. The 16 senior housing units they want to build would each be roughly around 697 square feet — slightly smaller than Chicago’s 700-foot minimum for efficiency units. The developers are applying for a variation. The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to consider the development at a meeting on Jan. 17, which will take place in the City Council’s chambers, 121 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago. The building is located roughly two blocks
east of the former Sears site at North and Harlem, which is currently being redeveloped into a mixed-use building and residential complex. The 7000 W. North Ave. property is one of the more distinct office buildings on North Avenue, with the second and third floor lined with wall-length, rectangular windows, forming a cube slightly larger than the first floor below. The North Avenue Corridor redevelopment plan — an improvement plan for the section of North Avenue between Harlem and Austin that was created by local nonprofits, city agencies and the village of Oak Park — suggests that medical offices and other service providers could fill the significant amount of empty office space along the corridor. The North Avenue District, Inc., an area nonprofit focused on how North Avenue is developed, the village of Oak Park and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning have been collaborating on an improvement plan for the section of North Avenue that is between Harlem Avenue and Austin Boulevard. The Nov. 15 meeting was part of that planning process. The North Avenue Corridor redevelopment plan “replacing vacant and underutilized buildings and sites on North Avenue with new residential development,” because it would “energize the corridor and add to
Photo provided
SENIOR SITE?: A developer wants to convert this old office building to senior housing. the potential customer base of area businesses helping them thrive.” Pontarelli is the current owner of Pontarelli Cos., a construction and real estate development company. Among other things, he has been trying to redevelop an indus-
trial building in Des Plaines, at 946 North Ave., into 67-unit Blue Sky senior housing development. Multiple attempts to contact Pontarelli and the other developers were unsuccessful CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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Oak Park honors retiring police dog
Officer Zeke is retiring after seven years on the force By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s village board rang in the new year at the first meeting of 2020 by honoring the retirement of a very special member of the police department – 8-year-old Zeke, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, in a proclamation read by Trustee Dan Moroney, honored the hardworking canine by designating that day, Jan. 13, 2020, as Zeke Day “in recognition of his dedication and hard work in the Village of Oak Park as a proud member of the Oak Park Police Department.” After reading the proclamation, Zeke was awarded a very large bone. Multiple police officers attended the meeting, including Zeke’s handler, Officer Nathaniel Leitl, and Deputy Chief Joseph Moran. “We congratulate K9 Zeke and his handler, Nathaniel Leitl, for their service. Together they have served the village of Oak Park with integrity and loyalty,” Moran said. “And not only are they partners, they’re best friends.” Leitl’s family, including his two young
daughters and toddler niece, were also in attendance. “We wish Zeke a happy retirement, chasing tennis balls and not bad guys,” Moran concluded. Officer Leitl has been working with Zeke since January 2013. Zeke will spend his retirement living with the Leitl family. “I am excited that he will be home with family,” Leitl said. Zeke was born in Poland in 2011 and trained to be a dual purpose K9 officer. “He was trained to find both narcotics and people,” Leitl said. “Along with narcotics searches, Zeke assisted the department with building searches, tracking, area searches, and article searches. This meant when a dangerous suspect who had committed a violent crime was hiding, Zeke could be utilized to find the subject in a safer and more efficient manner.” According to Leitl, article searches involve finding weapons or other objects that were thrown or hidden that contained human odor on them. One of the biggest finds of Zeke’s career, Leitl said, was a sniff search that resulted in the discovery of $800,000 in cash. “We were called out one night to search a house and a vehicle inside of a garage,” Leitl said. The team found a small number of narcot-
STACEY SHERIDAN/Staff
GOOD BOYS: K9 Zeke and Officer Nathaniel Leitl share a glance, while being honored by the village board. ics inside the house and the stash of cash in the garage. “Zeke alerted to the rear cargo area of a Jeep Cherokee in the garage,” Leitl said. “A hydraulic trap was discovered, and the cash was concealed inside.” Officer Leitl called working dogs and their noses “invaluable tools” for police departments. “It has been a very rewarding experience working with Zeke,” he said. “I have learned a lot from Zeke, but the most important thing he has taught me is patience. I feel he really prepared me for parenthood.”
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Zeke is retiring due to health problems that affect his ability to work. He has an abdominal mass that has caused him two serious bouts of anemia. Leitl doesn’t expect the transition to family life to be a challenge, as he always took Zeke home after work. “Zeke is looking forward to spending time at home with my family,” Leitl said. “He adores my two daughters and they will take good care of him while I’m at work.” Unfortunately for Zeke, the good boy does not receive a police pension.
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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Photos by Paul Goyette
Villager of the Year honored
supporters John Duffy, Charles Adams, Karin Sullivan, Wyanetta Johnson, Burcy Hines, Melanie McQueen and Joy Benion. Dan Haley, publisher at Growing Community Media, (lower right) thanked Jim Jankowski, Marc Blesoff and Nick Sinadinos for preparing a seven-course meal as they resurrected Sunday Night Dinner, a fundraiser for local non-profits, after a 15-year lull.
Growing Community Media, publisher of Wednesday Journal, recognized OPRF Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams as its Villager of the Year Sunday evening at an event hosted by the newly relaunched Sunday Night Dinner at the Buzz Café. Pruitt-Adams (top right) told the packed house how challenges faced early in her career shaped her focus on equity and educating every child. (Above) Pruitt-Adams (third from left) is joined by
Learning Through All Aspects of Life at Keystone Montessori OPEN HOUSE: Sunday January 19th 2- 4 pm 7415 W. North Ave. River Forest Call 708-366-1080 for more information
Parent/infant program • Toddler Class, ages 2-3 • Primary Class, ages 3-6 Elementary and Middle School • After school program for ages 5 and up You are welcome to observe a classroom. Call for an appointment.
A place where children love to learn KEYSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 7415 W. North Avenue, River Forest, IL
708/366-1080
hildren come from far and wide to Keystone Montessori, a school that has gained the reputation as one of the country’s premier Montessori schools. “The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child,” says Vicki Shea, Keystone’s administrative coordinator. “The physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of children are nurtured as well as their academic development and each child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.” If you’re wondering what Montessori education is all about, it’s based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor who went on to become a renowned educator. From her observations of the natural development of children, she believed that a child’s independence, selfesteem and love of learning could flourish, given the right environment and with guidance from a properly trained teacher. Today, 100 years later, there are Montessori schools all over the world. Keystone has a class for two-year olds, primary classes for 3-6 year olds, junior elementary classes for 6-9 year olds, senior elementary classes for 9-12 year olds and a middle school. There are parent/infant classes also. One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is grouping together children
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of different ages. “In this way children learn from each other,” says Shea. “It also helps the older children learn a sense of responsibility toward the younger ones.” Children learn by working with specially designed ‘materials’ in an age-appropriate environment which stimulates the senses and encourages exploration. The children are busy, each one involved in doing something either individually or in small groups. In one of the primary classrooms a three-year old is mopping the floor, and a five-year old is counting with a bead chain. In the junior elementary classroom a student is researching snakes and in another part of the room, a group of students is analyzing the grammatical parts of a sentence with the teacher. “Many of Montessori’s observations about how children learn have been borne out by recent research showing that children have windows in their development when they can best absorb things like language, music and math,” explains Shea. The school is proud of its consistently high academic achievement but places great emphasis on helping children become well-rounded, responsible members of society. Keystone Montessori is holding an Open House on Sunday, January 29, 2–4 pm. The school is located at 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest. 708/366-1080.
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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brought to you by
The Hidden Cost of Unlicensed Operators
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
HOSPITAL HOUSES: The three Maple Avenue houses under Rush Oak Park ownership.
RUSH
Hospital property purchases from page 1 605 S. Maple Ave. for $280,000. In August, the hospital paid $675,000 for it. The hospital paid considerably more than that in November, dropping $1 million for the purchase of 613 S. Maple Ave. What the hospital intends to do with these properties is as yet undetermined. “Specific use for these properties has not yet been finalized,” said Spencer. “The process of determining their future use will involve discussing with many stakeholders.”
The hospital is expected back in front of the Oak Park Plan Commission on Feb. 6 to present an updated proposal to build a $27 million, 713-spot parking garage on what is currently a hospital owned surface parking lot on Wenonah Avenue. Rush agreed after a November meeting of the plan commission to begin discussions with neighbors about the parking garage plan and to provide additional reports and studies of the potential impact of the garage. “The demand for parking has grown,” Robert Spadoni, Rush Oak Park Hospital vice president and chief operating officer, told the commission at the Nov. 12 meeting. “I have gotten a variety of complaints, from not only the residents around there, but from patients, physicians, et cetera, about
the parking problem.” Last October Rush Oak Park debuted a state-of-the-art emergency department at a cost of roughly $30 million. Jim Ritter, a long-time neighbor of the hospital, said the hospital has not yet informed neighbors of its plans for the three houses on Maple Avenue. “They’ve not announced, to my knowledge, any specific plans for that block,” Ritter said. “The only thing they’ve announced is the parking garage (on Wenonah).” It remains unclear how the newly acquired property on Maple, and backing up to Harlem Avenue, will be used. “We do not have any immediate plans that we’re in a position to share at this time,” Spencer said.
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“When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.” ~ John Ruskin, 19th Century Scott art critic McAdam Jr. In the landscaping industry, cheap pricing is a big temptation with a hidden (and potentially much bigger) cost. Oftentimes, these operators are unlicensed and uninsured, which is how they “pass along the savings” to the customer. But the largest risk is when they do not operate with liability or worker’s compensation insurance. So, when you hire them, they effectively become your employee and it is your responsibility to provide a safe working environment and coverage in the event of an injury. If an unlicensed and uninsured contractor gets injured while working for you, they can sue for damages, including medical expenses, legal fees, and lost wages. Think your homeowner’s policy will cover this? Think again, as this type of incident is not usually covered. Be sure to ask any contractor about licensing and insurance coverage-and do it before they start work. As the adage goes: If a low price seems too good to be true, it probably is. “If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.” ~ Ruskin
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D97 approves $27.5M bond issuance
District goes with Raymond James & Associates to underwrite referendum bonds for capital repairs, expansions
to underwrite the $30 million issuance last year — a move that garnered some criticism from community members who felt that the board should have gone out for bid with other banks, board members said. Elizabeth Hennessy, a managing director with Raymond James, told board members that the lack of a competitive bidding process did not mean that the district paid a higher price for the bonds than they would have if they’d went to bid. By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter “Last year, when this question came up, we looked at comparable prices,” Hennessy said During a regular meeting on Jan. 7, at the Jan. 7 meeting, adding that D97’s the District 97 Board of Education voted bond yields were “lower or equal to” unanimously to issue the remaining $27.5 those of East Maine, a district that had million of the $57.5 million in referendum gone out to bid for underwriters. bonds for building repairs that voters “That’s the kind of proof in the approved in April 2017. The district issued pudding we presented last year,” the first $30 million in bond proceeds last Hennessy said. “We’ll look for more February. negotiated and competitive deals this The referendum bonds were issued to pay year, when we go into the market.” for life safety upgrades and critical building Grossi vouchsafed for Raymond repair and maintenance at eight of the James, lauding the firm’s and district’s 10 buildings, and expansions at ELIZABETH HENNESSY Hennessy’s “stellar reputation” and the Lincoln, Holmes and Longfellow schools. fact that the company has offices in Oak Managing director of RayThe board approved a parameters Park. mond James resolution, which means that the final “In terms of a two-stage borrowing interest rates aren’t currently known. As process, it’s very common to use the long as they’re not more than a certain same underwriter in the second phase level, the board president has the authority to sign as you would in the first phase,” Grossi said. “From off on the transaction, said Rob Grossi, the district’s past experiences, their firm has always done an financial adviser. excellent job of selling where the bond should be sold “That is a very normal way for school districts to … In some ways, having two Raymond James offices issue debt,” Grossi said. in the community is kind of like, ‘We know where The district selected Raymond James & Associates, you live’ mentality. There’s an added incentive for Inc. to underwrite the $27.5 million bonds. They also you to do a good job.” selected the firm, which has two offices in Oak Park, CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
“We’ll look for more negotiated and competitive deals this year, when we go into the market.”
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D97 earns national distinction National Board for Professional Teaching Standards names D97 one of 11 Accomplished Districts in December By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Last month, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that District 97 was among 11 school districts across the country named National Board Accomplished Districts “for their investment of resources to support advancing quality teaching through National Board Certification,” according to a statement the district released Dec. 19. National Board Certification is often considered the “gold standard” in teacher certification for its rigor and high standards. During the last three years, the number of board-certified teachers at D97 has increased from nine to 46, district officials said. In 2018, 20 D97 teachers earned the certification, “representing the biggest class of newly-certified teachers from any district in the state of Illinois,” D97 officials said. In 2019, nine D97 teachers earned National Board Certification. As Wednesday Journal previously reported, teachers get a $10,000 stipend added to their annual base salary if they earn the certification. The extra money, formally called an annual recognition, was introduced to the district in the teacher contract approved back in 2015. “The National Board Resource Center has been a critical partner in our work to create a supportive cohort model for our National Board candidates,” said Carrie Kamm, D97’s senior director of equity. “We are grateful for their support as we have built our program.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
C R I M E
Two teens use knife in attempted armed robbery Two teenage boys used a knife in an attempt to rob a victim in the first block of Washington Boulevard Jan. 9 at 6:10 p.m. Displaying the knife, the teens demanded the victim’s key but were unsuccessful as the victim fled.
