Wednesday Journal 052522

W E D N E S D A Y

May 25, 2022 Vol. 42, No. 43 ONE DOLLAR @wednesdayjournalinc

@wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

BEES PLEASE

Konni Vukelic, of Dennanne Apiary, gives out bee stickers to kids during opening Saturday of Farmers Market SEE STORY ON PAGE 6

Two named all-state from OPRF Girls track Page 24

Students’ hard lessons after Concordia cut majors

CUC students reflect on experience following program, staff changes

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

In the summer of 2019, Sarah Richardson was excited to start a new chapter in her life. The Arkansas native had jumped at the chance to move to Illinois when Concordia University Chicago accepted her into its theater program along with a scholarship offer. Filled with hope, the then 18-year-old packed her bags, bid her family farewell and set off on an adventure.

But that adventure came to a screeching halt halfway through Richardson’s sophomore year, leaving her feeling lost, alone and abandoned. After only a year and a half at Concordia, Richardson was one of several students devastated by the university’s program cuts and mass faculty layoff. With the theater program reduced to minor courses and an extracurricular, Richardson’s future, like many others, hung in the balance.

“I legitimately felt like I was being robbed of this ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

See CONCORDIA on page 15

!

H S S W A E L F N You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box.

Sign up for FREE at OakPark.com

2

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

ARE YOU BEHIND ON HOUSING COSTS DUE TO COVID-19?

APPLY L FOR UP TO LY

IN EMERGENCY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE!

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Join us at the Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Event to receive application assistance for the Illinois Homeownership Assistance Fund!

Thursday, May 26 Noon - 6 PM Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 4550 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside, IL 60162 Register at bit.ly/oprhc-housing-help

START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY! The Illinois Homeowners Assistance Fund can help with ... delinquent mortgage payments delinquent property taxes delinquent homeowner's insurance and/or flood insurance delinquent mobile home lot rent costs related to a period of forbearance delinquent Homeowner, Condominium, or Co-Op Association fees

Check your eligibility and apply online for the Illinois Homeowners Assistance Fund to reduce or eliminate past-due housing costs.

Visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf to learn more and apply!

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

O

3

Let’s think harder about the Buffalo massacre

n May 14 in Buffalo, New York, Peyton Gendron, a white 18-yearold, killed 10 people in a mass shooting at a grocery store frequented by Black shoppers. He left behind a 180page manifesto that outlines his belief in the Great Replacement Theory.

According to an analysis of the manifesto by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, the theory is twofold.

“On the one hand, non-white people intentionally move to white-majority countries and reproduce with people in order to make them produce non-white babies,” the organization states.

“On the other hand, efforts are made to ‘weaken’ the existing white race by promoting sexual and gender diversity, which would discourage white people from settling into a family structure that is focused on producing children.”

My gut reaction to the Buffalo shooting is disgust and pain for the victims and their families, but my brain tells me that there is more truth in Gendron’s conspiratorial manifesto and his sick act than President Joe Biden’s robust denunciation, which echoes that of other white folk who want to act all high and mighty, as if the social and cultural heritage that Gendron would kill for is not theirs.

“White supremacy is a poison,” Biden said during a May 17 visit to Buffalo. “It’s a poison running through our body politic, and it’s been allowed to fester and grow right in front of our eyes. We need to say as clearly and forcefully as we can that the ideology of white supremacy has no place in America.”

This is rich coming from the man who proudly quarterbacked the 1994 Crime Bill, who was one of the most vocal anti-busing Democrats in the country, and who facilitated the vile racist and sexist shaming of Anita Hill. And that’s the short list.

Biden’s passion notwithstanding, far from a perceived fault, white supremacy is America’s default setting. It is not a poison, it is her plasma. The sooner people accept this reality, the sooner they’ll start the work of actually changing it — as opposed to acting out “colorblind” and anti-racist rituals designed to mask this reality.

In the meantime, we must take the symptom as a symbol. Within Gendron’s explanation for his heinous act is at least an acknowledgement from which most white

people would rather hide than confront and that’s the fact that, just like everyone else, white people are raced, they are socially constructed, and this reality comes with psychological and socio-emotional baggage.

“The truth is my personal life and experiences are of no value,” Gendron wrote. “I am simply a White man seeking to protect and serve my community, my people, my culture, and my race.”

Extremists like Gendron and theories like the Great Replacement have all kinds of historical precedents that genteel white people would rather set aside than consider part of a cultural continuum. But I encourage white people to tease the connection between Replacement Theory and, for instance, the pioneering work of University of Chicago sociologists.

In the early 1930s, sociologists like C. Newcomb and E.W. Burgess “divided Chicago for the first time into seventy-seven communities,” writes John Betancur and Janet Smith in Claiming Neighborhood: New Ways of Understanding Urban Change.

“These ‘natural areas’ were derived by applying the principles of human ecology to the city using existing U.S. Census tract boundaries.” The authors add that “human ecologists assumed there was a natural order to the city” and used racial homogeneity “as the central criteria to identify neighborhoods.”

Another University of Chicago sociologist, Homer Hoyt, developed a hierarchy of “racial and national groups in order of their least (1) to most (10) detrimental effect on land use values: (1) English, Germans, Scotch, Irish, and Scandinavians.” North Italians were second, Poles were fourth, “Russian Jews of the lower class” were ranked seventh while “Negroes” were ranked ninth and “Mexicans” were ranked 10th.

According to these sociologists, a community was “stable” when it was mostly white and middle- to upper-class. The concept of “invasion” defined the moment when a particular community gave way to “lowergrade” racial and national groups and non-whites.

I should note that these weren’t merely academic exercises. The work of these sociologists would be used to guide federal policy, “which affected real estate investment and neighborhood planning, and that justified

MICHAEL ROMAIN

SCREENSHOT

During a scene in the 1976 documentary, “Oak Park All American,” Pierre de Vise, a professor of Urban Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, points to a map he used to predict, wrongly it would turn out, that, by 1980, Oak Park would be 25% Black. and reified a hierarchical order of homogenous space based on income and race/ethnicity,” Betancur and Smith write.

During research for this column, I found on the Internet Archive a 25-minute documentary produced in 1976 called “Oak Park All American,” which is about the village having achieved the status that year as an “All-America City.”

Pierre de Vise, a professor of Urban Science at the University of Illinois Chicago, whom the Chicago Tribune once called the “Windy City’s Socrates,” is shown speaking to a class of adults. De Vise predicted that, by 1980, Oak Park would be 25% Black, likely introducing what sociologists call a “tipping point,” which would prompt whites to flee the area at an accelerated pace, taking their accumulated wealth and resources with them.

“This shows the situation in about 1968 to 1970 and I predicted a coalescence of these two major ghettos — Chicago’s West Side culminating in Austin and Maywood, to the corridor between the Congress ‘L’ and the Lake Street ‘L’,” de Vise said.

De Vise points out that his prediction did not come true, “largely because the village took the prediction seriously and acted on the prediction in the program of managed integration,” the effort, led by energetic personalities like Oak Park Regional Housing Center founder Bobbie Raymond (who is also featured in the film) to encourage whites and Blacks to live next to each other.

We might as well call “managed integration” what it was — managing whites’ fear of Blacks, which meant very closely monitoring the number of Blacks in Oak Park. The village practiced other, less genteel management strategies, Betancur and Smith point out, including proposing “an ordinance that would limit the number of black households on a block to 30 percent, since this was the threshold commonly found in the empirical research at which a neighborhood would become all black.”

Among the people featured in that 1976 documentary, James Shannon stood out.

Shannon, a Black resident of Oak Park who moved from Chicago, emerges as the Oak Park whisperer. He speaks truths that most white people would rather cloud in euphemisms.

“My experience in Chicago is that when the whites move out, then also the police leave, the garbage service leaves, the school starts getting full of [substitute] teachers.

That’s the basic reason I moved,” Shannon says. “I had to find a good school for my kids.”

It’s easy to condemn Payton Gendron. In fact, we all should — wholeheartedly. But after we’re done, we need to examine the system that created the racially and economically segregated poor Black community Gendron traveled 200 miles to terrorize.

It’s the same system that created Oak Park.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

4

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK May 25-June 1

Third Coast Percussion Friday. May 27, 7 p.m., Unity Temple This Grammy-winning Chicago-based quartet comes to Oak Park with a repertoire of original and commissioned works. $20-30, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

Quarantine the Past: Allegories of the Self by Joel Javier Wednesday, May 25, 5-7 p.m., Oak Park Main Library (Gallery) Through arts education and his own studio practice, local artist Joel Javier advocates for equity, diversity and opportunity in the arts. On display through June 11, this body of work includes reflections and refractions of his time in quarantine during the first year of the global pandemic. On May 25, there will be a special artist reception.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

John Primer/ Larry Taylor Wednesday, June 1, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Some serious blues heavy-hitters here.

John Primer is a singer/guitarist who has worked his way to the front of the pack. Singer Larry Taylor is part of the Chicago family blues dynasty that also includes his legendary father, guitarist Eddie Taylor. $20, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Listing your event in the calendar Wednesday Journal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon

Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

SamaSama Project: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

Wednesday, May 25, 7-8:30 p.m., Oak Park Main Library (Veterans Room) This Chicago-area Filipino folk fusion band. SamaSama—translated as “united, together”—creates a blend of Filipino folk, rock, ska, and Latin music, inspired by a 1970s musical movement called Manila Sound.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Ivy Ford Tuesday, May 31, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s This Chicago blues guitarist has built up a steady buzz in the last couple of years. Come to this free patio show and find out why. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Car theft in Oak Park led to police shooting of teen in Chicago

Initial car theft included three-year-old child in back seat

By STACEY SHERIDAN and KELLY BAUER Wednesday Journal and Block Club Chicago

Chicago police shot an unarmed 13-yearold during a chase last Wednesday night on the West Side, officials said. The incident began 24 hours earlier in Oak Park when a 3-year-old child was inadvertently abducted during a car theft in Oak Park on Tuesday, May 17. Chicago and Oak Park police are investigating the related incidents.

According to Oak Park police reports, the mother of the child exited her gray 2017 Honda CRV, leaving the car running with her child seated inside the vehicle, at 7:35 p.m., May 17 in the 100 block of North Oak Park Avenue. Shortly after, a man in a black face mask got into the car and then drove off in it southbound on Oak Park Avenue. The CRV was followed by an older gray Honda Accord carrying four younger men.

Ten minutes later, a witness saw the offender park the CRV with the unharmed child still inside it on the 200 block of Madison Street in Oak Park. The offender then entered a gray sedan, which was last seen traveling eastbound on Madison Street.

Chicago police found that same gray sedan the following day, beginning the chain of events that ultimately led to the shooting of an unarmed 13-year-old boy by a Chicago police officer.

At about 10:14 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 Chicago police officers stopped the driver of the grey sedan, according to a Chicago police statement. The boy, who had been in the car, got out and ran away as officers walked up to it, officials said.

Chicago officers chased the boy to the 800 block of North Cicero Avenue, where one officer shot him, police said.

The boy was hospitalized in serious condition, according to a Civilian Office of Police Accountability news.

Investigators from the Civilian Office of

Police Accountability immediately went to the scene. They have video of the incident, including the body-camera footage of the officer who shot the boy, according to the news release. But the agency is prohibited from releasing that footage, according to its statement.

“Worse fear confirmed!” anti-violence group GoodKids MadCity tweeted after the shooting. “Especially knowing how this child will be handcuffed to the hospital bed, criminalized by the media & silenced from sharing their version of what happened, locked away in the” Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.

Officers were not wounded, but two were taken to a hospital “for observation,” police said. They were in good condition.

Someone in the stolen car drove off, police said. It was later found unoccupied in the 3800 block of West Monroe Street.

The Chicago officers involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for 30 days, police said.

The shooting comes a little more than a year after a Chicago police officer fatally shot another 13-year-old, Adam Toledo, during a foot chase in Little Village. In that instance, leaders of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability also initially said they could not release video of the shooting — though they eventually released it amid public pressure.

Video of his shooting — which showed Toledo had a gun, though he dropped it less than a second before an officer shot him — garnered national attention and led to protests in the city. Prosecutors eventually announced they will not pursue charges against the officer who shot Toledo.

The Chicago Police Department updated is foot chase policy after the shooting of Toledo, but critics have said it still largely allows foot chases that can lead to danger for those being chased and for officers.

River Forest MEMORIAL DAY PARADE, CEREMONY, & PICNIC MONDAY, MAY 30, 2022 at 9:30 AM The parade kicks off at 9:30 AM beginning at Augusta and Ashland, traveling south on Ashland to Lake Street, then west to Keystone Park.

The parade will end at Keystone Park with a ceremony and free hot dog lunch. The mission of our parade is “to recognize and honor the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice”.

Presented by:

VISIT RFPARKS.COM FOR PARADE DETAILS.

Premium Sponsor: Forest Park Bank Sponsor: Novick Orthodontics, Byline Bank, Concordia University Chicago

Oak Park’s Climate Plan draft is ready for review Share your feedback on the draft goals goals through through May May 31 31

Play Play the the budget budget game game

Take Take the the community community survey survey oak-park.us/ oak-park.us/ climateplan climateplan

Comment Comment on on the map the map

5

6

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Single-use foodware proposal tabled

Drive-thru angle leads to delay on vote

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

A proposal to limit the distribution of single-use foodware by River Forest restaurants, which includes straws, plastic utensils and napkins, is on hold until village officials can resolve an issue regarding how the proposal would affect drive-thru restaurants.

An ordinance proposed by the Sustainability Commission and supported by village officials was expected to be approved at the May 23 village board meeting but the matter was tabled after Village President Cathy Adduci said representatives from the McDonald’s at 624 Harlem Ave. raised concerns regarding drive-thrus. That McDonald’s is the only drive-thru in the village.

According to Adduci, McDonald’s representatives were unable to raise the issue because they did not attend the May 10 Sustainability Commission public hearing on the proposed ordinance, nor were they able to attend the May 23 village board meeting.

Trustee Respicio Vazquez supported tabling the matter until after McDonald’s rep-

resentatives could meet with village staff members.

“We should give them that courtesy,” he said.

Eric Simon, commission chair, said “not a lot of people” attended the public hearing, which was conducted in person at village hall and by Zoom. He said four comments were made, none by businesses. In fact, the commission received no direct feedback from businesses although over 40 affected businesses were invited to provide input, he added.

Under the proposed ordinance, River Forest restaurants would no longer give customers single-use foodware unless specifically requested. If approved, customers who want plastic utensils, condiments and more would need to ask for them. Drive-thrus were exempt under a draft of the proposed ordinance but not in the final version of the ordinance that was presented May 23.

According to the commission, the proposed ordinance, if approved, would require establishments that sell food and beverages only to provide these items for take-out and delivery orders at the customer’s request, meaning customers would have to “opt-in” to receive them. Village officials stressed that the proposed ordinance would neither

tax nor prohibit the distribution of single-use foodware. Rather, the purpose of the ordinance is to limit the unnecessary distribution of single-use plastics, which generates a significant amount of waste, they said.

Adduci instructed Village Administrator Brian Murphy to meet with McDonald’s representatives to address the issue and indicated she hoped the ordinance would be presented for consideration at the next village board meeting on June 27.

“This is a good thing to do for our village,” Adduci said.

The proposed River Forest ordinance is modeled after one implemented by Chicago in January. According to village officials, not only is Chicago the only municipality in Illinois to implement such an ordinance, but also no other municipality is known to be considering taking such a step.

Trustee Lisa Gillis, who is liaison to the commission, said Adduci brought back the idea for the ordinance from a PlanIt Green meeting in January. After consultation involving herself, Murphy, and village Attorney Greg Smith, Adduci brought the matter to the commission.

PlanItGreen is a sustainability planning and implementation project seeded by the

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation’s Communityworks Partnership that has engaged residents, businesses and institutions in developing a two-community, 10-year sustainability plan for the villages of Oak Park and River Forest.

The proposed ordinance defines a singleuse food item as any eating utensil or other item to be used as part of food or beverage service that is designed and intended by the manufacturer for only one usage before being discarded, including straws, forks, spoons, sporks, knives, chopsticks, other eating utensils, stirrers, drink stoppers, splash sticks, cocktail sticks, toothpicks, napkins, wet-wipes, cup sleeves, beverage trays, disposable plates and condiment packets.

Not considered to be single-use foodware are beverage lids or items used to contain or package food or beverages for delivery or take-out orders.

Rainy start to the Farmers Market

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Despite a deluge of rain, the 47th season of the Oak Park Farmers Market kicked off on Saturday, May 21. The weather may have kept some market shoppers away, but a “rough tally” estimates three-to-four thousand people visited the market last Saturday.

Erica Helms, first time market manager, admits attendance was down compared to non-pandemic years; in 2017 the market welcomed five thousand shoppers on opening day. She anticipates increased numbers over the upcoming “sunny and warm” holiday weekend.

Scheduling conflicts prevented Lyman Ave. Bread, Vangie’s Farm and American Pride, from making it to opening day and a last-minute truck breakdown prevented Jo-

hansen’s Apple Orchard from arriving, but Helms anticipates all four vendors will be at the May 28 market.

“Getting through the set up and tear down once eased some of my anxiety,” said Helms, of her first day on the job. “I finally got to meet vendors in person, and I am looking forward to building relationships with them. I also met community members who have supported the market for years.”

Helms said the market is still looking for more volunteers and has paid market assistant positions open as well.

The Oak Park Farmers Market, located in the Pilgrim Church parking lot, 460 Lake St., is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 29.

Melissa Elsmo

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Summer events are back in River Forest and Oak Park

Memorial Day parade, Day in Our Village, Juneteenth and Fourth of July – oh my!

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

After two years with not much to celebrate, summer events are back in Oak Park and River Forest. The summer event season launches on Monday with the return of River Forest’s Memorial Day parade. It steps off at 9:30 a.m. with 100 participating groups. The parade travels south on Ashland from Augusta and heads toward Lake Street where it culminates at Keystone Park with a ceremony and the traditional free hot dog picnic.

Oak Park is hosting a full schedule of summer events. The village is kicking off with the mostly annual “A Day in Our Village,” followed by Juneteenth. Fourth of July rounds out the season’s festivities.

The “A Day in Our Village” celebration is right around the corner, scheduled for June 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scoville Park and Mills Park. Attendees can expect fun activity booths from local businesses and institutions, including Wednesday Journal, as well as food and live music. The inaugural “A Day in Our Village” event was held in 1973 and has only been canceled three times – the first in 1975 due to a shortage of volunteers. Like other community events, COVID-19 caused the cancelation of “A Day in Our Village” two days in a row, but Village President Vicki Scaman is excited to see it back on the calendar.

“I am very excited and grateful for all the volunteers,” said Scaman.

The village will celebrate Juneteenth with a parade and picnic June 19. The parade will start at 11 a.m. near Jackson Boulevard and then march north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta. A community-wide picnic at Taylor Park will follow. A special flag-raising ceremony is also being held in honor of Juneteenth at noon, June 11 in the courtyard of village hall.

