W E D N E S D A Y
December 11, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 19 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL
Holiday events Pages B21 - B26
of Oak Park and River Forest
Winberie’s is closing Dec. 28 After 30+ years serving Oak Park, restaurant calls it quits By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Since its opening, Winberie’s Restaurant, at 151 N. Oak Park Ave., has served all-American fare to the people of Oak Park and its neighboring communities, but the window of opportunity to eat there is narrowing rapidly. In a Dec. 5 press release, Select Restaurants Inc., which owns Winberie’s, announced the restaurant will cease operations Dec. 28. “With the lease expiration in 2020, the company has decided to close the business at this time,” the press release stated. Select Restaurants also expressed thanks in the press release, saying, “We would like to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of its dedicated staff and the loyal support of the many thousands of customers who have visited the restaurant over the years, and we look forward to serving our customers one last time over the next several weeks.” The press release also stated that the Ohio-based restaurant group “will make every effort to assist its employees with future job placement.” The restaurant group will honor gift certificates through the rest of December at Winberie’s and at any of its other establishments. “I’m still processing the shock of it,” said Jim Solnes, who owns Scoville Square, the building in See WINBERIE’S on page 16
SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor
BOARD MASTER: Ellie Skalla, 12, invented the board game GalactiQuest when she was just 10 years old. The game is now available at most Target stores nationwide and on the retailer’s website.
Student invents a gift that keeps giving GalactiQuest board game available at Target nationwide
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
This Christmas season, Oak Park 12-year-old Ellie Skalla hasn’t really stopped thinking about one gift item, in particular — a strategy board game
called GalactiQuest. The objective of the two- to four-player game designed for age 7 and up is simple and echoes aspects of the popular board game Monopoly. Win the galaxy by acquiring planets you don’t have while defending the ones you do.
Skalla can’t stop thinking about GalactiQuest, but not because it’s on her gift list. It’s because the Julian seventh-grader invented it. Some 13,000 units of the board game See GALACTIQUEST on page 17
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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HOLIDAY HIGH STREET MARKET Thursday, December 12th 2:00 — 6:00pm
Warm up with spiked hot chocolate, do some holiday gift shopping, enjoy seasonal activities hosted by local businesses and sing some carols around the fireplace. Our Holiday High Street Market is an opportunity for neighbors and local professionals to gather together to toast the season.
Caledonia Senior Living is nestled in the Forest Preserve in North Riverside and is truly magical during the holiday.
2800 Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside 60546
CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org
To RSVP or to find out how your local business can participate please call
708.447.5092
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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I N S I D E
R E P O R T
Oak Park student speaks at climate panel Earlier this month, Oak Park and River Forest High School student Rosalyn Beile was among a small contingent of people from Seven Generations Ahead, the Oak Park environmental nonprofit, who traveled to Madrid, Spain for the UN Climate Summit. At the summit, Beile spoke on a youth panel, It’s Our Future, a program designed to equip young people in the area to advocate for climate solutions. “Who is the ‘our’ in It’s Our Future?” the moderator asked Beile. “The our in It’s Our Future is all youth,” Beile said. “Not only is it all youth, but it’s the people who are underrepresented in this movement.” You can see a roughly 3-minute YouTube clip of Beile speaking on the panel at: bit.ly/2rBJw90.
Michael Romain
Photo submitted
SPEAKING OUT: OPRF student Rosalyn Beile addressed participants at the UN Climate Summit in Madrid, Spain earlier this month.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Cookie Quest Tins and glowing trees were all the rage at the Winter Fest and Cookie Walk event on Marion Street last Saturday. More photos on page 18. Photo by David Hammond
Stick in a pickle
David Hammond has a new twist on holiday treats: “Behold the PeppermintStick-in-a-Dill-Pickle” is the headline of his latest food blog at oakpark.com. Nick Kindelsperger who researched this … delicacy … for the Chicago Tribune describes it as “A sucker punch of crunch, salt and sugar, with nothing sane to balance it out.” Sounds like our kind of holiday confection. You have to work to get to the candy cane, but it might just be worth it. “Preparation is simple,” Hammond writes, “you gingerly bite off the end of the pickle, just as you might the tip of a cigar, and firmly gripping the pickle,
plunge the peppermint stick in deadcenter. “I will say this,” he says upon sampling his own version, “neither peppermint stick nor dill pickle won the battle waged within my mouth. Each is such an aggressive flavor and neither succeeded in being the dominant taste. It was a draw … or perhaps more like mutually assured destruction.” Still, he adds, “If you’re looking for a fun, novel way to celebrate National Candy Cane Day (Dec. 26) or, belatedly, National Pickle Day (Nov. 14), you could not pick a more celebratory (or at least bizarre) food than the Peppermint-Stickin-a-Dill-Pickle.
Ken Trainor
Oak Park trustee launches podcast
DAN MORONEY Trustee
Oak Park village Trustee Dan Moroney has launched a podcast. Titled “Common Ground Oak Park,” the podcast consists of Moroney talking with people representative of the different aspects of Oak Park
and its neighboring areas. Moroney seeks to “provide a forum for candid, respectful dialogue on topics of local interest and importance,” according to a press release. Guests so far have included Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 board member Matt Baron and River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci, among other familiar public figures. Episodes air every Sunday; the next airs Dec. 15. Five episodes are available on commongroundoakpark.com, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Listeners can view bonus video highlights of each episode on the YouTube and the podcast’s Facebook page.
Stacey Sheridan
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SocialWorks’ Warmest Winter
Candlelight Vigil to End Gun Violence
Now through Feb. 7, NAMI Drop-in Center, Oak Park Township, Oak Park Police Station and other locations: Help the homeless and those in need throughout the community with donations of gently used or new winter clothing. Cosponsored by the Community Mental Health Board, Riveredge Hospital and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Questions: 708358-8855. More: facebook.com/events/566510324110698/. NAMI Drop-in: 814 Harrison St., Oak Park. OP Township: 105 and 130 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. OP Police: 123 Madison, Oak Park.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m., St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish: This year commemorates the seventh anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy and honors the 700,000 Americans killed or wounded by gun violence since December 2012. Sponsored locally by St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish, MOMS Demand Action OP-Austin, Waging Peace of First United Church of OP, Congregations Committed to Peace, Gun Responsibility Advocates and Ascension Peace and Justice Committee. All are welcome. Questions: cwoznica.illinois@gmail.com, 708-383-8619. 38 N. Austin, Oak Park.
Prisms of Winter 2019 Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12 and 13, 7 to 9 p.m., Auditorium, Oak Park & River Forest High School: This previously sold-out show is now open to the public with two performances being held for the first time. Students entertain with non-stop music that surrounds the audience from every corner of the space in a musical immersion like no other. Hear jazz, band, orchestra and choral performances along with small groups. $10. Tickets: oprfhs.ticketleap.com/. 201 Scoville Ave., Oak Park.
Back Room Stories Sunday, Dec. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Hamburger Mary’s: Enjoy top-tier tellers at this monthly event. Featured tellers include Janice Del Negro, Jaime de Leon, Kevin Biolsi, Phyllis Porché and Margaret Burk with host Peter LeGrand. $10. 155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
December 11 - 18
BIG WEEK
Free Showing: “Arthur Christmas” Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Lake Theatre: See the movie which answers the question, “So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” Courtesy of Downtown Oak Park. 1022 Lake St., Oak Park.
The Beatleleles
Select Pix: “Joyeux Noel” Tuesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m., Lake Theatre: It’s December 1914 and an unofficial Christmas truce on the Western Front allows soldiers from opposing sides of World War I to gain insight into each other’s way of life and experience a break from the fighting. $8.50; $6, matinee/seniors/children. Info: classiccinemas.com. 1022 Lake St., Oak Park.
Youth Organizing & Relationship Building Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 to 8 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Join long-time community activists and youth workers Billy Che Brooks and Luis Tubens for a discussion on youth organizing through relationship building. They will share experiences and provide insights that could prove effective in helping young people be heard. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., The Friendly Tap: Hear a ukulele band holiday mix of Christmas-ish songs and Beatles favorites. 6733 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.
Cookie Walk+ Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m., United Lutheran Church: At the Cookie Walk, fill a box for $15. Locally hand-crafted items, jams/jellies, Fair Trade wares and gift basket raffle also available. Benefitting New Moms, Sarah’s Inn and others. Questions: 708-386-1576. 409 Greenfield St., Oak Park.
Memory Cafe Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Oak Park Township Senior Services Center: Drop in for an afternoon designed for those experiencing memory issues and their caregivers to meet in a caféstyle setting. More/volunteer: 708-383-8060, memorycafe@oakparktownship.org. For bus service to the Café: 708-383-4806. 130 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. ■ For more holiday related events through the new
year, see our Holiday Events Guide, pages B21--B26
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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In “A Xmas Cuento Remix” at 16th Street theater in Berwyn, Dolores (Satya Chavez) is scolded by Spirit of Xmas Past (Isaly Viana). Also pictured (left to right) Claudia Quesada as Anita, Juan Munoz and Veronica Gutierrez as kids Dominique and Gina.
ART BEAT
Photo by Anthony Aicardi
‘Xmas Remix’ revives Dickens
O
f all Charles Dickens’ 20 or so works, A Christmas Carol has always been the most popular. The 1843 holiday tale featuring ghosts that transform a bitter old miser into a kinder, gentler man has spawned countless productions, starring everyone from Patrick Stewart and Albert Finney to George C. Scott and Mr. Magoo. Until now, I have never encountered a version in which the key roles of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, and the Three Ghosts are not only portrayed as strong, complicated females, but as Latinas. 16th Street Theater in Berwyn has mounted a very exciting and elaborate production, A Xmas Cuento Remix (“cuento” means tale) by Maya Malan-Gonzalez. Directed by Miguel Nunez, this modern Latinx rendition is full of music and strong performances, and it’s really enjoyable. Isabel Quintero, who played Dolores, the Ebenezer Scrooge character, left the production suddenly during previews to head out of state for a family health issue. Miraculously, she was immediately replaced by Satya Chavez, the show’s musical director. Chavez is quite strong in the role, making you believe that she’s both a nasty, stingy bar owner in a gentrifying neighborhood, then a reformed and generous new self after being visited by the three spirits. The theater is dedicating this production to Quintero’s father. The show includes holiday songs, often with lyrics bent toward highlighting aspects of the story. Cast members perform with keyboard, guitars, tambourine and other instruments. Crabby Dolores is hostile about Christmas in the opening scenes. She calls it a “scam,” just an excuse to give away money. She’s still angry about problems she had with her “loser sister” many years ago. She refuses to help her niece, Anita (Claudia Quesada), whose family is experiencing hard times. Dolores declares she is “not a charity” and advises they seek help from government programs. The reality is Anita and her family may be evicted on Christmas Eve. The large and lively cast cover a variety
of roles. Juan Munoz, for instance, plays Dominique, the “Tiny Tim” child who has serious asthma, but wants more than anything to go to an expensive space camp. Among several other characters, Munoz also plays an unappreciated bartender in wealthy Dolores’ establishment. Christmas carolers are present most of the time just outside the immediate action. They frequently launch into song, punctuating the drama or providing transition. Emphasis is on the love and strength that comes from family. Like many Latinx families, these characters plan to make tamales for the holiday. Dolores has cut herself off from her relatives, however, due to conflicts when she was much younger. Now she spends her evenings alone, counting her money, always eating by herself. When the ghosts begin to visit, Dolores blames it on some bad Chinese food she ate. She chalks it up to a bad dream brought on by a type of food poisoning. The entire auditorium is lit with strands of colorful Christmas lights, including some in the shape of red peppers. The whole show provides a warm holiday glow. Joanna Iwanicka designed the set that incorporates several performance areas. There are no children in the cast, even though some of the roles are written as kids, and no actors appear to be older. At times it can be a bit disorienting trying to figure out if an actor is supposed to be a kid or a grandpa. A Xmas Cento Remix is the largest show 16th Street Theater has done to date. It is also the first show of their 13th season. By the time their next production is ready to open, their new space on Harlem Avenue will, hopefully, be available. I was feeling very sentimental thinking of the many dozens of wonderful shows I’d seen in this old space over the years. See “A Xmas Cuento Remix” Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 4 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m., through Dec. 29, at 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. $25 to $32; $22, low-income/ military/Berwyn residents. Tickets/more: 16thstreettheater.org.
DOUG
DEUCHLER
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Hate, prayer and Donald Trump
n one of the 13 days of the Cuban Missile Crisis — that would be from Oct. 16 to Oct. 28, 1962 — 7-year-old me entered our house on South Taylor, having just walked the mile from Ascension School. Something powerful was percolating inside and I blurted out to my mom and my grandmother and my siblings all assembled in the living room watching news on TV, “I hate Nikita Khrushchev.” My mom, Mary, was many ways wonderful. Most all of the good things I figured out about living a purposeful and giving life I learned by watching my mom and my dad. Day after day, the way they lived, the way they treated their kids and everyone else. I don’t remember many sit-down moments where wisdom was imparted. But on that day, when clearly I thought our world might likely end, my mom sat down next to me on the couch. And she said, “We don’t hate anybody. We can really disagree with the things they do. But we don’t hate them.” I thought of that moment for the first time in decades last week when Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the house, made plain that she does not hate Donald Trump. No, she said, she prays for this evil idiot (my characterization, not hers). Which brings me to praying for presidents. At some point early in the presidency of Barack Obama — and that would be around the 30-year marker in my marriage to Mary Colleen — we unexpectedly fell into the habit of saying a prayer as we lay in bed on Sunday nights. I’m not a pray-er. Never have been. Mary
DAN HALEY
OK, so Nancy
Pelosi is a better person than I am. I know, not a surprise.
H O W
Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/subscribe
has the abiding and growing spirituality in this partnership. But I’m the one who initiated Sunday night prayers. Maybe it was some kind of centering mechanism as another week came rushing up. But we’d pray for our kids in their challenges, we’d pray for family, for friends by name, we’d pray “for our small company and the neighborhoods we cover,” we’d pray for help on matters close to us and matters a world away. And every Sunday we prayed for President Obama and his family. Then Donald Trump became president and I had a crisis of conscience when it came to including this morally failed person in our prayer. How could I pray for someone so heinous, so reckless, so, to me, beyond the reach of prayer? The right answer was who needs prayer more than Donald Trump? The right answer was that if you believe at all in the power of prayer, then pray like hell for Trump. But I couldn’t cough up the words. And over time, our simple, centering Sunday night prayer fell by the wayside. So along with our democracy and the world order, Trump has taken a deep chunk out of my limited spiritual tool kit. OK, so Nancy Pelosi is a better person than I am. I know, not a surprise. We agree about not hating individuals. But she’s got me beat on the power of prayer. She did say that she prayed that Donald Trump’s eyes would be opened. Sort of a back-handed prayer. But much kinder than my fervent wish, not a prayer mind you, that he’ll just keel over.
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Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 circulation@oakpark.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 dawn@oakpark.com
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Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200
Photos by Melissa Elsmo
MANCINI’S 2.0: Al Mancini unveils his new restaurant concept this week.
