WednesdayJournal_011117 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

January 11, 2017 Vol. 35, No. 21 ONE DOLLAR

@O @OakPark

A street paved with gold $26.5 million in red-light camera tickets issued along Harlem Avenue since 2014 By BOB UPHUES and BRETT McNEIL Senior Editor and Contributing Reporter

Harlem Avenue is a busy road. Everyone knows that. But thanks to all that traffic, it’s recently become something else: A gold mine. Between January 2014 and October 2016, more than $26.5 million in red-light camera citations were issued to motorists on Harlem between North Avenue and Cermak

Road. Based on those numbers, compiled as part of a Wednesday Journal analysis, that stretch of Harlem may be the most lucrative four-mile length of road in the entire state. The two red-light cameras on Harlem Avenue in River Forest -- at North Avenue and Lake Street -- have issued more than $5.2 million in citations since the start of 2014. And at the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road, North Riverside and Berwyn have combined to issue more than $20.7 million in red-light camera tickets. A pair of cameras operated by Forest Park at Roosevelt and Harlem has contributed another $550,000 to the Harlem Avenue citation totals. See RED-LIGHT CAMERA on page 10

The trouble with leaves

Warm fall results in piles of leaves in Oak Park in January By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

FINE TIME: Motorists making illegal right turns on red accounted for more than 90 percent of all red-light camera tickets issued along Harlem Avenue between North Avenue and Cermak Road from Jan. 1, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2016.

An unusually warm fall has some Oak Parkers scratching their heads over piles of leaves that still line the streets of their neighborhoods. Many have been left wondering what to do with the rotting piles, weeks after they are usually scooped up by the village’s public works department and its garbage hauler Waste Management. The large maple tree in front of the home of Belinda Lutz-Hamel and her husband, William Hamel, in the 1000 block of South Scoville Avenue, dropped its leaves later this year than in the past. Lutz-Hamel, who has lived in the home for the last 22 years, said the leaves usually

fall just after Thanksgiving, but this year they stubbornly clung on. She said in an interview in the first week of 2017, “I’m looking out the back window and seeing some trees that still haven’t lost their leaves.” The couple dutifully raked the leaves out into the street to be picked up by garbage collectors in December, but the pile was covered by the first snow of the season and shoved back onto the parkway by snow plows, leaving a brown pile of icy muck. Undaunted, Belinda and William again raked the leaves out onto the street, once the piles had thawed, but by then it was too late – leaf removal season had ended. Lutz-Hamel said she’s seen leftover piles in other parts of the village. “I welcome you to drive around the village; the streets look unkempt,” she said. Predicting the perfect leaf removal schedSee LATE LEAVES on page 14

New Sunday Brunch Special! $5 Mimosas & Sangria 9am-2pm

www.mayadelsol.com | 144 s oak park ave

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ARTFUL URBAN RESIDENCES IN THE HEART OF OAK PARK

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

35% SOLD!

Single-level 3 bedroom +den residences $599,900 –$899,900

VISIT OUR NEW SALES CENTER! Open daily 12–6pm • 805 Lake Street in Oak Park

Frank Vihtelic

708.386.1810__ fvihtelic@jamesonsir.com

DistrictHouseOakPark.com

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

I N S I D E

R E P O R T

West Sub welcomes Jack Darnell Jack was the Darnalls’ firstborn and he was also West Suburban Medical Center’s firstborn – of 2017 that is. Jack Darnall – son of Anna, 34, and Matt, 29 – was the first baby delivered at the hospital in 2017, making his debut appearance to the world at 6:21 a.m. on Jan. 1, according to a West Suburban press release. “The due date was Jan. 7 but when my wife went into early labor, I was hoping for that 2016 tax break,” joked Matt Darnall, an art director at a post-production and

visual effects company. “Jack’s healthy and really cute and that’s all that matters. Being a new dad is pretty cool.” Jack had a healthy birth, weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 19 ½ inches long. Monique Brotman, DO, and Cynthia Mason, RN, certified midwife, helped perform the delivery at West Sub’s Alternative Birthing Center. The birthing center offers certified nurse-midwives accredited by the America College of NurseMidwives. It provides a number of

birthing options, including laboring in water, nitrous oxide for pain relief and the use of birthing balls during delivery. “Just overall, it’s really exciting to have a baby but that he is the first baby born at West Suburban Medical Center in 2017 makes the experience even more special,” Anna Darnall said in the press release. “I had wonderful care at West Suburban; the nurses are amazing.”

Timothy Inklebarger Photo submitted

restaurants received the honor of being declared “hot,” but it does note that the bakery’s “secret weapon” is its peanut butter chess pie. Is your mouth watering yet? Well, it’s just going to have to do that for the next few days; a sign on the door of Spilt Milk notes that not only are they sold out of pie, the shop is closed for the holidays through Jan. 8.

Timothy Inklebarger

Spilt Milk is hot, hot, hot

Oak Park’s newest pastry shop, Spilt Milk Pastry, opened its doors in October and in a few short months has become one of the hottest dining establishments in the entire Chicago area – that is according to Chicago Magazine’s January Hot List. The top-10 list highlights restaurants that “everyone’s talking about and dining at (in order of heat).” Spilt Milk, 103 S. Oak Park Ave., was No. 8 on the list. The list is short on details as to why

King, Obama legacies meet in MLK events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16, will have particular resonance, considering that it falls in the same week that the country’s first African American president is set to leave office. Dominican University will explore that synchronicity and assess the extent of the country’s racial progress in a panel discussion, “Assessing the MLK Legacy: The State of Race After Obama’s

Historic Presidency.” The event will feature journalist Salim Muwakkil, senior editor of the politically progressive monthly magazine In These Times. In particular, the event will explore the mid-1960s Chicago Freedom Movement, led by King and his Southern Christian Leadership Council. The Jan. 18 panel discussion will start at 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center in Dominican’s Fine Arts Building, 7900 Division St. For more information, contact Sheila Radford-Hill, Dominican’s chief diversity officer, at sradfordhill@dom.edu. On Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (8th) and Lynn Allen will host the 10th Annual Family Health Challenge at Percy Julian Middle School, 416 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Oak Park. The annual event, open to parents and students in grades K-8 from Chicago and surrounding communities, will feature MLK trivia and a range of physical fitness activities — honoring Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! health and fitness campaign.

Those interested are asked to preregister for the event by Jan. 12 by filling out a permission form and emailing it to mlk2017@lashawnford.com or faxing it to 480-287-8750. To access the form, visit www.op97.org and look on the Current News section of the site on the left-hand side of the screen. For more information, call Rep. Ford at 773-378-5902, or visit www.lashawnford.com.

Michael Romain

WHO YOU TRUST

708.383.9000 • forestagency.com

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

MLK Film Fest

Making Dollars Make Cents Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6 to 7 p.m., Oak Park rk Public Library: Learn how to lay a financial foundation that will last a lifetime. Freee hands-on workshop series for teens and adults,, presented in collaboration with the Suburban Unityy Alliance and GoBoodle.com. 834 Lake St. The seriess continues on Jan. 19 and 26, Feb. 2 and 9. Attend any or all.

Jan. 11-18

BIG WEEK

Blizzard of 1967, the play Begins Thursday, Jan. 12 at 16th Street Theater, in Berwyn: 16th Street Theater presents Blizzard ’67 from Jan. 12 through Feb. 18. Show times are Thurs. and Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. at 4 and 8 p.m. $20. 6420 16th St. For more information, call 708-795-6704.

Figures and portraits Friday, Frida Jan. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m., Oak Park Art League: The Art LLeague presents Traditional to Contemporary: The Figure & Portrait, an exhibit from Jan. 13-Feb. 3. A reception will be held Jan. 13 in the main gallery, 720 Chicago Ave. For more information, call 708-386-9853 or visit www.oakparkartleague.org

Cinderella Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., Ovation Academy: Enrollment for Cinderella the Musical, open to grades 2 through, from Jan. 14-Feb. 18. Mondays, 4-6:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., plus Tech Week & two shows. Performances will be Feb. 18 at 2 & 5 p.m. For more information, visit www. ovationacademy.org. 126 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park.

Bead around hand

Swedish Midwinter

Readers Theater Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m., 19th Century Club: The Free Readers Ensemble presents Embraceable Me, performed at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. For more information, visit www.freereaders.com

Maker Day

Friday, Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bead In Hand: Bead in Hand presents Flat Spiral Bracelet, a jewelry class. 145 Harrison St. in the Oak Park Arts District. Cost is $25. For more information, visit www.beadinhand.com or call 708-848-1761.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14 from 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Monday, Jan. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m., Oak Park Public Library: Mark the 31st anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the legacy of the modern Civil Rights Movement with three films, part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival, presented in the Veterans Room. 834 Lake St. For more information, call 708-697-6925. ■ Selma will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 11. ■ What Happened, Miss Simone? will be screened on Saturday, Jan. 14. ■ Eyes On the Prize: Ain’t Scared of Your Jails will be shown on Monday, Jan. 16.

Monday, Jan. 16, Oak Park Education Foundation: t th OPEF presents Maker Day on MLK Day for grades K-8 with unique projects using materials in unexpected ways. Makee everything from Lego marble runs and glowing stuffed creatures e to es cical mini-mosaic pieces and Arduino animators. There’s even a special girls-only field trip for middle-school makers to design in a real al Monday, Jan. 16 at 1:15 p.m., engineering lab. To register and find out about times and 19th Century Club: location, visit www.opef.org/base-camp. In “The Brief History of the GAR,” Brian Flora and Kay Kuhlman portray Oak Parkers Wilbur Crummer, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), and his wife Ema. The GAR, now all but forgotten, built monuments to Friday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, honor veterans and created official days of remembrance for our Wonder Works: soldiers. $10 suggested donation, refreshments following the Oak Park’s children’s museum presents Transportaprogram. Lunch at noon, $20/person, call to make reservation. tion Works, featuring cars, trains, construction trucks, 178 Forest Ave. For more information, call 708-386-2729 or visit etc. 6445 W. North Ave. For more information, call www.nineteenthcentury.org. 708-383-4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org.

Sunday, Jan. 15 from 10:30 a.m. till noon, Open Door Theater: Church of Beethoven presents a Midwinter Concert by tenor Bradley Schuller, a tribute to Swedish tenor Jussi Bjorling, accompanied by Chicago pianist Anatoliy Torchinskiy. 902 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Oak Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. $10 adults/$5 children. Come at 10 a.m. for cookies and coffee. Tickets: http://www. churchofbeethoven-oakpark.com/buy-tickets.html. For more information visit www.churchofbeethoven-oakpark.com. Hear ear Bjorlingg at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUbA5y1hnFg

GAR history

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ As you’ve likely noticed, our

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

Cars, trains and trucks

Dolls and a d butterfl b ies Friday, Jan. 13 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Whispers From the Moon: A two-part Intention Doll Workshop with the theme “Becoming a Butterfly” with Lisa Source Schmitz. Also on Feb. 10 & 11. Whispers From the Moon, 235 Harrison St. in the Oak Park Arts District. For more information, call 708-717-0758.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

EXPRESSIVE: Luis Tubens, Oak Park Public Library’s first artist in residence, a seasoned poet, writer and performer with Esso Afro Jam Funkbeat. He will begin working with library patrons in grades 6-12.

Library makes room for artist in residence

Investing in an IRA today can set you up for a bright future. Talk to us today to find out more.

7348 West Madison Street 7331 West Roosevelt Road 708-222-2800 | forestparkbank.com

Chicago poet to stay 3 months, facilitate writing workshops By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Late last year, Luis Tubens, 35, was invited to stop by the Oak Park Public Library to work with some of the teenage patrons who fill the Lake Street facility’s second floor during after-school hours. “The teens were just kind of hanging around, but I was able to grab the attention of a few of them and work with them,” said Tubens in a recent phone interview. About a week later, he accepted an offer to become the library’s first artist in residence. In a recent statement, Middle School Services Librarian Jose Cruz said the new position is designed to encourage young people to participate in the arts. “We hope to encourage tweens and teens at the library more deeply using a highly relatable and popular form of creative expression, Cruz said. Tubens, who began his residency on Jan. 3, will receive a modest stipend and will meet with library staff and student patrons in grades 6 to 12 for roughly four hours a week for three months. The first-of-its-kind position at the library comprises free writing workshops and a monthly spoken-word open mic session called “More Than a Mic: Your Voice Is Your Power.” The first session will take place at the Main Library on Jan. 25, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Workshops for students in grades 6-12 will take place on Thursdays, from 5 to

7 p.m. “In the workshops, we’ll do basic writing exercises and usually will end each one by writing a classic poem,” Tubens said. “In the first workshop I did as artist in residence, we did haikus. Next, we may move on to sonnets or limericks.” Tubens, who is a vocalist with the popular band ESSO Afro Jam Funkbeat, teaches poetry to elementary school students through a DePaul University program and has also worked with incarcerated young people inside of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, among numerous other positions. Tubens, who lives in Chicago, said his own love affair with poetry evolved from his engagement with hip-hop, back in the 1980s and 1990s. “I started off writing rhymes, but I knew early on I wasn’t a rapper,” Tubens said. “I didn’t write that way. In my late teens and early 20s, I morphed my rhymes into a style of work that appeared more like poetry.” Nowadays, Tuben said, the medium is more important than ever. “I think poetry is one of the most important mediums of expression — from back when it first appeared until today,” he said. “Now, though, it may be more prominent than ever because it is one of the clearest, most direct ways of expressing what’s going on in the world today. And anybody can do it. You don’t need formal training to write poetry.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

RIVER FOREST YOUTH BASEBALL SOFTBALL

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Improve Your Life Through Exercise Next Steps is a collection of fitness programs for individuals transitioning from or managing a medical condition or needing additional support to improve their level of physical activity. ABOUT US Unlike other fitness centers, the Loyola Center for Fitness uses a medically integrated approach to fitness: • Individualized exercise plans address special instructions from your healthcare provider if needed. • Exercises are selected to meet your specific needs. • Fitness specialists have a health or fitness-related degree and a variety of specialized certifications. Programs are open to the community. Begin any program for just $99! Referral from health care provider is required to participate. For more information contact: Val Walkowiak, Medical Integration Coordinator, at (708)-327-3526 2160 S. First Avenue, Bldg. 130 Maywood, IL 60153

Performing Arts Center

“electrifying talents” - The Washington Post

Saturday, January 28, 2017 // 7:30 p.m.

Step Afrika! Discover the world of stepping with this high-energy performance from Washingon DC’s world–renowned Step Afrika!.

UP NEXT: Saturday, March 11

Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen THE 37th ANNUAL TRUSTEE BENEFIT CONCERT

events.dom.edu

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

7900 West Division Street • River Forest, IL 60305 • FREE PARKING • BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000

Hephzibah’s Brown retiring

few years ago, I was talking to Mary Anne Brown, the Hephzibah Children’s Association executive director. There was a story in the news — a failed adoption and a media firestorm over a mom sending her child back to Moscow on a one-way ticket. We talked into the late afternoon. As Mary Anne urged less judgment and more empathy, her young wards in the agency’s group home on North Boulevard began wandering in from school or day care or some such activity. More than one came into her office to share some news, to make a connection. I remember a young boy who, like each of the 26 kids in the group home, had come to Hephzibah after pretty much unspeakable trauma and abandonment. He told Mary Anne his worries and she brought him in close and said to him, “You’re right. Your life hasn’t been fair. But what are you going to do about it? Are you going to go forward or be stuck?” That was enough. Off he went with something to think about and a loving, secure place to do that thinking. Got the word over the weekend that Mary Anne Brown is going to be retiring from Hephzibah this summer after 40 years. We talked Monday by phone. The conversation started when she started at Hephzibah. The mid-1970s. A former nun, now married, she and her husband had just moved to Oak Park. Armed with her degree in psychology, she applied to be executive director of Hephzibah, by that point nearly 80 years old. She remembered that the agency was down to a single program, afterschool daycare, that the annual budget was $100,000 and that the future was seen as fragile. After several interviews with the board, including one where her husband was called in, she was offered the position at a lower salary than the male candidate. And perhaps, she said, she was offered the job because she would take the lower salary.

That was the floor. And in the 40 years that followed, Brown, her colleagues, her board, a raft of partners and donors, both private and public, and hundreds of volunteers, have wrangled and cajoled the state and federal government into supporting thousands of children, most of them local, in every way that kids and families need support. Mary Anne talks with enthusiasm about Hephzibah’s programs, the newest being an offshoot of Head Start, which the agency rescued two years back when its local providers failed. While Head Start in Oak Park now serves 60 children, the new infant Head Start has 12 little ones receiving care and family visits. “This is why it is still so exciting,” she says. Working with District 97 schools, Hephzibah now has day care in all the schools, serving 600 kids. There are almost 100 kids in foster care locally. The state trusts Hephzibah with 26 of the most troubled kids from across Illinois in its group home. There’s the summer learning program for its kids hosted at Dominican University and the Camp HepSIBah which gathers up siblings spread across foster and adoptive homes for a week back together at camp each summer. Local shop owners provide new shoes and clothes for each child who arrives at the group home, a local photographer shoots a portrait of each new arrival so their picture hangs on the wall in the hallway, “just like at home,” says Brown. It’s a lot of work becoming an icon. But Mary Anne Brown has earned it. These days Hephzibah has a budget of $9 million and the staff numbers 150. The Hephzibah board is due to start a national search for her replacement shortly. And Brown, 72, says her “planful stepping away” comes at the right time. She is ready for the “new journey” of retirement though it seems plain she will not go too far. “I love Hephzibah. I feel privileged to have worked with these kids,” she says.

DAN HALEY

H O W

T O

R E A C H

U S

Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-524-0447 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 circulation@oakpark.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 dawn@oakpark.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES Mary Ellen Nelligan, 708-613-3342 maryellen@oakpark.com NEWS/FEATURES Dan Haley, 708-613-3301 dhaley@wjinc.com

CALENDAR Carrie Bankes calendar@wjinc.com SPORTS/PARKS Marty Farmer, 708-613-3319 marty@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal is published weekly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, Illinois (USPS No. 0010-138). In-county subscription rate is $32 per year, $57 for two years. Annual out-of-county rate is $40. © 2016 Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Hundreds mobilize in Oak Park for post-Inauguration marches By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

On Thursday, nearly 200 people, mostly women, packed two second-floor meeting rooms inside of the Oak Park Public Library. Collectively, they represented one gust in what New Yorker writer Evan Osnos has called a “gathering storm of protest” against President-elect Donald Trump. “In this political climate, we as women, and with the support of men, have to send a message to the new administration about human rights,” said Oak Park resident Wendy Cole. “There’s been a lot of vindication that there’s less respect for women from some people at the top. So we need to stand together.” Cole was at the library to gather informational items, marching orders and talking points from activists who are planning the Photo submitted Women’s March on Washington the day after Annie Williams, an Illinois organizer Trump’s inauguration. The movement materialized from a Facebook event page that was with the Women’s March on Washington, created soon after Trump’s shocking Nov. 8 during a protest in Chicago last year. Nuvictory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. merous Women’s Marches are set to take Other activists and organizations, perplace on Jan. 21 in the capital and in cities haps most prominently Al Sharpton, are planning their own demonstrations in across the country. Washington D.C. (Sharpton’s is Jan. 14), but the Women’s March will likely be the largest Trump and the rest of his administration hears us. He said some very offensive, insultof those mass actions. Since its formation in early November, ing things about so many groups of people.” Anthony Clark, SUA’s executive director state chapters of the Women’s March have and founder, was one of the few men in atformed across the country and 170,000 people have accepted the Facebook invitation to the tendance at the planning meeting. He told Inauguration Day march in Washington. the standing room audience that SUA was Hundreds of thousands more are expected partnering with the Women’s March because “fights are not mutually exclusive to attend “sister marches” in citand empathy is everything.” ies across the country, including “I’m a man,” said Clark. “It is imChicago, scheduled to take place possible for me to ever truly undersimultaneously. stand what it means to be a woman. ■ To read more The Jan. 5 planning event at I will never fully experience sexthe library was co-hosted by the VISIT OAKPARK.COM ism. But what I can do is empathize nonprofit Suburban Unity Alliand recognize that sexism and miance, which has joined with othsogyny are wrong. As a black male, it would be er civil and human rights organizations in helping to coordinate the Women’s marches. hypocritical to say that racism is wrong and yet On Jan. 21, members of SUA and other lo- allow sexism to proliferate in my community.” But the idea of marching after a presidencal organizations, such as the Democratic tial inauguration didn’t go down as smoothParty of Oak Park, will take Green Line and Metra trains to Grant Park in downtown ly with Oak Park resident John Palmisano, Chicago for a one-mile demonstration that’s 69, who happened to stumble onto the gathexpected to last several hours while other ering while visiting the library. “I rented a room upstairs and when I people in attendance at Thursday’s meeting, like Cole, will protest in the nation’s capital. pulled up to the parking lot, every space Cole, a mother of two, said her son, a se- was taken,” said Palmisano, who described nior at Oak Park and River Forest High himself as an independent conservative. School, was thinking about accompanying “There are any number of issues I’ll agree her to Washington, but wondered if some with them on and a number I’m opposed to. women would rather men not take part — I’m willing to say, ‘Give [Trump] a chance.’ I less from an exclusionary standpoint than a didn’t vote for Obama, but I was all for him doing his best and giving him a chance to do need to heal in a safe space, she said. “I want to do this to feel better,” Cole said. whatever he could do. Unfortunately, he got “Partly, this is for me. I don’t think that pulled too far to the left in some cases.” For many of those planning on attending the Trump and his administration will agree marches, however, the gathering storm of prowith everything we’re doing, but we have to get our voices out there and, hopefully, test is much larger than an incoming president. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

WEB EXTRA

Before you drop a few pounds, pick up a plan. Call us. Same-day appointments available in River Forest and in Oak Park. Resolutions are fine. But don’t start a diet or exercise program without first consulting your primary care physician. Do you know your numbers for blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure? When is the last time you had them checked? We’ll look at them together and help you make choices that are right for you.

Sheba Chiplunkar, M.D. Internal Medicine 7411 Lake Street River Forest, IL 60305

Bettina Killion, M.D., J.D. Internal Medicine 7411 Lake Street River Forest, IL 60305

Emelita C. Co, M.D. Internal Medicine

601 S. Maple Avenue Suite 3300, Oak Park, IL, 60304

Call 844-533-CHMG to make an appointment today or visit ChicagoHealthMedicalGroup.com for more information or to book 24/7.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Clock is ticking on Lake-Lathrop development

Keystone Ventures has new partner, is working on ‘significant modifications’ By DEBORAH KADIN Contributing Reporter

River Forest handed the developer of Lake and Lathrop what could be his final chance to advance an important proposed commercial project in River Forest. In a unanimous vote after very few questions, trustees on Jan. 9 gave Keystone Ventures and Tim Hague until Jan. 30 to purchase the two key parcels for the project, buy out the associated leases and perform other due diligence. The firm also will have until March 10 to file a new redevelopment application, “as best and complete as possible,” according to Village President Catherine Adduci. “As you can imagine, the village wants this project to succeed for all the right reasons. We want to see something special there,” Aducci said. “We’re at a point where we need to move on this. This has been in the making for a long time and we have our limits. I’m confident we will make this happen, I’m confident these are the rights dates.

“I hope, frankly, we won’t be disappointed.” In a telephone interview before the meeting, Trustee Tom Cargie said it was unfortunate that it has taken so long to get this done. “This is the single most important development in River Forest, and we need to get it online as fast as possible. Hopefully we won’t have to extend it again,” said Cargie, who is running for re-election this spring. The development has been in the works since 2010. In March 2016, the village and Hague struck a timeline for him to do all the work, including buying all the parcels, by June. Deadlines have come and gone since June, and the village has sent default notices to Hague in the intervening months. In seeking what is the third extension of that initial timeline, Hague told the board there have been “a lot of challenges associated with this redevelopment, a lot of complexity to this,” including acquisition of property from the estate of Ed Ditchfield and from Ali ElSaffar, Oak Park Township assessor. Hague said he’d made significant progress, but did not elaborate. “I’m encouraged by this,” Hague said. “Ultimately, we will have a nice project as we work through some of the challenges and

difficulties.” One challenge is the environmental contamination on two of the properties. Another is that the firm, Inland Real Estate Group, which had been involved in the residential component of the project, struggled with some of the challenges and complexities, according to Hague, who did not elaborate. The two parted company and Hague found another partner, Sedgwick Properties, owned by Marty Paris, a River Forest resident and son of former Village President Frank Paris. Hague said they would be working with staff on significant modifications to the redevelopment application. Adduci told Hague the village expects the project and the renderings would look similar to the past presentations he gave to the trustees. Hague assured the board that they would. “We are confident that deadline will be met,” said Hague, who told Wednesday Journal in a brief interview that Sedgwick has good experience working with urban residential sites. As of now, Hague said they had not approached financial institutions for funding. He said they were working property acquisition. Three properties are needed to make the project work. The least important is 423

Ashland Ave., a parcel owned by Forest Park National Bank. That land, which was purchased in September 2016 by Hague, is an adjunct to the project. The property at 7602-13 Lake St. is owned by the Ditchfield estate; 7617-21 Lake St. is owned by ElSaffar. Both properties, the parkway and the street have to be clear of carcinogenic drycleaning chemicals by Aug. 1. When trustees in 2010 selected Hague as the developer of the site, they committed $1.9 million from the Lake Street Tax Increment Financing District toward the environmental remediation. Over the years, a big issue during discussions with Ditchfield was cleanup of the site. As far back as 2001, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found that the property, which had housed a dry cleaner since 1922, was contaminated. Ditchfield operated River Forest Cleaners on the site. After the meeting, Trustee Tom Dwyer, who also is running for re-election, said he had no concerns about Hague meeting this deadline, despite the fact that he missed them in the past. “I think he can do it,” said Dwyer, who would not comment further. Neither Sedgwick nor Inland could be reached for comment.

