Wednesday Journal 011123

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Housing Forward opens winter emergency shelter Homes, Page 17

River Forest man loses $15K a er checks altered

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

River Forest resident Michael Weldon-Linne is out over $15,000 after three checks of his were stolen from the mail. All three checks were deposited into unfamiliar accounts in amounts much higher than what he had written.

“All three of these checks were very, very obviously altered,” Weldon-Linne said.

He was able to view digital pictures of the checks through his bank accounts once they were deposited. It was there that Weldon-Linne saw that thief had whited out the recipient and amount on each check, writing new information on top. The thief made out the checks to three different parties and deposited them into, what Weldon-Linne called, “dummy accounts.”

“It wasn’t a sophisticated act,” said Weldon-Linne, who has re ported the thefts to the banks, the U.S. Postal Service and to the River Forest Police Department.

The scam is known as “check washing,” so called because stolen checks are washed in chemicals to remove handwritten ink, allowing someone to change the payee name and the dollar amount. Scammers go through mail in search of checks. Stealing mail is a felony of-

STORY BY STACEY SHERIDAN,

PHOTO BY SARA JANZ

e forgotten King

Next week, Americans across the country will at least make a show of commemorating the memory of Mar tin Luther King Jr., the nation’s preeminent civic hero. For the most part, though, this year’s MLK Day, as with years past, is really an act of collective forgetting Amid our annual King Day celebrations, the more radical King — who spoke out against the Vietnam War, critiqued the profligacy of capitalism and war ned Black leaders about imitating the white establishment — rarely appears.

ROMAIN

In a way, this tragedy was always baked into King’s legacy because if he was ever going to be remembered as he is now (i.e., with a national holiday in his honor, in commercials for trucks and computer goods, in innocuous TV soundbites and at public ceremonies), it was going to be on the ter ms of the very power structure whose authority, during his lifetime, he both leveraged and lambasted

In his many campaigns for racial equality , King often appealed to the collective conscience of white America through the language of classical liberalism, a philosophical tradition developed in the 17th and 18th centuries that places the individual — unfettered by the strictures of race, gender, class and other potentially polarizing identities — at the center of society

According to the late political theorist Sheldin Wolin, classical philosophers believed the universal individual liberated from the constraints of particular identity could be a useful tool for suppressing the inherited resentment related to ethnic, cultural, religious and political differences

Those differences fueled incessant upheavals during the 17th and 18th centuries, which made life for most people “poor, nasty, brutish, and short,” in the words of 17th-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

Hobbes thought that, in order to achieve peace and har mony, we needed a way to allow the world’s various war ring factions to forgive and forget, to let bygones be bygones, so that society “could start afresh without inherited resentments,” Wolin writes. “A necessary condition of social amnesia was, therefore, that men dehistoricize themselves.”

Classical liberalism is laden in King’s often misremembered “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he lays out his vision for a nation that “will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,’” and where citizens “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

King, and the many, mostly unheralded, men and women who fought with him were wildly successful in helping Blacks win some of the rights historically denied them, particularly the right to vote. But the ideological terrain on which King and company fought was always rigged against Blacks when it came to levelling the political and economic playing field for more than a privileged few.

King urged white America to live up to its creed of equality, but that creed, while useful for persuading the country to be less racist, was not without its problems, particularly considering its philosophical underpinnings and the particular identities of the white, property-owning (if not slaveowning) men who envisioned it

As Wolin explains, the social contract — an “exchange in which individuals agree to obey political authority if authority will protect them” — for ms the basis of the classical liberal ideal of equality. Hobbes conceives of the social contract as a “device to incorporate social amnesia into the foundation of society,” Wolin writes.

“The Hobbesian individual steps forward as the first of a long series of blank individuals who fake their nature by denying historically acquired and multiple identities,” Wolin explains. “Every contract theorist points to a person who is initially defined without reference to gender, family, local community, social class, religious commitment, or vocation.

“Twentieth-century writers are not much better. They may stipulate ‘veils of ignorance’ as a condition of contract, but in the presence of distinctions of color and gender, that stipulation strikes one as incoherent. What can it mean to say that for the moment I must forget that I am a person of color or a woman so that I may think about the basic conditions of a just society, when for me what matters is how that difference will be treated?” (Italics mine).

In exchange for entering into full citizenship, Black Americans received “equality for remembrance, or rather a certain kind of equality — not equality as an ideal that is necessarily at war with power (because power presupposes inequality) but equality as a fiction that serves to legitimate power.”

There is a direct line of descent from this fictional inequality to the myth of colorblindness that liberals and conservatives alike use to dismantle the very values and policies that King fought and was killed for.

And even this fictional equality, this myth of colorblindness, is only ever available for Blacks to leverage under certain conditions, as Hobbes stipulates. Again, in order to become a Hobbesian individual, political subjects have to agree to forget about the power imbalances and the injustices that inform their particularized identities and they have to agree to get over historic pains that may lead to inherited resentment and thus social instability.

The freedman had to forget that he was ever enslaved as whites, carefree and without irony, made monuments in memory of the country’s independence (in his 1852 address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Frederick Douglass made clear he was not prepared to do so).

To become president, Barack Obama had to publicly disavow those aspects of his non-white identity that were most radical, threatening and different to the dominant white culture, which nonetheless praised

itself for electing a Black president.

Toward the end of his life, King clashed with Black leaders like Stokely Carmichael, the head of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, who was not so willing to play by the rules that liberalism had created and who was even challenging its legitimacy with concepts like Black Power.

Black Power advocated for Black economic and political self-deter mination and equality not by appealing to the conscience of whites in the self-effacing language of non-violent civil disobedience and not by asking the nation to live up to its founding creed, but by making demands in the aggressive language of class struggle and self-defense.

King feared that Carmichael and other young radicals like him were running headlong into a trap they would not be able to escape. They were flir ting with Hobbes’ state of nature, where the struggle is largely waged not in the courts and at the polls, but in the un-redemptive, nihilistic fog of violence.

But later in his life, King would often publicize his exhaustion with the limits of liberalism, criticizing Black leaders who “suffer from an aloofness and absence of faith in their people” (leaders who might, in Wolin’s words, suf fer from Hobbesian individualism).

The “white establishment,” King wrote, “is skilled in flattering and cultivating emerging leaders. It presses its own image on them and finally, from imitation of manners, dress and style of living, a deeper strain of corruption delivers. […] This kind of Negro leader acquires the white man’s contempt for the ordinary Negro.”

There is a way out of this apparent double-bind scenario — this choice of accommodation or annihilation — but you would have to imagine a rich past of Black protest and emancipatory politics that society would rather we forget amid our remembrance of the aspects of King’s life and legacy that don’t threaten the established order.

For instance, King is part of a rich protest tradition called the Black social gospel that dates back at least to the late 1800s. Rooted in historical realities, the Black social gospel includes Christian and socialist strains of thought that go beyond the abstractions of white enlightened philosophers who lived two and three centuries ago.

I recommend looking it up. Just because we’re not supposed to remember it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

This column was originally published in January 2020, in Village Free Press

CONTAC T: michael@oakpark.com

Screenshot of the cover of the Jan. 16, 2023, issue of e New Yorker magazine by South African artist Polo Maneli.

BIG WEEK

January 11-18

Classroom Kitchen Series:

our of Soups

Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30-8 p.m., vir tually through Oak Park Public Librar y Kristyn Slick of Cla ssroom Kitchen hosts an interactive vir tual cooking series focusing on ingredients commonly utilized during winter. During this installment, she will help you make good soup make the quantum leap to great. Learn tips to make the best, most comforting soups at home this winter. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

The Histor y Of Carole King

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2-3 p.m., vir tually through Oak Park Public Librar y Carole King has the distinction of being elec ted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. The rst was as a songwriter (with Gerr y Go n), penning such rock standards as “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “One Fine Day,” “Up On The Roof ” and “Loco-Motion.” The second time was as a performer, who helped usher in the singer-songwriter movement of the early ‘70s, with her million-selling album Tapestr y Register now at //oppl.org/calendar.

True Crime Club: ‘Rewind’

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m., LSF Brookfield Librar y Join the librar y’s new True Crime Club for a screening of the award-winning biographical documentar y Rewind, followed be a shor t Q&A. Register to attend at 708-485-6917 x 130 or online at www.brook eldlibrar y.info. 3541 Park Ave., Brook eld.

Abandonment Issues

Film Screening:

‘Everything Ever y where All at Once’

Friday, Jan. 13, 1-3:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y Special showing of an American comedy-drama lm written and direc ted by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheiner t (collectively known as “Daniels”). The plot centers on a Chinese American immigrant (played by Michelle Yeoh) who, while being audited by the IRS, discovers that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a power ful being from destroying the multiverse. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Listing your event in the calendar

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

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

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

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Monday, Jan. 16, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Nineteenth Centur y Charitable Association Jerr y Olejniczak ’s book Abandoned Chicagoland deals with fac tories, warehouses and empty homes in the Chicago area that still stand, uninhabited The author will present a special slide show featuring these places, along with stories, histor y and other relevant commentary. The event is free, although a suggested donation of $15 is appreciated. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Chicago Rock Ensemble: Rock En Español!

Saturday, Jan. 14, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Five female -fronted bands who play Spanishlanguage rock take the stage: Fantasma Negra, Obscuridad Eterna, VDA, Bachelor ’s Grove, and the Hell Catz. $10 - $60, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Ber w yn.

Chicago man arrested for fatal hit-and-run accident

Victim was hit by two di erent vehicles

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

A 52-year-old Chicago resident, Jose D. F lores, has been ar rested and charged with leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident in Oak Park that left a 53-year-old woman from Chicago dead.

Tanya C. Ve ga, of the 1100 block of Nor th Harding Avenue in Chicago, had been walking in the crosswalk westbound on Division Street at Austin Boulevard just before 8 p.m., Dec. 26, when she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. Traf fic was stopped while the victim awaited medical attention. But F lores alle gedly drove around the other halted vehicles and hit the victim a second time.

Like the first driver, F lores fled the

scene He was apprehended at 10:53 p.m. in Chicago by of ficers from the Chicago Police De par tment. F lores, of the 2100 block of Nor th Moody Avenue, was tur ned over to the Cook County sherif f’s de par tment.

The investigation into the driver who first struck Ve ga is ongoing.

Kwanzaa-bration

Members of Move Me Soul dance company of Chicago (le and above) perform at the annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration at the Oak Park library on Dec. 29. Attendees (center le ) applaud the dancers during the performance. Juanta Gri n (below), the library’s Multicultural Learning Coordinator and curator of the annual celebration rejoices. Tara Stamps

PHOTO S BY SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta Photographer

Still new to Oak Park, Livingston seeks seat on OPRF board

Focus on vocational training and equity motivate interest

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Jonathan Livingston has lived in Oak Park for only three years. His only child is in kinderg ar ten at Lincoln School but he has decided to run for a seat on the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education. Livingston, who moved to Oak Park Pittsburgh when his wife a job with the Ar t Institute Chicago, said he first considered running for the Oak Pa Elementary School District school board but decided his background working mentoring programs was aligned with high schools decided to run for a seat on the OPRF school board.