Tre Sorelle Ristorante opening on Lake Street
Al Mancini ‘all-in’ on new solo restaurant venture By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats
Tre Sorelle Ristorante, located at 1111 Lake St. in Oak Park and formerly known as the original Mancini’s, is scheduled to open on Tuesday, Dec. 10. “After more than 40 years in the business, I thought I had retired,” said Tre Sorelle owner Al Mancini. “But, I am happy to be back and know I still have it in me to run this place.” After 19 years in the restaurant business, Mancini opened his namesake eatery at 1038 Lake St. in 1995 before purchasing the building at 1111 Lake St. in 2005. After relocating the restaurant, Mancini maintained ownership of Mancini’s until 2014. When a couple approached Mancini with an interest in purchasing the business, Mancini consulted with his family about the potential sale. In the end and with his family’s support, Mancini maintained ownership of building, sold the business, and moved into a new role as landlord. Three years into a five-year lease, the new owners opted to sell the business. Despite the fact ownership of Mancini’s had changed hands several times, the name always remained the same. When the restaurant ultimately closed in February 2019, Mancini had not been involved with restaurant operations for several years. “I sold the restaurant,” said Mancini, “but that didn’t really work out.” Over the past year, Mancini had been working to revive the restaurant with Vince Pecora, an accomplished restaurateur. Mancini intended to serve as landlord and support
Pecora during his first year in business. But, six weeks ago, said Mancini, health concerns forced Pecora to step aside from the business endeavor. The amicable parting left Mancini solely in charge of operations at Tre Sorelle. Now Mancini is finishing remodeling work and renaming the restaurant. Tre Sorelle translates to “three sisters,” and Mancini anticipates his trio of daughters will be on site regularly to lend support after the opening. “I raised three daughters while I worked here, and my customers knew them by name;” said Mancini. “This name change honors them.” Guests should look for Tre Sorelle Ristorante to honor the traditions of the old Mancini’s. The menu will feature Italian classics with a modern twist, including baked clams and calamari. Assorted pastas with gluten-free options and hearty fare like pork chops and chicken will round out the menu. Additionally, Tre Sorelle will offer daily specials, dine-in, carryout and delivery options. Chuck Reed, bartender, barista and longtime Mancini’s employee, serves up a memorable cappuccino and is excited about his cocktail menu at Tre Sorelle. Reed has focused on creating versions of classic cocktails renamed as an homage to famous Oak Park residents. “We’ll have a Betty White Chocolate Martini and a daiquiri Hemmingway would approve of,” said Reed of his beverage concepts. While there are a few items left on Mancini’s opening day checklist (including getting the computer systems up and running), he said he takes great pride in his reputation and values his customers. “Look, I don’t grow tomatoes and I miss my customers,” said Mancini of coming out of retirement. “So, the bottom line is I am back in; I am all in.”
I.
A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 for 2019 will be held on December 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the high school. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Cyndi Sidor, Chief School Business Official, at 201 N. Scoville Avenue at (708) 434-3264.
II.
The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2018 were $67,902,244. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2019 are $71,326,589. This represents a 5.04% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2018 were $0. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2019 are $0. This represents a 0% increase from the previous year. IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2018 were $67,902,244. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2019 are $71,326,589. This represents a 5.04% increase over the previous year.
I always fetch the Wednesday Journal!
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Plan commission delays Madison St. development vote Proposed senior housing project will return to the commission Dec. 19
SENIORITY: Rendering of proposed 7-story senior living community on Madison Street.
By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The proposed Madison Street senior housing development will go back to the Oak Park Plan Commission on Dec. 19, giving American House, an affiliate of real estate firm REDICO, time to consider the commission’s recommendations and public concerns expressed at the commission’s Dec. 5 meeting. “Given the amount of comments we’ve received this evening, I’m willing to give it a shot,” said REDICO Development Senior Vice President Samantha Eckhout. “We’ll see you on the 19.” American House and REDICO are asking for a variety of considerable zoning allowances to build the seven-story development at 711 and 725 Madison St. Requested zoning relief includes an increase in density from the maximum allowed 48 living units to 174 and a height increase from the zoning-mandated limit of 50 feet to 90 feet. These two requests have become chief concerns of residents whose homes border the two Madison Street properties on which the 256,725 square foot senior community would sit. “If I could build it shorter and make the building work, I would,” said Eckhout, while being cross-examined by attorney Stephanie Stinton, who represented the residents of the 500 block of Wesley and Euclid avenues. “The necessity of the height is truly economics,” Eckhout said. Project architect John Myefski stepped in to answer some of Stinton’s questions, including those related to the increased density requested. “For the neighborhood, if we are talking to the south, it is a high density,” Myefski acknowledged, “but for the street on Madison, I don’t think in the future this would necessarily be considered high-density.” Other concerns voiced at the meeting included the impact construction would have on traffic and what impact a senior community might have on the neighborhood. The traffic study “is still a work in progress,” said Michael Worthman of KLOA, the company conducting the
Rendering provided
study. But, Worthman said, the development will not greatly affect traffic, an assessment Village Engineer Bill McKenna agreed with. “Senior housing is one of the lowest trip-generating uses around,” Worthman said. Worthman noted that many senior housing residents don’t drive or have access to a car. He also said visitors mostly come on weekends and in evenings, so they would not negatively contribute to rush hour traffic. He also expects the majority of staff will use public transportation to get to and from work. Worthman conducted the original traffic study prior to the reconfiguration of Madison Street. The project plans have evolved since then. Worthman will have the modified traffic study, which will address these issues, for the Dec. 19 meeting. Residents requested Worthman take into account traffic from the planned, but not formally proposed, Pete’s Market on Madison. A few residents voiced support for the project, along with their concerns.
“It will be nice to be able to wheel my stuff down the block when I have to move in,” resident Lisa Wilkinson said. Wilkinson, like many other public commenters, requested developers to look into putting in a cul de sac on Wesley Avenue, as they plan to on Euclid Avenue. Citing height concerns, Wilkinson thought perhaps the cul de sac might allow developers to take the building down a story. Jason Fetzer, also in favor of the project, wanted the senior community to have a better trash plan, asking the village to work with the developers. Fetzer’s wishes were echoed by Jill Maheny, who said she constantly picks up waste, including used latex gloves, from the neighboring dialysis center. Many commissioners directed Eckhout and her team to implement more sustainable construction features, increasing the building’s LEED score. The commission also requested the attendance of a fire department representative at the Dec. 19 meeting to address the potential fire-fighting complications that might arise with putting a cul de sac on Euclid Avenue.
Oak Park Township property tax levy twist Board decides not to take the full amount of TIF funds available By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
On Dec. 9, the Oak Park Township board voted against levying the full amount of revenue it might have with the expiration of the Madison Street and Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts this year. The township was expected to levy the full amount, but the board changed its tune to
offer a bit of respite to burdened taxpayers, voting 3-2 to only take 38 percent of what was available. “They took a portion,” said Township Manager Gavin Morgan. “They could have taken another $219,000, but they decided not to provide property taxpayers some relief.” The board voted to increase its levy over last year by 5.1 percent, a figure that includes the 1.9 percent cap set by the consumer price index, capturing the value of new growth outside of the TIF districts and capturing part of the value of property within the expiring TIF districts. That final component, which represents
about 2.7 percent of the 2019 levy, is equal to what the township received last year from the TIF distributions by the village. Due to a 2011 legal settlement, the village was required to distribute funds from TIF districts among taxing bodies. The township’s 5.1 percent levy hike amounts to an increase of $253,550 from last year and totals $5,222,170, according to Morgan. “We are the smallest taxing body,” he said. “Last year we were only 2.46 percent of the total tax bill.” The decision not to capture the entire amount of funds from the expiring TIFs could complicate the operation of the town-
ship’s Youth Interventionist Program. “We are going to continue operating it at our current level,” Morgan said. The township plans to assess other ways to keep the program going. Last month, the village of Oak Park voted not to fund the partnership-based interventionist program due to the township’s plans to capture the entire amount of available TIF revenue. The village board decided that the township could afford to pay for the program without village help, using TIF revenue. “The township board sees value in it and we’ll look for ways to keep providing that service to the community,” Morgan said.
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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D97 launches new outreach campaign
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
District 97 recently rolled out a communications campaign designed to beef up its community outreach and engagement efforts. The campaign, called MyD97, features a new “Weekly Wrap-Up” newsletter providing consistent updates on the district’s equity work, a monthly award, and a program that invites community members to be social media ambassadors for the district. In a statement the district released in November, the district said the new campaign is part of its work “to keep stakeholders informed and engaged” in its equity efforts. “We know that we cannot achieve equity without effectively engaging all of our students, staff, families and community members,” the district explained in the statement. “As part of our renewed commitment to keep stakeholders informed and engaged, we are excited to introduce our new communications campaign, ‘MyD97.’” Amanda Siegfried, D97’s communications director, said that the new campaign is part of the district’s broader Communications and Community Engagement Plan, which is a major component of the equity policy that the school board approved in March. Siegfried added that the communications plan has a series of objectives to meet its ul-
timate goal of ensuring that parents are “informed and engaged” around the district’s equity work. Those objectives include increasing “the overall number of engaged parents in D97’s efforts around equity,” ensuring that “at least 50 [percent] of parents of underrepresented groups are engaged in D97’s efforts around equity,” increasing engagement on Facebook and Twitter by 5 percent and ensuring “that parents are moderately to highly aware of the district’s equity plans and activities. In addition to the Weekly Wrap-Up newsletter, the campaign will also include the Making MyD97 Better award. Each month, the district will acknowledge a “teacher, staff member, parent, student or community member” who “is helping to make D97 a better place for all.” Each individual selected for the award will receive a gift card for a local business and will be highlighted on D97’s website and social media pages. As part of the campaign, the district is also seeking social media ambassadors, or people “willing to share news and information about our efforts to support all students. Whether you are sharing posts from our Facebook or Twitter pages or shouting out a teacher or student, being a social media ambassador is a great way to be part of the ‘MyD97’ campaign and support District 97 schools,” officials explained. Earlier this year, the district entered into
D97 WANTS YOU: District 97 has launched MyD97, a new communications plan designed to increase parent and community involvement in its equity efforts. As part of the campaign, D97 is seeking social media ambassadors. an agreement with KQ Communications to provide communications support after Chris Jasculca, the district’s former communications director, resigned. District officials said that the net cost to the 2019-20 budget of hiring KQ Communications was approximately $2,000. Siegfried said that she and Rochelle LeBreck, the district’s communications coordinator, will plan and implement much of the communications work related to the district’s equity plan.
“The consultant will continue to provide assistance this year with some of our community feedback opportunities (parent surveys and polls), which will help inform our work moving forward,” Siegfried said. Anyone who wants more info about the MyD97 campaign, interested in becoming an ambassador and/or nominating someone for the Making MyD97 Better award can visit op97.org/communications/myd97 or contact Amanda Siegfried, D97’s director of communications at asiegfried@op97.org.
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ak Park’s very own Code Play Learn came into existence when educator and science-lover William Greenwald realized his three sons weren’t getting the exposure to science he’d like to see in their elementary education. To him, the education of STEM related subjects—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math— were in need of attention and so he turned to business innovation to right this wrong. With the first location housed right on the bustling Lake Street, Ridgeland intersection, the rapidly expanding business actively works to educate and encourage young minds about all the science world has to offer. “It’s better to start teaching kids young because they’re more willing to accept failure as part of the process. They work from the it might not have worked but look at what I made space,” explains Greenwald. The tech-savvy STEM enrichment organization offers kids a variety of options from advanced to beginner education. Students can study robotics through Lego play or learn about the inner workings of their favorite video games. Each class is designed to excite youthful minds, ranged Kindergarten to 8th grade, about the relatability of technology and science. “Cooking is code. Writing an English
paper is code. Simply put, coding is the process of getting things done,” says Greenwald, “The biggest side of this business is the education about technological communication. Digital aspects have invaded our daily lives, and we should be helping kids to understand that technology isn’t magic. It’s actually very ease to build.” In an effort to help make students feel more comfortable, courses will always run below capacity and have a max capacity of only 15. This gives the teachers room for one-on-one time with each child so they can ask the questions they want and also have access to the assistance they need. Whether a kid is an expert or a beginner, classes are always tailored towards the individual class size and each student in it. Classes do fill up quickly, and some are even full for the Winter 2020 courses at the Oak Park locations. Alongside the extensive collection of introductory coding and engineering courses, Code Play Learn works on outreach activities within the community. With a newly established test preparation program, students can get the help they need to succeed on everything from HSPTs to SATs. They also enthusiastically execute a handful of enrichment programs in schools through their In-School STEM Field Trips, which can
Heath, our main instructor teaching LEGO Robotics be organized upon request. Birthday parties are a huge hit with the kiddos, and this educational institution offers a trio of party throwing options. With SPHERO Coding, Gadget Creation, and Minecraft Modding inspirations, children of all ages can find elements to enjoy within each two hour birthday package. Summer camps are also one of the many fun services available through Code Play Learn. For 11 weeks this coming summer,
kids can frolic and play during sports based activates balanced with exploring the exciting world of coding. Registration opens soon for this enticingly educational opportunity, so be sure to check out their website, codeplaylearn.com, while space is still available. You can also email inquiries to contact@codeplaylearn.com.
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Neighbors work together to make foster care homely
Photos of foster children in handmade frames help make Hephzibah a home By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Hephzibah Home, as its name implies, strives to make the displaced children living there feel well and truly at home. Framed individual portraits featuring the smiling faces of current and former foster children line the walls, heightening the homey feel. “We keep pictures of every child that’s ever come through here,” said Hephzibah executive director Merry Beth Sheets. “It’s your house; you’ve got to have pictures of yourself in your house.” One of the many services under the Hephzibah Children’s Association umbrella, Hephzibah Home, at 946 North Blvd., is an extended-term therapeutic foster program for children for severely traumatized children, victims of neglect and abuse, age 3 to 12. “It always helps them to feel good, to see their picture is up. That’s what I like about Hephzibah – that home feel,” said Hephzibah staff member Rashim Lettsome. “It’s not so rigid. It’s loving and caring.”
The program provides the security and stability necessary for healing and growth, with the end goal of returning children to their biological families or placing them in loving adoptive or foster homes. “Even though the circumstances that brought a kid here are just overly tragic, this is not a sad place; it’s a very happy place,” Sheets said. “We have so much hope for these kids and what’s next for them.” The portraits sit inside frames built by Oak Park Eagle Scout Drew Matticks, who attended daycare through Hephzibah, a program unrelated to its foster and adoption services. “I’ve been involved with Hephzibah ever since kindergarten,” said Matticks. Having two working parents, Matticks spent afternoons at Hephzibah Home throughout elementary school and in summers. “I had a special connection with Hephzibah because of that,” he said. “When it came time to do my Eagle Scout project, that was an organization I wanted to do something for.” The original project consisted of four frames made of pine and Plexiglas, with 20 slots in each to showcase each individual portrait. With help from his father, friends and fellow Scouts, Matticks completed the
Representative Camille Y. Lilly, 6937 W. North Avenue, Oak Park 773-473-7300 staterepcamilleylilly@gmail.com
State Representative
Camille Y.
