Wednesday Journal 010318 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

January 3, 2018 Vol. 36, No. 20 ONE DOLLAR

@oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL

OAK PARK YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL 2018 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN AT OPYBS.ORG

of Oak Park and River Forest

Bag fee takes effect in Oak Park Shoppers will now pay 10 cents for plastic, paper bags By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

Paper or plastic? Either way, shoppers in Oak Park will have to cough up a dime per bag at larger stores in the village, beginning in 2018. The goal is not to raise revenue for the village — the fee will be split between the retailer and the village — but to encourage patrons to bring their own bags and reduce the amount of waste that gets sent to the landfill every year, according to those facilitating the new village ordinance. An estimated 17 million plastic bags are distributed in Oak Park every year, Karen Rozmus, Oak Park’s former Environmental Services Manager, told trustees at a meeting in 2017. Environmental sustainability advocates have been pushing for the ordinance for years, and last year, following the election of three new members to the Oak Park Board of Trustees, they got their wish. The ordinance requires retail stores of more than 5,000 square feet to charge for the single-use bags. That applies to about 24 different shops in the village — mainly grocery stores and big-box retailers — according to Mindy Agnew, Oak Park sustainability coordinator. Agnew said the village is working to remind shoppers about the new ordinance by posting signs at businesses that will be required to charge for the bags. The village also is providing hundreds of reusable bags for free at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., and the Oak Park Public Works See BAG FEE on page 13

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

OMNIPRESENT: Anthony Clark, Wednesday Journal’s Villager of the Year, at the corner of Austin Boulevard and Division Street in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, across from Oak Park.

Rocking the boat on race

Anthony Clark, the founder of Suburban Unity Alliance, ubiquitous in 2017 By MICHAEL ROMAIN

Staff Reporter

nthony Clark was 5 years old when his parents sold their home in Calumet City in order to move to Oak Park, so that their youngest son could get a good public school education. They enrolled him at First Baptist

Church’s preschool, where Clark, in an 2017 instant, realized for VILLAGER the first time in his of the young life that he was a problem. YEAR “There was this young white girl — blond hair, blue eyes — we were super close,” said Clark during an interview

in December. The little girl kissed him on the cheek and talked of marriage. They were inseparable during playtime. Until one day, the puppy love abruptly ended. “She just told me she couldn’t play with me anymore,” Clark recalled. “We walked outside and her dad told

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OAK PARK YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL REGISTER NOW FOR 2018 SEASON AT OPYBS.ORG In-Person Registration: January 20, 12-3pm at Longfellow Park. If you would like to be an OPYBS Sponsor for the 2018 season, please contact Tony at sponsorship@opybs.org.

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I N S I D E

R E P O R T

Out with outrage, in with action Need an issue over which to get red in the face? Last year might go down in the history books as the year of outrage. Now we’re not saying there wasn’t a lot to be angry about in 2017, but did Oak Park and the rest of the country take it too far? Did we get mad and bully people on the internet and then go get a pizza and forget about it? Did we actually have the courage of our convictions and take

action? Did we listen to the arguments of our opponents? Cathy Yen, executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, got her own taste of the outrage machine

in 2017 and gave a thoughtful presentation on the topic at this year’s TEDxOakParkWomen talk. Her insightful talk on outrage is worth considering for the New Year. And if you don’t, well, we hope you die in a fire. The lecture “Why Outrage Has the Power to Save or Destroy our Communities” is available online at bit.ly/2CF98Db.

Submitted photo

SHE’S IT: Kara Jackson, center, with Allstate reps at WGN studios.

OPRF senior is ‘Kid of the Week’

Oak Park and River Forest High School student Kara Jackson was selected as the Allstate Kid of the Week in December. Jackson was able to hang out inside the WGNTV studios with an Allstate agent and the news crew, with the OPRF senior showing them how to write their own poetry. Jackson’s poetic work has appeared in various publications, including Callosum Magazine. She’s also performed at the Haven Music and Arts Conference, among other venues.

Michael Romain

Big Ideas are back

It’s that time of the year again when local leaders decide which organization has the “Big Idea” of 2018. The Big Idea contest is sponsored by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation’s Entrepreneur Leaderships in Philanthropy group. The group has chosen five finalists for its $50,000 grant. A winner will be picked at the group’s “pitch party” scheduled for March 7 at Wire, 6815 Roosevelt Rd. The finalists include: ■ Access to Swimming: Ensures that children learn to swim and gain water safety skills before third grade. ■ Big Box of Play: Provides every child

Timothy Inklebarger

Submitted photo from facebook

Barbara Furlong

Cathy Yen

access to multiple spaces where play, creativity and imagination are encouraged and supported through traveling pop-up exhibits. ■ Excellence with Equity: Drives student achievement by engaging and connecting with parents/guardians. ■ From Lawns to Gardens II: Converts local lawns into toxin-free gardens and landscapes. ■ Suicide Safer Community: Aims to create a community that reduces suicide attempts and prevents incidents of suicide.

Timothy Inklebarger

One we missed, and miss In our 2017 sample summary of notable local residents who died during the year [Among the many who made us who we are, News, Dec. 27], we overlooked one of the most notable public servants,

Barbara Furlong, a former Oak Park trustee and village president from 1997 to 2001, died on Oct. 2. Furlong, who also served as village trustee from 1989 to 1993, and was an active volunteer long beyond her time in office, was 85. She will be missed, and we certainly regret missing her.

Ken Trainor

Correction A story in the Dec. 27 edition of Wednesday Journal inaccurately identified Cook County Assessor candidate Andrea Raila as an attorney. We regret the error.

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

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Jan. 3 - 10

BIG WEEK “Unfolding Secrets” Exhibit Opens Monday, Jan. 8, Ferguson Gallery in Kretzmann Hall, Concordia University Chicago: Claudia Craemer’s collection of abstract oil paintings are about “revealing secrets through paint, and searching for clues before the canvas.” Free. Through Feb. 17. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Questions: 708-209-3013. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Girls Who Code Wednesday, Jan. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Computer Classroom, Main Library: Girls Who Code (GWC) is a national nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology and the club is starting in Oak Park. Girls ages 12 to 18 may join supportive peers to use computer science to impact the community. Learn to code or improve your coding ability. Free. Meets weekly. Register: oppl.org, 708452-3440. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Spanish Conversation Hour/ Conversación en Español Saturday, Jan. 6, 3 to 4 p.m., Dole Library: Join other Spanish speakers to practice through conversation. All levels are welcome. Also Feb. 3 and March 3. More: oppl.org/calendar. 255 Augusta St., Oak Park.

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.

Art Reception: Oak Park Photography Club Saturday, Jan. 7, 3 to 5 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Main Library: Meet local photographers and see their images, which will be exhibited in the Library Art Gallery through January 30. More: oppl. org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Oak–Leyden: Take a Tour Ongoing at Lifelong Learning Centers, CILA Homes or Children’s Services Programs: Oak-Leyden Developmental Services empowers those with developmental delays and disabilities. It has two adult Lifelong Learning Centers, a Multidisciplinary Clinic and 12 Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) group homes for adults. Oak-Leyden provides residential and vocational adult services, supported employment opportunities and early intervention and other children’s services in Forest Park, Oak Park, River Forest and beyond. Call for a tour: 708-524-1050. More: oak-leyden.org. Headquarters: 411 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

Cyberbullying: A New Twist on an Age-Old Problem Tuesday, Jan. 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Suite 2000, Rush Oak Park Hospital Medical Office Building: The State’s Attorney of Cook County will lead a discussion of how some are misusing internet-based and app technologies to bully and how families can avoid abuse and solve problems within this high-tech environ-ister: ment. Parents and children invited. Register:

Aging in Oak Park - The Next 50 Years Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Come to this Public Forum covering issues important to all citizens of Oak Park regarding aging. Joining the discussion are Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb; Lydia Manning, PhD, Associate Professor of Gerontology at Concordia University; and former Village Trustee and Wednesday Journal columnist Marc Blesoff. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

MLK Film Festival Beginning Saturday, Jan. 6, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Mark the 32nd anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by viewing films. First up, the 2017 mystery/thriller Get Out. Others include: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2 to 4 p.m.: Putney Swope Saturday, Jan. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.: I Am Not Your Negro Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 to 4 p.m.: The Battle of Algiers Monday, Jan. 15, 2 to 4 p.m.: Small Island Saturday, Jan. 20, 2 to 4 p.m.: No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Info: oppl.org/more. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Friday, Jan. 5, 7 p.m., Trailside Museum: Evening Snowshoe Hike - Come for a moonlit hike on snowshoes if snow depth permits, or on boots if not. Warm up by a fire afterwards. Snowshoes provided or bring your own. Adults only. Free. Register: 708-3 708-366-6530. Saturday, Jan. 6, 1 p.m., Trailside Museum: NNew Year’s Resolution Walk - Fulfill a resolution of being more active by taking a long winter walk through tthe woods. Afterwards, warm up with some hot cider. FFamily program. Free. Mor More: 708-366-6530, trailside.museum@cookcountyil. 38 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. gov. 738

Inner Confidence Workshop Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 3 and 4, 1 to 4 p.m., The Yoga Centre: This I Shine® Workshop, in collaboration with YogaKids of Oak Park, is designed for girls ages 9 to 12 to increase resilience, strengthen relationships and cultivate greater selfappreciation through talk, yoga, fun activities and self-reflection. Girls will also gain tools to thrive and support themselves through challenging situations. $65 per day. Register: ishinekids.com/workshop2017.html. 266 Lake St., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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ART BEAT

Finding common ground in religious diversity By TOM HOLMES

Guest Author

hat two topics of conversation are taboo at family gatherings? Religion and politics, right? My experience, however, is just the opposite, at least regarding religion. After writing roughly a hundred articles on religion for Wednesday Journal, my conversations with atheists, Muslims, college presidents, rabbis — the list goes on and on — have almost always resulted in increased trust and respect between myself and the person(s) I interviewed. Walls came down. Bridges were built. Folks who viewed reality through different lenses were able to stand on common ground. After experiencing so many of these, what I will call “intimate moments,” I think I figured out why. The goal of a reporter is to listen so carefully to what the perre sons being interviewed are d saying that when they read the article in the paper, wee h, hope they respond with, “He got me right. What hee wrote might be a little em-d barrassing, but he painted a verbal portrait that is true to who I am.” In contrast, so many of the conversations about religion these days are argumentative; win/lose; I’m going to prove I’m right and you’re wrong. But almost by accident, pri I discovered that when my primary intention was understanding where people are in their relationship with God, they frequently allowed themselves to become vulnerable and share very personal stories. Fifty of those stories are included in my recently published book, The Soul of a Liberal Village, the Diversity of Religious Experience in Oak Park, Illinois. Because many of the stories I heard were inspiring — e.g. what Rev. Julie Harley shared a few months after being diagnosed with ALS — I wanted to share them with as wide an audience as possible. More interesting than inspiring, some chapters are included to document the amazing variety of ways people in the Oak Park area relate to God or seek to live a meaningful life even if they reject any belief in a supreme being. Two things in my life led to the writing of this book: The first is that most of my adult life, I have found myself — a white boy from

From Your Friends at

Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co.

Tom Holmes has also written “Forty Days Alone in Thailand: Jesus, the Buddha, Thai Culture and My Self” and “Pongsak, Advocate for Asian Christians.” Additionally, he is a columnist for Wednesday Journal and the Forest Park Review, writing on religion ffor the past 15 years. “The Soul of a Liberal Village” is S available locally at the Book a Table and the Oak Park River T Forest Museum in Oak Park, F and a Centuries & Sleuths in Forest Park. Fo s a small town in Wisconsin — working in multicultural situations. w an exchange student at the I was Tus Tuskegee Institute when Dr. King was killed, taught in Puerto Rico for two years, was pastor of a Forest Park congregation as they transitioned from all white to 30 percent black, and now serve part-time as an assistant pastor at St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church in Forest Park. Along the way, courses in the Doctor of Ministry program at McCormick Seminary in Hyde Park gave me the conceptual lenses through which I could make sense of the ambiguity that inevitably accompanies multicultural situations. The second thing is that 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with a progressive, disabling neurological disorder which, paradoxically, freed me from full-time work in the parish to be able to hear the wonderful stories included in The Soul of a Liberal Village. The first chapter of the book attempts to set the context for the stories that follow by making the case that Oak Park is truly a liberal village, and in the last chapter I go out on a limb and reflect on what all of the diversity in this area means.

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BIT BITES: Jeremy Lamley finishes up a phone order on the register at Sratch Kitchen and Lounge on Madison Street in Forest Park. Scratch started accepting cryptocurrency, like bitcoin, starting in December.

Learning, Giving, Sharing

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, WINTERFEST - 3:00 p.m. “Wanderland” of Beautiful Music

Enjoy some of the most beautiful music in the world with John Concepcion, Lyric Opera tenor and baritone Michael Cavalieri with accompanist Dr. Lisa Kristina. Light meal following the program. $45, reservations required. January 8 – 1:15 The Midwest Landscape, in Art David M. Sokol, Professor Emeritus of Art History at UIC presents a program on how the farms, fields, and waterways that define the Midwestern landscape have been depicted in art.

Sunday, January 14 – 3:00 Free Readers of Oak Park – Swordplay

January 22 – 1:15 The Space Within: Inside Great Chicago Buildings Oak Park author Patrick Cannon explores the interiors of some of the Chicago area’s greatest buildings, designed by celebrated architects. Commentary combined with 45 James Caulfield original photographs...much more than a guide book!

www.freereaders.com

January 29 – 1:15 Dirt is Good: The Microbiome and Human Health. Jack Gilbert, the director of the Microbiome Center and a professor of surgery at the University of Chicago, compares the immune profiles of Amish and Hutterite children, who, despite genetic similarities, grow up with very different immunities.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Scratch Kitchen hopes for big business from bitqy By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

178 Forest Ave., Oak Park | (708) 386-2729 | nineteenthcentury.org $10 suggested program donation. Lunch precedes Monday programs at 12:00. $22, reservations required. The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is an Illinois not-for-profit with a federal tax code as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For complete program descriptions, visit our website.