Livingston, 45, told We day Jour nal in a telephone interview that he thinks his relative newness to the community could be an asset for him as a school board member because he has not been involved in past battles and has no axe to g rind.

“I think there is a competitive advantage as a newcomer to not have any history, any bagg age, not to be g rinding an axe or having a cross to bear,” Livingston said. “Just looking purely at the gover nance skills that I can bring to the work is a plus.”

Livingston, who grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, works as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh teaching classes remotely in the graduate school of public and inter national af fairs. He also works as a consultant to non-profits.

Livingston received a PhD from Pitt in public administration and public policy in 2018. He ear ned a master’s de gree in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota -- Duluth in 2007 and ear ned a bachelor’s de gree in 1999 from Bennington Colle ge where he majored in English literature.

He has taught at Pitt since 2010, one year after he be gan his PhD work there. He has

run his own consulting business, specializing in non-profits, since 2007. He worked for nearly six years a researcher for the Provost’s of fice at Pitt. He spent 17 months as the director of school-based mentoring for the Mentoring Par tnership of Southwest Pennsylvania and worked for five months as the e-mentoring program director for Smart Futures where he did e-mentoring for high school students and working adults focusing on career development. He also worked as adjunct consultant for the Y-USA character development and lear ning institute working on character development and social emotional lear ning

Livingston believes his combination of academic training and work experience gives him strong skillset to bring to the board table.

“This is a great opportunity for me to apply and align my skillset and background in a very meaningful way,” Livingston said.

If elected Livingston would push OPRF to develop more programs in vocational education and work to create partnerships with apprenticeship programs. He says that going to colle ge should not be the be all and end all goal for all high school students

“That model has and continues to serve some students very well, but I think baking that in universally has been dangerous and potentially ruinous for some children and one way we can really better equity in our public schools is to more deliberately design opportunities in the form of a viable vocational path, you know, better skills based training in the trades,” Livingston said.

Livingston believes many high school students are not aware of the opportunities for good careers in the trades.

“I think we’re letting our children down that they don’t know that there are very good career paths in the skills based trades and we just need to do a better job of opening up those pathways for them and edu-

cating them on those opportunities when they’re in this crucial formative time,” Livingston said. “It’s a huge issue for me and I think we have a lot of work to do in that area.”

Equity is an important issue to Livingston and he sees his push for better vocational education as one way to pursue equity “Equity is really a cor nerstone of the campaign,” Livingston said. “It’s a huge, huge driving factor of why I’m running in the first place.”

Livingston said he is generally supportive of OPRF’s proposed Project 2, a $99.4 million plan to redo the southeast cor ner of the building with a new 10 lane swimming pool with four diving stations and a 420-seat spectator area, a three court gym with a spectator capacity of 800, a new weight room, larger locker rooms and a new theater green room among other upgrades.

“I’ ll be excited to see what happens with it because it has been, at times, a very divisive process, of course,” Livingston said. “But I mean I think that the stuf f that is included in Project 2, without question, are issues that need to be addressed.”

Livingston didn’t say how he thought Project 2 should be financed or whether the issue should go to a referendum saying that he thought the current school board would make that decision.

Current OPRF school board president Tom Cofsky said the school board’s goal is to decide on financing Project 2 before the end of the school year. T he school board election is April 4 and new members are usually swor n in by early May. Cofsky said it is not cer tain whether more votes

on Project 2 will be taken, especially concerning financing before the newly elected members are seated.

“It’s left open so that we can g et all the work done that needs to be done,” Cofsky said. “There’s been no decision to finalize it before or after (new members are seated) but my leaning would be that if we can get it done, we’re going to g et it done That it is something this board should decide on, if possible.”

Come May the OPRF school board will have at least two new members and possibly three Incumbents Gina Har ris and Ralph Mar tire are not r unning for reelection. Along with Livingston the other candidates r unning for three seats are incumbent Sara Spivy, Tom Brandhorst, a strong suppor ter of Project 2, Brian Souders, a frequent critic of OPRF spending, and former District 97 school board member Graham Brisben.

Growing up in Duluth Livingston was influenced by for mer Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, a progressive dedicated to grass roots org anizing who was beloved by many progressives. Wellstone died in an airplane crash in 2002 when he was r unning for a third ter m in the Senate.

“He’s always been my hero since I was a kid,” Livingston said. “He’s been an inspiration. I look at the world very much according to what would Wellstone do. That’s how much he matters to me.”

As an adult Livingston went through a training program in organizing with what was then called Wellstone Action, a political training organization that conducted training in political organizing and advocacy.

“I think there is a competitive advantage as a newcomer to not have any histor y, any baggage, not to be grinding an axe or having a cross to bear.”

JONATHAN LIVINGSTON D200 candidate

Controversy as Concordia basketball players hospitalized

Head coach temporarily removed amid allegations of ‘punitive’ practice

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Concordia University’s basketball team is making headlines not for its excellent pl but for a grueling Dec. 31 practice that led to the hospitalization offive players. The uni versity has temporarily removed Steve lar as head coach.

“Appropriate employment actions rega ing head coach Steve Kollar have been tak pending the outcome ofthe investigation, said Concordia spokesperson Eric Matanyi. “He remains employed by the university.”

Assistant men’s basketball coach Rashaan Surles has assumed an acting head coach position. Surles was named assistant coach last November

The five players were admitted to Illinois hospitals between Jan. 2 and Jan. 4. All have since been released and are expected to make a full recovery, according to Matanyi.

Several media outlets have re ported that

players were asked to go to the emergency room ifthey were experiencing symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, a potentially lifethreatening syndrome that can be caused by serious physical exertion.

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by damaged muscle tissue releasing proteins and electrolytes into the blood, which can hurt the heart and kidneys, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

an cause permanent disabil-

In a letter sent Thursday to parents, athPete Gnan called the New Eve practice “particularly high-intenollegiate-level circuit training.” The letter states that the athletic training team aluating the health of the players on an

he practice is believed by some to be a measure taken against the team afers missed curfew during a rip to California, where the team played two games.

“It has been alleged by some that the intensity and difficulty ofSaturday’s practice was a direct consequence of the broken curfew earlier in the week,” Gnan reportedly wrote in the letter. “The university continues to look into the matter and is also working to determine all factors that contributed to the student hospitalizations.”

While the university is conducting an

internal investigation, it has not yet been determined whether the intensity ofthe practice was a direct consequence ofplayers breaking curfew.

The university does not anticipate needing the involvement ofthe police department in its investigation as “no criminal activitiy has been alle ged or taken place,” Matanyi said. River Forest Police Chief O’Shea confirmed no victims or interested parties have come forward.

“If it is determined a criminal investigation is warranted, we will also look at if outside county, state, or federal agencies should be involved,” O’Shea said.

It is unclear when the team will resume playing. The re gular season games scheduled for Jan. 3, Jan. 7 and Jan. 10 were postponed and the basketball team will not be playing in the Jan. 14 game against Marian University. Matanyi said it has not been determined whether those games will be rescheduled or made up in the future.

Notes of Rest highlights how rest can fuel and re-charge the dream of the Beloved Community and the quest for justice.

Aspiring doctor donates kidney

19-year- old gave his organ to an unknown person in need

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Everyone knows winter is the season of giving, but one Oak Park teenager gave something this Christmas that couldn’t be tied up in a bow. It had to be packed on ice, flown to California and transplanted into a stranger’s body Joey Pascarella donated his kidney. His left kidney, to be exact, which weighed just about five ounces.

“I feel a little lighter now,” the 19-year-old joked.

Still recovering from his Dec. 21 surgery, Pascarella was at first reluctant to speak to Wednesday Journal as he is not one for the spotlight. He felt moved, however, to use his experience to raise awareness of the need for kidney donors.

Roughly 106,000 people are on the national organ transplant waiting list, with 87% in need of a kidney, according to the American Kidney Fund. With two healthy, working kidneys, Pascarella said donating one of his “felt obvious” to him.

“The surgery was low-risk to me, but very high reward for the recipient,” said Pascarella, a pre-med student at Sewanee University.

He had only ever had one surgical procedure before, a minor one at that. When he was three or four, he had tubes put in his ears. Hoping to become a doctor, Pascarella wanted in part to donate his kidney so that he could understand what going under the knife is like for patients.

Pascarella is known as a nondirected living organ donor, also known as an altruistic donor or good Samaritan donor, which means he donated his organ without having an intended recipient.

“I usually prefer nondirected donor because it is more value-neutral,” he said.

Pascarella has a profound drive to help others, but he is very pragmatic He chose to have the surgery over winter break, so recovery wouldn’t interfere with his studies. He talks about his donation jour ney the way others might talk about parallel parking. Pascarella describes each detail matter-of-factly, even when a little emotional speech could be justified. He did, after all, save someone’s life

Pascarella decided two years ago he wanted to donate one of his kidneys, but at 17, he was not legally allowed to. Donors must be 18. That did not deter him from sharing what he could. Pascarella donated blood platelets weekly – riding his bicycle to the giving site, having blood drawn, then bicycling home again. He still donates platelets and is on the bone marrow registry.

Organ donation kind of fell out of his mind for a time, he admitted, once he tur ned 18 and went off to college He got back on track in May 2022, registering himself online through the National Kidney Registry, which Wednesday Jour nal has

Pascarella’s donation shirt says it all.

reached out to for comment.

About a week after he filed his paperwork, he was contacted by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, which Pascarella selected as his transplant center Not long after, he was consulting with professionals and undergoing psychological evaluations His blood and urine were also tested to ensure he was able to donate

“He had to pee in a jug for 24 straight hours when we were on vacation,” said Pascarella’s father, Andy

Pascarella took himself to almost all of his appointments, wanting to be as active in the process as possible. He even told his parents they could just drop him off at the hospital on the day of his surgery They, of course, stayed throughout the procedure

“He really wanted to do it all by myself,” said his mother, Maria Pascarella.

His level of commitment impressed his parents, who were not overly thrilled with his plan – not because they did not believe it worthwhile, but because surgery can be dangerous To them, it seemed like an unnecessary risk, but Pascarella’s well-researched arguments eventually won them over

“We’re very, very, very, very proud,” his father said.

In October, Pascarella was alerted that a match had been found. For privacy purposes, all he was told was that his kidney would be transplanted to an adult with chronic kidney disease at UCLA.

Pascarella said he doesn’t need or want to know any more about the person who received his kidney That organ no longer belongs to him, but he doesn’t miss it. And he has a photo of it too, which he called his “most prized position.”

“This is the most important thing that I’ve done in my life,”

he said.

Pascarella was able to be discharged from the hospital in time for Christmas He stayed one night after his kidney was removed Dec 21. The first two days of recovery were painful. It felt like he had done a “million sit-ups.”

His kidney got rave reviews

“The surgeon at UCLA – I was told by my surgeon – said it was the best kidney they’d seen in years, maybe ever, which just validates my inner beauty,” he joked.