STACEY SHERIDAN/Staff
PICTURE THIS: Portraits of past and present Hephzibah children create a more welcoming atmosphere. initial project in 2016. “After that, they contacted me and wanted for me to make some more,” he said. Matticks made four more in 2018. “I’d be more than happy to continue making them,” Matticks said. “I really like how they turned out.” Oak Park photographer Bob Ebert, of Ebert Studio, started taking portraits of the
Senator
Don
Lilly Harmon
Hephzibah children gratis in about 1985. “He knew [former Hephzibah executive director] Mary Anne Brown and they put their heads together and thought of this idea,” said Jeff Ebert, Bob’s son. “I joined the business in 1990 and it became my project.” Ebert has always had a place in his heart for kids in need of homes, he said, but his appreciation for the project grew considerably after he adopted two children, not from Hephzibah. “As I got older, the project became much more meaningful to me, because now I have my own kids that were in the same situation really,” Ebert said. On picture day, children head over to Ebert’s studio, located a few blocks away from Hephzibah, dressed in new outfits. “It’s like princess or prince for a day,” Ebert said. “They come over and we take a few images and we have a lot of fun.” “Hephzibah Home wants the kids to feel like they belong to a family, and that’s what we do. We photograph kids and we photograph families, so that they can be reminded of the love that they share on the wall in their homes,” Ebert said. The same concept applies to the Hephzibah children. “They’re part of a family, even if it’s temporary, at Hephzibah,” said Ebert. “They’re remembered after they move on.”
Senator Don Harmon, Assistant Majority Leader 6941-B. W. North Avenue, Oak Park 708-848-2002 www.donharmon.org harmon@senatedem.illinois.gov
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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11
Since 1990
This Thursday File photo
PROPERTY TAX TANGLE: Keystone and the village continue to debate whether a twodecade-old agreement is still valid.
Keystone Montessori saved from foreclosure By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter
Keystone Montessori School was saved from imminent foreclosure when an anonymous benefactor bought the school’s mortgage bonds at the end of November. The school, which has stood at 7415 W. North Ave. in River Forest’s commercial corridor since 1994, has been fighting against the village for years over the issue of property taxes, taxes they claim are illegal and have resulted in financial hardship for them. In June of 2018, a Texas-based company called ECapital Management bought the school’s mortgage bonds, which were already in foreclosure. However, ECapital soon learned that, according to Keystone, the school had fallen behind on real estate taxes that were imposed on them by the village of River Forest. As a result, ECapital agreed to discuss a settlement. An anonymous supporter of the school stepped in and purchased the school’s mortgage bonds. This person then dropped the foreclosure lawsuit against Keystone. However, though foreclosure is not on the line at this point, ongoing disagreements and a bitter legal battle with the village continue. In March of 2018, Keystone sued the village in Cook County Circuit Court, claiming that the school’s original zoning approval, which they accepted at the time, included the agreement that the school would never seek a property tax exemption. Illinois tax code, however, states that “all property of schools, not sold or leased or otherwise used with a view to profit, is exempt” from property taxes. The lawsuit claimed that the original agreement regarding property taxes was unconstitutional and illegal. Keystone Montessori asked for reimbursement for attorneys’ fees, an end to the original agreement with the village, and $1.1 million in property taxes they say they should never have paid. In December of 2018, the Illinois Department of Revenue granted Keystone a property tax exemption, but the village appealed that ruling. On April 2, Keystone was officially granted tax exempt status. The school
sued to recover taxes it had paid over the last three years, the maximum allowable refund the Cook County Assessor will allow. However, the school alleged that after years of paying property taxes they shouldn’t have had to pay, they were suffering financial difficulties, resulting in a near foreclosure until the anonymous supporter stepped in to help. The village, however, has claimed since the beginning that their original agreement with Keystone was valid and necessary. In April, in a statement to Wednesday Journal, the village explained their stance. “Keystone Montessori operates on a valuable piece of property in our commercial corridor that would otherwise be taxable and provide property tax relief to our residents,” read the statement. “It is unfortunate that Keystone Montessori has chosen to fight the village instead of working together in earnest to find a way to relocate to an appropriate location where Keystone Montessori can continue to educate.” On Dec. 10, in a statement related to the recent purchase of the school’s mortgage bonds, Village President Cathy Adduci reiterated this sentiment. “Keystone Montessori entered into a property tax agreement with the village of River Forest more than 20 years ago and followed it for decades,” said Adduci. “When its business failed, Keystone Montessori chose to fight the village instead of working together in good faith to find a way to relocate to an appropriate location where they could continue to educate. The potential dismissal of the foreclosure case does not change the village’s position that the property tax agreement is enforceable against Keystone Montessori and that they should be paying property taxes. The village will continue to protect taxpayers’ interests and has appealed the court decision on the property tax agreement, and the village will continue to contest Keystone Montessori’s request for a property tax exemption.” Keystone said they have always maintained that it would change locations if an appropriate building became available.
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D97 to roll out new visitor system
LobbyGuard system will be piloted at three schools starting in January By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Beginning Jan. 13, 2020, visitors at Julian, Hatch and Longfellow will be asked to sign-in and present identification, such as a driver’s license, that will be scanned into
District 97’s new LobbyGuard visitor management system. LobbyGuard is the same vendor Oak Park and River Forest High School uses to track visitors. “LobbyGuard is a self-serve kiosk that requires visitors to scan a valid driver’s license prior to obtaining a badge to enter the school,” according to a statement D97 released in November. “Upon entry into the office, visitors will use the touch screen at the kiosk to enter information and scan their license.” The front office staff will keep whatever
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CHECKING IT TWICE: Starting in January, visitors at three D97 schools will have to present their ID before entering and leaving. The new visitor management system will help the district quickly screen for sex offenders.
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amputation than those who do not seek treatment. Medicare and some private insurances cover 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of protective insoles each calendar year. Dr. Lambert has been a supplier of diabetic shoes since 2002. The shoes come in 30 different styles each for men and women. These include boots, lightweight colorful athletic shoes, and dress shoes. Even patients who are not diabetic love the look and comfort of the footwear. Diabetic socks, slippers and compression hosiery are also available. Protecting your feet with appropriate footgear is an important aspect of preventive care for diabetics.
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form of identification the visitor issues in order to enter the school. Visitors will have to check out before retrieving their ID and exiting the school. Jim Hackett, D97’s safety and security manager, said in a recent email statement that the new system will allow employees to “quickly and accurately account for who is in our schools and for what purpose, and instantly screen the visitor against the National Sex Offender Registry to ensure they are not committing a criminal act by entering our schools.” Hackett said the district currently doesn’t have this capability. According to a statement D97 released in November, LobbyGuard will be rolled out as a pilot program at Julian, Hatch and Longfellow for the 2019-20 school year, with all other schools continuing to follow the district’s current procedures as outlined in the Visitor Management Policy. Hackett said the district selected LobbyGuard “because it is a compact kiosk unit that allows full customization of the questions visitors need to answer.” The district purchased four LobbyGuard Versa machines for the pilot program. Each machine costs $3,000, he said. “At this time, there is no cost [estimate] of full implementation because this cost is dependent on data gathering during the pilot program,” explained Hackett, who said the district’s Safety and Security Advisory Committee, which discussed the LobbyGuard implementation in November, will analyze data from the pilot program before making a recommendation on full implementation, which would require the approval of the D97 school board. In its statement, the district said LobbyGuard “does not replace the valuable safety supervision of our school administrative assistants, staff and building principals, who often best know who should and shouldn’t be inside your school.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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C R I M E
Woman victim of armed robbery on Washington Blvd.
Two teenage boys approached an Oak Park woman from behind, put a hard object against her and demanded she turn over her purse and keys 6 p.m. Dec. 2 in the 100 block of Washington Boulevard. The estimated loss is $43.
a.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 7 in the 1100 block of North Elmwood Avenue. The estimated loss was $1,040.
Criminal damage to property
Battery Following an altercation at a bar in the 6300 block of Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, people crossed the street into Oak Park where a man struck a woman with an unknown object, giving her a forehead laceration and causing her to fall onto the ground 12:17 a.m. on Dec. 8.
Cellphone stolen from child An Oak Park child’s cellphone was stolen after a man, driving a dark colored sedan carrying three or four passengers, approached him and asked to use it on Dec. 3 at 4:10 p.m. in the 200 block of North Euclid Avenue. When the victim handed over the phone, the man drove off eastbound on Erie Street. Total loss is $460.
Theft ■ An
Buck Mason T-shirts and one dashboard cellphone mount was stolen from the vestibule of a building in the 600 block of Washington Boulevard between 1:50 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 2. ■ A FedEx package containing two extra small women’s red camouflage Canada Goose coats, a total loss of $1,431, was stolen from the 200 block of South Boulevard between 10 a.m. on Nov. 17 and 6 a.m. on Nov. 18.
Amazon package containing four
Vehicle break-in A car manual and vehicle registration were stolen out of an unlocked vehicle parked in the 7000 block of Roosevelt Road between 5 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 3.
Garage burglary Someone opened the side service door to an Oak Park resident’s garage and stole a case of W.L. Weller liquor, a chain saw, a circular saw and a toolbox between 10:15
■ Someone carved a three-inch scratch in the paint of a vehicle belonging to an Oak Park resident between 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 7:35 a.m. on Dec. 2 in the 100 block of Francisco Terrace. ■ A group of six juveniles reportedly threw a rock at an Oak Park resident’s vehicle, damaging it, in the 500 block of South Boulevard 4:19 p.m. on Dec. 5. ■ Three holes were cut into the roof a convertible car between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 in the 600 block of Fair Oaks Avenue. The estimated damage is $2,500. ■ These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Dec. 1-8 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Stacey Sheridan
Parks get pushback over claim of TIF funds
Final decision set for Dec. 19 By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
Concerns over the impact of the expiring downtown Oak Park and Madison Street Tax Increment Financing Districts on the tax levy didn’t escape the Park District of Oak Park’s Dec. 5 Committee of the Whole meeting. Some 15 residents attended the meeting, most of them objecting to current plans by the park district to claim the full financial benefit of the expiring TIFs. The park board listened to residents, telling them that the parks final decision on setting next year’s tax levy will be made Dec. 19 at its regular board meeting. The park district has argued that the tax increase residents would actually receive if it claims the full TIF benefit is relatively small, especially compared to other taxing bodies, and that property tax increases would have less adverse effect than raising park district fees. But the residents present argued the small increases from various taxing bodies add up, and some argued that the park district can save money by cutting
programs and expenses. Like most taxing bodies, the park district is subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which normally caps the tax levy based on a formula that factors in the consumer price index and Equalized Assessed Value past and present. But it is allowed to raise the cap above that limit to capture the extra revenue that comes from the TIF’s expiration, as well as to account for new construction. According to the memo by Kyle Cratty, the park district’s director of finance, “The individual taxpayer will only see their taxes increase by the CPI or 1.9 percent.” Jan Arnold, the parks executive director, said the tax increase would amount to around $4.63 for a property worth between $300,000 - $400,000. In late November, Kitty Conklin, a village board meeting regular, launched a petition urging all Oak Park taxing bodies not to raise property taxes, and instead use the extra revenue to “provide relief ” to taxpayers. On Dec. 5, the petition had 1,261 signatures. Conklin live-streamed a 40-minute portion of the park meeting over Facebook, mostly capturing the public comments. In the video, Commissioner Chris Woll-
muth explained he was originally inclined to oppose raising property taxes but that his view has now changed. With the state minimum wage gradually increasing, he reasoned, the park district, which employs many seasonal workers, could either increase program fees or raise taxes. “[Raising the fees] is not something anyone wanted to see happening -- pushing people out of the park district,” Wollmuth said. “So spreading it more broadly, [through the] tax levy rather than potentially huge increases for specific programs.” Conklin argued that, given that TIFs didn’t hurt the park district finances before, it had no reason to raise taxes now. “We have done, we, the taxpayers, have done our part, but now we feel that it is really pretty egregious that the park district is taking such a large amount of money, new money, from taxpayers,” she said. “We don’t want relief in form of scholarships or subsidies. We want you and your counterpart boards to stop the unsustainable drain on our wallets.” Jack Powers argued that the park district should save money by cutting programs that are lightly attended. “Instead of finding new ways to spend more money on new programs, the board
should instead be looking at ways to cull the herd of programs to make way for new offerings,” he said. Pati Flannery said that, while she expected her taxes to be high when she and her family moved to Oak Park in 2005, she didn’t expect them to increase by 60 percent since then. “I keep hearing ‘equity, equity, equity’ -what does it even mean?” she said. “I think we all care about people being taken care of, but [my family] can’t even take vacations anymore.” Susan Caudell, who said that she and her family regularly use the parks and its facilities, agreed with those points, adding that, if the park district needs more money, it should go to referendum and make a case to the taxpayers. “If you need money for that, we can decide -- yes, we need to be doing that,” she said. Park district spokesperson Diane Stanke told the Journal the board has taken all the input under advisement. “The park board appreciates public input,” she said. “They listened attentively to all comments and will take these remarks under consideration when making their final decision at [the Dec. 19 board meeting].”
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Episcopal church finds unlikely clerical partnership
St. Christopher’s hires Presbyterian pastor as part-time staffer By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter
St. Christopher Episcopal Church at 545 S. East Ave. in Oak Park has been experiencing a challenge most churches pray for. In the last four years their membership has grown by 60 percent. The Rev. Eric Biddy, St. Christopher’s rector, acknowledged that the growth has been a blessing. “It’s fun to come here on Sunday,” he said. “Following the 9:30 a.m. Wiggle Worship, you will see 45 children running around the parish hall. What you experience is a vivacious faith.” But, Biddy said the growth has also been a challenge. “We began realizing relatively quickly that our habits and customs which have worked for a long time were no longer working as well,” he said. “We needed to find better ways of caring for the new people and integrating them into the congregation.” The church council, known in the Episcopal church as the vestry, figured out that what the congregation needed was another person -- one with theological training and a skill set that would enable them to help the congregation adjust its culture to the new reality. The problem was money. New members tend to bring enthusiasm and energy to a church, but they don’t start giving in substantial amounts until they have been members of the congregation for several years. What the vestry decided to do was to put the word out through the usual channels in
Entrepreneurial event and $50,000 award not happening in March 2020 By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Entrepreneur Leaders Philanthropy (ELP) will not have its annual “Big Idea” event nor will the group award a $50,000 seed grant next March. “We’ve done four years of the ‘Big Idea’ challenge,” said ELP co-founder John Harris. ELP was created to bring entrepreneurs together around a contest to find a big idea that would be transformative to Oak Park and River Forest. The first grant recipient was the Oak Park-River Forest food pantry,
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
VERY PRESBYTERY: Rector Eric Biddy, left, and Pastor Abbi Heimach-Snipes will form a pastoral partnership at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church on East Avenue in Oak Park. the Episcopal church that St. Christopher’s was looking for a half-time clergy person, The Rev. Abbi Heimach-Snipes, a Presbyterian pastor, found out about the job post through an acquaintance, and it sounded interesting enough for her to apply. She realized that crossing denominational boundaries would present some additional challenges, but working half time fit her need, as a new mom, to devote more time to her infant daughter. In addition, she got excited when she went online and saw the kinds of ministries the congregation was doing. One of those programs was the previously mentioned Wiggle Worship, the second of
three services at St. Christopher’s on a typical Sunday morning. Started by Rev. Paris Coffey, who preceded Biddy as rector, the congregation’s website describes Wiggle Worship as a family service the blends music and a childfriendly Eucharist with stories both accessible to children and meaningful for adults. Another thing about St. Christopher’s personality that intrigued Heimach-Snipes was the that the church provided sanctuary in 2018 to Donal Eduardo Valiente Marroquin, a.k.a. Lalo, an immigrant without documentation who was applying for asylum. Heimach-Snipes, had studied women’s gender and sexuality issues while an exchange student in South Africa during her
college years. She also was exposed to students from all over the world while a student at McCormick Seminary in Hyde Park, and has always been passionate about the church promoting social justice. Biddy smiled when recollecting how the vestry reacted to the 31-year-old Presbyterian pastor on their first interview. “She blew us away,” Biddy repeated several times. He said that the almost instant bonding was partly due to what the search committee saw as her ability to organize information and strategize how to use that information effectively in the process of changing the congregation’s culture. What sold the committee on her, however, was her enthusiasm for what the congregation was already doing After about half a year together, neither party in this relationship seems to be disappointed in how the creative arrangement is working out. Heimach-Snipes said that not being allowed to preside at the Eucharist or Holy Communion because the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches are not in “full communion,” might prove to be a problem if she remains at St. Christopher’s a long time, but for now the shared ministry is more than enough to keep her motivated. “We’re responding in creative and innovative ways to 21st century church needs,” Heimach-Snipes said. “Our national churches haven’t been able to tackle how to work closely together, and yet the local church is ready and eager. “We’re excited, we’re experimenting and with all the division and harm extending in this world -- let alone shrinking churches -it’s time to find ways to work together. I find this incredibly hopeful, especially in light of our churches’ violent histories.”