After watching a friend turn an $18,000 profit over a single bitcoin, Patrick O’Brien was converted. He started pooling money from every paycheck to buy a few bitcoins. And he started accepting cryptocurrency at his Scratch Kitchen & Lounge restaurants, 7445 Madison St. in Forest Park and 733 Lake St. in Oak Park. When District House — his wood-fire restaurant and tap room at 220 Harrison St. in Oak Park opens in mid-February — he said he’ll accept cryptocurrency there too. “We’re making [efforts] out there to try and catch any trend we can,” O’Brien said. “Weird things sometimes catch on. Business has been a little rough and we’re doing something unique to turn ahead.” Like most bars and restaurants along Madison Street, O’Brien said business for Scratch Kitchen in Forest Park is down this year. He estimated the restaurant will gross just under $1 million in 2017, down 10 percent from the year before. After talking with the food and drink distributors that supply other Madison Street establishments, O’Brien said he believes area restaurants’ revenue is also down about 20 percent year over year. O’Brien said he doesn’t know why it’s down in Forest Park — maybe customers are Uber-ing into Rosemont or Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood — but he hasn’t had that problem in Oak Park. There, business has been growing every month. He said he’ll probably turn $2 million in Oak Park in 2017, his first year open. O’Brien’s lowered prices, introduced specials and negotiated with the landlord of his Forest Park location as a way to cut costs. Now, to drum up business, Scratch Kitchen started accepting bitqy electronic currency as of Dec. 14, becoming the first lo-

cal business to do so and joining more than 100 Illinois businesses to jump that trend. Now customers can pay for their burgers by transferring bitqy from their phones. They must create an online account, called a qyckwallet, and then transfer their bitqys to Scratch Kitchen’s qyckwallet. O’Brien got involved with the cryptocurrency through Lyn Bayan, a local bitqy evangelist, whom he calls the “bitqyck girl.” Bayan is responsible for getting Chicago-area companies to offer their products through Bitqyck Inc.’s travel, health, retail and other product and service sites. Bitqyck is founded in Dallas, Texas and is the first U.S.-based cryptocurrency company. She said she has plans to talk to Junction Diner, 7401 Madison St., about introducing bitqy in early 2018. “People got involved in 2009. Today they’re millionaires. Bitqy is in that position, pennies fluctuating. It will be a couple of years before it goes upscale in value,” Bayan said. Right now, bitqy trades for pennies. Like other cryptocurrencies, bitqy also trades hands anonymously. That means O’Brien can claim as much — or as little — as he wants on his taxes for bitqy earnings. In the first quarter of 2018, Scratch will offer deals through Qyckdeals, the cryptocurrency’s new Groupon-like site that offers customers daily restaurant, consumer product and service deals. Once O’Brien signs up for Qyckdeals, Scratch will be able to accept bitcoin, ethereum and litecoin cryptocurrencies. O’Brien soon plans to unveil a special bitcoin burger, along with an appetizer of mozzarella fried golden, the color of the online currency, and topped with pesto aioli drizzled in the symbol of a bitcoin. So far, no customers have paid in bitqy yet. O’Brien believes the food specials will help drive use. “There’s no reason [Scratch] couldn’t get on the cryptotrain like I am,” O’Brien said. CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Join the Discussion

River Forest District 90, in partnership with its PTOs, will be hosting a One District/One Book initiative. All District 90 families, faculty, staff, students, and River Forest residents are encouraged to read and join in the discussion of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, January 11

A keynote address for parents and Village residents with Dr. Ann Batenburg of Mindset Works. • Lincoln School, 511 Park Avenue, River Forest • 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. • Learn the about the facts and benefits of a growth mindset for you and your children. • Hear practical tips that support students in adopting a growth mindset.

Coming Soon -- Mid-February

Saturday, February 3

An interactive presentation by Dr. Ann Batenburg of Mindset Works. • Roosevelt Middle School, 7560 Oak Avenue, River Forest • 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Continue the conversation following Dr. Ann Batenburg’s presentation by joining facilitated breakout sessions afterward. • Learn about the benefits of applying the growth mindset concepts to the workplace, community service, personal relationships, and students in the classroom.

An interactive webinar for anyone interested in understanding the benefits of the growth mindset concept. • Learn how to incorporate practical suggestions about the growth mindset approach as well as apply its tenets to all aspects of one’s life.

All events are free and open to the public.

River Forest Public Schools

The Mindset approach offers a framework to advance one’s efforts in the classroom (for students), at work, with personal relationships, and in the community.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Big building purchases in Oak Park in November

Former Kleronomos property on Harrison, Albion site purchased By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

November was a big month for property sales in Oak Park, with the two most notable transactions connected to the controversial Albion high-rise project at the corner of Lake and Forest, and the sale of a property on Harrison Street once owned by derelict building owner Chris Kleronomos. In November, Albion Residential LLC purchased the property at 1000 Lake Street for $7.15 million. The seller was identified as OP Office Partners LLC. It’s the second time the property has been sold in a little over two years. In August 2015, the parcel of land, which is currently occupied by a two-story brick office building, was purchased – along with the adjacent 7-story office building at 1010 Lake St. – by UrbanStreet Group for $6.95 million. The Albion proposal was among the most controversial issues of 2017 because of the size of the proposed tower – Albion plans to begin building a 19-story tower at 1000 Lake St. in 2018.

TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER/Staff

ALBION ON THE WAY: The parcel of land at 1000 Lake Street was sold to Albion Residential in November for $7.15 million. The development company plans to begin work on its 19-story tower project in 2018. The sale of the property is subject to the property transfer tax, which will net the village an estimated $57,200. Another notable property transaction in November was the purchase of a former warehouse property at 219 Harrison St. The property was one of many formerly owned by Chris Kleronomos, who gained a

reputation on Harrison as an owner who did not maintain, and in many cases find renters for, his properties. The 219 Harrison property was sold to 221 Harrison LLC for $415,000 by Harrison Street Ventures, which purchased that building and several others formerly owned by Kleronomos when his properties went

into foreclosure. Although Kleronomos lost his properties in foreclosure to Harrison Street Ventures in 2015, he maintained a minority ownership stake through an agreement with Harrison Street. It could not be learned what percentage of the ownership stake he maintained, much to the chagrin of business owners in the area. The managers of 221 Harrison LLC are identified in public documents as David Greene and Sara Siatlowski. Greene is owner of CrossFit Spero, a fitness studio at 335 Harrison St. Greene could not be reached for comment. It is uncertain what plans 221 Harrison LLC might have for the location, but Mona Navitsky, Harrison Street Ventures partner and asset manager, told the Oak Park Board of Trustees in August that a group interested in opening a brew pub might be interested in the location. Navitsky was speaking to the board in August about a tax break the company was applying for with the county for that property and another Kleronomos property at 213-215 Harrison St. The Cook County Class 7(c) Property Tax Incentive would reduce the tax burden over the next five years. Navitsky said at the time that Harrison Street Ventures was planning to invest a combined $900,000 in the two properties. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

What does our faith ask us to do about Israel and Palestine? SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 at 4pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 at 7pm

Jim Winkler "In the Bleak Midwinter" for Peace Prospects in Israel and Palestine

Kathy Kelly Offer the Ram of Pride Instead

First United Methodist Church 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land has gone on for 50 years. The Bible proclaims that “you shall hallow the 50th year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you: you shall return, every one of you, to your property and every one of you to your family.” (Lev. 25:10) This is the jubilee year. It is time for Palestinians to return to their land. Jim Winkler serves as general secretary and president of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States.

(from “The Parable of the Old Man and the Young” by Wilfred Owen)

St. Giles Parish Center, McDonough Hall 1101 Columbian Ave., Oak Park Reflecting on experiences living in the West Bank and in Gaza during Israeli aerial and ground attacks, Kathy Kelly will consider faith-based challenges to the use of conventional weapons against a civilian population. She’ll also consider Pope Francis’s call for a nuclear free world and a renewed dedication to the works of mercy as opposed to the works of war. Kathy Kelly co-coordinates Voices for Creative Nonviolence (www. vcnv.org), a campaign to end U.S. military and economic warfare.

Interfaith Action Group on Peace and Justice in Israel and Palestine A community-based group in Oak Park and River Forest working towards peaceful and constructive ways to express our faith and humanist beliefs in confronting the forces of international conflict and social injustice in Israel and Palestine. For more information, please email us at interfaithactiongroup@ gmail.com.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Carroll makes Dominican a sanctuary for Dreamers

Longtime university president and immigration advocate is River Forest Villager of the Year By NONA TEPPER

Staff Reporter

onna Carroll said she couldn’t have done it without her community. Carroll, longtime president of Dominican University and Wednesday Journal’s River Forest Villager of the Year, said she’s witnessed plenty of accomplishments during her 24-year tenure, including the 20th anniversary of its “new” name in 2017. This year, Dominican cracked the top 20 on the prestigious U.S. News & World Report college rankings list. The magazine named Dominican fifth in Best Value Schools for the Midwest. The university is also celebrating its third round of fundraising, generating an estimated $120 million over the course of Carroll’s career to start new degree programs, build new fa2017 cilities and help shape the VILLAGER university into the welcoming place it is today. of the “By speaking out, by YEAR providing policy like the Photo courtesy of Dominican University sanctuary campus resolution, it gives not only our undocumented TOP VILLAGER: Donna Carroll, president of Dominican University and immigration advocate, has helped shape the fabric of River Forstudents, but all of our students a sense of est with her progressive policies. where we stand, and what our values are about the importance of dignity for every Obama instituted the DACA program, human being,” Carroll said. which allowed individuals who illegally enAfter President Trump’s decision to end tered the country as minors to receive a rethe Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals newable two-year period of deferred action (DACA) program, Dominican refrom deportation and be eligible affirmed its support for undocufor a work permit. As of 2017, mented students. The university approximately 800,000 individualso re-affirmed its sanctuary als — referred to as Dreamers, status, vowing to withhold access after the DREAM Act — were to any student information — inenrolled in the program. Carcluding immigration status — roll has said approximately 5 from federal officials unless they percent of Dominican students produce official warrants. This are without documentation. The stance helped inspire the village Trump Administration rescindof River Forest to adopt a similar ed the policy in September 2017. welcoming ordinance in August “I try to be hopeful” for a that protects undocumented inpolicy change, Carroll said. “I dividuals. think there is strong bipartisan DONNA CARROLL “I really value the support that support for the approval of the President, the community here has given DREAM Act and other policies, Dominican University me, and the Dominican sisters and really what I say to students ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer have always been my greatest is, ‘Focus on your academics; cheerleaders, and that makes don’t let all this uncertainty dis- Paola Montenegro, a sophomore at Dominican University studying business and Spana big difference,” Carroll said. ish, is one of the hundreds of thousands of students qualifying for Deferred Action for rupt your plan; try to keep positive.’” “You speak with more confidence, and more Carroll has spoken to CNN, the Washing- Childhood Arrivals (DACA). influence, authority, when you know you’re ton Post, Chicago Tribune and many more speaking not only for yourself but on behalf news outlets about her stance on the pro- peoples’ minds. Between tax, health care al issue, but an economic issue. These are of the academic community and the spon- gram. In addition to talking, she has been and other policies that have been debated very talented young women and men who soring order of the university.” acting too. The university has always tried during the Trump administration’s quick already are truthfully part of the economy Carroll has been speaking out a lot, recent- to prioritize scholarships to students with- strike on Obama-era policies, “the approval and want a pathway to citizenship. We have ly, as well as back when the national debate out documentation, she said. She hopes the of the DREAM Act is an equally significant to keep that public conversation active.” policy issue,” Carroll said, “not only a morCONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com started in 2012, when then-President Barack immigration debate remains at the top of

“Focus on your academics; don’t let all this uncertainty disrupt your plan; try to keep positive.”

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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All the corporate world’s his stage

Spoken Word advocate Jamael Clark envisions poetry as an HR tool By MICHAEL ROMAIN

Jamael Clark, aka Isaiah Makar, at L!VE Café and Creative Space in Oak Park.

Staff Reporter

For Jamael “Isaiah Makar” Clark, a spoken word teaching artist at Percy Julian Middle School and the spoken word coordinator for the Oak Park Education Foundation, the world is a theater and he’s working on his most recent act — trying to take his show to Corporate America. “Anyplace I walk into, that’s my stage,” Clark said during an interview in December at the Beer Shop, 1026 North Blvd., in Oak Park. He had just finished an afternoon taping with District 200 school board member Matt Baron, whose local talk show, A Beer with Baron, airs on Oak Park Channel 6. As far as he knows, Clark is something of a pioneer in using Spoken Word as a tool for professional development — a way to get employees to loosen up, decompress, stimulate their creativity, work more easily in teams, think outside of the box, innovate, and communicate more effectively. He calls it the Makar Theory and it has been generating attention from the HR departments of Fortune 500 companies, like W.W. Grainger, which have tapped Clark to show them how to leverage Spoken Word to develop their employees’ collective potential. Clark often points to himself as a walking testimonial. While a student at Oak Park and River Forest High School, he was shy and reserved, and struggled with social anxiety. Near the end of his junior year, he decided to join the school’s Spoken Word Club under the tutelage of longtime poet and educator Peter Kahn. The experience, he said, transformed him, boosting his confidence and giving him tools to navigate through life, and it couldn’t

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

have come sooner. In February 2009, a week after he performed during the club’s winter showcase, Clark’s mother had a stroke. “My mom worked in HR, so this is full circle,” he said. “I think my mom’s stroke may have come from overworking herself. She was in HR and had to constantly balance work and life. That got to her and that has, in part, motivated me to go back into the work environment.” In September, Clark tried out his theory on a group of HR executives at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart during a Ted Talk-style forum called, “Disrupt Chicago.” True to his adage, Clark performed his presentation, called the “10 HR Commandments: Don’t Think Small. Think Biggie,” as a rap while

wearing his trademark blazer and bowtie. Clark is rarely seen in public without that sartorial combination, which is only fitting for someone who takes the power of performance and projection seriously. The deliberation extends to his name. Makar, Clark said, “is a synonym for creative artist/poet, from the Greek word Makarios.” If Clark’s world is a stage, then he is the playwright and author of his persona. On stage with “Disrupt,” Clark used his powers of self-creation and word-play to charm a room of more than 120 of the most scrutinizing people in Corporate America — leaders from companies such as All-State, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Google and Am-

azon — with lines like this: “Number two: Every job interview should include candidate auditions for every single position. Cover letters? That could be just game they were spittin’. Talkin’ like they Air Jordan, knowin’ damn well they Pippin.” The audience was spellbound. “My creativity isn’t limited to a stage or a page,” Clark said at the Beer Shop. “If I’m at the bar, that’s a stage, if I’m teaching, that’s a stage — no matter where I go, I’ve always prided myself in taking the same skills I used in Spoken Word and going on tour with them. I’m always performing, no matter what.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Oak Park among top Airbnb destinations in Illinois

Villagers hosted about 6,000 guests, made $934K in 2017 By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

Oak Park was the fourth most popular destination for Airbnb rentals in the state of Illinois in 2017, following Chicago, Evanston and Galena, according to Airbnb. Airbnb spokesman Benjamin Breit confirmed in a telephone interview that Oak Park hosts earned approximately $934,000 in 2017 and welcomed some 6,000 guests.