You’re Invited!

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is holding public hearings on the I-290 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS documents the need for transportation solutions for I-290 from west of Mannheim Road to Racine Avenue and the evaluation of alternatives for addressing those transportation needs. Further, it addresses the potential effects on environmental resources and the potential effects on future traffic operations caused by proposed alternatives as well as the “no-build” alternative. The findings of the CTA’s Blue Line Vision Study will also be presented. The public hearings will be conducted in an open house format, and interested persons may attend anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. There will be a continuous audiovisual presentation, and the public is invited and encouraged to attend to review and comment on the:

OPEN HOUSE January 29th from 2-4 pm For over 28 years, WSMS has provided quality Montessori education in Oak Park. We have programs for students between 3–12 years of age. Please join us to learn more about Montessori education, meet our teachers, and the parents of enrolled children at our open house.

• • • •

Purpose and need for the improvement Alternatives under consideration Preferred Alternative Preliminary road closure plan for Harrison Street and Bataan Drive at 1st Avenue • Social, economic, and environmental effects and proposed mitigation strategies

The Division of Highways will process a permit for construction in a regulated floodway whenever such permits are required for the project. Attendees are encouraged to provide verbal or written testimony to be included in the public record. IDOT and study team representatives will be available to answer questions. In addition, a question and answer forum will be held at 7:00 p.m. each day. Court reporters will be available to record public comments. The I-290 DEIS is available for public review and comment beginning December 30, 2016 at EisenhowerExpressway.com, local libraries located within the study area and the IDOT Region One office. A complete listing of these locations can be found on the project website. Comments on the DEIS will be accepted through February 13, 2017.

The dates, times, and locations of the hearings are as follows:

Wednesday, January 25, 2017* 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Proviso Math and Science Academy 8601 Roosevelt Road Forest Park, Illinois 60130

(Pace Bus route 301 and 308 stop at the south-west corner of the Academy)

Thursday, January 26, 2017* 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Marriott Chicago- Medical District 625 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60607 (Just east of the Racine Blue Line Station)

All correspondence regarding this project should be sent to: Illinois Department of Transportation Attn: Mark Peterson, Project Manager 201 West Center Court Schaumburg, IL 60196

* In the event the hearing is canceled due to a major snow event that requires the closing of public/private facilities, the alternate dates will be February 1, 2017 at Proviso Math and Science Academy and February 2, 2017 at the Marriott Chicago – Medical District.

1039 South East Avenue Oak Park, IL 60304 • 708.848.2662 wsms.org • facebook.com/westsuburbanmontessori WSMS_Wednesday Ad_12_06_16.indd 1

• Proposed Section 4(f) de minimis impacts for improvements at public parks (Veterans Park, the Dog Park, and the proposed Recreation Center site at Circle Avenue) in the Village of Forest Park • Air Quality • Noise Analysis

This meeting will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance should contact Lisa Mentzer at (630) 812-1724. Persons planning to attend who will need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the TTY/TTD number (800) 526-0844 or 711; TTY users (Español) (800) 501-0864 or 711; and for Telebraille dial (877) 526-6670 at least ﬁve days prior to the meeting.

12/7/16 1:16 PM

www.EisenhowerExpressway.com

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Challenged candidates make their cases Decision on who gets removed from the ballot expected Jan. 12 By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

The village of Oak Park’s first electoral board meeting became heated at points on Thursday afternoon, as candidates facing challenges to their nominating petitions for the upcoming municipal election argued their cases for remaining on the ballot. Six of 12 candidates for village trustee and village clerk have been challenged – trustee candidates Glenn Brewer, Peter Barber and Emily Masalski and clerk candidates Elia Gallegos, Lori Malinski and Mas Takiguchi. The electoral board is a three-member panel – Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, Village Clerk Teresa Powell and outgoing Oak Park Trustee Colette Lueck – that will hear arguments and determine whether candidates will get a place on the ballot for the April 4 election. Candidates and their attorneys must file legal briefs in the cases by Jan. 9. A second hearing has been scheduled for 3 p.m. at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St., on Jan. 12. Prior to making their arguments, some who had filed objections to various petitions aimed to have members of the electoral board recused from the hearings because of potential conflicts of interest. Most notably, perhaps, was the exchange between trustee candidate Emily Masalski and Abu-Taleb. Masalski said Abu-Taleb should be removed from the panel because of a meeting she had with the mayor prior to filing her petition signatures. Masalski argued that Abu-Taleb could not be an impartial judge, because he encouraged her to not run for the trustee seat at a meeting at a local diner on Dec. 27. “Upon sitting down in the booth [at the restaurant where they met] President Abu-Taleb asked me how he could convince me not to run for village of Oak Park trustee,” she said. Village Attorney Paul Stephanides informed Masalski that the only test for whether an electoral board member could be removed from the panel was if they were a candidate in one of the contested elections. Abu-Taleb fired back that he met her as a friend as he did with other candidates running for the board of trustees and that his comment was made in jest. “At one point, like a friend saying to their friend who is about to get married [I said] ‘Are you sure you want to do this? Can I talk you out of it?’ This is how I presented it to Emily that day. It wasn’t, ‘What can I do to talk you out of it?’ meaning don’t run. I said then that I just wanted to make sure it was a joke and she agreed, and we laughed about it,” he said. Masalski maintained that she thought the comment was inappropriate, to which

“Upon sitting down in the booth [at the restaurant where they met] President AbuTaleb asked me how he could convince me not to run for village of Oak Park truste.,” EMILY MASALSKI Candidate

“At one point, like a friend saying to their friend who is about to get married [I said] ‘Are you sure you want to do this? Can I talk you out of it?’ This is how I presented it to Emily that day. It wasn’t, ‘What can I do to talk you out of it?’ meaning don’t run.” MAYOR ANAN ABUTALEB Electoral board official

Abu-Taleb replied, “And you say that with a straight face. OK.” Masalski has been challenged by two Oak Park residents – Kevin Peppard and George Lazewski – who claim that she did not collection the requisite 251 signatures needed to get on the ballot. That’s a number equal to 5 percent of the 5,021 votes cast in the most recent municipal election. Masalski argued that a discrepancy in the village code stated that the number of signatures needed was equal to 1 percent of the votes cast in the last election. Peppard, who has also brought challenges against Brewer, Barber, Malinski, Takiguchi and Gallegos, also urged electoral board members Powell and Lueck to recuse themselves from the panel because both had run in past elections with Barber and Powell on slates chosen by the Village Manager Association. Both Powell and Lueck chose to remain on the electoral board, despite the request. Peppard has argued that in the case of Takiguchi, the some petition pages were not

Lueck calls out sexism at electoral board meeting The electoral board meeting on Thursday took an unexpected turn, when Kevin Peppard made what he later acknowledged was a sexist comment about one of the candidates whose nominating petition he had challenged. During the hearing, Peppard, who has challenged several nominating petitions, aimed to explain that he did not have a personal interest in bringing the challenges. Peppard then explained that he likely would have voted for one of the candidates he had challenged, adding that “she’s certainly the prettiest one on the ballot.” Electoral board member Colette Lueck called out Peppard near the end of the hearing, stating that Peppard’s “comment about what somebody looks like and whether or not that has any relevance to their ability to serve is insulting and disrespectful.” “I think you misunderstand …” Peppard said, before Lueck cut him off. “No, I didn’t misunderstand. I heard what you said, and I’m giving you my response,” Lueck said. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb agreed with Lueck that the comment was inappropriate. “Well, I probably would have voted for her on her qualifications,” Peppard said. Abu-Taleb responded: “Well, let’s just stop you right there.” Peppard later apologized and acknowledged that “it was a sexist comment.”

Timothy Inklebarger

properly notarized, claiming that the notary signed some pages by drawing four stars instead of submitting a signature, which “showed contempt for the process.” Peppard also has argued that the petitions submitted by Gallegos were not bound in any way, which is a violation of the election code. He has told Wednesday Journal that the pages are required to be bound to prevent potential fraud. Gallegos acknowledged that she did not bind the pages but requested that the board allow her name to appear on the ballot. Both Peppard and former village Trustee Robert Milstein brought challenges against the Village Manager Association-slated candidates Brewer, Barber and Malinski. Both argue that the three candidates inappropriately submitted signature petitions as a group, rather than individually. The VMA candidates submitted 735 signatures, but Peppard said that even if they could submit signatures as a group, they would not have had the requisite 753 signatures needed to equal to 5 percent of the number of voters in the last election. CONTACT:tim@oakpark.com

brought to you by

De-Icer Debate: Pros, Cons & Protecting Our 4-Legged Friends Snow and ice are hazardous to humans and dogs alike, with salt and calcium chloride two of the more common paths to preventing slips and falls. However, both have limits and drawbacks to consider. Salt – Simple old sodium chloride is Scott the most common McAdam Jr. de-icing agent. Salt doesn’t melt snow and ice, but creates a chemical reaction to break down the ice crystals by lowering the freezing point of the water molecules. While economical, it loses effectiveness below 10 degrees. Calcium Chloride - A highly effective snow and ice melter, calcium chloride reacts similarly to rock salt, but also generates heat when it comes in contact with water molecules. It is also effective at much lower temperatures and can melt snow and ice even when it is 20 below zero. Another option to consider are pet-friendly de-icers, which do not contain any chlorides that can be damaging to paw pads. Chloridecontaining compounds can cause lesions or burns on unprotected paws. The downside of these products is their high cost-to-weight ratio. Unsure which option is best for you? We’re glad to address any of your questions and help you attain the safety and comfort that you—and your four-legged friends—seek this winter.

2001 Des Plaines Ave. Forest Park 708-771-2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

CAMERA

Right-hand turns from page 1 Fines paid by those caught on camera have poured into local municipal coffers, and the money has enriched the owners of a privately held Chicago company that operates six of the eight Harlem cameras between North Avenue and Cermak Road. And almost all of that money -and all of those $100 tickets yet to be paid -- is from violations that traffic safety experts do not recognize as significant threats to public safety. Ticket data show that in River Forest, North Riverside and Berwyn, 91.2 percent of citations were issued for improper right-hand turns on red. These are usually slow-rolling turns. This offense, while illegal, generally does not lead to dangerous accidents, according to traffic studies, and crash data provided by the local municipalities does not suggest the lucrative red-light cameras have had any meaningful effect on collisions involving motorists making right-hand turns. That’s in part because there were few such crashes in these intersections to begin with. All of the local communities where red-light cameras operate publicly sold the devices as trafficsafety measures that had ancillary benefits as revenue-generating machines. But a review of internal records provided by Berwyn and River Forest shows municipal officials chose their red-light camera vendor based on projected revenues. Moreover, in mandated traffic studies prior to installing the cameras at Lake Street and North Avenue, records show police and village officials in River Forest were aware that almost all traffic violations at either intersection were for right-turn infractions. But in promoting red-light cameras to the village board, and in making a public case that red-light cameras were primarily about safety, police officials in River Forest referenced traffic studies showing the devices were sometimes successful in lowering the incidence of head-on and T-bone crashes. They made no mention of right-hand turns. That omission is striking as records show that since installing red-light cameras River Forest has issued almost $4.6 million in tickets for right-turn violations. Down the

road in Berwyn, they’ve issued $8.9 million in right-turn violations. And in North Riverside, that number is a whopping $10.1 million.

Harlem and Cermak: A citation supernova The intersection of Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road, where North Riverside and Berwyn have combined to place four red-light cameras, has generated more than $20.7 million in red-light camera citations since the start of 2014. No government office or private organization maintains authoritative revenue numbers for red-light cameras in Illinois but Wednesday Journal was unable to identify, during a review of published reports, another intersection in the state where citations were so aggressively issued. All four of the cameras at Harlem and Cermak are controlled by SafeSpeed LLC, a politically connected business that has received relatively little public scrutiny despite its work in about a dozen suburban municipalities and despite records that indicate the company’s cameras produce citations at startlingly high rates. SafeSpeed’s red-light camera at North and Harlem in River Forest has averaged $1.37 million in citations annually since the start of 2014. That performance would place the North Avenue camera among the top four red-light cameras in the entire city of Chicago, according to a Chicago Department of Transportation 2015 annual report on the city’s red-light camera program. But the SafeSpeed cameras in Berwyn and North Riverside are in a different league altogether. The company’s camera on the northwest corner of the Harlem and Cermak intersection has averaged more than $3.4 million in annual citations since 2014. Across the street in Berwyn, the SafeSpeed camera on the southeast corner of the intersection has averaged $2.4 million in tickets during that same time period. Those two red-light cameras may well be the most lucrative in Illinois. None of the cameras in Chicago -- where the city’s sprawling red-light camera program has been the source of controversy for more than a decade -- even come close to the annual ticket averages generated at Harlem and Cermak. The most lucrative red-light camera in the city, according to CDOT figures, is located at Lake Shore Drive and Belmont Avenue. In 2015, that camera issued $1.6 million worth of citations, in what appears to have been a down year.

TICKETS ISSUED: $8.28 MILLION REVENUE COLLECTED: $4.96 MILLION RIGHT TURN ON RED TICKETS: 92.2 %

HARLEM AV E.

REDLIGHT

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

NORTH RIVERSIDE

TICKETS ISSUED: $3.039 MILLION REVENUE COLLECTED: $1.654 MILLION RIGHT TURN ON RED TICKETS: 78.6 %

W. CERMAK RD.

TICKETS ISSUED: $2.54 MILLION REVENUE COLLECTED: $1.485 MILLION RIGHT TURN ON RED TICKETS: 97.7 %

TICKETS ISSUED: $6.9 MILLION REVENUE COLLECTED: $4.42 MILLION RIGHT TURN ON RED TICKETS: 95.3 %

ILLUSTRATION BY JAVIER GOVEA

ADDING UP: The intersection of Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road, which spans both North Riverside and Berwyn, has four red-light cameras that have produced more than $20 million in citations since Jan. 1, 2014. Right turns on red account for 91.2 percent of that figure. According to Chicago Sun-Times reporting, the Lake Shore Drive and Belmont camera between 2011 and 2015 averaged about $1.9 million in citations annually. Either way, that camera is a junior-varsity performer compared to the red-light cameras at Harlem and Cermak. In fact, three of the four SafeSpeed cameras at Harlem and Cermak generate more tickets than any camera in the city of Chicago. The fourth SafeSpeed camera at the Harlem and Cermak intersection generates more citations than all but two of Chicago’s cameras.

Red-light cameras in River Forest River Forest officials inked their first red-light camera contract in 2011, and the village today operates cameras on Harlem Avenue at North Avenue and Lake Street. The North Avenue camera is the village’s real moneymaker, issuing almost $3.8 million in citations since the start of 2014. That’s an average of $1.374 million in tickets per year. That number would have placed the North Avenue camera among the top four red-light cameras in Chicago in 2015. Before the village installed redlight cameras, River Forest officials ordered internal studies from the office of Village Administrator Eric Palm and another from the police department. Police officials were tasked with assembling “a synopsis of research relating to the safety impact on the use of red light camer-

as,” while Palm’s office focused on the potential revenues to the village based on contract deals with several possible red-light camera operators. River Forest Police Chief Gregory Weiss in June 2011 reported the results of his department’s review of nationally published red-light camera research. “Based on a literature review,” Weiss wrote, “there appear to be studies that suggest the installation of red-light cameras do eventually have a safety impact through the reduction of accidents, especially the more dangerous side impact types.” Weiss’ memo to village officials included no details of a traffic safety study that referenced righthand turns or the safety effects of heavily ticketing this activity. The police department memo acknowledged that critics argue redlight cameras function primarily as revenue generators, and that Schaumburg officials removed cameras in that village “due to negative public sentiment.” The memo also noted that other observers contend traffic engineering is a more effective remedy for accident-prone intersections. Still, the chief concluded, “The installation of red-light cameras are a viable option to enhance the effectiveness of police traffic enforcement.” Prior to completing his memo, Weiss and his staff in the spring of 2011 collected crash data for several River Forest intersections.

That crash data showed the Harlem Avenue intersections at North and Lake were the most accidentprone in the village. Between 2009 and 2010, there were a total of 21 reported accidents at Lake and Harlem, and 11 accidents at North Avenue and Harlem. These numbers did not include a breakdown of accident type, but earlier traffic records submitted for internal review by the police department indicated about 60 percent of wrecks at North and Harlem were rear-end crashes, while about 44 percent of accidents at Lake and Harlem also involved rear-end collisions. No numbers from either data set detailed crashes involving motorists making a right-hand turn.

Few right-hand turn accidents But crash data submitted by River Forest and SafeSpeed in a pair of “justification reports” filed with the state in late 2011 provides a detailed look at accidents in both the North Avenue and Lake Street intersections. Those records show that in 2010, the year before River Forest implemented its red-light camera program, not one crash at North and Harlem involved a motorist making a right-hand turn. Only one such crash was recorded between 2008 and 2009. The story was similar on Lake Street -- zero accidents in 2010 involving motorists making righthand turns from Harlem. And

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM between 2008 and 2009, there were a total of two such accidents at Lake and Harlem. Moreover, internal traffic studies performed in the fall of 2011 showed the vast majority of all traffic infractions in both the North Avenue and Lake Street intersections were right-turn violations. These 24-hour traffic studies were a requirement for the village’s application to the state for permission to install the red-light cameras. At North Avenue, 87 percent of all noted violations were for improper right-hand turns. On Lake Street, 97 percent of violations were related to right-hand turns. Crashes involving vehicles turning right at Harlem and Cermak in Berwyn and North Riverside have not been a particular problem, either. A 2013 report issued by SafeSpeed to Berwyn for the camera at northbound Harlem and Cermak showed that between 2009 and 2012 there were 103 total crashes at the intersection. Only eight involved vehicles turning right, representing a little less than 8 percent of the total.

Revenue versus safety

SMILE: Eight red-light cameras on Harlem Ave. between North Ave. and Cermak Rd. have issued $26.5 million in citations since Jan.1, 2014.

While Weiss and the River Forest Police Department were reading traffic studies and compiling accident data, Palm was examining potential annual revenues from a redlight camera deal. In a February 2011 memo titled, “Redlight Camera Vendor Price Comparison,” Palm compared projected revenues from five potential red-light camera vendors. In his memo, Palm indicated he spoke with three vendors, which he identified as the “most prominent in the Chicagoland area.” These were SafeSpeed, RedFlex and RedSpeed. The latter company currently operates cameras at Harlem Avenue and Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. In Palm’s revenue chart, SafeSpeed came out on top as returning the most ticket money to River Forest -- $8,700 for every $14,000 in tickets. Runner-up RedFlex Traffic System Inc., the scandal-plagued former red-light camera operator in Chicago, yielded $8,165. The third-place firm offered final net revenues of just $6,475. While the village administrator did not make a recom-

mendation for any particular firm, he wrote that “[t]he purpose of this analysis is to show the ‘true cost’ of operating a red-light running camera between vendors.” By those standards, SafeSpeed, in offering more revenue per ticket, made sense and village officials voted in April 2011 to approve a deal with the company. River Forest renewed that contract in 2014. In an email response to written questions from Wednesday Journal, Palm said River Forest officials chose SafeSpeed in part because it was the only company surveyed that charged a fee based on the village’s own determination of whether a violation had been committed. “Other companies took fees from all the tickets they (the companies) believed were violators,” Palm wrote. “Meaning, even if a municipality rejected a violation from the company, the fee was still paid. We preferred SafeSpeed’s model.” As Berwyn officials worked toward installing cameras in October 2009, a police detective who served as a liaison between the city and SafeSpeed suggested company officials also consider studying the intersection at Harlem and Roosevelt Road. “This intersection is heavy traffic and near the 290 expressway exit, so we feel that it could be a worthwhile spot for a camera,” Det. Michael Ochsner wrote in an email to a SafeSpeed official. That December, as the city contemplated approaching the Illinois Department of Transportation to approve cameras on Harlem at both Roosevelt and Cermak, Ochsner wrote another email seeking revenue projections in order to justify installation costs the city would incur. “What I need from you is an estimate of the revenue (city of Berwyn revenue) that will be generated at each intersection for the first year of operation based on traffic volume and amount of violations per day,” Ochsner wrote to SafeSpeed. “I’m sure [then-Police Chief William Kushner] will sign the letter … if we can show sufficient potential revenue and get a cost estimate.” But the public face of the red-light camera pitch was all about safety. Police department records

Red-light cameras by the numbers The figures below represent red-light camera operations in River Forest, Forest Park, North Riverside and Berwyn along Harlem Avenue from North Avenue to Cermak Road between Jan. 1, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2016. Not all of the cameras in this analysis operated the full length of this time period. The most profitable North Riverside camera, for instance, began operation in May 2014, according to village records. Total tickets issued: 265,301 Value of total tickets issued: $26,530,100 Total collected revenues: $16,297,902.62 (not including Forest Park) River Forest North Avenue and Harlem Ave. 37,785 tickets issued $3,778,500 worth of citations issued $2,685,904.36 in collected revenue Lake and Harlem 14,237 tickets issued $1,423,700 worth of citations issued $1,088,670.33 in collected revenue Total tickets issued: 52,022 Value of total tickets issued: $5,202,200 Total collected revenue: $3,774,574.69 North Riverside Eastbound Cermak at Harlem 25,401 tickets issued $2,540,100 worth of citations issued $1,485,689.51 in collected revenue Southbound Harlem at Cermak 82,875 tickets issued $8,287,500 worth of citations issued $4,960,826.01 in collected revenues Total tickets issued: 108,276 Value of total tickets issued: show Ochsner drafted letters for the chief that were required by IDOT. In one, he referenced the city’s existing red-light camera program and claimed, without proof, they prompted a “dramatic decrease in traffic crashes” in the city. Urging IDOT officials to approve additional cameras in Berwyn, Ochsner claimed they would “provide an immediate improvement in motorist safety” and he dubbed the new cameras “an urgent need.” In the end, Berwyn installed Harlem Avenue cameras only at Cermak. The Berwyn camera monitoring northbound lanes of Harlem Avenue at Cermak

$10,827,600 Total collected revenue: $6,446,515.52 Berwyn Northbound Harlem at Cermak 69,053 tickets issued $6,905,300 worth of citations issued $4,422,207.41 in collected revenues Westbound Cermak at Harlem 30,393 tickets issued $3,039,300 worth of citations issued $1,654,605 in collected revenues

RTOR citations: 24,820 Percentage of citations issued for RTOR violations: 97.7 percent Southbound Harlem at Cermak Total citations: 82,875 RTOR citations: 76,407 Percentage of citations issued for RTOR violations: 92.2 percent

Total tickets issued: 99,446 Value of total tickets issued: $9,944,600 Total collected revenue: $6,076,812.41

Berwyn Northbound Harlem at Cermak Total citations: 69,053 RTOR citations: 65,787 Percentage of citations issued for RTOR violations: 95.3 percent

Forest Park Southbound Harlem & Roosevelt 2,618 tickets issued $261,800 worth of citations issued Unknown amount in collected revenue*

Westbound Cermak at Harlem Total citations: 30,393 RTOR citations: 23,884 Percentage of citations issued for RTOR violations: 78.6 percent

Eastbound Roosevelt at Harlem 2,939 tickets issued $293,900 worth of citations issued Unknown amount in collected revenue*

Forest Park No data available from village or its red light camera vendor.

Total tickets issued: 5,557 Value of total tickets issued: $555,700 Total collected revenues: Unknown* Right turn on red (RTOR) figures River Forest North and Harlem Total citations: 37,785 RTOR citations: 32,769 Percentage of citations issued for RTOR violations: 86.7 percent Lake and Harlem Total citations: 14,237 RTOR citations: 13,166 Percentage of citations issued for RTOR violations: 92.4 percent North Riverside Eastbound Cermak at Harlem Total citations: 25,401 Road went live June 10, 2011. According to a SafeSpeed analysis, there were 24 crashes reported there in 2010. In 2011, the year the camera was installed, there were 25 crashes. In 2012, the first full year after the camera was installed, there were 27, records show.