Hines VA completes 100th kidney transplant

A 73-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran from Peoria, Ill., received a kidney transplant Dec. 22 at Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital in Maywood, becoming the hospital’s 100th kidney transplant.

The recipient had been on a transplant waiting list since 2018 through a transplant center not af filiated with the U.S. De pt. of Veterans Af fairs He was evaluated at Hines VA’s Transplant Program last March and was able to receive a kidney transplant nine months later. Wait-time accumulated at non-VA hospitals can be transfer red to another hospital, which can expedite the process, according to the hospital.

Hines VA first be g an of fering transplants in Nov. 2019, becoming the country’s eighth VA kidney transplant program.

PHOTO BY SARA JANZ

Joseph

Heel

pain is one of the most common conditions I treat" says Dr. Linda Lambert of the River Forest Foot Clinic. If you wake up having di culty putting your feet on the oor, Dr. Lambert can help.

Heel pain or plantar fascitis is caused when the foot attens out with weight bearing. Sometimes a heel spur forms where the plantar fascia

attaches to the heel bone. A heel spur can be diagnosed with an in o ce x-ray.

ere are many ways to treat heel pain without doing surgery. Rest, ice, anti-in ammatory medication, supportive shoes and stretches help in most cases. Custom made orthotic devices or cortisone injections may also be needed.

Oak Parker bets that love comes in all sizes

Big Girl Besties uses positivity to combat size-ism and boost self-esteem

By STACEY SHERID Staff Reporter

In a culture where a seems to be tied to the scale, Ellie “Elizabeth” Mariy back — with grace, humor and a bright smile to shar company, Big Girl Besties is taking on the world of events planning to empow ple and their allies to embrace are as they are.

“In society, we are more appearance of health, rather health,” Mariyo says. “W if you’ re not a size 2, 4, li ke that movie star or model, then y not healthy. That ’s just not true

Such thinking is d etrimental bo dy and the mind, wh ich firsthand. S he spent years denying herself whole food ing c alories and treating something she had to do S he realized that was no wa

“I do n’ t think I was ph with all the dieting, and

was mentally healthy either,” she said. “There was always something that needed be b etter. T here was always some wo rkout I needed to do.”

As she star ted to love herself more, she became happier. I nstead of denying herself, she thought about eating as providing nutrients to her bo dy I nstead of unishing herself, she star ted to exercise because it f elt g ood, b oth for her mind and her bo dy. Now at 30 years old, Mariviews herself through a hear t-shaped

lens

“I do n’ t think because I’m in a bigger bo dy, I ca n’ t c ontinue to do great thing s, ” she said.

And she wants others to f eel that way about themselves, too, and she now has the capital to make her mission a reality This p ast f all, Mariyo won $75,000 through a c ontest c alled “The Great Unshackling,” sponsored by the C alifo rn ia-based wine c ompany Unshackled.

T he c ontest was i ntended to give the

PHOTO S BY SARA JANZ

Ellie Mariyo, creator of Big Girl Besties br and, takes v ideos and photos for her Instaam and TikTok accounts on Jan 8, 2023, in Oak Park

winner the necessary f unds to pursue their p assion. T hose who entered we re tasked with p osting in a video to I nstagr am, explaining how they would use the prize money.

Mariyo almost missed her chance to p ost her pitch. Sh e p ut up her video j ust three days before the d eadline, when she lear ned about the c ontest from her brother He encouraged her to apply, being well aware of his sister ’s entrep reneurial aspirations.

“When I saw the vide o, I i mmediately thought of her,” said Mariyo’s brother, Jim Adams IV “The rest of the wo rl d may be sur prised she won, but I’m not. I’m so proud of her and know she’s d estined for great things. ”

His faith in Mariyo was obviously not misplaced. Her video entry was chosen out of hundreds through a c ombination of public voting and panel judging. Her inclusive message resonated. S he has over 45,000 followe rs on I nsta gr am. S he has more than d ouble

Ellie Mariyo poses for her Instagram and TikT

that

misinfor promoting no matter their size is good for all bodie

“

The rest of the world may be surprised she won, but I’m not. I’m so proud of her and know she’s destined for great things

JIM ADAMS IV

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ALTERED CHECKS

Isolated out post

from page 1

fense. Those convicted of mail theft could serve years in prison.

Weldon-Linne’s first check was supposed to be a holiday tip for the man who delivers his newspaper other two were real estate tax and water bill payments, respectively. Altogether, the three checks totaled a little over $2,000 — a lot less than what was taken from WeldonLinne’s accounts.

Before the checks were stolen, Weldon-Linne dropped them into the U.S. Postal Service mailbox located outside of Concordia University on Augusta Street on New Year Eve. Weldon-Linne believes someone broke into the mailbox, taking checks from envelopes.

The Postal Service uses a universal key to open collection boxes and outdoor parcel lockers, according to the U.S. Postal Service. The keys are used on over 300,000 delivery and collection routes daily.

“That seemed kind of surprising to me until a policeman said, ‘Well, you know, imagine in the city of Chicago how many keys you’d have to have,’” he recalled.

Keys are returned to supervisors at the end of each shift. If a key is stolen or lost, public mailboxes are at risk of being accessed by people not emplo

Postal Service spokesman Timothy Norman c onfirmed that the U. S. States Postal I nspection Service is in gating Weldon-Linne’s c ase. Norman also

lection boxes prior to the last daily pickup time listed on

recommended to mail it i nside your ” Norman said.

t the only person whose checks ted and changed. Rive r Fo rest Police Chie f ay Journal there we re “at r Fo rest during the holiday weve r, cannot investi gate ll of these incidents fall under federal jurisdiction, with the postal inspectors handling all complaints and

tors are also examining Weldons case. It was through his Charles Schwab investor that Weldon-Linne learned he might not be the the person who stole his checks. tor pointed out that the altered ees on the three checks are probably victims as well ation purloined by identity theft and used to open dummy bank accounts to acce pt the forged checks,” Weldon-Linne said. ys for Weldon-Linne to get hi s le he can af ford to wait that he noted, may not be in a similarly stable financial situation.

“ I’m for tunate to be in a position where this is just mostly an enormous pain in the ass,” he said. “I’m able y checks, but I and would just be

STAC EY SHERIDAN/STAFF

CHECKS IN PERIL: Mail was taken from the mailbox on Augusta near the Concordia University campus

Gra ti vandal hits three Oak Park spots

Red spray paint was used to deface an AT&T utility box, a railway embankment and the Illinois Department of Transportation box at Jackson Boulevard and Harlem Avenue late last week.

In addition to sharing the same paint color and method of defacement, the graffiti attacks all re por tedly took place primarily Jan. 6, according to Oak Park police. The IDOT box was tagged with the red spray paint at 9:14 a.m. that morning, the police re port stated, while the AT&T utility box, located in the 1000 block of Susan Collins Lane, was hit shor tly after at 10:06 a.m.

The railway embankment in the 800 block of South Boulevard may have been the first location to be sprayed, as police have determined it was damaged between 4:30 p.m., Jan 5, and 9:45 a.m., Jan. 6. The estimated cost ofthe damage is $300, while the damage estimates for the other incidents were unknown at the time of re porting.

Burglary

■ A pair of white Jackson Ultima ice

skates were taken from a Hyundai Sonata with an unlocked passenger’s side door parked in the 800 block of South Boulevard between 9 p.m., Jan. 2, and 10:45 a.m., Jan. 7. The estimated loss is $600.

■ Someone forced open the rear basement door ofa vacant residence then removed a blue Graco Magnum Pro-19 paint sprayer from inside the home between 3 p.m., Dec. 30, and 3:30 p.m., Jan. 3, in the 600 block ofNorth Cuyler Avenue. The estimated loss is $730.

■ Two Hitachi finish nail guns, a DeWalt leaf blower, a DeWalt Sawzall and a DeWalt power hand sander were taken from a possibly unlocked 2019 Mercedes Sprinter Van parked in the 600 block ofNorth Grove Avenue between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Jan. 2. The estimated loss is $1,500.

Motor vehicle theft

An unlocked Chevy Captiva, which was left with its keys in the ignition, was taken from the 1000 block ofLake Street at about 1:43 p.m., Jan. 6. The estimated loss is $10,000.

Theft

■ Three packages were taken from a front porch in the 1200 block of North Ridgeland Avenue between 12:17 p.m., Jan. 6, and 2:35 p.m., Jan. 8.

■ The front and rear license plates were removed from a 2003 Toyota Corolla parked in the 400 block of South Maple Avenue between 9 p.m., Jan. 7, and 8:15 a.m., Jan. 8.

■ The rear license plate was taken of f a 2008 Mazda CX-9 parked in the 1400 block of North Austin Boulevard between 8 p.m., Jan. 7, and 5:45 p.m., Jan. 8.

■ Someone stole a personal check made out for $125 from the U.S. Postal Service mailbox at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Harlem Avenue between noon, Dec. 18, and noon, Dec. 23. The check has not been deposited.

Criminal proper ty damage

■ Someone used spray paint to put graffiti on the brick façade of a building in the 700 block ofLake Street between noon,

Dec. 20, and noon, Dec. 22. The estimated damage is $300.

■ The rear driver’s side tire ofa 2004 Dodge Durango was slashed while the vehicle was parked in a garage in the 6000 block of Roosevelt Road between 3 p.m., Dec. 20, and 9:30 p.m., Jan. 5.

■ Someone broke the rear passenger’s side window ofa Kia Sportage parked in the 200 block ofPleasant Street between 5:03 p.m. and 5:06 p.m., Jan. 7.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports, Jan. 3-9, and re present a portion ofthe incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race ofa 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 ofthe suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled

by Stacey Sheridan

oakpark.com/real- estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

Homes

Housing Forward opens emergency winter shelter

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

On Jan. 4, Housing Forward opened an emergency shelter in the for mer rectory of St. Catherine of SienaSt. Lucy Parish. The temporary winter shelter could not have opened at a better time as winter’s cold temperatures threaten the lives and health of those without shelter.

Housing Forward’s Executive Director Lynda Schueler says that the need for the space has been evident for some time.

“We have roughly 60 to 70 unsheltered clients on a wait list for our interim housing program at the Wright Inn [in Oak Park],” Schueler said. “There’s a real threat of loss of life and frostbite in the winter.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Housing Forward had to end its PADS emergency shelter program, which rotated through a variety of local parishes and faith organizations. In spite of the success of the interim housing program at the Wright Inn launched to meet some of the needs in the community, there is not enough space for the unsheltered who need housing.

In November, Schueler was in conversation with local leaders, including John Harris of the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, Father Carl Morello of St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish, Reverend Kathy Nolte of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Rabbi Max Weiss of Oak Park Temple, about a solution, when village re presentatives approached to ask if it was possible for Housing Forward to open an emergency shelter this winter.

As part of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Parish initiative, Oak Park’s four Catholic parishes combined into two entities -- Ascension and St. Edmund’s Parish and St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy’s and St. Giles Parish.

Morello, the priest of the newly-combined St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy/St. Giles, for med a team of volunteers to plan a long-term use of the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory as a community hub that will offer social services and bridge the divide between Oak Park and Austin.

