W E D N E S D A Y
January 9, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 23 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Shriners spokesman has passion for sports Sports, page 32
D97 leads state in ‘gold standard’ teachers
District is 24th in country for number of National Board Certified teachers By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Last year, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that there were roughly 180 new National Board Certified teachers in Illinois — 20 of them, or 10 percent of the state total, were from Oak Park Elementary Schools District 97, according to National Board data. In 2018, no other school district in the state See TEACHERS on page 13
SAY CONNECTS EVENT
Photo by Paul Goyette
TRUSTEE HOPEFULS: Candidates Thomas Gary (left), Cory Wesley, Jim Taglia, Arti Walker-Paddakotla, Graham Brisben and Christian Harris, represent just over half of the 11 Oak Park village trustee candidates who turned out for a candidate forum, Jan. 9, hosted by Suburban Unity Alliance. The municipal election is set for April 2.
Taxes front and center at Oak Park trustee debate Eleven candidates lay out positions on affordability, transparency, development By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
Youth take the lead
Jan. 17. Details on page B16
Election season kicked off this year with a candidate forum, hosted by the Oak Park-based advocacy group Suburban Unity Alliance, for those vying for Oak Park village trustee.
Eleven candidates are running for three open seats on the seven-member board of trustees in the election set for April 2 – only one candidate, James Taglia, is an incumbent. Candidates laid out their positions on topics such as the rising tax burden, affordable housing, high-rise developments
downtown and transparency in local government, among others. The eleven candidates are: Tim Thomas; Cory Wesley; Susan Buchanan; Bridgett Baron; Thomas Gary; James “Jim” Taglia; Joshua Klayman; Graham Brisben; James See ELECTION on page 14
defy expectations. ffc.com/defy
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I N S I D E
R E P O R T
TEDx Oak Park Women now online
If you weren’t able to make it to the fourth annual TEDx Oak Park Woman Conference held in December at the Nineteenth Century Club, you can now catch the lecture series online at https://tedxoakparkwomen.com/talks. This year’s forum focused on the theme “showing up” and featured 10 Oak Park speakers, including: ■ Aishwarya “Aishu” Ravindran, who performed a foundation solo dance, which had the prestigious opportunity to perform in Bharati Vidya Bhavan in Mylapore, Chennai. ■ Cate Readling, co-founder of Oak Park Scouts for Equality and an organizer with Oak Park Call To Action and the People’s Lobby. ■ Christa Desir, who writes contemporary fiction for young adults, including Fault Line, Bleed Like Me, Other Broken Things, Love Blind, and Four-Letter Word. ■ Cynthia K. Wade, founder and man-
aging director of do-over.me, a nonprofit that provides practical support to people in career transition. ■ Jeanne Malnati, licensed psychotherapist, expert in workplace wellness, and founder and CEO of the Culture Group. ■ Kamau “Maui” Jones, founder and artistic director of Echo Theater Collective. ■ Kara Jackson, Adroit Journal mentee and awardwinning writer, also an alumna of the Spoken Word Club at OPRF High School. ■ Morgan Field, author of the six-time award-winning, Amazon best-selling book, Epic Sexy You. ■ Reesheda Graham-Washington, founding CEO of LIVE 2.0 LLC and executive director of Communities First Association. ■ Susan L. Adler, therapist who was named Chicago Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Chicago Chapter.
Michael Romain
Residents interested in seeing the progress that’s being made on expansions to Lincoln and Longfellow elementary schools can now see time
You might be forgiven, as the snow fell atmospherically, if you thought you were hallucinating — or caught in some kind of time warp — on Jackson Boulevard last Saturday afternoon as a horse-drawn hearse made its way west toward Forest Home Cemetery, but no, it wasn’t your imagination. Bob Proko spotted it at Oak Park Avenue and called ahead to his brother Tom who took this photo from the porch of their home at Maple and Jackson as the hearse turned west toward Harlem Avenue and entered Forest Park. A train of cars followed … slowly … their headlights adding to the ambiance. The hearse came from Fountain Jordan Shepard Funeral Home, 418 S. Cicero Ave. in Chicago, which offers horse-drawn as one of the funeral procession options they provide. Michael Romain, who edits our sister publication, the Austin Weekly News, says that horse-drawn funerals are popular on the West Side.
Ken Trainor
Timothy Inklebarger
lapse video of the construction process online. The district recently installed work zone cameras outside each school so that people can get updates in something approximating real time. You can access the camera at Lincoln by visiting https://bit.ly/2D1pDvj and the camera at Longfellow by visiting https://bit.ly/2C9crm8.
Showing their work
Horse meets hearse
Photo provided by
Empowering Gardens starts saving
Empowering Gardens Inc. raised approximately $36,000 after Giving Tuesday this holiday season, with a “good portion” of funds being raised by the 50th reunion of the Oak Park and River Forest High School Class of 1968. The
Chicago-based Coleman Foundation also matched $10,000 in contributions. “That was extraordinary for us, usually this time of year we’re just cringing. Now we sleep better,” said Richard Biggins, Empowering Gardens’ co-owner who is also an alum of OPRF class of 1986. Empowering Gardens, a nonprofit that employs and supports people with disabilities, runs an outdoor garden center at 7730 Madison St. in Forest Park during the summer. In winter, the nonprofit generally operates anywhere landlord friends donate space. For the second winter in a row, Art Sundry, the owner of caffe DeLuca, is allowing Empowering Gardens to operate at a space he owns at 7415 Madison St in Forest Park. But now, after receiving such a generous donation, Biggins said the nonprofit will, for the first time, be able to save to buy the land at 7730 Madison St., the cost of which he estimates as only rising thanks to new development. In April 2018, the Forest Park Village
Council approved a four-story, mixeduse development at 7652 Madison St., a site formerly occupied by Irish pubs Brian Boru and Molly Malone’s. The Northbrook-based Madison Avenue Real Estate Group, which is managed by Chicago White Sox and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, will develop the space. “There’s been a lot of development at that end of town, so we’re afraid that this cost of our ultimate goal of buying that property is going up as we sit. We’ve been pretty month to month since we began,” Biggins said. Empowering Gardens is currently in year four of its five-year lease at 7730 Madison St., leaving the nonprofit about 23 months to save to buy the land. “We better figure out a plan to buy it or somebody else with a lot of money is going to come and end our dream, and we certainly don’t want that to happen,” said Ana Solares, co-owner.
Nona Tepper
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Jan. 16-23
BIG WEEK Lula Washington Dance Theatre Saturday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center, Dominican University: See a mix of African, modern, ballet and hip-hop that explores social and humanitarian issues reflecting aspects of African American culture and history. $35 and up. Tickets/Info: 708-4885000, events.dom.edu/performing-arts/calendar-events. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.
The Free Readers Ensemble: Visiting Mr. Green Sunday, Jan. 20, 3 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: A retired dry cleaner wanders into traffic and is almost hit by a car driven by a young corporate executive, who is then given community service to help the older man. How the two come together and get to know each other is the subject of this play. Free. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Authors on Tap Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Beer Shop: Meet Bryan Gruley, author of the Starvation Lake trilogy of novels, who also shared in the Pulitzer Prize awarded to the staff of the Wall Street Journal for their coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks. He will be joined by middle-school and adult author Keir Graff. In partnership with The Book Table. 1026 North Blvd., Oak Park.
MLK Legacy Lecture: Natalie Moore
Tango
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Performing Arts Center, Dominican University: See the WBEZ reporter’s talk on “Examining Segregation 50 Years after the Fair Housing Act.” Panel discussion follows with reps from the OP-RF Museum, the OP Regional Housing Center and a labor organizer/activist who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. Brought in partnership with OP’s “Fair Housing at 50” Steering Committee. Free. Questions: jmack@dom.edu. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.
Sunday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m., Open Door Theater: Bandoneón player Ben Bogart and pianist/composer Winnie Cheung share their passion for tango music at this Church of Beethoven concert. $10; $5, students. Tickets/more: brownpapertickets.com/ event/4032560. 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park.
“Wasted! The Story of Food Waste”
“The Greatest Escape”
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Forty percent of all food in the U.S. is wasted yearly. This movie shows chefs making the most of food. Discussion and food demonstration by Sugar Beet Food Co-op follows. Brought by Interfaith Green Network with others. Register/more: facebook.com/ events/204727283770059. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Sunday, Jan. 20, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Hear how Lou Macaluso’s visit to Berlin inspired him to write a historical novel based on a real-life escape by an 81-year-old and his elderly card-playing friends. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
“Friend”Raiser
Lady Vadula Spellbound: Music and Mystery
Winter European Farmers Market
Live Jazz: Freedom
Sunday, Jan. 20, 3 to 6 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Six performers, through music, dance and theater, tell a powerful musical story of love, tragedy and revenge. Light meal follows. $50; $40, members. Winterfest reservations: nineteenthcentury.org, 708-386-2729. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Room, Sugar Beet Food Co-op: This monthly market includes producers, growers and makers. In January, stock up on bread and pastries, teas, honey, pickles, soup, salmon and more. Next market, Feb. 16. 442 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park, enter just north of store entrance.
Friday, Jan. 18, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., First Baptist Church: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s monthly nondenominational jazz program with opportunity for reflection and meditation is recognizing MLK Day this month. Doors open at 7:10 for appetizers and conversation. Free. More: www.GoodShepherdLC.org. 820 Ontario St., Oak Park
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lagunitas Chicago: Honduran Educational Development Assistance Corp (HEDAC) is hosting Migration - Leave or Stay? Providing alternatives to Honduran Children. $20, includes food, raffle ticket; discounts for 2 to 3 friends. Tickets/more: eventbrite.com/e/ migration-leave-or-stay-providing-alternatives-to-honduran-children-tickets52431956393?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 2607 W. 17th St., Chicago.
Paintings of Daily Observations Reception Sunday, Jan. 20, 2 to 4 p.m., Ferguson Art Gallery, Kretzmann Hall, Concordia University Chicago: See representations of still life, figure and landscape by Chicagoan Robert J. Johnson. Artist talk at 3 p.m. Exhibit through Feb. 23. Gallery hours: Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Questions/more: CUChicago.edu/experience/arts/visual-arts/ferguson-gallery, 708-209-3013. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
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ART BEAT
Protecting parents from the child protection system By DIANE REDLEAF
T
Guest Author
he parents I represented as a longtime legal services and civil rights lawyer never expected to find themselves on the wrong side of a child-abuse hotline call. Erroneous judgments, finding both guilt and innocence, issue at alarming rates, often without any court review. The system has become a behemoth, with 7.4 million hotline calls in 2016 alone. Only a tiny fraction involves serious physical or sexual abuse — that’s the good news in these staggering numbers. With nearly 74 million children in America, hotline investigations affect huge numbers of children — and not in a good way. One study found that 53 percent of African-American children en experienced a child abuse or neglect investigation at some me point in their lives. Child ld abuse registers list millions ns of perpetrators, most off whom never had a day in n court before their namess were listed. The system has gotten so massive it has started to swallow its own. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, foster parents and even child welfare workers are not immune from having their lives turned upside down by an erroneous hotline call, child protection investigation, and, too often, family separation at the hands of the child protection system (DCFS). Child protection investigations put in sudden jeopardy parents’ rights to raise their children, even when the parents ultimately turn out to be entirely innocent of wrongdoing, as most are. It’s not a benign activity for police and child protective services to interrogate young children, as routinely occurs in child protection investigations. Intensive disruption in children’s and family life occurs. Of course, if children are truly abused, then an appropriate state response to protect them from harm at home or at the hands of caregivers is essential. Finding the right balance is tricky. How cases can go terribly wrong when accused parents are innocent of wrongdoing, and what family defense lawyers do to help, are the subjects of my book, published in November, They Took the Kids Last Night: How the Child Protection System Puts Children at Risk. The book is based on six cases I handled as a Chicago-area public interest attorney and founder of the nonprofit Family Defense Center (from 2005 until 2017).
In the stories I tell, the same doctors and medical institutions that parents trusted to provide quality care for their children turned against them, labeling accidental injuries or unusual symptoms as due to abuse when other reasonable doctors disagreed. In several of the cases, the state-paid doctors never disclosed their hospital’s state contracts that, despite their employers’ role as treatment providers, turned them into prosecution witnesses. Such practices should raise serious ethical concerns. While the parents were exonerated, the child protection system exacted a tremendous personal toll, in large part because of rules elevating suspicion over evidence. Policies that encourage “see something, say something” child abuse reporting have created a monster. Changes in policies to prevent child removals, narrowing abuse and neglect grounds to a the t most serious cases, eliminate rampant ere rors and afford basic r due process, but have d been be slow in coming. The child ch protection and child welfare systems have alwe ways wa been the contentious and secretive stepchild of criminal and family law, crim affecting poor mothers of affe color colo most heavily. Unless the system beUn comes com fairer at the outset, our foster care system will continue to unnecessarily damage children whose parents can and should be given the opportunity to raise them. Reading my book may not be a pleasant experience for any parent who values the sanctity of their family life, but it may be eye-opening. One Seattle-area reader recommended the book for its sometimes-terrifying insights into how the child protection system works, but in the same breath, she cautioned against reading it before bedtime. Sometimes I wish, too, that I didn’t know how frightening the actions of child protective services can be for children and families. I am working toward a world in which families no longer need family defense lawyers to protect their rights to raise their children but, sadly, that world is not yet close at hand. Diane L. Redleaf is a 31-year Oak Park resident, the mother of two adult sons and is married to Anatoly Libgober, emeritus mathematics professor at University of Illinois Chicago. To order her book, visit familydefenseconsulting.com/book.
OPEN HOUSE January 27th from 2-4 pm
Help us celebrate 30 years of providing quality Montessori education in Oak Park. Join us and learn more about our vibrant community. Openings for Fall 2019 in Primary (3–6 years) and Elementary (6–12 years).
1988
Celebrating 30 Years
2018
1039 South East Avenue Oak Park, IL 60304 • 708.848.2662 wsms.org • facebook.com/westsuburbanmontessori WSMS_Wednesday Ad_11_20_18 Final.indd 1
11/20/18 2:19 PM
1.19.19
LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATER Saturday January 19 7:30 p.m. Innovative and provocative performances from one of the most admired African-American contemporary dance companies in the country. Tickets starting at $35 7900 WEST DIVISION STREET RIVER FOREST, IL 60305
events.dom.edu FREE PARKING BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000
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Harrison Jewelers has been serving the Oak Park area for over seventy years. We are a full service Jeweler, including repairs on jewelry and watches. We look forward to your visit.
Photo by Paul Goyette
APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT ONLY: Oak Park village trustee candidates Tim Thomas (far left), Christian Harris and Joshua Klayman are running as candidates under the political organization VOICE. Wendy Greenhouse, a VOICE member, reads a statement from the candidates. Harrison Jewelers, Inc. 6032 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park, IL. 60304 1-708-383-4363 • Fax 1-708-383-4805 HarrisonJewelers.com • Harrisonjewelers@aol.com Hours: Mon - Tues - Fri 10:30am - 5pm • Saturday 10am - 3pm Closed: Wed, Thursday & Sunday
VOICE candidates call for right-sizing development Slate criticizes lack of transparency in village government By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
Three candidates running as a group in the Oak Park Village Trustee election on April 2 gathered at the site of a proposed 28-story luxury high-rise building on Lake Street to “encourage appropriate development” in the village. VOICE, a new political organization in the village, is endorsing candidates Tim Thomas, Christian Harris and Josh Klayman for the three trustee seats open in the municipal election. They face eight other candidates. The press conference was held at 835 Lake St., the site of the proposed tower by developer Golub & Company. Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb and most of the current village trustees have already stated their opposition to the height of the proposed project. Many oppose the tower because of the shadow it would cast on Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece house of worship, Unity Temple, which is located about half a block away. Wendy Greenhouse, a member of VOICE (Vision, Openness, Inclusion, Community, and Environment), read a statement from the candidates, noting that there is “plenty of potential for appropriate, moderatelyscaled development in the village. … “Any development beyond established zoning must provide solid evidence that it will have a positive impact on the quality of life of its neighbors and the village at large,” she said. Thomas added that government should be an advocate for residents, not developers. “And if a developer is requesting a devia-
tion or a variance from current community standards in building codes, there should be a significant benefit to the community before that variance is even granted, and the community should have input in that decision-making process,” he said. Harris stated that he is not anti-development, but when a project goes outside the pre-existing zoning, residents should have greater involvement in the process. “I am pro-development in areas of the village that have been underserved, and making sure there are affordable places to live for everyone,” he said. “I am here today because we have focused on downtown Oak Park, and it is time to shift our focus to other parts of the village.” Klayman said the approval process for large developments like the one Golub proposes is “broken.” He criticized Oak Park’s use of a nonprofit entity called the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, which does not allow the public to attend its meetings. “That corporation is, on the books, a private consultant, but in fact they act as a closed-door branch of village government with the village president, the village manager and a trustee on their board,” he said, noting that the organization is not required to reveal information under the Freedom of Information Act. “No large development takes place in this town unless the Economic Development Corporation says so, and those decisions are made with no public involvement. This has to change,” Klayman said. tim@oakpark.com
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Neighbors sue Oak Park over affordable housing project Lawsuit says proposal runs counter to zoning code
The Oak Park
Board of Trustees approved the project in midOctober and has committed $500,000 from an affordable housing fund to the $14.6-million project.