Steep cost of cameras to motorists The true cost to motorists of red-light cameras on Harlem Avenue has been steep: More than $26.5 million in total citations and almost $16.3 million in paid tickets along the fourmile Harlem stretch in less than three years.

Percentage of citations issued at all intersections for RTOR violations: 91.2 percent *Forest Park did not provide data breaking out collected revenues by camera. The village operates two cameras at Harlem and Roosevelt Road and another at Desplaines and Roosevelt. Records provided by its vendor, RedSpeed Illinois, show a total of $545,372 in collected revenues for the three cameras between January 2014 and September 2016. Forest Park also was unable to provide a breakdown of citations issued for right-turn violations. Collections data provided by RedSpeed show Forest Park receives only about 30 percent of all collected red-light camera revenues, or about half of what its neighboring communities receive. Under the terms of the contracts each municipality maintains with SafeSpeed, 60 percent of revenues is allocated to the towns and 40 percent flows to SafeSpeed. Forest Park could not provide revenue data for tickets issued by village cameras in the Harlem and Roosevelt intersection, and the totals referenced in this story do not include Forest Park collections. Based on figures through the end of October 2016, River Forest’s take of red-light camera revenues since 2014 was more than $2.6 million. That money has been earmarked See RED_LIGHT on page 12

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

REDLIGHT CAMERA

Public safety? from page 11 for capital improvements for the village, according to Palm. Palm defended the program, saying Wednesday Journal’s analysis didn’t take into account factors such as pedestrians or changes in traffic volume over time, factors he called “two very relevant and contextual areas of information.” “In terms of red-light cameras, all citations issued by any governmental entity are done so with the goal of changing people’s behavior,” Palm said. In North Riverside, the village has used more than $3.86 million in collected revenues to fund its annual police and fire pension liabilities. Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero and North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. did not respond to written questions from the Landmark prior to the newspaper’s print deadline. Berwyn’s 2016 budget does not indicate a specific purpose

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

for red-light camera funds.

Expert: Enforcement at odds with camera design, purpose Dominique Lord is a Texas A&M University civil engineering professor specializing in traffic safety. He has 20 years of experience and has performed numerous academic and real-life traffic safety studies -- including a 2002 study regarding right-turn laws in his native Quebec. He also was responsible for a 2014 analysis of Chicago redlight camera data commissioned by the Chicago Tribune. Lord told Wednesday Journal that red-light cameras were not designed for the kind of traffic enforcement currently practiced in River Forest, North Riverside and Berwyn -- namely, high-volume ticketing of right-turn violations. From a traffic safety perspective, red-light cameras were designed to prevent drivers from running red lights while traveling straight through the intersection, and to prevent drivers making dangerous left-hand turns in front of oncoming traffic, according to Lord. “They should be focused on left turns and running red lights. If they are being used to make money, it’s not right because people won’t

believe in them” as safety devices, Lord said. Asked about the dangers of righthand turns, including slow-rolling right-hand turns, Lord said the maneuver is not recognized as a significant traffic safety hazard. A right-hand turn “is not high-risk compared with other maneuvers in intersections,” he said. “The rolling stop, even if you include that, the risk is not the greatest at intersections.” The greatest dangers at intersections, he said, are blown red lights and blind or reckless lefthand turns. These lead to head-on and T-bone collisions, which generally are much more dangerous and deadly than accidents involving right-hand turns. Lord ended the interview with a story from College Station, Texas, where he lives. Years ago, a motorist there received a red-light camera ticket and began to challenge its existence. Those efforts eventually led to a 2009 ballot initiative that banned red-light cameras in the city. If the purpose of red-light camera enforcement is primarily revenue-based, Lord said, “then it’s why people won’t like them and try to take them out.”

Oak Park health director named

Interim Director Mike Charley, takes helm of health department

He previously served as environmental health supervisor for the village. “While the move from interim to permanent director does not change the duties, it does add to By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER the sense of responsibility I feel Staff Reporter to help define the future direction the department should go,” The Village of Oak Park has Charley said in the press release. named Mike Charley “With the continued director of the Oak guidance and support Park Department of of the village managPublic Health, a liter and village board, I tle over a year after am confident the Oak naming him interim Park Health Departhealth director, acment will remain an cording to a village important community press release. asset.” Charley succeeds Oak Park is one of Margaret Provostfour municipalities in Fyfe, who resigned MIKE CHARLEY suburban Cook Counfrom the position in Director ty with its own health December 2014. That department responposition was vacant until Charley was named interim sible for public health programdirector in October 2015. ming.

Sponsored Content

Terrace Level Opportunities at District House

onstruction on District House continues briskly despite the pressure of the winter. Currently most of the work is happening below ground, the development team expects steel to be rising above ground this spring. Interest remains strong, according to listing broker Frank Vihtelic. “People have been stopping into the sales center in the cold and throughout the holidays. Now that construction is underway people are really curious about what’s going on.” He attributes the demand to a few elements of the project; “For one, the aesthetic of the building is one that has been absent in Oak Park, until now. Another is the configuration of the units — large, single level new construction condominiums just have not existed in Oak Park until recently. And our location is top notch, you could not find a better spot to take advantage of everything that Oak Park has to offer.” The project is already 35% sold. Despite the strong pre-sales activity, there is still something for everyone, whether it’s a Penthouse unit, a corner unit or one of the split floor plans. Some of the most interesting options are on the second floor. The

architect’s design for the building allows natural light to all of the units. The second floor of the building is actually the first floor of living space, and it sits atop the parking garage and retail space, surrounded by over 4,000 square feet of flat roof space. All of that roof area will be utilized as green space. Listing broker Frank Vihtelic explains, “Five of the seven units on the second level — the Terrace Level — will have access to

approximately 4,000 square feet of green space. Each of those five units will have a private share of it, anywhere from 500 to over 1,300 square feet. It’s unique for a condo to have a large private outdoor area, let alone your own green space that is basically an extension of the living area. The only thing that separates inside and out is floor to ceiling glass. A terrace over 1,000 square feet is nearly unheard of in Oak Park. It’s a game changer for people with pets — they can let the dog play in the yard all day long and not have to worry about letting them out of the house. Summer parties and weekend visits from the grandchildren can happen seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors. It’s like having a yard 20 feet in the air, and it makes the Terrace Level as desirable as the penthouses.” Two of the five terrace units have been sold. To learn more about the terrace units, as well as everything else District House has to offer, stop by the District House sales center at 805 Lake Street. Alternatively, you may call Frank Vihtelic at 708-3861810 for more information on the project.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

With pool failure possible, D200 plots a path forward

The 90-year-old pools are well past their life span By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

With plans to replace the nearly 90-yearold swimming pools at Oak Park and River Forest High School postponed by a failed referendum, officials have started thinking about contingency plans just in case at least one of the existing pools becomes inoperable. High school officials have said the two pools, which have anticipated lifespans of 40 to 50 years old, don’t currently meet design safety standards “and the mechanicals are so old that replacement parts do not always exist,” according to an FAQ posted to the high school’s website. The pools, officials estimated, leak about 3,000 gallons of water a day and contractors can’t guarantee that future repairs to their cracked foundations will be enough to prevent further decay. A $44.5 million plan to replace the two pools, and the existing parking garage, with a new pool 40-meter swimming pool and a smaller garage on the site where the current one sits failed by just 28 votes during the Nov. 8, 2016 election. The plan would have been funded by up to $25 million worth of bonds. Officials have noted that it likely won’t be until 2018 before another proposal is put before voters. In the meantime, they’re mulling backup plans in case either or both of the existing pools fail. One of those options, however, will not be funding the entire $44.5 million plan, which was authorized unanimously by the school board last year, with money from the district’s roughly $96 million fund balance. Last month, Tod Altenburg, the district’s chief business official, said that doing so would mean “lowering the amount of money available to us in operating funds and if that’s the case, then we’ll have to go out for a referendum in 2019.” “That would not be in alignment with the finance advisory committee’s recommendations,” Altenberg said. “That committee made a really in-depth recommendation about dedicating $20 million of fund balance and about [sticking to] a timeline for gradually and responsibly spending down the fund balance within a particular time frame.” During a Dec. 13 special meeting, Phil Prale, D200’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said the administration is considering seeking out more community partnerships and changing their course scheduling in anticipation of the pool failure. “In the eventuality that one of the pools is unavailable, we’re down an activity space, so we’d have to figure out how to take our students into classroom spaces,” Prale said. If a pool space becomes unavailable, Prale said, “You’re looking at staggering students

who would otherwise be taking swimming” into some other activity space. He added that PE teachers would likely have to develop new [“seat-based”] curriculum that isn’t centered on physical activity. Last month, the school board approved a 5-year intergovernmental agreement with the Park District of Oak Park that allows the two entities to share each other’s facilities — an arrangement that may prove particularly critical in the months to come. From an athletic standpoint, Prale explained, OPRF has partnerships with high

schools like [Riverside-Brookfield], which allows the Huskies diving team to practice in its pool facilities. Those options, however, are limited, he stressed. For instance, that school isn’t available to OPRF water polo practices since RB’s water polo team would need to utilize the facility at the same time. In addition to utilizing other high schools, district officials are exploring future partnerships with entities such as nearby colleges and other local governments. Prale added that costs, such as those related to transpor-

tation, staff and security, would have to be considered with those partnerships. During last month’s meeting, district officials also floated the possibility of implementing a swimming exemption, but so far that isn’t being seriously considered. “We’ve heard it, it’s a thought, but we haven’t really thought about how to implement it,” said Prale. “We won’t say it’s off the table, but we don’t have additional commentary on that. The devil is always in the details with implementing a policy like that.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

The York January Clearance SALE Go FUR Glam

York Signature Style Natural Lynx Walking Coat

Hurry-in to SAVE on thousands of in-stock fur and fine outerwear garments, and all accessory items - hats, headbands, scarves, gloves, belts, handbags, and so much more. The entire York Furrier 85th Anniversary Collection is now sale tagged for this

Spectacular Clearance SALE!

Visit www.YorkFur.com for SALE hours & a Sample of Savings!

Don’t Miss this SALE!

Connect: www.YorkFur.com/subscribe

Elmhurst City Centre 630-832-2200

Deer Park Town Center 847-550-2200

Furs . Shearlings . Cashmeres . Leathers . Handbags . Accessories

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Liquor board chairman runs for village clerk

Candidate cites history of collaboration, public outreach By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

Victoria “Vicki” Scaman, who serves as chairman of the Liquor Control Review Board and works as a program coordinator for substance abuse prevention at Oak Park Township, is running for Village Clerk in Oak Park’s April 4 municipal election. Scaman has a long history with nonprofits in and around Oak Park and said her experience working collaboratively with various organizations and municipalities dovetails with the duties of village clerk. “I love our community and will work to serve our community by developing relationships with different government bodies,” she said in a recent interview. Scaman has served as a member of the Liquor Control Review Board since 2011, tak-

LATE LEAVES

Hanging on longer from page 1 ule is as difficult as predicting the weather, according to Karen Rozmus, environmental services manager for the Oak Park Public Works Department. Depending on weather and other factors, the leaf removal tonnage can vary by hundreds of tons, she said. In December 2006, for instance, Waste Management recorded removing 9.5 tons of leaves – a number that jumped to more than 440 tons in December the following year. In December 2016, 288.6 tons of leaves were picked up in the village. Rozmus said 2016 was an anomaly for leaves dropping later than normal. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “It’s just a weird weather year.” Rozmus noted that the eight-week leaf

Get your leaves removed The village of Oak Park has sent out postcard letting residents know how to get leftover leaves removed from their blocks. ■ Place leaves in paper yard waste bags. ■ Place the bags in your regular refuse collection area. ■ Contact Public Works at 708-3585700 or by email at publicworks@oakpark.us to arrange a pickup. ■ Bi-weekly winter organics collections are made every other Wednesday.

leaders associated with the park ing the position of chairman in districts in Oak Park and River 2013. During that time, Oak Park Forest, the Oak Park police and has experienced a substantial fire departments and the various increase in new liquor licenses school boards. She would work to granted to an influx of restaubuild those same relationships as rants in town. village clerk, Scaman said, and Meanwhile, since July 2015 she would act as a liaison between has worked as grant coordinator for Oak Park Township, overthe public and the village board seeing the Strategic Prevention of trustees and village staff. Framework Partnerships for She noted in an interview that VICTORIA SCAMAN Success –[SPF-PFS] grant, fundunder her leadership the SPFCandidate ed by the Illinois Department of PFS grant has more than douHuman Services. The program bled in less than a year – from aims to assess underage drinking to help $75,000 to $195,851. Scaman says she intends establish a strategic plan for combating it. to apply for a grant from the federal Sub“As a citizen volunteer, I advocated for stance Abuse and Mental Health Service these funds to be housed at Oak Park Town- Administration to expand the program to ship because I knew it brought education include marijuana and opioids. Expanding with it that was needed for productive and the grant would mean that her work will collaborative decision making,” Scaman have brought a minimum of $500,000 to Oak says in campaign literature. Park that did not come directly from the loAs the administrator of the grant, Sca- cal tax base. man said she has coordinated with various Leaving that township program for the taxing bodies and public officials from For- clerk position might be bittersweet for Scaest Park and River Forest, as well as local man, but she said it would enable her to pro-

vide guidance to her successor. “I’d be leaving them in an excellent condition,” she said. It is Scaman’s first time to run for public office, and she noted that while she is not running on a formal slate, she is aligning herself with trustee candidates Deno Andrews and Dan Moroney. She faces four challengers in the hotly contested village clerk race to succeed outgoing clerk Teresa Powell. Her opponents include: Village Manager Association-slated candidate Lori Malinski, director of development at Oak-Leyden Developmental Services; James Robinson-Parran, a professional musician; Elia Gallegos, a housing grants coordinator for the village of Oak Park; and Mas Takiguchi, an attorney who runs a private law practice in Oak Brook. While Scaman has worked in a number of non-profit capacities in the village, she might be most well known as the former executive director of the Oak Park non-profit Steckman Studio of Music, teaching who she describes as “students of all ages regardless of financial circumstance.” CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

removal program costs the village roughly $240,000 to $250,000 a year. This year they extended the leaf removal program by one week through Dec. 9. “In the past, we have been able to – for a week or so – send guys out in a truck to pick up piles that we legitimately missed,” she said. “We don’t think we missed anything [this year]; the trees and the leaves missed us.” Could global warming be the culprit? Perhaps, Rozmus says, but rainfall and other factors also play a role. She said the overall amount of leaves picked up in Oak Park is actually PHOTOGRAPHER/Title down in the last few years because tree removal – pri- FEWER LEAVES, PLEASE: Belinda Lutz-Hamel and her husband, William Hamel, say the leaves in front marily due to Dutch elm their home, in the 1000 block of South Scoville Avenue, were never picked up last year. The village says a disease and the emerald ash warm fall contributed to leaves dropping later than usual. borer. No one likes to rake leaves [removal] season, it was, ‘Too bad, see you in that call to have the leaves removed. Collecinto the street – especially twice. But that is April,’” she said. tion of yard waste is every other Wednesday, the only solution, according to Rozmus. Beginning in 2013, the village began re- she said. She said postcards have been sent to resimoving leaves that had been bagged and left Lutz-Hamel suggested taking money from dents in neighborhoods that still have piles under the village’s winter organics collec- the Park District of Oak Park and River Forof leaves lining the streets in front of their tions program. est to complete the job, since the tree is in homes, instructing them to bag the leaves Residents are not required to put a sticker the public parkway. and call the public works department to on the bags, and will not be charged for the “I don’t have leaves on my schedule of have them picked up. pickup, but they must call the public works things I want to do,” she said. “I didn’t plant Only a few years ago, leftover leaves that weren’t picked up by the village were the re- department and notify them that they have the tree. It’s the village’s tree; it’s not my sponsibility of the residents. That changed bagged the leaves and left them in the regu- tree. If I decided I don’t want the tree, I can’t lar refuse collection area at their residence. just decide to chop it down.” in 2013, Rozmus said. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com “Up through 2012, if you missed the leaf Rozmus emphasized that they must make

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

C R I M E

Four armed robberies in five days in Oak Park

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR!

Burglary A residence was burglarized in the 300 block of South Lombard Avenue sometime between 4:30 and 6:05 a.m. on Jan. 6. The offender gain entrance to the residence through an unlocked rear door and stole a blue leather purse, cash, a credit card, a gold iPhone 6 and a green iPhone 5C with a cracked screen. The offender also removed the keys to the resident’s 2016 Honda CRV and stole the vehicle from the rear driveway. The total loss was an estimated $26,000.

0 72 3,500 %x

APR

CASH BACK!

OVER 1000 NEW CHEVYS IN ONE LOCATION!

Attempted aggravated robbery arrest

A black Chevy Trailblazer was burglarized in the 600 block of South Elmwood Avenue during the overnight hours of Jan. 4-5. The offender entered the vehicle through an unlocked door and removed a garage-door opener and two sets of vehicle keys. The offender used the keys to enter the nearby garage and stole a 2013 Kia Sportage using the keys stolen from the Trailblazer. These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Dec. 1-6, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

— Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger

NEW 2017

SONIC LS

CRUZE LS

BUY FOR

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

MALIBU LS

BUY FOR

11,998 13,497 16,998

NEW 2017

TRAX LS BUY FOR

NEW 2016

EQUINOX LS

SILVERADO REGULAR CAB WT

BUY FOR

17,997 18,892 19,988

Nice People T

Nice People To Do Business

Nice People To Do Business With

Nice People To Do Business With Nice People To Do Business Nice People To Do Business With With 8401 ROOSEVELT RD.

(Roosevelt Just East of 1st Ave.)

FOREST PARK, IL

866-883-7149 TEXT US AT 708-628-5903

CurrieChevy.com

To run an obituary

NEW 2016

SERVICE: SALES: M-Th 7-7 M-F 9-9 Fri. 7-6 SAT. 9-7 SAT. 8-4

290 Harlem Ave.

Motor vehicle burglary

NEW 2017

294 Roosevelt Rd.

Des Plaines Rd.

An Oak Park juvenile was arrested at 11:26 p.m. on Jan. 6, in the 600 block of Garfield Street and charged with attempted aggravated robbery. The juvenile was taken to the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. No additional information was given.

1st Avenue

Four robberies involving guns occurred in Oak Park — three within a few blocks of one another — in the first week of 2017, according to police reports. Three of the robberies took place a few blocks from the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Austin Boulevard, and the fourth near the intersection of Berkshire Street and Taylor Avenue. The first occurred on Jan. 1 at the 7-Eleven convenience store, 240 Chicago Ave., at 11:23 p.m. Two men entered the store — one of them armed with what was described as a “long-barrel, black, older revolver — and stole cash and 4-5 packs of cigarettes. Total loss was an estimated $150. The armed man was described as black, approximately 18 years old, 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-7, and wearing a black hooded jacket, black pants, with a black scarf covering his face, and red shoes. The second offender, who held the door open while his partner entered the store, was described as black, approximately 18 to 20 years old, about 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-9, and wearing a black jacket and tan pants. The next day, Jan. 2, the Domino’s Pizza, 329 Chicago Ave., was robbed at gunpoint at 7:43 p.m. by two men in black ski masks and black hooded sweatshirts. The two men entered the restaurant and ordered an employee to open the register. Police did not give a description of the weapon used or how much money was stolen. The first offender was described as black, about 5-foot10 to 5-foot-11, with a medium build, and wore light-colored pants, dark gloves and dark shoes. The second man, also described as black, stood about 5-11 to 6-feet tall, and wore light-colored jeans, black and white gloves and blue gym shoes. Two more armed robberies occurred less than hour apart on Jan. 5 — one in the 400 block of North Taylor Avenue and the other in the 100 block of Berkshire Street. Both crimes were committed by what police describe as black males approximately 16 years old. The first armed robbery occurred on Taylor about 7:05 p.m. The two robbers approached the victim from behind and grabbed her backpack. She turned around and one pointed a handgun at her, demanding everything she had. She dropped her silver iPhone 6 with a purple case, along with $20 in cash, on the sidewalk. The other individual picked up the items and the two fled the scene on foot. They were described as wearing black winter hats and dark clothing. The loss was an estimated $620. About 40 minutes later, two young men, approached a male victim, displayed a handgun and demanded his wallet. He turned

over the black Coach wallet, containing $400 in cash, miscellaneous identification and credit cards. The two then fled on foot. They were described as teens, approximately 5-foot-8, wearing black clothing. The loss was an estimated $600.

Mannheim

Staff Reporter

Nice People To Do Business With

MONTH + S

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER

We’ll Beat ANY Deal on ANY New Chevy EVERY Time! ~

Cermak

Dealer not responsible for errors in this advertisement. Photos for illustration purposes only. All rebates are in lieu of other offers. Offers do not apply to fleet, wholesale or prior sales. Offers and prices expire two days after publication date. ~Must be an identical equipped vehicle in stock. Dealer reserves right to verify deal. +0% for 72 months is not exclusively sponsored or subsidized by the manufacturer. To qualified buyer with approved credit. $10,000 maximum amount financed. Dealer buy down participation may affect final cost. Must be financed through GM Financial. Valid on New 2016 Suburban. Offer expires 1/16/2016. ++Must be financed through GM financial. Valid on New 2016 Cruze. All rebates and incentives applied to qualified buyers with approved credit. Stand-alone offer. Cannot be combined with special financing offers or any other offers. Offer expires 1/16/2016. *Plus tax, title, license & $172.15 doc fee to qualified buyers with approved credit. Offers expire two days from publication.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Fri, Jan 13 - Sun, Jan 15

Bath & Body Sale Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF on soap, skin care, and more

Win a spa day at Matter of Style! Drawing for a mini facial & hour swedish massage Receive one entry for each bath & body item purchased

Artisans have been paid in full. Discount applied to item of lesser value. Not valid with other discounts. No purchase necessary to enter. One additional entry per bath & body item purchased 1/13/17-1/15/17. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Winner must pick up prize within 2 weeks of notification.

Commercial Property

David Gullo, Managing Broker

708.567.1375

GulloAssociates@gmail.com

220 Harrison • Oak Park Arts District $3200/month • Available Now! 1570 SQ. FT. UNIT featuring open space with lots of natural light! All new individual mechanicals. New facade, roof & windows. Delivered with “vanilla box” interior. Rent includes CAM fees.

Residential Property 214 Harrison • Oak Park Arts District $1500/month • Separate Utilities UNIQUE 785 SQ. FT. Residential space with all new mechanicals.

W W W. G U L LO R E A L E S TAT E . CO M

Laura Maychruk 708.205.7044

LMaychruk@comcast.net

Margaret Jones 708.804.0368 Mark Finger 708.990.8115

905 South Lombard Ste. 2 Oak Park, IL 60304

File

LANDMARK: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winslow House in River Forest.

Wright’s Winslow House sells for $1.375 million

Historic home changes hands for first time since 1958 By DEBORAH KADIN Contributing Reporter

River Forest’s most significant piece of architectural history and the first breakthrough in Prairie-style design by Frank Lloyd Wright has been sold. The Winslow home and stable, at 515 Auvergne Place, which had been on and off the market for nearly three years, sold in December to buyers from out of town, said Pamela Tilton, the agent with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, the agent for the house. The Cook County Recorder of Deeds has not recorded the sale yet, but the property reportedly sold for $1,375,000 on Dec. 16, 2016, according to online listing information. That’s more than $1 million less than the original asking price of $2.4 million in December 2013. The current and future owners would not comment, Tilton added. Efforts by Wednesday Journal to reach out to the current owners were unsuccessful. There is no indication what the new owner intends to do with the home, but members of the River Forest Historic Preservation Commission will try to start a dialogue as soon as they can to find out what that intent might be, Tom Zurowski, the commission’s chairman, said. Commission member Dave Franek said the Winslow House is to River Forest what the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is to Oak Park. “It would be hard to imagine someone would buy such an iconic structure and then demolish it. It may require some level of investment, but it’s certainly one of Wright’s five or 10 well-known commissions

anywhere,” Franek said. Designed in 1893 and built in 1894, the 5,036-square-foot, four-bedroom house was considered Wright’s first major commission as an independent architect. Building on Wright’s experiences working for Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, and closely related to his experiments with the design of his own home in Oak Park, the house marked a decisive step forward in Wright’s career, said David Bagnall, curator and director of interpretation for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. “He always considered the Winslow house extremely important to his career,” Bagnall said. “Looking back on it in 1936, he described it as ‘the first Prairie house.’” Because of its significance, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. There have few owners of the house. The most recent were the late Bill and June Walker, who bought it in 1958, according to a 2013 Wednesday Journal article when the home was put on the market by their son, Paul. But when the Vilas House came down in 2009 and then Mars Mansion in 2015, River Forest’s preservationists expressed concerns that the village’s toothless protections for historic homes would result in River Forest becoming another Hinsdale, where demolishing historic homes and building new one in their place had been commonplace. One of the homes they feared would be razed was the Winslow House. With uncertainty about the new owner’s intent, Zurowski said, “it is in our interest to get ahead of the game and be proactive. We will send them a letter to welcome them and inform them the [Historic Preservation Commission] is here as a resource.” Franek added he was “glad it has a new owner. I hope they continue the Walkers’ tradition of stewardship.”

