Wednesday Journal 041024

Board member pushes OPRF to rede ne equity goals

Mar y Anne Mohanraj says she prefers ‘intersectionality,’ an expansion of the goal

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

One member ofthe Oak Park and River Forest High School Board ofEducation is questioning whether promoting racial equity should be the number priority at OPRF. As the administration is updating the school’s strategic plan, board member Mary Anne Mohanraj said that she believes focusing primarily on race in an equity goal is too nar row.

on the skies

“I would like to see this changed … Priority 1 to either be equity, or even better I think, intersectional equity, to really remind everybody that we have to look at it from these different angles,” Mohanraj said at the March 21 school board meeting. “I don’t know why Priority 1 is racial equity. I wasn’t here when this was put in. It seems an odd thing to call out race above everything else that our students are dealing with, all the other, as

D97 investigates lesson about cotton gins that sparked threats against the district

The lesson has been publicly called racially insensitive and is still under review

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is under fire over a lesson that district officials said appeared to be about the history of the cotton gin and its impact on slavery – a lesson that sparked threats against the school and resulted in a type of soft lockdown last week.

The lesson included the use of bags of cotton, a tactile element some found offensive

Last Wednesda bag of natural cotton she said her daughter rece during class at J The mother and other parents and members of the public called the acti

In a joint statement last Frida officials said they ha violence and implemented the lockdown last Wednesday in the interest of safety.

The type of lockdown enacted was “secur or a level in wh inside and doors remain loc mal school day continues. All after-school activities were canceled that da not on any type of lockdown after Wednesda Supt. Ushma Shah did not respond to requests for comment. Of day Jour nal to the public statement.

“We acknowledge that this situation has caused a deal of confusion, concern, and hurt within and beyond our school community,” officials said in the emailed statement. “As we continue to investigate, learn from what occur red and plan for next ste ps, the superintendent and the board are committed to upholding the values of our

district, as outlined in our racial and educational equity policy.”

In the original Facebook post, the parent wrote that her child, who is Black, came home with a bag of cotton she said was given to her by her white teacher. The post had been shared more than 2,000

“These comments began as questions and concerns about the classroom activity. However, they escalated to include speci c threats of violence to our school community.”

DISTRIC T 97 STATEMENT

ve invesoncerns that a activity was used” in a

“Our expectation is that instruction in our schools reflects the Illinois Learning Standards le also aligning at all times with our commitment to vironment for all students,” officials said in the statement.

“In addition, we reco gnize that special consideration must be given to the experiences of the communities most impacted by the topics that are being taught,” they said. Commenters blasted the district’s Facebook page with

concer n and outrage over early re por ts of the incident.

Others expressed harsher language and threatened the district. The district also received a “high volume” of phone calls from others outside the community, with some callers yelling at and using profanity toward the district of fice staf f.

These actions prompted the district to institute the secure lockdown.

“These comments began as questions and concerns about the classroom activity. However, they escalated to include specific threats of violence to our school community,” officials said in the statement.

Chief Safety Officer Felicia Starks Turner contacted the Oak Park Police Department for support to ensure an appropriate safety response, which included having patrols at both Julian and Brooks Middle School during dismissal Wednesday. The district has also limited comments on their Facebook page

C ORRECTION

A story titled “Oak Park library board begins search for executive director” published April 3, 2024, misstated which library board member discussed the FOIA requests. President Matt Fruth is the one who spoke. We re gret the er ror

Julian Middle School

Judy Steed Ar t Show

All of April, River Forest Public Library –2nd Floor Art Gallery

Judy Steed’s annual stainedglass mosaic art show will run in the 2nd- oor art gallery all of April. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Good Memories Choir which bene ts people with early-stage Alzheimer ’s and their caregivers. 735 Lathrop Ave., Oak Park

BIG WEEK

April 10-17

James and the Giant Peach, JR.

educators, and advocates who suppor t these important years in a child’s life. We are super- excited that so many of our community partners will be participating this year and hosting all kinds of fun events that connect with the themes for each day of the week. Check out the full schedule at https://collab4kids.org/2024/03/ woyc-2024/.

The Tallgrass Prairie: An Introduction

Thursday, April 11, 6:30-8 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Library and virtual on Zoom. Illinois’ nickname is “The Prairie State.” Listen to stories from Cindy Crosby, author and Master Gardener, of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butter ies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “ landscape of home.” Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Cole Brandt

Oak Park Area

Responds to Migrants

Sunday, April 14, 2 - 4:30 p.m., Oak Park Main Librar y, Veterans Room, 2nd Floor

Learn more about the historical, political and economic situation in Venezuela which has led to increased migration from that country. Hear migrants’ personal stories. Learn how our faith centers and our community have been responding and how you can get involved. Sponsored by Congregations Networking for Social Justice. For more information, email justicenetwork.op@gmail.com. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Onion Roll Music by Cole Brandt. Visit www.colebrandtmusic.com for more information . 6935 W Nor th Ave., Oak Park

Listing your event in the calendar

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

Friday, April 12, 7 - 8:20 p.m., Madison Street Theater Ovation Academy for the Performing Ar ts is thrilled to be bringing this adventure of enormous propor tions to the local stage. Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, James and the Giant Peach JR., 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

Dinner + A Show Stand-up Comedy

Saturday, April 13, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Salerno’s Pizza & Pasta

Featuring stand-up comedy by Joey Villagomez, Lindsay Porter and Jose James Montero. 7128 Roosevelt Rd., Oak Park.

Oak Park Holi Celebration

Sunday, April 14, 12 - 2 p.m., Village Hall

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

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

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

The entire community is invited to par ticipate in Oak Park ’s celebration of Holi – the Hindu festival of colors. Holi is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival that originated in India and Nepal but is now celebrated by people all around the world. Holi falls on the last full moon day of winter according to the luni-solar calendar – which was March 25 this year. 123 Madison St., Oak Park.

Job Readiness Program

Tuesday, April 16 - Thursday, April 18, 3:30 - 6 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

High school students: Join us for a three-day program to learn career fundamentals including resume development, inter view techniques, cover letter tips, and much more. Attendance to all three sessions will grant the opportunity for a paid summer internship at the library. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

ree restaurants and a co ee shop on the horizon for Oak Park

Third consecutive year that the village issued more than 100 new licenses

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

New businesses continue to flock to Oak Park. So far this year, 17 new business licenses have been issued by the village. The total number of new business licenses issued in 2023 was 103, re presenting the third consecutive year that the village issued more than 100.

“We are in a good place as a community, in terms of recr uitment,” said David King, president of Oak Park commercial real estate firm David King & Associates. “I could not be more excited about 2024. We’re working with a whole slew of prospective tenants looking to come to Oak Park.”

Three restaurants that King are particularly excited to see open within the next few months are Café Cubano, Egg Harbor Café and Gyumon.

Café Cubano, a family-owned and operated Cuban restaurant, is moving from Elmwood Park to 113 N. Oak Park Ave. in the Hemingway District. Located at the for mer home of Fritzi’s Delicatessen, the new location plans to open May 1.

Egg Harbor Café is a family-owned restaurant chain with multiple locations across Illinois, Wisconsin and Georgia. It is slated to open its Oak Park location in June at 1111 South Blvd. The site was vacant for almost two years after the previous restaurant, Wild Onion Tied House, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also planning a June opening is Gyumon, which will be an all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue restaurant where diners will get to cook fresh food right at their table. Gyumon will be located in the downtown Oak Park corridor at 105 N. Marion St. The restaurant is leasing the storefront once occupied by Kalamata Kitchen, which closed in September.

“What is cool about Gyumon is that in addition to being a restaurant, it’s an experience and people are looking for experiences,” King said. “Gyumon takes that restaurant experience to another level.”

O ce space

King said it’s important to note that office vacancy rates in Oak Park, particularly along Lake Street, continue to be notably low.

As of Dec. 31, the office vacancy rate in the Lake Street corridor, which is composed of 375,000 square feet of office space, was 8.84%.

“That is beyond unheard of in today’s world,” King said.

Cameron Davis, the village’s economic vitality administrator and assistant director of Development Services, said office vacancy rates are currently a strong bellwether on economic strength.

“If anything, we probably need more office space going forward into the future,” Davis said. “We have so many people interested in having a presence here in Oak Park,” he said.

“Occasionally businesses do decide to close, but the good thing about Oak Park is that we oftentimes have new businesses that slide right into those spots because people consider Oak Park to be very vibrant,” he said.

One example Davis cited was the closure of KFC’s Oak Park location at 316 Madison St. earlier this year.

“Sometimes businesses close but new businesses that come in bring new vitality,” Davis said.

“We had KFC close a couple months ago and now we have a new chicken restaurant

that will be announced in the not-too-distant future that has bought that KFC space on Madison Street.”

Darien Marion-Burton, executive director of the Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce, said he is looking forward to checking out The Coffee Shop - Oak . The new coffee shop opened April 1 at Park Ave in the location that was Brewpoint Coffee, which closed in March.

Marion-Burton said there are also a slew businesses coming to Oak Park that are not food related, including Big City Optirecently announced the opening a new location at 1100 Lake St., Unit 180. Big City Optical is an optical shop and optometry practice with 18 locations (including their new Oak Park location) throughout the Chicagoland area.

“I love that medical businesses in particular continue to settle in Oak Park,” Marion-Burton said.

“At the chamber, I would say that about 30% of our businesses are health and wellness, so I think it’s great to see a larger, city-based healthcare provider make a home in Oak Park.”

Marion-Burton also highlighted the positive impact that Comedy Plex Comedy Club, 1128 Lake St, is already starting to have on the village since opening its doors in January.

T he space, which accommodates roughly 200 patrons, is starting to bring a lot more people to the Oak Park business districts during the evening hours, MarionBur ton said.

“I grew up here and Oak Park has not always been a destination for nightlife,” Marion-Burton said. “I think that Comedy Plex is definitely changing the game.”

Emily Egan, the village ’s director of Development Services, said there are a lot ofthings that make Oak Pa rk attractive and gives it a c ompetitive advantage c ompared to the rest of Chicago’s suburb an communities.

“We have so many really great assets that make businesses want to locate here,” Egan said. “One competitive advantage is just the diversity of businesses. We have chains, we have startups, we have entrepreneurs. We have all of that in our various business districts. There is such a variety which I think is fantastic.”

Cicadas: The Talk of the Town

For a four- to six-week span starting in late May or early June, Illinois anticipates the largest periodical cicada emergence of the past 221 years with 13-year cicadas in southern counties and 17-year cicadas in the north.

Emerging from the ground when soil temperatures are 64 degrees at an eightinch depth, fully mature adult males mate with females through a distinctive call. Females’ ovipositors then create y-shaped egg nests in two- to three-year-old deciduous stems, up to 20 eggs per nest and 600 eggs over their lifespan. There are a few options to help your trees weather the waves of cicadas. At McAdam, we will wrap our trees with tulle, which is light enough to allow sunlight penetration but dense enough to keep cicadas out.

Scott McAdam Jr.

Once the emergence has halted, around late June, we will remove the tulle. For mature trees, where protection isn’t feasible, ensuring they’re as healthy as possible will be crucial: provide adequate water, keep them free of pest/disease problems, and fortify them with nutrients.

Lastly, if you see damage on young twigs, wait until any wilted leaves turn brown before pruning. If the leaves are wilted, but still green, there is still life in that stem. Although this year’s cicada emergence can be concerning, with proper planning and preventive practices you can protect the investment in your landscape.

Oak Park to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors

The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on April 14

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park is partnering with members of a South Asian community group to host a celebration ofHoli, the Hindu festival of colors, from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at Village Hall.

Holi, according to AP, is an annual celebration at the advent of spring with religious and cultural significance. It originated in India and Nepal, but is celebrated around the world today, according to a village news release

“This exuberant festival marks the arrival of spring, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil,” officials said in the release.

The outdoor event, at 123 Madison St., is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothes that can be covered in colored powder and may want to bring sunglasses and scarves to protect their eyes and hair. White shirts are recommended for those wanting to show of f the colored powder.

A DJ playing Bollywood dance music will be part ofthe celebration, along with ethnic food and a photo booth. Color play will be gin at around 1:20 p.m., according to the village. Indian food vendors including Khyber Pass and Wise Cup will be at the event, with food available for purchase

Holi is on the last full moon day ofwinter, which is usually in March or early April. This year, Holi fell on Monday, March 25.

According to the release, the two-day festival begins with a bonfire and a puja or prayer to cleanse ne gative energy and to usher in the positive

Then, people ofall backgrounds gather to participate in the color festival.

“It’s a time to let go of inhibitions, dance to lively music, and indulge in delicious food,” the release stated.

Vipanchi Raghu Chattopadhyay, a member ofthe South Asian community involved in planning the event, said they’ve been hosting the Holi festival among themselves for several years. This year, Trustee Ravi Parakkat reached out to collaborate with the village’s diversity, equity and in-

clusion team and expand the celebration.

“It’s [Holi] an invitation to all and it’s a time where everybody comes together irrespective of age, gender, religion and play with colors and rebuild relationships,” Chattopadhyay said.

Parakkat said when he first came to Oak Park in 2006 there were only a handful of South Asian community members in the area. Now, he said there’s almost 500.

“I’d like to make the South Asian community feel more included in the community,” he said. “I’d also like to see the rest ofthe community understand what some ofthese traditions and festivals are and understand the culture a little better.”

There are many stories associated with the significance ofHoli, but Chattopadhyay said one ofher favorites is about the bluehued god Krishna and the white princess Radha. Krishna asked his mom why he was dark while Radha was fair, Chattopadhyay said. His mom responded by giving them colors and told them to throw whatever color they wanted on each other, she said.

Another interpretation of Holi is its religious understanding as a triumph of good over evil, said Kavita Vermani, another member ofthe South Asian community involved in planning the festival. But the cultural focus ofthe festival is celebrating spring and throwing color powder, Vermani said.

It’s celebrated in many ways, Parakkat said, but the underlying spirit is the same. Exposure to different cultures helps normalize them, Parakkat said. The more people become familiar with those traditions, the better it is for everyone, he said.

“At its core, this is a festival of colors and what that really means is it blurs all our differences, whether it is economic, political, religious or racial differences,” he said. “It unifies us all as humans.”

Traditionally, the colors for color play were made with natural materials like organic flowers and leaves, Chattopadhyay said. Nowadays, celebrants will sometimes use food colors mixed with cor nstarch to get a similar effect. Color will be available for all attendees at the April 14 event.

Vantage Oak Park apartment building is for sale again

The building could sell for $90 million or more

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The owners of Vantage Oak Park, a 21-story apar tment building at 150 Forest Ave., are hoping to sell it.

According to commercial real estate news outlet CoStar, the building, with about 270 units, last sold for $102.75 million in 2018, when Magnolia Capital and Goldman Sachs bought it.

CBRE, a commercial real estate company, has been hired to sell the building now, according to CoStar, which also re ported Vantage Oak Park could sell for $90 million or more That would be enough to cover a $66.6 million debt that comes from a balance on a commercial mortg age-backed securities loan.

But it would not be enough to prevent a

loss for Magnolia and Goldman. The official asking price has not yet been published.

John Jaeg er, CBRE executive vice president, said their client instructed the team to decline to comment. T he sellers are re presented by Jaeg er and other CBRE brokers Justin Puppi, Jason Zyck and Danny Zeboski

Oak Park is considering ways to increase housing af fordability and diversity to address some issues identified as part of a Metropolitan Mayors Caucus housing study. CoStar re ports the owners are hoping the lack of new housing supply in the area will increase the selling price.

This isn’t the first time Magnolia and Goldman have tried to sell. The Real Deal re ported in 2022 that the owners tried to sell after winning a tax appeal, dropping the appraised value of the property from $90 million to $54 million.

The building is almost 97% leased, according to CoStar. The new owner could increase rent prices after implementing more upgrades and amenities, which The Real Deal

reports CBRE is encouraging to make potential buyers see it as a good investment.

Vantage Oak Park leases commercial spaces to Cooper’s Hawk winery and Edward-Elmhurst Health medical clinic.

Vantage Oak Park

River Forest moves ahead with lead pipe replacement

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest officials took another step toward replacing all lead service lines in the village at the March 25 Village Board meeting, approving a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. for a year-one design of the lead replacement program.

Under the contract, which will cost $101,280, CBBEL also will prepare the 2024 lead inventory submittal as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency by the April 15 deadline. The contract was approved unanimously in the consent agenda without discussion. CBBEL is a consulting engineering and surveying firm based in Rosemont, Il.

At the beginning of2022, a new Illinois law – the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act — went into effect, mandating that owners of any water supply must create an inventory ofall lead service lines by 2023 and submit a preliminary plan in 2024 to the IEPA to replace all of them. The final replacement plan is not due to the state until 2027 and municipalities will have

a further 20 years to get all of those lead service lines replaced regardless of how the village chooses to comply with the requirements. According to CBBEL, the IEPA requires each lead or galvanized service line connected to the community water supply be replaced in its entirety from the water main to the building plumbing at the first shutoff or 18 inches inside the building.