Robbery ■ Two
women approached a victim and asked for advice on what to do with a wallet filled with money they claimed to have found; the two women then scammed the victim into giving them cash and a ring between 11:05 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Jan. 7 in the 7000 block of Roosevelt Road. Police describe the first woman as being 70 to 72 years of age, 5 feet 4 inches tall and of medium build, with black hair and wearing a gray checkered coat. The second woman is described as being roughly 60 years of age,
of heavy build and having black hair with orange coloring; she wore a black coat. Police estimate the loss at $15,600.
Theft ■ A teenage boy was observed removing $300 in cash from the register of Bright Cleaners, 100 S. Kenilworth Ave., between 12:10 and 12:18 p.m. Jan. 11.
Burglary ■ Some one broke into a residence through a rear window and stole a handgun, ammunition, three pairs of RayBan sunglasses, four Apple mini iPads, 10 money jars and a black and white purse containing $100 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:37 p.m. Jan. 6 in the 400 block of Harrison Street. ■ A person broke into a residence, possi-
bly through a bathroom window, and took a MacBook Pro laptop and Xbox gaming system between 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Jan. 8 in the first block of Washington Boulevard. The total loss is $1,650. ■ Some one pried open the lock of the front door to an Oak Park business and took cash from the register between 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 in the 400 block of South Boulevard. Police estimate the loss and damage at $450. ■ A person broke a glass pane and unlocked the back door of a residence, then took a glass mason jar containing cash, a white Xbox gaming console, a black Xbox controller, a pair of red headphones, HDMI cable and seven video games from inside Jan. 9, between 1:30 and 2:20 p.m., in the 800 block of South Austin Boulevard. The estimated loss is $1,005. ■ A black leather wallet containing an Illi-
nois driver’s license, military identification card, miscellaneous cards, two uncashed checks and cash was taken from a residence with an unlocked back door in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue between 11:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 8 a.m. Jan. 11. The estimated loss is $470. ■ These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Jan. 6 to Jan. 13, 2020 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Stacey Sheridan
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Drug-Free Communities: Local Problems Require Local Solutions
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White House Drug Policy Office Awards $625,000 to Local Coalition to Prevent Youth Substance Use in Oak Park and River Forest!
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he Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the Nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. The Workgroup for Positive Youth
Development will receive $625k in DFC grant funds to involve and continue to engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth. This DFC-funding will help our community coalition (+PYD) expand their work from the past 5 years and continue to make progress toward achieving the goal of preventing and reducing youth substance use. They will strengthen community collaboration by increasing a diverse membership through education and shared leadership, all while using a data driven process. The coalition will achieve its goals by continually assessing and implementing evidence-based strategies. Responsible Beverage Service and Liquor Compliance Checks, Adult and Youth Communication Campaigns, and Youth Prevention Education in schools have proven to work for community wide change.
The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug use prevention efforts. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of environmental strategies to address local drug problems. Coalitions are comprised of community leaders representing twelve sectors that organize to meet the local prevention needs of the youth and families in their communities. The DFC Program has been shown to be effective since the beginning. There has been a significant
Face- It (Families Acting Collaboratively to Educate and Involve Teens) is a familyoriented program ideal for families dealing with issues around alcohol and or substance abuse- designed as a prevention and early intervention program with evidence based positive results. This program fosters and encourages things such as; goal setting, communication, healthy relationships, and explores the negative impact of underage drinking and substance use. In its tenth year it has proved to be a helpful resource to the community and families alike.
Give alco abu decline among middle school and high school aged youth with the past 30-day prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drug use in DFC-funded communities. Prevention is a powerful tool to counteract drug use in our community, and we will use this funding to help youth in Oak Park and River Forest to make healthy choices about substance use.
Focused on not only education, but communicationFace-It opens doors for youth and adults to have those difficult conversations and work through many of the challenges that face today’s families. For more information visit our website at: OakParkTownship.org/preventionservices or call; 708.358.8005, ext. 125
This was developed and funded in whole and or part, by grants from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of ONDCP, SAMHSA, or HHS, and should not be construed as such.
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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Your Influence is a super power that conquers...
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Parents are the #1 influence on whether teens drink or abuse drugs. Kids are listening. Are you talking?
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For more information and to discover local resources: www.OakParkTownship.org/PYD This campaign is supported by the Strategic Prevention FrameworkPartnerships for Success Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.243 funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through a grant administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Supporting youth in Oak Park and River Forest Townships.
@Positive Youth Development
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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GEORGE’S
Breakfast at George’s from page 1 That was almost 10 years ago. Since then, the practice has become something of a beloved tradition for Konstantos and the kids alike. “It’s fun to go with friends and to see them before school starts because we don’t really get to see each other a lot during school,” said Jana Casey, 17. Casey said she usually orders a sandwich or waffles. OPRF student and budding journalist, Ella Haas has a particular soft spot for JOHN KOSTANTOS George’s. Owners son “My grandma –
“They’re a good generation.”
actually my yia yia, she knew George,” said Haas, 17, who alternates between ordering waffles and skillets. “It has sentimental value to me.” Casey and Haas have been going to George’s before school on Wednesdays since their freshmen year. Konstantos cares a lot about the OPRF students. “I’ve seen them all their lives,” he said. “My wife used to say, ‘They’re not your kids.’” When kids show up around 9 a.m., Konstantos gets nervous they won’t make it to school on time. “I called the high school like five years ago, because they were late,” he said. “I called the high school and I’m like, ‘It’s our fault.’” OPRF didn’t let the late kids off the hook though, Konstantos said. Aside from being late to school occasionally, the kids aren’t troublemakers. They don’t get rowdy or stiff the waitstaff at George’s. “They tip well; they’re taught well by their parents. They’re polite,” Konstantos said. “They’re a good generation.” And George’s Restaurant staff always welcomes the kids with open arms. “They’re really nice. The service is good,” said Chris Ray, 18, who got bacon and scrambled eggs. “I never run out of coffee.” Ray started coming to George’s mostly to hang out with friends and, of course, eat breakfast. And George’s makes a mean breakfast. People of all ages can agree on that. “It’s great food. I got the California omelet with toast,” said OPRF junior Finn McMullen. “It’s really nice to start off your day with a good breakfast with your friends.” On that particular late arrival Wednesday morning, McMullen was there with a group of five buddies, celebrating friend Graham Eldred’s 17th birthday. “Lately, us six have been coming here to celebrate our birthdays and also on late arrival days,” said Eldred.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST: From left, OPRF juniors from Oak Park, Frank Tirone, Grant Holderfield, Nate Tirone and Graham Eldred, eat breakfast together to celebrate Eldred’s birthday before school starts.
For his birthday breakfast, Eldred got what he always orders at George’s: “three chocolate chip pancakes with butter and syrup on them,” which made him too full to finish the birthday ice cream sundae his waitress brought over. According to Konstantos, the group of boys have celebrated their birthdays at George’s three years in a row. Their moms come too but sit at a different table. “They have ice cream at 9:30 in the morning. Three years now in a row,” he said. George’s is still popular with former
OPRF students, who return with friends and catch up over tasty diner fare – just not on late arrival days. Antonio Cuevas and Talmage Svehla, both 2015 OPRF graduates, are happy to pass on the tradition, letting current students have their special time at George’s early Wednesday mornings. “We always come after to avoid the rush of high schoolers that come on late arrival,” Svehla said. “I’ll wait until everyone’s gone to get breakfast.” Svehla’s brother currently attends OPRF
and tips them off about late arrivals, Cuevas said. “Everyone comes here for breakfast. I don’t know why or how it started,” Svehla said. “It’s always packed.” “You should be at school already but it’s late arrival, so you find something to do that’s fun during the morning because you’re already awake,” Cuevas said. Konstantos remembers when Cuevas and Svehla were in high school, eating at the diner before school. Many current and former OPRF students have been eating at George’s for years. “They grew up here. The generation now, I remember when they were born,” he said. Former, current and future OPRF students are always welcome at the diner, a staple in the Oak Park community. “I love them,” Konstantos said. George’s restaurant will welcome and feed OPRF kids any day of the week, but especially on late arrival Wednesdays. Those mornings are special.
January 15, 2020
Homes
Powered by the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors
Oak Park names preservation award winners
Home and business owners recognized for stewardship efforts By LACEY SIKORA
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Contributing Reporter
ast month, the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission awarded seven historic preservation awards to homeowners and business owners who tackled sizeable projects to improve their homes or businesses. Susie Trexler, historic urban planner for the village, said that each year the historic preservation award winners are chosen by a panel of professionals and says that this year’s panel was really excited about the nominees. “The winners are all examples of homeowners going above and beyond what was required,” Trexler said of the property owners who chose to renovate in a manner that upheld the historic character of the buildings. The award categories for 2019 included adaptive reuse, addition/new construction, rehabilitation and restoration. This year, the panel also included a Stewardship Award for the first time. Trexler notes that the Stewardship Award recognizes that there are several worthy projects in the village that were not major in scope, but which still played an important role in the historic preservation conversation. “These might not be giant, transformational renovations, but they are putting a lot of effort in over a period of years,” Trexler said. See PRESERVATION on page B6
Courtesy Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission
OLD IS NEW AGAIN: Steve Dorman and his team discovered that his porchless house at 326 N. Cuyler Ave. (at right) originally had an open front porch. Adding that porch back (above) transformed the home and won Dorman the village’s Restoration Award.
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B1
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708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest DonnaAvenue Barnhisel 7375 West North Dan Bogojevich MANAGING Anne Brennan River Forest, Illinois 60305 BROKER/OWNERS Karen Byrne Calkins 708.771.8040 Kevin Tom Carraher Andy Gagliardo Pat Cesario Joe Cibula
Tom Poulos
Don Citrano Alisa Coghill Kay Costello Maria Cullerton Julie Downey Kurt Fielder Yvonne Fiszer-Steele Ramona Fox
Laura Gancer Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima Jack Lattner
Jane Maxwell Iris McCormick Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney Colleen Navigato John Pappas Rosa Pitassi Sue Ponzio-Pappas
Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford
Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307
638 N KENILWORTH • OAK PARK
909 BONNIE BRAE • RIVER FOREST
142 S SCOVILLE • OAK PARK
611 THATCHER • RIVER FOREST
UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home!$ .........................................................$1,450,000
UNIQUE QUALITY BURMA BUILT HOME with 5 bedrooms and 3 full, 2 half baths. House has many wonderful features; 2 separate office areas, hardwood floors, kitchen with all newer appliances, adjoining eating area-family room. Finished basement. Three car garage...................................................... $825,000
CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings, four spacious levels of living in beautiful Oak Park. This 5 BR, 3-12 BA home offers a formal entry, wood burning FP, sun room, family room, eat-in kitchen. Great flow, tons of natural light & storage throughout this beauty! .....................................................$519,000
NEWLY UPDATED HOME on large lot in a great location of River Forest. Brand new eat-in kitchen. Four spacious BRs, two and half baths of which upstairs have radiant heated floors. Completely painted, refinished floors, newer windows. New staircase leading to the basement................................................................. $699,000
745 S TAYLOR • OAK PARK
704 MONROE • RIVER FOREST
638 N ELMWOOD • OAK PARK
1046 FRANKLIN • RIVER FOREST
CLASSIC OAK PARK HOME on a large corner lot in the Harrison Arts district. This four BR, three BA home boasts four levels of living space. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, vintage leaded glass windows, updated kitchen with breakfast bar. Finished 3rd floor, newly finished basement...................................................$549,000
VINTAGE CHARMER on tree lined cobblestone street. Warm, inviting home with lots of potential! Living room is centered with a cozy fireplace, separate dining room, bright kitchen and spacious family room. 2nd floor has 3 BRs and 1 full BA. Large deck overlooking backyard. ....................................................... $425,000
BEAUTIFUL HOME found in OP Historic District. Offers three large bedrooms, all with hardwood floors, two and a half bathrooms, new kitchen with butler pantry, full finished basement, over-sized backyard, brick paver patio, dog run, two car garage and two outdoor parking spaces.......................................$569,000
BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining......................................................................$1,975,000
RIVER FOREST HOMES
BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built has highest quality finishes. No detail missed. Brick and stone exterior, wrap around porch, eleven-foot ceilings, oversized windows. LL has 2K ft of living area.$1,525,000 GORGEOUS RESTORATION of stately RF home offers 3BRs, 4 full baths, recently updated kitchen/dining, art glass windows, French doors, hardwood floors, sun room and large family room. Fab finished basement. Private, beautifully landscaped, newly fenced yard with in ground pool.....................................$1,200,000 BEAUTIFUL BRICK & STONE CLASSIC HOUSE with a unique front wrap-around porch sits on a private park-like lot. Features 4 BRs, 2 full/2 half baths, natural wood, art glass windows, open kitchen with breakfast room, family room, mudroom, finished basement. Nothing will disappoint! .............................. $1,150,000 LOVELY SPLIT-LEVEL HOME offers newly refreshed contemporary style and wonderful space. Home offers three bedrooms, three brand new bathrooms, beautiful front entryway, vaulted ceiling family room, sun room, game room, deck, spectacular backyard, attached two car garage. ..................................$659,000
OPEN HOUSES SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2020 OAK PARK 1331 N HARLEM UNIT 2F • OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
PRISTINE ONE LARGE BEDROOM CONDO with hardwood floors on the 2nd level. Rental parking available behind building. Coin operated W&D, storage area. Great location with public bus transportation right outside front door. Lovely cared for building. Pets allowed. Take a look!................................................................$99,000
RIVER FOREST 1423 LATHROP • OPEN SUNDAY 12-2
HANDSOME TUDOR with classic original archway details beautifully blend w/ tasteful updated bathrooms and kitchen. Spacious formal living room with wood-burning fireplace. Lovely dining room with built-in corner cabinets. OUTSTANDING BACKYARD. Finished basement! .............................................................. $735,000
OAK PARK HOMES
LOVELY TRADITIONAL HOME, found in walkable Oak Park location, offers wonderful space for family and entertaining. Original details blend seamlessly with the updated 3 story addition. Offers 5 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, newer kitchen, abundant storage, family room, wine cellar. .................................$1,065,000
STUNNING RENOVATION with exquisite modern finishes. Solid brick home features new hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, wood burning fireplace, family room, 3 generously sized bedrooms. Spacious finished lower-level. Central air, and 3-car garage. Just Move in and Enjoy! .......................$629,500
Get Ready for the Spring Market! Contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis
NEW LISTING REHABBERS AND PROJECT LOVERS! Classic Oak Park American Square located in south Oak Park ready for major renovation. Some newer windows, some copper plumbing. Easy to show, easy to finish. Get the new year started with a fairly straight forward fix n flip. “As-is”............................. $199,900
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Two heated gar spaces.$479,000 RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Updated and move-in ready.$169,000 OAK PARK Two Flat..........................................................$669,000 OAK PARK Two Flat..........................................................$530,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2 BA. Three levels of space!...........$489,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full / 2 half BA. East facing balcony..$429,900 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2BA. Stunning, bright tri-level......$330,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. ...........................$299,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1/2BA. 3 floors of living! ...................$259,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. Bright corner unit. ........................$136,000
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
B2 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 15, 2020
OAK PARK
5 BR, 4 BA .....................................$799,000 Kathy & Tony Iwersen 708-772-8040 or 708-772-8041
OPEN SUNDAY 1 3 P.M. 1024 PLEASANT ST, UNIT 6
OAK PARK Beautiful renovation! 2,000 sq. ft., garage parking and views of Pleasant Home and Mills Park!