The church campus on Austin Boulevard already houses a Big Shoulders School that primarily serves children from the Austin community, as well as Sister House, a temporary home for women in recovery from substance abuse issues, that occupies the for mer convent space. Morello says that using the rectory for social services to benefit the community is the long-term plan.

This fall, it made sense to jump in with a temporary use of the building.

“We had this empty space, and rather than let it sit empty, I said ‘Lynda, let’s do

this,’” Morello said. “It fits right into the mission, the future and what we want to do.”

With willing leadership, the next step was to get the rectory ready for inhabitants. The rectory was built at 38 N. Austin Blvd. in 1963 and the space was meant to house five priests.

It included five suites with a common area on the second floor and a first floor consisting of parish offices, a dining room

Former St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy rector y provides space for 15

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta

Dannette Salaam, the manager of Housing Forward’s new emergency winter shelter, makes remarks during an open house on Jan. 4, shor tly before opening the former St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Parish rector y to those in need of housin g.

“It ts right into the mission, the future and what we want to do.”

FATHER CARL MORELLO Pastor, St. Catherine-St. Lucy/ St. Giles Parish

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Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus. KATH Y & TONY IWERSE N 708 772.8040 708 772.804 1 ton yiw er sen @atprop erties .com

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Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

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We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

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NEWSFLASH!

HOUSING FORWARD

Room for 15

from page 17

and a kitchen. The building needed an overhaul to meet current building codes and provide more space for Housing Forward clients

In just a few weeks, a team of volunteers from all local parishes and four skilled tradespeople tur ned the rectory into habitable space, updating the heating, plumbing and electrical service to make the space safe. In addition, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were added.

Morello praised the numerous people who donated time, effort and money to make the shelter a reality in such a short time.

“For me, when we talk about the Spirit at work, this is that Spirit in the flesh,” Morello said.

“From a Christian perspective, this goes back to the gospel of Matthew, where we hear from Jesus, ‘Whatsoever you did for the least of among us, you did for me.’ We’re living that gospel message,” he added.

At a Jan. 4 open house hours before the shelter welcomed its first guests, Morello was joined by volunteers and community leaders who helped aid in the effort. Housing Forward’s Schueler noted that the opening of the shelter marked the org anization’s 30th anniversary in the community Shelter Manager Dannette Salaam teared

up as she described the dif ference the shelter would make in the community, and calling the love in the room overwhelming, Housing Forward client James Hor n

said the org anizations has been a “cor nerstone” in his life

Schueler says the emergency shelter will share some similarities with the older PADS model of temporary shelter, but on a smaller scale The space will have 10 beds for guests who are currently in case management with Housing Forward and five beds for the newly homeless as identified by local hospitals and police and fire depar tments.

Unlike PADS, there will be no rotation, and guests can slee p at the shelter from

7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. every night from Jan. 4 through April.

While saying the emergency shelter is a great demonstration of har nessing the power of a community, Schueler said, “Fifteen beds is really not enough to support all of West Cook County.”

Housing Forward has received funding to help operate the shelter for two years, but the rectory space is available only for four months Schueler says the search is on for a more per manent location to house the winter shelter in the future.

How to get involved as a volunteer

One key to the success of the emergency shelter is volunteers. Housing Forward’s Chief Development Officer Erik Johnson says volunteers were instrumental in readying the shelter for guests and emphasizes the continuing need for help from local organizations to provide teams to help manage the day-to-day work at the shelter

There is a need for seven volunteers every night and for meals for clients. Johnson points to a number of ways people can get involved:

To lear n more about the shelter program, email shelter@housingforward.org

To lear n more about volunteer opportunities, contact Cherrell Jackson, volunteer and engagement manager, at cjackson@housingforward.org

For groups interested in volunteering, visit Housing Forward’s Volunteer page: housingforward.org/get-involved/ volunteer

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta

Individuals housed at the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rector y shelter w ill have access to a kitchen and dining area

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta

Housing Forward Executive Director Ly nda Schueler addresses those ga thered at the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rector y on Jan. 4 at an open house pr ior to the emergency shelter opening its doors.

Trinity hosts day-long MLK Day basketball tourney

Special showcase also features teams from OPRF, Fenwick

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Each season, there are plenty of high school basketball events that take place on Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr. Day.

But the girls event Trinity High School hosts on Jan. 16 is unique. All 14 teams participating are coached by African Americans, something that org anizer and Trinity coach Kim Coleman purposely had in mind.

“I wanted to create a safe space for Black coaches where they can be highlighted,” she said. “I’ve never seen anything for us

to display all the work we put into our programs

“Kids want to see coaches that look like them so that they can relate, whether it’s a head or assistant coach.”

Coleman couldn’t have picked a better time to schedule an MLK Shootout. All three local high schools -- OPRF, Fenwick and Trinity – simultaneously, and for the first time, have African American coaches

“To have three head coaches that are African American says a lot about where we’re going in Oak Park, both as programs and schools,” said OPRF coach Carlton Rosemond.

“It just shows that diversity is star ting to pick up,” Fenwick coach Lenae Fergerson said. “For us to have these oppor tunities is big.”

Coleman said OPRF and Fenwick were

two of the first programs she contacted when developing the event.

“We wanted to highlight our area schools,” she stated. “We stay connected and talk with each other.”

Coleman also thanked Trinity athletic director Ken Trendel for his support regarding the event.

“It doesn’t happen without the backing of the administration,” she said.

For their part, both Rosemond and Fergerson are looking forward to participating

“It’s a good event and we’re glad to be a par t of it,” Rosemond said. “It’s an important day in our culture and we’re celebrating Dr King by doing one of the things we love. It’s good for our Black players to see them in prominent positions, and it’s good for our White players to see the equality in the coaching profession.”

“I was excited when Kim Coleman told me about it,” Fergerson said. “Everyone knows what that day is all about and to show the growth of the diversity is good for girls basketball in our area.”

Here is the schedule for the Trinity MLK Shootout (local schools in bold):

9 a.m., Walther Christian vs. Senn 10:45 a.m., Hope Academy vs. Westinghouse

12:30 p.m., Phillips vs. Or r 2:15 p.m., Fenwick vs. Taft

4 p.m., OPRF vs. Hyde Park

5:45 p.m., Deerfield vs. Mother McAuley

7:30 p.m., Trinity vs. Butler Prep

Tickets are $10 each for general admission ($6 for students) and are good for all seven g ames. They will be available at the door on game day.

Walker’s 9.25 good enough to share rst place at Glenbard West OPRF rolls past Proviso West before falling to Ignatius

Vault per formance was a high school best for junior

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School junior Jane Walker is used to performing. Besides being a long-time gymnast, Walker also has played the violin for 12 years and also picked up the guitar two years ago.

“We all got bored in COVID,” said Walker about adding guitar “Doing gymnastics [is different] because you’re not exhausted. You’re not scared all of the time With private lessons [for violin], the goal is to make you cry.”

Walker was elated with one of her biggest gymnastics moments for the Huskies on Jan. 4. She scored a high school-best 9.25 on vault at Glenbard West to share first place on the event.

The Huskies (131.05 points) were defeated by the Hilltoppers (143.60), who finished fourth at state in 2022. With OPRF still on winter break, they were missing two regulars from their lineup

They used four all-arounders – Walker and senior Maya Lim (33.20 each) and senior Caroline Raducha (32.15) and junior Gabby Morales Junior Eleanor Wol-

ski, a key contributor on vault and floor, made her season debut but only on uneven parallel bars and balance beam as she retur ns from an ankle injury Freshman Teagan Lucas was promoted from the junior varsity to compete the other two events.

“[Glenbard West] is a pretty hard competitor so our goal today was just to get a good score to put us in a higher sectional group,” Walker said. “We didn’t do exactly what we wanted but we still did OK. We’re all happy right now.”

This was the Huskies’ fifth meet and the first since Dec 14. It was the third for Walker because she missed the first two Saturday invites with her other obligations No problem. On vault, Walker landed her tuck Tsukahara to improve upon her 8.75 the last dual meet.

“I landed it really well this time, so I was very happy about that,” Walker said.

Raducha also excelled with her tuck Tsuk to ear n a fifth-place 9.0.

“One of my goals was to stick my vault and to get a 9 so I’ve done both of those this season,” said Raducha, who scored an 8.95 Dec 14. “I’m just happy with how the team did considering the circumstances.”

Lim was fourth on uneven bars (8.4) and tied for fifth on floor (8.6). Morales and Lucas scored a team-best 7.6 on beam to share sixth.

The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball team split a pair of g ames last week to ring in the new year

The Huskies (7-8, 1-1 in the West Suburban Silver) rolled past host Proviso West 78-49 on Jan. 6.

Mehki Austin and Rodney Mur phy shared scoring honors with 15 points apiece. Jaziah Har per had 13 points, Christian Marshall 12 and Justin Bowen seven while Alex Gossett grabbed nine rebounds.

The next day, OPRF dropped a non-conference g ame at Loyola Academy 47-35. Marshall had a team-high 17 points, while Mur phy had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds

The Huskies host WSC Silver leader Lyons Township on Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. OPRF then travels to York on Jan. 14 and faces Hyde Park on Jan. 16 in the MLK Classic at Metea Valley

Fenwick boys rout Von Steuben

Darshan Thomas had 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals as Fenwick High School (10-7) routed visiting Von Steuben 71-28 Jan. 7.

Ty Macariola added 14 points and four rebounds for the Friars, who host Brother Rice in a Chicago Catholic League Blue af fair Jan. 13 at 7pm, then welcome Riverside-Brookfield in the annual MLK Classic Jan. 16 at 3pm

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

ONSCIOUS A GING

e culture of our community

Kudos to village trustees Chibui ke Enyia and Susan Buchanan for convening the recent anti-hate gathering at Scoville Park on Dec. 21, 2022. This is the type of leadership we need from our elected officials.

This event provided, and continues to stimulate, opportunity for honest reflection, communication and action regarding the ongoing realities of daily life in Oak Park experienced by any of us who are “othered.” Racism, homophobia and antisemitism impact our local communities, inhibit our healthy growth, and ollute our inclusivity.

“Othering” is an empathy issue. When we emove another person’s humanity or an entire group of people’s humanity, we allow for unimaginable horrors to occur. Treating other human beings as mere numbers affects the culture of our community et’s never forget the hor rible violence of 11 Black people shot and killed in a Buffalo, New rk super market or 49 people shot and killed in an Orlando, Florida gay nightclub, or 11 wish people shot and killed in a Pittsburgh, ennsylvania synagogue or 22 Hispanic people shot and killed in an El Paso, Texas Walmart.

Trustees Buchanan and Enyia are concerned with the culture of our community, not just with our town’s balanced budget. That’s a good thing. But it is timely that we also include the intersection of ageism in this important lear ning process. Ageism is so deep and pervasive we are not yet in the habit of calling it out. The recent anti-hate event was a terrific opportunity to spotlight the intersectionality of all prejudice, including ableism, sexism and transphobia. Ageism, both systemic and inter nalized, is a form of discrimination motivated by unconscious bias or hate, and can cause har m to individuals and to community as a whole. Since the year 1900 we’ve added more longevity to our species than all of preceding history. Today for the first time, there are more people alive in the world over 65 than under 15.