As is common in municipalities throughout Illinois, water service lines leading to buildings in River Forest constructed before 1986 are likely to feature lead. Because no safe blood level has been identified for young children, all sources of lead exposure for children should be controlled or eliminated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels.

CBBEL officials will complete the project in five phases, each of which is expected to cost $2 million per year. The project would complete between 150 and 175 service re-

placements annually. Village officials are seeking low-interest loans and grants to assist with the funding.

In a memo to Matt Walsh, village administrator, Mike Reynolds, interim director of public works, explained that the village contracted with CBBEL in May 2022 to assist with the village’s IEPA Lead Service Line Replacement Program Project Plan. This plan provides an inventory ofthe material, whether known or unknown, ofall ofthe water services within the village and the methods by which the village will replace those services. The plan also serves as the mechanism for entering the village in the State Revolving Fund - Low Interest Loan process.

In August 2022, the village submitted its five-year plan to the IEPA. A public hearing for the plan was conducted in March 2023 and the village received approval of the plan from the IEPA that month.

Reynolds said in the memo that of the 3,184 water services in the village, 2,559 have lead in some capacity whether private, public or both or their material composition is currently unknown. Per the IEPA, if a definitive identification of the

line cannot be made, it must be treated as lead until determined otherwise, he added.

Specific project applications will be submitted to IEPA once they have been identified and designed, according to Reynolds. The elements of the village’s approved plan generally provide for all services to be re placed within an eight-year period. However, the projects are reviewed annually, have a five-year look ahead and can be appropriately sized to fit within the village’s annual capital budget. The plan and project schedule are flexible and will be amended on an annual basis and specific project planning will be consistent with available village funds and ability to fund any loans.

In addition to assisting the village in preparing IEPA loan applications, CBBEL officials said they will perform final design engineering and prepare bidding documents to allow the village to hire a contractor to complete the lead service line replacement work in compliance with IEPA procurement rules. CBBEL also will prepare notification and education materials to potentially affected building occupants as well as posting them in the village website.

Migrants in Oak Park’s care all have new homes

The village will continue to provide legal support until June 30

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

All the migrants staying at St. Edmund School and those who had been staying at Grace Episcopal Church, have been resettled into stable housing situations, officials said.

Colin Knapp, president of Community of Cong re gations, said they’ve housed approximately 201 migrants.

The village has provided support since many asylum seekers arrived in late October 2023 during a snowstorm. For several months, many ofthose families and individuals were staying in three village-sponsored shelters: The Carleton ofOak Park Hotel, the West Cook YMCA and Grace Episcopal Church.

In February, the first two shelters closed. Those families were moved to St. Edmund School, which was transformed into a shelter operated by West Side Service Connector, doing business as the Oak Park Family Transitional Shelter. Grace closed its shelter doors March 15, a result ofa lack of funding and resources.

Community members, volunteer groups, faith-based organizations and village officials provided “incredible support” to reach this outcome, said Kira Tchang, the village’s human resources director.

“Being able to house all ofthese folks and put them on the path to their next steps has been a tremendous success due to that collaboration across the board,” Tchang said.

At first, some families and individuals were resettled into parish apartments with churches providing support, Tchang said, but many others more recently have moved into traditional apartments with signed leases.

A few families and individuals have found housing in Oak Park, Tchang said, but a lot more have found homes in the surrounding communities that have a lower cost ofliving. The Oak Park Resettlement Task Force, sponsored by the Community of Cong re gations, assisted by finding available housing and offering landlords a fully paid, 12-month lease.

Knapp told the board that period was intended to give migrants time to get work permits, find jobs and save money to support themselves after that initial lease ends.

“One ofthe goals ofthe resettlement task force was to put people into rental ag reements that would be sustainable for them once they were working, and taking in an income, and could take on the lease payments,” Tchang said.

The village has not been as directly involved in resettlement beyond funding the ef forts, Tchang said. Village board members allocated a total of$650,000 in unspent American Rescue Plan Act funding for the migrant response, Tchang said. The village also received $1.9 million in Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grant funding for those ef forts.

From that grant funding, $360,000 was allocated for legal services and suppo which the village will continue to provide. Officials hired a legal firm, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., to help migrants apply for asylum, temporary protected status or employment authorization permits. That funding must be spent by June 30 and services will end then.

Because the shelter at St. Edmund was also initially funded through June 30, the village has leftover funds. There’s no plan yet for how that money will be allocated, Tchang said, but those dollars will be returned to the general fund. The village also intends to work with state and county funding partners to explore reimbursement for services, she said.

During the next few days, the OPFTS will work to shut down the shelter at St. Edmund, Tchang said. After that’s done, the village does not yet have a plan for the building’s use.

Village officials have learned a lot about how to operate in a situation like this, Tchang said, as well as about how to help asylum seekers, as a result of public, private and nonprofit partnerships for med through this endeavor.

“We’ re all appreciative ofef for ts ofso many parties throughout this process,” Tchang said.

In February, Jack Crowe, executive director ofthe OPFTS, said “we will be an abject failure ifin June there are still 100 people there [at St. Edmund].”

They met that goal two months early

Colin Fane, Agent

Oak Park, IL 60302

Bus: 708-383-3163

www.colinfane.com

Monday & Friday 9am-5pm

Tues/Wed/Thurs 9am-7pm

Saturday 9am-12pm 1901978

State Farm Bloomington, IL Like a good neighbor,

MedMen cannabis dispensary is temporarily closed

The Oak Park location opened in January 2020

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

A sign on the door of Oak Park’s MedMen says the recreational cannabis dispensary is temporarily closed.

“We apolo gize for any inconvenience and we hope to re-open soon,” the sign said.

Branches of the California-based company have closed across the country, signaling it could be a matter of time before the Lake Street location re ports it is permanently closed, too.

MedMen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The store began selling recreational

marijuana in January 2020. That March, it received a cease and desist notice from the Village of Oak Park for failing to maintain social distancing requirements during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In February 2024, MJBizDaily, a news outlet for those in the recreational and medical cannabis industry, reported that 25 workers

If you do, you should know how important foot care is. Over time, diabetics risk developing foot complications. When the nerves are damaged from chronic high blood sugar, feet can become numb or painful with burning or tingling. is is called diabetic neuropathy. When diabetes a ects the arteries, circulation to the legs and feet may be compromised. Either of these conditions may lead to serious problems including ulceration, even amputation.

e key to prevention is early diagnosis of diabetes, and regular foot exams from a podiatrist. Diabetics who receive regular foot care, including paring of calluses and debridement of thick fungal toenails, are almost four times less likely

to undergo an 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. e shoes come in 30 di erent styles each for men and women. ese 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.

at the Oak Park location were cut.

In March, the same organization re ported that MedMen closed all of its locations except two in California. One is in San Diego and the other is near Los Angeles International Airport, according to the article.

Oak Park officials could not confirm if the store was permanently closed.

But Erik Jacobsen, the village’s communications manager, provided Wednesday Journal with details of the amount of local cannabis tax collected by the state and distributed to Oak Park. MedMen is the only business in Oak Park that collects local cannabis tax, Jacobsen said in an email.

In fiscal year 2020, the village received $198,518.49 in local cannabis tax revenue. The following year, it increased to $337,604.38. In 2022, that fell to $284,917.15.

So far, for fiscal year 2023, the village received just $176,341.22 in cannabis tax revenue. Jacobsen wrote the village has not yet received the December 2023 distribution, but anticipates about $11,000 more.

That revenue will be lost if MedMen in Oak Park does close permanently. The village does not yet have a plan to re place that revenue beyond supporting new businesses in Oak Park, Jacobsen wrote.

Oak Park cannabis buyers may soon have another nearby dispensary to try. Block Club Chicago re ported that The 1937 Group, an Illinois cannabis operator, plans to open a location in Forest Park in April.

LUZANE DRAUGHON MedMen’s Oak Park location.

Chicago awarded $113 million toreconnect communities on the West Side

The money comes from a national pilot program to improve quality of life for those isolated by transportation and infrastructure

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Illinois received two grants totaling $113 million in March through the United States Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. Both make strides toward reconnecting the West Side around I-290.

A $111 million-grant will be used to rebuild part of the Forest Park branch of the CTA Blue Line.

The other $2 million-grant will be used to address the needs of neighborhoods surrounding I-290. This planning grant requires Chicago to discuss with community members to develop a plan for how to use the money.

“This is good progress, but the entire project is over $6 billion,” said John Greuling, deputy director of the I-290 Blue Line Coalition, a nonprofit founded in 2022 to advocate for funding for 13 miles of multimodal transportation, including the Eisenhower Expressway and CTA Blue Line.

“We’ re going to need a lot of help from the [federal government] moving forward,” he added about the $2 million grant, which will address the separation of communities caused by I-290’s original construction.

While the Forest Park branch of the CTA Blue Line has seen routine maintenance since much of it was constructed in 1958, a multi-year ef fort to rebuild a stretch of the track started last summer. This included rebuilding nearly three miles of track between the LaSalle Street Station and Illinois Medical District. Reconstruction of the Racine station followed so that the stop meets accessibility guidelines, and the station will reopen by the end of the year.

The $111 million grant announced last month will fund work to begin in 2027 and

focus on the section of the track in East and West Garfield Park.

The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program started through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Biden signed in November 2021 to authorize up to $108 billion to improve the nation’s public transportation, including aspects of safety, modernization, climate impact and equity. The law marks the largest federal public transportation investment in the history of the U.S.

The pilot program aims to fund $1 billion in projects, from its inception through the next two years or so. It’s the first federal program devoted to reconnecting communities by amending transportation infrastructure that has historically restricted neighborhoods from mobility and economic development.

In 1949, construction started on the Congress Expressway, which was renamed the

Eisenhower Expressway in 1964. The Near West Side was the first to be cleared for the highway’s path, and Garfield Park and Austin followed. The neighborhoods were partitioned with construction, affecting the routines of daily life.

Chicago’s stretch of I-290 was complete by 1956, and construction moved to the suburbs, into Oak Park. In Forest Park, about 3,500 graves were moved from Concordia Cemetery and Forest Home Cemetery so that the expressway could run through them.

“Historically, Chicago’s West Side has been separated by the imposing physical barriers of I-290, which not only divides neighborhoods, but stifles economic growth and social cohesion,” said U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin in a statement. “By prioritizing investments in infrastructure that reconnects rather than divides, we are laying the foundation for a

brighter future where every resident of the West Side can thrive.”

The expressway’s construction also may have contributed to the racial makeup of Chicago’s West Side. From the start of construction to the time I-290 was completed in 1961, neighborhoods surrounding the Eisenhower increased from around 18% to 32% Black, then 64% by 1970. This infrastructure partition, along with other factors impacting white flight from Chicago, affects these communities at higher rates.

“As a strong proponent of modernizing our state’s transportation infrastructure, I also believe that progress shouldn’t come at the expense of working communities’ livelihoods, businesses, and physical health,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in a statement. “I’m glad to help Senator Durbin announce this funding to help restore resources and community connectivity on the West Side of Chicago.”

e I-290 Eisenhower Expressway, looking west in Oak Park.

Oak Park Library and its public ring: What really happened?

Confusion still surrounds why Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon was red. Wednesday Journal explains

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park Public Library’s Board of Trustees fired Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon March 16 at a public special meeting. The reasons have created confusion among the community – and rightly so. The public battle hinged on a confusing internal struggle.

However, the problems inside the library, according to the board of trustees and some employees, were bigger than any one event.

Wednesday Journal breaks down what has happened with the library since January.

What started the controversy?

OPPL started receiving public backlash in late February over how a Palestinian cultural event was handled by the library’s leadership team, and Dixon’s elimination of two community engagement staff positions.

An organizer ofa Palestinian cultural event, Rebekah Levin, spoke in the public comment section of the Feb. 27 library board meeting, saying the group believed the event was supported by the library. That means organizers believed it would be promoted on the library calendar and on social media. Levin said library staff later infor med organizers the event would not be posted on the calendar or social media or have a flyer created, which was previously discussed, because it was not a “library-led” event. They also requested a larger room and staff members, who requested anonymity because they feared for their jobs, said library leaders inter nally denied the request and tried to move the group to a smaller room.

The organizers were upset over what they said was unequal treatment. Other festivals and programs, such as the one for the Asian-American community, were considered “library-led” events and received the benefits that came with it. Some questioned whether race and ethnicity were behind the decisions because the group consisted primarily of people of Palestinian descent, as well as their supporters.

What is the di erence between a community event and a library-led event?

A community event, staf f members said, is an approved public reservation designa-

tion for baby showers or other small gatherings. Rooms are reserved by the members of the public. Dixon told Wednesday Journal community events are not advertised by the library.

A library-led event relies on collaboration with the library for promotion and help with room selection. The library also assists with planning. Rooms are reserved by staf f members only.

So what happened next?

In December, Levin inquired about reserving a bigger room. She was denied because the designation on the event’s reservation page said “this is not a library-led event.”

On Dec. 13, Dixon asked the multicultural learning coordinator, Juanta Griffin, who had recently returned from medical leave, whether the event was a library-led one. Griffin had begun planning the event, but staf f member Claire Ong took over while Griffin was out.

In an email to Dixon, Griffin wrote: “In re gards to this event, I am approaching it as I do the Asian American Heritage Festival, as a collaboration. We will pull books, provide space, help with set up, and allow the group to celebrate their heritage in a safe space. It is not a library event, however, we do offer basic library support to these community members.”

On Dec. 20, Dixon again questioned the reservation. She directed staf f on the email, who included Griffin, Deputy Director Suzy Wulf, Communications and Development Director Jodi Kolo and Community Eng agement Manager Chibuike Enyia to change the event’s listing on the calendar to “community” event. She cited Griffin’s Dec. 13 email as the reason.

“I would normally not intercede,” she wrote, “but this was a discussion before Suzy began this week that I was keeping an eye on.”

Dixon directed the change to be made and staf f memb ers said she expected the staf f’s assistance with the event to slow or stop. However, some staf f member s pa rt icipated anyw ay, saying that the distinction b etween “library-led” and “community” events was neve r mad e c lear to them, and they opted to c omply with the “spirit” of G riffin’s email. T hey

had assisted with other c ultural events and saw no r eason why they should n’ t with this one.

Who are the groups involved in the cultural event?

The event was sponsored by Oak Park Neighbors for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel and the Oak Park and River Forest High School Middle Eastern/North African Student Alliance.

More than 400 people attended what was described as a “successful” event.

What about rings?

There were no firings during this time frame. But Dixon eliminated two community eng agement staf f positions. Tatiana Swancy, the for mer restorative practices coordinator, and one other staffer had their positions eliminated for budget constraints, Dixon told Wednesday Journal. The Journal has not obtained that employee’s name.

Swancy and the other staffer were offered the opportunity to split responsibilities for another library position. Swancy declined, and the other staf fer acce pted Dixon said the entire library should work toward antiracism and equity, rather than having one position dedicated to it. Swancy said that was only further proofthe library needs more diversity, equity and inclusion training

How did Dixon respond to the controversy?

Less than a week after the first round of public comments addressing the situation, Dixon publicly apolo gized for the way leadership handled the Palestinian culture event.

“I am sorry,” she wrote in an emailed statement. “There has been a lot of public conversation, hurt, and confusion about our library over the last week. I am accountable for this library and to this library. And I am deeply sorry I contributed to the hurt experienced by community members surrounding the Celebration of Palestinian Culture event.”

Former staf f and public commenters at a special meeting March 7 said her apolo gy wasn’t enough.

Why was Dixon red?

The board of trustees voted to fire Dixon. In a statement, they wrote that the decision was not based on one isolated incident, but because a consistent pattern also emerged over the past several months demonstrating that Dixon’s priorities did not align with the board’s.

In this case, board members wrote, the library’s relationship with the community had been damaged, and the resulting confusion and miscommunication contributed to their decision.

Who was the group behind a petition to re Dixon?

A letter written on behalf of the community group Freedom to Thrive Oak Park asked for the resignations of Dixon, Kolo and Wulf.

It has since been removed.

Who are some of the individuals and groups who supported Dixon?

Many other library staf f members and for mer colleagues of Dixon expressed their support for her.

At the March 8 meeting, Jennifer Norborg, the library’s children’s services manager, said she and other staffers supported Dixon.

At the March 14 meeting, OPPL’s director of facilities, Matthew Bartodziej, read a letter signed by several other library leaders, including Wulf and Kolo.

Kate Hall, executive director of Northbrook Public Library, and for mer colleague of Dixon, said many libraries want to follow in Dixon’s and Oak Park’s footsteps.