Breit said the numbers are based on data from earlier in December and planned bookings through the end of the year. Evanston earned $1.26 million from approximately 7,000 guests in 2017, and Galena Airbnb’s hosted 6,200 guests and earned $637,000, according to Breit. Information about Chicago was not immediately available. “Oak Park was just slightly behind Galena in guest arrivals but way ahead in host in-

come,” Breit wrote in an email. Breit surmised that Oak Park was a popular Airbnb destination because of its proximity to downtown Chicago. “I assume a lot of families travel and don’t want to stay at a downtown Chicago hotel,” he said. According to Airbnb, about 120 Oak Parkers rent rooms or entire residences in the village. More than 60 percent of those rentals are single rooms, rather than the entire

residence, Breit said. The typical Oak Park participant earns about $7,000 through Airbnb, according to a press release. It is the first year Oak Park imposed a 4 percent tax on Airbnb rentals. It is expected to generate approximately $37,360. Oak Park village trustees reasoned in 2016 that the tax would create greater parity between Airbnb and traditional bed and breakfast operations in the village. The Oak Park Hotel/Motel and Transient Occupancy Rental Unit Tax is collected by Airbnb and forwarded to the village government. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Triton buys old Golfland property for $3.6M

Trustees say the land could be used for new facilities, expanded programs By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

A former golf practice range in Melrose Park is now part of Triton College’s campus after the college’s Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to purchase the land in November for $3.6 million. Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the purchase by issuing a five-year debt certificate through BMO Harris Bank. The interest rate for the debt certificate will be no higher than 2.4 percent. The 8.3-acre property — located at 1701 S. 5th Ave., just west of Costco, east of Gottlieb Hospital and immediately south of Triton’s east side campus — was formerly Golfland Arcade, a practice driving range that closed in 1996. According to documents from the Nov. 2 meeting, college officials believe that the property “is suitable for opportunities such as a new education building to house college programs, expansion of the horticul-

ture department’s academic activities or uses for other programs and facilities.” The property was listed on LoopNet for $7 million, but according to county land records, the property was purchased for $3.3 million in 2006 by River Park Development LLC, based in Harwood Heights. Albert Bruno is listed as the manager of that company. Records show that Bruno took out a $5.2 million mortgage on the property at the time of the purchase. Attempts to contact Bruno were unsuccessful. In the last several years, Triton has undergone a series of new construction and capital improvement projects as part of a $53 million Campus Renewal Project, including a major renovation of its health and sciences facility in 2015. The renewal project also included the $14 million renovation of its east athletic complex, completed in 2016, and improvements to its student center and child development center, among many others. So far, it isn’t known whether or not the purchase of Golfland is part of that renewal project. Attempts to contact Triton officials before press time were unsuccessful. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Provided LoopNet

GROWING: Triton College’s Board of Trustees has purchased an 8.3-acre former golf driving range just south of its River Grove campus to expand its footprint. It’s unclear at this time how the new property will be developed to further the community college’s mission.

D97 modifies 2018 summer programs

District drops OPEF, decides to create its own Summer Launch model By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 school board recently adopted a new programming model for summer 2018. The new model is similar to the programing the district implemented last year when it partnered with the Oak Park Education Foundation to offer BASE Camp to 115 thirdthrough eighth-graders. This year, however, OPEF is out of the picture, with D97 opting to create its own interactive learning program for fifth- through eighth-graders at a cost of no more than $125,000. The program, which the school board approved at its Dec. 19 regular meeting, will be offered in conjunction with optional, fee-based wraparound services provided by Oak Park Township and the Park District of Oak Park. The new Summer Launch program, which is scheduled to run from June 13 through July 11, will also feature an expanded version of the half-day reading and writing workshop offered to students in kindergar-

ten through second grade last year. This year, the program will be offered to students in kindergarten through fourth grade and will feature an additional hourlong math component that will extend the day by 30 minutes. Kindergarten through fourth-graders will also be allowed access to the optional, fee-based services provided by the township and park district. The school district has reformatted its summer programming twice in the last three years. Last year, the district traded its free Prep for Success summer program for OPEF’s Base Camp. Prep for Success was created in 2012 to provide extra classroom-based supports in reading and math to students performing below grade level. But district officials said at the time they were not satisfied with the program’s low attendance and participation rates. They also said the program did not lead to enough academic gains among its participants. BASE Camp was billed as a progressive alternative to Prep for Success, which allowed low-performing students access to more hands-on, experiential learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Some BASE Camp themes included “Art Around the World,” “Coding for Kids” and “LEGO Pre-Engineering.”

The district entered a one-year, $134,000 contract with OPEF to facilitate the programming. Students who enrolled were not charged anything. Both the district and OPEF agreed that the contract would be extended for another year based on the program’s success in raising summer school students’ program attendance and participation, and increasing their performance on tests, among other key academic indicators. According to data provided by D97 officials, the percentage of students with high attendance rates for the 2017 Summer Launch program in grades K-2 and 3-8 increased overall by 2 percent and 4 percent, respectively, compared to the 2016 Prep for Success rates. The high attendance rate among students in grades 6-8 for 2017, however, dipped by 3 percent in comparison with Prep for Success. Officials said that, since the programs weren’t evaluated using the same assessments, they can’t make a direct comparison of the growth in academic performance between Prep for Success and Summer Launch. They said K-2 Summer Launch participants showed greater improvements than Prep for Success students on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), a set of procedures for measur-

ing the acquisition of early literacy skills in kindergarten through sixth-grade students. In addition, overall MAP performance in reading and math was higher among thirdthrough eighth-grade Summer Launch participants than among Prep for Success participants, officials said. In an email statement released in December, Tracy Dell’Angela Barber, OPEF’s executive director, said that, considering the success of the pilot program, her organization was “very much interested in serving Summer Launch again this summer” and “wanted to build on that success and refine the program in important ways.” Barber added that, while D97 only wanted OPEF to serve middle-grade students, her organization had “hoped to expand even deeper into elementary grades.” She said there were also “a number of unresolved issues in how the district would partner with us to best serve students with disabilities.” “That being said, we are committed to making BASE camp an option for all students in D97, regardless of financial barriers and learning needs,” Barber pointed out. For this year, however, D97 is going to design its summer programming inhouse. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

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C R I M E

Driver’s vehicle carjacked at gunpoint at gas station

A Chicago woman was carjacked at the BP gas station, 300 Lake St., on Dec. 27 at 9:07 p.m., according to Oak Park police. Two men wearing black ski masks approached her in the gas station lot, one displayed a black handgun and told the woman to give up her property. The woman dropped the keys to her gray 2014 Toyota RAV4. The gunman’s accomplice picked up the keys, and both men reportedly got into the vehicle and fled eastbound on Lake Street. The gunman was described as 5-10 to 6-feet tall and wore a dark green jacket, black jeans, black and white shoes and blue latex gloves. His accomplice was of the same height, had a thin build and wore a black jacket, black jeans, black shoes, white socks and light blue latex gloves.

Oak Park police arrest third suspect in 7-Eleven robbery Oak Park police have arrested a third and final suspect in an armed robbery that took place at the 7-Eleven convenience store, 240 Chicago Ave., on Dec. 11. That attempted robbery resulted in the store clerk shooting one of the alleged robbers, a 17-year-old male, who was transported to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, initially listed in critical condition. The new suspect, a male juvenile from Chicago, was arrested on Dec. 27 in Carpentersville, according to police. He was transported to the Oak Park Police Department and charged with attempted armed robbery and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held in the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. Police had arrested a 15-year-old Oak Park boy on Dec. 14 that they say also participated in the robbery.

The 17-year-old who was shot in the incident remains hospitalized and is under monitoring by police. He has not yet been charged with a crime. His condition was unavailable.

noon on Dec. 22 and 8:13 a.m. on Dec. 27. Someone entered the school through an unlocked window and then entered several classrooms by removing the door hinge pins. No loss was reported.

Oak Park store robbed at gunpoint

Cars, left running, left

Oak Park Discount Variety, 416 N. Austin Blvd., was robbed at gunpoint at 1:33 p.m. on Dec. 26, according to Oak Park police. A man in a black ski mask entered the store and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the clerk and said, “Put your head down.” The gunman then emptied the cash register into a black bag, along with the clerk’s cellphone. The gunman’s accomplice took a white skeleton mask from a display, and the two fled westbound on Lake Street. The estimated loss is $1,215. The gunman was described as being of average height, thin, and wearing a bright blue hoodie, black ski mask, black pants and white gym shoes. His accomplice is described as a man of average height, thin and wearing a dark hoodie with a blue floral print, black pants and white gym shoes.

Hate makes its presence felt Signs reading “Hate Has No Home Here” and “Black Lives Matter” were stolen from the front lawn of a residence in the 800 block of South Scoville Avenue sometime between 9 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 6 p.m. on Dec. 19. The loss is $30.

Lincoln School burglarized Lincoln Elementary School, 1111 Grove Ave., was burglarized sometime between

BAG FEE

Bring your own or pay from page 1 Center, 201 South Blvd., while supplies last. She said the village also has been working with various religious congregations in Oak Park to distribute bags and get the word out. Judy Klem, an organizer with the Interfaith Green Network, a consortium of environmental sustainability advocates from 17 Oak Park-based religious organizations, said that after years of work by locals to get the ordinance in place, they now want to raise awareness about reusable bags. Her group worked with the village to organize a kick-off event, where grocers and other businesses subject to the ordinance will give out free reusable bags from 9 a.m.

to noon on Jan. 6. Klem said the following retailers — a couple of businesses not subjected to the or-

■A

green 1999 Toyota Corolla, left running, was stolen from the 7100 block of West North Avenue about 3:15 p.m. on Dec. 26. No additional information was available. ■ A blue Nissan Versa, left running, was stolen from the 200 block of Lake Street about 10:40 a.m. on Dec. 25. The thief was described as black, between the ages of 30 and 40, 5-foot-10 to 5-foot-11, 250 pounds and wearing a black skull cap over short hair and a red and black Pelle Pelle jacket, with dark pants and dark shoes.

Burglary A residence in the 200 block of South Harvey Avenue was burglarized sometime between 5:30 and 8:25 p.m. on Dec. 20. The burglar broke the glass window of the rear door to gain entry and stole two wooden jewelry boxes containing jewelry, a personal check, a handheld Crown Connect computer, a black 32-inch Vizio flat-screen TV and a toiletry bag. The estimated loss is $1,344.

Porch pirates strike again ■ A FedEx package containing a gold iPhone 7 was stolen from the porch of a residence in the 100 block of Chicago Avenue sometime between 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 19. The estimated loss is $380.

dinance are adopting the bag ordinance voluntarily — will participate in the reusable bag giveaway: ■ Carnival Grocery, 824 S. Oak Park Ave. ■ Carnivore, 1042 Pleasant St. ■ CVS, 345 Madison St. ■ Fair Share Finer Foods, 6226 Roosevelt Rd. ■ Jewel-Osco, 7036 Roosevelt Rd. ■ Jewel-Osco, 438 Madison St. ■ Pete’s Fresh Market, 259 Lake St. ■ Sugar Beet Food Co-op, 812 Madison St. ■ Target, 1129 Lake St. ■ Trader Joe’s, 483 N. Harlem Ave. ■ Whole Foods, 7245 Lake St., River Forest The Interfaith Green Network noted in a press release that approximately 100 billion plastic bags are distributed in the United States annually, roughly 360 for every man, woman and child. Each bag takes more than 200 years to degrade, and as it does, it releases toxic substances that leach into soil and

■ A FedEx package containing an Acer 211 touchscreen convertible 15.6-inch laptop was stolen from the doorstep of a residence in the 100 block of South Austin Boulevard sometime between midnight on Dec. 18 and 6 p.m. on Dec. 20.

Bah, humbug ■ Someone used a cutting tool to cut two strands of Christmas lights from the front fence at a residence in the 1000 block of Division Street, sometime between 10 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. The estimated loss due to damage is $35. ■ Christmas lights and an extension cord were stolen from the front yard of a residence in the 500 block of South Humphrey Avenue at 2:46 p.m. on Dec. 21.

Attempted armed robbery arrest Deleon R. Walton, 19, of the 5100 block of West Fulton Street in Chicago, was arrested in the 100 block of South Lombard at 2:05 p.m. on Dec. 19 and charged with attempted armed robbery. No additional information was provided. These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Dec. 23-29, 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 Timothy Inklebarger

waterways. The network added that paper bags have a higher carbon footprint because of the energy used to produce and transport them. Agnew told Wednesday Journal, citing a news story by WTTW, that after the city of Chicago imposed a bag fee, use dropped by 42 percent — and their fee is only 7 cents. She noted that the village’s portion of the fee will be used for environmental sustainability initiatives, outreach and marketing support for retailers. The ordinance does not apply to bags used for prescription drugs; bags sold for yard and pet waste, garbage, dry cleaning or newspapers; bags distributed from seasonal stands like those used at the Oak Park Farmers Market; bags used for bulk or perishable items; and those distributed by restaurants for carry-out orders. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

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CLARK

ON THE MOVE: Anthony Clark, right, walked across the 7th Congressional District in December, meeting supporters like Troy LaRavier, a Chicago educator and potential mayoral candidate, at various locations.

OP Villager of the Year from page 1 me that it was because I was black.” Blanche Clark, Anthony’s mother, said that she remembers her son coming home to tell her about the experience. They both cried. “Me and my husband told him, ‘That’s her loss,’” Blanche said. “That was his first experience with racism. And throughout grade school and junior high, he continued to have certain encounters with it.” “My parents sat me down and from that point on, they instilled in me, ‘No matter what, always love yourself,’” Clark said. “They told me not to care what other people think. If you love yourself and other people, you just have to live your life.” Ronald Clark Sr., Clark’s father, said that he and his wife, “came to the conclusion that we’ll let Anthony be who he is.” Clark, 35, stormed into local prominence in July 2016, when he organized a march against suburban racism and discrimination that attracted at least 100 participants, along with extensive local media coverage. The march started at Oak Park and River Forest High School, where he teaches, to Madison Street in Forest Park. Clark had organized the march, along with a campaign to persuade area businesses to sign pledges indicating that they were against racism and discrimination, less than a week after reading a viral Facebook post about a DJ at a Forest Park bar who allegedly refused to play a hip-hop song for a group of Oak Park women, because it would bring in black patrons. Roughly a month after the march, Clark founded the nonprofit Suburban Unity Alliance. The organization, which has over 2,000 members in its Facebook group and a board of directors, advocates for both victims and alleged perpetrators of discrimination who are “interested in positive resolutions,” according to SUA’s website. During an interview in December, Clark said that he has since had a conversation, and patched things up, with the owner of the Forest Park bar. Pam Hessing, who was among the group of women at the bar on the night of the incident, has since joined SUA and even formed groups of her own. The organization’s efforts are diverse — it has developed GoFundMe campaigns to raise money for the homeless, hosted Halloween costume drives and Christmas toy drives, organized memorials and vigils for those affected by gun violence, pushed for the village to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day and even organized search efforts for the body of a teenager who drowned in the Des Plaines River in May. Over the last two years, Clark has garnered a significant base of supporters and critics. “Anthony is, I think, the first person in Oak Park in recent history who has really made Oak Parkers rethink how we are about race in this village,” said Deno Andrews, an Oak