Juneteenth became a nationally recognized holiday last year with President Joe Biden’s signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. The village of Oak Park formally recognized the holiday the year before, with a proclamation read by

Juanta Griffin, Oak Park Public Library multicultural learning coordinator.

Griffin and community organizer Anthony Clark have been instrumental in planning Juneteenth celebrations in Oak Park.

This year is no different.

“Juneteenth celebrated in Oak Park speaks to the relentless efforts of longtime resident Juanta Griffin who collaborated with community activist Anthony Clark to bring the village its first Juneteenth celebration,” said Village Trustee Chibuike Enyia.

Enyia has been involved in planning this year’s Juneteenth celebration, as has the village’s Community Relations Commission, which he serves as its village board liaison.

It is the first year the commission has gotten involved in Juneteenth.

Summer would not be complete without Fourth of July fireworks, something the village had to forego the previous two years due to COVID-19-prompted restrictions on inperson gatherings. This year, fireworks are back on in Oak Park, but first comes the traditional parade beginning at 10 a.m., July 4 at Longfellow Park before heading north on Ridgeland.

When the sun sets on Independence Day, look to the sky to continue celebrations.

The village’s Fourth of July firework display has been paid for each year by community sponsors. This year, the person or people behind the fireworks display is a mystery. An anonymous donor made a financial contribution through Visit Oak Park to co-sponsor this year’s firework display alongside the village of Oak Park, with the anonymous donor paying for the larger share of expenses, according to Scaman.

The final donation amount has not been finalized but will likely be between $20,000 and $25,000. The village and park district will handle staffing and clean-up costs.

It is likely this will be the village’s last ever Fourth of July fireworks display. As the village moves toward becoming a more sustainable community, fireworks will likely get the ax in favor of more environmentally friendly light shows. Light shows, unlike fireworks, will also cause zero damage to turf, which Oak Park and River Forest High School plans to eventually lay down on some of its athletic fields.

“Unfortunately we didn’t have time to pull that off for this year,” Scaman said of a 2022 Fourth of July light show.

Need an agent who gets your small business?

Colin Fane, Agent

I understand the unique needs of small business owners, because I run a small business too. Contact me today for your small business insurance.

212 S Marion Street Fl G Oak Park, IL 60302 Bus: 708-383-3163 www.colinfane.com Monday & Friday 9am-5pm Tues/Wed/ Thurs 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-12pm

Let’s talk today.

1901978

State Farm Bloomington, IL

RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner Full Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

$13.49

$19.79

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 Italian Beef 11am - 9pm Daily 3 Vienna

Hot Dogs w/ Fries

9.49

$

Sandwich w/ Fries $ .99

8

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $11.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $8.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .49

3

7

8

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Gas-powered leaf blowers, goodbye?

Oak Park considers phasing out controversial lawn-care tool

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Many Oak Park residents have a particular abhorrence of noisy, polluting gasolinepowered leaf blowers, making it quite clear they wish to see an end to their use. The village of Oak Park has heard their pleas, despite the deafening noise, and is now considering a more restrictive policy on gaspowered leaf blowers with the ultimate goal of phasing out their use completely.

Oak Parkers should hold off on listing their gas-powered blowers on Craigslist, however. Village President Vicki Scaman told Wednesday Journal much needs to be done before we bid adieu to that particular lawn-care tool.

“There’s still a lot more information to be gathered,” said Scaman.

The village board has yet to have a dedicat-

ed discussion on a more restrictive amendment to the village’s current legislation on gas-powered leaf blowers — or any other gas-powered lawn equipment, for that matter.

The issue was folded into a memo about the pending Oak Park sustainability and climate action plan. That memo was briefly reviewed during a wider presentation, May 9, about the climate action plan’s drafted goals.

The village board has not yet decided on any actual amendment to the village’s leafblower ordinance at this time. However, according to the memo, the climate action plan will include a directive to “develop a program to transition lawn care to quiet, zero-emission equipment,” with an incentive program for residents.

Scaman said the village has toyed in the past with the idea of restricting gas-powered leaf-blower usage due to the excessively loud sounds they produce. This time around, the issue has been reframed not just to address the noise pollution caused by the blowers but the environmental pollution as well.

Many gas-powered blowers use a twostroke engine that burns fuel inefficiently

Every Weekend Starting February 5th, 2022

We invite you to shop locally in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Fresh produce, meat, baked goods and more.

and releases tailgate emissions directly into the air; the emissions contain such pollutants as carbon monoxide, potentially carcinogenic hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides, which cause acid rain, according to the Sierra Club.

Animal feces, mold, pesticides and pollen can also be swirled into the air by gas-powered blowers.

A 2011 study conducted by InsideLine. com found that a Ryobi 4-stroke leaf blower emitted almost seven times more oxides of nitrogen and 13.5 times more carbon monoxide than the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, a 6,200-pound pick-up truck. Other gas-powered blowers performed even worse in the study.

Additionally, the noise pollution caused by gas-powered blowers is more than just a nuisance. The Sierra Club reported that the lawn tools can contribute to permanent hearing loss, difficulty sleeping, and higher heart attack rates.

Despite the many drawbacks, a more restrictive ordinance won’t pass overnight, even though the memo cites community support. There will be financial impacts, of which the memo also makes note, particu-

larly with regard to village agreements with landscaping businesses, including McAdam.

Scaman wants to engage those businesses in the discussion, as well as residents, because the village can’t just require people to toss their equipment.

“I really want to make sure there are stakeholder discussions,” Scaman said.

The Park District of Oak Park has almost completely phased out their own usage of gaspowered leaf blowers. The park district began purchasing battery-powered handheld lawn equipment in 2018. PDOP Executive Director Jan Arnold said the Parks and Planning Department has not used any gas-powered handheld equipment in two years. Its conservatory department only uses gas-powered equipment 10 percent of the time, which they plan to transition out of completely, according to Arnold. PDOP is also currently looking into purchasing electric lawnmowers.

Based on their experience and success, Scaman hopes to see park district personnel included in the village’s discussion on leaf blowers.

“They are ahead of us on this,” she said.

Powered by: Austin Fresh Contact Menewman@healthauthority.org to become a vendor or call (773) 378-1878.

5713 W. Chicago Ave. Saturdays 9am - 3pm Sundays 10am - 3pm

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

9

Oak Park man steps up to the plate, revives Bat A Ball Scott Friesen bought Bat A Ball Batting Range in Melrose Park last year, reopening the range in April as Sam’s Batting Cages

By MICHAEL ROMAIN

deered a 60-foot boom lift to do work on a tall column that hovers over the octopus.

In 2001, the Chicago Tribune interviewed “My wife jokes that I now own Kevin Sherrod, a former Proviso East High nine boats,” Friesen said of the School baseball player, while hitting balls multi-tentacle metal contraption. with his 8-year-old daughter, Araina, at the “There’s always something wrong Bat A Ball Batting Range, 1425 N. 1st Ave. in with a boat.”

Melrose Park.

About a year and many hours of At the time, the Tribune reported that hard labor later, Friesen officially places like Bat A Ball “once dotted the area opened Sam’s Batting Cages, so but are now scarce. Coming upon one now named after the family’s beloved is always a surprise.”

13-year-old dog, last month.

The batting ranges, the Tribune noted, Friesen said he wants Sam’s to be “are dreamy places, where baseballs bata gathering space for the whole famted never reach a destination (whether a ily. In an open area near the cages, fielder’s glove or a bleacher seat) but are he installed two raised platforms rather captured by the heavy netting that for people to throw bags and picnic envelops the nine cages and the contraptables for people to congregate. tion that gathers balls and tosses them, at Inside the building, there’s an arspeeds from 35 to 85 miles per hour, toward cade machine that plays classics like batters positioned in nine cages.”

Pac-Man and Galaga, and a pinball By 2021, vines had overtaken the commachine.

Michael Romain/Equity Editor plex, which had also turned into a dump“This is kind of like my homage ing ground for construction crews. Oak BATTER UP: Scott Friesen has restored and upgraded a long vacant Melrost Park batting range. to Generation X,” Friesen said.

Parker Scott Friesen saw an opportunity The walls are festooned with in the eyesore. sports posters. Friesen is a native “The property was unavailable for the year. My wife called me and said, ‘Hey, that batting cage we of New York who has also lived in better part of a decade,” Friesen said during a recent in- drove past for years had a for sale sign on it.’ That’s when South Dakota (Minnesota Twins territory), so on the wall terview. “The owner died in 2011 without any direct heirs, the insanity began.” is team art referencing the Yankees, the Twins, the Cubs so it was a court battle for ownership for years. That finally Friesen, who runs analytics for a logistics company got settled at the end of 2019 and it went on the market last in Chicago by day, is into pinball and baseball and tall, and the White Sox. Sam’s is an amalgamation of rare local craftsmanship. tall tasks. The father of two (his son recently graduated Friesen sells ice cream that comes from the Brown Cow from Oak Park and River Forest High School, where his Ice Cream Parlor in Forest Park. He’s been in touch with daughter is currently a sophomore) bought the old Bat A someone from nearby Westchester who will convert the Ball property for about $275,000 and spent at least another token machine into a quarter dispenser. He banks at Pan roughly $150,000 on fixing the place up. He installed new American in Melrose Park. He contracted with Mike Hedgnetting, new roofing on the sectioned cinderblock buildes in Oak Park for the paint job. ing that houses concessions, and other operations and new For those familiar with Bat A Ball and looking to revel in plumbing. some nostalgia, Friesen sells retro Bat A Ball t-shirts and And then there’s the metallic octopus that is the heart baseball caps in concessions. The original sign still hovers of any batting cage, the conveyor system that sorts and over the batting cage property, at least for now. shoots balls in nine different lanes and at different speeds.

Since its opening last month, Sam’s has attracted people The hydraulic machine that was in the old Bat A Ball turned out to be a jerry-rigged contraption made of car from all over the west suburbs. According to Friesen’s tires and other found parts, Friesen said. He had to call analysis, Sam’s target market includes at least 2,000 rega company named Automated Batting Cages based in Or- istered youth baseball and softball players in suburbs that egon for the new octopus he had installed. The ABC work- include Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

On a recent Saturday, Jeff Weiner, 44, visited Sam’s with ers drove up from Georgia only to tell Friesen that they couldn’t start the job, because the steel posts on the rigged his son. Weiner said he used to hit balls on the property contraption were the wrong size. So, he had to frantically when it was Bat A Ball.

“I remember this being here and I remember it closing,” search for welders that afternoon. said Weiner, who played youth baseball in River Grove.

Friesen and a crew of friends like the electrician Mike Michael Romain/Equity Editor Herwitt turned the old batting cages into a construction “I’m glad this is open again.”

THE OCTOPUS: Friesen observes the rebuilt octopus which site. They hauled token machines (still full of tokens) delivers pitches of varying speeds to nine batting cages. weighing at least 250 pounds. Friesen himself comman- CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com Equity Editor

10

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Oak Park task force, Dominican to host reparations forums The forums are designed to gather feedback about the possibility of reparations for Black Oak Parkers

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Equity Editor

A local task force dedicated to studying possible reparations for Black Americans will convene a series of open forums in Oak Park this week designed to gather feedback ahead of a reparations report that’s currently in the works.

The Oak Park Reparations Task Force is partnering with Dominican University in River Forest to host three forums designed to get feedback from community members

on reparations.

According to the Oxford dictionary, reparations “the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged.” The term can also refer to “the compensation for war damage paid by a defeated state.”

Two focus groups, which are geared toward Black residents of Oak Park, will happen on Tuesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 26, both from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. A virtual forum will take place Wednesday, May 25. To register for either the inperson or virtual sessions, visit: https:// bit.ly/oprf.

“Feedback from the focus groups will be used to create a survey of Black Oak Park residents that will be conducted and evaluated by a mix of students and faculty

from Dominican University,” according to a statement released by the task force and Dominican University. “A Reparative Justice Report with recommendations will follow.”

Jacob Bucher, the founding dean of Dominican University’s College of Applied Social Sciences, said restorative justice is reflective of the university’s current mission.

“The task force is doing the heavy lifting and we are playing our part as a higher learning institution to contribute our research capacity to support community and social impact,” he said.

The Oak Park Reparations Task Force includes 12 Black Oak Park residents who are studying the “possibility of reparations for Black residents and the type of reparations that may be proposed,” according to the statement.

“The goal of the group is to provide recommendations to Oak Park taxing bodies, residents, and religious, nonprofit and forprofit institutions on ways to repair harm caused to the Black community due to decades of discriminatory laws and practices.

“The purpose of the focus groups is to gather input on what residents know about reparations, if they believe reparations should be offered to Black Oak Park residents, and what form they might take.”

Last year, task force members pointed out in the statement, Evanston launched a local reparations program that gives eligible applicants up to $25,000 for the purpose of purchasing a home, home renovations or mortgage assistance.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Austin responds to Oak Park church’s ‘whiteness fast’ Clergy offer robust support while some community members offer critiques

By SAMANTHA CALLENDER Staff Reporter

Reverend John Edgerton, the pastor of First United Church of Oak Park, announced last month that he and his congregation would be “fasting from whiteness” for the 40-day Lenten period, which is before Easter and requires Christians to sacrifice something that’s important to them.

During the church’s “whiteness fast,” the congregation only played music by nonwhite Christian musical artists. The announcement itself, however, got a national reaction and coverage by mainstream media outlets, including many on the political and cultural fringes like the right-wing outlet Daily Wire.

In Austin, First United’s fast prompted an outpouring of support by area clergy and some criticism by community members.

Edgerton addressed some of the backlash during comments he made at a meeting of the Leaders Network held May 10, at

FILE

First United Church of Oak Park Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. in Austin.

“We didn’t just touch a nerve, we touched a wound,” Edgerton pointed out in a statement the Leaders Network released after the event. “There is no way to speak about racism in this country that is not uncomfortable. You have to be willing to be uncomfortable. The only other option is si-

lence and we will not be silent.”

In the statement, David Cherry, the president of the Leaders Network, said the organization “proudly welcomes Rev. Edgerton to the west side,” adding that “this young white brother took a courageous stand and our meeting is an opportunity for the Black community and our allies to stand with him.”

But some West Side residents who were interviewed after the May 10 meeting criticized the whiteness fast as more performative than substantive.

“What we could’ve used was a donation,” said Anita Holmes, a resident of Galewood.

“He could’ve picked any social service organization that serves Black communities and given them funds. That would’ve been more impressive to me than singing songs

by Black artists.”

During the May 10 Leaders Network meeting, Edgerton voiced his support for the faith-based group’s plans to bring a credit union to the West Side, saying it would “fix the system” of financial oppression that many on the Westside face.

For South Austin resident Byron Thompson, however, an acknowledgement of financial oppression isn’t enough.

“Sometimes people want a pat on the back for coming to realizations that we [as Black people] have come to long ago,” Thompson said. “We need more than that.

We need real work; work that takes longer than 40 days to do.”

First United’s website lists organizations such as Beyond Hunger, BUILD Chicago and Housing Forward as community partners through which members of the church’s congregation volunteer. They also offer peace vigils and speak out against gun violence in the community.

“I want more of these churches to do more,” said Barbara Burns, a lifelong resident of Austin. “Have more programs for the kids, have resources that aren’t just for church members. Not everyone goes to church. I think they should still be supporting the community though.”

CONTACT: samantha@austinweeklynews.com

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

11

D97’s music program scores three-peat

District 97’s music program named one of the ‘best’ in the state, country

programs.

For the third year in a row, D97’s music program was awarded the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. D97 was one of 738 school districts which received the honor, drawing attention to the work of teachers, administrators, families and local leaders to support a music program. A total of 22 Illinois school districts were named, including D97, Riverside School District 96 and Berwyn North School District 98.

According to a press release, D97 officials answered several questions about their music program ranging from funding and instruction to class participation and graduation. Responses were then submitted and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, the release also stated.

“We’re thrilled to get this honor again, and we’re surrounded by some really phenomenal programs that have also won the award,” Kanwischer said.

Kanwischer told Wednesday Journal he credited the award to D97’s partnership with the nonprofit PING!, which works to provide

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

When Thomas Kanwischer was a middle schooler, he had a band director who urged him to hone his talents, study and play. Kanwischer did just that, carving out an 18-year career as a music educator at Oak Park School District 97, sharing his former teacher’s message to inspire the next generation of young musicians.

“Since I was in the sixth grade, I couldn’t even think of doing anything else because this is what I’m good at,” said Kanwischer, who serves as the district’s band director.

He has called upon a fleet of music teachers to cultivate a space for students to discover themselves through songs, scales and rhythms, and their efforts are being recognized yet again as one of the country’s best

Sawa’s Old Warsaw Sawa’s Old Come Celebrate early from Warsaw

students in need with band and orchestra instruments. The Oak Park-based organization has been vital to helping sustain the district’s music program participants over the years and especially during the pandemic as local families were impacted financially, Kanwischer said.

“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to continue what we’re doing,” he said about PING!, which is short for Providing Instruments for the Next Generation. The nonprofit became a lifeline for families in search of a helping hand so their children could continue their music education even in COVID times.

The band director also shared that music is part of the district’s curricula and open to all students. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students are to attend an hour-long music class, while middle schoolers can choose among band, choir or orchestra. Those opportunities, Kanwischer said, are not always available at other schools.

As Kanwischer reflected more on the award, he talked about the pride he felt not only as an educator, but an Oak Park resident and parent of District 97 children.

THOMAS KANWISCHER “It’s just validation, and it’s an honor. It helps us to say what all this hard work that everybody puts into the program is [for],” he said. “I think it gives our community something that they can be proud of too.”

“There’s a reason why people move here and put their kids in the school – and frankly make a sacrifice to do that,” he said. “A huge part of that is because kids have a really broad experience in school, which includes music.”

NOW HIRING — FLEXIBLE HOURS — $15/HR TO START

Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • Dine In • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery

Y A D S ’ E E N T I N DAILY BUFFET SPECIALS www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

VAL BR

             

FET F U B T S Tuesday EAKFA

Meatballs in Dill Sauce

Texas Style French Toast Apple wood Bacon Scrambled Eggs Potato Pancakes Kiszka (Polish Sausage) Sliced Ham Pork Sausage Links Apple Crepes Apricot Crepes Blueberry Crepes Cheese Crepes Fresh Fruit Raisin Bread English Muffins

Wednesday Pork Goulash

Thursday Swiss Steak or Pepper Steak

Friday (Dinner only) Bloody Mary Broasted Cod Fish ~Carved Beef & Ham or Mimosa ~Shrimp Cocktail/Broasted Shrimp only $6 Saturday (Dinner only) All that plus Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Milk or Coffee...

BBQ Smoked Pork Ribs ~ Breaded Pork Cutlet For only $9 per ~person!