Complete list of property awards p. B7, B8

January 11, 2017

Homes

Recognizing property owners’ efforts Homeowners, businesses celebrated for everything from preservation to access By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

n Dec. 7, Oak Park homeowners and business owners came together to celebrate heritage, environment, design, and access with an awards ceremony — sponsored by the Historic Preservation Commission, Environment & Energy Commission, Community Design Commission, and Disability Access Commission to recognize citizens for their commitment to protecting our architectural heritage and keeping the village a vibrant place for both residents and visitors. The 2016 awards included Preservation awards for homes and local businesses; Green awards for local residents, organizations and businesses; Cavalcade of Pride awards for single- and multifamily homes, businesses, gardens and blocks; and, new to this year’s awards, Disability Access awards for businesses and organizations. More than 70 individuals, organizations and businesses were recognized for their great efforts to make positive contributions to both the exterior of the Oak Park community and the heart of what Oak Park stands for. See AWARDS on page B7

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: The Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center.

Provided

RRESTORATION: 145 S. East Avenue, before and a after

PROVIDED

COMMERCIAL: Kinslahger Brewing Company January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

Is refinancing right for you? Is now is the right time to purchase your first home? Do you want to upgrade or downsize? At Community Bank, we offer a complimentary consultation to help you through the maze of options. Since mortgage rates are at an all-time low we believe that every homeowner should have the information necessary that allows for the best decision on buying or refinancing, and that could save you thousands of dollars in interest. • Lower your rate • Shorten the term of your loan

• Combine your debt into one low payment • Eliminate paying mortgage insurance

We now have the ability to offer new loan programs and products that will increase our ability to provide financing for every type of need that our clients have. Call us today!

Claude L’Heureux 708-660-7006 NMLS 802841

Phil LaGiglia 708-660-7012 NMLS 703965

Claude L’Heureux NMLS# 802841 Phil LaGiglia NMLS# 703965 Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest NMLS# 288792

B2 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

Distinctive Properties

BERWYN

4BR, 1.1BA ....................................$259,900 Gerardo Zavala • 630-460-7953

OAK PARK

3BR, 1.1BA ....................................$379,000 Bobbi Schaper Eastman • 773-251-9353

FOREST PARK

5BR, 2BA .......................................$235,000 Bobbi Schaper Eastman • 773-251-9353

OAK PARK

4BR, 1.1BA ....................................$398,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

FOREST PARK

5+BR, 3.1BA .................................$675,000 Sabrina Conti • 847-806-8332

OAK PARK

3BR, 1.5BA ....................................$400,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

View more properties at:

OakPark.com/Real-Estate

UNDER CONTRACT!

OAK PARK

2BR, 2BA .......................................$199,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

OAK PARK

2BR, 2.1BA ....................................$475,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

OAK PARK

3BR, 1.1BA ....................................$368,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

OAK PARK

2BR, 2.1BA ....................................$515,000 Bob Royals • 312-607-0801

NEW LISTING!

OAK PARK

3BR, 2.1BA ....................................$525,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

OPEN SUNDAY 12 - 2 P.M. 1005 N. KENILWORTH AVE

UNDER CONTRACT! OAK PARK

3BR, 2.1BA ...................................................................................................................$775,000

OAK PARK

Greer Haseman or Patty Reilly-Murphy 708-606-8896 or 312-316-2564

OAK PARK

5 BR 4.1 BA ...............................................................................................................$1,044,000 Greer Haseman or Patty Reilly-Murphy 708-606-8896 or 312-316-2564

2BR, 2.1BA ....................................$550,000 Bob Royals • 312-607-0801

Search. Expllore. Discover!

WJHomes Oakpark.com/Real-Estate.com

Search by City, Realtor, ZIP code, Price, BRs, BAs and street name |

View this week’s open houses

January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

Distinctive Properties

View more properties at:

OakPark.com/Real-Estate

OPEN SUNDAY 1 - 3 P.M. 623 KENILWORTH AVE

OAK PARK

4BR, 1.1BA ....................................$598,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

OAK PARK

6BR, 4.5BA .................................................................................................................. $950,000

6 BR, 3.2 BA .............................................................................................................. $1,925,000 Laura Talaske • 708-473-7125

Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

OAK PARK

4BR+1BSMT, 4.1BA....................$1,075,000 Cory Kohut • 708-476-8901

OAK PARK

6BR, 5BA .......................................$880,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

RIVER FOREST

3BR, 2BA .......................................$179,890 Jim Blaha • 708-366-8899

RIVER FOREST

3BR, 1.2BA ....................................$545,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

RIVER FOREST

4BR, 2.1BA ....................................$595,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

United Real Estate

let your voice be heard

www.oakpark.com • www.forestparkreview.com

B4 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

UNDER CONTRACT!

RIVER FOREST

4BR, 2.5BA ....................................$940,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-697-5946

Distinctive Properties

View more properties at:

OakPark.com/Real-Estate

NEW PRICE!

RIVER FOREST

2BR, 2BA ...................................................................................................................... $386,000

4 BR, 2.1 BA .................................................................................................................$950,000

Steve Scheuring â&#x20AC;¢ 708-697-5946

Greer Haseman or Patty Reilly-Murphy 708-606-8896 or 312-316-2564

RIVER FOREST

4BR, 4.2BA .................................$1,900,000 Tagger Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien â&#x20AC;¢ 708-456-6400

3 0 :DOVK &2 1SVEFOUJBM 6LQFH

There when things go wrong.Â Here to help life go right. We are a small family business dedicated to treating our customer and our community as an extension of our family.

Call Us Today for a FREE Consultation about Your Home!! OPEN SUNDAY â&#x20AC;¢ 1-3pm

David Gullo, Managing Broker

708.567.1375

GulloAssociates@gmail.com

On your worst day, would you rather call me or a call center? Let me help life go right!

Laura Maychruk 708.205.7044

LMaychruk@comcast.net

Specializing in Life, Auto, Home, Health Insurance, Full Service Banking

177 S Oak Park Ave Oak Park, IL 60302 T: 708.665.3921 â&#x20AC;¢ F: 708.434.5260 â&#x20AC;¢ C: 309.335.7425 adam.doe.eyvs@statefarm.com www.oakparkinsuranceagent.com

Call Laura!

1526 Clinton Place, River Forest 4BR, 3.5BA â&#x20AC;¢ $769,000 GORGEOUS STONE Georgian. Modern amenities! Fully renovated in 2014. Open layout on 1st flr perfect for family, entertaining. Sep office space. 2nd flr feat 4 BRs, laundry, balcony, master suite. Finished Bsmt has full BR.

Margaret Jones 708.804.0368 Mark Finger 708.990.8115

905 South Lombard Ste. 2 Oak Park, IL 60304

W W W. G U L LO R E A L E S TAT E . CO M January 11, 2017 â&#x2013; Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

Generations of Excellence since 1958

708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest Donna Barnhisel Cibula 7375 West North AvenueJoe Dan Bogojevich Don Citrano MANAGING Anne Brennan Julie Cliggett BROKER/OWNERS River Forest, Illinois 60305 Karen Byrne Alisa Coghill Kevin Calkins JoLyn Crawford 708.771.8040 Tom Carraher Andy Gagliardo Maria Cullerton Pat Cesario

Tom Poulos

Karen Doty

Julie Downey Kurt Fielder Yvonne Fiszer-Steele Ramona Fox Chris Garvey Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin

Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Joanne Kelly Michael Kinnare Sherree Krisco Jack Lattner Susan Maienza Vince McFadden

Charlotte Messina Kathleen Minaghan Colleen Navigato Rosa Pitassi Katie Possley Michael Roche Sue Ponzio-Pappas Jenny Ruland

Laurel Saltzman Rob Sarvis Meg Sullivan Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford

1501 PARK RIVER FOREST

1145 S SCOVILLE OAK PARK

111 ROCKFORD FOREST PARK

SPECIAL HOME IN SPECIAL LOCATION! Good size rooms, large picture window, views out every window, family room overlooks kitchen. Just finish off the basement with the second fireplace located there. Beautiful brick pavers, attached garage. Make this home yours..............................................................................$599,000

GEORGOUS FRENCH NORMANDY with 5 bedrooms, 5 full & 5 half baths sits on a 75 foot corner lot. Gleaming hardwood floors and fireplace in LR, simply stunning eat-in kitchen with adjoining family room. Lower level rec room with gas fireplace. Beautifully landscaped grounds............................................................ $1,099,900

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED 5 bed/ 2 full bath home with a newly remodeled kitchen with a large attached breakfast area or family room. Bathrooms updated this year. Four large bedrooms on 2nd fl , 5th BR on 1st floor, perfect for company, or your private office. .......................................................................................$475,000

TOTALLY REMODELED!! All new: kitchen, hardwood floors, windows, siding, roof, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, doors and hardware, and fenced-in yard. Master bedroom has walk-in closet, master bath, and walk out deck. 2 car garage with additional exterior parking space....................................................................$559,900

123 ASHLAND • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

7221 W DIVISION # 1 • RIVER FOREST

419 S RIDGELAND • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

1640 NATCHEZ • CHICAGO OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

942 LATHROP RIVER FOREST

N E W L IS T ING!

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

P R I C E R E D U C E D! CHARMING, SPACIOUS QUEEN ANNE BUNGALOW in pristine condition. Art glass windows, French doors, wood trim, hardwood floors. Granite kitchen, breakfast nook. Family room and 1st floor bedroom. 3 bedrooms on 2nd floor. Finished basement, enclosed porch, 2 car garage. ................................................................$639,900

RIVER FOREST HOMES RESTORE THIS HOUSE with fabulous curb appeal or Build your dream home on this 100’ x 184’ lot. .................................................................$1,400,000 BEAUTIFUL STYLISH UPDATED HOME with 4 BRs, 3.2 BAs on four floors of living space. Includes LR w/ frpl, new high end kitchen, Breakfast Rm, 1st FL office. LL has Fam Rm, Rec Room, Laundry, Wine Cellar and Full Bath. 2 car garage with extra storage and rooftop deck.................................$1,049,000 VERY UNIQUE PRAIRIE HOME sits on a beautiful corner lot. The home suggestive of Tallmadge & Watson has a dramatic family room that opens to the kitchen. Expansive LR with fireplace. Basement has 2nd half bath, and storage. Nice size yard with private brick patio & XL 2 car garage. ........................................................................................................................$569,000 BEAUTIFUL, MOVE-IN READY REHAB in River Forest. Large open kitchen with all brand new SS. New 3/4 inch Brazilian Koa wood floors throughout. Designer baths. Wood burning fireplace. Master suite. Full basement. Great backyard with covered patio. Close to great schools! .....$386,000 LARGE VICTORIAN with 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths has great original details including wide moldings, wood burning fireplace, beamed ceilings, large room sizes and high ceilings. Master bedroom with bath, good closet space. Large backyard with deck. ............................................................$385,000

SPACIOUS, FRESHLY PAINTED 1 bedroom condo. Ready to move-in with beautiful natural woodwork and hardwood floors, and area for entertaining. Includes guest closet, storage, laundry and garage parking. Great convenient location. Private entrance. Pets ok. ....................................................................................................$99,000

VINTAGE BRICK TWO FLAT on large lot with 3rd floor addition. Front and rear deck on 2nd floor; balcony on 3rd. Third floor features wood floors and front rear staircases, wood-burning fireplace, master bedroom suite, and 3rd bath. Parking for 4 cars .............................................................................................. $525,000

THE SPRING MARKET IS FAST APPROACHING Please contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis

OAK PARK HOMES UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home!................$2,525,000 ROOM FOR EVERYONE and stunning finishes throughout. Newly finished kitchen features 2 dishwashers and a built in bar with beverage center. Top end bathrooms. Master Suite features a deck, walk-in closet and a redone bath. Beautiful decorating. Beautiful landscaping................................$719,000

MAKE THIS THE HOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS! Large first floor family room, hardwood floors under all carpeting. Five bedrooms, one on first floor. Outstanding garage with workshop & stairs to 2nd floor, large basement with wet bar, separate laundry room and half bath. .........................................................................................$249,000

ELMWOOD PARK HOMES GEORGIAN STYLE HOME boasting three levels of living space. Solid brick home sits on double lot. Basement has eight foot ceilings and is finished with bedroom and family room. Home has all new stainless steel appliances. 2.5 car detached garage with driveway and alley access. ..................$409,000

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. MANY EXTRA AMENITIES.................. $535,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2BA. ATTACHED GARAGE. ..................$359,500

VALUE MAY BE IN THE LAND. Major renovation needed to the house. Being sold “As Is”........................................................................................$250,000

OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. CONVENIENT LOCATION. ...................... $84,900

FOREST PARK HOMES

NEW LISTING FOREST PARK 4BR, 4BA.............................$335,000

NOTHING TO DO BUT MOVE IN! Newly stained dark hardwood floors throughout, including the kitchen. Three large bedrooms. New deck and many upgrades. Don’t pass this one by.... larger inside than it looks. Sunny back yard ready for your perennial garden. Fenced yard. ....................$284,000

OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. UPDATED KITCHEN AND BATH. ........... $69,000 FOREST PARK 2BR, 2BA. SPACIOUS CORNER UNIT. .............$289,000 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. RECENTLY UPDATED. ......................$87,500 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. UPDATED KITCHEN. ........................$69,900 ELMWOOD PARK 1BR, 1BA. SEPARATE EATING AREA. ........$79,500

For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com

B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

Standing out 2016 Preservation Awards Chosen each year by the Historic Preservation Commission. This year’s winners are: 227 Clinton Ave. Steve Krasinsky & Jani Westcott, Studio R Architecture, Loop Construction & Remodeling, Amanda Miller Design Restoration

Provided

BEFORE AND AFTER: 421 Clinton Avenue, Restoration winner

AWARDS

Celebrating reinvestment from page B3

Preservation awards This year’s Preservation awards touted the efforts of local homeowners and businesses to rehabilitate historic structures within Oak Park. The owners of 227 Clinton Ave., with the help of Studio R Architecture, Loop Construction & Remodeling, and

810 Clinton Ave. Margaret Prechel Restoration

Amanda Miller Design, turned a dilapidated house into a stunning single-family showcase. Likewise, at 317 S. Euclid Ave., a home that was down on its luck went through a complete overhaul with the help of architect Technica Design and contractor Wicklow Development Group. At 421 Clinton, the owners worked with Sherman Construction, Jacknow Construction, and Mullins Painting to turn a pink, sided house into an authentic Victorian stunner. The owner of 810 Clinton, meanwhile, restored her fire-damaged four-square. At 145 S. East Ave., the owners worked with Errol J. Kirsch Architects

145 S. East Ave. Noel & Amanda Massie, Errol J. Kirsch Architects, Hughes Development Restoration 317 S. Euclid Ave. Pam Mufson & Steve Stein, Technica Design, Wicklow Development Group Rehabilitation 1031 Home Ave. Jeffrey & Adrian Fisher, Architecture and Conservation, McShane Hibbets Rehabilitation

Provided

BEFORE AND AFTER: 227 Clinton Avenue, Restoration winner and Hughes Development to restore their corner-lot beauty, complete with a periodappropriate porch. And the owners of 1031 Home Ave. worked with Architecture & Conservation and contractor McShane Hibbets to remove an unsightly addition and restore their Gunderson home. Local business Oak Park Brewing Company/Hamburger Mary’s was honored for their rehabilitation of the space at 149-155 S. Oak Park Ave., and Kinslahger Brewing Company received an award for rehabilitating their space at 6806 Roosevelt Road.

Cavalcade of Pride awards

Provided

BEFORE AND AFTER: 317 S. Euclid Avenue, Rehabilitation winner

421 Clinton Ave. Kip Adrian & Andrea Kovach, Sherman Construction, Jacknow Construction, Mullins Painting Restoration

Village Planner Craig Failor noted that the village has been awarding the efforts of resident owners since 1972. “We are really looking at properties and business owners who have put a little effort into maintaining their properties,” he said. “Every year, each member of our commission gets a zone in the village and walks

149-155 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park Brewing Company/Hamburger Mary’s, Ridgeland Associates, Epic Builders, LLC Rehabilitation 6806 Roosevelt Road Kinslahger Brewing Company, Elements Architecture Group, Heartland Construction Group Rehabilitation it, looking at landscaping and exterior improvements. We also give them building permit information so they know how much the owners have invested in their properties.” For Failor, the awards have a contagious effect in terms of community pride. “Once people see other people getting awards for their investments, it makes them wonder what they can be doing to their own property. We give [signs to] the block that wins the block award, so people driving by can see it and wonder what they can do on their own blocks.” In each of the nine zones, commissioners choose a single-family home for an award. Not all of the zones contain multifamily homes, so multiple nominations can be See AWARDS on page B8

January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

Standing out 2016 Green Awards Chosen each year by the Environment & Energy Commission. This year’s winners are: ■ Naaman Gambill, Local Bee Keeper ■ Brooks Middle School Edible Garden: Laura Stamp, Jennifer Harrington, Sue Hoyer, Heidi Jirka ■ Park District of Oak Park, Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center ■ Heritage Oak Project - Kathryn Jonas and Julie Samuels ■ Mindy Agnew - Green Block Party Program ■ Harrison St. Lighting Project - Peter Hugh and the Oak Park Engineering Division ■ Karen Rozmus - CompostAble Program ■ Honorable mention: Friends’ Learning Garden

2016 Cavalcade of Pride Awards Chosen each year by the Community Design Commission. This year’s winners are:

Provided

REHABILITATION: 149-155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park Brewing Company/Hamburger Mary’s

AWARDS from page B7 made in that category. All of the award winners are worthy of recognition, Failor said, but he singled out a few of this year’s highlights, including local businesses and the Park District of Oak Park. “The park district’s Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center is one of the highlights this year,” Failor said. “For commercial businesses, Citrine’s outdoor seating area (corner of Oak Park Avenue and South Boulevard) and their updating of the façade of the building really stand out. Kinslahger took a building that was really rundown and put a great deal of effort not only into the outside but inside as well. We also recognized 116 S. Grove Ave. for the owners’ efforts in maintaining the building. It was a former singlefamily home that was turned into a multifamily building, and they did a wonderful job architecturally and with the landscape.”

Green awards The Green awards were added to the lineup in 2009 and Karen Rozmus, environmental services manager for the village, said the

awards embody much of what has inspired her to work for Oak Park for the past 22 years. “This community just embraces green issues,” she said, “the things that I care about.” As she prepares to retire, Rozmus was pleasantly surprised to be nominated for an award for her efforts to bring a composting program to the village. The popular program serves 1,100 households and counting. Other award winners include Naaman Gambill, who installed bee hives on the Public Works building (South Boulevard and Lombard Avenue). The Brooks Middle School Edible Garden was also honored. Rozmus noted the latter recognizes the efforts of Laura Stamp, Jennifer Harrington, Sue Hoyer, and Heidi Jirka. “They put real effort into making the garden ADA accessible for some of the students, which was a new twist on a school gardening program.” Another winner was the Heritage Oak Project, the brainchild of Kathryn Jonas and Julie Samuels. The former members of the Forestry Commission found a pre-settlement map of Oak Park, with the site of the original oak savanna. They collected acorns from trees that have anchored the village for over 150 years and worked with the Morton Arboretum to propagate saplings from those acorns to give to residents to plant.

B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

Residential ■ 745 N. Grove Ave. Jean Forbes & William Steed ■ 1222 Linden Ave. Jennifer Cunningham & Steven Snyder ■ 917 Hayes Ave. Ann & Thomas Ryan ■ 1013 Erie St. John Perch & Jason Brau ■ 178 N. Scoville Ave. Catherine Baumann & Robert Baima ■ 222 N. Ridgeland Ave. Julia Zacharopoulos & Thomas Gallagher ■ 1116 S. Maple Ave. Iris Sherman ■ 541 S. Elmwood Ave. Stacy Fifer & John Conour ■ 630 S. Lombard Ave. Jennifer & Bryan Gammage Most Improved White Lotus Chiropractic 1001 Madison St.

Disability Access awards A new category this year, the Disability Access awards, are the only category driven entirely by the public. Steve Cutaia, ADA coordinator and the village’s chief building official said the commission received about 70 nominations. The awards are meant to recognize businesses and organizations that meet three criteria: They are easily accessible to people with disabilities, they provide an inviting physical space, and they are welcoming and helpful to those with disabilities, all displaying a service-oriented

Multifamily ■ 1228-1230 N. Austin Blvd. Greenplan Management ■ 116 S. Grove Ave. True Home Grove Condominium Association ■ 600 S. Euclid Ave. Gwendolyne & Prince Qualls Garden ■ 421 N. Oak Park Ave. Robbin O’Harrow ■ 227 S. Euclid Ave. Angela & Davis Farnham ■ 229 S. Euclid Ave. Gail Holmberg & Henri Gillet Block 900 Hayes Ave. Commercial ■ Stanton Interior Concepts 114 Chicago Ave. ■ Fleet Feet Sports 102 N. Marion St. ■ Citrine 100 S. Oak Park Ave. ■ Kinslahger Brewing Company 6806 Roosevelt Road Sign Acupuncture POINTS 1105 Holley Court Good Neighbor Harlem-Randolph Car Wash 161 Harlem Ave., Forest Park Special Recognition Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center 167 Forest Ave.

2016 Disability Access Awards Chosen by the Disability Access Commission. This is the first year this award has been distributed. The 2016 winners are: ■ MOMENTA (Academy of Movement and Music), 605 Lake St. ■ Mama Thai, 1112 Madison St. ■ Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, 1038 Lake St. attitude. MOMENTA Dance Company was recognized as an organization that goes to great lengths to provide access to those with disabilities (including dancers). Also recognized were restaurants Lou Malnati’s and Mama Thai. “After the awards ceremony,” he said, “we got a lot of positive feedback. What sets us apart is that we let the public nominate and then the commission does the field work.” Cutaia thinks the Disability Access awards will continue to grow as recognition increases.

It may be COLD outside, but the real estate market is HEATING UP! CALL PATTI SPRAFKA WAGNER ACCREDITED STAGING PROFESSIONAL and a CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST

(708) 218-8102 • pswagner@live.com www.PattiWagner.com www.OakParkRiverForestRealEstate.com NEW LISTING! 3 BR, 1.2 BA 2-STORY HOME that is truly in movein condition. Eating area overlooks the yard, newly finished lower level, hardwood floors and neutral decor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $415,000

NEW PRICE!

3 BR, 1.1 BA MINIVICTORIAN with low-maintenance exterior, hardwood floors, roomy eat-in kitchen, great closet space, huge deck & new roof & water heater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $320,000

3+ BR, 3.1 BA VICTORIAN BEAUTY boasts gorgeous master suite with vaulted ceiling, island kitchen with desk area, newer windows, hardwood floors and more! . . . . . . . . . . .$629,000

NEW PRICE! 4+ BR, 3.1 BA QUEEN ANNE home is deceivingly spacious! Gorgeous master suite with balcony, designer kitchen with island & 1st floor BR & bath. Its lovely! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$699,000

2 BR, 2 BA CONDO in the heart of Oak Park. New oak floors throughout, remodeled kitchen with built-in table, great closet space and a parking space, too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $178,000

Nickel Group

UNDER CONTRACT! 2BR, 2BA CONDO with 2 covered parking spaces! Center of town location, remodeled maple cabinet kitchen & its freshly painted. Laundry is allowed in the unit. . . . . . . . . . $211,500

3+ BR, 2.1 BA BRICK SIDE entrance Colonial home has character galore! Hardwood floors, leaded glass french doors, natural wood, fireplace & spacious rooms ........................ $549,000

Patti Sprafka Wagner was #1 in Overall Sales for the Tri-Village Area of Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Park, for both 2016 and 2015, in the entire MRED Multiple Listing Service!

101 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60301 January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 11:30-1:30PM

OPEN SUNDAY 2-4PM

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3PM

3D NEW LISTING!

