W E D N E S D A Y
February 19, 2020 Vol. 39, No. 29 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Fenwick boys upset DePaul Prep Page 40
Counting the days to The Daly Bagel Owner reveals details for shop’s soft-opening By MELISSA ELSMO
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Oak Park Eats
he Daly Bagel is a few weeks from opening and Amanda Daly has shared details about their soft opening plans. “I feel like I’ve been saying we’ll be open in two weeks since last July,” said Daly as she scans her soon-to-be bagel shop. “There are still a lot of moving parts to this project, but we can finally see the finish line.” After a search for a brick-and-mortar location for her burgeoning East Coast bagel business, Daly settled on remodeling the old Zephyr building located at 130 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park in early 2019. Construction delays and setbacks during the build out have plagued the young business, but The Daly Bagel is nearing completion and opening day is not far off. In fact, Daly has already hired 14 employees and they have completed their first staff training to ensure they will be prepared on opening day. Daly anticipates opening in just a few weeks. Today the shop is awaiting final power, gas and plumbing hook ups, but it is clear much See DALY BAGEL on page 13
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
CREAM OF THE CROP: Co-owner Joe Salamone, left, credits longtime employee Daisy LaBarbera for the grocery store’s success.
Fair Share grocery closing after 44 years Roosevelt Road grocery shutting doors Feb. 24 By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Fair Share Finer Foods, a family-owned independent grocery store at 6226 Roosevelt Rd., will close its doors for good Feb. 24. For 44 years, the store has provided excellent
customer service, beautiful cuts of meat and community service without ostentation. “Of course, I’m sad. The people here, they’ve known me for years,” said Joe Salamone, Fair Share co-owner. At 19 years old, Salamone and his brother Vito, then only 16, opened Fair Share in 1976 with the help of their parents. “We’ve been here since then,” Salamone said. In 2003, the brothers opened a Chicago location at 6422 W. 63rd St. That store will
continue operations. The Salamone family emigrated to the United States in November 1966 from Sicily, Italy. Right away, Salamone started working at his cousin’s grocery store, packing chickens on ice. Upon opening their own store, he paid that kindness forward, hiring many neighborhood teens to stock shelves, bag grocerSee FAIR SHARE on page 16
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I N S I D E
R E P O R T
Clark nabs Sun-Times endorsement The Democratic primary race for the 7th Congressional seat intensified last week, when the state’s two largest newspapers — the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times — released their endorsements. The Sun-Times endorsed challenger Anthony Clark, the Oak Park and River Forest High School teacher and activist who also ran against Davis two years ago, mounting a formidable challenge to the 23year incumbent in the suburbs, where Clark garnered nearly 40 percent of the vote. “Davis exudes good will and grace, but the 7th District needs more,” the Sun-Times Editorial Board wrote in its endorsement, released Feb. 12. “In recent years, Davis has little to show in the way of substantive legislation for which he was the main driver, and his congressional attendance could be better,” the editorial board added wrote. In 2018, he ranked 21st among the 435 voting House members in missed votes. In 2019, in an improvement, he ranked 106th.” The Sun-Times endorsement is Clark’s biggest to date. He’s also been endorsed by Northside Democracy for America; Cornelius Coe, the director of the Austin Community Family Center; David Zoltan, a community housing and disability advocate; and Shaun King, the columnist for the New York Post; among others. In its endorsement of Davis, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board wrote:
Lawrence Brownlee
A good way to spend Leap Day
Unity Temple will hold its biennial (every other year) Schubert+ Festival on Leap Day, Feb. 29, honoring Austrian composer Franz Schubert’s short but prolific life. A ticket gives you access to the UNESCO World Heritage site for seven hours that Saturday, culminating in an appearance by world-class tenor
Anthony Clark “In Washington, he works on issues that matter to his West Side and west suburban constituents, including gun control and homelessness. Does Davis, who’s served in Congress for more than 20 years, still have the interest and energy to serve? He says he does. ‘I haven’t solved all the problems (in my district), but I’m sure not standing still,’ he told the Tribune recently.” Other challengers in the Democratic Primary race, which takes place on March 17, include Kina Collins and Kristine Schanbacher. Craig Cameron is running unopposed in the Republican Primary.
Michael Romain
Lawrence Brownlee. Schubert Festivals are a longstanding tradition for music lovers, on or around Schubert’s birthday. And what better way to spend Leap Day’s accumulated extra time. The internationally acclaimed Brownlee has been called “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars.” He was named “Male Singer of the Year” in 2017 at the International Opera Awards and has performed on some of the greatest world stages, including Lyric Opera’s current season, as Arturo in I Puritani. The Schubert+ Festival at Unity Temple takes place on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m., 875 Lake St. It consists of four programs, including a song recital featuring Schubert lieder, chamber music by CSO and Lyric Opera Orchestra musicians, and a piano recital performing the four Schubert intermezzos, plus the evening appearance by Brownlee. Other featured artists include pianist Winston Choi and soprano Christine Steyer, both of whom are Oak Park residents. A Viennese-themed dinner is available between the afternoon and
Screenshot
OAK PARK’S NEXT: Participants take the Polar Plunge in Fox Lake. Oak Park will take the plunge in Evanston on Feb. 23.
Oak Park schools take Polar Plunge
Oak Park public schools are in the fight of their lives. It’s David vs. Goliath or Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed (see this great YouTube video: youtube.com/ watch?v=I84xpip6vOU). Whatever the analogy, the struggle is real. For the last seven years, Lyons Township has raised the most funds from the annual Polar Plunge in Lake Michigan to support Special Olympics. This year, however, Oak Park Elementary Schools District 97 and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 are teaming up to take Lyons down. The two Oak Park districts have 10 Special Olympics sports between them and serve more than 700 athletes in Oak Park — one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the evening performances for an extra fee. For more information or to purchase Festival and/or dinner tickets online via credit card, visit: schubertfestivalunitytemple.org.
Ken Trainor
Township Youth Services keeps it fresh
Youth Services of Oak Park and River Forest Township is seeking
state, according to officials in those districts. This year, the districts wanted Oak Park to throw its weight around a little and fundraise like the Special Olympics powerhouse it is. This year, volunteers will take the plunge on behalf of Oak Park schools on Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m., at 2311 Campus Drive in Evanston. Don’t want to take the plunge? You can still get your feet wet by donating (visit: bit.ly/2V23zK5). As of Feb. 18, Oak Park had raised $31,090 (104 percent of its $30,000 goal). And Lyons Township? It was at just $14,927 as of Tuesday morning. Looks like the roles may need to be reversed.
Michael Romain
toiletry donations for the purpose of opening a hygiene closet where kids can get basic personal hygiene supplies free of cost. Bring any donations to the Oak Park Township Office, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Youth Services requests sealed and unopened products for men and women, including deodorant, socks, soap, washcloths, nail clippers and more. For more information, call Youth Services at 708-445-2727 or visit the Oak Park Township website, oakparktownship.org.
Stacey Sheridan
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Local Benefits Friday, Feb. 21, 6 to 10 p.m., Carnivale Chicago: At Oak-Leyden Unmasked, support programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities while enjoying a Latin Fusion meal, cocktails, uplifting entertainment, auction and raffle items, and more. $185. Tickets: e.givesmart.com/events/eQA/. 702 W. Fulton Market, Chicago. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lagunitas Brewery: At A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ for Sarah’s Inn, support the mission to improve the lives of families impacted by domestic violence, and to break the cycle of violence with an evening of food, beer and trivia. $30. Tickets/more: sarahsinn.org. 2607 W. 17th St., Chicago.
Blue/Green Corridor Monday, Feb. 24, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Join a Friends of the Chicago River speaker to learn about a sustainable design solution that uses a river and adjacent lands to establish an inter-connected passageway between natural habitats. $15, requested donation. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Strengthening Families Program Tuesdays starting Feb. 25, 6 to 8 p.m., River Forest Community Center: Enroll in a free, 12-week parenting/family, relationship, skill-building class for the entire family, open to Oak Park and River Forest residents with children ages 7-17. Work toward more loving family relationships, Less arguing, more respect, less stress and more. Childcare provided, dinner included. Register: 708-410-0615, and mention SFP. More: oakparktownship.org/prevention-services/. 8020 Madison St., River Forest.
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Prepare an Edible Garden for Spring Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 to 6 p.m., Community Room, Main Library: Join Deep Roots Project and learn how to prepare beds, plant cool-weather veggies like greens and root vegetables, plant seeds indoors, use companion plants and more. Those needing help with garden planning can get advice at the end. Free. RSVP/more: deep-roots-project.org/ workshops-and-events. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Handel Week Festival Saturday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., Pilgrim Church: See The Intimate Handel, a cabaret concert. A reception follows. $35. Tickets/more: handelweek.com/concerts. php#2. Up next, The Regal Handel, March 1, 3 p.m. 460 Lake St., Oak Park.
JJ Hairston Saturday, Feb. 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Kehrein Center of Arts: The Grammy-nominated singer and Youthful Praise are known for their gospel sounds, contemporary worship and praise-forward music. $45 - $75. Up next at Kehrein Center – Dionne Warwick, March 21. Tickets/more: kehreincenter. com. 5628 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago.
A Moveable Read: Hemingway in the 21st Century – “Fathers & Sons” Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Enjoy wine/beverage service (6:30) before a story discussion with facilitators James Bell, OPRF English & Theatre departments, and Cameron Gearen, author/poet and former Hemingway Writer in Residence (7 to 8), followed by a craft talk and exercise. Brought by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation. Free. RSVP/more: hemingwaybirthplace.com/programs-events. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Untitled and Yet to be Determined, 41.8949° N, 87.7654° W (Austin): Monday, Feb. 24, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Experience Sasha Phyars-Burgess’ Photographic Exploration of Race, Class & Space in Austin. Phyars-Burgess’ work captures the ongoing effects of dramatic demographic changes, which began in the 1960s, and the everyday lives of Austin residents. In partnership with the Black Metropolis Research Consortium. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Feb. 19-26
BIG WEEK Underground Railroad Walk Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m., Trailside Museum:
Take a guided hike along the Des Plaines River to a site that was part of the Underground Railroad. 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest.
Census 2020: Be Counted, Shape your Future Through Sunday, Feb. 23, Idea Box, Main Library: St Stop in to speak directly with a census volunteer and learn the overall importance of be being counted. Also get information about temporary employment opportunities. Th Thursdays, 1 to 9 p.m. | Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m. M More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
“State Fair” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m., Percy Julian Middle School: See the CAST student production with music by Rodgers and Hammerstein that follows the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of their farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. $10; $5, students/seniors. Tickets: http://bit.ly/ cast-statefair, or at the door. 416 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park.
Polar Plunge Fundraiser - Support OPRF Special Olympics Friday, Feb. 21, 5:30 to 10 p.m., Lantern Haus: Hear OPTA’s Public Disco Porch band. Cash bar. Hosted by Oak Park Teachers Association (OPTA) and Tim McDonald. $10. RSVP: dcooper@op97.org. 7414 Madison St. #A, Forest Park.
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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ART BEAT
Schubert plus Brownlee = One extraordinary festival By MICHELLE DYBAL Contributing Reporter
Dance comes to Unity Temple By MICHELLE DYBAL
U
Contributing Reporter
nity Temple stands in solid, unwavering concrete form on Lake Street, but inside, there is a full calendar of events and a revolving door of visitors who enter to attend them in the multilevel sanctuary and the Unity House meeting space across the welcome hall. Besides the congregation that makes the UNESCO World Heritage Site its home, there are tours, arts experiences, architecture and author talks. As part of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation’s (UTRF) Performing Arts Series, a different kind of performance is being presented this weekend, Light in Winter dance and music, choreographed and composed with the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece as muse, the quote above the entryway in brass letters, “For the worship of God and the service of man,” its inspiration. “Unity Temple is an exceptionally controlled design,” said Winifred Haun, choreographer and artistic director of Winifred Haun & Dancers. “And for me that kind of environment just calls for movement and for humans. It’s so beautiful and it’s so intellectually designed, I think it is a really great fit.” Haun, who lives in Oak Park and has received a MacArthur Grant among other awards, began her creative process last summer by sitting in the Temple sanctuary and taking notes during multiple visits. By November, six dancers began working alongside her. “There are a lot of sections in this that are improvisational,” she said. “I’ve given them direction, theme and ideas, and we’re calling it the ‘Unity Temple Phrase.’ It’s just like the Temple itself, very square and linear. Then there are some sections that are absolutely choreographed.” The dancers will make full use of the space, appearing in the aisles on different levels, on pedestals and in the pulpit. Like other artists and authors who have influenced future generations, Wright is no exception. “I think Frank Lloyd Wright would approve of dance being in there,” Haun said. “Unity Temple generates other art forms, and that’s
how I felt when I was in the space. It calls me to respond to it.” “Wright’s design was heavily influenced by music — one can feel this inspiration within the sanctuary in particular,” said Heidi Ruehle, executive director, UTRF. “The lines draw the eye up and around the room, creating a sense of movement and flow. … Dancers connect with the architecture by creating movement with their bodies to complement Wright’s design, all very musical and interactive in nature.” To accompany the work of Haun & Dancers, composer Renee Baker collaborated. Performing her music is the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project, an instrumental ensemble, with vocalist Teniya Farnandis. “For inspiration, the use of the spare, clear lines of Unity Temple moved my composition toward minimalism and clear voices,” Baker said. Besides Light in Winter, a five-part piece specifically made for the site, the dancers will perform Bento, an original abstract dance piece previously choreographed by Haun and arranged for the site. The Orchestra Project will also perform their original composition “Night Faeries.” Haun invites audiences to sit back and experience 21st-century classical music and modern dance without expectations or looking for meaning behind it. “I’ve produced works all over,” Haun said. “We did one at the (Oak Park Main) Library Plaza, we’ve done parks, Millennium Park, we’ve been all over doing site-specific work. I love seeing movement and dancers in a space where they don’t traditionally belong.” However, Unity Temple does have a history with modern dance. “In 1913, Doris Humphrey, a native Oak Parker and innovator of the Modern Dance movement, began teaching dance in Unity House,” Ruehle said. “This bit of history makes the Light in Winter program even more appealing and directly tied to Unity Temple’s past.” Experience Winifred Haun & Dancers’ “Light in Winter: Dance and Music at Unity Temple” on Friday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. $29; $24, UTRF members; $19, ages 6 to 18. Tickets: utrf.org/event/winifredhaun. 875 Lake St., Oak Park.
The Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is again celebrating Franz Schubert (1797-1828). In the tradition of European Schubertiade, a day dedicated to the music of the Viennese composer — with a few departures — it is being held at Unity Temple on Leap Day, Saturday, Feb. 29. The last Schubert Festival held here was in 2018. “It’s wonderful to see an event devoted to the music of a single composer,” said soprano Christine Steyer, who is performing at the event. “Schubert was prolific, and to fully experience this composer, it’s special to have multiple recitals throughout the day that each feature a different aspect of his music from vocal to piano to instrumental.” Besides the musical experience, which includes Grammy-nominated operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee, concert-goers will have the opportunity to spend the day in the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. “Unity Temple is a gorgeous venue both acoustically and visually,” Steyer said. “Those attending the whole festival will have the added experience of seeing the interplay of light and the colors from the stained glass changing during many different phases of the day and evening.” The program, divided into four parts, begins at 2:30 with Steyer singing alongside Lyric Opera Orchestra clarinetist Susan Warner, accompanied on piano by Jeffrey Panko. Both Steyer and Warner are from Oak Park. When they appeared together in 2018, the interplay of the two musicians felt more like an effortless musical conversation that the audience was drawn into than a staged performance. This is followed by Warner performing and then Steyer singing lieder (song), both with piano accompaniment. Part 2 unites Warner with seven members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including her husband and French horn player David Griffin. The ensemble, which also includes Brant Taylor, cello; Youming Chen, viola; Alex Hanna, bass; Dennis Michel, bassoon; Gina diBello and Stephanie Jeong, violin, will play Schubert’s Octet in F Major. While Schubert wrote symphonies, operas and piano works in his short lifetime, his main focus was lieder and
chamber music, such as the Octet, which is not frequently performed because of the length (one hour) and number of musicians involved. Seating in the sanctuary is no more than 43 feet at any point from these worldclass artists. The intimate setting is reminiscent of early 19th-century performances held during the composer’s lifetime, put on by wealthy merchants and civil servants in their homes in Vienna. Pianist Winston Choi plays solo works during Part 3. Choi, an Oak Park resident, is also the artistic director of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation’s Chamber Music Series with MingHuan Xu, who is his wife. Choi is head of the piano program at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. The evening concludes with operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee singing Schubert lieder, arias from Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Bizet’s Pearl Fishers and Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore and La Fille du Regiment. Brownlee concludes the program with gospel and spirituals. He is accompanied on piano by Grammy Award-nominated pianist Myra Huang. While Brownlee has toured the world to critical acclaim, performing in operas at the Lyric in Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and elsewhere, he is currently touring the U.S. and performing Cycles of My Being, “a song cycle that centers on the black male experience in America today.” Attend the Schubert+ Festival, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Unity Temple. $150. Add-on Austrian meal, $50. Tickets/more: schubertfestivalunitytemple.org/tickets. 875 Lake St., Oak Park.
Photo provided
Lawrence Brownlee, tenor extraordinaire
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
Help Wanted Editorial Design Leader • Digital & Print Join in to make change happen. We’re reinventing independent community journalism on the Greater West Side and the near west suburbs from Oak Park to Riverside. We’re Growing Community Media, a six-month-old non-profit with 40-year roots in our seven neighborhoods. Digitally and in print, we make connections, tell stories, hold institutions to account and drive the community narrative. And we need an editorial design leader to move us ahead on all platforms, to speed our digital momentum, to jump in and help make change happen. What do we need from you? Strong, active knowledge of InDesign, a journalist’s mind for design down to the details, comfort and passion for print and digital community news, a determined problem-solver with a risk-takers attitude. Launched in 1980 and reinventing in 2020, come and join our growth, celebrate our successes and overcome our challenges. You don’t have all the answers and neither do we. Let’s work together. This is a full-time job. Open immediately. Work in our Oak Park offices. Send resumes, portfolio links and a brief note telling us why you’re the one we’re looking for. Dan Haley. Publisher. Growing Community Media. dhaley@wjinc.com
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Praise for parking. No joke
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dds and ends with some a bit odder than others: Say something nice about Oak Park: OK. Here goes. Saturday night some of the family was gathering up for dinner at Cucina Paradiso on North Boulevard. We found a parking space convenient to the front door. I found the gol-darned Pay by Plate contraption. Located the pix of my license plate on my phone since I can never remember the mix of letters and numbers. Inserted the debit card. Plugged in two bucks for two hours. And when my receipt spit out, I realized the village had only charged me $1.55 since that was what it took to get me to 8 p.m. when the meters became free. Made me feel not snookered. And you can bet I spent that 45 cents at Cucina. Back door pizza: So Geppetto’s has gone poof. Been a lot of going poof around here lately. And high property taxes are almost certainly a contributing factor. But as a casual observer of restaurants, I’d say the greater problem for what was, 30 years ago, one of Oak Park’s hottest spots, was that no one ever ate there anymore. Having a completely empty dining room will catch up with you. You can only sell so many pizzas out the back door for delivery to make up for the forlornness of a front of the house that echoes. I remember the days of shimmying between overpacked tables to get to our seats at Geppetto’s. I remember small talk with all the people encountered at the cutting-edge salad bar. I remember the longtime owner (not the last owner) being kind of a jerk. Might have had more to do with the long decline than taxes.