All recordings of the library board meetings can be found online.

What happens next?

T he b oard p lans to implement an anony mous staf f sur ve y to improve wo rkp lace culture.

Wulfand Director of Collections Leigh Tarullo will provide leadership in the shortter m, according to the board’s statement. Plans to hire a new director are underway.

River Forest hires public works director

Jack Bielak comes to the village from Nor thbrook

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Jack Bielak is the new director of public works for River Forest.

His appointment by Cathy Adduci, village president, was approved unanimously by the five trustees present at the April 8 village board meeting. Lisa Gillis did not attend. He re places Jeff Loster, who resigned in 2023.

Bielak comes to River Forest from the village ofNorthbrook, where he served as village engineer for just over a year. He also served as assistant village engineer for a year and a half. He explained that when he received his bachelor’s de gree in applied science de gree in civil engineering in 2016 from the University of Illinois at Chicago, he chose a career path in the private sector. Once there, however, he said he realized

public sector and work with people, so he joined the Cook County Highway Department. He worked there as a highway engineer and permits manager for more than four years before moving to Nor thbrook.

Bielak is completing his studies in the UIC master of public administration program and expects to graduate next month.

“I’m looking forward to working in River Forest,” he said after the meeting. “I’ve driven around the village and found it to be a nice community.”

Expected to be at the top ofBielak’s priority list is the village’s lead service line re placement program. The program will involve re placing all lead service lines in the village to fulfill a requirement ofthe Illinois Lead Service Line Re placement and Notification Act. At the presentation ofthe Fiscal et earlier in the April 8

meeting, $2 million was allocated for the program.

“With the lead service line re placement program, we’ve got a lot in the works,” Bielak said.

Wi th the new hire, village officials changed his title from director of public wo rks and development services to director of public wo rks and engineering.

“We felt it would be best to split it of f,” Matt Walsh, village administrator, said, explaining that the chang e was led in part by feedback from Loster. He also noted that Jessica Spencer, assistant village administrator, has been “doing a good job at managing the Building Department” since Loster’s de parture.

“Welcome aboard” Adduci said to Bielak after his hiring was approved. His salary was not immediately available.

JACK BIELAK

e crowd in Scov ille Park view the eclipse through solar glasses on Monday, April 8, 2024. e eclipse started at 12:15 p.m. and peaked at 2:07, when the moon covered more than 90% of the sun. It wasn’t total, but it came close.

PHOTOS BY TODD A. BANNOR

Images of the solar eclipse cast onto the lawn and pavement by light ltering through tree branches

EQUIT Y

Intersectionality emphasis

from page 1

they say, other social factors.”

Mohanraj said that equity efforts typically prioritize those most at risk or those who suffer the most severe consequences from discrimination. She pointed to the case of Oklahoma transgender student Nex Benedict, who the day after being attacked in a school bathroom, died from suicide. Mohanraj pointed out that girls have to deal with sexual harassment and sexual assault that affects them emotionally and academically.

“There is so much research, there is so much data showing that primarily girls are dealing with sexual assault, harassment,” Mohanraj said, adding that such experiences often result in depression, absences from school and lower academic performance.

Mohanraj also said that the text explaining the racial equity priority seems to suggest looking at more factors than just race. The subheading ofthe racial equity goal states that the goal is to “[E]liminate race, socioeconomic status, and other social factors as predictors ofstudents’ academic achievement and social emotional growth.”

To achieve this objective, the updated strategic plan proposed by the administration sets a goal that by June 2028, the school would “implement a comprehensive set of strategies focused on ensuring that students have access to opportunities and resources, using specific metrics such as graduation rates, reduced achievement gaps, increased access to honors and advanced courses, and enhanced student and family satisfaction with school experiences.”

The plan also states that by June 2028, the school will “implement a data-driven Re-

source Allocation Plan to equitably distribute resources.”

Other board members did not respond to Mohanraj’s comments. The strategic plan may be discussed at the April 11 school board meeting

At the March 21 meeting, Supt. Greg Johnson asked LaTonya Applewhite, OPRF’s executive director ofequity and student success, to address Mohanraj’s argument to expand the definition of equity.

“The goals are based on primarily the priority ofracial equity,” Applewhite said. “However, within the equity umbrella there are more policies, intersectionality is achieved.”

The strategic plan was last updated in 2017. Promoting racial equity has been a prime goal at OPRF for the past decade, but has become more focused with, among other initiatives, the adoption ofthe Honors for All freshman curriculum. It is designed to increase the number ofBlack students taking advanced courses.

Under the second priority of“transformative education,” the proposed updates to the strategic plan sets some detailed academic goals and focuses on Black and Hispanic students. For example, the proposed strategic plan for 2023 to 2025 sets a goal ofincreasing by 2% the number ofOPRF students who meet growth targets in math as measured by the improvement from the PSAT to the AT math tests by 2025. For Black students the goal for meeting growth targets in math is 10%. The target for the increase in the number of Hispanic students’ growth is 4%.

The proposed update to the strategic plan also adds communications as a new priority. Under that heading, the plan sets a goal that by June 2026, the majority ofparents of color and non-English speaking parents report they are satisfied or very satisfied with school communications

and other parents feel it’s important to ensure their kids feel confident celebrating.

from page 6

“It’s just like a big equalizer,” Chattopadhyay said. “You actually are unrecognizable usually when you come out ofthe festival. So, it’s a lot of fun for all age groups.”

Vermani said the village is helping to finance, coordinate and market the event this year. She said she did not grow up in India, but she imagines this year’s festival will be reminiscent ofthe larger scale celebration that happens in India.

She’s proud to share this festival with Oak Parkers, Vermani said. She said she

“I love this idea ofinclusion because it makes our children know that they can celebrate their culture openly with their community members, with their friends, without feeling embarrassed or nervous or othered,” she said.

Chattopadhyay and Vermani both said they are hoping the event will be a hit and that the South Asian community continues to collaborate with the village to host it and possibly other similar events.

“Hopefully everyone can relate to it [Holi],” Chattopadhyay said. “Because it’s a very inclusive kind of festival, everyone is invited.”

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a night of comedy from “Seinfeld” writer Pat Hazell

Oak Park Public Library kicked o Earth Month with kidfriendly activities at the Main Library Saturday, including a scavenger hunt and local treats and surprises.

ey hosted the public awareness campaign with One Earth Local, Climate Ready Community Outreach Oak Park and the Village of Oak Park to help the communi ty learn more about sustainabilit y groups and oppor tunities in the village.

From le to right: Laurie Casey, Eileen Saam, Christine Poreba, and Erica Helms.

PHOTOS BY BY TINA HARLE/OAK PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY

River Forest uses reserves to balance the budget

The village is ‘in a strong nancial position,’ o cials say

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Covering nonrecurring expenditures with reserves for the second year in a row allowed River Forest officials to present a balanced general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2025 at the April 8 Village Board meeting.

Estimated total revenues for FY2025 are $20,505,784, up from $19,299,655 in FY2024. Estimated total expenditures for FY2025 are $20,922,908, up from $20,116,778 in FY2024. A deficit of $417,124 is due to $450,461 in nonrecurring expenditures that will be covered by reserves. The budget shows a surplus of $33,517.

The fiscal year starts May 1 and ends April 30, 2025.

Rosemary McAdams, finance director, who presented the budget with Matt Walsh, village administrator, said the village “remains in a strong financial position.”

Concerns were expressed over the possible loss of sales tax revenue if Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries is approved by the state legislature.

Trustee Respicio Vazquez said he found the potential loss, estimated by McAdams to be $1 million annually to be “concerning.”

He speculated that such a loss would require a stronger push for economic development. Walsh said ongoing conversations with staf f members are leaning toward deferring purchases in the short term.

Village President Cathy Adduci said the Illinois Municipal League and others are lobbying against eliminating the sales tax on groceries.

She also said some in Springfield are speculating that increases in revenue from gaming and cannabis dispensaries will offset any loss from eliminating the sales tax on groceries, but that will not help River Forest because the village does not allow video gaming and does not have a cannabis dispensary.

Although the 1% grocery sales tax is a state tax, the money collected from grocery receipts within a jurisdiction is transfer red to local governments.

The budget presentation was followed

by a public hearing at which no residents commented.

Estimated property tax, income tax and other revenues are all up for FY2025 but estimated state sales tax and non-home rule sales tax revenues are down. McAdams said income tax estimates are higher because of the rebounding labor market and “extraordinary” corporate income tax collections. She also termed the sales tax estimates as “conservative.”

Property tax revenue is estimated at $7,627,767 for FY2025, up $7,007,350 in FY2024; state sales tax revenue is estimated at $2,348,762 for FY2025, down from $2,376,327 for FY2024; non-home rule sales tax revenue is estimated at $1,052,477 for FY2025, down from $1,059,449 for FY2024; income tax revenue is estimated at $2,003,607 for FY2025, up from $1,820,822 for FY2024; and other revenue is estimated at $7,473,171 for FY2025, up from $7,035,707 for FY2024.

McAdams explained the 8.85% increase in property tax revenues is based on a 4% increase in the 2023 levy, less than allowed by Illinois tax cap laws. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law limits tax levy increases for non-home rule municipalities such as River Forest to 5% or the level of the consumer price index, whichever is lower. For 2023, the CPI is 6.5%. The taxes from the 2023 levy are collected in 2024.

Revenue from ambulance fees continues to increase due to the village entering into an intergovernmental ag reement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to participate in the Illinois Ground Emergency Medical Transport Program.

Estimated salaries and benefits and contractual expenditures in the general fund are up for FY2025 but commodities expenditures are down.

Salaries and benefits expenditures are estimated at $14,336,604 for FY2025, up from $13,941,957 for FY2024; contractual services expenditures are estimated at $5,184,998 for FY2025, up from $4,291,903 for FY2024; and commodities expenses are estimated at $545,898 for FY2025, down from $710,912 for FY2024. At 68.5% of the budgeted expenditures, salaries and benefits continue to be the largest expenditure. Walsh explained the commodities expenditure was higher last year due to the one-time purchase of police body cameras.

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Memories are the real relish at Russell’s BBQ

Russell’s serves dinner with a slice of life

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

As the saying goes: there is baseball, apple pie and mom. But around here, there is also Russell’s Barbecue. If you’ve been a resident for more than a couple of years, it seems that at least one of your heartstrings is tied to this mainstay of meat, this facilitator of family, this purveyor of times past.

Lynette Hoag: My future husband and I started dating in February, but once it warmed up, we would go on long rides on his motorcycle. Coming back into town, we would stop at Russell’s.

After future hubby decided I wasn’t crazy, he introduced me to his two kids there too. They were unusually well behaved (compared to other kids I’d met). I was so impressed. I decided this was a family I

wanted to be a part of. Thanks Russell’s! Oh, and the baked beans are unlike any others I’ve ever had. … and the mac & cheese is amazing.

Susie Lavery Schultz: My Mom and Dad had their wedding dinner catered from Russell’s.

Karen Jackson: I grew up on Oak Street in Franklin Park and our family would go to Russell’s almost every Sunday after church. I can still picture my sister and I, anxiously waiting for Dad to bring over the food and Mom to hand each of us our food, covered by a paper plate to keep the food warm and bugs off, sitting around the picnic tables that lined the parking lot. And it never failed, one of us (usually my sister) would spill our pop all over our Sunday best. And the BBQ sauce is my favorite!

Aaron McManus: As a kid, I was obsessed with the machine that traded tokens that came with the kid’s meal for a toy. And I loved the BBQ sauce flavor. My mom would take us to get Russell’s for all

kinds of celebrations, after school plays and T-ball games. It was so special to get to see my daughter have so much fun with the same machine and the same tokens, especially since my mom got to share in that joy before she died. The flavor of the sauce always makes me feel connected with my mom.

Nicole Grochocki: Many fond memories going as a child we loved getting the tokens. The last meal I had with mom was there, then her celebration of life. Russell’s will always hold a special place in my heart.

Nick Heitzman: It was my grandma and grandpa’s first date. She always reminded me of that every time I took her there and always mentioned that a beef sandwich was a quarter back then. I have so many fond memories of that place. I hope it stands forever.

Vanessa Hutsler: I remember (in the early 80’s) excitedly going to Russell’s with my household on really hot summer nights.

(Too hot to cook and too late to grill.) This was when each table had little juke boxes and the best broccoli cheese soup on the menu daily. The nostalgia of the infamous BBQ sauce, old token machine, old tiny booths, wrap around line, paper plate containers, inked bathroom stalls, and picnic benches lined grassy areas along the woods. … especially on a summer night to the sound of bugs, can’t be beat. My kids love Russell’s just as much as I did and to experience their excitement and their own memories being made, makes dining here even more special. Love this comfortable piece of history for so many reasons aside from the tasty food, really cold beer, and

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Russells - brisket sandwich

FILE

Exterior of Russell’s BBQ in Elmwood Park

yummy dessert!

Brian Shannon: After my two sons and I get our hair cut at Victorio’s Barber Shop, we always walk over to Russell’s for lunch.

Brian Schekirke: It’s become a mainstay for my family. Our little boys love it and it’s an easy walk from our home in Elmwood Park. Just went last night.

New memories are being made at Russell’s as well. The 300-seat restaurant continues to be a popular spot for birthday parties, family get-togethers, and memorials. The extensive menu includes appetizers, burgers, hot dogs, salads and even vegetarian options.

Russell’s returns the love it gets from the community. Six items from the original menu are still available. BBQ roast beef leads the pack as the best seller. Slow roasted pork, thinly sliced, then served nestled on a hamburger bun is the number two alltime hit. Ribs, ham and chicken, two ways, round out the original offerings.

Russell’s has innovated too. Smoked BBQ joined the menu 15 years ago. The smoker runs for 14 hours, low and slow, to produce

tender, fall-off-the-bone meats. General manager Ben Tapia said, “Ever since we started selling smoked meats. There’s been a lot of demand. I don’t want to change anything on the old recipe, but these are in addition to the ones that we already have.”

“Our customers don’t want us to change too much, because if you change it then it’s not going to be Russell’s. They say, we remember it the way it was because we’ve been coming here forever,” said Tapia. “The meal goes better when you remember your parents and you as a kid. Nothing can replace those memories.”

Know Before You Go russellsbarbecue.net

Address: 1621 N. Thatcher Ave., Elmwood Park

Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:30AM to 10:00PM

Friday - Saturday 10:30AM to 11:00PM

Russell’s Barbecue junior beef sandwich.

River Forest celebrates young authors

The district sustains a popular, discontinued state program

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

It was a full house during River Forest School District 90’s Young Author Celebration this week as parents and participants gathered to celebrate writing and top authors from each school.

D90 held its Young Author Celebration last Wednesday at Lincoln Elementary School. Students displayed the books they wrote and also honored the top authors from each grade and school.

This year, Arabella Scott, a fourth grader, was the Top Author from Lincoln Elementary, Aydin Karmali, a third grader, was the Top Author from Willard Elementary and Lucia Auvinen, an eighth grader, was the Top Author from Roosevelt Middle School.

Lucia, 14, wrote “Rookie in the City,” a story about Ivy, a young girl who moves from Chicago to St. Louis and is bullied for wanting to play baseball.

Lucia, who loves to watch baseball with her dad, said she wanted to write about the stereotypes girls often face when

happy to see Lucia enjoy it as much as she did.

Arabella, who wrote “The Forest Falls Public Library,” said part of the reason she loves writing so much is because it gives her the opportunity to call the shots.

“In real life I don’t get to choose what happens,” Arabella said. “In the story, I do get to choose what happens and I really like getting able to choose.”

Throughout Arabella’s story, she incorporated some of her favorite book characters, as well as famous people like Michelle Obama and Mister Ro gers

“I know them really well and I really felt like it would be cool if I could put them into my story and their story into my story too,” she said.

Arabella, who has participated in the program multiple times, said she often writes three to five stories and then picks her favorite to submit.

Arabella’s mom, Nicole Scott, said like many authors, Arabella is protective of her work. Scott said she was excited to finally read Arabella’s full story.

“I respect that,” Nicole said. “What I love most is that Arabella really loves writing and she has since she was very little. It’s a place of empower ment for her.”

Aydin, 8, took his mom’s suggestions and tried to something different. He submitted a book of poems inspired by others who inspire him.

“Threads of Inspiration” included poetry inspired by , Frederick Douglas and Mahatma Gandhi.

“Each of them inspired me to do something in a differ-

oetry was not fun, but then I tried it and it’s actually pretty cool on the way you do poetry and how you make it,” he said. “I ound it as a new way to express myself when it comes to riting.”

he district has long been icipating in the progr am, an extension of the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Young Author Conference” sponsored by the Illinois anguage and Literacy Council and the Illinois Reading ouncil. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the state no longer hosts the event. Participation is completely oluntary.