Violence is done to our older people who lose their jobs because of their age, or who are misdiagnosed and mistreated in our health-care system because of their age, or who lack adequate housing because of their age, or who are abused in nursing homes because of their age or who become downright invisible because of their age. This is an important part of the anti-hate consciousness to bring to the surface Let’s include ageism in our diversity, equity and inclusion conversation and actions

In 2023, out of concer n for the culture of our community, let’s follow our trustees’ lead and reco gnize and challenge ageism in order to create a more equitable and inclusive society for people of all ages.

VIEWPOINTS

Ken Trainor: A Christmas break to remember p. 22

Battered parents: a hidden epidemic

People around Oak Park and River Forest were stunned in August, 2014 at the news of Sheila Mack’s death while vacationing in Bali.

Many of those people knew of problems between Sheila and her volatile daughter, Heather. But few thought it would end so tragically.

Unfortunately, the case is far from being a one-off; tens of thousands of families in Illinois experience adolescents and young adults physically abusing, threatening and exploiting their parents.

In their 2017 paper, “Adolescent-to-Parent Violence: Translating Research into Ef fective Practice,” Karey L. O’Hara, Jennifer E. Duchschere, Connie J.A. Beck and Erika Lawrence write that “documented prevalence rates range between 5 and 22% of the population; however, researchers speculate that this is a gross underestimate Society fully inter vened in Sheila and Heather’s case only after the fact. By the time it is all finally resolved, many hundreds of thousands of dollars will have spent. Meanwhile innocent woman is dead, two young li are destroyed, and family and friends suf fered a painful loss

We must lear n to intervene more immediately and effectively. To do that, we have to be willing to discuss the issue more fully. As I and my co-author, Rasul Freelain, have conducted research for a book on the Sheila Mack case, we’ve re peatedly run into people who knew Sheila or Heather and either declined to talk about it or talk on the record. While that’s understandable, it’s also reflective of a deeper problem.

As a society, we are loathe to delve into its more painful and uglier aspects. And Sheila Mack’s case is both painful and ugly. But it needs to be known and understood so we can lear n how to avoid it in the future.

The phenomenon of children battering their parents was first noted in clinical literature in May

1979. Massachusetts doctors H.T. Harbin and D.J. Madden presented a paper at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Chicago. “Battered Parents - a new syndrome,” published 35 years before Sheila Mack’s death, is in line with what is known today about the phenomenon. A key conclusion by Harbin and Madden was that “this subtype of family violence is distinct from child and spouse abuse,” and requires specific, focused treatment.

Numerous studies have been published in the intervening 44 years, and the phenomenon has come to be known in clinical circles as “Child on Parent Violence and Abuse” (CPVA). But the general public remains largely unaware of the issue

Families in such daunting circumstances usually etreat into denial, Harbin and Madden noted, “to maintain an illusion, a myth family har mony.” he alter native is to acknowledge the painful truth: that the amily structure is crumbling and that the parent or parents annot control their wn children.

The sad fact is that umerous people knew that Heather was a growing threat, and they feared for Sheila. One neighbor I spoke with who saw Sheila in late 2012 or early 2013 described her as “a wreck.”

Police knew, at least two local mental health organizations knew, some school officials knew, juvenile court officials knew, and friends and neighbors knew. But those trying to help were limited by a system that does not effectively address the specific realities of minors battering parents

CPVA is not something most people can deal with on their own. It is a toxic dynamic that needs purposeful, focused intervention by professionals, and that requires cooperation among lawmakers, clinicians, academics, mental health professionals, medical personnel, educators, law enforcement and the courts

L.D CHUKMAN ILLUSTRATION

Judge Matthew Kennelly addresses Heather Mack during a recent cour t appearance.

VIEWS

CTA owns its rusty water tower

Someday enough federal and state money will trickle down to finally remake the clo gged intersection of Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard. This is where the more-than-century-old Union Pacific embankment car rying CTA el cars to an outmoded ter minus at Harlem, and Metra trains running east and west, mash up with an auto- and truck-heavy state Route 41 to create a tangle that slows vehicular traf fic, is unfriendly to pedestrians and bikers, and abuts an increasingly dense commercial and residential high-rise community.

If ever there is going to be a trickle out of D.C. and/or via Springfield, it is likely soon as there are billions in infrastructure dollars sloshing around. And so, frankly, why not us? Between Davis and Durbin, Har mon and Welch we ought to have the political oomph to pry free necessary funds

The three towns, which also mash up at that cor ner — Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest — also have strong enough working ties to make the case for this fix.

This comes to mind because there is currently a distraction to the shared cause. The CTA, which maintains a maintenance and storage yard at the end of the Green Line, also has a butt-ugly and no longer necessary rusting water tower in that facility. Anyone who has to stare at it, and that’s not that many people, would like it disappeared

The CTA, which has a myriad of woes, including a ridership that is highly reluctant to retur n, semi-post-Covid, has of fered to take down the tower but would like some local municipal cash to make that happen. Cor rectly, village presidents Cathy Adduci and Vicki Scaman have said, “Really? You’ re kidding.” Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins seems more willing to push a deal as he works to extend an adjacent TIF.

The full focus here needs to be on the big remake of the intersection. It needs to be wider, the roadway needs to be lowered to stop trucks from shearing of f roofs. A rusty water tower is not ger mane to the discussion.

What happened at Concordia?

There is nothing nor mal about half a colle ge basketball team winding up in ERs after a practice session. But that is what happened after a New Year’s Eve practice overseen by Concordia University head coach Steve Kollar

Multiple media outlets re port the intense session was in response to players having broken curfew during a late December trip to California where the team played twice The River Forest school said it continues to look into those alle gations. Meanwhile, Kollar has been temporarily removed as coach, though he remains an employee.

This is a moment when an institution tests itself. What do its Christian values re present? Is transparency, when something has gone badly wrong, real or an illusion? Are consequences for the adults alle gedly involved genuine but less barbaric than what seems to have been dished out to students who may well have er red?

We will wait to hear more from Concordia

Ah, Christmas break! A breather in the school-year grind. Nineyear-olds sleeping in. The routine relents. Santa has infused the playroom with fresh diversions The temporary return of long, lingering, open-ended days. More to the point, the gift of more hours with the boys. The more time, the more you lear n about them.

The pre-Christmas bomb cyclone left behind a thin blanket of snow covering the backyard, and sunshine beginning to melt it — just enough for good packing — so the first order of business was a snowball fight. Fortunately for them, my aging ar m can no longer hit the broad side of barn, and I’m the bigger target, so they enjoy unabashed pummeling

Making the most of Christmas break KEN TRAINOR

to a sliding cable, and seemed perfectly confident.

Then Bryce appeared, walking much more slowly, but still walking. I couldn’t believe it. He didn’t look nervous, but when Tyler rejoined us, he said, “He doesn’t look nervous, but he’s very nervous inside.” Nonetheless, he completed the course and came down to a cascade of acclaim. Effusive is too tame a word

He had “leveled up his confidence” by several orders of magnitude.

Soon enough, it occurred to them that sno might make good eating. They fished out some food coloring and a couple of waf kitchen cabinets, and I ear ned a re ing projectiles

It occurred to me that snowballs were the first step toward snowperson, so I started rolling It didn’t take long before they were rummaging inside for the accoutrements — a well-worn Cubs hat, cucamelons for the smile, Hershey’s kisses for eyes the aforementioned pointed end of the waffle cone for the nose, sticks from the brush pile for ar ms, and mini-snowballs for the buttons of an invisible coat. It was a rather diminutive snowp erson, but nature hadn’t left us lot to work with.

We left our little buddy basking in the war ming sun and headed to Urban Air, an indoor trampoline park and climbing venue, for which a certain couple of Santas had bestowed gift cards. On the way, Bryce made it abundantly clear he was afraid of heights and definitely would not be going on the high ropes course. Tyler is a mountain goat, so that’s his natural element.

The website describes it thus: “Weave, climb and race your way around this high-flying obstacle course. Climb and swing through the air like a superhero as you race to finish the course. Do you dare look down? The stakes are high as you and your friends level up your confidence, balance, and agility in these exhilarating, gravity-defying obstacles.”

“No way,” Bryce kept saying, “no way.” No argument from me, I told him. Do only what you’re comfortable doing.

As their father and I watched from below, Tyler made the rounds. He was har nessed and attached

Next came the equally high-flying zip line, which had plenty of zip to it. And then the climbing structures. Quite a breakthrough afternoon for Bryce. wing week, we arranged house with their step-brother , so the boys had their fill of nerf warfare in le I cuddled upstairs with my new , two months old that day, who ned to smile since last we met (the first grin d on Christmas mor ning, I was infor med). She es daylight, so we spent a good while looking out the back windows because I have never lost my love of daylight.

he ride home was tense; the ombat seemed to make the boys cranky. They oscillate between brotherly collegiality and quarelsome contentiousness, often briskly. Finally, Bryce broke the silence.

“I know what we can do when get home,” he said to his newly restored co-conspirator. e can build something with the Christmas boxes.”

Give these two an unlimited supply of cardboard and duct tape, and they are in building heaven. I held pieces together while they slapped on the tape. They were now in full collaboration mode, talking each other through every step.

It was the most ramshackled of shacks, but it did have a chimney … which doubled as a periscope … and a mail tube … which they tested but decided if an envelope got stuck in it, Santa would for sure. When all was done, we stood back and Bryce gave his official assessment:

“Well, it doesn’t look very good from the outside … and it doesn’t look very good on the inside … but I like it.”

I did, too, and after Tyler worked his interior design magic, the inside contained a rug, books, a baseball bat, a Jenga box, a Cubs logo painted on canvas, several toy cars, a chess board, and a wall-mounted “screen” with “Disney +” drawn on it

What more could two 9-year-olds want?

KEN TRAINOR /Sta

Home sweet home

Looking back on 2022 village board

We accomplished a lot at the Oak Park village board table this past year in the three key focus areas of my campaign: af ford ability & budget disciplin e, community safety, and sustainable & equitable economic recovery/development. Our new village manager, Kevin Jackson, has done a commendable job of leading our administration this year and trying to balance all the goals the board has set for him and his team. However, there is much more to be done

Affordability & budget discipline

PARAKK

AT One View

While I was able to advocate successfully for a 0% tax levy increase for 2023, we did not have the majority support on the board required to examine and prune our expenses, which have grown by a significant $3.7 million year-over-year. While this is a missed opportunity, I’m cautiously optimistic that it will not adversely impact our community in the long run because of the increased sales tax revenue and parking deficit reduction measures we’ve taken. We have also seen our credit rating improve, which will help us borrow at a lower cost in the future as the need arises We have prioritized investments in infrastructure (alleys, roads, water, etc.) to further catch up on pandemic-induced delays In addition, we’ve effectively allocated most of the $39 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds toward community needs. However, it behooves us to pay close attention to some trends in our revenue and expenses in a recessionary environment. Unfavorable trends could land us in serious trouble.