3 BR, 2 BA ..................................................................................................................... $392,000 Victoria Witt • 708-790-1319
JUST REDUCED!
OAK PARK
4 BR, 2.1 BA ..................................$799,000 Kathy & Tony Iwersen 708-772-8040 or 708-772-8041
OAK PARK Updated and expanded into a grand masterpiece!
4 BR, 3.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $750,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
OAK PARK
5 BR, 3.1 BA ...............................$1,167,500 Kathy & Tony Iwersen 708-772-8040 or 708-772-8041
RIVER FOREST Amazing renovated River Forest Ranch!
4 BR, 2.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $485,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
RIVER FOREST RIVER FOREST
3 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$549,900 Kathy & Tony Iwersen 708-772-8040 or 708-772-8041
Completely renovated one-of-a-kind Mid-Century modern masterpiece!
3 BR, 1.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $625,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com January 15, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B3
House Hunting? Find a Realtor. Find a home. Get a list of Open Houses. Every week, every day in RIVER FOREST
RIVER FOREST Stunning French Provincial with incredible kitchen!
Grand Southern Style Colonial on a half acre of property!
4 BR, 4.2 BA ............................................................................................................... $1,122,000
5 BR, 3.1 BA ............................................................................................................... $1,199,000
Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
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Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? 2019 2020 Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com ©2020 Belmont Village, L.P. | SC 52076
1 B4 OP_WednesdayJournal_1-15-20.indd View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 15, 2020
1/9/20 12:51 PM
OPEN SUN 13
OPEN SAT 122
OPEN SUN 122
427 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK
735 AUGUSTA ST, OAK PARK
234 S KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK
7660 WILCOX ST, FOREST PARK
932 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK
4 br, 4 ba $739,000
4 br, 2.1 ba $729,000
5 br, 2.1 ba $649,000
4 br, 3 ba $624,760
4 br, 3.1 ba $549,000
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
611 N RIDGELAND AVE, OAK PARK
130 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK
731 HAYES AVE, OAK PARK
300 N MAPLE AVE 16, OAK PARK
1108 S SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK
4 br, 1.1 ba $524,895
5 br, 1.1 ba $499,000
5 br, 2 ba $474,500
3 br, 2.1 ba $399,900
4 br, 2.1 ba $399,000
Jennifer Hosty 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Janet Rouse 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
Susan Abbott 708.848.5550
OPEN SAT 122
A new day in Chicago real estate
BHHSChicago.com OPEN SUN 13
1105 LYMAN AVE, OAK PARK
1024 PLEASANT ST 6, OAK PARK
1170 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK
839 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK
937 DUNLOP AVE, FOREST PARK
3 br, 2.1 ba $399,000
3 br, 2 ba $392,000
4 br, 2 ba $385,000
3 br, 1.1 ba $315,000
3 br, 2 ba $264,000
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Victoria Witt 708.848.5550
Robert Hann 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550
NEW LISTING
OPEN SUN 122
1110 HAYES AVE, OAK PARK
911 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK
200 HOME AVE 2C, OAK PARK
820 WASHINGTON BLVD 3, OAK PARK
500 WASHINGTON BLVD 102, OAK PARK
3 br, 1.1 ba $227,000
2 br, 2 ba $198,000
2 br, 1.1 ba $179,900
1 br, 1 ba $132,498
1 br, 1 ba $105,000
Beth Franken 708.848.5550
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
Susan Abbott 708.848.5550
BHHSChicago.com January 15, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B5
PRESERVATION Big jobs
from page B1 The jury awarded the Stewardship Award to the Linden Apartment Building, designed by John Van Bergen in 1916 at the cor ner of Linden Avenue and Ontario Street, for noteworthy upkeep efforts. Among other longterm maintenance work, the apartment association completed tuck-pointing work and landscape redesign. Homeowners Emily and Justin Hartung’s project on their home at 819 Woodbine Ave. received an award for rehabilitation. Working with Christopher Bremner of Compass Architecture and Jacknow Construction, the couple reworked their home’s front porch. Emily Hartung said that when they purchased the home four years ago, they reaped the benefits of a large kitchen and master
suite addition completed by previous owners, but the front of the home needed some love. “The front porch was not original to the house,” Hartung said. “At some point before 1930, someone added a porch, and at some point, it had been closed in and finished. It had sloped floors and multiple transitions, and only one window opened. We knew it was going to be a project when we bought the house.” Because their house is in a historic district, they had to seek Historic Preservation Commission approval of plans to alter the front of the home. Although the majority of their home is clapboard, there were two stucco columns at the front of the home. They could not determine whether those columns were original, but they did find a permit from 1927 for the porch construction. Hartung says because the stucco columns were added before 1930, they were required to keep them. During construction, they added two more stucco columns, kept the same footprint for the new porch and added a covered entrance for the main primary door at the side of the home. Hartung said that, as expected, they found a lot of surprises during the process. “With any 1904-era house, there are lots of surprises when you open things up,” she said. “We needed to stay really close to the street-facing look. It looks nice now, but it Courtesy Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission
RESTORATION AND REUSE: The John Van Bergen-designed Linden Apartments (bottom left) at Ontario and Linden earned the Stewardship Award for the building management’s efforts to preserve the integrity of the 1916 Prairie School design over many years. Meanwhile, Emily and Justin Hartung won a Rehabilitation Award for reworking the front porch of their home at 819 Woodbine Ave. (top right), which was added and enclosed in 1930. One Lake Brewing at Lake and Austin won an award for adaptive reuse for transforming the vacant former bank/funeral home into a sleek microbrewery with such elements as a two-story chandelier (top left) made from 324 beer bottles.
B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 15, 2020
definitely was an adjustment to our original budget and original plans. I think now when you pull up, it looks intentional. It fits into the neighborhood.” Trexler praised the Hartungs’ efforts to work with the Historic Preservation Commission throughout the design process. “It was great to see that they came to the architectural review because their project was so unique,” Trexler said. “They were able to discuss the details with our architectural review committee and ended up with a different design.” Trexler also called out the work of homeowner Steve Dorman, who worked with architect David Walker of Bruce Nagal and Partners and contractor Brett Williams of Elements Worx to transform the façade of his home at 326 N. Cuyler Ave., winning the Restoration Award. “They did historic research and found out the house originally had a front porch,” Trexler said. At some point in time, the porch had been removed, and Trexler says that adding the porch back “made a huge difference.” One Lake Brewing, at the corner of Lake Street and Austin Boulevard, won an award for interior adaptive reuse, and business owner Kristen Alfonsi says converting the former bank into a restaurant and brewery along with building owner Greg Sorg and architect Jim Lencioni of Aria Group Architects was a “huge undertaking.” The building had been a bank from 1919 through 1930, and was later used as a funer-
al home and credit card processing plant. It had been vacant for 10 years when they took on the project. “It had no electric, no plumbing” Alfonsi said. “It was in a sad little state.” After a two-year buildout process, the building at Lake and Austin retains what historic details remained, such as dentil moldings and wainscoting, and adds a style that Alfonsi calls a mix of modern and rustic, with tables and bar tops manufactured from salvaged pine flooring from a Ford motor showroom at Cermak Road and Michigan Avenue in Chicago. A two-story chandelier made of 324 beer bottles and created by Jeff Filo hangs from the second floor. “When you’re standing in the second floor, you can feel like what it was like to be in the bank building,” Alfonsi said. Trexler said the nomination process for the 2020 awards are rolling in and more information can be found on the village’s website oak-park.us/village-services/planning/ historic-preservation/preservation-awardwinners. The Historic Preservation Awards are part of the village’s annual community award ceremony which in 2019 recognized over 60 individuals, organizations and businesses with awards for Aging in Place, Cavalcade of Pride, Green and Disability Access. For a complete list of winners visit oak-park.us/news/2019-community-awardscelebrate-stewardship.
2019 Historic Preservation Award Winners One Lake Brewing 1 Lake St. Greg Sorg, Jason Alfonsi, Kristen Alfonsi & Shawn Stevens Jim Lencioni, Aria Group Architects
222 Forest Ave. Richard Weicher Chris Wollmuth, Chris Wollmuth Design S Ryan Construction Jaro Remodeling
Linden Apartments Linden Landmark Condominium Association Brian DeVinck, Association President, Architect Carol Yetken, Landscape Architect
326 N. Cuyler Ave. Steven Dorman David Walker, Bruce Nagel & Partners Brett Williams, Element Worx LLC
200 S. East Ave. Richard Hillengas & Susan O’Brien Vasquez Painting and Remodeling
819 Woodbine Ave. Emily & Justin Hartung Christopher Bremer, Compass Architecture, LLC Jacknow Construction Inc.
201 N. Harvey Ave. Stephan & Marjorie Benzkofer Rosanne McGrath, Studio M Architects Tom Sundling, Thomas Patrick Homes
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Wednesday ournalHomes.com See more photos from the 2019 Historic Preservation Awards and get the latest and most comprehensive real estate news, listings, and information online at www.WednesdayJournalHomes.com
January 15, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B7
No. 1 Oak Park Office!
3BR/2BA & a Stroller Parking (We get you.)
630 N East Ave | Oak Park $1,099,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik
1000 Fair Oaks Ave | Oak Park $880,000 Lloyd Behrenbruch
725 Belleforte Ave | Oak Park $799,000 Anne Ferri & Lynn Scheir
1133 W Chicago #3E | Oak Park $699,000 Kara & Jon Keller
507 Monroe Ave | River Forest $629,000 Ann Keeney
1110 N Grove Ave | Oak Park $589,900 Swati Saxena
949 Linden Ave | Oak Park $560,000 Patricia McGowan
547 N Ridgeland Ave | Oak Park $539,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik
1130 Paulina St | Oak Park $534,000 The Hughes Home Team
17 Forest Ave | River Forest $529,900 Patricia McGowan
235 S Marion Unit K | Oak Park $449,000 Bobbi Eastman
1139 S Elmwood Ave | Oak Park $424,000 Mary Carlin
244 Des Plaines Ave | Forest Park $399,000 Saretta Joyner
535 Lyman Ave | Oak Park $399,000 Kara & Jon Keller
1231 N Marion St | Oak Pak $389,000 Bobbi Eastman
1900 Cuyler Ave | Berwyn $359,000 Bethanny Alexander
103 Pine Ave | Riverside $330,000 Carla Taylor
426 Lombard 107-207 | Oak Park $259,500 Mike Lennox
222 N Grove Ave. 2B | Oak Park $215,000 Linda Von Vogt
7423 Madison #417 | Forest Park $205,000 Sally Sullivan
Source: BrokerMetrics® Detached and Attached only. 1/1/2018 - 12/ 31/2018
708.697.5900 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com | 1037 Chicago Ave. B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 15, 2020
Success
(suk’sess) noun. A favorable result, the gaining of wealth or fame, a successful thing.