Carved Beef & Ham Lunch ~ Noodles ‘n Ham 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $9 per person

SERVING OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST SINCE 1976

Dinner ~ of BBQ Parties 6 orPork moreRibs Adults will have 15% Gratuity added to check 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. $13 per person

Sawa’s Old Warsaw • 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview Smorgasbord • Lounge • Banquets • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview, IL

708.343.9040

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

RESIDENTIAL — COMMERCIAL — RETAIL — CHURCHES — SCHOOLS

12

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Beer Shop collecting baby supplies to help those in need Oak Park watering hole will be taking in donated infant supplies through June 22

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving Now safely moving new residents our new residents totoour Nowsmall, safely moving wooded campus. small, woodedtocampus. new residents our small, wooded campus.

A safe && A safe smart choice. smart A safe &choice.

smart choice.

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

Choosing a community you Our community has an can has never been Ourtrust community has an impeccable record of safety more difficult. impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis

during and andthe weCOVID-19 will stop at crisis nothing Our community has an to make we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. impeccable record of safety sure it continues. during the COVID-19 crisis We would be honored for your family to be part of and we will stop at nothing We would be honoredours. for your to maketosure it continues. family be part of ours.

Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

We would be honored for your 99% OUR CALEDONIA family to OF be part of ours.

STAFF IS VACCINATED

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 447-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546

Limited availability!

From now until June 22, the Beer Shop, 1026 North Blvd., is accepting new and gently used baby supplies to dispense to families in need. The Beer Shop is serving as both a depository and distribution site for donations.

The month-long initiative, launched May 22, is the brainchild of Beer Shop co-owner Danielle Kovack, who just became a mom five months ago. Having her son really drove home how fraught it is for mothers at this moment in time. The painful realization prompted Kovack to organize the supply drive to support those who do not have the same access to resources that she does.

“There’s a lot of things you just don’t realize are so dire until you actually have the child,” she said.

As the baby formula shortage continues and the very real possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court will soon reverse the ruling that made abortion a constitutional right, the national political climate is becoming increasingly unfriendly to childbearing individuals, especially those who struggle to afford expensive but necessary baby items.

“People are pushing for more babies to be born, but we don’t even have the proper necessities for these babies coming into the world,” she said. “There are a lot of new parents struggling just to feed their babies.”

The Beer Shop’s baby supplies drive is intended to help alleviate that stress by connecting those who have items with those who need them. As people drop off donations at the Beer Shop, Kovack is uploading pictures of the goods to the drive’s designated public Facebook group, called, “Baby Item Inventory Updates.”

“It really seems like a lot of people went out and bought stuff,” said Kovack. “I thought it was nice that they didn’t just take it from whatever they had in the house; they went out and made a conscious decision to buy something for someone else that they don’t know.”

Through Facebook private message or by calling the Beer Shop, people can lay claim to certain items or request specific products, such as diapers for newborns or swaddling

PHOTO BY DANIELLE KOVACK

blankets. Bottles, rubber nipples, baby food, wipes and even a sterilized breast pump have been donated so far. The pump had only been used 10 times before it was donated. The Beer Shop is also taking donations of postpartum necessities as well.

Donations of unused, unopened and unexpired baby formula are also being accepted.

Some of the formula is coming straight from mothers themselves whose infants no longer need it but understand many others do.

Formula was already prohibitively expensive prior to the shortage. Now that it can hardly be found on grocery shelves, parents desperate to feed their children are becoming targets of profiteering and price gouging grifters.

Parents are traveling considerable distances to find formula with many retailers imposing limits on how much can be purchased.

That has not gone unnoticed by Kovack.

“I’m pretty privileged. I can afford to get formula and food hasn’t been a problem,” she said. “I have transportation, so I can go to five different stores if I need to. That’s really not the case for a lot of people.”

If baby formula donations dry up, Kovack hopes that the baby supplies drive will help many families to offset the costs of finding and buying formula by not having to purchase diapers or other necessities.

Kovack also wants to make it as easy as possible for people to get the items they need.

She has put together a team of Beer Shop regulars who are voluntarily delivering supplies to those without access to transportation. Those in need can also just walk into the shop and take what they need from inventory.

“I’m just trying to at least be a nearby dropoff site for Oak Park and Austin and anywhere else in the area, where they can at least count on [supplies] to be there.”

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Growing Community Media

LocalNews a non-profit newsroom

We’ve got YOU covered.

NewsDiningGovernmentActivismArts EducationEventsRealEstateNonprofits Dear Readers, This week in our Spring Fundraising Campaign to raise $50,000 to support GCM’s local community journalism we spotlight our long relationships with the communities we serve. Which is to say, we’ve been around the block a few times and we’re proud of it.

The professional reporting and coverage that you rely on week in and week out in Wednesday Journal is grounded in our strong presence in Oak Park and River Forest since 1980. Through the years, our team of engaged journalists has kept you abreast of what is happening in our communities, making sure you have the information you need to act and shape them for the better. From Marty Farmer, Kathy Grayson, Tim Inklebarger, Kim Lenz and Eric Linden to Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Amanda Tugade, Melissa Elsmo, Lacey Sikora, Bob Stone and Melvin Tate we have welcomed fresh reporters to your beat, always maintaining the high standards of journalism you expect from Wednesday Journal.

Since 2005 over 25% of US newspapers and 50% of US journalist jobs have disappeared. Many communities--urban neighborhoods, suburbs, exurbs and beyond--have no source of local community news reporting on their schools, businesses, parks and government actions.

Wednesday Journal is not immune from the relentless economic forces driving this decline. To continue to serve the quality information needs of Oak Park and River Forest, Wednesday Journal became part of the nonprofit Growing Community Media in 2019, allowing tax deductible donations from readers like to you sustain this news you use.

And this coverage NEEDS your support. We rely on YOUR donations to generate over 25% of our operating budget, to allow us the continued privilege of reporting quality news stories that animate our communities.

Donate today to help ensure that Wednesday Journal’s coverage can continue for another 42 years and beyond.

Thank you for your continued trust and support, Dan Haley and the Wednesday Journal Team

To donate, visit Oakparkcom/donate

13

14

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OPRF student injured after falling from grandstand The student sustained injuries to leg, face but is in stable condition

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

An Oak Park and River Forest High School student who was injured after falling from the grandstand at an assembly is in stable condition, said Erik Jacobsen, a spokesman for the village of Oak Park.

Jacobsen said the incident occurred May 17 around 10 a.m. during a spirit assembly held at the school’s football stadium, and the Oak Park Fire Department arrived at the scene and took the student to the hospital. The student was reportedly straddling the fence, which was about 25 feet high up in the stands, when he acci-

Kettlestrings Grove 105 S. Marion Oak Park (708) 948-7648

kettlestringsgrove.com

dentally fell, sustaining injuries to his leg and face, he said. Emergency responders transported the student to Loyola Hospital in Maywood.

OPRF Principal Lynda Parker alerted staff and families about the incident on the same day but did not share any details to maintain the student’s privacy. In an email, she said the school had notified the student’s parents/guardians, and there were no other safety risks to students at the assembly.

Parker also said the school was aware that a video capturing the incident was circulating and advised staff, families and students to not watch or share it. She encouraged students to talk to school social workers, if they needed support to process the accident.

“We are very concerned that some students took a video and are circulating it,” she said. “Please, out of respect for the student’s privacy, do not increase the harm by viewing or sharing this video.”

Congratulations to Kettlestrings Grove on their grand opening!

Among the Celebrants:. Liz Holt & Mark Walden, OPRF Chamber; Justine Greenwald. Pete Lisnic, Katie Ashton, Fran Norlock, Norah Guenthner, Wil Greenwald, & Rob Guenthner, Kettlestrings Grove, Amy Hoffman Parakkat; Teri Miller, Beyond Hunger; Ravi Parakkat, Vicki Scaman, & Cam Davis, Village of Oak Park; Mike Lavery, Excel Window Tinting; Andy Kaczkowski, Westpoint Financial; Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank; Jonathan Biag, Escape Factor; Darien Marion Burton, D.M. Burton; Sam Yousif, B Health; Michael Glab, Nutriquity; Kelsang Chogo, Kadampa Meditation Center; Eric Mazelis, OPDC; Amanda Hamlin Gosnell, The Sheridan at River Forest; Christine Lon, CrossFunction

FILE

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CONCORDIA

Students look back from page 1 knowledge and of experience. It made me really mad,” said Richardson over Zoom, now 21 and a junior at Flagler College in Florida.

In December 2020, just two weeks before the holiday break, university officials notified students via email of their plans to eliminate at least 15 programs from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Graduate Studies and College of Business. The associate business degree and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, theater, graphic arts, women’s and gender studies and emergency medical services (EMS) were among the courses nixed. The university also let go of 51 faculty and staff members. The move was aimed to alleviate a projected financial crisis and save the university at least $5 million, officials said.

“Thankfully, the university is not facing a financial crisis,” the email from 2020 read and clarified. “However, based on a recent analysis, we would have faced one within the next two years. Such a crisis would have led to more drastic changes with less certain outcomes. Prioritization will help us avert such a situation.”

What’s more is that the university sought to reallocate the money saved and fund other under-resourced programs and invest in new ones. Since the prioritization process began, Concordia formed two new colleges, the College of Health, Science and Technology and College of Theology, Arts and Humanities.

But students like Richardson were shocked and blindsided by the initial news.

“That was the most disheartening part for me because I care about my theater professors a lot and hearing that they were suddenly getting dropped from their job right before a holiday – that sucks to hear,” she recalled.

“That, I think, made me the angriest.”

Soon after the announcement, Richardson said she received emails from her professors, who were struggling to wrap their heads around the situation while trying to answer questions from students and offer some advice. The university assured students like Richardson that they would be able to complete their degrees even with their bachelor’s programs ending, and their courses would be taught by existing full-time and adjunct faculty.

As the news loomed over the holidays, Richardson and her peers were forced to bring in the new year with one question: Do I stay or leave?

That question became top of mind for Brittany*. Brittany, who requested her name be

withheld for fear of reprisals, said she was paralyzed.

For Brittany, freshman year was a struggle.

She was homesick for the first month of that year, adjusting to campus life and being on her own for the first time. By sophomore year, she found her groove, only to be derailed by the university’s news.

“I was terrified. I was really scared,” said Brittany, who still attends Concordia.

At that time, Brittany said talked to her academic advisor to see what her options were if she stayed in her major but realized she didn’t have much of a choice, especially since most of her core professors were leaving. On top of that, Brittany said she had different advisors, which added more anxiety to the mix.

“I was going to be essentially teaching myself all of my major. I just didn’t feel like I could do that,” Brittany said, recalling the plan one of her advisors drew up.

“When you feel like no one knows what they’re doing, you don’t know what you’re doing,” she added. “I didn’t know how I was going to graduate on time – if I was going to graduate on time, and I can’t really afford to not. It was really scary. I cried a lot.”

Brittany went on to say she thought about something her father told her right before she decided what college to attend. She said her father asked her to think long and hard about which college to pick because the wrong one could lead to an “expensive mistake.”

“That has been echoing in my head over the past couple of years because we’re paying so much money, and I feel like I made a mistake choosing this school, but I didn’t know what they were going to do when I chose it.”

Richardson had a similar experience. She told Wednesday Journal that the university was “vague” in its responses about what students affected by program cuts should do next. Like Brittany, Richardson also bounced around from one academic advisor to another.

“They gave very general statements and were just like, ‘It’s OK. We’ll figure it out’ – like that sort of thing,” she said. “It was a lot of emphasis on just general navigation, and they didn’t offer any help to their students.”

Richardson told the Journal that the decision to leave Concordia was easy, but the process was tough. She said she was guarded when looking at other universities and did more research to understand the programs, campus culture and more. Richardson admitted she did not know much about Concordia; she remembered getting a letter in the mail like most high schoolers do and just applied.

In return, she received what was advertised in the original flyer – a scholarship. She also liked the university’s proximity to Chicago, a major plus for a theater major.

“I feel like the thing that happened with Concordia … that’s something you hear about in high school like, ‘Oh, the arts programs got cut.’ I didn’t think that could happen to col-

leges. I don’t know why those two things are very separate in my mind,” Richardson said.

“So, when it did happen, it was really surprising, really shocking.”

Richardson explained she could not justify staying at Concordia any longer. She called the university’s behavior during the mass layoff “gross.”

“What’s the point?” she asked.

“I felt like after that display from Concordia, I could not give them more money. I could not stay there because it just made me feel angry being there,” Richardson continued.

In an email, university spokesperson Eric Matanyi said the university does not have data on how many students transferred after dissolving the 15 academic programs.

“Students who leave CUC prior to completion of a degree are not obligated to share with the university what their future plans are,” Matanyi wrote, noting that pandemicrelated issues may have also impacted “enrollment decisions” since the prioritization.

Other students found themselves in the same boat as Brittany, hanging on and making do. They found it too expensive to go elsewhere or were too close to graduating. Madison Albury, a recent graduate of Concordia, was skeptical about the university’s prioritization.

“It boils down to a lack of transparency about what they’re saying,” said Albury, 22.

“The university is hemorrhaging money, and the only way to save it is by cutting these specific programs.”

Albury said she’s still confused by what happened to the university’s journalism program. She said she dropped her journalism major and focused on her other major – English – after she was told by a professor that the journalism program was to be cut and he was being laid off.

“We were told that some of our classes would be taught by an adjunct professor, but the vast majority of our classes, especially those really major-specific classes, would potentially have to be taken elsewhere. So, either Dominican [University] or DePaul [University] or potentially another university,” she said.

That posed a problem for Albury, who said if she continued majoring in journalism, she would need to add another year in school, delaying graduation. Matanyi denied that the journalism program was on the list of discontinued courses.

“The journalism program remains an available bachelor’s program at CUC,” Matanyi said. “At no time was it ever formally indicated as a discontinued program in any communication to faculty, staff or students.”

Kyle*, who requested anonymity, said he was sad to see the theater program dissolve after the announcement but still chose to stay at the university. For Kyle, theater is about finding and building a community with cre-

15

atives. Surrounded by budding young artists, he looked forward to class and the energy, camaraderie and spirit that transpired. All of that was lost once the core program was dismantled and the people who made up his community – his family – moved on.

“I keep saying community. Community. But that’s what college is, right?” he said.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to expect, but I just can’t help but get the feeling that whatever I’m getting isn’t what was promised to me,” Kyle continued. “[It] isn’t what I necessarily paid for or what I even hoped for.”

Matanyi told the Journal university officials recognized the hardships faculty, staff and students endured because of the prioritization process but is “proud to report that the university has moved forward in a positive direction.”

“Despite the significant enrollment and financial challenges that so many colleges and universities in our state, region and nation are facing, Concordia-Chicago has made every effort o retain a position of strength and to carry out its most meaningful work – serving its students,” he wrote in the email.

“Prioritization freed up financial resources that are currently being reinvested in our students, our employees, our programs and our mission, as we move confidently toward a thriving future.”

But Richardson, Brittany and other Concordia students believed that their future was at stake – and in some ways, altered – because of the program cuts. Looking at the glass half full, Brittany told the Journal she learned to advocate for herself, as she navigated changing majors and the uncertainties that came with it.

“I’ve learned that I can work with the cards I have been dealt,” she said. “I can’t just give up whenever something gets hard and give them up immediately.”

Richardson echoed Brittany.

Last August, Richardson posted a series of pictures on Instagram, paying tribute to the good times she had at Concordia. In the photos, she’s dressed in a costume, posing next to friends, classmates and professors – a life that seemed so different now. These days, Richardson dreams of being in Atlanta, another bustling hub for entertainment.

“It feels like it’s falling into place,” Richardson said. “I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I didn’t have the same sense of security when I was at Concordia. At Concordia, I was just like I really hope I figured it out by the time I graduated. I didn’t really know.

“But I feel like being here in this location, and the school, and the friends that I have here, I think I feel really set up for my future.” *Editor’s Note: Some of the names in this story have been changed to protect the identities of sources.

16

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

A Taste of Togetherness Takeout 25 to host in-person event at FitzGerald’s

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

As the restaurant industry continues to recover from a pandemic blow, Takeout 25 has expanded its focus to provide long-term community support for local eateries while positioning Oak Park and the surrounding communities as a “destination” for food, music and loads of local fun.

The nonprofit, founded by Oak Park Village Trustee Ravi Parakkat, has brought together owners, managers, and passionate community members to raise awareness and generate consistent business for local restaurants.

Takeout 25 is known for their Taste the Town events; held during the pandemic, these carry out focused fundraisers brought restaurants together while raising money for themselves and a meaningful local charity. Now, the fourth event of its kind is set to take place in-person on June 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. on FitzGerald’s outdoor patio, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn.

Will Duncan, owner of FitzGerald’s, has been following the evolution of the Takeout 25 initiative from its early stages and admires Parakkat’s ability to “coalesce food entrepreneurs” into a meaningful and effective network.

“We love being part of this vibrant food community,” said Duncan. “When Ravi asked us to participate it was an easy yes for us. Hosting means we get to celebrate the best of the western suburbs while exposing the FitzGerald’s experience to new audiences.”

Babygold Barbecue will be among the featured restaurants at the June Taste the Town event. Duncan was clear their final menu has not been determined yet but promises a unique three-to-four bite item that represents the best of the Berwyn barbecue joint’s offerings.

A diverse array of restaurants from Austin, Forest Park and Oak Park will join Babygold as featured vendors at the Taste the Town event. Expect dishes from Amerikas, Kettlestrings Grove, Khyber Pass, Poke Burrito Chicago, Surf ’s Up Oak Park, Schweet Cheesecake and Twisted Cookie to create a delicious array of menu offerings.

“We also want to expand our brand to include more than

FILE

Takeout 25 will hold a Taste the Town fundraiser at FitzGerald’s on June 26. food,” said Parakkat. “We take this opportunity to give people a taste of our local community by bringing in different local entities in addition to restaurants.”

Takeout 25’s Taste the Town at FitzGerald’s will be a celebration of memorable food with an eye toward sustainability, but will also focus on art, entertainment, tourism and philanthropy. The upcoming event will collect donations for Beyond Hunger specifically while also drawing attention to other local businesses through general donation incentives.

The first 80 donations of $25 or more will earn donors a voucher to visit a local art, entertainment, or tourism attraction. Participating venues include Unity Temple, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the Hemingway Museum, Lake Theater, Wonder Works, the Arts Council, Escape Factor and the Oak Park River Forest Museum.

“This aspect of the event is really an experiment to see if it is possible to entice people from outside of our community to visit Oak Park,” said Parakkat. “There really is something for everyone at Taste the Town. We have ways to participate in person and also have options for pickup

and delivery. It really is about inspiring broader community support.”

In-person participation in limited to 250 guests. Single tickets ($50) include three food tasting coupons while family passes ($100) include admission for two adults and seven food coupons — children under 16 years old are free when parents purchase a family pass. Organizers have also come up with a creative “Devour the Town” option filled with a surprise array of items to satiate the hungriest community members. In person guests will have access to a cash bar and Byline Bank is sponsoring live music for the afternoon.

Guests should expect the classical soul sounds of Gerald McClendon, the “Soulkeeper,” and his high-energy band to bring a lively vibe to the FitzGerald’s patio. Takeout and delivery tickets, starting at just $25 are also available.

