WednesdayJournal_010825

10-story building pitched for Boulevard Arcade parking lot

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The owners of the historic Boulevard Arcade Building on South Boulevard are proposing constructing a 10-story luxury apartment building on the parking lot at the rear of the existing building. The building’s owner, whose venture currently occupies a portion of the building, says the new construction is necessary to keep the building financially viable.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Oak Park Historic Preservation

Commission (HPC) will consider the proposed new development by Sachem Building LLC for a 24-unit addition behind the landmarked building at 1031-35 South Boulevard in Oak Park. The LLC is managed by J. Trent Stoner. He is also the owner of Cross Function Flexible Workspace, which operates the building.

In December, re presented by architect John Schiess, the property owner went before the HPC for an advisory session in which Schiess presented plans for an addition in an Art Deco Style. At that time the proposal called for an

11-story, 133-foot-tall structure. It has since been slightly reduced to a 10-story building with four floors of parking and six floors of residential apartments for a total of 24 units.

The Boulevard Arcade Building was designed by Oak Park architect E.E. Roberts in 1906 as a one-story, one-tenant commercial building. In 1922, the building was remodeled and a second floor added by Chicago architect Arthur Jacobs who created a multi-tenant shopping area in the

Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. e Oaks o ers studio and one-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and private bathrooms. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, and parking.

On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service

agencies and programs designed speci cally for seniors. e Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.

For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.

Bizzy Bees takes a new approach on the site of old favorites

Mexican food and more at eatery on Lathrop

By JACK HELBIG Contributing Reporter

If you drive south down Lathrop in Forest Park, from Lake Street to Washington, you will pass a quaint, old house on the left. The building has been the site of several beloved restaurants – comfortable places, inviting places, the kind of places you could go with friends and linger over coffee and breakfast. You may remember them: The Blue Max, Lathrop House, places that have closed but still live on in memories.

Originally built as a residential home, the property became a commercial space in the 1990s with an expanded enclosed porch for dining.

Since July 2024, the house has yet again another life: a new restaurant has opened in that building – Bizzy Bees. Described as a Mexican restaurant, the menu reveals it is much more eclectic than your average Mexican place. Yes, burrito and chorizo and egg, but also loaded avocado toast. And the vibe of the place retains the same feel as the places that occupied it before: inviting and comfortable.

The woman behind Bizzy Bees is Forest Park chef and entrepreneur Selena Villarreal. She has been in the restaurant business for eight years, but her passion for cooking is lifelong. Villarreal grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, where she lived with her abuela.

“I was raised in the kitchen side by side with her. We made a lot of Mexican dishes Tamales, enchiladas,” she recalled. But she was not just limited to Mexican dishes. When asked to list her top three foods she made with her grandmother. Villarreal said without hesitation: “Tamales, enchiladas and Puerto Rican rice.”

Villarreal moved to Cicero from Galesburg when she was 15 after her grandmother died. She went to Morton West High School. “It took me a long time to get used to everything around here,” she said. “Chicago is a very busy city, and I came from the country. I was out in the farmland.”

Villarreal added that growing up in the

country taught her things she uses every day in her kitchen: “You learn a lot about the crops and quality; you learn about how things grow and when is the best time for picking.”

This knowledge carries over directly to her business. “I know that it’s really important to have a fresh product. .Everything’s made from scratch. The chips are made from scratch. The salsa is made from scratch. I put in a lot of work with that dish, in particular with our rice and our beans and the setup and the presentation on the plate. So that makes it special.”

Villarreal’s eclectic menu reflects her multicultural roots: “I’m actually mixed. My family is Hispanic. My mother’s side is Hispanic [Mexican and Spanish] and my father’s side, he’s Puerto Rican and Italian,” she said.

Villarreal didn’t always want to be a restaurateur. In high school she had other career ideas. “I was enrolled in the Air Force. I took my ASVAB [The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a standardized test that helps determine a person’s aptitude for military careers].” Villarreal decided not to go into the Air Force and for a while she thought she wanted to be a truck driver.

“I went to classes for my CDL [commercial driver’s license]. I actually ended up just getting scared. Honestly, I was scared. It was overwhelming. I really give it to all the truck drivers. I really give a lot of respect to them, because that’s a hard job.”

Villarreal’s plans changed when she started a family “at the young age of 20 I had my first child.” She found work in a factory and for 10 years she worked as a forklift driver. But eventually she decided she wanted more than just a job to pay her bills, she wanted to be doing something she loved – and that was cooking.

So she moved on to restaurants. She took a part time job with Panda Express, and quickly discovered restaurants were her passion. She moved on to line cook in a larger chain restaurant – “prepping and recipes” – and something clicked.

During COVID Villarreal started catering out of her kitchen as a side hustle. She called her business Selena’s Cooking. She was still working full time in a restaurant at the time, but the catering business took off. She was thinking of building her business when she stumbled across the space on Lathrop. She had just been looking for a new apartment for herself and her children, but the first-floor restaurant opened her eyes to new possibilities. .

“Long story short,” she said. “I saw this ad for this location, and I reached out to the owner. We have a whole package here. So we live upstairs. And we operate the restaurant.” She also operates her catering business out of the Lathrop restaurant.

Villarreal took the same name for both her catering company and her place: Bizzy Bees/ “I feel that bees are very strong and they’re constantly doing things.” Like Villarreal.

The restaurant portion of her business opened in July 2024 and has been steadily growing since. Bizzy Bees is very much a family business. Villarreal runs to the kitchen, her daughters run the front of the house “We have one cook from out of the family, but it’s pretty much all run by the family.”

These days Villarreal works very hard, juggling her restaurant and catering business, and still working a part time job for another restaurant. But she has found her passion.

She said: “It’s beautiful. I like to deliver to people. I like people to feel happy. I don’t have fancy, like real fancy, plates, but I like people to come and enjoy good food. It’s a good life I’m very happy with the space that we have I just feel like it has so much potential. I just want to see it filled with people, you know. I love to see that people are enjoying the environment, the atmosphere, enjoying your company in a nice place.”

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ART BEAT

Oak Parker ‘thrilled’ to be part of modernized Chekhov production

Sold out ‘Uncle Vanya’ staged at a small fac tory

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

Longtime Oak Park resident Jeannie Affelder is featured in a key role in an upcoming and highly unusual production of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Opening on Jan. 9, the play will be performed in a titanium parts factory on Chicago’s North Side

“I’ve acted in many spaces over the course of my career, but never one quite like this,” Affelder said.

The cast will present Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker’s adaptation of the Chekhov classic, a version which brings colloquial language to the famed tale of resentment and yearning. Baker’s adaptation was created to be as familiar to the contemporary American ear as the original was to Russians in the provinces during the play’s first productions in 1898.

“There’s nothing heightened about the language,” Affelder said. “It feels very relatable and modern.”

The show, which is directed by Spencer Huffman, is taking place at Servi-Sure, a factory that specializes in manufacturing titanium anodizing racks. Factory employees will be among the first to see the play at a private dress rehearsal on Jan. 8, the day before the show opens to the public.

“It’s not your usual theater space,” Affelder said.” It’s a working factory, so it’s not clean and tidy.”

In her role, Affelder plays Maria, Vanya’s mother. Her character is the widow of the owner of the rural Russian estate where the play takes place. Affelder said she does not have as many lines as the other eight members of the cast, but she spends a lot of time on stage watching or reading pamphlets about women’s liberation.

“Am I really reading or am I listening?” Affelder said. “That’s a question that I’m

exploring in rehearsal right now.

Affelder said it’s very important to her character, Maria, that everybo she can speak French.

“Maria is very proud of speaking which was some sort of status symbol in Russia at this time, so I get to thr French word every now and then,” Affelder said.

With only 35 seats per show, the production will offer an intimate experience audience members. During each performance, there will be two rows olding chairs on either side of the stage.

“Little details that would be lost on a big stage are really important in a small space,” Affelder said. “As an actor, that’s just delicious because you can play with detail.”

A lthough the pl ay was o riginally pe rfor med in 1898, Af f elder said it d eals

As

with themes and i ssues that are still ve ry relevant in today’s wo rl d.

“This is an extraordinary play about desire and upheaval, about what happens when your life does not allow the vision you had for it to ever be realized,” Affelder said. “Every actor dreams of doing Chekhov, and I’m thrilled to be part of this production.”

A Cleveland native, Affelder started taking acting classes on Saturday mornings at the Cleveland Play House when she was in second grade. She continued to take classes there through high school and then attended college at Harvard University.

“This is an extraordinary play about desire and upheaval, about what happens when your life does not allow the vision you had for it to ever be realized.”

Although she was a political science major, Affelder performed in many shows during her time at Harvard

“I spent four years running between the library and theater,” Affelder said.

Affelder moved to Chicago in 1986 and

has been a member of the vibrant local theater community ever since. Throughout the last 30 years, she has appeared in productions at Steppenwolf Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre and many others.

Although Affelder has enjoyed playing roles on television shows like NBC’s Chicago Med and Chicago PD, she said she prefers performing in front of a live audience.

“When it works, there is nothing like it,” she said.

“When it works, it is both human and magical. The thrill of creating a character that can move an audience is like nothing else.”

“Uncle Vanya” will be presented at ServiSure, 2020 W. Rascher Street, Chica go The sold-out show runs through Feb. 1. To join the waitlist for tickets, visit https://unclevanya.m y.canva.site

PHOTO BY JOE MAZZA - BR AV E LU X INC

Jeannie A elder

PHOTO BY GEORGE HUDSON

Maria in ‘Uncle Vanya’

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

Business owners on Lake Street feel a profound sense of grief for Det. Allan Reddins, who was killed in the line of duty by an ar med offender Nov. 29.

Darien Marion-Burton, executive director ofthe Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce, said in an emailed statement, “I know the entire business community joins me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy for his family and the members ofthe Oak Park Police Department during this difficult time.”

Reddins, 40, died in a shooting after he responded to a call shortly after 9:30 a.m. about a man with a gun who was seen leaving Chase Bank. The shooting occurred about two blocks east of the bank.

Cristiane Pereira, owner of Mulata Kitchen + Coffee, located at the corner ofLake Street and Oak Park Avenue, said she has been deeply impacted by the tragic death of Reddins.Pereira, who opened her shop five and a half years ago, said she personally knew Reddins as a result oftheir interactions throughout the years. Whenever Reddins responded to calls at Mulata, he was always kind and helpful.

“He was a very nice person,” Pereira said. “He liked to talk. We had small talks, but good talks.”

Pereira said she last saw Reddins two weeks before the tragedy. Like always, she said, he stopped to speak with her and ask how things were going.

“He was a good police officer and a hardworking person,” she said. “It’s awful. He was an innocent person who was trying to defend his community.”

Pereira said the day ofthe shooting was “scary,” and the energy at her shop has not been the same since.

“It happened just steps away from our store, so we have felt more on edge,” she said. Steve Qi, owner of Katy’s Dumplings, said he was at his restaurant when the shooting occurred, but they were not open yet.

“I was shocked and went to the police department to ask about doing a fundraiser for

his family,” Qi said. “We feel so bad.”

Reddins, who was a customer, was “very friendly,” he said.

Katy’s Dumplings, 1113 Lake St, has been in business for more than 10 years. Although the tragic incident has been upsetting for Qi and his team, he said he still feels safe in Oak Park’s downtown area, like he always has

Elli Bradshaw-Castillo, manager at Geppetto’s Toy Box, shared that same sentiment. Bradshaw-Castillo said their employees were “shaken up” on the day ofthe tragic shooting, but business has carried on as usual since.

“I have never felt unsafe here,” Bradsha Castillo said. “We have an emergency pani button, attached to our alarm system, and we have never used it in the six years tha I’ve been here.”

Briar Gray, an employee at Classic Cin emas Lake T heatre, said about 300 people were at the theatre on the morning of Nov. 29, since they had two sold-out shows at 10 a.m.

“Thankfully, there was no chaos in here,” he said. “I didn’t hear anything from any patrons about it.”

According Patrick Mason, owner of Candycopia, the tragedy has had a big impact on him and his team. Det. Allan Reddins and his family have been on their minds, he said.

“We all felt misplaced that weekend,” he said. “It was hard to kick back into gear and pretend like that didn’t happen.”

For those interested in donating to support a fund for the Reddins family, Oak Park Lodge #8, Fraternal Order of Police is currently collecting donations via Zelle to the following email address: oakparklodge8@gmail.com. A QR code to contribute via Zelle is also available at www. oak-park.us/reddins. Money raised will go directly to a financial account that has been set up by the Fraternal Order of Police in support ofthe Reddins family, in particular for his son who attends colle ge out ofstate and his mother who is receiving medical treatment. For more infor mation, visit www.oakparkfop8.org or contact Lodge 8 Secretary Joseph Nash at oakparklodge8@gmail.com.

Oak Park names new public health director

Former Evanston professional lls six-month vacancy

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park has named a new public health director, Greg Olsen, who has more than a decade of experience with Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department.

Olsen, who assumed his new job on Jan. 6, fills a vacancy that had existed since Theresa Chapple, the for mer public health director, stepped down in July 2024 after about three years in the position. During the interim, Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley oversaw the public health department, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024.

T he Oak Park Department of Public Health helps protect the community from preventable death, disease, illness and injury, according to village officials. Services include health assessments, education, prevention care, case management and counseling.

In a village news release, Olsen said he

1035 BUILDING

Addition would rise 10 stories from page 1

building. The building was designated an Oak Park Historic Landmark in 2007. In 2008, it was restored to its 1922 exterior appearance, with r estoration of the original 1906 cast iron posts and replication of transom glass windows.