We did it for the mayors: Best-case scenario, legislators in Illinois who have approved red-light cameras did it to give mayors in their home districts a new and rich revenue stream. That reportedly is what state Rep. Iris Martinez actually said during an endorsement interview at the Sun-Times. She is currently running for Clerk of the Circuit Court for Cook County. The alternative reasons to back red-light cameras are less flattering than kow-towing to small-town mayors. Perhaps you are actively corrupt and getting a skim on the camera deals like now-indicted ex-Sen. Martin Sandoval. Or you are so dumb — you thought red-light cameras were actually intended to improve traffic safety. Spring training: OK, we’ve survived the football season. The grand hoopla of the NBA AllStar Weekend in Chicago has ended and we’re left with the hapless Bulls. Blackhawks. OK, slightly less hapless. Fine. And I suppose there is a soccer team around here somewhere. Saturday is the first Spring Training baseball game. Life begins anew. Before you know it, little flowers will grow. The days will be longer. Soon it will be time to plunk Astros hitters every inning or so for their hideously cheating ways. Life is sweet for baseball fans, especially this spring for White Sox fans. Cubs fans? Well you’ve got that new Marquee network you can pay for to ever see your team on TV again. And is it possibly true that Betsy DeVos actually owns a sliver of the Cubs? Talk about hideous.
DAN HALEY
Made me feel
not snookered. And you can bet I spent that 45 cents at Cucina.
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Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 circulation@oakpark.com DISPLAY, DIGITAL, EVENT ADVERTISING Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 dawn@oakpark.com
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Geppetto’s bids Oak Park addio One of the first in village’s ‘restaurant row’ has closed By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Without so much as a sign in the window to announce its closure, Geppetto’s Pizza & Pasta, 113 N. Oak Park Ave., quietly closed up shop for good Feb. 12. Once an Oak Park favorite, the restaurant, which opened in 1983, has had a harder time attracting customers in recent years. For that reason, Geppetto’s owner Oleg Vachenko opted to cease operations, according Geri McLauchlan, who owns the building. “He’s been losing money for months and he decided to close his doors,” McLauchlan. “He implied to us that he’s getting out of the [restaurant] business.” Vachenko did not respond to Wednesday Journal’s requests for comment. In McLauchlan’s opinion, Geppetto’s low prices combined with the changing restaurant industry contributed to the lowered profits. “The restaurant business is totally changing, and I don’t think he was charging enough,” she said. “He just got tired of owning a restaurant, so he decided to move on.”
McLauchlan and her husband purchased the building almost two years ago and put in a lot of effort to refurbish it, putting in a new roof, gutters, grease traps, water heaters, air conditioning and heating. They also replaced the wastepipes and renovated the four apartments above Geppetto’s. “We really put our heart and soul into the building,” she said. “We weren’t afraid to spend the money to fix things up for whomever.” In an effort to boost Geppetto’s business, she and her husband brought in an architect to draw up plans for outdoor seating, so Vachenko could apply for a permit from the village. “He never followed up on that,” McLauchlan said. “We were trying to help him to be successful.” However, McLauchlan isn’t bitter. “We’re sorry to lose him but sometimes you’ve gotta just move on. Things fall apart so you can put them back together better,” she said. “My husband and I wish him well.” McLauchlan would like to see another restaurant in the 3,100-square-foot space where Geppetto’s operated for decades under multiple owners. “It needs somebody to put a nice restaurant in there and redo the interior and bathroom,” she said. “The guts are there, but the
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
ANOTHER SHUTTERED: In the wake of Winberie’s, another longtime eatery gives up the ghost. It has been a mainstay since 1983. insides are tired.” The space has a lot to offer to interested restaurateurs, including its capacity to seat up to 90 guests. “It’s in a great location, close to a lot of activity, transportation and good parking. It’s
vintage with a lot of character and high ceilings,” she said. “It’s a solid space and we’re willing to work with somebody.” McLauchlan has enlisted David King & Associates Inc. to lease the property.
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Trump nominates Oak Park judge to federal bench
Franklin Valderrama has support of both Illinois senators
eral district court judge. She was confirmed by the Senate in a voice vote last July. Rowland is believed to be the first openly gay person named to the federal bench by Trump. Valderrama, 57, has consistently voted in Democratic primaries, according to voting records kept by the Cook County Clerk’s office. By BOB SKOLNIK Traditionally, senators have a big role in approvContributing Reporter ing or blocking judicial nominees in their states. With Illinois having two Democratic senaPresident Donald Trump has nominated Oak Park resident and current Cook Coun- tors, that means that Durbin and Duckworth ty Circuit Court Associate Judge Franklin can influence who the president nominates Valderrama to become a federal district for the federal bench in Illinois. Valderrama and the other nominees must court judge. be approved by the Senate before they can Valderrama’s nomination was one of three Trump made on Feb. 5 to fill vacancies take their new posts. Their nominations on the federal bench in Illinois. It, coinciden- will be initially sent to the Senate Judiciary tally, was also the day the U.S. Senate voted Committee. “I’m obviously honored to be nominated,” to acquit Trump in his impeachment trial. The nominations were made after consul- Valderrama said in a brief conversation with Wednesday Journal. “Other tations will Illinois Democratic than that, I don’t really have anysenators Richard Durbin and thing further.” Tammy Duckworth. The nomiValderrama is perhaps best nation of Valderrama and the known as the judge who in Noother two nominees, Madison vember 2015 ordered the city of County Circuit Court Judge Chicago to release the video of David Dugan and federal magpolice officer Jason Van Dyke istrate judge Iain Johnston, shooting teenager Laquan Mcwas praised by the senators in a Donald 16 times and killing him. joint statement. Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s admin“We are pleased that the istration had refused release the president nominated Judge Duvideo of the 2014 shooting and gan, Judge Johnston and Judge JACK LEYHANE argued in court against making Valderrama to fill vacant disBlogger it public. The release of the video trict court judgeships in Illiprompted large protests, murder nois,” the joint statement issued charges being filed against Van by Durbin and Duckworth said. Dyke and the firing of then-Police “All three nominees were carefully reviewed by non-partisan screening Superintendent Garry McCarthy. Valderrama, who has lived in Oak Park committees we established to evaluate potential, and we expect these nominees to be for more than 20 years, has been a Cook diligent, thoughtful, and principled District County associate judge since 2007. As an asCourt judges. We look forward to guiding sociate judge, Valderrama was appointed to his position rather than elected, but other their nominations through the Senate.” Valderrama is the second Oak Parker to than that has the powers of any other Cook nominated to the federal bench by Trump. Last County judge. He has long served in the Chancery Diviyear Trump elevated Mary Margaret Rowland from the position of federal magistrate to fed- sion of the Cook County Circuit Court, which
“He’s a nice man and I’m happy as heck for him. I was surprised to see the appointment.”
Ex-Oak Park cop named a federal judge A former Oak Park police officer is on his way to becoming a federal judge after the U.S. Senate voted 81-12 on Feb. 12 to confirm the nomination of John F. Kness to fill a vacancy in the Northern District of Illinois. Kness’ first job upon graduating from Northwestern University was as an Oak Park police patrol officer. He was a patrol officer in Oak Park from 1998 until 2000. Kness subsequently went to law school at Northwestern and is currently working as the general counsel for the College of DuPage. Kness will soon be sworn in for his new position as a U.S. District Court judge in the Northern District of Illinois. Federal district court judges are the trial judges in the federal judicial system. All 12 of the senators who voted against confirming Kness are Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York) and former presidential candidates Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) and Kamala Harris (D-California). But Kness had the support of his home state senators, Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both of whom are Democrats. “We are pleased that the Senate congenerally deals with issues where monetary damages are not the prime consideration but the legal issues are often difficult. “That’s the Cadillac division,” said veteran lawyer and longtime judicial observer Jack Leyhane, who writes the “For What It’s Worth” blog. “You get some of the toughest cases and some of the thorniest issues, some very difficult and demanding and gut-wrenching work. Obviously, he is well regarded by his peers and his colleagues because he wouldn’t be there otherwise.” Leyhane said he has appeared before Valderrama a number of times.
firmed Mr. Kness to be a district judge,” said Durbin and Duckworth in a joint press release. “Mr. Kness was carefully reviewed by the nonpartisan screening committee we established to evaluate potential candidates, and we expect him to be a diligent, thoughtful, and principled district judge.” Durbin and Duckworth have an arrangement with Illinois congressional Republicans in Illinois, to present a balanced slate of recommendations to President Donald Trump who nominated Kness to fill federal district court vacancy last summer. Prior to becoming general counsel at the College of DuPage, Kness served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, with stints in the national security and cybercrimes, narcotics, and general crimes sections. After graduating cum laude from Northwestern’s law school, Kness served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Kness declined an interview request from Wednesday Journal.
Bob Skolnik
“My own reactions with him have been uniformly positive,” Leyhane said. “I like the guy. He’s a nice man and I’m happy as heck for him. I was surprised to see the appointment.” Valderrama earned his law degree from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to being appointed his position as a judge in 2007, he was a partner in the law firm of Sanchez, Daniels & Hoffman LLP where he specialized in trial litigation. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at UIC John Marshall Law School.
Lawmaker says she never wanted to ban self-pumped gas Rep. Camille Lilly said the short language in her bill did not fully reflect her intention By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (78th) has been doing damage control ever since announcing her proposed Gas Station Attendant Act earlier this month, which according to the summary posted on the Illinois General Assembly’s legislative and information website will effectively ban consumers from
service option currently used.” pumping their own gas at fueling Lilly, whose district spans stations. parts of Oak Park, added that House Bill 4571, which Lilly the proposed bill may potentially filed on Feb. 5, provides “that create jobs “that impact the no gas may be pumped at a local economy.” gas station in this State unless During a Feb. 14 interview on it is pumped by a gas station WGN Radio 720, Lilly said that attendant employed at the gas banning self-pumped gas “was station.” never a consideration” and that In a statement her office has the bill “was a vehicle to begin released since then, however, CAMILLE LILLY conversation and it did that.” Lilly said that HB 4571 “is not 78th Districttate rep. Lilly said she had been intended pass as is,” adding that fielding safety concerns at area the bill’s intention “is to give consumers the option to be serviced by a gas stations from senior citizens, parents gas station attendant, in addition to the self- and disabled residents.
Lilly also placed some blame for the confusion on the Illinois Legislative Research Unit, the nonpartisan legislative research agency that state lawmakers rely on to do the legwork of translating their intentions into actual policy. Lilly said the description online is not what she intended to propose. She added that the bill is a vehicle designed to move the conversation forward and that she plans on working with “consumers, gas station owners and the industry to figure out how we can bring forth convenience and safety at the pump — and maybe, possibly create jobs.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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Day Nursery ‘legend’ honored with award
Schwar named Rocking Horse Award winner by the organization
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By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park-River Forest Day Nursery, 1139 Randolph St., is recognizing Charlene “Char” Schwar on Feb. 27 for her service to the organization, by awarding her the 2019 Rocking Horse Award. As devoted as she is beloved, Schwar has been volunteering with the 108-year-old daycare organization ever since her son attended, more than 40 years ago. “She is the heart and soul of this place,” said Day Nursery Executive Director Cari Christoff. “Anyone who is associated with the Day Nursery knows Char.” Naming Schwar the recipient of the award was an easy decision for those involved with the Day Nursery. “At the same time, we all went Char,” Christoff said. “There is nothing she wouldn’t do for the Day Nursery.” Schwar burst into tears when she found out she had been chosen as the recipient of the award. “This has been my home away from home,” she said. “It came to my heart when I needed it.” Many people, Schwar said, get happily drawn into longtime volunteer commitments because of how wonderful the daycare program is. “And the building grabs me,” she said. The Day Nursery was founded in 1912 by a group of like-minded women intent on providing the best care for children and support for parents. The founders wanted the nursery to look and feel as close to home as possible. They enlisted the services of architect Charles B. White, Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégé, to design a house. “You come in and it smells of food; it’s like bringing your kids home,” Schwar said. The sweeping, Tudor-style house White designed couldn’t be more welcoming if it were made of gingerbread. Constructed in 1926, the nursery operates out of that very house to this day. According to Christoff, the Rocking Horse Award goes to someone who embodies the ideals of the nursery. “She personifies what the Day Nursery was intended to do – to give families an opportunity to have their children be in a place where they can be welcomed and loved and nurtured and given the skills that they need to be successful,” Christoff said. It’s fitting that Schwar should receive the Rocking Horse Award, as it was her idea to make the rocking horse the Day Nursery’s
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ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LEGENDARY: Charlene Schwar at the Day Nursery of Oak Park-River Forest. emblem. The adoption of the rocking horse symbol exemplifies Schwar’s contributions to the daycare provider. Her dedication to the nursery stems from the wonderful treatment and experiences her son received while under the organization’s care. “What we offer here is so much more than just watching a kid,” she said. Her expansive work with the nursery includes serving as the president of its board of directors, as well as the president of its advisory council. She’s served on numerous Day Nursery committees, including the one that interviewed Christoff for the executive director position. As a member of the development committee, Schwar hosts meetings at her house, serving snacks and white wine with plenty of ice cubes – her signature drink. “She takes good care of us,” Christoff said. An unrelenting can-do force, Schwar was instrumental in securing grant funding for a new playground at the Day Nursery. Upon receiving the grant in 2014, she recruited more than 200 volunteers of various ages and abilities from a variety of Oak Park organizations to build the playground. “Opportunity Knocks was here. We had some of the residents from the YMCA. Some of the staff at the Y. There were people here from the hospital,” Christoff said. That day is one Schwar’s most favorite memories of her time with the nursery. “I always said if I die, spread my ashes somewhere near the Day Nursery, along the playground maybe,” she said. Now a Rocking Horse Award recipient, Schwar does not intend to rest on her laurels. She intends to keep volunteering. An avid gardener, Schwar would like to see the nursery’s side yard turned into a memorial garden. “Char doesn’t do things without passion,” Christoff said. “I think it’s very important that we recognize her for who she is and what she gives.”
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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The Schubert + Festival Returns! Unity Temple • February 29, 2020 Featuring International Superstar Lawrence Brownlee! Join us for our second bi-annual festival of world-class musicians performing the timeless music of Austrian composer, Franz Schubert (and other composers), in Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Unity Temple, newly designated as a UNESCO National Heritage Site. Like the smashing success of Schubert+ Festival 2018, this year’s festival will consist of four concerts in one featuring chamber music, piano works, and songs performed by internationally acclaimed Tenor, Lawrence Brownlee, as well as Soprano Christine Steyer, Pianist Winston Choi, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Lyric Opera Symphony musicians.
Lawrence Brownlee
Christine Steyer
Winston Choi
Unforgettable music in the intimate setting of Unity Temple.
Find out more and purchase tickets to this unique all-day event at www.SchubertFestivalUnityTemple.org
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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‘What truth sounds like’
Professor Michael Eric Dyson visited Dominican University in River Forest on Feb. 11 By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Michael Eric Dyson, the popular Georgetown professor and bestselling author, was at Dominican University in River Forest on Feb. 11 — his first time speaking at the school since he delivered the university’s MLK lecture 20 years ago. On Tuesday, Dyson delivered a spirited lecture/sermon/meditation on the African American experience in this country, improvising on themes in his 2018 book What Truth Sounds Like: RFK, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America. With his trademark wit, Dyson also riffed on some hot topics in news and popular culture — from President Donald Trump’s impeachment to the row between rapper Snoop Dogg and journalist Gayle King over King’s questioning former WNBA star Lisa Leslie about the late Kobe Bryant’s 2003 sexual assault case. Here are some of the most memorable lines from Dyson’s Dominican lecture — often delivered in his characteristic merging between multisyllabic academic jargon and Ebonics.
On what ‘truth’ is, or isn’t Truth is not some big T, but it’s what we produce in some engaged conversation; that we struggle to clarify the noble means and ideals for which we live, the existence that we engage on this earth … Truth is the product of human struggle to clarify noble means and ends and these are things upon which we agree … And so, when we ask about truth, we can take it on that philosophical level. We can be here all night trying to figure out what are the philosophical bases, or the religious bases … What God is the mediator of truth? What conception of God is beyond human cognition. That’s the ultimate conundrum; that you are evincing a notion of God as a human being talking about something you ain’t never seen, which is interesting because a lot of folk get real judgmental about God and you don’t really be knowing. Evangelical brothers and sisters will tell you that if you don’t support the current president then you are against God. Really? Then I must be an atheist. To tell you the truth, I think God is an atheist. God doesn’t agree with this theological hokum we’ve made up.
On Trump’s Department of Justice When we look at where we’re at now, we know wer’re in trouble. Just today, four members of the Department of Justice, two of them resigning, two of them withdrew,
because the President of the United States of America tweeted out that the potential sentencing guidelines for Roger Stone were too harsh and unfair, so now they are suggesting more lenient recommendations. What more do you need to substantiate and validate a claim of extraordinary interference in the executive branch with the ostensible objectify and neutrality of what appeared to be the judicial branch …. that ain’t your personal lawyer homeboy! Sometimes America is more nobly defended by those who are seen as outsiders. Here, these xenophobia, this recrudescent bigotry that we live with in this country, so that one man doesn’t like Mexicans and Muslims and gay and lesbian and transgender and bisexual people. He don’t really like black people that much at all either … The horrible things that are said, the nasty vituperation, the consternating, ignominious hatred that issues from the voice box of a lethally unenlightened human being. A man proud to be unmolested by enlightenment.
On unsung veterans In the aftermath of King and Baldwin and Fannie Lou Hamer and JoAnne Robinson and Septima Clark and John Lewis and Diane Nash — noble souls of the 1960s. These freedom fighters! When we stand at ball games to celebrate those who are part of the military, those who have fought, those who are veterans, we should thank veterans in America’s war for its future in the 1960s, as well. Because they fought despite the fact that bigots didn’t want them to be here. White supremacists thought they were inferior. But I must say. One of the great things about the present president is that he has obliterated the notion of white superiority. That’s dead.
On former President Barack Obama’s inability to deal directly and honestly with race [Obama] had that possibility and yet because of the variety of circumstances, did not prosecute that case, did not press it as hard as might otherwise have been true. Now, we know it was unfair. If he had had a white Russian drink in the oval office, they may have impeached him. Now we got a white man drinking with a white Russian in the White House, making all kinds of strange noises — just poohtin’ [play on Putin].
On the rift between Gayle King and Snoop Dogg We get into trouble when we try to judge and beat up on other folks and deny them the truth of their own journeys and aspirations and desires … Recently, when a famous rapper disagreed with a famous black journalist, called her out of her name and I dropped a 10-minute Instagram post. I had my Lakers
SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor
Professor Michael Eric Dyson speaks to a packed auditorium at Dominican University in River Forest on Feb. 11. hat on to represent Kobe. And so we’ve got to push back on that. We’ve got to embrace as broad and diverse an understanding of our humanity and our citizenship and who we are as a nation. When we get to the point where we start judging people because they don’t hew to our ideals. They ain’t hurtin’ nobody, they ain’t interrupting anything except our wrong presuppositions about who they are.
On free speech and ‘Cancel Culture’ People think they speak from the mouth of God, ex cathedra, pronouncing what thus saith the Lord. I think there is a continuum. Left and right, progressive, center and so on … When you’ve got people out here marching and hating and wanting to shoot people and run them over, that ain’t free speech, that’s free chaos. Ain’t no thing as absolute free speech. Threaten the president. You will go to jail. … But I think we have to be more tolerate of and engage with one another. Part of the problem is cancel culture and social media. I don’t want to sound like no old dude: ‘That damn internet! Facebook! We used to face the book and read it!’ That is true, though. I can’t lie. ‘We didn’t swipe right unless we were trying to get our peanut on the bread!’ … I think sometimes, social media just gives people digital courage. Talking mad stuff. We say stuff, we’re nasty, vicious. … I’m glad the internet is democratized, everybody got an opinion, but that doesn’t mean everybody should be heard. You’re
To tell you the truth, I think God is an atheist. God doesn’t agree with this theological hokum we’ve made up.
stupid, just amplified. Sorry. Just because we got the democratization of articulation don’t mean you’re saying something. You’re just stupid by yourself and stupid with 100,000 followers.
On mumble rappers Now they have mumble rap. What in the hell is being said? I have no idea [mimics mumble rappers] No what I’m saying? No! Not at all. I have no idea what you’re saying. The only part I understood: ‘Walk it like you talk it, hey!’ … The truth is, one of the reasons they began to mumble, is because when they were clear and articulate, they still died at the hands of police. The truth is, when it sounds like you’re young and black in America, the police still disproportionately hurt and harm you … the people we expect to protect us don’t. This is not to beat up on police. Don’t nobody call police more than black people … We love the police. We just want them to know, when they show up, who the criminal is. Don’t criminalize us. CONTACT: thevillagefreepress@gmail.com
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Robotics team makes Roosevelt School proud
Collaboration, confidence and code plus a lot of fun By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter
They’re smart and funny and engaging. Quirky, kind and respectful. They have adult conversations one minute, then laugh about pranking each other the next. They finish each other’s sentences and, though they have different interests (golf, baking, theater, for instance), they share something in common: a passion for robotics. They’re the Roosevelt Middle School robotics team, and they’ve done some pretty incredible things this season, the second season the team’s been together after a restructuring effort to reinvigorate the group, which is led by teachers Margaret Navolio and Charles Juister. This school year, Roosevelt sponsored two FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams, the Roosevelt Rovers and The Bulldog Bricks, who advanced to the Einstein State Championships at Elgin Community College. The teams competed at the Chicago South McKinley FLL qualifying tournament in December and were judged in four categories: Robot Game, in which the team’s robot had to perform a series of missions; Innovation Project, where teams identified and solved real-world problems and shared them with community professionals; Core Values, in which the students exhibited inclusion, discovery, teamwork, innovation and fun during the season; and Robot Design, where teams explained strategies used in building and programming the robots to achieve the missions in Robot Game. Sixth-grader Elliott Stoker, a member of the Roosevelt Rovers who won the finalist award for their Innovation Project, said his team wanted to make something that would allow a person with disabilities to have fun at a playground, a place that normally they might not enjoy. His team’s design, he said, was a small roller coaster, which could accommodate a wheelchair or a person without one. “At first we thought of a swing,” said Stoker. “But we realized that had been done before. We wanted to come up with something new and different.” His team, he said, got into groups to brainstorm ideas, then voted to find the one they wanted to develop. His favorite thing about the experience? “Expressing creativity and designing something you’ve dreamed of, and seeing it work,” said Stoker, who plans to join the Robotics team again next school year. Alex Ponzio, eighth-grader, was on The Bulldogs Bricks team that advanced to the state competition. At the qualifying competition, his team developed an idea for an accessible crosswalk design for their Innovation Project during the competition. “Our idea involved a keycard that people can get from village hall,” said Ponzio. “With
KIDS CODING: (Top)Tommy Pogue, left, and Cece are members of Roosevelt’s robotics team. (Bottom) Sixth-grader Josie Kim programs a robot during a lunchtime robotics meeting.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
the keycard, they could scan a sensor that would lower bars to protect the crosswalk by keeping cars from going through. Once the person crossed the street, they could scan the sensor again, but if they forgot, the bars would rise again in 30 seconds.” He said his team came up with the idea by thinking about a problem that needed to be solved: the problem of deaths in crosswalks because cars didn’t stop for pedestrians. They thought of other options, like underground tunnels, but those, said Ponzio, would be dangerous (collapsing could be an issue) or expensive. Navolio said one of the benefits of the competition, aside from the technical skills the kids learn, is the public speaking aspect, since presenting ideas to the judges can be intimidating. “It’s a great opportunity for them to develop confidence in public presentations and speaking,” Navolio said. “I like public speaking,” Ponzio said. “And there was a lot of teamwork involved. If one team member was talking but forgot what to say, there was always another one of us to step in and help.” Eighth-grader Cece (who did not want her last name published) and seventh-grader Tommy Pogue, both also on Ponzio’s team, agreed that presenting with a team made a big difference. And Cece added that she noticed her confidence increasing from one presentation to the next. Pogue said that although he generally doesn’t like public speaking or presentations, doing it with a team made it easier. “We take speech class in school, and that helps too,” added Pogue. All the team members said the competi-
tion was an incredible experience. “The competition seemed scary at first,” said Cece. “But it was actually a lot of fun. It was not what I expected at all. The judges wore silly hats to help the teams feel less stressed.” She mentioned a flamingo hat and a Shrek hat. Both Cece and Ponzio, who will graduate at the end of this school year, said they’ll miss their team at Roosevelt a lot. “I really enjoy the friendships and just hanging out,” said Cece. “Sometimes we just have fun and act like idiots, but we put in the work and made it to state.” Her favorite part of being on the team, she said, is Saturday practices. “We always have donuts,” she added. Pogue said he likes to make cookies for the meetings too. “We’re both bakers,” said Cece of herself and Pogue, and they debated whether the lemon cookies from a recent Saturday had been too tart. She hopes to continue robotics in high school, though she’s not sure how it will fit into her schedule, which will include school plays and other activities. Ponzio’s response was similar; if golf didn’t get in the way, he’ll definitely join robotics at Fenwick, where he plans to go next year. Juister said he sees such value in robotics for kids this age because it’s an opportunity for students to be successful in something other than sports. Juister quoted Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway and of the FIRST Robotics Competition: “You have teenagers thinking they’re going to make millions as NBA stars when that’s not realistic for even one percent of them. Becoming a scientist or engineer is.” “Kamen started the program to provide a great opportunity for kids to be recognized
for something other than athletics,” said Juister. “And with the team we have, with the challenges the kids are given, the sky’s the limit. I’m always impressed by what they come up with.” Although proud of themselves for making it to the state competition, the kids were also proud of the name they’d come up with for their robot, a combination of lots of different ideas they considered: Mr.JerryRobertoEV3.the543rdthe2nd. On the FIRST Inspires website, the official website of the FIRST Robotics organization, the code of conduct for students participating in events is given. One of the ideas the organization wants to instill and see in participants is “Gracious professionalism” at all times. The concept is defined as “a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.” It appears this quality is strong in the Roosevelt Middle School robotics team.
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Bloomberg opens campaign office blocks from Oak Park Presidential candidate purchases space at 5607 W. Division St. in Austin By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Former New York City mayor and billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg has been on quite the spending spree lately in his unconventional bid to land the Democratic nomination for president. Last week, Bloomberg’s reach made itself evident less than a mile from the Oak Park/ Austin border, when the candidate opened a campaign office at 5607 W. Division St. in Austin on Feb. 12. A campaign spokesperson said that, as of last week, the Austin office was one of about 10 across the state (on the same day as the Austin office opening, the campaign was opening an office in the South Side Chatham community). It’s likely the only presidential campaign office on the West Side, which
is nonetheless no stranger to presidential icy, which according to the New York Times campaign offices. “allows police officers to detain someone In 2016, would-be Democratic for questioning on the street, in presidential candidate Hillary public housing projects or in priClinton opened a campaign ofvate buildings where landlords fice inside of Genesis on the Avrequest police patrols.” enue, an office building located After Bloomberg took office in at 5811 W. Chicago Ave., just a 2002, the “number of stops mulfew blocks east of Oak Park. tiplied sevenfold, peaking with Bloomberg wasn’t at the open685,724 in 2011 and then tumbling ing on Feb. 12, but one of a to 191,851 in 2013. During Mr. growing list of high-profile surBloomberg’s three terms, the porogates attended: Karen Freelice recorded 5,081,689 stops,” the man-Wilson, the former twoNew York Times reported. MIKE BLOOMBERG term mayor Gary, Indiana, and According to the New York Presidential candidate currently president and CEO of Civil Liberties Union, black and the Chicago Urban League. Latinx communities were “the “While we have a lot of great candidates overwhelming target” of the tactic, even who have a lot of great ideas, we’ve got to get though roughly “nine of out 10 stopped-andsomeone who can take the president on heads frisked New Yorkers have been completely up,” Freeman-Wilson said during her stump innocent.” In 2013, a federal judge in New speech. “The soul of our nation is at stake.” York ruled that the practice violated citiThe office opening comes as Bloomberg’s zens’ constitutional rights. stop-and-frisk past dominates national Bloomberg had been a vigorous defender headlines. The mayor has expressed a de- of the policy up until November 2019, just gree of penitence for the controversial pol- before he announced his presidential bid.
DALY BAGEL
Give us this day our… from page 1 progress being made in the retro space. Beneath a layer of construction dust, a light and airy color palate of black, white and “Daly Bagel blue” is starting to emerge. Banquette seating and a custom-made bagel display are onsite, awaiting installation. A large viewing window, paid for by Daly Bagel Kickstarter supporters, has been installed and will give customers a chance to see the bagel making process firsthand. Branded coffee mugs, eco-focused refuse bins and reusable baskets for dine-in meals are being stored in the basement in anticipation of opening day. Fans are encouraged to follow The Daly Bagel on social media (Facebook and Instagram) to stay updated about opening day specifics. “We are aware there are high expectations for the shop, and we are committed to maintaining the quality people have come to expect from The Daly Bagel,” said Daly. And that means taking things slowly. During the soft opening, The Daly Bagel will be open from 6 a.m. to noon and offer a limited menu of bagels, cream cheese, drip coffee and tea. In the afternoon, Daly and her employees will assess their progress, restock bagels and practice making espresso drinks with help from the folks at Dark Matter coffee. As the team’s skills build, the shop will remain open longer while gradually increasing bagel production. As their confidence grows, they will begin adding more menu
PHOTOGRAPHER/Title
THE DAILY DALY: Amanda Daly (center), in front of the tray oven that will bring east coast bagels to Oak Park, is flanked by her “bagel partners,” Leah Garcia (left) and Adrienne Guldin (right). items to mix and customers can expect to see espresso and lattes followed by desserts. Eventually, an array of sandwiches will round out the menu. In the meantime, Daly and her “bagel partners” Adrienne Guldin and Leah Garcia are eager to share the progress being made in the shop’s industrial kitchen. “We’re in the big leagues now,” said Garcia as the trio enters the kitchen. They show off an extra-large walk-in refrigerator with enough room to hold hundreds of bagels, a four-compartment sink and massive dough mixer. A large piece of equipment known as a bagel divider-former is stationed in front of the shop’s viewing window. It’s designed to help bakers in-
crease production as it both separates and shapes bagels. “This machine will help speed up production a lot,” said Daly, “but many of our products will still be made by hand.” Daly indicates the divider-former will only be used for standard bagel doughs. All colored doughs used to make rainbow bagels and any product containing a high-allergen ingredient will be made by hand to ensure the machine is not contaminated with potentially hazardous ingredients. A revolving tray oven, with nearby bagel kettle for boiling, anchors the bagel-focused business. The industrial oven has the capacity to bake 500 bagels at a time. During their weekend pop-ups, Daly and her crew of bak-
In Chicago, particularly in minority communities like Austin, stop-and-frisk has been even more pervasive than in New York City, according to City Lab. “In just a four-month period in 2014, Chicagoans were stopped and frisked at four times the rate at which New Yorkers were in 2011, when the practice was at its peak in New York City,” the publication reported. Julie Kaviar, Bloomberg’s communications director in Illinois, said that the former mayor has worked to rectify his role in stop-and-frisk’s expansion by “being in communities like Austin and Chatham, having those challenging conversations and showing that we are investing in positive outcomes. “One thing he did in New York was create a program that became President Obama’s ‘My Brother’s Keeper,’ and so having those social services tied with mentoring services to help people build out of poverty and talking about the root public health causes of gun violence is critical to our commitment,” she said. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
ery chefs would churn out just shy of 900 bagels in batches of 80 -- so the increased oven capacity will be an asset in the shop. The Daly Bagel will feature 12-15 bagels daily. Among others, the ever-popular plain, onion, sesame, poppy, garlic, asiago cheese, everything, pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin and egg varieties will be included on the regular menu, while specialty bagels like lemon-lavender, chai, maple bacon and pumpkin carrot will be available on a rotating or seasonal basis. Daly Bagel fans will be happy to know an assortment of custom blended cream cheeses will be available in their popular garlic and herb, berry basil, sweet onion, veggie and goat cheese varieties on a regular basis. Specialty varieties, like a creative “Chicago” cream cheese will make appearances at the store as well. Inspired by a Chicago-style hot dog, the cream cheese will feature all the garnishes included on the city’s signature dish. Daly envisions the cream cheese will play a key role in a specialty sandwich -- a poppy seed bagel, spread with Chicago cream cheese and topped with Taylor ham, a New Jersey specialty also known as pork roll. The “Vampire Killer” will feature a garlic cream cheese on a garlic and herb bagel and topped with wilted lemon-garlic spinach and red onion, while the “Sweet Tart” will feature your choice of bagel topped with a goat cheese spread, fresh apples and honey. The sandwich menu will also feature smoked salmon and a Whitefish spread from Soft Wave Fish Co. located in Lake in the Hills. “When we have an opening date we will announce it on social media;” said Daly. “The waiting has been hard for all of us, but we can see the finish line now.”
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Festival Theatre returns to single summer play
By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
Oak Park Festival Theatre will only put on one outdoor production this summer after rainy weather, the last two summers, hurt attendance. Since 1976, the theater has been performing on an outdoor stage, primarily in Austin Gardens. In recent years, they’ve put on two productions per summer. This year, they are returning to a single production — Shakespeare’s The Tempest. And to ensure that only local residents will be able to get tickets during the free community nights at the beginning of the run, the Park District of Oak Park will be taking over distribution, using a recently introduced new program registration system that can automatically filter out non-Oak Park addresses. According to its website, Festival Theatre was founded in 1975. It started humbly, with its inaugural production performed on a “flatbed truck parked on the Westgate culde-sac.” The following year, the park district invited them to perform at Austin Gardens, and the relationship continued ever since. This year, Festival Theatre and the park district will need to approve a new contract, which was discussed during the Park Board of Commissioners’ Feb. 13 Committee of the Whole meeting. As park district Executive Director Jan Arnold explained, the length of the contract has varied over the decades, between one and three years. The theater named a new director earlier this month, so the park district decided to go with a oneyear contract this time around to give them an opportunity to settle in and make adjustments next year.
Photo by Jhenai Mootz
SHOWTIME: Niko Kourtis, Tyshon Boone, Daniella Pereira, Sam Theis, Belinda Bremner, Elliot Baker, Wendy Robi (Queen Elizabeth I), Christopher Walsh and August Forman in Oak Park Festival Theatre’s 2019 production of “Elizabeth Rex” directed by Barbara Zahora. The park district has been providing a $6,000 annual grant to the theater — something that, Arnold said, will still be the case this year. She also explained that, with the weather interfering with performances last summer, the theater “actually lost money,” so they will only be doing a single production. Bryan Wakefield, who recently became Festival’s director, said the weather issue goes back several years. “The rainy season in Oak Park has impacted our summer season dramatically,”
he explained, “forcing us to cancel roughly a third of our performances of You Can’t Take It With You in 2018 and another third of the performances of the Jeff-nominated production of Elizabeth Rex in 2019.” As noted on Festival’s site, the company staged one production a season until 2005, then expanded to two. Over the next few years, the number of productions grew to three, then four, before returning to two productions in 2013. According to the proposed agreement between the theater and the park district, they
will do several preview performances on July 11, 12, 15, 16 and 17, leading up to the first official performance on July 18. From that point on, performances will be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and every Sunday at 7 p.m., until Aug. 23. The contract would allow the theater to mount additional performances, Aug. 27Sept. 6. Wakefield explained they set up the schedule specifically to reduce the odds of rain interfering with their performances. “[This way], we are able to start a little later in the summer to avoid the rainiest days of the early summer,” he said. “However, by eliminating the technical changeover to a new show in the middle of the season, we will be able to offer the same total number of performances as both shows in years past, even with the later start.” Since 2016, Festival Theatre has been offering one free Community Night as a way to give back to Oak Park and provide some equity for residents who may not be able to afford regular tickets. Arnold explained that, in the past, the link to the tickets was available to everyone on the theater’s mailing list on a first-come, first-served basis — which meant people from outside Oak Park were able to buy tickets meant for Oak Parkers. This year, the park district is taking over the ticket distribution. Park district spokesperson Diane Stanke explained that its new Amilia program registration system can look at information residents put in and automatically recognize non-Oak Park addresses. It will also cap the number of tickets a person can claim based on the number of people in their household. The park board is expected to vote on the agreement during its Feb. 20 meeting.Show-
C R I M E
Mail swiped from two postal carrier carts Two instances of mail theft have occurred in Oak Park in a span of six days in recent weeks. The first happened at 11:58 a.m. on Feb. 7, when a man was observed removing two bundles of mail out of an unattended United States Postal Service cart in the 300 block of North Maple Avenue. About a week later, on Feb. 13, at 2:51 p.m., a similar incident occurred in the 800 block of South Scoville Avenue, where a man was observed removing pieces of mail from a USPS cart left on the sidewalk. A neighbor called the police. The man fled on foot eastbound on Harrison Street.
Theft
■A
person took a black 2011 Honda CRV, with the keys inside of it, which was parked in the 500 block of North Grove Avenue some-
time between 5:45 p.m. and 9:27 p.m. on Feb. 8. Chicago police recovered the vehicle in the 5900 block of West Cortland Street, ■ Chicago, at 7:10 p.m. on Feb. 13. ■ Someone stole an unlocked and unattended Toyota Camry that was left running in the 600 block of Garfield Street on Feb. 14 between 7:35 and 7:38 a.m. Police estimate a loss of $10,000. ■ Someone stole a black Nokia cellular phone and a pack of cigarettes out of a suitcase belonging to a homeless woman who was asleep in the 300 block of North Oak Park Avenue between 10 p.m. on Feb. 13 and 5 a.m. on Feb. 14. The estimated loss is $415.
Criminal damage to property ■ Someone used a BB gun to shoot a car’s front windshield, damaging it, sometime be-
tween 2 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 10 a.m. on Feb. 9 in the 800 block of South Austin Boulevard. It will take an estimated $600 to repair the damage. ■ All four tires of a Bolingbrook resident’s vehicle were punctured while it was parked in the 800 block of South Oak Park Avenue sometime between midnight on Feb. 4 and 4:48 a.m. on Feb. 9. The estimated damage is $500. ■ Someone broke the bedroom window of a residence in the 400 block of South Maple Avenue at 9:57 a.m. on Feb. 9. The offender fled in a charcoal-colored Nissan Sentra. ■ A young woman damaged a Chicago resident’s vehicle after hitting it with baseball bat, resulting in two dents to the vehicle’s rear hatch, at 4:13 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the 6800 block of North Avenue. The offender reportedly struck the vehicle in retaliation after being involved in a traffic accident with the Chicago resident. Esti-
mated damage is unknown. ■ Someone damaged the windshield of a Chicago resident’s vehicle by throwing an unknown object at it while in traffic at 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the 700 block of South Harlem Avenue. The damage is estimated at $500. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Feb. 7 to Feb. 17, 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
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Dear Oak Park Residents and Surrounding Community, This year we are giving back to you with an amazing one time offer (in celebration of our 25th anniversary)! Perfect for children, teens, and adults! Language and Music Summer Camp! Spanish Immersion no Spanish experience necessary.
Special 2020 Offer!
Our Summer Camp’s waitlist has been eliminated, with all the space we have at the new Mansion!
$248 per month
Preschool Group (ages 2-4) Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Group (ages 5-8)
$199 for the first month!
3rd-5th grade group (ages 9-11) Monday through Friday 9:30am-2:30pm, choose your weeks $250 per week. Before and after care available.
Private Lessons in ANY subject we offer!
Two-week minimum, 8-week recommendation for language acquisition.
All Languages, All Instruments, All Subjects for Academic Tutoring! All AGES! Don’t forget to ask about our other programs and offerings:
• Before and Afterschool “Homework Cafe” at The International Mansion • Language and Fine Arts Preschool and Elementary School (Homeschool-style in School) • Our Recording Studio • Translations and Interpretations LANGUAGES CURRENTLY OFFERED:
INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY OFFERED:
ATHLETIC TRAINING CURRENTLY OFFERED:
SPECIALTIES CURRENTLY OFFERED:
Spanish, Polish, Chinese, French, Japanese, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, E.S.L. (English as a Second Language), Indonesian, Korean, Hebrew, Swedish, and much more!
Piano, Voice, Harp, Banjo, Violin, Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Drum Set, African Drums, Saxophone, Clarinet, Viola, Cello, Oboe, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Bagpipes, Accordian, Harmonica, Recorder, Ukulele, Music Composition, Ear Training, Musical Theater, Music Therapy, Music Production, Recording Studio, All Band & Orchestra Instruments
Karate, Fencing, Soccer, Dance, and Personal Strength Training
Cinematography, Coding
ACADEMICS CURRENTLY OFFERED: Math, Science, Reading, Writing, SAT, ACT, IEP/ Dyselxic/Alternative Learners, Architecture, and Chess
Co-Founders, Maria Emilia and Brando
The Language and Music School At International Mansion
509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 info@internationalmansion.com • (708) 524-5252 • InternationalMansion.com
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING • RESPITE CARE
Grocery store closing
Move to our awardwinning memory care this winter and save up to two months!*
from page 1
We know what a living room is for. More than a place to live, it’s a place to call home. Laughter echoing across every room. Meals shared, stories swapped. Impromptu dancing in the living room. At Caledonia Senior Living, we care for each person’s quality of life without losing the essence of life.
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formerly The Scottish Home
! Us n i Free Breast Cancer Documentary Jo
Refreshments & Discussion Following
FREE event for adults affected by cancer.
Thursday, February 20 | 6-8pm West Suburban Medical Center Lower Level Auditorium 3 Erie Court, Oak Park, IL 60302 • WestSuburbanMC.com • 708-383-6200
West Suburban Medical Center breast health medical director, Rabia Bhatti, MD, oncology surgeon; clinical nurse navigators, Meghan Moroney, RN, MSN and Sherry Magdic, RN, MSN, invite you to join them for a FREE screening and discussion of Hidden Scars, a documentary about the emotional impact a woman goes through after having a mastectomy. The stories of a diverse group of women discussing their experience is shared, including diagnosis, surgery, body image, intimacy, advice and moving forward.
FAIR SHARE
Members of the healthcare community, women who have had or will have surgery, and adult family members are invited to this FREE West Suburban Medical Center and Wellness House event.
Register at WellnessHouse.org or call 630-323-5150
ies and check out customers. “I gave jobs to how many thousands of kids over the years,” Salamone said. “Sometimes I walk down the street and I hear, ‘Hey Joe! I used to work for you!” With the rise of big box stores and national grocery chains, Fair Share in Oak Park saw its business dwindle with customers buying fewer items per trip. “Overall our volume has been going down. But the expenses are the same, payroll is the same, taxes are the same, bills are the same,” he said. Fair Share became almost like a convenience store, where people could go and grab a few things as needed. “We’re a small store. Costco, Wal-Mart, whatever – people can go there and maybe they get better deals on paper towels, so the grocery business has shrunk for us.” As much as Salamone loved the people of Oak Park, conducting business in the village often posed difficulties. “I’m going to be very frank, one of the major problems is that Oak Park is not business-friendly,” he said. Salamone felt that village government poured more resources into certain areas of Oak Park and neglected others. “They sort of forget about the southside of the Eisenhower [Expressway],” he said. Salamone saw the village refinish alleys in other areas, while the alley behind the store fell into poor condition. “I had to call up the village to just fix my alley,” he said. A common and well-known burden, the store faced, high taxes also. “The taxes are incredible. They’re overwhelming,” Salamone said. Fair Share sits on the border of Oak Park, with the City of Berwyn on the opposite side of Roosevelt Road. “I can tell you that if I was across the street, I probably would still be in business,” Salamone said. “And I would have a liquor license.” The process of getting a liquor license in Oak Park required jumping through many hoops, so many that the Salamone brothers eventually just stopped trying. A proud grandfather, Salamone has pictures of his 10 grandchildren all over his office. Their Crayola drawings hangs on the walls. The metal armoire is covered with the names and various height markers of each child, showing how they’ve grown. Salamone credits his family for the success the store has seen. “Vito has been my partner since the beginning,” he said. Salamone’s son Phillip also works at Fair Share and is an integral part of the operation. Fair Share staff have also become like family especially Daisy LaBarbera, who takes care of many of the important administrative tasks, including payroll. “We’ve been successful all these years with the help of Daisy LaBarbera. Nothing could have been done in this store without
her,” Salamone said. “I couldn’t do it without her or my son Phillip.” Fair Share head butcher Benny Manzella is also like family. Manzella and the Salamone brothers grew up together in Sicily. “I’m going to give you a good deal; I’m going to put it on Joe’s tab,” Manzella joked. With the impending closure, the Salamones are doing what they can to take care of their staff. “Most of them, we are bringing to the other store. I’m trying to get a lot of them different jobs somewhere else. A couple of them are going to go to a bakery that my sister owns,” he said. “We’re not going to put them on the street.” Fair Share has spread that same level of compassion to people all over Oak Park, contributing funds to block parties and BarrieFest, a yearly party in Barrie Park held by South East Oak Park Community Organization (SEOPCO). “Joe was always willing,” said Jim Kelly, former SEOPCO board member. “They’ve been very good neighbors.” Fair Share also gave two Washington Irving School students $500 scholarships yearly . “I asked the school over here to come up with two kids that have a hard time at home and, in spite of that, they still do great in school,” he said. Salamone did that for a few years, up until the school stopped sending him the names of kids. “Maybe they didn’t have anybody that was in dire needs,” he said. What will replace Fair Share is as yet unknown, but potential buyers have shown interest in purchasing the property. “We’re getting some hits. I don’t know if it’s going to work out, but it looks good,” Salamone said. Melissa Elsmo, a chef and editor of the Journal’s Oak Park Eats website, lives in southeast Oak Park, and went to Fair Share often for its specialty cuts of meats. “Every year I make a huge cassoulet dinner and it requires some very unique cuts of meat. My very first stop was always Fair Share because I knew that I could get pork skin there, I knew I could get fresh ham hocks there,” she said. “They’re always of high quality and served with kindness.” Elsmo and her husband often frequent Fair Share throughout the week, picking up last minute ingredients. “What was appealing about Fair Share to the southeast Oak Park community was the simple fact that it was available as a mainstay grocery store for a large swath of people,” she said. Elsmo believes the neighborhood will sorely miss Fair Share. “I think people underestimate how much they frequented that grocery store,” she said. they’re going to be sorry to see that it’s gone.” Besides being a purveyor of groceries, Fair Share was also a purveyor of affability and goodwill. “From the long-term employees working the register to the butcher behind the meat counter to neighbors you might see while shopping in the store,” Elsmo said, “everything in Fair Share was always based in kindness.”
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
NEED TO REACH US?
oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com
17
Homes
From Oak Park to Oak & Heir Chantelle Moragne makes furniture personal By LACEY SIKORA
C
Contributing Reporter
hantelle Moragne took a circuitous route to her newfound career, but in creating her own furniture line, Oak & Heir, she is returning to one of her earliest interests. Growing up, her family lived in Oak Park before moving to the far west suburbs. In junior high school, while her friends were taking home economics classes, she took shop classes and discovered a love for working with wood and working with her hands. As a young adult, she worked as an event planner, and many of her custom weddings involved the design of custom wood pieces. She recalls of the pieces that took places of pride in ceremonies and receptions. “They were only used about six hours,” she said. “I wanted to make something longer term.” In 2017, she decided to make a career shift and entered the world of real estate. “One day, I made business cards, calling myself a stager, and went from there,” Moragne said.” As a stager, she noticed that a lot of new-construction homes in the western suburbs would look better with furniture pieces that weren’t available to the mass market. She teamed up with a friend whose family made custom cabinetry. Their focus was kitchens, but Moragne wanted to make furniture that would help sell the homes for the developers and architects she was working with. With a team of millworkers, she created pieces that actually fit the style of the houses so that they looked lived in, and along the way, she started picking up clients who wanted custom pieces for their own homes. “I was working in the western suburbs with a lot of new-build homes,” Moragne said. “I’m creating furniture for these homes to stage them, but it can also be sold with the home. It was a one-stop shop for the homeowners because the furniture fit the house so well.”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Making an heirloom Moragne says that what began as creating dining tables that fit the scale and character of newly-built homes grew into a business of making future heirlooms for buyers with new and historic homes. In her own homes, Moragne had been frustrated by furniture that didn’t last. Inspired by all the historic homes she grew up around in Oak Park, she wanted to create heirloom wood pieces that could be See MORAGNE on page 21
Courtesy CHANTELLE MORAGNE
WOMAN OF WOOD: Chantelle Moragne (top), who grew up in Oak Park, has had a lifelong love affair with wood-working and creates custom furniture to fit a home’s character.
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400
HomesInTheVillage.com
Featured Listings for This Week Oak Park $579,900 5BR, 3.2BA Marion x111
Oak Park $517,000 Multi unit Laurie x186
Oak Park $349,000 3BR, 2.1BA Harry x116
Properties of The Week
Open Sun 12-2 pm 3522 Kenilworth Ave
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Berwyn $243,000 3BR, 1BA Marion x111
Berwyn $264,900 3BR, 1.1BA Maria x117
Berwyn $299,900 4BR, 1.1BA Maria x117
Forest Park $219,500 2BR, 2BA Elissa x192
Forest Park $219,000 2BR, 1BA Patti x124
Forest Park $199,800 3BR, 1BA Kyra x145
Oak Park $175,000 2BR, 1BA Jane x118
Oak Park $115,000 1BR, 1BA Elissa x192
Oak Park $99,000 1BR, 1BA Jane x118
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105 S Euclid Ave Oak Park $398,000 3BR, 2.2BA Jane x118
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Harry Walsh
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
19
Generations of Excellence since 1958
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
Jane Maxwell Iris McCormick Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney Colleen Navigato John Pappas Rosa Pitassi Sue Ponzio-Pappas
Laura Gancer Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima Jack Lattner
Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford
1435 CLINTON PL • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 13
816 N OAK PARK AVE • OAK PARK
221 KEYSTONE • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 13
N E W LISTI NG!
P RI CE RED U CED!
CLASSIC OP HOME with classic features and modern finishes to compliment. Dark mahogany woodwork throughout, hardwood floors. Features include wood-burning fireplace, upgraded kitchen, and den/sitting room, large master BR, fantastic amount of windows. Finished basement. .......................................$555,000
BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built home has the highest quality finishes. No detail was missed. Brick and stone exterior, wrap around porch, eleven-foot ceilings and oversized windows. LL has 2,000 feet of living area. ............................................................$1,425,000
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!............................................................ $699,000
BEAUTIFUL BURMA BUILT TUDOR sits on a lovely lot with side drive leading to attached 3 car garage and large yard. This 4 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home offers a great flow throughout the 1st floor, large eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, leaded glass and classic cove ceilings. ........................................................... $669,000
806 MONROE • RIVER FOREST
715 BONNIE BRAE • RIVER FOREST
417 N MAPLE • OAK PARK
638 N ELMWOOD • OAK PARK
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
SOLD!
GORGEOUS RESTORATION of stately RF home offers 3BRs, 4 full baths, recently updated kitchen/dining, art glass windows, French doors, hardwood floors, sunroom, and large family room. Fab finished basement. Private, beautifully landscaped, newly fenced yard with in-ground pool................................................$1,100,000
MOVEIN CONDITION HOME in a Great Location! Vintage Charm with all the modern conveniences which include updated kitchen and baths, C/A, new deck, office with Built-Ins, DR which can easily become a 4th BR, kitchen w/breakfast room, family room. Professionally landscaped. ......................................$599,950
EXPANSIVE HOME in the FLW Historic district! This 5 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath house offers a beautiful combo of architectural details & modern updates with a generous floor plan, tall ceilings, airy foyer, updated white kitchen, mudroom, and fully finished 3rd level and basement............................................................ $659,000
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. ..................................... $562,000
RIVER FOREST HOMES
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 LOVELY SPLITLEVEL 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 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
OAK PARK HOMES
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
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 UNIQUE BURMABUILT HOME is a must-see property. You will appreciate the high-quality craftsmanship and sophisticated details throughout, including art glass doors, a custom milled cherry mantel, and custom kitchen cabinetry. The home has been very well maintained. ......................................................$1,275,000 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
1423 LATHROP • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 122
Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307
P R IC E R E DUC E D!
LOVELY TRADITIONAL HOME, found in walkable OP 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 FABULOUS BRICK HOME has it all! On extra-wide lot with 4 BRs, 4-1/2 BAs. Features include private office, open kitchen, breakfast room, family room, Butler’s bar, master suite w/sep sitting room, finished basement w/full wet bar & media room, private backyard, garden and pond. ...............................$1,049,000 PRICE REDUCED STUNNING RENOVATION with exquisite modern finishes. Solid brick home features new hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, wood burning fireplace, family room, 3 generously sized BRs. Spacious finished LL. Central air, and 3-car garage. Just Move in and Enjoy!............................... $619,500
Get Ready for the Spring Market!
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Two garage spaces.......$479,000 RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Updated, move-in ready. ..... $169,000 OAK PARK Two Flat ..........................................................$669,000 OAK PARK Two Flat ..........................................................$530,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK Two Flat ..............................$510,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full / 2 half BA. East facing balc. .......$429,900 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2BA. Stunning, bright tri-level. .....$330,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Location and more! ......................$299,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1.2 BA. ....................$299,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1/2BA. 3 floors of living! ...................$259,000
Contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Our team of brokers is committed to your success!
Oak Park
Oak Park
Oak Park
Oak Park
4BR/3.5BA....................$725,000
3BR/2BA .......................$495,000
3BR/1.5BA....................$285,000
3BR/1.5BA....................$430,000
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Oak Park
Oak Park
Oak Park
Berwyn
5BR/3.5BA....................$675,000
4BR/3BA .......................$750,000
5BR/3BA .......................$999,000
Cynthia Howe-Gajewski • 312-933-8440
2-flat ..............................$319,900
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Cynthia Howe-Gajewski • 312-933-8440
Oak Park
Oak Park
Oak Park
Chicago
4BR/1.5BA....................$435,000
3BR/1.5BA....................$435,000
3BR/1.5BA....................$319,000
2BR/2.5BA....................$575,000
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Cynthia Howe-Gajewski • 312-933-8440
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
708.386.1366 • 109 N. Marion St., Oak Park • beyondpropertiesrealty.com
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
MORAGNE
Customized furniture from page 17 passed on to the next generation. For those special pieces, she says many are looking beyond the big box stores. “Furniture is expensive. If you’re going to invest the money, make it worthwhile,” she said. Many clients are looking for a showpiece for a new-to-them home, and Moragne says her most popular pieces for this niche are dining room and kitchen tables, but people are also seeking console tables, entry way tables, headboards and coffee tables. She says there is something satisfying about designing a personal piece. Many of her clients are also repeat clients. “A lot of my clients are new homebuyers, maybe coming from an apartment to a house,” she said. “The first thing they want is that table they will use every day. Once I’m done with that, usually, a year or so later, they come back for another piece.” Her pieces are more expensive than some retail, but Moragne says that people are also getting a one-of-kind item that really suits them and their homes. “I don’t want people to settle,” she said. “You can go to West Elm and buy an end table for $300. For a couple hundred more, you can have something of your own.” She calls her pieces high-end but not astronomical in price, saying that while a typical big-box dining table could run $2,500, her typical kitchen or dining table starts at $3,000 and goes up in price depending on the wood type, finish and size.
Custom process Moragne says one of the selling points for her pieces is the client’s ability to cus-
21
tomize. She can make pieces as small or as large as the room requires, and finishes and details are tailored to each customer as well. While a custom piece may take four to 12 weeks from concept to finish, Moragne says customers appreciate being a part of the process along the way. She creates her drawings of pieces by hand, a process which makes changes easy and provides clients with their own little piece of artwork. Clients can also visit her Elk Grove Village workshop, to choose finishes and colors and see the process unfold. “Clients love visiting. It makes them feel more connected to the building process,” Moragne said. “We can mix colors right there in front of you, and we have ongoing projects so that you can see color variations and the density of the types of woods.” She says that while custom pieces do take more time, they also come with more care. “One of the benefits of being local is it gives you peace of mind,” she said. “You can come to the workshop you can call and get me on the phone. I’m honest with people, and they appreciate that.”
New showroom Moragne is in the process of building out a new showroom in Wheaton where customers can see some examples of her work. The showroom will include a series of six to eight vignettes from a dining room showcasing a table, to a mudroom with built-in lockers, to a kitchen area with custom pieces. She says one of the first vignettes clients will see when they walk in will be a custom beverage center – something more and more clients are requesting. While many customers find her through her website, www.oakandheir. com, Moragne is looking forward to people being able to come into her showroom and touch and see her products for themselves.
Courtesy CHANTELLA MORAGNE
ONE OF A KIND: While custom pieces, like the ones shown above, may cost a bit more and take some time to complete, clients can customize every detail, from the size to details and finishes.
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
1023 ASHLAND AVENUE, RIVER FOREST
1023ASHLANDAVENUE.INFO
415 LINDEN AVENUE, OAK PARK
415LINDEN.INFO
Fantastic recently updated 5-bedroom home in River Forest offers all to-
Iconic Tallmadge & Watson Prairie estate in the very heart of the Village of
day’s modern amenities.
Oak Park. Walk to everything!
ELIZABETH AUGUST
•
$1,299,000 773.432.0200
•
elizabethaugust@atproperties.com
GREER HASEMAN
•
$1,195,000
708.848.0200
•
greer.gps@atproperties.com
1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD
742 BONNIE BRAE PLACE, RIVER FOREST
742BONNIEBRAE.INFO
708 S EAST AVENUE, OAK PARK
708SEASTAVENUE.INFO
This is the one you have been waiting for. Central, walkable, River Forest
All the Oak Park charm you have been searching for and all you have to
turn key single family home. Award winning Lincoln School!
do is move in - this American 4-Square offers everything.
MARK FISCHER
•
312.254.0200
•
$1,097,000
markfischer@atproperties.com
LISA PASQUESI
•
708.848.0200
•
$600,000
lisapasquesi@atproperties.com
Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
23
1202 William St., River Forest
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Spectacular French Provincial is in the heart of beautiful
$1,049,000 | 4 Beds | 4 Baths & 2 Half-Baths
central River Forest. Every bedroom with its own luxurious bath and so close to parks & schools!
542 N Marion St, Oak Park
PRICE REDUCED
NEWLY LISTED $535,000 | 4 Beds | 1 Bath & 1 Half-Bath
Beautiful stucco 4-Square home in the heart of central Oak Park!
Steve Scheuring Realtor and Local Expert, Oak Park & River Forest
steve.scheuring@compass.com 708.369.8043
Real Estat pportunit Steve Scheuring is a Real Estate broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Sunday, February 23, 2020 ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
1015 Ferdinand Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$205,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:30-1 3522 Kenilworth Ave, Berwyn . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$243,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 112 Rockford Ave., Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$360,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 839 S. Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$435,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 1207 N. Rossell Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $449,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2:30 1130 Paulina St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $519,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 547 N. Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$529,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-1
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
949 Linden Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $560,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1:30 3332 N. New England Ave, Chicago . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$569,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 1-3 3332 N. New England Ave, Chicago . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$569,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 537 W. Lorraine Ave, Elmhurst . . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$574,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-1 1108 Rossell Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$575,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 537 S. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$595,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:30-3 7660 Wilcox St. Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $619,800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 834 Forest Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$675,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 1435 Clinton Pl, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $684,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 1029 Linden Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $685,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 1423 Lathrop Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$699,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 926 Forest Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$725,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 1201 N. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$925,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 540 Keystone Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$929,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 703 N. East Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,130,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 1135 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,199,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 221 Keystone Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,425,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
CONDOS
643 Garfield St., Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $134,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 121 Washington Blvd. UNIT 1, Oak Park. . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $183,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12:30 17 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-1 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 402, Oak Park. . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 403, Oak Park. . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1133 W. Chicago Ave. UNIT 3E, Oak Park. . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $694,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2
TOWNHOMES
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ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
7322 Randolph St. UNIT 7, Forest Park . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $319,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 504 Park Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com
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7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Let your trusted neighbors and local experts guide you home.
632 Hannah Ave | Forest Park | $439,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA
1128 Thomas Ave | Forest Park | $215,000 | 3 BD | 1 BA
Steve Nasralla Real Estate Broker 708.466.5164
Real Estate Broker 312.497.2044
JUST LISTED
400 FOREST, OAK PARK $1,167,500 :: 5 BED :: 3.5 BATH
1023 PARK, RIVER FOREST $1,650,000 :: 7 BED :: 6.5 BATH
Frank Lloyd Wright historic district - beautiful 1 acre lot.
Beautiful English Tudor - Exquisite Home.
1/2 ACRE LOT
Real Estate Broker 708.297.1879
Adriana Laura Cook
Navigation Group is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage. Navigation Group, 1643 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
715 Forest Ave | River Forest | $1,340,000 | 6 BD | 4.5 BA
NEW PRICE
Joelle Venzera
JUST LISTED
NEW PRICE
1122 FOREST, RIVER FOREST $1,219,000 :: 6 BED :: 5.5 BATH
900 FRANKLIN, RIVER FOREST $849,000 :: 4 BED :: 3.5 BATH
1023 WENONAH, OAK PARK $774,000 :: 5 BED :: 4 BATH
Gorgeous kitchen/family room beautiful 1/2 acre lot.
Brick Colonial Home. New kitchen & baths.
Unique Victorian in Lincoln School district. Renovated kitchen & baths.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
700 COLUMBIA N, OAK PAR K
Vintage C. E. White estate home facing Augusta Blvd extensively renovated by current architect / builder owner to today’s standards. Casually elegant, open and functional plan that lives unusually well. 6 Bedrooms/3.5 baths featuring massive Great Room that overlooks private rear yard with garden wall, bluestone patios, gas fire pit and dining pergola. All new mechanicals including Control 4 Smart Home with A/V, lighting, HVAC and motorized shade control. 3 car garage + side drive for total of 6 car parking. Offered @ $1,350,000.
KEVIN@ KEVINWOO DGROU P.COM
773.382.4310
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OPEN SUN 122
500 WILLIAM ST, RIVER FOREST
427 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK
735 AUGUSTA ST, OAK PARK
234 S KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK
7660 WILCOX ST, FOREST PARK
5 br, 5 ba $750,000
4 br, 4 ba $739,000
4 br, 2.1 ba $729,000
5 br, 2.1 ba $625,000
4 br, 3 ba $619,800
Monica Dalton 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
OPEN SUN 13
OPEN SUN 122
442 LENOX ST, OAK PARK
1224 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK
611 N RIDGELAND AVE, OAK PARK
423 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK
1105 LYMAN AVE, OAK PARK
3 br, 2.1 ba $549,900
4 br, 3.1 ba $524,900
4 br, 1.1 ba $513,000
4 br, 2.1 ba $511,000
3 br, 2.1 ba $399,000
Victoria Witt 708.848.5550
Cara Carriveau (Busch) 708.848.5550
Jennifer Hosty 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Get Noticed. World-Class Marketing that moves your home from Listed to Sold.
101 N. Oak Park Avenue | Oak Park, IL 60301 BHHSChicago • 866.795.1010
1108 S SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK
112 ROCKFORD AVE, FOREST PARK
7707 YORK ST, FOREST PARK
1407 N 16TH AVE, MELROSE PARK
235 MARENGO AVE 4A, FOREST PARK
4 br, 2.1 ba $399,000
3 br, 2 ba $360,000
2 br, 3.1 ba $319,900
3 br, 3 ba $250,000
2 br, 2 ba $224,900
Susan Abbott 708.848.5550
Jennifer Hosty 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
Donna Serpico 708.848.5550
Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550
OPEN SUN 13
OPEN SUN 122
439 HOME AVE 2S, OAK PARK
911 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK
200 HOME AVE 2C, OAK PARK
643 GARFIELD ST 3, OAK PARK
820 WASHINGTON BLVD 3, OAK PARK
$220,000
2 br, 2 ba $198,000
2 br, 1.1 ba $179,900
2 br, 1 ba $134,900
1 br, 1 ba $132,498
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550
Sarah O'Shea Munoz 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
BHHSChicago.com
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Fitness
www.TENandFiT.com
Racquetball
It Is, Resolution Time!
Beginner Non-Member Tennis Classes Available
301 Lake St., Oak Park (708) 386-2175
266 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 524-YOGA
Investing in Our Community and Residents for 36 Years New Tennis Classes Starting NOW • Register Online Today or Call! Pickle ball
Tennis
Group Exercise
Yoga
Pilates
Spinning®
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Dionne Warwick Doors open at 5:30pm Show starts at 6pm
#DionneWarwick
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Religion Guide You’re Invited to
Roman Catholic
St. Edmund Catholic Church
ELCA, Lutheran
A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
Good Shepherd 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
William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000
on the corner of Thomas and Fair Oaks Ave.
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
Nationwide
(M-F)
10:30-11:00am
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
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
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
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior 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
Upcoming Religious Holidays
Feb 22 Maha Shivaratri 23 Meatfare Sunday 25 26 Mar 1
2 2-20
Hindu Orthodox Christian Transfiguration Sunday Christian Shrove Tuesday Christian Intercalary Days begin Baha’i Ash Wednesday Lent begins Christian St. David of Wales Christian Intercalary Days end Baha’i Cheesefare Sunday Orthodox Christian Clean Monday Great Lent begins Orthodox Christian Nineteen Day Fast Baha’i
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
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
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
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
“Kopit’s absurd logic is delightful and disturbing.”
Broaden your skills, expose yourself to a new style, give the gift of music
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O N S O R E D
Ask us about catering your next party or event!! See website for our menu !! DonnyGs.com 708-456-3644 | 7308 W. North Ave.
Photos by Melissa Elsmo
SEPH’S SWEETS LUNCH 1: (Above) Seph’s Sweets is offering a mix-and-match lunch special throughout Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Week. Here a hot vegetarian panini is shown with a side salad, chips and a pickle. Served alongside a house-made latte, this generous lunch is $10.25 between Feb. 21 and March 1. EP BURGER: (Left) Burger Moovment, 7512 W. North Ave., is appropriately offering their popular 1/3 Elmwood Park Burger with fries and a soft drink for just $8.99 during restaurant week.
Party? Let us cater it! ELMWOOD PARK
RESTAURANT WEEK
FEBRUARY 21 ST - MARCH 1 ST
The Third Annual Dine-In Elmwood Park, Restaurant Week gives food lovers the opportunity to sample some of Elmwood Park’s finest local establishments. Participating restaurants will be offering special menus and pricing during the week of February 21st through March 1st. VISIT ELMWOODPARK.ORG/RESTAURANTWEEK TO LEARN MORE
C O N T E N T
Dining deals during Elmwood Park’s restaurant week
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of rich gelato. Over time, however, Elmay attention, restaurant-lovers. Elmwood Park, a go-to destination for wood Park eateries have grown to include locals looking for a memorable meal, Mexican, Asian, and Cuban fare, as well as is hosting their third super-social breakfast spots and annual restaurant week, well-loved burger joints. Feb. 21 through March 1. With more than 15 participatSavvy foodies are keenly ing restaurants, there’s sure aware of the vast array of resto be something for everyone taurants located on both “resduring the food-focused week in taurant row” and “the circle” Elmwood Park. Check out a few in Elmwood Park. Participating of the hottest deals: restaurants in both areas will Nestled on “the circle” adjacent entice diners from the western to Elmwood Park Village Hall, suburbs to explore an eclectic Seph’s Sweets (12 Conti Pkwy.) variety of discounted menu will tempt locals to sit for a leioptions, specialty dishes, and surely breakfast or a wholesome pre-fixe menus throughout the lunch during restaurant week village. “We’ve tried to create an Elmwood Park is historioffer for restaurant week that Food Writer cally known for providing gives diners a good value, while authentic Italian meals, and it’s making the most of our regular no surprise restaurant week menu offerings,” says Sephora provides ample opportunities to sample a Popa, co-owner of Seph’s Sweets. slice of pizza, bowl of pasta, or cone full The diminutive bakery is offering a
MELISSA ELSMO
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
GRINGO AND BLONDIE TACO DINNER: Gringo and Blondie’s two-taco deal is a huge restaurant week value in Elmwood Park. Here al pastor and carne asada tacos, rice, beans and a soda will set diners back less that $8. breakfast special as well as a trio of lunch deals. Lunch specials include half of a hot or cold sandwich with diner’s choice of soup or salad and chips; a latte or cupcake rounds out Seph’s lunch offerings. For just over $10, diners can get their hands on a vegetarian panini and house salad. The cheesy panini is filled with roasted red peppers and the house salad brims with tomatoes, cucumbers and parmesan cheese with a honey balsamic vinaigrette. A relative newcomer to “restaurant row,” Gringo and Blondie, 7574 W. North Ave, is putting a decidedly Mexican spin on restaurant week. The colorful taqueria is offering a variety of discounts, including a $1.50 off all starters, burritos and cemitas for just $6.99 and a free agua fresca with purchase of a house salad. Those looking for a hearty meal at a notable value should look no further than the two taco deal. Served alongside rice and beans with a Mexican Jarrito to drink, the meal allows guests to select between seven taco fillings. The Al Pastor features spit roasted pork, pineapple onions and cilantro while the Carne Asada features grilled skirt steak, guacamole, onions and cilantro. A shrimp taco will appeal to pescatarian diners while the “Blondie” is a vegetarian combination of mushrooms, peppers, onion, epazote, avocado and queso fresco. Popular restaurant row mainstay Spizzico Pizza and Pasta, 7446 W. North Ave., brings an array of lunch options to restaurant week. Salad, sandwich and pasta dishes will draw in local regulars, but Linda Spizzirri, owner of Spizzico, is excited to offer a junior burrito from her second restaurant, Senor Jefe’s Mexican Grill. Spizzirri keeps her late husband Tito’s legacy alive, by continuing to serve the Italian fare locals have come to know and love while starting the new venture nearly five years ago when she opened Senor Jefe’s.
SPIZZICO PIZZA AND PASTA-SENOR JEFE: The best of both worlds — diners can enjoy a half tomato and mozzarella salad with a breadstick and drink or a Junior Burrito with a fountain drink at either Senor Jefe’s or Spizzico Pizza and Pasta. The restaurants share a kitchen and an address so restaurant week-goers can order from both menus in each location. “I grew up eating at New Star and Johnny’s and now here are a lot of restaurants in the area,” Spizzirri said. “I think Elmwood Park’s restaurant week is great for our regulars while drawing new people to the area.”
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donnygs.com
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
ELMWOOD PARK
RESTAURANT WEEK
FEBRUARY 21 ST - MARCH 1 ST
The Third Annual Dine-In Elmwood Park, Restaurant Week gives food lovers the opportunity to sample some of Elmwood Park’s finest local establishments. Participating restaurants will be offering special menus and pricing during the week of February 21st through March 1st. VISIT ELMWOODPARK.ORG/RESTAURANTWEEK TO LEARN MORE
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.
Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com
Fish in the water
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y friend Reesheda Washington, of Live Café and Creative Space, talks about the necessity of having both “intention” and the ability to hold things “in tension” with regard to equity work. I’ve been thinking about this a lot as I work to create spaces for both intergroup and affinity group work. It has meant encouraging people to step across racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic and ability lines to work toward transforming and improving the diversity, equity and inclusiveness of the systems that make up our community. But it has also meant supporting the time and space that affinity groups need to do their respective work. That individual work is needed to make our community relationships work. I think of it as akin to couple’s therapy. The marriage is dependent upon the couple’s ability to work out their challenges together, while also working on their respective, individual issues. The former will not work without the latter. In his book, Palace for the People, Eric Klineberg refers to the community version as “bridging and bonding.” When it comes to equity, our community has struggled with the bonding piece. We would prefer to just jump to bridging. We have wanted to work on the marriage, but not our respective issues. But increasingly I am seeing us shift our understanding of the need to do work within affinity groups. The Collaboration for Early Childhood has formed a Community Ambassador program and a father’s group. Race Conscious Dialogues allows white community members to deepen awareness of identity, power and privilege, and then develop tools for anti-racism. District 97 Diversity Committees have been a prime example of building community within and across groups. Students have been able to build a greater sense of agency through the support and bonding they get in affinity groups like Aspira, Blu, Safe, Royal, and the Rainbow Tribe, just to name some. The ability for us to bond and learn over shared experiences and challenges does not need to preclude the bridging work that also must be done. In fact, it enhances it. I am part of an effort that is opening the Echo Center as a place to support the bonding work of communities of color. It enriches community culture and provides the time and space to more safely and effectively participate in larger conversations. This is particularly necessary for folks who are in the minority and are often left to process and figure out situations alone and without the benefit of community. I would be in favor of activities and efforts to help young white males discuss and process the societal changes happening around them and what it means for them as they seek to mature into holistically healthy members of the community. Again, the focus is on “intention” and how we hold both the needs of the community and those of individuals/groups “in tension,” regardless of the discomfort we may feel. There are some who will ask why this is any different
LINDA FRANCIS
See FRANCIS on page 38
VIEWPOINTS
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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Where are the flags for Black History Month? p. 40
Celebrating the lovies we grew up with
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o you miss your “blankie” or the stuffed animal you loved? Local author Katie McElligott celebrates the relationship children have with their “lovies” in her book, Nothing is Scary with Harry. Katie grew up in Forest Park, the daughter of James and Ann Murray. Harry is her beloved blanket. Katie is 41, but Harry is still part of her life. He now comforts her 5-yearold daughter, Maggie. Harry was a hand-me-down from Katie’s older sister, Mary Ann. Katie christened him Harold, after Mayor Harold Washington, whose name she often heard as a toddler. Nothing is Scary with Harry is Katie’s first book. It retails for $15 and is geared toward the 6-and-under crowd. The book chronicles how Katie’s “blankie” helped her through tough times. No time was tougher than the one Katie faced as a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Illinois. She was suddenly struck by Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome. This disease causes muscle weakness and damage to the nervous system. It is potentially life-threatening. Katie was paralyzed from the neck down for a month. Harry gave her “amazing comfort” until she made a complete recovery. She realized that Harry has given her strength and courage her entire life. She decided to write a book about their relationship. As full-time creative director for an advertising agency, Katie already had an outlet for her active imagination. She also has a friend at Cottage Door Press, who encouraged her to write about Harry. It took her a month to write the book. When she read it to the publisher’s top creative person, the woman started crying. She quickly negotiated a publishing contract and chose Jennifer A. Bell to illustrate the book. Katie spent 2018 working with the publisher and her book was launched last February. At her launch party, she sold 200 books in two hours! Her book has been picked up by Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target. She has done many book signings with more to come. On Feb. 9, she gave a spirited reading of her book at the Oak Park Public Library to a gathering of
Provided book cover
parents and kids. Katie shared the stage with Lisa Lowry, a local children’s therapist. Lowry defined comfort objects and introduced “Puppy” who had given her son peace of mind when he was growing up. She said these “lovies” help children cope with transitions and learn to self-soothe. As Katie’s book demonstrates, there can be a downside to clinging to blankets for too long. Though Harry helps her cope with thunderstorms, visits to the doctor and monsters in the closet, Katie is scolded by a woman who declares, “Blankets are for babies.” Even worse, a boy in her grade school class mocks her: “You’re way too big for a blanket.” This is why some parents are apprehensive about comfort objects.
JOHN RICE
They don’t want their child to be teased or humiliated. They don’t want their kid to become too attached to their “lovies” lest they get lost. Love-objects also fall apart. Harry lost his satin trim and developed huge ragged holes. In the book, Katie’s mom threatens to throw Harry away. Katie’s cry of “No!” takes up two entire pages. I have my own traumatic story. I had a teddy bear named “Mr. Soaker” who surely lived up to his name. When I was six, I moved to Oak Park and introduced “Mr. Soaker” to my new acquaintances. They promptly threw him up in a tree, where he got stuck. It was heartbreaking watching “Mr. Soaker” deteriorate for months. Katie was sympathetic and inscribed my copy of her book with, “To Mr. Soaker, Rest in Peace.” John Rice writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
O U R
V I E W S
Roosevelt woes grow by a block
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K, take out your Sharpie and extend the reach of your Roosevelt Road blight map by one block to the west. Previously we have designated Roosevelt Road from Austin to Harvey as ignored, invisible, unappreciated, derelict … well, blighted. Now with the news that Fair Share Finer Foods will close before this short month ends, we are proactively extending the zone of worry all the way to Highland Avenue. Losing a 44-year-old business is hard, but it is harder when the hit comes on a commercial strip that has certainly not been on the radar at village hall at least since a middling-at-best streetscaping project was wrapped up a decade ago. Once again, brick pavers have not proven capable of staving off decay when the underlying businesses fail, the structures are obsolete, and the immediate neighbor is Cicero. This stretch of Roosevelt has been on our radar lately as we have followed the zoning process for the proposed Taco Bell at the corner of Austin and Roosevelt. If approved, and it looks as if it is going that way, the inventor of the Fourth Meal and blue beverages, will replace a bank branch and drive-up that ran out of out-of-state banks interested in operating it. We’re opposed to the Taco Bell on the theory that a predistressed corner attached to a wonderful residential neighborhood deserves better than squawking drive-thru speakers at all hours and a new source of litter. Turning back to Fair Share, run for all these years by the gracious and welcoming Salamone family, it is unlikely that a new grocer will take the space. Independent, family-owned grocery stores struggle in an era of Costco and Amazon delivery service. So spare us a dollar store. And let’s get down to some serious focus on what is working further west on Roosevelt where private schools and multifamily residential have taken hold. We don’t suggest that luring such uses further east will be simple. There is not another Turano Bakery headquarters to build. We understand that the market will ultimately dictate. We also understand that this four-block strip is an urgent spiral that requires attention and creativity, and, potentially, village government investment.
No future in pumping gas We understand the need for creating jobs. Especially in neighborhoods and within demographic groups where unemployment remains stubbornly high. But the proposal from state Rep. Camille Lilly, our own state rep, to bring back jobs pumping gas by changing state law to mandate it, is simply ridiculous. That horse-drawn carriage has left the livery stable and taken all the blacksmith jobs with it. Pumping gas was last a job when it was paired with being a car mechanic making a real living. While we are skeptical of many job training programs subsidized by government, we have to aim considerably higher than gas jockey if we are going to elevate communities. Higher than toll booth operator. Higher than Door Dash delivery driver. A new day is coming and pumping gas will not fuel it.
S
What is at the heart of everything
eventy-one years ago today, my parents married at St. Edmund Church in Oak Park, five days after Valentine’s Day. Since I live across the street from St. Edmund, I am frequently reminded of this, but I’m even more mindful of it today. Their wedding being one of the main reasons for my very existence, I don’t take their anniversary lightly. But it wasn’t the main reason for my existence. Neither was the sexual act that produced me. The main reason was love. Most people are similarly lucky that way, though it is, alas, not universal. My parents, however, expressly made it clear that love was the alpha and the omega of our existence — where we came from and where we would end up. Love is at the heart of everything, the first cause, the main cause. When we depart from love, I was taught, everything goes wrong. So in honor of my late, great parents’ wedding anniversary, a sermon: The Catholic Church, another important formational dynamic in my upbringing, teaches that the primary purpose of sex is procreation. That is uppermost in God’s mind, they say. I don’t believe it. They miss the mark, I think, because, as a hierarchical institution governed mostly by male celibates they were preaching from their heads instead of teaching from their hearts. Their mistake, I think, is viewing God as a noun instead of a verb. If there is a God, then God is love. If you want to be obedient, if you want to submit to God’s will, then love. The way, the truth and the life is love. What is uppermost in God’s mind? Love, which is likewise not a noun but a verb. Jesus’ first great commandment is to love God with everything we’ve got — except it isn’t everything because as the second great commandment suggests, we have capacity enough to love our neighbors as well as ourselves. Love your enemies, Jesus said. Do good to those who hate you. What you do for the least of these, he added, you do for me. And finally: Love one another as I have loved you. What would Jesus (and Buddha and Muhammad and so many other spiritual teachers) do? Love. Love is the alpha and the omega. After we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, wrote Chardin, we shall harness the energies of love and for the second time in our history, we will discover fire. When in doubt, love. Love is at the heart of everything. We are here to love and learn how to love better. Love is at the core of all our moral dilemmas, none of which can be resolved without it. The primary purpose of sex, then, is not procreation. It is love. If, morally, loveless sex comes up short, so does loveless procreation. If abortion disrespects life, so does unwanted pregnancy. Which is the best way
to cultivate respect for life — through punishment or through love? As St. Paul said in Corinthians I, Chapter 13, the high-water mark of the New Testament, if you have all the eloquence in the world yet speak without love, people will hear nothing but the clanging of your cymbals. Contraception gives couples some control over when they bring children into the world. It gives them a better chance to procreate with love. If contraception increases the odds of loving procreation, it is a moral good. If prohibiting contraception increases unprotected sex and careless procreation, it can be the cause of great harm, especially if unwanted children are the result. We can teach the morality of sex and procreation, but only if we do it with love. Preaching the evils of abortion while opposing contraception is a moral failure. Hating abortion causes too many who claim to be “pro-life” to preach without love, their words drowned out by their clashing cymbals. Teaching with love beats preaching against evil every time. Do many parents come to love the children of unwanted pregnancies? Many do, which is a wonderful testament to the better angels of our nature. But not all do. Giving couples more control over when they bring children into the world puts us on the side of love. Respect for life is a happy consequence of love. Respect for life is the unhappy casualty of prohibition and condemnation. And disrespect for one another’s conflicting truths gets us nowhere in the abortion/reproductive rights argument. Listening to and respecting each other’s truth transforms that argument into potentially constructive dialogue. Love is the key. I have told this story often. As a rebellious teen, I boldly informed my parents one night after supper (probably after reading two pages from the Bible, as we did each night) that I did not believe in God. My dad listened but said nothing. When I went to bed later that night, I found a small note on my pillow. I discovered it last week as I was going through the accumulation of memorabilia from my past, which I have lugged from household to household over a span of 50 years, like Jacob Marley with his ponderous chain of moneyboxes. I couldn’t believe I still had it, written in pencil in the elegant curves of my father’s penmanship. “Where Love is, there God is also, Dad.” They say there are no atheists in foxholes. Well, I wonder if there are many whose atheism could survive a note like that. My search for God and struggles with doubt continue to this day. But my belief in the divine power of love remains unshaken.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 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 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
Wikipedia
The Pan-American flag.
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Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead
It’s Black History Month, where are the flags?
ebruary is Black History Month. What initially began as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson soon morphed into an entire month-long celebration because the contributions of African Americans to this country cannot be contained by a mere seven days. Just a couple of years ago, uninformed black people had something smart to say about Black History Month being the shortest month of the year. That timeframe question or derivative thereof, would repeatedly be presented so that the importance of Black History Month could be negated by focusing on minutiae. “It’s the shortest month,” and “I can’t deal with hearing about slavery,” were just some of the commentaries being bandied about. In retrospect, it seems like a conspiracy to instill in black people the notion that we didn’t need to highlight the accomplishments of those men, women and children stolen from Africa and brought to America. Now we’re halfway through the month, and instead of its importance being magnified, I’m seeing less focus on it by major companies. But, as it was at the beginning, it is up to black people to focus on our history 365 days a year, with a special emphasis in the month of February. We cannot bemoan what we don’t demand! Where are the red, black and green Pan-African flags flying in this city? With any other group that has a day celebrating their ethnicity, homeland, or sexual orientation, you can see their flags flying everywhere. Especially on their cars. But the flag that represents red for the blood, black for the skin, green for the land, is noticeably absent. I fly the flag on my car 365 days, as well as one hanging from my rearview. Maybe if an
entrepreneur bought a bunch of those flags and stood out on the corner selling them, it would be a visual reminder that black people should fly the flag in January for Dr. King’s birthday; in February for Black History Month; in April for Booker T. Washington; in May for Malcolm X; in August for Marcus Garvey and the Bud Billiken Day Parade, etc. In truth I could list a reason for every month of the year. Where are all the television specials highlighting the contributions of African Americans this month? What other group has produced so many memorable and historical accomplishments like the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen or Harriet Tubman? The orations of Frederick Douglass are as poetic as anything Shakespeare wrote. The same can be said of Langston Hughes who captures the very essence of the black experience in America. Just the fact that our ancestors were freed without anything other than the rags on their backs and the knowledge in their heads, and over 155 years later we are still here, is a testimony to their strength, intelligence, and resilience. The state of Illinois has been mandated to teach black history in public schools. I personally believe that black people should form a Saturday black history school, and send our children to it so they can learn the history. Within our individual families, we should pay homage to those unknown enslaved ancestors who paved the way for us to be here today. Black History Month is not only a month to celebrate. It is a time to reflect. Arlene Jones writes a column for our sister publication, the Austin Weekly News.
ARLENE JONES
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 Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
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.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
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■ Must include first and last names,
■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,
municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708 613 3300
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
FRANCIS
Intention and in tension from page 35 from certain men’s clubs or all-white activities of the past. Isn’t this racist, sexist or exclusionary in some way? Shouldn’t we just all work together? The answer is no and the reason lies in its intention. There is a difference between groups or activities intended to support specific needs and those that exclude or prevent other groups or individuals from achieving experiences or success. Others may also ask why it seems that only men, white, cis-gender or any other forms of “regular” people are the ones making all of the concessions. What you may not have noticed is that those in the minority have been constantly making concessions and struggling with how to be their authentic selves in an environment not totally healthy for them. There is a well-known story used to capture systems change, particularly with regard to equity, that exemplifies this: A fish is swimming along one day when another fish comes up and says “Hey, how’s the water?” The first fish stares back blankly at the second fish and then says “What’s water?” As we work to make our systems (our water) more supportive of the lives of all of our fish, it begs the question: Won’t the fish have to change, as well? I know that I have changed in the almost 30 years I have lived in Oak Park. I have come to learn and better understand a range of different topics and people I may not otherwise have known. I have changed some of my beliefs while also strengthening others. It has been a bit of a struggle, but I have maintained parts of my culture that I hold dear. There is value and beauty in tradition and there is wonder and new possibilities in change. As we do our work on both bonding and bridging, I hope that we can hold all of these ideas in tension. They are not exclusionary; but it is challenging. What has become clearer for me is the belief that living in this place — Oak Park — should change you. And that’s good.
“What has become clearer for me is the belief that living in this place — Oak Park — should change you.”
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Kudos for dementia-friendly efforts in OP-RF
Many thanks to Wednesday Journal for publishing the article on Al’s Grill and dementia-friendly designation efforts in Oak Park — River Forest having already achieved its designation. [Al’s Grill hailed for dementia-friendly service, News, Feb. 5] It is our sincere hope that other regional villages (Forest Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Austin and other areas) will follow these examples. Having trained staffs and institutions that understand the challenges and benefits of dementia-friendly practices will ultimately benefit the whole of those suffering the disease, their caregivers and their families. These numbers will only increase with time. Challenges to those experiencing dementia include lack of confidence, physical health issues, worry about becoming confused, not wanting to burden others, worry about getting lost, lack of appro-
File photo
priate transport and mobility issues. The primary benefits to becoming a dementia-friendly business/organization include retaining existing customers while attracting new ones, along with caregivers, family and friends. We are just at the beginning of addressing the
many environmental issues that impact quality of life in our villages, but this is an exciting start. It’s just good business to demonstrate social responsibility that values customers by exhibiting awareness and compassion.
Brooke McMillin
Arbor West Neighbors
Smart, yet dumb There are times when living in Oak Park is a bit of a head-scratcher. There is no shortage of academically accomplished people here, but they sometimes do some of the dumbest things. You’ve seen them. Forgetting all they learned in kindergarten, they sit in public meetings and have what should be embarrassing outbursts that they try to defend ... or not. Predictably, other accomplished people rush to their communication method of choice to endlessly analyze and
debate the outbursts. Volumes of words are used as symbolic pitchforks, torches, tar and feathers. Sometimes these outbursts even lead to public protests at the town square! And don’t get me started on the ones who won’t pick up after their pet or those who keep voting for more property taxation. You can’t make this stuff up. Oak Parkers are a curious lot.
Ken Woods
Oak Park, 30 years and counting
Tech support for your phones Do you have questions about how to use your phone device? Perhaps you want to learn how to use Facebook or FaceTime, to send a text, to listen to music, or improve your photos. On your laptops do you want assistance in sending emails, opening attachments, other types of support? We have student volunteers from Trinity High School, who are available to provide technical support on Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Oak Park Public Library from 10 a.m.
to 12 noon in the second floor Small Meeting Room. If you are interested in receiving some help, please RSVP and give us some idea of what types of help you want. We’ll be sure to line up the assistance you need. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity. Send RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 26 to: Gil Herman (Gil@ManagingHorizons.com or call or text to 708-207-1879.
Susan Stall Oak Park
Marking 100 years of protecting democracy
The League of Women Voters, which celebrated its centennial on Feb. 14, will use this milestone to reflect on our rich history, honor the work that women have done to strengthen our democracy, and set the stage for vibrant growth in the years ahead. Rooted in the women’s suffrage movement, the League was founded as a non-partisan grassroots organization just six months before the passage of the 19th Amendment that granted 20 million women the right to vote. Ever since, the League has been at the forefront of efforts to register, educate, and support voters and voting rights. Today, democracy is fighting for its life. Some 25 states have enacted new voting restrictions, including strict photo ID requirements, early voting cutbacks and registration restrictions. The League is prepared to face these threats, using voter registration drives, tools such as IllinoisVoterGuide.org — a cutting-edge election information website — and local candidate forums in cities throughout the state to help educate voters about key issues and the candidates’ positions. As we celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage in 2020, the League of Women Voters is fortunate to have thousands of dedicated members in hundreds of chapters across the nation, including the almost 4,000 members here in Illinois, who share a commitment to protect our democracy. Our organization’s founding and winning the right to vote was only the beginning. We still have much work to do, and we accept that challenge with renewed strength and determination.
Beverly Graham
President, League of Women Voters of OP-RF
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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O B I T U A R I E S
John Crawford, 80
Co-founded West Side Organization, protected Dr. King in ’66 the WSO to participate in Rev. John H. Crawford Jr., organizing marches like the 80, a towering West Side civil one in Marquette Park, where rights advocate who mobilized King was pelted with bricks and his militant passion for Africanother objects thrown by whites, American advancement on a according to Ellis. Crawford, a variety of fronts, including strapping Army veteran who co-founder of the influential boxed in prison, volunteered to West Side Organization and be King’s bodyguard whenever as a volunteer bodyguard for the civil rights leader visited Martin Luther King Jr. when Chicago. King fought for housing rights JOHN CRAWFORD John Crawford was the in Chicago, died on Feb. 1, 2020. husband of Beulah White, Born July 8, 1939 to John Henry and Essie Crawford in Round Pond, whom he married in 1961. Their children Arkansas, he was the oldest of 14 children. are Jonathan T. Crawford; Zina CrawfordAfter the family moved to Chicago, Crawford Lott (James); Yvonne C. Burston (Archie); enrolled at Dunbar High School and later Malcolm S. Crawford (Stacia); and Cheryle joined the U.S. Army. He served as a medic Robinson (Ujana); and he was the father of two other sons, LeJon Crawford and Vernon and received honors. Crawford’s struggles with racism, poverty Crawford. Rev. Crawford married Patty Stewart and underemployment as a young man in Chicago informed his work as a fearless in 1995 and added five children to his life: activist and organic leader who believed in Djwan, who preceded him in death; Jackie, Leah, Ziara Copper (Ted), and Jonathan bottom-up economic and political power. In the late 1950s, Crawford went to jail McDonald. In addition, there were 25 twice, once for a “minor charge” and another grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren (one time for “breaking into a dry cleaner,” on the way) and one great-great-grandson. according to William W. Ellis’ 1969 White He also had two Godsons; Derrick Reeves Ethics and Black Power: The Emergence and Solomon Robinson; was the brother of of the West Side Organization. During this Arnold (Beatrice) and Kenneth Crawford time, Crawford also struggled to hold down (Vinnie), Dorothy, Erna (Henry), Cheryle a string of jobs — from operating a punch- (Jesse) and Joan (Johnnie); the brother-inlaw of Thomas Stewart and sister-in-law press to working in a pickle factory. In 1964, Crawford, known as “Big John,” of Irma (Grant) Dobson; the uncle of many banded together with Chester Robinson, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and had a William Darden and William Clark to host of friends and other loved ones. He was the oldest of 14 children. Six found the West Side Organization — a brotherhood “to assist the unemployed, brothers and one sister all preceded him underemployed and unemployable on in death: Vernon, Herman, Lester, Harold, the West Side of Chicago,” according to Menard, Cordell Crawford, and Carolyn a synopsis of the organization provided Johnson (Henry). A celebration of life was held on Feb. 15 during a 1967 Congressional hearing on at Healing Temple Church of God in Christ. housing legislation. When Dr. King and the Southern Christian Interment took place on Feb. 17 at Abraham Leadership Conference descended on Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Chicago in the summer of 1966 to fight Arrangements were handled by W.W. against housing segregation, they asked Jackson Funeral Home.
Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667 I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.
Alan Lebenbaum, 70 Lawyer
Alan Gary Lebenbaum, 70, of Oak Park and formerly of Brooklyn, New York, died on Feb. 9, 2020. Born on Feb. 4, 1950 in Brooklyn to the late Benjamin and Doris Lebenbaum, he was a graduate of Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School. He practiced law for over 30 years and was known for his work in Qui Tam law. Alan was the brother of Marcia (Dave)
Lehman and the late Michelle Kushner and Anne Levine; the uncle of Bradley (Shannon), Alex and Elizabeth Kushner, Mallory and Samara Levine, and Graham and Emery Lehman; and the great-uncle of Cameron and Cassandra Kusner. All services are private, arrangements handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
L E T T E R
Kina Collins for Congress
I met Kina Collins when I attended her very first coffee here in Oak Park, and I was so impressed with her that I signed up then and there to make a monthly donation to her campaign, something I had never done before. Here is why I urge you to vote for her over the three other candidates who are running in this primary election. (And the primary is the deciding point, for anyone new to Cook County politics). Remember that who we elect locally has a greater impact than some other races on our daily lives. Kina Collins is in her late 20s, born and raised just east of Oak Park in the Austin neighborhood. You can learn more about her background at this website: https:// kinaforcongress.com. She is also on Facebook and Twitter and just opened an office in River Forest. While all four candidates in our 7th Congressional District share similar political philosophies, only Kina has a proven record of accomplishments in her short life, which demonstrate that she can get things done: Worked on gun control in Louisiana after college with gun lovers toward sensible gun control measures, a demonstration of her ability to listen and find common ground on challenging issues.
Writing a bill in the final year of the Rauner administration to establish a commission dealing with the full range of women’s issues, including reproductive rights, and getting it passed and signed into law by Rauner. Working across the United States to organize 20,000 doctors in support of single-payer health care. Among many issues she has addressed in her campaign: the gap in life expectancy between Streeterville (90 years) and Inglewood (60 years), both in the 7th Congressional District, and the greatest local gap in the United States. She will work to change this and address real needs in our district. She has been working throughout the district and has garnered support from many local political leaders, as well as a number of progressive organizations, including the Youth Climate Strike, which organized the 2019 Climate Strike here in Chicago. She knows what it takes to work across ideological barriers, gain support and pass legislation. Thanks for reading this and be sure to vote on March 17. Early voting at Oak Park Village Hall starts March 2.
Teresa Powell Oak Park
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OPRF alum named to alldecade dodgeball team 41
@ @OakPark
SPORTS
Fenwick boys hoops upsets DePaul Prep Pettigrew leads Friars on the road By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
Don’t tell Fenwick that it just upset one of the best teams in the state. To them, beating top-ranked DePaul Prep (21-4) 5148 on Feb. 14 is the standard for this Friars’ team that continues to build on its strong season despite a few recent losses. “We have a lot to prove, but we come in thinking we are going to win these types of games,” said sophomore guard Trey Pettigrew. “We are just trying to get back on track and get back to where we should be.” Pettigrew and junior Bryce Hopkins both went for 14 points in the win. Pettigrew dished out six assists while Hopkins grabbed 16 rebounds and added three steals to his stat line. The Friars (22-6) had one of their best defensive performances of the season against the Rams but struggled to contain DePaul Prep’s Lance Mosley. In the first half, Mosley scored 14 points and hit four catch-andshoot threes before Pettigrew had enough. In the second half, Pettigrew contained Mosley and held the junior to two points the rest of the way. “[Trey] went up to me at halftime and said, ‘I got [Mosley],’” said Friars’ head coach Staunton Peck. “I told him, ‘if you say you have, you got him’ and he really put his money where his mouth is.” Even with Pettigrew stepping up on both ends of the court versus DePaul Prep, the Rams (who are only allowing 41.8 points per game) did their part in slowing down Hopkins. Throughout the night, Hopkins was double-teamed and hacked inside the paint, something that has been a constant theme for the junior this season. “Bryce gets the most amount of contact of anyone in the league and I think he should be going to the free throw line 10 times per game,” said Peck. “It really shows his mental toughness to get through it and keep playing.” With both teams struggling to score, Fenwick went into the fourth quarter with a slim 39-36 lead. They went to work on the offensive end and jumped out to a 49-41 lead with under two minutes left after Pettigrew found teammate David Geiser in transition. Geiser stopped and converted a turnaround floater inside to give the Friars’ their biggest advantage of the night. However, DePaul Prep didn’t go away. The Rams pulled the game within four points when Cameron Lewis stole the ball from Fenwick and converted an and one to make it 49-48. Fenwick recovered on the next possession and es-
caped the press before Pettigrew heaved a full-court pass to Gabe Madej to give the Friars a 51-48 lead with 10.3 seconds left. The Rams called a timeout and put the game in the hands of Ty Johnson (12 points). Johnson inbounded the ball to center Brian Mathews (12 points and eight rebounds) who handed the ball back off to Johnson. The Friars swarmed Johnson and denied him a clean look. Johnson stepped back, fired a three, and it went wide right.
Next night vs. Yorkville Christian The Friars didn’t have too much to relish their win versus DePaul Prep and took care of Yorkville Christian 72-62 on the road at Feb. 15. Friars’ Max Reese led the team with had 22 points and 19 rebounds. Pettigrew went for 15 points and five assists. Gieser and Madej both had 15 points and combined for 13 rebounds.
Moving forward Fenwick has two more games before the start of the playoffs. The Friars face Loyola Academy on Feb. 21 at home and Taft on Feb. 25 on the road.
(Above) Bryce Hopkins (No. 23) gets double-teamed by DePaul’s Ty Johnson and Brian Mathews on Feb. 14. (Below) Gabe Madej (No. 11) takes a contested three versus the Rams. Fenwick won 51-48. Photos by SARAH MINOR
Fenwick sends 3 wrestlers to state 42
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OPRF alum named on all-decade dodgeball team
O’Brien played on 2012 baseball state team By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
After Colin O’Brien helped the 2012 Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball team win the Class 4A state title, he thought his days of competing against the best of the best were over. Instead, he became one of the greatest dodgeball players the sport has ever seen at the collegiate level and now plays on a semiprofessional team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “I didn’t really know where this was going to take me when I signed up for it my freshman year of college,” said O’Brien. “It’s something I am very passionate about now, and I want to keep helping the sport grow.” During his time in the National Collegiate Dodgeball Association, O’Brien was a fourtime NCDA All-American and was the 2017 NCDA player of the year at Michigan State University. He was a three-time Elite Dodgeball allstar which, according to O’Brien, is a governing body of USA Dodgeball that organizes tournaments for the best dodgeball players in the country. To add to his milestones, O’Brien was named the second-best college dodgeball player of the decade by the NCDA on Jan. 29. “It’s kind of funny, because after I started racking up some accolades, I would tell people I play dodgeball and they didn’t make much of it,” said O’Brien. “But my friends would come in and say, ‘No, you don’t get it. He’s really good! He’s an all-American!’ I don’t flaunt it, but my friends do which is funny.” At the beginning of his freshman year at MSU, O’Brien and other incoming students were told to check out a fair showcasing all of the clubs and organizations on campus. He was interested in joining the club baseball team, but he noticed that the dodgeball team was going to hold tryouts. Having won the dodgeball tournament at Huskiepalooza when he attended OPRF, O’Brien was intrigued by the possibility of joining MSU’s team. “At that first practice, I immediately fell in love with the sport,” said O’Brien. “There was this technique [the team] was using called ‘pinch,’ where you put your fingers
O’Brien’s accolades at Michigan State University: ■ 2nd overall NCDA All-Decade team ■ 4-time NCDA All-American ■ 2017 NCDA Player of
the Year
■ 3-time Elite Dodgeball All-Star
Courtesy ERIC GAYDOS
NEXT LEVEL: Colin O’Brien (left) was named as the second-best collegiate dodgeball player of the decade on Jan. 29. into the ball and it lets you throw the ball faster and with a curve. They were throwing 60-70 miles per hour that practice, and I knew right there I wanted to learn to do that.” O’Brien’s transition to dodgeball was a natural one. When he played baseball in high school, he threw at a three-quarter arm slot, the same as what he uses for dodgeball. He also possesses a “rubber arm” which made him a valuable asset for both baseball and dodgeball due to his durability. “For dodgeball, it is definitely more extreme because you are throwing so hard every time,” said O’Brien. “I wouldn’t feel pain or soreness after tournaments, but the following Tuesday at practice, I would be like, ‘I am gassed.’ Now, I know that my arm only has so many full blast throws in it, so I try to do more to take care of my arm than I did in high school or college.” After being voted as the second-best college dodgeball player of the decade, the NCDA’s website described O’Brien as having an “extremely accurate arm, amazing catching [ability], and second-to-none survivability are what made him such a well-respected player in the NCDA.”
One of his best moments came during his team’s second run at a national championship. Participating in a double-elimination format, O’Brien’s team had already lost a game. To make matters worse, O’Brien was facing a one-on-three situation. If he escaped the mismatch, his team would move on to the championship round. “I just thought, ‘Alright, they are going to do a team throw at me, and I just have to make one catch,’” said O’Brien. He did, and one of his teammates came back in and helped knock out the rest of the opposing squad to avoid being eliminated. He said it was a comparable moment to the diving play he made at third base during the 2012 state title game for OPRF to save Lyons Township High School from getting a runner in scoring position. “Those two plays were definitely the standouts for me in a championship setting, and honestly, they rank pretty high for other personal moments as well,” said O’Brien. O’Brien, who now works as a consumer insights analyst at the global market research firm Mintel, was asked about his dodgeball career during his job interview.
“I put it on my resume because it’s so different,” said O’Brien. “At my current job, I did the whole interview and then my now-boss said, ‘I have to ask … what is this dodgeball thing about?’ Because I am so passionate about it, they saw it and were intrigued by it and ended up checking it out. It was a good thing for me to be remembered by when I was applying for jobs.” O’Brien, now 26 years old, is also trying to give back to the sport and is a part of the USA Dodgeball committee. He helps run tournaments and works with a group that helps make dodgeball’s presence known in the world of sports. However, even though there is less time for him on the administrative side, O’Brien plans to keep competing for the foreseeable future. “As I am getting older there’s only so much time I can put into this,” said O’Brien. “But I want to keep playing for as long as I can. There are people who are doing this in their thirties, some in their forties, and a handful who are older than that who are still competing. On my team now, we are going to keep doing this until our bodies or families don’t let us.”
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Three Fenwick wrestlers state-bound
Three Fenwick wrestlers qualified for this week’s state finals in Champaign by finishing in the top-four of their weight classes at Saturday’s Class 2A wrestling sectional at Hinsdale South High School in Darien. Senior Matt Zuber and sophomores Jimmy Liston and Conor Paris made it to state for Fenwick. Zuber qualified for the state for the third consecutive year by finishing second in the 160-pound weight class losing the championship match to Bilal Bailey of Thornton Fractional North 11 to 3. Two earlier wins Saturday pushed Zuber’s record this year to 17-5. Liston (20-8) placed second in the 285-pound weight class after getting pinned in the championship match by Oak Forest’s Julian Ramirez, who has only lost one match all season. Liston was thrilled about making it to state for the first time. “It feels truly amazing after a whole season of ups and downs,” Liston said. “You can’t com-
OPRF state qualifiers Jalen Dunson Jake Rundell Nico Bolivar Josh Ogansanya Joe Chapman Daemyan Middlebrooks Fabian Gonzalez
3rd 1st 3rd 1st 1st 3rd 3rd
113 lb. 126 lb. 132 lb. 145 lb. 152 lb. 195 lb. 285 lb.
pare to really anything; it just feels amazing.” Liston’s key win was defeating St. Lawrence’s Sean Burns 6-3 in the semifinals after losing to Burns in their two most recent matches. Paris, who finished fourth in the 170-pound weight class, edged RBHS’s Garrett Weimer 3-2 in a close and tense match to determine which of them would go to state avenging a loss to Weimer in the Fenwick Regional championship match a week earlier. Fenwick seemed set to have a fourth state qualifier when junior David Capron had a big lead on Hani Salam of Gary Comer College Prep late in their match to determine who would make it to state. But then while tangled up Capron lifted Salam off the mat and slammed him down. Salam was shaken up and didn’t finish the match. The referee ruled that the move was an illegal slam and Salam got the win. Fenwick head coach Seth Gamino was upset that the Comer coach took the win. He said that it is typical that when a wrestler is losing badly in a match and can’t finish the match due to injury that the wrestler who cannot go on rejects the win. But, with a trip to the state finals on the line, that did not happen Saturday. “I don’t question the call by the referee,” Gamino said. “What I question is the school accepting it.”
–Bob Skolnick
Photo provided by Fenwick High School
Fenwick senior Matt Zuber qualified for state for the third time in as many years on Feb. 15.
Road Trip on the Horizon? Let us know we’ll hold your paper! Email: circulation@OakPark.com
S P O R T S
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
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OPRF boys hoops gives up lead, win to York
Huskies out of contention for conference title By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Entering this past weekend, OPRF’s boys basketball team was very much alive for at least a share of their fourth consecutive West Suburban Silver title. Tied with Hinsdale Central for second place and one game behind York, the Huskies hosted the Dukes for a critical game on Feb. 15. Moreover, York was without leading scorer Nate Shockey (out with mononucleosis) which gave the Huskies a prime opportunity to make a stand. OPRF (13-10 overall, 6-4 in conference) led York the majority of the game, but the Huskies’ lack of execution on both ends of the floor in the fourth quarter would spell doom. The Dukes exploded for 26 points in the final quarter to secure a 53-42 win. Coupled with a 53-48 loss at Glenbard West the previous evening, the outcome eliminated OPRF from conference championship contention while also giving York a share of its first conference crown since 2006. “It was a good game,” said OPRF forward Josh Smith. “I feel we could’ve done more towards the end to win it. But a couple of calls didn’t go our way, and York fought hard and got a hard-earned win.” Things started off relatively well for the Huskies as they led 12-7 after the first quarter, holding York without a field goal until nearly five minutes into the contest. The Dukes opened the second quarter with a 5-0 run to tie the score, and the lead seesawed between the teams the remainder of the half as OPRF took a 21-20 lead into intermission. The Huskies opened the second half with
Photo by HOLDEN GREEN
INSIDE GAME: OPRF’s Eric Locke (No. 33) gets to the rim versus York on Feb. 15. The Huskies lost 53-42. a 5-0 run of their own to raise their advantage to 26-20. But then York’s Jeff Grace heated up, scoring all seven of the Dukes’ third-quarter points. Even so, OPRF still led 32-27 after three. However, fourth quarters have been problematic several games this season for the Huskies, and their late-game woes continued again Saturday night. York used an 8-1
run to start the fourth, capping it with a three-pointer by Jacob Brandolino to take a 35-33 lead with five minutes left. “I think we’ve got to stay motivated and decide that we want to close games,” said Smith. “We need to play harder and come together as a team, which we haven’t done a lot of times. As a result, we give up in the last moments because we’re frustrated. We
need to calm down, play together, and communicate when we’re out there. That way, we’ll be able to execute in the fourth quarter.” On OPRF’s next possession, Rashard Trice scored underneath and drew a foul to tie the game. However, the Dukes followed with a 13-2 run to put the game out of reach. Grace led York (25-3 overall, 9-1 in conference) with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. In the absence of Shockey, the Dukes received valuable contributions from Lex Harrison (12 points, four rebounds) and Tim Galvan (10 rebounds). Smith led OPRF with 20 points to pace OPRF while Barnes (14 points) was the only other Huskie in double-digit scoring. OPRF shot 30% (14-of-47, including 5-of-20 from 3-point range) on the evening. The Dukes outrebounded the Huskies 30-17 and, to make matters worse, OPRF went 9-of-18 from the free throw line. Now that OPRF cannot win a fourth consecutive conference crown, the Huskies will attempt to fine-tune their game in preparation for the state tournament in the coming weeks. And even with the losses, Smith still feels confident that the team can come together and compete deep into March. “We’re all looking forward to the postseason and going as far as we can,” Smith said. “In the past, we’ve had teams that have not won conference and didn’t get far in the postseason, so (to avoid that) we’re still focused on the regular season as much as possible, and to do that we need to come into practice and work hard every day. We also need to play each and every game as it’s our last, maximize our moments, and do the little things. The most important thing right now is winning and getting better.” The Huskies travel to Downers Grove North on Feb. 21 for a 7:30 p.m. tip, then host Proviso West on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.
OPRF boys hoops rewarded for kindness
Huskies to get $5,000 scholarship for the next five years By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
Early last November, the Huskies’ boys basketball team was getting in a workout when head coach Matt Maloney brought in OPRF alum Tom Donahoe. The 84-year-old played on OPRF’s basketball team in the mid-1950s and asked to meet this year’s squad. Each player took turns shaking hands with Donahoe and talked with him for a short period of time. Little did they know that Donahoe was so enamored with how they conducted themselves that day that the Donahoe family is now working with the school to award a scholarship to the Huskie who best exemplifies strong sportsmanship and character. “Not a single player showed any attitude for being pulled away from what they were doing,” said Martha Gallo, Do-
nahoe’s daughter. “They all looked him in the eye and made him feel like the president of the United States. He was on Cloud Nine.” The scholarship is going to extend over the next five years — $5,000 a year to a senior on the varsity boys basketball team to use toward college tuition. The family said it will continue the scholarship beyond five years as well. After his days of playing high school basketball were over, Donahoe went to Dartmouth College to play basketball but was forced to take out student loans due to high admission costs. He wasn’t able to pay off his student loans until he was 35 years old. With this scholarship, he hopes to help lift the burden off the players who win the scholarship. “Meeting those kids was the greatest day of my life,” said Donahoe. “Anything we can to provide opportunities for those young men is worth any amount of money.” The school is still working out the logistics and has formed a committee to develop the criteria for the scholarship. Maloney stressed that everyone involved wanted to veer away from an application process that would require recommendations and a GPA requirement.
“We want to reward the senior who exemplifies leadership and possesses the qualities of being a good leader and teammate,” said Maloney. “They wanted to look at the intangibles and the things that don’t often show up on the stat sheet or gradebook. We’re very excited about this opportunity.” The name of the scholarship hasn’t been determined, but Gallo said she wants it to include her father’s name. Maloney later said the Donahoe family can name it whatever they please. This year’s winner will be announced on May 27 during the senior sports awards. “I want them to know that there’s more that goes on than the game of basketball,” said Maloney. “Playing basketball teaches you life lessons, and I’m thrilled that they are going to be recognized for something that might have felt so small for them but meant so much for someone else.” OPRF guard Josh Smith has already felt the impact the team had that day on Donahoe. “It really showed us the importance of being a good person when no one is watching,” said Smith. “We didn’t need that reminder but it’s nice to see that we are rewarded for that, you know? It’s very generous of them.”
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Works Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until March 6, 2020.
PART-TIME COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Part-Time Community Service Coordinator in the Adjudication Department. This person monitors individuals who have been ordered to provide community service in the Village, coordinates with organizations that provide community service opportunities, etc. 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 February 27, 2020.
Associate LDI Portfolio Manager sought by Legal & General Investment Management America in Chicago, IL to develop models that assess the risks of using different asset strategies in Fixed Income and, where appropriate, other asset classes to match liabilities and other risk exposures. Requires a U.S. master’s degree in finance, financial engineering or a related field and two years experience in fixed-income quantitative analytics at an investment bank or asset management firm; providing desk analytical support on trading floors; developing pricing models directly used by traders and experience with U.S. fixed income instruments and market. Requires knowledge of C#, Java, C++, SQL, VBA, and SVN. Send resumes to LGIMA at kara.goodbrand@lgima.com. C-LICENSE PART TIME DRIVER Looking for part time driver am shift. Must be drug free, have valid C License. Must be able to lift 75lbs. $15/hr. email resume: HR@ sievertelectric.com IT Professionals: Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl DBAs are needed for our Chicago, IL Office. May req. traveling. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Next Generation Inc, 444 W. Lake St, Ste 1490, Chicago, IL 60606. Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager sought by Legal & General Investment Management America (LGIMA) in Chicago, IL to manage custom derivatives-based portfolios for institutional clients implementing strategies including portfolio completion and cross-asset overlay solutions, options-based return profile engineering, alpha generation, and hedging, currency overlays and hedging, synthetic alternatives, risk premia strategies, and fully discretionary alpha-oriented global tactical asset allocation. Requires U.S. master’s degree, or foreign degree equivalent, in finance, statistics, or a related field and two years of investment and portfolio risk analysis experience; devising derivative strategies for tactical return engineering, cash equitization, and replication of alternative betas; managing asset allocation and investment risk for multi-billion dollar multi-asset mandates; and developing portfolio and market monitoring tools to enable portfolio optimization. Tools: MATLAB, Bloomberg, Bloomberg API, Excel, and Access. Send resumes to LGIMA at kara.goodbrand@lgima.com.
Audit Manager @ BDO USA, LLP (Chicago, IL) F/T. Suprvse & delgte tsks to Audit Assocs and Sr Assocs thrghout plnning, fieldwrk & wrp-up stages of audit client engmnt. Mast’s deg, or frgn eqvlnt, in Accntng or rltd & 1 yr of exp in the job offrd, or as an Exprncd Audit Sr Assct, Audit Suprvsr, Sr Audit Assct, Jr Audit Assct or rltd. Altrntvly, emp will accpt Bach’s deg in Accntng or rltd & 5 yrs of prgrssvly rspnsble post-bacclrte exp. Emp will accpt any stble comb of edu, traing or exp. Exp must include: Applying GAAS, GAAP rules & regs (or int’l eqvlnt); Applying PCAOB rules & regs (or int’l eqvlnt) & SEC rules & regs (or int’l eqvlnt); Rslvng complex accntng issues; Auditing public & private comps; Revwng fin statmnts w/ disclsrs; Reviewing engmnt profitability, incldng billings & collctns; Microsoft office products, incl Windows, Word, Excel & Powerpoint; using various assur applns & research tools. Must hve CPA cert or suffcnt educ’l/exp requirements (as dtrmnd by State Board of Accountancy) to receive CPA cert w/in 18 months of hire/prmtion. To apply, mail resume to: T. Brown, HR, BDO USA, LLP; 615 South College Street, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Indicate job title & code “KF-IL” in cover letter. EOE.” Senior Business Data Analyst sought by Legal & General Investment Management America in Chicago, IL to manage business data which supports the company’s investment teams, investment risk and performance, and other departments. Requires a U.S. Master’s degree or foreign degree equivalent in Finance, Financial Engineering or a related field. Requires two years experience in managing data transfers between system APL services; financial modeling and reporting using Access, VBA, Macro and Pivottables; working in a hybrid role that combines data analysis and project management; developing quantitative data processes including custom benchmarking, performance attribution, portfolio upload and risk measure calculation; experience with BI and analytics software, including SSRS, Visual Studio, Tableau and Power BI; experience with account reconciliation, performance reporting, and portfolio accounting; experience with stored procedures development and ETL jobs; experience with SQL (including complex SQL queries optimization and stored procedures development), Power BI, Visual Studio, VBA, Tableau, Markit EDM, Bloomberg, and Advanced Excel; and experience establishing data governance processes, improve standardization and business information value. Send resumes to LGIMA at kara.goodbrand@lgima.com.
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD In this quiet residential neighborhood
902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)
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.
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 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 N BERWYN GARAGE SPACES N Berwyn Garage Spaces for rent on 27 Feb 2020. 2 cars only/no storage. $165.00 a month plus one month’s security—cash up front. Month-to-month rental with a signed contract. 312-866-0012
CITY RENTALS LOOK q
A MUST-SEE!!! 929-933 N. LEAMINGTON ST. BEAUTIFUL newly renovated Studios ($725 - $750) & 2-bdrm Apts. ($875 - $900) in quiet bldg. Appls incld; tenant pays utilities. Credit/bkgrnd check req’d. Sect. 8 Welcome! For private viewing, call 708-307-8178.
AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS
A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list specifically for Two Bedroom Apartments only! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Apartments offered with an occupancy of two to four persons permitted. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance and laundry facilities. Austin Renaissance will except requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than March 16, 2020. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064. email requests to: mrpaul2u70@aol.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.
Town Center Realty Group LLC
Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring? Wednesday Classified 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:
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
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
COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACE A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN STRIP MALL: 1600-1635 Sq Ft. * 315 S. Harlem Ave. & Madison St. area – Forest Park, IL. * Very Good Condition – Recently Updated. * Formerly a Cleaners. * Heavy foot/road traffic area. * End space. 45-Space Parking Lot! * Available FOR RENT after: February 20, 2020. * For more details: Serious Inquiries ONLY: *EMAIL: poppygator@yahoo.com *CALL/TEXT, at: P.B. (708) 250-7997 Or: D.B. (708) 828-6491
COMMERCIAL SPACE BERWYN FOR RENT/LEASE STORE OR OFFICE App. 2750 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
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT DOWNTOWN OAK PARK OFFICE ROOM One private room with shared common and conference room. DTOP 2nd floor walk up. Includes Wifi, Heat, AC, electric. $500/mo. 312-969-3994 SHARED OFFICE AVAILABLE Forest Park office available to share, days, evenings and weekends,free standing building, warm, comfortably furnished, ideal for psychotherapy, massage therapy or acupuncture, located close to public transportation, free parking. Call Connie 630-640-9693
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
HOUSE SALE River Forest
HOUSE SALE 18 ASHLAND AVE 2ND FLOOR FRI 2/21 & SAT 2/22 9AM TO 2PM TWO DAYS ONLY!
ITEMS FOR SALE FULL LENGTH SHEARLING COAT Brown full length shearling coat w/ attached hood. Beautiful condition. $89.00 708-488-8755 LENOX CHINA 5 piece place settings Lenox china, Tuxedo pattern WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old fashioned glasses IRISH CARDIGAN Men’s size large. 708-386-6160
WANTED TO BUY
70 years’ worth of vintage treasures to include: furniture, dishes, glasses, cookware, linens, decorative accents, toys, baby items, jewelry and more!
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
ITEMS FOR SALE
TAX SERVICES
DINING ROOM TABLE Very large, genuine antique. Empire style from Marshall Field’s. Orig. $9000. Priced at $1900.
INCOME TAXES BY CPA
VICTORIAN DINING CHAIRS 6 beautiful Victorian chairs, reproductions. $500. 708-488-8755
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
WILL TRAVEL TO YOU WWW.FIAZEISSA.COM OR 708-870-5006
ELECTRICAL
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
ELECTRICAL Red Star Electric
Your Neighborhood Electricians *Licensed *Bonded *Insured
-Residential/ Commercial Electrical Upgrades -Electrical Service/ Panel Upgrades -Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations -Standby Generators 708 722 1388 www.RedStarElectric.net
GARAGE DOORS Our 73rd Year
Garage Doors &
Smart Door Openers
Sales & Service Free Estimates
(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com
Find more home-improvement pros on the next page!
☛
Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED FLOORS
HAULING
KLIS FLOORING INC.
BASEMENT CLEANING
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
708.749.0011
708-488-9411
Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers
#1-RATED HOUSE PAINTERS
3rd Gen Painting and Remodeling is the #1-Rated house painter in Chicago of 2020. Our award-winning Oak Park painters specialize in interior and exterior painting, drywall, and carpentry repairs. Schedule your free quote today before we book up for the season! 3rd Gen Painting and Remodeling (708) 680-6078 contact@3rdgenpainting.com Mon-Sun 8:00am – 7:00pm 3rdgenpainting.com/ western-springs-il/
PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.
Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services
708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed
Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years
Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
Attention! Homeimprovement pros!
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
Reach the people making decisions. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342
WINDOWS
WINDOWS
Cold rooms, we have the solution!
Our acrylic storm window inserts will make your rooms warmer, and reduce outside noise
Easy press fit from the inside
We can make for exterior or interior or both, any size to fit your window. No need for expensive window replacement, low cost local install or DIY. Direct from manufacturer, we’re right up the street in Galewood, see our factory video. Owner is an Oak Park resident since 2008. Call for a simple, free estimate, fully guaranteed or your money back BBB A+ rating.
sales@stormsnaps.com Alpina Manufacturing, 6460 W. Cortland St. Chicago Visit our website for easy online ordering or call us for info:
773-202-8887 STORMSNAPS.COM ®
free local delivery
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
Riverside Brookfield Township High School District 208 Riverside, Illinois ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID Riverside Brookfield Township High School District 208, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546 will receive sealed bids for: Riverside Brookfield High School New Gymnastics RTU ATTN: Ms. Kristin Smetana, Assistant Superintendent Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting February 11, 2020. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www.bhfxplanroom.com. Contractors are responsible for all costs. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the Contractor. All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents. The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 9:00 AM at 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. Interested bidders are highly encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference and tour. Bids will be received until 1:30 PM, Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the District Office. At this time, the Bids will be publicly opened and read. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waiver irregularities in the bidding procedure, or accept the Bid that, in its opinion, will serve the best interest of the School District. Any such decision shall be considered final. The Owner reserves the right to set aside a Bid from a Contractor who, in the Owner’s opinion, does not exhibit past experience equal to the size and scope of this project. Published in the Landmark 2/19/2020
LEGAL NOTICE: APPLICATION FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD, RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public notice is hereby given that on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room at the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, the Village of River Forest Development Review Board (DRB) will hold a public hearing on the following matter: Application # 20-01: Application for Planned Development to construct a new 19-unit townhome development Address: 1101-1115 Bonnie Brae Place, River Forest, Illinois, 60305, which is located at the northeast corner of Bonnie Brae Place and Thomas Street. A legal description of the property/properties is provided later in this notice. Applicant: Bonnie Brae Construction, LLC, 3528 Walnut Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 The public is welcome to review the application, to send correspondence, attend the public hearing, submit evidence, and provide testimony at the public hearing. For public testimony to be considered by the DRB and the Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. If the public is unable to attend the public hearing but would like to provide input on this matter to the DRB, comments may be submitted in writing to Lisa Scheiner, no later than 12:00 Noon on the date of the public hearing, at lscheiner@vrf. us or by mailing them to 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305. In preparing comments, the public is asked to discuss whether or not the application meets the standards that the DRB must consider when reviewing the application. Those standards are available on the Village’s website at www.vrf.us/ DevelopmentGuide. A copy of the application is available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at http:// www.vrf.us/DevelopmentGuide. Elements of the application may be amended during the course of this process and interested persons are encouraged to stay apprised of the progress of the application by also
viewing DRB meeting agendas and packets, which are also available at the Village Hall and online at www.vrf.us/meetings, and are published no less than 48 hours prior to any public meeting. Once the DRB concludes the public hearing, its members will make a recommendation to the Village Board of Trustees that a planned development permit be granted, with or without conditions, or that it be denied. The Village Board of Trustees has up to 60 days to begin consideration of the DRB’s recommendation. Any questions regarding this application or the planned development process may be directed to: Lisa Scheiner, Assistant Village Administrator, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305, lscheiner@ vrf.us, (708) 714-3554. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 1001-07 BONNIE BRAE PLACE: LOTS 15 AND 16 IN GREY AND BRAESE’S RESUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 1 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 AND 16 IN BOGU’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ AND THE EAST 1/3 OF THE WEST ½ OF SAID SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS P.I.N.’S (UNDIVIDED AND UNDERLYING): 15-01-403-020-0000; 15-01-403-021-0000 AND 1111 BONNIE BRAE PLACE: LOT 14 IN GREY AND BRAESE’S RESUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 1 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 AND 16 IN BOGU’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ AND THE EAST 1/3 OF THE WEST ½ OF SAID SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS P.I.N.’S (UNDIVIDED AND UNDERLYING): 15-01-403-019-0000
Published in Wednesday Journal 2/12/2020
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
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: Y20003040 on January 21, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of ONLY BY HIS STRENGTH PHOTOGRAPHY with the business located at: 845 S HUMPHREY AVE APT 1, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ALENA CRAFT 845 S HUMPHREY AVE APT 1 OAK PARK, IL 60304.
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID – SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR IN-DISTRICT STUDENTS
Published in Wednesday Journal 2/5, 2/12, 2/19/2020
LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN 722 WEST DIVERSEY PARKWAY SUITE 101B CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60614 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of MARIO ENRIQUEZ, Petitioner and ROSA OSDELIA FLORES, Respondent, Case No. 20 D 000798. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, ROSA OSDELIA FLORES, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before March 11, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2020
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID – REGULAR EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 1. The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will accept bids for regular education transportation services. 2. Bid documents will be available beginning February 20, 2020 and may be picked up between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 3. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on February 25, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. The pre-bid meeting will be in the Board Room of the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
1. The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will accept bids for special education transportation services for students residing in the School District. 2. Bid documents will be available beginning February 20, 2020 and may be picked up between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 3. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on February 25, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. The pre-bid meeting will be in the Board Room of the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 4. All bids must be submitted on or before March 10, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Special Education Transportation Services For In-District Students” and delivered to the District Office, Attn: Mark Sheahan, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 5. The bid opening will take place on March 10, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 6. All questions must be submitted in writing to the attention of Mark Sheahan at msheahan@op97.org or 260 West Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 2/19/2020
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID – SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR OUT OF DISTRICT STUDENTS 1. The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will accept bids for special education transportation services for students residing out of the School District. 2. Bid documents will be available beginning February 20, 2020 and may be picked up between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 3. There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on February 25, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. The pre-bid meeting will be in the Board Room of the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 4. All bids must be submitted on or before March 10, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Special Education Transportation Services For Out of District Students” and delivered to the District Office, Attn: Mark Sheahan, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. 5. The bid opening will take place on March 10, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
4. All bids must be submitted on or before March 10, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Bids are to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Regular Education Transportation Services” and delivered to the District Office, Attn: Mark Sheahan, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
6. All questions must be submitted in writing to the attention of Mark Sheahan at msheahan@op97.org or 260 West Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
5. The bid opening will take place on March 10, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
Starting a new business?
6. All questions must be submitted in writing to the attention of Mark Sheahan at msheahan@op97.org or 260 West Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 2/19/2020
Published in Wednesday Journal 2/19/2020
Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your Assumed Name Legal Notice here. Call 708/613-3342 to advertise.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. LORNA J. RANKER; CHARLES K. RANKER; CITIZENS BANK NA; Defendants, 18 CH 2459 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, March 16, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-327-034-0000. Commonly known as 1185 S. LOMBARD AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-04613 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3144629 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, vs. ELENA F. MARROQUIN A/K/A ELENA FIGUEROA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS GUARDIAN FOR CHRISTIAN MARROQUIN AND NICHOLAS MARROQUIN, JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., MARIELENA SANTANA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF RICCARDO A. MARROQUIN A/K/A RICCARDO MARROQUIN, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 17 CH 954 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-420-011. Commonly known as 425 S. EAST AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312)
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
CLASSIFIED
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com 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
357-1125. 17-00157 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3144242
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, The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-091229. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 19-091229 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 19 CH 9209 TJSC#: 39-7626 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 # 19 CH 9209 I3144136
est 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) 236SALE 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. 9903 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 25204
TJSC#: 39-7957 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 # 12 CH 25204 I3144011
by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-04531 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 08990 TJSC#: 40-85 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 08990 I3145087
close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-06429 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 08452 TJSC#: 39-8185
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 08452 I3145090
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, -v.TAKYRICA Q. STYLES A/K/A TAKYRICA STYLES, TAYLOR LAKE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC. A/K/A TAYLOR-LAKE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 19 CH 9209 118 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE, UNIT 1 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 22, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 17, 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 118 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE, UNIT 1, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-122-0381005 The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $153,280.44. 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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RASHINDA PLUMP, WAVERLY CLARK, JR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, WAVERLY CLARK, JR., INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR Defendants 12 CH 25204 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 12, 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 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-325-0470000 The real estate is improved with a one story two unit brick building with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the high-
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2018-RPL12 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.KARL A. REESE, ROSALYN CUMMINGS-YEATES A/K/A ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019 CH 08990 439 S. TAYLOR AVE. #2/3-B 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 December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 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 439 S. TAYLOR AVE. #2/3-B, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-321-0311006; 16-08-321-031-1007 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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION QUICKEN LOANS INC. Plaintiff, -v.DRIKO DUCASSE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019 CH 08452 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD 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 December 17, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 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 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0270000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUCTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 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 December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 17, 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 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0480000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse with an attached one car 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
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 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
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) 236SALE 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. 267501 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 39-8007 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 12736 I3144838
Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-02481 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 09264 TJSC#: 39-7338 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 09264 I3145074
community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. F19020192 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3144920
sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 130 SOUTH 9TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-235-0330000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE
FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-07106 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 09325 TJSC#: 39-7348 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 09325 I3145072
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.AMIN SAHTOUT, SCOVILLE COURT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2019 CH 09264 500 WASHINGTON BLVD, UNIT 107 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 7, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 17, 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 WASHINGTON BLVD, UNIT 107, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-415-0271007 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. CORNELIUS MCALLISETER AKA CORNELIUS D.MCALLISTER; GABRIELA MCALLISTER AKA GABRIELA LAUREANO; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBANDEVELOPMENT; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 4302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 20, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-08-101-026-0000. Commonly known as 30 52nd Avenue, Bellwood, Illinois 60104. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JEANETTE JOHNSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Defendants 2019 CH 09325 130 SOUTH 9TH AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 7, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 17, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606,
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Wednesday Journal, February 19, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
The library was always a happy place for me.” DENISE WARREN OFFICER, BRANCH MANAGER, BYLINE BANK
A Community Bank for Oak Park and River Forest. In 1970, Denise’s parents moved to a beautiful two-flat in Oak Park, hoping to find a diverse and welcoming community. Not only did they find it—they’re still in that same home today. Attending Longfellow, Hawthorne Junior High (now Percy Julian), and OPRF High School, one of Denise’s first jobs was volunteering at the Oak Park Public Library-Maze Branch, after school. In 2002, Denise moved back to Oak Park, with her 2 children, and her girls attended the very same schools Denise had growing up. She and her family had been active members of Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church for years, and Denise has also been involved in numerous community groups such as OPRF Chamber of Commerce, Women in Business, and OPALGA. She began her career in 1992, at River Forest State Bank, she continued to work in banking—and in the very same building— for the next 27 years. She’s excited to have joined Byline Bank and is looking forward to continuing to serve her customers and communities here in Oak Park and River Forest, for many great years to come.
To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf
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