Photo by Paul Goyette

Park village trustee and SUA board member. all of us come together as a community and “There have been some very uncomfortable to share in our grief.” moments with Anthony at the helm of this Local public opinion of Clark, however, discussion. I think it’s about time. I think Oak isn’t unanimously praiseworthy. In May, afPark has rested on laurels for a long time.” ter being recruited and vetted by a left-leanSharita Logan’s son, OPRF senior Elijah ing political organization called Brand New Sims, was gunned down in Austin in Sep- Congress, Clark announced that he would tember 2016. Clark, who taught Sims, orga- run against Congressman Danny K. Davis nized a vigil days after the teen’s murder (D-7th). and helped establish a reward for informaThe move, to some of his critics, seemed tion leading to the suspect’s arrest. audacious and improbable. “The morning Elijah passed, Anthony “Clark has never been elected to anything, called me and offered his condolences and not even the library board,” wrote Kevin Pepasked if it was OK if he did a vigil, and our pard, in the comments section of a Wednesrelationship went from there,” said Logan, day Journal article announcing the run. who Clark said is now like a sister. “He has absolutely no chance, particular“Anthony is not afraid to fight for the peo- ly with a campaign statement that is a cross ple, he’s young and energetic and very pas- between Muhammad Ali talking to Howard sionate about what he does,” she said. Cosell in rhyme, and a rap artist,” said PepHessing said that, since the 2016 pard, referencing a hip-hop video march, she and Clark have collabothat Clark released around the rated on a number of projects and same time he announced his can2017 have come of age together in comVILLAGER didacy. munity organizing. Hessing has Others have criticized SUA’s of the since helped found Oak Park Proseeming lack of political substance YEAR gressive Women and sits on Disand focus, a critique that Clark trict 97’s PTO diversity committee. and SUA members are aware of. In “He’s been an amazing supDecember, Clark addressed critics port,” she said, adding that the importance who have claimed that his organization’s foof Clark’s message was reinforced with the cus is too shallow or dispersed. election of President Donald Trump. “The reason these systemic issues [of rac“I think, what accompanied the horror ism, sexism, etc.] exist is because we’re not of Trump getting elected is this realization taking enough risks in our communities,” among many people that these things are Clark said. “We need a cultural revolution real,” Hessing said. “To watch Nazis march in order to change these systems. If you go and our president say, ‘Hey, these are good to a march on the weekend, but go back to guys,’ witnessing that is just shocking.” work in the same oppressive system you just Amy Renzulli, the owner of School of marched against, what have you done?” Rock in Oak Park and an SUA member, said “People are looking for something other that she first established a relationship with than hollow policies and promises,” said LoClark after Sims’ murder. ren Middleton, an Oak Park musician who “Anthony emerged as a natural leader that met Clark while planning a concert. “We many of us needed at the time,” Renzulli want to feel like the leadership has sincere said. “He just rose to the occasion, helping connection to people and that they under-

stand the interests of the working class.” In October, Clark was also the subject of criticism after he posted a Snapchat photo of a white OPRF student in blackface to Facebook. Clark, who at the time said he removed the photo after he realized that he knew the student, had been planning to organize a public meeting at his home between the student and members of Black Leaders Union (underneath the blackface photo, the student wrote that he was running to be president of the union). The meetings were cancelled after Oak Park and River Forest High School officials placed Clark on paid administrative leave while the incident was being investigated. He eventually returned to the classroom after roughly a week off. School officials had suspected that Clark may have violated district internet policies, which prohibit staff from sharing images of students online without permission. The mother of the student, who was later suspended and has since left OPRF after receiving threats, said that she supported Clark’s efforts at reconciliation. Dozens of people marched on Lake Street days after Clark was suspended, but many parents and community members criticized the decision as impulsive and potentially detrimental. For Clark, the decision was in line with a style of confrontation and risk-taking that he said he isn’t giving up anytime soon. “I spent so many years in Oak Park lacking ownership and feeling like I didn’t belong,” he said. “I would often question, ‘Does this community want me here?’ But I made the community my own. My parents taught me that you have to accept yourself and make other people feel you. “I’m here, either deal with me or don’t.” Tim Inklebarger contributed to this story CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Notable villagers of the year

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER and NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

Wednesday Journal always takes time at the end of the year to acknowledge the Oak Parker who had the biggest impact — and there’s never a shortage of candidates to consider. Here are some of the other notable figures this year:

Deno Andrews

ers a deterrent to development. Alexander, who is chair of the North Avenue Zoning and Development Advisory Committee and cofounder of the North Avenue Neighbors Association of Oak Park, not only puts out one of the most thorough email newsletters — yes, it’s all about North Avenue — but she has also testified numerous times to the board of trustees on issues of importance to Oak Park’s northernmost border. She is singled out this year for all her efforts, but perhaps most notably for her work in advocating that Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning include the corridor in its Local Technical Assistance program, which is studying livability, sustainability and economic vitality in the area.

He wasn’t the only new face on the Oak Park Board of Trustees in 2017, but he made his presence known time and again. In addition to his work on the board, Andrews made headlines with his proposal for a community-funded café in northeast Oak Park and the work he’s done through his nonprofit, The Rescue FoundaTammie Grossman tion, which provides training and opportuIt is difficult to sum nities for ex-offenders. Andrews was awardup in a few words the ed a $50,000 “Big Ideas” grant from the Oak impact Grossman, Park-River Forest Community Foundation’s director of the DeEntrepreneurs in Philanthropy group in partment of DevelFebruary to expand his organization’s work. opment Customer Andrews also made big headlines in June, Services, has had on when he called on the board of trustees to the village. That’s discuss whether Oak Park should opt out of because there’s so a minimum-wage hike by Cook County. The much to discuss. Her move ultimately prompted an emergency meeting at village hall, where trustees faced department has overseen: plans to overhaul fierce opposition from the public. They ulti- parking in the village, implementation of mately decided to let the wage increase stand. the village’s new software system, and coorMost notably, Andrews made news — and dination with developers on major projects around Oak Park. perhaps political enemies — by Grossman’s work largely takes almost single-handedly saving 2017 place behind the scenes, but if the maligned Albion tower proVILLAGER you’ve been to a village hall meetposal. Andrews and others had of the ing this year — or in years past — campaigned against the planned you’ve likely seen Village Manager mixed-use tower before last year’s YEAR Cara Pavlicek and trustees call on election, and after being rejected Grossman for her technical experby the Oak Park Plan Commission, the proposal appeared to be in jeopardy. De- tise on any number of issues. spite his opposition to the project during the campaign, Andrews lobbied for an alternate Ed Condon proposal to the Oak Park Board of Trustees, River Forest Diswhich incorporated a stepped-back design trict 90 Supt. Ed in an effort to reduce the shade the building Condon is shining a would cast on nearby Austin Gardens. The light on a small pornew proposal, and the project, was approved tion of his district’s by the board. students — equity efforts. Almost 28 perJudith Alexander cent of the district is non-white, accordIf you’ve been paying attention to North Aving to data from the enue — if not, you’re not alone — you’ve probIllinois State Report ably heard the name Judith Alexander. She’s been informally known around Wednesday Card. Yet low-income students and students Journal headquarters as “the mayor of North of color consistently score below their white Avenue” because of her tireless advocacy in counterparts on the state-mandated PARCC getting development moving in that commer- exam. Condon has championed a number of cial corridor and ridding the area of illegal initiatives to achieve equity for these stumassage parlors, check-cashing businesses, dents, including the upcoming “One Book, pawn shops, and other commerce she consid- One District” community reading initiative.

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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Bags of peeled hard-boiled eggs – sad or not?

alking through Trader Joe’s recently, I spotted a bag of half-a-dozen hard-boiled eggs, peeled, for $2.60. This, I thought, is ridiculous: is it possible there are some people so lazy, or so unfamiliar with the ways of the kitchen, that they can’t boil water and put eggs into it for a few minutes?! I posted a photo of the eggs on Facebook, and initially others in the FB community shared my disdain; here are representative comments: “What is going to happen to our kids and grandchildren? … This is just plain sad.” “There really is no defense for removing a food from its natural packaging, which is compostable, to put it in plastic that is nothing but toxic pollution because people can’t boil their own freaking water.” As the conversation progressed, however, Photo by David Hammond several people started speaking in defense of this product, noting: The eggs in question. “Many people are intimidated by cooking at home. I’m a very experienced cook and slimy. That was disconcerting, and I cut even getting perfect hardboiled eggs — into the eggs expecting to see a dark corona from the aesthetic standpoint only, not the around the yolk, indicating an over-cooked rest of it — is a pain for me. Being judgegg, I was surprised to see a perfect yellow mental about this sort of thing center, no discoloration, no is exactly why so many people off-flavors. In fact, although fear cooking.” the eggs may have been a little “Some folks lack mobility softer and smaller than the or physical ability, others lack hard-boiled eggs we usually appliances, and others lack make at home, I thought these time. It is not what I would do at were not bad, not bad at all. this point in my life, but I don’t So although I still look need anyone to justify why they askance at — and am conwould use this product.” cerned about the environmenOthers echoed this supportive tal impact of — plastic containattitude, and it’s certainly valid: If a person has severe arthritis ers holding pre-cut vegetables, or other physical impairments pre-peeled oranges and hardthat make it impossible to peel boiled eggs, I can understand eggs or oranges, then, sure, this why some people might want to Local Dining product makes sense. And in a buy them, even if those people & Food Blogger world where people pay upwards have the skill and mobility to of a fin for a cup of joe, it’s hard hard-boil and peel eggs all by to get worked up about paying a themselves. Peeling eggs can be a drag, buck and a half for six hard-boiled eggs. as the eggs (especially very fresh ones, it Having gone around and around on this seems) seem frequently to become mangled topic, I decided the only reasonable next as the shell clings tenaciously to the thin step would be to go back to Trader Joe’s membrane around the egg white. and buy that bag of peeled hard-boiled It can be very frustrating getting a hardeggs and see, for myself, how they were. boiled egg just right, and in this particular Monday morning, I opened the package for period of American history, maybe it’s breakfast and with surprising immediacy, best to dial down the frustration whenever the sulphuric scent of the eggs hit my nose. possible. They were sitting in water and were a little

DAVID

HAMMOND

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Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Answer Book 2016

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JOURNAL

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If you don’t have a subscription to Wednesday Journal, you’re missing a lot. Each week Wednesday Journal covers local news, local people, local sports and the local ads you want to see. Village hall, police, OPRF, the elementary schools, business, religion, we have Oak Park and River Forest covered.

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atio All Wright walk marPks milestone ye Celebrating the 40th anniver ar sary of the

orty years I/Staff DAVID PIERIN is rapher fairly young house, particoldPhotog ularly in for a many of Oak Park our home s hit 100-pl where ever, in terms of us. Wright the Frank HowLloyd cant. That’ Home (& Studi o), 40 s the It’s a miles age of the Wrigh is signifit Trust. tone, says CEO/presi Celeste dent. Seven cant numb teen is also Adams, er. a signifiHousewalk May 17 is the 40th ; June 17 Wright Plus zation’s Founders is the nonprofit organiDay; and the day in July 17 marks opened for 1974 when the Home & its Studio And there first tour. — the 1889 is one other happy coincidenc Ave. celeb Home & Studio at 951 Chica e rates 125 cant years architectu go . rally signif “Our 40th ianniv ersary is the next the begin generation ning of to celebrate of the Trust all and those a way we are today who have made it ,” what And what Adams said. four decad they have made it over the es past three is … bigger. In last fact, just years , in she said, grown to the the Trust oversee five touring/ed has ucation/re Frank Lloyd Wrigh Chicago storation t area. sites in the “The Home Lloyd Wrigh & Studio is the Isabel Robe oldest Frank rts House (Fran t site in a muse um,” Adam the world, and k Lloyd Wrig is now Society this repre s noted ht, 1908) bus tour . “For sents 40 excursion me, group of years of friends passionate and talen attended welcoming all buffs, and t to the by a architects, ing with new Trust and deter each passi local buildng the wond “Elsie Jacob mined community history erful volun year on the talen sen got to activists. to take there. We ts of teers who talking about back [the have just are alrea trying Home & site, flwrig launched dy because at the ht.org, and a time it was Studio] building with techn are doing new web- John Thor pe, for sale,” recal ology, so more thing local prese Wright, led I s and founding rvatio we’re able hope, like Frank Lloyd of the Home member and formen architect to captu of a young re the atten er audie r & spire all nce and tion Wright Trust Studio Foundatio president people with conti ). n (now the nal sites. Back these wond nue to in” erful, origi- husba then, Mrs. Clyde nd had owne Nooker, whos d the struc 1940s, was Mrs. Nooker ture since e looking and the corsa Wright’s for a buyer the The migh client . They were ge ty grass of the office s, circa 1956, sparked for a remo this positi roots movement , library, deling kitchen ve chang fortunes that had opened part e in began in of the build and bath and 1972, durin Oak Park’s since 1966 for ing to the publi tours. g a Histo rical c See ALL WRIGHT on pa page B B33

the Oak Park

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Special pullout section

Oak Park police to carry anti-overdose drug

A day of remembrance

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

Participants wave at the crowd during the annual Memorial Day Parade in River Forest on May 30. For more photos, page 10.

An American Ramadan

River Forest couple says don’t make assumptions about Muslims By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

to sunset, every day for four weeks. Nausheen sounds very much like a Jew on Yom Kippur or a Christian during Lent when she describes what Muslims are striving for during Ramadan. “What people may not know,” she said, “is that the purpose of Ramadan is to bring you closer spiritually to your Cre-

ator, to develop patience, gratitude and to perfect one’s character. When fasting, a Muslim is supposed to be on their best behavior, avoid anger, bad language, lies, etc. Many people give up bad habits, for example smoking. It is a time of introspection and self-reflection on how to bet-

Enclosed is my payment of ¨$32 for 12 months Name _______________________________________________________

Oak Park Fire Department already administers Narcan roughly once a week

Address ______________________________________________________

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER

City _____________________ Zip ________ Phone __________________

Staff Reporter

Syed Mohuddin (a.k.a. Mohi) Ahmed and his wife Nausheen Akhter will begin keeping the month of Ramadan on June 5. The River Forest residents will fast, going without food or drink, from sunrise

today!

RIVER FORES T 4BR, 3BA . . .... See page B6 . .$615,000

Oak Park police officers will soon be equipped with an anti-opioid overdose drug known as Narcan, confirmed Oak Park Deputy Police Chief Tony Ambrose. A state law that went into effect in January mandates that all Illinois police departments begin carrying the drug in an effort to prevent overdoses from heroin and opioid-based prescription drugs. Ambrose said in a telephone interview that the OPPD is working with the Oak Park Fire Department to receive training and grant funding for the Narcan program. Oak Park Deputy Fire Chief Peter Pilafas said in a telephone interview that fire department paramedics have been trained to administer Narcan for some time and used it an average of four times a month in 2014 and 2015. Pilafas applied on May 20 for the grant, which will cover 100 percent of the costs for the OPPD program, and it was approved three days later. He said now police and fire department officials will attend a training seminar to instruct police officers on how to administer the drug. Earlier this year, Oak Park Township Supervi-

See RAMADAN on page 12

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Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Homes

Raising not razing

Ranch home transformed by going up, not throwing out By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

ome developers might look at a real estate listing for a small ranch house tucked among estate-size homes and instantly consider it a candidate for teardown treatment. Intent on maximizing profit and making their construction crew’s work easier, many developers determine that it is better to raze than to rehabilitate. For local builder Pam Whitehead of River Forest’s P&P Ltd., such nondescript homes can be an opportunity. Rather than tear down the two-bedroom, one-story ranch she purchased at 630 N. East Ave. in Oak Park, she worked with the best of what was there and built up, turning the two bedroom home into a two-story, five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom house. After nine months of construction, the made-over home bears little resemblance to the ’40s style ranch. Today, it holds its own among the block’s architecturally significant houses.