At the Dec. 12 HPC meeting, Schiess said the development would be a separate building from the existing, historic structure. He maintained that he did not believe the development requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HPC and stated his view that the development would proceed as a planned development through the village’s planning commission.

Typically, the HPC must issue a certificate of appropriateness or COA for alterations, additions, new construction, relocation and demolition of properties which contribute to an historic district. A planned development may be exempt from certain aspects of the zoning ordinance if the development is deemed sig-

is excited and honored to be chosen for the new position and is he’s looking forward to tackling today’s health challenges in Oak Park, which he called a “pro gressive, diverse, and engaged community.”

“The goal of public health is to provide a community and environment which allows each individual the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” Olsen said in the release. “Collaboration and partnerships throughout the community are an essential piece to improving community health

nificant enough.

HPC members stated that whether or not the building requires a Certificate of Appropriateness was a question for the village attor ney

According to Schiess, the LLC cu rrrently b enefits from a property tax free ze that ends in 2025. Schiess said the expiration of the tax free ze will make the owners’ financial i nterest in the buildin g unstable, so they are exploring the new development to a dd financial security to their proper ty

The owner will be asking for zoning relief in terms of height and density for the proposed building. The current plans call for a 124-foot-tall building; by ordinance the height is limited to 60 feet. The owner would not be asking for relief from parking requirements. The current plans call for 39 parking spaces: 24 for the apar tments and 15 for commercial tenant use.

The owners are calling the building the Hope Building and they reached out to local architects for feedback on the design elements and relied on the research of AvenueOne, a Forest Park-based leasing firm, which set forth a need for two and two-plus bedroom luxury apar tments in the core downtown area.

and well-being.”

Olsen had worked in Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department since 2014. Since 2020, he was the public health manager in Evanston. According to the release, he oversaw environmental health programs, emergency response and community health programs. He organized the $1.6 million department budget and grants.

During that time, Olsen was tasked with COVID-19 response efforts and oversaw Evanston’s pandemic response including contact tracing, vaccines and local health metrics, according to the release

“Oak Park will greatly benefit from Greg’s depth of experience in public health and his understanding of the complex balance between science, policy and the dynamic needs of our community,” Village Manager Kevin Jackson said in the news release. “Greg’s expertise will further strengthen our commitment to maintaining Oak Park as a healthy and thriving environment for all residents and visitors.”

Olsen also worked as a senior management analyst and senior environmental health practitioner in Evanston. He was part of the Evanston Health Advisory Committee and was secretary of the Illinois Environmental Health Association from 2015 to 2017.

He’s also worked at Lake County and Kane County Health Departments, according to the release, where he did food safety inspections, analyzed water samples and resolved complaints.

The new director earned a bachelor’s de gree in public health from Northern Illinois Unive rsity in 2008. In 2018, he go t a master ’s de gree in public health from the Unive rsity of I llinois – Springfield , where he also g ot a ce rt ificate in e pidemiolo gy. Olsen also gr aduated from the NEHA Environmental Health Leadership Academy in 2023.

Olsen is a member of the National Environmental Health Association and the Illinois Environmental Health Association.

What Historic Preservation rules say about additions

As part of its review, the HPC will be guided by Requirements for New Construction, Additions, and Demolition Projects, which state in part:

Maintaining Historic Character

• An addition shall not change the historic character of the historic building.

• An addition shall be compatible with the historic building to which it is attached, including siting, massing, scale, materials and street rhythm.

• An addition shall not remove character-defining features, historic windows, historic siding or other historic material from the historic building that are visible from the street.

• Exterior finish materials of the addition shall be compatible with that of the historic building.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, the HPC will formally review the proposed addition at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. in Village Hall before the application is reviewed by the Village Plan Commission. Interested residents can attend the meeting or send comments to

• An addition shall protect the historic character of the building by making a visual distinction between the historic building and addition.

Size and Configuration - Horizontal Additions

• T he size, configuration and massing of all additions shall be such that when viewed from the street, the addition does not visually overpower the historic building.

• Additions shall be constructed only on a rear or side façade so that the historic building retains its prominence as the primary structure viewed from the street.

• The shape and slope of roofs on an addition shall be compatible with those of the historic building.

Craig.Failor@oak-park.us and/or Atefa. ghaznawi@oak-park.us

Complete plans for the proposed addition can be viewed at: https://www.oak- park.us/ sites/default/files/commissions/1035_s_ blvd-revised_proposal_12.9.2024.pdf

GREG OLSEN

More license-plate reading cameras coming to River Forest

Purchase will increase system to 37; installation expected this month

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

The River Forest Police Department will install 13 additional automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, expanding the crime-fighting program to 37 fixed cameras throughout the village

The village board, at its December meeting, voted 5-0 to authorize the purchase of the cameras from Minuteman Technologies of Tinley Park for $50,800. Trustee Ken Johnson did not attend.

In a memo to Village Administrator Matt Walsh, Police Chief Jim O’Shea said Minuteman has been the sole source provider for the department for seven years and continues to provide daily support and maintenance on their proprietary system.

T he purchase includes the cameras, hardware, installation and configuration as well as the first year of annual licensing fees. T he village will pay $500 per camera annually moving forward.

T

wanted vehicles and alerts officers that a particular car is wanted for the commission of a crime, he explained. All license plate data is temporarily stored on a secure server. In addition, investigators and officers can manually enter license plate information to more efficiently identify cars that are wanted for local crimes. All police patrol vehicles and in-station police computers can monitor the ALPR plate reads in the event of a hit on a stolen or wanted car or driver.

ALPR cameras were initially purchased in 2017 and 2019 and upgraded or re placed in 2024. In March 2024, 17 fixed cameras in the business districts were added or re placed. The 13 additional cameras will be placed in residential areas, primarily where there is traffic flow in and out of the village.

he license plates that are read by the cameras are compared to a database of wanted vehicles and alerts o cers that a particular car is wanted for the commission of a crime.

JIM O’SHEA River Forest police chief

O’Shea said the new cameras have been ordered and that he expects installation in January depending on the availability of equipment and weather condition.

The license plates that are read by the cameras are compared to a database of

O’Shea said staf f members have monitored the effectiveness of the ALPR system for several years and determined that the system “significantly improves” the police department operational effectiveness and efficiency. The police department re gularly detects and takes enforcement action on license plate hits for cars that are wanted for serious crimes within the village and throughout the metro area, he added.

In addition to the 37 fixed ALPR cameras, four police department vehicles are outfitted with mobile ALPR camera. The department also is awaiting delivery of a mobile trailer that will include an ALPR camera. The mobile trailer purchase was approved by the village board in November and delivery is expected in January.

C ORRECTION

An article titled “Who is running for Oak Park village trustee in the 2025 election?” published in the Wednesday Journal Dec. 25, 2024, print edition misstated which board at District 97 Jenna Leving Jacobson is on and what year she became a parent. She serves on the board of the District 97 multilingual and multicultural parent advisory committee and became a parent in 2016. We re gret the er rors

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What new Illinois laws have taken e ect in 2025?

Pay transparenc y for jobs, gym membership cancellations made easier and mobile ID driver’s

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

In 2025, almost 300 new Illinois or Chicago-area laws have gone into effect, including pay transparency for jobs, easier gym membership cancellations and mobile ID driver’s licenses.

A bill signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2023 now requires employers with 15 or more employees to include pay scale and benefits information in job postings, a move to provide increased transparency in hiring efforts. Complaints about postings without that salary and benefit information can be filed with the Illinois Department of Labor within one year

Illinois is also making it easier for residents in 2025 to cancel gym memberships Now, residents can cancel gym memberships via email or on their gym’s website, as opposed to having to cancel in person or other methods often found unnecessarily dif ficult.

Another state law now in effect is one al-

lowing residents to have a digital version of their driver’s license or state ID, instead of a physical one. However, according to CBS News, when required by law or requested by a police officer, one might still have to show a physical ID

Despite national turmoil over reproductive rights, in Illinois, a new law prohibits discrimination based on reproductive health decisions, including those related to abortion, fertility treatment, birth control, miscarriage care, or pre- or post-natal care

“To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom, and opportunity, and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago after the 2024 general election. “You come for my people, you come through me.”

Similarly, HB 2350 requires Illinois companies that provide insurance to cover annual prostate cancer screenings or cervical smears for all those insured, re gardless of gender

In Oak Park, catalytic converter thefts are

often littered across daily police reports.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported in June 2023 that more than 17,000 catalytic converters were stolen from 2019 until then, and the thieves are almost never caught.

But now, a new law requires metal or scrap dealers to keep records of the vehicle identification numbers of cars where catalytic converters were removed. It requires these dealers to acquire a copy of a seller’s ownership of the vehicle in catalytic converter transactions. This is intended, according to CBS News, to prevent thieves from selling catalytic converters, thus reducing enticement to steal them.

Any renters concerned about retaliation from the landlord has a new safeguard, too Pritzker signed the Landlord Retaliation Act, which guarantees that landlords cannot penalize a renter for reporting code violations for living conditions or illegal activity.

That means a landlord cannot knowingly increase rent, threaten a lawsuit or terminate a lease in response

Police officers or members of self-in-

licenses are just a few

sured fire protection districts, or spouses of those individuals, will now have increased access to mental health therapy services. HB 4460 requires insurance companies to provide coverage. Similarly, a police officer now cannot be fired for a mental or physical disability that is the basis for their benefits application.

Yet another new law requires businesses that offer a free trial, such as a streaming subscription service, to notify customers at least three days before the automatic renewal at a paid rate. This only applies, according to ABC7 Chicago, to subscriptions longer than 15 days

Other new laws include requirements for school districts to provide students at least 20 minutes a week for relaxation activities, waiving fees for veterans to adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter, and all state-owned buildings must have an adult changing station.

The Illinois Municipal League outlines other laws taking effect in 2025 related to the environment, municipal gover nance, property taxes, public works and utilities online

West Siders work to reinstate midwife birthing privileges at West Suburban Medical Center

Midwives,

told in November

they would no longer be allowed to deliver babies, now have the option under OB/GYN super vision

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

The future of midwives who once delivered babies at West Suburban Medical Center is still uncertain as community members fight to reinstate their services West Siders, public officials and staf f working at West Suburban Medical Center held a press conference at the hospital Jan. 6 to continue speaking out against the loss of midwives and family medicin e

doctors’ birthing privileg es, which were re pealed last month. T hese medical professionals are a part of the PCC Community Wellness Center, which West Suburban contracts for services.

Many locals say this move reveals the stark truth about birthing inequity on the West Side of Chicago, since PCC’s labor and delivery services of fered comprehensive bir th plans for patients living there.

“This is more than a policy failure – it’s a blatant attack on the health and dignity of women in our communities,” said 1st District Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps in a statement announcing the press conference. “When community hospitals end 30-year partnerships with anchor organizations, like PCC Wellness Community Center, they send a dangerous message: that the lives of women, particularly Black women, do not matter. We will not stand by as

vital resources are stripped away from our families and neighborhoods.”

“This is more than just a breach of care. It is a betrayal of this community,” said Christina Waters, Oak Park’s clerk who delivered her three children with the help of PCC family physicians and midwives at West Suburban, at the press conference.

“Expectant mothers now face increased risks of complications due to this unnecessary disruption, all while leadership at West Suburban remains silent about the true reasons behind this decision.”

West Suburban CEO Manoj Prasad told PCC midwives and family medicine doctors in November that they would no longer have birthing privileges because of issues related to liability insurance. Dec. 6 was the last day they delivered babies at the hospital.

But last month, Prasad said PCC midwives could still deliver babies at West

Suburban under the supervision of OB/ GYNs – instead of with PCC physicians as before. Prasad said this was an offer he verbally explained to PCC’s chief medical officer Paul Luning in November, but Luning declined it.

Luning said this was not of fered to him, in writing or orally, that Prasad told him PCC providers could no longer deliver at West Suburban, period.

“He made it clear that family doctors and midwives would not be able to deliver at West Suburban at all,” Luning said. “I did not hear anything at all about him changing his mind and allowing midwives to deliver again until we met with a group of politicians” in early December

A letter obtained by Growing Community Media – the parent company of Wednesday Journal and Austin Weekly News – that

She tells grand-slam stories

Recently featured on WBEZ’s Moth Radio Hour, Rohde helps launch the Forest Park Ar ts Alliance Tellers Night

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Forest Parker Susan Rohde has a childhood memory of playing a wiffle ball game in a vacant Arlington Heights lot. Though she wasn’t very athletic, she got a hit. But she was so distracted by her success that, when the next batter smacked a fly ball, she stepped of f second base to catch it for the other team.

“There’s this fight breaking out over whether that should count for one or two outs because those rules have not been written yet in baseball,” Rohde tells the audience at a Moth StorySLAM, drawing a laugh from the room in the recording of her performance.

Although Rohde didn’t win The Moth Sto-

rySLAM – a weekly event where attendees have the chance to tell a personal five-minute story related to that evening’s theme –she was asked for permission to share her story on WBEZ’s Moth Radio Hour

“I was beside myself excited,” Rohde said.

When her story aired Dec. 7 at 5 p.m., Rohde listened live with friends at St. Ber nardine, where she attends church, and they played her story over the loudspeaker.

Rohde has won four StorySLAMs and attended three GrandSLAMs, where the winners of past StorySLAMs compete against each other. And those are just her Moth successes since 2022, when she attended and won the first StorySLAM she participated in

“I was hooked after that,” she said.