Community safety

The comprehensive Berry Dunn community safety study recommendations have now replaced calls to defund the police. This gives our police department fact-based investment and improvement opportunities to build a moder n and bias-free department. I wish our new police chief, Shatonya Johnson, success in taking the department from good to great by implementing the study recommendations. It is worth remembering that crime — especially crime involving guns — is on the rise. While we invest to moder nize the department, we also need to make sure it is effective in combating surges in crime. I am committed to providing our police department with tools and resources to be effective, while holding them accountable for our community’s safety. We have taken some measures this year like traffic-calming on certain streets, the over night gas station ban, strengthening our nuisance ordinance, and deploying Flock (ALPR) cameras, to name a few, but more needs to happen. I expect the advice and action to come from our police department.

Sustainable & equitable economic recover y/development

Inflation, and the possibility of a recession caused by our ef for ts to tame that inflation, create serious headwinds y and are expected to continue into 2023. Still, we have seen brisk economic very this year with a record-setting number of business permits being issued the village and a significant increase in sales tax revenue. As we continue to recover, we must ensure that our recovery is equitable and sustainable. To these ends, the board has set up and funded a Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) of fice under the leadership of Danielle Walker On the sustainability side, we now have the Oak Park Climate Action Plan that clearly ar ticulates our netzero emissions path: where we are today, where we need to get to, and how and by when. I worked on the recommendations that led to these initiatives, both as an Energ y & Environment commissioner and as an OP Climate Action Network member, and it’s been great to see this progress made.

However, our climate action plan requires significant investment, and much thought still needs to go into how we pay for it while kee ping our community af fordable. For this reason, it’s impor tant to focus on sustainable development ideas that attract investments to our community. This is why I proposed the sustainability incubator, which is now being evaluated by SB Friedan.

My complementary ef for ts with Takeout 25 NFP have contributed to our economic recovery, and Takeout 25 is now embarking on an exciting jour ney to build and promote our community as Illinois’ first Green Dining District with the support of our small business community To gether these ef for ts place us on the right path for a sustainable and equitable future.

Looking forward

Oak Park has made good progress this year, but I’m concer ned that a few key decisions at the board table could render us unsafe, unaf fordable, inequitable, and unsustainable. So as you approach the April 2023 municipal elections, and the campaigns for the three village board trustee seats on the ballot, I encourage you to examine the candidates closely for experience and proven track record on fiscal responsibility, commitment to community safety, and suppor t for sustainable and equitable development.

I wish every one of you a 2023 that brings you closer to your dreams and aspirations. Happy New Year!

Ravi Parakkat is an Oak Park villa ge trustee.

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Staff Repor ters Stacey Sheridan

Staff Photographers Shanel Romain

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Big Week Editor James Porter

Columnists Marc Bleso , Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo

S ales & Digital Development Manager Stac y Coleman

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendor f

Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, re you to action

In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for ling.

Please understand our veri cation process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that veri cation, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot con rm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay.

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

LET TER TO THE EDITOR

■ 250-word limit

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

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 500-word limit

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connec tion to the topic

■ Signature details as at lef t

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

HOW TO REA CH US

ADDRESS

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Adver tising rates may be obtained by calling our o ce. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address correc tions to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media, NFP.

Grandma ‘Frat Boy’

Iam and have always been a sports fan. I closely follow the Bulls, Bears, White Sox, and still, occasionally, the Black Hawks. My grandchildren tease me that if I drank beer with all the sports I watch, I could be a “frat boy!” (Apologies to frat boys)

Like so many, I was shocked to see the Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin suffer cardiac arrest on the field. Unfor tunately, both football and hockey are contact sports and players often get injured. We have all seen injured players carted of f the field (or the ice) and soon after, the game continues. By contrast, and appropriately so, the Buffalo Bills game was stopped. Players from both teams were noticeably shaken as they formed a circle of privacy and prayer around Damar. People of all stripes, races, and ages from around the country, who root for different teams and/ or who do not follow spor ts at all, were impacted by this horrific event. Folks rallied in kindness and support for Damar’s well-being, as he continues to recover.

HAUSMAN

when one of the contenders pped into the ring. He red his satin robe and began ceremoniously strutting around the ring. The only problem was he had forgotten to put his boxer his jockstrap! Dare I say I was not impressed my “exposure” to the sport of

ys been t. My love of basketball was enhanced when I landed what I call a “dream job” while attending the University of Illinois in Urbana. I was hired to tutor some of the basketball players. They were all bright young men, but the team practiced to such an extent that both players and coaching staff were concer ned their academic grades would suffer. If they didn’t get a passing grade in their classes they would be ineligible to play. My job was to tutor them, and keep them above passing grade. To this day, I enjoy watching basketball, because it was through those young men that I learned various plays and the intricate strategies that go into the game

In football and hockey, rough-and-tough physicality is part and parcel of the game. For example, the practice of boarding in hockey was meant to prevent opponents from moving forward, but it has tur ned into viciously crushing opponents. The hockey stick, meant to guide the puck across the ice, has become a lethal weapon. In football, tackling was never meant to grind the opponent into the ground or butt him in the head with the helmet. As these acts of brutality in hockey and football have increased, my interest in following these sports has waned. Would that there be even more helpful rules, safeguards, and better protective gear employed.

Two other sports in which I have no interest are wrestling and boxing. Many years ago, my husband had an interest in amateur boxing, especially as a way to channel teenage restlessness. He convinced the board of the Better Boys Foundation and his friend, Walter Payton, to purchase satin robes and shorts for 50 older, West Side, at-risk teenagers. My husband urged me to join him at a boxing match where I saw boxers enter the arena to the cheers and taunts of the crowd. The noisy din turned into uproarious laughter

A few years ago, I was at a bar at O’Hare Airport waiting for my delayed plane to arrive. While sipping my soda, I watched the Bears vs. Packers football game that was on the TV. The folks at the bar were deeply engaged, as I was, especially since the Bears were ahead. Then, abruptly the score changed as a result of a Green Bay player intercepting an errant Bears’ pass. Like everyone at the bar, I felt dejected. I blurted out, “Somehow or other, Green Bay always seems to find a way to beat the Bears.” With that, the young man seated at the bar next to me said, with a look of utter dismay, “I didn’t know that old ladies took an interest in sports.” I did not respond to his ignorant comment.

Although I rarely have an opportunity to attend basketball games anymore, my interest in our local college teams and the Chicago Bulls and White Sox continues I continue to have an appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and athleticism of those who participate. I liken their agility to that of a highly trained ballet dancer.

Yes, Mr. “bar-mate” at O’Hare Airport, this old lady, and countless others, are knowledgeable and interested in sports!

Harriet Hausman, 98 years young, writes a re gular column about her hometown, Ri ver Forest, and the world.

e fact is …

Ken Trainor’s ruminations on handling submissions to Wednesday Journal’s opinion pages center ed on the interpretation of “facts,” notably in the context of the array of current digital media landscapes Terms such as “alter native facts” and “fake news” are now part of a political lexicon that has led to extreme actions and outcomes.

Ironically, I write this submission as the U.S. marks the second anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 insur rection, an unprecedented event in U.S. history. “Stop the Steal,” pr opagated to the point of inciting that deadly day, in spite of the hard fact that the election was legitimately conducted. Extremist, fact-denying members of Cong ress at this moment are creating chaos in electing a Speaker of the House, now in its umpteenth failed vote, a fiasco that hasn’t unfolded since before the Civil War.

Who voted for this?! Well, lots and lots of people did, although I doubt many of them were parsing their perceptions of what their vote would offer them in return, beyond dysfunctional gover nance. Workingclass people need a functional system, but tens of millions of them vote against their own futures

Critical thinking these days is practically a superpower! The “check it out” journalistic mantra isn’t much practiced by many journalists themselves. The mainstream media bought the lies that led to the ille gal invasion of Iraq. Even before that abro gation of responsible re porting, it allowed the

DWYER

from page 21

Change occurs when clinical awareness develops into more for mal understanding, and the issue is brought to the general public through the media. Although researchers had been aware of child abuse since the late 1800s, it did not fully capture the attention of a large number of professionals until 1962, when Dr. C. Henry Kempe’s paper, “The Battered Child Syndrome,” described its symptoms and argued that child abuse was medically diagnosable.

Elizabeth Elmer, a social worker and pioneer in the study of child abuse, noted in 1963 that “the amount of systematic research on the problem of abuse and neglect is conspicuously scant.”

After publication of “The Battered Child

military to filter the deadly realities of the Gulf I attack led by President H.W. Bush. Shameful.

If the press and its practitioners can’t deploy critical thinking for fear of what, doing their jobs? — where does that leave “factuality” for those who still rely on trusting needed jour nalistic re portage? It leaves such seekers of truth to dig for it themselves. Search non-corporate news cites that traffic in asserting hard, cold, facts and the proof of such assertions. Hold to an objective of “comfort the af flicted, af flict the comfortable,” as stated in the book, Observations by Mr. Dooley, published in 1902.

Today newsprint in virtual, or hard-copy, form needs to find its backbone again. Recall it was two intrepid reporters from the Washington Post who brought down a corrupt President Nixon 50 years ago (he resigned to avoid impeachment conviction). Two years after another president of the U.S. incited a deadly, televised attack on democracy, he remains free to spew more lies while his hardliner offspring in Congress continue to create political Theater of the Absurd.

Until and unless the press and the public embrace critical thinking, and know how to separate a fact from an inference from a personal opinion, things will continue to get worse, not better.

And that, in my humble (but infor med) opinion, is a fact

Joe Harrington Oak Park

Syndrome,” Prof. John E.B. Myers wrote, “a trickle of writing became a torrent that continues to this day, with myriad news stories and journal articles published.”

Like child abuse, spousal abuse, drunk driving and homophobia, when awareness reaches critical mass, societal transformation can occur and substantive improvements can be made

It is past time for society to address this dark reality, which is damaging so many families who cannot respond effectively on their own. Dr. Kempe put it in direct, if decidedly un-scientific language: “The battered child syndrome isn’t a reportable disease, but it damn well ought to be.”

The same must be said of battered parents and Child on Parent Violence and Abuse.

Bill Dwyer, a freelance journalist who is writing a book, with Rasul Freelain, on the murder of Sheila Mack, is an Oak Park resident.

Oak

Thursday, January 19th • 7-8:30pm

Meet our teachers and learn more about our play based preschool!

The OPFS Part-Day Preschool Program

Kids ages 3 to 5YO

AM class: 8:15am-11:15am PM class: 12:15pm-3:15pm

New to 2023-24

We now have an Extended Lunch option for the morning preschoolers from 11:15am - 1pm.

Registration for the OPFS part-day preschool programs will be available online starting on January 20th. Visit www.opfs.org to for more details and to RSVP.

Look for our January 18th issue of Wednesday Journal for a fun way to celebrate Betty White's 101st birthday.