‘Big Idea’ on hold, for now
now called Beyond Hunger. “They were working on a food surplus project,” said Harris. The project consisted of taking food not being used from Oak Park and River Forest High School and other schools and connecting that food to people in need. “That $50,000 helped fund a staff person and refrigeration equipment,” said Harris. “The program has really taken off and it’s been wonderful.” The most recent awardee was the It’s Our Future program. Its idea was to create a program that grooms students interested in climate change into future leaders. The challenge and event aren’t going away, they are just on hold while ELP recalibrates the structure of “Big Idea.” “We’re reworking the concept,” Harris said. “It became so focused on being an event in March, a point in time. It’s really
about finding the right ideas at the right time.” ELP plans to take a step back from the timeline approach to “Big Idea” to develop ways to make the program even more effective in the future. The organization works with the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation to administer the grant. “We facilitate the funds coming in and we help them provide the grants going out,” said Community Foundation CEO Tony Martinez. The Community Foundation also provides administrative support to ELP. “They’ve really helped make sure that this continues to work, continues to grow and to evolve,” said Harris. While ELP does not currently have the funds to award the grant in March, they may have the funds for the grant sometime
Photo provided
KICKER: Abby Bankes at the Big Idea pitch party last year. in 2020. “It could be an event later on in the year or not,” said Martinez. “There’s a lot of thinking and a lot of brainstorming that’s going to be happening.”
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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
WINBERIE’S
Chain is mum about why from page 1 which Winberie’s is located. “I’m absolutely sad to see them go,” Solnes said. “It’s been a cornerstone for 37 years and we have a great relationship.” Now faced with finding a new tenant to fill the space come January, Solnes said he’s “always worried until a new business moves in.” When asked for comment, Select Restaurants Inc. offered little in the way of explanation behind the decision to close Winberie’s. “Winberie’s Restaurant and Bar in Oak Park will be closing December 28. The restaurant has enjoyed serving the residents of Oak Park and the surrounding communities for over 37 years. Thank you for your interest,” Select Restaurants media representative Robin Scott wrote in an email to the Wednesday Journal. According to Winberie’s Executive Chef Ivy Grant, the restaurant will remain full-service until the end. “I’m sad,” Grant said. “I’ve been here for 19 years. It is what it is.” Out of those 19 years, she has worked as executive chef for the past two. Grant, who has worked for Select Restaurants for more than four decades, said she has enjoyed serving the area throughout her time at Winberie’s. “I’m going to miss Oak Park,” she said. “The people of Oak Park – they make this restaurant what it is.”
A four-man tackle at the Lake Theatre, mid-movie
Drama unfolded on screen and in person during a showing of ‘Knives Out’ By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Moviegoers got more action than they bargained for at the 1:45 p.m. Knives Out showing at the Lake Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 7, when four men chased another down the aisle and tackled him. Leisa Marthaler was enjoying the film in the dark theater with her husband, when about 15 minutes into it, she heard a cry. “I heard a faint woman’s voice in the back saying, ‘I need help!’” Marthaler said. “Then there were two people running toward the stage and then, all of a sudden, there were four people tackling a man.” The man sitting next to Marthaler got up and ran to the stage, as another moviegoer identified aloud as an FBI agent. “Somebody said, ‘FBI! Don’t resist,’” she recalled. The tackled man was then escorted out of the theater by the four men who had knocked him down. Marthaler said the man sitting next to
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her went out in the lobby after them and didn’t come back for a while. “What was weird though is that the woman seeing the movie with him, she was on the phone immediately, but I didn’t hear the normal, ‘I’m calling 911,’” she said. The woman was talking under her breath, which Marthaler found odd. “It was like she was ready to call, and then she also went to the lobby,” Marthaler said. To her, it felt almost like a planned operation had just taken place. “My husband and I were thinking, ‘Did they know this perpetrator was going to do whatever he did?’ It was like they were waiting for him,” she said. “It all happened so fast. If it was just a purse snatching, I just can’t believe that adults were that organized,” Marthaler added. According to Commander Shatonya Johnson, a patron called the Oak Park police because a man had taken a wallet
out of his wife’s purse. “They chased him around the theater and were able to hold him down until officers arrived,” Johnson said. The wallet was subsequently returned to the woman, who declined to press charges. Classic Cinemas owner Chris Johnson said he was unable to confirm an FBI presence during the incident. “There was nothing that I can find out about that,” he said. But Marthaler wasn’t the only one who heard FBI at the show. Tom Hoover did as well and posted about it on Facebook later that day. “Just after ‘Knives Out’ started, a chase down the aisle, four guys said FBI and caught a young man trying to get out,” Hoover wrote. Both Marthaler and Hoover speculated that the incident could have been linked to the Lake Theatre robbery that occurred Nov. 18. However, police reports indicate no connection.
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor
A FAMILY AFFAIR: Ellie Skalla, center, plays her GalactiQuest board game with her brother, Henry Skalla, left, friend Nora Stowers, 12, and mom Amy Struckmeyer, at their Oak Park home. It was the first time in a long time the family played the game, which they spent months prototyping.
GALACTIQUEST In stores now from page 1 are now available exclusively in most Target stores nationwide and on Target.com, said Amy Struckmeyer, Skalla’s mother, adding that her daughter gets a small percentage on each unit that Target purchased from Pressman, the toy manufacturer that turned Skalla’s prototype into a product. In November 2017, Skalla won the Annual Young Inventor Challenge at Chicago Toy Game Week, or ChiTAG, which might be described as Comic Con for board game and toy enthusiasts. “It’s really cool, because game industry people are the judges and they actually play these games with the kids and give them feedback,” said Struckmeyer. The competition is open to children age 6 to 18 who have the opportunity “to develop and pitch their original inventions to major toy companies, industry professionals, members of the media and general public,” according to ChiTAG’s website. Skalla won within the “Most Marketable Concept” category, which was sponsored by Pressman and Target. The win came with a $1,000 prize, which Skalla said she’s put in a fund for college, and the opportunity for her concept to become an actual product available on Target’s shelves and on its website. The process from contest to packaged commodity (the game’s box even has a photo of her) took roughly two years, she said. “Pressman listened to all my ideas and really wanted to keep this as my game,” Skalla said. “They didn’t just take the game and start developing it. We had conference calls and tested things out. You can really see the similarities between my idea and the final product.” Struckmeyer said games run in the family. Skalla’s older brother, 16-year-old Oak
Park and River Forest High School student Henry Skalla, entered the Young Inventor Challenge in 2016, which motivated Ellie to enter as well. “I think the game I created was called Dice Jewels, and instead of rolling the dice, you would move them around on a board and attack other people,” Henry said. “Each dice had its own special abilities that you could choose at the beginning of the game.” Struckmeyer is a co-director of the Oak Park Education Foundation’s BASE Camp, an annual summer camp that offers programming for Oak Park young people in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Last summer, she helped launch a BASE Camp program called Board Game Design and invited Ellie to speak to participants. Last month, at this year’s ChiTag, Ellie was nominated along with six other young toy innovators for a Toy and Game Innovation Award in the category of Young Inventor of the Year. “People in the game industry voted for who they thought should win,” she said of the honor, which she won. This holiday season, the family of gaming enthusiasts said they’ve played a lot of board games, but have grown a bit exhausted by GalactiQuest, which they played countless times during the testing and prototype phase. Nowadays, Struckmeyer said, the family is into developing what could be a new pastime — going into Target stores and looking for GalactiQuest on the shelves. “Whenever we go to Target, we look for it on the shelf and just say, ‘Hello,’” she said. Ironically, the game, which goes for $11.99 on Target.com, is unavailable at the brickand-mortar Target at 1129 Lake St. in Oak Park. But whether it’s on shelves or online, Ellie said, knowing her idea exists in the world is a gift in itself. “It’s really cool that people can actually play my game and enjoy a thing I made.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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Season’s Greetings
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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W I N T E R F E S T
A N D
C O O K I E
W A L K
2 0 1 9
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Sidewalk Santa and Cookie Tins Santa consults with a wish-lister on Marion Street last Saturday during the Winter Fest and Cookie Walk in Downtown Oak Park. (Above) Aimee Erickson hands a cookie to Kelly Nurczyk, of Channahon, Illinois, at Lea’s. 6548 W CERMAK RD. BERWYN (CORNER OF EAST & CERMAK)
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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HOLIDAY BRASS & CHORAL CONCERT Thursday, Dec 19, 8pm
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
Photos by Melissa Elsmo
SALMON SALAD: A menu newcomer, the salmon salad from Jim and Pete’s is a hit among patrons. (Below) Mostaccioli with Broccoli: Vegetarian diners can order pasta and broccoli Aglio e Olio at Jim and Pete’s.
78 years on the 7800 block
S
ince 1941, Jim and Pete’s, located at 7806 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving up old-world favorites with a modern twist. Current owner Michael Bucchianeri worked as a busboy at Jim and Pete’s as a teenager and subsequently filled every role imaginable at the restaurant before taking an ownership role in 1999. Since then Bucchianeri has been fiercely committed to honoring the legacy of the 78-yearold restaurant. Expanding on the shared vision of former owners Jim Sorce Jr. and Vito Brunetti, the enthusiastic owner completed an extensive remodel of Jim and Pete’s in 2017, making the well-appointed restaurant a stand-out on Restaurant Row in Elmwood Park. The remodeled space has a warm ambience and fine finishes including exposed brick walls and a covered multiseason patio. The resulting space Food Writer is suitable for both
MELISSA ELSMO
casual family dinners and special occasion celebrations. “We want our guests to feel at home at Jim and Pete’s,” says Bucchianeri. “We appeal to couples looking for a date night, businesses looking to host a meeting, and people looking to host baby showers and birthday celebrations.” A reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta, chicken Parmigiano, and linguini with clam sauce keep regulars coming back to Jim and Pete’s, while specialty menu items like giant housemade rigatoni with pine nuts, spinach and ricotta, and Italian Pork Chops with See JIM AND PETE’S on page 23
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
Give a Taste of Donny G’s for the Holidays
Photos by Melissa Elsmo
SIDE SALAD: The house salad is a perfect precursor to any Jim and Pete’s entree. The dish features fresh arugula, romaine, and iceberg lettuce topped with tomatoes, cucumber and croutons with your choice of dressing. (Below) Bruschetta: Jim and Pete’s served up a memorable bruschetta made from toasted Italian garlic bread, diced tomatoes and fresh basil.
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JIM AND PETE’S Almost 8 decades from page 21 peppers and potatoes make a unique splash on the thoughtful menu. Cooks in Jim and Pete’s kitchen even whip up a memorable meatloaf, while their salmon salad, a new menu item, is born out of personal preferences. “I would sit at the bar eating a salmon salad and customers would keep asking me about it,” says Bucchianeri, “so I decided to put it on the menu; it’s been a hit ever since.” The hearty salad features fresh mixed greens topped with grilled salmon and garnished with red onion, tomato, olives, Fontinella cheese, fresh mozzarella and a savory Italian-style vinaigrette. Longtime servers have made all the difference at Jim and Pete’s. Some employees have worked in the restaurant for more than 15 years, and Bucchianeri is quick to point out many diners make a request to sit in a certain server’s section. “Our staff makes all the difference at Jim and Pete’s and we make a great team,” he says proudly. “The restaurant expansion has been as wonderful for our staff as it has been for our customers.” Jim and Pete’s is a proud member of the Elmwood Park culinary community. While their expansion increased their visibility on North Avenue, Bucchianeri is quick to acknowledge all the village of Elmwood Park has done to support their local restau-
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rants. “Skip and others from the village are regulars here and I consider them friends,” he says. “I can say their efforts have changed the restaurant landscape in Elmwood Park for the better.” Hot Holiday Tip: Jim and Pete’s offers full-service catering for onsite or offsite events in Elmwood Park and the surrounding communities. They are still booking events for the 2019 holiday season.
7308 W North Ave • Elmwood Park, IL (708) 456-3644
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Dear Oak Park Residents and Surrounding Community, This year we are giving back to you with an amazing one time offer (in celebration of our 25th anniversary)! Perfect for Christmas Gifts, a New Year’s Resolution, or just because! Great for children, teens, and adults! Special Holiday Offer! $248 per month
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25 Say it ain’t so, Winberie’s!
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
VIEWPOINTS
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com
p. 28
Everybody can get stoned
I
must admit to being both a bit curious and excited about the big day coming up on Jan. 1, 2020. That’s when those of us over 21 can legally buy and smoke weed in Illinois. Pretty cool. Now for many this is not a big deal. Some have been buying and smoking weed all along. Some never have and never will. Some are satisfied with alcohol. But then there is the cohort that includes me. I have avoided marijuana because I didn’t know where to find it, and I was afraid the narcs would catch me if I did. I have seen lots of drug movies, and a Turkish prison is no joke. I smoked about five times in law school but weirdly, as I remember, it always involved drinking peppermint schnapps. So I got high, but don’t know why. I googled “marijuana + schnapps,” but only “weird” came up. Now I can go online, find a store, and ask the sales representative to get me high. Awesome. I understand that with marijuana, like pants, one size does not fit all. I think there are pills, oils, candies. I’m not sure about suppositories. Then there are different effects. Some kinds make you relaxed, some sharper, some happier. I’m for sure going to look into smarter and sexier. I hear there is a start-up working on a strain that will make you disappear. Or make you think you disappear. I’m not sure. That’s crazy. I’m an alcohol man myself — craft beer, Nollet’s gin and George Dickel whiskey. They are my choices to alter the quotidian existence of emptying the dishwasher, paying bills and talking about Trump. However, marijuana has advantages over alcohol: no hangover, no calories and no spillage. So here’s my plan. I’m going to my neighborhood dope store early next year, and request the dosage and kind of marijuana that gives you the same buzz as an Old Fashion, chased by a Sam Adams Boston Lager. I will then report back to you. Someone has to do it. My love for you readers, well a few of you, knows no bounds. See you on the other side.