Avery O’Dell, an eighth ader at Roosevelt, has been participating in the event for the past four years and has found writing to be a form of self-expression.

“I like to write down how I feel or what I am thinking,” Avery said. “Writing stories – there is no limit, and what-

e Wheel (By Aydin

Karmali)

Ste p by step

Weaving each string

Wanting to free his people

Fighting Britain

He helps India using his words

He knows this war will end someday

Slow by slow

Committing to the wheel of independence

One string at a time

Weaving cloth

Not picking up weapons

His most deadly is his mind

Using words to gain independence

String by string

Almost there

Weaving a piece of cloth

Gently in his cell

We will not listen to you

We will do what we want to do

We will wear what we want to wear

You will not rule us

We deserve independence

Step by step

Slow by slow

String by string

He has finished weaving cloth

India is free

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”

–

Mahatma Gandhi

ever you think of can be turned into a story.”

Students who want to participate are instructed to write a book, including a title page, a dedication page and an “about” page so they get a feel for what it is like to produce a complete book. They are given a month to submit the final copy.

Katie Till, a second grade teacher at Willard Elementary, Jerri Gapastione, a fifth grade ELA teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, and Danielle Brauweiler, a librarian at Lincoln Elementary School, run the program and select winners.

“You can see where they are taking real life events or school related topics like what we teach in SEL, inclusion and empathy and they are inspired by that to use that in their own stories,” Till said. “Some of their real-life experiences, they apply it in their own writing.”

PHOTO BY AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ

From le to right: Avery O’Dell, Lucia Auvinen, Arabella Scott, and Aydin Karmali at D90’s Young Author Celebration on April 3.

CRIME

$12K in gold, property stolen from Oak Park residence

Someone stole multiple items totaling $12,000, from an Oak Park residence on the 800 block of South Oak Park Avenue sometime between Feb. 5 and March 15. The items included one ounce of an Argor-Heraeus gold bar, a bronze star award, military documents, and a five-karat round diamond and platinum ring.

Aggravated assault

A man entered a Chicago resident’s landscaping trailer and stole an orange ECHO trimmer and a red RedMax weed wacker April 6 on the 1200 block of North Lombard Avenue. He then pulled a black handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the victim while exiting the yard. The estimated loss is $800.

Arrests

■ A 43-year-old man from River Grove was stopped for traffic at the 100 block of South Austin Boulevard April 3. Police re ported they smelled and saw cannabis in the car. After a search, police found a loaded handgun in the center console. The man was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and possession of cannabis. He was held for bond hearings.

■ A 43-year-old Elgin man struck his girlfriend, an Oak Park resident, on the left side of her cheek with an open hand on April 3 on the 1100 block of Westgate Street. The man was arrested for domestic battery and held for bond hearings.

■ A 27-year-old Chicago man

was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol April 5 on the 900 block of Chicago Avenue. He was issued a citation and released.

■ A 41-year-old Chicago man was arrested for possession of crack cocaine April 5 on the 200 block of North Scoville Avenue. He was also found to have an active warrant out of DuPage County. He was issued a citation and released.

■ A 24-year-old Chicago man was stopped by police officers April 6 on the 1100 block of South Boulevard for having a warrant out of Knox County, Tennessee, for smuggling contraband into a prison. He was arrested and held for bond hearings.

■ A 25-year-old Oak Park woman was arrested for domestic bat-

tery April 7 on the 100 block of South Austin Boulevard. She was held for bond hearings.

Criminal damage to property

Someone shattered the windowpane to the back door of an Oak Park residence on the 1000 block of North Austin Boulevard March 30. The individual was not able to enter, but the estimated damage is unknown.

Motor vehicle theft

Someone shattered the window and broke into an Oak Park resident’s gray 2020 Dodge 2500 between March 31 and April 1 on the 900 block of South Oak Park Avenue. The estimated loss is $30,000.

S omeone stole a Westchester resident’s neon green 2022 Je ep Wr angler b etween March 31 and April 1 on the 600 block of S outh Boulevard. T he estimated loss is $35,000.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports dated April 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 Luzane Draughon

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Wiz Kids Camps to Ignite Minds and Energize Summers for grades 1-8 at Whitney Young High School Registration

is open now for a summer of learning, exploration and fun

Wiz Kids Camps, the premier summer camp renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and athletic development, is excited to announce its expansion to Whitney Young High School for the summer of 2024. From June 17 to August 16, Wiz Kids Camps will transform the iconic school campus into a hub of learning, exploration and fun for students from first through eighth grade.

“We are thrilled to bring Wiz Kids Camps to the vibrant community at Whitney Young High School. Our carefully crafted programs aim to provide a well-rounded and transformative summer experience for students in grades one to eight,” said Nathan Legardy, Executive Director at Wiz Kids Camps.

The camp has served families for 15 years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School where it will return again this summer along with the expansion to Whitney Young High School.

Wiz Kids Camps boasts a unique blend of Academic and Athletic Programming, taking place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus field trips every Friday. The camp’s tailored gradespecific programs are strategically designed to combat summer learning loss, cultivate friendships and bolster social skills. Extended care is also available.

“As a working parent you always wonder, ‘Is my kid getting enough out of summer? Is this the kind of summer I want my kid to have?,’” said Renee Vasek, whose son is looking forward to his third year as a Wiz Kid. “They get everything out of Wiz Kids Camps.”

For first through fourth grade participants, certified instructors lead engaging math and reading enrichment sessions aligned with Illinois academic

standards, ensuring a sharp learning curve in a supportive and interactive environment. Meanwhile, fifth through eighth grade Wiz Kids benefit from daily academic sessions that go beyond the traditional curriculum, incorporating STEAM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and debate to instigate curiosity and accelerate achievement.

Adding to the richness of the experience are diverse electives in fine arts, chess, coding, drama, and media production. These comprehensive enrichment programs unfold in unique maker space environments, equipped with the necessary assets to provide a transformative learning experience for all participants.

“As a parent I love that I can send him to a place where he is safe,” said Christina Moody whose son has attended Wiz Kids Camps for two summers. “It’s a place where I know he is cared for with people who have a vested interest in his future. And, it’s a full day of camp. I don’t know what’s more to love than that!”

Complementing the academic focus, Wiz Kids Camps places a strong emphasis on fitness and athleticism. Core activities, overseen by seasoned coaches, include basketball, baseball, volleyball, cheer, track, tennis, tumbling, karate, soccer and swimming, catering to all skill levels from novice to highperforming enthusiasts.

Each exciting camp week concludes with thrilling field trips to venues such as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Raging Waves, Enchanted Castle, Challenger Learning Center and the Museum of Surgical Sciences, promising unique and educational experiences for our summer participants.

“Growing up through Wiz Kids, I’ve been able to express myself and not feel weird about it,” said former camper and now counselor Kayleigh. “Being in that environment, a healthy environment, is something that helps as a kid grows up. Coming into high school it’s a different experience than if I didn’t have Wiz Kids. I think it really benefited me, especially with the sports and clubs that I am in now.”

Parents are encouraged to secure a spot for their children, ensuring they embark on a summer filled with academic growth, athletic development and unforgettable adventures.

“It’s worth the investment to have your kids in a safe space where they are able to try a variety of activities,” said Erica Whittier whose son and daughter attend Wiz Kids Camps.

“Don’t think about it too long,” Moody added. “This is one of the best decisions you can make not only for your child but for yourself in feeling confident that they are going to be provided with educational enrichment opportunities in a program where people genuinely care.”

For more information and to register, please visit www.wizkidscamps.com or call 1-855-952-2677. Wiz Kids Camps is presented by the Wiz Kids Foundation in collaboration with Wiz Kids Sports Camps LLC.

A Wiz Kids camper slides into summer fun

Wiz Kids campers welcome new friends to join them as camp expands to Whitney Young High School this summer for grades 1-8.

concludes such as Museum, Castle, the promising experiences for I’ve not feel camper and in that environment, is grows up. different Wiz Kids. especially am in secure ensuring with development have your are able Erica daughter attend Moody decisions child dent provided with opportunities genuinely register, www.wizkidscamps.com or Camps is Foundation Sports

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Curious if Mathnasium is the right fit for your child? Come in for a FREE TRIAL SESSION to try it out! Call or text today to take advantage of early enrollment discounts! 708-613-4007.

We offer fun and educational wheel throwing camps for ages 5 and up. Summer clay camps provide young artists the outlet for exercising both critical and creative thinking through clay. If you want to nurture your child’s creativity, this is the place to be! Students learn the skills to make functional pots and decorative clay art both on the wheel and by hand. They will then learn how to decorate their creations using underglazes and glaze. The projects they complete will be food safe, made from nontoxic materials which are all supplied. In addition, students will be shown the firing process, leading to a full understanding of the entire operation. With our low teacher-to-student ratio, every camper will get the attention they need.

Morning sessions are from 9:00 am until noon for young potters (5-9 years old) and afternoon sessions are from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm for young adults (10 years old an up). Each session is 2 weeks long, Monday through Thursday, starting on Monday, June 10th. The cost per 2-week session is $340.

Terra Incognito is located at 246 Chicago Ave in Oak Park. It has held Potter’s Wheel camps for over 30 years. Several of our former students are now well-known artists and teachers. We are thrilled to help cultivate the next generation of artists from Oak Park. Visit and sign up at terraincognitostudio.com.

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PROPER TY TR ANSFERS

Oak Park home sells for $975,000

The following property transfers werere ported by the Cook County Clerk from December 2023. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.

831 N East Ave $975,000 Obrien David L Lucci Susan M

118 Wesley Ave $929,000 Masucci Lisa A Trust Baxendale Anne S

538 N Cuyler Ave $920,000 Mackey Adrienne Beth Currier Nicholas

623 Forest Ave $850,000 Callahan James E Kenworthy Maxwell D

939 N Grove Ave $800,000 Christmon Roderick B Tr Kelley Erin

508 S Elmwood Ave $760,000 Douglas Robert W Cubria Javier

1141 Rossell Ave

$734,500 Swanson Mark T Tr Torre William Jr

1130 S Harvey Ave $699,000 Tsi Prop Llc Koronkiewicz David C Jr

6632 Roosevelt Rd $673,500 Ja2e Llc Lopez Luis

728 S Euclid Ave $650,000 Weng Zude Schroeder Mark

324 N Taylor Ave $649,000 Taylor Paula Iliadhi Ergi

1028 N Taylor Ave $600,000 Mgp Const Inc Morrow Caitlin E

OA K P ARK

1115 N Taylor Ave $245,000 Jeter Mary Gp Artec Inc

810 N Oak Park Ave $560,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co TrTrust Number 58532 58532

536 Clarence Ave $550,000 Baxendale Daniel J Rasmussen William W

525 S Scoville Ave

$545,000 Hjalmarson Melissa Bodyne Eric Kevin

1034 Wenonah Ave $540,000 Mains Donna M Wessel Daniel Doyle

150 N Cuyler Ave $535,000 Rezek Thomas A Tr Cunningham Phillip Scott

536 S Scoville Ave $525,000 Javor Daniel Harris Virginia M

740 S Humphrey Ave $518,000 Daddario Oliver Cesena Andrew

435 Home Ave $505,000 Benson Timothy D Freeman Timothy

821 N Harvey Ave $490,000 Ross Dina Tr Gerber Alison

110 S Austin Blvd $485,000 Preshon-Hooper Celia L Hartford Wells Inv Llc

1005 Hayes Ave $461,000 Oneill John R Tr Herald Fischer

411 N Humphrey Ave $459,500 Harris Cynthia Thomas Jennie

124 S Grove Ave $450,000 Walter Carolyn C Tr Kreyer Jonathan

166 N Lombard Ave $445,000 Kahn Jeremy M Baird Michael J

709 Hayes Ave $400,000 Boglioli Francis Molde Joseph S

646 S Lyman Ave $375,000 Delta Assets Llc Apex Estates Bldr Llc

1177 Gunderson Ave $375,000 Malhiot Robert D Tr Vannopas Tanapat

321 N Marion St $330,000 Kuhl Kelly Hynes Irina

603 N Cuyler Ave $317,000 603 Cuyler Llc Worl Ryan

1135 Schneider Ave $305,000 Homes For Less Llc Gangopadhyaya Asim Tr

165 N Kenilworth Ave $300,000 Kramme Elizabeth M Ondrla Thomas J

169 N Grove Ave $300,000 Mazelis Eric Avalos Eliseo Daniel Jacome

720 Home Ave $299,000 Ohalloran Real Prop Llc Melinda W Degucz Trust

1137 S East Ave $295,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 123024 Thurmond John

1018 S Ridgeland Ave $279,000 Honeybadgers Holdings Llc Thompson Leo

147 N Ridgeland Ave $255,000 Osborne Karen L Tr Sennello Joseph Anthony

111 S Scoville Ave $245,000 Heilig Donna J Bastianoni Raigan

716 N Ridgeland Ave $242,000 Stratton Carol L Tr Picchiotti Robert

717 Washington Blvd $240,000 Gamino Joseph B Ozog Megan

408 S Lombard Ave $205,000 Friel Juliette Strong Thelma

228 N Oak Park Ave $195,000 Riccio Nora Blaisdell Samuel Gilbert

845 Pleasant St $190,000 Smith Pamela Horan Feliz Inigo

1139 S Highland Ave $180,000 Gamzo ip Llc 1139 Highland Llc

916 N Humphrey Ave $180,000 Citizens Bk Na Revolution R E Grp Llc

729 N Cuyler Ave $175,500 Stratton Carol L Tr Picchiotti Robert

301 W Chicago Ave $175,000 Gonzalez Alan Smith Felicia

727 S Maple Ave $152,000 Groesch Alexander J Anthony Dominique

214 S Oak Park Ave $150,000 Vigsnes Richard A Ward Melvin

221 N Marion St $145,000 Reif Robert W Gutierrez Del no

425 Wesley Ave $143,000 Holt James Crespo Maria I

1008 Washington Blvd $143,000 Leinberger Thomas Quinn Adam Patrick

644 Lake St $137,000 Kwec Ewa D Better Home Investments Bhi

1205 N Harlem Ave $125,000 Askari Llc - 1205 Llc Napoleon Galatia

1139 S Highland Ave $115,000 Judicial Sales Corporation Gamzo ip Llc

848 Washington Blvd $102,000 Bograd Jessica M Abrons Earline

726 N Austin Blvd $1,400,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 11516507 722 N Austin Llc

927 Clarence Ave $110,500 Alach Susan Reynolds Margaret M

1111 Holley Ct $115,000 Xfa1 Llc Leverston Marilyn Davis

414 S Scoville Ave $115,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Dd3 Bldr Llc Co Tr 8002387656

942 Washington Blvd $125,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Company Copp Kevin

415 S Maple Ave $130,500 Flowers Loreal Santiago Orlando

7 Fillmore St $135,000 Kacen Carolyn Hernandez Vanessa Y

222 Washington Blvd $154,000 Royster Jessie Gordon Stewart Brandon A

PROPER TY TR ANSFERS

408 S Lombard Ave $158,000 Karim Olivia Reyes Marco Antonio Jr 1136 Ontario St $169,000 Berg Jeremy S Tr Dixon Sandra

222 W Washington Blvd $173,000 Baudino Todd Busey Bk Tr

1101 S Lombard Ave $182,000 Smieszkal Peter Itza Investments Llc

433 S Lombard Ave $184,000 Sadler Carl Buford Vanessa

1033 Ontario St $190,000 Thompson Candace L Salah Lynn Z

1025 Randolph St $200,000 Doherty Karen Tr Dhirenkumar Patel

332 Wesley Ave $250,000 Breyer Noah Breyer Richard

140 N Ridgeland Ave $274,000 Fanning Jamarcus L Snyder Samyntha

1156 S Cuyler Ave $316,000 Butts James W Brenneman-Fullwood Laura

830 Woodbine Ave $325,000 Kroll Gregory Tr Muszynski Jerzy

53 Chicago Ave $329,000 Tvc Fundg Iv Reo Llc 53 Chicago Llc

934 S Grove Ave $345,000 Hutson Charles A Whisler Gunnar

1201 N Marion St $355,000 Wambach William L Tr 1201 N Marion Llc

1120 N Lombard Ave $370,000 Jimenez Manuel Fang Eileen

641 S Taylor Ave $380,000 Ondrla Joseph T Charette Connor

631 Forest Ave $400,000 Kowalczyk Andrew W Drew Candice

1008 N Taylor Ave $410,000 Thompson Domenica M Matherly Katie

713 S Maple Ave $450,000 Williams Bryan L Smith Michael

1140 S Maple Ave $450,000 Ostrovsky Neal Cessna Duncan

739 N Cuyler Ave $475,000 Dmitruk Svetlana Rojas Hope M

1123 Wenonah Ave $485,000 Howder Elizabeth Tr 151505 Sunga Lee

833 Carpenter Ave $502,500 Pych Daniel J Trevino Ryan

1327 N Harlem Ave $520,000 Andrews Mary A Tr John Sunaina

506 Forest Ave $520,000 Freeman Wade A Kadlec Liying Tr

1141 S Highland Ave $540,000 J&D Const 55 Llc Barclay Edward A Trust

1214 N Oak Park Ave $542,000 Washlow Joshua P Bidlake Alexandra

159 N Humphrey Ave $590,500 Mathews Dane K Cassella Brian

4 Division St $6,000 Niemi Katherine Mckinney Lachia

137 S Humphrey Ave $635,000 Ware Franklin C Johnson Patricia

917 N Marion St $835,000 Langenmayr David Joseph Poulos Thomas

266 Lake St $875,000 260-266 W Lake Llc Mmhg 260 Lake Llc

747 Thatcher Ave $650,000 Carroll Nicholas Joseph Goedert Robert

1503 Monroe Ave $830,000 Jd Nesting Llc Valente Michael

1520 Park Ave $830,000 Skelton Justin T Vanopstall Matthew

207 Franklin Ave $865,000 Willert Luke Peacock Nicholas

539 Edgewood Pl $935,000 Reynolds Mark Thompson Towendy

Bald Michel 315 Des Plaines Ave $125,000 Husic Sebila Radney-Butler Geraldine

Washington St $128,500 Pete Highland Rlty Ltd Hudzyk Nataliya 320 Circle Ave $145,000 Martinez Laura Sandoval Jorge Garcia

Circle Ave $145,500 Wahl Kathleen C Shirabon Nadittcu

122 Circle Ave $155,000 Vahey Wendy Tr Johnson Ian 315 Des Plaines Ave $158,500 Feilen Wendy Kllogjeri Fjorentina 7449 Washington St $160,000 Tomori Akinyemi Smith Shauna

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust plans Learning Center expansion

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission approved March 14 the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s plans for a new learning center on Chicago Avenue.