By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
A group of residents who live near a yetto-be-constructed 37-unit affordable housing building are suing the village of Oak Park, saying its approval of the development runs afoul of the village’s zoning code. Nicholas Diorio, Nestor Feliciano, John M. Clark and Vincent and Deborah Bray object to the village’s approval of the proposal at the corner of South Oak Park Avenue and Van Buren Street by Community Builders Inc. Plaintiffs’ attorney Keith Vogt did not return calls requesting comment. Oak Park village spokesman David Powers said that “as a matter of policy and practice, we do comment on possible or pending litigation.” The lawsuit, filed in early December in the Cook County Circuit Court notes that the village’s zoning ordinance states that any variance from the zoning ordinance “will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent properties, substantially increase congestion in public streets, increase the danger of fire, endanger public safety or
ing Ordinance.” The lawsuit also takes issue with the development’s proposed use of the alley behind the proposed development, showing that on Dec. 15, 2005, the Oak Park Zoning Commission rejected a proposal to put a drive-thru bank at the site, because it would have used the alley as its principle entrance. The zoning commission found that the alley was “too narrow for two-way traffic” and would “increase the number of conflicts between vehicles.” They argue that the proposed development would cause a similar problem. The Oak Park Board of Trustees approved the project in mid-October and has committed $500,000 from an affordable housing fund to the $14.6-million project. tim@oakpark.com
Rendering courtesy of The Community Builders
OPPOSITION: The Oak Park Village Board approved The Community Builders’ proposal for a 37-unit, four-story affordable housing development at 801 S. Oak Park Ave. impair property values within the neighborhood.” The proposal asked for variances from the zoning code, including: allowing 37 units, which is 21 over the allowed zoning; increasing the height of the building from the allowed 45 feet to 48 feet; and reducing the
required number of parking spaces from 37 to 23. The lawsuit argues that the developer did not demonstrate that the development “would not cause impairment to properties, including property values, closest to the development, in violation of the 2017 VOP Zon-
at Concordia University Chicago Ferguson Art Gallery
The Collective Theater
Music Concerts
Paintings by Robert J. Johnson January 14 - February 23
The Benefit Committee by Aline Lathrop In association with Chicago Dramatists
Kapelle sings at Bach Cantata Vespers January 27 at 3:45 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest
Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Ferguson Gallery is located in Kretzmann Hall
Directed by Stephanie Stroud | February 15 - 24 Madison Street Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park Tickets: CUCBenefit.brownpapertickets.com
Faculty Organ Recital | March 1 at 8 p.m., Chapel
Event details are subject to change. Unless noted, all events take place at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. Visit CUChicago.edu
Student Composers Recital | March 3 at 7 p.m., Chapel Music Department Information: 708-209-3060
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Wonder Works Museum CEO takes job on West Side
Oak Parker Rachel Rettberg to head A House in Austin starting Feb. 4 By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
The head of a popular children’s museum in Oak Park has taken a job with an Austin nonprofit. Rachel Rettberg will become the first full-time, paid executive director of A House in Austin, a nonprofit that “nurtures secure bonds for healthy families and bright futures,” according to a statement the organization released on Dec. 11. Rettberg starts on Feb. 4. Prior to her appointment to lead A House in Austin, Rettberg had been the CEO of the Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park since 2015. She had also served on the nonprofit’s board since 2016. This spring, she completed the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation’s Leadership Lab, where she focused on racial equity. As executive director, Rettberg will oversee a staff of three part-time employees. The nonprofit also has a seven-person board of directors. “I’m honored to lead A House in Austin into the future,” Rettberg said in the state-
ment. “This position allows me to bring together my years of early childhood education experience with my deep interest in equity, the opportunity gap, and building community to have a deep and lasting impact on families in the Austin neighborhood.” Rettberg, a resident of Oak Park, is a native of the United Kingdom. She and her husband, Kyle, have three sons. A House in Austin was founded in 2016 by Eric and Bret Hilgart to offer music classes and support groups to parents and their children in Austin. The organization’s vision, according to its statement, “is of a community where all children and families have equal access to experiences and opportunity, leading to empowered parents and emotionally and physically healthy children and families.” The nonprofit organization, officials said, is currently trying to raise funds to support programming and to finish renovations on a physical house on the corner of Pine and Race streets, where the nonprofit plans to establish a parent-child center “where families will be able to receive private counseling and early intervention therapies in addition to its current programming.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Courtesy A House in Austin
NEW LEADERSHIP: A House in Austin, a nonprofit that is seeking to renovate a home on the corner of Pine and Race streets in Austin (above), recently hired Rachel Rettberg to be its new, full-time, paid executive director.
Former Whole Foods exec talks shop in River Forest
Rotary hosted former CEO Walter Robb at Thatcher Pavilion By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
On Jan. 10, at Thatcher Woods Pavilion in River Forest, the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club was among three area Rotary clubs to host Walter Robb, the former co-CEO of Whole Foods Market. Robb was interviewed by Hermene Hartman, founder and editor of N’Digo magazine. Before the roughly hour-long talk, Robb and Hartman both received Paul Harris Fellow recognition — a high honor established in 1957 that acknowledges people “who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International,” according to rotary.org. During the conversation, Robb said that he started out dealing in whole foods (little ‘w’) before he got involved with Whole Foods. “I started reading some books by author Frances Moore Lappé, and in college I started making my own bread,” he said. “It was a time during and after the Vietnam War, when people were thinking about our generation making a mark in the world. That’s how we came into whole foods — whole foods with a small ‘w’ not a big ‘W.’ Whole foods are healthier for you and the world.” Robb said he got into the business of selling food after
MICHAEL ROMAIN/Staff
FOODIE: Walter Robb addresses the crowd. realizing that he wasn’t exactly a master gardener. “After I taught for a year, I farmed for a year. I wasn’t very good at it,” Robb said. “I told myself, maybe I’d be better at selling my own food rather than trying to grow it. So, I decided to open my own natural foods store. His first store, called Mountain Marketplace, was financed in part by a $10,000 loan from Robb’s stepfather, after his dad turned down his request. “I tell that story because when somebody believes in
somebody like that, there’s real power in that,” Robb said. “I paid him back in Whole Foods stock, so it was a pretty good deal for him. I put $3,000 in inventory in that store. Put a wood stove in and a plywood sign that said ‘open’ and I did $200 my first day in 1978.” Robb said he sold Mountain Marketplace in 1987 before opening another store, which he sold in 1989 to Whole Foods founder John Mackey “That store was store number 12 for Whole Foods,” Robb said. “The rest is history. By the time we sold to Amazon, we had more than 475 stores.” Robb said that the Whole Foods culture of “inclusion and empowerment” was a major driver of that swift growth. “A company grows fast, because you trust your team to serve your customers,” Robb said. “Every team member was a literal owner. I had team members come up to me and say, ‘Thanks so much for the stock options. I just bought my mother a house with your stock.’ They weren’t just team members, they were owners.” Robb, 65, exited his position as co-CEO in 2016, but remains on the company’s board. He lauded Amazon’s nearly $14 billion purchase of Whole Foods in 2017. “Now, Whole Foods gives you the option,” Robb said. “Do you want to get [groceries] from the store? Do you want to get [them delivered to your] home? Do you want to pick them up? Do you want just some shipped to your house? You can mix and match any way you want.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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Nearly a third of OPRF seniors vaping
Village trustees to take action with tougher ordinance By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Board of Trustees is expected to pass a new ordinance more tightly controlling the sale of electronic cigarettes in the village, following a report from the Board of Health showing that nearly a third of 12th graders in Oak Park have vaped within the last 30 days. The health board suggested a range of rules for distributors in an effort to curb teen vaping. The report said some e-cigarettes companies, specifically naming JUUL Labs, market to teenagers with vape pens flavored like strawberry, blueberry and watermelon. Oak Park Public Health Department Director Mike Charley said the Illinois Youth Survey, which Oak Park and River Forest High School students participate voluntarily in every two years, showed “alarming” increases in smoking since 2016. He said 45 percent of high school seniors had used e-cigarettes, as did 32 percent of 10th-graders and 13 percent of eighth-graders. That’s an increase of 55 percent for seniors from 2016, 167 percent for 10th-graders and 160 percent for eighth-graders. In the last 30 days, 31 percent of seniors had vaped, a 244 percent increase over the last two years; 23 percent of 10th-graders, up 666 percent; and 7 percent of eighth-graders, up 600 percent. “Locally we know the numbers mimic what we see around the country, and we know it’s increasing at an alarming rate, and now is the time to tackle this, not tomorrow, not next week, not a year from now,” Charley said. According to the Board of Health report, e-cigarette use by high school students across the country increased from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 11.3 percent in 2016. Florence Miller, chairwoman of the Board of Health, said the sale of e-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery sys-
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On McAdam’s 40th Anniversary, We Thank You
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tems (ENDS), is having a “major impact here within our village.” She said the nicotine pods can contain up to 5-percent nicotine concentration, which equals the nicotine intake of a pack of cigarettes. The board was asked by the Oak Park Board of Trustees in May of 2018 to review the village’s tobacco ordinance as it relates to ENDS and report back with recommendations. The Board of Health’s recommendations include: ■ prohibiting the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, ■ prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes within 500 feet of a school, ■ increasing compliance checks to make sure stores aren’t selling to adolescents, ■ partnering with youth organizations to educate the public on the dangers of e-cigarettes, ■ prohibiting the sale refillable pods, ■ restricting some marketing materials for ENDS, ■ reinforcing that retailers need to display signs stating that no one under 21 can buy tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Trustee Deno Andrews said he tends to be
more “liberty based” when it comes to business, but acknowledged after the presentation that e-cigarettes are a growing problem in Oak Park. Trustee Andrea Button said the problem goes beyond high school students, noting that her sixth-grade daughter has said she’s seen classmates vaping in the bathroom. Button said she would like to see a new e-cigarette ordinance on the books before the new board of trustees are sworn in after April 2. Button is not running for re-election. Trustee Simone Boutet thanked Trustee Jim Taglia for bringing the issue to the board’s attention in early 2018. Taglia called the issue a “public health emergency.” Taglia told trustees that he was particularly disturbed by the information in the health board’s report noting that a lot of teenagers don’t even realize that vaping is an addictive nicotine product. The Board of Health noted in its report that a study by in the Journal of Pediatrics shows that 51.8 percent of seniors who use e-cigarettes believe that the product only contains flavoring, and only 11.1 percent of them believed e-cigarettes contain nicotine. tim@oakpark.com
Food pantry supports furloughed employees Federal employees can get a week’s worth of groceries By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry is offering a week’s worth of groceries to federal employees affected by the government shutdown, according to a press release. As the shutdown approaches a full month, making it the longest in the country’s his-
tory, many families are finding themselves in need of resources. “Furloughed employees are in such a tight spot with few options,” Food Pantry Executive Director Michele Zurakowski said in a press release. “Like with the crushing recession in 2008, we do all we can to ensure that everyone is fed in a time of need.” The organization noted that 48 million people nationwide are reliant on food stamps, and the addition of 800,000 federal employees, who are now without paychecks, is adding to the problem.
The shutdown was brought about by President Donald Trump, who is demanding $5.7 billion to build a wall on the U.S./Mexico border. The food pantry press release notes that it is waiving the regular requirement that visitors to the pantry must live within a 13zip code boundary. Federal employees can return once a month for additional groceries until the shutdown concludes. More information is available at www.oprffoodpantry.org. tim@oakpark.com
In January 1979, a first-class stamp was 15 cents, The Bee Gees topped the music charts with “Too Much Heaven,” and the Chicago Cubs were 70 years into a World Series drought. And locally that same month, McAdam Scott Landscaping was McAdam Jr. launched by two brothers in their early 20s: my father, Scott Sr., and my uncle, Rob. Since then, while countless competitors have come and gone, four keys have been essential to McAdam’s success: service, professionalism, loyalty and community. Led to this day by my dad and uncle, we have thrived as a fullservice contractor for thousands of residential, commercial and municipal clients. Along the way, we have played an industry-leading role across the region, state and nation. Whether it’s landscaping, snow and ice management, or Nursery & Garden Center needs, we have cultivated relationships of mutual trust and respect. It all starts with delivering outstanding service, which has enabled us to have many customers for over 20, 30 and (nearly) 40 years. To all who have been a part of our journey so far, thank you! And with the same passion and dedication that has brought us this far, we look forward to serving even more of you in the years ahead.
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2001 Des Plaines Ave. Forest Park • 708-771-2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com
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Oak Park group protests outside R. Kelly studio
R&B singer facing increased scrutiny over sexual assault allegations By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
Members of the Oak Park-based nonprofit advocacy group Suburban Unity Alliance joined with others outside the Chicago studio of embattled R&B singer R. Kelly on Saturday, Jan. 12, to protest the musician, who is accused by multiple women of sexual assault. The increased scrutiny of the Chicagobased performer comes in the wake of the six-hour documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly, which recently aired on the Lifetime network. One of Kelly’s alleged victims was a 13-year-old Oak Park girl. Kelly has denied the allegations. The protest was organized by Oak Parkbased Suburban Unity Alliance, Young Women’s March, Mute R. Kelly and Men for Choice. About 30 protesters gathered in front of Kelly’s studio, 219 N. Justine St., Chicago, on a cold, snowy Saturday morning on Jan. 12, waving signs that said #MuteRKelly and “Black women’s lives matter.”
T H I S F R I DAY
Jan. 18, 7:30p This month’s theme:
Freedom
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Live jazz with readings, poems and prayers.
All are welcome to this free, non-denominational gathering currently located at:
820 Ontario, Oak Park
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
goodshepherdlc.org | 708-848-4741
Chicagoan Darletta Scruggs, with the organization #MuteRKelly, said one in three girls and one in five boys are victims of sexual abuse. “R. Kelly has been allowed to get away with things that if it wasn’t for his status, wealth resources and power, he would have been held accountable,” she said. She said the movement has been fighting to shut down concerts and venues where the musician has performed and stop distributors from carrying his music. “We have struggled to get support for this and why?” she sked. “Why are so many people OK with three decades of these kinds of allegations?” Anthony Clark, founder and director of Suburban Unity Alliance, said in a Facebook post that his group joined the so-called #muterkelly and #survivingrkelly protests as a challenge to “Black men, all men, and everyone else no matter your race, sex, gender, age, ability, or religion, to do better in standing up for and protecting our Black women and girls. “I teach at the high school featured in the documentary and was a student there when Kelly would come to visit etc.,” Clark wrote. “I am telling you our students are paying attention and it is up to us to set an example and communicate what is and isn’t acceptable!” Clark told Wednesday Journal that he aims to “shine a light on [Kelly’s] actions.” “R. Kelly feels comfortable in Chicago and feels he has protection in Chicago, and
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
MUTE POINT: Demonstrators hold up signs in protest, Jan. 12, during a Mute R. Kelly protest outside of his studio on Justine Street in Chicago. Anthony Clark, top left, and Christina Waters, bottom left, both of Oak Park, talk to the crowd.
that’s not the case; you’re not protected,” Clark said. The protest comes after a similar demonstration on Wednesday evening outside the studio, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi is quoted in the Tribune article calling on anyone with information about criminal activity involving Kelly to report it to Chicago police. Meanwhile, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx also has called on other victims to come forward with any information about the singer. tim@oakpark.com
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Lightford named senate majority leader
The state senator becomes first black woman in the role
Lightford said that the Democrats will also focus on rectifying what had become a crisis of mass proportions in the state that hit lower-income communities the hardest — that of absurdly late payments to By MICHAEL ROMAIN childcare providers. Staff Reporter The state has historically been late paying out money owed to childcare providers, but A longtime African American lawmaker the problem only worsened under Rauner, is making her own history just as Democrats are set to begin a historic era Lightford said. Before Rauner, she said, the state took of dominance in Springfield. State Sen. between 90 and 100 days to pay childcare th Kimberly Lightford (D-4 ) was recently providers. When Rauner came into office, named Senate Majority Leader, making her the first African American female to hold “that number grew to over 365 days.” The new senate majority leader said that the position and among the highest-ranking the state is already making headway into elected officials in state governance. speeding up those deferred payments. She Lightford succeeds former majority leader James Clayborne (57th). Sen. Don said that Comptroller Susana Mendoza had Harmon (39th) will remain chairman of the already started to make payments that the former comptroller, Leslie Munger, had influential Senate Executive Committee. Lightford’s Jan. 9 appointment solidifies been withholding. The fundamental issue, however, is that what may have already been the case — the veteran lawmaker, whose district includes the state must start generating revenue in order to pay down its debts, a large part of southeast Oak Lightford said, adding that Park and all of River Forest, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s approach to is arguably the most powerful revenue growth includes taxing black elected official in Illinois a range of previously untaxed not named Preckwinkle. or even non-existent revenue During an interview on Jan. streams like legalized medical 13, Lightford, 50, described how and recreational marijuana. her new position fits into the Lightford recently drafted a larger Senate hierarchy. bill that would allow residents “It’s like the Illinois Senate’s to remove low-level marijuana equivalent of president and convictions from their record, if vice-president,” she said. “You they get a judge’s permission. have the senate president [Sen. “Lawmakers decriminalized John Cullerton] and he has possession of small amounts of his majority leader. Under marijuana in 2016,” according to the majority leader are five the Illinois News Network. “When assistant majority leaders while the law changed, possession of underneath them are the caucus up to 10 grams of marijuana in chair and the caucus whip.” Illinois became a civil matter Before stepping into her new KIMBERLY LIGHTFOOT rather than a criminal one. The role, Lightford, who was first Senate Majority Leader 2016 change didn’t address those elected to the senate in 1998 who had already been convicted while she was a Maywood village of the crime.” trustee, was a longtime assistant Lightford said that the Senate majority leader. Earlier this was unable to address the bill during its month, she was recently re-elected to head the short lame duck session. powerful Illinois Legislative Black Caucus “Hopefully, we’ll have more support and With Democrats holding supermajorities in understanding as it moves through the both the Illinois House and Senate, along with chamber,” she said. the governor’s office, Lightford is poised to Lightford said that her promotion in the wield significant influence in a time of perhaps unprecedented Democratic power in Springfield. Senate will allow her more leverage to keep Much of the party’s focus right out of the fighting the fight she’s been waging since she gate, she said, will be attempting to undo was first elected more than 20 years ago — even damage caused by former Republican Gov. though the job doesn’t generate many headlines. For instance, she said, the Illinois Bruce Rauner, who didn’t sign a full state Legislative Black Caucus was responsible budget in the first three fiscal years of his for releasing more than $35 million in funds four-year term. “We have to figure out how to generate for summer youth employment, after school revenue,” Lightford said. “We’re discussing and supplemental programs even as the a capital bill, minimum wage legislation state’s coffers contracted under Rauner. That money, Lightford said, translated that I introduced, fixing the pension system into real opportunities for young people in and paying down a lot of old debt.”
“We’re discussing a capital bill, minimum wage legislation that I introduced, fixing the pension system and paying down a lot of old debt.”
Submitted photo
ELEVATED: State Sen. Kimberly Lightford became the first African-American female Senate Majority Leader in Illinois history on Jan. 9. hard-hit communities. Despite her new position, Lightford said that she doesn’t necessarily feel that she’s reached her pinnacle. “I don’t know that I’ve reached a pinnacle that would cause me to stop grinding for communities in need,” she said. “To be
present at the table, where decisions are being made, is so important. It’s important that we make sure the voices of the vulnerable and the voices of those in diverse groups, in particular those in the African community, are heard.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Ford makes mayoral ballot The Chicago Board of Elections voted Ronisha Dobine presented a litany of to keep state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (8th), objections against Ford’s nominating whose district includes much of Oak petitions, alleging virtually every single Park, on the ballot, overruling objections irregularity that usually gets alleged in cases like this. against his nominating petitions. In her report, Celeste indicated that The ruling came during a Jan. 12 meeting, which was held at 69 W. there is plenty of evidence to suggest that objections were made in “bad Washington Blvd. The faith,” without really looking commissioners agreed with at the signatures. Among other hearing Officer Mary Celeste, things, she found that “at finding that objections were least 330” sheets were marked made in bad faith. with objections in exactly the As noted in the Board same way, “containing exact of Elections’ ruling nuances in the markings of on objections to Ford’s checks and x’s which exactly nominating petitions, under lined up in columns A and B” state law, the board and its In 60 cases, the objectors hearing officers can require LA SHAWN FORD objected to more signatures objectors to prove that their State rep. than the number of signatures objections are “based on actually on the page. And knowledge, information Celeste found several cases and/or belief formed after a reasonable inquiry.” The ruling also where objectors objected to something notes that it can throw out objections that wasn’t actually illegal under state law. “not well grounded in fact and/or law.” Igor Studenkov Karisha Carriel, Melvin Gunn and
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
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S N O W Y
D A Y
I N
2 0 1 9
ul Living
Meaningful Living
Group for Older Adults!
A FREE 8-Week Wellness Group for Older Adults!
life. l living into older age. with others.