Sunday, January 19, 2020 ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
426 N. Humphrey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $375,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2:30 1024 Pleasant St. UNIT 6, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $392,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
535 Lyman Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $399,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1218 N. Euclid Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 611 N. Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $524,895 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 932 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $549,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 838 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $579,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 7660 Wilcox St. Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $624,760 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 7660 Wilcox Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $624,760 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 507 Monroe Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $629,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 234 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $649,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service. The achievement of success has most often been neglected by those who would compromise and settle for second-best. ...unless you select the uncompromising real estate services of Tom Carraher. The successful choice in real estate. Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.
1423 Lathrop Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $735,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 725 Belleforte Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $799,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
1331 N. Harlem Ave. UNIT 2F, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
CONDOS
817 Lake St. UNIT 2N, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $124,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 200 Home Ave., Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $179,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 402, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Tom Carraher
110 S. Marion St. UNIT 403, OAK PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 17 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $529,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3:30 1133 W. Chicago Ave. UNIT 3E, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
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January 15, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B9
PREVIEW HOUSE Produced by the Advertising Department
JUST LISTED
UNDER CONTRACT
400 FOREST AVE, OAK PARK $1,167,500 :: 5 BED :: 3.5 BATH
1447 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST $595,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH
Frank Lloyd Wright historic district - beautiful 1 acre lot.
Brick & stone English cottage, on a beautiful cul-de-sac street.
NEW PRICE
UNDER CONTRACT
JUST LISTED
906 COLUMBIAN, OAK PARK $799,000 :: 4 BED :: 2.5 BATH
620 LATHROP, RIVER FOREST $549,900 :: 3 BED :: 3.5 BATH
1023 WENONAH, OAK PARK $799,000 :: 5 BED :: 4 BATH
Beautiful totally new renovation top to bottom. Great location.
Charming totally updated home with new kitchen & baths. Great location.
Unique Victorian in Lincoln School district. Renovated kitchen & baths.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
S W NE
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Two Homes in One
W
ith two separate and unique living spaces, 725 Belleforte is located on a charming vintage brick street in a prime Oak Park location! An artfully designed apartment over the attached two car garage includes a modern kitchen, open living room/ bedroom spaces, a full bath and a private entrance. It is an ideal situation for an in-law apartment, nanny quarters, a suite for college graduates rebounding home, Airbnb, or a home office. The move-in ready main house has three bedrooms, plus three full and one half baths. The large cook’s kitchen has cherry cabinets, stainless appliances, a center island, walk-in pantry and a casual eating area. A wonderful family room opens to a two level deck and a large fenced yard. The beautiful master suite offers two walk-in closets, a luxurious bath and a private office space. Additional features of the home include a gas fireplace in the living room, a three zoned AC system, and a semi-finished basement with good storage. 725 Belleforte offers easy access to downtown Oak Park, the Lake St. L, and Metra. It is currently listed for $799,000. For more information or to schedule a showing contact Lynn Scheir, 708-267-8748, or Anne Ferri,708.267.2113, at Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest.
189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400
HomesInTheVillage.com
Featured Listings for This Week
Erika Villegas,
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Oak Park $450,000 5BR, 3BA Joe x117
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7660 Wilcox Ave Open Sat 12-2 pm Forest Park $624,760 4BR, 3BA Laurie x186
838 Fair Oaks Ave Open Sun 1-3 pm Oak Park $579,900 5BR, 3.2BA Marion x111
Morgan Digre
Patti Sprafka-Wagner
Ed Goodwin
Harry Walsh
January 15, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
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presents A Wednesday Journal & A Tribe Called Aging Production
wabi sabi F I L M F E S T I V A L
Appreciating the beauty of impermanence, a quarterly Film Series encouraging everyone to embrace and respect our aging population and the transformation of our society.
LivesWell
Our First Film Event of 2020:
AUDIENCE AWARD SECOND PLACE
MAINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Lived
OFFICIAL SELECTION
SANTA BARBARA
A film by Sky Bergman
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
AUDIENCE AWARD
DOCUTAH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
BEST OF THE FEST
NEVADA CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
LIVES WELL LIVED Celebrating the Secrets, Wit and Wisdom of
Age
40 people. 3000 years of collective life experience.
Lives Well Lived | lives-well-lived.com
Admission: $2 • Tickets available PRESS KIT day of event at The Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St, Oak Park Sky Bergman, Filmmaker (805) 215-8684 lives.well.lived@gmail.com
Signature Sponsors
Friday, January 24th 10am
What the heck is the Wabi Sabi Film Festival?
T
his is a film festival about aging, a film festival for older people, though everyone is welcome to attend. Following the film, stay in your seats; we’ll have an interactive discussion about topics from each film. Every three months we’ll show a different film connected to the theme of aging, followed by interactive discussion. By the way, wabi sabi isn’t the green spicy stuff at the sushi restaurant. It is the Japanese world view that appreciates the beauty of impermanence. As I write in my current blog on the IONS website (noetic.org/blog/aging-is-inherently- noetic/): The Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi is an appreciation of the beauty of impermanence — like the wooden banister in an aging house, stroked by thousands of hands over the years, wobbly, chipped, out of alignment, yet oh so beautiful. Teenagers strive for instant Wabi Sabi by buying already torn and ripped blue jeans, but they fall short. Wabi Sabi takes time, as does reaching our noetic phase of life. And like that aged wooden bannister, older people can be wrinkled and wobbly and still be beautiful people.
Host and moderator, Elizabeth White, author of 55, Underemployed and Faking Normal. Ms. White will introduce the film and facilitate the in-theater interactive discussion following the movie.
Non Profit Patron Sponsors
Oak Park Township/River Forest Township
A TRIBE CALLED
AGING
RSVP & Share at Facebook.com/pg/wednesdayjournalinc/events January 15, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
Flaming Dragon
RAMEN: (Above) Tonkatsu ramen at Inari features handmade noodles, pork broth, pork belly and softboiled egg with bamboo shoots, mushrooms and garlic oil. CHEF’S SELECTION: (Left) A lunch special at Inari features spicy tuna maki and albacore tuna, yellow tail, tuna, salmon and snapper sashimi for just $15.
Spicy garlic miso ramen
Salmon & Tuna poke bowl
Always Delicious!
MELISSA ELSMO/Contributo
Fresh, healthy, delicious. That’s Inari Sushi
Sashimi Deluxe
Nine years on Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Row
XiangWen Ma, Marco A. Hernandez, Sara Kate, Sophie Bebis
(708) 583-2300 7428 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707 www.InariSushi.com
— the standard-setting sushi bar located on Randolph Street in Chicago that closed in 2012. “I am lucky to have learned from the best-of-the-best.” says Kate proudly. Relying on the wisdom of hen it comes to chefs from some of the great sushi, Inari owner, Chicago sushi houses helped Sara Kate, learned Kate establish quality ingredifrom the best. The ent sourcing practices. This enthusiastic restauattention to detail has helped rateur has owned Inari Sushi, distinguish the North Avenue 7428 W. North Ave. in Elmwood restaurant from others of its Park, for nearly 9 years, but Food Writer kind in the western suburbs. had more than a decade of “Some sushi restaurants place experience prior to opening the orders once a week,” says Kate, Restaurant Row sushi bar. “but we order many times a week to make Kate spent years in management at Tank sure we offer the freshest ingredients posSushi in Lincoln Square and maintains sible.” industry ties to the folks behind Sushi Wabi
W
MELISSA ELSMO
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O N S O R E D
B15
C O N T E N T
Winter Specials January + February
Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday BENTO: (Above) Inari’s lunch special bento box, shown here with tempura vegetables, salad, rice and California roll. EDAMAME: (Left) Twisting tradition, Inari offers edamame with garlic. MELISSA ELSMO/Contributor
Kate credits Inari’s enduring success to a steady stream of longtime and loyal customers. As word started to spread about Inari’s “sushi first” approach to Japanese fare Kate saw customers coming into the restaurant from neighboring communities. As consumers began looking for healthier menu options, Inari had dishes to meet those evolving desires. “I feel like there are many children in the area who have grown up with us.” says Kate, “but I also know we have benefitted from a more diverse customer base looking for healthy and affordable meals.” Just consider Inari’s reasonably priced and health conscious lunch options. The “maki select” special starts at just $10 for a duo of fresh maki rolls and a piping hot bowl of miso soup, while bento boxes featuring beef, chicken, salmon, or tempura come with a soup, salad, and California roll start at $14. The Sushi bar lunch entrée features a chef ’s selection of five assorted pieces of nigiri sushi and spicy tuna maki. On the day we visited we were offered dressed albacore tuna, yellow tail, tuna, salmon and
“I feel like there are many children in the area who have grown up with us. But I also know we have benefitted from a more diverse customer base looking for healthy and affordable meals.” SARA KATE Inari owner
snapper. The colorful array of fresh fish came garnished with a whimsical carved butterfly made from carrot and a vibrant edible orchid. Inari appetizers like garlic edamame put a twist on tradition while their indulgent rock shrimp appetizer features tempura fried shrimp in a sweet and spicy glaze. See SUSHI on page B16
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B16
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
SUSHI
Inari in Elmwood Park from page B15 “People hesitate to order the rock shrimp because they don’t know what to expect,” says Kate, “but once they give it a try, they get hooked.” Kate also encourages patrons to try their trendy Poke Bowls. Protein like sashimi tuna and salmon or tempura tofu combined with rice, assorted vegetables and sweet soy sauce offers guests the refreshing fare Inari is known for. Dine-in guests looking for a little excitement would do well to order the flaming dragon roll. A good introduction to sushi for novice diners, the baked roll is stuffed with shrimp tempura and topped with delicate slices of salmon and super white tuna. The roll is garnished with black tobiko and served on a flaming platter. While Inari’s sleek interior welcomes guests from near and far, Kate is thrilled with her restaurant’s Elmwood Park location. She enjoys local customers and relishes in the Village of Elmwood Park’s ongoing support of all restaurants in the area. “This is a lovely community to be a part of,” says Kate. “We’re like family on Restaurant Row.”
MELISSA ELSMO/Contributo
ROCK SHRIMP: (Above) Guests get hooked on Inari’s rock shrimp appetizer featuring tempura fried shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce. DESSERT: (Left) Indulgent banana eggs rolls come fried to crispy golden brown and drizzled with chocolate and a raspberry dipping sauce.
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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com
VIEWPOINTS
The pursuit of equity II
L
ast month I wrote about two of the four concepts that guide my understanding of the pursuit of equity — the “we” and the personal equity journey. Here are the other two: leading with grace and action over thoughts. Leading with grace requires the most effort of the four for me. I have multiple examples of how this looks, but observing and regular practice are two different things. Extending grace to those who do things that hurt you is not necessarily an intrinsic response; it takes work. A quite natural response is to strike back and have little patience for other’s stumbles or lack of change. The purpose of showing grace is not to be kind, nor is it a sign of weakness. Rather, grace is often what’s required to get results. Most folks don’t respond well to being called on their mess; and yet this is required to move us toward more equitable systems. Positive change will not happen if folks are allowed to continue business as usual. So the challenge continues to lie in how to get people to change. There is no one way that works for all folks in all situations. Some will respond to reason or conscience, while others may go along with the prevailing view. Still others will stay steadfast in their unwillingness to either change their own behavior or support a change of systems that will lead to more equitable and fair outcomes. Facing this challenge with grace does not mean tolerance of inaction, but it does require leaving room for realization and improvement, and in turn leaves room for dealing with your own mess and growth. This only happens when folks are not engaged in battle. In battle, you either fight to the death, to a standstill or until someone surrenders. Seldom is there sustainable progress. Leading with grace is viewed by some as practicing respectability politics — the set of beliefs holding that conformity to socially acceptable or mainstream standards of appearance and behavior will protect a member of a marginalized or minority group from prejudices and systemic injustices. The focus on grace has less to do with how you are perceived and more to do with recognition of human behavior and how you are most likely to achieve the desired result. Avoiding a scorched earth approach leaves room in the end for continued work and relationship. In practice this means language matters. The snide comments found in many comment sections and Facebook posts simply don’t help and only serve to further entrench parties. Debilitating call-outs, canceling, or trashing leave no room for change. I am trying to learn how to channel my great-aunt, Sista Emma. She had a wonderful balance of firmness and grace in the way she would challenge others to think about their intent and their actions and whether the two aligned. She was managing social dynamics before there was a workshop. Her approach was born of a lifetime of navigating all the “isms” while finding a way to address them. That’s how she kept her soul and values intact. It was always fascinating to watch the difference between her approach and my grandmother’s, a woman who did not suffer fools lightly. Both got results, but
LINDA FRANCIS
See FRANCIS on page 22
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
19
U.S. Senate Profiles in Courage? p. 20
Changing the world, one piece of litter at a time
e have residents here who are dedicated to cleaning up litter. These community-minded people can find a kindred spirit in an unlikely place — Baghdad. A courageous young woman named Alyaa Shakir has founded a movement to clean the streets of the Iraqi capital. Alyaa didn’t start out to become a community activist. The 28-year-old simply wanted to break down barriers that women face in Iraq’s maledominated society. A brilliant student, she obtained her master’s degree in geology from the University of Baghdad. It is rare for a female to obtain a degree in Iraq, but Alyaa was just getting started. She persistently applied for the university’s PhD program until she was finally accepted. In the meantime, she married Laith Ihsan, an engineer with an expertise in environmental safety. The problem facing these newlyweds was they could
not find jobs in their fields. Instead they joined other young Iraqis in anti-government protests that began on Oct. 1 in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. Iraqi soldiers have been ruthless in putting down these protests. They’ve killed hundreds of Alyaa’s comrades. She was on the frontlines with her husband when troops fired a tear gas canister at them. The explosion damaged Alyaa’s hearing and caused chemical burns to her husband’s face. So Alyaa chose a new tactic to protest Iraq’s policies. She peacefully cleans the streets, where the protests are taking place. Culturallyspeaking, Iraqis are not tidy. They tend to toss their trash everywhere. Alyaa is a clean freak. She printed up anti-littering fliers to pass out and got down on the pavement to pick up trash. The litter problem was compounded by the protests. To counteract the effects of tear gas, protesters pour cola down their faces. There
JOHN RICE
Photo provided
BRAVE: Alyaa Shakir, whose hearing was damaged in a recent protest in Baghdad, has made it her mission to pick up trash in the streets.