JOHN
HUBBUCH
I
Property taxes and equity
t is that time of year again, when the cold winds of winter start to blow, the time when some of us celebrate the holidays, and the time when our local elected boards make decisions about budgets and property taxes for the coming year. Budgets and money mean controversy because we are all understandably sensitive about our ability to sustain ourselves and our families. A decrease to our paycheck, an increase in rent, or an increase in taxes can all be seen as threats to our basic needs. On the other hand, we agree to the government’s power of taxation because it can provide services that we either cannot provide on our own or can only provide at greater expense — public safety, transportation, education, and many others. So a tax increase can be seen both as a means of providing services to the public and as an attack on citizens’ means of supporting themselves. This is why these debates can become so heated. Our human inclinations complicate the debate as well. One factor is that it can be difficult to differentiate what we want from what we need. I believe some of us who fight against property taxes do so because we are worried about supporting our basic needs or worried about the abilities of others in our communities to support themselves. There certainly are people on fixed incomes — elderly and low-income residents — as well as people whose housing-cost increases are outpacing their income increases. I share the concern that if property taxes continue to rise, they could push out lower-income elderly people and others from our community. But I am equally sure that some of us who fight against higher property taxes do so because these taxes impact our ability to live in as big a house as we want, or have the car we want, or take the vacations we want. And I worry about whether those in our community who are most vehement in this debate are those who don’t need lower taxes, but want them, and are fine with achieving those lower taxes on the backs of others. Too often in this discussion, I hear property tax opponents
attacking others’ integrity, competence, and worth. I have heard a number of people claim that the elected officials who were considering raising taxes were unethical, were breaking promises, or that the reason people voted them into office was because they are people of color. I have heard property tax opponents make blanket statements that our public school teachers are incompetent, either by referring to their own experiences or cherry-picking school performance statistics, to argue that schools should not get any more money. And I have heard other opponents say that no amount of money will help “inner city” kids learn more — code words for kids of color — so we shouldn’t raise taxes. People say these things because property taxes are one of the things we talk about when we’re actually talking about race and power. Too often, we wield our words like a cudgel against those we disagree with or don’t understand. Unfortunately, this can mean financially fortunate white people criticizing people of color in these coded ways. It can mean property tax opponents impugning the decency of teachers. But it can also mean those who support higher property taxes questioning the decency of those who favor tax restraint. We can have a conversation about property taxes with care and nuance. There are reasonable positions on both sides of this issue, and we can advocate for lower, higher, or stable property taxes from a racial justice perspective. What we cannot do is discuss property taxes while ignoring the real connection we all have to one another in society, or by throwing others under the bus as less than ourselves. What we cannot do is forget that we belong to one another, and that while we do have a responsibility to care for our families, we also have a responsibility to all members of our village and society. While we advocate for our strongly-held beliefs, let us also remember to advocate for one another in a spirit of empathy. Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident.
JIM
SCHWARTZ One View
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O U R
V I E W P O I N T S
V I E W S
Last chance on taxes
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axpayers in Oak Park have been nothing but generous with each and every local taxing body over the two decades-plus when a portion of rising property values within the downtown Oak Park and the Madison Street TIFs were being diverted into a fund to support economic development. Whether it was passing multiple tax hike referendums for OPRF and District 97, enthusiastically backing a tax hike to build an iconic new library, paying enough in property taxes to allow Oak Park Township to squirrel away funds for its additional building on Oak Park Avenue, passing a substantial referendum to seemingly perpetually upgrade parks that had grown shabby, Oak Parkers have given till it hurts. Not a single taxing body has been left wanting by local taxpayers during the TIF years. D97 built a much-needed new headquarters. The park district substantially remade its headquarters. A greedy District 200 OPRF High School used a quirk in the tax law to substantially overtax property owners while it accumulated its absurd $120 million fund balance. And that doesn’t count the year-to-year tax hikes allowed under state tax caps. Now a property tax burden has left many homeowners and multifamily and commercial property owners groaning under the pressure of the second mortgage high taxes represent. There was a reasonable expectation that when the TIFs finally expired, as they are with the close of this year, and when new taxes flowed from the multiple high-rises in downtown, elected officials would do the right thing and let some of the hard-won benefits flow through to taxpayers. Most people would have cheered increases flattening out for a bit. Only the naïve would have expected taxes to decline. Oak Park’s village government — the taxing body least reliant on property taxes due to its endless home rule options of fees and fines — has laudably not taken the TIF bump. Every other local taxing body headed straight to the trough. Each has made some sort of rationalization. Most of them have finalized levies for next year. But District 97 still has a small window to reconsider and do the right thing. The school board meets tonight (Wednesday). After being urged to reconsider, the township reversed its decision to take the entire amount of TIF funds available and voted instead to take 38 percent. And the park district, which got an earful from frustrated taxpayers at its Committee of the Whole meeting last week, has its final vote pending. The library board, which may have made the most egregious money grab with the weakest explanation of why it needs this windfall, has seemingly cancelled its final meeting of the year. (And, early warning, watch what this board does with the soon-to-be -paid-off bonding power voters approved for the new library 20 years back. That’s a million bucks annually the library board president says the library just might keep.) There is still time for every taxing body to come to its senses, if nothing else to make the political calculation that the good work most are doing on complex issues such as equity can be undone in the next election by fairly small numbers of very angry taxpayers. Snap out of it. Do the right thing.
Hephzibah’s loving portraits Youngsters arrive at the residential program at Hephzibah on North Boulevard having had grievous wrong done to them. This tender community of caregivers focuses on creating a safe haven and sense of belonging for children without that experience. For decades that mission has been furthered by the generous work of Jeff Ebert and Bob Ebert who take a professional portrait of each new child. That portrait hangs in the lobby signifying each child’s place in their new world. On a recent tour at Hephzibah we noticed a wall of new and unfilled picture frames in an upstairs hall. They were just built and installed by Drew Matticks, an Oak Park Eagle Scout, as his special project. Good for him. Good for the kids learning resilience and love at Hephzibah.
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The unexpected gift of grace
race is hard to define. When it appears, it reminds us how little we truly understand about the mystery of being alive. Grace feels like a gift because it seems to come out of nowhere. Like the CTA Holiday Train, which doesn’t really come out of nowhere — the CTA runs it every year — but I happened upon it, Dec. 4, in the Loop. Since I didn’t know when it was running, or even that it was running, on the Green Line that day, it felt serendipitous, enhancing the air of mystery. There is no mistaking the Holiday Train, festooned with bright lights, accompanied by music, and featuring Santa sitting on his throne, riding backward in the open air, a hearty soul holding a mic and freely dispensing Christmas cheer. Inside each car, elves in red and green velvet welcome commuters and hand out candy canes. Sadly, this was the last day for the Green Line, but the Blue Line gets its turn this week, Dec. 12, 13 and 14. No one is immune to the charms of the Holiday Train. Everyone smiles as the funereal interior is replaced by party ambiance. Strangers interact without the benefit of digital intermediaries. Kids enter wide-eyed and dazzled, parents in tow. Passengers disembark with bemused smiles, which one does not see on CTA platforms any other time, as they whip out their magic rectangles to take a shot of Santa. A moment of grace, a gift, unlooked-for, unexpected, coming from an entity not known for its gracious demeanor. An immediate mood-lifter, captured by the archaic term “cheer,” a small miracle in itself. We move through the world with such sobriety, bordering on solemnity, selfcontained. Yet something as minor as a decorated train, catching us by surprise, unleashes a forgotten reservoir of “cheer.” It’s there all the time, just awaiting the spark. It happened again at the Lake Theatre with its fancy new (yet still old) marquee, a gift in itself to our beautiful neighborhood. The featured film was A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, about Fred Rogers, the classic children’s TV personality who, thanks to the 50th anniversary of his longrunning and venerated show, has unexpectedly emerged as the national antidote to the graceless toxicity of the person currently occupying the White House and polluting our airwaves. Mr. Rogers connected. He looked directly into the camera and preached a radically simple, transformative message of acceptance and affirmation to the children — and former children — of the world: I like you just the way you are (“It’s you I like, not the things you wear, not the way you do your hair, but it’s you I like”). One day, when he was a kid, his grandfather told him, “You made this day a really special day. Just by being yourself. There’s only one person in the world like you. And I happen to like you just the way you are.” He never forgot it. “That just went right into my heart,” he said, “and it never budged.” He died in 2004, but his wife Joanne is still around and resists any notion that her husband
was a “secular saint,” though it’s tempting to canonize him. In fact, Tom Junod, the journalist who authored the 1998 Esquire magazine piece (“Can You Say … Hero?”) that the current film is based on, wrote, “Fred Rogers, didn’t want to go to heaven; he wanted to live in heaven, here, now, in this world.” He largely succeeded, and his gentle, authentic, immense humanity is his gift of grace. Unexpected, unlooked-for, so badly needed now. Seeing the film inspired cheer. Grace can be found in the oddest places, such as my home office, which I’ve been reclaiming from its chaotic disarray. A good thorough “death cleaning,” in the current cultural argot, is a gift in itself, the difference between feeling buried alive and standing with your two feet on the ground, all that weight lifted from your shoulders. Sifting through my books, I came across a thin paperback titled, Grace Notes, by Brian Doyle (ACTA Publications). I have no idea how it got there. Brian Doyle, who died recently at the much-too-young age of 60, was a terrific writer. Somehow this collection of essays found its way onto my bookshelf. Unlooked-for and unexpected, the book is as fine as you would expect from a writer who inspires so many. Doyle found so much beauty, so much meaning, and so much amazing grace in ordinary life that it makes me wonder how much of my own life I’ve been missing — or more likely, how much I’ve experienced in my life that I just didn’t pay enough attention to. And paying attention is part of his formula, which he describes in the Foreward: “Attentiveness is the beginning of all prayer, says the great poet Mary Oliver, and everything that lives is holy, says the confusing poet Billy Blake, and all the way to heaven is heaven, says the tart Saint Catherine of Siena, and let grief be a falling leaf, says the testy poet Van Morrison, and grace under duress is the great story of us, says the undersigned muddleness [himself]. How we reach for each other and listen to each other’s music and share stories like the most amazing and nutritious food — that’s what we are all here for.” For Doyle, it comes down to moments of grace. “We are given gifts beyond measure, beyond price, beyond understanding, and they mill and swirl by us all day and night, and we have but to see them clearly, for a second, to believe wholly in the bounty and generosity and mercy of I Am Who Am.” Doyle attributes grace to God, which he defines as our label for a mystery beyond our comprehension. But even if you don’t ascribe to that label, the gifts are undeniably there if we pay attention. Just as we cannot see the forest for the trees, we sometimes cannot see Christmas for the gifts. But seeing and appreciating the trees is to celebrate the forest. And seeing the gifts of grace all around us is the secret to celebrating Christmas.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S by Marc Stopeck
S H R U B T O W N
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Linda Francis John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Tom Deja Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck
F
Preventing food waste
ood waste is an issue all around the world, especially in the United States. It is estimated that 30-40 percent of our food supply is wasted. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, 31 percent of the food loss is at retail and consumer levels. That adds up to 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010 alone. While individuals cannot solve all the world’s food waste problems, they can motivate local governments and local businesses to take action to help solve the issue. The problem is pervasive at the local level. For example, one couple ple fed themselves and sometimes friends riends and neighbors for six months for approximately $250 on food thatt would otherwise have been thrown away. In doing so, they showed how ow little the food was valued. They y did this by a combination of negotiating with grocery stores, dumpster diving, and even taking away food from a photoshoot that was destined d for the garbage can. Without resorting to digging through dumpsters, what can people do at the local level? Local governments provide information and pass ordinances that promote efficient use of food. For example, the village of Oak Park can help connect businesses and individuals with hunger-relief organizations and people of limited means who do not have enough food. Some food could be sent directly to the local food pantry. Oak Park could also motivate individuals to uti-
lize its existing composting program by giving them a discount on their waste disposal bill for doing so. Similar incentives could be offered to Oak Park businesses, including grocery stores, specialty food shops, and restaurants, which throw away lots of food that does not meet their quality standards of freshness and appearance but which is still perfectly good to eat. Those establishments can make connections with food pantries and other charitable organizations to donate food that would otherwise be tossed. They can also join the USDA’s Waste 2030 Champions program and commit to reducing food waste by 50 perr cent by the year 2030. This Thi may sound like a huge scale, but if everyone does their part, it will work. The specifics of how to do so can be unclear. First off, the individual may not always know indi how to find ways to aid the food waste prevention efforts, or w that they even exist. But every citizen has the right to create and/or join a group to create change. Those groups c can go together to volunteer at pantry, do donate food, or even go door-tothe food pantry door to spread word of the issue. Another option is to use extra food to guarantee food for animals and animal shelters. The last, and less personal, way to get involved, that is the simplest for an average person, is to compost their food. No matter what, there is always a way individual people can activate their political power, whether it is on a small or large scale. Lissa Vishneski is a resident of Oak Park.
LISSA
VISHNESKI
Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
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
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
■ 250-word limit
■ 500-word limit
■ Must include first and last names,
■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,
municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708 613 3300
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
A selection of comments posted at oakpark.com on Dec. 5 when we broke the news that Winberie’s is planning to close on Dec. 28: Oh say it isn’t so! It was such an anchor I thought it would be there forever. Couldn’t they have downsized? Where else can a large group of people go in Oak Park for a good meal at a moderate price?
Joyce Porter
We are really going to miss Winberie’s! It’s going to be a big loss!
Kitty Conklin
This is hard to believe and very sad. What is happening, Oak Park? Just such a shame.
Alanna Nasoff Sullivan
I’m depressed. When I had lunch at Winberie’s in 1997, I made the decision that Oak Park was going to be home. Always good food, great staff. Always took company there when in town. This is a huge loss. My kids will be bummed too. Thank you for 30 years of great food and atmosphere.
Amanda Poppenk Massie
I am so sorry to see this! We too took the place for granted opting, recently, for some of the more stylish offerings. Our kids prac-
V I E W P O I N T S
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Say it ain’t so, Winberie’s!
tically grew up at Winberie’s as they offered good, solid choices. Love the French Onion Soup and the Chicken with Linguine, not to mention the incredible meatloaf. This is a huge loss to Oak Park. I agree, we should flood them with business so maybe the owners change course and stay open.
Laura Lesondak Sullivan
My family will truly miss Winberie’s. It’s such a loss for our entire community. It was always crowded and the food was great. Hopefully someone will change this decision!
Kristen Diamond
No no no no! Winberie’s has always been the no-brainer choice for us, and we’ve gone there regularly. So many great memories from the last 30 years. Mommy/daughter and mommy/son dates as my kids grew up, family celebrations and many nights out with friends. It hasn’t been the same since Gary left, but the food is consistently good. Thank you, Ivy! This leaves a huge hole in our family’s repertoire.
Lisa Stern
Oh no! Where are we going to go for French onion soup?!
Karen Mansfield
I don’t think the food is lackluster at all! We were there in October and the food was fabulous, as were the martinis. I remember when it was The Cheese Cellar, too. Such a loss for Oak Park.
Jan Stephens
Hate to see them go, but restaurants in this town face two big obstacles. First are taxes. Most are on net leases which require them to pay a share of the real estate taxes. As taxes continue to increase, so does the rent. Even if the landlord does not increase the rent, the rent still goes up. The second factor is there are only so many dollars available for restaurants. As more restaurants open in town, that money pool is spread thinner. Trustees should take note of all the restaurants that have gone out of business the past few years. If a new restaurant opens in that space, the dollar you spend there is a dollar you did not spend at another Oak Park restaurant. And heaven forbid if you went to Forest Park for the free parking.
Al Rossell
Staff is amazing but the food is lackluster in my opinion. Wish they had chosen to do more organic and/or housemade options. Great space that could be really special.