Designed to: *enhance quality of life. *promote meaningful living into older age. *share and connect with others.
aningful Living
March 19th. 0pm. 8-Week Wellness
When: Tuesdays, January 29th thru March 19th. Choice of 3:30-4:30pm OR 6:30-7:30pm.
Group for Older Adults!
o: *enhance quality of life. oncordia University Chicago *promote meaningful living into older age. *share and connect with others. 60305. of building. sdays, January 29th thru March 19th.
Where: Community Counseling Center of Concordia University Chicago ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer Christopher Center, Room 263 7400 Augusta Ave., River Forest, IL 60305. *Parking is available front of building. Saturday’s snowfall paved the way for an afternoon of fun on directly the BarrieinPark sledding hill, even if some of the shav-
Slippery slope
Meaningful Living
30-4:30pm OR 6:30-7:30pm.
ings led to scrunched faces.
Counseling Center of Concordia University Chicago A FREE 8-Week Wellness Group for Older Adults! Center, Room 263 ta Ave., River Forest, IL 60305. Designed *enhance quality of life. available directly in frontto: of building. *promote meaningful living into older age. 8) 383-8060 to reserve your*share spot! and connect with others.
Meaningful Living
ersons per group.
th
th
Tuesdays, January 29 thru March 19 . ble; please callWhen: (708) 383-4806. Choice of 3:30-4:30pm OR 6:30-7:30pm.
Call Township Senior Services at (708) 383-8060 to reserve your spot! Space is limited to 12 persons per group.
A FREE 8-Week Wellness Group for Older Adults!
Where: Community Counseling Center of Concordia University Chicago Christopher Center, Room 263 Senior Services (708) 383-8060 to reserve your spot! 7400 at Augusta Ave., River Forest, IL 60305. Space is limited to 12 persons per group. *Parking is available directly in frontto: of building. Designed
Curb-to-curb transportation is available; please call (708) 383-4806.
urb transportation is available; please call (708) 383-4806.
• Enhance quality of life • Promote meaningful living into older age • Share and connect with others
Tuesdays, January 29th thru March 19th Choice of 3:30-4:30pm OR 6:30-7:30pm.
Community Counseling Center of Concordia University Chicago Call Township Senior Services at (708) 383-8060 to reserve your spot! Christopher Center, Room Space is limited to 12 persons per group.
263, 7400 Augusta Ave., River Forest, IL 60305
Curb-to-curb transportation is available; please call (708) 383-4806. *Parking is available directly in front of building.
Call Township Senior Services at (708) 383-8060 to reserve your spot! Space is limited to 12 persons per group. Curb-to-curb transportation is available; please call (708) 383-4806.
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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C R I M E
Woman carjacked by two men, one in ski mask
An Oak Park woman was carjacked in the 400 block of South Maple Avenue at 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 8. The woman was loading her vehicle with her rear driver side door open, when she heard someone running at her from behind. She turned and saw two men approaching from the west side of Maple Street, one of whom wore a ski mask. “Where’s the phone, where’s the phone?” one of the men yelled. She also heard one of the offenders state, “Give me the keys; we’re not going to hurt you.” The victim complied and the two offenders entered and drove off southbound on Maple Avenue in the victim’s gray 2006 Toyota Corolla. The estimated loss is $4,000. Both offenders were black males between the ages of 18 and 25. The first offender was 5-foot-5, 120 to 150 pounds and wearing a black jogging suit and a ski mask. The second was 5-foot-10 with a heavy build, medium complexion, thick eyebrows and wearing a gray puffy coat with a horizontal black stripe across the chest.
Robbery ■ A Berwyn resident was robbed in the 100 block of Madison Street at 5:40 p.m. on Jan. 11. The offender, approximately between the ages of 17 and 18, approached the victim and demanded the victim’s cell phone. The offender removed the victim’s iPhone 8 from the victim’s hand and ran eastbound on Madison. The estimated loss is $630.
TEACHERS
D97 tops state from page 1 had more new Board-certified teachers than District 97, which was tied for 24th among school districts nationwide that had the most new Board-certified teachers that year. National Board Certification is widely considered to be the gold standard in the teaching profession. The rigorous process of earning the advanced credential, which teachers do voluntarily, can take up to three years to complete and can cost thousands of dollars. The results, however, are worth the investment said Carrie Kamm, D97’s senior director of equity. Kamm said that the two dozen Board-certified teachers named in 2018 were the first cohort to finish the two-year certification process. Another 27 teachers in the district are currently going through the process — three of them are on track to earn their Board certification this year while the remaining 24 will earn theirs next school year. The National Board for Professional Stan-
■ A Chicago woman was robbed in the 6000 block of North Avenue at 7:15 p.m. on Jan. 9. The offender approached the victim from behind and took her purse from her arm. He then fled northbound across North Avenue. The estimated loss is $40.
Aggravated robbery arrest Corey Daily, 20, of the 3700 block of South Indiana, Chicago, at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse in Chicago, at 10:50 a.m. on Jan. 10 and charged with committing aggravated robbery on July 31, 2018 at 720 S. Austin Blvd. The victim was identified as an Oak Park resident.
Soliciting in the roadway A 64-year-old Maywood resident was arrested in the 700 block of South Harlem at 12:40 p.m. on Jan. 10 and charged with soliciting in the roadway.
Auto theft A brown 2005 Ford F-250 that was left unoccupied and running was stolen from the 6800 block of Roosevelt Road at 6:17 a.m. on Jan. 8. The offender was described as a Hispanic male, 5-foot-10, 40 years old with tattoos on both hands, and possibly holding a suitcase. The estimated loss is $15,000.
A gray 2012 Honda Civic that was reported stolen out of Oak Park on Jan 4, 2019, in an aggravated carjacking, was recovered by the Broadview Police Department at 7:50 p.m. on Jan. 7, in the 2200 block of South 25th Avenue, Broadview. A juvenile was taken into custody.
Hijacked vehicle recovered
These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Jan. 7-14, and represent a por-
dards, which administers and governs the National Board Certification, cites reams of academic studies, much of it funded by the organization, showing that Board-certified teachers lead to improved academic outcomes and better classroom environments for students. One comprehensive study by researchers at the University of Washington Bothell’s Center for Education Data & Research published in 2015 (and was not funded by the National Board) estimated that Board-certified teachers “produce annual learning gains that are about 4-5 percent of normal learning gains at the elementary school level, about 15 percent of annual learning gains in middle school math, and about 4 percent of annual learning gains in middle school reading.” Kamm said that D97 doesn’t have hard data pointing to increased academic outcomes for students with Board-certified teachers — particularly since many of the teachers who have so far completed the certification in D97 teach in content areas, such as music and design, where student academic growth is hard to quantify. Nonetheless, she said, the credential yields real dividends that pay off in spades
in the classroom, particularly in the form of a more personalized, detail-oriented teaching style. “You learn how to pay attention to every nuance that’s happening in the classroom,” said Kamm, who herself earned Board certification. “A key element of National Board work is keeping your knowledge of students at the center of everything you do.” Kamm said that D97 is unique among districts nationwide when it comes to incentivizing teachers to go through the rigorous Board certification process. For starters, there’s the $10,000 stipend that’s added to their annual base salary if they earn the credential. The extra money, formally called an annual recognition, was introduced to the district in the teacher contract approved back in 2015. Kamm said that based on her conversations with district leaders and cohort facilitators across the state, the $10,000 annual recognition set by D97 is much higher than that set by other districts in Illinois. “What’s more typical is somewhere in the $1,000 range,” Kamm said. “Our $10,000 recognition is certainly unique and speaks to the belief and commitment of the board and [D97 Supt. Carol] Kelley. Through their
tion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger
negotiations, they’ve indicated that supporting best practices among teachers is really important.” Kamm said that, along with the $10,000 stipend, another “equally” motivating factor is the “opportunity to participate in professional learning that’s personalized to the work and experience of student learning that you have in your classroom.” In addition, she said, teachers in D97 often have the opportunity to go through the Board certification process with their peers. “This year, in our current cohort, there are three teachers from Lincoln going through the certification training together,” Kamm said. “And the majority of the design department across Brooks and Julian are going through the process together.” The district, she said, also offers the $10,000 annual recognition to support staffers, such as school nurses, social workers and speech pathologists, who may not be eligible to earn Board certification, but can nonetheless earn certifications that are equivalent to it. “This is really a testimony to our teachers’ and staff ’s commitment to their own professional development,” Kamm said. CONTACT: michel@oakpark.com
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
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ELECTION
Candidate forum from page 1 Thompson; Christian Harris; and Arti Walker-Peddakotla.
Taxes On the question of how candidates would address the rising tax burden and work to keep middle-class families in Oak Park, candidates largely pointed to the tax burden imposed by the District 200 and 97 school systems, which make up about 70 percent of the property tax burden in the village, compared to the village’s 17 percent. Wesley said he often hears from residents that there needs to be more intergovernmental cooperation between the various taxing bodies in order to hold the line on spending. He said the village needs to “make sure we’re cooperating with the schools to keep that number down.” Thompson argued for aggressively looking for new revenue in Oak Park to help ease the tax burden. “We need to enhance the quality of life to such an extent that people will say, ‘I want to live here even if I do have to pay high taxes,’” he said. Harris, who currently serves on the Oak Park Library Board, said he believes the various taxing bodies “work in our own silos” and the village board is in a unique position to take a leadership role on spending. “What (the board) can do is create a referenda schedule as well as a capital improvement schedule,” he said. Brisben, a District 97 board member from 2013 to 2017, said the village should establish a citizen financial oversight committee that looks at the village’s overall tax burden, also noting that the village needs to “strengthen the commercial portion of the tax base so residents don’t feel the pain as sharply as we do.” Klayman said his focus would be holding the village’s tax levy growth to 2 percent annually and eventually working that percentage down to zero. The board also must ask the question of who do increases in taxes help. “Does it help the people that it needs to help?” he asked.
New business Candidates also were asked how they would help retain existing businesses in Oak Park and attract new ones to help spread out the tax base – currently a disproportionate percentage of the tax burden falls on residential property owners in the village because of a shortage of commercial activity. Buchanan said she would seek more input from local businesses to find out what would help them stay in Oak Park. She also supports the village board providing greater support to the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce. Baron said she would work to keep spending under control in order to help relieve the tax burden on businesses. “The bigger question is how do you get tax relief to people?”
Photo by Paul Goyette
CROWDED FIELD: Anthony Clark, founder of Suburban Unity Alliance, moderated a village trustee candidate forum last Wednesday. Eleven candidates are running for three open seats. she asked. She added that every time new revenues are found in the village the taxing bodies see it as “a new pile of money to spend.” Harris said he would work to support local businesses and wants to see a 10 percent increase in sales tax revenue over the next two to four years.
Affordable housing Candidates were overwhelmingly in support of an inclusionary zoning ordinance (IZO), which would require developers to make a percentage of their units affordable or contribute financially to an affordable housing fund set up by the village. Walker-Peddakotla said she favors 20 percent of new units be affordable or developers must contribute $100,000 to the fund per unit. “Another thing we have to do is support rent control,” she said. Gary, who supports establishing an IZO, said the current way of “extracting” funds from developers in an ad hoc fashion – the village currently negotiates the terms of affordable housing directly with developers behind closed doors – “isn’t working for the developers or the village or taxpayers.” “Everybody is left in the dark wondering what are the rules of the game before we even start,” he said. Thomas said he supports affordable housing and inclusionary zoning, calling it a social justice issue. “If the unit costs $200,000 and (the developer doesn’t) want it in this building, then I want that to go into inclusionary zoning … not a small portion of that,” he said,
adding that the village “can make that happen, but we have to be intentional about it.” Wesley said he supports affordable housing “but more importantly I support housing affordability.” “I support longtime homeowners near retirement age not being taxed out of their homes,” he said. He added that “if an inclusionary housing ordinance helps with that, then I’m all for it, but that’s where my priorities lie.”
Transparency and the village clerk Candidates were also asked what they would do to improve transparency in the village government and what role the elected village clerk should play in terms of the recent change that removed the clerk as the head officer for public records requests under the Freedom of Information Act in late December. Thomas said the clerk’s responsibility as head FOIA officer should be reinstated, and other responsibilities that have been stripped from the clerk’s office in recent years should be restored. Taglia said he values the work of the village clerk but stopped short of supporting reinstating her position as lead FOIA officer. “We are going to have a full public discussion and that, to me, should have happened sooner,” he said, adding, “It’s never too late to change things.” Walker-Peddakotla said the change was not communicated properly to the public. The change, which shifted the responsibility from the clerk’s office to the village at-
torney’s office, took place a few days before the Christmas holiday break and was not discussed publicly by the board of trustees. Thomas said he did not see a problem with transparency in village government, noting that there is “so much information on the village website it’s like drinking from a firehose when you try to educate yourself.” Thomas said he did have an issue with the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization paid by the village to attract and retain business development in Oak Park. The organization has been criticized for years for holding meetings in private and being immune from FOIA requests. He also supported reinstating the duties of the village clerk that have been taken away over the past decade. Gary said he believes the village has not done enough to encourage citizen involvement, suggesting that the village begin using apps that make it easier to understand cumbersome documents like the village budget and navigate the village website. Harris similarly said that it’s not enough to put information on the village website. “You need to teach people how to use the information,” he said. Brisben also noted that there is a transparency gap around development in the village. The village should better contextualize information it provides to the public to help educate the citizenry more effectively. “The village does a good job giving you reams and reams of information, if you have the patience to get through it,” he said. tim@oakpark.com
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
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Eating a mollete for National Bean Day
n the Native American world, especially south of the Rio Grande, beans had been a staple for millennia before Cortez came a-knockin’ at Montezuma’s golden door. Pinto beans are now commonly a sidekick in Mexican combo platters all over the Midwest, and I like ’em just fine. Black beans, however, go back about 7,000 years, so it’s not surprising that they’ve been used in many Mexican dishes, particularly in the southern states of Mexico. The Local Dining flavors of pinto and navy beans & Food Blogger are very similar, but I simply prefer the look of black beans: they glisten, richly. Sergio Sanchez of Sergio’s Place (6966 W. North Ave., Chicago) introduced me to molletes, a 6966 W. North Ave., black bean preparation I’d never Chicago had before. Molletes are simply a bolillo, a small Mexican roll, cut 773-622-5555 in half, with some of the breading scooped out and replaced with black beans, topped with cheese. Sanchez told us, “My mother had a pot of beans on the stove 24/7. Every day I could hear the whistle from the express cooker. The aromas of the black beans and epazote
DAVID
HAMMOND Sergio’s Place
herb was all over her house.” Epazote is an herb traditionally added to beans, and it lends slight flavor but perhaps more importantly, it’s believed to inhibit the flatulence that, alas, is closely associated with the consumption of “the musical fruit.” Based on several recent trials, we have not been able to independently verify this claim. Molletes are sometimes said to have originated at Sanborns (no apostrophe, which doesn’t exist in Spanish), a huge department store chain that started in Mexico City. Molletes, however, were known in Spain, and the European version traditionally used small pieces of white bread spread with olive oil and sometimes lard. It’s a beautiful use for day-old bread. Using beans is a distinctly Mexican variation on the European mollete, but like so many traditional dishes, it’s wide open to regional interpretation. At Sergio’s Place, Sanchez explains, “I put a spin on molletes using a toasted sourdough bread, sliced, with a spread of refried black beans, melted chihuahua cheese and pico de gallo sauce. Delicious!” Although the name may not give it away, Fair Share Finer Foods (6226 Roosevelt Road) has a good selection of Mexican food, and that’s where I bought my black beans, bolillo, chihuahua cheese and pico de gallo. Molletes are a type of open-face sandwich, and I served some at a family dinner and everyone who tried one seemed to like it a lot. The beans add a richness that’s balanced by the bland bread, which is crisp, in contrast to the creamy beans; the cheese adds slight tang. Sanchez said, “Pico de gallo is a must,” and that was a
Photo by David Hammond
Homemade molletes very helpful admonition. The tomato-onion-chili-cilantrosalt-lime combo adds a light note to the serious carb-i-ness of the bun with beans, not to mention a splash of color in the otherwise brown-black-white sandwich. What I also appreciate about molletes is that they represent the fusion of indigenous and European cultures. The beans and, perhaps, the pico de gallo are products of the native peoples of the Americas, but the bolillo and cheese are European in origin. When you bite into a mollete, you’re tasting one of the first “fusion” foods on this side of the Atlantic. National Bean Day was Jan. 6. We celebrated with molletes.
Celebrate the New Year at Trattoria 225! We host parties for groups of all sizes up to 150 people Contact Bill Quick at BillQ@trattoria225.com
225 harrison oak park, il 60304 • 708.358.8555 • www.trattoria225.com
Property transfers p. B6
January 16, 2019
Homes
Powered by the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
WORK AROUND: The home at 112 S. Scoville in Oak Park has been on and off the market and uses the tax freeze as part of its marketing. It’s not clear whether the property actually qualifies for the freeze.
Tax break or I headache? Understanding the state’s Historic Property Tax Assessment Freeze
By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter
t’s safe to say that most local homeowners believe that their property taxes are just too high, but a state program in place since 1984 offers one of the few methods of keeping that bill in check for a set period of time. The Historic Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program freezes the assessed value of an historic residence for eight years, followed by a four-year period during with the assessed value is stepped up until it reaches its current level. In order to qualify for the freeze, four provisions must be met. The residence must be
owner-occupied and the owner’s principal residence. The building must be registered as historic. The residence must be rehabilitated in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the rehabilitation must have eligible expenses equal to or exceeding 25 percent of the property’s fair cash value as determined by the assessor the year the rehabilitation started. (For complete details, visit www2. illinois.gov/dnrhistoric/Preserve/Pages/ taxfreeze.aspx) Oak Park Urban Planner Historic Preservation Susie Trexler thinks the program is a good resource for the village. See TAX FREEZE on page B3
January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B1
Zak Knebel
Patti Sprafka Wagner 708.218.8102
773.290.9293
Patti@swkgroup.house
Zak@swkgroup.house
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to our wonderful clients, families and friends. Because of your trust, support and referrals, we were once again named the #1 Real Estate Team of Oak Park-River Forest. We are also extremely proud to be working with @properties, the company that Sold and Closed more properties in Oak ParkRiver Forest than any other Real Estate firm in 2018. If a move is in your future, please call us for dependable expertise about today’s market. We look forward to serving you,
Patti & Zak Market Share Totals Total & Volume (By Broker)
Mkt 16.7%
Mkt 13.2%
Mkt 10.2% Mkt 8.8% Mkt 6.8% Mkt 5.0% Mkt 3.9%
@properties
Baird & Warner
Gagliardo Realty Associates LLC
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Koenig Rubloff
RE/MAX in The Village Realtors
Coldwell Banker Residential
Jameson Sotheby’s Intl Realty
708.383.8700 | 1011 South Boulevard Oak Park, Il 60302 B2 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 16, 2019
Mkt 3.2%
Redfin Corporation
Mkt 2.6%
Gullo & Associates
Mkt 2.3%
Beyond Properties Realty Group
MOVOTO REAL ESTATE
BEFORE AND AFTER: The developer who bought a 1903 Victorian at 112 S. Scoville Ave. in Oak Park out of foreclosure gutted it and then put it on the market, claiming it qualifi ed for a historic tax freeze. But it’s not clear whether it meets the state’s standards for the freeze.