are empty Pepsi containers strewn everywhere in the streets. A photo of Alyaa cleaning the streets went viral. Her pink gym shoes became famous and she became known as the “Protector of Baghdad.” She risks her life daily to clean the streets and has attracted over 1,000 volunteers. Her efforts have created a cleaning movement. Being a female activist in Baghdad is risky. Besides enduring attacks from government forces, Alyaa’s followers have been targeted by militia groups. Three of her cleaning crew have been kidnapped. Alyaa has a strong personality, though, and doesn’t back down from anyone. She even has a logo — depicting a person holding a mop and a bucket. I know about Alyaa’s story because her sister, Ella, worked for me. Alyaa and I connected by email. Ella is a hero herself, having served as a translator for U.S. troops on patrol in Iraq. It was encouraging for Alyaa to learn we have like-minded people here. She thinks it’s ironic that Americans are punished by having to pick up litter as part of community service. She considers it a privilege to clean and hose down the pavement, so that protesters don’t have to deal with filth. “After the revolution, we won’t throw garbage,” Alyaa declared. She also wrote a personal message to the residents of Forest Park: “Love your village as you would your house, and don’t ever look at it as a chore. If you saw the amount of garbage me and my crew are picking up every day from the kindness of our hearts, you would never litter in public.” Some may think that litter is trivial compared to other problems Iraqis face. But powerful movements begin in small ways — like a woman refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Alyaa noted how cleaning can destroy stereotypes. “Men give women a helping hand in cleaning without feeling shame.” “If there is one thing this revolution taught me,” Alyaa said, “it’s that change starts with the people. Our voice is heard through our actions.”
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
O U R
V I E W S
Refining and denying developments
T
here’s a lot to be said for public hearing processes in Oak Park. January opened with two notable but medium-sized proposals heading to either the Plan Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both hearings were lengthy. Both rightly brought out a slew of immediate neighbors. And both ended with continuances as developers were sent back either to the proverbial drawing board or to gather more information. The plan commission heard a proposal to replace a decrepit commercial building at Madison and Gunderson with a supersized apartment project. The eager developer overreached with a doubling of allowed-by-right units in the project — 48 vs. 24 units. Also concerning to neighbors and to us is the access to parking under the proposed building. The driveway would come off Gunderson, one of the narrower streets in the area. Not a reasonable plan, at least not at 48 units. We agree with neighbors and, seemingly with plan commissioners, who criticized the proposed architectural design. Substandard. Not ambitious. Unacceptable. Hard to design buildings by commission or worse, by taking the advice of neighbors. A simple thumbs down and expectation of aiming higher should suffice. All that said, we are on perpetual NIMBY alert and found the objection of one neighbor, complaining that apartment balconies would put their backyards into view, an inadequate objection. Once more, buy a house adjacent to a commercial strip and you give up some right to complain as commercial uses shift. A compromise will be reached here. And the continuing transition of Madison Street from a commercial strip of obsolete buildings and uses into a residential hub is one of village government’s true victories of recent years. The rezoning of Madison to allow this to flower, the bold expectation that, if the village consolidated its redevelopment efforts between East Avenue and Home, private developers would spread out from there is proving true. Down Roosevelt way, a street that time has not improved, residents there turned out at a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing to largely but not completely object to a Taco Bell being pushed for the Oak Park intersection of Austin Boulevard and Roosevelt. Most recently an undistinguished but oversized bank branch, this parcel awaits new development. Our friends at Taco Bell, forever remembered as the inventor of what obese America really doesn’t need, the Fourth Meal, are going to get a complex if their effort to invade Oak Park is turned down again. But we hope they are turned down again. Sitting at the crappy crossroads of Cicero, Chicago and Oak Park, we really need to aim higher than a Taco Bell. Everything about this sad intersection calls for reinvention. Fast food drivethru is capitulation, not reinvention. Too many substandard bars and too many depressing liquor stores already line the Cicero contribution to this piece of God’s green Earth. Recall that neighbors on Madison rose up to block Taco Bell’s introduction at the long vacant Madison and Lyman corner. So what has followed on that site? Currently under construction, a handsome apartment complex. That is what should go on the corner of Roosevelt and Austin. Let the bank company that still owns the corner pay the taxes and keep the weeds down. And let’s be a little patient, a little hopeful, a little ambitious that better days are ahead for Roosevelt Road.
V I E W P O I N T S
Where political courage resides To be courageous requires no exceptional qualifications, no magic formula, no special combination of time, place and circumstance. It is an opportunity that sooner or later is presented to us all. Politics merely furnishes one arena which imposes special tests of courage. In whatever arena of life one may meet the challenge of courage, whatever may be the sacrifices he faces if he follow his conscience — the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow men — each man must decide for himself the course he will follow. The stories of past courage can define that ingredient — they can teach, they can offer hope, they provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.
with blatant abuse of presidential power, a president misusing his office to falsely smear a potential opposing candidate, Democrats had two choices: do nothing (political cowardice) or do their job (holding Trump accountable for his actions). With no political reward in sight, they did their job as the Constitution envisioned it. It’s quite a remarkable thing. At a time when most Americans have lost all faith in their system of government, one party rose to an occasion, putting country and democracy ahead of political ambitions. Every purely political instinct says, “Don’t take that risk. Play it safe.” But letting an out-of-control president get away with no checks whatsoever on his misuse of power would have been to surrender altogether, to make clear that our system of government really is a fraud, that voters are right to have no faith in it. That everything we grew up believing about our country and our democracy is a lie. That we are all at the mercy of purely political power struggles. That we are now just some ruthless mash-up of Game of Thrones and House of Cards. We are not West Wing anymore, and if we ever were, that’s long gone, never to return. Conscience may be the last resort in our political system, but when pushed to that extreme, the Democrats in the House stood up and were counted. We have such a long way to go from the wall we’re backed against. Trump will, of course, be acquitted by his bootlickers in the Senate. American voters will have to rise to the occasion and prevent the catastrophe of another Trump term, another Republican Senate, and a 6-3 conservative Supreme Court (or worse) for at least another generation. The system of government that saw us through the Depression, World War II, and Civil Rights may yet fail. Nonetheless, I find it heartening and inspiring that the Democrats in the House found the political courage to prove that it’s still possible for the system to work the way it was intended, providing a necessary check on the corrupting influence of power on the executive branch. It allowed me to take off my cynical armor and believe again. If only for a moment.
KEN
TRAINOR
John F. Kennedy
A
Profiles in Courage
s Democrats and Republicans haggle over what sort of kangaroo court Moscow Mitch McConnell will eventually impose on the cowardly lions of the Republican Senate, we should take just a moment to recognize and appreciate that something truly remarkable has taken place: politicians rising above politics. Republicans say the impeachment of Donald Trump is entirely political. And they’re right. It is entirely political — for them. Republicans in Congress are incapable of anything else. They can’t imagine any politician rising above a purely political calculus or that any action could be governed and guided by anything other than politics. And a lot of Americans would agree. That’s how jaded we’ve become. We’re so cynical, we find it inconceivable that our elected federal officials could be motivated by ethics, morality, conscience, and what’s good for the country, not just their own re-election prospects. The only Republicans who can conceive of such a thing have retired or have switched parties (Justin Amash). How can you tell when a politician has risen above politics? When they do something that will likely put their political futures in jeopardy — which is to say, raising their odds of not being re-elected. That’s just what the Democrats in the House of Representatives did when they impeached President Donald Trump. This is what’s known as “political courage,” something that hasn’t existed in the Republican Party at the national level since the death of John McCain. Even though many, if not all, Republican senators know that Trump is guilty of abuse of power, not a single one will muster enough political courage to vote for his removal. Political courage is a rare commodity in any era. In the 1950s, John F. Kennedy wrote a book titled, Profiles in Courage, detailing examples of senators who voted their conscience even though they paid a political price. It wasn’t a long book (eight profiles) and Ted Sorenson wrote most of it. Nevertheless, it set up a paradigm to follow. These days, political courage at the national level can only be found in the Democratic Party. That doesn’t mean Democrats aren’t motivated by political considerations — probably 80 percent of the time, maybe 90. Oh hell, let’s say 98 percent. But not always. They proved it by impeaching Trump in spite of the political risks. It could cost them greatly in November. Faced
It would be much easier if we could all continue to think in traditional political patterns — of liberalism and conservatism, as Republicans and Democrats, management and labor, business and consumer or some equally narrow framework. It would be more comfortable to continue to move and vote in platoons, joining whomever of our colleagues are equally enslaved by some current fashion, raging prejudice or popular movement. But today this nation cannot tolerate the luxury of such lazy political habits. Only the strength and progress and peaceful change that come from independent judgment and individual ideas — and even from the unorthodox and the eccentric — can enable us to surpass that ideology that fears free thought more than it fears hydrogen bombs. We shall need compromises in the days ahead, to be sure. But these should be compromises of issues, not of principles. We can compromise our political positions, but not ourselves.
John F. Kennedy
Profiles in Courage
V I E W P O I N T S
Are we looking to 2020 with 20/20 vision?