Tickets are on sale through June 21 or until they sell out at https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/Takeout25TastetheTown and the event is sponsored by Byline Bank, Delivery First, Guaranteed Rate, Cadence Group, and West Suburban Garage Doors.

“Thanks to generous community members and community-minded businesses, Taste the Town has the ability to strengthen our community as we recover from the pandemic and look to the future,” said Parakkat. “The event will make us more resilient and put Takeout 25 on the map in the broader Chicagoland area.”

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Portillo’s Garden Dog vs. Traditional Dog A case can be made for both

By DAVID HAMMOND

casings.

Condiments play a key role with the Garden Dog, as they do with many other foods.

May 17, 10 a.m., the Garden Dog, Porti- If you have a hankering for sushi, you llo’s vegetable-based alternative to the tra- can assuage some of that urge by adding ditional hot dog, went on sale. Around 11 soy sauce and wasabi to Krab Stix or even a.m., I step to the counter and order one … canned tuna: the flavors will not, of course, along with one of Portillo’s traditional all- be the same, but the condiments will push beef hot dogs. some of the same buttons. Having the In a side-by-side tasting of the Garden traditional condiments in place makes it Dog and the traditional Portillo’s hot dog, harder to discern that the Garden Dog is we came to three conclusions: not, in fact, a traditional dog.

1. With the signature condiments In his book Eating Animals (2009), Jona(pickle spear, tomatoes, pickled sport pep- than Safran Foer observes that sometimes pers, mustard, raw onion, iridescent green- when omnivores/carnivores hear talk of blue relish, celery salt) and the regular vegetarianism, they feel as though “their poppy seed bun, if your first bite was of backs are against the wall.” There will be the Garden Dog, you might mistakenly be- pushback against vegetable alternatives. I lieve it was a traditional dog. The flavors get it. I prefer traditional dogs, but there is are *close*. not a gaping difference between traditional and Garden Dogs, and Garden Dogs provide personal and planetary health advantages.

Made with pea protein, Garden Dogs have the same amount of protein as Traditional Dogs, with less sodium and no nitrites, so that’s a plus. Caloric differences, however, are negligible: Garden Dog, 320 calories; Traditional Dog, 340 calories.

Beef is my favorite food, Photo David Hammond but we eat too much red meat in this country, and beef proTraditional hot dog, left, and Garden Dog, right. duction requires vast quantities of water and land. So 2. In the bun, Garden Dog and tradi- for the sake of the planet, and the people tional dog look almost identical; upon clos- who live on it, maybe we should try to eat er examination, however, you’ll see that a little less meat. It certainly won’t kill us the Garden Dog is darker, almost brown, to eat more vegetables, though it might if and drier-looking, while the traditional we don’t.

Anyway, I applaud the efforts of Portidog is reddish pink, moist and more visullo’s and their Garden Dog, just as I apally appealing.

3. Garden Dogs don’t have the same plaud Buona Beef for their Italian Beefless texture as traditional hot dogs; the meat for sandwich. We’re not yet fully accustomed Garden Dogs is a little looser and the cas- to vegetables standing in for beef, but maying doesn’t have the longed-for “snap.” Tra- be, at least occasionally, we should try meat ditional dogs, by contrast, have a lusher alternatives — many taste better than just mouth-feel and a somewhat snappier bite “OK,” and they are definitely better for all because they use sheep and hog sausage of us.

Oak Park Eats

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

House Hunting?

Find a Realtor.

Find a home.

Get a list of Open Houses.

Every week, every day in

17

18

C R I M E

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Chicago man found unresponsive in driver’s seat with loaded gun

Oak Park police arrested a 39-year-old Chicago man after he was slumped over in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and found unresponsive with a loaded gun in his hand at 10:26 p.m., May 19 in the 300 block of South Maple Avenue. The suspect did not have a valid driver’s license or auto insurance and was also found to be under the influence of alcohol.

He was charged with aggravated unauthorized use of a weapon, driving under the influence, and driving without a valid license and car insurance. He is being held for bond hearings.

Aggravated unlawful use of weapon arrest A resident of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured vehicle at 10:16 a.m., May 16 in the 800 block of Jackson Boulevard. The suspect, 41, was driving a black Jeep when he was stopped in traffic and exited his vehicle. Police thought he seemed disoriented, but the man was cleared by the Oak Park Fire Department and it was

determined he had no alcohol in his system.

An investigation found that the suspect had a loaded handgun in the Jeep, as well as a suspended license and no vehicle insurance.

He was brought into custody and held for a bond hearing.

Aggravated assault arrest ■ Chicago

resident Mack E. Scales, 40, was arrested after being positively identified as the offender who brandished a knife at an employee of Jewel Osco, 438 Madison St., and damaged store property before fleeing the store at 9:49 a.m., May 21. Scales was also arrested for resisting a peace officer, after he was approached by officers outside the store and refused to comply with verbal commands from Oak Park police officers and struggled with officers as he was taken into custody. He was taken to the police department and held in lieu of a bond hearing.

■ Chicago resident Hunter Kendall, 24, was arrested after being positively identified as the person who pulled a knife and threatened to cut an employee and security guard at Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S.

Maple St., at 5:25 a.m., May 22; officers apprehended Kendall after he fled the hospital. A name check revealed a Chicago warrant was out for Kendall for retail theft.

Aggravated domestic battery arrest After turning himself in to police, a 42-year-old Chicago man was charged May 18 with aggravated domestic battery and home invasion that occurred May 12, when he allegedly forced his way into the victim’s apartment, beat her in the face and body and choked her, then took $4,000 from her apartment before he left. The suspect was processed and held for bond hearing.

Battery arrest A Florida resident was arrested at 5:08 a.m., May 20 after being positively identified as the person who shoved a CTA employee at 1116 South Blvd. then fled down the tracks and jumped the fence into Forest Park. He is being held in lieu of bond.

Oak Park man charged in Lincoln Park shooting, robbery of culinary student Also charged in four other robberies

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Fox announced Tuesday that an Oak Park man has been charged in the May 6 robbery and shooting of 23-year-old culinary student Dakotah Earley in Lincoln Park.

Earley is reportedly no longer on life support and is making steady improvements, CBS2 Chicago reported.

Tyshon Brownlee, 19, was arrested May 15 in Oak Park after being identified as one of the offenders who robbed Earley of his cell

phone at gunpoint in the 1300 block of West Webster Avenue then shot him three times.

For the incident, which was captured by nearby video surveillance cameras, Brownlee has been charged with one felony count each of attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. He was also charged with four more felony counts of armed robbery in connection to robberies that were committed in Chicago’s Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods between May 5 and May 6.

Brownlee was placed into custody following his arrest. He is scheduled to appear in central bond court May 17.

Burglary arrest

A resident of the first block of West Washington Boulevard, was arrested May 19 after being identified in a photospread as the perpetrator of an Oct. 18 burglary in the first block of West Washington Boulevard. He was processed and held for bond hearing.

Burglary ■ A red Milwaukee Sawzall was taken out of the victim’s unlocked 2008 Ford F350 truck that was parked in the 1500 block of North Austin Boulevard between midnight and 6 a.m., May 17. The estimated loss is $150.

■ Someone broke into the office of Park Avenue Coin Laundry, 910 S. Oak Park Ave., and removed several bottles of detergent and then pried open two cash register drawers, taking cash, between 5:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., May 18. The estimated loss is $500.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports through May 17 to May 23 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Blue Island resident shot in Oak Park

Victim was transported to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Police Department is investigating the shooting of a Blue Island woman, who sustained a gunshot wound to her back while in Oak Park late Wednesday night.

“I do not believe this to be a random incident,” Commander Paul Kane told Wednesday Journal.

The woman told police she had been walking on the sidewalk in the first block of Washington Boulevard at 11:19 p.m., May 18, when a man in a

black minivan began shouting at her.

She then heard a very loud popping noise, which was immediately followed by pain in her lower back.

The cause of the pain was found to be a gunshot wound, for which she was immediately taken to Loyola University Medical Center. She was released the following morning from the hospital and was subsequently interviewed by detectives.

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Homebound.

We make real estate easier.

®

bairdwarner.com

528 N Cuyler Ave Oak Park | $890,000 Swati Saxena

101 N Euclid Ave #12 Oak Park | $580,000 Patricia McGowan

28 Ashland Ave River Forest | $535,000 Sheila Price

1040 Clinton Ave Oak Park | $535,000 Arrick Pelton

942 S Euclid Ave Oak Park | $515,000 Kim W | Anne F

3742 Gunderson Ave Berwyn | $500,000 The Dita Group

604 Woodbine Ave Oak Park | $499,900 Liz O’Connell

255 South Blvd #15 Oak Park | $450,000 Swati Saxena

8219 Lake St River Forest | $395,000 Catherine Simon

170 N Marion St #9 Oak Park | $379,000 Patricia McGowan

824 N Ridgeland Ave Oak Park | $359,000 Edwin Wald

324 N Marion St #2N Oak Park | $322,000 Carla Taylor

3833 Wenonah Ave Berwyn | $315,000 Roberta Ruiz

1407 N Harlem Ave B Oak Park | $300,000 Saretta Joyner

427 S Taylor Ave #3N Oak Park | $225,000 Carla Taylor

1200 Cuyler Ave #C2 Berwyn | $159,900 Roman Lewis

615 Washington Blvd 1S Oak Park | $152,500 Saretta Joyner

222 S Oak Park Ave #6 Oak Park | $130,000 Cathy Yanda

6645 W 19th St #2E Berwyn | $122,000 William Geldes

104 S Austin Blvd #3C Oak Park | $115,000 Swati Saxena

Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest | 1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708.697.5900 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com Source: BrokerMetrics® LLC, 1/1/2019 - 12/ 31/2019Detached and Attached only. Chicagoland PMSA

19

20

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

happy happy memorial memorial day day

atproperties.com atproperties.com

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

Homes

Pandemic real estate market remains rough on buyers Low inventory, bidding wars and final-offer demands fuel frustration

By LACEY SIKORA

T

Contributing Reporter

he pandemic-fed real estate market has been hot. Houses are selling for more money and with multiple offers. Market time is down too. It’s not uncommon for homes to sell off the private listing network before they even officially hit the market. All of this makes for ideal conditions for one half of the equation -- the sellers. For the buyers, the current market can be full of frustration and heartache.

Real estate broker Deborah Wess, with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Oak Park, says she’s seen it time and time again with her clients. It can take multiple offers on multiple homes before they finally have an offer accepted.

She says it has changed the entire process of helping DEBORAH WESS clients find a new place to call home.

Wess’ client, Sam Ageloff and his wife, are relocating to Oak Park from Michigan, and he says the process has been fraught.

“We were prepared for the Oak Park market to be competitive,” Ageloff said.

“We weren’t prepared for the amount of aggression we saw.”

One evidence of that furor was other buyers all making cash offers and offering well above asking price to secure a contract.

Wess says the speed of the process has also changed.

“We tell buyers they have to be ready to make a decision after seeing a house once,” Wess said.

Sometimes, even one in-person viewing isn’t possible. Wess recounted the experience of out-of-state clients who travelled See MARKET on page 22

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

21

22

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

What’s Your Property Worth?

Contact Me For A FREE Valuation!

Selling, Buying Or Leasing - Let Me Put My 25+ Years Of Real Estate Experience To Work For You!

Ken Van Santen | Realtor

708.975.0210 ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com Residential - Multi-Family - Commercial

Heritage HeritageFuneral FuneralHome Home and andCrematory Crematory 3117 S Oak Park Ave, 3117 S Oak Park Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788- 7775 (708) 788- 7775

Kevin Kopicki Kevin Kopicki

An affordable option An affordable option

Eric Kopicki Eric Kopicki

Se habla Español Se habla Español

PRICE CHANGE!

HISTORIC BEAUTY!

846 KENILWORTH, OAK PARK $699,000 :: 4 BED :: 2.5 BATH

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK $1,179,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH

American Four Square, a great family home.

Majestic Victorian in central Oak Park Historic District.

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

MARKET

flection of how low the inventory is. Sellers and brokers no longer see the point of doing open houses when they know a house will sell in two days.

Both Scheuring and Wess say they from page 21 haven’t seen a large drop-off in activity with rising mortgage interest rates. Both from California to spend a week finding a point to a number of factors feeding the new home in Illinois. flames of the local market -- the pandem“We weren’t successful with what they ic making older housing stock with more saw in person, so now I’m shooting video rooms and bigger yards more desirable, for them,” Wess said. millennials hitting the age when they Some sellers are wary of out-of-state want to become home owners and sellers buyers who can’t see a house in person who might be ready to downsize not dobecause of concerns that someone who ing so because of the lack of inventory hasn’t seen a house in person is more for another home. likely to back out of a transaction later Scheuring says that at the end of the in the process. Wess says part of her job day, buyers who need to buy do so for has become to convince sellers that her “normal life reasons,” because they are clients will not back out of an offer. relocating, have a new job or are growing Wess has come up with strategies that their family. can make sellers take her buyers seriousHe’s seen tactics that can fuel the fire ly. These include offering more earnest of buyer stress. Selling agents often hold money with the signed contract or offer- an open house within days of listing a ing money over the asking price. property and ask for best and final offers Ageloff says that in order to get a shortly thereafter. house, he and his wife lowered their price Scheuring says that while it can be fair range so that they could be comfortable to let all interested buyers to make an ofoffering more than asking price, and they fer, setting the expectation that best and offered more earnest money to show they final offers will be expected at a certain were serious even though they time, even if there are no ofwere coming from out of state. fers yet, can create a frenzy Their third offer won out over that leads to buyers offering 12 others, and the family is above asking price. looking forward to moving to He says bidding over the Oak Park this summer. asking price can lead to reWess notes that in other morse or to paying more than parts of the country, buyers’ a house is worth. When he agents are waiving their right uses the best and final offer to inspection to seal the deal, strategy, he asks for offers but she says she doesn’t see

by Sunday at 5 p.m. and then that happening here where the tells potential buyers they STEVE SCHEURING older housing stock typically will hear from him by noon comes with more issues for an on Tuesday, which allows inspector to discover. them time to think about their offer be“I always encourage inspections, at fore he goes into the MLS and changes least for informational purposes,” Wess the home’s status from available to under said. “You might tell the seller you won’t contract. ask for credits, but don’t waive that inspecEven in this busy atmosphere, market tion.” time matters according to Scheuring.

Steve Scheuring of Compass says the “In Oak Park, going under contract and current market is the worst for buyers that then falling out of bed is the worst,” he he can remember. He says that much of said. this is due to lack of inventory and points Both Wess and Scheuring state that the out that a recent search of single-family market is stressful for buyers and say it is homes on the market in Oak Park in the hard to tell when it will mellow. $300,000 to $700,000 price range yielded “Since the beginning of the pandemonly 30 homes. Of those 30, only seven were ic, there’s only been one market: the new to the market. pandemic market,” Scheuring said. “It Wess says that a recent Tuesday was host changes every day. In a local market, you to only seven brokers’ open houses, when should be able to predict the next five to at this time of year, there would typically seven months. In this market, we’re keepbe 20 to 25 every week. She says this is a re- ing it to about three weeks.”

Rough on buyers

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

23

Huskies blank Fenwick in crosstown baseball showdown Proskey fans nine, scatters six hits in six innings

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest and Fenwick high school baseball teams met May 18 at the Dominican Priory in a renewal of their version of the Crosstown Classic.

In an intense, playoff-like environment, visiting OPRF would score all the runs they needed in one inning as the Huskies shutout the Friars 3-0.

“I thought the energy was really high for both teams,” said OPRF coach Kevin Campbell. “It’s nice to have a game like that going into the playoffs, especially being on the winning side.”

“We know that playing against those guys from down the street, they’re going to bring their ‘A’ every year,” said Fenwick assistant coach Kyle Kmiecik, filling in for head coach Dave Hogan, who was not on the bench. “We knew we were going to have to rise to the oc-

Calvin Proskey

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

casion.”

The Friars (13-14) were hoping to notch a big win heading into the IHSA Class 3A state tournament, but OPRF junior pitcher Calvin Proskey had other ideas. He tossed six shutout innings, allowing six hits and striking out nine.

“I personally like big crowds,” Proskey said. “Their energy gets me going. Pretty much everything was working for me today.

I was able to get my curveball over.”

“Calvin’s picked up right where he left off last year,” Campbell said. “He’s become one of our dominant pitchers. It’s like a 1A and 1B between Calvin and David Andolina.”

The Huskies (19-9) generated the game’s only offense in the top of the fourth inning.

Dan Michaud led off with a single, then Jack Flagg walked. Fenwick starting pitcher Luis Gonzales induced a double-play grounder by JP Ferraro, and it appeared the Friars would escape the jam.

But Giovanni Pamias’ ground ball to Fenwick second baseman Jordan Vazquez was mishandled, allowing Michaud to score.

Then back-to-back doubles by Maddox Neumann and Ethan Moore resulted in two more runs and a 3-0 OPRF lead.

“When you play against good teams, you can’t give them extra outs,” Kmiecik said.

“Especially a disciplined and well-coached team like OPRF. We had opportunities to score runs, but [Proskey] did a great job.”

Gonzales went five innings, allowing three runs (all unearned), four hits and two walks while getting four strikeouts.

OPRF senior Jack Spinks relieved Proskey

for the bottom of the seventh and retired the side. He’s part of a pitching staff that Campbell feels will help determine the postseason fortunes for the Huskies, who are seeded sixth in the IHSA Class 4A Reavis Sectional.

“We’re going to rely a lot on Calvin and David,” he said about OPRF’s top starting pitchers. “When we get performances like today from them, the odds are in our favor.”

Meanwhile, Fenwick is the second seed in its own sectional. The Friars also host a regional.

“Our record doesn’t show the ability and talent that we have,” Kmiecik said. “We’ve got to clean things up a little bit. But knowing that we’re at home will give us confidence.”

OPRF begins the playoffs May 25 at Whitney Young in a regional semifinal. Should the Huskies prevail, chances are they’ll face third-seeded Riverside-Brookfield High School for the title May 28.

Fenwick also starts the playoffs May 25 with a regional semifinal against visiting Pritzker. With a win, the Friars would meet either Northside Prep or Steinmetz for the regional title May 28.

MULTI UNIT

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

Saturday, May 28 • Sunday, May 29 ADDRESS ............................................................................. REALTY CO.......................................... LISTING PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TIME 620 S Scoville Ave, Oak Park ..............................................Baird & Warner ................................... $995,000. . . . . . . . . . . Open Thurs, 4:30-6:30pm

ADDRESS ............................................................................. REALTY CO.......................................... LISTING PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TIME 2304 N. Mango Ave, Chicago ..............................................Baird & Warner ................................... $330,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sunday 12-3pm

This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com

Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989.

Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals

7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151

Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee.

NMLS # 207793 License # 1031

24

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

SPORTS Garland, Welin earn all-state track and field honors

Lifetime best throw lands junior 5th in discus; senior surges in comeback from injury

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

For her final IHSA Class 3A girls track and field state meet, Oak Park and River Forest High School senior Josephine Welin brought glitter for herself and teammates.