The planned center will consist of a new, contemporary building designed by architect John Ronan that will include a Reception Hall, Pavilion and Studio. An Art Resource Center will be housed in the repurposed historic building at 925 Chicago Ave., which will also include a Frank Lloyd Wright Reading Room and Archive.

Susie Trexler, urban planner in historic preservation for the village said the HPC was positive about the plan.

“The commission spoke very favorably about the trust’s proposed learning center,” Trexler said. “The commission expressed a lot of excitement both about the design and purpose as a learning center.”

Celeste Adams, president and CEO of the trust, said that the design for the center had been developed during the past three years and noted that the trust has planned to announce the design this year to coincide with the trust’s 50th anniversary.

“It’s a critical moment for us to look back in gratitude to the many people who built and grew the trust as we also look forward to a new generation who will make their

See LEARNING CENTER on pa ge 32

COURTESY OF JOHN RONAN ARCHITECTS AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TRUST CHICAGO

Guests w ill enter the building via Chicago Avenue walkway.

COURTESY OF JOHN RONAN ARCHITECTS AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TRUST CHICAGO

View of the campus from Chicago Avenue.

LEARNING CENTER Sustainable

artistry

from page 31

own contributions. We want the next generation to be part of Wright’s living legacy.”

The center will offer interactive programming, creative studio classes for all ages and access to lear ning resources.

“As we conduct preservation of Wright’s buildings, we are constantly reminded of his innovation in design,” Adams said. “His studio was his laboratory – a place of creativity. This is the spirit of the new Learning Center, a balanced combination of innovation and preservation.”

Adams added that not only will the center further the mission of the trust, but it will also expand its reach.

“Traditionally, the building has been seen as a tourist destination,” she said of the Home and Studio. “We want to eng age the community, open our site and welcome them in.”

The center will be built behind existing buildings that are part of the home and studio campus. These other buildings are also getting facelifts as part ofthe plan to create a campus around the home and studio

Work has already begun on 931 Chicago Ave., the John Blair and Anna Wright House, which has been going through a refurbishment so that it more closely resembles what it looked like when Wright lived in Oak Park. When finished, the building will house staff and will not be open to the public.

The 925 Chicago Ave. building has already had an exterior remodeling. Site work on the back of the house and interior

are underway now to prepare the house for public access as the Art Resource Center for the tr ust.

The newly built Learning Center building will include 4,370 square feet of interior space, which will be ADA accessible and include a guest reception desk, 36-foot-long audio-visual programming screen, public restrooms and catering support.

Outdoors, there will be 2,033 square feet ofterraces, with adjacent outdoor courtyards, walkways and patio areas measuring 2,420 square feet. Eighteen new trees will be planted and there will be a fountain on the ter race

“The proposed building is set back from the street helping it to become pa rt ofthe block,” said L ou Garapolo, chai r of the HPC. “It, however, has wh at c ould be a wonderful c ourtyard that welcomes the visitor in for what could be a delightf ul experienc e. ”

Adams called the design “environmentally friendly,” and said it will provide ample natural light and views ofthe surrounding parklike setting. She said the combination of indoor and outdoor learning spaces will allow the trust to greatly expand its educational of ferings to people of all ages

The new center will allow for more summer camp offerings for school children and longer sessions of camp days, in addition to work experience in art, architecture and design for high school students. The popular 4th grade experience will be enhanced with workshops in the new space.

T he trust also envisions the space hosting two artist-in-residency progr ams a

year. Guest artists – whether architects, visual artists, designers or sculptors –will be on site to draw inspiration from the site and work with students to create their own projects

T he trust has for med a Community Education Advisory Committee made up of local educators from Oak Park, River Forest and Austin, as well as trust members and leaders from the local arts community to weigh in on future progr amming for the center

Adams said that the construction timeline for the center will be dependent on fundraising ef forts. Calling this the “most significant capital ef fort of the trust in 50 years,” Adams said that in the beginning of the planning stages, several years ago, initial cost estimates were in the $5 million-$10 million rang e. She said current estimates are at the high end of that rang e.

Fundraising is just beginning, but she added, “We are pleased to have the support of several major donors at this time.”

Adams said she is excited about wh at the center means for the trust and for the c ommunity.

“What’s wonderful about this expansion plan is its expanded return to the community,” she said.

COURTESY OF JOHN RONAN ARCHITECTS AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TRUST CHICAGO e building will have multiple sustainability features.

COURTESY OF JOHN RONAN ARCHITECTS AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TRUST CHICAGO e pavilion interior of the Learning Center.

(qual i’ ty) noun

The basic nature, the degree of excellence, the best available when compared to others.

Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service.

Any comparison of quality requires a perception not often utilized in today’s society.

...unless you experience the extraordinary real estate service of Tom Carraher. The quality choice in real estate professionals. Tom’s standards are simply higher. Call

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Domestic violence response must change

There’s no doubt you’ve either read, viewed on TV, or heard about the two most recent mass shootings in the Chicago area involving domestic violence. An arrest has been made of the husband in the Tinley Park mass shooting, where he killed several family members. In Joliet, the offender killed seven of his family members in addition to a random individual on the street and injured another individual

WEITZEL

One View

ritten about domestic violence in the past, but this is an issue that is worth visiting witness these hor ic domestic violence homicides. I serve on two statewide domestic forces, both gube natorial appointments. One is the olence Fatality view Commission (https://govappointments.illinois.gov/boardsandcommissions/details) and the other is Domestic Violence (Colton’s) Task Force (https:// www.dailymail.co. uk/news/ar ticle-7503035/Woman-details-ex husband-killed-bab y-bo y. html), which is a task force that was developed after the brutal murder of an 18-month-old boy in Joliet by the father

VIEWPOINTS

Green news you can use

LOUISE MEZZATESTA

One View

I have long been a proponent of several domestic violence initiatives that have gained no traction legislatively and, in some cases, have even been opposed by other police chiefs and police executives throughout the state. The crime of domestic violence should be an automatic class 4 felony. Additionally, when a person is ar rested for domestic battery, the individual should be held initially in custody and appear in front of a judge, who will determine whether that individual should be released.

Several issues give domestic violence victims and their families what I would consider false protection. First, the order of protection, a temporary order granted by a judge when there is a perceived possible recurrence of abuse, does not prevent domestic violence. The order of protection is designed so police officers can make arrests when an individual violates that order of protection, as any violation of the order makes

of Oak Park for 62 years, I view myself as a resident of the broader community of Oak Park and River Forest. Both villages share the same concer ns about climate change and its impacts. Both villages are actively working to combat those impacts. View Oak Park’s Climate Ready Action Plan at https://www.sustainoakpark.com/oak-parksclimate-action and River Forest’s sustainability mission and goals at https://vrf.us/sustain.

To quote the introduction to Oak Park’s plan:

If the world’s communities continue with “business as usual,” climate change impacts are predicted to become increasingly destabilizing. In order to prevent the worst, communities must take action now to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, communities must make investments that help buildings, neighborhoods, and infrastructure adjust to climate change impacts that have already started.

Now on to some practical green news you can use:

In case you missed National Cleaning Week (March 24-30), there’s still time to recycle all those reusable items cluttering your basements, closets and garages. Your

LGBTQ+ health care and fund care for the uninsured and under-insured at Howard Brown Health. Visit their site at https://howardbrown.org/get-involved/brown-elephant.

Finally, when all else fails, call Honest Junk for haulaway service. They tout themselves as the only nonprofit junk removal service in the area. I can personally attest to their excellent service, having used them to clear out a relative’s apartment. Not only are they cheaper than the commercial services but 100% of usable goods they pick up are distributed to their charity partners. Visit their site at https://www honestjunkcompany.org.

Me, I’m a devotee to thrift-shop shopping. You never know what you are going to find at these places. I’ve found all manner of like-new designer clothing, fine furniture, sterling silver pieces and even a Movado watch worth $2,000, priced at just $250. I recently bought a serger (a kind of sewing machine) for $75 that works perfectly and some fabric to make several T-shirts for $6.

Louise Mezzatesta is a former longtime Oak Park resident, now living in River Forest. She currently serves on the River Forest Sustainability Commission.

e importance of sacred places

ILet District 97 investigate

t is a good moment to take a breath. A deep breath.

The District 97 elementary school district is reviewing aspects of a lesson taught last week at Percy Julian Middle School. The subject matter was broadly about slavery and more specifically about the invention of the cotton gin. The classroom teacher brought samples of natural cotton into the class to show students — who perhaps had never seen cotton in this form — why Eli Whitney’s invention was so notable.

Here’s where the story of what happened next begins to diverge and is why the district is working to fully understand the details. A statement from the district last week said all students in the classroom “participated and a few students asked to take the bags of cotton home.” The teacher reportedly said that was fine.

In its statement, the district said it was investigating “serious concer ns that a racially insensitive activity was used” in a classroom. That is a necessary topic to explore.

A social media wave followed, with the mother of a Black student claiming on Facebook that her child and another Black student were specifically sent home with the cotton by the white teacher.

Hundreds of comments and shares later, after a barrage of angry, sometimes profane, phone calls to the district, we are in the midst of accusations of racism in the district and enough threats and implications of violence from commenters and callers that the district last Wednesday imposed a soft lockdown and cancelled after-school activities.

It is troubling that this situation escalated so quickly based on early information without verification. That adults would respond to the district with vehemence and threats of violence, based on early or unverified information, which put the safety of children at Percy Julian at risk and put the school into any sort of lockdown, is repulsive.

This is not a village where we turn on teachers, demean them, undercut them. That is a path we cannot go down.

We have faith that D97 will sort this out and be transparent in doing so. The Jour nal will continue reporting responsibly, but it will not be driven by amped-up social media outrage.

Oak Park has to be better than this.

Remembering Karen Yarbrough

The remembrances of Karen Yarbrough, daughter of Proviso, who rose to become the Cook County Clerk and a leader in county Democratic politics, all focus on her positive energy and generous spirit

Ms. Yarbrough died on April 7 after a short hospitalization. She was 73.

That is the person we knew, too. Whether boosting her hometown of Maywood or talking up efforts to improve service in her office, Ms Yarbrough was enthusiastic and generous in her connections

While her father, Don Williams, and later her husband Henderson, served as mayors of Maywood, Karen Yarbrough rose steadily in state and then county gover nment. She represented the 7th district in the state house from 2001 until 2012. She ran successfully for county Recorder of Deeds and then county clerk.

She was a pioneering Black woman in several of those roles. She will long be remembered

As of Sunday, a lovely star magnolia was in full bloom, brilliant white against the orange brick backdrop of the building across the street. It has been a long winter/spring hybrid season these last three months, and the flowers have done their best, emerging into a roller-coaster ride of fluctuating temperatures. But this fragile tree bided time, paced its blossoming, and seems to be none the worse for wear

KEN TRAINOR

I look forward to this blooming every spring, a memorable solo in the four-part symphonic splendor of the year. Magnolias re present the height of fragile flowering imper manence, so I look forward to it with barely contained expectation, talking my hopes down because nature always gets the last word. The only impact we have on weather is how extreme it will be

But during its brief bloom, this small tree, ador ning a nondescript wall adjacent to bustling Oak Park Avenue, becomes a sacred place for me.

Do you have sacred places? I hope so. We need sanctuaries in a world that often infuriates, disappoints, dehumanizes and assaults our very souls

I’ve been thinking about the notion of sacred place the last few days because people are becoming almost as ther mo-nuclearly reactive as the weather, veering into ne gativity, sinking into pessimism, not without reason, perhaps, but often without reasoning.

This coming Sunday (10 a.m.) at Unity Temple, which is Choir Sunday, the ensemble will perform a piece titled, “Sacred Place,” by Alex Berk. Unity Temple is a sacred place in its own right, so the music will fit the space.

Which got me thinking about the other sacred places in my life

Most are outside, but a few can be found indoors, like the chapel at New Melleray Abbey in Iowa, the Trappist monastery I visited every fall for 20 years — and haven’t retur ned to since 2015. I’ve written about it before. The space is enclosed by white limestone walls with bar nlike wooden rafters high overhead and clear windows that welcome shafts of sunlight throughout the day. It feels sacred because the monks keep consecrating it with the simple devotion of their daily routine — work, prayer, psalm-singing, and hospitality. The place even has a sacred scent, which I can’t describe; you’ ll just have to smell it for yourself. It feels particularly sacred during 7 a.m. Mass, with an excellent breakfast awaiting in the refectory. This is the only church, in my experience, that doesn’t try to shut the world out.

Oak Park’s Austin Gardens, meanwhile, is my favorite local sacred place. I often refer to it as my plein air church, an oasis, hemmed in by tall buildings to the south but forested on its north end, with wildflowers in bloom, sanctifying it further. Scilla and Spring Beauty, Wild Columbine and Dutchman’s Breeches, Red and White Trillium, toothwort and, soon, Mayflowers and Virginia Bluebelles, wild geraniums and phlox. Some sunny Sunday, pay a visit before you go to (or instead of) church. I suspect it will deepen your worship experience. It’s not that Austin Gardens is “holy,” so much as I feel holier — or at least wholier — when I’m walking through it.

My other outdoor “church” is the Spruce Plot at Mor ton Arboretum, further consecrated when I hike there with my twin grandsons, Tyler and Bryce. We paid another visit during Spring Break and when we reached the towering pine poles, which form a natural cathedral, growing straight and “true” (from which the old English word “tree” derives) with its green needles reserved for the lofty top, Tyler flings out his arms and shouts, “Look up! It’s sooo cool!” Now that’s worship.

Some sacred places I have only visited once and may never see again. My favorite (adult) walking companions and I were in nor ther n Minnesota a decade and a half ago and came upon a small lake sur rounded by oaks and pines. We sat by the shore and could not speak and could not move for the longest time, enchanted by the quiet and the stillness of the water, which mirrored the still waters within us. It seemed as if wewere the first human beings to stumble upon it. I felt like a different person while I was there. The sense of reverence was strong Or standing on Little Big Top, looking out over the silent battlefield at Gettysburg at dusk, knowing what Lincoln must have felt when he spoke of this consecrated ground.

Sometimes the sacred visits ordinary space — sitting at a meal or in a circle in the living room with longtime friends, some of whom I haven’t seen for a long time or see only rarely, talking as if time itself were declared of f limits

In the night, my psyche becomes a sacred place during dreams or an early-hours brainsquall of charged and clarified thought, as the body unwinds, breath moving to the forefront, and the mind taking flight.

Every space is potentially a sacred place. The more time we spend there, the better of f we are.

And the saner the world will be

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

Oak Park’s 2024 Tax Appeal period opens

The Cook County Assessor’s Office has announced that it will be accepting appeals of the assessed valuations of Oak Park properties between March 26 and April 29, 2024. Individuals looking for assistance in filing appeals should feel free to contact the Oak Park Township Assessor’s Of fice at 708-383-8005 to set up appointments during the appeal period.