Y
esterday morning, Pastor Walter Mitty woke up feeling something like sadness. He thought about it as he was getting dressed and decided that melancholy was the best word he could think of to describe his troubled spirit. He turned up the heat in the parsonage kitchen and took a few swallows of the leftover Dunkin Donuts iced coffee he had put in the fridge the day before. Coffee always seemed to brighten his mood a little. As he pondered his internal lack of serenity, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. It was his next door neighbor, Michael Rosenthal. “It’s Michael, Walt. You doing anything tomorrow evening?” “No, as a matter of fact. Have anything in mind?” “Nothing in particular. I’m just feeling kind of blue. Ruth has been gone for over 10 years, but especially during the holidays I still miss her. Are you up for walking over to the Retro and maybe planning something?” As they leisurely strolled the three blocks to Zaphne’s store and coffee shop, Michael talked about the feelings that flooded over him. “Walt, you know how they picture the New Year as a baby? Like January 1 is supposed to be a time to start over with a sense that the future is full of possibilities?” Michael chuckled and said, “This may sound silly, but last Saturday I tried to make myself feel better by getting my menorah out, lighting the candles and putting on a CD of Christmas music.” It was Pastor Walt’s turn to chuckle. “Pretty ecumenical of you, Michael.” “Maybe, but it backfired. The third song on the album was ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ and when Sinatra sang ‘through the years we all will be together if the fates allow,’ I broke down.” When they walked into the Retro, Zaphne greeted them with a polite “Happy New Year” but without her usual wink and affectionate smile. The two sat down with their caramel lattes. Noticing that Zaphne’s “music” didn’t match her “lyrics,” Michael asked, “Are you OK?” “It shows, huh?” was Zaphne’s reply. “So what’s going on?” “Well,” Zaphne drew a deep breath, “I find myself feeling angry these last few days every time I talk to anyone over 40.” The two friends looked into their coffee cups trying to
hide their discomfort. “See, you guys had your big crusade. You were inspired by Dr. King’s dream, and you each did your own little thing to make a difference. It’s not perfect now, but it’s a lot better. But in the meantime, your generation screwed up the environment so badly that my generation might not be able to put the toothpaste back in the tube, so to speak, and on top of that it will take me until I’m your age before my college debt is paid off.” Zaphne left the two men to serve another customer. Michael shook his head and said, “Does anyone have hope for the future these days?” Mitty suddenly realized why he was feeling out of sorts. He had heard pundits on the news predicting that the whole impeachment spectacle might unintentionally help Trump win a second term. And he realized that not feeling in control of the future was often the reason he would get depressed. “Henry dropped into my office last Saturday,” Pastor Walt found himself saying. “You mean homeless Henry?” “Yeah. Well, I asked him how he was doing and he told me he was doing great. When I asked how he could feel great when he had been homeless for over a year and there were no prospects in sight that he would get off the streets, he said that Sammy the Squirrel told him 2020 was going to be the year when his ship would come in and everything would be OK.” “Sammy the Squirrel told him that?” “I know. I know. But Michael, I do wonder sometimes if you have to be a little crazy to feel optimistic in these times, when everything seems to be falling apart.” After pondering that, Michael asked, “Doesn’t St. Paul say something about hope and the future in one of his letters?” Mitty searched his memory for a few seconds and replied, “You mean that passage where he says we are saved by hope and the hope that is seen is not hope? Like hope is a way of walking into the future, even when so-called reality makes you want to despair?” “Yeah, that’s the one,” Michael answered. After draining the rest of his latte, he asked, “So, Pastor Mitty, how do you pull that off ?” Tom Holmes writes a column twice-monthly for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor
TOM
HOLMES
River Forest needs a real affordable housing plan If you care about being able to continue to live in River Forest or about maintaining what little diversity the village has, it’s critical that you attend and speak out this Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., at River Forest Village Hall (400 Park) during the Plan Commission’s public hearing on the painfully inadequate draft “Affordable Housing Plan.” The draft plan is no plan at all. Like the “Comprehensive Plan” that the previous village board adopted, it fails to commit the village to preserve existing housing that our neighbors with modest incomes can afford — seniors, teachers, librarians, bank managers and tellers, our recent college graduates, most households with an income under the village’s $107,000 median. And it includes nothing to facilitate the addition of new housing our neighbors of modest incomes can afford when their housing is taken for new developments in the North Avenue and Madison Avenue TIF districts where the village wants to replace
existing housing with new building that is unaffordable to the current residents of these neighborhoods. With three in 10 River Forest households “cost burdened,” (spending 30 percent or more on housing) and one fourth of village tenants severely cost-burdened (spending over half their income on rent), we can ill afford to adopt an “Affordable Housing Plan” that is unresponsive to the needs of our River Forest neighbors. Get more details on the plan, including a copy highlighting what’s wrong with it and how to fix it, at http://www. riverforestmatters.com. And be sure to attend next Tuesday’s Plan Commission hearing — this plan is the only item on the agenda. The Plan Commission needs to hear from you.
Daniel Lauber
River Forest
Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Mark Moroney, Scot McIntosh Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Bobbie Rollins-Sanchez Revenue & Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
FRANCIS
The pursuit of equity from page 19 there were fewer cleanups in the wake of Sista Emma’s actions and less backsliding. Another challenge lies in knowing with whom and when grace should be shown. Some folks will never appreciate the attempt and need a heavier hand, but I find them to be the minority. The goal with them is to just get them out of the way, not bring them on the journey. The last concept is very simple and probably the hardest — action. At some point all of this needs to go beyond thought. All of the best intentions, training, discussions and reflection are for naught if racism, sexism, classism and the other dividing ills still plague our community and country. That is why I also seek to learn from the wonderful women who have been tirelessly doing the work in our community, with grace: Jackie Moore, Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, Gina Harris, Wendy Daniels, Natalie Thompson, Sheree Johnson, Frances Kraft, Mak Flournoy, Reesheda Graham Washington, Pem Hessing, Maya Puentes, Athena Green Williams, Juanta Griffin, Arti Walker- Peddakotla, Dot Lambshead Roche, Lisa Pintado-Vertner, Swati Saxena, Stacey Austin, Anna Garcia Doyle, Libbey Paul, Cate Readling, Susan Lucci, Melanie McQueen, Burcy Hines, Cassandra West, Carolina Song, Erika Bachner and so many others. Real systemic change that can be felt by the marginalized and measured over time must be the goal. That means we must take the leap toward our values, toward the “we” and toward change. We should not need to have this same conversation 25 years from now.
Trump descends yet another step lower Early in 2001, before the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban blasted into oblivion two enormous Sixth Century Buddha statues carved into the side of a mountain in the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan. I was outraged at the wanton destruction of these precious and irreplaceable works of religious art. I wrote my senators and representative at the time, demanding action be taken against these barbarians. To my horror, President Donald Trump has just threatened to obliterate Persepolis and 50 other priceless and irreplaceable historical and archeological sites in Iran. Our president has descended to the level of senseless barbarism of our worst enemies.
Tom DeCoursey Oak Park
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Aging into the wisdom of knowing the difference
T
his month, this year marks my official entry into the retirement years. Because I am turning 66, I can collect Social Security, Medicare and retirement benefits. How did I get here? It seems like only yesterday I was a 6-year-old kid sitting on the curb by the white wall in Cabrini Green making mud pies as I pondered a concept known as the future. I actually remember thinking about the year 2020 and being unable to imagine myself at that age and what it would be like. I can still recall being in wonderment at the notion that one day it would occur and in awe of what it would be like should I live to see it. I haven’t had a perfect life. But I am content with the life I’ve had. I have been the captain of my own ship, steering my life for the most part in the way it went. There is a famous Serenity Prayer on which I have based my life’s journey. It goes: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. One of the most compelling things about that prayer is the determination and acceptance of what cannot change. I learned many years ago that I cannot control someone else’s behavior, but I can control my response to it. That’s a lesson applicable to the majority of us, and especially within the black community. An obvious example: Racism exists. But it should not be the singular limitation determinant of what one can or cannot do. Sadly, with so
many opportunities available today that were not there 60 years ago, I am concerned seeing so many young people today who bandy that word about, and thus limit themselves because of a perceived hindrance. In a lot of ways, I embraced the courage to change things. When my daughter was a toddler, I was given the opportunity to go back to school tuition-free. Even though it meant I literally lost a year of her life, working eight hours and then dedicating another six hours at school, I did it. That decision and that education was a major game-changer for me. I took on the professional work environment which transformed me from the mindset of an hourly worker to the freer environment of a salaried worker, where bosses didn’t get upset if you were 10 minutes late coming back from lunch, and a simple phone call to let them know you would be in late was met with understanding as opposed to stern admonishments. I have aged into the wisdom to know the difference. It is a learned experience to know that there are some battles worthy to take on, while other battles just aren’t worth it. Cleaning up the black community, for instance, is a battle we need to take on. This year also marks the 155th anniversary of the end of
slavery. And it marks the end of the first score of the 21st century. 2020 should be our clarion call, like perfect 20/20 vision, as the year when every descendant of an enslaved African clearly visualizes their road to success based on their own personal accountability. America has never been perfect. For the descendants of enslaved Africans, the “Make America Great Again” slogan has never been our reality. But even for those who do embrace that slogan as reality, to become the country that America is, it had to fight numerous brother-brother (BB) wars. The American Revolution (1775-1783) had the 13 British colonies fighting against their relatives in Great Britain for independence. The first person to die at the beginning of that war? Crispus Attucks, a black man. The War of 1812 was another BB war: the USA vs the United Kingdom (Great Britain and her allies). The greatest BB war was the Civil War, Union soldiers in the North vs Confederate soldiers from the South. America established slavery. America ended slavery. Although only four months in length, the Spanish-American War of 1898 between Spain and America ended Spain’s colonial rule in the Americas, gave us Puerto Rico as a territory and is another notch on the BB war belt. Through all those conflicts,
ARLENE JONES
the lives and blood of black America ran as deep as anyone else who makes claims to it. The majority of the descendants of enslaved Africans have no desire to be anywhere else but here. So as we move into the next decade in our adopted country, it is time we embrace America as our own and move forward. As we take those first steps forward in our 2020/20-20 journey, there are those who are going to be left behind. Just like the BB wars of others, we are going to have one within the black community. Ours will not be a physical fight though. It will be the realization that just because you look like us doesn’t make you one of us. And as we struggle to progress, we must accept the reality that we cannot save those who don’t want to be saved. From the education our children get in school, to the personal education we undertake to move forward in this country, it is a journey we take on collectively, though in truth it is an individual responsibility. There are two things we can do to begin this journey. The first is to reject the criminal behavior of those among us. This is especially important now. With the legalization of marijuana sales by the state, and the taxes coming from it, the police are now authorized to begin to crack down on the competition (aka street-level sales). Arlene Jones writes a weekly column for our sister publication, the Austin Weekly News.
Growing Community.
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
Learning the 9 lessons of Christmas … the hard way
think we are all in agreement that the holiday season is a time for reflection, a time for coming together, and a time for friends and family, kith and kin, to learn some things. I don’t wish to brag, but my personal family did very well at that part of Christmas this year. We learned an enormous number of lessons in the span of maybe an hour and a half, and out of an abundant generosity of spirit, I am now going to share those lessons with all of you. The First Lesson: Even the youngest among us can have valuable wisdom to share. In this case the specific wisdom shared by the smallest among us went something like this: “I don’t think you should ride my hoverboard in the house.” Wise words from a 9-year-old. A festive reminder that prudence and caution are important values. With those words, Nine really captured the true spirit of the family holiday season; deep down, aren’t we all just trying not to get hurt? Alas, her warning went unheeded by one specific bold adventurer, who elected to overrule Nine’s cautiousness (and also two other nearly identical warnings issued by Twelve and Thirty) which led directly to … The Second Lesson: If you must ride a hoverboard in the house, it turns out that a narrow hallway carpeted in unanchored throw rugs is a suboptimal test track. Who knew, right? Rugs are great for traction. The dogs don’t skitter and scrabble on them. They aren’t slippery when wet. Even rucked, these rugs are not going to trip you up, but just get kicked out of the way. However … The Third Lesson: Throw rugs might be helpful under paws and feet but they are considerably disadvantageous as a surface for wheels. NTSB investigators suspect the fringe gets wrapped around the axle, analogous to what happens when you try to vacuum the rugs. We’re a little hazy on the exact mechanical difficulty encountered, though, because Lesson Three was quickly followed by … Lesson Four: In the event of an abrupt and unplanned dismount, those fetching little woven-rag throw rugs are beyond useless as cushions. This might be Lesson Five, really. (I dithered on whether Lesson Five was really Lesson Four and vice-versa for much, much longer than I care to admit, which is clearly saying something.) You be the judge when we get to … Lesson Five: If one has broken one’s arm, one is probably aware of that right away, and so are the people in one’s vicinity. What happens is that you hit the floor, and when someone asks you if you are all right, you hold up your arm and, in a tone of interested surprise, you say, “I think I broke my arm.”
Most of the people who can see the speed of the swelling, even those in the room who are not medical people, will agree that it sure looks like you did. Even if it isn’t gruesome — no compound fracture or unsightly bulge or nauseating Theismann-esque new bend — you will learn … The Sixth Lesson: Because a broken arm is surprisingly evident at a glance, the family will spring into action, helping the injured into a chair, creating a splint from a pillow and duct tape, calling local emergency rooms to assess wait times, and bursting into tears because “I said not to do that!!!!” The Seventh Lesson: In times of crisis, our family gets very focused. One of us went, turned off all the burners on the stove and began putting the par-cooked dinner away. Two of us consoled Nine. Two of us treated the intrepid rider. One of us came downstairs, having missed much of the initial commotion, and casually asked the biggest question of the night: “Where are the dogs?” The Eighth Lesson: You’re familiar with the “fight or flight” response in animals? In the three dogs present, the reaction to being woken up by a person landing on the floor hard enough to break a bone was flight. “Fight” never even came up. Wasn’t even close. Three of us went out the door after them. One of the doggos is too old to flee much anymore — she was in the driveway looking pleased — but the other two are 10 months old and were pretty fired up about this unplanned excursion. They could tell it was unplanned because they weren’t wearing collars. This led to a brief but exciting handicap match as one person attempted to wrangle two adrenalized bernedoodles by grabbing their ears and forelegs. No one enjoyed this. Lesson Nine: While it feels more festive to wear dress pants and nice shoes for family holidays, jeans and gym shoes are a better choice in case one has to chase and subdue two puppies. The shoes the dog wrangler was wearing got dragged on the sidewalk in such a way that they might as well have just been given to the puppies directly as toys. The lady at the Allen Edmonds store offered an unreassuring assessment of the chances the shoes could be repaired, which I have reproduced here verbatim: “I guess we’ll try.” How was your Christmas? Alan Brouilette writes a monthly column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.