1157 Gunderson Ave 3BR, 1.2BA $415,000

1167 Clinton Ave 3BR, 1.1BA $320,000

1137 Linden Ave 3BR, 1.2BA $519,000

OAK PARK

222 N. Grove Ave 2BR, 2BA $211,500

1050 N. Humphrey Ave 2BR, 1BA $239,000

930 Ontario St 2BR, 2BA $225,000

3D 3D NEW LISTING!

835 Columbian Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 4.1BA $1,075,000

OAK PARK

222 N. Grove Ave 2BR, 2BA $238,500

1104 S. Cuyler Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $669,000

RIVER FOREST

3D 3D

NEW PRICE!

726 Forest Ave 3BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $629,000

530 Forest Ave 5BR, 3.1BA $999,000

131 Ashland Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $699,000

Susan Abbott Dale Anderson Adriana Cook Lorraine Cooper 3D Monica Dalton Christine DeLeon David Dieschbourg Michael Dmyterko

Jannie Earl Kelly Fondow Mitch Goldstein Trevor Good 3D Priscilla Haddad Robert Hann Mari Hans Richard Holland

151 N. Kenilworth Ave 2BR, 2BA $178,000

1229 Woodbine Ave 3BR, 2BA $515,000

F O R E S T PA R K

121 Des Plaines Ave Duplex + PKG $225,000

1115 Thomas Ave 4BR, 3BA $449,900

John Lawrence – Managing Broker/Owner Jennifer Hosty Enea Lako Jose Munoz Mark Hosty Alex LeGare Adam Murphy Evelyn Humphries Linda Little Tabitha Murphy Donna Karpavicius Nick Lovett 3D Jeffrey O’Connor 3D 3D Zak Knebel Jeanette Madock Sarah O’Shea Munoz Barbara Kohut Linda Marcangelo Jonathan Paul Cory Kohut Kris McCartney Michael Rabichow Meg Kryger Alice Fox McMahon Jon Reith

101 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 • 708-848-5550 www.weichertnickelgroup.com

B10 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

224 S. Oak Park Ave 2BR, 2BA $198,000

Go to

3D WeichertRNG.com to view 3D 3D Tours and see what else is on the market!

Jessica Rivera Janet Rouse Donna Serpico Pauline Sharpe Marcos Sierra Patti Sprafka Wagner Victoria Witt

Follow Weichert

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

518 N. East Ave. home sells for $1,250,000

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds from November 1 to November 30, 2016. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.

OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

518 N East Ave 333 Linden Ave 730 Linden Ave 203 N Harvey Ave 941 Mapleton Ave 418 S Lombard Ave 1105 S Lombard Ave 426 Wisconsin Ave 4262 233 Clinton Ave 2333 1159 S Cuyler Ave 527 South Blvd 1133 S Humphrey Ave 19 Augusta St 456 Washington Blvd 3C 950 Washington Blvd MANY 426 S Lombard Ave 103 1105 Holley Ct 115 950 Washington Blvd MANY 820 S Cuyler Ave 240 S Grove Ave 165 N Kenilworth Ave 6G 306 Chicago Ave 1N 1042 N Grove Ave 819 S Euclid Ave 509 N Harlem Ave 5091 1104 S Euclid Ave 539 S Oak Park Ave 220 S Maple Ave 42 415 Wesley Ave 41533 1017 N Humphrey Ave

$1,250,000 $940,000 $740,000 $485,000 $475,000 $405,000 $294,000 $287,000 $258,500 $252,000 $218,500 $210,000 $185,000 $145,000 $125,000 $96,500 $82,000 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

Houligan Kevin Khan Asif Knowlton David K Rowe Tazewell Mitchener Larry E Houlihan Kevin Voris Nathan A Butts Thomas A Rehbock William Mace Camille Morris Clarlyn Prasitporn Jumpol Ernst Nicholas J Beasley Angela M Baker Jane A Hilgendorf Kyle M Nash Brian W George Lance W Selk Marilynn Jpw Inv 1 Llc Judicial Sales Corp Corona Investments Llc Fritz Walter R My Fix Prop Llc Chicago Mutual Real Estate Grp Inc Carian Kirkor Kirk Oster Linda A Tr Petersen Connor L Atkins Janice M Briones Carlos Diamond Elizabeth L Basirirad Roya Dixon Wilma Jean Herman Meridian Fried Lisa Carasso Fried Lisa Carasso Tr Bookstein Crescence Van Aalst Amy J Brown Lawrence E Brown Lawrence E Tr Stefanski Marianne K Stefanski Marianne K Tr Kalinina Anna Trobe David Turley Nicole L Turley Nicole Tr Becker Debbie Becker Deborah A Tr Anderson Eric A Anderson Eric A Tr Abbott Ryan Abbott Ryan C Tr Arias Catherine L Arias Gilberto Jr Arias Catherine L Arias Catherine L Tr Sakowska Ewelina M Sakowska Ewelina M Schueler Lynda M Schueler Lynda M Tr

RIVER FOREST 934 Keystone Ave 1442 N Harlem Ave 405 Lathrop Ave 4051D 101 Park Ave 1441 Park Ave 1414 N Harlem Ave 616 Thatcher Ave

$985,500 $150,000 $62,000 Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

Sullivan Gary M Tr Ryan James L Tr Moore John G Ind Exe Stetson Elizabeth Tr Downey Gerard A Alvers Carrissa M Killion Paul S

Parks Ryan Tansey Robert F Iii Jundanian Mark Trust 0000000000405 Stetson Roger H Downey Gerard A Tr Bca Prop Llc - Alpha Kang Hui

FOREST PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

7422 Madison St 529 Beloit Ave 1401 Harlem Ave

$1,925,000 $672,000 $607,000

7240 Franklin St 1A 1405 Harlem Ave

$389,000 $505,500

938 Circle Ave 141 Des Plaines Ave 605 Elgin Ave 825 Hannah Ave

$309,000 $260,000 $250,000 $160,000

148 Circle Ave 308 1409 Harlem Ave

$65,000 Unknown

SELLER Charan Llc Pruden Todd Alan Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 0000000006998 Heskett Clare M Tr Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 0000000006828 Kutylo Anthony W Walton Kimberly Murphy-Win Bernadette Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 0000000981052 Household Fin Corp Iii Judicial Sales Corp

BUYER Circle Hooks Llc Bromet Michael G Gacem Kader Wilson Edward Gacem Kader Sullivan Sharon Hooper David Witt Kristine M Management Prop Llc Tillman Sarah A U S Bank Trust Tr

It’s YOUR home! Protect your investment. Title insurance is much more than just paperwork at your closing. It guarantees that your home is really yours and protects the title of your home for as long as you own it. If you are buying or refinancing your home, you have a choice. Choose Prairie Title.

Unparalleled Expertise • Reliable Service • Local, friendly environment

That’s Prairie Title. 6819-21 W. North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708.386.7900 | www.prairietitle.com January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B11

Success

(suk’sess) noun. A favorable result, the gaining of wealth or fame, a successful thing.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service.

...unless you select the uncompromising real estate services of Tom Carraher. The successful choice in real estate.

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

1502 Marengo Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $235,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2 1640 N . Natchez Ave, Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $249,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1167 Clinton Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $320,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

The achievement of success has most often been neglected by those who would compromise and settle for second-best.

ADDRESS

1000 S . Maple Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $365,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3:30 15646 W . Idlewood Ln, Libertyville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $370,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1157 S . Gunderson Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $415,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 723 Woodbine, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1137 Linden Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $519,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 826 Clinton Pl, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $595,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 623 N . Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $598,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 123 Ashland Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $639,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1435 Park Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$723,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 102 Wesley Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $749,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.

530 N . East, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,100,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

CONDOS

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

7221 Division St . UNIT 1, River Foresti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1539 N . Franklin Ave . UNIT 5, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $179,890 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-3 Showroom at 139 S . Oak Park Ave ., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $669,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 Showroom at 139 S . Oak Park Ave ., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $684,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

TOWNHOMES

Showroom at 139 S . Oak Park Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

318 Pennsylvania Way, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $539,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

MULTIFAMILY

Tom Carraher

Realistic Expectation–Proven Results

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

419 S . Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com

7375W. West NorthAve. Avenue 7375 North River Forest, Illinois River Forest 60305 708.771.8040 708.771.8040

http://tomcarraher.realtor.com

B12 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989. Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals

7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151

Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 207793 License # 1031

633 N EAST AVE, OAK PARK

210 HOME AVE, OAK PARK

This completely renovated home on a beautiful, oversized lot in Oak Park’s

This is not your grandmother’s Victorian! This home features large rooms

best neighborhood is perfect for today’s active family. $1,995,000

and a gracious layout. $1,350,000

KATHLEEN MALONE

VICKIE FREUND

•

773.600.1551

•

kmalone@atproperties.com

•

210HOME.INFO

773.848.8932

•

vfreund@atproperties.com

THE #1 LUXURY BROKERAGE FIRM IN OAK PARK.

432 S HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK

432SOUTHHUMPHREY.INFO

615 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK

615NOAKPARKAVE.INFO

Just completed! Lavish redevelopment on tree-lined cul-de-sac in the

This beautifully maintained 2.5 story home is a classic American Four-

Ridgeland Historic District! $925,000

square gem with a spacious floorplan!

BOB ROYALS

•

312.607.0801

Source: MRED $1 million + sales, Oak Park, 1-1-2016 to 7-26-2016.

•

bobroyals@atproperties.com

MICHELE STRIMAITIS

$784,000

• 708.848.0200 • mstrimaitis @atproperties.com Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B13

Our team of brokers is committed to your success!

Erica Cuneen

Karen Baldwin

Shalena Thomas

Martha Murphy

Vicki May

Cynthia Howe Gajewski

Stacy Cortez

Ruby Blair

Denise Espinosa

Phil Joseph

Denise Sacks

Isaac Jordan

FEATURED PROPERTY

Galewood

Forest Park

Tons of space! Freshly painted LR + DR. 2 of 4 bedrooms on first floor. Stainless steel/Corian kitchen leads to generous back yard. Huge basement with fireplace, new carpet, bar area, ½ bath, laundry room + storage. Newer windows in most rooms! Near Mars Metra. 4 BR/2.5 BA, Special Grant Financing Available .............................................................. $359,100

Need a big house? This is it! 5 BRs, 2 full BAs + first flr fam rm and many updates. 2.5 car gar, extra pkg spc. Near FP Park District, Blue Line, shopping and restaurants. A keeper!............. .............................................................$249,900

Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440

Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

R CE

E UC

Riverside

Forest Park

! NT UN

A TR

River Forest

Oak Park

A TR

Montclare

Stunning renovation! Open concept new kit, maple cab., SS apps, grnt countertops, marble tile! Two new highend BAs. New mechanicals, plmg, floor. Large lot. Don’t miss!!. ............ $384,000

Adorable 3BR/2BA home. Brand new baths, refinished hardwood floors and a newer eat-in kitchen. Special Grant Financing Available ............... $229,900

Sunny space in great location. Condo with hdwd and tile floors. Good closet space, bsmnt stor locker. Rent includes heat, basement laundry and one pkg spc. 2BR/1 BA..........................$1350/mo

Corner unit with balcony. Views in the heart of Oak Park, close to trans, shops, restaurants, library and Scoville Park. Master BA, walk-in closet, and one covered pkg spc. 2BR/2BA .... $174,000

2-story with addition. Intact arts and crafts. Beamed DR ceiling, art glass, oak wainscoting, plate rail. Frplc surrounded by shelves. Flexible flr plan + amazing space. Wonderful! 4 BR/2.1 BA ...............$275,000

Martha Murphy • 857-977-3456

Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

Vicki May • 708-714-0686

Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440

D UN

N CO

C RA

Oak Park

708.386.1366 • 109 N. Marion St., Oak Park B14 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

D! L SO

Cicero

$3000 closing credit! Large, beautifully rehabbed end unit in gorgeous vintage building. New kitchen and bath. Refinished hdwd flrs. Assigned parking, free laundry. 3 BR/1 BA........... $154,600

Brick two-flat on a double lot! Each unit has a large eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, and 3 bedrooms. Hardwood floors under carpeting......... .................................................... $136,000

Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Serving Our Community For Over 70 Years

114 North Oak Park Avenue Oak Park, Illinois 60301

HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-4PM • SUNDAY 10AM-2PM 530 N. EAST • OPEN SUN 1-3PM

OAK PARK. REDUCED! SPACIOUS 4+1 BR, 3 BA bungalow beautifully finished on 3 levels. A must see up-to-date classic. x ......................................................$649,000

OAK PARK. START THE YEAR out in this fabulous, updated home! 5 BRs 4 BAs, spacious kitchen, second flr lndry, perfect central OP location. x..............................$1,100,000

708.524.1100

www.gloor.com

OAK PARK. UPDATED 3BR, 3.1BA w/ lovely woodwork, leaded glass windows, OAK PARK. BRICK 3-FLAT close to school large family rm, French doors & much more! with a big living rm, formal dining rm. Excelx ......................................................$599,000 lent condition! Great income! ..........$729,000

OPEN HOUSES • SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2017 OAK PARK

OPEN 1-3PM • 723 WOODBINE

ELMWOOD PARK. WANT TURNKEY? 3 BR, 1.5 BA on great lot. This is the home for you! x............................................. $338,000 OAK PARK LIKE GREEN SPACE? Love to Entertain? Exceptionally restored, expanded home on private park-like lot offers huge family rm/kitchen combo. 6BR, 3.2BA. x ................... $1,925,000 BRIMMING WITH LIGHT & comfort this elegant 4BR, 3.1BA home is move-in ready. Frplc. C/A. Fin’d bsmt. Lots more! See it! x........................................................$639,000 ENJOY LIFE IN FLW Historic District. 5BRs, 1½BAs. Spacious LR w/FRPLC. Family rm. Great yard! x ............................................. $519,000 SWEET HOME to love. Spacious, romantic Queen Anne bungalow updated for you. 4BRs, 2BAs. Huge eat-in kitchen. x .......... $399,999 ALTERNATIVE TO CONDO LIVING or downsizing. 2 BR’s, 1 BA. Cheery kitchen w/great cabinet spc & SS applncs. Full bsmt & attic. x........................................................$309,000

RIVER FOREST THE ULTIMATE HOUSE. Stunning Tudor on massive lot 200x188. Rehab offers all the modern amenities. Make an appt today. x.....................................................$2,999,000 PERFECT ATTENTION TO DETAIL. 5BR, 2.1BA home w/coach house. Chef’s kitchen w/ over-the-top amenities. Family rm. Much more! x......................................................$1,165,000 DESIGNER REMODELED 6 BR, 3.2 BTH beauty. Entertain in style. Chef’s dream kitchen opens to vaulted great room. This is the one! x.....................................................$1,460,000

JUST LISTED! BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC 2-Story! Family room. 4BR, 2BA. New kitchen. Updates galore. Rare Side Drive. x..............................$499,700 OPEN 1-3PM • 530 N. EAST AVE. START THE YEAR out in this fabulous, updated home! 5 BRs 4 BAs, spacious kitchen, second flr lndry, perfect central OP location. x.. $1,100,000 VERY COOL RETRO RANCH w/open floor plan on a large lot. 3 BRs, 2.2BAs. WBFP. MBR suite. 1st floor laundry. C/A. Attached garage. x........................................................$594,000 QUEEN ANNE Victorian w/open frt porch on lrg lot! 6BRs, 2.2BAs. Stunning foyer w/frplc & striking staircase w/balcony. Much more! x........................................................$599,000

OTHER AREA HOMES BERWYN. AM 4-SQ, 3 BR, 1.1 BA near Proksa Park & train. Huge deck & patio w/parking for 3 cars. x .............................................. $259,000 ELMWOOD PARK ROOM FOR EVERYBODY! Lovely, large brick bungalow. 4BR w/3 full BAs & updated kitchen. Move right in. x$285,000

OAK PARK CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES OPEN 12-2PM AT THE SHOWROOM 139 S. OAK PARK AVE.

NEW CONSTRUCTION! New standard of luxury! 1808-2200 SF units, 3 BRs, 2 indoor pkg spaces, spacious terraces, eco-efficient LEED certified. Pricing starts at .....................................................$669,900

ONE OF THE LARGEST FLOOR PLANS in the Santa Maria. 2BRs, 1BA. Updated kitchen. Fireplace. Lots of light. Pkg spc available. x....................................................... $160,000 IN THE HEART OF TOWN, 2BR, 1BA condo w/view of lovely lndscpd courtyd. Floor-toceiling windows. Open flr plan. Pkg... $155,000 WELL-LOCATED STUDIO features hdwd flrs, new SS fridge and portable washer. Murphy’s bed. ........................................................ $69,900

RENTALS HOMES

RIVER FOREST. SUNNY 1ST FLOOR UNIT in Victorian 2-flat. 3BRs, 2BAs. Hdwd flrs, Hi ceilings, gas frplc, 1 gar & 1 ext pkg spc. ELMWOOD PARK. SPACIOUS COLONIAL ........................................................... $2,200/mo w/3BRs, 1.1BAs. 3 levels of living. Updated COMMERCIAL RENTALS kitchen & BAs, fireplace, hdwd flrs & C/A. OAK PARK. OFFICE SPACES in lovely ........................................................... $2,500/mo Art Deco bldg. 2 Elevators. Entry handicap

equipped. Tenants pay electric. Public pkg. Call! Rent ranges from .........$2,616/mo to $898/mo RIVER FOREST. INVITING 4/5 BR, 2 bath WESTMONT. CLASSIC STORE FRONT/walk OTHER AREA Victorian 2-Flat. 2 levels of living space, 10 rms, in office on busy street. 2 blocks from Metra CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES high ceilings, hdwd flrs, remodeled BA, huge yd train. In-suite restrooms and kitchen. Great ELMWOOD PARK. LOCATION, LOCATION, & garage pkg. .................................. $3,300/mo exposure. ..........................................$1,525/mo LOCATION! MBR w/BA & large living space, in-unit W/D, C/A, elevator bldg. - check it out! The Spring Market is just around x........................................................ $139,000

CONDOS/APARTMENTS

the corner. It’s time to get your home ready and we can help. Call us for a FREE Market Analysis!

INCOME RIVER FOREST. RARE OPPORTUNITY for the “Sandwich” generation! Have your parents or adult children close so you can help, but they can live independent. x ................... $749,000

COMMERCIAL OAK PARK. MIXED USE BLDG. 1st flr: lrg commercial spc – approx. 3000SF. 2 apts on 2nd flr: 3BR, 1BA /1BR, 1BA. 2-car gar. 1st flr handicapped access. Call for more info. ..............................................................$395,000

Showroom Open Sunday 12-2pm

ONLY

Located 139 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park

LEFT!

OAK PARK CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES IDEAL OP LIVING! Contemporary 1BR + den, 1½ BA condo features open plan, designer kitchen & BAs, W/D, garage pkg, balcony & C/A. x....................................................... $215,000 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

OAK PARK. BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL corner condo in heart of OP! 2 large BRs w/ big closets, 2BAs, freshly painted, Berber carpet, eat-in kitchen, pkg! Available NOW! .............................................................$164,900

Starting at $669,900

Open 10am–4pm M-F or call for appointment

A New Standard of Luxury in Oak Park. • • • • • • •

11 spacious, deluxe residences Close to vibrant downtown Oak Park 3 bedroom units 2 indoor parking spaces 1808-2969 sq. ft. units Spacious terraces Eco-efficient- LEED certified

Don’t Miss Out on Pre-Construction Pricing!

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

January 11, 2017 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B15

In The Village, Realtors®

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

April Baker

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTIES

Harry Walsh, Managing Broker

1000 S. MAPLE AVE. OPEN SUN 2-3:30 PM

Joelle Venzera

Mike Becker

Oak Park • $849,900 4BR, 3.1BA Call Steve x121 Roz Byrne

Oak Brook • $589,900 5BR, 2.1BA Call Kerry x139

Forest Park • $479,000 Multi unit Call Gary x125

Oak Park • $365,000 3BR, 1.1BA Call Dorothy x124

Haydee Rosa

Tom Byrne

Oak Park • $339,800 4BR, 2.1BA Call Kyra x145

Oak Park • $329,900 3BR, 1.1BA Call Kerry x139

Brookfield • $229,900 3BR, 1BA Call Elissa x192

Oak Park • $220,000 2BR, 2BA Call Laurie x186

Kelly Gisburne

Laurie Christofano

Linda Rooney

Forest Park • $195,000 Multi unit Call Dorothy x124

Oak Park • $134,000 1BR, 1BA Call Elissa x192

Kerry Delaney

Marion Digre

Morgan Digre

Kris Sagan

Oak Park • $115,000 1BR, 1BA Call Kelly x113

Anna Gillian

Dorothy Gillian

Northlake • $99,000 3BR, 1.1BA Call Roz x112

Ed Goodwin

B16 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 11, 2017

Joe Langley

by our office • View all properties listed erties listed • View thousands of prop throughout Chicagoland on of Luxury Homes • View the Remax Collecti erties • View Foreclosure Prop • View Open Houses ur neighborhood • View recent sales in yo

Kyra Pych

Elissa Palermo

Steve Nasralla

Dan Linzing

Gary Mancuso

Jane McClelland

Keri Meacham

Alisha Mowbray

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

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

VIEWPOINTS

The Beverly Hillbilly in D.C. John Hubbuch, p. 19

The Trump survival kit

emocrats, after winning the White House the last two presidential elections, thought they had formed a more perfect union — among and between its Obama coalition — of voters who would carry Hillary Clinton into both history and the White House in 2016. However, political machinations, an electorate ready for change, and an internecine primary campaign that pitted two baby boomers with diametrically opposing views, contributed to creating a political upset few believed was possible. Donald Trump won despite his so-called character issues, lack of political acumen and penchant for appealing to our “lesser angels.” Trump, the ultimate “insider,” won because he convinced enough people that he was an “outsider.” People, identified as “white working class,” expressed that they felt abandoned and exploited. Trump rode his image as a take-noprisoners, no-nonsense businessman and media star to the highest office in our country. In a real sense, at 70 years of age, he played the game like a millennial. He exuded a sense of entitlement and narcissism that many took as characteristic of a bold and needed leadership style for America to survive and prosper. The self-identified working class white voters opted for an (alleged) multi-billionaire who admitted to being an expert at “working the system” to his benefit; rating women on their physical attributes; promoting religious intolerance as necessary to ensure our way of life and safety; painting all undocumented Mexicans as rapists and thugs; and claiming he was “smarter than all the generals.” He can say the most outrageous things from his Twitter bully pulpit only to have an army of talking heads and spin masters tell us that he didn’t mean what he just tweeted. But don’t underestimate the white working class — they may be angry, we’re told, but they are not stupid. Given the shock, revulsion and anger that so many Hillary and Bernie supporters evidenced after the election, a pathway must be found for them to accept the fact that Donald F. Trump is the POTUS (President of the United States). I want to help. Therefore, I would offer some suggestions. The following, when viewed holistically, can function as a “Trump Survival Kit”:

KWAME SALTER

7 steps to living under a Trump presidency 1. Avoid pity parties: Put simply, avoid the temptation to continue commiserating with like-minded friends, strangers and family members while incessantly going over how undeserving Trump is to be POTUS. Constantly complaining about who didn’t do what and what an awful decision the Electoral College made will not reverse the election results. In fact, pity parties will cause one to become more agitated and depressed. 2. Stay active in local politics: It is a truism that all politics is local. Trump’s victory should inspire and re-ignite See SALTER on page 21

Courtesy Dominican University

EXTRA HELP: Students get some one-on-one time with a Dominican University graduate student during the college’s School of Education Reading Academy Program in which KIPP participated in 2016.

Reducing the achievement gap is happening … elsewhere

n 1947 when I graduated from Hawthorne Elementary (now Julian Middle School), OPRF was rated one of the top 10 high schools in the United States. Twenty-three years ago I started to volunteer at OPRF because Wednesday Journal wrote such a critical article about the high school and the achievement gap. After about three years, I saw the complete disconnect between District 97 and the high school. I was working with a very polite black student who also had a job. He was on a standard track taking Western European History. He had always received B’s and C’s in grammar school, but he was reading at a fifth-grade level. He was a “dead duck” and his mother was very upset. This was when they tried a “school within a school” to give extra help to those who were falling behind. It was extra help but during the same school day. It was just about this time that Michael Feinberg, a graduate of OPRF, and his friend Jim Levine started their first KIPP charter school. There are now over 200 KIPP schools. They do a fabulous job with kids in the inner city who are without hope unless they get a good education. Part of the program is a longer school day so that these children can catch up to grade level. There are many great books available on the problem, but a key fact is that a child with two parents who have college educations has over 40 million verbal interactions in his/her first five years. A child of a single mother without a high school education has less than 6 million

verbal interactions in the first five years. The vocabulary difference is huge. If KIPP can work with children where the majority of its population could fall into this category and yet get them on track, perhaps Michael Feinberg might come to OPRF to consult? Besides volunteering at Irving for the last 20 years, I have been involved with a Christian Brother middle school in the Back of the Yards area. They only take sixth-graders who are doing poorly in school. They have a longer school day and school year. It amounts to over 60 more days of school compared to the standard public school. They have two hours of reading a day and 1½ hours of math. From this very poor neighborhood, over 90% graduate from select high schools and over 60% go on to four-year colleges. It can happen, but it takes extra time. It works in three years. Perhaps that time should take place at the elementary level? I realize that progressive Oak Park will probably doubt the validity of this information, but a strict dress code reduces discipline problems by up to 60%. Considering the security costs at the high school, a dress code might offer some nice savings in the future. One last thought: the only school district in the country to greatly reduce the achievement gap up to 2012 was in Montgomery County, Maryland. They have a K-12 school district and had the same superintendent for over 10 years. There is an idea that might save millions. Jack Flynn is a resident of River Forest.