Visit participating Oak Park businesses, take selfies with Betty cut-out, collect “Betty facts” and turn them in to Wednesday Journal to win prizes. Details in next week’s newspaper! Email Lourdes@OakPark.com

Barrie Park

three ages of energy

It’s been 17 years since cleanup and remediation of Barrie Park and nearby houses at the site of a manufactured gas plant was completed. The plant, which converted primarily coal to gas, operated from 1893 to 1931, leaving a legacy of pollutants, like coal tar, lime extracts, and heavy metals that would have remained indefinitely were it not for six years of painstaking work removing and eliminating those health hazards. The plant on the current site of Barrie Park was one of a first generation of a connected infrastructure of energy delivery. The pipelines from the plant to buildings supplied gas that provided lighting, replacing candles and kerosene lamps. Then gas usage expanded to cooking and heating, replacing coal and wood. This was considered better than burning coal or wood indoors and a convenience not requiring deliveries or going to the store.

The next phase was “natural” gas, or fossil gas. The deployment caused changes in energy infrastructure and delivery in early 20th-century U.S. The energy infrastructure was divided between gas for heating and electricity from power plants for lighting and appliances. Gas infrastructure originated from fields whose consolidated pipelines bypassed the need for relatively small-scale gas manufacturing. Primary processing of gas was the removal of ethane, helium and trace elements, and supplying additives such as

mercaptan to give otherwise odorless and tasteless gas a smell for safety reasons. The product was cheaper and considered safer than manufactured gas, becoming prominent in a regulated environment.

But “natural” gas has drawbacks as well, with persistent leakage issues throughout its infrastructure and health issues for building occupants, particularly respiratory ailments. As environmental and climate awareness increases, even the reduced amount of carbon dioxide in methane compared to coal pales against the need to avoid adding any more CO2, which risks accelerating global war ming and extreme weather events. Also, costs of two sets of energy infrastructure is a cost burden to ratepayers.

Which brings us to the third energy age of electrification. Having buildings, mostly residential, operate only on electricity for all appliances and equipment has been around since post-World War II. But its relatively high cost limited its markets

Two innovations have made electrification a desirable and economic outcome. Appliances and equipment have increased efficiency, driven by technologies like improved heat pumps moving, rather than generating, heat into or out of buildings. Electricity generation and transmission are cleaner and resilient, backed by renewable energy

Barrie Park

generators, energy storage and moder n transmission, both long-distance and on-site micro- and mini-grid systems. The entire supply chain is becoming more energy efficient and rate-payers will not have to pay for two sets of systems.

Houses in the Barrie Park area that have been up for a century are witnessing a third age — building electrification — following two ages of fossil fuel usage. As building (and vehicle) electrification become more prevalent, their occupants can benefit from less or no emissions, improved health, and long-ter m affordability.

Mark Burger, a Solar Consultant for Se ven Generations Ahead who works with other nonprofit organizations, is a longtime Oak Park resident.

Charles Simic, 84

Pulitzer Prize winner, U.S. Poet Laureate

Charles Simic, 84, a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1990 and became U.S. Poet Laureate in 2007, died on Jan. 9, 2023 in Dover, New Hampshire

Bor n Dusan Simic on May 9, 1938 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, his family fled first the Nazis, then the Soviets, landing in Oak Park in 1955. According to a Wednesday Jour nal profile by Lydialyle Gibson in November of 2007, he was 17 when he entered OPRF as a junior. He also changed his name to Charles. According to Gibson’s profile, “Ask Charles Simic about Oak Park, and he’ ll describe for you its public library: stacks upon stacks of philosophy, fiction, history, and poetry; art books with stiff, heavy pages full of Renaissance portraits and Impressionist landscapes; jazz albums, opera recordings and classical-music compilations Plus, of course, the librarians, who would pencil a name and a due date onto a little card and

Deborah Frantisak, 47

Charity musician, cancer warrior

Deborah Anne Frantisak (nee Twomey), 47, died on Dec 27, 2022, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago with her husband by her side, after a long struggle with breast cancer that beg an in 2013 and ended in hospice care.

Bor n in 1975 in Norwalk, Connecticut, she spent her early childhood in Greenville, South Carolina, where she and her faithful canine companion, Sheba, explored the outdoors to gether Her family spent summers in England and Wales where she gained a lifelong love of horses and trekking. Her family moved to Naperville, Illinois, in 1983. She graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1993, and went on to attend the University of Illinois Chicago, graduating in 2005 with a degree in Psychology. She went on to work in Human Resources at Superior Graphite in Chicago During this time she was also an

send readers home with ar mloads of borrowed literature.

“‘It was heaven,’ Simic says ‘I was a constant visitor I couldn’t believe it when I discovered that they would let you take all these books home for free and read them at your kitchen table.’

“Simic spent his last two years of high school in Oak Park. He arrived in 1955, after an 18-hour jour ney on the Twentieth Century Limited, a yearlong immigrant existence in New York City and a turbulent, war-tor n upbringing in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. He was 17 years old the first time he stepped foot on Oak Park’s sidewalks, and he had never written a poem. It had not yet occurred to him that he might.

“Simic’s father, an engineer for a branch of the Wester n Electric Company, had been transferred from New York to Chicago, and on the advice of Serbian friends who declared Oak Park a nice place to live, the family rented a two-bedroom, third-story apartment abutting the railroad tracks on Wesley Avenue. Trains roaring west out of Union Station rattled dishes in the cupboard and pots on the stove, but the family stayed put. Simic’s mother took a seamstress job at the

energetic perfor mer on guitar, voice, and flute in several local music groups, notably The Pillowmints, Tiny Bones, and Covers for Cover charity perfor mances.

Deborah mar ried Christopher Frantisak in 2008, having been introduced (and subsequently re-introduced) by mutual friends and fellow musicians They welcomed daughter Philippa (Pippa) in 2010 and then son Simon in 2013, settling in Oak Park shor tly after. In late 2013, Deborah was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She dove headfirst into treatments as a young working mother of two children, hopeful that she would be cured. Several surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation sessions later, she banged the gong at Nor thwester n Memorial Hospital in August 2014, signifying that her treatments were complete

In 2019 after a trip to Iceland and Ireland with her family, mum, and dear friend Marcia, metastatic breast cancer was discovered. With her deter mination to live stronger than ever, she be g an her second battle against breast cancer

She felt that time is a gift and that people give and receive gifts when they spend time with one another She gave her time to those she loved the most — her family and close friends. Deborah enjoyed planning travels and excursions, any equestrian activities, all manner of English baking, co zy mysteries, pantomime and drama, and al-

Marshall Field’s at Harlem and Lake, and his younger brother started third grade.

“Simic enrolled as a junior at OPRF High School, where his French teacher, a Miss Miller, reminded the class ‘at least three times a week,’ he says, that Er nest Hemingway was once a student there. ‘I think he had taken a French class with her,’ he recalls, adding waggishly, ‘and everybody knows that Hemingway spoke awful French.’ An English teacher, Mr Dolmetsh, took an interest in Simic and began supplying him with volumes of Joyce and Faulkner and other 20th-century writers. Yet another teacher introduced Simic to French poetry.

“‘They found out I liked to read and just kept handing books to me.’

“It was his peers, though, who inspired Simic’s first poems During his senior year at OPRF, he discovered that a couple of friends were writing poetry and wooing pretty girls.

“‘They showed me their poems, and I thought, I can try this too,’ Simic recalls. ‘I can do what they’re doing.’”

Simic took to poetry as his many awards attest: A MacArthur Fellowship in 1984, the Pulitzer in 1990 (for The World Doesn’t End, a book of prose poems) and the Wallace Stevens Award from the American Academy

most every variety of tea. She was always ready to put on a show and gave musical perfor mances with her group at Belmont Village and the Oak Park Ar ms.

She doted on her two children and tried her best to ensure that her family was prepared for whatever the future held for her Deborah was always ready to lend a hand when one was needed. She was an active, energetic, and direct patient up until the very end. She continued to plan future travels until her illness made it impossible. Her hospitality, for thrightness, voice, wit, and way with words will be sorely missed by those who knew her Deborah is survived by her husband, Christopher; their two children, Philippa (12) and Simon (9); her mother Yvonne Twomey of Naperville; and her sister, Helen (Rober t) Scheckel. She was preceded in death by her father, Bartholomew Twomey, of Marshfield, Missouri.

A memorial service for Deborah Frantisak is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Peterson-Bassi Chapels, 6938 W. Nor th Ave., Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nor thwester n University (https://www.cancer. nor thw ester n.edu/ giving/index.html) or cancer care at Rush University Medical Center (https://www. rush.edu/giving/make-gift).

of Poets

Looking back to the mid-1950s, Gibson wrote in her 2007 profile, “he recalled his Oak Park years fondly: movies at the Lake Theatre, hamburger joints and coffee shops on Lake Street

“After high school, Simic moved into the city and got a job as an office boy and then a proofreader at the Sun-Times. He started taking night classes at the University of Chicago. And he wrote constantly.

“By the winter of 1959, when the Chicago Review printed two of Simic’s poems — his first publication — he had already departed for the bohemian chaos and commotion of New York Afterward, he retur ned now and then to visit family and friends in Oak Park, but it’s been probably a decade since he was back

“He says he’d like to see the new public library He’s been told it’s beautiful. ‘And I’m sure it is,’ he says. ‘I just hope they kept all the old books. I’m sure some of them have a few stains I made when I was eating some sandwich, sitting in a kitchen and reading into the night.’”

To read the full profile, go to oakpark.com/https://www.oakpark. com/2007/11/13/simply-simic.

Jim Cavanagh, 92

Former OP-RF resident

James R. Cava nagh Jr., for merly of Oak Park and River Forest, died at home in The Woodlands, Texas on Dec 31, 2022. Born in Chicago on Feb. 12, 1930 to Dora (McAr thur) and James R. Ca vanagh Sr., he was his parents, his daughter Mary Catherine (Paul Clinker t) and his brother William F. (Virginia Gross).

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rita (Walsh) Cavanagh; his brother, Rober t P. (Marilyn Masunas); his children, Me g an, Elizabeth (Bret Choklad), S. Mark (Jeanne Grossman), and James III (Valerie LaBouve); nine grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren and many nieces and ne phews.

A gathering to remember Jim will take place in Oak Park in February.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Casa Juan Diego, P.O. Box 70113, Houston, TX 77270 (info@cjd.org).

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver

License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor. The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications December 19, 2022.

Shipping Manager

FULL-TIME POLICE RECORDS CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures. Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Services Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is crosstrained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537079168 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications January 20, 2023.

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project:

OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 SD97 - SUMMER 2023 LIFE SAFETY WORK OAK PARK, IL 60302

BID GROUP 2 – ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING and GENERAL TRADES

Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be read at 2:15 p.m. CST on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked:

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: SD97 - SUMMER 2023 LIFE SAFETY WORK – Bid Package 2

Bid Opening will be held at 2:15pm CST within the board room:

Scope of work for Bid Group 1 generally includes: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing & General Trades

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted.

No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening.