Katie Bodendorfer Garner
too often to overlook the fact that Winberie’s might have been the best choice on many of these outings. If only it would make a difference, I would happily sign a pledge to dine more frequently at this fine restaurant, and encourage others to do so as well. As is so often the case, we don’t appreciate what we have until it’s (almost) gone.
Dick McKinlay
Noooooo! My dad took me to the opening night at the Cheese Cellar (1986?). The staff and management have always been so friendly and kind, and they have a whole vegan menu, which I and many others greatly appreciate. I hope they pull a Val’s halla and reverse course because Winberie’s closing would be a real loss for Oak Park.
Mona Blaber
Winberie’s has also been an important community supporter, always donating to local groups who ask. This local institution on such a great corner will be sorely missed. As a past employee, I know how much this spot meant to people.
Susan Beyersdorf Beach
That’s where my brother met his wife many years ago. Denise and Peter.
Courtney Sandow
My favorite eatery, without any comparison. Gonna miss the place. Very fine dining experience, business or family. Well done, guys, best of best.
My family will greatly miss the staff and food. I know that it is part of a chain, but they have truly been a community institution.
Now I’m even more glad I enjoyed brunch here last Sunday. Winberie’s has always been a solid choice for a healthy meal. I’ll miss them.
I’m sure the reasons are complex but for our village it is a terrible loss. Does anyone know where to get dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets? Great staff and great food and drinks.
Raymond Aikens
Kathryn Nolte
Anything to stop the present staff from forming a new company to keep running a restaurant in the same space?
Charlie Meyerson
The closing of Winberie’s will be a significant loss, and I am afraid that I and a lot of folks like me may have contributed to it by simply taking this place for granted. Even though I have enjoyed every one of the many meals I have had at Winberie’s since its opening, and always found their menu to offer a good selection at a reasonable price, over the past couple of years I have been attracted to one or another of the newer restaurants and cafes which keep appearing with what seems to be increasing regularity. While I can’t say that any one of them has become the reliable mainstay that Winberie’s once was for me, collectively the greater array of good alternatives has led me all
Linda Francis
Jay Arbetman
Love their chicken Marsala homemade mashed potatoes and fresh green beans! Homemade, which is a rare to find in many restaurants!
Alicia Lisa Cuevas
I am so very sorry to see them go! Winberie’s has been our go-to for a burger (the best in OP) or a salad for many years. We always grab a table in the bar where we easily strike up a conversation with the servers, who are like friends to us, or other diners. A huge loss for Oak Park!
Patty Reilly-Murphy
Is there anything that can be done to prevent this? I’d love to find a way to help keep them open.
Tiffani Gardner
It would be sad if this were caused by lease issues and landlord $ increases (to cover the taxes of course). I have gone there since high school. Such a loss. They’ll be missed.
Carolyn Cullen
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Pot sales and zoning issues
’m writing in regard to the Nov. 26 editorial [Limiting pot sales, Our Views, Nov. 27] calling for another look at zoning for adult-use cannabis dispensaries. As the guy who was pleading for “permitted-use” zoning at the Sept. 16 board meeting, let me explain where we’re coming from and what options the village can take to address concerns while keeping the “permitted-use” designation in place. A few mechanisms define where cannabis businesses can be allowed once a municipality has approved adult-use cannabis sales. At the state level, no dispensaries can be located within 1,500 feet of each other. This measurement is bird’s-eye-view, not turn by turn. The result of this rule means that Seven Point dispensary, located near Chipotle on Lake Street, takes out a large swath of the entire downtown area. The vacancies on Lake from Harlem to the post office and on Marion Street? All are off-limits. Locally, municipalities have a few levers of their own. We’re seeing setbacks as the primary tool being used by municipalities
to address concerns like those reported along North Avenue. Setbacks define how far away structures need to be from roads, schools, rivers and lakes, etc. As I understand it, there are currently no setbacks defined for adult-use cannabis dispensaries in Oak Park, just like there are no setbacks for pensaries (there medicinal dispensaries hey were dropped used to be but they ). in August 2018). Chicago rTribune coverre age stated there is a 1,000-foot setback rule for all muhat is nicipalities. That ot flat wrong. A lot of statewide reporting has been factually incorrect when itt comes to the approved bill. As longtime members of our community, with four kids of our own, we want nothing more than to do right by Oak Park. At the same time, as responsible business owners we want to account for typical regulations if we can,
even if they haven’t yet been codified. As such, and as we look for potential locations for our business, we have been sticking with a 500-foot setback from all public/private schools, and from daycares, just like Chicago decided, but not as liberal as Berwyn which recently settled on 250 feet. These two rules, 1,500 feet ru away from another dispensary, anot and 500 feet away from f schools and s daycares, leaves d very few desirve able abl options within the approved, commercially zoned parts of o town because Oak Park is dotted with schools and daysc cares. Today there are T two vacancies on North vacanci Avenue, but only one of them could work because the other is too close to Peekaboo Playroom. Permitted-use versus specialuse is not the comparison to be made because both designations
BRIAN BOBEK
One View
can apply the same setback rules. What permitted-use affords boutique dispensaries like ours, which will be competing against flush-with-cash, multistate operators, is far less cost and a much quicker speed to market, which isn’t something to write off when multiple months of tax revenue are lost. Speaking of taxes, there sure is a lot of heated conversation out there regarding TIFs, budgets and the difficult decisions being made to approve or deny funds for specific programs. As I’ve mentioned to a couple of trustees, bring us your programs! We are planning on donating 2-3 percent of our net profits to local philanthropic organizations, or specific programs in need. I’m looking at you Farmers Market! Lastly, we welcome all questions, comments and suggestions from our fellow Oak Park residents. Feel free to drop me a note: brian. bobek@providence-dispensaries. com Brian Bobek, an Oak Park resident, is co-founder & CEO of Providence Dispensaries.
S W E N
Co-opting Giving Tuesday
Sadly, the donor-generated concept of Giving Tuesday has been co-opted by would-be donees and turned into just another crass fundraising solicitation opportunity. Wouldn’t it be cool if one of these organizations would use Giving Tuesday as an opportunity to promote some other worthwhile but relatively unknown organization? I’d respond to that. But don’t bother soliciting me for contributions to yourself, Morton Arboretum and Channel 11 and Brookfield Zoo and the rest of the shameless lot spamming my in-box last week.
Bob Stigger
Oak Park
Send letters to the Editor Ken Trainor, Wednesday Journal 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 E-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Village should incentivize shoveling
I read a commentary, published Dec. 2 in the Chicago Tribune, regarding the shoveling of sidewalks in Chicago. It brought up the ongoing annoyance I experience each year as we approach winter here in Oak Park and the Chicago metro area. The commentary was well written and focused on the need to provide clear sidewalks that allow access for disabled individuals. I applaud that writer for considering the needs of others. I agree with the writer that sidewalks should be cleared for every pedestrian and that doing so will also greatly assist the disabled — just as I agree that our roads should be cleared for drivers. What I disagree with is that it is the responsibility of a homeowner to take on that duty. The sidewalk is public property and does not belong to the homeowner. The re-
3733 Grand Blvd, Brookfield, IL 60513 pub78.com • (708) 255-5542
sponsibility to shovel and the potential for fines for not doing so is an unfair burden and tax on the homeowner. Instead, the village of Oak Park, the city of Chicago, and any surrounding suburbs with this requirement, should find another solution to this problem. Wouldn’t it be better to incentivize the homeowner since we are providing the municipality a service? I don’t understand how clearing the sidewalks for pedestrians is any different from plowing the streets for drivers. What I do understand is that the village chooses not to take responsibility for that task on behalf of all of the village citizens and instead would rather tax the homeowners.
Mark Schlosser Oak Park resident
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Housing Center will prove its value
In 1972 the Oak Park Regional Housing Center was founded with the goal of making Oak Park a diverse and integrated community. Working in partnership with village government, Oak Park has become a national model for sustainable integrated communities. In the past 16 months, the OPRHC has seen its former executive director leave, and has had two interim executive directors appointed. Being the first to admit it, OPRHC has been slow to upgrade its technology, but this is something soon to change. As we began to formalize a strategic plan this year, we will remain in the role of promoting and sustaining Oak Park as an integrated community. We would like to thank each and every person who has supported OPRHC, who continues to support OPRHC, and particularly the village of Oak Park mayor, trustees, and staff. Though the past couple of months have been filled with uncertainty, we
pushed forward with the help of everyone. OPRHC will continue to work closely with property owners, the village of Oak Park, and the community in an effort to sustain integration, which positively affects social cohesion and civic life, and the Housing Center will remain relevant. Thousands of people move into Oak Park annually, and each move can result inv either integration or segregation. OPRHC is critical to ensuring positive outcomes from these moves. As we continue our work, we must begin with new fundraising strategies, beginning this Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as we will be doing a live fundraising telethon on the Doris Davenport Show, at the Oak Park Township Resource Center, 130 S. Oak Park Ave. Please join us for light refreshments and conversations.
Athena Williams
Executive director Oak Park Regional Housing Center.
V I E W P O I N T S
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AT&T – Why I’m not hopeful
D
ear Harriet, I want to offer my condolences on your travails with Comcast [Comcast – Why I’m not thankful, Harriet Hausman, Viewpoints, Nov. 27]. But also to offer some caution about AT&T. Comcast was my original cable, internet, and phone service provider. But when their fees kept inching upward, I switched to AT&T. They came out and installed a satellite dish and installed new cables. Everything was fine until last July when AT&T and CBS got into a catfight over who would get a bigger piece of the pie. In August I researched Comcast/Xfinity and discovered I could save about $60 per month (for a two-year commitment). A nice lady in Berwyn took my order and Comcast came out and got me connected. That day I cancelled my AT&T phone, internet and DirecTV. I even received a refund check in the mail for the unused phone and internet service. (Pleasant surprise!) I then received a statement for DirecTV showing a $25.10 credit balance. Nice! In late September I received another statement showing a refund was issued on Sept. 12 bringing the balance to zero. Never having received a check, on Oct. 8, I “chatted” online with “JJ.” (Names removed to protect the incompetent. Note: I am somewhat hearing impaired and am unwilling to deal with those interminable menu options on the phone.) “JJ” assured me a credit had been issued (he even gave me the refund number) and that I would receive a check in 5-7 business days. That it should take six weeks for delivery raised my suspicions. On Oct. 24, I “chatted” online with “S” who assured me his supervisor “J” would be immediately crediting my credit card (which I had used for my monthly bill.) By this time my credit card had a revised expiration date, which I advised them about. “S” left the chat after advising me that his supervisor “J” would join and confirm. After a very long wait, I received three quick messages from “J,” who then terminated the chat! On Oct. 29, having not received the “immediate” credit, I “chatted” with “R.” After I asked for his supervisor, he repeated everything I had told him and repeated that I had been issued a credit. I repeated that I wanted his supervisor, at which time “R” left. After
I once again provided a detailed history of my previous “chats,” “C” repeated that a refund had been issued! I then asked for C’s supervisor to get involved. “C” then indicated he needed to get “collections” involved. He then asked for a phone number where I could be reached. I waited about 5 minutes for a further response. Receiving none I ended the chat. Within minutes I received a phone call from someone at AT&T (per caller ID display) who began asking for the same information all over again. This was a woman apparently from the other side of the world whom I repeatedly had to ask to repeat herself since I was unable to understand her. At this point I said goodbye and hung up. On Nov. 8, I filed a complaint with the FCC attaching documentation of my efforts. Nov. 11, I received a phone message and follow-up email from “DL” of the “AT&T Office of the President” (impressive, huh?). I emailed advising him when on the following day I would be available. Complete documentation was attached. I did not receive a phone call. I emailed him. Nov. 13, received email apologizing and said he would contact me today. No call! It is interesting to note that his number does not list AT&T in the caller ID nor is the phone number the one that I called. After playing email and phone tag for several days, “DL” finally called back on Nov. 19. I had to explain all over again what had been going on. He said he’d check and get back to me. Two days later he called back and said a credit would be issued to my credit card in the next 5-7 business days. He asked if this complaint could be considered “resolved” and I responded that “I’ll believe it when I see it.” He asked if it would be OK to call on Nov. 27 (the day before Thanksgiving) to verify that it was resolved. Nov. 27, no call, no credit. Google “AT&T – Office of the President” and you will find dozens of unresolved issues. I certainly hope the Federal Communications Commission doesn’t waste its time on trivial issues like this. And so, dear Harriet, I trust you will have satisfactory results, but now you know “why I’m not hopeful.” Jay Champelli is a 53-year resident of Oak Park.
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Have our schools been teaching the Holocaust?
Thank you, Michael Soffer, for stepping forward and developing a new Holocaust Studies course for OPRF High School. I would also like to congratulate those in District 200 for supporting this project. As a resident of Oak Park since 1972, with two sons who graduated from districts 97 and 200, I have had and witnessed many “not-so-welcoming situations” in our diverse and open community. I would like to add to some of the issues brought up in the articles as to why Mr. Soffer has suggested and developed the course. A bit of history regarding Holocaust and genocide studies. In November of 1987 there was an outbreak of vandalism in Illinois and some individuals, who were survivors of the Holocaust, urged the Illinois legislature to do something educational and helpful. On Jan. 1, 1990, the state of Illinois, became the first in the nation to mandate through Public Act 094-0478 that all public elementary and high schools teach about the Holocaust. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center has been involved all along. In 2005, the Illinois School Code, through House Bill 3, expanded this mandate. The Anti-Defamation League has had, and continues to have, educational materials and curricula on this subject and has worked with many school districts in Illinois and the country. Has Oak Park and River Forest High School been following this mandate? If this course is new, it seems that we have not been following the mandates of 1990 and 2005, either in our elementary schools or at the high school! Do the state agencies, local agencies, elected officials, or local officials check to see if unfunded or funded mandates are followed? It seems like they aren’t but should. Thank you again, Mr. Soffer.
Sandra Sokol
Retired Municipal Clerk of Oak Park
O B I T U A R I E S
George Millonas Jr., 92 WWII veteran, member of ABC Church
GEORGE MILLONAS JR.
George Millonas Jr., 92, of Chicago, died on Dec. 6, 2019 with his family by his side. Born on March 29, 1927 to George F. and Klara Millonas (nee Holtescheck) in Chicago where he lived all of his life, he attended Crane Tech High School and the University of Illinois where he earned his B.S. degree in Engineering. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served his country during World War II and spent most of his working career as a manager of Maintenance and Construction for the Chicago Transit Authority. He also enjoyed woodworking, playing the clarinet and the saxophone, and was a longtime member of Oak Park’s Austin Boulevard Christian Church. George Millonas Jr. is survived by his daughters, Karen (Don) Wettstein, Sue (Bob) Noble and Elaine Millonas; his grandchildren, Sarah Garretson, Bryon Gilbert, Tom Wettstein, Neal Gilbert and Andy Wettstein; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Clare Vartanian. He was preceded in death by his wife, Neva; his parents; his brother, Robert; and his great-grandson,
Jonathan. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. until time of service, 11 a.m., at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, with interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family appreciates memorial contributions to the Austin Boulevard Christian Church Legacy Fund or to Special Olympics.
John Prendiville, 86 Retired attorney
John C. Prendiville, 86, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Nov. 29, 2019 at his Oak Park home. Born in Chicago on Oct. 12, 1933 to John and Eileen Prendiville, he moved to Oak Park in 1965. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, he was a retired attorney, formerly with Chicago Title and Trust. John was the brother of Father Eugene Prendiville O.M.I., Eileen Schmitz, and the late Redmond and James (Mary) Prendiville; and an uncle and friend of many. Private interment services were held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery with arrangements by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home. W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director
advertise • 708-524-8300 • www.OakPark.cOm
203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Check First.