Rohde said she’s always wanted to take a storytelling class. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she finally found the time and signed up with storyteller Scott Whitehair in Chicago. There, she said she learned the practice of storytelling and how to organize a short narrative.

After Rohde attended her first Moth StorySLAM, she pitched a local storytelling event to the Forest Park Arts Alliance and

discovered that the group was already talking about organizing something.

“Susan brought the idea of Tellers Night to the Arts Alliance and has been instrumental in helping us produce the monthly events,” said Lin Beribak, the Arts Alliance’s vice president.

In 2022, the Arts Alliance held its first Tellers Night. The group continues to hold Tellers Nights on the second Tuesday of every month, from September through May, at Robert’s Westside.

To keep flexing her storytelling muscles, and to mostly have fun, Rohde re gularly attends Tellers Night and Moth StorySLAMs.

“I love this stuf f,” she said. And it shows through her craft.

“Susan is a wonderful storyteller and has been making her mark in more than Forest Park alone,” Beribak said.

The next Tellers Night is Jan. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for Arts Alliance members.

The next Moth StorySLAMs are Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. at The Den Theatre in Chica go, then Jan. 21 at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn.

How Much Cash Is Hiding Around Your Home?

Consigning your furniture and home decor is a smart and rewarding choice. It’s also the ultimate support of a local business because the suppliers are local, the shoppers are local, and the sta is local too!

Let’s unpack other advantages of consignment to see if this might be for you.

One signi cant advantage is the opportunity to declutter and refresh your living space, making room for new, exciting pieces. How many people have visited your home and commented on a sofa, dining room table or a fabulous piece of decor? If you have great taste, other people are looking to create the same look in their homes.

By consigning, you reduce waste, contributing to sustainability and promoting a circular economy. It sounds trite to say you’re saving the land lls, but well, you actually are!

Financially, consigning allows you to earn money from items you no longer need or want. So it’s a win-win situation: buyers get high-quality items at a fraction of the cost, and you gain extra cash.

Leveraging the expertise of consignment professionals can help your items sell quicker and for a higher price than DIY marketplaces. Top notch Consignment Stores have websites, utilize the power of LIVE video selling and work with marketing agencies so your pieces gain national exposure. ey have arrangements with shipping companies so your items don’t just sell locally, they sell nationally.

Kellie Scott is a past year Top 10 Power Player of Chicago. She owns Divine Consign, a multi-time winner of the Best of the Best Awards for Furniture Consignment Stores. Kellie makes the consignment process easy and hassle free. Start with the online pre-approval form at: divineconsign.com/ consign-form/

Kellie Scott, Owner Divine Consign

THE MOTH

Susan Rohde

New program to aid Dominican U’s school social worker students

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

The challenges for those pursuing careers as social workers at schools are many – not the least of which is making sure the schools understand what the social workers roles are.

“The biggest challenge is making sure schools know what our role is, because social work is a fluid field,” said Jemina Lyle, who will earn her Master of Social Work de gree from Dominican University in May. “School social workers have to determine who the client is. Sometimes it’s the school, sometimes it’s the community and sometimes it’s the student.”

That’s part of what Dominican’s new Social Work Inte gration for Thriving Schools Schools Project aims to address. It will be designed to better prepare Master of Social Work students and post-MSW students for the realities of the work they will do and ease some of the financial challenges of taking on a new job.

The SWIFT program came to be through a five-year, $3.8 million Mental Health Service Professionals Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand access to youth mental health services. Funding will allow the SWIFT program to place gradu-

understaffed suburban Cook County school districts with mental health needs and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

According to a press release, the grant allows Dominican to build on existing effor ts to grow interest in the school social work concentration and focus on culturally responsive recruitment and placement within under-resourced schools in communities near its River Forest campus.

SWIFT program director Maria Elena Pascarella, who is a clinical assistant professor and faculty lead for Dominican’s School Work Track, said the goal is to place 20 students per year over the five years of the grant. Grant funding will cover students’ tuition during their school placement, as well as stipends for the school social workers who will supervise them.

Pascarella’s background is in social work at Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park, so she is well aware of the challenges SWIFT program participants will face

“They have to be prepared to meet the need with a strong skill set of intervention, and what we call being culturally humble practitioners,” she said, “which means entering into communities knowing that the communities they are serving are the experts on their own experience.”

But Pascarella expects the program to foster successes for both the Dominican stuents and the communities they will serve

Maria Pascarella

“There is a shortage generally of social workers, but it’s more pronounced in districts where there is a diverse student body,” she said. “We know our students are uniquely qualified to provide mental health services in our partner schools, because of their lived experience.”

Getting the grant wasn’t easy. Pascarella said there were multiple people from the Dominican’s School of Social Work and the university’s Grants Development Department. on the grant application in April, finishing by the end of May. Notification that Dominican achieved the grant came in the middle of October.

“I actually happened to be at the Illinois Association of School Social Workers conference, so that was kind of a neat setting in which to find out,” she said.

Carolina Rodriguez, another social worker student, already sees many challenges in her current internship in the Waukegan School District.

“A big need in my district is (social workers) having to service another school,” she said. “They aren’t at their schools five days a week. Maybe they will be there four days a week.”

Though Lyle will have graduated by the time the program kicks of f with student assignments in August, she already realizes what a game-changer the SWIFT program will be for others.

“I think it will af ford more students to not worry about how they were going to pay for school,” Lyle said. “I know people who had to stop or quit their program, so that will alleviate any financial stress.”

Term limits question may come before River Forest voters

It asks whether some village positions, such as president, should have limits on their time in o ce

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest voters may have the opportunity to address the question of term limits for elected officials at the April 1 election after all.

Barring the filing of a last-minute objection, the April 1 ballot in the village will ask voters whether they want to limit the terms of all eight elected officials after River Forest resident Susan Foran filed 63 petition sheets containing 564 signatures requesting that a referendum on the subject be placed on the ballot.

The petitions were filed Dec. 30, the deadline for filing. The required number of signatures is 396. By state statute the number of signatures required is not less than 8% of the number of total votes cast in the previous gubernatorial election. In 2022, 4,941 votes were cast locally in that election.

As submitted, the binding referendum “Shall the Village of River Forest, after the Consolidated Election, enact term limits es of Village President, Village Clerk, and the six (6) Trustees for no more than two (2) four-year (4-year) terms total as follows: for each of three (3) Trustees the April 3, 2027, Consolidated election, and President, Village Clerk, and three (3) Trustees the April 6, 2029, Consolidated election?

T he deadline for filing an objection to the is Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. No objection had b mor ning of Jan 3.

Foran’s filing comes after a divided village able to reach a consensus in December on moving towar placing a ter m-limit referendum on the A

Although Trustees Erika Bachner and Katie Brennan ad vocated at the Dec. 16 Village Board meeting that staf bers be asked to work with the village attorney on creating a draft referendum to be presented at either the next regularly scheduled village board meeting on Jan. 13 or a special meeting before then, Trustees Lisa Gillis, Bob O’Connell and Respicio Vazquez cautioned against moving too quickly. Trustee Ken Johnson did not attend

That discussion came after an effort to place a term limits referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot by citizen petition was ruled invalid by the River Forest Electoral Board primarily because the language was too vague and ambiguous

& FRESHLOCAL

Man robs Chicago residents, hits them with gun

At 5:25 p.m. Dec. 30 on the first block of Madison Street, a man entered a Mitsubishi car occupied by two Chicago residents. He displayed a black handgun with an extended magazine and demanded money. He then struck both victims in the face with the gun. He fled the scene, and the total estimated loss is unknown.

Criminal damage to property

Around 11:30 p.m. Dec. 21, someone fired multiple gunshots from the southeast co ner of Austin Boulevard and Erie Street. Multiple rounds damaged the windows of Oak Park residents’ apar tments on the 600 block of North Austin Boulevard. The estimated damage is $200.

Robbery

■ A 29-year-old Chicago man was arrested at 4:25 a.m. Dec. 25 on the 900 block of North Austin Boulevard for domestic battery to an Oak Park resident. He was held for bond hearings.

At 12:20 p.m. Dec. 23 on the 100 block of Madison Street, a man approached a Chicago resident and struck him in the head with a fist. The man stole the victim’s backpack containing books and a wallet with debit cards and $100. The estimated loss is $285.

Reckless discharge of a rearm

At 2:37 p.m. Dec. 31 on the 100 block of Washington Boulevard, witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots in the rear alley at 61 Washington Boulevard. Nine shell casings were recovered. Another witness said he saw a man with a black handgun running.

Motor vehicle theft

Between Jan. 3 and Jan. 5, someone stole an Oak Park resident’s blue 2020 Kia Spor tage from the 200 block of Pleasant Street. The total loss is $26,000.

Arrest

■ A 32-year-old Chicago man was arrested at 7:51 a.m. Dec. 21 on the 200 block of South Boulevard for domestic battery to another Chicago resident. He was held for bond hearings.

■ A 61-year-old Berwyn man was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 27 on the 100 block of North Austin Boulevard for driving under the influence of alcohol after being in an accident.

■ A 34-year-old Oak Park woman was arrested at 12:42 p.m. Jan. 2 on the 1200 block of North Taylor Avenue for domestic battery to an Oak Park resident.

■ A 19-year-old Chicago man was arrested at 11:10 a.m. Jan. 3 on the 300 block of Lake Street for a residential burglary on the 200 block of North Austin Boulevard. He was also charged with possession of a stolen car.

■ A 24-year-old Oak Park man was arrested at 8:49 p.m. Jan. 3 on the 1200 block of North Taylor Avenue for domestic battery to an Oak Park resident. He also had three warrants out of Lake County. He was held for bond hearings

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated Dec. 20, 2024, to Jan. 6, 2025, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Luzane Draughon

Park District of Oak Park awarded $600K grant

The

funds will go toward the renovation of

Longfellow Park in 2026

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Park District ofOak Park has received a $600,000 grant related to the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant from Illinois that will be used to help renovate Longfellow Park in 2026.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration awarded $55.2 million in OSLAD grants in December 2024 to 100 communities in the state for park development projects

“ Since I became Gove r nor, it ’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier c ommunities across I llinoi s, ” P ritzker sai d in a news release. “Through the OSLAD

progr am, we ’re bringing that vision to l ife by awarding over $55.2 million to loc al pa rk projects, expanding green spaces and creating new recreational o pportuni ties for all. ”

According to the PDOP news release, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments. It funds acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation. Since its establishment in 1986, $640 million has been awarded through OSLAD.

Longfellow Park, located at 610 Ridgeland Avenue, has a full court basketball area, tennis courts and splash pad available in the summer. It was named after the author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

A renovation for Longfellow Park, expected in spring of2026, is part ofthe PDOP’s capital improvement plan. The $600,000 grant will help fund a new playground, splash pad, pickleball courts and sensory garden.

“We are thrilled and deeply grateful to have been awarded this grant to improve our parks,” Jan Arnold, executive director ofthe PDOP, said in the release. “This funding will allow us to enhance the spaces that bring our community together, support health and wellness, and connect people with nature. These improvements re present our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional parks for everyone in Oak Park.”

SENIOR LIVING MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 | 4:30 – 5:30 P.M.

“I wish I had done it sooner.” That’s what we often hear from residents about making the move to friendship-rich, maintenance-free senior living. But when is the right time for you and your family? Join us for an insightful conversation on the realities and misconceptions of senior living. You’ll discover more about the care options available, signs to watch for, and tools and resources that can help you navigate the decision.

We’re here to help you make a plan that works for you.

Conceptual perspective for Long fellow Park.

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Dozens of ways to get Eggsperience

Eggsperience is a family a air

Awelcoming smile and a carafe of hot coffee greet customers as they walk in the door at Eggsperience in Elmwood Park, 16 Conti Parkway.

The menu is bursting with old favorites and new cravings. Want something cold to drink? An iced chai latte tickles the tongue and cools the mouth. Mimosas and Bloody Marys can do that with a kick too.

When it comes to the food, owners Tom and Helen Sakoufakis take pride in their offerings. Skillets with a variety of meats and veggies top the list in popularity. French toast is a customer favorite as well, especially the tres leches French toast covered in fresh fruit. Corned beef hash served with potatoes and toast couldn’t be more traditional or beloved.

“My husband, he don’t believe in no cans at all. If you go back in the kitchen, you’re not going to find one thing in a can. He re-

ally believes in fresh. Fresh everything,” said Helen Sakoufakis.

Helen has been in the restaurant business since she started working in her family’s place when she was 16. Eventually she met Tom, who was also in the business. The two formed a formidable team.

“Our whole life is with the restaurants. We opened quite a few,” Sakoufakis said. They had as many as 16 locations, with some open 24-hours a day, “but 20 years back, we decide to do just breakfast and lunch. That was the best thing. Time to be with our family.”

Eggsperience, located at 16 Conti Parkway., Elmwood Park.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

French toast with bacon at Eggsperience. RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Grilled chicken sandwich with fries at Eggsperience.

Today there are four Eggsperience locations, run by the Sakoufakis’ sons.

Peter Sakoufakis is at the helm of the Elmwood Park location. And his parents have learned to listen to the new generation.

All of the regular diner favorites are on the breakfast menu, such as omelettes made seven different ways or build you own. Pancakes, egg sandwiches, Benedict options get the mouth watering. Oatmeal and yogurt parfaits round out the options.

But with a new generation, some additions have made it onto the menu.

“I was like, who’s gonna order avocado toast? And my younger son said, it’s becoming very popular, so we accept that the kids know,” said Sakoufakis.