ALAN
BROUILETTE
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
O B I T U A R I E S
Linda Houser-Marko, 49 Researcher, lover of live bands
Linda Houser-Marko, 49, died In 1995, she returned to on Jan. 9, 2020 after a year-long Sioux Falls to marry Shaun. battle with leukemia. Born The couple lived briefly in on July 20, 1970, her life was Minneapolis and Del Rapids, characterized by her deep love South Dakota, before moving of family, learning, reading, to Columbia, Missouri, so she and indie rock. As the youngcould attend graduate school est of three children, she was in psychology. During her doted on by her parents Betsy decade at the University of and Bob Sr. and siblings Bob Missouri, she studied, conJr. and Deborah in Sioux Falls, LINDA HOUSER-MARKO ducted research, went out to South Dakota. She excelled as see bands play every chance she got, and gave birth to a student and played violin in orchestra at Washington Senior High. her daughters, Claire and Maggie. She Her chemistry teacher dubbed her “Lin- earned a PhD in Social Psychology in da Bird who does her work” and thus 2007. The family moved to Oak Park that her lifelong nickname, Linda Bird, was year to allow her to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Illiborn. In orchestra, she met her sweetheart nois Chicago, after which she joined the and future husband Shaun Marko. After Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation in Chicago, where she worked as senior high school, Linda turned her love of books into a bachelor’s degree in Eng- researcher until her death. Please join in celebrating Linda’s life lish from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, then moved to St. during visitation at Drechsler Brown & Louis, Missouri, where she worked as an Williams Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. executive assistant at Regional Hospital 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. and a funeral Mass at and enjoyed going out to see her favorite Ascension Catholic Church at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. bands play and dancing at the clubs.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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From Oprah to... Oak Park
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Winter 2015 2020 Guide
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Check First.
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
Religion Guide
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor
Roman Catholic
St. Edmund Catholic Church
ELCA, Lutheran
Good Shepherd
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220 stedmund.org
Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00a-Worship 10:30a-Education Hour
All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741
on the corner of Thomas and Fair Oaks Ave. Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
worship on Sundays @ 10am nursery care available
fairoakspres.org 744 Fair Oaks Ave. • 708.386.4920
OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
(708) 697-5000 Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM
LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
Grace Lutheran School
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am 5:00 pm at St. Edmund Church Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 – 4:45 pm Saturday Taizé Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1 Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 108TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca
St. Giles Family Mass Community
We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.
Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed Upcoming Religious Holidays
Jan 17 Blessing of the Animals Hispanic Catholic Christian 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Christian 19 World Religion Day Baha’i 20 Timkat Ethiopian Orthodox Christian 25 Conversion of St. Paul Christian
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
Fenwick hoops wins in OT 31
@ @OakPark
SPORTS
Q&A with Fenwick’s new football coach 32
OPRF makes statement with win over Glenbard West
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
UP AND UNDER: OPRF’s Justin Cross (No. 22) tries to convert a layup in the first quarter against Glenbard West. Cross fractured his shooting hand in the Huskies’ win.
Cross suffers injury with no timetable for return By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
Starting off the second half of the season versus Glenbard West High School, OPRF hadn’t played at home since its preseason scrimmage during Huskiepalooza. The Huskies made the most of it, welcoming the new year in the field house with major conference implications riding on the outcome of their game against the Hilltoppers. Tied with York for first place in the West Suburban Silver, OPRF pulled out a 64-62 win despite a late comeback by Glenbard West. The Huskies’ Isaiah Barnes poured in 26 points while
teammate Josh Smith tallied 18 points. The Hilltoppers’ Braden Huff scored 26 points (13 in the second half). “We should not be satisfied with how we ended that game,” said OPRF head coach Matt Maloney. “I told them, ‘We need to realize that execution [late in the game] is not acceptable.’ We can’t keep saying we are young and inexperienced because they were too. In the second half, the energy, effort and execution has to be there.” After being down 38-31 heading into the half, the Huskies came out of the locker room with new life and took the lead back with 52 seconds left in the third quarter. Smith found teammate Rashad Trice a few feet from the basket and Trice hit a floater over the defense. Moments later, Trice was fouled with 2.3 second left and made both of his free throws to give the Huskies a 47-46 lead heading into the final quarter. In the opening minutes of the fourth, it seemed like the Huskies were going to run away with the game. With 4:20
left, sophomore Demetrius Dortch forced Glenbard West into a missed layup attempt. Smith grabbed the rebound and went coast-to-coast to give OPRF a 56-51 lead. Barnes, Smith and Anthony Coleman all scored layups on the next three possessions to give the Huskies a 62-53 advantage with 2:40 left in regulation.
Final sequence However, the Huskies stepped off the gas pedal in the closing minutes and Glenbard West started its comeback with a three from Caden Pierce with 2:21 left. OPRF took and missed a three a few seconds into its next offensive posseson and Huff ended up getting fouled and went to the free throw line. He made both attempts to trim OPRF’s lead to 62-58. The Huskies drew a foul with 1:16 left but missed the front end of their one-and-one opportunity. Glenbard West’s See HUSKIES on page 31
S P O R T S
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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HUSKIES
Injury update from page 30 Diallo Phillips was fouled on the next possession and made both free throws to put the Hilltoppers in striking distance at 6260. Smith ended the Huskies’ scoring drought when he drove into the lane and found Trice underneath the basket for a lay-in to extend the lead to 64-60 with 52 seconds left. Glenbard West drove up the court and converted a quick layup with 41.6 seconds remaining (64-62). On the next play, Barnes took the ball up, used a behind-the-back crossover to drop his defender to the ground, and drove into the lane. But his floater fell short and the Hilltoppers snagged the rebound, dribbled to midcourt, and called a timeout with 23.5 seconds left. With less than 10 seconds remaining, Glenbard West whipped the ball around the key and found Pierce wide open on the perimeter. He missed the 3-point attempt, and Barnes pulled down the rebound before being fouled with eight seconds on the clock. However, he missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Glenbard West pushed the ball up with one last chance to pull off the comeback. Pierce found Huff on the wing, but the sophomore missed a clean look from beyond the arc that would have won the game.
Cross and Gardner out with injuries Late in the first quarter, senior Justin Cross landed on his shooting hand and didn’t return the rest of the game. In a phone interview on Jan. 12, Maloney said the initial X-rays came back showing Cross suffered a small fracture but that he is in “good spirits” despite this being the second year in a row he has sustained a major injury (he tore his meniscus last season). Cross will see a specialist soon to get a firm timetable on his return. His teammate Kyren Gardner, also a starter, suffered a non-basketball injury after the team’s games at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament over winter break. He also does not have a date set for his return to the floor. Cross has been the defensive anchor in the front court for the Huskies while Gardner has provided valuable minutes as an efficient, undersized big. While Maloney is still mulling what his lineup will look like without the two seniors, Rashad Trice started in place of Gardner and will likely replace Gardner’s minutes. “There was a lot of learning during the film session [Jan. 11] before the JV game,” said Maloney. “We have a lot of skilled guys, but they haven’t been in these types of games that have that type of pressure. For us to come out with a win against Glenbard West and to have a lot to watch and learn from is valuable for our younger guys moving forward.”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
STAR POWER: Fenwick’s Trey Pettigrew (right) scored 28 points on seven 3-pointers versus St. Patrick.
Fenwick boys take down St. Patrick Pettigrew leads Friars with 28 points By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
After losing their first two games in the second half of the season, the Friars got their first win in 2020 with a 72-66 overtime victory over St. Patrick High School on Jan. 11. Fenwick’s Trey Pettigrew buried seven 3-pointers in his 28-point outburst while his teammate Bryce Hopkins added 27 points and 16 rebounds. “This was a good win,” said Fenwick’s head coach Staunton Peck. “We had some ups and downs and some calls that could have gone either way, but we didn’t let that derail us. We probably should have won it in regulation, but this team showed again how resilient they are.” Fenwick held a 56-43 lead with six minutes left in the game when St. Patrick mounted a comeback. The Shamrocks went on a 10-2 run before St. Patrick’s guard Nicholas Galati hit a three with four seconds left to tie the game at 59. On the next play, Pettigrew took off down the court and was fouled at midcourt. However, St. Patrick contested the call and claimed Pettigrew was hit after the buzzer went off. The officials convened
and overturned the call to send the game to overtime. “I asked the ref who made the call if he was a 100 percent certain about it, and he said ‘100,’” said Peck. “I’m going to go back on it and if it wasn’t, he is going to get an email from me but luckily we won.” Resisting the momentum shift toward the Shamrocks, Pettigrew took over in the last four minutes. After St. Patrick took the lead in overtime on Dominic Galati’s fadeaway with 2:36 remaining, Pettigrew responded with a quick three to give his team a 62-61 lead. Both teams traded scores before Pettigrew found some room and was fouled on the baseline with 1:25 left. He made both his free throws to extend the lead to 66-63. After the Friars’ defensive stop on the next possession, Pettigrew brought down an offensive rebound on a three-point miss in the left corner. He put his head down, went back in the paint, and spun the ball off the glass for a layup to make it a two-possession game. St. Patrick never recovered, and the Friars went home with their 13th win of the season. Both teams were chirping at each other the entire game before it became physical in the last quarter. After the game, multiple Shamrock players refused to shake hands with Fenwick’s players as they went down the line.
“They were trying to get into our heads early, but it wasn’t working,” said Pettigrew. “We picked up on it later in the game, but it didn’t work. We got the win and that is all that matters.”
Post-game Forming a bond: Pettigrew has shown all season that he can be a force on both ends of the court and has served as the perfect complement to Hopkins’ offensive game. The two have spent time off the court developing chemistry which has improved their performances on the court. “We’ve just spent time going to get food, playing video games, talking to girls and doing little stuff like that,” said Pettigrew. When asked who is better at NBA 2K, Pettigrew assuredly said, “Oh, I got him on that one.” Pugh avoids major injury: Late in the third quarter, Friars’ Eian Pugh went down grabbing his ankle. After a couple of minutes surrounded by the coaching and training staff, he was helped off the court and didn’t return. One Fenwick player texted Wednesday Journal on Jan. 12 saying that Pugh is “fine,” and the injury is just a sprain. This week’s matchups: The Friars head to Lombard to play Montini High School on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. They play Marmion High School at home on Jan. 17.
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S P O R T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Q&A with Matt Battaglia By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
On Dec. 9, Fenwick named Matt Battaglia as its 16th varsity football head coach in the program’s 90-year history. Before taking over the reins of the team, Battaglia was an offensive lineman at Northern Illinois University from 2010-13. He went on to be an assistant coach at Marist High School and was Kent State’s offensive line coach this past season. After taking care of his Bowl game duties, Battaglia is settling into his new role as assistant athletic director. He caught up with Wednesday Journal about his future at the school and how he got to this point. Wednesday Journal: What drew you to take this position at the school? Battaglia: Being a high school head coach has been a goal of mine even when I went the college route. A part of [the decision to go to Kent State] was to develop more as a coach to where if a good opportunity presented itself that I could separate myself from other candidates and have as much success as possible. The thing about Fenwick that really stuck out is that in its 90-year history, Heisman winners have come through here and there is such a deep tradition here with football, but also with academics and the Catholic education aspects. It reminds me of my roots at Marist High School. I wanted to coach at a place that was similar to that. WJ: How did the process work? Did Scott Thies reach out to you or did you reach out to the school? Battaglia: I was in the market for a job. Just looking at how things were shaping out at Kent State, it didn’t seem there were going to be any in-house jobs opening up. I was in town and Kent State didn’t know who the Bowl opponent was going to be, so I took the opportunity to see my girlfriend, nieces and nephews. Scott called me and asked if I could talk [about the position] and it was just one of those things where timing was very important and it worked out. WJ: Were you trying to find a job closer to home? Battaglia: The thing about college football is that you never know where you are going to be in the next year. One thing for me was, wherever I did go, I wanted to be closer to home because family is so important to me. I have six—going to be seven—nieces and nephews and I felt like I was falling out of their lives and wanted to stay closer to them and maybe be able to coach them as well. I would love to be “Uncle Coach” or “Coach Uncle” if that is possible. WJ: During your introductory meeting with the community last month, you talked about implementing a new scheme. What were your takeaways from what you saw in film from last
Photo by Jamey Kay
STIFF ARM: Fenwick’s new head coach Matt Battaglia poses with Heisman trophy won by Friar alum Johnny Lattner. year’s team that you might want to add to your new scheme? Battaglia: When it comes to schematics, you really have to be flexible — more so at the high school level. Every year, you have to make the team its own. At the college level, you get to pick who you recruit and the type of athlete you want. At the high school level, you are getting a mystery box every year because you don’t know how these kids are going to develop or how their bodies are going to change. So you are going to have your base and core concepts but every team is going to be its own. WJ: When you look at last year’s talent, what do you make of it working within your scheme? Battaglia: I see a lot of talent and a lot of speed that we are going to be able to work with. We have a lot of playmakers who we want to get the ball in their hands in space. That’s the biggest thing: get speed in space. They did a good job of that last year which happens naturally when you have those type of athletes. It’s my job to develop them properly and it’s easy to forget that some of these guys were sophomores and juniors last year.