TAX FREEZE
He points out that the qualifying work must be done within a two-year period and says that the program can be very useful for those looking at the bigger picture, as some big-ticket items count towards the spending from page B1 requirement and aren’t always held to historic standards. “I think incentive programs like the tax “You don’t have to put in a coal furnace freeze are valuable tools for historic pres- or an outhouse just because your house was ervation,” Trexler said. “Preservation built in 1897,” Lipo said. pays off in the long term and in ways that The state touts the benefits of the procan be challenging to quantify, gram as encouraging the preslike civic pride and an increase ervation of historic buildings, in tourism. Too often these are returning underutilized strucweighed against more tangible, tures to the tax rolls, revitalizing short-term benefits. Incentive and stabilizing neighborhoods, programs not only make preserincreasing the amount of availvation an easier investment, they able housing within a commucan make preservation possible nity and sustainably reusing the where it may not have been bebuilt environment. fore.” Oak Park Township Assessor The State Historic PreservaAli ElSaffar notes that given tion Office strongly recommends these objectives, “One could FRANK LIPO homeowners get in touch with question the premise of the prothem during the planning program, especially as used in Oak cess of the construction to enPark. A lot of our homes are sure that all planned work meets in the three historic districts – their standards. possibly the largest districts in Oak Park River Forest HistoriCook County.” cal Society Executive Director He notes that people in Oak Frank Lipo, who says residents Park might fix up their historic frequently make appointments homes without the incentive of to document the historic nature the freeze and says that roughof their home for the freeze, rely a couple hundred homes in marks that this prequalification Oak Park are in the program. can be the key to receiving the On the other hand, he says that freeze. the changing tax climate might “The tricky thing is that some make this program more useful people think that everybody’s eligible for in Oak Park. the freeze, no matter what kind of work “With the federal tax law that limits the they did,” Lipo said. “You can count a new deductions of property taxes, some of these roof or a new heating system, but this is not high-value homes are not as valuable as a freeze for ripping out all of the historic they might have been before,” ElSaffar said. features. It has to be doing the right thing “Maybe we do need an incentive to keep historically, not purely modernizing.” them up.”
Must follow standards
“This is not a freeze for ripping out all of the historic features.”
The case of the contractor
erty is sold, the new owner could file for final approval.” In the case of this house, the freeze is likely off the table for the time being. In November, the home was listed for rent, and the Cook County Assessor does not indicate that a property tax assessment freeze has been obtained for the home.
Many regard the freeze solely as an incentive for homeowners to preserve the historic features of their homes during renovations, but the program is not limited in scope to homeowners with a love of historic homes. A recent property listing in Oak Park illustrates one way the program is open to interpretation. In 2016, a 1903 Victorian style home Problems with implementation sold in foreclosure for $338,000, a relative bargain given its 2006 sales price of $615,000. While the Historic Property Tax AssessPurchased by a developer who gutted the ment Freeze can be a valuable incentive for house and rehabbed it, 112 S. Scoville Ave. historic home owners looking to recoup some hit the market in August 2018 with an asking of their expenditures of keeping up their price of $1.1 million. The MLS older homes, the process is not allisting for the home started with a ways smooth. ElSaffar notes that strong statement on taxes: many locals have been contact“Luxury living with the lowest ing him about Cook County’s intaxes in Oak Park. Tax freezeability to properly administer the eligible renovation with super program. low assessed value. 2017 assessed “I’m working to advocate for value of 10,475. Taxes under 4K these people,” he said. “In the last per year for next 8 years. Another several years, a number of Oak 4 years of dramatically reduced Park homeowners have had probtaxes after that. Projected 200K in lems with the program.” ALI ALSAFFAR tax savings over next 12 years.” ElSaffar cited examples such as Neighbors and Oak Park resihomeowners who received their dents who were having problems Certificate of Rehabilitation from the state getting their own property tax assessment indicating that their projects qualified for freezes implemented questioned how a rehab- the freeze but who did not receive the freeze ber could qualify for the tax freeze, especially in spite of submitting the paperwork to the when the house had been gutted, with many county. original features removed during the rehab There are also homeowners who were in process. the middle of their eight-year freeze period The freeze requirements clearly state that only to have their freeze denied upon proper the residence must be owner-occupied and renewal. ElSaffar said that under the previthe owner’s principal residence to qualify for ous county tax assessor, Joseph Berrios, the the freeze and that the freeze is cancelled if number of employees working to implement a property is sold during the freeze period. the tax freeze had dwindled. ElSaffar points out that there is a way for conHis hope is that the issues will be addressed tractors to get around this provision. under new assessor, Fritz Kaegi, an Oak Park “A contractor could get pre-approved for resident. the plans of the renovation but not go for fi“I have a few horror story cases that I’m nal approval,” ElSaffar said. “Once the prop- working on taking downtown,” ElSaffar said.
January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B3
BERWYN
CHICAGO
FOREST PARK
3 BR, 2 BA .....................................$235,000
2 BR, 2 BA .....................................$469,000
1 BR, 1 BA .....................................$190,000
3 0 :DOVK &2 1SVEFOUJBM
3 0 :DOVK &2 1SVEFOUJBM
3 0 :DOVK &2 1SVEFOUJBM
Tagger O’Brien • 708-456-6400 6LQFH
OAK PARK
3 BR, 1.1 BA ..................................$424,900 Gabe Caporale • 708-456-1919
Tagger O’Brien • 708-456-6400 6LQFH
Tagger O’Brien • 708-456-6400
6LQFH
FOREST PARK
2 BR, 2.5 BA ..................................$299,900
OAK PARK
2 BR, 2.1 BA ..................................$364,900 Bethanny Alexander • 708-261-3877
Ken Van Santen • 708-975-0210
OPEN SUNDAY 12- 1:30 P.M. 721 ONTARIO ST. # 106
OAK PARK
3 BR, 2 BA .....................................$425,000 Pauline Trilik Sharpe • 708-785-1895
OAK PARK
3 BR, 2 BA .....................................$495,000 Bethanny Alexander • 708-261-3877
OAK PARK
3 BR, 2.2 BA .................................................................................................................. $360,000
OAK PARK
Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
3 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$429,900 Bethanny Alexander •708-261-3877
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
3 BR, 2.3 BA .................................................................................................................. $650,000
4 BR, 2 BA .....................................$492,000 Tagger O’Brien • 708-456-6400
Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
OAK PARK
5 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$650,000 Laurie Shapiro • 708-203-3614
OAK PARK
5 BR, 4 BA .....................................$529,900 Laurie Shapiro • 708-203-3614
3 0 :DOVK &2 1SVEFOUJBM 6LQFH
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com B4 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate â– January 16, 2019
RIVER FOREST
4 BR, 4.1 BA ...............................$1,400,000 Pauline Trilik Sharpe • 708-785-1895
OAK PARK
4 BR, 3.2 BA ............................................................................................................... $1,225,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
OAK PARK
5 BR, 3 BA ..................................................................................................................... $420,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
RIVER FOREST
5 BR, 3.1 BA ...............................$1,499,998 Gabe Caporale • 708-456-1919
Now in our Second Century of Service RIVER FOREST
6 BR, 5.1 BA ...............................$1,895,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
for a full list of this week’s open houses... homes
To find a local expert, go to oakparkrealtors.org
..visit
community resources
oakpark.com
Want to see your listings inN Distinctive Properties? wSe Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com neighborhoods January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B5
moving
real
P R O P E R T Y
T R A N S F E R S
Oak Park home sells for $777,500
The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds from Month 1 to January 16, 2019. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.
OAK PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
305 S Oak Park Ave 225 South Blvd 159 N Cuyler Ave 317 N Harvey Ave 428 S Humphrey Ave 730 Fair Oaks Ave 1047 N Grove Ave 1015 Woodbine Ave 525 N Harvey Ave 327 N Grove Ave 915 N Oak Park Ave 139 S Cuyler Ave 156 N Oak Park Ave 3 156 N Oak Park Ave 27 304 S Taylor Ave 1017 N Taylor Ave 545 S Harvey Ave 156 N Oak Park Ave 8 117 S Taylor Ave 130 Chicago Ave 1132 Rossell Ave 1139 S Ridgeland Ave 409 S East Ave 1116 N Austin Blvd 221 N Kenilworth Ave 405 1135 Schneider Ave A3 831 S Harvey Ave 169 N Grove Ave 1B 840 S Lombard Ave 97 N Harlem Ave 319 N Marion St 7 711 W Washington Blvd 3E 1033 Ontario St 3FN 429 Wisconsin Ave 4292 302 S Kenilworth Ave 1S 1169 S Taylor Ave 1172 S Ridgeland Ave 408 S Lombard Ave 4081 218 N Marion Ct 821 Lake St 8212S 1033 Ontario St 3CS 130 Chicago Ave 1144 Washington Blvd 11442 928 S Humphrey Ave 2N 1037 Randolph St 10372 845 Pleasant St 8453W
$5,305,000 $4,095,000 $922,500 $777,500 $725,000 $625,000 $550,000 $540,000 $540,000 $530,000 $530,000 $525,000 $450,000 $425,000 $415,000 $407,500 $400,000 $395,000 $375,000 $345,000 $325,000 $304,000 $300,000 $285,000 $285,000 $265,000 $265,000 $258,000 $245,000 $237,000 $230,000 $222,500 $218,000 $205,000 $200,000 $190,000 $185,000 $179,000 $179,000 $160,000 $160,000 $150,000 $145,000 $136,000 $130,000 $123,500
Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 0 Greenplan Randolph Llc Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Greenplan Harvey Llc Scianna Renovations Inc Wuest Brandon Matsukane Edward H Costello Gregory William S David S Bailey Nathan Goott Alan F Piel Michelle L Ryan Terrence M Helgeson Lance O Browne Carolyn N Tr Botti John E Beasley William Sisk Donna Kaye Schugars James E Jr Kirby Kevin W Wolfson Lori M Tan Cheryl Nieman Martin W Salpietra Domenic Nelson W Todd Tr Kincaid Elizabeth Murphy Hugh Ronald Tr 936 Washington Blvd Llc Bruhns Kris B Mclaughlin Michael J Wermeyer Keith A Kornegay Dennis Lynn Brian P Knight Matthew E Kincaid Elizabeth Pierce Shannon P Sisters Charity Blessed Virgin Mary Jurgus William R Butler Richard Tr Stacer Inc Steinbach Mary T Lucero Const I Inc Massengill Conley Byrd Steven W Savkovic Suzanna D Barakzai Reem Branch Isaiah Mclemore Stephanie V Dvaison G Erika Veselack Mark Morrisey Gregory R Trust Barrett Kimberly Mitchell Richard Extr 831 S Harvey Llc Augusto Prop Llc Kuhnlein John Ruddy James P Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Parkway B&t Co Trust Tran Tuyen K Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Kovalsky Irena Levitan Alvarez Matthew L Smid Jason Joseph Hughes Simon Miller Latoya Mcpherrin Ryan M Shaffer-Myers Andrew Charles Bryson Douglas K Garcia Rey Alvarado Flynn Allan J Abella Joseph M Asset Preservation Trust Services Inc Wicklow Dev Llc Story Ivan B Hill Lashenda L Andriukaitis Suzanne M Tr Bell Philip Bradley Seim Sandra K Tr Vega Mark Anthony Sullivan Casey E Hernandez Juan P Sarna Dennis W Butler Richard Tr Voll Sarah T Oyih Ilemi Puccetti Vincent R Tr Carter Kayla Nicole Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Mcginn Matthew D Post Ann J Ward Derek T R
B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate â– January 16, 2019
BUYER
317 N. Harvey Ave., Oak Park
OAK PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
228 N Oak Park Ave 2O 950 Washington Blvd MANY 1103 Washington Blvd 32E 320 N Austin Blvd 1 507 S Elmwood Ave
$123,000 $105,500 $65,000 $33,000 $25,000
De Kok Hans Maandig Paul Renecker Della M Fannie Mae Oconnor Mary Jean
Gutierrez Pedro Jr Lowery Alison Aquino Emma Zavala Yvette Lewis Itecha
RIVER FOREST 1435 Lathrop Ave 934 Jackson Ave 7703 Washington Blvd 718 William St 1118 N Harlem Ave 1410 N Harlem Ave 415 Franklin Ave 3CN 414 Clinton Pl 402 1531 Monroe Ave 15311 7705 North Ave 15421 8035 Lake St 80352 1555 Monroe Ave 15553 434 Clinton Pl 302 7200 Oak Ave 72083NW 414 Clinton Pl 402 7200 Oak Ave 72001NW
$837,500 $690,000 $642,500 $437,500 $270,000 $200,000 $190,000 $165,000 $152,000 $141,000 $137,000 $115,000 $102,000 $78,000 $71,000 $53,000
Dixon Douglas R Nix Matthew T Smith Kevin M Ribakow Stuart R Carroll Juliet Torres Mari C Murphy Peter J Ind Exe Nugent James Rinella Samuel P Metoyer Tatiana Gaughan Katherine R Abbasi Emadoddin Long William B Adm Klajs Sylwia Saal Robert Lle Lillie John
Swiercz Andrea Luce Michael Edward Mcgee Daniel Peter Jr Hayley John C Hull Mark R Ward Janet Steinbach Mary T Leung Shuky Phillips Jennifer T Rivera Edys Morales Jorge Tavassoli Farhad Mo Xiaoqun Piekny Thaddeus Nugeht James Lee Hyunsoo
See PROPPERTY TRANSFERS on page B7
P R O P E R T Y
T R A N S F E R S
Continued from page B6
FOREST PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
7228 Circle Ave 132 Circle Ave 7234 Circle Ave 7440 Harrison St 7421 Washington St 819 Marengo Ave 112 Belvidere Ave 7551 Brown Ave 303 1112 Des Plaines Ave 1016 Circle Ave 227 Elgin Ave 5A 7244 Roosevelt Rd 819 Harlem Ave 842 Thomas Ave 211 Elgin Ave 5K 1023 Marengo Ave 1124 Beloit Ave 7250 Dixon St 7250B 314 Lathrop Ave 408 205 Circle Ave 2C 850 Des Plaines Ave 702 819 Harlem Ave 7431 Warren St 830 Circle Ave
$595,000 $410,000 $386,000 $376,500 $375,000 $326,000 $315,000 $275,000 $275,000 $260,000 $230,000 $210,000 $204,000 $181,000 $176,000 $144,500 $130,000 $120,000 $108,000 $87,500 $75,000 $31,000 Unknown Unknown
Kevils Colleen Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Spiros Peter T Tr Wine Krystal A Tr Chicago Title Land Trust Company Houhoulis Gregory Maiden Darren Valentin Ovid Jr Waldron Lucas Harrison Reynolds Stephen M Atg Trust Co Tr 00000L011-215 Kawka Angela Chicago Title Land Trust Company Oppenheimer Neal G Extr Bank Ny Mellon Klimczak Debbie Adm Pritchett Laurie Davis Vanessa Manilla Lana Nguyen Huong N Argos Vds Inc Judicial Sales Corp Judicial Sales Corp
Forest Oaks Sr Apt Lp Fox Kevin S Forest Oaks Sr Apt Lp Paule Elena Hernandez Alicia Stephens Jeanine Ren Rui Williams Eddie L Paranjape Dipti Patel Vijay J Krause Paul Jones Latasha R Aidyel Llc King David Heine Mary Elizabeth 1023 Marengo Llc Epic Prop Yorkville Llc Peacock Kathryn Kehoe Timothy E Zw Asset Mgmt Llc Series 2 Armbrust Christopher Aidyel Llc Federal Natl Mtg Assn Federal Natl Mtg Assn
Rates are down! These homes are now even more affordable!!
1125 S Ridgeland Oak Park 3BR 2Bath $374,900 Bright, sunny and move-in ready! Easy walking distance to the Blue Line. Features 2 full bathrooms (including a family sized jacuzzi on 2nd floor), newer SS kitchen appliances, central AC, huge family room with new carpet, back deck and extra Call Dave! deep garage. Recent rehab included Pella windows, furnace, newer electrical, copper plumbing. Super value, great location. Call Dave 708.567.1375
David Gullo, Managing Broker
708.567.1375
GulloAssociates@gmail.com
PERFECT LOCATION & PARKING INCLUDED! 337 S Maple #21 Oak Park 1BR 1Bath Condo $122,000 Bright and charming condo in downtown Oak Park! Unit located at the front of the building, so it gets tons of sunlight. Nicely updated kitchen and bath. Newly installed carpeting! The assigned parking space is right next to back door. Enjoy walking to downtown amenities like restaurants and shopping plus short walks to CTA Green line and Metra. Nothing to do but move in and enjoy! Call Laura 708.205.7044 Call Laura!
W W W. G U L LO R E A L E S TAT E . CO M
Laura Maychruk 708.205.7044
LMaychruk@comcast.net
Kaylyn Fox 708.835.4142 Mark Finger 708.990.8115
905 South Lombard Ste. 2 Oak Park, IL 60304
HOW DO I PAY FOR CARE? Saturday • January 19, 2019 • 10:00 AM Belmont Village Senior Living 1035 Madison Street • Oak Park, IL 60302 Speaker: Tom Pizur, Owner, Pizur Financial Group Since 1987, Tom has been helping families plan for long-term healthcare and has authored two financial planning books. Join us for an informative presentation on financial planning for long-term health care. We will cover Medicare, VA benefits, life settlement, reverse mortgages and long-term care insurance. We will also cover how to navigate the options for senior care, including skilled nursing and senior living communities. A light breakfast will be served. RSVP to 708-848-7200 or pporter@belmontvillage.com.
OAK PAR K ©2019 Belmont Village, L.P. | SC 52076 | belmontvillage.com/oakpark OP_WedJournal_PayforCare_1_2019.indd 1
1/7/19 9:54 AM
January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B7
THANK YOU CLIENTS & FRIENDS FOR MAKING US THE #1 BROKERAGE FIRM IN OAK PARK.
1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD
Source: MRED sales, Oak Park, 1-1-2018 to 12-31-2018.
B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 16, 2019
Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com
Excellence
(ek’se lens) noun. The quality of being exceptional; superior
Sunday, January 20, 2019 ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
1847 N. Neva Ave, Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $315,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1043 Clarence Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $420,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
812 Augusta St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group$425,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 843 N. Humphrey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $430,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30 1230 N. Euclid Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group$449,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 401 Augusta St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $595,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 142 S. Scoville Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3:30 1206 Lathrop Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $745,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 526 Augusta St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gullo & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,175,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 1140 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
CONDOS
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service. Finding someone who has the exceptional commitment required for professional excellence is rare... ...until you select the real estate professional with a total commitment to excellence in real estate service, Tom Carraher. Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.
TIME
210 N. Oak Park Ave. UNIT 1GG, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $152,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 7320 Dixon St. UNIT 203, Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $164,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
TOWNHOMES
721 Ontatio St. UNIT 106, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $495,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1:30
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
Tom Carraher
15 Forest Ave. UNIT 19, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 15 Forest Ave. UNIT 19, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 11-1
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7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151
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7375W. West NorthAve. Avenue 7375 North River Forest, Illinois River Forest 60305 708.771.8040 708.771.8040
http://tomcarraher.realtor.com
January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B9
No. 1 Oak Park Office in 2018.