“I got some gel and put it in [my hair] and then sprinkled the glitter on. You know, just a little pizzazz for fun,” Welin said.

Even with minimal training after recovering from a stress fracture diagnosed in February, the defending 3,200-meter state champion and 1,600 state runner-up continued to shine May 21.

Welin was third in the 1,600 (4:57.19) and sixth in the 3,200 (10:33.31) out of the slower-seeded first section for a pair of topnine, all-state performances at Eastern Illinois University.

In her state meet debut, junior Reese Garland was an all-state fifth in discus

PHOTO BY LAURA DUFFY

OPRF senior Josephine Welin running alone in slower-seeded heat of 3,200 (sixth overall). with a lifetime best 39.18 meters (128 feet-6 inches).

“It’s definitely hard to put into perspective. I’m feeling pretty good about how I raced,” said Welin, who will run at the Uni-

versity of Washington. “At the beginning closed in [the 1,600]. I didn’t even think I of the season, I wasn’t even sure if I was could run that fast,” Welin said. going to get a chance to compete. I’m just The No. 17 sectional seed (34.52m), Garreally grateful to be here and run as fast as land entered Saturday in ninth with a I can and just be with my teammates.” then-best 35.52m (116-6) from Friday’s first At 2021 state, Welin won the 3,200 throw. She began Saturday with a 36.99m, (10:36.36) and was second in the 1,600 followed by the 39.18.

(4:42.55). She then won the IHSA “I’m super excited to place 3A state cross country champififth,” Garland said. “I was onship last November. scared but then I got to the ring However, Welin was an underand I was like, ‘I love this.’ I got dog Saturday. She was cleared some adrenaline and threw it.” to run about a month ago and Sophomore Katie Stabb’s competed for the first time at lifetime-best 10:57.61 in the sectionals.

3,200 took 18th. Senior DarneHer 11:05.21 at sectionals put sha Fraley (200 in 27.04), junior her in the slower-seeded of two Natalie Quinn (1,600 in 5:39.23) 3,200 sections, forcing her to were 19th and senior Lena Tang REESE GARLAND run basically all alone. was 23rd in pole vault (3.00m/9“It was definitely hard to 10). push myself – all by myself – but I’m pretty Juniors Rhea Richards and Saniya Shothappy with how I ran,” Welin said. well, sophomore Chloe Johnson and Fraley Welin also was impressive in a stacked were 17th in the 800 relay (1:46.47) and 18th 1,600 after running 5:01.76 in the May 20 in the 400 relay (50.02). preliminaries. While Glenbard West senior The 3,200 relay of senior Samantha Duwe, Audrey Allman (4:49.81) pulled away, Welin sophomores Samantha Welin and Lenny persevered -- and surged -- only 0.06 seconds Sterritt and Quinn was 19th (10:00.91) and behind second-place Downers Grove South the 1,600 relay of senior Lucca Bibbey, freshman Bella Brauc, sophomore Willa senior Sophia McNerney (4:57.13).

“I’m just really happy, especially how I Aumann and Shotwell was 26th (4:26.61).

Fenwick girls fall to Stevenson, ending state water polo run Plenty of hope for future after Friars’ quarterfinal loss

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Demi Ovalle is the lone remaining player from the last time the Fenwick girls water polo team reached the state quarterfinals in 2019.

“It was a little nerve-wracking. It’s [three] years later. Here I am again,” Ovalle said on May 20. “Honestly, I’m just proud and happy that we made it back to the quarterfinals, because last year we lost in the

sectional final. This year we improved and we made it back.”

The way the Friars played this season and in their 9-5 state quarterfinal loss to Stevenson, they probably won’t have to wait as long to return to state.

Co-captains Linden Gierstorf and Ovalle were the lone senior starters for the Friars (23-7-1), who beat York 10-9 in the York Sectional final. Stevenson (32-3-1) finished fourth at the state finals last weekend.

“I just hope that we were good examples, good leaders and showed them that if you put in the dedication, put in the work, this is what happens and they can carry that into next year,” Gierstorf said. “It was definitely a rough draw to play [Steven-

son] first but we knew if we brought our A game we could compete against them.”

Fenwick and Stevenson played a scoreless first period and were tied 2-2 at halftime. The Patriots outscored Fenwick 5-0 in the third quarter. “[Our girls] played phenomenally. We made a few too many mistakes offensively that they capitalized on. That was kind of what took us out of the game,” Fenwick coach Elizabeth Timmons said.

“We were very, very ready. They played wonderfully but I think there is so much more potential that we can unlock. I’m very excited to see what the future will hold for all of our players that are coming back.”

Junior Hannah Schubkegel (2 goals),

sophomore Xiomara Trejo (goal, 3 assists), Ovalle (goal, 2 assists) and Gierstorf (goal) provided the scoring against Stevenson.

Junior goalie Nahla Basile made 11 saves.

Gierstorf (71 goals, 10 assists) led Fenwick in goals for the season, followed by Trejo (63 goals, 33 assists), junior Annie McCarthy (59 goals, 35 assists) and Ovalle (33 goals, 35 assists). Junior Pam Medina had a team-best 44 assists.

“Everyone that’s returning is definitely hungry for more and ready to come back and continue to work hard and improve on what we did,” Timmons said. “I could not be more proud of how hard they played all season, how they cared for each other, talked to each other, worked with each other.”

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

25

OPRF boys advance 12 to state track finals

Huskies notch 8th straight IHSA sectional crown

3:27.24) also were first.

1.90 meters (6 feet, 3 inches) that Seniors Nzube Nwafo (6.74m in helped the Huskies win their long jump) and Lou Delano (800 eighth consecutive sectional with in 1:58.21), the 800 relay (Moroney, 182 points.

Mowatt, Schulz, McGovern in OPRF advanced 12 entries to

By BILL STONE state on May 26-28 at Eastern Il1:30.52) and 3,200 relay (juniors Contributing Reporter linois University with Roan Egan and Owen Augustine, top-two sectional finsenior Ryan Leonard, Delano in Senior Patrick Diakite joined ishes.

7:56.76) advanced with secondthe Oak Park and River Forest Senior Ian Kelley place finishes.

High School boys track and field swept the 110-meter Top-nine state finishers earn program as a sophomore simply IAN KELLEY high hurdles (lifetime all-state medals and score team to be a high jumper. best 14.84) and 300 interpoints.

Then a few events got added. mediate hurdles (39.93).

“The things that we said we need to get Actually, a lot of them.

Sophomore Kaden Garland swept downstate to have a chance to do anything “Somehow I got snagged into shot put (lifetime-best 16.53m/54- as a team, we got those events down,” OPRF doing hurdles, which I took se2.75) and discus (43.09m/141-4). coach Tim Hasso said. riously, and then just this year I Junior Josh Meister (4.00m/13-1 Kelley was 12th in the 300 hurdles at 2021 started doing triple jump,” DiaPATRICK DIAKITE in pole vault), the 400 relay (sopho- state (41.34). Kelley ran the No. 8 fastest 110 kite said. “I’m pretty much all more Liam Moroney, junior Eli- hurdles sectional time on May 20 and was over the place.” jah Mowatt, sophomore Kevin McGovern, sub-15 seconds for the first time.

For his final high school meet, Diakite is “I knew right when I got past the finish line back solely in high jump. He qualified for his freshman Caleb Schulz in 43.44) and 1,600 first IHSA Class 3A state meet at the Proviso relay (sophomore Santiago Valle, senior that I broke 15. I loved that,” Kelley said.

As a freshman, Garland was 19th in shot East Sectional on May 19 with a first-place Leo Rooney, Mowatt, senior Derrick Reed in

and 21st in discus at state last year. The past two meets he’s thrown lifetime bests in shot.

“I’ve gained eight feet in the last year so it’s crazy, and the year before another 10 feet so I’ve just gotten a lot stronger,” Garland said.

Moroney returns from the all-state secondplace 400 relay and fourth-place 800 relay.

Meister, Augustine and Rooney (1,600 relay) and Augustine and Delano (3,200 relay) also were state competitors.

Because of COVID restrictions, last year’s state meet was one day with no preliminaries.

“Not that it wasn’t such a great event but it’ll be a more ‘real’ state meet,” Delano said.

“Senior year, all I’ve been thinking about is state, state, state.”

State might not be the end for Diakite. His versatility has generated college interest as a decathlete.

“Literally, all they’d have to teach [Diakite] is pole vault,” Hasso said. “He’s definitely trending in the right direction. He’s worked really hard.”

OPRF freshman fires 1-hitter to down Friars

Softball teams head into postseason play this week

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School softball team concluded the regular season on a high note, defeating crosstown rival Fenwick High School 5-1 on May 20 at OPRF, ending the Friars’ six-game winning streak.

“We’re a work in progress, but I think we’re playing better,” said OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin. “It’s going to come down to our defense; when we field well, we play well.”

Another key to postseason success for the Huskies is pitching. Against Fenwick, OPRF got an outstanding effort from freshman Aria Hammerschmidt, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before it was broken up with one out by Madelyn Entler.

“It was tough,” said Hammerschmidt of losing the no-hitter. “But we ended up winning, so it’s OK. I couldn’t have done this without [catcher] Tyler [Brock].”

The OPRF (9-15) offense broke out in a big

CAROL DUNNING/Contributor

OPRF pitcher Aria Hammerschmidt throws a pitch against Fenwick on May 20.

The freshman allowed one unearned run and two hits in the Huskies’ 5-1 victory. way in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Ella Kuenster tripled to right and scored on a Cate Barkdoll single. After Martha Lipic (2-for-3) singled, it appeared Fenwick pitcher Talia Lorenzo might escape the jam when Brock struck out.

But Kelly Regan blooped a single into right to plate Barkdoll, then Anne Stine’s pop-up

to center fell in between fielders for a tworun single and a 4-0 Huskie lead.

“I brought the wind gods up for that first inning,” Coughlin said. “We got a couple of breaks.”

Fenwick coach Bryan Hoffman also felt the wind worked against his defense early on, especially after Kuenster’s triple.

“I’m thinking it’s a 1-1 game without the wind blowing in so hard,” he said. “That led to those balls dropping in during the first.”

In the bottom of the fifth, OPRF tacked on another run. Kelly Cortez (2-for-3) singled and stole second with one out. After advancing to third on a Lorenzo wild pitch, she scored on a two-out RBI single by Lipic.

Fenwick (12-14-1) averted the shutout in the seventh when Entler scored with two outs on an error by Lipic at first. Sophie Stone followed with a single, but Hammerschmidt ended any hopes of a late Friars’ rally by retiring Molly Mullen on a groundout.

Hammerschmidt finished with no earned runs allowed on two hits to go with two walks and four strikeouts. Lorenzo settled down after the first, going six innings with five runs allowed on 10 hits, no walks, and five strikeouts.

“We hit only three or four balls hard all

game,” Coughlin said. “Playing from ahead is certainly easier than playing from behind, and we’ve done too much of the latter this year.”

OPRF is seeded sixth in the IHSA Class 4A Maine South Sectional and hosts a regional beginning May 25 against Jones. Should the Huskies win, third-seeded Taft is the likely opponent May 27 for the regional title.

Meanwhile, Fenwick is seeded sixth in the IHSA Class 3A Glenbard South Sectional. The Friars open regional play at Triton College on May 24 (after press time) with a regional semifinal against Prosser.

Should Fenwick win, a likely third meeting this year with regional host Trinity would occur May 27 for the title. The Friars lost to the Blazers 7-0 on April 21, and the teams played to a 1-1 tie May 7.

“We feel great going into the playoffs,” Hoffman said. “We wanted to see a great team like OPRF to prepare us for the postseason. We’re going to have to play good defense and manufacture runs.”

Trinity (10-11-1), seeded fourth in the IHSA Class 3A Glenbard South Sectional, opens the postseason May 24 (after press time) hosting Payton Prep in a regional semifinal at Triton College.

26

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022 Sponsored Content

B

Parking Lot Refresh Benefits Beyond Hunger Drive-Thru and Greater Community

eyond Hunger’s Drive-Thru Food Pantry will be safer and more efficient thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services. This June, those funds will support the restructuring and resurfacing of the parking lot at First United Church of Oak Park where Beyond Hunger rents space. The reconfiguration will help ensure Beyond Hunger’s continued ability to provide nourishing food to the community in a convenient, desirable way—offering another dignifying choice for local families.

We are extremely grateful to Senator Don Harmon for his commitment to our mission and his assistance in connecting Beyond Hunger to this opportunity. The funds directly impact the health and wellness of our community and allow us to sustain the increased service levels we’ve experienced throughout the pandemic in a safe and efficient manner.

The funded project encapsulates IDHS’s mission to support service delivery of programs that improve health and wellbeing, support children and youth development, and family and community safety. It is Beyond Hunger’s honor to ensure that the project will make a lasting impact for the multiple organizations and community groups that call First United Church of Oak Park their home.

Because the restructuring of the parking lot is funded by IDHS, First United Church of Oak Park may reallocate infrastructure funds to the greater care of our neighbors. First United Nursery School will have an elevated level of safety for the daily pick up and drop off of the children attending their early childhood programs. As First United Church of Oak Park has a longstanding history of opening their doors for various community and charitable groups, we know that multiple groups such as the Kids Kloset, Cluster

Tutoring, and the numerous scouting programs that use this facility as their home will benefit.

We are grateful to our general contractor, First United Church member Gary Cerniglia, who is graciously donating his time. We are also grateful for the time and expertise donated by Joe Junius of Aria Group Architects who provided the new parking lot design that will accommodate the needs of all these groups in addition to Beyond Hunger’s Drive-Thru Food Pantry.

We have already begun to let our clients know that this project will take place through the month of June as it requires that we relocate the bulk of our operations and our Drive-Thru Food Pantry service. Our walk-in pantry will remain at First United throughout the construction process.

For questions regarding Beyond Hunger services or the upcoming project, please contact Sheila Harris, Director of Operations: Sheila@

GoBeyondHunger.org. For media inquiries please contact Sarah Corbin, Communications Manager: sarah@GoBeyondHunger.org.

Learn more about Beyond Hunger’s mission to harness the power of communities to end hunger visit our website GoBeyondHunger.org.

Beyond Hunger creates solutions to end hunger at every stage of life through our comprehensive programs, from feeding kids when school is out, to providing emergency food to families in need, and delivering groceries to homebound older adults. Our community partnerships help us identify pockets of hunger and meet the need together.

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

VIEWPOINTS

27

Harriet Hausman: The old boys of summer p. 31

Key to Oak Park’s Will we recommit to the Oak Park Strategy?

Climate Action Plan ROB

C

limate change is at the top of many of our minds.

The IPCC (United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports over the past few years have made clear the imperative that we reduce carbon emissions immediately. A key method for local communities to impact the climate crisis is to move away from gas infrastructure to electric.

If we shift from gas to electric, we are primed to support the move from fossil fuel energy to energy from solar panels and wind turbines, as electrical infrastructure can support these new green energy sources. Gas infrastructure locks us into the burning of fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. It is clear that if we want to reduce carbon emissions as a local community, we must move away from gas and toward electric systems.

Last year, the Oak Park Village Board commissioned a Climate Action Plan for the village of Oak Park, and this month they reviewed a draft of this plan. There is a lot to like about the plan, and one of the key components to like is its support for building electrification. The report recommends that the village “require all-electric equipment in all new buildings and set a goal to transition all natural gas units in existing buildings across the village to electric units.”

This transition would mean that, eventually, all residential and commercial buildings would run exclusively on electricity rather than gas. This is exactly what we need to do as a village as part of our moves to address climate change. But residents whose homes and businesses have run on gas in the past may understandably have some questions or concerns. They may worry that electric infrastructure will cost more or be less reliable than gas infrastructure.

In fact, an all-electric building costs less to operate than a building using both gas and electricity. Every building must have electricity, so adding gas infrastructure to a building will always increase new construction costs. Even for existing buildings, switching to all-electric makes financial sense.

Many electric appliances — stoves and water heaters, for example — cost the same as their gas counterparts.

An electric heating system, such as a heat pump, can cost slightly more to install than a gas furnace, but the operating cost for the electric system is less, and so the overall cost is recouped over time.

JIM

SCHWARTZ One View

See SCHWARTZ on page 32

A

while back, I shared an analysis of ties and expensive new development, population changes in Oak Park be4) diminishing the dedicated and comtween 2010 and 2020. What was most mitted experts on the Community Relations alarming, was the Black population Commission and, loss in the community. The Black 5) changing from a collaborative approach population decreased by 823 persons — a 7% with the Housing Center as a partner to decrease. What’s worse, that followed a simia hostile approach asking for the small lar decrease from 2000 to 2010. The combined nonprofit to keep achieving ambitious goals loss from 2000 to 2020 was 1,485 persons a 13% decrease. while the village consistently did less to support those Census data makes clear that this is not due to more same goals. people choosing the multiracial category (as some Fortunately, we haven’t passed a point of no return hoped). There is a significant increase in multiracial yet. Recommitment and reinvestment could still result population in Oak Park, but only a small portion of in a return to positive change in Oak Park. But time is that is from persons who include Black when choosing running out. The current board and the arrival of a new multiple racial groups. The rate of decrease in the Black village manager offer the village a chance to revitalize population was greater in its diversity and integraOak Park (-7%) than in Cook tion programs in a way that County (-6%) and the sixmakes sense for our current county metro area (-5%). situation.

And data for District 97 elAt the very least, the village ementary schools also shows should do two things: a significant decrease in ■ Rekindle the collaborative Black students. Despite the relationship with the Housing fact that total D97 enrollment Center to lead marketing to increased by 619 students Black households and renew between 2010 and 2020, Black incentives for property ownstudent enrollment deers to embrace integration creased by 328 students. efforts.

The losses demonstrated ■ Rebuild the Community in this data are an indication Relations Commission with that Oak Park is failing to local experts on race relations sufficiently market itself as and racial equity to support FILE a welcoming community for efforts that will foster multiBlack households. However, racial solidarity and improve Oak Park Regional Housing Center we have an opportune mothe culture of inclusion in ment to reinvest and reimagthe community. ine our historic efforts to hold diversity, integration, and If the village fails in sustaining our diversity and inclusion as our core values. integration, they will be abandoning the core values that The previous Oak Park village manager led an effort have been the foundation of this community for the last to steadily reduce village hall’s investment and commithalf-century. Reading the Diversity Statement will be a ment to a diverse, integrated, and equitable community. hollow exercise — only words on a page with no convicThe previous board included some members who suption behind them. We will lose what makes Oak Park ported her efforts as well. In less than 10 years, the effort remarkable and such a wonderful place to call home. If was successful in the village succeeds, we will all benefit from a welcoming 1) essentially killing the Diversity Assurance Program and inclusive community that will improve prosperity that incentivized landlords to become active partners in and equity for all.