PHOTO BY PAUL GOYETTE

Salvaging materials Whitehead, who has been reimagining local homes for 15 years, says her mantra is to reduce, recycle and repurpose. She said that keeping what she can makes sense on many levels, from emotional to environmental. “I try to repurpose a home that someone once loved and valued and make it over so that someone new can love and value it again,” Whitehead said. The 1947 house was a small two-bedroom ranch house that had been added onto over time. While it didn’t have the architectural pedigree of the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned home next door, Whitehead still found plenty to save. See RANCH HOME on page 20

PHOTOS PROVIDED

REPURPOSED: A developer saved the first-floor shell of a 1940s ranch house (above left) in the 600 block of North East Avenue and used it inform the design of a larger, two-story home (top) that now stands in its place on an architecturally significant block.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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RANCH HOME Designed to fit in from page 19 “We could have torn it down, but it was a brick house with a full basement,” she said. “That’s a lot to put into a landfill.” On the first floor, the plan was reimagined to create an open kitchen, family room, dining room and mudroom in spaces that previous owners had used for their bedrooms and family room. The original formal living room in the front of the house was maintained, as was the screened-in porch and garage. The full basement was kitted out with new drain tile, sump pump and overhead sewer to provide another room for family gathering. Whitehead maintained the original brick exterior, and when she wasn’t able to match the original 1940s brick with the new brick necessary to extend the chimney and fill in holes in the exterior, Whitehead stained the brick on all surfaces to create a cohesive look. She created a “new” set of shutters out of repurposed knotty pine she found at ReUse Depot, and forged headers for the front windows from repurposed factory floor joists.

Creating character For all of her projects, Whitehead strives to keep up with the character she thinks is inherent in the village. “I try to make it a little more interesting than a cookie cutter house,” Whitehead said. “People move here because they value architecture, character and individuality. I feel very privileged to work in this kind of environment in which people value older homes.” Pointing out the Wright-designed house next door and the significant estates across the street, Whitehead says she wanted this house to fit in and look like houses from the 1910s to 1920s. Calling the overall aesthetic “European revival,” she took care to create an inter-

esting roof line on the new second story with peaked dormers and had stucco handapplied to add a timeless texture to the exterior. A new exterior door fits into the European feel, as do the carefully-chosen light fixtures. On the inside of the house, all of the systems are completely new from electrical and HVAC to the plumbing, water line to the street, reclaimed white oak flooring and roofing. Whitehead designed the living spaces to reflect a freshness and light that people are looking for in homes today. A first-floor bedroom, currently set up as an office, offers great options for aging in See RANCH HOME on page 22

PHOTOS BY PAUL GOYETTE

NEW LOOK: The inside of the reimagined home is entirely new, including a large openplan kitchen (top) next to dining room and family room (left). The design retains the formal living room (above).

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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In The Village, Realtors® Mike Becker

189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400 HomesintheVillage.com

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTIES

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May you soar into a new year filled with health and happiness!

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…and maybe even a new home -don’t forget the spring market is just around the corner. Elissa Palermo

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Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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PHOTOS BY PAUL GOYETTE

HOW SUITE IT IS: The master bedroom suite (above) has plenty of light and closet space, and a spa-like master bath (below left). The upstairs laundry room (below right) has lots of storage space and room to work.

RANCH HOME from page 20 place or a separate guest suite, with its own private, full bath. The open kitchen connects seamlessly to the dining room and family room. High-end appliances, and a large island that seats four make the kitchen a gathering space for a family. A mudroom clad in shiplap has a new half bath and offers easy access to the backyard. On the second floor, the master bedroom suite on the back of the house gets great light from two exposures of windows. His and hers walk-in closets offer plenty of storage opportunities. The master bathroom includes a standalone limestone tiled shower, a large soaking tub and double-sink vanity. Heated flooring and glass tile accents up the

style quotient in the spa-like room. Another bedroom with an en suite bathroom is located at the front of the house, and two more bedrooms share a Jack-andJill bathroom. Whitehead sums up the kids’ bathroom with its blue vanity and colorful wallpaper: “We always like to do fun stuff. Here, we did a little retro style.” In the upstairs hallway, another favorite room is set off with a set of barn doors. Calling the laundry room “one of the best we’ve ever done,” Whitehead points out the wide floor plan and excess of storage cabinets. A cabinet specifically for folding offers space for four laundry baskets to be stored beneath. As this project wraps up and Whitehead begins to think about what is next, she will be listing the property in early January for $1,390,000. Anyone interested in a sneak peek can call Whitehead at 312-209-8888.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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MULTIFAMILY

CONDOS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

Sunday, January 7, 2018 ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

834 Carpenter Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$315,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 930 Linden Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$489,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

2646 Des Plaines Ave. UNIT 1N, North Riverside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$325,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

231-233 N. Elmwood, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$875,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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Winter2018

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Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

VIEWPOINTS

Using our power against underage drinking p. 28

A G I N G

Exploring elderhood: a new stage of the life cycle

argely because of longevity, our culture has entered a phase never seen before. Dr. Bill Thomas (of ChangingAging) speaks of an emerging new stage of life that follows adulthood. This new stage, which can be called “elderhood,” has its own standards and its own values, distinct from adulthood. One of the factors leading to the dawn of the elderhood stage is today’s longevity, previously unseen in the human species. JoAnn Jenkins, CEO of AARP, in her book Disrupt Aging, notes that we have increased human longevity more since 1900 than in all human history before that time. Today, we are pioneers in this new stage of life. We live in a time analogous to when most people believed the earth was flat. Back then, gradually, more and more people came to understand that the earth was a sphere. They were the growing thought leaders, but they still believed the sun orbited the earth. Right now, we are all behind the curve on aging in an aging America — individuals, institutions, governments — all of us. Just doing “more of the same” will not cut it. We cannot afford to lose our elders — and the wisdom and vision that comes with us. It is in the above context that Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb is hosting his community forum on Aging in Oak Park - The Next 50 Years. I am honored and excited to be one of the panelists for this event. Fifty years ago, Oak Park took a visionary and courageous stand by passing the first fair-housing ordinance in the United States. The pioneers in those days knew what was right and acted on it. They acted on it imperfectly, but they acted. Fifty years from now, how will today’s elderhood pioneers — you and me — be viewed? Will we be positive, yet imperfect, role models? Will we have been able to build inclusivity into our efforts from the very start? Will Oak Park be appreciated as a national model? Will the consciousness of aging run through every fabric of our community? Will we have been able to change our individual, systemic and cultural views from ‘aging = bad’ into ‘aging = beautiful’? Will we have been successful in building an age-diverse, strong and humble TeamOakPark? I have written here previously of Ram Dass’ comments on “how the early explorers felt after the theory that the world was flat was replaced by the spherical concept of our planet. What courage that theory must have released, thus

MARC BLESOFF

See BLESOFF on page 30

Image courtesy of www.shemcenter.org

A meditation on respect and inclusion

We thought our first issue of 2018 would be a good time to run the text of Shem Center’s guided meditation,‘Circle of Respect.’ Shem Center is a local retreat house run by Dominican Brother Joseph Kilikevice in Oak Park for many years.

ing of the tingsha, a complete exhalation. Repeat a few times. Sounding the tingsha, say, “Breathing in, say ‘yes’ to life, breathing out, say ‘thank you.’ Breathing in, say ‘yes’ to all life-affirming decisions you have made. Breathing out … gratitude. Breathing in, welcome the present moment. Breathing out, make space within to receive the blessing of our time together. Let go of regrets about the past and worries about the future.” Invite the participants to hold out their left hands with the palms facing up toward the sky, and with this simple gesture, acknowledge the place of our origins, the place of the flaring forth of the original fire some 15 billion years ago. Out of the divine imagination came all the elemental particles that make up creation, including our bodies. We were there in the beginning, gleaming in the night sky and are here now as splendid and radiant second generation stars. We belong to the universe. Next, invite them to hold their right hands facing down toward the earth to acknowledge our home planet. Here we share life with the diversity of life forms that inhabit the garden planet of the universe. Here we take our place with all other beings. Then invite the group to connect the circle by holding one another’s hands and acknowledge with this simple gesture, that we belong to one another as well as the

JOSEPH

KILIKEVICE One View

was delighted by your request to place the “Circle of Respect” in Wednesday Journal. Here is the copy I give to anyone who requests it. It is being used by many different groups I have encountered from many parts of the world as a way to begin meetings, school days, etc. Sometimes primary school teachers have their kids lead it to begin the school day, finding it a good way to address bullying. I always begin my presentations with this guided meditation, making it shorter if necessary, but I like to give it the time it deserves, with pauses for reflection that offer people an alternative to the fast-paced and noisy world we live in. I have had people say this was the most memorable part of my presentation because they felt included and embraced with respect. It has to come from one’s heart, of course. I am enclosing the text I use, sometimes with some topical variations gathered from current news reports.

Circle of Respect Gather the group in a circle. Using a set of Tibetan tingsha or some other clear sounding bell, invite them to take a deep “belly breath,” and with a second ring-

See KILIKEVICE on page 29

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

O U R

V I E W S

Villagers who live their values

he new year begins with a fresh opportunity, a fresh necessity in Oak Park and River Forest to live by our shared values. That we promulgate those values. That we work to further those values in the wider world. Our hometown values of inclusion, equity, stewardship, and good government are broadly under attack in our nation. The year just ended has been a dismal one with Donald Trump, the worst president in our history, pounding away at values and institutions that we believed defined us and united us. That battle has been joined as a widening swath of Americans come to see Trump’s tactics of division as anathema to the broad ideals of our nation. This new year will be rocky, for certain. But here at home this week, Wednesday Journal again names our Villagers of the Year for Oak Park and River Forest. This annual recognition is for the individuals we see as having had the greatest impact on our communities in the year just past. In Oak Park we chose Anthony Clark, an educator, activist, and now a candidate for the U.S. Congress. Donna Carroll, president of Dominican University, is our choice in River Forest. What links Clark and Carroll, in our estimation, is their willingness, their determined and strategic drive, to live the values of these communities, to passionately use the tools they have to put their values into force. Carroll has long led her Catholic university on the path of social justice. In recent years, and especially under the assault of 2017, she has made Dominican a leader in welcoming Hispanic students, many undocumented, to the River Forest campus. She has been a champion for Dreamers even as Trump has thrown their status into chaos. Most interesting to us has been watching the critical role that Carroll and Dominican played last year in guiding River Forest’s village government into its bold declaration as a Welcoming Community. Clark, who has been applauded and occasionally upbraided on this page, is recognized for his boundless energy and skill in prompting people into action on a wide range of complex issues. Whether it was using his social media network and OPRF connections to help organize a vigil in Scoville Park after a young student’s death, his work across the divide on Austin Boulevard between Oak Park and the West Side on issues of crime and connection, or, now, in running in the Democratic primary for Danny Davis’ 7th Congressional seat, Clark is tireless and effective in bringing a growing number of people to live their values and engage consciously in uncomfortable conversations. We will need more champions in 2018 if we are to stay true to our values and act on those values in the wider world.

District 90s mindset Among the Notables — Runners-up seems so judgy — in our Villagers of the Year coverage is Ed Condon, superintendent of River Forest’s District 90 public elementary schools. We are admirers of the good work that Condon, his school board and the dedicated band of volunteers and staff he has assembled, are doing on equity in D90. While much of the attention locally goes to equity work at OPRF High School and in the District 97 Oak Park elementary schools where the racial mixes are greater and where the achievement gap is more pronounced, we are fascinated to watch the much less diverse and much more affluent River Forest schools thoughtfully and aggressively address the issue in their schools. A few years back when the topic first surfaced, we frankly expected lip service and little more from D90. Instead, acknowledging its somewhat unique situation melding diversity and affluence, Condon and his colleagues have boldly addressed the reality of the gap, the complicated causes — many historic and internal — and have set ambitious goals for themselves. Good for this school district. Good for River Forest.

@ @OakParkSports

Calling all women: Help!

his past year was, in many ways, the Year of the Woman, but not the one many predicted — i.e. the first year of our first female president. Hillary Clinton lost to a selfabsorbed male misogynist pig, so everyone thought the dream had been deferred yet again. But if Hillary had won (actually, she did, making it all the more galling), women might have been lulled into complacency, believing the system still works. On the contrary, the Trump travesty mobilized women in ways that otherwise would have been impossible. It started with the Women’s March on Washington (and sundry municipalities worldwide), an in-your-face act of defiance aimed at the poster child (emphasis on child) for everything that’s wrong with this country, not to mention the ultimate bottoming out of patriarchal dominance. The women’s marches, on the other hand, represented everything that’s best about this country. The outburst of creative sign-making slogans alone was a high point of the year. And the marches, no doubt, led to the “#MeToo” movement, which blew the lid off sexual harassment. Trump (our Groper-inChief), Cosby, O’Reilly, Weinstein, Moore, Lauer, and so many others have awakened a sleeping (female) giant. The power of the feminine has been unleashed. And just in time. Men have mucked things up far too long. It’s pretty obvious the out-of-touch (and way too touchy) patriarchy will destroy this country and our planet if allowed to go unchecked much longer. Speaking for males everywhere, I say: Help! We don’t deserve it, but we need women to ride to the rescue. Men have amply proven that, left in charge long enough, the end results are disastrous. I don’t know what it’s going to take, but somehow women need to rise up and grab the political wheel. You’re already doing it at the family and community levels, managing, activating, hands-on, serving as the backbone. There are more of you. You live longer. In most of the male-female relationships I’ve observed, the woman is the stronger person. I know all about bias and pay inequity and the glass ceiling and everything you’re up against, but whatever it takes, it needs to happen soon. We’re running out of time. I’ve been a feminist since the late 1960s, when I was 16 and fell in love with Emma Peel, karate-chopping bad guys in her jumpsuit on The Avengers. Around that time, I came across a book, The Natural Superiority of Women, by anthropologist Ashley Montagu. It not only piqued my interest, I bought it (and I didn’t buy many books at that age). Here’s the way goodreads.com describes it today: “Among the central issues of the modern feminist movement, the debate over biology

and culture, over sex and gender, over genetics and gender roles has certainly been one of the most passionately contested. Making revolutionary arguments upon its first publication in 1953, The Natural Superiority of Women stands as one of the original feminist arguments against biological determinism. An iconoclast, Montagu wielded his encyclopedic knowledge of physical anthropology in critique of the conventional wisdom of women as the ‘weaker sex,’ showing how women’s biological, genetic, and physical makeup made her not only man’s equal, but his superior. Also a humanist, Montagu points to the emotional and social qualities typically ascribed to and devalued in women as being key to just social life and relationships.” The book got my attention, just as the feminist movement was building momentum. That traction has been gaining for 50 years, and this may finally be the breakout moment. With #MeToo, women are discovering the power of their collective voice. What a gift — to men, not just women. Patriarchal dominance isn’t the problem. A shift to matriarchy isn’t the answer. Dominance by one gender is the problem, and gender equality is the answer. Psychotherapist Carl Jung described a healthy psyche as a balance of male and female, or as he called it, the animus and anima archetypes. What it will take to achieve that psychic balance we’re just beginning to figure out, but we need to accelerate the process. And the best way for that to happen is for more women to run for elected office and more men to support and vote for them. Men need to get a clue and women need to get elected. Time’s 2017 “Man of the Year” (the original name), which Lord Tweet boasted he had all sewn up, was instead bestowed on the women of America, who taught the patriarchy a painful lesson about sexual harassment — which may prove the tipping point in the long struggle for equality. 2016 was Year of the Woman I because the first woman nominated for president by one of the two major parties won the popular vote by almost three million, and would have won the election if not for the perfect storm of anti-democratic measures combining to rig the system. And that’s in spite of being charisma-challenged (Clinton’s contribution to the final result). So 2017 really turned out to be Year of the Woman II. And I’m hoping and praying that 2018 will be Year of the Woman III as more female candidates than ever run for, and get elected to, public office in a gender tidal wave. But they need the active support of every man who recognizes the patriarchy’s deficiencies and want to change the “good old boy” school of American politics. Allies at last. Hopefully for good. Hopefully forever.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S D O O P E R ’ S

M E M O R I E S

Caring for the flag was a big responsibility

hen I was in eighth grade, my classmate George Warren was the custodian of the school flag. George’s job was to raise the flag before school, take it down after school, and then return it to our principal for proper storage. Mr. Carlyon, our principal, also taught George how to properly fold the flag into a tricorn shape. Many guys would have liked George’s job, but George was chosen because he had not missed a day of school in two years, was tall and strong, and was dependable. Also, many of the eighth-grade boys, myself included, were patrol boys, and we couldn’t leave our posts until 8:55 a.m, and then we would have to hightail it to school in order to be in our respective classrooms by 9:05. George, however, was granted a dispensation. If there were windy conditions or the rope became tangled on the flagpole and George had to struggle to raise the flag, he was permitted to be late getting to class. Since George was my best friend at Holmes, I asked him about his job and his explicit duties. He said our principal was very clear on what should be done in regard to caring for the flag. It could only be flown in fair weather, so if George hoisted the flag on a clear day and it started to rain or snow, George would be paged by Mr. Carlyon, and he would then put on his school-issued raincoat and run outside, lower the flag, bring it inside and give it to the principal, who would take care of drying the flag.