RELIGION GUIDE
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor
Roman Catholic
Good Shepherd
Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220 stemund.org
Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00a-Worship 10:30a-Education Hour
All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741
St. Giles Family Mass Community
Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
(708) 697-5000 LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service
St. Edmund Catholic Church
ELCA, Lutheran
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
Grace Lutheran School
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am 5:00 pm at St. Edmund Church Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 – 4:45 pm Saturday Taizé Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1 Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 108TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca
We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.
Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed Upcoming Religious Holidays
Dec 1-24 Advent
Christian
12 Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Christian
16-25 Posadas Navidenas 21 Solstice Yule
Hispanic Christian Christian
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
Fenwick hires new football coach 36
@ @OakPark
SPORTS
Conquering GO-vember 36
SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor
DOWN THE LANE: Fenwick’s Bryce Hopkins (No. 23) tries to get past OPRF’s Kyren Gardner (No. 12) in the Friars 58-48 win at Wintrust Arena on Dec. 6. Hopkins scored 17 points.
Fenwick roughs up OPRF in Chicago Elite Classic
Pettigrew, Hopkins combine for 39 points By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
From the student sections to the last man on the bench, there is never any love lost when Fenwick and Oak Park and River Forest high schools spar every year at the Chicago Elite Classic. The East Avenue foes went head to head on Dec. 6 at Wintrust Arena where the Friars pulled out a 58-48 vic-
tory over the Huskies. Fenwick sophomore Trey Pettigrew (22 points, 9-18 FG) and junior Bryce Hopkins (17 points, 5-17 FG) led the way for Friars. OPRF’s Justin Cross had an efficient night (13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists) while Kyren Gardner supplied 14 points and three steals in 25 minutes of work. “We knew they were going to come and play us tough knowing what we did to them last year,” said Hopkins of the 66-65 overtime win versus OPRF last year. “We just had to stick to the game plan and get the W. It’s always great beating them.”
The Huskies struggled to score throughout the night partly due to their No. 1 scoring threat, Isaiah Barnes (12 points, 4-15 FG), racking up three fouls in the first quarter (he played 13 minutes total due to foul trouble). “There are going to be games where you don’t get calls or the refs give you random, crazy calls, but you have to play through it,” said Barnes. “I just wanted to win at that point and thought that whenever I went back in that I was going to do my best to get this team back in the game, and we fell a little bit short.”
Fenwick came out of the gate on a 14-4 run and capitalized on OPRF’s offensive struggles on the night. The Huskies went 2-for-13 from the field in the first quarter and couldn’t find open space in their half court sets. Heading into the second quarter, OPRF starting using a full-court press and forced the Friars to turn the ball over (Fenwick had 21 turnovers on the night). The Huskies pulled within five points after Gardner absorbed contact inside the paint and finished to lessen the deficit to 18-13. See CLASSIC on page 35
S P O R T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIC
Full-court press
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
35
Trinity continues hot start; stifles OPRF
from page 34 However, that would be the closest the Huskies would get to a comeback. After Gardner’s layup, Fenwick responded with seven unanswered points to give the Friars a 26-13 lead heading into the half. OPRF’s 13 points in the first half were a season-low. In their first four games, the Huskies were averaging 83.8 points per game and shooting 38.6 percent from beyond the arc. The team went 1-15 from 3-point range against Fenwick. Pettigrew credited head coach Thomas Peck’s game plan of taking out Barnes for the Friars being able to stifle OPRF’s offense. “If you put a hand in [Isaiah Barnes’] face, he struggles a little bit and it forces other players on his team to step up,” said Pettigrew. “I think they didn’t do the best job of that tonight which helped us get the win.” The Huskies continued to press full court which stalled the Friars’ offense. Cross had six consecutive points in the last 90 seconds of the quarter to put OPRF in striking range at 35-29. However, the Huskies’ momentum was wiped out when Hopkins collected Pettigrew’s miss from mid-range and completed an and-one inside at the end of the quarter to give his team a 38-29 lead. Fenwick didn’t look back after it started to pick apart the Huskies’ full court press and quickly moved the ball up court to evade the defense from forcing more turnovers. “We knew we were going to get pressed since we had gone over their scouting report,” said Hopkins. “We just had to go in a 2-1-2 to break the pressure and we fed off of that.” Midway through the fourth, Barnes hit three of four free throws to make it 42-34. Pettigrew responded by hitting a transition three after Hopkins broke the press and found his teammate on the perimeter. Pettigrew sealed the game after he tipped the ball away from Cross and threw down a onehanded slam. The Huskies ended up going 7-14 from the field in the last quarter but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback against their rivals. Now standing at 2-4 on the season, Barnes believes the team has something to prove after the Chicago Sun-Times had OPRF ranked as the 15th best team in the state before the season. “Personally, I didn’t like the ranking,” said Barnes. “I thought we needed to play first and [the Sun-Times] just gave [the ranking] to us. I didn’t like it because we didn’t prove anything and we have a whole new team. So many guys left, and we need to keep working because by January, trust me, we will be a completely different team.” The Huskies will try to bounce back against Hinsdale Central on Dec. 13 on the road. Fenwick (5-1) is slated to face Providence St. Mel on Dec. 13 at home.
SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor
MID-RANGE GAME: OPRF’s Passion Worsham (No. 22) attempts to float a shot over Trinity’s Makiyah Williams (No. 23) in the Blazers’ win on Dec. 3. Trinity is now 5-1.
66-30 blowout boosts Blazers’ confidence By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Rivalry games typically aren’t decided until the closing minutes or even seconds. But that wasn’t the case on Dec. 3 at Oak Park and River Forest High School when the Huskies hosted Trinity in a non-conference girls basketball showdown. OPRF’s Lilah Gery scored the game’s first two points, but Trinity outscored the Huskies 17-1 the rest of the first quarter and gradually pulled away for a 66-30 victory. “[The fast start] was super important,” said Trinity head coach Kim Coleman. “I thought we did a really good job of setting the tempo, and the girls were hungry and ready to play.” While Coleman was pleased with how the Blazers came out of the gate, OPRF head coach JP Coughlin expressed disappointment with how the Huskies fared while also acknowledging Trinity’s effort. “This was our worst game of the season all-around,” he said. “We have struggled shooting all year. We also turned the ball over way too many times and gave up too many baskets in the paint. But give Trinity credit for that. They get better every time I see them, and they are going to be a handful this season.” One reason for Trinity’s strong start is Makiyah Williams. One of the state’s
top players in the Class of 2021, she led the Blazers with 20 points and 7 rebounds against OPRF. “Makiyah did a really good job of sharing the basketball and putting her teammates in position to be successful,” Coleman said. “We know she can score on every possession if she wanted to, but we challenge her to make her teammates better, and the result is us being a better team.” Williams wasn’t the only Blazer to do damage as the other half of the M&M Duo, junior guard Maddie Miller, also had a nice evening with 13 points, displaying a strong all-around effort. “Makiyah and Maddie have really good chemistry,” said Coleman. “They play travel ball together and trust each other. They’re definitely our leaders on the floor.” Cierra Richardson contributed 10 points off the bench, Arianna Raimonde had 8 points, and Lauren Saleh added 5 points and 9 rebounds in the winning effort. For OPRF, Gery finished the night with a team-high 11 points and added 7 rebounds. Molly Heflin added 9 points on three 3-pointers and Karly Cantrell had 14 rebounds for the Huskies. “Karly is averaging 16 rebounds a game for us. She works so hard,” Coughlin said. “Lilah is coming along nicely; she has a tremendous work ethic and has one of the highest qualities of character of any player I’ve ever coached.” The Blazers’ strong season start continued Dec. 5 with a 57-37 victory at De La Salle. Williams tallied 24 points, 14 rebounds, and
6 assists, while Miller had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Savanna Childress added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Coleman believes last season’s struggles have ignited a hunger in the Blazers, who are off to a 6-1 start. “I think it’s them being hungry. They were disappointed with how things ended last year,” said Coleman. “They’ve set high expectations for themselves both individually and as a team, and they want to win.” The Blazers also realize they need to keep working as the season gets progressively more difficult, and Coleman is counting on more of the hunger displayed by the team. “Hopefully, we keep grinding,” she said. “We’re playing well, but there are things we have to clean up in practice. We’ve got a big game with Fenwick, and we’ve got to get ready.” On Dec. 7, OPRF (1-6) fell to visiting Downers Grove North High School 41-27. Alla Anderson led the Huskies with a career-high 15 points, while Tatym Coe added 11 points and Cantrell 14 rebounds. OPRF has several first-year varsity players and consequently has struggled to develop rhythm on both ends of the court. But Coughlin feels the strong unity among the players will ultimately help fuel a season turnaround. “We have a long way to go here and we’ll continue to coach them up, work on our weaknesses, strengthen our strengths, and continue to grow as a team,” said Coughlin. “We have a really tough upcoming schedule so things won’t get easier, but our girls are up for the challenge.”
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S P O R T S
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
GO-vember: Gone but not forgotten!
G
Ovember Challenge ers know how precious lived up to the name. those hours are). It was challenging. Kaylyn (running the N/S Full disclosure, Betty White) plotted her efI made plenty of ficient route one day, using rookie mistakes. I was out the Green Line train to get of town and didn’t start her back to her car after her until Nov. 5. And though I long run. (For my part, I thought I was plotting my admit I had a few mornings routes efficiently, my methwhere I suggested calling an odology resulted in lots of Uber to get us back to our doubling back and repeatstarting point. Just kidding. ing streets, so my Ludacris Maybe.) Nicole polished N/S+E/W total mileage off the full N/S inside of 15 was much higher than it Running Columnist should’ve been. days, after having just run My running partner the Chicago Marathon three and I finished, gratefully, weeks prior, and Swati comwith one rainy day to spare. And while pleted her full E/W challenge with her we were eager to rejoin the world of dog Kona alongside her all the way. free-range running routes and options Here are a few thoughts on GOvemfor sleeping in occasionally, all of my ber: First, I love any running endeavor take-aways from this challenge were that promotes community, as this generally positive. one did. It is just a small part of the Leading off, Ann and Kate Pezalla, run-community-building that Lively owners of Lively Athletics and the diapromotes, in addition to their weekly bolical challenge-designers behind this thing, set the tone, with an emphasis on fun runs (i.e., Wednesday Craft Beer Run) and training groups. Second, it fun. The 137-member Facebook group pushed me out of my running route shared comments, map-completion progress, and photos, with just a hint of comfort zone, and had me exploring competitive trash talk (mostly between new neighborhoods in my town. And Ann and Kate), and there was surprisdespite doing most of our runs in the ingly little whining. dark, we did get to discover new and Lacking a designated finish line as charming streets and homes. with a typical road race, they held a While this is all good, I’ll admit I wrap party to give participants an didn’t like having to drive to and from a opportunity to celebrate together and daily, early-morning run (and there was swap stories. that concern about getting a parking A few I was privileged to hear: ticket at 5 a.m.). Finally, I have to say Tara (walking the challenge!) met her that finishing a run with coloring is walking partner Danielle through the going to be added to my list of favorite group, and they finished the East/West exercise benefits. challenge together, packing all of their Now it’s on to some forward momenwalks into the oh-so-brief hours of daily preschool (parents of preschooltum ideas for Dec./Jan./Feb.
ANN RYAN
G A M E S
O F
T H E
W E E K
OPRF Swimming
@ Lyons Township
12/13 at 5:00 p.m.
Fenwick girls basketball
Bloom H.S. (West Gym) Comer H.S. (East Gym)
12/14 at 3:00 p.m. 12/14 at 6:00 p.m.
OPRF Boys Basketball
@ Hinsdale Central
12/13 at 7:30 p.m.
Fenwick Boys Basketball
IC-Elmhurst
12/14 at 7:00 p.m.
Why you should go: OPRF will be coming off a rivalry dual meet against Fenwick and has an uphill battle to climb going on the road to face LTHS.
Why you should go: Through Dec. 9, Fenwick girls basketball is undefeated (7-0). With their dominance this season, the Friars are must watch entertainment
Why you should go: OPRF and Hinsdale have struggled this season but both were ranked in the top-75 by the Chicago Sun-Times at the beginning of the season. If you can it out to Hinsdale, this should be a fun one to watch.
Why you should go: Fenwick has been on a roll and they face a 5-1 IC-Elmhurst team that is only giving up 48.1 PPG.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Fenwick names Battaglia new football head coach New hire comes after Nudo stepped down in November By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
In a press release on Dec. 9, Fenwick announced that Matt Battaglia will be taking over as the Friars next varsity football coach. He steps in as the 16th head coach to be at the helm of the school’s football program. Battaglia will also fill the assistant athletic director role starting on Dec. 23. “We are thrilled to have Matt take the reins of our football program and lead the Friars on the gridiron into the next decade,” said Athletic Director Scott Thies in the statement. “Matt is a person of great character who has been surrounded by great coaches and mentors his entire life, including Pat Dunne, Rod Carey, Mike Fitzgerald and Sean Lewis. His vision for the program, student-centered approach and passion for football really stand out. Matt brings an innovative style of offensive football that has proven to be successful at the high school and collegiate level.” Battaglia’s last position was as graduate assistant coach at Kent State University, a job he’s held since January 2018. Previously, he was the offensive line coach at Marist College Prep High School (2015-18) and at St. Francis High School (2014-15). As a player, he was a guard at Northern Illinois University from 2010-13. He is a Marist High School graduate. Battaglia takes over for Gene Nudo, who served as the Friars’ head coach for eight years. He agreed to step down from his position after he allowed convicted sex offender Frank Battaglia (who is not related to Matt) to assist him during the 2016 season. Nudo also worked for the school as assistant athletic director. After Nudo left the team in early November, the Friars turned to defensive coordinator Titcus Pettigrew as interim head coach for the two playoff games that Fenwick played without Nudo. After upsetting Water Payton High School 21-17 in the first round of the IHSA 5A playoffs on Nov. 2, the Friars’ season ended against Hillcrest High School in the second round on Nov. 9. In a post-game discussion after the loss to Hillcrest, Pettigrew said he would “gladly accept” the head coaching position if it was offered to him. The school didn’t say whether Pettigrew would return to his position as the defensive coordinator.
Photo provided by Kent State Athletics
In the statement, Battaglia said, “I am extremely grateful and excited for this opportunity to become the next head football coach at Fenwick and contribute to the great tradition of Friar Football. I can’t wait to get started and work with the Fenwick Family to build a program that is on the cutting edge of football and makes the entire community proud!” Battaglia takes over a Friar roster that is loaded with young talent. Kaden Cobb (quarterback), Eian Pugh (wide receiver), Danny Kent (running back) and Max Reese (wide receiver) returning for their junior years after spending last year on varsity. Fenwick will welcome Battaglia as its next football coach on Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at a special event in the school’s auditorium.
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
37
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
NEW!