JACK FLYNN

One View

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

O U R

V I E W S

Equity. Now

n emerging alliance of Oak Park education activists is bringing heat on a critical topic at a ripe moment. The issue, as it has been for decades, is the academic and discipline gap between white and black students in our public elementary, middle and high schools. Everyone agrees the gap is real and the inequity it plainly presents is real. What’s new here is the rising energy and organization among focused and frustrated parents, many of them black, over this issue. They tell this story not in the lexicon of quadrants and test score gradations. Instead, as our Michael Romain reported last week, we are hearing from parents who believe their own education, not just their own kids’, was short-changed in Oak Park because they were African-American. We are hearing from a black mom who said her son and the only other black student in his class were assigned to read a primary school book for a reading assignment when he was in fifth grade. We have lost and are still losing black kids right now, this school year, to districts that have long mouthed platitudes about the gap but have lacked the intestinal fortitude to go all in on finding a fix. How do we know that? Because our high school has only recently approved a strategic plan based on a 2003 study titled, “The Learning Community Performance Gap at Oak Park and River Forest High School.” 2003. This moment is ripe for change because we have new superintendents at both districts who seem equally concerned about the status quo, who seem to have rejected the go-slow approach that has squandered years while offering cover to our collective liberal sensibilities. Also positive is the equal focus activists are bringing to both the elementary and high school districts. Save us from any further fingerpointing suggesting that District 97 promotes ill-trained black graduates or that District 200 doesn’t listen to the counsel of grade school teachers as they pass on specific students. We’re glad to see local school officials making the short trip to Evanston, our demographic twin to the north. The gap there is also historic. But there is slow headway being made in Evanston and we need to borrow those ideas and that backbone. There is a suggestion, however, coming from the activists — CEEE (Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education), APPLE (African American Parents for Purposeful Leadership in Education) and SUA (Suburban Unity Alliance) — with which we disagree. It is proposed that the high school create a new post, an assistant superintendent of equity, who would focus on implementing the new strategic plan. This most vital of tasks should not be segregated into a distinct position. Now is the moment for this school board and this new superintendent to drive the expectation of equity top to bottom through this district. Every division chair, teacher, coach, security guard and lunchroom worker needs to buy into the mission, work the plan and communicate it daily.

Petition challenges Our gut instinct is that contested elections are critical and that most petition challenges to knock candidates off of ballots are petty and/ or political interference. That’s why we get frustrated when challenges come down to how petitions were stapled together or some discrepancy in how a petition is notarized. More serious are challenges claiming candidates did not collect adequate numbers of signatures or raising concerns about the quality of those signatures. But the state laws around petitions are the laws. We think they’re due for a good going over. But at this moment they still apply. In this Oak Park political season, there are challenges aplenty, all aimed at candidates for village government office. The local electoral board is due to rule Thursday on the nine challenges brought by three different parties. Against our gut, we’d urge this board to stand with the existing laws. Then lobby to change them.

V I E W P O I N T S

@ @OakParkSports

Back to basics in basic training

y son completed “basic” last And wonder of wonders, he was lucky month at Ft. Benning, Georenough to be assigned a drill sergeant gia — 2nd Battalion, 54th (SSG Sean Jolin) who didn’t just berate Infantry Regiment, Delta but also taught life lessons that my Company, 4th Platoon. Dylan son found helpful, the main one being, is 32, older than most of the recruits “Bitter or Better — with any kind of ad(though not the oldest). A police officer versity, you have two options, get bitter in Willowbrook, he joined the Illinois about it, or use it to get better.” National Guard this summer to further All of this I deeply appreciate. his career goals and because he’s had The part about being “able to close the itch for a long time. with and destroy the enemies of our Scratching that itch involved an country” could stand some clarification, immersion experience beyond most such as how we define “enemies” and immersion experiences — 14 weeks of how we “destroy” them. being grist for the mill, run through the My first close encounter with military wringer, coming out the other end as an culture was a trip, no doubt about it — infantryman. His bus arrived at Sand and there is precious little doubt in it. Hill in early September. When the doors opened, the Supremely self-assured, that culture is self-referendrill sergeants boarded in full throat and ran everytial and self-reverential, reinforced by an adoring one off the bus — and they didn’t stop running until public. The history is sacred and cited often. The Thanksgiving weekend, followed by three weeks large field upon which graduation exercises took of AIT (Advanced Individual Training), ending a place — adjacent to the impressively appointed week before Christmas, when U.S. Infantry Museum — was loved ones arrived to attend the literally sown with the soil of graduation ceremonies for, as many of this country’s most they put it, “Your Soldier.” famous battles, beginning with In the official letter that Yorktown, which decided the served as our only communiRevolutionary War. cation with the United States Yet the recruits, as they always Army (“Dear Sir or Ma’am”), have, see through the excessive we were informed that “our solemnity and regimentation, mission is to transform even as they embrace the “Warcivilians into well-disciplined rior Ethos.” infantrymen who embrace And that extends beyond our the Warrior Ethos and live the soldiers. As I told him in my first Army Values. … Your Soldier letter, we all need to develop the will be trained to the highest warrior within — the toughness, standard. Infantrymen must perseverance and determinabe physically fit and mentally tion that life demands as it tests SPC Dylan Trainor, infantryman tough. … Over the course of us — but a warrior without wis14 weeks of training, your dom has too much to “prove” Soldier will be forged into a (mostly to him or herself). And tough, adaptive, and flexible Infantryman, able to warrior wannabes who find themselves in positions close with and destroy the enemies of our country of power tend to overcompensate and drag others in close combat.” into harm’s way. Some of this, I admit, sounded promising. There The Lord of the Rings (Gandalf), Star Wars (Obiis much to be said for discipline and transformative Wan Kenobi, Yoda) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden experiences (when they lead to a greater good). I’m Dragon (Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien) present memoall for “physically fit.” The fact that our soldier was rable embodiments of the wise warrior. In real life, our outgoing president managed to temper the quarantined for three and a half months — without warrior-in-chief with wisdom whereas our incomhis cellphone or access to the internet — was A-OK ing commander merely plays one on TV. With a son with me. No junk food, being forced to eat healthy now in the military and at the mercy of his whims, items he had never tried before and discovering he that worries me. liked them (Brussels sprouts!) — what parent could Nonetheless, I’m proud of Dylan for completing argue with that? this grueling exercise. He cut a fine figure in his I gave him stamps and envelopes before he left dress uniform, with his beret and the blue infantry and was rewarded with the first four letters my son cord fastened to his right shoulder. Our journey has ever written to me. The more fully-dimensional to Ft. Benning — where my father completed boot person who emerged from those letters, who I knew camp before entering World War II — inspired me. was in there but had only glimpsed in brief intimaAll of life, it seems to me, is basic training (foltions, now came through loud and clear. lowed by advanced individual training), where we Being away from the comfort zone cocoon for an learn to handle whatever gets thrown at us, where extended period had a formative and transformadiscipline works best when it comes from within tive effect on me when I spent a summer working in rather than imposed from outside, where we are all a national park in 1971, and this seemed to have a on a long march, fighting a great battle, and where a similar effect on him. Absent one’s place of origin, warrior without wisdom is simply a machine that the heart does grow fonder. He’s also a decent letter destroys. writer, something that warmed this father’s heart. A warrior with wisdom, on the other hand, is A maturing person, who seemed eager for even worthy of honor. greater maturity, made for enjoyable reading.

KEN

TRAINOR

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

by Marc Stopeck

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger Viewpoints/ Real Estate Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Staff Photographer William Camargo Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Media Coordinator Kristen Benford

Mr. Clampett goes to Washington

merican tradition holds that when, on Oct. 19, 1781, the British army surrendered to the combined American and French forces at Yorktown, Virginia, the British drummers and fifers played the tune “The World Turn’d Upside Down.” Accounts say that some of the 8,000 troops wept and some were drunk. Others threw down their weapons in anger or disgust. None of them could believe that the upstart colonial army could defeat the then-reigning world’s greatest power in a war. I suspect most Oak Parkers can sympathize with those poor Brits following Donald Trump’s unlikely and unanticipated election as president. Our worlds were also turned upside down, and no doubt some cried, others drank and still others smashed their remotes. Yet we humans are a resilient species. Two months have passed. The holidays have come and gone. We still have to go to work. The kids are back in school. There is snow to shovel and bills to pay. The inauguration looms. There is a powerful sense of uncertainty. The new president is cartoonishly unprepared. In background

JOHN

HUBBUCH

and temperament he is closer to Springfield Mayor Quimby of The Simpsons, or the cross-eyed, bolo-paddling Mel Brooks in Blazing Saddles. The nation’s daily attention focuses on the late-night twittered musings of a now Washington D.C.-based Jed Clampett. We are told he is a disrupter who will change things. True dat. He has proposed transmitting top secret communications by courier. Can invisible ink and decoder rings be far behind? In this upside-down world, Messrs. Pence, Ryan, McConnell and McCain are now our first line of defense. The old tired stalwart Democrats and liberal press can be counted on to organize the resistance movement. Recall that the earth was once flat and the center of the universe. Maybe we got this all wrong. Maybe this individual freedom, diversity and fact-based world was just a passing fancy. Time will tell. The Greeks gave us hubris. Shakespeare observed the foolishness of mortals. The Germans coined the concept of schadenfreude, that deliciously wicked condition of celebrating the failure of another. On Jan. 20, 2017 Donald Trump becomes president. I can’t wait.

Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat Comptroller Edward Panschar Credit Manager Laurie Myers Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

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

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

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

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

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

If you want to run for office, follow the law

ow disappointing! I went to village hall to appear before the Electoral Board, as a citizen, objecting to flaws in petitions by candidates Barber, Brewer for trustee and Malinski for clerk. The president, Mr. Abu-Taleb, congratulated potential candidates for running and said how tough a job they are taking on — all true — then he discussed the tough national election and alluded to objections being an outgrowth of the

remaining ill will and that the errors are probably mere technicalities. What a shame, he said, if technicalities stop you from serving. No other Election Board member gave opening comments. The hearing is to determine the facts. No one on the Electoral Board should have formed any opinion as to the objections, objectors or the petitions of the candidates. The board listens, gathers evidence, asks

BOB

MILSTEIN One View

questions, briefs are created and read, then reflection, legal discussion, and in the end, a decision. In his opening comments, President Abu-Taleb failed to acknowledge the citizens’ right to object, in good faith, for the purpose of seeing that all state election laws are obeyed. This is a legal right. He indirectly labeled objectors as obstructionists who are only looking for technicalities. In addition, one trustee candidate, Masalski, expressed that there was a surge of obstructionism and alluded to a private

River Forest

FOOT CLINIC

7351 Lake St. (Just west of Panera Bread)

Do you have diabetes?

f you do, you should know how important foot care is. Over time, diabetics risk developing foot complications. When the nerves are damaged from chronic high blood sugar, feet can become numb or painful with burning or tingling. This is called diabetic neuropathy. When diabetes affects the arteries, circulation to the legs and feet may be compromised. Either of these conditions may lead to serious problems including ulceration, even amputation. The key to prevention is early diagnosis of diabetes, and regular foot exams from a podiatrist. Diabetics who receive regular foot care, including paring of calluses and debridement of thick fungal toenails, are almost four times less likely to undergo an

Dr. Linda Lambert

amputation than those who do not seek treatment. Medicare and some private insurances cover 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of protective insoles each calendar year. Dr. Lambert has been a supplier of diabetic shoes since 2002. The shoes come in 30 different styles each for men and women. These include boots, lightweight colorful athletic shoes, and dress shoes. Even patients who are not diabetic love the look and comfort of the footwear. Diabetic socks, slippers and compression hosiery are also available. Protecting your feet with appropriate footgear is an important aspect of preventive care for diabetics.

Aetna, AARP, Blue Cross PPO, United Healthcare, Healthspring, Humana, PHCS, Medicare Assignment & most other insurances accepted • CIGNA PPO

24 Years’ Experience • Se Habla Espanol • Free Parking

708.366.FOOT (3668)

meeting with the president where he questioned her, “Is there a way to talk you out of running?” A joke? My goodness, he is the leader and when he speaks, some citizens really listen to him. She believes the objections are a direct result of that meeting. Mr. Abu-Taleb expressed outrage and anger at her accusation. It resulted in a good 3- to 5-minute badgering of Masalski by the president. He told her to change her perception of the meeting, and that at their meeting he was acting as her friend. He reaches out to all candidates. In fact he, and at least one very close relative, passed petitions for Mr. Taglia another trustee candidate. Wait ... if he votes people off the ballot is he doing it to help Taglia win? If he keeps them on against the law, is he violating his oath to uphold the law? How can he be fair if he is supporting another trustee candidate? Taglia’s petitions are fine; he abided the law. The election laws exist for a reason. Potential candidates must follow the same laws and guidelines. If each person does that, there is no reason for an objection to be made. Should one candidate for trustee having a mere 118 signatures, and filing to run in the wrong election, be on the ballot when others had 251 required signatures? The courts have upheld the law on numbers of signatures of registered voters that are needed to allow a person on the ballot. This is not hard math. This board must decide based on the state’s election laws. President Abu-Taleb should voluntarily recuse himself from the decision concerning Ms. Masalski. There is the appearance of, if not the reality of, bias. Likewise, as impassioned and believable as Trustee Lueck’s statement was about checking her bias on any issue throughout her stint on commissions and as a trustee, she ran on the ticket with Mr. Brewer and Mr. Barber. If her vote is to keep them on the ballot, she is not following the rule of law, which requires 251 signatures each for a total of 753. Their total (735) is below this absolute threshold based on state law. They should not be on the ballot. Follow the law! Robert Milstein is a former Oak Park village trustee.

No censorship, just a bore

I think the only reason needed to stop printing Robert Milstein’s letters [Here’s why the Journal prints my letters, Viewpoints, Jan. 4] is because they are boring.

Don Anderson Oak Park

SALTER

Living with Trump from page 17 involvement in local politics. During local, county and state elections, you will find candidates attempting to adopt the Trump approach to campaigning. These local, county and state office candidates represent the pipeline of future political leaders and influencers. Be informed, vigilant and vocal. 3. Talk and listen to the Trump voters: Not all the people voting for Trump were racists, low informed or “deplorable.” Many had previously voted for President Obama; others had not voted in prior elections. Listen, without predetermined conclusions, to the reasons they give for voting for Trump. Ask them what they specifically liked and didn’t like about Trump — both the man and the candidate. Try to figure out what their primary reason was for voting for Trump. Listen without judgment. Avoid debating or belittling them. 4. Use your media voice: Even though Hillary lost the Electoral College vote, you did not lose your voice. Use all forms of media — digital and print — to monitor, critique and comment on Trump’s administration. In other words, “keep him honest.” Intelligent and fact-based letters to the editor, along with blogs, Facebook and Twitter,

V I E W P O I N T S reach and can influence a lot of people both directly and indirectly. 5. Plan for mid-term elections: Granted, the big prize of POTUS was lost. However, our constitutional government is made up of three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. Every two years, there is an opportunity to correct the course of the Legislative branch. Our system of government has checks and balances built in to ensure that the will of the people is ultimately realized. Get out and support the candidates you believe have your best interests at heart. Use the mid-term elections as a referendum, if necessary. 6. Support the office of POTUS: Even if you can never see yourself supporting the incumbent, do support and respect the office of President of the United States. While respect is often a one-way street in politics, it is, nonetheless, a precondition — if we want to continue the peaceful transition of power we’re so proud of and which serves as an example to the world. 7. Trust the process: Our system of government, while not perfect, still serves as the Lighthouse of Democracy for the world. No one man or woman can easily pre-empt the Constitutional process. Demagogues, fascists and new-age populists who seek to divide have a very short shelf life in our form of Constitutional government. In summary, democracy is not a “spectator sport.” Just because your party or candidate doesn’t win is no excuse to take yourself out of the game.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

THE SCOTTISH HOME

A Unique Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Campus

Caring

For a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia? THE CALEDONIAN HOUSE

THE CALEDONIAN HOUSE

“Best in Memory Care”

OPENING SUMMER 2016!

Call Today to Schedule a Tour!

(708)447-5092

Caledonian House is located on the Scottish Home Campus, located on 5 serene, wooded acres.

2800 Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside, Il 60546 thescottishhome.org

Comfort of Home. Warmth of Family. Our philosophy of one-on-one care is inspired by the comfort of home & warmth of family. Care partners in the Caledonian House are all certified nursingassistants, cross-trained in personal care, culinary skills, housekeeping and resident-directed Dementia care. Consistent & meaningful engagement nurtures familiarity.

We Can Help.

Life Insurance • Retirement Savings • Mutual Funds • IRAs • Annuities • College Savings Plans

Why did 1.3 million families refuse to buy life insurance online? They had an Allstate Agency they trusted to help them get it right. An Allstate Agent like me. Let’s sit down and talk about your life insurance needs today. I’m happy to answer questions, explain the details and help you choose the right policy for your family and budget. Call me today.

Garfield Phillpotts 708-452-4117 7621 W. Lake St. River Forest gphillpotts@allstate.com

Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Company & Allstate Assurance Company, Northbrook, IL; Lincoln Beneﬁt Life Company, Lincoln, NE; and American Heritage Life Insurance Company, Jacksonville, FL. Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

202703

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

Memory of a bleak Christmas

bleak Christmas seems like an oxymoron. Bleakness is surely incongruent with the festive atmosphere and spirit of the holiday. But for my mother and me, the Christmas of 1944 was bleak indeed. In July of that year, my father had disappeared mysteriously in the turmoil of war. In August, we became refugees escaping from the Russian front. Our first Christmas in exile came at the worst of times. As refugees from Lithuania, we escaped the imminent threat of deportation to Siberia by the Russians, but we came to Germany, only to find a country under siege. The nightly bombings of cities around us threatened our lives. Our levels of anxiety were as great here as the looming threat of deportation to the gulag. The impending outcome of the war also posed the grim probability that we still might fall prey to the Russians. Our journey as refugees ended in Armstadt, a small town in Thuringen in Germany’s heartland. We were housed in a rooming facility for Siemens factory workers. Although the colossal storm of war raged around

us, Christmas mandated a distraction from the horrors. In our rooming community, people struggled to lift their spirits. At supper on Christmas Eve, we all joined in a brief prayer and sang “Silent Night.” But for our crushed souls, the immensity of the gloom was insurmountable. Everyone was grieving the loss of a loved one. In a separate but conspicuous place in a large mess hall, a small table was set with an empty chair. No one needed an explanation for whom it was reserved. We all knew, and no one could ignore it. Even today, many decades later, I have difficulty describing its impact, and tears well up in my eyes. For my mother and me, the empty chair and table symbolized my father’s absence. Contemplating our loss we could not suppress our grief and wept uncontrollably. We found only slight solace in each other’s embrace. Eventually, our tears ran dry. The next day, Christmas dinner offered larger portions and cake for dessert, perhaps to sweeten our lives a little. But there was no peace on earth. The following week, New Year’s wishes of happiness, sincere as they

FRED NATKEVI One View

were, seemed hollow. Fifteen years passed, and I was living in Chicago when I found out that my father survived the war. I learned that he had been released from a gulag prison and lived in a Siberian town called Inta. I recognized the name of the town and shuddered. I read about Inta in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s novel The First Circle. It described the life of gulag inmates. Each morning the prisoners were rousted at 5 a.m. Those who were able to work were marched at gunpoint to their destinations. Those too weak or too sick to work had their heads smashed with a wooden sledge. My father survived more than 12 years of such Russian brutality. It was half of his 25-year sentence for joining Lithuanian freedom fighters. For several years we corresponded, and I sent him packages of food and clothing. As a naturalized citizen of the United States, I worked tirelessly trying to bring my father to America. My efforts were in vain. The Soviets did not release him and a few years later, he died in Russia. The memory of that empty chair at the holiday table continues to haunt my Christmas. Fred Natkevi is a longtime resident of Oak Park.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

DOOPer’s dates were a little off

It would seem the delightful “DOOPer’s Memories: When boxing and ‘Creature Features’ ruled Friday nights” [Viewpoints, Jan. 4] are somewhat faulty. Mr. Stanger talks about how he and his friends would gather on Saturday nights to watch Svengoolie (yes, there is an ‘e’ on the end) on WGN before he graduated from high school and his fright nights became a thing of the past. In actuality, Svengoolie wasn’t even on the air — on Friday nights on WFLD, Channel 32 — until late 1970. “Creature Features” did run on Channel 9, but not until about the same time (1970) though years later, WFLD also had a show called “Creature Feature” (singular) on Saturday afternoons. If Mr. Stanger’s family got their first TV when he was 12, and he stopped watching boxing in 1956, I would guess his high school years ended long before Svengoolie went on the air. He and his high school pals may have been watching “Shock Theater” on Channel 7, which aired on Saturday nights starting in late 1957, hosted by Terry Bennett as the ghoulish beatnik Marvin. The way his memories were going, I almost expected him to say that he stopped watching boxing in 1956 … after seeing Leon Spinks fight.

Rich Koz

MeTV/WCIU

EDGE DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

• • • • •

Vacation Packages Domestic & International Vacations Cruises Destination Weddings Honeymoons

Winter Soccer

Training Academy

Twitter

Find us on OakPark.com or at TanTrvl.com

708.386.6363 email: lydia@tantrvl.com

Details and online registration available at chicagoedgesc.com or call 978-799-5840

January 15 thru March 19 at Beye School Edge Academy is a weekly soccer training program for players in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Chicago Edge professional coaches help players develop their skills in a camp-like atmosphere.

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

We need to protect our vulnerable citizens

The incident may not make it to the pages of Wednesday Journal, but it angered me so much that I thought I’d comment anyway. This week, an 18-year-old male from Crystal Lake (who has mental disabilities) was driven by a “friend” to an apartment on the 3300 block of West Lexington in Chicago where he was terrorized and brutalized by three other 18-yearolds and a 24-year-old for 4-5 hours. The terror was captured on Facebook Live by Brittany Covington (one of the tormentors). A neighbor’s complaints eventually led to the young man’s release. If you followed the story, you know the victim is Caucasian and the perpetrators are African-American. My reaction to the incident was the same as for any vulnerable person or population that gets exploited or victimized: outrage, disgust, and a call for justice if possible. For me, the race involved doesn’t matter as much as what actually occurred. Alas, our society is quite racialized so you can’t always ignore the obvious. And when incidents are racially motivated, race has to take center stage and be called

out for what it is — a tool that can be used for evil, suppression, exclusion, manipulation, exploitation, or social justice. I am sure that I have already ruffled some feathers so let me go further. As a community, Oak Park should never be silent when it comes to exploitation, abuse, or neglect of its most vulnerable citizens. This includes the disabled (mental and physical), children, the elderly, the abused (mental and physical), and the economically/socially disadvantaged. So when we hear of student-teacher sexual relations, allegations of inadequately addressed sexual assault and aggression among teens at OPRF High School, or entrenched academic performance gaps, I would think we’d be just as passionate in calling for justice/ corrections as we have when racial insensitivity or victimization occurs (or when a school improvement/pool tax is proposed or Madison Street goes on a road diet for development purposes or District 97 puts two referendums on the ballot or the village has to face its pension deficits). I hope the young man from Crystal Lake gets the justice and support he needs to heal from the senseless crime carried out against him. I hope Jordan Hill, 18, of Carpentersville; Tesfaye Cooper, 18, of Chicago; Brittany Covington, 18, of Chicago; and Tanishia Covington, 24, of Chicago) are held accountable for the actions they are accused of perpetrating. Had the races been reversed (or the same), I’d still feel the same.

• Mention this ad for FREE initial consultation (new patients only) • Medicare covers shoes for diabetics

Happy Feet... begin with gentle, friendly care for your feet Louis J. Chi, D.P.M.

SPECIAL NEEDS ED

Chicago Parent brings our popular Playdate event to families with special needs.

Swimming! (first come, first serve) • Bouncy Houses • Entertainment Stage • Quiet Room • Vendors

Saturday, Jan. 28

2 sessions: 10am-12:30pm/1pm-3:30pm JCC Chicago | 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook

Mary M. DiSomma, D.P.M.

Ruth A. Chi, D.P.M.

Open Monday-Saturday • Free Initial Exam for Laser Fungal Nails

www.disomma.com 708-383-5554

Most Insurances & PPO’s Accepted Outpatient Foot Surgery Affiliated with Rush Oak Park Hospital

Oak Park

PlaydateITION

Tickets: $5 (ages 3-14) Adults & Kids under 2 are FREE!

LASER AVAILABLE FOR FUNGAL NAILS

Ken Woods

Be part of our special day!

Special on Rodding ONLY

150

for Rodding and Camera!

All Your Plumbing and Sewer Needs Flood Control Experts Basement Waterproofing | Frozen Pipes New Water Line Installation and Repair Hydro Jetting Service| Roots Removed Sewer Repairs | New Sewer Line Installation Clogged Drains | Catch Basins *We Deal with All Insurance Companies*

All Seasons Visit ChicagoParent.com/specialneedsplaydate for advance tickets and info!

24 ou SerH vicer

Call Now!

PLUMBING & SOLUTIONS 773-947-4941 We are #1 in the #2 business

One call – that does it all!

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Miss a week.

O B I T U A R I E S

Greg Freerksen, 65

John Hiffman, 44

Civil rights and labor union lawyer, Bluesman

Avid reader, worked in restaurant management

Greg Freerksen, 65, died unexpectedly on Dec. 25, 2016 in his home. Born on June 4, 1951 in Washington, Iowa to Floyd and Betty Jo Freerksen, he was a civil rights and labor union attorney for about 40 years. He also worked as GREG FREERKSEN a Blues radio DJ for 20 years and was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame during its first year. He loved music, dogs, being outdoors, science, and creating things, whether in the garden, the kitchen, or artistically, and his family was very important to him. As he used to say, “Keep your mojo workin’ and don’t take no 3-6-9.” Greg Freerksen is survived by his mother, Betty Jo Freerksen; his brothers, Doug Freerksen and Dan Freerksen; his wife, Patricia Menges; his children, Suzanna Freerksen, Andrea Freerksen, Paul Freerksen and Tim Freerksen; his sister-inlaw, Deb Freerksen; and his nieces and nephews, Ryan Freerksen, Kaitlyn Freerksen, Anna Freerksen and Keith Freerksen. A memorial visitation was held on Dec. 29 at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home with the family requesting donations in Greg’s name to Prairie State Legal Services.

John Dennis Hiffman, 44, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and formerly of River Forest, died peacefully on Dec. 22, 2016. Born in Maywood on Sept. 26, 1972, he is survived by his parents, Dennis and Barbara (O’Keefe) JOHN DENNIS HIFFMAN Hiffman; his wife, Denise (Zarnstorff) Hiffman; his three, fun-loving sons, John “Jack,” 9, and twins Thomas and Patrick, 8; his brothers, Matthew (Narayani) Hiffman and Daniel (Stephanie) Hiffman; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Hiffman graduated from Fenwick High School, class of 1990, and Roosevelt University, class of 1999. Upon graduating, he began a career in restaurant management in Chicago. An avid reader of history and science fiction, he was above all a people person, making friends everywhere he went and engaging people in conversation with wit and humor. He loved all of his friends, old and new, and will be greatly missed. Visitation was held on Jan. 3 at Drechsler, Brown and Williams Funeral Home in Oak Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the John Hiffman Family Memorial Fund, 1119 Madison St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147 or the Fenwick H.S. Scholarship Fund, 505 Washington Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 would be appreciated.

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL

Class of 2013 Pages 33-36

AL JOURN

42 Vol. 34, No. R ONE DOLLA

t er Fores rk and Riv of Oak Pa

@OakPark @O

Vol. 33, No. 2 ONE DOLLAR

Culture shock at village hall

D A Y N E S W E D

June 1, 2016

June 12, 2013

of Oak Park and River Forest

4 pages of names and photos

Setting goals, Oak Park board starts at its home base By ANNA LOTHSON

section pullout Special

Staff Reporter

Oak Park rry ca police to rddoossee anti-oovveer drug ent alreeadadyy

Wednesday ournalHom eset .com Meet the Wi Wilsons Famil

DAVID PIERINI/Staff Photographer

y-friendly F rank? Powered by the Oak

BARGE HY INKLEer

By TIMOT

3+4 = FAMILY: AMILY: thre biological and four adopted from Ethiopia. They AMIL Katie and Todd Wilson of Oak Park have seven kids, three have not ruled family. led out adding to their family

June 12, 2013

Fire Departmoughly once Oak Park Narcan roug administers a week R Report

Staff ped be equip as Narwill soon By LACEY SIKORA known officers Contributi police ose drug Police Chief ng Writer Oak Park pioid overd Deputy anti-o Park n Oak Park, with an rmed Oak ary manFrank Lloyd is known in Janu Wright begin can, confi ose. for a lot effect of things. tments oses only is he went into depar Not the father Tony Ambr law that police preve nt overd rie Style of the PraiA state all Illinois of to event n drugs. his persona Architecture, that the in an effort but l exploits prescriptio dates intrigue the drug d-based interview that rtto his narrativ have added carrying n and opioi Depa life and one Fire foibles aside, e. Personal teleph the Park her es are not from heroi said in a Wright housng for the Oak ose typically /Staff Photograp Ambr family-friendly. rant fundi CAMARGO thought grant ing with WILLIAM is work training and Architectureof as cionado s said OPPD e s often treat Pilafa afireceiv as lived-in Peter Wright homes tment ment to am. museum page 10. Fire Chief fire depar Narn progr of modern pieces. Lovers photos, Narca that Deputy , open-co nister meanwh ncept homes, For more f Oak Park one interview ed to admi ge of four 30. ile, May train means small think Wright’ teleph avera s style Forest on in a have been used it an rooms, and dark low ceilings edics e in River interior param , which time andand 2015. s, ill-suite way families some Day Parad d to the grant OPPD can for h in 2014 20 for Memorial Park family live today. One the for the a mont ed on May Oak annual times later the costs dayss later. are wrong, says both stereoty s appli during the nt of pes insisting Pilafa ed three of als home is t offici 100 perce approved at the crowd perfect for their Wright departmen ct police will cover and it was four. their family ts wave and and fire instru of Participan program, now gratitude w police seminar to g, patience, When fastin He said a training the drug. Supervid best develop nister ship Family plannin character.be on their to admi Park Town ator, to will atten how to ct one’s g on w Oak age, lies, s. Alec Harris to perfe is supposed officers this year, for four week and Carollin Jew , bad langu er purchas habits, Muslim anger 13 Earli day for much like a a ed a bad Song the pa page Peter Beachy t, every ior, avoid e give up on Forest during of intro AN on s very CAN behav House to sunse Avenue sound peopl ChristianMuslims is a time See NARC eight when they to betNausheen etc. Manysmoking. It ion on how r or a were looking years ago Kippu home for ibes what ple for a larger eflect Yom their descr exam dan. on family. At she and self-r their son Rama 12 said, HOLMES the Gabriel during know,” she spection By TOM Reporter Lent when on page was approactime, first grade ng for is to ADAN not uting hing and daughte Contrib d are strivi people may of Ramadan CreSee RAM in prescho r Lindy was Ahme t ) ol. se The couple “Wha to your out to buy . Mohi purpo didn’t set begin a Wright that the spiritually ddin (a.k.aAkhter will inclinat house, but closer Mohu June “is ion was the heen Syed there from dan on go- bring you ginning. Rama the bewife Naus and his the month of ents will fast, se Song says the couple’s resid sunri keeping Forest , from predilec River or drink delsol.com 5. The EYEDYLLIC: See BEACH ut food or maya Carollin Y on page ing witho 9800

Park Area

Association of Realtor

Calvaryy pastor and wife adopt four Ethiopian children childr

What it’s like

to raise a famil y in a Wright

By TOM HOLMES Contributor

home

Todd Wilson laughed, thinking of when he comes home from work at 6 p.m. and walks into “organized chaos with seven kids — three biological and four adopted — buzzing around.” Todd and Katie Wilson first felt the

embrance

call to adopt between 1998 and 2000 when they lived ved in Minneapolis. Minneapoli Newly graduated Katie aduated from Wheaton College, Colle was teaching junior high English and colle students Todd was working with college in a Twin Cities congregation. “In Minneapolis we were at a church where they had a lot of adoptions,” Katie explained. “That’s when it really kind

of stirred our hearts for adoption, but it didn’t feel like the right time. We were moving a lot and we did not have the money to do it.” The Wilsons moved often during the next seven years, including a sojourn in Cambridge, England, where Todd

A day of rem

Oak Park’s village board presented a united front during a special Saturday morning meeting as leaders outlined key goals for the group, some of them being identical to those of President Anan Abu-Taleb’s spring campaign points. With the campaign months behind and Oak Park entering the early stages of its 2014 budgetplanning process, Abu-Taleb and his colleagues dove into topics the group plans to address within the next two years. This included tasks like enhancing customer service at village hall, boosting employee morale and citizen satisfaction, addressing economic development in each of its business districts, staying on top of the Eisenhower Expressway expansion discussions and improving intergovernmental cooperation. Although these topics are far from new for this board, the elected officials vowed now is the time to tackle the tough topics if Oak Park wants to remain an attractive and feasible place to live. Abu-Taleb opened the meeting by highlighting its purpose, which he explained was to “define the strategic direction” of the board in order to create a solid foundation moving forward. “The goals we develop today will set the tone for the type of leadership we want to bring to Oak Park. We cannot forget that the voters chose

See ADOPTION on page 20

See VILLAGE HALL on page 13

father’s day brunch & dinner

adan ican Ramtions about Muslims Anst couAplemsayserdon’t make assump

sunday, june 16th

144 s. oak park ave. | 708.358.9800 | www.mayadelsol.com

River Fore

6/ 19

day Day | Sun 5-9pm Fat her’nchs 9a-2:30p dinner bru

Reser vatio

358. ns: 708.

a Song and Wright. Th Alec e porch is a favorite spot Harris, with their dog, for the family. Maisy, on the

side

porch of their GARRE home, the DAVID PIERINI/Staff Beachy House, T EAKI Photographer designed by N ON T Frank Lloyd HE NO BLE RO OM, PA GE B10

Miss a lot! OAK PARK

3 BR, 2 BA.................

See page B4

...$385,000

OAK PARK 4

BR, 2.5 BA . . .... See page B4 . .$685,000

OAK PARK

6 BR, 3.1 BA................

See page B4

$1,600,00

RIVER FOREST 4 BR, 4 BA See page B5............$529,000

RIVER FOREST 7 BR, 7.1 BA See page B5 ......$1,195,000

Don’t miss a week of campaign and election coverage – subscribe today! Wednesday Journal is the place to read about all the candidates, issues, forums and letters to the editor for this year’s election. Don’t be left out of the loop!

So why are you waiting—subscribe today! Three easy ways to subscribe: 1) call (708) 524-8300 2) visit OakPark.com/subscribe 3) mail in the form below. *Sign up today to receive Breaking News email updates!

To run an obituary

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL

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

of Oak Park and River Forest

Start delivery of

today!

Enclosed is my payment of ¨$32 for 12 months. Name ________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City ____________________Zip ______ Phone _______________ *Email ________________________________________________ Visa/MC/Discover # ______________________ Exp Date ________ Signature _____________________________________________ Mail to: Circulation Dept., 141 S. Oak Park, IL 60302 Offer valid for new subscribers in Cook County only.

How to Keep in Touch with Us in 3 Steps

Get your daily dose of your local news straight from home!

twitter.com/OakPark

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Religion Guide Methodist

Check First.

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

First Congregational Church of Maywood

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

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130

William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000

324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel during Worship Rev. Jenny Weber, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship Presbyterian

Fair Oaks

Lutheranâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ELCA

United Lutheran Church 1 5LGJHODQG *UHHQÂż HOG Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Dennis Bushkofsky, Pastor Handicapped Accessible www.unitedlutheranchurch.org 708/386-1576

Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM

LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)

3:30-4:00pm

Nationwide

WJYS-TV (M-F)

6:30-7:00am

Chicago, IL.

WCIU-TV (Sun.)

10:30-11:00am

Chicago, IL.

Word Network

10:30-11:00am

Nationwide

(M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

West Suburban Temple Har Zion

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

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

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

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920 Rev. Daniel deBeer, Interim Pastor Sunday Schedule Christian Education for All Ages 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am

Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

CELEBRATING OUR 105TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca Traditional Catholic

Child care available 9-11am

fairoakspres.org

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

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

Lutheran-Missouri Synod

Christ Lutheran Church

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

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. & Jan. 1 Holy Hour 6:00 pm Third Thursdays

Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

Arborwood 2 bedroom apartments now available.

The Traditional Catholic Latin Mass

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

Third Unitarian Church 11am Service: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebration of Lifeâ&#x20AC;? thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield near Austin and Lake

Grace Lutheran School

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

And at the Altenheim, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to protect it with rent that is reasonable. But the Altenheim is so much moreâ&#x20AC;Ś it is surrounded with beautiful grounds and wildlife, seniors who look out for one another and apartment selections and activities to suit your lifestyle. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be as happy as a lark here; come visit us toÂ find out why.

Unity

UNITY CHURCH OF OAK PARK 405 North Euclid Ave.

The presence of God watches over you.

7824 West Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130 708.366.2206 www.thealtenheim.com

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just one click away from... Getting the latest news updates Purchasing photos Searching past issues Searching Classified ads

Sunday Services 9 am & 11 am Youth Education 11 am

Roman Catholic

St. Edmund Catholic Church

708-848-0960 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; unityoakpark.org

188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Masses: 8:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 School Phone: 708-386-5131

Upcoming Religious Holidays

Jan12-15 Mahayana New Year Buddhist 13 Maghi Sikh 15 World Religion Day Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i 17 Blessing of the Animals Hispanic Catholic Christian 19-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Christian 19 Triodion begins Orthodox Christian

Fire Escape Counseling Psychotherapy & Life Coaching Services

Rev. Dr. Charles E. Cairo

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

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

www.OakPark.com

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

Getting Down To Business

with the Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce January 9th, 2017

Local Business Directory Launches

By CATHY YEN, Executive Director

re you eager to shop local but don’t know what businesses are nearby? Are you frustrated when you google local business, only to find the top-ranked “local” businesses are really eight-hundred numbers for companies purporting to serve our community? We hear you. For the past six months, the Chamber has been building an online directory to list all Oak Park area businesses. We are proud of what we created. While this will always be a work in progress, you will find the live directory at oprfchamber.org/list. Why are we so excited? First, the directory is designed for all local business, not just Chamber members. Any business in

our local area (Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and the border commercial areas like Roosevelt Road and North Avenue) can have a free listing. Second, you can search by business name, category, key word or even business district. We’ve also responded to the community’s request for lists of women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, diversely-owned businesses and locally-owned businesses. What are our challenges? The current directory is a great start, but by no means complete. With a generous grant and data from the Village of Oak Park, we populated this first version of the database and directory will all companies in the Village of Oak Park’s 2016 business license database. That means we might be missing some of the newer businesses and businesses outside Oak Park. We are missing businesses not required to file for local municipal licenses. Trades, certain state-licensed professions and home-

based businesses still need to be added. Finally, we know that some of the information may have changed - a new phone number, for example. With current technology, these challenges are easily overcome. All businesses are encouraged to visit oprfchamber.org to view their listing. If something is incorrect, let us know. If the business is not listed at all, there is a simple web-based form to fill out under “Get a Listing.” The Chamber is excited to provide this free service to the businesses and consumers. Shop Local just got that much easier.

Friday, Jan. 27, 2017

5:30pm-9:30pm at the Nineteenth Century Club, Oak Park, IL

Bite Nite tickets are now on sale! www.foodiefest.net Foodie Fest, our local “restaurant week,” is Jan. 27 - Feb. 9

Restaurant Owners: Contact Alicia to take advantage of this FREE opportunity! aplominspitler@oprfchamber.org

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

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

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

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

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

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

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 524-0447 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED ADMIN ASST. PART TIME Lagrange Park real estate office needs part time administrative assistant to help answer phones, set appointments, greet clients and handling web based real estate platforms. Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Word. Hours Thursday & Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Send resume to C21lja@aol.com or call 708 267 5374 for confidential interview. Assistant Vice Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Actuary sought by Aon Risk Services Central, Inc., an Aon co., in Chicago, IL to serve as subject matter expert on complex actuarial valuation projects in Health & Benefits segment. Must have Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deg in Econ, Finance, Math or Actuarial Sci. + 8 progressive yrs of health & benefit actuarial analysis exp in: (1) Preparing quarterly exp reviews & renewal underwriting analyses, (2) Leading strategy dvlpmt & costing scenarios rltd to strategy discussions, (3) Facilitating benchmarking discussions & analysis, incl strategy evolution based on benchmarking data, (4) Applying knowl of math, probability, statistics, & finance to set & review health care budget rates for self-insured plans & presenting to client teams & clients, (5) Reviewing employee contribution rate dvlpmt & performing IBNP reserve dvlpmt, (6) Estimating finâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l impacts in changes to provider reimbursement analyses, (7) Dvlpg models to evaluate costsaving scenarios & value retiree plans to ensure compliance w/ federal Medicare Part D regulations, (8) Analyzing plan changes & assessing impact on Medicare Advantage bid process, (9) Providing analysis to ensure regulatory compliance w/ Medicare Advantage/Medicaid, & (10) Utilizing MS Excel, PowerPoint & Word prgms. Must have Member of American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA) & Associate Society of Actuaries (ASA) designations. May travel to various & unanticipiated worksites throughout the U.S. 1-2 times per mth. All positions req. an applicant who has accepted an offer to undergo a background check. Must fax resume to (312)381-9423 & cite job code 00205.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Secretary (Park-Time) in Human Resources. This position will provide a wide variety of advanced secretarial and clerical duties in support of Human Resources including filing, paying bills, responding to emails, calls and maintain a variety of confidential files and records. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than January 18, 2017.

HELP WANTED PART-TIME SOCIAL PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR SENIOR COMMUNITY Please send resume to: 7824 West Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130 Attention: Administrator PROJECT MANAGER Brubaker Architects, Inc. seeks a Project Manager. Mail resume to: 1200 Central Ave, Ste 360, Wilmette, IL

MUSICAL INSTRUCTION PIANO LESSONS IN YOUR HOME

Experienced, creative teacher. Excellent with children. lessons@35piano.com 708.228.7150

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE HISTORIC MAYWOOD MANOR

902 S. 3RD AVENUE (behind Aldi) Tired of renting? Why not consider buying an affordable 2BR condo w/ 1000 sq ft of living space on this historic site at less than market rents? Savings are built in from a unique 12 year tax freeze plus lower utility costs from energy saving systems and appliances. Onsite pkg, exterior lighting and enhanced security systems included. Be among the first to benefit from this unique project in which the buyer can have input into the individual unit(s). Call 708-383-9223.

SUBURBAN RENTALS 2BR APT OAK PARK 1322 N AUSTIN 1014 S HUMPHREY No pets. $1100/mo. Contact Walsh Management 708-548-1110

SUBURBAN RENTALS

ROOMS FOR RENT

RIVER FOREST 2BR CONDO River Forest condo for rent. 2 BR, 1 BA, Hardwood floors, built-in microwave and dishwasher. $1350 per month includes heat + 1 parking space. 1-1/2 month security deposit. $39.95 application fee. Call Vicki at 708-714-0686 or vicki@beyondpropertiesrealty.com. RIVER FOREST 2BR & 1BR Hardwood floors throughout. Spacious walk-in closets. Storage. Parking. Laundry in building. Heat included. Call 708-657-4226.

CITY RENTALS Augusta & Kildare: PERFECT FOR SENIORS Studio Apartment A gorgeous studio apt. features include kitchen, dining room, large living room, walk-in closet, hardwood floors, incl. heat, appliances, and laundry room, in a beautifully landscaped & well maintained building, quite, safe & secure, rent $585.00, for more information call 773-838-8471. Augusta & Harding: Beautiful 2-bedroom condo-like apt, in a sunny, safe, secure 8 unit bldg. Large newly tiled kitchen & bath, hardwood floors, central air, appliances included, tenant pays utilities, rent 785.00, for more information call 773-838-8471.

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

Selling your home by owner? Call to advertise: 708-613-3342

M&M property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â&#x20AC;˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Oak Park: Studios, 1 & 2 BR from $750-$2000 Forest Park: 1 & 2 BR from $750-$1300

GLA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. LaVerne Collins Managing broker

Office located at: 320 S. Wisconsin Ave. Oak Park

708-763-9927 www.glapropertymanagement.com

Properties may be broker owned.

Call us for a complete list of rentals available.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

www.oakrent.com

Wednesday Classified 3 great papers, 6 communities To place your ad, call: 708/613-3333

BEAUTIFUL CHURCH FOR RENT

in OAK PARK. Perfect for a congregation. Other potential uses. Corner of Scoville & Adams. 708-848-5460

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

ELECTRICAL

ELECTRICAL HANDYMAN

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

708-409-0988 â&#x20AC;˘ 708-738-3848

MAYWOOD COUNTRY CHURCH Lovely, old fashioned country church in Maywood, on corner of Fifth and Erie is looking for a roommate or tenant. We are willing to work out a flexible arrangement if you are an appropriate tenant. Various size spaces. Call 708 344-6150, leave a message.

SPACE FOR RENT OAK PARK SPACE Suitable for not-for-profit. Varied uses possible such as school, office spaces, community services center, clinic, etc. Please call 312-810-5948

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT * RIVER FOREST * 7777 Lake St.

- 3 & 4 room suites

7756 Madison St.

- Store: 926 sq. ft. - Medical Office Suite, 2800 sq. ft.

* OAK PARK *

6955-6957 North Ave.

- 1, 2 & 3 room office suites

6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. - 5 room office suite

Strand & Browne 708/488-0011

ITEMS FOR SALE BLUE ZUCA Blue Zuca with snow flakes,great condition,paid $178.00 in 2012, asking $50.00 Staking Jacket with paints. $50.00. please call 708-763-0710 or email timrule19@ yahoo.com

WANTED TO BUY

FOREST PARK CONDO Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath condo for rent. Hardwood flooring living room/dining room. Freshly painted. 1 assigned parking space. Heat included. $1450 Contact (630)6972994 or (708)526-3815. OAK PARK FOREST PARK Studio, 1, and 2 BDRM. Heated. Dining room. Parking available. Walk to El. $625-$1250.

CHURCH FOR RENT

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

FURNITURE TRADITIONAL DINING ROOM Table with 3 leaves & 6 chairs. Mahogany finish. Neutral upholstery on chairs. Very good condition. $400. Contact aytenai@aol.com

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

CLEANING

HANDYMAN

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

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

A cleaner day is just a phone call away. For a detailed cleaning please call 708-937-9110

ELECTRICAL Electricians serving the greater Oak Park area. Licensed, Bonded & Insuredâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates. Kineticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proud to say you have never experienced service like this! 15 years experience and dedication. No job too big or small!

(708) 639-5271

KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR Our 70th Year

Garage Doors &

Electric Door Openers

Sales & Service

(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

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

FLOORS

Free Estimates

Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair

+$1'<0$1 &2175$&725

:H GR TXDOLW\ ZRUN DW DIIRUGDEOH SULFHV

:D\QH

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

708-296-2060 HAULING

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

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

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT

630.687.3000

WINDOWS BROKEN SASH CORDS? CALL THE WINDOW MAN!

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

FAST RELIABLE SERVICE

(708) 452-8929

Licensed

Insured

Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929

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

CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

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

RELIGION NEED A RESTART? Christmas and the New Year are perfect opportunities for each of us to jump start our year and recalibrate our priorities and relationships. Are you ready for a restart? A new beginning? Your time is now! Join us Sundays @ 11:30am New Life Community Church 3801 Madison in Brookfield newlifechicago.org/brookfield (meeting at Faith Lutheran Church)

PLASTERINGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; STUCCOING Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services Work Guaranteed

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

Official notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received at Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administration Buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;260 Madison; Oak Park, IL 60301 until 1:30 p.m. local time on January 11, 2017, for the following:

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

OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 LIFE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AT 2:00 PM ON JANUARY 11, 2017 AT THE OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 ADMINISTRATION OFFICEâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;260 MADISON STREETâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;OAK PARK, IL 60302. Scope of work for Life Safety Improvements includes, but is not limited to: site concrete, masonry repairs, roofing, carpentry, doors and hardware, drywall, acoustical ceiling grid and tile, painting, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. All available bid documents will be available December 21st and may be purchased from BEST Imaging Solutions (312-357-9050)â&#x20AC;&#x201C;55 E. Monroe St.; Chicago, IL 60601. Plans are available for viewing/ download at Bulley & Andrews FTP Site. https://ftp.bulley.com username: D97LifeSafety password: bulley1891 Bid security in the form of a bid bond, certified check or cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s check in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid shall be submitted with the bid. Certificate of Insurance may be required from the successful Bidder. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 reserves the right to reject any and all bids or parts thereof, to waive any irregularities or informalities in bidding procedures, and to award the contract in a manner best serving the interest of the Owner.

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co. 708/386-2951 t ANYTIME

OakPark.com â&#x20AC;˘ RiverForest.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Ask for Barry @

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

ALEX

Public Notice: Your right to know

LBDI, INC.

Home Maintenance Services, Residential & Commercial Remodeling

Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

PAINTING & DECORATING

Let the sun shine in...

REMODELING HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICES

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

PAINTING & DECORATING

(708) 613-3333 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (708) 524-0447 â&#x20AC;˘ E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

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

PLUMBING

A-All American

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

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

t Lic. #0967

ATTENTION! HOME IMPROVEMENT PROS!

Advertise your home improvement business here. Call 708/613-3342

All Bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages to all laborers, workman and mechanics working on public funded projects. If during the time period of work, these rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. The proposed contract is subject to the requirements of the Equal Employment Practices Commission and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHA) Illinois Revised Statute, Ch. 69, Par. 1-101, et. seq. Offers may not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after closing date. Any Bid submitted unsealed, unsigned, fax transmissions or received subsequent to the aforementioned date and time, may be disqualified and returned to the bidder. The Oak Park School District 97 reserves the right to reject any and all bids or parts thereof, to waive any irregularities or informalities in bid procedures and to award the contract in a manner best serving the interest of The Oak Park School District. Dated: 12/21/16 Jason Stonchus Bulley & Andrews, LLC Published in Wednesday Journal 12/21, 12/28/2016, 1/4, 1/11/2017

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Maria Adela Ruiz, Petitioner and Alejandro Reyes, Respondent, Case No. 2016D-011584. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 30, 2017, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/28/2016, 1/4, 1/11/2017

PUBLIC NOTICE RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The River Forest Park District invites qualified Independent Certified Public Accountants licensed in the State of Illinois to submit proposals for auditing services for fiscal years ending April 30, 2017 through 2019, in accordance with the following requirements and specifications. The continuation of the contract after each year is solely at the discretion of the District. There is no expressed or implied obligation for the District to reimburse responding firms for any expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to this request. The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and/ or waive minor technicalities/irregularities. To be considered, please submit the proposal no later than 4:00 p.m. on February 8, 2017, to: Mary Dominguez, Business Manager River Forest Park District 401 Thatcher Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 mdominguez@rfparks.com Published in Wednesday Journal 1/11/2017

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice Pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-74.3-2(b)

LEGAL NOTICE THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK WILL RECEIVE SEALED PROPOSALS AT THE PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE CENTER, 201 SOUTH BOULEVARD, OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302, UNTIL 3:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017 FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL # 17-101 2017 COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED AT HTTP:// WWW.OAK-PARK.US/YOURG O V E R N M E N T / B U D G E TPURCHASING/REQUESTSPROPOSALS OR FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER BY CALLING 708-358-5700 OR BY STOPPING BY THE OFFICE LOCATED AT 201 SOUTH BOULEVARD, OAK PARK, ILLINOIS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:30 A.M. AND 4:00 P.M. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ISSUE PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS ONLY TO THOSE VENDORS DEEMED QUALIFIED. NO PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER 4:00 P.M. ON THE WORKING DAY PRECEDING THE DATE OF PROPOSAL OPENING. A MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING SHALL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 17TH AT 10 A.M. AT THE PUBLIC WORKS CENTER, 201 SOUTH BOULEVARD, OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60302. PROPOSALS RECEIVED FROM BIDDERS WHO DO NOT SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PRE-BID MEETING SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ROB SPROULE AT 708.358.5700. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 1/11/2017

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. PURRPUSS with the business located at: 7307 ROOSEVELT RD, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JENNIFER LAWLOR 7307 ROOSEVELT RD FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/11, 1/18, 1/25/2016

Starting a new business in 2017? Call the experts before you place your legal ad. Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice here! Call 708/613-3342 to advertise.

The corporate authorities of the Village of Riverside (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Villageâ&#x20AC;?) will hold a public hearing on February 2, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hearingâ&#x20AC;?), to consider whether to designate the following described property (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proposed Harlem Avenue Business Districtâ&#x20AC;?) as a business district as set forth in the Illinois Business District Development and Redevelopment Law, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.3-1, et seq. (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lawâ&#x20AC;?), and whether to approve a business district plan for the Proposed Harlem Avenue Business District as set forth in the Law: THAT PART OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE EAST LINE OF SAID EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 25 AND THE EASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE NORTH RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF BERKLEY ROAD (a.k.a. BERKELEY ROAD); THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EAST LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE EASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH LINE OF A 16-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY LYING SOUTHEASTERLY OF LONGCOMMON ROAD; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID EASTERLY EXTENSION AND SAID SOUTH LINE OF THE 16-FOOTWIDE ALLEY TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT 1 IN KIRCHMAN AND JEDLANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RIVERSIDE PARKWAY AND HARLEM AVENUE SUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOT 2 AND ALL OF LOTS 3 AND 4 IN CIRCUIT COURT PARTITION BEING A SUBDIVISION IN SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 25; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION, THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT 1 AND THE NORTHWESTERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OFWAY LINE OF SAID LONGCOMMON ROAD; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY LINE OF A 16-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY LYING WEST OF HARLEM AVENUE; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY AND NORTHERLY ALONG SAID WESTERLY LINE OF THE 16-FOOTWIDE ALLEY AND ITS NORTHERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE NORTH RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF AFORESAID BERKLEY ROAD (a.k.a. BERKELEY ROAD); THENCE EAST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF BERKLEY ROAD (a.k.a. BERKELEY ROAD) TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (PINS): 15-25-407-013-0000 15-25-407-014-0000 15-25-407-015-0000 15-25-407-016-0000 15-25-407-017-0000

15-25-407-018-0000 15-25-407-019-0000 15-25-407-020-0000 15-25-413-013-0000 COMMON ADDRESSES: 2704 S HARLEM; 2710 S HARLEM; 27202728 S HARLEM & 539 LONGCOMMON STREET LOCATION: GENERALLY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF HARLEM AVENUE FROM BERKLEY ROAD ON THE NORTH TO THE ALLEY APPROXIMATELY 150 FT SOUTH OF LONGCOMMON ROAD TO THE SOUTH IN RIVERSIDE, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS MORE FULLY DEPICTED IN THE MAP ATTACHED TO THE BUSINESS DISTRICT PLAN ON FILE WITH THE VILLAGE FOR REVIEW AT VILLAGE OFFICES, 27 RIVERSIDE ROAD, RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the Hearing. The business district plan for the Proposed Harlem Avenue Business District under consideration at the Hearing provides, generally, that the Village may provide or enter into an agreement with developers or business owners and tenants to provide certain public and private improvements in the Proposed Harlem Avenue Business District to enhance the immediate area and to serve the needs of development and the interests of the Village and its residents. The Village intends to develop the Proposed Harlem Business District to further contribute to the long-term economic health and vitality of the Village. Proposed Village projects in the Proposed Harlem Avenue Business District may include but shall not necessarily be limited to: improvement of public utilities including water mains, sewer related system improvements and storm water retention; property acquisition by contract or eminent domain; environmental remediation and site preparation; rehabilitation of building exterior and interior components; improvement of roadways, alleyways and sidewalks; beautification and installation of identification markers, landscaping/ streetscaping; and relocation and/ or extension of utilities. A copy of the business district plan under consideration for the Proposed Harlem Avenue Business District is available at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Rd, Riverside, Illinois, for review. Any party interested in submitting an alternative proposal or bid for any proposed conveyance, lease, mortgage, or other disposition by the Village of Riverside of land or rights in land owned by the Village and located within the Proposed Harlem Avenue Business District, should contact Jessica Frances, Village Manager, at (708) 447-2700. Any alternative proposals or bids must be addressed to and submitted to Jessica Frances, Village Manager, at the above-listed Village Hall address, no later than Friday before the Hearing, January 27, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. Village of Riverside Jessica Frances Village Manager

Published in Landmark 12/28/2016, 1/4/2017, 1/11/2017

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 524-0447 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com • RiverForest.com • PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Oak Park River Forest High School District 200 is soliciting proposals to provide Benefit Consultant/Broker Services for its employee benefit plans. Benefit plans include group health insurance, group life, dental, Section 125 flexible spending accounts (FSA), HRA VEBA and other plans as they are added or developed.

Neighborhood Group Meeting for the redevelopment of 1000 Lake Street in Downtown Oak Park. Meeting will be held between 6:00PM 7:00PM on January 30th at the 19th Century Club Building located at 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301. Neighboring residents and business owners are invited to attend.

Oak Park River Forest District 200 currently offers 4 medical plan options. Employee contributions are a percentage of premium. The self-insured/cost plus health plans, currently administered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, consists of 1 PPO plans, two HMO plans and a HDHP plan. District offers a self-insured dental administered by Delta Dental. The basic life, AD&D and supplemental life plan are insured through MetLife. All full-time employees are eligible for medical benefits. All insurance plans are due for renewal on January 1st of each year and the district typically starts the open enrollment process in November We look forward to your participation in this process. Please contact Ron Johnson at rjohnson@oprfhs.org for RFP documents. Published in Wednesday Journal 1/11/2017

LEGAL NOTICE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield will hold a public hearing at 6:15 P.M. on January 23, 2017 at the Edward Barcal Hall in the Municipal Building of the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 on the Village’s proposed appropriation ordinance, which will serve as the basis for the Village’s 2017 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. The proposed appropriation ordinance will be on file in the Village Clerk’s Office for at least ten (10) days prior to January 23, 2017 and copies thereof will be conveniently available for public examination and copying. Brigid Weber, Village Clerk Published in Landmark 1/11/17

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number D17149206 on January 6, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of TIME TO TALK with the business located at: 4234 ARTHUR AVENUE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JENNIFER LILL MURFF 4234 ARTHUR AVENUE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. Published in RB Landmark 1/11/2017

Published in Wednesday Journal 1/11/17

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MILDRED L. ERAMES, PRIORY POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, BENEFICIAL FINANCIAL 1 INC., MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 15 CH 008268 7221 W. DIVISION STREET UNIT #3 RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 22, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 26, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7221 W. DIVISION STREET UNIT #3, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 Property Index No. 15-01-403-0471003. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-08163. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@ il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-08163 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 008268 TJSC#: 36-14645 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I711460

AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-331-0070000. The real estate is improved with a yellow brick two story single family home with a two car detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR

30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (dr iver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5 pm. McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 7999. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 4765500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. 7999 Attorney Code. 60489 Case Number: 10 CH 42289 TJSC#: 3614560 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I711510

15 CH 10122 1020 Washington Blvd. Unit 1D Oak Park, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 19, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 14, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1020 Washington Blvd. Unit 1D, Oak Park, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-316-054-1004. The real estate is improved with a residential condominium. The judgment amount was $160,967.07. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this prop-

erty is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 4221754 CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 15 CH 10122 TJSC#: 3614173 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I710654

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT–CHANCERY DIVISION SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.GREGORY GARMON Defendants 10 CH 42289 1170 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 19, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 7, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1170 SOUTH HUMPHREY

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT–CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff, -v.BEVERLY D. BELLAMY AKA BEVERLY BELLAMY AKA BEVERLY D. HADDEN AKA BEVERLY HADDEN AKA BEVERLY D. PALMER AKA BEVERLY PALMER AKA BEVERLY D. WALLACE AKA BEVERLY WALLACE, CHARLES E. BELLAMY AKA CHARLES EDWARD BELLAMY AKA CHARLES BELLAMY, EASY STREET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants

MORTGAGE DIRECTORY

MORTGAGE RATE DIRECTORY LENDER COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK - RIVER FOREST

(708) 660-7006 1001 Lake St., Oak Park IL 60301 www.cboprf.com

AMOUNT

RATE/YR

80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

4.125% / 30 yr. fixed 4.000% / 20 yr. fixed 3.375% / 15 yr. fixed 3.750% / 5 yr. ARM 3.875% / 7 yr. ARM 4.000% / 10 yr. ARM

POINTS/ APP. FEE 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550

A.P.R.

4.195% 4.096% 3.497% 3.979% 4.010% 4.022%

· Approved IHDA Mortgage Program Lender · Financing available up to 97% LTV Construction Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit available – call for terms.

Mortgage rates are accurate as of Monday afternoon. Due to the fluctuation of mortgage rates, the rates may vary before publication. Contact your mortgage lender for complete details. Mortgage rates vary in APR and other qualifying factors.

To Advertise your Mortgage Rates, call Mary Ellen Nelligan: 708/613-3342

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CHAMPS

High aspirations from page 32 Rochester, Minn. The Huskies, ranked No. 34 nationally Jan. 4 by IntermatWrestle.com, lost to teams then ranked among the top 50. “That’s part of the reason we schedule that. We want to make sure the guys are having good competition throughout the year so they’re ready when February and the postseason comes around,” OPRF coach Paul Collins said. “None of the guys on our team is undefeated. We preach to them that the wins and losses aren’t the most important part. It’s whether they’re continuing to improve and that they learn from their mistakes.” Renteria (23-2 at 132) and junior Tony Madrigal (24-2 at 126) are ranked No. 1 by Illinois Matmen at their weights. Senior P.J. Ogunsanya (21-5 at 113) is No. 3, senior Christopher Middlebrooks (220) is No. 4 and seniors Brian Holloway (160) and Drew Matticks (170), sophomore Eddie Bolivar (120) and freshman Josh Ogunsanya (106), ANTHONY MADRIGAL P.J.’s brother, are No. 8, 9 or OPRF junior 10. Senior Tariq Thurman, a transfer from Proviso West, is honorable mention at 182. The Huskies return four of 11 individual state qualifiers from 2016 – three of them top-six all-staters. Madrigal and senior Jaime Hernandez were second at 2016 individual state at 126 and 138, respectively, and P.J. Ogunsanya was 2-2 at 106. Renteria will wrestle collegiately at Nebraska. Hernandez, who will wrestle at North Carolina, is expected to rejoin the lineup this week. Matticks was a 2016 sectional qualifier at 152, one victory from state. “My goal actually is to place at state,” Matticks said. “The biggest part of our program is the hard work that goes into it, Every year the seniors kind of step up and lead. That’s a big part of our program.” On Friday, the Huskies play host to No. 18 Lyons Township, the other topJAIME HERNANDEZ 25 ranked West Suburban OPRF senior Silver team. OPRF (4-0 in Silver) beat defending Silver champion Glenbard West 54-10 Dec. 15. The Sandburg Super Duals is Saturday with OPRF probably facing the No. 9 Eagles and ranked competition to be announced from Illinois and other states. “I think that (our continued success) is a testament to the strong leadership we do have with our seniors,” Collins said. “We’ve really been looking forward to these guys being leaders and seeing how they’ll leave their legacy in their final year. So far they’ve done a pretty good job of pushing themselves and bringing the younger guys along.”

Photo by Dawn Gonzalez

Stellar defenseman Spencer Smith scores against Wheaton West’s goalie during an overtime shootout at Ridgeland Common. OPRF lost 4-3.

Huskies battle on ice every game Team’s competitive spirit coupled with highly skilled players fosters success By LAUREN RECCHIA

through the five hole.” Jones and Burns each had a goal and an assist, while goaltender Owen Bell Trailing Wheaton West 3-1 in the stopped 21 of 24 shots on goal by Wheathird period at Ridgeland Common, ton West. Burns leads the team with 23 goals the Oak Park and River Forest High School hockey team battled back to and 24 assists this season, while Jones has tallied 21 goals and tie the game in regulation 13 assists. Forward Hank at 3-all. Although they ulBurkett is second in assists timately lost 4-3 (Wheaton (14) and Proctor is third in West won the shootout 3-2), goals (11). the Huskies showed plenty In addition to their balof fight en route to salvaganced lineup, the Huskies ing a point in the standings. have established a reputaPromising freshman RJ tion as a gritty team from Jones triggered the rally the puck drop till the end with a power play goal of the game. from the right side on a “It’s happened a lot pass from Liam Burns with where we come back from 4:47 left in regulation. Just being down in a game,” for27 seconds later, Harrison ward Adam Susman said. Proctor scored a goal off PJ GONZALEZ “We’re a good team and we an assist from defenseman OPRF forward can beat these teams. We Sam Guillot to tie the game don’t quit. If we’re down, at 3-3. we go to the locker room “We worked hard all in between periods, talk it game,” Jones said. “We got over and come out swingour power play going and ing in the next period.” we found the back of the In fact, OPRF (22-13-3, 14-5-2 IHSHL net. On my goal, I was trying to look for the point and took a slap shot. I West Division) has been fairly consiswas happy to find the back of the net tent all season. No matter which line Contributing Reporter

“A lot more guys are scoring and all the lines are firing on all cylinders.”

coach Dave Dyson puts out on the ice, every shift has played hard and been productive. “We’ve been feeling really good,” forward PJ Gonzalez said. “The team as a whole has been looking really good. We lost a lot of top end talent from last year like we do every year. “This season, a lot more guys are scoring and all the lines are firing on all cylinders. Everyone is contributing and it definitely feels like a team effort.” The Huskies enjoyed a particularly cool experience when they beat Waubonsie Valley 4-3 on Jan. 2 at the Bobby Hull Ice Rink in Cicero. The outdoor game experience was one that the players will always remember. “It was really cool and definitely a different experience,” Jones said. “Playing outdoors is so different because of the conditions. It’s a different style of play. You just have to keep adapting to the ice surface, and our team did a really good job of that.” Gonzalez added: “It was really fun. To go up and beat a team like Waubonsie, who we’ve struggled against historically, was great for our team. To do it in that setting was even more special.”

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

Friars’ DJ is best new show in town Former Brooks star adjusting well to high school game as gifted guard at Fenwick

to the whole school,” Nixon said. “It’s a tough job to come in and play against all the seniors when you’re playing on varsity as a freshman. “So I just told him, ‘you’re here for a reason, so just play your game.’ It’s going to be a learning experience, you’re going to make mistakes and sometimes you’ll get down. “But I just tell him, ‘keep your head up and don’t get down on one play. Those plays are going to happen, just keep playing your game, stay at it and just compete.’” Matt Kelly, the President and Program Manager of the Oak Park-based Wolfpack School of Basketball, believes Steward is a rare talent. “DJ is the best 8th grader to come out of the area in the last 20 years,” said Kelly, who coached Steward before high school. Nixon and the Friars have been impressed with how Steward has competed in the early going. Steward averaged 9.0 points and shot 54 percent over the first eight games of the season as Fenwick started 8-0 before losing 63-60 at Benet, which shot 67 percent from 3-point range. Steward scored two points in that game, playing sparingly as the Friars fell behind by 15 points before rallying to tie the game 56-56 behind the play of Nixon and senior guard Jacob Keller. With all the depth the Friars (12-3) have in the backcourt, just cracking the rotation is impressive. “That’s the biggest thing when MATT KELLY you’re a freshman trying to get Wolfpack Basketball time, you’ve got to come in and compete, especially on defense,” Nixon said. “And he’s a great player on defense. He’s long and he’s talented.” And Steward has a fine mentor in Nixon, who is paying forward the advice he received as a freshman from current Northwestern guard Scottie Lindsey. Nixon got comfortable early on and so has Steward. “In the summer and the fall, just being around the guys, they really took me in, particularly Scottie Lindsey,” Nixon recalled. “I learned a lot from Scott and I’m going to try to do the same things for DJ. “After practice I might text him or after the school day is over I might say, ‘how are you feeling about the season?’ I’m just keeping up with him, making sure he’s got his head straight and see if he’s got any questions. I just really want to take him under my wing because he’s really the next one up.” Indeed, Steward is being groomed as a future leader. His time is coming, perhaps sooner than later. “He’s going to be a great leader,” Malnati said. “He’s just a fantastic kid.” Steward gave a glimpse of that by how he answered when asked about his early success. “My teammates are giving me the ball when I’m open, so I’m just very appreciative of them for giving me the ball,” Steward said. “I just need to stay focused and play hard. Every time we get on the court, just play hard.” While it won’t happen this year, Steward eventually aspires to join the likes of Keller and Columbia freshman Mike Smith on the list of star point guards to come through Fenwick. “Hopefully I can develop into being a point guard,” Steward said. “I’ve been a point guard most of my life, but I’ve got to work on my handles.” Steward will get plenty of practice against the best teams as Fenwick continues to play a tough schedule, highlighted by a Jan. 16 trip to Simeon. “It’s very competitive,” Steward said. “It’s going to make me better and my teammates better.”

“DJ is the best 8th grader to come out of the area in the last 20 years.”

Photo by Marie Lillig

Fenwick freshman sensation DJ Steward (#21) celebrates with Damari Nixon (#4) after the Friars’ 63-57 overtime win against OPRF. By MATT LE CREN

Contributing Reporter

henever Fenwick basketball player DJ Steward needs any advice on coping with the rigors of playing varsity basketball as a freshman, he knows where to turn. Steward, a 6-foot-1 freshman, is only the third freshman in recent years to play for the Friars and the second since Rick Malnati took over the program three years ago. “It feels really great,” Steward said. “It’s a great atmosphere. “The team is really good. They help me out a lot. They’re very supportive and I just love the team a lot.” Steward reserves a significant portion of that love for senior swingman Jamal Nixon. The two have forged a big brother-little brother bond, primarily because Nixon knows what Steward is going through. Nixon was the last Friar to play varsity ball as a freshman. Three years later he is a team leader and has earned a scholarship to Minnesota State. “He’s like a brother to me,” Steward said. “In the hallways he always speaks to me, helps me out a lot. “He’s very supportive on the court as well. When I’m down, he comes to give me high-fives and tells me to just keep pushing to get the next play.”

Steward, who is one of the first players off the bench, has made his fair share of plays. In his high school debut, he led the Friars in scoring with 16 points in a season-opening 61-58 win over Hope. Steward also had a team-high 12 points in a win over St. Francis and sank a key layup late as Fenwick beat Oak Park and River Forest 63-57 at the Chicago Elite Classic at the UIC Pavilion. He also averaged a team-high 11.3 points on 18 of 28 shooting (64.3 percent) at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. “DJ is going to be a special player,” Malnati said. “He’s a special kid. “He’s very poised, he really shoots the ball well. Defensively he’s got a lot to learn, but he’ll learn because he’s very eager and very coachable.” Steward never envisioned playing on the varsity so soon, so he was surprised when Malnati gave him the news. “Oh, I was super excited,” Steward said. “I didn’t expect to be playing varsity coming into Fenwick. “I thought I’d just be playing (on the) sophomore (team) because in the summer I played with the sophomores. But I had to prove a point so I could move up.” It is rare for freshman boys to play varsity basketball at any school. That is especially true at high-profile programs like Fenwick, where the spotlight and expectations can be overwhelming to someone trying to adjust to high school. “First day, personally I went through it myself, being new

Wednesday Journal, January 11, 2017

@ @OakParkSports

SPORTS

Friars’ DJ is best new show in town 31

OPRF gears up for strong finish Three-time reigning state champs are focused By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

ny pressure Oak Park and River Forest senior Jason Renteria feels during this wrestling season has little to do with defending his Class 3A individual state title at 132 pounds. “Coming into senior year I was a little nervous, knowing I was going to be one of the captains,” Renteria said. “We’ve got a lot of good seniors on the team but also a lot of younger kids. We show them how hard we work and that kind of develops into how hard they work.” Even with several big names graduated, the Huskies should contend for a fourth straight team state championship. They are 15-3 and No. 2 in the 3A Jan. 3 rankings by IllinoisMatmen.com behind Lockport (20-0), which the Huskies beat 49-20 in last year’s state semifinals. OPRF finished 3-3 against nationallyranked out-of-state competition in their annual trip to The Clash XV Dec. 30-31 in See CHAMPS on page 30

Huskies battle on ice every game 30

“We’ve got a lot of good seniors on the team but also a lot of younger kids.” JASON RENTERIA OPRF senior

FIle photo

OPRF senior Jason Renteria is the reigning individual state champion at 132 pounds in Class 3A. This year he has taken on more of a leadership role with the Huskies.

The Missing Link to Your Resolution Success Resolve to Join Today $0* Enrollment / Includes Fitness Assessment

TENandFiT.com

*Restrictions apply. Offer ends 1/31/17.