Over the next five years, Oak Park will either recomthe strategy to guard against segregation in our neighmit to its core values or lose its character as an inclusive borhoods and schools, community. Depending on their actions, village officials 2) removing the requirement for landlords to provide in charge now will be remembered either as heroes or racial data for the purposes of measuring good-faith as villains. commitment to affirmatively furthering fair housing, Rob Breymaier is the former executive director of the 3) ending marketing of the community as open and Oak Park Regional Housing Center. welcoming in favor of boosting a message of hot proper-

BREYMAIER One View

28

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

O U R

V I E W S

More normal Memorial Day

W

e said on this page 42 years ago that we’d only write editorials that had a discernible and local point of view. We specifically cited editorials related to Memorial Day as an example of the sort of editorials we would never write. Sure, we were taking a shot at our competitors at Oak Leaves who often wrote a lot of mush about what a great and outstanding holiday Memorial Day was.

Well, times change. And as this Memorial Day approaches, we’d like to say how thrilled we are to see River Forest’s fantastic Memorial Day parade return after two years of COVID-19 pain and loss.

Wednesday Journal will be there marching with all the other terrific local organizations, businesses, politicians, marching bands, kids and dogs and, maybe, just maybe, that giant Jewel shopping cart.

As we report today, even as we acknowledge that COVID is not yet beat, a good batch of spring and summer events are making their return. OPRF’s prom, What’s Blooming on Harrison, graduations, Oak Park’s 4th of July parade and, yes, fireworks.

It’s not normal. But it is moving toward a new normal. And we’ll take it.

That said …

COVID continues to be concerning. The virus mutates, cases spike, though hospitalizations and deaths are fewer, and everyone is beat weary by caution and isolation, testing and masking.

OK, so what? We’ve never been through a pandemic in our lives.

It’s unpredictable but real. It seems to be easing but is likely not to leave us alone anytime soon.

So let’s stop pounding on those seeking to protect us. Whether that is Oak Park’s public health department, local school boards bringing back modest new masking requirements, or individuals who for very good reasons choose to remain masked in indoor public spaces.

The path forward will have bumps. Let’s leave bruised egos and politicized overreactions behind us.

Taste the Town

Here’s a new event. Taste the Town, created by the inventive folks at Takeout 25, is being reshaped as an in-person, outdoor food and arts event. Again, some new-normal COVID thinking here.

Started to support restaurants during the depths of the first COVID surge, Takeout 25 has expanded to include communities surrounding Oak Park and aims to provide constant support for local eateries and the foodies who love them.

This ticketed event will be June 26 in the outdoor patio at FitzGerald’s on Roosevelt Road. Beyond tasting bites from several local restaurants, the event adds live music, art, links to local tourism spots, and as always, a philanthropic bent with a portion of the proceeds going to Beyond Hunger.

There are only 250 tickets available at givesignup.org/TicketEvent/ Takeout25TastetheTown. There will be pickup-only options as well.

We’ll take this version of a new normal any day.

V I E W P O I N T S

All they ever wanted to do is matter The following column ran on April 25, 2018. Here is an edited update: lovely day for a rally, blue skies, temps climbing into the 50s, the weather tipping, perhaps, finally, into spring itself, and our kids letting it be known they’re not going away, tipping us, perhaps, finally, into change itself. Rallying our flagging spirits.

Middle-school kids, 14 and under, organized this public plea to reduce gun violence, an event with style, substance, serious intent. Adults on hand to show support, but kids definitely running the show.

They chose the setting well, Scoville Park greening nicely after a cold, wet week.

Instead of a march or a protest, they chose education and action, setting up stations circling the park’s gentle downslope, which forms a natural amphitheater.

At the park entry, Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, you could sign a “guest banner” and then a petition for state Sen. Don Harmon, on hand to receive it, some 500 signatures strong.

Orange was the color of the day, the color hunters use to signal “Don’t shoot” so they aren’t mistaken by fellow hunters for fair game. Now it’s the adopted color of the anti-gun violence movement. “Don’t shoot” is the message directed toward those who hunt people of color and school children, and to politicians who refuse to pass common-sense legislation regulating guns, no matter how many mass shootings take place.

Orange was also the official color of this village for many years, back when we had a handgun ban, noted former village clerk Terri Powell, who says not enough Oak Parkers know that voters resoundingly approved the prohibition in a referendum in 1984. For many years, the handgun ban was a source of village pride — until the Supreme Court’s conservative majority overturned it in 2008. So much for local control.

Students at one of the stations kneel to fill out postcards or write letters. Names and addresses of local representatives are provided, as is the mailing address of one Wayne LaPierre of NRA of America, 11250 Waples Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Feel free to contact him.

“Be respectful,” cautions one of the parents, “so they take you seriously.”

Orange “We are with you” postcards are destined for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, Columbine High School in Colorado, or Great Mills High School in Maryland, the latter being the site of the latest school shooting. In four years we won’t even remember it. Our attention and empathy spans are short.

Poster boards are loosely taped to trees, inviting responses on pastel Post-It notes. The prompt “I want …” elicits “the NRA to value kids more than guns,” “to feel safe in my school,” “to end gun violence,” and a

A

host of similar sentiments. “I use my voice because …” engenders “to be silent is deadly” and “others don’t have that chance anymore.”

Statistic sheets with graphics line the table at the park entrance: On an average day, 96 Americans are killed with guns; on average, 13,000 gun homicides take place each year in the U.S.; on average each month, 50 women are shot to death by intimate partners in the U.S.; seven children and teens are killed with guns in the U.S. on an average day; Black men are 13 times more likely than white men to be shot and killed by guns.

These kids have been doing their homework.

The organizers, a group of 14-year-old girls, turn on the mic and call for 13 minutes of silence for the victims of the massacre at Columbine High School, which took place 19 years ago this day. “Since those 13 have been silenced forever,” says one girl, “the least we can do is be silent for 13 minutes.” All wear T-shirts that read “Protect People, Not Guns” and with each victim’s name read aloud, an orange balloon is released into the air. A light breeze blows several into the trees behind the stage but, defying the odds, they work their way through the dense mesh of budding branches and eventually find release. An apt metaphor, perhaps, for future gun legislation?

Speeches follow. The girls are eloquent beyond their years. It’s tough being endangered and then ignored by our leaders, says one, “when all we’ve ever wanted to do was matter.”

“Why do children have to be the adults?” ponders another.

Yet another says much has changed since Columbine in 1999, “but you can still walk up and buy an assault rifle.”

A helicopter from one of the Chicago news channels circles overhead.

Celine Woznica of Moms Demand Action praises the Julian principal who “let this happen.” She turns to a group of kids and says, “You guys have changed this whole movement. We’re so proud of you.”

They’ve certainly focused the conversation. They’re speaking out because adults stopped believing change was possible. Kids are helping us believe again. They’re not going away.

You couldn’t ask for a better educational experience for our kids than organizing an event like this.

A day well spent away from school. *** Unfortunately, four years, and many more mass killings later — including the latest at Tops grocery store in Buffalo, New York — nothing has changed. I wonder what these kids are thinking now?

To the protectors of the rights of mass murderers, our kids, or any of us really, still don’t matter.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N

by Marc Stopeck

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Big Week Editor James Porter Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

Summer reading: freedom, possibilities and fun

S

ummer reading is back at the Oak Park Public Library. Our new program, Oceans of Possibilities, starts June 1 and runs all summer.

Oceans of Possibilities is for kids age 3 and up, and we have different activities for different age groups, including advanced-level challenges and prizes just for middle-schoolers (for kids under 3, check out our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program).

You can choose to read whatever you like: chapter books, graphic novels, the newspaper, or ebooks. You can listen to audiobooks and podcasts, or have someone else read aloud to you.

Keep track of your reading time and earn a bead or vinyl sticker for every hour, plus bonus beads for every five hours.

You could read to a dog and it would count (sorry, it doesn’t count if a dog reads to you).

Your book does not have to be in English. It doesn’t have to come from the library.

All reading is good reading. There are so many possibilities!

And reading isn’t the only way to learn and have fun.

We have tons of activities to choose from, to earn special

beads too. Make art, move your body, listen to music, explore the world, or do a little science.

Everyone, everywhere is welcome to participate, and no library card is needed. So challenge your cousin in Kalamazoo, or a friend in Fargo, to join in.

Starting June 1, you can sign up online and start logging your reading and activities with Beanstack. You can access it through a web browser or download the Beanstack app to any device, including an Oak Park public school device.

If your family would benefit from a paper version of the program, stop into any library branch to pick one up, or it’s available to print at oppl.org/summer. Once you start earning prizes, you can stop into the library to pick them up when it’s convenient.

Visit the library’s Day in Our Village booth in Scoville Park on June 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to learn more, or catch us out and about all summer on the library’s Book Bike (oppl.org/bike).

There are Oceans of Possibilities! Find all the details at oppl.org/summer.

Eileen Saam and Genevieve Grove are children’s librarians at the Oak Park Public Library.

EILEEN SAAM & GENEVIEVE GROVE One View

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 ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

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

H O W

T O

R E A C H

U S

ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

A one-year subscription costs $43 within Cook County and $53 outside of Cook County.

Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2022 Growing Community Media, NFP.

29

30

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

2022

Answer Book

2020

ONLINE & IN PRINT

OPRF Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Membership Directory

YOUR GUIDE TO O A K PA R K A N D R I V ER FOREST

Everything Oak Park & River Forest Read and referenced by thousands of local residents throughout the year, the Answer Book is filled with a host of useful listings and phone numbers, including the full Chamber of Commerce membership directory.

It also comes with loads of unusual, un-Googleable local factoids, photos and info-graphics.

Buying an ad in Answer Book will give year-round exposure to your business, heighten your name awareness and build your local brand.

PUBLICATION DATE: Wednesday, June 29

AD DEADLINE: Friday, June 3

TOTAL CIRCULATION 9,000

Reserve your space today!

Call 708.613.3330

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The old boys of summer

W

ith summer around the corner, I’m remembering the joy my husband Marty had at contemplating the fun of his weekly golf game with his close friends. The foursome was most unusual, made up of Father Minogue (DePaul’s golf coach), Rabbi Mervis of Oak Park Temple, either Buddy Golden or Teddy Krasnow, and Marty. Buddy enjoyed tennis more than golf, so whenever he could arrange a tennis match, Teddy would be the fourth at golf.

After sometime spent at the “19th hole,” where they were duly “refreshed,” the foursome usually landed at our home. I often made supper for the guys and enjoyed listening to their reliving of the day’s game. Oh the excitement when one of them got a hole-in-one or an eagle, with every moment being described in great detail. Father Minogue was the talented golfer in the group, but he enjoyed these outings with his old friends for their company, not their game. Teddy’s legs would often be soaked as a result of searching for one of his errant balls in a water hole. Marty was the long driver of the group, but no one ever knew where his ball would land.

Often Marty would try to convince Buddy that golf was the “better” game. Buddy would typically answer, “You crazy nuts, walking miles with a set of clubs on your back, chasing a little white ball over hazards of all sorts.

You end up with a sore back, a deep sunburn, and swollen legs.” Marty would retort, “What is so great about chasing a tennis ball flying through the air, running from one side of a tennis court to another, no natural landscape to enjoy, and ending up with tennis elbow?”

Which was the better game was never resolved, but oh, what fun they had together.

One afternoon following their golf outing, the guys came home very dejected. Of course, I inquired about what was behind their gloomy expressions. Father Minogue answered, saying that it was almost unbelievable, but they were robbed on the golf course! He said, “Two men, appearing to be fellow golfers, stopped us at the 8th hole. One took a rifle from his golf bag, and they demanded we put all the money we had and our wrist watches into their golf bags. With that gun in our faces, we were not about to protest. We followed his orders.” When they spoke with the police about the incident, the officer asked why they hadn’t left their money in the locker room. Teddy stated that he had cashed a check that day and he said, “I was worried that if I left it in the locker, it might be stolen.”

More than the money and watches stolen was the shocking truth that violence could take place even on the greens of a beautiful and peaceful golf course. After this episode, the afternoons of golf and camaraderie were never quite the same. They were less light-hearted, and far more watchful of other golfers.

As I now reflect on those playful golf outings, I’m reminded of how much fun they were for these four otherwise hard-working men. Although their fun was somewhat dimmed by the robbery, it was a joy to see them acting like kids again.

For a short while each summer, it was a little freedom from the world’s troubles.

May we all experience some carefree moments of fun this summer!

HARRIET HAUSMAN

Outside cats kill birds

There are 2.4 billion birds killed each year by outdoor cats, which are now the second largest cause of bird deaths in the U.S. Five hundred and thirty-nine bird species have gone extinct in the last 50 years, and 1,300 species are endangered. There are other causes, to be sure. Loss of habitat, window strikes, but one very preventable significant cause is outdoor cats.

I am a cat lover. I have had 10 in my lifetime and two are current pets. But I do not let them outside. Environmentalists have implored cat

owners to keep them inside. Cats are considered an invasive species, not from the U.S., so the harm they cause is tremendous.

I hope I can convince just one cat family in Oak Park or River Forest, who believes they are doing the right thing letting their cat go outside, to get a “catio” or talk to their vet about other ways to stimulate their pet other than letting them outside.

Roberta Jannsen,

Master naturalist Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

31

My Oak Park

I’ve lived in Oak Park for almost 36 years. My children went to school here.

A substantial amount of my work took place here too. I’ve made friends, been involved in religious and social groups, and city government, but my relationship with Oak Park changed with the onset of the pandemic.

I was recently retired and ready for new adventures when my world suddenly shrunk. There was no more traveling, I quit my gym, and stopped seeing friends in-person. Restaurants were limited to carry-outs. Connections took place on Zoom. It was not the same.

Previously, when I would run outdoors, I concentrated on the terrain and my pace, not what was all around me.

When I switched to walking, the previously invisible scenery became real, and immensely interesting and personal. A Zen moment. I became one with Oak Park.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve walked about 1,300 miles, most of it within several miles of my south Oak Park home. I’m interested in architecture and I began to look at the details,

original and renovated, of the 100-plusyear-old homes and buildings in my neighborhood. I discovered the hidden treasures of trees, landscaping, children’s sidewalk art, and the birds, squirrels, rabbits and, most recently, ducks and chickens that make up our wildlife.

I’ve said, ‘Hi, good morning, or good afternoon’ to most everyone I’ve passed.

Many answered, or at least smiled, pleased someone was paying attention to them. I’ve had conversations with strangers about the pandemic, the weather, shoveling, dandelion removal, and so much more. I cheered for the runners. I made nice to dogs on leashes. I walked the high school track, and the concrete paths around and through our parks. Out of necessity, I discovered where the public and commercial bathrooms were located.

Two and a half years ago, the pandemic shut our world down. To my surprise, my response to COVID was to open my eyes and appreciate what was around me all along, in my home, my Oak Park.

Gary Mark Belenke Oak Park

Approve Phase 2 of OPRF Imagine Two weeks ago the public had the opportunity to tour some of the new facilities at OPRF High School and view the current state of the facilities that are being proposed for replacement in Phase 2. The work that has been done thus far all represents great progress.

I will wholly admit I came away from the tour of the to-be-replaced facilities appalled. While these facilities were state of the art 90+ years ago when they were built, that is not the case anymore.

These heavily used facilities and classrooms are beyond aging gracefully. They are in rough shape. I could see where the school has made renovations and adaptations to extend the life of the facilities, but many of those are just Band Aids.

The areas that are being addressed in Phase 2 are more than PE/sport facilities; they are classrooms where AP

testing is held, homework is completed, meetings are conducted, and where our students go to learn. Many of these spaces are dark, damp, and in much need of repair, not places conducive to our children’s learning.

The board has put forth a reasonable solution to solving the aging school infrastructure issues. While the capital investment is not small, it represents an investment in the future of Oak Park.

Voting yes is a concrete solution to a problem that has existed and should be prioritized.

I urge the District 200 school board members to rise to the challenge and vote yes on moving forward with Phase 2.

This choice will benefit the entire community for years to come.

Christine Keyes Oak Park

32

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The Constitution is OPRF testing conditions were a disgrace not a suicide pact

I appreciated Maarten Bosland’s May 18 One View regarding the history of the Second Amendment. He refers to Carol Anderson’s account of that history in her book, The Second. The thesis is that the purpose of the Second Amendment was to permit the Southern states to maintain militias to put down slave rebellions, and not to protect the individual right of self-defense.

That very well may be true, though I expect there are other historical accounts, such as that the purpose of the Second Amendment was to protect state sovereignty against an overreaching federal government. But I have two observations: First, I suggest that reliance on “original intent” to interpret the Constitution, which is what Ms. Anderson and Mr. Bosland are doing, is hazardous and likely not legitimate.

Original intent is difficult to discern and likely was not monolithic. Moreover, the originalist mode of interpretation permits the group of men who formed the Constitution 250 years ago to dictate to us the meaning of the grand constitutional phrases such as the “free exercise” of religion, “freedom of speech,” “right to be secure in [one’s] person,” or “cruel and unusual punishments.”

Second, the argument set forth by Ms. Anderson and Mr. Bosland is not necessary to conclude that the Second Amendment allows for reasonable regulation of firearms or other weapons. Even if the Second Amendment does protect the right to bear arms for the purpose of individual self-defense, that right is not absolute, any more than the rights protected by the First Amendment are absolute. Freedom of speech does not entail the right to commit fraud, to slander, to falsely advertise, to commit perjury or to disturb the peace.

Freedom of religion does not entail the right to engage in human sacrifices, to endanger the well-being of one’s children, to disturb the peace, or necessarily to evade generally applicable laws that are not aimed at religious practice or belief. The interpretation/application of constitutional rights is always a balancing of the protected right against legitimate societal interests.

Likewise, any individual right to bear arms protected by the Second Amendment, if any, must be balanced against legitimate societal interests. As has been suggested by a former Supreme Court Justice, the Constitution is not a suicide pact.

As a student, I have had to take exams to gain college credit. They can be difficult, but the AP exams that were conducted Wednesday at OPRF High School were disgraceful.

We were told to come to our testing location at 11:30 a.m., and had to wait almost two hours to enter.

The delay caused a lot of anxiety for people, who were understandably already nervous. Some missed after-school work shifts and other obligations. The biggest issue is that we were asked to sign a state-

Michael Romain’s “My short reaction to Roe” [News Commentary, May 4], dissolved some cobwebs in my brain that had been growing there since my freshman year at Chicago Teachers College North. The Northwest Side of Chicago where I lived certainly didn’t appear to be a petri

from page 27 Electric appliances are also extremely reliable. Electric stoves, dryers, and water heaters are as reliable as gas appliances.

And electric heating systems such as heat

Megan Chyna Oak Park

dish incubating a lifelong desire for a more just society. I could never quite understand the mixture that began that growth. Then Romain’s microscope brought some clarity. In 1963 we had to take a course that featured Gordon Allport’s, The Nature of Prejudice. And so began a journey

that led me in 1971 to become part of a group determined to stop block-byblock segregation. Oak Park was the place to stage that fight. I still live in that house. Thanks for the memories, Michael.