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classified/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED DRIVER PART TIME - ASAP Local Company looking for part time driver/receiving clerk. Must be drug free & have valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75Lbs. Hrs 7am to 1pm. EOE $12/hr email resume HR@sievertelectric.com HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resource Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. The ideal candidate will have a high level of customer service skills, Will provide routine to complex office, clerical, and administrative tasks. 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 open until filled. Applications will be accepted until December 20, 2019. PARKING METER TECHNICIAN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Meter Technician with the Development Customer Services Department. This position collects and processes parking meter monies; and performs a variety of semiskilled duties in the maintenance of Village parking meters and multiple pay station equipment. 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 no later than December 20, 2019. Senior Software Developer sought by Performance Trust Capital Partners in Chicago, IL. Focss on stbl, sstainbl n extnsbl dsgn for all devlpd srvcs n apps. Reqs: BS in CS or rltd n 7 yrs exp in rltd occption. Also rqurs: Exp as prodct or team lead; Exp w/ C#/Microsoft SQL Stack; Knwldg of poplr dsgn/dev/tstng pttrns n frmwrks; Exp w/ dev micrsrvcs n cntainrztion usng dckr and .Net core; Exp usng systmtc n fct-bsd prcsses to dtrmne root cause n imprv ops n spprt for mssion crticl srvcs; Exp wrkng wthn gvrnng cntrls incldng chng mngmnt, incdnt mngmnt n contnuity mngmnt. Mst hv auth to wrk prmnntly in U.S. Applcnts snd covr lttr n rsum to Elizabeth Cosentino: 500 W. Madison, Ste. 450, Chicago, IL 60661. TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE MINI ME BUNCH seeks teacher and teacher aide to enhance and expand daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Teacher must have at least AAS in Early Childhood Education. Minimum 1 year experience preferred in each position. Must love children and be outgoing, patient, flexible. Contact 773-521-9499.
You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342.
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Apartment listings updated daily at:
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GARAGE SALE Riverside
FEATURING MANY CHRISTMAS HOUSES 465 LONGCOMMON RD FRI 12/13 3PM TO 6PM SAT 12/14 12PM TO 3PM
Many Christmas lighted houses on display! Most in boxes, like new. Also, Instant Pot in box used only once plus cookbook, antique wooden rocking chair, antique wooden side table, vintage Tonka and Buddy L metal trucks, many fishing lures in tackle boxes, 2 poles and a net, and 2 executive office chairs. Must see! Great prices!
ITEMS FOR SALE 1999 ELIZABETH TAYLOR CLEOPATRA DOLL $70.00 Call 708-513-0087 1998-1999 HARLEY-DAVIDSON KEN & BARBIE DOLLS $80.00 for both Call 708-513-0087 CHEST OF DRAWERS & DRESSER WITH MIRROR $65.00 each. Dust proof drawers. Blonde finish. 708-848-8755 HENREDON DINING SET Henredon Aston Court carved wood oriental dining table and chairs. 4 side and 2 arm chairs. Must see! Claw foot, pedestal table. Negotiable. 773-640-3582 LENOX CHINA AUTUMN PATTERN Lenox dishes, Autumn pattern, service for 8, 5-piece place settings. Made in USA. Negotiable. 773-640-3582 SCANDINAVIAN TEAK WOOD BOOKCASE Adjustable shelves. 6 ft 7 in high, 4 ft wide. Must see! $175.00 negotiable. 773-640-3582 SHEARLING COAT Brown shearling coat w/ attached hood. $149.00 708-848-8755
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
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
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
ELECTRICAL
HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING
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
HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers
FLOORS
HVAC
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KLIS FLOORING INC.
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New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
GARAGE/ GARAGE DOOR
HVAC
Furnace repair– all makes. Inspect furnace, vacuum burner. Trouble calls, no heat or hot water.
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Serving all near-west Chicago suburbs. Licensed • Bonded • Insured
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PAINTING & DECORATING
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.
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Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services
www.forestdoor.com
Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
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HANDYMAN
WINDOWS
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CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
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Our acrylic storm window inserts will make your rooms warmer, and reduce outside noise
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We can make for exterior or interior or both, any size to fit your window. No need for expensive window replacement, low cost local install or DIY. Direct from manufacturer, we’re right up the street in Galewood, see our factory video. Owner is an Oak Park resident since 2008. Call for a simple, free estimate, fully guaranteed or your money back BBB A+ rating.
sales@stormsnaps.com Alpina Manufacturing, 6460 W. Cortland St. Chicago Visit our website for easy online ordering or call us for info:
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38
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19002681 on November 26, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of JOY XOXO with the business located at: P.O. BOX 22, BERWYN, IL 60402. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JEANITA MOORE 3512 OAK PARK AVE BERWYN, IL 60402. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2019
LEGAL NOTICE SCOTT J. LEVY (32596) Attorney for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street, Suite 504 Chicago, Illinois 60615 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of MARCELO GONZALEZ-NUNEZ, Petitioner and MARIA MARTHA RUIZ, Respondent, Case No. 2019D-000393. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before December 27, 2019, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/27, 12/4, 12/11/2019
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing Park District of Oak Park December 19, 2019, 7:30 p.m. 2020 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Park District of Oak Park will conduct a public hearing concerning the adoption of the Park District’s 2020 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on December 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the John Hedges Administration Building, 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL, during the Board of Commissioners’ regular board meeting. Dated: December 11, 2019 By: Commissioner Chris Wollmuth Secretary, Board of Commissioners Park District of Oak Park Published in Wednesday Journal 12/11/2019
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP The Riverside Township, Cook County, State of Illinois does hereby invite sealed bids for Elevator Modernization
business in the State of Illinois and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance and completion of the bidders contract.
the same insurance for the latter employees, unless such employees are covered by the contractors insurance.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
(2) Liability Insurance- Comprehensive form coverages on all operations, including property damage to property physically controlled, protective, products, and contractual liability, the motor vehicle liability owned, non-owned and hired.
Bidder must properly complete all work per standard quality practices and according to all local and national laws.
ALL SEALED BIDS WILL BE OPENED AT 1:00 PM on Monday, December 30, 2019 at:
Successful bidder must obtain all permits required to preform the work.
Riverside Township 27 Riverside Road Riverside Illinois 60546
Bidder must certify that it has not been prohibited or barred from bidding on or preforming work for the State of Illinois or any of it political subdivisions.
Bids must include the statements of work proposed and amount, units and unit costs for all work. A site visit is recommended (note any and all conditions that may impact the project); include any alternatives or exclusions; bids received after the indicated date will not be considered. The Riverside Township reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Bidder will be required to establish the reliability and responsibility of the persons or entities proposed to furnish and perform the work described in the bidding documents. All sealed bids must be received at the Riverside Township offices, no later than Noon on Monday, December 30, 2019. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed to: Riverside Township 27 Riverside Road Riverside Illinois 60546 All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope, with three copies of the bids enclosed. The bidder shall set forth the price for the project including all labor, materials, fees, disposal and any and all other costs necessary to complete this project to the satisfaction of the Township Supervisor. All bidders must comply with the Riverside Township Prevailing Wage Ordinance and the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. Bidder must provide labor that will be in compliance with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/0.01). Questions regarding Prevailing Wage requirements may be referred to the Illinois Department of Labor at (312) 793-2800 or (217) 782-6206. All bids in excess of $ 20,000.00 must provide proof of their ability to obtain a performance and payment bond. The successful bidder, within 15 days of the date the contract is awarded, shall execute and deliver to the RiversideTownship Supervisor a performance bond in the sum of not less than one hundred (100%) percent of the established amount of the contract. The bond must be issued by a surety licensed to do
All bids must be signed. Project Timeline: Successfully bidder must complete the project within 60 days after the contract is awarded. The Supervisor may cancel the entire contract or any part thereof, if conditions over which she has no control and force the halting or reduction of the work. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: Not later than the time of the award of the contract, and the execution of the surety bond, the successful bidder shall deposit with the Riverside Township Supervisor the following: (1) One (1) original and (1) copy, evidence Owner’s Protective Liability Insurance Policy naming the Riverside Township as the insured. The amounts of insurance shall be one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars per occurrence for bodily injury and one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars per occurrence for property damage. ANY RESTRICTION OR LIMITATION COVERAGE AS RESPECTS PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. (2) Contractor’s insurance- The contractor shall furnish the Supervisor certificates, in duplicate, from the contractor’s insurance company evidencing insurance coverages required in the following paragraphs. “This insurance specially covers liability assumed by the insured under this contract.” The certificates shall stipulate that the insurance shall not be cancelled or changed while the work is in progress without thirty days prior notice by Certified Mail to the Supervisor. The Contractor shall provide and maintain the following: (1) Workman Compensation, Occupational Disease and Employers Liability as required by the laws of the State of Illinois and to the minimum statutory limits prescribed by such regulations. If any of the work is sublet, the contractor shall require his sub-contractor to provide
PUBLIC NOTICES
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS, VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Replacement of elevator control system, fixtures, door operator and related door equipment on the elevator located at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside Illinois 60546.
PUBLIC NOTICES
The insurance companies shall be licensed to do business in Illinois. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES: In addition to all other labor requirements set forth in this proposal during the performance of this contract, the contractor for itself, its assignees, and successors in interest (hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”) agrees as follows: During the performance of this contract, the successful bidder will agree: (1) That it will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry; and further that it will examine all job classifications to determine if minority persons or women are underutilized and will take appropriate affirmative action to rectify any such underutilization. (2) That, if it hires additional employees in order to perform this contract or any portion hereof, it will determine the availability of minorities and women in the area(s) from which it may reasonably recruit and it will hire for each job classification for which employees are hired in such a way that minorities and women are not underutilized. (3) That, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on its behalf, it will state that all applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry. (4) That it will submit reports as required by the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Commission’s Rule and Regulations for Public Contracts, furnish all relevant information as may from time to time be requested by the Commission or the contracting agency, and in all respects comply with the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Act and the commission’s rules and regulations for public contracts. (5) That it will permit access to all relevant books, records, accounts and work sites by personnel of the contracting agency and the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Commission for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Act and the Commission’s Rules and Regulations for Public Contracts.
Published in Landmark 12/11/2019
NOVENA 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 succor 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. RB
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETING DATES OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK AND ITS BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES IS AS FOLLOWS FOR THE YEAR 2020 ======================================= VILLAGE BOARD (REGULAR MEETINGS) VILLAGE BOARD SPECIAL MEETINGS FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD PERSONNEL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD REINVENTING GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD AGING IN PLACE COMMISSION BOARD OF HEALTH BUILDING CODES ADVISORY COMMISSION CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT COMMISSION CITIZENS POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE CIVIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMMISSION COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION DISABILITY ACCESS COMMISSION* ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY COMMISSION FARMERS’ MARKET COMMISSION FIRE & POLICE COMMISSION FIREMEN’S PENSION BOARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EDUCATION COMMITTEE HOUSING PROGRAMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD PLAN COMMISSION POLICE PENSION BOARD TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
1ST & 3RD MONDAYS, 7:30 PM 2ND & 4TH MONDAYS, 7:00 PM IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. 2ND TUESDAY, 7:00 PM 4TH TUESDAY, 7:00 PM 3RD THURSDAY, 5:30 PM 1ST WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM 3RD TUESDAY, 7:30 PM 2ND THURSDAY, 7:00 PM 4TH WEDNESDAY, 6:45 PM IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. 3RD WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM 4TH WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM 1ST TUESDAY, 7:00 PM 2ND WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM (No Meeting in December) IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. 2ND THURSDAY, 7:30 PM 4TH WEDNESDAY, 7:30 PM 3RD WEDNESDAY, 7:30 PM 3RD WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM 4TH TUESDAY, 7:30 PM (No Meeting in December) 1ST THURSDAY, 7:00 PM IRREGULAR, NOTICE POSTED 48 HRS. BEFORE MTG. 4TH MONDAY, 7:00 PM 1ST WEDNESDAY, 7:30 PM
*************************************** UNLESS OTHERWISE DESIGNATED, MEETINGS ABOVE ARE SCHEDULED AT VILLAGE HALL, 123 MADISON ST., OAK PARK, IL. – FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL (708) 383-6400 * LOCATIONS VARY ******************* _________________________________ VICKI SCAMAN, VILLAGE CLERK Published in Wednesday Journal 12/11/2019
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE IOWA JUVENILE COURT FOR DES MOINES COUNTY IN THE INTEREST OF E.S., CHILDREN No. JVJV005651 ORIGINAL NOTICE
) ) )
TO: ALL PUTATIVE FATHERS OF THE ABOVE-NAMED CHILD, BORN ON MAY 21, 2010 IN OAK PARK, ILLINOIS You are notified that there is now on file in the office of the clerk of court for Des Moines County, a petition in case number JVJV005651 which prays for a termination of your par-
ent-child relationship. For further details, contact the clerk’s office at 319-753-8272. The State of Iowa’s attorney is Erin E. Stensvaag, Assistant County Attorney, 100 Valley Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601, (319)753-8209. You are notified that there will be a hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights before the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, at the Courthouse in Burlington, Iowa, on January 30th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2019
Starting a new business in 2020? Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News • Village Free Press Call 708/613-3342 to advertise.
Note: The attorney who is expected to represent the child’s parent(s) should be promptly advised by the parent(s) of the service of this notice. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT DUE TO A DISABILITY, CALL THE DISABILITY COORDINATOR AT 641684-6502. PERSONS WHO ARE HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED MAY CALL RELAY IOWA TTY (1800-735-2942). DISABILITY COORDINATORS CANNOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE.
P
PB
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com
Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION LOANCARE, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JORGE BAUTISTA, ROSALIA SANCHEZ Defendants 2018 CH 06558 149 RICE AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 2, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 149 RICE AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-107-0930000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle
the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-05678 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 06558 TJSC#: 39-6480
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2018 CH 06558 I3138437
ty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-17365 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 05883 TJSC#: 39-6512 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2018 CH 05883 I3138403
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.JESSIE BRUMFIELD Defendants 12 CH 019546 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD. OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 11, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD., OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-106-020; 16-05-106-021 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE
FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-12-14848 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 019546 TJSC#: 39-7341 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 12 CH 019546 I3138921
or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 17-4977. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago IL, 60606 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 17-4977 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2017 CH 06039 TJSC#: 39-6965 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2017 CH 06039 I3139454
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ABFC 2007-WMC1 TRUST ASSET BACKED FUNDING CORPORATION ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007WMC1 Plaintiff, -v.CLEVELAND ARMSTEAD, YVETTE PENNYMON ARMSTEAD A/K/A YVETTE PENNYMON, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 2018 CH 05883 309 SOUTH 22ND AVE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 3, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 309 SOUTH 22ND AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-10-124-0110000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twen-
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.AMALEK VICTOR SMITH, FELICIA C. SMITH Defendants 2017 CH 06039 439 HARLEM AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 21, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 HARLEM AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-207-0190000 Vol. 163 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $177,615.33. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/
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Wednesday Journal, December 11, 2019
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I’m proud to work for a Community Bank that understands our community.” ANN SCHIMMEL, VP CASH MANAGEMENT SALES OFFICER, BYLINE BANK
A Community Bank for Oak Park and River Forest. For more than 30 years, Ann Schimmel has been a resident and local banker in the Oak Park and River Forest area, working just across the street from Lincoln Elementary—where her three children attended school. “What I love most about our neighborhood is the feeling of community,” she says. “It’s suburban and urban, very progressive, with a strong arts and athletic community, and we have amazing access to the city.” Deeply committed to her customers, and her community, Ann is active with many nonprofit organizations in Oak Park and River Forest, including Sarah’s Inn, where she serves as a Board Member. “It’s important to me to work for a bank that gives back, and values investing in our local businesses, and the organizations and institutions that make a community like ours so vibrant.”
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