All Oak Park properties were reassessed in 2023, and most of the values set in 2023 will remain unchanged until Oak Park’s next reassessment in 2026. Because the 2023 reassessment was such an important part of the tax process, many people believe that assessed values can only be appealed during a reassessment year. But since property values can change from year to year, assessed values can be appealed in any year, including 2024.

Although we expect to see fewer appeals in 2024 compared to 2023, there are some circumstances where taxpayers may want to appeal this year. One such situation arises when the county assessor sends notices of reassessment for properties that have had significant changes in the last year, such as the construction of a new building or an addition to an

existing building. The 2024 appeal period also allows taxpayers to bring attention to changes in the value of their properties over the last year. Finally, taxpayers who missed the deadline for appealing their 2023 assessed values can contest their values for the 2024 tax year.

In most cases, those who are filing 2024 appeals because they missed deadlines from prior years will not be able to do anything about their assessments from prior years. Indeed, since Cook County tax bills always arrive one year late, property owners should be aware that the money-saving effects of successful 2024 appeals will not appear on tax bills until the summer of calendar year 2025.

The biggest point of contact between most citizens and their government arises through the payment of taxes. Oak Park residents with concer ns about the fair ness of this important point of contact should know that the Township is available to help residents redress tax inequities.

Ali ElSa ar Oak ParkTownship assessor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards

Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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, re 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 ling.

Please understand our veri cation 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 veri cation, 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 con rm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay.

If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

Zoning changes in River Forest

The April 11 River Forest Zoning Board meeting will be held at Concordia University, Koehneke Community Center, 2nd Floor, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, at 7:30 p.m. Many affected residents have no idea this vote is taking place. It will affect them directly: property values, traffic, parking, and safety. North Avenue, Lake Street, and Madison Street are targeted.

Development can be great if it fits the area. These ideas do not. Discussions between village reps and south River Forest residents over 1.5 years has been ignored. This vote, if passed, will substantially change the face of River Forest for multiple blocks on either side of the changed zoning areas. There will be significant changes to parking, traf fic flow, safety, density, and very tall buildings that do not fit the villa ge.

Building height proposals: North Avenue and Lake Street: Currently 4.5 stories, change to 7-8 stories; Madison Street is cur rently at 3 stories, proposed change to 4.5 stories. Understand these height proposals are not the top ceiling of the building, but the floor. These buildings will be denser by removing bedroom requirements and taking away parking.

Proposed drawings suggest closing of f or restricting access to and from Madison Street from Ashland Avenue. That creates its own set of headaches for drivers. Driving a block north and then east or west and then south again? Our streets are not wide. With “relaxed parking” morning and overnight, there are some streets where only one car can get through at a time. What about emergency vehicles?

The village has not informed nearby blocks about these af fected areas of town. Many residents are totally unaware. This affects us all. Development can be very good. But development needs to fit the community and look to the future.

Please consider joining others by signing the online petition at change. org on this topic, www.change.org/ No_Re-Zoning_in_River_Forest.

For more information email: lafneighbors@gmail.com.

Kathleen Corcos River Forest.

Zoning amendments, not rezoning

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what’s before the River Forest Zoning Board of Appeals tomorrow, April 11. It’s important to get the facts right.

First, the River Forest Zoning Board of Appeals is not considering rezoning. Rezoning assigns property to a different zoning district. But that’s not what is proposed. The ZBA is considering amendments to the text of the zoning ordinance, not changing the zoning districts to which any property is mapped.

The plain language in the proposed text amendment sets “maximum” heights in the three commercial districts, not minimums In five decades as a professional city planner, I’ve never seen a zoning code that sets minimum heights — and this proposal simply does not set minimums.

Factually speaking, the proposed maximum heights of 50 and 65 feet would lead only to moderate density, mid-rise buildings that will not diminish the quality of life in River Forest. For decades, we’ve lived across the street from this kind of multifamily

housing and it’s been a perfectly fine neighbor to us and the folks on Bonnie Brae immediately west of the affordable condos

As always, there is a happy medium. I’ve suggested to the ZBA that it codify the building height as step-downs where the tallest end of a building is, for example, on Madison, and the height is reduced to the equivalent of two stories closest to singlefamily homes

Most importantly, the proposed amendments, in accord with the village’s comprehensive plan and other adopted policies, would eliminate two unjustifiable, blatantly exclusionary provisions from River Forest’s zoning code by:

(1) Reducing the current requirement of 2,800 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit to 1,000 square feet, and

(2) Eliminating the unwarranted prohibition of studio apartments.

If River Forest is ever going to achieve any economic development, these two provisions need to be excised now.

The only proposed amendment that should

Nothing to fear from zoning updates

Over the past couple of weeks, the village of River Forest has seen opposition to the proposed modernization and updating of our commercial zoning codes. There have been signs staked in the ground, petitions circulating, and an overall fear of what this means for our community

I am writing to every one of our community members to tell you that there is nothing to fear here.

First, the Village Board of Trustees is not asking the Zoning Board of Appeals to rezone any of our land, as is stated in communications that are opposed to the zoning modernization.

What we are doing is reviewing codes that have not been changed for three decades. It is our duty to look at what we have developed, what we want to develop, and determine if they fit with the current economic climate and market. The village board will always scrutinize any commercial development proposal, and will continue to retain the power to approve or deny any development in our community

Please be assured that the individuals who serve our community on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Economic Development Commission, and the village board are all

be rejected is establishing an off-street parking requirement of 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit. The proper practice is to base the number of spaces on the number of vehicles a home is likely to generate — and, as every professional city planner knows, that’s largely derived from the number of bedrooms.

Our leaders need to exercise the leadership they were elected to provide. The village leaders responsible for the proposed text amendments need to present to the ZBA the rationale for their amendments, in person. This is not a task that should be assigned to consultants or village staf f.

If both sides of the issue would set aside politics and talk respectfully with each other, perhaps we could arrive at a middle ground that would facilitate the economic development River Forest and our school districts so badly need to avoid raising property tax rates on homeowners and enable them to maintain the high standards residents expect.

Dan Lauber, AICP , is a 37-year River Forest resident and a past president of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners

residents, too, who care deeply about what is best for our community. We are not inviting skyscrapers, or cars to park on our streets over night, and we are not going to let any development change what is special about River Forest. Ever

We are doing the work to diligently review the way our codes are written, to ensure that River Forest is a place people want to live, raise a family, work and play. Our taxing bodies who serve our community include our schools (districts 90 and 200) who receive nearly 72% of any future commercial development property taxes. The park district, library, township, village and others must share the remaining portion. As we all know, the cost of living continues to go up and so does the cost of the services and amenities provided by all our taxing bodies.

Only 3% of our village is used for commercial purposes, and we want to assure that we are attracting the highest quality developers who understand what our community is, so they can add to its value

I strongly encourage anyone who would like more information about modernizing our commercial zoning codes to visit vrf. us and click on “Transparency.”

Cathy Adduci, Village President

e leaf-removal conundrum

I am sure the president and the board of our village heard many comments re garding leaf removal from our village

A few more:

Wealthy residents will have landscapers pick up the leaves.

I just cannot imagine several bags full of leaves sitting on the curbs of many homes in my area waiting to be picked up.

We seniors will have a hard time complying with this request from the village because it will be difficult to do this job.

Many residents will simply leave the leaves on the lawn.

We’re supposed be a “green,” environmentally-correct village, so now we have to use several paper bags each year, which will have to be transfer red out of Oak Park anyway

I am sure that the president and the board studied this issue, but I cannot see any improvement in this area. The parkway trees are the village’s responsibility.

Grace Ewert, Oak Park

Doing nothing is the solution

Based on the letters to the editor in last week’s Wednesday Journal Viewpoints section, it seems as though Oak Park is all worked up about the prospect of bagging leaves. But unlike many of the complicated issues our town faces, the solution to this is absolutely simple

See, the alternative to bagging leaves is not bagging leaves! The leaves are perfectly fine where they are. The internet is filled with stories (most titled “Leave your leaves”… you can Google it) explaining that letting your leaves be in fall is better for your plants, your lawn and our climate.

I commend our leaders for this common-sense solution. Being lazy and cheap, we will all soon understand that in the case of leaves, doing nothing is the very best way to go.

Don Anderson Oak Park

TAvailability of a ordable housing

he March 28 issue of Wednesday Jour nal reported on the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus identifying ways to make the village more affordable. In that article it was reported that “in 2022 in the village, an affordable home for a median-income earner would be roughly $293,000. But the median sale price was about $525,000. For Black U.S. households, making a median income of $50,000, Trustee Cory Wesley pointed out those houses would be nearly impossible to afford.”

ALAN KRAUSE One View

lent in the MMC’s study and presentation.” In looking for vacant lots in Oak Park in which to build more units “aggressively,” there were two lots listed on Homes com and one listed on landsearch com or Trustee Wesley could have driven around Oak Park to see the lack of available vacant lots on which to build low-income housing. However, there are several options that could meet Trustee Wesley’s criteria not mentioned in MMC’s study as reported by Wednesday Journal.

converted into a fitness studio, music venue or school, possible uses being considered by the village. In September 2023 the board voted to allow the churches to be used for purposes other than a church

My Google search failed to find any more recent discussion about these church properties. However, they also could be converted to multifamily, low-income housing and they are already located in residential neighborhoods.

According to Neilsberg Research (updated Jan. 4), www neilsberg.com, the median household income for an African-American family living in Oak Park in 2022 was $67,714. The median household income for an AfricanAmerican family living in Cook County in 2022 was $46,000. These might be more realistic numbers for the village board to think about rather than national averages

Later in the article, “Wesley said he believes the answer is to build more units aggressively, a strategy he felt was not particularly preva-

Our leaf-grinding experience

As I have read much about leaf bagging recently in the Jour nal, I wanted to share a solution that my brilliant wife — a master gardener — researched and implemented last fall.

Like many, we have a huge volume of leaves. Last fall, we purchased a grinder that shreds leaves. Shredded leaves can go directly into a paper bag to be carried to the street, or as we did; dispersed into plant beds to decompose

A few tips and thoughts:

Unfortunately, shredding is a little noisy. It works best in dry conditions and is dusty. I wear a mask. The relatively inexpensive device we purchased requires a long electric extension cord. The shredder works with a plastic spinning line, similar to an edger. The line breaks and needs frequent replacement (around 3 to 4 times per hour), but it is quick and easy to replace and “shred on.” It is prudent to order a volume of cutting lines with the shredder. We raked leaves into a pile, moved the shredder to the pile, emptied, then moved the shredder to a different pile. Like all leaf removal, it is laborious, but now our plant beds are “happier” for the nutrients the shredded leaves provide

Je Brinkman

Oak Park

Oak Park could just convert some of the empty retail storefronts in its business areas to low-income single or multifamily dwellings. Some of these storefronts have been vacant for years. This has already been done on Harrison Street between Ridgeland and Austin, although that housing was not lowincome. A real win-win situation.

Back in a July 2023 village board meeting there was a discussion about what to do with two vacant church buildings in residential neighborhoods in Oak Park. It was discussed that a church building could potentially be

Maybe it’s time for landlocked Oak Park to think outside the box to start building lowincome housing — unless the village board really believes there is plenty of room in Oak Park to more build massive high-rise apartment or condo buildings in which “X” percent of those units must be low income.

By the way, how are things working out for that 5-story building proposed at Chicago and Ridgeland in March 2023? Should the footprint be changed to add about 20 stories so the village board can put “X” percent low-income housing there? It would be much better to convert a couple of residential neighborhood ex-church buildings to low-income housing

Alan E. Krause is an Oak Park resident.

Turn your lawn into a garden

Although spring is only just arriving, some Oak Parkers are dismayed by our trustees’ possible decision to require us to bag our autumn leaves. To avoid bagging, we are told to chop the leaves and let them remain on our lawns. Here is a better alter native:

Decide how much, if any, lawn you need, such as a play area for your young children or perhaps as a border. Remove the remainder of your lawn and install a garden. The autumn leaves that fall onto your garden beds, or the leaves that you rake onto those beds, will serve as

excellent mulch, eliminating the need for commercial mulch.

Next spring, save time and money and help your garden — do not rake or blow the leaves from your garden beds

Instead, let the leaves remain in your garden beds to continue serving as mulch. The leaves will eventually decompose, nurturing your garden’s soil.

For your garden, consider using plants native to Cook County. Native plants are low maintenance. Native plants require no fertilizer, and little water once established. Native plants are also envi-

ronmentally important. They provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and insects that birds eat. Native plants, many with deep roots, combat climate change by removing carbon from the air and storing the carbon in the soil.

You can find out more about gardening with native plants by visiting the website of our fabulous local native plant group, Wild Ones - West Cook. You can purchase a wide variety of native plants at West Cook’s native plant sale, happening now.

Jim Poznak Member, Wild Ones - West Cook

Misleading statistics

I think the statistic about an inordinately large percentage of black drivers being stopped is misleading. The percentage figure is based only upon the population of Oak Park. However, we border on the predominantly Black neighborhood of Austin, and parts of the bordering area of Chicago also have a larger percentage of Black population. Many of these people

work, shop, or simply drive through Oak Park on a regular basis. So the percentage of any group of people driving in Oak Park on any given day is different than the residential population. When you think of it that way, the statistics are less out of line. There are also cases where cars are involved in spill-over crime. The question is not so much how

many cars are stopped, but why they are stopped. Are there complaints of racial discrimination? If so, they need to be investigated. I’m not saying that the statistics shouldn’t be looked at, but just the numbers do not necessarily indicate that the Oak Park police are acting unfairly.

Joyce Porter Oak Park

We don’t hear much about the “Achievement Gap” at OPRF High School anymore. It was very much highlighted in almost every academic conversation and school communication for years. A few years ago, the name somehow morphed into the “Opportunity Gap.” And now it also feels like we’ve stopped talking about it alto gether. Why?

Some believe our current lack of attention to the original achievement gap was totally predictable. OPRF painted itself into a weird corner of suggesting they could close the gap and raise overall achievement for all students by suggesting to the community it was mostly due to systemic racism and employee biases embedded inside OPRF High School and in our communities (pertinent link: Strengthening Anti-Racist Educational Leaders). Thus, if OPRF failed to close the achievement gap, they’d have to either

What happened to the ‘gap’?

admit that they couldn’t get rid of enough of the racism and biases in our school community (an indefensible position), or they would have to subtly stop talking about the gap altogether and quietly begin trying the next big thing.

ROSS LISSUZZO One View

Before sharing the official and independent state data on OPRF’s achievement gap, below is a useful timeline we all should understand:

America To Me was filmed during the 2015 school year. One clear motivation was to shine a spotlight on the stubborn achievement gap.

Our previous superintendent was hired in the summer of 2016 as the interim superintendent and then was elevated to the official role later that same year to very much address the achievement gap.

Our cur rent superintendent was hired in 2017 as the assistant superintendent for

Perhaps a mirror would help

I laud Growing Community Media for its work in bringing a conversation between Joe Walsh and Fred Guttenberg to Dominican University on April 9 for a presentation of “Two Dads Defending Democracy.” From my perspective, current political discourse involves lots of shouting and virtually no listening. But change has to star t somewhere. If this presentation becomes even a small element of that change, we all benefit.

I was struck by this particular comment from our publisher, Dan Haley, while discussing the presentation in the Our Views editorial of the April 3 Viewpoints section: “One path back to American optimism and realism is finding ways to talk to each other, to stop the debilitating and dehumanizing ways we have come to communicate about our shared civic life.”

I wholehear tedly agree with this sentiment, but I think Mr. Haley need look no further than the newspaper he founded for persistent evidence of what he claims to decry. Consider Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor refer ring to all elected Re publican Congresspersons as “insur rectionists”[1] (as if all of them stormed the nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, or supported those who did), or his declaration that “one-third of

this country is functionally mentally ill” because they disagreed with Mr. Trainor re garding the safety or efficacy of COVID vaccinations[2] or Mary Kay O’Grady writing under the headline “Republicans are a noisy bunch of toddlers”[3] as just a few of many worthwhile examples of what Mr. Haley rightfully calls “debilitating and dehumanizing ways we have come to communicate about our shared civic life.”

Exacerbating this de grading approach to political opponents is the absence of any counterbalancing perspective presented in this paper. I’ve written to Wednesday Journal Viewpoints twice [4] [5] to point out the omission of anything approaching a conservative perspective. Those letters resulted in no responses and, of greater concern, no changes.

Here’s hoping our new editor, Erika Hobbs, can help enforce a more respectful, reflective balance to these pages.

[1] Viewpoints, Feb. 14, 2023

[2] Viewpoints, Jan. 4, 2022

[3] Viewpoints, Feb. 28, 2023

[4] Viewpoints, July 27, 2021

[5] Viewpoints, Oct. 11, 2022

curriculum and instruction. America to Me was released in 2018.