Developing them this offseason is a priority but I can’t speak too much for what they can do on the field until I can see them up front in the summer. WJ: In the introductory meeting, you talked about how you can help get these kids to where they want to: playing at the college level. You played three years at NIU and have relatively recent experience playing college ball. Do you feel like that helps you as you try to develop this group of kids? Battaglia: The best thing I have learned is that you have to treat people not as who they are now but what they can be. I cherish that idea. That’s the way I want to coach these guys. I want them to be motivated to be the best people that they can be and for them to see that. In terms of them setting goals, I have learned the innerworkings of college recruiting and that way we can create a path for the guys that want to compete at the next level. They can give me their dream schools, realistic schools and fall back schools and we can focus on getting them closer to those goals.
Growing community.
Meet Fenwick’s new football head coach
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED
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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classified/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
EXPERIENCED SERVERS BARTENDERS & BUSBOYS WANTED APPLY IN PERSON. ELMWOOD PARK. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 708-456-3644
Part Time Positions Available for After-School Recreation / Day Care Worker Youth Development Specialist on site at Oak Park public schools The Day Care Program of Hephzibah Children’s Association is accepting applications for nurturing individuals to provide care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children in the After School Day Care program on site at Oak Park public schools. The days and hours are Mon – Fri from 2:30-6:00 PM and 2:00-6:00 PM on Wednesdays.
NETWORK SPECIALIST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Network Specialist in the Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles 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 environments 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 fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Interested and qualified applicants can visit our website at http:// www.oak-park.us/ for more details. PARKING RESTRICTION COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Restriction Coordinator in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will plan and coordinate all activities and operations associated with the Village of Oak Park Parking Restrictions Program and provide assistance to the Parking & Mobility Services Manager and the Director of Development Customer Services in coordinating the provision of such services to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than January 17, 2020. PART-TIME BUS DRIVER The Village of Forest Park has immediate opening for a responsible part-time PACE Bus Driver to transport senior citizens, disabled residents and school children. Must have a valid Illinois C Class CDL license and attend PACE training. In addition, must be physically fit and submit to criminal background check, annual physical exam and drug and alcohol testing. $12$14.00/hour DOQ. Apply in person at Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park. 708-771-7737
You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342.
Plan and supervise arts and crafts, indoor & outdoor play, games, sports, homework help and more. Requirements include: - previous experience working with children - 6 semester hours in education, recreation, social work or related college courses Immediate openings available for the current school year. Contact MJ Joyce at mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills. EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. 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. RECEPTION/VETERINARY ASSISTANT Reception/Veterinary Assistant. Full time. Apply in person at Melrose Park Animal Hospital 1815 W. North Avenue 708-345-7640
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE
SUBURBAN RENTALS CICERO Lg 3 RMS, 1BR. $795/mo. No pets. Sec. dep. Incl. heat, water, appl., etc. Blvd Manor area. BROKER 312-780-9257
FIRST MONTH RENT FREE! GIANT BALCONY & HEATED GARAGE AVAILABLE FOREST PARK 1 BR $1100/MONTH ARISTON REALTY 708.771.5000 FOREST PARK 2 BR GARDEN APT Newly remodeled, new appliances, etc. Pay own heat and utilities. Close to transportation. Security. 1 year. No pets. 1 car garage. Avail. immediately. $1000. 630-279-8111 RIVERSIDE 5RMS 2 BR incl. heat, water, parking, appl., etc. $995/mo. Sec. dep. Lease. Parking area, close to train, bus & shopping. BROKER 312-780-9257 SOUTH BERWYN APT So. Berwyn 1-bed Apts. Avail. Feb. 1 both feat. hardwood floors, modern kitchens, heat included 2nd Floor unit near Metra OR 1st Floor unit near Ogden Ave. Alicia ALI Snyder RE/MAX Partners 708-514-4949
CITY RENTALS AUGUSTA & HARDING Beautiful 2-bedroom condo-like apt, in a sunny, safe, secure 8 unit bldg. Large newly tiled kitchen & bath, hardwood floors, central air, appliances included, tenant pays utilities, rent $830.00, for more information call 773-838-8471.
ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wifi; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER? Call Us For Advertising Rates! 708/613-3333
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD
COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACE RETAIL SPACE–FOR LEASE A 1600 Sq Ft. Retail Space for Lease in Strip Mall: 321 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park, IL. 60130. Vacated. Available Now. Upgraded. Formerly a Cleaners. End space. Heavy foot/road traffic area. 45-Space Parking Lot! For more details: Serious Inquiries ONLY: EMAIL: poppygator@yahoo.com CALL/TEXT: PB at: (708)250-7997
COMMERCIAL SPACE BERWYN FOR RENT/LEASE STORE OR OFFICE App. 750 sq ft. Great loc. 2 or 3 mo. sec. dep. Imm. poss. $2750/mo CENTURY 21 HALLMARK, LTD CHRIS T. 708-788-2800 CICERO FOR RENT/LEASE Vic. 35th St & Austin Blvd App. 900 sq ft. 2 exits. Add’ storage/ warehse avail in rear. Seller open to all ideas and remodeling. $1100/mo. 2 or 3 mo. sec. dep. Imm. poss. CENTURY 21 HALLMARK, LTD CHRIS T. 708-788-2800
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers–lead, plastic–other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home
cat calls
Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986
Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References
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Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. You’ll benefit from a unique 12-year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.
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HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
WINDOWS
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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District #97 will receive sealed audio visual equipment and the installation of said equipment bids at the Administrative Office located at 260 Madison Street – Oak Park, IL, 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. At this time sealed responses will be publicly opened and read. Copies of specifications may be secured at the Oak Park Elementary School District #97 District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. Cut-off date for picking up scope of services is 4:00 pm, Friday, January 24, 2020. Responses mailed or delivered shall be marked to the attention of: Oak Park School District 97 Attn. Mr. Michael Arensdorff 260 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 The front of the envelope should be clearly marked “Audio Visual Bids Hatch, Irving and Mann Elementary Schools”. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Mr. Michael Arensdorff at (708) 5243015 or marensdorff@op97.org . Faxed or electronically submitted bids will not be accepted. Any faxed or electronically submitted bid will disqualify vendors. Responses Due Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 4:00 P.M. Only those responses complying with the provision and specification of the response will be considered. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities, qualification or irregularities and/or reject any or all responses, when in its opinion, such action will serve the best interest of the Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97. Sheryl Marinier Board Secretary Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15/2020
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING
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: Y20002922 on Januar 8, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of GPTETREV POTTERY with the business located at:159 SOUTH OAK PARK AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: GABRIEL PAUL TETREV 127 SOUTH TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield will hold a public hearing at 6:30 P.M. on January 27, 2020 at the Village Board Room in the Municipal Building of the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 on the Village’s proposed appropriation ordinance, which will serve as the basis for the Village’s 2020 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. The proposed appropriation ordinance will be on file in the Village Clerk’s Office for at least ten (10) days prior to January 27, 2020 and copies thereof will be conveniently available for public examination and copying.
Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15, 1/22, 1/29/2020
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Lynette Welter Scheduling and Records Secretary Special Education Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15, 1/22/2020
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: Y2002921 on January 8, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of POWERS & SONS CARPENTRY with the business located at: 711 FOREST AVE, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TERRENCE POWERS 711 FOREST AVE RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15, 1/22, 1/29/2020
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 29, 2020 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2020 Water & Sewer Repair Parts and Materials Bid Number: 20-107 Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Budget Revenue Analyst, Diane Stanislavski, dstanislavski@ oak-park.us and the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ bid. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700. Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15/2020
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PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24th, 2020 for the following
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24th, 2020 for the following
BID 20-113 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK 2020 UPM COLD MIX ASPHALT PATCH MATERIAL REQUEST FOR PRICES
BID 20-114 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK 2020 STONE & SAND MATERIALS REQUEST FOR PRICES
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday evening, February 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter:
Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park. us or on the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/finance-department. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.
Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park. us or on the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/finance-department. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15/2020
Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15/2020
Village of Oak Park 2020 Water & Sewer Emergency Repairs Bid Number: 20-108 Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Budget Revenue Analyst, Diane Stanislavski, dstanislavski@ oak-park.us and the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ bid. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.
Published in RB Landmark 1/15/2020 PUBLIC NOTICE For any person who was a Special Education Student at Oak Park & River Forest High School and graduated in 2012-2013, you will have 30 days to contact Lynette Welter at Oak Park & River Forest High School at 708.434.3806 or lwelter@ oprfhs.org to request your records. On February 28, 2020, the Special Education student records for the 2012-2013 school year will be destroyed.
PUBLIC NOTICES
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 29, 2020 for the following:
Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15/2020
Brigid Weber, Village Clerk
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project: OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 D97 SUMMER 2020 RENOVATIONS BROOKS, HATCH, IRVING, JULIAN, LONGFELLOW, MANN OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 1 – DEMOLITION, MASONRY, GENERAL TRADES, ROOFING, GLAZING, DRYWALL, FLOORING, PAINTING, CASEWORK, FIRE SUPPRESSION, PLUMBING, HVAC, and ELECTRICAL Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be publicly opened and read at 2:30 p.m. CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked:
suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted. No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening.
Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: D97 SUMMER 2020 RENOVATIONS - BID PACKAGE 1
The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Monday January 13, 2020 and are available for viewing/download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC One Drive, located at the following link. No username or password is required.
Scope of work for Bid Package 1 generally includes, but is not limited to: demolition, masonry, general trades, roofing, glazing, drywall, flooring, painting, casework, fire
h t t p s : / / b u l l e y a n d r e w s - m y. sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/ jkraft_bulley_com/EqkJvLuKNtVEuy1RTbbOFDUB4n1U-NgcMEdKceoMFlynzQ Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15, 1/22/2020
The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District. The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with John Kraft of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites. All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws. For additional information on the project, contact John Kraft of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at jkraft@bulley. com or 312-914-0351. Future Bid Package 2 – General Trades 2, is expected to be available on or around February 10, 2020: with a bid opening date March 3, 2020; Dated: 01/13/2020 John Kraft Bulley & Andrews, LLC
Cal. No. 02-20-Z: 1110 South Blvd. Property Index Number: 16-07-125-020-0000 The Applicant, Centunum, LLC, seeks a variance from Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, which section prohibits medical/ clinic uses from being located within the first 50 feet of the street lot line at grade level or on the ground floor of any building within the DT-1 and DT-2 Sub-Districts of Downtown, to allow an medical/clinic use (Life Speed: Behavioral Support Services, LLC) on the ground floor within 50 feet of a street line at the premises commonly known as 1110 South Blvd., Oak Park, Illinois. Those property owners within 500 feet of the Subject Property and those persons with a special interest beyond that of the general public (“Interested Parties”) wishing to cross-examine witnesses must complete and file an appearance with original signatures with the Village Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the business day preceding the public hearing. All papers in connection with the above matter are on file at the Village of Oak Park and available for examination by interested parties by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 708.358.5449. The Zoning Board of Appeals may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. DATED AT OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, this 15th Day of January, 2020 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/15/2020
PUBLIC NOTICE A neighborhood meeting will be held Friday, January 24 at 1:00pm at the Oak Park Main Public Library, located at 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301. The meeting will take place on the First Floor - Community Engagement Space in Main Library. The meeting will be to discuss the proposed Pete’s Fresh Market project located at 640 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 01/08, 01/15/2020
Starting a New Business in 2020? Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your assumed name legal notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 ABFC ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005WMC1 Plaintiff, -v.DARYL SATCHER, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., OAK PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2018 CH 08851 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 7, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 24, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-320-0401025 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-07459 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 08851 TJSC#: 39-8067 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 08851 I3141155
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, HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 321472. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 321472 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 18 CH 05792 TJSC#: 39-7333 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 05792 I3139989
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.KAREN RONEY, GUL RONEY, WEST SUBURBAN BANK AS TRUSTEE UTA DATED 10/24/94, KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 10237, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 10 CH 50958 1039 ELGIN AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 2, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 3, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1039 ELGIN AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-422-0300000,15-13-422-031-0000 The real estate is improved with a two story single family home with a two car detached garage. 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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 9558 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 10 CH 50958 TJSC#: 39-8122 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 # 10 CH 50958 I3141813
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 24, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 14, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 500 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. APT. 403, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-415-0271024 The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $91,575.96. 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, JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 18-6534. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago IL, 60606 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 18-6534 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2019 CH 07779 TJSC#: 39-7382 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 # 2019 CH 07779 I3141842
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION TIAA, FSB D/B/A EVERBANK Plaintiff, -v.ROSEMARY NASH, THE 720 N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM Defendants 18 CH 05792 720 N. AUSTIN BLVD., UNIT 101 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 13, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 14, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 720 N. AUSTIN BLVD., UNIT 101, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-105-0211002 The real estate is improved with a residential condominium. The judgment amount was $100,942.18.
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-7, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-7 Plaintiff, -v.JEANNE L. EDWARDS, SCOVILLE COURT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LONG BEACH MORTGAGE COMPANY, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC Defendants 2019 CH 07779 500 W. WASHINGTON BLVD. APT. 403 OAK PARK, IL 60302
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Wednesday Journal, January 15, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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