Indeed, three Tex Mex breakfasts have found their place on the menu. Breakfast burritos, tacos and one of their biggest sellers: chilaquiles. The homemade corn tortilla chips are cooked with green salsa and topped with queso fresco and eggs cooked any style.

Breakfast and lunch are served daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Burgers, salads, soups and a variety of other sandwiches satisfy the lunchtime appetite. Chicken sandwiches come three ways: grilled with avocado, Buffalo style, and crispy.

Helen and Tom live minutes away from the Elmwood Park location. And they still keep a hand in the business.

“Me and my husband, we come and help the kids a little. Because it’s close to our house and it give us something to do. Honestly, because we love to be with people,” said Sakoufakis.

Good to Know

• eggsperiencecafe.com/locations/elmwood-park

• 16 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park

• Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flu, RSV cases spike as respiratory virus season in Chicago hits ‘full swing’

Positivity rates are on a “deep upslope,” while COVID-19 is also trending up

By MACK LIEDERMAN Block Club Chicago

The weather turned cold and flu season has arrived.

Chicago has seen a spike in respiratory illness cases over the past month, according to data ke pt by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Among Chicagoans tested for flu-like symptoms, 18.3 percent were positive for influenza, 14.1 percent for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and 4.9 percent for COVID-19, according to the data as of Friday.

“Flu and RSV are both significantly elevated in Chicago right now, and COVID levels are increasing as well,” city health department spokesperson Jacob Martin said in a statement. “Respiratory virus season is in full swing.”

Local hospitals have elevated masking

WEST SUB

from page 8

Prasad wrote to Luning in November reads, “Labor and delivery privileges may be exercised only by OB/GYN residency trained physicians.” Prasad added, “This has become standard in our community and is in the interest of quality patient care.”

But Luning said there are several hospitals that allow other providers to deliver babies, not just OB/GYNs.

“A ny language that he has p ut out there about how this reflects the c ulture of Chicago and the le g al climat e, that is simply not true,” A nnette Payot, director of mi dw ifery for the P CC C ommunity Wellness C enter, previously told GC M about Prasad

“For him to say that’s not the standard

requirements for the seasonal spike in cases. As of Dec. 23, University of Chicago Medicine is requiring all staf f to wear masks in patient areas, according to an internal memo.

OSF Healthcare, which includes Little Company of Mary Medical Center, 2800 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park, is temporarily limiting hospital and hospice visitors to two adults per patient at a time, “with exceptions for special circumstances,” spokesperson Colleen Reynolds said in a statement.

Michael Lin, an infectious disease physician and professor at Rush Medical Center, said the “deep upslope” in cases is typical for this time of year.

“Respiratory viruses tend to spike in the winter months, primarily when people are gathering indoors, spending more time together and possibly spreading viruses,” Lin said.

Vaccines to protect people through the winter season are rolled out in the fall, but it’s not too late to get a flu shot or an updated COVID-19 booster if you haven’t already, Lin said.

RSV vaccines are recommended for

care for midwives is crazy, and family docs are delivering at lots of different hospitals in Chicago,” Luning said. He added that five Chicagoland hospitals have reached out to PCC midwives and family medicine physicians to express their astonishment at West Suburban revoking their birthing privile ges, offering for them to come deliver at their hospitals instead.

At West Suburban, births that were once assisted by two attending physicians, a midwife and resident doctors are now administered by just an OB/GYN –either a PCC OB/GYN or one that’s a part of a hospitalist group Prasad hired last summer – and resident doctors. But Luning said that PCC providers are against the idea of midwives returning to the current state of the hospital’s labor and delivery unit.

“We object to the idea of midwives being supervised, working underneath an

Respirator y illness season in Chicago is in ‘f ull sw ing,’ experts say.

adults 75 years and older and those 60-74 years old with increased risk, according to the CDC. For infants — who face greater risk of severe RSV — there is a maternal vaccine given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.

The golden rule: If you feel sick, stay home, Lin said.

“Going to events a little bit ill can cause a lot of spread,” Lin said. “If your child is sick, keep them away from other children. Do what’s practical.”

Lin recommends masking in crowded areas for people with underlying conditions that could make respiratory illnesses more severe. For others, masking is “really a personal preference after that,” Lin said.

obstetrician,” Luning said. “We believe that midwives are well-trained in providing obstetrical care and should function as partners with consultation, but [Prasad’s] making it clear that the midwives would be essentially doing the scut work.”

Luning added that it is not clear how the logistics of OB/GYNs supervising midwives or the billing would work. And he said the new collaboration wouldn’t have the same continuity of care that patients received when PCC midwives and family physicians worked together to deliver babies.

“We’re all part of the same outpatient prenatal care group,” he said of PCC providers.

“We do the postpartum care. It’s completely integrated, and we work in concert together,” rather than an OB/GYN telling them what to do

PCC providers have asked to see a copy of the insurance policy that recommends they shouldn’t be allowed to deliver babies

At-home testing kits for respiratory illnesses are increasingly available, Lin said.

While COVID-19 is not as common as the flu and RSV at the moment, it’s unclear when those cases may spike, too, Lin said.

“It’s becoming one of the common respiratory viruses, but it hasn’t settled into a pattern seasonally yet. It’s harder to predict when it’s going to strike,” said Lin, who noted there was a surge in COVID-19 last summer. “It’s not behaving yet like a classic respiratory virus.”

Much is still unknown about the longterm effects of COVID-19, Lin said.

Peak season for respiratory illnesses usually falls of f by late April or early May, Lin said.

at West Suburban. Prasad provided them with one dated Oct. 30, but the name of the insurer was redacted. Luning said the insurance policy suggestion was especially confusing, since PCC providers have their own malpractice insurance.

“We’ve been doing this for 33 years. Why have we not heard about this until this man bought the hospital and took complete control?” Luning asks. “We don’t have a lot of confidence in the words that he says out loud, and so it’s very hard for me to have any feeling that the hospital is a safe place for our patients to deliver.”

“Health care is not a privilege; it is a right. This community deserves better than disinvestment, neglect, and silence,” Waters said at the press conference. “We demand the reinstatement of midwifery and family medicine services, investment in staffing and facilities, and – most importantly – transparency from those in charge.”

let's do this!

BELONGING

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THE Y, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

The West Cook YMCA offers in-person, on-demand, and live-streaming programs that fit your needs and your schedule. All complimentary for members to help you reach your fitness goals, reduce your risk for chronic diseases, provide a safe and welcoming space for youth, and so much more.

TAKE A TOUR TODAY.

Stop in for a tour and we will show you all that the Y has to offer to meet your needs. Tour guides are available by reservation. Make your reservation today at westcookymca.org/tour.

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Relaxation & healing in the heart of downtown

massage can mean so much more than relaxation. In addition to providing the mental and emotional benefits of relaxing, a skilled massage therapist can help the body heal and operate at its best. Among the potential benefits are improved circulation, decreased joint pain, and improved flexibility. This makes massage an important part of integrative medicine: as part of an overall health plan, it can make all the difference.

A massage can also mean more than manipulating the muscles. Different modalities offer different theories of care. Shiatsu, a method of bodywork first developed in Japan, utilizes acupressure, joint rotations, and stretches to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

Ronen Kohn, a graduate of the Zen Shiatsu Chicago school in Evanston, has worked with new mothers, clients living

with diabetes, and chronic pain sufferers to provide relief. In December of 2024, Ronen set up shop at 1011 Lake Street, Suite 304 in Oak Park, under the name Worthy Bodywork & Healing.

Ronen is now welcoming clients who are ready to take a new step in their self-care and healing journeys — and, of course, relaxation is always on the table.

Visit Worthy Bodywork & Healing’s website at worthybodywork.com to make a booking today! First time clients can use the code FIRSTTIME for a $25 discount.

“Ronen went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. I’d absolutely recommend for anyone looking to get more connected in body and spirit!” — Katy C., satisfied client

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New Year, New You: Celebrating Seniors Coalition—Rethink Aging, Rediscover Yourself

As the new year begins, it’s time to embrace a fresh perspective on what it means to grow older. The Celebrating Seniors Coalition invites you to join us in redefining aging as a time of growth, empowerment, and joy. Our mission is simple yet transformative: to shift the narrative about aging from limitation to opportunity. This year, let’s celebrate the incredible potential of life’s later chapters, specifically Older Americans and the family.

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Looking for inspiration? Explore the Celebrating Seniors Coalition’s website to get ideas on engaging in lifelong learning and ways to enhance well-being throughout the year. Join us this year during Celebrating Seniors Week May 8-15, 2025. Engaging with us will help keep you growing stronger as you grow older!

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Visit celebratingseniors.net today to learn more, get involved, and celebrate the beauty of aging. Follow us on social media for uplifting stories, practical tips, and community updates. Let’s make 2025 the year we all embrace a “New Year, New You” mindset about aging—and celebrate every step of the journey!

How YogaSix Oak Park Transformed Mark’s Life

“From taking my first yoga class around ten years ago up until this day, it’s been a huge shift into how my body feels along with how fully present I’ve become in everyday life. Before deepening my practice and getting into a good routine here at YogaSix Oak Park, I’ve always heard stories about the effect yoga has in regards to calming the mind and helping to improve the posture along with so many other countless benefits to the body when you start practicing on a consistent basis that I was curious about what kind of effect it would have one me. Like starting anything new, it takes time for changes to happen but I noticed after the first few weeks how good I feel throughout the day and the subtle changes in my posture that my friends and family started to take notice too. I remember a few years ago, they came up to me and said something has

changed in you for the better but just couldn’t pinpoint exactly what but I knew that it was the yoga practice that I had recently started. Since I got into a routine of taking classes a few times a week I noticed that I’m calm in what previously were stressful situations at work and how big of a difference my now aligned posture had on my confidence. These classes have also helped increase my strength and form a community in the yoga world. It’s been amazing seeing the changes in my overall well-being and recommend it to anyone who is interested in trying it out. It’s benefitted me so much that I even went through a yoga teacher training and now look forward to helping others get started on their journey.”

- Mark S., founding member of YogaSix Oak Park

Let 2025 Be A Fresh Start to Health, Wellness, and Self-Care in Retirement

The importance of maintaining mental, physical, and emotional well-being becomes even more critical as you age. Wellness and self-care are not just about avoiding illness, they are about enhancing the quality of life, fostering independence, and promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Physical Wellness: Staying Active and Healthy

One of the cornerstones of aging well is maintaining physical health. Regular physical activity helps prevent many of the common health problems.

• Exercise: Look for activities that can improve circulation, strengthen muscles and reduce stress.

• Balance and Fall Prevention: Simple activities like standing on one foot or practicing tai chi can enhance stability and lower the chances of falls

• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is crucial for aging adults. Foods high in antioxidants—help fight inflammation and support brain health. Protein-rich foods help preserve muscle mass, and adequate hydration.

• Sleep: Sleep remains crucial for healing and rejuvenation. Create a regular sleep routine and avoid ca eine late in the day.

Mental Wellness: Maintaining Cognitive Health

Maintaining cognitive health is a priority. Try to engage in activities that stimulate your mind and participate in activities that foster social connections.

• Brain Exercise: Puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or even playing

memory-boosting games can help prevent cognitive decline.

• Social Interaction: Regular interactions with family, friends, or even participation in community groups can combat feelings of loneliness and depression.

Emotional and Spiritual Wellness: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment

Aging often involves transitions like retirement, the loss of loved ones, or changing family dynamics, which can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness or isolation.

• Self-Care Routines: Self-Care routines can include journaling, taking relaxing baths, pampering oneself with skincare routines, or simply taking time for quiet reflection

• Purpose and Hobbies: Many aging adults take up hobbies they didn’t have time for earlier in life, such as painting, gardening, knitting, or volunteering. Purpose can also come from spending time with family, friends or contributing to the community.

• Therapy and Support Groups: Support groups, whether for grief, caregiving, or health concerns, can provide a sense of understanding and comfort.

Self-Advocacy and Health Management

One of the key components of wellness for the aging population is self-advocacy. This means you take charge of your health and seek support when necessary.

• Regular Health Checkups: Keeping routine visits to the doctor for screenings, vaccinations, and regular health assessments.

• Managing Medications: Many seniors take medications for various health conditions, and managing these medications properly is vital for preventing side e ects or drug interactions.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Lastly, creating a living environment that supports wellness is crucial for aging adults. This includes ensuring that their home is safe, accessible, and conducive to health and happiness.

• Home Modifications: Installing grab bars in the bathroom, improved lighting, or removing trip hazards can reduce the risk of accidents.

• Technology for Health Monitoring: Health apps and wearable devices can help aging adults track their physical activity, monitor vital signs.

Following her heart

Oak Park designer re ects on choosing the creative path

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

After colle ge, Christine Baumbach followed a number of paths: a stint in the Peace Corps, a position at Hyatt Hotels and a job in telecommunications. “None of them hit my heart,” she recalls.

When her second daughter was born, she took her time in re-joining the working world, and this time she decided to focus on the creative path that fed her soul. The family was living in Oak Park, and Baumbach began painting house portraits part-time. She later added murals to her repertoire and painted her designs in many local homes, including in more than 20 Infant Welfare Society showcase houses. When she stopped enjoying spending her days atop a ladder, Baumbach transitioned to the world of interior design. Much of her work is local, and she says, “I do some work on clients’ vacation homes, but I’m very attached to this community. There’s hardly a block where I haven’t touched a house with a home, mural or garden design.”

See BAUMBACH on pa ge 26

CHRISTINE BAUMBACH

designs start with personal conversations so the outcome feels like home

BAUMBACH

Creative solutions

from page 24

It is an honor to be invited into someone’s home Baumbach says, and most of the time that clients reach out, it is because of a positive life event, such as a new house or a new baby

“It’s nice that people trust me to make the homes that support the lives they want to live,” she says.

Baumbach, who has a business de gree with a minor in art, says that her years in the corporate world helped her in her career as a designer. The creative aspects feed her soul, but the technical details are just as important.

“Our old houses have so many details,” she says. “They are charming, but often need updates like plumbing and electric work.”

She says it’s important to discuss budget upfront. “Most people don’t know what it’s going to cost to get what they want. I do this every day, but most people don’t.”

“ I’m responsive to p eople’s budg ets. People have a lot of other things goin g on, a lot of priorities li ke k ids, education and tr avel.” S he a dds, “I talk budg et early T here’s always more than one way to accomplish a goal. ”

Clients can realize savings by working with a professional. Baumbach says she often shops a client’s own home. “I can reupholster and refresh a piece and maintain sentimentality.”

Because she works locally and has a large number of clients, Baumbach says there can be moments of serendipity to her work as well. “Some people are disposing of furniture at the same time some people need furniture.”

A recent three-way swap included three sets of clients and bunk beds, a settee and end tables that all found new homes.

Baumbach’s clients span all age ranges. Just as one client hired her to decorate a nursery for a soon-to-arrive baby, other clients are downsizing and moving into senior living communities.

It’s important to consider each client’s needs on an individual basis. Beyond mobility and convenience issues posed by

less mobile, elderly clients, Baumbach points out that some industry standards need to be adjusted

“The center of a picture on the wall should be 60 inches from the floor. But my client spends much of his day sitting, so we put the picture at his eye level. When you do a toddler’s bedroom, you bring everything down. In all instances, it’s truly about what will make clients feel comfortable in their homes.”

Baumbach prefers to meet with her clients in-person rather than online and says that meeting in person allows her to get all of the clues and non-verbals about personalities

While many clients seek guidance on the big projects, like kitchens and baths, others bring her in for projects with a more limited scope, like bedrooms, basements and attics.

Baumbach says she doesn’t limit herself to the inside of the home. A selftaught gardener, she will help clients with landscape design and even dabbles in creating decorative planters.

While she no longer paints room-sized murals, Baumbach continues to work as an artist and maintains a studio in her Oak

Park home. With her children out on their own, she enjoys having so many interests that keep her connected with her community and her creativity. “Some days, I do wake up and wonder, which hat am I wearing today?” she laughs.

INSIDE VIE W: Baumbach’s

PROPER TY TR ANSFERS

Oak Park home sells for $1.2 million

The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from November 2024. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the

K P ARK

PRICE SELLER BUYER

Rossell Ave

S Grove Ave

Columbian Ave

N Elmwood Ave

Linden Ave

S Maple Ave

Lapides Alexander M Lewis Maya

Barrett E

Herron Jason E Frank Jr Daniel R

Digeronimo Matthew Ciesliga Evan

Novakovic Andjelka Petry Daniel John

Schubert Charles Bradley Tr 1 Wake William

RIVER

Bosnic Senad Tr Cowan Marie 7206 Oak Ave

Blaisdell Samuel G Khoshaba Agnis 434 Clinton Pl

Griza Anita Tr Digirolamo Domenico E

325 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park

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

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Let’s stop being polite

Many of us are aware of changes in ourselves or in others because of aging. Some of these changes we talk about, others we don’t.

As we get older, many of us talk with families and contemporaries about our health.

Some of these discussions are jokingly called “organ recitals” — thinly veiled frustrated complaints — another example of making fun of ourselves out of shame over aging. Indeed, there is a billion-dollar cosmetics industry dedicated to preventing or slowing down the physical changes of aging.

BLESOFF

But health is more than just the physical. It is getting more acceptable for us to talk about age-related physical changes, but not so much about cognive changes. Culturally, we are too polite to go there. We are uncomfortable talking about mental-health issues associated with aging.

As we get older, most of us forget names, or don’t remember why we walked into this room. That does not automatically mean we have Alzheimer’s disease, which brings up two of society’s most persistent taboos that often intersect. The stigma around mental health makes it difficult to have open conversations about cognitive changes, while ageism and ageist stereotypes can make people reluctant to acknowledge or discuss age-related health changes.

Have you noticed a friend or colleague or family member exhibiting some new confusion or disorganization? Have you brought it up with them, or even with mutual friends? Many of us feel this to be a delicate situation. Perceived cognitive change can be concer ning both for the well-being of the person and the functioning of our relationship with that person. Our reluctance to address it openly often comes from a place of respect and not wanting to embarrass or hurt someone. It can also come from fear and denial or judgment.

Whatever the reason, avoiding this discussion could potentially leave someone without the help they might need, or create issues that become harder to address over time. Empathy and sensitivity are necessary, but ignoring this demog raphic reality out of fear or denial or just being polite helps no one.

Since the year 1900, we have added more longevity to our species than all of previous civilization. As our

VIEWPOINTS

Shrubtown: Getting through the next four years 21

Jimmy Carter: A true North Star

My jour ney with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter began in 1975, when I got a call from iconic weekly newspaper publisher Lou Ler ner.

“Rick,” Lou bellowed, “I’m going to give you the opportunity to work for the next President of the United States.”

“OK, Lou,” I responded, “I’ll bite and who might that be?”

“Jimmy Carter,” he responded And I followed, “Who the (blank) is Jimmy Carter?”

For the next 49 years, either I and/or my family — wife, kids, even grandkids — have been involved with the Carters and their work — White House, Carter Center, The Elders, Habitat for Humanity, and now, sadly, funerals.

Over time they became far more than principals for whom we did advance work around the globe. They

became family. That wasn’t because of what they were, but rather who they were

Both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter defined public servic e. They also personifie d inte g rity, commitment and persistence. And they were down-to-ear th, real people, who communicated easily with people everywhere they went. Plus, they listened.

I and members of my family tr aveled the globe for and with the Carters — Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America — all with the goal of tackling the most intractable global health challenges and advancing peace and democracy. They didn’t just observe and re port; they rolled up their sleeves and worked. They made a difference.

In 2014, the Publicity Club of Chicago honored my

PROVIDED

ALL IN THE FAMILY: President Carter holding my daughter, Lauren; son Andrew (bottom); Chris in the blue Cubs jersey; Aimee standing next to me (back); with my late wife, Judy, directly behind Carter.

OUR VIEWS

Squeezing in height

The new year brings a new development proposal for the downtown area of Oak Park. With the more obvious and open development sites now built along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard, property owners and developers are looking for new ways to add density to existing properties. This is especially true along the Green Line/Metra corridor where “transit-oriented development” is strongly encouraged by the village of Oak Park

The current proposal is to construct a 10-story building right behind the Boulevard Arcade Building, a historic and now landmarked two-story commercial building facing South Boulevard just east of Marion Street. The Arcade Building has a parking lot in the rear and that is where the current property owner wants to build four levels of parking and six levels of luxury apartments, 24 units in all.

The proposal will make its second stop before the village’s Historic Preservation Commission this week. After a meeting in December, architect John Schiess shaved one floor off the proposal. There is, of course, some level of opposition from immediate neighbors who complain about existing traf fic and general hubbub. Always ironic when people who have chosen to move into a community’s up-and-coming downtown are frustrated by the number of people who are attracted to the area.

We’re content to see what comes out of this week’s meeting with the preservation commission — though we will note the current plan happily and properly protects and respects the original landmark building on the site. And we’ll also say the initial drawing has at least some architectural virtue with its Art Deco nods. The devil will be in the details of building materials, etc., where developers too often cut cor ners.

The project will also get a full public hearing before the Plan Commission and ultimately the village board. We’ll be reporting on each step in the process.

RF embraces cameras

One of the interesting aspects of covering both River Forest and Oak Park is to watch how each community responds to a similar issue. License plate readers are one such case. The technology allows police department-managed cameras to record the license plates of vehicles entering and moving through a community. Those plate numbers are fed into a database and once in a while, from among the tens of thousands of plates recorded, there is a ping detecting a stolen vehicle, or a vehicle reportedly attached to a crime.

Oak Park has had long and contentious debates about this technology and its “big brother” aspects. Too much data captured by a gover nment body. Too many cameras. The alleged potential for biased traffic stops.

River Forest just voted to add 13 more cameras, bringing its grand total to 37 fixed position cameras across the village’s commercial strips and now into neighborhoods, especially along the periphery of town. No debate. Just a memo from the police chief saying the technology is useful to effective policing Neighboring towns. Different perspectives

What if we were conservative and progressive?

It is only when we are fully rooted that we are really able to move.

Madeleine L’Engle

A Wind in the Door

Iattended a holiday party recently and found myself in the host’s kitchen engaged in a long conversation with a young man, the father of three young children. He and his wife are thinking of converting to Catholic, and since I have a long history with Catholicism — pro and con — and enjoy a good discussion (when it doesn’t tur n argumentative), I served as his sounding board.

TRAINOR

We talked (and listened) for a long time with the crush of party swirling around us. He knows that the Catholic Church isn’t perfect (which I confir med), but he’s attracted to their teachings on ethics and morality, which he finds lacking in the moder n world, especially in our political discourse, as evidenced by the uncivil and toxic combat often found in social media

He has a background in philosophy and articulated his positions in cerebral fashion, as you might expect, with underlying feeling. Emotion didn’t get in the way for either of us, which made for a pleasant exchange. He was a concer ned father and seemed to be asking the right question:

How do we live a moral life and serve as an example for our children?

He focused less on defining morality — which gets pretty complicated and has been kicked around by great and not-so-great minds for centuries — and more on ethical behavior: treating one another with kindness, decency, caring, respect, fairness. First, do no harm, then do some good. He and his wife, I think, are looking for a religious base that provides a structure in which this can be learned and practiced

Whether that is best found in the Catholic Church is, at the very least, arguable. I mentioned my misgivings, both spiritually and politically, which involve those in authority who hide behind a veneer of morality that disguises a much less moral agenda. In general, I find that kind of hypocrisy far more widespread on the conservative side of the secular and spiritual ledger. But I did not sense a hidden agenda in him, even though he said he has become more conservative in recent years. He seemed sincere about seeking a better world for his children to grow up in

We also discussed societal change, starting with G.K. Chesterton’s parable of “the fence,” which goes like this:

“Let us say, for the sake of simplicity, [there is] a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern

type of refor mer goes gaily up to it and says, ‘I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.’ To which the more intelligent type of refor mer will do well to answer: ‘If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.’”

The dilemma of change — tradition vs. progress — is at the heart of this country’s polarization. You can argue both sides of the fence (so to speak). One side resists change, even when change is badly needed and the lack of it causes har m (unregulated firearms, for instance). The other is deter minedly pro-change, which, in its most reckless form, can cause har m by not considering unintended negative consequences (what conservatives like to call “cancel culture”).

But Chesterton seemed to suggest a middle way: show respect for the past by researching the reasons that led to the fence being put up in the first place (the conservative position), then if you propose getting rid of it, clearly make a case for the benefits of taking it down (the progressive position). In an ideal world, the final decision on the fence would favor the side that shows superior benefits to the greatest number of people — or at least some acce ptable compromise which balances the benefits.

But that reasonable world is not the world we presently live in.

As I thought about our conversation later, it struck me: Our national dispute over change and morality results from most of us being either conservative or progressive. What if each of us were conservative and progressive? One side, grounded in the past, fights change. The other side, seeking a better future, seeks to forge ahead. Two nations, irreconcilable? But what if we respected both? Could we become one nation again — or for the first time? Maybe we can only move if we take the best of the past (our democratic foundation) with us as we move forward, leaving the worst parts (racism and inequality) behind Maybe it’s not change we seek after all. It’s continuity. Madeleine L’Engle wrote that it’s only when we’re fully rooted that we’re able to move. And maybe it’s also when we’re ready to move that we become fully rooted.

We may need both.

Being both conservative and progressive may be what is required for each of us to live a truly moral life — one that is kind, decent, caring, respectful, and fair to everyone — in a turbulent world. Maybe then we wouldn’t need so many fences

KEN

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

e new Oak Park?

A proposed 10-story development along South Boulevard near the Pleasant Home has left area residents alarmed by its scale and scope. Not only would the tower dwarf nearby homes and commercial buildings, but it would substantially alter the feel of the downtown district. The plans call for a clock tower with color-shifting programmable lighting that, according to its architect, will be widely visible as the face of “a new Oak Park.”

Developers envision a 24-unit apar tment tower attached to the Boulevard Arcade Building, an official Oak Park Historic Landmark at 1033 South Blvd. To do this, they will need two zoning variances: height and density. The proposal requires permission to build up to 110-124 feet in an area currently zoned for 60 feet. They also will ask for a density variance in an area already clo gged with vehicles and pedestrians.

At architect John Schiess’ hastily announced Dec. 18 neighborhood meeting, about 30 nearby residents asked for details and got few. We learned that the Arcade’s tax break expires this year, and without additional income, the owners will have a tough time remaining viable. Only partial renderings were presented, and time for questions

was limited. We were told that Mr. Schiess would present our concerns and comments to the village. We want to alert village residents that this project raises multiple red flags and demands further questions — and answers.

A second Historic Commission review of the proposal is slated for 7 p.m., Jan. 9 in village hall before it heads to the Plan Commission. We urge anyone concerned by development that threatens safety, accessibility and the maintenance of Oak Park’s historic standards to attend Thursday’s meeting. Complete plans are available at: https://www.oak-park.us/sites/default/files/ commissions/1035_s_blvd-revised_proposal_12.9.2024.pdf

Comments can also be sent to Craig.Failor@oak-park.us and/or Atefa.ghaznawi@oak-park.us

Bill Bower

President of the board, Opera Club HOA

Jessica Callicoat

President of the board, Pleasant Condominium HOA

Valerie Spiller

President of the Board, Soho Townhome HOA

Dennis Stovall

President of the Board, Soho Condominium Association

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.

We reser ve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than super cial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as speci c as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful.

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If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.

Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com. For the latter, we prefer attached Word les or plain tex t included in the email.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■ 350-word limit

■ Must include rst and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for veri cation only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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BY PAUL GOYETTE

Support for re-electing Vicki Scaman

We are writing to express our strong and unwavering support for Vicki Scaman to continue her tenure as village president of Oak Park.

President Scaman has exemplified what it means to lead with courage, integrity, and a genuine commitment to our community. From championing local initiatives to collaborating with nonprofit organizations, neighboring municipalities, and other civic entities, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to foster collaboration among residents, local businesses, nonprofits, community organizers, and external partners.

In addition to her collaborative spirit, she has effectively managed the complex challenges our village has faced. Her responsiveness and decisive leadership have enabled us to navigate difficult situations while prioritizing the well-being of our community

Her years of leadership have allowed her to build connections that have increased external funding for Oak Park initiatives and garner support from exter nal agencies. The relationships and partnerships she has cultivated are invaluable to ensuring Oak Park’s success.

As her supporters, we are inspired by her com-

mitment to fostering an Oak Park that is welcoming, progressive, and rooted in our shared values. She has shown that she is not just a leader but a true advocate for our community’s needs and aspirations.

We wholeheartedly endorse Vicki Scaman for village president and encourage all members of the Oak Park community to join us in supporting her campaign. Together, we can secure a bright future for our village — one that continues to embrace collaboration and inclusivity, led by someone with experience and deep connections to the resources that will help our community thrive. We encourage you to lear n more about her specific accomplishments and vision through her campaign website at votevicki.org.

George Bailey; Paul Beckwith; Bruce Broerman; Lyn C. Conni ; Derek Eder, Oak Park Climate Action Network member; Thomas Gary, former Triton College trustee; Carolyn Goldbeck; Paul Goyette; Liz Holt; Ray Johnson, former Oak Park village trustee; Jim Kelly; Eileen Hattan Lynch; Emily N. Masalski; Ryan O’Malley; Jim and Sally Prescott; Joe Raschke; Carollina Song; Sara Spiv y, former District 200 school board member; Sheila Wesonga

Post-election post-mortem

In the aftermath of the election, many of us have been looking for someone to blame. (If you’re thinking, ‘The election was like two months ago, dude,’ well that was before I made a New Year’s resolution to write more.) While we can curse men (Trump won 55%43%), Christians (62%-37%), and even white women (53%-46%), you know who we should be *really* mad at? Democrats.

Meaning the Democratic establishment, not the voters, although our hands aren’t entirely clean. Our nearly decade-long strate gy of berating, shaming, and ostracizing Trump supporters only succeeded in growing his base. The truth is, many people who aren’t racist or homophobic, sexist or xenophobic, voted for Trump in spite of those things, and that’s largely because Democrats never gave them anything to vote for.

DAN STARK

One View

One thing Trump does well is speak to broad swaths of people about what he’s going to do for them. Sure it’s complete B.S., but it’s effective. But instead of talking about how a Har ris administration would improve people’s lives, the campaign focused mostly on all the hor rible things a Trump presidency would supposedly augur. Only you can’t credibly call the other side an existential threat to democracy when your candidate was simply installed by party elites.

Clearly, Democrats should have persuaded Biden not to pursue another ter m before the election cycle started — even threatening to invoke the 25th Amendment, if necessary — but instead they tried to cover up his obvious decline, leaving us an electorally untested candidate with no distance between herself and an unpopular administration.

But once Harris became the candidate, the strateg y Re publicans used on Biden — he’s too old and has clearly lost his fastball — should’ve been tur ned against Trump. Everyone had been complaining about having to choose between two elderly candidates, then Democrats had someone much younger, and they immediately stopped talking about age and cognitive decline. Nope, they just wheeled out Liz freaking Cheney to tell us Trump was temperamentally unfit to serve, even though that exact line of attack had failed miserably in 2016.

Meanwhile Trump continued to hammer Democrats on the economy, where the talking points should’ve been simple: “Stimulus money — which, by the way, helped you — didn’t cause inflation. Prices skyrocketed because of corporate greed. It’s executives and shareholders, the same people responsible for keeping your wages flat, who are raking in the money at your expense.”

But Democrats didn’t say that — shocking! — because, like the Re publicans, they are completely beholden to the corporate overlords who make up the donor class. So when people complained about the economy, Democrats essentially told them they were wrong by pointing to non-inflationary indicators that said it was strong.

Defeating a candidate as historically unpopular as Trump should’ve been easy, but the Democrats blew it. And just like 2016, they haven’t learned a thing: They recently denied a prominent leadership position to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the left’s best hope to seize Trump’s populist base, in favor of an anonymous 74-year-old.

“Connolly 2028!” Gens Z and Alpha shout in unison.

Dan Stark is a resident of Oak Park

PHOTO

Village President Vicki Scaman

Is it perfectly clear that we live in another most dangerous moment in the country’s history? The most profound perils of our past were the bloody revolution against the Brits; being able to keep the country intact after the Civil War meat grinder was settled; helping defeat the fanatical fascist forces of World War Two; being a blink of an eye away from nuclear annihilation during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Anything other than those four showdowns, all other frictions have amounted to brush fires

Another ‘most dangerous moment’ A solution to the Julian property dilemma

JOE HARRINGTON

One View

Until the moment at hand. As we wind down 2024, each passing day is a slow-motion confrontation with very, very nefarious elements representing an intent to destroy lives, directly or indirectly. Right now, we are a month away from allowing a disgraceful, incompetent, divisive, destructive individual to “run” the country. For a second time!

This person is evidently above the law, having been convicted of 34 felonies and sexual assault, among other litigious, alleged transgressions. Some voted for this vile human being. They should not have had that opportunity, however How so?

In spite of his overt criminality — including an attempt to overthrow our government to stay in office in January of 2021 — the Justice Department and the courts failed to hold him to any account. How was he not behind bars years ago? And barred from ever being able to be a candidate again?

Seriously? Why not?!

Millions of eligible voters did not bother to vote. The Guardian polled some of those no-shows. They stated they felt they were not represented by either major party choice. Many invoked the current administration’s aiding and abetting of a genocide taking place in the Middle East. But with no viable third party being allowed even a modicum of media coverage, it was a Hobson’s Choice, resulting in an incoming administration that represents a most clear and present danger to our already tattered and flawed democracy

It wants to do away with public education; cut Medicare, Social Security and even veterans’ benefits. It wants to do away with the EPA, the NLRB, attack the LGBTQ community, immigrants, do away with reproductive health care and racial equity protections. It has no respect for a free press or freedom of speech. It wants to discard our system of three equal branches of government and make the executive all powerful. It’s called Project 2025.

It may as well be called Project 1984.

Our corrupt, incompetent, elitist two-party system brought this all about. It let a clear and present danger take control of our country and destroy lives in process. Why are we allowing this wrecking crew to move ahead? It is absurd. Cannot we do better than this?

Joe Harrington is a resident of Oak Park

Opposing the Field Rec Center relocation

As a resident of Oak Park, living merely a block away from Field Recreation Center, I am deeply concer ned about the course the Park District of Oak Park has taken with the proposed Field park renovations. While we do believe that a new center would greatly benefit the lack of space for after-school programs, the majority of our community vehemently opposes the proposed location of the new Field Center. The park district has decided to move the center from its current location to a treasured nature area within the park in the northwest corner. This decision was made without the involvement of the community that would be directly affected.

T here are three major negative consequences:

1) The main feature of the space is a berm that has been there for over 100 years. Children have played on this hill for generations. It is the cornerstone of the park; it allows children to inde pendently explore nature (g ated so they are secure), inspires creativity (fairy houses, hide-and-seek behind trees, playing soccer with trees as goals), and is a conduit for recreation (sledding, rolling down the hill). Relocating the center would destroy the berm and the sur rounding ir re placeable nature play area.

2) As the park currently stands, there are clear sight lines across the entire pa rk. The layout of the park allows children to freely and securely explore differ-

ent areas of the park while parents retain visibility. Kids can flow from one playground to the other, or play on the playg round while parents are watching soccer or baseball/softball, and parents can still see their kids. By moving the building to the proposed location, an entire segment of the park becomes hidden behind the building. This creates a major safety concer n for both parents and teachers at Mann Elementary during recess.

3) Traf fic will impede that inde pendence. In the mor ning and mid-afternoon when school starts and ends, it’s chaos. But the parents are looking for and aware of the children. In the late after noon most of the drivers are using Berkshire Street as a throughway to avoid Nor th Avenue and Harlem, they aren’t necessarily parents or neighbors and it will create a situation that is incredibly unsafe for the children. No traf fic study has been perfor med

I have attended three of the four community meetings held by the park district. The first half hour is devoted to public comment. Of the 40+ speakers over the last four meetings, only one has been in favor of the current location. Everyone I have spoken to is very much against it. A petition signed by 230+ residents opposes the relocation.

Je rey Schneider Oak Park

Regarding the discussion of the village of Oak Park acquiring the tax delinquent property owned by the Percy Julian family, there is a system in place permitting the village to acquire the property, void any existing delinquent taxes and secure the property from future taxes. The property could be acquired with a “No Cash Bid,” requiring no expenditure of village funds, with the exception of the expenses required for the legal statutory process to acquire the tax deed.

The tax deed process is rather detailed and can extend for up to two years after the village acquires the tax sale certificate with the approval of the Cook County Board. More information can be obtained from the Cook County website: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/no-cashbid-ncb-program.

The issue becomes what the village will do with the property if successful in acquiring the tax deed. The legal process would allow Dr. Julian’s daughter to utilize the time to secure another place to reside. Upon the village receiving the deed, the Julian family would forfeit any and all rights of ownership. If the village were to establish the property for nonprofit use, it would remain exempt from future property taxes

However, if the Village were to sell the property, proceeds from the sale may have to be distributed to the Julian family, due to the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision “Tyler v Hennepin County.”

In short, something could be done for the benefit of the Julian family and the village of Oak Park.

Chris Donovan, Oak Park

Honor Julian, but not this way

What could be both more “Oak Park” and more antithetical to its supposed values of transparency and equity than the village board sneakily approving $1 million for the vaguely described purpose of preserving the Julian home, a private residence? While there is value in wishing to honor the legacy of a prominent local African American figure, directing taxpayer funds toward a property owned and inhabited by a private citizen is not the way to do it, and doing so through what appears to be a deliberately concealed process of minimal public deliberation, contradicts every principle of good gover nment that Oak Park purportedly embodies. I’m amazed it’s even legal.

Terry Stanton Oak Park

e reason we had no voice on leaf disposal

For those of you who wonder why the leaf-bagging decision came without community input, the answers lie in the March 12 Oak Park Village Board meeting, a full six weeks before the vote was taken.

To summarize:

1) It was determined that there was insufficient time to gather community input and still implement leaf bagging in 2024. So rather than delay to 2025, the board chose to bypass the community entirely and instead “educate” them on the benefits of leaf-bagging. They also noted the need to inform landscaping services, but as we have seen, residents were being held responsible for making them aware and cleaning up leaf-blowing-into-street “mistakes.”

2) Trustee Cory Wesley questioned whether feedback from residents should change their decision.

3) Village President Vicki Scaman said, “What we have now [street sweeping] is not working,” even as she noted that the recent cost-saving change in decreasing pickup frequency was responsible for the problems. She later stated, “I’m fairly convinced this [leaf bagging] is where we’re going to go.” (She reversed her position with her April vote to delay bagging, realizing her mistake at not obtaining community feedback first.)

However, that vote was only to delay bagging. She has to this day not agreed to support a referendum. More importantly, she also bears substantial responsibility for moving the board toward bagging in the first place. Claims of listening to the residents are ringing hollow.

You can verify these points yourself. If you would like to see the relevant 10 minute section of the meeting video, here’s the link: https://oak-park.granicus.com/player/ clip/2440?view_id=2&redirect=true

Point at the gray bar at the bottom of the video display and a time slider will appear. Position it to start at 1:49:00. Listen for the next 10 minutes

Robert Parks Oak Park

Jimmy Carter’s sense of honor

I often re gret not voting for Jimmy Car ter in 1980 after voting for him in in 1976. I guess I was caught in the political malaise and voted for a third-party candidate, a liberal Republican congressman from Rockford

I have read about the accomplishments of Jimmy Carter, both as President and then as an amazing citizen who used the tool of being an ex-president to do great good (earning him the Nobel Peace Prize). He was the natural successor to another great for mer President, Jerry Ford. The two

JASCULCA

from page 29

business partner, Jim Terman, and me with their Lifetime Achievement Award. When we were notified by PCC leadership, they asked if we had any ideas for a keynote speaker at the award ceremony. Someone said, “Would it be possible to get President Carter?” As close as our family had been to the Carters, I honestly thought it would be a Hail Mary to get him up to Chicago for the dinner and award ceremony, especially with his Carter Center travels. Imagine my shock when Beth Davis, longtime Carter aide, called to say that “President Carter will be delighted to come and deliver the keynote.”

President Carter sat next to me at the dinner, as I alternated between chatting with him and reviewing my notecards for introducing him. When I introduced him, he came up and, almost 90 years old at that time, used nary a note when talking extensively about Jim and me

Almost 20 years before that, when the Carters were coming to Chicago for an event, they suggested that I invite my mom, then in her late 80s, down to their hotel suite “for a visit.” That visit lasted over an hour;

BLESOFF

from page 29

population continues to shift radically, there will be more and more of us living longer. This is a significant demographic shift that has profound implications for society, workplaces, and health care. By

of them returned honesty, humility, and decency to the American presidency.

The two of them fought a brutal battle for the presidency, leaving Ford resentful over his loss, but Jimmy Carter could see how wonderful a friend Ford would be and kept reaching out in a humble and self-effacing way until they became close friends. These two great presidents were political moderates with a great respect for the office, who were more similar than different.

If we read newspapers and watch TV news, we hear the truly full and amazing

life of Jimmy Carter, a life that most of us are only now lear ning about. Carter showed us true friendship and greatness, as he eulogized the life accomplishments of his good friend Jerry Ford at Ford’s funeral. At Carter’s state funeral Jerry Ford’s son reread Carter’s eulogy for Ford from his state funeral to ensure that we never forget the greatness of his friend

Jimmy Carter was a Navy officer of the highest sense of honor — he never let anyone be left behind.

and, as I listened from an adjoining room, they told stories and laughed and hugged at the conclusion.

Having lost my dad to a hear t attack in 1968, over the decades I for med a special bond with President Carter as we traveled the globe and worked on special projects and assignments. Honestly, he became a sur ro gate father to me and a grandfather figure to our kids, three of whom did Carter Center advance work for both him and Rosalynn. When my wife Judy passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010, the first call I got was from

2020, the number of people 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5. This demo graphic reality makes the cultural taboos even more problematic. We can’t af ford to stay silent about aging and cognitive health when more and more of our population is over 60. This shift means we need to:

1. Develop better ways to discuss and address cognitive health as a normal

brought my oldest grandson, Will, to Atlanta for a Car ter Center and Presidential Museum visit, President Carter and Will walked to an event together discussing fly fishing techniques — a pastime our families share.

Jimmy Car ter has been a true North Star to me and my family and will always remain so.

Rick Jasculca is co-founder of a Chicagobased public affairs firm, and worked with President Jimmy Carter in a number of capacities since 1975.

part of aging

2. Create workplace policies that support an aging workforce while preserving dignity

3. Rethink our cultural attitudes toward aging and mental health

As we age in our c ommunities, let us embrace b oth the loss and the o pportunities of living and start talking about the taboos

PROVIDED

(Le to right) Aimee, the author, Rosaly nn, Jimmy, Lauren & Andrew in Ethiopia, advancing and sta ng a Carter Center mission.

Frank Vozak, Oak Park

munities. He also ser ve d as executive trustee for I llinois Municipal Retirement Fund and oversaw a f unding percentage increase from 55% in 1976 to 104% in 1999, ensuring the p ensions of c ountless municipal employees.

A proud resident of Oak Pa rk , he was known for his outgoing nature and attendance at c ommunity events. An avid b aseball f an, he had a special affinity OPRF Huskie b aseball, attending varsit g ames and suppo rt ing the progr am. Hi love of b aseball and the Chicago Whit Sox was only eclipsed by his love of nanc e. He vo raciously c onsumed financial news and data through all media and remained cu rrent on markets until hi last breath.

Gerald was preceded in death by parents, Gerald Sr. and A nne, and Mar sha, his w ife of 30 year s. He is survive by his sons, Jameson and Je remy; hi s brother, L eonard; his niec e, Lithe; and his gr andchildren, Nicholas, Brooklynn, Isabella, Av iva, and Calvin His sharp mind, g enerosity, and z est fo r l ife will be de ep ly missed

Edy Fielder Burton, 90

Oak Park realtor

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Edy “Edream” Fielder Burton, 90, a cherished mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and trailblazing realtor in Oak Park, leaving behind a legacy of , strength, and accomplishment that nspired those who knew her. our children, she dedicated her amily while building a career in eal estate. A visionary, she helped transform the Oak Park skyline and helped amilies find not just houses but homes. Her kindness, drive, and generosity were hallmarks of her remarkable life, and she will always be remembered for the impact she had on her community. Edy will remain in our hearts as a beacon of love and perseverance. A memorial service to celebrate Edy’s life was held at Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th St., Chicago, IL 60628 on Jan. 3.

Nancy Norton, 88 Park distric t commissioner

Nancy J. Norton (nee Tice), died on Dec. 22, 2024. Born on Jan. 18, 1936, to the late James and Katherine Tice, in eeport, she grew Rockford and aduated from Knox Colle ge, in 1957 with a de gree in Education. She 64 years and was an active member of St. Edmund Parish for over 50 years. She served as a commissioner for the Park District of Oak Park for more than 30 years.

Jack, Nora, and Matthew Stier; the greatgrandmother of Grace, Mae, Sophie, Mia, and Joey Ciuni; and the sister-in-law Mary Lou (Bob) King, Tom (Kathy) Norton and John (Ellen) Norton. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Kay (Richard) Leber; her brother, William (Patricia) Tice; and and her nieces Nancy Lorenzetti and Jane Margaret Tice.

Visitation was held on Dec. 27 at Peterson-Bassi Chapels, 6938 North Ave., Chicago, IL 60707. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Edmund Church, 188 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park IL 60302 on Dec. 28.

Tony Eads, 80

Lawyer, at ease with ease

Ralph (Tony) Eads, 80, of Oak Park, died on Dec. 29, 2024 in his Brown County, Indiana home, surrounded by his family. The cause was pancreatic cancer. He has now found out whether it is true, as Oscar Wilde said, that Paris is where good Americans go when they die. Except for the pandemic, he and his wife went there every year for the last 25 years.

He loved being in the Peace Corps in Colombia, where he accomplished pretty much nothing except learning to speak Spanish. He enjoyed his career as a lawyer, which he decided on in eighth grade, based on his enjoyment of arguing. His proudest professional achievement was that he never worked overtime except in the most extreme circumstances. He was an Anglophile (books!) and Francophile (how to live!).

He was, as one of his favorite novelists, Anthony Trollope, said, “addicted to his ease.”

Tony is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his sons, Christopher, Matthew and Joshua; his daughter-in-law, Shilpa; his granddaughter, Peyton; and his siblings, Charles and Julia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Pancan.org.

Terr y Mack, 100 Navy veteran, Marshall Field employee

A c elebration of his l ife was held at F irst United C hurch of Oak Pa rk on Jan. 6. A memorial service will be held at 2 p. m. on Jan. 18 at F irst United C hurch of Oak Pa rk , 848 La ke St .

Nancy was the wife of the late Joseph; the mother of Mary Jo (Joe) Ciuni, Katie (Bob) Trankina, and Jane (Jeff) Stier; grandmother of Joe (Amanda) Ciuni, Jane Ciuni, Tom (Sarah) Ciuni, and Michael (Hallie) Ciuni, Lucy Trankina, Bridget (Richard) Duke, and Daniel Trankina, and

He enjoyed his children, traveling with his wife, riding his bike (on sunny days), sailing (on sunny days with a mild breeze), Mexico, reading, listening to music, going to the theater, movies (many with subtitles and unhappy endings), his Tuesday night poker group, photography, collecting lithographs, playing the piano poorly, cooking, and sitting on the porch on warm days listening to the silence. He found remodeling their big, Victorian house extremely satisfying, and would have been an architect if he had been at all creative and had any artistic talent. His wife sometimes referred to him as “Mr. Every Day is a Sunny Day.”

Edward Anthony “Terry” Mack, 100, of Northbrook, for merly of River Forest, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his devoted daughters. A U.S. Naval Air Corps veteran, he enlisted in the Navy at the Board of Trade in Chicago in 1942 and became a flight instructor, flying PBY-5 Catalinas, creating cherished memories. After his service, he began a 37-year career at Marshall Field & Co., which included opening the Store for Men in Old Orchard. Marshall Field’s Oak Park store is where he met his wife, Dorothy. Her sudden death left four children under the age of 7. Three years later, he married Barbara and their 53-year mar riage included travel and golf, his favorite sport. He exemplified honesty, patience and integrity and loved unconditionally. Blessed with an active mind and healthy body until the end of his life, he was a wonderful father, husband, and man. Terry was the son of the late John and Josephine “Bessie” Mack; husband of the late Dorothy Eileen (Brennan) and the late Barbara Diane (Jacques); father of Maureen Suzanne (John) Lawler, Debra Ann (Patrick) Damian, the late Terence Edward (the late Christine) Mack, and Karen Eileen (Bud Rein) Taylor; papa of 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother of the late Irvin (the late Dorothy) Mack and the late Angela (the late Raymond Stanley); cousin of Jack (Louise) Sumnarski; brother-in-law to Barbara Kellner; and friend to many.

Visitation will take place at Conboy-

Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Friday, Jan. 17 from 4 until 8 p.m., with private interment at All Saints Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co. Funeral Directors.

Leslie Tischauser, 81 History professor, Cubs fanatic

Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies. “There’s always next year,” was not just a lament but his way to express eternal joy and optimism for life. He never gave up hope that a better world is possible. An activist who was arrested numerous times for protesting wars, first in Vietnam, then in Iraq.

Les is survived by his wife, Connie; his sons, Jeffrey and Michael; his sisters, Linda Crawford, Lois Gerambia, and Laura Tischauser; his niece, Kim Crawford; his ne phew, Tim Crawford (wife Martha); and over 20 nieces, ne phews, and cousins

teered for the VISTA Progr am (precursor to Americorps) and helped teach adults in Southeastern Tennessee about the U.S. Constitution and American history. He met Connie, the love of his life, who was a VISTA volunteer helping adults learn how to read and write. T hey were married for 56 years, first living in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago before buying a home in Oak Park in 1978, and raising two boys

Leslie earned a PhD in American History from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1980 and spent more than 35 years teaching history and gover nment courses Prairie State Colle ge in Chicago Heights During his career, he authored numerous academic articles and seven books American history, focusing primarily on American race relations, slavery and the Jim Crow South. His first book, based on his dissertation, dug into German American identity in Chicago during the inter war years (1920-1940). He also volunteered for nearly 10 years at the Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) in Oak Pa Housing Forward).

To say that he loved baseball and the Chicago Cubs does not do his passion justice. He adored his team, going to ley Field for the first time when he was 7 with his grandmother and brother and for the last time on Sept. 24, 2023, when the

He was preceded in death by his parVincent and Ruth Tischauser (née Sponholtz); his brother, Leroy Tischauser; his brothers-in-law, Joe Crawford and Paul Gerambia; his sister-in-law, Jackie Tischauser; and all of his aunts and un-

sitation was held on Dec. 29 at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St., Forest Park T he funeral service was held on Dec. 30 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park, followed by interment at Concordia Cemetery in Forrk

f amily wishes to thank Leslie’s ver, Magdalena, as well as the paramedics of the Oak Park Fire Department for helping him survive his cardiac ar rest in 2009.

James Sugg, 62 Computer programmer

Kristen Coe, of River Forest. Jim worked for more than 20 years as a senior prog ram director for a series of companies, including Juniper Networks, Cisco Systems, and Palo Alto Networks.

He ke pt in touch with his high school and colle ge friends, a group who called themselves T he Good Buddies, and he was the best man in each of their weddings. In California, he for med another group of devoted friends, who provided him with much needed support when he lost his wife Vicki in 2019, after a long-term illness, for whom he was a devoted care giver.

After her death, he traveled, including spending a great deal of time back in Oak Park, taking up the mantle of f amily patriarch following his father’s death in 2020.

Jim is survived by his mother, Charlotte Sugg; his brother, Mark Sugg; his sisters, Mary (Sugg) Carlin and Ann Sugg; and his nieces and ne phews, Stephanie and Sophia Carlin, Collin and Erin Sugg, and Aidan Ber tocchini.

A celebration of Jim’s life will take place in March at Ascension Church in Oak Park T hose wishing to make a donation in his honor are requested to do so at www.betheboat.org, a charity for med in the memory of one of Jim’s “adopted” ne phews, Hunter Quigley Coe, who died tragically in 2015.

Beverly Walter, 88

Lov ed the outdoors and traveling

James Joseph Sugg, 62, died peacefully in his at his home in San Jose, Cali ia on Dec. 22, 2024. Born in Raleigh, North Caro lina on Aug. 11, 1962, the f amily entually settled in Oak Park, where he attended Longfellow Elementary and rest High School, aduating in 1979. He attended the Unillinois Champaign-Urbana, but ing computer ind back to Chicag o, where Allstate, before ving to the Silicon Valley area in 1997. Olsen, of San 1998, after having been s, Mark and

Beverly J. Miller alter, 88, of Oak Park, died peacefully on Dec. 28. She loved life, muc, travel, anything outdoors and giving to oths. She loved to swim and sail in Sand Lake (Lake lla) and Tomawhich she called vid cross country skier and gardener, she would rather mow the lawn than wash dishes. She was happiest in the outdoors. She enjoyed traveling with the love of her life, Duane Walter, for over 30 years, thanks to her position at the Audit Bureau of Circulations. As a major supporter and org anizer of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, she spent endless hours on the annual Golf Outing, Brian’s

Run, and Bears Care Gala.

Beverly was the mother of Robert Miller (Amy Renzulli) and the grandmother of Abigail Miller and William Miller. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jacqueline Rae Papan, and survived by her brother, Steven (Linda) Gabriel.

Visitation at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, will be held on T hursday, Jan. 9 from 2 to 5 p.m., with the funeral service at 5. In lieu of flowers, please support the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, 1201 W. Harrison St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607-3319, Attn: Mar the D. Golden.

Robert Rath, 83

Educator, owned Melissa’s Deli

Robert Rath, 83, father, grandfather, educator, and member of the Oak Park community, died peacefully on Jan. 3, 2025. Bor n in 1941 in Chicago, he overcame a challenging childhood to lead a life defined by resilience, creativity, and g enerosity

Known for his entrep reneurial s pirit , he owned a 7-El even and Melissa’s Deli in Oak Pa rk , where he became a f amiliar and friendly face in the c ommunity. Later, he found his true c alling as an educator, wo rk ing for many years in the Chicago Public Schools, pa rt icularly at Von Humb oldt E lementar y. He had a special g ift fo r wo rk ing with students who faced b ehavioral challenges, offering them patience, understanding, and guidanc e.

Ro be rt was for merly married to Roxanne Rath, with whom he raised four children: Melissa, Justin, A nni e, and A lex. He was the proud gr andfather of six, who brought him i mmense joy, and is survive d by his children, gr andchildren, and brothers, John and Ron. He was predeceased by his younger sister, Ju dy In his later year s, he battled d ementia, a j ourney that showcased his strength and deter mination.

In lieu of fl ower s, the f amily kindly req uests d onations to the Dementia Society of A merica at www.dementiasociety.org , in his honor.

SPORTS

Fenwick boys basketball impresses at York

Run to title game was a pleasant surprise for Friars

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

Despite having an impressive record, the Fenwick High School varsity boys basketball team was not expected to contend the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic title at Yo given the number of high-quality teams in the field

But thanks to their defense, the Friars wound up in the championship game, Dec. 31, against Bolingbrook, which features one of the state’s top prospects in the class of 2027 in guard Davion Thompson. Fenwick led Bolingbrook, r anked fift in last week’s Chicago S un-Times To p oll, 30-20 at halftime. But the Raiders r allied in the second half and held of late r ally to defeat the F riars 54-48 to wi the title

“That was a good showing by us,” sai Fenwick coach David Fergerson of tournament. “We kind of got hot at right moment and were able to strin some victories, just fell a little short in the final. It was a good run. ” Fenwick (13-3) was outstanding agai defensively, holding Bolingbrook (14-2) to one field goal for nearly 14 minutes. But the Raiders, keyed by for mer Fenwick player JT Pettigrew (18 points, eight rebounds, two blocks), outscored the F riars 18-4 in the third quarter to take a 38-34 lead and stayed ahead for good .

Fenw ick’s Jake ies (22) works up cour t against Andrew’s Mason Moore (34) during the 50th Annual Jack Tosh Holiday Classic, Dec. 26, in Elmhurst

Fenwick girls

enwick varsity girls went 2-2 and finished sixth at the Komarony Classic at Dundee-Crown.

re able to show some progress ement,” said Fenwick coach rgerson. “Now it’s more about ” (9-9) won the opener 39-35 on er Lake Forest. Keira Kapsch led the Friars with 13 points and three steals. ammie Molis added nine points and Smith had eight points, six reounds and five steals. Kapsch and Smith named to the All-Tournament Team. and Smith] do a lot of the that doesn’t show up in the Fergerson said. “They were onsistent throughout the whole tournahen they go, it helps our whole

On Dec. 27, Fenwick lost to St. Charles North 56-35. Junior Grace Masterson had a team-high nine points in defeat

The Friars rebounded the next day, beating Hononegah 51-46. Molis led with 17 ile Smith had 15 points and nine and freshman Avani Williams (named to the All-Tournament Team at last month’s Marian Catholic Holiday Classic) added 11 points and four steals.

“We lost the g ame in the third quar ter,” Fergerson said. “If we had a little more balance there, we might have been OK. That was tough.”

Jake Thies scored with :26 left to bring the F riars within two, but Bolingbrook made four consecutive free throws to seal things. T hompson finished with 17 points for the Raiders

Dominick Ducree led Fenwick with 17 points, while Ty Macariola and Nate Marshall each added nine points. Ducre e, Macariola, and Marshall were named to the All-Tour nament Team.

“We need everybody on the team, but

when those three step up, it makes it easier for the entire group,” Fergerson said.

T he F riars opened the tournament with a 64-43 rout of Andrew, Dec. 26. Ducree scored 19 points, Macariola 11, and Thies 10. T he next day, Ducree had 12 points and five rebounds and Macariola and Marshall 10 points each in a 53-35 victory over Conant.

In the quarterfinals, Dec. 28, Macariola had 15 points and six rebounds and Kamron Hogan 10 points and six rebounds as Fenwick got past Christ the King 51-45. In the semifinals, Dec. 30, the Friars out-

scored Lake Zurich 13-1 to end the third quarter in a 50-37 victory. Marshall poured in a game-high 22 points of f the bench, while Hogan grabbed 10 rebounds to go with seven points.

“We showed we can make a run in the second half of the season,” Fergerson said. “We just can’t have those third-quar ter collapses. The same thing happened at St. Laurence; we’ve got to correct that. Otherwise, we’re all right.”

Fenwick returns to action Jan. 11 versus Whitney Young in the After the Game Shootout at St. Ignatius.

In the fifth-place g ame, Dec. 30, Fenwick fell 49-46 to New Trier. Molis’ potential g ame-tying three-pointer missed as time expired

“We got a good look … Cammie just wasn’t able to knock it down,” Fergerson said. Molis finished with 12 points, while Williams (nine rebounds, five steals) and Eleanor Gibson each had nine points and Smith eight points and five rebound s.

Following a home g ame ag ainst Willowbrook, Jan. 7 (after press time), Fenwick meets T rinity at Dominican University, Jan. 9, at 7 pm . “[T rinity] is a rivalry g ame. It comes down to who wants it more,” Fergerson said. “It should be a good g ame.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

Trinity takes holiday consolation title

Girls basketball enjoys a solid showing at State Farm Classic

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Trinity High School varsity basketball team entered the holidays on a roll, having won four of its previous five games

At the State Farm Holiday Classic in Bloomington-Normal, the Blazer s bounced back from a close loss in the opening round to snag three consecutive victories and bring home the large-school consolation championship.

“This was probably one of the best winter breaks we’ve had in my time here,” said Trinity coach Kim Coleman. “We go t an opportunity to play downstate against elite competition and experience good officiating. We also had the opportunity to bond with the team and parents.”

T rinity (12-5) fell to Taylorville in the State Farm opening round, Dec. 26, 50-43. Senior Sofia Flynn had 16 points, six rebounds and three steals, and junior Chloe Santos had 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists for the Blazers in defeat

But T rinity responded with three consecutive wins. On Dec. 27, junior Armante Dambrauskas scored 16 points and Santos 15 points in a 50-35 win over Normal West. T hen on Dec. 28, the Blazers pulled of f the

challenging task of winning two g ames in the same day.

In the morning, Trinity defeated Kankakee 45-36. Junior Zaria Goins had 15 points. Flynn added 13 points and six rebounds, and Dambrauskas 10 points and eight rebounds. In the evening, the Blazers edged past Wheaton-War renville South 36-32 to win the consolation title. Freshman Keyera Gamble led with nine points, six rebounds and two blocks. Goins (eight rebounds) and Flynn each scored eight points and Dambrauskas seven.

“Bringing home the consolation trophy, it’s a blessing,” Coleman said. T rinity returned to the Chicago area to compete in the Grow the Game Invitational. On Jan. 3 at New T rier, Dambrauskas and Goins had 13 points apiece and Flynn — named Player of the Game — added 11 points, four rebounds and two steals in a 45-30 victory over Palatine. T he next day at Highland Pa rk, the Blazers lost 52-41 to St. Charles East. Dambrauskas, who took home Player of the Game honors, had 11 points and two steals. Sophomore Destiny Sacluti added eight points and Flynn seven points and six rebound s.

“The two g ames we lost [during the holidays] were winnable,” Coleman said.

“We’ re feeling very optimistic entering the second half of the season.”

Although no T rinity players made the State Farm All-Tournament Team, Coleman isn’ t focused on that. Instead, she’s looking at the bigger picture.

“We just want to work to g et better, prepare our kids for the next level, and compete for a state championship,” Coleman said. “We know who we’ve got and our kids know who they are, so we try not to put too much into [all-tournament honors].”

T rinity returns to action, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m., versus neighboring Fenwick at Dominican University in a key Girls Catholic Athletic Conference matchup

“It’s always fun to play teams who are so close,” Coleman said. “It’s always a good time, but [Fenwick] is a conference game that we take seriously. Every game is big for us.

“I’m looking for us to continue to climb the ladder … ultimately we want to be peaking at the right time,” she added. “We’ re not there yet, but this team is really talented and intelligent; they’re able to put things to g ether as a group to g et wins It’s a matter of us conti nuing to grow, not making the same mistakes, and playing for each other. We do that, we’ ll g et the results we want.”

OPRF boys hoopers win Pontiac Consolation Titl

Alex Gossett makes All-Tournament Second Team

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

For the second time in three years, the Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity boys basketball team emerged from the premier holiday tournament in Illinois with a well-deserved trophy

While the Huskies did not win the Pontiac Holiday Tournament championship, Dec. 2628, they rebounded from a first-round defeat to run off three consecutive wins and claim the consolation title.

“We played really well,” said OPRF coach Phil Gary. “If you play four games at Pontiac,

you’re playing some pretty good basketball.”

In the opener on Dec. 26, OPRF (6-7) led Curie 40-39 late in the third quarter. But the Condors closed the quarter on a 9-1 run, then outscored the Huskies 20-9 in the fourth to pull away for a 68-50 victory. Alex Gossett had 16 points and six rebounds, Matt Halper nine points, and Alex Vincent eight in the loss

“Curie turned it up in the fourth quarter and we started turning it over and missing layups and easy shots,” Gary said. “If you do that against teams like Curie, it’s going to be a long day.”

The next day in the consolation bracket, OPRF pulled out an 84-79 overtime victory over St. Charles North. Gossett tallied a game-high 28 points, and Vincent posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Cameron Woods added 16 points and Logan Johnson 13 points and five rebounds

for the Huskies

OPRF needed to win twice on Dec. 28 to win the consolation title, and that is exactly what happened. In the morning, Gossett had 27 points and nine rebounds in a 63-52 victory over Lockport Woods added 11 points, and Vincent and Jerome Delaney had 10 apiece

Later in the day, the Huskies edged past Danville 65-62 for the consolation championship. Gossett, who averaged 23.5 points and had a tournament-best 94 points in four games, enroute to making the Pontiac AllTournament Second Team, scored 23. Vincent put up another double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds), and Johnson added 10 points “[Gossett] is starting to understand that this is his senior year and he needs to continue to grow and get better as a player,” Gary said. “He left his stamp on every game.”

Unfortunately, the momentum OPRF built

Mid-Suburban League/West Suburban Conference Challenge, Jan. 4 at Buffalo Grove, Gossett kept his hot streak going with 24 points, and Vincent had 14 points and 10 rebounds. But their efforts weren’t enough as OPRF lost to Fremd 78-61.

Then at the New Year’s Showcase at Malcolm X Colle ge, Jan. 5, the Huskies were edged out by Lindblom 55-52. Gossett and Halper each had 13 points, and Vincent added nine.

“We hit a little wall mentally this weekend,” Gary said. “We have to get through that. We’re looking forward to getting back to what we do: outrebound teams, play our pace of basketball, and play defense.”

OPRF has home games against Hope Academy, Jan. 8, and Hinsdale Central, Jan. 10, with both tipping off at 7:30 p.m.

TRINIT Y HIGH SCHOOL

TRINIT Y HIGH SCHOOL

Chloe Santos

Essential Civics

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

January 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from by the Village of Brookfield, as petitioner, to Amend the text of the Village of Brookfield Zoning Ordinance Chapter 62 Zoning, Article II Districts, Section 62.217 Station Atrea Districts, General Design. The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 25-02. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark January 8, 2025

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

January 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Jennifer Del Giudice / Luxxe Honor for Special Use Permit from §62.30 in order to allow a massage establishment for property located at 3745 Grand Boulevard , Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PIN 15-34-421-043-0000)

Legal Description: PARCEL 3 LOT 21 AND LOT 15 (EXCEPT THE EAST 47.58 FEET THEREOF) IN BLOCK 18 IN CROSSDALE, AS SUBDIVISIN BY S.E. GROSS OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS. IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 25-03. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Published in RB Landmark January 8, 2025.

Published in RB Landmark January 8, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield

Planning and Zoning Commission

January 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request from Paul Castelbuono / Castle Motors for variations from §42- 86 Permanent Sign Regulations in order to allow a third wall sign on the property that exceeds the maximum height and sign area and an awning sign that is mounted below the minimum clearance, exceeds the 30% coverage and two lines of text maximums for property located at 9000 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PINs 18-03-210-062-0000 & 1803-210-063-0000).

Legal Description: LOTS 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 AND 24 IN BLOCK 83 IN S.E. GROSS 3RD ADDITION TO GROSSDALE, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 25-01. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Published in RB Landmark January 8, 2025.

Published in RB Landmark January 8, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2025 Village Utility Pavement Patching Services Bid Number: 25-110 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 8, 2025