After an expensive hiring search, our current superintendent was offered the job as an internal promotion in 2021. So it is now 2024. OPRF’s current movement is no longer new. There is a long record of student achievement data to evaluate. And we owe it to our students to evaluate progress, or lack thereof.

If you study the Illinois State Re port Card from 2018 to 2023, you will find that OPRF is not closing the achievement gap. In fact, it is widening in English. We should not allow our community to be g as-lit as the many strate gic changes over the last decade were intended to close the gap and it’s not working. Stay the course, as some have recommended? Let’s hope not for the sake of the next decade of students and families in our wonderfully

diverse community. Let’s simply get back to more math, more science, more reading, more targeted suppor ts, more critical thinking and frankly more “school.”

It’s time for a new — or some would say old — movement that prioritizes growth in learning with a focus on the students and teachers in the classroom as opposed to growing administrative bureaucracy and paid consultants. We need more common sense and less politics. Our leaders’ philosophy and implementation may be well intended, but a decade is more than a fair amount of time to evaluate the effectiveness of such a philosophy on high school academic outcomes.

It’s time for a change. The real question is if our community has the courage to listen and act.

Go Huskies.

Ross Lissuzzo is an Oak Pa rk nati ve, current River Forest resident, OPRF alum, and parent of a Huskie.

Welcoming the zoning update

In the 1940s, some River Forest and Oak Park leaders endeavored to exclude “Italians, Jews and others whose undesirability in the neighborhood would tend to lower property values … [and] to bring about an unwritten ‘gentleman’s’ ag reement not to sell to such undesirables.” (Source: a private letter suggesting strategies to this end, dated May 22, 1941) There is extensive local RF-OP history of opposition to Catholic, Czech, Polish, “Hebrew” and Black residents.

In 2024, it seems that some villagers are equally terrified of families with only one car and people who want an af fordable studio apar tment.

The Commercial Zoning District Amendments proposed by the village of River Forest are so minimal, so incremental, and so sensible — i.e. so aligned with the village’s economic development plan — so completely anodyne, that the outcry ag ainst them requires inquiry. The full page ad which screams “COMMUNITY ALERT” (WJ, April 3) includes a list of fictions that would appear to be designed to trigger panic, fictions not supported by the actual zoning proposal. The ad is full of artistic license: “imagine … potential … picture a future … inevitable … dire … say goodbye … prepare … brace yourselves for …” and lots of creatively hor rifying ideas that are not part of the zoning proposal.

Don’t miss the whistle-call to all the lowest instincts of real estate history: “altering our neighborhood’s fabric and potentially affecting property values.” Balderdash. This is inflammatory rhetoric with no basis in the facts and is directly counter to the best interests of the village. Modest, well-planned increase in density and type of housing units (especially to increase affordability), localized to appropriate commercial zoned corridors, is exactly what the village needs. The proposal is solidly within the preexisting economic development plan and should be approved.

Links:

https://www.vrf.us/boards/board/5

https://www.unvarnishedhistory.org/local-spotlights/oak-park-illinois

Tom Healey Oak Park

1989

Cynthia Barnard Ri ver Forester since

DOOPER ’S MEMORIES

ere are friends and great friends

When I attended school in Oak Park from 1948-1957, there were six guys who I considered great friends.

I met Ron Dibber n in sixth grade when he moved to Oak Park from Chicago. Ron and I played a lot of softball on the Holmes School diamond. We played basketball at both his home and mine, and when we could, Ron and I and a number of other guys played tag football at Holmes. Ron and I frequently studied history together at the Main Library where his mother was a librarian and allowed us to go into the adult section for research purposes

Bob Guillemin was the happiest and most optimistic guy I ever knew. He was never flustered and always had a smile on his face. He lived on the 600 block of Kenilworth, next door to the Hemingways for mer home. He and I often walked home from high school since we lived just two and

a half blocks apart from each other. Bob once told me tha although the Hemingway home was privately owned, he often saw people seeking admittanc to the home just to see Er bedroom.

Mike Moffat mo Park from Mississippi at the beginning of our junior year of high school. We became friend in Mr. Thompson literature class, as time together figuring out Mr Thompson’s rather ambiguous class notes. Mike and I discovered we both shared a strong liking for checkers, so on many Saturday afternoons, we would either meet at his home or he would come to mine. Sometimes I had a difficult time understanding what he said because of his Southern accent, but he

would gladly re peat what he had adually learned to understand him as I developed a

Rierson and I shared a for baseball — both the game and the statistics — discussed during our lunch period. He and I also at our English literature teacher based her ned out she wasn’t too interested in the repetition more on the oral analyses of the why and how of what we read. Knowing this, Cliff and I kept our respective hands in the air to answer as many questions as possible. We were successful.

Joe Stoklas’ locker was next to mine for four years, and wewere in the same homeroom for four years. Before our junior

Solar panels and historic districts

In the March/April issue of OP/FYI, Oak Park’s newsletter, the front page has a short article headlined, “Incorporating solar panels in historic districts,” and giving some guidelines for these installations. Among the requirements are that the panels be placed in areas that are not readily visible from the street, and installation should not entail damage or removal of any historic features of the building. Reading it made me sad about some of the priorities in Oak Park

STEVE NATIONS

One View

Global warming is an existential threat to human life, but Oak Park’s response seems to be that, hey, we’ll do our part, right up until the point that it inconveniences us just a little bit. That’s a very shallow attitude to have with such a serious problem.

Solar panels are a terrific part of a green energy solution, and they should be a big part of the global war ming solution. But because 100 years ago our forefathers didn’t have to look at solar panels the decision seems to be that we won’t either. I don’t understand why we would prioritize keeping everything just exactly the way it was 100 years ago over moving to solve the global warming problem.

Solar panels work best when they’re oriented mostly toward the south so they can get the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Sometimes this makes them easy to install on a house so that they’re hidden from the street, and sometimes not. But being subjected to the sight of solar panels, even

in a historic district, is a very small price to pay for helping to solve a threat like global warming

It’s OK for us to be inconvenienced just a little bit. That’s what caring and responsible people do when faced with a problem — not complain about being bothered. The visitors who come to our village for the various walking tours won’t be left aghast and stop coming — they’ll be delighted by Oak Park’s progress

Donald Trump famously complained about a proposed offshore wind farm in Scotland that would have been visible from one of his golf courses. He fought the battle to stop construction all the way to the UK Supreme Court. Fortunately he lost, the wind farm was built, and as far as I can tell no Scottish golfer has complained about it.

Even if this policy has zero actual impact on solar panel installation, it’s terribly tone deaf. I’m quite certain that we can do better. And I’m quite certain that if we could magically ask our forefathers for their permission that they’d gladly allow us to update their homes with a green energy solution.

The architects who helped put our village on the map were visionaries. And tr ue visionaries understand that change is constant and the need to adapt is essential to survival. I’m also quite certain that our village board needs to change course and pass le gislation to guarantee homeowners the right to install solar panels

Steve Nations is an Oak Park resident.

year, Joe and his family moved to Wenonah Avenue from North Cuyler, so he and I walked to Lake and Oak Park after school, and he would walk south, and I would walk north to our respective homes. Occasionally, we would stop at the Acadia Restaurant on Oak Park Avenue for a soft drink, but the cigarette smoke was too thick for us, so we quit stopping and walked our separate ways home. Often I would meet up with Bob Guillemin, also heading north.

George Warren and I met in seventh grade when he moved to Oak Park from Lawton, Oklahoma. George was a fine athlete, and we spent many summer afternoons playing softball and/or baseball with other neighborhood guys. He had a sidearm fastball that was devastating, and in a snowball fight you wanted George on your side. He was a very kind, outgoing guy who had many friends. All of these guys meant a great deal to me. Maybe you knew some of them.

A bad bag idea

The proposal to bag leaves is a ter rible idea for Oak Parkers, only to be topped by the even worse utopian idea of no leaf collection at all, where residents are supposed to leave all leaves on lawns and gardens as supposedly eco-friendly mulch.

The problem with that idea and this proposal is that this pitch is conveniently and conceptually made using a few small piles of leaves, whereas in actuality this is an old community with mature and beautiful trees, and way, way too many leaves.

As if it were not bad enough with autumn weather to have to get leaves to the street after they decide to finally fall, this proposal would require considerable time to individually fill each bag, week after week — as opposed to blowing or raking to a tarp and relocating to the street or parkway.

For nar row parkways such as Oak Park Avenue, this proposal would require having to store bags somewhere else, then drag them to the street. In unfriendly weather with rain or snow, bags can be soaked and split or break apar t. My property has three mature trees, plus two mature parkway trees owned by the village. I would estimate this would require well over a hundred bags in a season to bag everything. Purchasing these bags would re present an imposed new cost, in addition to the environmental cost of turning today’s bagless system into a system that consumes new natural resources, very unOak Park!

Although inconvenient to motorists, the existing system has been working for years. Let’s not re place it with an illconceived system that consumes new time, money, and natural resources.

William Gale Oak Park

Electrifying misconceptions

Let’s cor rect the record on the cost of electrifying buildings and what Oak Park’s new ordinance really means [Electrifying buildings and its costs, Viewpoints, March 27]:

First, the village now requires only that new construction be all-electric. But when it does require renovations to include switching from gas to electric heating/cooling and appliances, we could renovate our way to homes that are safer (cleaner indoor air and reduced fire risk), more comfortable (more even heating/cooling), and cheaper to operate.

Why? Electric heat pumps heat and cool much more ef ficiently (and evenly) than conventional furnaces and AC systems. Induction stoves and heat pump

TOM WEITZEL

A new approach needed from page 35

an ar rest much easier for the police. An order of protection does not provide a shield ag ainst further domestic violence. However, although this is the way it is presented to victims of domestic violence in some cases by well-meaning advocates, it is simply not true.

Further more, red flag laws in Illinois that petition for the confiscation of firearms and are designed to control gun violence are seldom used. This initiative got attention with great fanfare and was promoted as a substantial step toward reducing domestic violence.

The facts are that the law is rarely used in Illinois, the process is complicated, and police officers receive little training on filing the paperwork and making the red flag mechanism work. This law needs to be revised so that police can easily enforce these red flag laws, whether it’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m. The courts, judges, and domestic violence initiatives have not proven successful when it comes to red flag laws.

So how do we handle these situations from a police perspective? It’s difficult for police to know what happens inside a home behind closed doors. But serious steps must be taken to patrol better and prevent domestic violence; more must be

hot water heaters are also much more efficient than either gas or conventional electric ones, costing less to operate while working much faster. Insulating and weatherizing your home fur ther reduce energy consumption, and therefore costs.

But what about cost? Electrical upgrades are necessary, but prices of new electric appliances are rapidly coming down, with more choices for consumers. Meanwhile, lower energy bills help offset installation costs, while all these upgrades increase property values. Plus, tax credits and rebates from federal, state, and local programs, including special income-based incentives for homeowners, landlords, and even renters, also cut costs for weatherizing and

electrifying.

Finally, you can spread out the costs by electrifying appliances as they need re placement. Where to start? Check out the resources at https://opcan.org/ resources.

Got questions? Take advantage of climate coaches (https://opcan.org/ climate-coaches), a peer-to-peer coaching service for all residents, offered by Oak Park Climate Action Network in partnership with the village Ditching gas has many benefits, including long-term savings in money as well as energy.

The savings in climate-heating emissions? Priceless.

Wendy Greenhouse Oak Park Climate Action Network

Buildings that don’t t

The mission of any village board is to preserve, protect, and care for its constituents. We are so for tunate to live in a beautiful community. River Forest evolved in this way: with a lovely aesthetic. Our zoning board should have this as a core conce pt in their decision-making.

Let’s preserve our village of River Forest’s beautiful aesthetic and absolutely not allow developers to create buildings that don’t fit in our village

Jayne Gould River Forest

done to minimize re peat of fenders and reduce police of ficers responding like machines, who just do what’s commonly referred to as “separate the parties” without taking enforcement action. This is a terrible way to police domestic violence.

When I was Police Chief in Riverside, I mandated that a supervisor attend all domestic violence calls. I know that’s not possible at every police agency, but we need to start to have accountability, even at the police level. I believe supervisors should respond to domestic violence calls to ensure they’re handled properly

There are many other categories of crime where police departments mandate that supervisors respond to the scene; domestic violence should be added to that list. Police officers should be allowed by their agency policy to travel outside their jurisdictions if they need to make it as safe as possible for domestic violence victims and their families. That means if there is no shelter within a police jurisdiction, law enforcement needs to be able to transport the victims and the children to the closest location, and victims need to be put in immediate contact with legal help.

When officers respond to the call, a safety plan must be developed right there on the scene. This may require that officers be tied up for several hours, finding a safe haven and the right social services for the victim and the f amily. This should be allowed, and I know it will take the workforce of f of suburban police departments who respond within their jurisdic-

tion, but it is so essential that this happen. Officers should be allowed to maneuver this system for the victim’s benefit, to do whatever it takes, and to travel wherever they must go to make the situation safe. I know that’s controversial with many police leaders, but it must be done. If it is not, the consequences will be deadly.

It also needs to be common practice that we, as law enforcement, review records to determine how often we’ve responded to a domestic violence scene and what action was taken previously. Typically, the media and police will look at the number of calls for service to a specific address or involving a particular offender over time.

If there’s a clear pattern that police are responding and no enforcement action is taken, then there is a problem with policy and enforcement.

Domestic violence situations, indeed, are some of the most volatile calls police officers respond to, and quite frankly, police officers don’t like handling domestic violence situations. But it’s their job, so let’s ensure they do it right.

This may sound a little preachy and maybe ne gative. Still, with these recent mass murders, which were domestic-related, and then you throw in the incident that took place in Buffalo Grove in 2022, it is screamingly evident that a new approach, aggressive and on point, needs to happen throughout our state of Illinois.

Working as a governor-appointed member of two domestic violence task forces has highlighted several issues. One

issue of note is that plenty of trained professional individuals want to help, but they’re not called on. I’ve listened to countless stories from task force members be gging police agencies to reach out to them, use their services, and get them involved early on — yet in many communities this never happens.

In closing, stop thinking of domestic violence as some little spat between husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, or any other intimate relationship. I can tell you with certainty that when a domestic violence victim calls the police, it’s often a last resort. Domestic violence has likely been going on inside that household and within that relationship probably over a hundred times before the victim dares to pick up the phone and call 911. It’s never the first time.

If we continue down the same path we’ve been on, there’ll be more domestic violence murders and mass murders, and the victims will fill the morgue. And we’ll look at each other and ask, “What could we have done? What should we have done?”

I just outlined what can and must be done. Now let’s do it; let’s move forward.

Tom Weitzel is a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School and the retired police chief of the Ri verside Police De partment after 13 years as chief and 37 years in law enforcement. These opinions are his own.

Mary Lou Spitzer, 98

Former Maywood village manager

OBITUARIES

at 1 o’clock and another showing at 7.” She worked with a committee of local volunteers who helped suggest films

She also worked with community organizations and nonprofit groups to make the theater available for fundraisers, concerts, children’s films during the summer, school oups, and holiday films at Christmas time he retired from full-time work with the theater chain in 2018 but stayed involved in the business

Shirley is survived by Willis Johnson, who died last August; her stepson, Chris Johnson, ho now uns the theater hain; her son,

reached out with love, compassion, and keen problem-solving skills. Gifted at comic skits, bread baking, and gardening, she also crafted expressive cards, usually with dried leaves attached. She loved big ideas and small tasks. She saw the world with awe. No one laughed like Caroline.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings, Elizabeth and Will, and many loving aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., Oak Park. The family requests tax-deductible donations to Road, CounPark, hews, 84

Theatre in Oak Park, under the auspices of Classic Cinemas.

Shirley advocated for the inclusion of foreign, independent, and art films, which led to the First Tuesday Club at The Lake

According to Mark Mazrimas, for mer marketing director for Classic Cinemas, “The art films had a tougher time to get on screen, so to appease some of the people that were complaining, Shirley created this film series in Oak Park that would have showings

Oberlin College in 2014, where she collected many friends and leaned into social justice causes. After graduation, she worked at the YWCA of Loraine County, leading Girls Circles for impoverished teens

She arrived in California for a meditation program in February 2020, and stayed when COVID-19 shut down travel. This decision changed her life in many positive ways. Her parents, John and Jean Meister, overflow with love and pride

She is remembered as a leader who

ery writer

lex Matthews, ry long Parker, died peacefully on 22, 2024 after a long-term strugsphagia, rd for trouble swallow-

Alex, her first husband Darrel Brown, her daughter Demaris and son on, her in 1972. She was ed making at bed-time job Journal and Then, she and her husband adbin. All of public schools ivorced. ee in English Literature was not sufficient to supand enrolled in a Master of Social Work program at George Williams Colle ge. Upon graduation, she started a private practice in her Oak Park home. Thus began the first great passion of her life: counseling individuals and couples with relationship issues.

which became her second passion: She became an author of mystery novels.