Mr. Carlyon would take the flag home each Friday and launder it. Occasionally he would want the flag to be dry cleaned, and then George would take the flag to the cleaners after school on a Friday, and Mr. Carlyon would pick it up on Saturday. Apparently, Mr. Carlyon demanded one-day service. George told me that when Mr. Carlyon decided a flag had become too worn, and no longer serviceable, he would burn it in the trash barrel behind the school. He said this happened only once during his tenure. George had to make certain the flag never touched the ground and the pole and ropes were free of debris. When a special day like Armistice Day [Veterans Day] and Memorial Day came, he would come to school a half hour early so the flag would be up for the observance held on these days. If the special day were pleasant, a patriotic program would be conducted outdoors that included a song or two and a brief speech by Mr. Carlyon. If the weather was inclement, the program would be conducted in the gym. George never missed a day, and on graduation day, Mr. Carlyon presented a plaque to George thanking him for his service. He had a tough job, but he was a resourceful and intelligent guy who went on to a career as a Methodist minister. John Stanger is a lifelong resident of Oak Park, a 1957 graduate of OPRF High School, married with three grown children and five grandchildren, and a retired English professor (Elmhurst College). Living two miles from where he grew up, he hasn’t gotten far in 77 years.

JOHN

STANGER

Reduce plastic, and save money, with reusable bags Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, Oak Park will join cities worldwide that have banned, or charge, a fee for single-use plastic or paper bags. Ordinance #17239, passed unanimously by the village board on Aug. 8, requires Oak Park retail stores of 5,000 square feet to charge customers 10 cents for each single-use paper or plastic bag provided at the checkout counter. The ordinance is intended to encourage customers to bring their own shopping bags to avoid taking a singleuse, disposable bag that may end up as litter. The 10-cent fee will be split between the retailer and the village; the village’s portion to be used for environmental sustainability initiatives. Studies bear out that both paper and plastic bags require large amounts of resources and energy to produce. Also, proper recycling requires constant oversight from both consumers, municipal waste collectors and private recycling companies. As we continue to shop locally, remember to reduce waste by using reusable bags. For more, visit https:// www.treehugger.com/culture/paper-bags-or-plasticbags-everything-you-need-to-know.html

Photo provided by Lisa Files, Green Community Connections and One Earth Film Festival

Sally Stovall, of Green Community Connections, Marirose Ferrara attended an Oak Park Board of Trustees meeting in Interfaith Green Network May. Stovall did not speak, but others told the board Oak Park to adopt a mandatory fee on single-use plastic bags.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger, Nona Tepper Viewpoints Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Cassandra West, Doris Davenport Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Director Social Media Strategy & Communications Jackie McGoey Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Media Assistant Megan Dickel Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat Comptroller Edward Panschar Credit Manager Laurie Myers Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 708-613-3310 or email him at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

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

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Unleash your superpower to reduce underage drinking

ak Park and River Forest possess qualities that set us apart from communities near and far. But in at least one respect we are no different from anyone else: We cherish our children, we want what is best for them, and above all, we want them to grow up safe. In 2015 Oak Park Township received a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services to address a disturbing fact that places that common yearning in jeopardy: Young people in our communities have been consuming alcohol at rates above the state average. This trend dates back at least to 2010, based on answers furnished by our youth anonymously every two years on the Illinois Youth Survey. To address that issue head-on, the township formed the Workgroup for Positive Youth Development (PYD). The coalition draws from numerous sectors in the community, including police, schools, government, youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, health professionals, parents, youth and civic groups. The workgroup and its leadership and data teams are designing communication campaigns geared toward parents, youth and the community. You may have seen some of the communications already — and there is much more to come. Information includes the risks of drinking for teens, and shares strategies with

WORKING FOR POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT One View

parents and community members to limit access to alcohol for teens. We are also working closely with law enforcement to make sure local bars and restaurants are not serving alcohol to minors. These efforts, however, are only as effective as the community’s collective response to this undeniable problem. Here is where your influence is a superpower: all adults play a pivotal role in helping our teens make healthy choices, including remaining alcohol-free. Although most adults disapprove of teen drinking, limiting it calls upon us to set rules and then enforce them, often in the face of myriad challenges. Teens are striving for independence and autonomy, there are constant peer pressures to drink, and the larger culture sends mixed signals, at best, about whether our kids should consume alcohol. Is taking a stand really worthwhile? A growing body of research tells us that health risks to teens from alcohol are very

real. According to studies by many distinguished researchers and reports by the U.S. Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol has multiple health consequences for teens because it affects areas of their brains that are still developing until 25 years old. These areas include those needed for executive function and decision-making. Delaying alcohol consumption is one of the best health decisions anyone can make. In a national survey of more than 43,000 adults, 47% of those who began drinking alcohol before age 14 report that they became alcohol-dependent at some point in their lives. By contrast, among those who waited until the legal age of 21 before drinking, that figure was 9%. We could cite data about a host of other problems, such as academic struggle, fighting, physical and sexual assault, and higher risks of suicide and homicide. But a sea of statistics is not nearly as important as what each of us, individually, can do to be part of the solution. We invite you to learn more at http:// oakparktownship.org/pyd/overview.

Kelly O’Connor, Aimee Bates, Susan Parks, Barb Hickey, Florence Miller, Kevin Crowell, John Hedges, Lourdes Nicholls, Tandra Rutledge, Anita Pindiur, Carla Sloan and Matt Baron Community Committee, Oak Park-River Forest Workgroup for Positive Youth Development

Graphic courtesy of www.samhsa.gov

Refusing to give up hope It is disheartening that we never seem to learn from history. The plan to offer tax breaks to corporations (who are already recording major profits) and the upper 1% of our wealthy population has been documented as a failing proposition. The “trickle-down theory” is supposed to provide money for jobs but it has failed to fulfill its promise. Instead, within a few years following tax innovations that set a wide division between the haves and the have nots, we have suffered a Great Depression (in 1929) and a Great Recession (in 2008). I have had the benefit of living through both difficult periods. Now I must endure an even greater tax arrangement offered to our corporations and the upper 1% of our population. To add to my disappointment in our Republican Party, some 13 million people will be without health care insurance, and an estimated 9 million children who received health care through the federally financed “CHIP” program was not renewed. Additionally, we have been told by several Republican leaders that it may be necessary to “adjust” Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security in the near future to help pay for the trillions of dollars deficit caused by the tax breaks provided for our wealthiest. Is this how our tax money should be spent? This is not what one would expect from the Republican Party, but under President Trump’s administration it is no longer the fiscally conservative, deficit-concerned group. It is truly alarming as one reflects on the future of the Republican Party. On another subject, I can’t help but question the unusual behavior by Fox News reporters and some of President Trump’s supporters. They are trying to demean the FBI and the special prosecutor’s investigation of Russian interference in our election process. They apparently believe President Trump is guilty of association with the Russians. Otherwise they would desire the thorough investigation that would exonerate the President of any wrongdoing. I refuse to give up my hope for a change of priorities for our nation’s future. I certainly am realistic about the damage from present laws and the many necessary environmental regulations that have been recalled. But I have faith in the American society at large who are willing to protest for change. Perhaps 2018 will be the year when many of our concerns will be resolved.

HARRIET HAUSMAN One View

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

KILIKEVICE

Circle of Respect from page 25 universe above us and the earth beneath us. Darshan (a Sanskrit word meaning “sacred gaze”) is then given to, and received by, everyone in the circle. This respectful, appreciating look comes not only from our own eyes, but also from the eyes of anyone who has mentored us or loved us. In the loving gaze of God, we are all God’s daughters and sons. While the circle expresses the Creator’s love for diversity, each person has experienced happiness, love and friendship as well as loss, sorrow and grief. We are much more alike than different on the inside. While Darshan is exchanged around the circle, invite everyone present into the circle of respect where all are welcome to simply come as they are, woman or man, young or in their wisdom years, Christian or another path, gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered or questioning, wealthy or poor, well or ill — all infinitely deserving of unconditional cherishing and love. Ask them to slowly let go of hands and to silently welcome one another into the circle of respect as unique expressions of the Creator … never before and never again, in 15 billion years of the Creator’s work unfolding in greater beauty, radiance and splendor, the shem that is in all beings, in all people everywhere. When using this ritual, please acknowledge its source, the Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality, a place of welcome for the sojourners of all spiritual paths. Br. Joseph Kilikevice OP is the founding director.

PROVIDED

Br. Joe Kilikevice leads a ‘Circle of Respect’ guided meditation.

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

V I E W P O I N T S

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What Oak Park has meant to me

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Lately, I’ve been thinking a little bit more about what Oak Park means to me, for as of the end of November, I have been living here for a quarter-century. It’s especially timely to mark this anniversary as we look ahead over the next year, leading up to the Bicentennial of Illinois. One prominent quality of Oak Park is the strong sense of community here. I’m able to connect well with neighbors and others who live here. Oak Park also has a great location, with most spots in the village being easily accessible by walking, biking, or driving, not to mention easy access to the amenities in Chicago and nearby suburbs. I am blessed to have grown up here and been impacted by Oak Park and its institutions and to make an impact on them. One

significant example is the Oak Park Public Library, where I had the excellent opportunity to volunteer while in my youth, and then to work there for almost 2½ years while developing myself professionally. There’s also an awesome community at Ascension Parish, with people committed to engaging with faith through worship and service. I also think about Julian Middle School and the impact it had on me, as well as how I helped pioneer the middle school experience for sixth-graders there back in 2002-2003 when the building was brand new. Indeed, I am so grateful for to have spent these 25 years calling Oak Park my home.

Paul Rubio Oak Park

Thanks for sharing ‘the good stuff ’

“Quiet moments of contentment that add up to a life worth living. I call it the ‘good stuff,’ which we’re inclined to dismiss because it’s often so ordinary. Yet they are preserved in our memory, waiting to be recovered and reclaimed.” [Happiness interruptus, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Dec. 27] It’s not often that joy and happiness are so perfectly described, as was done in “Happiness interruptus.” As a reflective person by nature, I find myself revisiting memories and experiences that have enriched my life. This year has been transformative to say the least, as a major career change yanked me from my comfort zone in Nashville, Tennessee to an entirely new life in Oak Park. In doing so, I have experienced moments of contentment, joy, understanding and true happiness. I believe this shift is the result of intentionally holding firm to that which brings me peace. You have described our tendency to overlook the everyday beauty of our lives, as it truly is often eclipsed by busyness and negativity. I love the way you urge us to reach within and bring to light the memories that

make us feel whole. We certainly can all agree that 2017 brought its own challenges and uphill battles, but the moments of contentment you describe truly can overpower the “default negativity.” This truth has never been more clear than it is now that I have the privilege to work in a local psychiatric facility — Riveredge Hospital in Forest Park. Each day, patients walk through our doors, often carrying the heavy load of unimaginable trauma and stigma, yet there is always beauty in recovery and hope. As you have shared, “If we pay attention, we begin to notice how often happiness sidles up to us, offering to overpower our misery, resentment, worry, disappointment.” I wholeheartedly agree that embracing the good takes practice and conditioning. I would be naïve to believe it does not come with pain — but to know that you have the choice to keep your eyes fixed on that which brings us joy is truly beautiful and lifechanging. Thank you for sharing.

BLESOFF

the damn jar! Bring your questions, comments and passions and join Mayor Abu-Taleb on Jan. 10 to talk about re-engineering that damn jar. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb will host a community forum titled, “Aging in Oak Park – the Next 50 Years” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Public Library, oppl.org/calendar. Marc Blesoff is a former Oak Park village trustee, co-founder of the Windmills softball organization, co-creator of Sunday Night Dinner, a retired criminal defense attorney, and a novice beekeeper. He currently facilitates Conscious Aging Workshops and Wise Aging Workshops in the Chicago area.

from page 25 allowing explorers to go fearlessly into the unknown.” We are on the verge of passionate and fearless and imperfect exploration into aging in Oak Park — indeed, aging in America — over the next 50 years. When an older person struggles with opening a jar, a jar they had opened easily in the past, they may feel like a failure, perhaps even ashamed. We need to change that selfblame, that cultural blame, by re-engineering

Allison Ray Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Getting Down To Business

with the Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce December 29th, 2017

2018: It’s in the Bag

By CATHY YEN, Executive Director

mong the 2018 new year’s resolutions Oak Parkers need set for themselves is “bring your own bag.” Starting January 1, in certain retail establishments in Oak Park you will be charged a ten cents fee for each disposable paper or plastic bag provided by the merchant for you to carry goods out of stores. As most Oak Parkers generally support environmentally-friendly initiatives, this is a good thing and one that our community can get behind. However, with any new policy - and especially a policy that involves a cost to residents - there is some initial confusion and concern. Here are a few noteworthy aspects of the new law:

First, it is a fee, not a tax. You can avoid the fee by bringing your own bags. The ten cents is split between the merchant and the Village. The merchant will use the money to pay for the additional accounting and reporting work. The Village will use the money collected to pay for sustainability programs. To offset the potential regressive nature of the fee, the business community and government are working together to provide free reusuable bags to anyone who wants one (while supplies last). You can pick up a bag at the Chamber office, at Village Hall and at the Public Works building. The Interfaith Green Network is spearheading an effort to collect bags for free distribution at select retailers as well. Second, the law only applies to the roughly 25 businesses with 5,000 or more square feet. Think grocery, pharmacy and large retailers with big stores. Boutique

retail is often well under that size. And, the law does not apply to restaurant take-out, medicines bought at the pharmacy counter or the small plastic bags in the produce and meat sections of the grocery store. We hope the success of the program at the large retailers will encourage shoppers to bring their own bags even to small businesses technically not governed by the ordinance. The real measure of the program is not the amount of fees collected. Success hinges on whether we can change consumer behavior to positively impact the environment. A worthy new year’s resolution, indeed.