2BR, Sundeck & Vinyl Storage (We get you.)
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
FOREST PARK
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
RIVER FOREST
OAK PARK
ELMWOOD PARK
$2,500,000 Charles Tupta
$699,000 Victoria Atkins
OAK PARK
$1,220,000 Patricia McGowan
$695,000 Leigh Ann Hughes
$899,000 Vanessa Willey
$499,000 Patricia McGowan
$799,000 Roman Lewis
$465,000 Arrick Pelton
$430,000 Liz O’Connell
$379,900 Ed Bellock Jr.
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
ELMWOOD PARK
FOREST PARK
BERWYN
FOREST PARK
$334,900 James Salazar
$299,900 Ken Van Santen
$374,900 Saretta Joyner
$295,000 Edward Tovar
$364,900 Bethanny Alexander
$269,900 Kara Keller
$699,900 Celeste Duignan
$429,900 Bethanny Alexander
$345,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik
BERWYN
$250,000 Sandra Dita Lopez
Source: BrokerMetrics® Detached and Attached only. 1/1/2018 - 12/ 31/2018
Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest | 1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708.697.5900 | BairdWarner.com B10 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 16, 2019
NEW LISTING
1147 FOREST AVE, RIVER FOREST
731 BELLEFORTE AVE, OAK PARK
546 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK
406 LATHROP AVE, RIVER FOREST
325 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK
6 br, 4.1 ba $1,400,000
5 br, 4.1 ba $999,000
5 br, 2.2 ba $796,000
4 br, 3 ba $700,000
5 br, 1.1 ba $514,900
Pauline Sharpe 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
Monica Dalton 708.848.5550
Jannie Earl 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
OPEN SUN 13
946 FERDINAND AVE, FOREST PARK
847 S KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK
1230 N EUCLID AVE, OAK PARK
936 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK
1414 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK
7 br, 4 ba $479,000
4 br, 1.1 ba $475,000
3 br, 1.1 ba $449,900
8 br $447,500
3 br, 3.1 ba $425,000
Mark Hosty 708.848.5550
Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Jeanette Madock 708.848.5550
Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550
Get Noticed. World-Class Marketing that moves your home from Listed to Sold. 101 N. Oak Park Avenue | 708.848.5550
812 AUGUSTA ST., OAK PARK
1170 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK
1157 GUNDERSON AVE, OAK PARK
1142 WENONAH AVE, OAK PARK
156 N OAK PARK AVE 2H, OAK PARK
3 br, 2 ba $425,000
4 br, 2 ba $399,000
3 br, 1.2 ba $398,902
3 br, 1 ba $375,000
2 br, 2 ba $349,000
Pauline Sharpe 708.848.5550
Robert Hann 708.848.5550
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
Sarah O'Shea Munoz 708.848.5550
NEW LISTING
1020 RANDOLPH ST 3W, OAK PARK
1147 CLINTON AVE, OAK PARK
211 ELGIN AVE 4C, FOREST PARK
7251 RANDOLPH ST B6, FOREST PARK
7432 WASHINGTON ST 602, FOREST PARK
3 br, 2 ba $320,000
4 br, 1.1 ba $249,900
2 br, 2 ba $210,000
2 br, 1 ba $119,900
2 br, 1.1 ba $117,500
Monica Dalton 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Anna Gillian 708.848.5550
Armando Vargas 708.848.5550
Akinleye Famoyegun 708.848.5550
| January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B11
In The Village, Realtors
®
Harry Walsh, Managing Broker
Mike Becker
Oak Park • $675,000 6BR, 4BA Call Roz x112
Oak Park • $725,000 4BR, 2.2BA Call Roz x112
Oak Park • $469,000 3BR, 3BA Call Roz x112
Forest Park • $439,900 Multi unit Call Joe x117
Roz Byrne Joelle Venzera
Tom Byrne
Forest Park • $419,000 Multi unit Call Harry x116
Oak Park • $424,500 2BR, 2.1BA Call Elissa x192
Oak Park • $425,000 3BR, 1.1BA Call Roz x112
Oak Park • $375,000 3BR, 1.1BA Call Kyra x145 Kris Sagan
Laurie Christofano
Oak Park • $269,800 3BR, 2.1BA Call Kyra x145
Berwyn • $315,000 Multi unit Call Laurie x186
Linda Rooney
Marion Digre
200 S Taylor Ave, Oak Park Morgan Digre
Ed Goodwin
Forest Park • $199,900 2BR, 1BA Call Kris x101
Joe Langley
$718,800 • 4BR, 3.1BA
Oak Park • $110,000 1BR, 1BA Call Mike x120
Jane McClelland
B12 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 16, 2019
Kyra Pych
Call Kyra x145
Keri Meacham
Mary Murphy
Steve Nasralla
Elissa Palermo
Our team of brokers is committed to your success! F E A T U R E D
P R O P E R T Y
Oak Park Gorgeous Home with sustainable design on double lot! Open floor plan, beamed ceilings, 1st floor family room, 2nd floor laundry, master suite with private deck, 3 closets, tub & shower, finished basement! Rare energy star rated homegeothermal heating/cooling system. 5BR/3.5BA.................................$750,000
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen
Cynthia Howe Gajewski
Managing Broker
Broker Associate
Ruby Blair
Denise Espinosa
Broker Associate
NE
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Broker Associate
Karen Baldwin
Broker Associate
Denise Sacks
Broker Associate/ Office Manager
Michele Strimaitis
Phil Joseph
Broker Associate/ Client Care Coordinator
Broker Associate
Lisa Allen
Kristen Hollinden
Client Care Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
! NE
Oak Park
Oak Park
Chicago
Forest Park
W
I PR
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Martha Murphy
Broker Associate
Isaac Jordan
Marketing and Technology
!
Oak Park
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the luxury of District House! This stunning 3-bedroom unit (plus office!) is the last developer listing available and boasts a breathtaking open floor plan, 10 ft. floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the LEEDcertified green roof. 3BR/2.5BA.. $575,000
Vintage with updates, including “green” certification. 3rd flr master suite with vaulted ceiling. Vintage wdwrk, art glass, built-ins, WBFP, HW flrs with inlays, updated kitchen, bamboo flrs. Space for office, fa rm, rec rm and/or guest suite! New roof (2016), HE HVAC (2018). 5BR/2.5 BA........$650,000
Dunning area gem is just the surprise you have been waiting for! Sunny, expanded bungalow on tree-lined street checks so many boxes. Huge eat-in kitchen w/newer black stainless-steel apps and bay window, backyard with plantings, patio, and a sturdy 2-car garage. 3BR/1.5BA.............$299,900
Conveniently located mixed use space! Retail on 1st flr with three 1-BR apartments on 2nd flr. Close to Blue Line, I-290, and bus. Each unit has upgraded windows and long-term tenants. Six parking spaces! Opportunity for an investor or business owner! Mixed use – 4 units.............$320,000
Rare opportunity to own HUGE 2 flat on deep, double lot with double garage (4 car parking) only 2 blocks from vibrant downtown OP! Units are 3/4 BR, 1400+ square feet each. Possibility to duplex down into the basement for even bigger living space! 2 Flat – 7BR/2BA..................$475,000
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440
D UN
Oak Park
Oak Park
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Oak Park
Unique condo is truly a one-of-a-kind find! Hardwood floors, woodwork, art glass windows, abundance of natural light make unit incredibly warm and inviting. Kitchen with cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Don’t miss out! 3BR/2BA................$320,000
Bungalow in highly desirable location! Large living room feat built-in bookshelves, opens to DR. Eat-in kitchen leads to enclosed back porch, overlooks backyard. Second floor master suite boasts sitting area, newer BA, closet space. Fully-finished basement. Has it all!4BR/3BA........$525,000
Wonderfully updated condo in Forest Park, super clean, move-in ready with assigned parking space! Features a large living room with wood laminate floors, a newer AC unit, remodeled eat-in kitchen with stainless appls, wood cabs and granite countertops, and tile backsplash. 1BR/1BA..........$85,000
Georgian in heart of Galewood. Hardwood floors, new windows, open floor plan, updated granite/SS kitchen, DR. LR with WBFP, mantel, built-in shelving. Fnshd bsmnt, large fam rm with WBFP. Wellmaintained home! 3BR/1.5BA......$310,000
HDWD flrs, built-ins, art glass! Modern kit with ss applncs. Mstr Suite with two walk-in closets, window seat plus mstr BA, double vessel sinks, sep shower, soaking tub. 3rd flr with BR, wd flrs, built-ins, skylights. Fnshd bsmnt with half BA. Close to El, shops and restaurants. 4 BR/3.5 BA.................$565,000
Erica Cuneen •708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen •708-220-2025
Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440
Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025
Erica Cuneen •708-220-2025
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Berwyn
D SE
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Oak Park
You can’t go wrong with this solid brick bungalow! Beautiful original woodwork and great bones! There are 2 generous-sized bedrooms (large closet in master), a partially finished basement with retro rec room (tall ceilings, wet bar!). 2BR/1BA...........$193,000
Craftsman is right-sized treasure in the middle of a quiet block. Great location 2 blocks from Green line. 2-BR, 2-BA has tons of charm, art glass & sensible updates. Great BA w/tub & shower. Amazing basement space!2BR/2BA ................................$372,500
Karen Baldwin • 708-288-1995
Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
708.386.1366 • 109 N. Marion St., Oak Park • beyondpropertiesrealty.com January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B13
Generations of Excellence since 1958
708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest DonnaAvenue Barnhisel Don Citrano 7375 West North Dan Bogojevich Julie Cliggett MANAGING Anne Brennan Alisa Coghill River Forest, Illinois 60305 BROKER/OWNERS Karen Byrne Kay Costello Kevin Calkins JoLyn Crawford 708.771.8040 Andy Gagliardo Tom Carraher Maria Cullerton Pat Cesario Joe Cibula
Tom Poulos
1140 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 13
Julie Downey Kurt Fielder
Yvonne Fiszer-Steele Ramona Fox Laura Gancer Chris Garvey Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin Greg Jaroszewski
1206 LATHROP • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 13
Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima Sherree Krisco Jack Lattner Susan Maienza Charlotte Messina Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney
Colleen Navigato John Pappas Sue Ponzio-Pappas Rosa Pitassi Caroline Rauch Michael Roche Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman
Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307
142 S SCOVILLE • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 13
7230 DIXON #203 • FOREST PARK OPEN SUNDAY 13
P RI CE RED U CED! SETTING A NEW STANDARD in approachable elegance, this five bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home will exceed your expectations with wide plank hardwood floors, striking lighting and custom millwork throughout. One of a kind floor plan, and three fully finished levels. ..............................................................................................$1,250,000
THIS HOME HAS IT ALL! Open floor plan, hardwood flooring and natural woodwork. High-end kitchen, first floor laundry area. Four large bedrooms. Large basement offers additional living space. 2-car attached garage. Tons of storage with lots of natural light throughout. ............................................................................$745,000
CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings, four spacious levels of living in beautiful Oak Park. This 5 BR, 3-12 BA home offers a formal entry, wood burning FP, sun room, family room, eat-in kitchen. Great flow, tons of natural light & storage throughout this beauty! ................................................................................... $650,000
EXCELLENT LOCATION! Bright & airy end unit with generous balcony located on a quiet coble stone street. Boasts open concept and brand new SS appliances. Freshly painted. Large master BR with two large closets & Master Bath. Neutral décor throughout.............. .................................................................................................$164,500
727 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST
744 HAYES • OAK PARK
1028 S EUCLID •OAK PARK
1426 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST
EXCEPTIONAL RENOVATION in the heart of RF presents unparalleled quality and design. The quality construction continues into the rehab where not a detail has been missed throughout this thoughtfully proportioned home with 6 BRs and 5 full and 1 half bath......... ..............................................................................................$1,895,000
MOVEIN READY with space for everyone! Enjoy the well thought out design of this 5 BR, 4 bath home! 1st FL includes open floor plan, kitchen/family room combo, BR, full bath. 2nd FL features 4 BRs, 2 full baths, laundry. Finished basement with additional BR and 4th full BA. ....................................................................................$599,900
WARM, INVITING CLASSIC OP HOME with vintage charm throughout. Double parlor LR has stained glass window, hardwood floors. DR is highlighted with beamed ceiling and built-in cabinet. Eat-in kitchen with cozy pot belly stove. Basement fam room, full bath, laundry, storage............................................................$415,000
ELEGANT, GRACIOUS HOME with 4 BRs, 2-1/2 BAs offers a large formal LR w/gas fireplace, spacious DR, hardwood floors, beautiful molding, family room, eat-in kitchen, finished lower level and whole house generator. Outside includes back deck & 3 car garage. ........... .................................................................................................$719,000
RIVER FOREST HOMES
GREAT LOCATION & EASY LIVING in this single family Tri-level home on a quiet Cul-De-Sac street. Great flow for entertaining, complete with family room. MBR has an en-suite European bath. Finished lower level has a 1/2 bath, study and exercise room. Growth to make it your own. ...... $599,000 GREAT RANCH HOME... Sun filled living room, eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms, one and a half bathroom, bonus room…den or 3rd bedroom. Mudroom, laundry room, finished basement. Abundant storage and a great location! Have a look and make an offer! ........................................ $329,000
PRICE REDUCED READY TO MOVE IN charming 3 bedroom home features a welcoming front porch with swing and sitting area. Home offers magnificent oak woodwork, stained glass & hardwood floors. Finished basement. Large deck & beautifully landscaped yard. Home has many extras! ..................................................................................................$437,500 A TRUE OP BEAUTY! Enjoy the deep park-like lot in Northwest Oak Park. Well maintained 1905 Farmhouse with 3 BR, 1-1/2 baths. In great condition! ..................................................................................................... $435,000
RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Covered rear patio. ...............................$119,500 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Recently renovated. ...................................... $99,000 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Vintage unit. ............................................$99,500 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Neat, tidy unit ......................................... $95,000
RARE NEW CONSTRUCTION in prime location is like no other. From the cut limestone, European detailing to the unequal foyer, it has no peers. This 7 bedroom, 7-1/2 bath home offers private office, elaborate chef’s kitchen, 10 ft ceilings, mud room, impressive lower level. .......................$2,750,000 STATELY BRICK/STONE ENGLISH STYLE HOME with 6 bedrooms and 7-1/2 baths. Features include a formal living room with limestone wood burning fireplace, dream kitchen, sun-soaked breakfast room, Smart Home ready, white oak floors, mud room, 10 ft ceilings. ...................... $2,750,000 BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining. .......................$2,399,000 STATELY LANNON STONE GEORGIAN that is move in ready with five large bedrooms, and three full baths. Large room sizes, remodeled gourmet kitchen, family room, three fireplaces , full finished basement, walk up third floor storage with 10 foot ceiling. Slate roof. Attd 2 car garage.$1,095,000 UNIQUE QUALITY BURMA BUILT HOME with 5 bedrooms and 3 full, 2 half baths. House has many wonderful features; 2 separate office areas, hardwood floors, kitchen with all newer appliances, adjoining eating areafamily room. Finished basement. Three car garage .......................$895,000
OAK PARK HOMES UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home! ... $1,625,000 COUNTRY TUDOR HOME with 5 BRs, 3-1/2 BAs in the heart of Oak Park’s Historic District. Impressive home blends both old and new, with natural woodwork and the modern conveniences in a gourmet kitchen which boasts commercial grade appliances................................................$749,950 SPACIOUS, SOLID BRICK COLONIAL HOME situated in the middle of a quiet, cul do sac. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 powder room family home boasts beautiful stained hardwood floors throughout, marble fireplace, built-in bookshelves, three season porch. Ready to move into!....$485,000
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2-FLATS
FOREST PARK HOMES
AWARD WINNING RENOVATION of this impressive 4 bedroom, 3 full bath luxury home! Large open floor plan, designer kitchen, mud room with built-ins, huge pantry, finished basement rec room, loads of storage and three separate porches. Architect designed landscaping. ............. $639,000 PRICE REDUCED ENJOY LUXURY LIVING in this masterfully renovated home on an extra wide lot. Gutted down to the studs, this Impressive open concept home features wood floors, natural light and high-style designer finishes. 1st FL office, finished LL family room and easy access to a large deck.................................................................................................... $469,000 TWO STORY BRICK & FRAME HOME w/open floor plan on first floor with slate entry & hardwood floors. Large LR, formal DR open to wood cabinet kitchen. 2nd floor has 4 BRs, 5th BR in basement. Basement is semi finished with laundry room. Large fenced in yard, 2 car garage... $349,000
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
B14 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 16, 2019
WILL YOUR HOME BE READY FOR THE SPRING MARKET?
Contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis
PREVIEW HOUSE Produced by the Advertising Department
Celebrating a Great 2018! Thanks to my Wonderful Clients and Amazing Community 130 Chicago Ave, Oak Park
159 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park
408 Madison St, Oak Park
Lyman & Madison, Oak Park
A GREAT Family Home to Fall in Love With!
W
elcome to this elegant estate home located at 526 Augusta in central Oak Park! Built in 1919, this home’s unique and historic features are seamlessly combined with modern updates. The stunning newer kitchen opens nicely to a sunny family room that features a gas fireplace. The unique original features include a paneled dining room, very spacious living room and a sunny parlor. Just past the hand painted fresco over the living room fireplace is a cozy library with its own fireplace, builtin bar and humidors. There are four fireplaces in all, including one in the sumptuous 750 square foot master suit. The master suite opens to a large private balcony and includes a separate dressing room and Italian tiled bath! The third floor is fully finished with a family room and a full bath. The first floor laundry room is incredibly convenient. This prestigious home is elegant, yet comfortable with the ability to entertain graciously inside and out. The yard features separate entertaining spaces and play spaces to accommodate any family gathering. 526 Augusta is currently listed for $1,175,000. See it this Sunday at an Open House from 11:30 to 1:30. For more information, contact Laura Maychruk, Gullo & Associates, 708-205-7044.
Looking forward to another great year! Theresa Jurgus Commercial Brokerage Services Office Retail and Investment Properties 773.851.5479 www.theresajurgus.bairdwarner.com
LUXURY 510 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST :: $1,395,000 :: 7+ BED :: 7.5 BATH Gourmet kitchen opens to family room. Attached 3 car garage. Walk to train.