It took five long years of writing and rewriting and submitting manuscripts. Then, she made one small revision — she changed the villain – and her manuscript became her first published book. Each of her 10 mysteries, which are set in Oak Park, has a murder, a cat story, and romance between her female protagonist and boyfriend. Alex thrived in this second great passion in her life while continuing her first passion, the practice of social work.

Alex is survived by her husband, Allen Matthews; her daughter, Demaris and granddaughters, Astarte (Star) and Iola; and her son, Robin and grandson, David.

Memorial service will be live in the sanctuary and on Zoom from Third Unitarian Church of Chicago at 11 a.m. on May 4. For more information or to get a Zoom link to participate online, call 773-626-9385 or email thirdunitarianchurch@gmail.com

Donations in her memory may be made to The Pantry at Third Unitarian Church of Chicago, 301 N. Mayfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60644.

Carol Flores, 87 Substance abuse counselor

Carol Katherine lusarz Flores, 87, died on March 14, 2024. Born on Dec 17, 1937 in Chicago’s olish Bridgeport neighborhood where she spent much of life, she relocated in 2014 to Heritage House in Oak rk

A medical transcriptionist, she returned rsity later in life to finish a Bachelor of Science degree (completed in 2002) and then worked as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. A devoted cat lover, she was enthusiastic about knitting and crocheting.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Dee Dee; a niece, JoAnn Cogley; and longtime friends Bob Trezevant and Jerry Eher nberger.

At a singles event at Unity Temple, she met Allen Matthews, who became her husband after a five-year courtship. Life was going well for Alex. Her practice, her second mar riage and her children were thriving. So she launched a new adventure,

We wish to thank the Heritage House residents and staff, along with Bonnie Noe and staff at Oak Park Township, Dr. Kimberly Harden, and all the Rush Oak Park ER and ICU Staff (especially Jess), Kopicki Funeral Home in Berwyn, and good friends who helped afterwards. Your kind assistance was not in vain

Huskies’ chemistr y is the key to success, she says

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

After a third-place finish in the 2023 IHSA Class 4A state tournament, the Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity softball team has started this season very nicely with an 8-1 record. The Huskies’ only defeat came to visiting Lockport, April 6, 3-0.

OPRF senior catcher Tyler Brock, a three-year varsity starter, says the team’s tight chemistry is a major reason for the early success

“That’s a big thing,” she said. “On our Spring Break trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we had at least one dinner with all the players, coaches, parents and siblings at the cabin we stayed in. It was super fun.”

While the Huskies enjoyed bonding of f the field, they appreciated it even more on the field in Pigeon Forge, going 6-0 in the tournament, held March 25-27. During those six games against high-quality competition, OPRF outscored opponents 68-11.

“This year, we played the top two teams from Ohio,” Brock said. “Our coach [J.P.

SPORTS

Brock, OPRF so ball pick up where they le o Kim Coleman named Coach of the Year

Coughlin] specifically makes sure we don’t play any Illinois teams in the tournament because he wants to see us against different teams from different areas. It’ll give us a leg up on the competition here.”

Brock, who has played softball since she was 5 years old, was called up to the varsity toward the end of her freshman season. Following a losing record and early ouster from the Class 4A tournament her sophomore year, she felt the sense of urgency prevalent among the team during last year’s preseason.

“As OPRF softball, we know we’re traditionally supposed to be good,” Brock said. “Seeing weweren’ t ranked in last year’s pre-season, that lit a fire in us. Even this year, people have doubts about us, saying last year was a hoax. All the ne gativity from outsiders we turn into positivity, and we combat that with our play.”

Next spring, Brock will play collegiately at Lake County Colle ge. She said the Lancers’ head coach, Dann Giesey, reminded her of Coughlin and her club coach [Laura Chambers] and felt comfortable

“[Giesey] cared more about me as a person first rather than a player,” she said of her visit. “The coach-player relationship is something that’s really important to me,

OPRF catcher Tyler Brock at so ball practice. Brock is one of 13 retur nees from last year’s team that nished third in the IHSA Class 4A tournament.

and Lake County provides me with everything I want in a colle ge. It’s not too big, and it also provides me with flexibility. I still have two years to decide whether or not I want to play Division I softball.”

In the meantime, Brock is intent on helping OPRF have the best possible season. She wants to improve her game each day.

“I’m trying not to be too hard on myself,”

she said. “I try to focus on one pitch at a time, one game at a time, and being the best behind the plate for my pitchers and in the box for my team. As a team, we’re taking it one day at a time, because it’s so easy to get caught up looking ahead to the state. We’re just trying to ignore the expectations set upon us and focus on what we need to do in practice.”

Trinity basketball coach gets IBCA honor for second consecutive year

By MELVIN TATE ontributing Reporter

easy to get a Coach of the Year award a single season. But to get it in back-to-back seasons is a special achievement.

the case with Trinity High School basketball coach Kim Coleman, who was announced last week as the District 4 Coach of the Year by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. To

say Coleman is grateful would be an understatement.

“It feels so blessed to be reco gnized,” said Coleman, who also won the award last year. “I wasn’t expecting it, honestly, but it’s always nice to be reco gnized for the hard work you put in as a coach. But it doesn’t happen without your assistant coaches and players.”

Coleman credited her assistants, Arthur Jefferson, Lykendra Johnson, Rich Kudelka, and

Arianna Raimonde, as the main reason for this season’s success. Johnson and Raimonde are former Trinity stars, while Kudelka was the head coach during Coleman’s playing days at nowclosed Luther North in Chicago.

“This doesn’t happen without their support,” said Coleman. “They matter.”

Despite losing several key players from the previous season to graduation, Trinity finished 20-14 and reached an IHSA Class 3A sectional fi-

CAROL DUNNING

KIM COLEMAN

Fenwick won’t always have Paris

But the Friars’ junior is here for one more promising year in two sports

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Most Chicago-area high school football fans are aware of the recruiting attention shown to Fenwick junior defensive end/tight end Nate Marshall. But the Friars have another player picking up multiple colle ge offers, and that is junior linebacker Jack Paris, a Ri est resident.

“The recruiting process has been exciting,” “I’ve met and talked with ally great coaches and ha learned a lot along the wa If the name Paris familiar to Fenwick should. Jack’s older brother Conor (linebacker) and Martin (safety), were the Friars’ 2021 IHSA Class 5A state championship football team, while older sister Maeve was part of F 2022 Class 1A girls tennis title squad.

Last fall, Jack made the AllChicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference team, totaling 83 tackles (35 for loss), 19 passes broken up, 19 quar terback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He has offers from Akron, Ball State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Toledo, and Vanderbilt among others.

cus on getting stronger and bigger,” Paris said. “I was able to get cleared by the doctor on that Friday [before the Catholic League tournament] and wrestle on Saturday.”

Paris won the 190-pound title at the Class 2A St. Ignatius re gional, then finished third at the Grayslake Central sectional to advance Downstate. He nar rowly missed gaining All-State status as he finished seventh; the top weight class get AllState honors.

Fenwick’s Jack Paris celebrates a big play during a 2023 football game against OPRF

Paris also stars on the wrestling mat for Fenwick. He missed most of this past season due to a football injury suffered in the season finale at IC Prep, but he was determined to return in time for the Catholic League and IHSA tournaments.

“I took the time while I was unable to compete to fo-

nal for the third consecutive year. The Blazers were led by senior Lauren Miller (University of Chicago signee) and sophomores Zaria Goins and Chloe Santos.

“I’ve known Lauren since she was in fifth grade,” Coleman said. “Having kids like that come in and set the tone, while putting in the work, makes it easier for me as a coach. It’s definitely a family function; we’ve all bought in together and done what it takes.”

Next year will present Coleman with a challenge as Miller departs. But Goins and Santos, along with rising sophomore Destiny Sacluti and rising seniors Jaylani Hernandez and Ariana Rodriguez, provide Trinity

A new direction for sports

More features, fewer game recaps

RJack to do what he did after missing most of the season is ,” said Fenwick coach Seth Gamino. who also has played baseball and run track, is an intense competitor who knows w to manage his time. to compete, and playing sports has always been an important part of my life,” he said. “Fortunately, I have been to maintain a successful balance between my commitments to sports and academics. It takes discipline and good time man-

made the All-State academic team in football last year and he’s looking for a college that stresses academics and has a strong culture on and off the field But in the meantime, he’s looking forward to his senior year at Fenwick and has high hopes for success.

“Our football season had a promising start, but we had some unfortunate injuries along the way,” he said. “We were disappointed to not make the playoffs, but we’re focused on bringing a state championship to Fenwick next season. For wrestling, our goal is to win state, and I also want to win an individual championship.”

a good foundation.

“You can’t replace Lauren and her work ethic,” Coleman said. “But when Makiyah Williams (now at the University of Illinois Chicago) left, we figured it out.

Next person up at this point.”

Coleman also thanked Trinity athletic director Ken Trendel for his support

“Ken, hands down, is the best person I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “His support is unmatched. He supports me in everything I do, and he trusts me with how I run my pr ogram. I could not ask for a better athletic director.”

ecently, my colleague Bill Stone and myself had a meeting with GCM editor Erika Hobbs. Erika — who is doing a terrific job in my opinion — showed that when it comes to online readers viewing our sports stories, the numbers are higher for features. It was suggested that we focus more on features, and we ag reed. This is not to say that we won’t have any more game stories; we’ll continue to have them occasionally, whenever there’s a re gular-season matchup between local teams, or an important postseason game or match.

This week we have two features: one on OPRF senior softball catcher Tyler Brock, and the other on enwick junior football linebacker/ wrestler Jack Paris We also have a story on Trinity basketball coach Kim Coleman being named Illinois all Coaches Association District 4 Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. tories like these allow readers to et to know our local student-athletes and coaches. They will provide a glimpse of the goals and expectaof themselves and their teams. They’ll also w a team is doing at that point in

I’m excited about this new direction for the Wednesday Journal Sports section. Writing more features is something I have long wanted to do because I believe that doing them ultimately helps me become an even better re porter.

In addition to more features, my Tate’s Take columns will start to focus on issues facing high school sports. I plan to eng age local coaches and athletic directors on hot topics, and get their thoughts. And during the summer, when high school sports are on hiatus, you’ll see me delve into the Chicago pro sports scene, as well as interviews with past local high school student-athletes that deal with what they’re up to these days.

I want Wednesday Journal’s Sports section to be one of the Chicago area’s best, and I need your input. If you are a parent of a local student-athlete or a coach, you can make suggestions on our website — oakpark.com. At the top of each story, there is a small box that says, “pitch a story.” Once clicked, you can type in your suggestions and send them in. Erika, Dan Haley, Ken Trainor, or another staf f member will forward them to me, and we’ll go from there.

Finally, I’d like to thank all the readers who have supported and encouraged me the last few years. Your feedback and kind thoughts are always appreciated, and I hope you’ll enjoy the new Wednesday Journal Sports section.

COURTESY OF JACK PARIS

Petitioner and Francisca Fernandez, Respondent, Case No. 2024D001717. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed

for

relief;

CALENDAR NUMBER:

CALENDAR NUMBER: 0 -2

NUMBER: 03-2 -Z

DATE: May 1, 2024

p.m.

of

said suit is now pending.

therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein,

receive timely and meaningful consultation on the child find process for children suspected to have a disability. Information regarding Special Education evaluation and available services will be provided. The meeting will occur on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M.

against

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.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicants, mily and Mathew McNulty, seeking variances from Section .3 (N (2)(b) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance re uiring that a detached garage is only permitted in the front and interior side yard and not the corner side yard to construct a garage 3.5 feet from the corner lot line within the re uired nine ( ) foot corner side yard setback along Division Street at the premises commonly known as 850 Linden, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-06- 02-001-0000.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oakpark.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Marcie Babies #2, to operate a day care center pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 0 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-07-223-0220000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oakpark.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

CALENDAR NUMBER: 05-23-Z

HEARING DATE: May 1, 2024

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

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

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Marcie Babies #1, to operate a day care center pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 326 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-08-1180031-0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. Published in Wednesday Journal April 10, 2024

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, 27 Madison, LLC, seeking a special use permit from Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Zoning Ordinance of

setback from a re uired five (5 ) feet to ero (0 ) feet along the south lot line and 3 an increase in height from a re uired 35 feet to 2 -6 at the premises commonly known as 27 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-18-206-01 -0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Zoning District. In addition, the Applicant seeks three (3 variances from Section 5.3 (Table 5-1:Commercial Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordinance”), for 1 a reduction of the rear yard setback from a re uired 25 feet to 15 -8”, inclusive of the alley, along the west lot line and 2 a reduction of the side yard

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a crossexamination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the ZBA to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. Published in Wednesday Journal April 10, 2024

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the “Rehm Pool Master Plan Phase 1 Improvements” located at 515 Garfield Av. Oak Park Il. 60304. The project generally consists of removal of the existing 16 foot depth diving well and replacing it with a 3.5 foot depth activity pool, featuring slides, crossing feature, resistance channel and general recreation area. This project also consists of demolishing an existing mechanical room, relocating existing wading pool mechanical systems in the new mechanical room and installing all mechanicals systems necessary to operate the new facilities. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 11:00 am (Central Daylight time), on Friday, May 6th, 2024 at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Park District’s website as of 5:00 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024. A non-mandatory pre-bid walk-thru is scheduled for Friday, April 19th at 2:00pm (Central Daylight time) at 515 Garfield Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available on April 12th at 5pm via the Park District of Oak Park website at: http://www.pdop.org/bids-and-rfps/ and on the DemandStar website at https://www.demandstar.com/app/ buyers/bids/452117/details

For additional information, contact (Bill Hamilton at bill.hamilton@pdop. org or (708) 725 2304) or Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@pdop. org or 708-725-2050) . Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2024. The Park District of Oak Park encourages DBE, minority and women owned business

Public notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois on Thursday, April 25th, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter: Application 24-05: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission April 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, April 25th , 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Tartan Investments LLC – Series 8911 for a variation from §62-215 Station Area Districts zoning requiring retail/service uses on the ground floor in SA-1 in order to build a new 3 story, six unit residential apartment building at 8911 Burlington Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 15344310430000).

Legal Description: LOTS 6 & 7 IN BLOCK 31 IN GROSSDALE, BEING

A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

meeting and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. A copy of the application and meeting agenda can be found at Village Hall and on the Village website at www.vrf. us. If you cannot attend the Historic Preservation Commission meeting but would like to provide comments to the Historic Preservation Commission, you may submit comments in writing, via letter or email. Comments and can be sent to lmasella@vrf.us or 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. Please call 708-366-8500 with questions.

Luke Masella Staff Liaison Historic Preservation Commission Published in Wednesday Journal April 10, 2024

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments.

Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and oning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 24-08. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark April 10, 2024

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

April 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, April 25th , 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Patrick Cunningham for a variation from §62-75 Bulk, yard and space requirements in order to build a new garage for property located at 3825 Raymond Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 15343290100000).

Legal Description: THE SOUTH 35 FEET OF THE SOUTH HALF OF LOT 8 IN BLOCK 30 IN PORTIA MANOR, BEING FREDERICK H. BARTLETT’S SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, PLAT WHEREOF WAS RECORDED FEBRUARY 6, 1915 AS DOCUMENT 5573274, IN COOK COUNTY.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and oning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 24-07. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission April 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and oning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, April 25th , 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Juan Jacobo for variations from §62-75 Bulk, yard and space requirements and §62-450 Extensions; expansions; enlargements; intensity of Nonconforming Buildings and Structures of the Village Code in order to build a second floor addition and rear deck for property located at 4172 Blanchan Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 18031130610000).

Legal Description: LOT 52 AND THE NORTH ½ OF LOT 51 IN STEINBACH’S ADDITION TO WEST GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 1096.95 FEET OF THE WEST 333.4 FEET OF THAT PART OF THE WEST ½ OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, LYING SOUTH OF OGDEN AVENUE, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and oning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 24-06. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark April 10, 2024

The

NOTICE

Independent Purchasing Cooperative (NIIPC) will be receiving Offers on

Request For Proposals for Commercial Food Products. RFP’s must be received

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM, in the Business Office, Room 270A, of The Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 North Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. RFP documents may be obtained by contacting Micheline Piekarski at niipcinfo@gmail.com or (708) 434-3142.

On

April 22, 2024 at 1:00pm, Forest

Schools District 91 will conduct a meeting at the Administration Office, 424 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities and/or students that are eligible to receive Title 1 services who attend private schools and/or home schools within the district boundaries for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are the parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and/or is eligible to receive Title 1 services and you reside within the boundaries of Forest Park Schools District 91, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact David Mekhiel, Director of Student Services, at (708) 3665700 ext 3306.