*The Ultimate Local Foodie Party* * 50+ local restaurants/caterers * Live music + drinks + prizes * Tickets/info @ FoodieFest.net

Fri. 1/26 5:30-9:30P @ 19th Century Club

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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V I E W P O I N T S

Meet the one progressive for governor

Rare is the candidate for Illinois state office who actually knows what he or she is doing, doesn’t cater to the political machines, and can really restore integrity and decency to the office sought. I discovered that kind of candidate last spring during a series of forums for candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. State Senator Daniel Biss of Evanston was the only candidate completely independent of Michael Madigan’s machine — a real plus when challenging Bruce Rauner. He was the only candidate who understood why Illinois is in such dire financial straits and who articulated a path toward bringing Illinois back. He was the only candidate who actually answered questions instead of voicing empty political platitudes. Chris Kennedy repeated fumbled and clearly is running solely on his last name. J.B. Pritzker sidestepped question after question and appears to be running on the platform of our billionaire against their billionaire. Well, we don’t need another billionaire to lead our state. We need an actual member of the middle class who understands and lives the same challenges we all face — and that’s independent Democratic progressive Daniel Biss. On Jan. 4, we have two opportunities to meet that candidate in person in Oak Park. Gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss will meet and greet us Thursday night, Jan. 4, at the Oak Park Public Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the first floor Community Engagement Room. That morning he’ll be at the Live Café, 163 S. Oak Park Ave., for a coffee hour from 10 to 11 a.m. These are great opportunities to meet our next governor in a small setting where you can ask questions and get responsive answers. Don’t miss it.

Dan Lauber

O B I T U A R I E S

Elizabeth Tyner, 89 Teacher, Oak Park Arms resident

Elizabeth Tyner (nee Ludwig), 89, of Oak Park, died on Dec. 28, 2017. Born on May 31, 1928 on a farm in Black Lick, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, attended Johnstown Catholic High ELIZABETH TYNER School, and received her B.A. in English from College (now University) of St. Francis in Joliet in 1950. After her marriage to Clayton Tyner, the family moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, where she taught at Holy Redeemer Elementary School. In 1966, the family moved to New Lenox. She taught English at Ludwig Junior High School in Lockport until her retirement in 1990. After Clayton’s death, she moved to Oak Park to be closer to three of her five children. She spent the last three years of her life as a resident of the Oak Park Arms, where she enjoyed socializing with the other residents. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Tyner, and one brother, George Ludwig. She is survived by her five children, Terri (Donald Kaczmarek)

Tyner, Lucy (Barry) Sugrue, Kathryn Tyner, Margaret Tyner, and William (Megan) Tyner; her grandchildren, Michael (Valerie) Sugrue, Kevin (fiancée Jamie) Tyner, Kelly Tyner, Kara Tyner, and Edward Kaczmarek; two great-grandsons, Colin Sugrue and Parker Sugrue; and her siblings, Kathryn (the late Edward) Quinn, Karl (Darlene) Ludwig, and Mary Clare (Nino) Incardona. Cremation services were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home. The family plans to gather privately to honor Elizabeth’s memory next summer.

Robert Whiteley, 78 Army veteran, jack of all trades

Robert H. Whiteley, 78, of Forest Park, died on Dec. 25, 2017 at Edward Hines Veterans Hospital in Maywood. Born in Oak Park on April 29, 1939, he was raised in Oak Park and served in the U.S. ROBERT WHITELEY Army. A “jack of all trades,” he retired in 1985. Robert is survived by his wife, Carole Lindgren; his children, Debra Ludvik, Sherry (Charlie) Fistr, Philip (Janet) Lantz, and Lester Lantz of Forest Park.

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Visitation was held on Jan. 2 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home in Oak Park. Graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 3 at Big Foot Cemetery in Harvard.

Lorraine McMahon, 89

Former resident of Oak Park Lorraine M. McMahon (nee Kallas), 89, of Burr Ridge, formerly of Brookfield and Oak Park, died on Dec. 24, 2017. She was the wife of George L.; the mother of Patrick McMahon; sister-in-law LORRAINE MCMAHON of Lorene Murray and the late Mary Mizingia, Edward McMahon, Jim McMahon and Joan McMahon; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews. Visitation is Tuesday, Jan. 2 from 3 till 8 p.m. at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, and Wednesday, Jan. 3 from 10 till 11 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs, followed by Mass at 11:15 a.m. and interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. 708-366-2200 or www. ZimmermanHarnett.com.

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

River Forest

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880

Robert P. Gamboney

News

Events

Funeral Director

Family Owned & Operated

I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.

Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director

Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667

203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.

Discover all our bloggers at OakPark.com

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Religion Guide Methodist

Check First.

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

First Congregational Church of Maywood

400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.

You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130

William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000 Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM

LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)

3:30-4:00pm

Nationwide

WJYS-TV (M-F)

6:30-7:00am

Chicago, IL.

WCIU-TV (Sun.)

10:30-11:00am

Chicago, IL.

Word Network

10:30-11:00am

Nationwide

(M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

“Here is where you belong!” Engage Christian Church Engaging God, His Family, and His Mission 1000 S. Elgin Ave. Forest Park, IL (In First United Church) To stay connected visit our website and join us on social media www.engagecc.org Facebook: @EngageCC Twitter: @engagecchurch Instagram: @engccchurch

West Suburban Temple Har Zion

1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org

324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship Presbyterian

Fair Oaks

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Lutheran—ELCA

744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920

United Lutheran Church

409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

708/386-1576

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available

Sunday Schedule Christian Education for All Ages 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am

Child care available 9-11am

fairoakspres.org OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

Grace Lutheran School

Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod

Christ Lutheran Church

607 Harvard Street (at East Av.) Oak Park, Illinois Rev. Robert M. Niehus, Pastor Sunday Bible Class: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:10 Sunday Worship Services: 8:00 and 10:30 am Church Office: 708/386-3306 www.christlutheranoakpark.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship 8:30am & 11:00am Adult Bible Class & Sunday School 10:00am Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org

808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1

Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

Roman Catholic

St. Edmund Catholic Church

188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220

Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Friday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca

St. Giles Family Mass Community

We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.

Rev. Dr. Charles E. Cairo

Master Addictions Counselor -Therapist Certified Criminal Justice Specialist www.fireescapecounseling.com 7645 W Jackson Blvd. Suite 200 Forest Park, Illinois 60130

FireEscapeEFBC@gmail.com Proverbs 13:10 - Jude 1:22-23 312. 719.6936

But the Altenheim is so much more… it is surrounded with beautiful grounds and wildlife, seniors who look out for one another and apartment selections and activities to suit your lifestyle.

Call Today To Receive Information About Our Arborwood Studio and 1 Bedroom Apartments

7824 West Madison Street | Forest Park 708.366.2206 www.thealtenheim.com

Traditional Catholic

The Traditional Catholic Latin Mass

Our Lady Immaculate Church 410 Washington Blvd Oak Park. 708-524-2408 Mass Times: Sat. 8:00am Sun. 7:30 & 10:00am Operated by Society of St. Pius X. Confessions 1 hr. before each mass

Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed Unity

Psychotherapy & Life Coaching Services

And at the Altenheim, you’ll be able to protect it with rent that is reasonable.

UNITY CHURCH OF OAK PARK 405 North Euclid Ave.

You have limitless potential. Sunday Services 9 am & 11 am Youth Education 11 am 708-848-0960 — unityoakpark.org

Upcoming Religious Holidays

Jan 2-4 Mahayana New Year Buddhist 5 Twelfth Night Christian Guru Gobindh Singh birthday Sikh

let your voice be heard

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 P.M. MONâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;FRI

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED AUTO PARTS PART-TIME DRIVER & INVENTORY NAPA Auto Parts Stores looking for dependable and dedicated employees for part-time Driver and Inventory Worker openings. Most important is a friendly demeanor, good attitude, and ability to work with people. Availability right now. If interested, call George or Jim at 708-447-4980. DRIVER PART TIME Local Company looking for part time parts driver/receiving clerk. Must be drug free & have valid DL. Must be able to lift 75lbs. hours 9am til 3pm. $12/hr .Email resume HR@sievertelectric.com. No phone calls ELECTRICIANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electricianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Helper. Must have own transportation and some tools. Call 708-738-3848.

HELP WANTED â&#x20AC;˘

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE

SUBURBAN RENTALS

NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD

FOREST PARK/OAK PARK APT. Beautiful bright airy 1 bdrm, rehabbed, ready for you! Lovely large open floor plan. LR/DR combo, Kitchen, all appliances, 1/2 bath on 1st floor, 2nd floor loft w/private master suite w/vaulted ceilings skylight, ceiling fan, full bath, washer/ dryer, walk in closet. Parking included! Wood laminate floors, front patio, freshly painted, new carpet on stairs & wood blinds. Central A/C. Quiet safe neighborhood. 3 blks to Green line & Metra, walk to Lake/Harlem shopping. $1400 mo. 630-887-7229

In this quiet residential neighborhood

902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)

Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll benefit from a unique 12 year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.

Wednesday Classified 3 Great Papers, 6 Communities

HELP WANTED

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR â&#x20AC;˘

Wednesday Journal, Inc., is looking for an energetic self-starter for the parttime position of Distribution Coordinator. This person is responsible for data entry, coordinating drivers for pickup of both weekly and monthly publications, management of our warehouse space, fielding customer service calls and attending community events. This position requires: strong customer service and problem-solving skills, some college preferred, basic computer skills (Windows), a valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, reliable and insured vehicle and the ability to lift 20-30 pound publication bundles. This position is 20-25 hours per week including Tuesday evenings. Paid vacation and holidays. Send resume to circulation@oakpark.com.

REAL ESTATE WANTED HAS YOUR HOME BECOME A BURDEN?

Repairs, Taxes?? At a need to sell, we buy houses to fix up for rental or resale, especially houses that need major work on them! â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, if your house has become a problem we might become the solution!â&#x20AC;?

NO. RIVERSIDEâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;HOUSE 4 Bedroom, Newly Decorated

2330 SO. 10TH AVENUE

$1800.00 month. No Pets

DOLEJS REALTY 708-447-1000 OAK PARK FOREST PARK Studio, 1, and 2 BDRM. Heated. Dining room. Parking available. Walk to El. $625-$1250.

www.oakrent.com

RIVERSIDE CONDO 88 PINE AVENUE

3 BR, spacious; Dining Room; Close to Riverside Elementary and High School, Burlington Train & Shopping. $1500 per month;

DOLEJS REALTY 708-447-1000

SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER? Call Us For Advertising Rates! 708/613-3333

CITY RENTALS WEST SIDE 2 BR APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Ceramic tile bathroom flooring, cabinets, Air conditioning. Clean and quiet. Call 773-626-0478 btwn 8:30am & 7:30pm.

â?&#x201E;â?&#x2020;â?&#x2026;â?&#x2020;â?&#x201E; â?&#x2026;â?&#x201E;â?&#x2026;â?&#x2020;â?&#x201E;

MIRACLE CENTER M.B. CHURCH 5634 W. CHICAGO AVE

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888

WANTED PARKING SPACE GARAGE SPACE WANTED Near Harlem Ave. Anywhere between North Ave. and Irving Park. Call 773-637-3847.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â&#x20AC;˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

We Pay Cash, No Commissions

VICTORIAN GENERAL CONTRACTORS 708-484-8676

CHURCHES FOR RENT

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-888-328-8457 for an appointment.

ELECTRICAL A&A ELECTRIC

Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Home Re-wiring â&#x20AC;˘ New Plugs & Switches Added New circuit breaker boxes â&#x20AC;˘ Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp â&#x20AC;˘ Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial â&#x20AC;˘ Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. â&#x20AC;˘ Bonded â&#x20AC;˘ Ins. â&#x20AC;˘ Low Rates â&#x20AC;˘ Free Est.

708-409-0988 â&#x20AC;˘ 708-738-3848

Sr. Discounts â&#x20AC;˘ 30 Yrs. Exp | Servicing Oak Park and all surrounding suburbs

Space for church service available Main Floor Seating for 200

CALL 773-307-6488 OAK PARK CLASSIC CHURCH FOR RENT

Includes Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Kitchen, Midweek Service/ Bible Study, Office Options. 708-8468-9776

SPACE FOR RENT 4807 SQ FT In beautiful neighborhood in Oak Park. Varied uses possible for any kind of not-for-profit. Offices, community center, school, day care, etc. Private Cell: 708-846-9776

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT OAK PARK Office Suites 2 to 4 rooms

RIVER FOREST

2 Offices 220 to 1100 sq. ft. Store 1100 sq. ft.

Strand & Browne 708/488-0011

PETS

CARPENTRY

Grosso

Carpentry &

Home Remodeling Custom Carpentry, Decks Kichens, Baths, Basements licensed / bonded / insured

708-363-8379

gabegrosso@sbcglobal.net

GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR Our 71st Year

Garage Doors &

Electric Door Openers

Sales & Service Free Estimates

CHIMNEYS & FIREPLACES

(708) 652-9415

Oak Park Chimney and Fireplace Contractors

HANDYMAN

Inspections by appt. Chimney Sweeping Dampers Serviced Gas Logs & Lighters Rain Caps & Screens Service & Repairs

(708) 383-6589 (708) 906-5027 oakparkchimney@gmail.com Serving Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Western Suburbs Safely Since 1983

CLEANING

www.forestdoor.com

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

%,%#42)#!, (!.$9-!. 3%26)#%3 !LL 4YPES OF (OME 2EPAIRS 2EPAIRS )NSTALLATIONS 0ROFESSIONAL 1UALITY 7ORK !T 2EASONABLE 0RICES 0ROMPT 3ERVICE 3MALL *OBS A 3PECIALTY

MIXED BREED SCHNOODLE PUPPIES 5 adorable, 3-month old, papertrained puppies. 3 males & 2 females. Mixed-breed Schnoodles at $300 each. Call Barbara 773-501-9524.

Pamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A+ Cleaning Service

Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair

Fall is here! Time to make a change? Take a moment to preview our detailed cleaning. For a free esimate please call 708-937-9110

WANTED TO BUY

FLOORS

708-296-2060

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

KLIS FLOORING INC.

HAULING

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do

BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING

BROKEN SASH CORDS?

Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens Washer â&#x20AC;˘ Dryers Rodding Sewers

CALL THE WINDOW MAN!

FAST RELIABLE SERVICE

(708) 452-8929

Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

(708) 613-3333 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (708) 467-9066 â&#x20AC;˘ E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

WINDOWS

HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT

Licensed

Insured

Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929

Serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & Riverside Since 1974

PUBLIC NOTICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

LEGAL NOTICE Chertkow and Chertkow (22019) Attorneys for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60615

ALEX

PAINTING & DECORATING

Exterior and Interior All Work Guaranteed 35 Years Experience Call 708-567-4680

CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

PLASTERINGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; STUCCOING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 t ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

Lost & Found and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Elisabeth Velasquez, Petitioner and Pedro Hernandez, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-010467. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 22, 2018, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

PLUMBING

A-All American

Plumbing & Sewer Service FREE ESTIMATES Service in 1 Hour in Most Cases

All Work Guaranteed Lowest Prices Guaranteed FREE Video Inspection with Sewer Rodding /P +PC 5PP -BSHF t /P +PC 5PP 4NBMM Family Owned & Operated

t Lic. #0967

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Ramiro Restrepo, Petitioner and Mandelin Gonzalez, Respondent, Case No. 17 D 007297. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 16, 2018, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Glenda Rosales, Petitioner and Gerardo Rivas, Respondent, Case No. 2017 D 005796. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 16, 2018, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17153123 on December 28, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of GL YOUNG CONSULTING with the business located at: PO BOX 323 LAGRANGE, IL 60525. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: GWENDOLYN L YOUNG 8660 S 86TH AVE #301 JUSTICE, IL 60458

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application for a variations from Sections 10-4-5 (Use and Bulk Requirement Tables), Table 3 (Residential Districts Bulk Requirements), 10-7-3.H.5 (Accessory Structures and Uses; Porches) and 10-10-4.C (Nonconforming Buildings and Structures; Additions and Enlargements) of the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance for property located at 173 Gage Road, Riverside, Illinois, in the R1-A Single-Family Residence District, to allow an unenclosed front porch and stairs, with an associated walkway, to be built onto an existing encroaching (nonconforming) enclosed front porch in the street yard. Application No.: PZ 17-12 Petitioner: Jerry Manning Property Commonly Known As: 173 Gage Road, Riverside, Illinois PIN: 15-36-403-011 The variations sought are: A Variation from Section 10-7-3.H.5 (Accessory Structures and Uses; Porches) of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance, which allows new unenclosed porches to encroach into street yards, but does not allow buildings with existing porches that have previously been enclosed and which encroach into a required street yard to be eligible for new encroaching porches permitted by the subsection, and a Variation from Section 10-10-4.C (Nonconforming Buildings and Structures; Additions and Enlargements) of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance which prohibits additions or enlargements of nonconforming structures, and such other relief as is necessary in order to build an approximately 5 foot deep (including the eaves) unenclosed front porch onto an existing enclosed encroaching front porch in order to move the main entry to the front of the house, and to build a new walkway to the new entry. A variation from Section 10-4-5 (Use and Bulk Requirement Tables), Table 3 (Residential Districts Bulk Requirements) of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance is also required since the property currently exceeds the maximum 50% of impervious surface lot coverage allowed by code. The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on this matter. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the proposed variation. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning & Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Building Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 3rd day of January, 2018. Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission Published in Landmark 1/3/2018

Starting a New Business in 2018?

Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your assumed name legal notice in â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday Journal â&#x20AC;˘ Forest Park Review â&#x20AC;˘ Riverside/Brookfield Landmark â&#x20AC;˘ Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342

Published in Forest Park Review 1/3, 1/10, 1/17/2018

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17153120 on December 28, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of YOUR ADMIN EXPERT with the business located at: 8660 S 86TH AVE #301, JUSTICE, IL 60458. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: GWENDOLYN L YOUNG 8660 S 86TH AVE #301 JUSTICE, IL 60458 Published in Forest Park Review 1/3, 1/10, 1/17/2018

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152949 on December 11, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of IBERIA AND BEYOND with the business located at: 850 DES PLAINES AVENUE UNIT 506, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: IVAN R. MORENO 850 DES PLAINES AVENUE UNIT 506 FOREST PARK, IL 60130. Published in Forest Park Review 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152975 on December 13, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of CHICAGO TAX CONSULTANT LEAGUE with the business located at: 111 W. JACKSON BLVD. SUITE #17092, CHICAGO, IL 60604. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MELISSA DAVIS 207 GREEN ST. APT. #1 MAYWOOD, IL 60153. Published in Forest Park Review 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

Chertkow and Chertkow (22019) Attorneys for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60615

REAL ESTATE FORÂ SALE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Felipa Ramirez, Petitioner and Angel Gonzalez, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-010693.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHANCERY DIVISION CIT BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.JOSEPH L. SCOTT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 17 CH 003425 1005 S. CUYLER AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 29, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1005 S. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-308-0230000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 29, 2018, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/27/2017, 1/3, 1/10/2018

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152952 on December 11, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of LIVELIHOOD with the business located at: 836 LATHROP AVENUE UNIT 1, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MARLEE HONCOOP, 836 LATHROP AVENUE UNIT 1 FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Published in Forest Park Review 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

REAL ESTATE FORÂ SALE arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-02460. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-02460 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 003425 TJSC#: 37-11026 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3071513 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHANCERY DIVISION J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION CORP. Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA HORNBAKER, CURRENT SPOUSE, IF ANY, OF GLORIA HORNBAKER, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS. Defendants, 11 CH 4837 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on October 24, 2017 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash,

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 12-30-204-025-0000. Commonly known as 3048 Martin Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60164. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 65 East Wacker Place, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-0077. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3070910

transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identifi-

cation for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-03674. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-03674 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 009405 TJSC#: 37-10055 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3070416

The judgment amount was $117,514.09. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales

Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm–3pm. Please refer to file number 17-083449. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 17-083449 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 17 CH 8761 TJSC#: 37-9028 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3067712

are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-07196. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-07196 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 008959 TJSC#: 37-9374 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3070468

Commonly known as 1216 Elsie Drive, Melrose Park, Illinois 60160. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. F17010054 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3070725

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.MAURICE JOHNSON, SHEILA A. JOHNSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA–DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Defendants 15 CH 009405 2304 S. 16TH AVENUE BROADVIEW, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 29, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2304 S. 16TH AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-22-208-0210000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA Plaintiff, -v.TRINA WASHINGTON Defendants 17 CH 8761 421 47TH AVENUE Bellwood, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 29, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 421 47TH AVENUE, Bellwood, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-08-402-0510000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL, LLC F/K/A GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.ISIAH MC CULLOUGH JR. A/K/A ISIAH MCCULLOUGH JR., BEATRICE J. MC CULLOUGH A/K/A BEATRICE J. MCCULLOUGH Defendants 17 CH 008959 132 BOHLAND AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 6, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 1, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 132 BOHLAND AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-105-0490000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC; Plaintiff, vs. ALONSO CONTRERAS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 729 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, January 22, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-03-217-001-0000.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. A D VA N C E D CRITICAL TRANSPORT, INC.; JEANNE CONRAD AKA JEANNIE CONRAD; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; NICHOLAS CONRAD; TIMOTHY CONRAD; JOVON CONRADALEXANDER; SAMUEL CONRAD UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BABUS L. CONRAD DECEASED; THOMAS P QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF BABUS L. CONRAD, DECEASED; Defendants,) 17 CH 3099 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-127-017-0000 & 15-10127-018-0000. Commonly known as 135 South 19th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 17-005475 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3070748

S P O R T S

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Hooked on running

Running promotes a healthy body and soul for those who love the sport

felt better after the run. That feeling stuck. saw in Runner’s World the other day that There are as many types of runners as there are 101-year-old Julia Hawkins recently set a reasons to run. It would be a mistake to judge that world record for the 100-yard dash with a runners should all share the same goals, methods, time of 39.62 seconds at this year’s Nationmotivations and abilities – just as it would be abal Senior Olympic Games. While I find a surd for all cooks to aspire to create like Emeril or 101-year-old runner remarkable, perhaps even Giada or Jacques Pepin; should all cook the same more inspiring is the fact that she only just cuisine and use the samee seasonings. started running at age 100. Hawkins explained Running isn’t one-size-fits-all. that if she’s active enough to run to answer fits-all. In fact, nowhere is it written that everybody the phone, she may as well expand on that. verybody should do it. I’m a personal believer that I enjoy this story and other “how I started hat everyone should find activities that help them feel the best they can. running” stories so much. There are so Hey, we only get one body many ways and reasons to start, and they are y so it’s in our own best interests to take care of it. invariably positive, usually centered on the For me, the four legs off that table consist of: theme of taking control of one’s health. Running Columnist In my own narrative, it rolled out some■ Getting my heart rate e up (running, yea!) thing like this: I quit a serious cigarette habit ■ Strength work (less fun, un, still satisfying) when I got married -- a promise I made to my ■ Balance – flexibility – recovery (yea, foam fiancé and to myself. I tried out running to deal with the rolling, yea, sleeping!) stress, weight gain and just general “gaaahh.” A two-pack a ■ Oh, yeah—(trying to) eat sensibly ibly day habit is a big monkey, and I wanted it off of my back. Running feeds my body and soul. ul. I I really can’t say that I loved running when I started. enjoy putting one foot in front of the After each of my pregnancies, restarting was frustrating, other, sometimes faster, sometimes es not least because with small children, it grew increasingly slower, sometimes alone and hard to carve out time for it. But somewhere in there, I more often in company with discovered that no matter how hard it was to start, I always others.

ANN RYAN

Steward soars at Proviso West The Proviso West Holiday Tournament served as a coming out party for Fenwick’s DJ Steward in 2016. He averaged a teamhigh 11.3 points and shot 64 percent from the field as a highly touted freshman. This year, Steward has picked up right where left off at the prestigious tourney. Steward, one of the premier sophomores in the country, scored a game-high 22 points and dished out six assists in an 82-50 opening round win over host Proviso West. He scored 16 points in the first half as Fenwick built a 38-23 lead at the half. Michael O’Laughlin (18 points) and Damari Nixon (14 points) also reached double figures for the Friars. In the second round, Fenwick fell to reigning Class 2A state champion Orr 4542. O’Laughlin had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Nixon (11 points) and DJ Steward (10 points) also reached double figure scoring. For complete Christmas tournaments coverage and results of all the Fenwick, Oak Park and River Forest and Trinity basketball teams, log on to www.oakpark.com and click sports.

Fenwick sophomore DJ Steward makes a jump pass during the Friars’ 82-50 win over Proviso West at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. Alexa Rogals/Staff Photographer

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

I didn’t start running until I was 30, so I have no history of youthful accomplishments. I’m not athletically gifted, but the beauty of this sport is that one does not have to compete with the elites in the crowd in order to find satisfaction. We middle-packers can compete with ourselves by simply striving to improve. Whether it’s finding better form, speed, going a little farther, trying out a new venue, (trails, yes!), we can define success in our own right. Just consistently hauling it out of bed and out the door day after day, week after week, until running finally becomes a routine is wonderful. That ritual embodies one of my favorite slogans: “It’s okay; I ran today.” ... then you know, you’re hooked.

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

OPRF

High upside from page 40 back to anchor the lineup. Luptak and Preys reached sectionals as all-arounders. Luptak also qualified on vault, uneven bars and floor, while Phillpotts qualified on vault. Due to a pre-season ankle injury last season, Luptak never vaulted until regionals. At regionals, she placed fourth in both vault (9.15) and all-around (34.85). Perhaps still hampered by her ankle, she had disappointing sectional scores of 8.4 and 33.70. “I have two years ahead of me. Hopefully those [sectionals] are going to go better,” Luptak said afterward. “I’m going to work really hard this summer, really try to go [to state] my junior year.” While Luptak has a legitimate chance to qualify for state this year, she started the season by recuperating from an active offseason of training. “Grace is one of our top kids,” Wright said. “She overtrained a bit during the offseason so we decided to give her some time off. She will be back in the lineup soon and really strengthen our team. Grace will make a difference.” For Preys, last season was a learning experience as her first in high school gymnastics. Previously, she competed in USAG

club gymnastics. “It was a lot different,” Preys said about last season. “I felt like I made progress. I learned some new skills that I didn’t even know existed. I feel really motivated to learn a bunch of new stuff.” Newcomers include junior Hannah Thompson and talented freshmen Evelyn Dellegrazie and Iriel Conley. “I’m very excited about Hannah joining the team as a junior,” Wright said. “She performs at a very high level. Evelyn and Iriel have also contributed good scores this season. We have a lot of good all-arounders.” Sophomore Jenna Schainis, junior Claire Massmann and senior Kiara Broderick provide depth for OPRF. The Huskies have the luxury of both quantity and quality this season. “We have a higher level of gymnastics this year,” Wright said. “We have a very focused group competing at a high level. There’s great team camaraderie and the girls really support each other.” The tight-knit group has yielded winning results. OPRF is 3-0 in dual meets, with victories against Leyden (138.15-117.05), Lyons Township (134.20-124.00) and York (136.60-129.15). In the duals, several gymnasts have stepped up for OPRF. Against Leyden, Dellegrazie and Conley finished first and second in all-around, respectively, with scores of 35.75 and 33.75. Thompson took first (34.15) and Preys second (32.20 in all-

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After intense training during the offseason, Grace Luptak has taken some time off to recuperate. She will return soon this season. around against Lyons Township. Thompson placed first in all-around with a score of 34.65 versus York. The Huskies also placed fourth out of 19 teams (66.65 score) at the Al Gallate Holiday Invitational at Rolling Meadows and took third (140.40) at the Hinsdale Central Red Devil meet. “We had a season-high score at Hinsdale Central. We haven’t scored in the 140s in a number of years,” Wright said. “We’ve won all of our dual meets, too. The girls have done really well so far.” In terms of competition within the West Suburban Silver, the Huskies’ toughest opponents remain with duals at Hinsdale Central (Jan. 10) and against Glenbard West (Jan. 22). “I think Glenbard West is the most powerful team by far and should win conference,” Wright said. “We host them for our Senior Night so that will be a big dual. It’s always interesting to see how we score against higher-scoring teams like Glenbard. “We are pretty evenly matched with Hinsdale Central. I think we definitely should finish in the top three.” Aside from those significant duals, OPRF will face Downers Grove North and compete in the Niles West Invite. In late January, the Huskies take part in the conference

OPRF Huskies Coach: Kris Wright, 24th season Top returners: Grace Luptak, junior; Sophia Preys, junior; Zion Phillpotts, junior Newcomers: Hannah Thompson, junior; Evelyn Dellagrazie, freshman; Iriel Conley, freshman Outlook: After a promising start, the Huskies have huge conference dual meets remaining against Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West. In the postseason, OPRF hopes to qualify as a team for sectionals and possibly advance some gymnasts to state. tournament and regionals. “The second half of the season is a little more competitive,” Wright said. “One of our goals is for all the girls to hit their routines. We’ve done well in some events, but I’d like to see everybody hit their routines at the same time. Another key for us is just gelling as a team toward the end of the season.”

Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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Wednesday Journal, January 3, 2018

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SPORTS Huskies gymnastics sets the bar high Hooked on running

Steward soars at Proviso West

OPRF has lofty aspirations for remainder of season By MARTY FARMER

Sports Editor

he Oak Park and River Forest High School gymnastics team lost key contributors Alyona Jochaniewicz, Natalie Weeks and Camille Moore to graduation last season. Jochaniewicz will be particularly missed. In 2016, she became just the fifth OPRF gymnast in Kris Wright’s 24-year coaching tenure to qualify for state and the first to do it since M.G. Senseng finished 17th in state on balance beam in 2004. Weeks and Moore qualified for sectionals during their senior year, but Jochaniewicz missed the postseason due to injury. Although OPRF didn’t send any gymnasts to the state meet last season, the Huskies scored 134.825 at regionals, their third highest score of the season. “Because they knew Alyona wasn’t going to be there, everybody stepped it up,” Wright said. “I think it was our best team effort to come together and be supportive of her and each other.” The Huskies’ optimism is understandably high this season, however, thanks to a talentladen roster. Returning sectional qualifiers/juniors Grace Luptak, Sophia Preys and Zion Phillpotts are

“We have a higher level of gymnastics this year.” KRIS WRIGHT OPRF OP RF coa oach ch

See OPRF on page 40

OPRF junior Grace Luptak is a returning sectional qualifier in multiple events.

Courtesy Deb Patnode

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