COMING SOON 444 ASHLAND 3S, RIVER FOREST :: $699,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH New boutique building. 2600 sq ft. Beautiful unit-open floor plan, chef’s kitchen. Spacious rooms with 2 garage spaces & extra large terrace.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
January 16, 2019 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B15
SAY CONNECTS PRESENTS:
YOUTH ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Youth take the lead at this event. From a diverse range of local equity groups, the young people will exchange ideas & share their work to foster positive change in Oak Park & River Forest. Participant Groups: • Students Advocating for Equity (SAFE)
• South Asian Club
• Black Leadership Union (BLU)
• Future Philanthropist Program (FPP)
• ORFHS Student Body
• ASPIRA - advocacy, education and leadership development of Latinx youth
Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 7 p.m. Percy Julian Middle School Auditorium Reserve your space at oakpark.com/sayconnects
B16 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ January 16, 2019
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com
Treat black girls as the children they are
A
s the black mother of two black girls, I am always acutely aware of how black girls are harmed in this society. However, there are some moments in America when it is amplified that I and my girls are truly at the bottom of the totem pole of those deemed in need of protecting. This weekend, the Lifetime docu-series, Surviving R. Kelly, dug deep into R. Kelly’s alleged predatory behavior and abuse of mostly black high school girls, some of whom he met inside Chicago’s Kenwood High School, which he attended. I went to high school in Chicago in the 1990s — peak R. Kelly — and remember his predatory behavior being normalized. I remember the rumors about R. Kelly “going with” — dating, and possibly sleeping with — girls at my high school. I remember my friends who had his personal phone number. It was “a thing” to call that number and listen to his voice saying, “Yo, this Rob. Leave a message.” I have to believe that if so many students were aware of R. Kelly’s hitting on high school girls, surely at least some school adults would have known as well. Yet nothing was done to protect us. Just to be clear, the abuse and neglect of black women and girls isn’t new, and it isn’t unique to schools. Since the founding of America, black women and girls have been taught that our bodies don’t belong to us — that we were not human. While enslaved, black women and girls were raped in massive — and uncounted — numbers by their slave owners and any white male who desired access. The proof of this history can be found in the DNA of black people today. The New York Times reported on a recent study that showed the average black American’s ancestry is 82 percent African, 1 percent Native American and 17 percent European. Researchers estimate the European DNA was introduced in the decades before the Civil War, as a result of white male slave owners raping black women slaves. There is a cultural component to the sexual abuse of black girls. Black girls aren’t considered children. They are made into little adults and hypersexualized. They are considered “fast,” assumed older than their real age and thought to be less innocent than their white peers. They “asked for it” by wearing the wrong clothes. But children are not adults. Children cannot consent to adult relationships. Black girls do not ask to be abused. There is even a recent report of R. Kelly targeting girls at OPRF High School. Even as I wonder about these questions, there is no doubt in my mind there are still predators targeting black girls at schools, knowing that they are easy prey. Yet as a parent, I continue to hope that my black daugh-
SHARHONDA KNOTT DAWSON One View
See DAWSON on page 21
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
VIEWPOINTS
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Imagine OPRF financing: A win-win scenario p. 40
Speak up for Mother Earth or she will speak for you
he most noticeable thing about climate change is the great silence surrounding it. The most important and pressing issue of our time sometimes appears to be a taboo subject. Yet currently, agreement on this issue is as high as it has ever been. Yale University’s Climate Opinion Map, which surveys where we stand nationally on climate issues, indicates that 70% of Americans believe climate change is happening. This number has fluctuated since the late 1980s, when the ideology of market fundamentalism emerged at the same time as climate change awareness. Climate change took a back seat to individuals and industry pursuing their own self-interest. This remains the problem within the problem of climate change; it requires more than anything else, a collective solution. Strategies in resolving climate change require citizens speaking up and getting involved. I recently joined an organization called Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), which is a group of volunteer citizens who lobby the government to move forward on proposals and collective solutions to combat climate change. In November, we lobbied our newly elected representatives to propose a carbon fee and dividend. Both climate scientists and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agree that the fastest way to phase out fossil fuels and transition into renewables is by putting a price on carbon. Since no one in the supply chain pays for the pollution from oil and natural gas extraction, this solution goes right to the source of production with a carbon fee. Essentially, the carbon fee puts a price on pollution and charges the originator, and then redistributes it to all adult U.S. citizens as a dividend to do as they wish. The goal is to increase the carbon fee, or price of pollution, over time, making fossil fuel production expensive, and correspondingly phasing in renewables as the better option. CCL also seeks to make climate change a bipartisan or bridge issue. It will be difficult to move forward without representatives from the other side of the aisle. In the last Congress, CCL
helped launch a bipartisan group in the House called Climate Solutions Caucus, which attracted 45 members from each political party. The Climate Solutions Caucus sought to depoliticize the issue and allow both sides to discuss climate change, which is a crucial step toward any significant climate legislation. Emissions from fossil fuels have been increasing annually since 1950. The last four years have been the hottest ever recorded. To have two hottest years in a row would be a statistical anomaly. Knowing this, we have been responding as if we are in the Stone Age waiting to run out of stone. A carbon fee and dividend, while phasing in more efficient and cleaner energy resources, is our best bet. Yes, voter support for a carbon fee is growing along with citizen awareness but it needs to happen faster. A bipartisan bill called the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was introduced in 2018 and will be re-introduced soon. Watch for it and call your representatives to support it. It’s time to speak up! Mark L. Reed is a member of the Citizens Climate Lobby.
MARK REED
One View
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
O U R
V I E W P O I N T S
V I E W S
Investing in teachers
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or those who still think the contract between a school district and its faculty only comes down to pay and benefits, Oak Park’s District 97 elementary schools has pioneered another priority. In its past two contracts, the district vastly diminished the traditional, invisible, expensive and unproven tactic of paying teachers more for whatever often questionable continuing education credits they could rack up. Our view is that a lot of the continuing education coursework that teachers have been piling up over the decades is a lot of hooey. Our elementary school board concluded the same thing six years ago and proposed a bold alternative. Instead of handing out random pay hikes to anyone who completed a methods in teaching middle school math course, the district put real money, genuine incentive, to fund any district teacher who would commit and complete the rigorous National Board Certification program. This takes years, but it is a cohesive effort to turn good teachers into great teachers. And here the research is clear: National Board Certified Teachers are more effective in the classroom and they are powerful mentors within their schools. The fruits of this bold effort are now coming into view. After producing 20 NBCTs since the program began, this year 20 additional D97 teachers completed the program. Now there are 40 of these master teachers. And there are 50 more D97 teachers in the pipeline. Saving money on the flawed random coursework giveaway of past contracts, D97 is now paying $10,000 salary bumps to teachers who complete the NBCT program. That’s $10,000 per year for the rest of a teacher’s career in the district. That’s investing in teachers.
Lightford and Harmon With the headlines focused on the full-bore ascendency of Democrats in Illinois, attention rightly turns to new Governor J.B. Pritzker and the swearing-in Monday of an all-Democratic roster of state constitutional officers. Our headline, though, is on the deserved recognition of two veteran local Democratic state senators who have risen to the heights of influence within the senate. Oak Park-based Sen. Don Harmon’s role as head of the Senate Executive Committee continues and carries considerable substance in driving the progressive agenda for Illinois. Winning the more dramatic promotion is Sen. Kimberly Lightford. The Maywood native represents portions of Oak Park, all of River Forest, Forest Park and much of Proviso Township. She has now been appointed Senate Majority Leader, the number two post in the senate. She replaces the legendary Barbara Flynn Currie who has retired. Certainly, it is notable that Lightford becomes the first black woman to hold this post. She is also president of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, another post of considerable influence. Beyond that is Lightford’s considerable political and policy chops. She earned this post because she is a legislator with clear policy priorities, focusing directly on unmet needs in her communities. She is savvy and persistent enough to make those priorities real on-theground change. We look particularly at Lightford’s public education focus and the statewide impact of her legislation, which forced high school districts to radically change direction on suspensions and expulsions of students. This is a restorative justice approach that makes so much sense and goes straight to the inequities in how schools have dispensed discipline along racial lines. For Harmon’s part, we look to his determined efforts to move gun safety legislation through to the incoming governor’s desk after years of hard work and to the necessary shift to a progressive state income tax, Harmon’s Fair Tax, about to become the next essential discussion in fixing the state’s broken finances. Our communities have offered up to the state two legislators with progressive values, deep knowledge and political skills to make genuine change happen.
I
@ @OakParkSports
The enormous littleness of generosity
n the weeks since Christmas, I’ve been thinking about generosity and the role it plays in my life. It felt different this year. Being generous and feeling generous are not the same. You can be generous without feeling generous and you can feel generous without being generous. We are complicated entities and sometimes out of synch with ourselves. December is the peak month of generosity, but also of obligation — we have our lists of people we “have to” buy for. We want to, in most cases, but also have to. Yet true generosity, it seems to me, thrives on freedom from attached strings, deadlines, and budget considerations. How much is too much? In December, to some extent, we ration our generosity. Christmas inevitably aligns with the monetary and the material. Stretching our generosity muscles is good for us, but it’s exercise. Families pull names for “Secret Santa.” You might be less than thrilled with the name you pulled, but you also might enjoy shopping for someone you’re not that close to. Generosity can bring us closer. I tend to be selectively generous. I admire people for whom generosity seems second nature. I had to grow into it. But generosity doesn’t seem to make everyone happy. If it isn’t appreciated, it can be deflating. If it isn’t reciprocated, it can lead to resentment. And being habitually generous doesn’t always come from feeling generous. We question motives. Is generosity altruistic or merely enlightened self-interest? Is there a “payoff,” the feel-goodness of it? Do we seek a “virtue rush”? Are we really soliciting others’ approval? Looking for recognition? Am I wildly overthinking all this? At the moment, yes. But this past December felt different. I wanted to be generous. Not wildly, not excessively. Just a desire I hadn’t been aware of before. It didn’t feel obligatory. I didn’t worry so much about the Dec. 25 deadline. My most meaningful and appreciated gift was given in the new year. And it wasn’t purchased. I’ll bet a lot of people reached this stage long before I did. I’ve always been a late bloomer. There was no accompanying endorphin rush or deep sense of satisfaction. I just looked for small opportunities and didn’t hold back when they presented themselves. I gave gifts beyond my “list.” This shift seemed to come out of nowhere, which made me wonder. The seventh of Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development is “Generativity vs. Stagnation.” Generativity and generosity share the same root, but generativity is bigger. Generosity also overlaps with kindness,
but they’re not identical either. Maybe we don’t become capable of true generosity of spirit until we reach a certain stage in life, and some of us reach it later than others. It’s the “wanting to” that felt different. Wanting people to be happy and hoping to help make it so. And maybe also observing generosity in others. On Election Day this past November, I happened to ride the Green Line home from the Loop with Bob Spatz, a remarkable guy who has served on the District 97 school board for a long time (speaking of generosity). As we left the Oak Park station, a woman came up and started telling us her story. Times were tough and she needed money to get on the el. I wasn’t feeling generous so I turned away. Bob, however, listened — generous in its own right — and finally said, “I can tap you onto the Green Line if that will help.” He didn’t just listen. He did something. I admire that. Witnessing generosity can make you feel a little sheepish — or it can make you feel more generous. This year I’ve been pushing myself to give to panhandlers more often. It’s not so much that I like the feeling of giving. It’s more that I dislike the feeling of holding back, closing my inner door, which feels too much like saying no to life. Stagnation. Thinking about generosity reminded me of a favorite poem, “The Character of Love Seen as a Search for the Lost” by Kenneth Patchen: You, the woman; I, the man; this, the world: And each is the work of all. There is the muffled step in the snow; the stranger; the crippled wren; the nun; the dancer; the Jesus-wing over the walkers in the village; and there are many beautiful arms around us and the things we know. It’s a poem about compassion, which is a distant cousin of generosity. You, the sought for; I, the seeker; this, the search: And each is the mission of all. For greatness is only the drayhorse that coaxes the built cart out; and where we go is reason. But genius is an enormous littleness, a trickling of heart that covers alike the hare and the hunter. Gen- is a good root: Generation, generativity, genus, genius, genesis, genuine, generosity. Generosity is genuine when it is free of all attached strings. But there are many levels of generosity, based on the relative openness of our hearts. Maybe wanting to be generous, and paying attention to that desire, is the first step. Maybe people volunteer more as they get older not just because they have time on their hands or want to keep busy. Maybe they can’t help themselves. So much of life is driven by unmet needs. Generosity might be one of those needs — built into us, part of the package. An enormous littleness, the trickling of an open heart.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S by Marc Stopeck
S H R U B T O W N
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger, Nona Tepper Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Cassandra West, Doris Davenport Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Bill Wossow Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan
A win-win for financing Imagine OPRF PART I
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the next generation, where it should be because they are the ones who will benefit. Otherwise they will get a free pool and other facilities as an unmerited gift. That would be paid for by the past over-taxation of the rest of us, and the money will be forever gone. The problem is who moves first since neither side trusts the other? It’s like a classic “standoff ” in the old Westerns: Each side has a gun drawn on the other. How can a resolution be reached?
KEVIN
PEPPARD
he District 200 Board of Education is following some really bad advice on how to finance roughly $53 million in Imagine OPRF capital projects. It intends to do that entirely with existing cash. If they hired a consulting professor who teaches Public Finance at the University of Chicago or Northwestern in the Economics Department or their Graduate School of Public Policy, they would be told otherwise. Local government capital expenditures of significant size should be financed with bonds, to spread the costs to those who will benefit over the next two decades. The problem is that most bonds require a referendum vote (or one can be forced via “backdoor petitions”). The voters will not approve such a large amount of bonds while D200 holds such large cash balances due to past over-taxation.
One View
The Tax Swap vs. The Standoff Voters aren’t upset about the large cash balance per se. They’re upset that they paid for it, and they want their money back. Spending it on capital improvements is not an answer; it is a problem. Four and a half years ago, I proposed to the board and pool committee a “Tax Swap”: Bond the needed capital, and promise the same amount in temporary tax reduction. This leaves the district with exactly the same cash drawdown, but the voters with tens of millions in taxes returned and with the liability shifted to
A solution I’ve wracked my brains on this for years, and have an answer: Have the school board members each place a large amount of their personal money into escrow accounts. If they fail to reduce taxes after the voters let them sell bonds, the escrow account is due to the Red Cross. But why would they fail to reduce taxes, when they would have gotten the money they need and will have restored trust with the voter? And why would the voters deny the district its bond money when that closes off any chance at tax relief ? More to follow in Part II, including “What about interest?” “Why give back money only to re-tax?” “What to do about the $20 million they’ve already transferred?” and more Let’s start thinking creatively, by using some real financial strategy, not the easy-out gimmicks the board is being fed. Kevin Peppard has an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
Event Coordinator Carmen Rivera Ad Coordinator Nonna Working Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Village Clerk’s Office is the right place for FOIAs
uring the 2009 retirement party for Village Clerk Sandra Sokol, the standing-room-only crowd was asked to raise their hands if Sandra had ever helped them. Every hand in the room went up — a room so packed that the fire department almost shut it down. Village Clerk Vicki Scaman is cut from the same cloth. She is dedicated to providing you, the citizen, with the customer service you’re entitled to. An important part of this service is to ensure that citizens get the information they request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Village Clerk’s Office is the right place for this critical function. There is no reason to change that and good reasons not to. Currently, the Village Attorney’s Office is under the supervision of the village
manager, rather than the village board. This means the Village Attorney’s Office is not accountable to the elected officials who are in turn accountable to you the citizens. Last year, in the context of the Madison Street Road Diet, staff denied an individual’s request to obtain traffic count data on Madison Street. The Village Attorney’s Office then fought that denial all the way to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office issued a binding legal opinion declaring that the village’s refusal violated the Freedom of Information Act. The
Dominicans need to ‘set things right’ Good job on the Fenwick article about sexual abuse committed by Fr. William Farrell, O.P. The story was clear and compelling. [Victims of former Fenwick priest tell their stories, News, Jan. 9] Usually where there are two or three victims of sexual abuse, as with Fr. Farrell, there are more. It will be interesting to see if the article prompts others to come forward. The story also shows the national scope of the problem. Fr. Farrell has victims in multiple cities over many years, making it harder to follow his trail. Similarly, Fr. Bob Crowe was at Fenwick but then spent 30 years at a parish in Amarillo, Texas. To my knowledge, the Dominicans have never reached out to the Amarillo Diocese. Despite the words from the Dominican provincial, Fr. James Marchionda, and the president of Fenwick, Fr. Richard Peddicord, there are concrete steps that should be taken. For example: The Dominicans should not wait till sometime “this year” to release names and details of all the abusing priests. They know the names, in most cases have for years, and should get on with it. For example, the Dominicans have known about Fr. Crowe’s sexual abuse since 2002. This is not a story that gets better with time. Fenwick should share the article with alums from the 6770 classes so that others who may be suffering in silence from Fr. Farrell’s abuse have an invitation to come forward. Real reconciliation means not being a passive receiver of victim reports. Telling survivors to phone the office and report the abuse so that the Dominicans can issue an apology and put this behind them is not pastoral. (In the article, Prior Provincial Marchionda called this “setting everything right.”) The Dominicans and Fenwick need to take some longoverdue affirmative steps to begin addressing the abuse, any cover-up, and its aftermath.
Jack Crowe
Executive director, Year Up - Chicago
attorney general then ordered staff to provide this raw data to the requestor. None of this happened by board direction or even the knowledge that it had occurred. According to Pro Publica, the Public Access Counselor (PAC) annually receives some 30,000 requests from citizens to intervene when they cannot get the information they request from their government. Out of all those requests, the PAC singles out about 20 such cases to issue legally binding opinions declaring a violation of the act. We were one of those violators singled out by PAC.
SIMONE BOUTET One View
Last week at the SUA candidate forum, 11 out of 11 candidates running for village trustee stated that FOIA compliance belongs in the Village Clerk’s Office. Why? Because the public demands it. As a progressive community, we are engaged and politically active. Getting access to information on the affairs of government is the lifeblood of an informed citizenry. This imperative is not served by giving the henhouse keys to the foxes who have resisted your rights. As an elected official, the clerk’s first loyalty is to the people who elected her. We need Vicki Scaman to remain the FOIA officer, not employees whose loyalty is to the unelected staff who control their jobs. Simone Boutet is an Oak Park village trustee.
A VOICE for Oak Park VOICE is a new grass-roots community organization that many Oak Park residents have heard about in recent news media coverage, Facebook postings, and other sources. VOICE was formed in response to widespread concern about the current direction of village government. Our name stands for Vision, Openness, Inclusion, Community, and Environment. We’re a big-tent organization that welcomes all residents who want to see Oak Park’s future shaped by citizen-led government that is responsive to the community, transparent in its processes, and accountable to voters. We collaborate with other local organizations that share our goals of equity, diversity, and democracy. VOICE members come from many different backgrounds and perspectives. A few are former members of now-defunct local political groups; many are also affiliated with newer Oak Park civic organizations, among them Suburban Unity
Alliance, Oak Park Development Watch, Oak Park Call to Action, and Property Tax Watch. These organizations share VOICE’s goals of racial equity, appropriate development, responsive government, and affordable housing. VOICE is a civic action group that does not slate candidates. We have endorsed three candidates for the April 2 Oak Park Village Board election: Tim Thomas, Christian Harris, and Joshua Klayman. Tim, Christian, and Josh are committed to advancing VOICE’s objectives of building a transparent and democratic government, fulfilling the promise of Oak Park’s reputation as a truly equitable community, advancing policies that support the economic diversity of our community, and advocating development that respects the unique character of the village, its neighborhoods, and the environment. VOICE is working to give Oak Park citizens a greater voice in what happens
in our village. Changing the outlook and balance of power on the village board is only the beginning of the change we envision. The critical issues and challenges in our village involve tax control, responsible budgeting, appropriate property redevelopment, housing affordability, citizens’ access to information, and more; they concern our two school districts, the park district, the public library, and the township, as well as the village board. VOICE will remain active and engaged on all fronts as it works toward our vision of a progressive, inclusive community. Read more about VOICE’s guiding principles at voiceoakpark.org. You can join by emailing VOICEoakpark@gmail. com.
Ron Baiman, Julie Samuels, Paul Sakol, Steve Krasinsky, Gary Schwab, Greg Marsey, David Gentry, Hilda Schlatter, Bruce Lehman, and Wendy Greenhouse
VOICE Oak Park Steering Committee
Village clerk should oversee FOIAs As a candidate in the upcoming election for the Oak Park Village Board, I oppose the transfer of authority over Freedom of Information Act requests from the village clerk to the village attorney. The change, put in place by the village manager over the holidays, is described as a “technical” matter, necessitated by new technology. As we all know, computers are programmed by people and people have agendas. In a governance context, those agendas often relate to power.
As citizens of Oak Park, we need to be wary of an excessive concentration of power in the village administration. The Founding Fathers pointedly designed a system of governance to guard against just such impulses at the national level. The systematic dismantling of the Village Clerk’s Office over the past 10 years constitutes an example of the dynamic about which they warned at the local level. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was designed to serve as a check on the propensity of bureau-
cracies toward secrecy and on the propensity of bureaucrats toward self-protection and preservation. It is important that responsibility for its execution remain independent of that bureaucracy. On that basis, as well as on the basis of more general considerations, the Office of the Village Clerk should be provided a meaningful role within village government to include the responsibility of overseeing FOIA requests.
James Thompson Oak Park
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
A plan to build a wall
Join us on Jan. 28 for climate action
SUBMITTED
Oak Park Area ClimateAction to present “100% Renewable Energy” resolution to the Oak Park Village Board on Jan. 28. In the wake of its completed six-month tabling campaign at Oak Park Farmers Market, Oak Park Area ClimateAction will present a formal resolution to the Oak Park Village Board calling for endorsement of a pledge for “100% Renewable Energy.” At the scheduled village board meeting on Jan. 28, Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb will be presented with some 850 “100%” postcard petitions collected from Oak Park citizens at the Sierra Club/Oak Park Area ClimateAction table, from May through October, 2018. The resolution calls for the village to commit to a transition to 100% clean energy in the form of solar/wind and energy efficiency measures by 2035. More than 100 U.S. communities have signed on to the Sierra Club’s national “Ready for 100% Clean Renewable Energy by 2035” campaign. On Dec. 11, the city of Evanston became the first Illinois community to make the commitment. Oak Park Area ClimateAction supports cleaner air and water, good-paying clean energy jobs, and a brighter future for Oak Park-area communities through a 100% clean energy economy. For more information, contact David Martin, Oak Park Area ClimateAction, 708-848-8408 or david.martin34@comcast.net. Internet links: ■ https://www.facebook.com/oakparkclimateaction/ ■ climateactionop@gmail.com
David Martin
Signing up for ClimateAction last summer at Farmers Market.
Oak Park
Village clerk is on the side of the citizens The role of the village clerk has been decimated going back many years. Our clerks have tended to be the guardians of our citizens facing the governing bureaucracy. When a villager, or a visitor, went to Oak Park Village Hall, they were received warmly and often directed to the clerk’s staff. The personality of many clerks, and their good work, made them the top vote-getters for most elections. People trusted the clerks and the clerks respected the people. Because a clerk is not a trustee, they are not able to vote on board decisions. As trustees came and went, clerks were usually elected and re-elected. They had enormous knowledge of how things got done for the citizen. The decline in their role has been an insidi-
ous effort to take control and power and to mask it as a need to use more technology and streamline operations. Yes, the clerk’s office for years fought technology, but the entire government for many years was not exactly hightech or service-oriented. If you were to ask citizens about some of our past clerks, and our current one, “What department is most helpful?” you would hear things like “Vicki Scaman (or Theresa Powell) and her staff are so helpful.” As far as clerk icons, you have Virginia Cassin and Sandra Sokol. The lack of respect for an elected official lies with the legal department, the village president(s) and the village managers. The government can modernize the clerk’s office as a super-center for village services. It can
DAWSON
Protecting our girls from page 17 ters will have a different experience in school and our community. Here are a few things we can do to protect black girls in schools: Seeing black girls as children starts with the basics like ending misogynist namecalling. North West, Blue Ivy, and Quvenzhané Wallis have been constantly attacked
be done and it should be done. As to Freedom of Information, the stripping away of the clerk’s role is done only to aid the blocking of the information. Facts interfere with the current president’s agenda, and his silent partner, “Vice President” Pavlicek, supports this view. The current and new board of trustees are elected by the people to serve the people. Transparency above all else is critical. The current clerk, and the prior one, knows that the village manager and the president want to control the information. Controlling the information tells voters know you have the upper hand, while the citizens get the back of the hand to the truth.
for what they look like. They are children. They deserve to have their innocence protected. Black women celebrate black girls with the hashtag, #BlackGirlMagic. The hashtag has become popular in our circles, but not in the community. Why is it only black women who are celebrating black girls? Let’s highlight more black women in schools, in science, in literature, and in life. Celebrate black hair. Celebrate black girl names. Celebrate black girls’ strength and resilience. While CPS has made a start on changes to protect students from sexual abuse and assault, like opening a Title IX office and
Robert Milstein
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And so, he rode into the House, his plan to build a wall “Don’t worry about the money,” he groused, “Mexico will pay it all.” That first year he was oddly quiet Which was strange given all the hype No wall was built, no workmen hired Was the vision simply a gripe? Once the House was lost to him And his rule was not enforced He turned our city light to dim Shut down his only recourse. Like any donkey or stubborn mule it cares not about the work; the tears, the fears, the laid-down tool if anything, may cause a smirk. It’s easy to stick your feet in the ground And decide not to move a muscle When your money, your food, and your roof is found So what of other’s plight or tussle? We need men and women in the Senate People who see more than sides Who want to have a smart debate Without spitting a bucket full of lies. It’s sad to see the planet’s demise Our seas, our mountains and jungle Get lost amidst the panicking cries of Politicians having a rumble. We’re all connected, we breathe one air We walk one ground beneath us We tell our kids, “It’s important to share. Channel anger, be open, discuss.” Senators, politicians, I’m sure you care You were voted to govern and lead. Step out of your comfort zone and dare, to come up with a plan that succeeds.
Oak Park
conducting background checks on all employees, there is much more yet to do. We need all schools to do a better job of teaching all students, and especially black girls, about consent and healthy relationships. We also need school staff to be better prepared to handle supporting children who have been sexually abused. Rape and molestation cause trauma. Many black girls are unable to afford access to quality mental health services. Teachers and counselors are key adults in children’s lives — it is on them to look for signs of abuse and offer help. But to do that well, teachers and counselors need better training. Schools
Val Gee Oak Park
also need stronger connections to partners with expertise in supporting survivors of sexual assault. Black girls who survived R. Kelly’s victimization were failed by all adults, including the adults in schools. As a parent of black girls, I beg us all, especially adults in our schools, to do better for black girls now and start protecting, valuing, and loving them now. ShaRhonda Knott Dawson is a west suburban resident who is involved in multiple service organizations and projects in, and around, Oak Park. Her writing can be found on her blog, sharhondatribune.com.
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
O B I T U A R I E S
Marian Brennen, 101
Active church member and gardener Marian S. Brennen (nee Soper), 101, of Oak Park and formerly of River Forest, died on Jan. 1, 2019. Born in Chicago on May 17, 1917 to the late Clarence and Esther Soper, she was a lifelong member of her community for 101 years. A member of the River Forest Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, River Forest Women’s Club Red Hats, and West Suburban Special Recreation Association, she was an avid reader who loved gardening and enjoyed having a cup of tea in the afternoon. She lived on Bonnie Brae Avenue, surrounded by neighbors who knew her for her MARIAN BRENNEN kindness. She was a good friend, shared her humor and zest for life with all, and will always be in our hearts. Marian Brennen was the wife of the late Raymond E. Knudson and the late William T. Brennen Jr; the mother of Clarke (Janet) Knudson, William T. (Patty) Brennen and the late Nancy Knudson; the grandmother of Amy (Brian) Pieper, and Elizabeth, William and Katherine Brennen; the greatgrandmother of Rachel, Jack and Leah Pieper; the sister of the late Evelyn Gustafson and Helen Beverwyk; and the aunt, great-aunt and friend of many. Visitation and funeral service were held on Jan. 4 at River Forest United Methodist Church, with interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home. The family appreciates memorials to the West Suburban Special Recreation Association or River Forest United Methodist Church.
Joanna Vanni, 87 Church musician, animal lover
Joanna Bernadine Vanni, 87, of Oak Park, died on Jan. 8, 2019. Born to the late Frank and Mary (Breckenridge) Kirchgessner, she was a graduate of Metamora High School class of 1948, Rosary College (Dominican University) class of 1952, and completed master’s level coursework at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She married Steno at St Mary’s Church in Metamora, Illinois on May 8, 1954. JOANNA VANNI A talented pianist and organist, she worked as a church organist in the Oak Park-River Forest community her entire adult life, including 33 years at St. Vincent Ferrer, followed by time at St Giles, Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, and River Forest United Methodist Church, from which she retired in 2016. She filled in often as a substitute organist at nearly all the Catholic churches in the area and played for hundreds of weddings and funerals. A lifelong lover and supporter of the arts, she was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Architectural Foundation, and the Guild of American Organists. She was a season ticketholder to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, and Joffrey Ballet for decades. She was also an ardent animal lover and donated generously to numerous animal rescue organizations. She spoiled her “granddogs” and “grandkitties” with reckless abandon, saying she could do so because they did not have to grow up to be responsible adults. In addition to her musical endeavors, she worked full time as an insurance claims
Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
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administrator for Employers Insurance of Wausau (now owned by Nationwide) for 23 years, where she formed lifelong friendships with many of her co-workers. Ahead of her time in many respects, she often commuted to work at Wausau via bicycle rather than drive in busy Oak Park traffic. In her retirement years she traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe and visited many of the great cathedrals in Europe, checking out their organs along the way. As a devout Catholic, it was a joy for her to travel in a way that fulfilled her both spiritually and musically. Joanna was preceded in death by her loving husband, Steno; her daughter, Sylvia Candela; and her siblings, Fr. Julius Kirchgessner, Gene Elbert, Albert Kirchgessner, Isabel and Anna Belle Kirchgessner. She is survived by her children, Paul Vanni, Bill Vanni (Lori), Jim Vanni (Julie), and Jane Vanni-Noone (Kevin); and her grandchildren Chrissy (Ben), Stanley, and Aidan. Visitation was held on Jan. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m., at Drechsler, Brown, & Williams Funeral Home in Oak Park. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Catherine/St. Lucy, 38 N. Austin Blvd., on Jan. 15, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Helen Slivinski, 89 Educator, librarian and lifelong learner
Helen Slivinski, 89, of Oak Park, formerly of Berwyn, died on Jan. 4, 2019. A lifelong learner and educator, she retired as a librarian from Brook Park School in LaGrange Park and afterward volunteered for many years as a Cluster tutor in the Austin neighborhood. She was a member of Third Unitarian
See what all the buzz is about.
Church, serving on their educational scholarship committee, and a longtime member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), where she continued her support of educational scholarship HELEN SLIVINSKI for young people. She was an accomplished artist and a dear friend. “May the longtime sun shine upon you; all love surround you; and the pure light within you, guide your way on.” Helen Slivinski was the wife of Paul Slivinski (who died on Oct. 15, 2018) for 62 years; the mother of Annie Slivinski, Lucy Slivinski and David Slivinski; and grandmother to Theo Glaser, Vanessa Slivinski, Kindra Slivinski and Matthew Slivinski. A celebration of her life is planned for spring 2019. Please contact hscelebrate@ gmail.com for information.
Elissa Speizman, 67 Worked for the EPA and DOE
Elissa Speizman, of Oak Park, died on Jan. 8, 2019. Born on June 3, 1951, she was one of the first female graduates of the University of Wisconsin’s MBA program, and a 38-year employee of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. An avid traveler, hiker, and bicyclist, she was a co-founder of the Harrison Street Bicycle Club. Elissa was the wife of Doug Walder, the mother of David and Sam Walder, the sister of Richard (Faith Horowitz) Speizman and Andrew (Jackie Penrod) Speizman, and the aunt of many nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Memorials to Cluster Tutoring, P.O. Box 4116, Oak Park, IL 60303 are appreciated. For more information, call 708-383-3191 or drechslerbrownwilliams.com.
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
RELIGION GUIDE Presbyterian
Check First.
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor
ELCA, Lutheran
Good Shepherd
Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00 a.m.—Education Hour 10:30 a.m.—Worship
All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741
Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920 Sunday Schedule Christian Education for All Ages 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am
Child care available 9-11am
fairoakspres.org OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
(708) 697-5000 LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service
Fair Oaks
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
Grace Lutheran School
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1
Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor
Roman Catholic
St. Edmund Catholic Church
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220
St. Giles Family Mass Community
We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.
Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed
Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca
Upcoming Religious Holidays
Feb 5 Chinese New Year 8 Nirvana Day Mar 4 Maha Shivaratri 5 Shrove Tuesday 6 Ash Wednesday
Buddhism, Jain, Sikh Hinduism Christianity Lent begins
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
GET TO KNOW US BETTER IN 2019! LEAD . LEARN . PROMOTE
Look for these icons to guide you through our Chamber. All are invited.
No time? Do one thing this week to help your business.
Info & direction about Chamber & community resources.
Info about opportunities to grow your business & participate in professional development.
Info & activity about affinity groups to get involved with.
learn more at oprfchamber.org
News & activity in the districts around the Village.
Learn about most relevant biz news & be in the "conversations that matter most."
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED
25
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
BULIDING SUPERVISOR II The Park District of Oak Park is looking to hire Building Supervisors to facilitate & manage staff at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex. Responsible for managing patron issues, ice maintenance/resurfacing, opening and closing facility. Valid drivers license required. 18 hours/ week, mornings, nights, weekends & holiday hours. $12/hour. To apply, go to www.pdop.org JOB ID 1496
Lead Software Test Engineers I sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL. Apply at http://www.jobpostingtoday.com (ref #77016).
TEMPORARY RECEPTIONIST CPA firm in Oak Park looking to hire a temporary receptionist. Training to start as soon as possible, full-time hours until the end of April. Please send resumes to nicolehorras@ zscpa.com
COMMUNITY RELATIONS INTERN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Relations Intern in the Community Relations Department. This is a seasonal position that will provide assistance to the Community Relations Department, provides intake and referral services for residents to community resources, assists in investigations of landlord/ tenant complaints, etc. 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 no later than February 8, 2019. ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electrician’s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info 708-738-3848. ENGINEERING TECH The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician I in the Public Works Department. This employee performs technical engineering support tasks; prepares preliminary designs through final plans and technical drafts; makes complex calculations for various public works projects; and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than January 31, 2019. International Consultant (Mercer Health & Benefits LLC–Chicago, IL): Work with a team of International Consultant Group (ICG) consultants & Mercer consultants around the world to deliver customized multinational client solutions & address complex issues. Req’ts: Master’s deg or foreign equiv in Math, Stats, Act’l Sci, Insurance, or rel + 2 yrs of exp in job offd or rel. Must have 2 yrs of exp: US GAAP & IFRS accounting guidelines; actuarial valuation skills; coding with actuarial valuation software; MS Excel with VBA; actuarial valuation & analysis; change mgmt analysis including quantifying & explaining the impact of change in liability due to actuarial assumption or other methodology change; project mgmt; risk mgmt; & pension & annuity-related products. Must hold the ASA designation. Alt, the employer will accept a Bach deg or foreign equiv in a stated field + 5 yrs of prog resp exp in the above. The employer will accept pre-or post-Master’s deg exp. Any suitable combo of edu, training, or exp is acceptable. MMC invites applicants to submit resumes online at http:// www.mmc.com/careers/mmc.php using Keyword # R_044638. EOE.
OPRF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation has a part-time job position open for a Donor and Grant Services Coordinator. The position will support the administration and management of the Foundation’s grant and scholarship programs and donor development efforts, including maintenance of the Foundation’s database. For a complete job description and required qualifications, visit oprfcf.org under Who We Are–Job Postings. Qualified candidates please submit cover letter and resume by Jan.31, 2019. 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 no later than January 25, 2019. PART-TIME COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Part-Time Community Service Coordinator in the Adjudication Department. This person monitors individuals who have been ordered to provide community service in the Village, coordinates with organizations that provide community service opportunities, etc. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than January 25, 2019. SYSTEMS ANALYST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department. Applicant will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and techniques of various programming languages, database, computer programming, on-line programming and programming documentation. Additional skillsets include systems analysis and design techniques, such as database normalization, business analysis, workflow procedure, modular programming, stored procedures, and interface with operating system. Our technology environment consists of MS-SQL & Tools, Superion OneSolution CAD/RMS, CityView Permit, Licensing & Inspections, ERSI ArcGIS, Laserfiche and web software (Java, HTML, Adobe ColdFusion and Drupal).http://www. oak-park.us/ . Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than February 8, 2019.
VISION THERAPIST (PT) Vision Therapist(PT) Late afternoon/evening hours (weekdays). Possible Saturdays. Work one on one with patients(typically children) to improve vision skills. Training provided. River Forest Optometrist– Fax resumes to 708-771-0513. No Calls.
SUBURBAN RENTALS 2BR OAK PARK GARDEN APT 2BR Garden Apt near Longfellow School. Freshly decorated w/ hdwd floor, tiled bath and beautiful backyard. Rent includes heat, private parking, and washer/dryer on premises. $1300 plus 1 mo. security deposit. Background Check required. call 847-561-2677
CITY RENTALS APARTMENTS FOR RENT Division and Cicero. 2nd floor, 2 BR. Heat included. Nice apartment. $750 per month. Lower Level 1 BR. Heat, gas included. $600 per month. 1 mo security and background check required. Call 773-626-0365.
ROOMS FOR RENT
SPACE FOR RENT
AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957
OAK PARK SPACE FOR RENT Massage rooms for rent. Looking for Licensed Massage Therapist & Licensed Esthetician. Must have state licensed & carry own liability insurance. $500 a month. 312-203-1276.
Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking; Free wifi; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared Waiting room; optional Conference room. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M
property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Oak Park: Studios, 1, 2 & 3 BR from $825 - $2,100 Forest Park: Studios, 1, 2 & 3 BR from $795 - $1,850
Apartment listings updated daily at:
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
You have jobs. We have readers!
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
GENEALOGY SERVICES Abby Schmelling Genealogy Support Services Family History Research Helping You Get Started Getting Through Brick Walls
708-417-1241 abbyschmelling@gmail.com
NOVENAS NOVENA PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) OH, MOST BEAUTIFUL flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. RB. PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank you St. Jude.
Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342.
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We make service calls! We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
CLEANING
HANDYMAN
Pam’s A+ Cleaning Service
Mike’s Home Repair
FLOORS
708-296-2060
Fall is here! Time to make a change? Take a moment to preview our detailed cleaning. For a free esimate please call 708-937-9110
KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR Our 71st Year
Garage Doors &
Electric Door Openers
Sales & Service Free Estimates
Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
773-732-2263 Ask for John
HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING
(708) 652-9415
HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT
HANDYMAN
Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers
www.forestdoor.com
CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
708-488-9411
%,%#42)#!, (!.$9-!. 3%26)#%3 !LL 4YPES OF (OME 2EPAIRS 2EPAIRS )NSTALLATIONS 0ROFESSIONAL 1UALITY 7ORK !T 2EASONABLE 0RICES 0ROMPT 3ERVICE 3MALL *OBS A 3PECIALTY
Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
26
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
CLASSIFIED ORGANIZING PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Home organizer. Reasonable rates and privacy assured. Send contact info to Organizer c/o Hollywood Citizens Assoc P.O. Box 262 Brookfield, IL 60513 Home improvement pros! Advertise here. Call 708/613-3342
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
708.749.0011
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PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE
CALL THE WINDOW MAN!
Insured
Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929
Serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & Riverside Since 1974
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE The Riverside Township Board will hold a special Budget Hearing at the Riverside Town Hall 27 Riverside Road Riverside IL, 60546 on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 4 Agenda 1. Call to order/Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Special meeting to prepare Riverside Township 2019-2020 Budget 4. Adjournment Liane J. Blauw, Clerk January 9, 2019 Published in RB Landmark 1/16/2019
Starting a business in 2019? Call the Experts! Publish your Assumed-Name Legal Notice here. Call 708/613-3342
In print • Online • Available to you 24 / 7 /365
Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
PLUMBING
BROKEN SASH CORDS?
Public Notice: Your right to know
CLASSIC PAINTING
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WINDOWS
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PAINTING & DECORATING
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 02-19-Z: 1032 Superior Street, James & Kelly Bonaccorsi Property Index Number: 16-07-102-017-0000 The Applicants James & Kelly Bonaccorsi seek variances from Section 9.4 (Table 9-1: Permitted Encroachments Into Required Setbacks) and Section 9.3 (A) (3) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance which regulate certain accessory structures permitted in required setbacks, to permit the construction of a one vehicle off-street parking space in the required front yard setback at the premises commonly known as 1032 Superior Street, Oak Park, Illinois. Those property owners within 300 feet of the Subject Property and those interested parties persons with a special interest beyond that of the general public (“Interested Parties�) wishing to cross-examine witnesses must complete and file an appearance with original signatures with the Village Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the business day preceding the public hearing. All papers in connection with the above matter are on file at the Village of Oak Park and available for examination by interested parties by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 708.358.5449. The Zoning Board of Appeals may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. DATED AT OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, this 16th Day of January, 2019 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/16/2019
OakPark.com | RiverForest.com
OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIlliPUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25th, 2019 for the following BID 19-109 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK 2019 STONE & SAND MATERIALS REQUEST FOR PRICES Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708358-5700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park.us or on the Village’s website http://www. oak-park.us/your-government/ finance-department. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 1/16/2019
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25th, 2019 for the following BID 19-110 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK 2019 UPM COLD MIX ASPHALT PATCH MATERIAL REQUEST FOR PRICES Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708358-5700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park.us or on the Village’s website http://www. oak-park.us/your-government/ finance-department. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 1/16/2019
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,� as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19000281 on January 8, 2019. Under the Assumed Business Name of CAREER ENTERPRISES with the business located at: 300 NORTH MAPLE #3, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ROBIN ANN SHEERER, 300 NORTH MAPLE #3 OAK PARK, IL 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 1/16, 1/23, 1/30/2018
BID ADVERTISEMENT Notice is hereby given that the Village of Riverside will now be accepting sealed bid proposals for the Metra Commuter Lot #1 Green Parking Lot Project at the Village of Riverside, Department of Public Works, 3860 Columbus Blvd., Riverside, Illinois 60546 until 11:00 a.m., January 28, 2019 local time at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. BID OPENING DATE: January 28th at 11:00 a.m. DESCRIPTION: The proposed work is officially known as the Metra Commuter Lot #1 Green Parking Lot Project and further described as the following: The proposed work includes full depth HMA pavement removal of the existing parking lot to be reconstructed with a permeable subbase granular material, permeable pavers, curb and gutter removal and replacement, and PCC sidewalk removal and replacement. Also included is the construction of a bioretention facility adjacent to the parking lot in the Village of Riverside. BID SECURITY: 10% Bid Bond or Cashier’s Check Prospective BIDDERS and suppliers may download contract documents from QuestCDN via the Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd website http:// cbbel.com/bidding-info/ or at www.questcdn.com under Login using QuestCDN# 6078408 for a non-refundable charge of $20.00. A QuestCDN login will be required. Contact QuestCDN. com at 952-233-1632 or info@ questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration and downloading this digital project information. A hard copy of the plans may also be viewed at the offices of the Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., 9575 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018. Contractors must purchase bid Published in Landmark 1/16/2019
Selling your home by owner? Advertise here! Call: 708-613-3342
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.MARK E. HACKER, 215 MARENGO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 17 CH 06287 215 MARENGO AVE., APT 6-F FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 14, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 15, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 215 MARENGO AVE., APT 6-F, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-12-426-0241038. The real estate is improved with a residential condominium. The judgment amount was $114,747.29. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders 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 Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS
& MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 Please refer to file number 2120-13570. If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. 2120-13570 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 17 CH 06287 TJSC#: 38-8963 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. I3106468
assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 18-1058. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 18-1058 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2018 CH 10415 TJSC#: 38-9909 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. I3108701
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION RMAC LENDING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.MI CASA ENTERPRISE, LTD, D’VILLEGAS, HOUSEFACTS INC. Defendants 2018 CH 10415 209 DIVISION STREET 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 18, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 31, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 209 DIVISION STREET, Oak Park, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-303-0190000; 16-05-303-020-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $456,818.69. 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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.JOHN B. BERGEN, ANNE BERGEN A/K/A ANNE MATERN BERGEN, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, UNKNOWN OWNERS
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
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CLASSIFIED
27
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 13 CH 027299 128 S. LOMBARD AVENUE 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 November 14, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 20, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 128 S. LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-303-008. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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 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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-31429. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-13-31429 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 13 CH 027299 TJSC#: 38-9058 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. I3108981
MARENGO AVENUE #6E, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-12-434-0441069. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for 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 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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE,
IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-18-02388. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-02388 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 03645 TJSC#: 38-7981 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. I3108819
0170. Commonly known as 1523 Bristol Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W17-0106 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3109298
by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 Please refer to file number 2120-9146–FT. If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. 2120-9146–FT Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 10 CH 36911 TJSC#: 38-9898 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. I3109170
the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-18-04423. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-04423 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 18 CH 05513 TJSC#: 38-9260 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. I3109529
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BANC OF AMERICA ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-3 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, -v.GLADYS MYERS, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., THE BOARDWALK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF FOREST PARK, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NELLIE A. TERRY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, TIMOTHY CONNER, CARY ROSENTHAL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR NELLIE A. TERRY (DECEASED) Defendants 2018 CH 03645 235 MARENGO AVENUE #6E FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 1, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 15, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 235
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 1699; Plaintiff, vs. ECHELON REALTY INVESTMENTS CORP., SERENA G. VICTOR; VILLAGE OF OAK PARK; ALFONZO AND MANGELSON GROUP, INC. AKA AAMG FINANCE; Defendants, 18 CH 5978 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-06-403-023. Commonly known as 815 NORTH EAST AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a commercial building. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-00922 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3109306 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CARISBROOK ASSET HOLDING TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. CARMELLA BROWN; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CARMELLA BROWN, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 3789 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-21-216-044-0000 Vol.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.LINDA F. COLE Defendants 10 CH 36911 208 LE MOYNE PARKWAY 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 March 13, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 15, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 208 LE MOYNE PARKWAY, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-102-0290000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $474,475.34. 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 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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION CITIZENS BANK NA F/K/A RBS CITIZENS NA Plaintiff, -v.SHEILA ARMOUR, FIRST AMERICAN BANK Defendants 18 CH 05513 2106 18TH AVENUE BROADVIEW, IL 60155 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 26, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 28, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2106 18TH AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155 Property Index No. 15-15-330-0170000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
The Year of Equity
A powerful conversation on equity among Wednesday Journal’s Villagers of the Year Jackie Moore
Wednesday Journal
OPRF school board president Villager of the Year/Oak Park
Ralph Martire
CONVERSATIONS
2018 Villagers of The Year
River Forest D90 school board president Co-Villager of the Year/River Forest
Ed Condon District 90 school superintendent Co-Villager of the Year/River Forest
Steve James “America To Me” director and producer Runner-up Villager of the Year/Oak Park & River Forest
Tuesday, January 29 n 7pm n Dominican University Performing Arts Center Our moderator, Frances Kraft, The Equity Team
Plus, we will honor 38 years of previous Villagers of the Year. Our first ever reception for the extraordinary women and men we’ve recognized since 1985.
RSVP to this FREE event at www.OakPark.com/wjconvo Thanks to our sponsors: West Suburban Medical Center • Senator Don Harmon • Maya Del Sol
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S P O R T S
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
ALEC
Rising star
“I have an awesome support system with my family.”
from page 32 people like (former Chicago Bears) Charles Tillman and Otis Wilson and (actor) Ashton Kutcher.” Meeting famous people, particularly from the sports world, has become a way of life for Cabacungan, who has osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bones disease, and has broken more than 60 bones in his lifetime. A patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago since he was 2 months old, he has undergone many surgeries, hours of physical therapy, X-rays and clinical visits. Since 2014, the affable teenager has also been the face of Shriners, starring in national commercials for the hospital that aired on MSNBC, Fox News and the USA networks. “Shriners has always been there for me, both physically and mentally,” Cabacungan said. “I’ll always be grateful for Shriners. It’s my second home, my second family.” His notoriety has paved the way to some incredible opportunities in the world of sports. An aspiring sportscaster/actor, he has appeared on numerous television shows and commercials, along with radio spots and podcasts. He’s the creator of SmartAlecOnSports.com and has film experience as a supporting actor. Cabacungan has also met a wide array of professional athletes such as NFL players Ezekiel Elliott, Mitchell Trubisky and Jared Goff, NBA player Pau Gasol and PGA golfer Ricky Fowler. He even went fishing with NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre. “When I realized I wasn’t going to make the pros or be 7 feet tall, I wanted to be the first person to break the news,” he said. “Meeting so many famous people and having them compliment me on my commercials or acknowledge what I’ve done is so cool to me. It also has opened some doors for me, knowing people in pro sports.” Cabacungan cites his visit to TNT’s Inside the NBA as the zenith of his sports-related experiences to date. At the TNT studios in Atlanta, he met his hero, sportscaster Ernie Johnson, along with the rest of TNT crew: former NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. In fact, Cabacungan appeared on the halftime show. A YouTube vide from 2017 showing Cabacungan prepping for his appearance on the show became very popular. At one point in the video, Cabacungan meets the 7-foot-1, 325-pound O’Neal. “I know you,” O’Neal tells Cabacungan. “I’ve seen you somewhere before. Yeah, on the commercial, right? Yeah! I knew I’d seen you before on the commercial.” Cabacungan, who describes O’Neal as “a fun guy,” relished the opportunity to talk hoops with several NBA legends. “Doing the TNT halftime show was a dream come true,” he said. “I would always watch the show while I was doing my homework. When Ernie Johnson called me and wanted me to come on the show, that’s something I’ll never forget. “I’ve kept in touch with Ernie. I send him a text now and then. He gives me advice whenever I need help and he’s just there for me. I’m grateful for his friendship.” Cabacungan’s parents, Gil and Alma, and sisters Kirsten, Isabella and Juliana have supported his busy lifestyle attending OPRF, promoting Shriners, and making public appearances. Cabacungan also gives a big shout-out to the community. “I have an awesome support system with my family,” Cabacungan said. “They have been so helpful in making my dreams come true. I have a lot of great friends at OPRF. Oak Park is unreal. Whenever I’m out, people are so nice
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ALEC CABACUNGAN Shriners spokesperson
Courtesy Gil Cabacungan
Alec Cabacungan, left, enjoys Bears game with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. to me. They want to take a picture with me or tell me stories how I touched their lives. It helps me get through days knowing people care about me.” In his spare time, Cabacungan enjoys playing various sports with wheelchair basketball being his favorite. “I’ve spent hours on the [Shriners] court just playing and meeting people after physical therapy,” he said. The indoor basketball court at Shriners was recently named after him.
“At our international headquarters in Tampa we receive letters on a daily basis from people all over the country who are touched by Alec, by his life, his can-do spirit and his warm personality,” Stephanie Herron, chief development officer, Shriners Hospitals for Children, said at the court dedication ceremony. “In a world that is so often filled with cynicism and turmoil, Alec brings people joy and gives them hope. And Alec reminds us of what is good in the world.” Gill Cabacungan never imagined his son’s story would affect so many others. “We are deeply honored the whole nation has embraced Alec,” he said. “Since 2015, Alec has not only given awareness to Shriners Hospital but he’s raised money to help other kids at Shriners. He has an infectious personality which makes others smile. Other people feel their problems are so small compared to what he has gone through.” Ironically, Alec Cabacungan shares a similar view, only in his situation compared to others. “I try and wake up every day open-minded,” Cabacungan said. “We all have rough days, but there’s always someone out there dealing with a tougher situation than you. I think about what others are going through, like the kids at Shriners when I am down. It inspires me to know that tomorrow is going to be a better day.” Michael Romain contributed to this story.
Courtesy Gil Cabacungan
GONE FISHING: Alec Cabacungan spends time fishing with NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre.
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S P O R T S
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Huskies grapple with the best Beat the Streets and OPRF host wrestling tourney for a good cause By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor
Lake Highland Prep, from Orlando, Florida, placed first in the Beat the Streets Brawl at Oak Park and River Forest High School over the weekend, but all five wrestling teams came away winners. Hosted by Beat the Streets Chicago in conjunction with OPRF, the one-day, 12hour tourney featured nationally-ranked squads OPRF, Lake Highland Prep, Bergen Catholic (N.J.), Poway (Calif.), and Montini mixing it up on the mat. Beat the Streets Chicago is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to empowering Chicago youth through wrestling. Proceeds from Saturday’s event support Beat the Streets youth programming and scholarships. On the mat, Lake Highland Prep went 4-0 to finish first, followed by Bergen Catholic, Montini, OPRF and Poway. “The BTS brawl was an amazing event and extremely competitive,” OPRF junior Nico Bolivar said. “It was fun to be a part of and run pretty well. It flowed throughout the day with little to no breaks.”
OPRF (22-3) started the competition well with a 33-28 victory over Poway. Unfortunately, the Huskies went winless the rest of way, dropping matches against Bergen Catholic (38-24), Lake Highland Prep (42-21) and Montini (40-24). OPRF faced Montini in last year’s Class 3A dual team state final as well, with the Broncos defeating the Huskies 43-29. Individually, the Huskies’ Jacob Rundell went 4-0 at Beat the Streets, while Eddie Bolivar finished 3-1. Nico Bolivar, Joe Chapman and Danny Lingen all battled to a 2-2 record. “I think we performed strongly in our first two duals,” Rundell said. “As the day wore on, I think we wore down as well. I wrestled well personally, but there is always another level we can all reach.” In addition to watching an array of highprofile matches, wrestling fans were treated to exhibition wrestling from former Huskie greats Kamal Bey and Ellis Coleman. NCAA champion and USA World Team member Tony Ramos conducted a clinic for youth wrestlers in the morning. As the regular season winds down, OPRF appears ready for both the individual and dual team state tournaments. The Huskies
SAY CONNECTS PRESENTS:
YOUTH ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Photo by Jamil Smart
NO ORDINARY JOE: OPRF junior Joe Chapman works for a pin during a match at the Beat the Streets Brawl at OPRF. have been on a roll all season. OPRF is 5-0 in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division, won team titles at the Whitlach Invite
and The Clash XVII in Minnesota, and finished as runner-up at the 52-team Powerade tourney in Pennsylvania.
Youth take the lead at this event. From a diverse range of local equity groups, the young people will exchange ideas & share their work to foster positive change in Oak Park & River Forest. Participant Groups: • Students Advocating for Equity (SAFE)
• South Asian Club
• Black Leadership Union (BLU)
• Future Philanthropist Program (FPP)
• ORFHS Student Body
• ASPIRA - advocacy, education and leadership development of Latinx youth
Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 7 p.m. Percy Julian Middle School Auditorium Reserve your space at oakpark.com/sayconnects
Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
www.TENandFiT.com FLASH SALE
Beginner Non-Member Tennis Classes Available
Enrollment $0 Only to Saturday!
301 Lake St., Oak Park (708) 386-2175
266 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 524-YOGA
Investing in Our Community and Residents for 35 Years Tennis Classes Starting Now Sign Up Today! Pickleball
Racquetball
Group Exercise
Spinning®
Yoga
Pilates
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Wednesday Journal, January 16, 2019
@ @OakPark
SPORTS
Huskies grapple with the best 30
FAB FIVE: Oak Park resident Alec Cabacungan, center, appeared on TNT’s Inside the NBA with hosts (left to right) Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. Courtesy Gil Cabacungan
Alec finds a home in the wide world of sports Oak Parker & Shriners spokesman has passion for sports, people
By MARTY FARMER
A
Sports Editor
lec Cabacungan had the best seat in the house for the worst game of the Chicago Bears’ season. Warmly ensconced in NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s suite as an invited guest, the 16-year-old Oak Park resident incredulously watched Cody Parkey miss a 43-yard, potentially game-winning field goal attempt in the
Wednesday Journal
closing seconds of the Bears’ 16-15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 6. For Bears fans, Parkey’s “double doink” misfire won’t soon be forgotten. Upright, crossbar, ballgame. Even with the Eagles escaping Soldier Field victorious, Cabacungan put the bitter loss in perspective. “The ending of the game felt like a movie — a bad movie,” he said. “Everybody just wanted to leave. People were
sad, screaming. It was crazy. The Bears were a fun team to watch this season and I know they’ll be back. “The whole experience was awesome though,” he added. “I’ve known Roger Goodell for a couple of years. When he invited me to the game, which I didn’t expect, it was super cool. We talked and caught up with each other in the suite and then went down to the field. I talked with so many cool See ALEC on page 29
Tuesday, January 29 n 7pm n Dominican University Performing Arts Center A powerful conversation on equity among Wednesday Journal’s Villagers of the Year
CONVERSATIONS
2018 Villagers of The Year
Jackie Moore OPRF school board president Villager of the Year/ Oak Park
Ralph Martire River Forest D90 school board president Co-Villager of the Year/River Forest
Ed Condon District 90 school superintendent Co-Villager of the Year/River Forest
Steve James “America To Me” director and producer Runner-up Villager of the Year/Oak Park & River Forest
Plus, we will honor 38 years of previous Villagers of the Year. Our first ever reception for the extraordinary women and men we’ve recognized since 1985.
RSVP to this FREE event at www.OakPark.com/wjconvo