Pat Healey PhD Oak Park

Keep your pets safe Mail 6 days a week? Not

I was mounting my bike about 9:30, Thursday morning, and saw what I first took to be a large cat at the corner of Fillmore and Wenonah half a block away. It was an odd color for a cat. Looking more closely, it was moving funny and had a bushy tail. It was then I realized it was a fox. I’ve lived in Oak Park over 40 years and have never seen a fox in Oak Park. I hope that owners of cats and small dogs will be aware of this and keep their pets safe.

Oak Park

Electrify Oak Park

was one box fan, which did nothing in the large space. I witnessed multiple students who were unable to complete their tests because of the heat, including my friend who began vomiting during the break due to heat exhaustion.

Students and teachers put in time and effort for these tests, so it’s frustrating how poorly this was handled. This incident could affect our futures, and reflect badly on OPRF with the College Board.

Remembering how the journey began

Daniel Hurtado

SCHWARTZ

ment saying that we began the exams between 12 and 1 pm, when it was after 1:30 when we started. I, and many others, signed it anyway. I was afraid that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to take the test. It’s easy to understand the problems with test proctors asking students to lie.

Furthermore, the conditions in which we were forced to test were grueling. The temperatures in the gym (where the tests were being held) surpassed 100 degrees, and all that was provided to beat the heat

pumps have drastically improved their function in cold weather, now heating buildings down to -10°F and below.

Gas appliances, in addition to contributing to carbon emissions and climate change, also emit pollutants in the local environment. Burning natural gas produces indoor and outdoor emissions of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter, in addition to other chemicals. These can cause and aggravate

Steven Olderr

I’m writing in response to the letter in in the May 11 Viewpoints: “A new postmaster for Oak Park” by Kenya Thomas, Oak Park postmaster.

The letter states that the postal service is maintaining universal six-day mail delivery, etc. I have not had mail delivery every day for a long time. This week there was no delivery on Wednesday, May 11. Thursday, May 12, I received mail but no Wednesday Journal.

Friday, May 13, I received the May 11 Journal. No mail today. This has happened lately.

The postmaster needs to wake up. Delivery is not what is claimed.

Oak Park

asthma, lung infections, and heart disease.

Electrical appliances emit none of these pollutants in the local community and, as we transition to solar and wind power, will also cause fewer pollutants to be emitted in total.

We must act, immediately and collectively as a local community, a nation, and the world, to address climate change, with each level doing its part. Electrification of infrastructure — especially buildings and

Linda Bernat Oak Park

transportation — is a key component of the local transition away from fossil fuels.

The draft Climate Action Plan names this responsibility for us to electrify our buildings. It is vital that the Oak Park Village Board ratify this plan, and that we begin to enact it to move toward a sustainable and healthy future for us and our children.

Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining.org.

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Historic performances at Grace Episcopal A historic musical event occurred on April 2 and 3 at Grace Episcopal Church in River Forest, where enthusiastic audiences heard the Heritage Chorale of Oak Park perform a program featuring John Rutter’s “Requiem.” This was the final concert under its artistic director, Guillermo Munoz Kuster. Beyond contributing his professional skills, he guided the chorus through the pandemic hiatus, making these performances possible.

The chorus was joined by the enrapturing soprano, Rachel Sparrow, who sang the solo part in both the

“Requiem” and in “We Two in a Park at Night,” a commissioned piece composed by Grace Coberly, the recipient of the chorale’s 2016 Marcie Hartman Scholarship and former member of the Heritage Chorale. Ms. Sparrow’s performances earned a separate standing ovation. Rachel has performed throughout the United States, including a solo recital at Carnegie Hall in New York.

This reader believes the event was worthy of coverage.

Jack Darnall

Oak Park

An architectural blackout

I was driving down Linden Avenue from Chicago Avenue and reached the corner of Linden and Iowa streets. I hit the brakes in shock. There on the corner was a historic house which I had long admired. It was painted entirely black! It is a brick house, formerly natural brick with a natural stucco second floor. The house, trim, brick wall across the garden on Iowa Street and the brick garage were entirely painted black.

This is nothing but vandalism on the part of the owners. They have destroyed a historic Oak Park house for the sake of their style preferences.

The village must do something about

this asap. A law or ordinance must be passed quickly before more historic Oak Park houses have their brick painted. Once a brick house is painted, it is ruined. It is almost impossible to remove paint from brick without damaging the brick, ruining the historic appearance, causing crumbling, leaks and other adverse conditions, not to mention ruining the historic character of the house.

Please, please, village government: do something to forbid this before it spreads.

Voters already nixed year-round swimming

factor in the equation: the citizens of Oak Park. Am I the only person old enough to remember the renovation of the Ridgeland Common facility in 2013? As part of that renovation there was a referendum on whether to cover the pool so it could be used year-round.

While I personally voted “yes,” I was on the losing side and the referendum failed. The stated reasons it failed were cost and the fact that a significant number of Oak Parkers preferred to sit in the sun and swim during the summer rather than swim inside all year-round.

Do not underestimate the power of sunbathing!

Perhaps we need a new referendum on covering the pool, reflecting a possible attitude change from 2013 to 2022.

In last week’s Viewpoints, Jack Powers echoed the Wednesday Journal’s prior editorial of May 11 about the “common-sense, fiscally-responsible” effort of both those entities to share year-round access to the Ridgeland Common pool.

There is just one problem with the constant focus on D200 and the park district. It ignores the most important

Kathleen Hopkins Oak Park

Alan Krause

Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

33

Imagine this Editor’s note: Three weeks ago, we published a shortened version of this letter because of an apparent discrepancy with our reporting over a budget number. Her statement that Imagine Project 1 is 25% over budget is accurate. Following is the full version of that letter, followed by information we learned from the high school.

This contentious issue (mostly about building a new pool) has been ongoing for six years now.

Our goal is to facilitate responsible community discussions in these pages, but because we are mired in an era of misinformation, we are wary about numbers included in submissions. And because we are understaffed, we are not able to quickly fact-check every letter and every claim. As a result, letters and One Views citing “facts” and “statistics” are likely to be delayed while we do our best to verify as much as we can. We apologize for the delays but feel they are necessary.

Here is the letter: On May 9, District 200 held a community Open House for Project 1 of the Imagine Plan, including a promotional tour of its proposed Project 2.

Project 1 features a much-needed modernization of dozens of academic spaces at OPRF, such as the renovation of 65 classrooms, including special-education spaces, 15 new classrooms, and a Student Resource Center.

Project 1 is 25% over budget. To partially compensate, the board planned to defer the renovation of dozens of classrooms. Along with other community members, I successfully advocated to the board to complete them now.

Similarly, we pressed the board in 2016 to identify other facility needs of the school beyond a swimming pool. In response, D200’s then-architect of record, Legat, presented plans that included most if not all the elements in the Imagine Plan.

Community input matters.

Following the defeat of the 2016 pool referendum, the then-superintendent created the Imagine Group, comprising community members and appointed school employees, who drafted the Imagine plan. It is a wish list of facility improvements without any budgetary constraints or priorities set by the board. It includes an oversized pool, a predetermined outcome of the plan.

The Imagine Group estimated its plan at $219 million in 2018. Construction architects FGM say that Imagine’s estimate is low relative to actual construction costs, and future costs will be much higher due to inflation. Over the past year, the board stated repeatedly that it needs to review and prioritize elements in the remaining plan especially given Project 1’s cost overruns of its $32.6 million Imagine estimate. Rather than follow through on reworking the plan, the board rubber-stamped Project 2 on March 24 with its

$65 million Imagine estimate and authorized on April 28 obtaining construction estimates.

The administration’s recent public relations launch of Project 2’s demolition and rebuild plan included a disingenuous renovation comparison plan intended to cast Project 2 and its Imagine pool as cost effective. The comparison plan was a sham as it failed to include the pragmatic Stantec-recommended pool (8 lanes x 25 yards) priced at less than $20 million by Legat in 2016. A genuine renovation of the southeast corner of the building would likely cost far less than FGM’s current $51 million estimate of the administration’s sham renovation comparison plan.

What about Imagine Projects 3, 4 & 5? The high school board has held no discussion of these projects, which include modernizing dozens of science labs, classrooms, performing arts spaces and the field house, one of the most used spaces in the school. Unless the board acts now and reworks the remaining Imagine Plan, Projects 2-5, prioritizing needs over wants, it may be decades before its essential elements are renovated.

Consider emailing the board (boe@oprfhs.org) and encouraging it to conduct the needed pragmatic revision of the Imagine plan.

Monica Sheehan

Oak Park Editor’s post-script: According to high school officials, the pool in the Imagine plan (Project 2) is 25 x 40 yards, with a moveable 6-foot-wide bulkhead that allows different configurations of the pool. For swim and dive competitions, it would have eight swim lanes, with a diving well on the other side of the bulkhead. For Physical Education classes or athletic practices, it could have sixteen 25-yard lanes going across the pool.

The original estimate for Project 1 is roughly $32 million. Currently spending is at roughly $40 million, which is 25 percent over. The final cost on Project 1 as construction continues into the final work will be at $41 to $41.5, which is an estimate.

Why? Costs have been higher than planned for two reasons: The initial estimate goes back some time.

As the final drawings came together, it added about $4 million to the cost.

Also the school decided to add two costly projects that were not in the original plan. When they demolished the old south cafeteria to make way for the 3-story library, the tutoring and maker center, and the cafeteria, they chose to dig out a basement because the school lacks storage space.

That was an additional $4 million.

They also decided to add a student gathering space within the remade Student Center that hangs over the area just outside the auditorium.

34

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

Aaron Knutson, 28 OPRF High School, class of 2011

Aaron Alexander Knutson, 28, of River Forest, died tragically and unexpectedly on Nov. 29, 2021. Born on May 13, 1993, he was a 2011 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School and in 2016 earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Employed as an accountant at Corcoran & Ender in Chicago, he was well travelled, very artistic, had a unique ability to imitate people and was very funny. He represented our community with People to People in Australia and was also selected to try out for the United States Junior Olympic Development Team at Lake Placid (Luge).

He was a loving and kind soul, is deeply loved, and is missed by his family and his pups, Thor and Freyja.

Aaron is survived by his mom, Lori Knutson; his dad, William Riley; his half-siblings Joshua and Rachel Page; Grandma Judy Lutzka; Aunt Peggy Riley; Cousin Patrick Phanenstill; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Aaron’s Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 at the Westchester Masonic Temple, 10210 Canterbury St, in Westchester.

Tom Roos, 82

Tribune advertising, sports fan H. Thomas “Tom” Roos Jr., 82, of Palatine, formerly of River Forest, died peacefully on May 16, 2022. Born in Oak Park on Jan. 27, 1940 to Harold T. and Dorothy L. Roos, he was a proud member of the Oak Park and River Forest High School class of 1957 and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign class of 1961. While at Illinois, he served as president of the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Upon graduating, he began his advertising career at the Chicago Tribune, where he worked for 44 years before retiring in 2005.

Throughout his life, he was active in the University of Illinois Alumni Association and was a passionate Illini and White Sox fan. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing the piano, managing his fantasy sports teams, collecting sports memorabilia, and support-

O B I T U A R I E S ing his children and grandchildren in their many pursuits.

Tom was the husband of the late Sally Ann (nee Pohlman); the father of Elizabeth “Beth” (Daniel) Eernisse, Robert (Jodi) Roos, and Carolyn (Scott) Rapoport; and the grandfather of Braden, Nathan, Tyler, Julia, Nora, Morgan, and Ethan. He will be deeply missed by many friends and family.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at noon at SmithCorcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association http://www2.heart. org/goto/ThomasRoos or the University of Illinois Alumni Association are appreciated.

Alan Van Natter, 73 Educator, founded Prairie Home Kids

Alan R. Van Natter, 73, died on May 4, 2022 in Oak Park. Born in Wichita, Kansas on April 24, 1949, he was the third child, and only son of Woodrow and Ima Van Natter.

A man of passions, his son Rees was his greatest. He loved children and shared with them his love for birding and the out-of-doors through his school, Prairie Home Kids. He loved blues music, and shared that as well, playing harmonica at circle time. He was an extraordinary father, husband, teacher, and friend. His kindness, generosity, and loving patience left an indelible mark on the Oak Park community.

He is survived by his son, Rees Van Natter; his wife, Pam Van Natter; and his sister, Beverly Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or remembrance may be sent via Venmo to a fund established to support Rees’ education: ReesCollege-Fund.

Douglas Sechter, 65 Teacher, artist, free-thinker

Douglas Andrew Sechter Jr., 65, of Vancouver, British Columbia, formerly of Oak Park, died peacefully on March 26, 2022 at Broadway Lodge. Born on Nov. 8, 1956 to Doug-

las Andrew Sechter Sr. and Lorraine Lillian Klacynski, he spent his childhood between Oak Park and Schaumburg.

An artistic free-thinker who spoke his mind and lived life his way, he spent the first portion of his adult life having a family, traveling the world, learning multiple languages, studying world religions and philosophies while fulfilling a career as a teacher.

He taught Asian history and English to nonnative speakers, along with pursuing a PhD, focusing on the 19th-century opium trade.

The second portion of his adult life was dominated by a 2003 diagnosis of a rare, slow-growing brain tumor (oligodendroglioma) covering a fourth of his brain above his left frontal lobe, which significantly affected his behavioral and cognitive function.

Several rounds of successful treatments and surgeries prolonged his life for nearly 20 years.

Years after his initial cancer diagnosis, he began frequently visiting a close friend’s art studio. Motivated by his friend, he began painting, primarily using acrylic paint on canvas. His art styles are inspired by indigenous and Asian art, as well as feminine aspects of divinity.

Douglas is survived by his children, Brendan, Genevieve, Geoffrey and Veronica; his grandchildren, Ren, Ryou, Venus and Hunter; and his brothers, William and Thomas.

His parents preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that words of support and donations be made on Mend Together, which includes four funds created to facilitate honoring his final wishes: https://app.mendtogether.com/profile/ ade31c5e66a01ff954a5f8196b27fa2196877339?t ab=registry

Randall Stoklas, 76 Child psychologist

Randall Rowe Stoklas, M.S., PsyD, 76, originally from Oak Park, died on May 15, 2022. A wonderful child psychologist who loved children and had a great sense of humor, he was lovingly called “Uncle Randy.” He received his Doctor of Psychology degree, with honors, from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and was elected to “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges” 19881989, in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment.

A true humanitarian, he spent two years in the Peace Corps in Rajasthan, India. He also supported causes for children, immi-

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM grant rights, and social justice. The world is truly a better place because he was here, and even in death he continues to serve as his body was donated to science.

Randy is survived by his sister, Jaine Krishnamachari; his sister-in-law, Sandy (Neville) Stoklas; his nieces and nephews, Mathew (Vanessa) Krishnamachari, Sara Krishnamachari, Tammy Stoklas, and Sarah (Randy) Quimby; and his great-nieces and -nephews, Mathew Krishnamachari Jr., Jasmine Krishnamachari, Anastasia Krishnamachari, Sarai Quimby, Michael Quimby, and Abigail Stoklas.

Roberta Tomaw, 91 Church organist, U of I basketball fan

Mary Roberta Tomaw, 91, formerly of Sidell, Illinois, died on May 17, 2022 at Belmont Village in Oak Park. Born in Danville, Illinois on Aug. 12, 1930, the oldest of four children of Edward and Agnes McCown Nees, on July 15, 1950 she married Ronald Tomaw, who preceded her in death in 1980.

A graduate of Sidell High School and Brown Business College, she worked initially at Lauhoff Grain Company in Danville, then for over 25 years at the Illinois Department of Public Aid in Danville on two separate occasions, with a break to raise her two children. She also worked part-time as a reporter for the Sidell Journal and was an active member of the Sidell United Methodist Church where she was the organist for over 50 years, served on boards and committees, and sang in the choir. She was an avid Illini basketball fan and held season tickets for many years.

In addition to her husband, Roberta was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William. She is survived by her two children, Mark (Joyce) and Sheryl Martin (David); five grandchildren, Jeff Barry (Kristina), Andrew Tomaw (Kim), Tim Martin (Kerry), Matthew Tomaw (Jormi), and Erin Martin; three great-grandchildren, Addison and Lucas Tomaw and Mia Barry; one brother, Ervin Nees; one sister, Elsie Palmer; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Sidell United Methodist Church. Burial followed the services at Fairview Cemetery. Robison Chapel in Catlin handled arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Sidell United Methodist Church, 202 Chicago St., P.O. Box 49, Sidell, Illinois 61876 or the American Heart Association.

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022 Growing Community Media

HELP WANTED

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

and flower bed maintenance. d. Construction: Installation of park/ playground equipment, park benches, park signage, retaining walls, and drainage systems.

2. Assist with the custodial maintenance of all Park District facilities.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

3. Assist with any equipment repairs for the Park District. This includes but not limited to vehicles, tractors, any facility, or program equipment.

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

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

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

software and other forms of systems and data.

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

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

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

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

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

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

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

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

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

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

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

RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT PARK SPECIALIST Starting Salary Range: $17.50 $20.38/HR plus full benefits Working Hours: The Park Specialist is a full time non-exempt position working 40 hours per week, plus overtime. The scheduled work hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, including ½ hour unpaid lunch. Hours may be shifted occasionally to accommodate specific tasks.

Summary: The Park Specialist is responsible for assisting the Director of Parks with the maintenance operations of the Park District grounds,

4 Assist the recreation department in set up, construction, and repair of all special event props.

facilities, and equipment. The work includes, but not limited to: 1. Landscape maintenance operations for the Park District. This includes but not limited to: a. Turf maintenance: Mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, seeding, weed control, and trash removal. b. Athletic field maintenance: Baseball diamond infields, soccer fields, football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and installation and maintenance of necessary apparatus of each field use. c. Landscape maintenance: Soil grading and preparation, tree planting, tree trimming, tree spraying, tree watering, mulch bed maintenance,

Qualifications: 21 years of age. A valid Illinois State Driver License (Class A). In good physical condition with sufficient strength to lift and hold 50 pounds.

Interested candidates shall submit an application in person or by email: John Beto, Director of Parks 401 Thatcher Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708-366-6660x103 jbeto@rfparks.com

Growing Community Media NFP • Business Manager

We are hiring a part-time business manager to oversee the financial and business operations of our busy community publishing nonprofit.

Essential leadership position which offers flexible hours (25 per week), a hybrid of in-office and work from home options, and a salary in the mid-$40s.

Our long-time business manager is departing after seven years to take a full-time position elsewhere.

• Payroll and benefits Among the key roles for our business manager are: • Payment processing for donors, • QuickBooks proficiency

- General ledger, invoicing, month end

• Budgeting

• AR and AP management

35

advertisers and subscriptions

• Audit preparation

• Preferred hire will have nonprofit finance management experience.

Bonus points for being a notary!

Send resumes to Dan Haley, CEO, Growing Community Media dhaley@wjinc.com

PARKS DISTRICT OF OAK PARK PRINCIPAL COACH & PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Full-time Principal Coach & Program Specialist with a starting pay of $20.46 hourly to view the full job description and apply online please click the following link: https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/ jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=41011&c l i e n t k e y = 4 1 D 8 3 0 0 1 8 4 9 0 6 11 7 978771C10E755DC6

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Business License Officer in the Development Customer Service Department. This person will perform a variety of technical duties in the processing and approval of business licenses and permits; and provide assistance and support to the Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

First review of applications will be May 9, 2022.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing Village ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals in the Village; and to impound, care for and assist with redemption of animals as appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the following link: https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=218333253. For additional information on the position please visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. This position is open until filled.

UTILITY (WATER) BILLING CLERK

HELP WANTED • OAK PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Application Deadline is Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.

How to Apply: • Purchase and complete your application at https:// iosolutions.com by the application deadline • Submit all supporting documentation by the application deadline

Written Exam Information: Your exam will be offered electronically, and you will take the exam in your own home. There will be multiple sessions offered and each will be proctored virtually. All sessions will be offered during business hours the week of July 25, 2022 – it is your responsibility to ensure you have the flexibility to test during these times.

Police Officer Minimum Requirements: • $40.00 non-refundable application fee

Salary and Benefits:

• At least 21 years of age and have not passed their 35th birthday by closing date for application

• Population: 54,500 Sworn Police Officers: 119

• U.S. Citizen who speaks and understands English

• Competitive benefits package includes: Two weeks paid vacation; Health, dental and vision insurance plans; Paid sick leave accrual; $50,000 Village-paid term life insurance; 13 paid holidays; Educational pay; Defined-benefit pension plan

• Possess at least 60 hours of college credit at a fully accredited college or university, and also possess a minimum grade average of “C” by application deadline • Possess a valid driver’s license • Successful completion of the POWER Test within one year prior to the application deadline

• Salary: $72,680.49

Please contact IOS Recruitment at (800)-343-HIRE or recruitment@iosolutions.com with questions regarding the application, required documents or testing.

The Village of Forest Park seeks candidates for the union position of Full-Time Administration Utility Billing Clerk. Experience with data entry, customer service, administrative assistant skills, bookkeeping or accounting is highly desired. Must be flexible with work assignments and comfortable working with numbers and the public. Other qualifications include computer skills, the ability to meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, general office skills, including handling of nonemergency calls and walk-up customer service, and good verbal and written skills.

Starting salary $32,487 annually.

Generous Benefits Package, IMRF Pension and 10 Paid Holidays. Open until filled. Eligible candidates will be required to pass pre-employment ability testing and an extensive background check. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark.net and

36

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HELP WANTED

Summer Work $15/hr

College or HS students 18 or older, make your own hours weekdays, clean, safe, fun Manufacturing work assembling graphic display frames that you’ll see in Wal-Marts, Verizon stores, CTA stations, all over US. No weekends, no evening hours.

Top rated firm, Alpina Manufacturing LLC, founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals.

Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net .

BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

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

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

COVID-19 RESPONSE INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Intern in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible

and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

COVID-19 RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Coordinator in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. 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. Open until filled.

SANITARIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

RESIDENTIAL LEASING AGENT – OAK PARK, IL

Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is seeking a capable Residential Leasing Agent to join our leasing team. You will present and lease our apartments to prospective tenants. The right candidate will be personable, flexible, informative, and well versed in multi-family residential properties. Experience with YARDI a plus.

OPRC is an equal opportunity em-

ployer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer a highly competitive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k) with employer contribution, FSA, EAP, paid holiday, vacation, sick leave, and PTO. For a complete position description please go to our website: https:// oakparkrc.com/about-us... or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT WITH OPRC

Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join its accounting team. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience in the accounting field with previous experience in accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger analysis, and budget preparation. This individual must also have excellent computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel.

Experience in non-profit environment, property management accounting, and/or HUD experience and YARDI software considered a plus.

For a complete job description please go to our website: Work for OPRC – OPRC (oakparkrc.com) or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com.

OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer a highly competitive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k) with employer contribution, FSA, EAP, paid holiday,vacation, sick leave, and PTO.

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS Riverside, IL (pop, 9,298) The Village of Riverside is a mature, historic community located 11 miles west of Chicago in Cook County. Riverside is primarily a residential community originally conceived and planned in 1869 as a model suburb

by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Village operates under the President– Trustee form of government with an appointed Village Manager. The Public Works Superintendent is a challenging, stimulating position that is hired by and reports to the Director of Public Works. The Public Works Superintendent is primarily responsible for the operation of the water system.

The Public Works Superintendent can expect to perform complex supervisory, administrative and professional work in planning, organizing, directing, and assisting with supervising the operations of the Department of Public Works. Positions supervised include clerical, administrative, maintenance and professional staff as assigned. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a combination of educational and relevant

RENTALS

experience to fulfill the requirements of the position. The Public Works Superintendent must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License and an ILEPA Certified Water Supply Operator certification of Class C or higher. Salary Range is $82,102.50 to $105,000. Send cover letter, resume, anticipated starting salary and five work related references to Ian Splitt, Village of Riverside, 27 Riverside, Riverside, IL, 60546 or email credentials to isplitt@riverside. il.us. First review of resumes will occur on May 18 th, 2022. The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOME CARE WORKER FOR SENIOR

Home care worker for senior in our Riverside home. Meal prep. Covid shots and boosters required. Call 708-567-6455.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Services Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is crosstrained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village.

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 June 13, 2022.

PARKS DISTRICT OF OAK PARK EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK 1 BR APARTMENT FOR RENT

Convenient, accessible area CALL 708-456-2643

Best Selection & Service

MMpropMgmt.com

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.

708-657-4226

1 BEDROOM APT

Small 1 bdr apt in Forest Park. Water and heat included. No parking. Available May 1. $700/month.

708-227-7007

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:

Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room.

Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

MARKETPLACE

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALES

Oak Park

North Riverside

Moving after 22+ yrs. Yard décor, lawnmower, furniture, baby clothes & furniture, tools, books, kitchen stuff, clothing, toys, and much more.

Clothes, toys, furniture, household items, and much more! *Located 1 block south of Cermak Rd, between 13th and 14th Ave.*

HUGE MOVING SALE 930 COLUMBIAN SAT MAY 28 9AM-2PM

GARAGE/YARD SALE 9026 W 22ND PLACE MAY 26, 27, 28 8:30AM-4PM

Oak Park

YARD SALE 1036 N. EUCLID AVE. SAT MAY 28 10:00AM-4:00PM RAIN DATE: SUN MAY 29

No early birds.

Huge salesman sample sale with gift items in original packaging. Gently used household items: Nambe, Soap, Candles, perfume, LEGO, holiday items, jewelry, accessories, Pet, Microwave, reading glasses, linens, fancy dish towels, outdoor table w/ chairs, lamps, Van Gogh posters, gadgets, baskets, crafts, games, kitchen and more!

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Full-time Executive Assistant with a starting salary of $50,000 yearly with benefits to view the full job description and apply online please click the following link: https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/ jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=57519& clientkey=41D8300184906117978 771C10E755DC6 Human Resources Specialist (River Grove, IL) F/T 9:00am to 5:00pm. 2 yr exp. in position or equiv., high school or equiv., Duties: Recruit, interview, place workers at supermarket chain.

Prep, maintain employment records.

Explain, oversee work policies, schedules, vacation using MS Office.

Maintain records of hours, OT, vacay, employee training, certifications, grievances, reprimands. Resume to Richard Machnicki, Rich’s Fresh Market, 3141 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove, IL 60171.

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR

CARS WANTED HELP WANTED GRANTS COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will develop and coordinate CDBG and other grant-funded programs for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Development Customer Services Neighborhood Services Division Manager and department director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS Collector James

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HOME SERVICES

CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

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

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining.

Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 • www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN

Mike’s Home Repair

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-296-2060

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN

PAINTING

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

37

CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

PUBLIC NOTICES

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

FAST DELIVERY

Mulch & Topsoil

Premium Shredded Hardwood ���������������$28/yd Dyed Red ������������������$35/yd Dyed Brown ��������������$33/yd Playmat��������������������$30/yd Premium Blend Dark �$38/yd Premium Bark Fines��$48/yd Blonde Cedar ������������$54/yd • Spreading Available! • Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand

SureGreenLandscape�com

847-888-9999 •• 630-876-0111 630-876-0111 847-888-9999

NOVENAS

NOVENAS PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus.

Thank You St . Jude. R.B.

NEVER FAIL NOVENA

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me.

St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

(NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE On Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:00 am., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2022-2023 school year. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.

The details are listed below.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Special Education at 708-524-3030.

Join Zoom Meeting https://op97-org.zoom.us/ j/83861957687?pwd=eWdqVTJDMHdIV2IzSE95UHRtU3lKQT09 Meeting ID: 838 6195 7687 Passcode: 219686 One tap mobile +13126266799,,83861957687# (Chicago) +16465588656,,83861957687# (New York)

US US

Published in Wednesday Journal May 18, 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF 2022-2023 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATES FOR RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 10, 2022, a resolution was passed establishing that the 20222023 meetings of the Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, will be held in Room 201 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Riverside Brookfield High School building, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546. The Regular Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month except for November. That meeting will be held on November 15, 2022, due to the November 8 election day. The Committee of the Whole Meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of September, October, January, February, April, and May. Meeting dates can be found on the Riverside Brookfield High School website (www.rbhs208. net).

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS: A. Bid documents will be ready after 3:00 p.m. on, Friday, May 27, 2022.

Only General Contractors may obtain bid documents by emailing their request. The email shall include General Contractor’s information of the following: Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Telephone, Fax, Contact Person. Documents will be emailed within 24 hours of the email request. Documents will not be issued if any the requested information is not received.

Email bid document request to: jbaldwin@wtgroup.com Bid forms are non-transferable. Only those Bids that have been obtained from, and with the approval of, API Architects will be accepted at the bid opening.

B. Only qualified General Contractors who can furnish satisfactory proof that they have performed work of similar nature as Contractors will be entitled to receive Plans and submit Bids. The Riverside Township reserves the right to issue Bid Documents only to those Contractors deemed qualified.

C. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond for not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid, or as provided in the applicable sections of the “PROJECT MANUAL” D. No Bid may be withdrawn after opening of Bids without the consent of the Owner for a period of forty-five (45) days after the scheduled time of opening of Bids.

E. The Contractor will be required to furnish a labor and material “Performance Bond” in the full amount of the Contract.

F. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws.

IV. AWARD CRITERIA AND REJECTION OF BIDS: This Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder considering conformity with the terms and conditions established by the Riverside Township in the Bid and Contract documents. The issuance of Plans and Bid forms for bidding based upon a pre-qualification rating shall not be the sole determinant of responsibility. The Riverside Township reserves the right to determine responsibility at the time of award, to reject any and all Bids, to re-advertise the proposed improvements, and to waive technicalities.

BY ORDER OF: RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC NOTICES tion to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to Zoning Ordinance.

The applicants are requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-5 that would allow the home with the proposed addition to have a Floor Area Ratio of 0.467.

The Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 0.40.

The legal description of the property at 934 Park Avenue is as follows: LOT 9 AND THE SOUTH 2.90 FEET OF LOT 10 AND THE EAST HALF OF THE VACATED ALLEY LYING WEST OF AND ADJOINING SAID LOTS IN SKILLINS SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 11 IN SNOW AND DICKINSON ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PARTS OF SECTION 1 AND SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participation in the hearing by visiting www. vrf.us/zoningvariation.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

Published in RB Landmark May 25, 2022

Published in RB Landmark May 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIR I. TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING OF BIDS: Sealed Bids for the remodeling described herein will be received at the office of the RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 until 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 22, 2022, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

The ZBA will consider an application for major zoning variations submitted

by Karuna and Viresh Rawal, owners of the property at 1443 Forest Avenue, who are proposing to construct a two story addition onto the existing home.

The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted by Janet and Curtis Helwig, owners of the property at 934 Park Avenue, who are proposing to construct a two story addition onto the existing home.

The applicants are requesting major variations to Section 10-9-7 that would allow the north wall of the home, which has a non-conforming side yard setback of 2.76 feet, to be extended at the First Floor level by 5 feet matching the non-conforming setback of 2.76 feet. They are also requesting a variation to extend the north wall at the Second Floor level

II. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The proposed work is officially known as RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIR and consists of structural repairs to the approximately 210 long suspension bridge spanning the Des Plaines River behind the Riverside Township Hall. Additionally the existing coatings shall be removed and replaced.

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdic-

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to Zoning Ordinance.

PUBLIC NOTICES by 25 feet 2 ½ inches matching the non-conforming setback of 2.76 feet.

The Zoning Ordinance allows additions to buildings which do not meet the side yard setback requirement, but the setback of the addition must maintain either a three-foot side yard or a side yard that is the same width as the current side yard, whichever is wider; and the length of the addition is limited to a length of twenty feet.

The legal description of the property at 1443 Forest Avenue is as follows: LOT 1 IN CELANO’S SUBDIVISION, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOT 6 IN OWNER’S SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participation in the hearing by visiting www. vrf.us/zoningvariation.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Daniel Louis Grotefeld 2022CONC000419.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Daniel Louis Grotefeld to the new name of: Daniel Louis Kuithe The court date will be held: On 6/22/22 at 10:30am at 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom #1707 Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, June 1, 8, 2022

38

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to legal voters, residents of the Township of Oak Park, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, that Public Hearings on the Tentative Town Fund, General Assistance Fund, and Community Mental Health Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2023, will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the Oak Park Township Senior Services building, 130 S. Oak Park Ave., in the Township of Oak Park. To request a copy of the Tentative Budgets named above for review, call Township Hall at 708-383-8005 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. A digital version of the Tentative Budgets is available at www. oakparktownship.org. Oral and written comments concerning these proposed annual budgets are welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, to consider amendment(s) to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance which include, but may not be limited to, the following:

All interested citizens, groups, senior citizens and organizations representing the interests of senior citizens are encouraged to attend.

Oak Park Township does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or employment in its programs or activities. Those needing special accommodations are asked to provide 48 hours notice.

Given under my hand in the Town of Oak Park, County of Cook, State of Illinois, the 20th day of May, 2020.

DaToya Burtin-Cox Oak Park Township Clerk PLEASE NOTE: At this time, it is uncertain what measures will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID. The hearing may be held virtually only. Please visit the Township website at www.oakparktownship. org or call us at 708-383-8005. If the hearing is virtual, information for participation will be posted on the website.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

1. A Text Amendment to Section 10-3 (Definitions) of the Zoning Ordinance to define solar energy systems; and 2. A Text Amendment to Section 1021 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Ordinance to designate solar energy systems as a permitted accessory use in all Zoning Districts.

The petitioner for the Text Amendments is the Village President and Board of Trustees.

This public hearing is being held pursuant to direction given by the Village Board of Trustees for the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider these amendments. For additional information visit www.vrf.us.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record.

If you cannot attend the public hearing but would like to provide input on this matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals you may submit your comments in writing, to Clifford Radatz, Building Official, no later than 12:00 Noon on the date of the public hearing at cradatz@vrf.us or by mailing them to 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305.

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified mechanical contractors at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, June 10th, 2022 for the following: Bid Number: 22-401BM Village of Oak Park North Fire Station Boiler Replacement There will be a pre-bid meeting at the north fire station, located at 212 Augusta, Oak Park, IL on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-358-5700 or by e-mailing vics@oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park—Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302—will receive electronic proposals until Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of removal and replacement of watermain valves ranging in size from 8 inches to 16 inches, including removal and replacement of valve boxes and valve vaults, watermain and fittings, curb and gutter, pavement and parkway restoration, traffic control, and all appurtenant work thereto.

for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications to only those contractors deemed qualified. No plans will be issued to prospective bidders after 4:00 P.M. on the working day preceding the opening of bids.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 4:00 P.M., which can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budget-purchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8216686

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

All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation, or other Federal agency approved by the Village Engineer, by providing a certificate of eligibility to the Engineering Division at which time a password will be issued for access to the online bid documents.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

For further information or for a copy of the proposed text amendments, please contact Assistant to the Village Administrator Matt Walsh at (708) 714-3563 or at mwalsh@vrf.us or visit www.vrf.us.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

Starting a New Business?

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park reserves The Village of Oak Park --Ofthe right to issue plans and specifice of the Village Engineer, 201 fications only to those contractors South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois deemed qualified. No bid docu60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursments will be issued after 4:00 day, June 16, 2022 for Project: p.m. on the working day preceding 22-1, Sewer Main Improvements. the date of bid opening.

Bids will be received and acceptAll prospective bidders must prove ed, and bid results posted via the they are pre-qualified by the Illinois online electronic bid service listed Department of Transportation, or below. In general, the improveother approved Federal agency, ments consist of the installation by providing a certificate of eligiof PVC sewer mains including bility to the Engineering Division residential service lines, precast at which time a password will be manholes, drainage structures and issued for access to the online bid catch basin connections, restoradocuments. tion of roadway including bitumiThis project is financed with local nous pavement, curb and gutter, Village funds and federal Comsidewalks, driveways, parkways, munity Development Block Grant pavement markings, and all appur(CDBG) funds and thus is subject tenant work thereto. to all federal rules, regulations and Plans and proposal forms may be guidelines, including Davis-Bacon obtained via the electronic serand Related Acts, Section 3, and vice starting on Thursday, May Equal Opportunity requirements.

26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Plans and Locally funded phases of the proposal forms can be found at project are subject to the Illinois https://www.oak-park.us/yourPrevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS government/budget-purchasing/ 130/0.01 et seq. requests-proposals or at www.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK questcdn.com under login using Bill McKenna QuestCDN number 8170629 for a Village Engineer non-refundable charge of $30.00.

Published in Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK; Plaintiff, vs.

HENRY KIRKE CUSHING AKA HENRY K. CUSHING; MARY K. O’GRADY AKA MARK K. O’GRADY AKA MARY KAY O’GRADY; MARQUERITE HOLDING; Defendants, 21 CH 5827 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 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. 16-07-405-018-0000.

Commonly known as 115 South Ridgeland Avenue, 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 Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 21-002016 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3194270

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ASSOCIATED BANK, NA; Plaintiff, vs.

SHEILA CONNER; STEVEN CONNER; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; THE STATE OF ILLINOIS; CITIMORTGAGE, INC.; Defendants, 19 CH 13166 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 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. 16-08-311-001-0000.

Commonly known as 200 South Humphrey Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence.

If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 19-038564 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3194804

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Our Community Needs Community Journalism It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings.

We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.

Let's build community!

Read and Support Wednesday Journal.

Partner with us.

Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

39

40

Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Did you know?

Mental Health America reports that one in five U.S. adults experienced a mental health condition before COVID-19, and the need for care continues to rise.

The good news is that treatment is available. Our community offers services for children, teens and adults on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

8311 Roosevelt Road | Forest Park, IL 60130 riveredgehospital.com | 708-771-7000

You can feel your best. Let us help.

We work with patients and their families, delivering quality services to help individuals get back on their feet. Contact us today. No-cost assessments are available 24/7.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Riveredge Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Riveredge Hospital. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 220767-0988 5/22