The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 and are available for viewing/download online without cost or purchase on the Bulley & Andrews, LLC One Drive, located at the following link. No username or password is required.

https://tinyurl.com/ysfudxfr

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District.

The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites.

All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all

Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws.

For additional information on the project, contact Michael Damato of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at mdamato@bulley.com or 847-602-9512.

Dated: 1/3/23

Michael Damato Bulley & Andrews, LLC

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

reproduction.

Bids will be accepted at the Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield Illinois 60513, during regular office hours. All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked with the Contractor’s name and address, and “Jaycee-Ehlert Park Court Improvements,” on the face of the envelope. Bids must be received no later than 10:00 AM on January 31, 2023. Bids will be opened at the Village of Brookfield at 10:01 AM on January 31, 2023. All bidders will be required to submit Bid Security in the form of a Bid Bond, Certified Check, or Cashier’s Check in the amount of 10% of the Base Bid, payable to the Village of Brookfield.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Bid Release 14 includes bid package 01A Final Cleaning Work –Proviso East, 01B Final Cleaning Work – Proviso West, 02P Asbestos Abatement Work – Proviso East and 02Q Asbestos Abatement Work – Proviso West.

1. The bid documents will be distributed to bidders on or about Tuesday, January 10, 2023

2. An in-person Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Walk-through will be held on Monday, January 16, 2023 at follows:

-Pre-Bid Meeting: Proviso East Social Room – 9:00AM

-Proviso East Walk-Through–9:45AM – 10:45 AM

-Proviso West Walk-Through–11:00AM – 12:00AM

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Attention Christensen S A, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State. Our records show, your 1999, BMW, 528I with the following VIN WBADM5335XBY16156 was towed to our facility. The current amount due & owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will intend to enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 2/17/2023.

Published in Forest Park Review January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Forest Park School District 91 STEAM Lab Renovations- Field-Stevenson Intermediate & Forest Park Middle School

SECTION 001100 - ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

PROJECT: STEAM Lab Renovations

- Field-Stevenson Intermediate & Forest Park Middle School 925 Beloit Ave, Forest Park Forest Park, IL 60130 Project Number: 220240

ARCHITECT: Wight & Company 2500 North Frontage Road Darien, IL 60561

to waive informalities to any bid when such is deemed by the Owner to be in the Owner’s own best interests.

This advertisement is issued in the name of Forest Park School District 91.

END OF SECTION 001100

Published in Forest Park Review January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

SECTION I REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

(RFQ)

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS: The City of Berwyn (hereinafter City) is seeking Design and Construction Engineering Services for the project listed. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) packet is available at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 6700 West 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402, or at https://www.berwyn-il.gov/government/bids-rfps#!/

Sealed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) will be received at the City Clerk’s Office, until the time and date specified below, for:

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CERMAK ROAD WATER MAIN, SEWER AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS

ADDRESS THE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS TO: Attention of the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 6700 West 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402, on or before the submittal date specified below. The SOQ shall be sealed and clearly marked on the front “Statement of Qualifications for Engineering Services”. FAXED OR EMAILED SOQs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

THE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS IS DUE NO LATER THAN: 10:00 a.m., on February 3, 2023.

Proposers shall submit three (3) paper copies and one (1) electronic copy of their SOQ in PDF format on a flash drive.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice

Jaycee-Ehlert Park Court Improvements

The Village of Brookfield does hereby invite sealed bids for Jaycee-Ehlert Park Court Improvements. Work will include site preparation, construction fencing, temporary soil erosion and sediment control measures, site removals and clearing, earthwork, excavation, and grading; cast-in-place concrete, tennis and pickleball court outfit, basketball posts (alternate), tennis court fencing & gates (10-ft. ht.), sport court asphalt paving & color-coating, concrete paving, and turf seed restoration.

Project manuals, including bid form and specifications, and construction documents are available after 10:00 AM on January 17, 2023 from Accurate Reprographics, www.hitchcockplanroom.com, 2368

Corporate Lane, Suite 100, Naperville, Illinois 60563, phone (630) 4284433 for the non-refundable cost of

The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, parts of any and all proposals, or to waive technical errors or omissions in submitted proposals. No submitted bid may be withdrawn until a period of sixty (60) days after the bid opening date, without written consent of the Village of Brookfield. The Village of Brookfield encourages minority business firms to submit bids on this project and the successful contract bidder to utilize minority businesses as sub-contractors for supplies, equipment, services, and construction.

Questions should be directed in writing to:

Stevie Ferrari, Village of Brookfield at sferrari@brookfieldil.gov; or Doug Fair, Hitchcock Design Group at dfair@hitchcockdesigngroup.com

Abby Mies, Hitchcock Design Group at amies@hitchcockdesigngroup. com

END OF SECTION 000020

Published in RB Landmark January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC

3. The last day for bidders’ questions is Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 5:00PM

4. The proposals will be due on Thursday February 2, 2023, at 10:00AM via www.ibidpro.com .

To bid this project, bidders should prequalify with Gilbane Building Company via Compass at https:// compass-app.com/auth/register. The bid proposals are to be completed online at www.ibidpro.com .

Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid is required from all bidders. Guarantee Bonds in the form of a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid will be required from the awarded Bidder.

Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for:

Hollywood Masonry Repair Project

Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting January 9, 2023. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www.bhfxplanroom.com. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor.

OWNER: Forest Park School District 91 424 Des Plaines Avenue Forest Park, IL 60130

Sealed bids will be RECEIVED IN DUPLICATE by the Owner at the place, and until the date and time, stated below and there publicly opened and read:

PLACE: Forest Park School District 91– District Office 424 Des Plaines Avenue Forest Park, IL 60130

DATE: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 TIME: 3:00 PM

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: Y22009998 on December 28, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of BEYOND THE NUMBERS with the business located at: 855 N PARKSIDE AVE APT 1R, CHICAGO, IL. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: DANAE ROSARIO 855 N PARKSIDE AVE APT 1R, CHICAGO, IL

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 25, 2023

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: Y23010023 on January 9, 2023.

Under the Assumed Business Name of DANIELMOKMAD SP with the business located at: 1024 WASHINGTON BLVD, APT 302, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DANIEL MOKRAUER-MADDEN 1024 WASHINGTON BLVD, APT 302, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal January 11, 18, 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR NOTIFICATION OF BID FOR

PROVISO SCHOOL DISTRICT 209

Gilbane Building Company, Construction Manager, for and acting on behalf of The Board of Education of Proviso Township High School District 209, is receiving lump sum proposals from interested contractors for the Proviso School District Capital Improvements Project. This release includes the following:

The final cleaning of the construction spaces following construction and prior to the beginning of school, this pertains to both Proviso East and Proviso West High Schools. Additionally, the abatement of asbestos containing flooring, mastic, ceiling, adhesives, lab countertops, pipe insulation, etc. at both Proviso East and Proviso West High Schools.

The work will be done in accordance with the Contract Documents. “FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS INVITATION TO BID MAY RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE BIDDER”. This contract calls for the construction of a “public work,” within the meaning of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/.01 et seq. (“the Act”).

The Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics performing services on public works projects no less than the “prevailing rate of wages” (hourly cash wages plus fringe benefits) in the county where the work is performed. For information regarding current prevailing wage rates, please refer to the Illinois Department of Labor’s website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/CONMED/ Pages/Rates.aspx . All contractors and subcontractors rendering services under this contract must comply with all requirements of the Act, including but not limited to, all wage, notice and record keeping duties.

The Proviso Township High School District 209 and Gilbane Building Company reserve the right to reject any or all bids. All information submitted as part of this process shall be considered public information under the State Freedom of Information Act unless specifically disclosed on the applicable information by the Bidder. Challenges to such exemptions shall be defended solely by the Bidder.

Published in Forest Park Review January 11, 2023

All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents.

The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on January 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Hollywood Elementary, 3423 Hollywood Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513. Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location.

Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, January 27, 2023, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:00 PM, January 27, 2023 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof.

Published in RB Landmark January 11, 2023

Any proposal received after the time and date stated above will be returned to the Bidder unopened. The competency and responsibility of the Bidders will be considered in making awards. One proposal will be received for the following categories of work:

GENERAL WORK including demolition, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work to renovate an existing Staff lounge, computer lab, and home ed classroom into two STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) lab at Field-Stevenson Intermediate School and Forest Park Middle School.

Bid security in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond made payable to Forest Park School District 91, in an amount equal to 10 percent of the base bid is required.

Plans and specifications are available on the BuildingConnected website (www.buildingconnected.com). All addenda and bidding related correspondence will be distributed on this website. The drawings and specifications for the project can be viewed/downloaded at no cost in the public plan room section of the website. To arrange access to the website, prospective bidders should send requests to John Paul, Wight & Company, at jpaul@wightco.com.

All questions regarding the project should be directed to John Paul, Wight & Company, at jpaul@wightco. com.

Questions must be received in writing, or via email (jpaul@wightco. com), until 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19th, 2023.

An optional pre-bid meeting will be held at Forest Park Middle School on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The meeting will be followed by a tour of the facilities. This will be the only opportunity to access the building prior to bid.

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, and

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 for Project: 23-7, Alley Lighting Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of: removing and disposing of approximately 1050 existing mercury vapor alley lighting assemblies; replacing old lighting assemblies with new alley light assemblies including new LED fixtures, mast arms, wiring, photocells, and connections to the existing ComEd electrical service; and all appurtenant work thereto in alleys throughout the Village of Oak Park.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday January 12th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8360536 for a non-refundable charge of $62.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

January 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday February 2, 2023 for Project: 23-13, The Community Restroom Project. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements will require the following construction: furnishing and installing a prefabricated Portland Loo bathroom; installing sewer and water services and plumbing, installing electrical conduits, wiring, and modifications to existing electrical cabinets; removals of existing pavements and curbs and gutters; installing concrete curbs and pavements including electrical heating systems; removing and resetting brick pavers; installing bluestone pavers; installing HMA pavement patches; installing landscaping; and all appurtenant work thereto. The work will take place at Parking Lot 10 at the northeast corner of Marion St. & North Blvd. in the Village of Oak Park.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

e Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

is newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday January 12th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8366627 for a non-refundable charge of $62.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

This project is financed with federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and thus is subject to all federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Section 3, and Equal Opportunity requirements.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736

14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 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 December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 9, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0480000

The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse, attached one car 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 the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residen-

tial real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088

E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-04687IL_613739 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 42-1079

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12736 I3208765

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.-

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF LAURA RIZZARDINI, DECEASED, DANIEL ROBERT RIZZARDINI, JOHN LOUIS RIZZARDINI, JOAN R. RINELLA, DAMON RITTENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LAURA RIZZARDINI, DECEASED, OAK PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, ALPINE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS LLC, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

20 CH 2480

420 SOUTH HOME AVENUE UNIT 107N

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 October 26, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 16, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 420 SOUTH HOME AVENUE UNIT 107N, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-07-324-0331007

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $63,816.46.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 20-093376.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 20-093376 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 20 CH 2480 TJSC#: 42-4228

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 20 CH 2480 I3210947

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer