WednesdayJournal_012517

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

January 25, 2017 Vol. 35, No. 23 ONE DOLLAR

@O @OakPark

Local residents swell the ranks of women’s marches

Rallies draw huge crowds across the nation; no arrests reported in Chicago or D.C.

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

‘OVARY- ACTING?’ Thousands of people march through downtown for the Women’s March on Chicago, which took place on Jan. 21, a day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Thousands of residents from the western suburbs participated.

Thousands of women from the western suburbs rallied in Washington D.C. and downtown Chicago on Saturday, with 750,000 demonstrators estimated between the two cities.

The message from millions who gathered in cities across the country to President Donald J. Trump the day after his inauguration: We won’t turn back the clock on women’s rights.

Women and men of all ages and ethnicities chartered buses and car-pooled to the D.C. rally, which was estimated at half a million people.

Both the Washington and Chicago rallies resulted in zero arrests, a stark contrast from reports of more than 200 arrests in D.C. alone amid protests on the day of Trump’s inauguration, which were not associated with the

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer and Tom DeCoursey (bottom two photos)

See MARCHES on page 10

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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I N S I D E

R E P O R T

Photos by Tom DeCousey and Timothy Inklebarger

Signs of the times

Plenty of folks from Oak Park and River Forest joined the celebration of democratic values — and the protest against antidemocratic values — already famously known as the Chicago Women’s March last Saturday under sunny skies and 60-degree temps. It turned into a festival of creative sign-making and clever soundbites (and therapeutic venting). Not all of the messages are quite fit for publication here, as you can imagine, but we thought we would list some of the choice utterances that captured the spirit of the gathering.

They came mostly from the 86 photos taken by Oak Parker Tom DeCoursey, who accompanied his wife, Carolyn downtown.

Here’s a sample of the creative sloganeering: ■ Here’s what a feminist looks like ■ Men of Quality don’t fear Equality ■ When they go low, we go …

HIGH ■ Keep your tiny hands off my rights ■ Keep your policies off our bodies ■ Stop the war on women ■ A woman’s place is in the Resistance ■ Smash the Patriarchy ■ I’m with Her (arrows pointing in all directions) ■ Dear Tom [Skilling], Is it unseasonably warm or is it just my blood boiling?

■ Viva La Pussy

■ Science is not a Hoax ■ Don’t let the bastards grind

you down ■ You can’t comb over Misogyny ■ Girl Power: My body, My choice ■ Our rights aren’t up for grabs and neither are we ■ Hate does not make America great ■ You’re so vain you probably think this sign is about You ■ Pendejo in Chief, AKA Putin’s Pinata ■ Paws off my Pussy ■ When will there be enough Women on the Court? When there are Nine –RBG [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] ■ He IS my president. That’s the problem ■ Patriotic Real American Feminist ■ We are the Resistance [photo of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia] ■ Trump is a liar, He’s surrounded by gold, His behavior’s erratic, And this B.S. is old [they didn’t abbreviate B.S.] ■ I am a doctor and I still can’t get safe, affordable & effective birth control! #Why I Need Feminism ■ From every corner of the world, WOMANKIND ARISE ■ The Force is strong with US ■ IDK WTF I AM DOING [Cartoon of you know who looking perplexed] ■ Abort Unwanted Presidencies ■ Truth Matters ■ This is what I will NOT “get over”: Bigotry, Misogyny, Intolerance ■ Nasty women grab back

■ Stop being a Misogynistic D!CK ■ Tell the Predator-in-Chief: Hands off women’s reproductive rights! [The Statue of Liberty says to a groping Donald: Don’t even think about it] ■ Who runs the world? Girls!

■ I am: A Democrat, A Republican, Awake [check mark on the latter] ■ I’m not Ovary-Acting ■ We Shall Over-Comb ■ No, You accept reality ■ Make America Think Again ■ Fight the Kremlin’s Orange Gremlin ■ Can’t deny the truth ■ No one is free when others are oppressed ■ Loser! Clinton 48%, Trump 46%, Sad! ■ Americans Against Racist, Misogynist Bullies ■ I voted for President and all I got was this Stupid Internet Troll ■ I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. –Audre Lorde ■ Fake News, Fake President ■ OMG GOP WTF? ■ This nation was founded on one principle above all else: That we stand up for what we believe no matter the consequences.

When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree next to the river of truth and tell the world: No, YOU move. –Captain America ■ I (heart) Jesus. I (heart) my Muslim friends ■ Public Schools Make America Great Again ■ You haven’t seen NASTY yet!

■ The history of the past is but one long struggle UPWARD to equality. –Elizabeth Cady

Stanton ■ Don’t Tread on Me [with a snake in the shape of an ovary]

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Step Afrika!

Chinese New Year Sunday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m., Forest Park Public Library: A Chinese New Year celebration will be presented at 2 p.m., featuring The Paper Lantern. Open to families & all ages.

7555 Jackson Blvd. in Forest Park. Info: 708-6896126. http://bit.ly/2fG32di.

Saturday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m., Magic Tree Bookstore: Celebrate Chinese New Year (the year of the Rooster) with a live rooster storytime. Urban Chicken consultant Jen Murtoff, from Home to Roost, will bring her rooster friends for storytime and treats. Meet these beautiful birds and enjoy stories about roosters and the Lunar New Year. RSVP 708-848-0770. 141 N.

Down to the Wire Saturday, Jan. 28 at 12 and 8 p.m., Wire in Berwyn: Wire presents a School of Rock show with The Golden Age of Hip Hop at 12 p.m. Indie Rock show with Curious Grace & Black Rabbit, Red Scarves, & more at 8 p.m. 68155 W. Roosevelt Rd..

Info: 708-6699473, www.

Honoring Cernan

Learn more about Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk to on the moon, at the Cernan Earth and Space Center of Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. The center features a variety of earth and sky shows, children’s shows, laser light shows, earth and space exhibits, a membership program and the Star Store gift shop.

Hours: Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m.; Sat. 6-10 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Theater admission: $8/adult ($10 for laser show); $4/youth ($5 for laser show); $4/senior (55+) ($5 for laser show). 708-456-0300 .

Year of the Rooster

Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Dominican University Performing Arts Center: Washington D.C.’s Step Afrika! performs percussive dance that uses kicks, stomps, claps and chants — all linked to African and modern dance traditions. Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St. in River Forest.

Admission: $24 - $51. Info: www. events.dom.edu.

Jan. 25- Feb. 1

BIG WEEK Bite Nite

Friday, y Jan. 27 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce presents Bite Nite, a foodie fest event in Oak Park. Gourmet Gourme food “bites” from 50 local restaurants and caterers. Tickets at www. bitenite2017.even bitenite2017.eventbrite.com. $35 includes unlimited tastings, four tickets for $120.

Big Data Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 9 to 11:30 a.m., OP-RF Community Foundation: Audrey Henderson presents “Incorporating Big Data Into Narrative Reports and Presentations.” Free for all nonprofits in Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding communities.

Registration required by Jan. 25. 1049 Lake St. in Oak Park. Info: 708-848-1560.

Education Taskforce Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 6 till 8 p.m., Oak Park Public Library: State Rep. Camille Lilly is holding her second Education Taskforce meeting to continue discussing better elementary and secondary school policies. The ideas will later be presented in Springfield for new bill proposals. Lilly represents the 78th District, which includes parts of Chicago, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Franklin Park, Oak Park, and River Grove. If you need to contact her office, please call 708-613-5939 or email her at StateRepCamilleYLilly@gmail.com.

Save the Monarch CALENDAR DAR EVENTS ■ As you’vee likely noticed, our Calendar hass changed to Big Week.

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

Email calendar@wjinc.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Oak Park Public Library: Two community gatherings will be held to kick off a campaign to “Save the Monarch Butterfly,” sponsored by West Cook Wild Ones, the River Forest Sustainability Committee, the Green Guides Network, and Green Community Connections. The events are free and open to the public. U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Kristen Voorhies will be on hand in the morning session. Two documentaries, “Flight of the Butterflies” and “Hometown Habitat,” will be shown. For more, contact Sally Stovall, sally@greencommunityconnections.org or call 773-315-1109.

Wonderivia

The True Flag

Saturday, Jan. 28, social hour at 6 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m., Triton College: Wonder Works presents their Sixth Annual Wonderivia - A Night of Trivia at Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave. in River Grove. Team entrees are $500 per table of six, or $85 for individuals. Info: 708-383-4815, www.wonder-works.org.

Sunday, Jan. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room: In The True Flag: Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and the Birth of American Empire, best-selling author and former Oak Park resident Stephen Kinzer recounts an angry struggle among prominent Americans at the dawn of the 20th century, when the U.S. first found itself with the chance to dominate faraway lands.

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BONDING: Co-workers carpool through the Blizzard of ’67.

ART BEAT

ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE

Photo courtesy 16th Street Theater

Testing their limits

By DOUG DEUCHLER

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Theater Critic

he first production of the 10th season at 16th Street Theater in Berwyn plunges the audience into an intense, powerful morality play.

Jon Steinhagen’s Blizzard ’67 is a fascinating, fast-paced, dark comedy. Four men in a carpool, cogs in the corporate machine, get caught in the legendary snowstorm as they attempt to get home from their Loop office. With steady direction by Ann Filmer, this engaging exploration of four male characters is vividly portrayed by a solid ensemble.

Each of these white-collar office stiffs brings to mind the guys in Mad Men in terms of their era yet they have a particular Chicago modus operandi. Real “Mad Men” would not be carpooling, for starters. These guys are competitive and explosive yet they are also bored, tired, and unfulfilled.

Stephen Spencer plays a carefree, smug individual — the most successful of the four — who always occupies the “shotgun” front seat. He’s also the only one who is not married. He flaunts his new purchase, a 1967 Chevy Caprice, after receiving a big promotion. Does he deserve it? His rival carpool associates don’t think so.

Mark Pracht plays a problem drinker in a challenging marriage, who is driving the group in his clunky ’63 Ford Falcon (with a broken horn and radio) on the day of the big snowstorm.

At times either morose or funny, the nerdy, quirky guy with a kid at home is portrayed

by Noah Simon.

The youngest of the group, played by Christian Stokes, is also the most immature.

Spencer additionally plays several minor characters.

The big blizzard dumped 27 hours of steadily falling snow on the city and suburbs, accumulating to a depth of nearly two feet. The guys’ company offers to put the four men up at the Allerton Hotel, all sharing one room, but they turn it down. They decide to take their chances and head west in the Falcon. As they attempt to make it toward the suburbs, they cannot even decipher street signs because of the intensity

of the storm. Most streets are also already choked with abandoned cars and buses.

This is an insightful, at times explosive, character study, reminiscent of those old World War II bombardier pictures where the men-at-war argue non-stop, often hilariously, but eventually put aside their jealousies and rivalries. This well-crafted play about male fellowship would make a brilliant movie.

Jon Steinhagen’s a multitalented treasure — a pianist, composer, actor, and playwright. He is currently 16th Street Theater’s resident playwright. His dialogue is gritty, often funny, and always quite real. He accurately captures the “voice” of non-communicative guy talk. These four men spend a lot of time together in the car every day yet they barely seem to know one another. They are not really friends. They certainly never share their ambitions and insecurities.

Folks who remember the ’67 blizzard often have vivid stories. If you lived through it, the play will jog your memory.

Tony Churchill has created an amazing projection design of still photos, TV news footage, and blizzard scenes.

There was a TV show when I was a kid called You Are There, narrated by Walter Cronkite, where every Sunday you were thrust into a particular historical event like the Great Chicago Fire or the Louisiana Purchase. Steinhagen has created a similar situational drama based on significant research and interviews, which clearly depicts an era when some men still put chains on their tires in bad weather and nobody had cellphones. At times individual characters will briefly step out of the story to narrate the events unfolding in their lives.

The play takes about 20 minutes to establish the relationships of the carpool guys before the storm hits. The entire two-act piece lasts about 95 minutes with one intermission.

Blizzard ’67 offers strong writing, intense direction, and solid performances. The initial preview run was so successful that the show has already gone into extension through March 4.

Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. at 16th St. Theater, 6420 16th Street in Berwyn. Tickets at www.16thstreettheater.org.

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Interested in District 90 Kindergarten? attend a

2017-18 Kindergarten Information Night

February 2, 2017 @ 7:00 PM Lincoln School Auditorium 511 Park Ave., River Forest

Willard School Auditorium 1250 Ashland Ave., River Forest

For more information contact: Casey Godfrey, Lincoln School Principal, godfreyc@district9o.org Diane Wood, Willard School Principal, woodd@district90.org

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A critic and a champion at OPRF

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n Monday evening in the cafeteria of Beye School, just a short walk from OPRF, the high school’s new superintendent, Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, held the first of five stops on her inaugural “listening tour.”

A few more than 20 people turned out, a handful of them candidates for the school board this spring, one sitting board member, a couple of high school staffers. The rest were folks inclined to support the high school though not without voicing a range of concerns.

Happily, though the failed November tax referendum was referenced, not a single mention of a swimming pool was made over 90 minutes.

Pruitt-Adams, hired last summer as the school’s interim superintendent after the unexpected departure of Steven Isoye, was promoted to the permanent position before her first semester at the school ended. She is not wasting time in putting her mark on OPRF. That’s a fine thing. After several years of Isoye’s calm inaction, this school needs both a champion and a critic, and Pruitt-Adams shows indications she can balance that role.

It is a tough balance, especially at District 200, traditionally Oak Park and River Forest’s most defensive public institution. Too much “Those Things That Are Best” Kool-Aid at OPRF and not enough “Christ Almighty, Let’s Get to Work.” ™ The superintendent was nothing short of effusive in praising “great faculty,” “amazing students,” “great parental and community support.” She had, she said, never seen the equivalent of it in 41 years in education.

In my puny 37 years of reporting on the high school, those comments were par for the course in terms of public statements by superintendents. And I don’t disagree with those assessments, as far as they go. But to her great credit, Pruitt-Adams went further, deeper and spoke with candor about the school’s shortcomings.

“We can improve,” she said. “We need to meet the needs of all students, not some students. We need to tighten up ac-

countability.”

She said that sometimes inside the school she asks a question about “equity,” the now ubiquitous term for fair treatment of all students, for closing the racial achievement and discipline gaps. And her question is, “Why are we still [just] talking about it?”

The last superintendent spent a half-decade incrementally tip-toeing around this complex, fascinating, charged issue. The superintendent before him seemed on the verge of diving into the issue when a timid and divided school board showed him the door.

While the past two boards bungled the pool caper, they are intent on facing up to the equity issue and Pruitt-Adams has their strong support. To that end, she told guests Monday that the school has now identified 200 students they believe to be ready for the largely segregated AP track but who, based solely on testing, have not been selected before for advanced placement classes. She said the school looked at their “soft skills” of tenacity, perseverance and grit, sought out necessary supports for those students and are now ready to move them ahead.

She also acknowledged that often AP teachers want students who will score high as, in my opinion, an affirmation of their teaching prowess. “Our goal is to get past these perceptions,” she said.

She touted progress in remaking the discipline system to result in far fewer suspensions, with discipline concerns addressed more directly between teachers and students.

In response to questions, Pruitt-Adams said that OPRF and the two elementary districts in Oak Park and in River Forest had not historically communicated well but that the three superintendents had committed to fixing that. The first time that issue was not papered over.

And she listened well to criticism that the school’s public face in the ongoing sexual assault investigation has been too couched in legalisms.

Altogether an open and transparent effort by this new superintendent.

Listening works.

DAN HALEY

H O W

T O

R E A C H

U S

Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-524-0447 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES CALENDAR CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 Mary Ellen Nelligan, 708-613-3342 Carrie Bankes circulation@oakpark.com maryellen@oakpark.com calendar@wjinc.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING NEWS/FEATURES SPORTS/PARKS Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 Dan Haley, 708-613-3301 Marty Farmer, 708-613-3319 dawn@oakpark.com dhaley@wjinc.com marty@oakpark.com Wednesday Journal is published weekly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, Illinois (USPS No. 0010-138).

In-county subscription rate is $32 per year, $57 for two years. Annual out-of-county rate is $40. © 2016 Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

SANCTUARY CITY: Mony Ruiz-Velasco, executive director of P.A.S.O, a immigrant rights organization, is pushing for the Oak Park Board of Trustees to approve an ordinance that would prevent Oak Park police from cooperating with federal authorities on deportation of undocumented immigrants.

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WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

Oak Park a sanctuary village?

Village board expected to OK ordinance blocking police cooperation with feds

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

A campaign pledge by President Donald J. Trump to deport millions of undocumented immigrants across the country is being met with resistance in Oak Park, as the Oak Park village board is poised to approve an ordinance preventing local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

A village board meeting last week was packed with residents and immigration advocates, who argued against a proposed ordinance submitted by village staff that they said includes a loophole that would allow Oak Park police to turn over some alleged criminals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

That proposal mirrored language from ordinances in Chicago and Evanston, but advocates argued that Oak Park’s should look more like that of Cook County’s, which prohibits cooperation with ICE. Mony Ruiz-Velasco, executive director of PASO West Suburban Action Project, a immigrants rights nonprofit organization, said she and others “don’t want a watered down policy” that allows collaboration with ICE. She said that the ordinance as initially proposed would have allowed Oak Park police to hand over people charged with crimes to federal authorities.

“We have to disconnect the criminal justice system from the immigration system,” she said, noting the proposed ordinance did not live up to the standard of Oak Park’s legacy of being a leader race issues.

“As a nation, we are facing a resurgence of hate crimes, increased skepticism and scrutiny about immigrants, and threats of a deportation force by the incoming administration,” Ruiz-Velasco said in a letter to the board, adding, that Oak Park has historically taken a clear stand against discrimination. “Exploring the designation of Oak Park as a sanctuary village would affirm

our belief and value that immigrants are welcome and vital members of our community.”

Anthony Clark, executive director of Suburban Unity Alliance, a group formed in 2016 to advance equity and racial diversity, echoed Ruiz-Velasco’s comment that Oak Park should take the lead on approving an ordinance that prevents cooperation with the federal government.

“That anti-immigrant sentiment and hate has no place in Oak Park, Illinois,” he said.

Liz Figueroa-Serrano, of Sarah’s Inn, a nonprofit organization that assists domestic violence victims, said fear of being turned over to federal authorities helps protect those who abuse their spouses.

Cooperation with federal authorities, she said, creates a barrier to domestic violence victims who are less likely to call the police on their abusers for fear that they will be deported and lose custody of their children.

“Please pass a strong ordinance to ensure protection, not collaboration,” she said.

After a stream of residents and immigration advocates spoke in favor of an ordinance without the so-called loophole, trustees voiced their support for stronger language.

Trustee Andrea Button-Ott said the outpouring of support for the strengthened ordinance represents the “spirit of Oak Park” and noted that she supports the testimony given by residents and advocates.

“I really do question that what is in front of us is what we should be passing if we’re going to make a statement,” she said.

Trustee Peter Barber suggested that village staff consider looking at ordinances in other states and cities to determine if there are sanctuary city ordinances elsewhere that are stronger than Cook County’s.

Trustee Bob Tucker also supported a stronger ordinance, noting that “a storm” is coming with the Trump administration as it concerns immigration “and lives are at stake.”

Tucker said he was happy to stand with Evanston and Chicago but aimed to do better in passing an ordinance without loopholes.

The village board is expected to revisit the issue in February after it has been reviewed by village staff.

CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

New OPRF superintendent already feels at home Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said she felt ‘a connection’ to the high school not long after taking interim position

SETTLED IN: Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said that she realized OPRF was the right fit while walking down its empty halls one day last year.

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

District 200 Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams has a heavy burden. Her unanimous appointment by school board members in December came with the expectation that, under her watch, Oak Park and River Forest High School will, at long last, make serious headway on the decades-long problem of racial inequity — and restore trust with a critical mass of community members and devise a long-term facilities plan and build a pool. And those are just some of the most obvious tasks.

Whether or not those tasks are accomplished may depend, in large part, on the success of Pruitt-Adams’ first major act as the district’s top administrator. Based on her recommendation, last month the board authorized the formation of a new community engagement committee that will “review previous processes, make recommendations, and strengthen community partnership pursuant to district goals related to equity, academic programming needs” and finances, according to the resolution creating the committee.

At the time, Pruitt-Adams said that the committee would be loosely modeled on a similar committee that she helped implement while serving as top administrator at a school district in University City, Missouri, where she served before becoming interim, and then permanent, superintendent at District 200.

During a phone interview last week, PruittAdams indicated how her previous position in Missouri might inform her work at OPRF, identified some of her early priorities for the district and explained why she already feels at home in Oak Park — where she’s already found permanent housing with her husband Charles Adams, a retired University City police chief.

“When I first interviewed for the position to be interim, I walked away thinking they wouldn’t want me and thinking it wasn’t my best interview,” said Pruitt-Adams.

“However,” she added, “there was a young lady in the welcome center at OPRF when I arrived and she and I talked for a few minutes. She said, ‘They need to hire you, you’re what we need here.’ I thanked her and when I got the call saying the board wanted me for interim, it really got emotional for me.”

Pruitt-Adams, who was hired as interim in July, said that she “felt the connection” to OPRF while one day walking the school’s empty halls.

“I knew back in September that I wanted to be here and to do the work,” she said.

“OPRF is a great place to be and there’s still room for us to grow.”

Illustrating what that growth may look like, Pruitt-Adams rattled off a litany of successes that resulted from the community engagement committee that she helped implement in University City.

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

“That committee resulted in two new schools being built and others being renovated, a redrawing of attendance lines and grade-level configuration,” she said, before mentioning a Harvard-developed educational framework that the district introduced as a result of that committee work.

Pruitt-Adams said that the program, called instructional rounds, allowed faculty and staff members the ability to identify many of the barriers to learning that existed for special education, low-achieving and minority students.

“We had to examine what barriers as a school system we had put in place and how to remove them, and put supports in place,” she said. “We saw graduate rates and achievement data increase and discipline incidents go down. We also saw an increase in the number of students of color in AP and honors classes. There was a time when you’d see an AP and calculus class and no one would be in it who looks like me. So, we looked at some of the self-imposed barriers we put in place and we had to educate the community to know that the curriculum wasn’t being watered down.”

When asked if replicating that success at Missouri means removing the controversial practice of academic tracking — or separating students into course subject levels based on academic ability — that’s currently in place at OPRF, Pruitt-Adams was careful not to draw any conclusions and took pains to clear up what she said has been a misconception that’s been spreading lately throughout the high school community.

“There’s a rumor that we’re de-tracking and changing things,” she said, adding that the district still needs to fully evaluate its

“I knew back in September that I wanted to be here and to do the work. OPRF is a great place to be and there’s still room for us to grow.”

JOYLYNN PRUITTADAMS D200 suprintendent

current practices before moving forward with any substantial policy proposals.

“We have to look at things first. It’s not just about de-tracking, it’s about removing barriers. I think that comes from my background in Missouri, where we didn’t even talk tracking; it was just unacceptable,” she said, adding that she still tries to steer away from even using the word ‘tracking’ because her focus is beyond that. “If we do this well and if we have appropriate supports in place for students when they’re in those classes, we can remove barriers for kids without watering down the curriculum.”

Pruitt-Adams said that those supports could include robust cultural competency training and other forms of professional development for faculty and staff members, in addition to outreach efforts designed to reassure community members that lowering the barriers to quality learning for certain students doesn’t mean watering down curriculum standards.

The superintendent said that what also needs clarifying is the extent to which she

engages with her elementary school counterparts District 90 Superintendent Edward Condon and District 97 Superintendent Carol Kelley.

“There’s a lot of collaboration that takes place between the high school and elementary school districts and we need to communicate that,” Pruitt-Adams said. “I meet with [Condon] and [Kelley] at least once a month and we each bring to the table something to share with each other.

Our [respective] staff and board members meet often as well.”

Pruitt-Adams also addressed some of the recommendations jointly presented late last year by Equity and Excellence in Education, African American Parents for Purposeful Leadership in Education and the Suburban Unity Alliance.

Those recommendations include the establishment of an assistant superintendent of equity, a deep evaluation of the district’s academic tracking and ability grouping practices, and the implementation of a racial impact statement that would monitor how district policies affect whatever racial and economic disparities exist, among other proposals.

“As we work on a strategic plan, I’m sure many of those strategies will be incorporated as action steps,” Pruitt-Adams said.

“The [board’s climate, culture and behavior committee] is also developing a mission statement toward equity, which is one thing [the groups] asked for. There are some really good tenets in their proposal.”

That kind of community advocacy, said Pruitt-Adams, is what compelled her to apply for the OPRF position in the first place.

“In my previous district, if I had had just a few of the resources that are afforded our young people here, they would’ve gone such a long way,” she said. “That’s one of the things that drew me here. It’s not just the school district providing services for young people in the community, it’s the community providing services. There are so many people working to make sure that our students are successful. And I want to be where that type of work is happening.”

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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New discipline report at OPRF raises questions wwBy MICHAEL ROMAIN

sion” and determine that a student is “a continuing threat” before handing out suspensions, according to district officials.

That explanation, however, only added Disciplinary infractions for the first semester of the 2016-17 school year at Oak fuel to the fire of suspicion, expressed by Park and River Forest High School have de- Spight and several board members, that the creased dramatically from the first semester new data could reflect school officials’ priorof the previous school year, a development ity to stay in compliance with the new law, that school board and community members as opposed to actually changing the disciplinary climate at the high school. didn’t necessarily greet with enthusiasm.

“How do we know that there is any reason OPRF Principal Nathaniel Rouse presented the new data at a Jan. 17 regular board to be happy about what we see? Is this a rigging of the data [or a] suppressing of certain meeting. Rouse said there was a total of 1,141 disciplinary infractions for the first se- kinds of consequences?” asked Spight. “Or mester of the 2016-17 school year, down from is there something fundamental happening?”

1,873 for the first semester of 2015-16.

Rouse said that recently the high school Out-of-school and in-school suspensions decreased even more drastically. This first has been leaning much more heavily on its semester, there were 69 out-of-school suspen- pupil support services teams, which comsions and 49 in-school suspensions given out, prise social workers, guidance counselors a reduction of 93 percent and 82 percent, re- and student intervention directors offering services such as conflict resolution, bulspectively, from the previous first semester.

Rouse’s presentation, however, prompted lying prevention, and home visits, among numerous District 200 school board and many other functions.

He said there’s also been a dramatic incommunity members to express a range of crease in less punitive and more proactive concerns they had with the report.

“The discipline report tonight appears forms of discipline, such as calls home, and conversations with counselors to be an occasion for a certain and teachers. Last year, for inkind of celebration,” said Oak stance, school officials stopped Park resident Carl Spight durissuing in-school suspensions for ing public comment. “It shows tardiness. a dramatic reduction of in- and ■ To read more “Those are ways that we have, out-of-school suspensions. This VISIT OAKPARK.COM as an administration, tried lookcould be an occasion of one ing at discipline differently and early declaration of victory. [tried being] more restorative as You surely must know there is no justification for that and you should be opposed to being punitive,” Rouse said.

But that explanation wasn’t sufficient for motivated by some important caveats as you some board members. look at the data.”

“There’s an assumption made that reSpight, a professional statistician who was a member of the study team that created the storative practices are the reason why the 2003 study on the learning community per- discipline has gone down, yet I don’t even formance gap at OPRF and who has provided know if we’re using a model for restorative statistical services to the district in the past, practices,” said board vice president Jackie said that the dramatic decline in infractions Moore. “[Those] mediations, parent conferand suspensions seems to appear without a ences [and] parent phone calls [are] not connected with any infractions, so I don’t know sufficient explanation for what is driving it.

“What’s going on with input and outputs when those things occur. And those reducwith respect to what appears to be dramatic tions in number could be just an artifact of reductions?” Spight asked. “Is it possible [SB 100].”

District 200 Superintendent Joylynn for there to be such a dramatic reduction in in-school and out-of-school suspensions Pruitt-Adams said that her administrawithout a dramatic change in school climate tion will “go back and look at the capacity and the associated, lived experiences of stu- of our system to integrate data and then dents in that climate such that they changed develop a process to show a correlation betheir behavior or such that the institution tween student behavior, interventions and changed its behavior? What happened? results.”

Pruitt-Adams defined results to mean “reWhere is the explanatory model that I do not duction in behavior, repeat behavior and the see present in the report?”

Rouse acknowledged that part of the ex- academic progression of our students.” She planation is Senate Bill 100, a state law that also recommended that a glossary of terms went into effect last September, which puts should accompany future disciplinary rerestrictions on the authority of schools to ports and that the staff members evaluate the current disciplinary data system’s abilsuspend and expel students.

Under the new law, schools are required to ity to identify repeat offenders. take “reasonable steps to minimize suspenCONTACT: michael@oakpark.com Staff Reporter

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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MARCHES

Getting the point across from page 1 Women’s March.

The backlash against the 45th president stems in part from public comments he made about various women — referring to them as “dogs,” “pigs,” “disgusting,” “slobs,” and, of course, “nasty” — plus multiple accusations against him for sexual assault; and the 2005 hot mic moment caught on video with Trump saying he gropes women without their consent. Trump was a pro-life candidate, who said in March that if the U.S. Supreme Court reverses its historic Roe v. Wade decision making abortion legal, women caught having an abortion should be punished. He later reversed that position, saying doctors providing abortions should be punished, not women.

Buses and carpools of women from Riverside, Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest, among others, began departing on Friday and lighting up social media outlets with reports from the road.

One group noted that their bus had broken down and left five hours late.

Theirs wasn’t the only one delayed.

Wednesday Journal shadowed a group that departed from Oak Park and River Forest High School on Friday evening, but the redeye bus ride was cut short by a flat tire about 65 miles from the drop-off point in Rockville, Maryland.

The people from that bus split up, as small groups of 5-6 people called Uber and Lyft drivers to take them the rest of the way.

At the rally, thousands of demonstrators waved homemade signs that read: “My body, my choice. My country, my voice,” “Grab patriarchy by the balls,” “We won’t go back,” and “Don’t tread on my pussy,” among many, many others.

And, of course, there were the hats.

Pink and floppy and ubiquitous, the women have dubbed them “pussy hats” in response to a quote by then-candidate Trump that surfaced in October, where he was unknowingly recorded in 2005 telling Access Hollywood host Billy Bush how he’d attempted to get a married woman to have sex with him and how he grabs women without their consent.

“You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful [women] — I just start kissing them,” Trump told Bush about a decade before his run for the White House. “It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ’em by the pussy. You can do anything.”

One Forest Park resident, Susan Beach, 68, did not travel on the Oak Park buses but drove to Marshall, Michigan with two other Forest Parkers and a woman from Oak Park — all longtime friends — to catch a bus from that city.

The weekend demonstration was a flash-

Photo by Tom DeCoursey

back of sorts for Beach to the last big protest she attended — an anti-Vietnam demonstration in New York City in April 1967.

Beach, a retired grandmother who formerly worked for Oak Park school District 97, said she had to lie to her parents to attend that demonstration, telling them she was visiting one of her teachers in the city.

“They were watching TV and saw the march and I hoped I wouldn’t get caught in it,” she said, noting that she was a senior in high school at the time. “Little did they know I was in the streets with [the protestors].”

Beach said she attended the Women’s March on Washington because of immigrants, women, people of Muslim faith and people of color who will be immediately impacted by Trump administration policies.

She noted a recent executive order signed by President Trump halting Federal Housing Authority mortgage insurance rate cuts for FHAbacked loans. “A lot of people are going to be hurt by that,” she said, calling the executive order “insidious.”

“We have to stand up to these cuts,” she said. “It’s a death by a thousand cuts, and for some people it’s going to be fatal.”

Beach said she hopes the march was more than just a demonstration but the beginning of a movement against the retrograde policies of the Trump administration. “I’m going to continue to stay active, and I’m hoping that all of us will do that.”

In Oak Park, artists Holly Holmes and Tom Burtonwood, both in their early 40s, said they made the long bus ride to Washington “to stand up for women’s rights and human rights,” according to Holmes, who said she had never been to a demonstration this

widely attended. She was skeptical about the 500,000 attendance estimate. She put the number closer to a million.

She pointed out that President Trump “goes back on everything he says” and he must be called out for spreading disinformation.

“There’s a lot [at] stake,” she said.

Burtonwood, one of a handful of men on the Oak Park buses, said he wanted to attend “to support all the women in this country and internationally who are under threat by this administration.

“We’re not going backwards,” he said later, adding, “If they think we are going to roll over because they won one election, they’re out of their minds.”

Burtonwood said women, people of color, queer, transgender and undocumented people are “going to be in the crosshairs of this administration” and it’s up to everyone to defend their rights.

“It’s imperative that people in positions of privilege like myself stand up and support them and push back against this stuff,” he said.

Another Oak Park resident, Simone Akgulian, 23, a graduate of OPRF High School who just earned a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, said she’s concerned that changes to the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, could directly affect her.

Akgulian is still on her parents’ health insurance as she prepares to go to graduate school to “become a midwife and work for women’s health.” The Affordable Care Act allowed young people in school to remain on their parents’ insurance until they turn 26.

“Our new administration doesn’t support me as a student, as a woman, as a future supporter of women’s health, and I want

to be here to fight for our rights and for the rights of women everywhere,” she said as she headed down Pennsylvania Avenue the morning of the demonstration.

Kim Jacobs, a Riverside resident who caught the Oak Park bus, described the crowd in D.C. as relaxed and in a good mood.

Jacobs said she hopes the rally sends a message to the Trump administration and Congress that “we’re not going to tolerate intolerance and hate.”

“We’re all human beings and we all need to get along and respect one another,” she said.

Though many of the riders were from around Oak Park, some came from Chicago and other suburbs to join the pilgrimage to Washington.

Kim Hoopingarner, of Evanston, attended the Women’s March on Washington with her two adult daughters.

Following the demonstration, Hoopingarner said she opposed Trump’s rhetoric and policies.

“I loved the number of men in the audience and the range of people,” she said, describing the march as having a friendly and supportive atmosphere. “I just felt like it was what America really looks like — every age, race and gender identity.”

According to media reports, the marches in both Washington and Chicago were turned into rallies due to the large numbers who showed up in both cities.

The Washington rally featured dozens of speakers, including documentary filmmaker and activist Michael Moore; feminist writer Gloria Steinem; actress Scarlett Johansson; and singer Madonna.

CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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Ready to rally It was déjà vu all over again on Nov. 9, when Oak Park resident and School of the Art Institute adjunct associate professor Claire Ashley awoke to the news that Donald J. Trump had won the presidential election against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Ashley, a Scottish citizen who has lived in the United States for more than 20 years, living and working under the protection of a green card, said she had the same experience of dismay in June, when the United Kingdom voted to withdraw from the European Union.

“Waking up Nov. 9 to this brave new world of xenophobia and racism and anti-feminism and this kind of rhetoric being the new normal was horrifying and sent me into a frenzy of feeling the need to do something,” she said, noting that she is particularly concerned about the kind of future a Trump administration holds for her two young daughters.

Ashley said that “the conversation over immigration and xenophobia bubbling up here and in my own country” made her realize she could no longer be silent on the issue.

In the days following the historic election, she learned of the Women’s March on Washington and began exploring how to get there.

“I posted on Facebook that I was interested in going to the march in D.C. but couldn’t afford to fly my girls and stay in a hotel room,” she said.

That got her thinking about getting a group of people together to share the cost of renting a bus to get to the protest.

She began talking about her plan on social media and got “a flood of people” sending her requests.

About a month later, the single bus she had planned had ballooned to five buses transporting roughly 275 people from Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest Riverside, Northbrook and elsewhere.

Ashley said that she is not a political activist and has never even attended a demonstration of any sort. The women’s march will be the first for her and her daughters, Ashley said prior to the demonstration.

“I felt it was important to make a stand and to be a voice and try and be heard and make sure of the visibility of this march and of the marches around the country and the globe,” she said.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed by others who have more experience taking direct action on social issues.

Julie Justicz, an Oak Park resident and attorney who works with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, which focuses on racial equity and social justice issues, said she has marched for gay and lesbian rights and women’s rights issues in the past and has even made the trek to D.C. She began organizing a group to charter a bus to D.C. and learned about Ashley’s efforts. The two joined forces on the pilgrimage to the U.S. capital.

Justicz said this march was of particular importance to her because, like Ashley, the effect the election had a direct effect on her 12-year-old daughter.

“It’s important to show her that there are powerful women who are prepared to stand up to [Trump] and to fight his image of women,” she said.

Justicz said that the group, which at one point dubbed itself the Chicagoland Nasty Women’s March on Washington (a reference to Trump calling opponent Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman” during an election-season debate), are mainly going to be women, but each of the five buses has about four or five men attending. The demographics of women riding the bus “run the gamut,” she said, from middle-school aged girls to middle-age and older women.

“It’s really empowering to see people from all backgrounds attending,” Justicz said.

Timothy Inklebarger

Photos by Tom DeCoursey, Christine Griffith and Timothy Inklebarger

MESSAGING: Signs from Chicago (top and bottom left) and D.C. (bottom right) make pointed statements for the new president.

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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Oak Park Education Foundation hires a new leader

Tracy Dell’Angela Barber will start as executive director on Feb. 1

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Tracy Dell’Angela Barber will leave her position as founding director and managing editor of the Education

at Concordia

The Oak Park Education Foundation, a nonprofit that provides academic enrichment programs for District 97 schools, is getting a new executive director. On Jan. 18, the organization’s board of directors approved the hiring of Tracy Dell’Angela Barber, who will replace Deb Abrahamson in that position. Abrahamson, OPEF’s first executive director, served in that capacity for 10 years before retiring last December.

Barber will start on Feb. 1.

“We’re really excited about having Tracy join OPEF,” Steve Miller, treasurer of OPEF’s board of directors, said in a statement. “Throughout the search process, her enthusiasm for OPEF and commitment to Oak Park’s diverse student body was abundantly clear.”

Barber, a veteran newspaper journalist,

Post, an education-related media nonprofit.

Before that position, Barber was director of outreach and communications for the Institute of Education Sciences.

Barber worked at the Chicago Tribune for 12 years as an education reporter who wrote about Chicago Public Schools and national education issues.

“My ‘North Star’ in this work has always focused on educational equity, which is why I’m so thrilled to build on OPEF’s tremendous track record of success and take on this leadership role in a community I cherish,” said Barber in the statement.

“I truly believe that OPEF can play a pivotal role in closing the opportunity gap and engage a growing number of Oak Park students with captivating, hands-on learning.”

Barber, a 17-year resident of Oak Park and mother of two adult children, is married to Oak Park trustee and former D97 school board president Peter Barber. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from San Diego State University and has done postgraduate study at the University of Chicago.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

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The Music Department Wind Symphony Home Concert March 17 at 8 p.m., Chapel Kapelle Home Concert March 18 at 7:30 p.m., Chapel University Band Concert March 31 at 8 p.m., Chapel Music Department Information: 708-209-3060

Event details are subject to change. Unless noted, all events take place at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, Illinois.

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Finding common ground

Muslim-Jewish group forges bond of interfaith understanding

By DEBORAH KADIN Contributing Reporter

During the annual community event, A Day in Our Village in 2015, an Oak Park resident approached the Community of Congregations booth and asked where a Muslim family could gather to observe Iftar, the evening break-the-fast during Ramadan.

An email went to all member congregations. Responding immediately was Rabbi Max of Oak Park Temple, who offered the social hall for Muslims to observe their break-the-fast.

Out of that sprang the idea for Tzedakah Sadaqah — words in Hebrew and Arabic, respectively, meaning “charity.” The effort is a collaboration between the synagogue’s religious school and the Muslim Leadership Community, a Sunday afternoon academic, social and spiritual-development program for children at the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park.

To the women who spurred this growing bond, this effort is about building bridges, breaking down barriers and finding support in times of uncertainty.

Being able to look at common ground dispels stereotypes and allows people to see each other as human beings, said Amy Kaufman and Nausheen Akhter, two parents who started the effort.

“We’re making a conscious choice to focus on our similarities and common ground said Kaufman,” who lives in Oak Park. “It’s more constructive. The more you sit and talk with people and talk about vacations or their day at work, no matter if you’re wearing a head scarf or a yarmulke, you are all concerned about the same things — that you hope your families are OK.” “It strengthens the bonds between both communities,” said Akhter, a River Forest resident. “We are … trying to teach our children so they don’t grow up with preconceived notions and make their own judgments about people.”

Soon after the break-the-fast, Kaufman, Akhter, Annika Rothbaum and Ayesha Akhtar met and wondered how they could get their children together. The focus for each gathering, they decided, would be around a theme central to the traditions of both faiths. In December 2015, the first gathering held at the temple focused on helping the poor. The second, in spring 2016 at the Muslim Foundation, addressed “welcoming the stranger.” Just this past December, at Oak Park Temple, the theme was “what God wants from each of us.”

During each gathering, adults and high school students shared and discussed traditional Jewish and Muslim texts. Middle school-age children read similar materials geared toward their age. Children from kindergarten through fifth grade read ageappropriate books.

And everyone took part in a service project. At the first, they made sandwiches for

the temple’s monthly social justice effort called Project Sandwich. In the spring, they put together kits of household products for new refugee families. Children made key chains. This past December, they created treasure bags of toiletries, gloves and socks for PADS. Youngsters painted inspirational words, like “peace” and “love,” on rocks and put them in each bag as a keepsake.

Kaufman, who led the kindergartenthrough-fifth-grade students, said the youngsters “definitely were having a good time. They were engaged, getting to know each other.”

Akhter said each time they gather, she has a deeper appreciation of the connections between their faiths. Both have Abrahamic traditions; the beliefs are similar, she said.

“Both have a belief in the oneness of God, have similar values and teachings. This is an opportunity to talk openly about faith; it’s integral to who they are as a person and to their values,” she said.

The appreciation for the relationship has grown. Akhter and Rothbaum shared the meaning of these gatherings during a New Year’s Day unity forum at the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park. Just this past Sunday, middle school and high school students gathered at the synagogue on Martin Luther King Day weekend to express the importance of unity and diversity by doing art projects.

The community effort has grown, and Kaufman and Akhter said people are returning and new participants are coming as well. Another is planned for the spring.

These efforts are becoming increasingly important. Although the topic has not come up in discussions, Kaufman and Akhter are concerned about the rise in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims.

In its most recent report on hate crimes released in November, the Federal Bureau of Investigations saw the numbers increase in 2015. Of the 1,402 victims of anti-religious hate crimes, just over 52 percent were committed against Jews; 22 percent against Muslims. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported that incidents spiked after this November elections.

With the rhetoric of the last campaign, particularly about banning Muslims from entering the United States and setting up a Muslim registry, Kaufman said that by creating community, there is more strength to stand up for each other.

“If [President Trump] fulfills his promise to create a Muslim registry, I am more

WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

INTER-ACTION: Muslim and Jewish families gathered at Oak Park Temple on Dec.17 to get to know one another better. inclined to register now than I might have been two years ago,” Kaufman said. “This makes people real. These are people I know.

We must build up a sense of trust.”

“I’m excited more than ever about this relationship in the context of the world we’re now living in,” Akhter said, with social media feed-

ing negativity and the uptick in hate crimes.

To know we have a broader community of support is just wonderful. The kids need to see that too and feel that they’re not alone. As someone living in this community, I have made some really good friends at the temple. And I really feel blessed with the support here.”

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Early Childhood Resources

Challenge continues for VMA candidates

Residents appeal electoral board’s ruling in circuit court

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

Early Childhood Center and Camp

West Suburban Temple Har Zion 1040 N. Harlem Ave. River Forest, IL 60305 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org 2-5 years old 7:30 am–6:00 pm M-Th 7:30 am–3:30 pm on Fri.

Preschool and kindergarten programs for three, four, and five-year-olds Call for an appointment.

7300 Division St. River Forest 708-366-6900 graceriverforest.org

Helping parents be successful since 1980 708/848-2227 www.parenthesis-info. org Find us on Facebook.

Early Childhood Education at

Pilgrim Community Nursery School Celebrating 50 years.

460 W. Lake St. Oak Park IL, 60302 Phone: 708-848-5869 www.pilgrimschool.net Accepting students ages 2–5 years old.

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The unofficial slate of candidates endorsed by the Village Manager Association (VMA) continues its battle this week to gain access to the ballot for the April 4 municipal election in Oak Park.

The three candidates – village clerk candidate Lori Malinski and trustee candidates Peter Barber and Glenn Brewer – faced challenges to their nominating petitions from two Oak Park residents, but the Oak Park Electoral Board decided last week to allow the three access to the ballot.

Now, resident Kevin Peppard and a former Oak Park trustee, Robert Milstein, are appealing that decision to the Cook County Circuit Court, according to Burt Odelson, of the Evergreen Park-based law firm Odelson Sterk Ltd., who is representing them in the case.

Odelson said in a telephone interview that the two challengers stand behind their assertion that the three candidates improperly collected signatures for their nominating petitions.

He said the three candidates, endorsed by the VMA, did not constitute a slate or an official political party because they did not have candidates for the five public offices up for election – village president, three trustee seats and village clerk.

“If you’re running in a primary, the law allows you to do that,” Odelson said, but noted that there are no primary races in Oak Park municipal elections because all of the

positions are elected at-large.

“The law also allows you to collectively file signatures,” he said.

But the three VMA candidates did not do that. Instead, they collected 735 signatures as a group. That number far exceeds the 251 needed – 5 percent of the 5,021 cast in the most recent municipal election – but should not have been submitted together, Peppard and Milstein contend. They’ve also argued that had they been submitted separately, they still would have needed 753 combined signatures to equal the requisite 251 for each of the three candidates.

“If they want to be independent, they have to file the number required by statute, and if you add up all the numbers, they are collectively short signatures,” Odelson said.

Peppard and Milstein argued to the electoral board that the case McNamara vs. Oak Lawn Municipal Officers Electoral Board in 2005 set precedent for requiring candidates to file petition signatures separately if they are not part of an official slate.

The local electoral board determined that although collecting the signatures collectively was improper, the courts have left it up to the local electoral board to determine whether to allow such candidates access to the ballot.

Odelson said he has filed a petition for judicial review and is going to court Thursday to file a brief to get a hearing date for the appeal to the electoral board decision. He anticipates a hearing on the case to be scheduled for the second to last week of January.

CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

Public radio highlights red-light camera coverage Wednesday Journal investigative report co-author interviewed on Morning Shift

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

Wednesday Journal’s two-part investigative series on red-light cameras along Harlem Avenue [A street paved with gold and Easy money] was featured on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio’s news show Morning Shift on Monday, Jan. 23.

The series, published in the Jan. 11 and 18 editions of Wednesday Journal — along with its sister publications the Forest Park Review and the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark — investigates the red-light cameras operated by SafeSpeed LLC along Harlem Avenue from North Avenue to Cermak Road, which have resulted in $26.5 million in citations between January 2014 and October 2016.

The story was co-authored by RiversideBrookfield Landmark editor Bob Uphues and contributor Brett McNeil. Morning Shift interviewed McNeil about the series, which can be heard at http://tinyurl.com/ z9xdn4k.

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

17

Oak Park launches parking review

Study to last about 8 months, goal is to simplify and clarify

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

The village of Oak Park will conduct a “holistic” review of parking — both in neighborhoods and business districts — over the next eight months.

The board of trustees adopted guiding principles for the meetings, which are scheduled to take place every month through September and focus on sustainability, public safety and customer service.

Trustees warned that the parking overhaul is unlikely to solve every problem with parking in the village. But Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said the meetings aim to help establish a “roadmap” for parking in the village.

“We don’t want people to stop coming to our town because of all the parking restrictions we have,” he said.

The meetings aim to: ■ Simplify parking ordinances and make them more userfriendly.

■ Make parking signage more clear and concise “so residents, visitors and employees in Oak Park are able to understand regulatory language.”

■ Focus parking technology on customer service and efficiency.

Trustee Peter Barber said he was “elated” that the village was finally conducting a far-reaching parking review, noting that the meetings should do more than just improve

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A NEW PARKING PLAN: The Oak Park Board of Trustees announced Monday that they will spend the next eight months conducting a holistic review of parking in the village in an effort to ease parking problems for residents and visitors. on the existing parking ordinance. He said village staff and trustees should pursue “fresh thinking” that also looks at parking best practices in other municipalities.

“We’re not the only village … that [has] parking challenges,” he said.

Trustee Glenn Brewer noted that the motion approved on Monday evening also halts any changes to the existing parking ordinance as trustees consider rewriting the village code.

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An application by neighbors for a cul-de-sac, for instance, would not be entertained by the village board or staff over the next eight months.

Jill Velan, Oak Park’s director of Parking and Mobility Services, said the village receives such requests from residents about every other month on average.

Trustee Bob Tucker said the halt on such requests should not prevent the board from considering timely requests.

The parking review meetings schedule includes: ■ January – Review of: Parking in the Pleasant Business District near the South Boulevard and Harlem Avenue redevelopment project by Lincoln Properties; Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, including recommendations from the Transportation Commission related to on-street resident parking.

■ February – Parking technology best practices.

■ March – Parking signage recommendations.

■ April – On-street parking at Austin Boulevard and Harlem Avenue.

■ May – On-street parking near North Avenue and Roosevelt Road.

■ June – Parking near and adjacent to public transit, residential areas, mixed-use areas, and Metra, CTA, Green Line, and CTA Blue Line stations.

■ July – Parking near and adjacent to residential and mixeduse areas near Madison Street and Washington Boulevard.

■ August – Parking near, and adjacent to, residential or mixed-use areas near Chicago Avenue and Division Street.

■ September – Review of comprehensive recommended ordinance amendments.

CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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Oak Park police are searching for two men, one of whom fired a gun in a store in the 100 block of Chicago Avenue at 5 p.m. on Jan. 14. Video surveillance shows one of the two men firing a handgun, but a police summary report did not specify which man. The discharge of the firearm caused customers to run in all directions and the two men were observed pointing handguns around before re-entering the light-colored SUV in which they arrived and leaving the scene westbound on Chicago Avenue. They were described as black males, one between the ages of 18 and 21, wearing matching multicolored or camouflage-colored jacket and pants with a blue hooded sweatshirt underneath, and the other with facial hair and wearing a black hat and all dark clothing.

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■ A woman was robbed at gunpoint in the 200 block of South Humphrey about 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 18. A black man about 20 to 25 years old, with a thin build, short black hair, brown eyes and wearing a black knit cap and dark jacket approached the woman in her backyard by the garage service door.

The man then pointed a black and silver handgun with green lights and said, “Give me your money.” She handed over $100 and the man left the scene.

■ An armed robbery occurred in the 900 block of South Elmwood at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 18. One man, described as wearing a white and gray facemask and a white sweatshirt and blue jacket struck the victim in the head, while a second person, for whom police had no description, pushed the victim, whose gender was not identified by police, to the ground. They stole the victim’s keys, wallet, cellphone, and backpack and then left the scene on foot.

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10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and 9 a.m. on Jan. 16. The burglar entered through an unlocked door and stole power tools valued at $1,862.

■ A garage was broken into in the 1000 block of North Euclid sometime between 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and 9 a.m. on Jan. 16. The burglar stole multiple tools valued at $1,863.

Burglary from motor vehicle ■ A work vehicle was burglarized in the 1000 block of Forest Avenue sometime between 10:30 and 11:14 a.m. on Jan. 18. The burglar entered through an unlocked door and stole power tools valued at $1,100.

■ A man came out to his vehicle in the 1000

block of North Boulevard about 6:01 p.m. on Jan. 19 to find a young man sitting there. The man was described as a white man between the ages of 14 and 21, tall, with a thin build and wearing a dark coat over a red hoodie.

As the owner approached the vehicle, the man sitting there fled the scene. A pair of Adidas shoes, Burberry sunglasses and a bottle of Lacoste cologne were missing from the car. The items were valued at $680.

■ A catalytic converter was stripped from a red 2004 Honda CRV in the 400 block of South Harvey sometime between 8:50 a.m. on Dec. 16 and 5:38 p.m. on Jan. 19. The loss was an estimated $350.

Residential burglary A residence was burglarized in the 500 block of North Ridgeland sometime between 9 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. on Jan. 19. The burglar used a pry tool to the rear door of the residence to gain entry. They ransacked the bedrooms, kitchen and basement and stole three laptops, keys, jewelry, a duffel bag and an Xbox. The loss was an estimated at $19,640.

Burglary arrest Andres Garcia, 30, of the 2200 block of North Scott Street in Melrose Park, was detained by the victim of a residential burglary at 8:28 a.m. on Jan. 18. He was arrested in the 1000 block of Forest and taken to the Oak Park Police Department for processing.

Motor vehicle theft ■ A green 2015 Mazda 6 was taken from the 200 block of North Grove sometime between 3 p.m. on Jan. 16 and 8 a.m. the next day. The loss was an estimated $15,000.

■ A 2007 black Chevy Impala was stolen from the BP gas station at 100 Chicago Ave. at 1:58 a.m. on Jan. 15. The vehicle was left unlocked and running with the keys in the ignition. It was last seen headed eastbound on Chicago Avenue.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Jan. 14-19, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

— Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Exit strategy: Going where the good food is

M

stuff we’ve accumulated over exican food is probthe years. We can then send out ably my favorite of items to people who can use all world cuisines. what we might otherwise throw I’m a fan of French away. Over the past decade or and Thai chow and, so, I’ve helped clean out the of course, a good American homes of several deceased relasteak, but Mexican food offers tives, and there comes a point in such incredible variety, and the process when mountains of it’s so abundant in the Chistuff just go into the dumpster cago area, that I find myself with little more than a glance. longing for it in a way I never There’s some value beyond long for any other cuisine. monetary in what we have, The fresh tortillas, the beans, and I want the remnants of my the grilled meat with avocado, American life to go to people are all elementally satisfying, Local Dining who value it. For instance, some as are the deep moles, tangy & Food Blogger old coral my crazy Floridian ceviche, and so many other aunt and uncle fished out of regional dishes. Mexican is the Gulf a half-century ago just the one cuisine I keep going went to our friend Marilyn Dawson, who back to with renewed enthusiasm and will probably do something artistic with appetite. it; old Egyptology texts from my college So as I consider possible evacuation teaching days are on their way to a young zones, Mexico is high on our list.

Islamic scholar who once toured me around Some ask, but isn’t it dangerous? Sure, Cairo; and stacks of old magazines are Mexico can be deadly, particularly along headed to Cook County Jail. the border with the United States, but For other items, we’re using the Facebook many parts are much safer. We’re considerpage titled, “River Forest and Oak Park ing a move to Merida, Yucatan, which on many metrics is much, much safer than, for Virtual Garage Sale.” If you’ve never been to this page, it’s a tremendous resource. You instance, Chicago. It’s also a magical place just post a photo of the item and buyers where the Mayan heritage is all around come by to pick it up. Very easy. you, in the food as well as the ancient buildSo the current plan is that we’ll be leavings. For years, I’ve had next to my desk a ing at some point in the next 12-18 months. picture of me, shot in the late 70s, walking We’re not entirely sure when we’ll be back toward the House of the Seven Dolls in to the USA (though probably not until at Dzibilchaltún, an archaeological zone outleast 2020, if there’s even a country to come side Merida. As I look at it now, the picture back to by then). seems to be about my future as much as my I figure if I’m going to relocate to another past. part of the world, I might as well choose a One advantage of leaving our home in place that serves the kind of food I may be the U.S. in the next year or so is that we can eating for the rest of my life. take the time to go through mountains of

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

21

Homes

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

Right-sizing their Gunderson Historic District home gets a facelift … and a downsizing

By LACEY SIKORA

G

Contributing Reporter

ood things come to those who wait. The old adage holds true for Oak Park homeowners Adrian and Jeff Fisher, who have lived in their Home Avenue house since 1986. The couple raised their children in the home and waited until they were grown to tackle the rehabilitation work they had longed to take on.

According to Adrian, “We raised our children here, paid for college, paid off the house, and then decide to do some work on the house.”

Their patience paid off. With a new kitchen and a new exterior remodel that recently earned them a Historic Preservation Award, they are pleased that their just-rightsized home is ready for the next chapter in their lives.

Subtracting, not adding When the Fishers purchased the home, they were prepared to take on a house that needed some work.

“We really love old houses and had rehabbed a three-flat in Wicker Park before moving here.

We always had in mind that we would do the same here,” said Adrian.

When they first saw the house, the exterior bore little resemblance to the classic Gunderson look of many of the homes in this Gunderson Historic District south of I-290. The home dates to 1905, and sometime around 1915, early owners added a sleeping porch to the second floor over the front porch. In the 1950s, the original sleeping porch windows were replaced, and the home was re-sided with asphalt siding over the original clapboard.

Provided

BEFORE AND AFTER: This Gunderson home, restored to its original splendor, earned a Historic Preservation Award.

Jeff recalled that the previous owners of the home had 10 children, and when he and Adrian first saw the house, there were beds lined up in rows in the sleeping porch. The Fishers didn’t need quite as much sleeping space for their smaller family, but they did wonder if it made sense to remove the porch, making their house smaller.

Adrian noted that when most people renovate an older home, they tend to add square footage, not subtract. Even though the sleeping porch was old enough to be architecturally interesting, she and Jeff decided they didn’t need more

space. For Adrian, a sustainability consultant, living in a right-sized house has always been a goal. With their children out of the house, the couple also realized that a rightsized home would allow them to age in the home they loved without needing to downsize.

Neighborhood connection The Fishers didn’t have to look far to find someone to help them with their renovation goals. They turned to neighbor and architect Chris Goode of Architecture and Conservation to help them with a

whole-house plan. They said that Goode was well-prepared to rehab their home within the original footprint and with sensitivity to the original structure.

In 2013, they started with a kitchen remodel. A very small kitchen gained a lot of space with some creativity on the part of Goode and Loop Construction.

Goode said of the Fishers’ house, “They have an old Gunderson. It hadn’t been changed much inside, and the kitchens in those Gundersons are pretty meager. They asked See GUNDERSON on page 26

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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OTHER AREA HOMES ELMWOOD PARK. LIGHT & BRIGHT, beautiful floors, C/A & 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath. Great space! ..............................................................................$338,000

OPEN 1-3PM •636 CLARENCE JUST LISTED! RECENTLY RENOVATED 1920s Craftsman Style Bungalow w/3BR, 2 full BAs, open eat-in kitchen, formal DR w/original blt-ins. Large finished bsmt. ........................................................$527,000 OPEN 1-3PM • 1113 N. ELMWOOD NEW LISTING! RARE ENGLISH BRICK 4BR, 2.2BA with custom woods thru-out. MBA, den & hi-ceiling rec rm. 2-car garage. ....................................... $685,000 OPEN 12-2PM • 723 WOODBINE TIMELESS CLASSIC HOME with many updates. 4BR, 2BA. New kitchen, Nat’l wood & floors, family rm. Big yard. ........................................... $499,700 OPEN 12:30-2PM • 1220 N. ELMWOOD ARCHITECTURAL GEM. Finished classic 4+BR, 3BA bungalow. Walk to Metra, parks & more. ........................................................................................... $649,000 ELMWOOD PARK. TURNKEY BRICK 4 BR, 3 BA bungalow. Move right in to this spacious home with updated kitchen. ................................................................$285,000

INCOME OAK PARK. BRICK 3FLAT close to school with a big living rm, formal dining rm. Excellent condition! Great income! ......................................................................$729,000

OAK PARK CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES OPEN 12-2PM AT THE SHOWROOM 139 S. OAK PARK AVE. NEW CONSTRUCTION! New standard of luxury!

1808-2200 SF units, 3 BRs, 2 indoor pkg spaces, spacious terraces, eco-efficient LEED certified. Pricing starts at ............................................................................$669,900 FOREST PARK CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES

RIVER FOREST. INVITING 4/5 BR, 2 bath Victorian 2-Flat. 2 levels of living space, 10 rms, high ceilings, hdwd flrs, remodeled BA, huge yd & garage pkg. .........$3,300/mo

OPEN 1-3PM • 622 GROVE LN. JUST LISTED! MUCH SOUGHT AFTER 3 bedroom townhouse at the Grove w/balcony & patio. Granite & stainless steel applncs. 2-car garage. .$339,000

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

IN THE HEART OF TOWN, 2BR, 1BA condo w/view of lovely lndscpd courtyd. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Open flr plan. Pkg. ................................................................... $155,000 IDEAL LOCATION 2BR unit, near Metra, shops, dining.

Well-maintained, elevator bldg, w/parking. .......... $119,000 WELLLOCATED STUDIO features hdwd flrs, new SS fridge and portable washer. Murphy’s bed. .............$69,900

COMMERCIAL

OTHER AREA CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES

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

ELMWOOD PARK. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! MBR w/BA & large living space, in-unit W/D, C/A, elevator bldg. - check it out! ....................$139,000

OAK PARK CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES JUST LISTED! FANTASTIC LU VIOLA, 1 flr unit.

Hdwd flrs & wdwk thru-out. Walking distance to trains, shops & restaurants. Pkg. ..................................$264,500 IDEAL OP LIVING! Contemporary 1BR + den, 1½ BA condo features open plan, designer kitchen & BAs, W/D, garage pkg, balcony & C/A. ...............................$215,000 NEW PRICE! CLEAN CORNER CONDO facing south and east. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. Large closets. Covered pkg.

A deal at .....................................................................$162,500 ONE OF THE LARGEST FLOOR PLANS in the Santa Maria. 2BRs, 1BA. Updated kitchen. Fireplace. Lots of light.

Pkg spc available. ................................................$160,000 st

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

BERWYN. AM 4SQ, 3 BR, 1.1 BA near Proksa Park & train. Huge deck & patio w/ parking for 3 cars. .......................$259,000

RENTALS HOMES

OAK PARK. OFFICE SPACES in lovely Art Deco bldg.

2 Elevators. Entry handicap equipped. Tenants pay electric.

Public pkg. Call! Rent ranges from ..$2,616/mo to $898/mo WESTMONT. CLASSIC STORE FRONT/walk in office on busy street. 2 blocks from Metra train. In-suite restrooms and kitchen. Great exposure. ................................$1,525/mo

ELMWOOD PARK. SPACIOUS COLONIAL w/3BRs, 1.1BAs. 3 levels of living. Updated kitchen & BAs, fireplace, hdwd flrs & C/A. .....................................................$2,500/mo

CONDOS/APARTMENTS OAK PARK. NEW RENTAL! CHARMING & HUGE 2nd flr vintage unit w/3BRs, 2BAs. Lrg kitchen. Hdwd flrs, 1 indoor pkg spc. Available NOW..............................$1,900/mo

Showroom Open Sunday 12-2pm

ONLY

Located 139 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park

3

LEFT!

Starting at $669,900 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Call for a FREE Market Analysis today!

We Need Your Home!

Housing stock is low...

This is the time to sell.

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

A New Standard of Luxury in Oak Park.

• • • • • • •

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

Don’t Miss Out on Pre-Construction Pricing!

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

25

Generations of Excellence since 1958

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

MANAGING BROKER/OWNERS River Forest,

Pat Cesario

Tom Poulos

Karen Doty

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

710 S HUMPHREY OAK PARK

1227 FRANKLIN • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

N E W L IS T I NG!

NE W LI S TI NG

BEAUTIFUL, SPACIOUS TWO STORY HOME in the Arts District in Oak Park. Large Living Room with adjoining Sun Room, Dining Room, Family Room, updated Kitchen. Unfinished dry basement.

Wood floors and freshly painted. Parking pad for 3 cars. Nice backyard with a patio and shed....................................................$349,500

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

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

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

510 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

1433 KEYSTONE • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

MID CENTURY RANCH with plenty of options to work with in this open floor plan. Extra large kitchen with eating area. Family Room with gas fireplace. Three Bedrooms with master suite. Two and a half baths. Huge rec room in basement. Attached 2 car garage. Private yard. .......................................................................................$570,000

CLASSIC TUDOR located in the center of town includes many upgrades and a lot of remodeling! Bathrooms, basement, added closets including MBR walk-in. Resurfaced numerous hardwood floors. Stained glass windows. 2 car attached garage. Large private backyard. A can’t miss! ..........................................................$999,900

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED HOME features a detailed LR, DR and kitchen with east facing sun/breakfast room on 1st FL. 2nd FL features sun filled library w/fireplace, large master suite. Finished basement includes a family room with a fireplace and a game room. .................................................................................... $809,000

123 ASHLAND • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

838 N HARLEM • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 10-12

111 ROCKFORD • FOREST PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

721 ONTARIO UNIT 211 • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

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

BEAUTIFUL, MOVE-IN READY REHAB in River Forest. Large open kitchen with all brand new SS. New 3/4 inch Brazilian Koa wood floors throughout. Designer baths. Wood burning fireplace.

Master suite. Full basement. Great backyard with covered patio.

Close to great schools! ...........................................................$385,900

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

MANY EXTRA AMENITIES in this exquisite 3 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath condo. Kitchen completely renovated, original French balconies, stunning cathedral windows, and LR is highlighted by gas fireplace & built-in bookcases. Large deck. The style is a combination of Italian Renaissance & Prairie elements. ...................$535,000

ADDITIONAL OPEN HOUSES SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017

RIVER FOREST HOMES RESTORE THIS HOUSE with fabulous curb appeal or Build your dream home on this 100’ x 184’ lot. .............................................................$1,400,000 GEORGOUS FRENCH NORMANDY with 5 bedrooms, 5 full & 5 half baths sits on a 75 foot corner lot. Gleaming hardwood floors and fireplace in LR, simply stunning eat-in kitchen with adjoining family room. Lower level rec room with gas fireplace. Beautifully landscaped grounds........$1,099,900 BEAUTIFUL STYLISH UPDATED HOME with 4 BRs, 3.2 BAs on four floors of living space. Includes LR w/ frpl, new high end kitchen, Breakfast Rm, 1st FL office. LL has Fam Rm, Rec Room, Laundry, Wine Cellar and Full Bath.

2 car garage with extra storage and rooftop deck...........................$1,049,000 SPECIAL HOME IN SPECIAL LOCATION! Good size rooms, large picture window, views out every window, family room overlooks kitchen. Just finish off the basement with the second fireplace located there. Beautiful brick pavers, attached garage. Make this home yours. ...............................$599,000 VERY UNIQUE PRAIRIE HOME sits on a beautiful corner lot. The home suggestive of Tallmadge & Watson has a dramatic family room that opens to the kitchen. Expansive LR with fireplace. Basement has 2nd half bath, and storage. Nice size yard with private brick patio & XL 2 car garage. ..$569,000 LARGE VICTORIAN with 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths has great original details including wide moldings, wood burning fireplace, beamed ceilings, large room sizes and high ceilings. Master bedroom with bath, good closet space. Large backyard with deck. ........................................................$385,000

414 WISCONSIN UNIT A • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

816 S MAPLE UNIT 1S • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

GORGEOUS 1998 TOWNHOUSE. First floor family room w/radiant floor heat, built in cabinets. Spacious 2nd level w/balcony off kitchen.

Master bedroom with cathedral ceilings, master bath and new custom built closets. Attached garage. Professionally landscaped courtyard. ......................................................................................................$415,000

MOVE IN READY HOME! Beautiful first floor unit with updated kitchen and bath! Well maintained unit and building with loads of natural light.

Amazing access to transportation, school bus pick up right outside the front door. Perfect for first time buyers or those looking to downsize! ......................................................................................................$177,000

425 S OAK PARK UNIT A • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 10-12

840 DUNLOP • FOREST PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

MOVE RIGHT INTO THIS 4 STORY TOWNHOME! This 2 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath townhome is a sunny and quiet end unit. Granite kitchen, hardwood floors, master suite, 2nd floor laundry, fireplace in LR. 4th floor loft with kitchenette. Large wrap around deck and attached garage. ......................................................................................................$359,400

EXTRA LARGE TWO UNIT HOME with income. Move right in.

NEWER kitchen upgrades. OAK flooring thruout and under all carpeting.

OVERSIZE ROOMS with multiple closets and AMPLE storage. Enjoy patio with garden. Walk to public transportation, schools, library, pool, parks. ......................................................................................................$335,000

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!.............. $2,525,000

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED 5 bed/ 2 full bath home with a newly remodeled kitchen with a large attached breakfast area or family room.

Bathrooms updated this year. Four large bedrooms on 2nd fl , 5th BR on 1st floor, perfect for company, or your private office................................$474,900

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

ELMWOOD PARK HOMES GEORGIAN STYLE HOME boasting three levels of living space. Solid brick home sits on double lot. Basement has eight foot ceilings and is finished with bedroom and family room. Home has all new stainless steel appliances.

2.5 car detached garage with driveway and alley access. ............... $408,900

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Entertainment area................................$89,000 OAK PARK Two Flat. ..........................................................................$525,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Unique condo. ...............................................$279,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 1-1/2 BA. Premier building/great location. ........$182,500 NEW LISTING! OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA..........................................$139,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Convenient location...........................$84,900 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Updated kitchen and bath. ...............$69,000 FOREST PARK 2BR, 2BA. Spacious corner unit.................$289,000 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Recently updated. .......................$87,500 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Updated kitchen. ........................$69,900

For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com

26

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BEFORE

AFTER PHOTOS BY WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer

GUNDERSON

Preservation and rehab from page 21 me how to get more space. What we did was grab some space from the back porch and the pantry. It was interesting to try to figure out how to make something not very big bigger and have it fit the house.”

Goode’s plans called for a joist to cantilever off the side of the house, which created a few extra feet of space without the need for a new foundation. He also reoriented the approach to the powder room to create an eat-in space in the kitchen.

A few years later, the Fishers again called

The back of the house during restoration.

PROVIDED

on Goode — this time with the help of McShane Hibbits Construction — to restore the exterior of their home. Goode said this project didn’t require quite as much ingenuity as creating a larger kitchen.

“To be honest, it wasn’t that difficult to figure out what to do,” he noted, “just take off the sleeping porch.

Basically, the houses around us told us what to do as we rebuilt the porch.”

In order to create the most historically accurate porch they could, the Fishers and Goode walked their neighborhood, examining the porches of other Gunderson houses.

Very few had original porches, due to the propensity of wood to rot after more than 100 years, but they found one house that appeared to have its original porch, and they did their best to copy the posts.

When they removed PROVIDED the asphalt siding, they were relieved to find

KITCHEN PLAN: Gunderson kitchens tend toward the minimal, so rehab was in order.

Porch pillars (below) were recreated. much of the original clapboard was salvageable.

They were happy to discover original wood shingles in the triangle at the top of the house and some traces of original paint colors.

They chose new shades of yellow with green trim to reflect the original colors of the home.

Historical benefits The Fishers say the Village Historic Preservation Commission was instrumental in helping them get the project approved and also helped them realize significant tax savings. On receiving the green light from the commission, Adrian said, “It was easy to get approval because we respected the building and were trying to make it what it originally was.”

One of the perks of restoring the home was that the project qualified the Fishers for a property tax assessment freeze. As residents of a historic district, the Fishers qualified for an eight-year assessment freeze for approved work that represented at least 25 percent of the home’s assessed value.

PROVIDED

She and Jeff hope that winning a Historic Preservation Award will inspire others. “My hope is that people will see what we did and realize they don’t have to do beige vinyl siding. A lot of current renovations are not being done sensitively to old architecture.”

For the Fishers, the project was worthwhile on a personal and community level. For Adrian, from a sustainability standpoint, it made more sense environmentally to rehab an older home than to build new — plus the added bonus of loving the newly-rehabbed home.

“I get happy every time I walk into the house.”

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

27

NEW LISTING

PRICE REDUCTION

1435 Park Avenue, River Forest $723,900 :: 4 bed :: 4.5 bath Spacious, meticulously maintained Georgian family home. Walk to elementary school.

1142 Franklin Ave, River Forest $1,600,000 :: 4 bed :: 4.5 bath Custom modern 6000 sq. ft. home. Dramatic design and unique detailing throughout.

PRICE REDUCTION

NEW LISTING

847 Clinton Pl, River Forest $1,149,000 :: 4 beds :: 3.5 baths Beautifully designed center entrance brick colonial with a gourmet kitchen. Walk to train.

101 N Euclid Avenue #24, Oak Park $565,000 :: 3 bed :: 3.5 bath Town house with attached two car garage. End unit, walk to everything!

1526 Clinton Place, River Forest 4BR, 3.5BA • $769,000 GORGEOUS STONE Georgian. Modern amenities!

Fully renovated in 2014. Open layout on 1st flr perfect for family, entertaining. Sep office space. 2nd flr feat 4 BRs, laundry, balcony, master suite. Finished Bsmt has full BR.

Rental Properties 214 Harrison, Oak Park •1 BR, 1 BA • $1,300/month Incredibly unique unit in the heart of the Oak Park Arts District! Completely new inside and out! Top of the line appliances and finishes, full-size, in-unit laundry, Central Air, and tons of storage. Walk to everything location--CTA Blue line, bus lines, shops, restaurants, schools, library and much more! Convenient on-street parking available. This one won’t last!!

820 Thomas Ave, Forest Park 2 BR, 2 BA • $1,900/mo Very charming and completely updated home! Large open floor plan on first floor with beautiful chefs kitchen. Two nice sized BRs on the second floor. There are two full bathrooms, one on the first and one on the second floor. The basement has a nicely finished family room space, laundry and storage. The yard is nicely landscaped and has a brick paver patio. Two+ car garage rounds it out! Located in walking distance to CTA Blue line and easy commuting via 290. Walk to parks, schools and pool! Easy living!!

Commercial Property

David Gullo, Managing Broker

708.567.1375 GulloAssociates@gmail.com

Laura Maychruk 708.205.7044

220 Harrison • Oak Park Arts District $3200/month • Available Now!

LMaychruk@comcast.net

1570 SQ. FT. UNIT featuring open space with lots of natural light! All new individual mechanicals. New facade, roof & windows. Delivered with “vanilla box” interior. Rent includes CAM fees.

Mark Finger 708.990.8115

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

MY PERSPECTIVE

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN

Margaret Jones 708.804.0368

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

905 South Lombard Ste. 2 Oak Park, IL 60304

SPONSORED CONTENT

HOME BUYING SEASON IS COMING: IMPORTANT STEPS TO A GREAT CLOSING

By Frank Pellegrini, CEO, Prairie Title, Oak Park Prairie Title is your hometown title agency, serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. In this column, Prairie Title CEO Frank Pellegrini tackles several of the questions home buyers and sellers ask most frequently about title insurance.

T

he Super Bowl is approaching, and that megaevent traditionally signals the start of the home buying season. Home sales are predicted to blossom this year, and you may very well be thinking about selling or buying (or both).

When you decide to get into the real estate market, I strongly advise that you hire an agent to help you through the process of finding the right buyer or new home, and a real estate attorney to counsel you and help you close the deal.

As you start moving toward the closing table, here are some steps that you should be aware of: 1. Selecting a closing agent With your permission, your real estate agent or your attorney may place an order with a title company once the sales contract is accepted. The title company will provide a report on the state of title for the property and will oversee the

closing process and make sure everything happens in the right order and on time.

Most buyers and sellers rely on their real estate agent or attorney to select a closing agent—someone they work with regularly and know to be professional, reliable and efficient. Keep in mind, however, that you can choose your own title company if you wish.

2. Provide all important details Communicate regularly with your attorney to ensure that good collaboration exists among all parties. There is a team that has come together to make sure all interests are protected and that you’re in compliance with laws and regulations.

This team of real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, appraisers, home inspectors, and, of course, the title company, works together toward a successful closing.

3. Shopping for title insurance Did you know that you can shop for your own title insurance? In the Chicago area, sales contracts typically stipulate

that the seller will purchaser owner’s title insurance for the buyer. I urge you to spend some time shopping for title insurance. The American Land Title Association’s consumer site (homeclosing101.org) can help you through the process.

4. Title search conducted Once the title order is placed, the title company conducts a search of public records. This should identify any issues such as liens against the property, utility easements, etc. If a problem is discovered, most often the title professional will take care of it without you even knowing about it. And if an undiscovered problem comes up following closing, owner’s title insurance will protect the owner’s investment.

5. Reviewing the Closing Disclosure If you are a buyer, your lender must provide a Closing Disclosure to you at least three days prior to closing. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, with closing

approaching this is a great time to consult with your attorney for a thorough explanation of the financial aspects of the closing.

6. The finish line: preparing for closing As closing day approaches, the attorneys and the closing agent order any updated information that is required. The parties, through their attorneys and the lender will work with the title company to set a final closing date, time and location.

On closing day, all of the behind-thescenes work is complete. While you’ve been busy packing, ordering utilities and coordinating the movers, your closing agent has been managing the closing process so that you can rest assured, knowing all the paperwork is in order.

For more information, please contact me at fpellegrini@prairietitle.com, or 708-386-7900 ext. 1301.

28

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Sponsored Content

I

The Newest Apartments in Oak Park: Vantage Oak Park Has It All outdoor areas for your time off, with a Club Room and Resident Lounge. A roof top terrace is a green oasis that includes an outdoor lounge, seating area, games and a grilling area complete with a bar countertop and overhead pergola.

Beginning in the summer of 2017, residents can enjoy the modern, casual cuisine and award-winning wines of Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant when it opens in the ground floor retail space.

The interiors of the apartments offer contemporary amenities. All of the apartments were designed with highend finishes such as wide-plank flooring and stainless steel appliances. In-unit washers and dryers, as well as five burner gas ranges, lend the apartments an upscale feel. Select units are available with balconies or terraces, and all units are wired for up to one gigabyte of internet activity.

No matter your occupation during the work week or your destination for relaxation on the weekends, Vantage offers unparalleled access to all parts of the Chicago region. Vantage is located in the heart of Oak Park’s transportation hub, making it easy to access public transportation with both the Metra and the CTA Green Line within blocks. Vantage offers easy access to the Loop, western suburbs and the area’s many hospitals. If you prefer to drive and keep your own car, Vantage is a short drive from Interstate 290 and offers indoor parking to its residents, a perk that makes the morning commute more pleasant in all kinds of weather.

n Oak Park, the newest apartment building in the downtown corridor has experienced a welcoming response. Apartment homes at Vantage continue to lease quickly, and there are still units available in the 270-unit high rise at 150 Forest Avenue. Vantage Oak Park offers the best of suburban and urban amenities in a location that is hard to beat.

Life at Vantage means you don’t have to leave the building to make the most of your day. Apartments in Vantage boast all of the modern amenities of a contemporary building. A state-of-the-art fitness center includes cutting-edge cardio, strength-training and free weight equipment. Business and conference centers offer residents access to computers and printers, as well as a private room for meetings.

Entertainment and relaxation opportunities abound within the building. The fifth floor offers indoor and

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Each week Wednesday Journal covers local news, local people, local sports and the local ads you want to see. Village hall, police, OPRF, the elementary schools, business, religion, we have Oak Park and River Forest covered.

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...miss a lot.

JOURNAL W E D N E S D A Y

June 1, 2016 Vol. 34, No. 42 ONE DOLLAR

of Oak Park

and River Fo rest

@OakPark @O

ic re m live mus ber 6th | 9p septem

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Powered by the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors

A conversation with John Lawrence

business or the most transactions,” says Gerri Keating, CEO of OPAAR. “The Realtor of the Year is the person everybody else can look up

By DEB QUANTOCK MCCAREY to, somebody who is an all-around good person, professionally and personally. John will be given another plaque in Springfield on April 17, and hen first meeting John Lawrence, the honored, so it is a big deal.”

2012 Realtor of the Year, it’s easy to see WJ recently sat down for a conversation with how and why the broker/owner of Oak Lawrence in his offices at 101 N. Oak Park Ave. Park-based Weichert Realtors – Nickel Group was selected by the Oak Park Area How did your new real estate office survive Association of Realtors (OPAAR) to receive this top the recent recession? industry honor.

Well, we opened up on Dec. 1, 2006, not knowing With a warm handshake, sincere smile and we were about to go into a real depressed period. earnest gaze, Lawrence epitomizes a home-grown It did get a bit hairy. I lost one partner and then businessman and committed community guy who another a couple of years later. enjoys giving back to Oak Park, River Forest and We started out lean, and we stayed lean … and Forest Park. the money was well managed, so we weren’t Peers say the 41-year-old family man is a successful feeling that real pinch. Throughout everything, real estate pro because of his commitment to we also kept a very positive message and dialogue excellence in business as well as the common good going in the office. As a result, every single year where he lives and works. These attributes he we have out-performed the market by a large attributes to the role-modeling he received from his margin. At the very end of 2008 we affiliated with compassionate and civic-minded parents, Dr. Gene Weichert Real Estate, and that played a role in our and Evelyn Lawrence of River Forest. increase in business. For example in 2009, when The fourth in a line of six kids, Lawrence attended everybody was losing it in real estate, we had a St. Luke Catholic School in River Forest, and is a 1989 40 percent increase in business and were able to graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School. attract good, quality, producing agents.

He went on to earn an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Champaign and a teaching What is your business philosophy? certificate from Concordia University in River People want to work with good people they feel Forest. He currently resides with his wife Pam, an are going to treat them right. So it is important early childhood special education teacher, and their to me to make this a place where agents want to 9-month-old daughter in River Forest. do business, and for the community to see that Nine years ago, he shifted careers from being a we give back to it. For example, we are a strong special education teacher himself in River Forest supporter of Opportunity Knocks, so our agents School District 90 to real estate, first working for are given the opportunity to make a donation other offices, then opening his own. after every closing, and the office matches it. We An active member of the Oak Park-River Forest also do food drives … [for the Forest Park and Oak Chamber of Commerce, in 2012 he became its Park food pantries] and we will continue to do president. Lawrence also serves as treasurer on that. the board of OPAAR, and sits on the board of directors for Opportunity Knocks, a community How’s business so far this year? organization that serves teens and young adults with [In the third week of March], the inventory developmental disabilities.

“Being Realtor of the Year is not necessarily See LAWRENCE on page B3 because the recipients did the most amount of

Meet our Realtor of the Year

W

THE MOST LOCAL REAL ESTATE I

OAK PARK 2 BR, 1 BA . . . . . . . . . . .$279,000 See page B6

OAK PARK 3 BR, 2 BA . . . . . . . . . . .$749,000 See page B6

Special pull out section

administers Na partment already rcan roughly on ce a week

By TIMOTHY

INKLEBARGER

Staff Repor ter

Oak Park police offic with an anti ers will soon -opioid over be equipped can, conf dose drug irmed Oak known as Park Dep Tony Amb Naruty Police rose.

Participants Chief A state law w wave at the that went crowd during dates that into effec WILLIAM CAMAR the annual Mem t in January all Illinois GO/Staff Photog mancarrying rapher orial Day Para police depa the drug in rtments de in River Fore an effort to begin from hero st on May 30. prev in and opio id-based pres ent overdoses For more phot Ambrose said in a cription drug os, page 10. telephone OPPD is s. work interview that the ment to rece ing with the Oak Park Fire ive training DepartNarcan prog and gran t funding ram. for the Oak Park Deputy Fire in a telep

By TOM HOLM Chief Pete hon ES to r e suns Pila inte fas said Contributin C et, every rview that paramedics gR day for four Reporter fire depa have been Nausheen weeks. rtme can for som trained to sounds very Syed Moh administer nt e ator, to deve on Yom much like uddin (a.k.

Kippur or times a mon time and used it an NarDAVID PIERINI/Staff Photographer lop a Jew to and his wife a. Mohi) a Christia average of th in 2014 perfect one’ patience, gratitud Ahmed Lent when she Nausheen Oak n during and 2015. four Pilafas appl THE REAL DEAL: John Lawrence was named Realtor of the Year by the e and s characte describes keep Akhter will a Mus ing the mon ied on May r. When fasti what Mus Park Area Association of Realtors. be begin are striving for duri will cove th of Ram 20 for the lims beha lim is supposed to ng, 5. The Rive r 100 perc ng Ramadan adan on Jun Ri r Fore grant, whic be on thei “What peop vior, avoi ent of the prog . st r e d h best le resi ram ange may ing without costs for dent , and it r, bad lang etc. Many the OPPD food or drin s will fast, go- “is that the purp not know,” she said uage, lies, He said now was approved thre , example people give up bad ose of Ram N PRINT AND ONLINE k, from sunr e bring you days police and habits, for adan is to smo will attend ise closer spir fire departme later. itually to a training spection and king. It is a time nt officials of introyour Creofficers on seminar self-reflection to instruct how on how to police Earlier this to administer the betdrug.

See RAMADA year, Oak Park Tow N on page nship Sup 12 erviSee NARCAN on page 13

OAK PARK4 BR, 2.1 BA . . . . . . . . . .$799,900 See page B6

A day of remem

An American River

brance

Ramadan

Forest couple say s don’t make ass umptions abo ut Muslims

RIVER FOREST 3 BR, 2 BA . . . . . . .$539,000 See page B7

RIVER FOREST 7 BR, 7.1 BA . . . $1,195,000 See page B8

Fath er’ s Day | Su nd ay brunch 9a -2:30p Reservations

: 708.358 .980

6 /19

dinner 5-9

0 or mayade lsol.

pm

com

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Wednesday ournalHomes.com

April 17, 2013

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

In The Village, Realtors®

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

April Baker

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTIES

Joelle Venzera

Mike Becker

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

Oak Brook • $579,900 5BR, 2.1BA Call Kerry x139

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

Oak Park • $519,000 3BR, 3BA Call Dorothy x124

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

Haydee Rosa

Oak Park • $359,900 3BR, 1.1BA Call Dorothy x124

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

Oak Park • $229,000 3BR, 1BA Call Steve x121

Oak Park • $189,000 2BR, 1BA Call Marion x111

644 LAKE ST 3W OPEN SAT 1-2 PM Kerry Delaney

Morgan Digre

Oak Park • $300,000 2BR, 1BA Call Marion x111

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

1036 WASHINGTON BLVD 2 OPEN SUN 1-3 PM

Kelly Gisburne

Marion Digre

Kris Sagan

736 N HUMPHREY AVE OPEN SUN 12-1:30 PM

Tom Byrne

Laurie Christofano

Harry Walsh, Managing Broker

Oak Park • $164,500 2BR, 1BA Call Elissa x192

Anna Gillian

Dorothy Gillian

Oak Park • $150,000 2BR, 2BA Call Laurie x186

Ed Goodwin

Joe Langley

Linda Rooney

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29

30

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

1142 FRANKLIN AVE, RIVER FOREST

1142FRANKLIN.INFO

250 FOREST AVE, OAK PARK

250FOREST.INFO

This contemporary home features a floating staircase, Italian onyx floors,

Landmarked, corner-lot “Stick style” Victorian home meticulously restored

crystal chandeliers and extra large rooms with high ceilings. $1,600,000

and updated, blends vintage charm with modern functionality. $1,165,000

TEAM IWERSEN

CINDY CLEVELAND JOSS

•

708.848.0200

•

tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

•

312.506.0200

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ccjoss@atproperties.com

THE #1 LUXURY BROKERAGE FIRM IN OAK PARK.

432 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK

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

Tremendous space and lovely light flow in this beautifully renovated home

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in the Mann School District. $789,000

BOB ROYALS

•

708.848.0200

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

•

bobroyals@atproperties.com

VICTORIA KRAUSE SCHUTTE •708.848.0200 • vkrauseschutte@atproperties.com Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

31

Sunday, January 29, 2017

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

TOWNHOMES

CONDOS

ADDRESS

MULTIFAMILY

LISTING PRICE

TIME

736 N. Humphrey Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1:30 1000 S. Maple Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$359,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3:30 462 Longcommon Rd, Riverside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$374,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 838 N. Harlem Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$385,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 1114 N. Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$449,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 723 Woodbine, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$499,700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 636 Clarence, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$527,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 111 Rockford Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$559,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1227 Franklin Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$570,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 123 Ashland Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$639,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1220 N. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$649,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2 1433 Keystone Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$809,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 510 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$999,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

300 Circle Ave. UNIT 4H, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 644 Lake St. UNIT 3W, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 1-2 816 S. Maple Ave. UNIT 1S, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$177,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1036 Washington Blvd. UNIT 2, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$189,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1131 Bonnie Brae Pl. UNIT 1N, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$224,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 428 Wisconsin Ave. UNIT 3N, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$289,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2 425 S. Oak Park Ave. UNIT A, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$359,400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 414 Wisconsin Ave. UNIT A, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$415,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 721 Ontario St. UNIT 211, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$535,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Showroom Open at 139 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$669,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 Showroom Open at 139 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$684,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 Showroom at 139 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$699,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

622 Grove, Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$339,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 613 Grove Ln, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$349,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:30-1:30 318 Pennsylvania Way, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$539,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 325 Chestnut Way, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$559,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

840 Dunlop Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$335,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The following Catholic Elementary Schools are opening their doors to parents from Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and surrounding communities during

National Catholic Schools Week Sunday, January 29– Saturday, February 4, 2017

For parents seeking a value-based education and academic excellence for their grade school children, the following open house events are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the many advantages of sending your children to Catholic School. Parents can tour buildings, get familiar with individual curriculums and other program enhancements including: computer training, foreign language programs, athletics, band, summer enrichment classes, and affordable preschool and after-school day care. Most of all, hear from administrators, faculty and students about what a difference the Catholic environment can make in the positive development of your child.

ASCENSION SCHOOL

Love, Kindness, Respect 601 Van Buren St. Oak Park, IL 60304 708/386-7282 Fax: 708/524-4796 ascensionoakpark.com/school Principal: Mary Jo Burns Pastor: Fr. James Hurlbert • Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds • Kindergarten-Grade 8 • Comprehensive Extended Day Program All-School Open House: Sunday, January 29, 2017 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ST. GILES PARISH SCHOOL

1034 N. Linden Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708/383-6279 Stgilesschool.org Principal: Nancy Zyver Pastor: Fr. Carl Morello • Pre3 through 8th grade • National Blue Ribbon School • Flexible preschool schedule • Before and after care program • Fine Arts Program includes band, vocal music, visual arts and Spanish.

• Competitive interscholastic athletic program • After school enrichment opportunities range from chess to theater Open House: Sunday, January 29, 2017 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

The Open House begins with a presentation in the Church followed by school tours Thursday, February 16, 9 a.m.

Friday, February 24, 9 a.m.

Gather in our new Early Childhood Education Center, 1101 Columbian, for a short presentation followed by tours.

Can’t make these dates?

Call the office to schedule an individual tour.

ST. LUKE PARISH SCHOOL

Academic Excellence Surrounded by Catholic Faith 519 Ashland Ave. River Forest, IL 60305 708/36608587 school-stlukeparish.org Principal: Timothy Wesley • Grades Pre3 through 8 • Full day 4YO preschool & kindergarten • National Blue Ribbon School • Before and after school care • Fine Arts Program including music, art and Spanish • Dedicated STEM classroom Open House: Sunday, January 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Can’t make the open house?

Please call the school office to schedule an individual tour at your convenience.

ST. VINCENT FERRER SCHOOL

Over 75 years of faith formation and academic excellence in the Dominican tradition.

1515 Lathrop Ave. River Forest, IL 60305 708/771-5905 svfschool.org Principal: Dr. Charles Terry Pastor: Fr. Thomas McDermott, O.P. • PreK3 to 8th Grade • Flexible Plans for Preschool • Full Day Kindergarten • Before and After Care • Gifted/Enrichment Program • Daily Hot Lunch Open House: Sunday, January 29, 2017 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (School in session to observe.)

Accepting applications.

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM sponsored content

Why Choose St. Luke School?

F

rom our early childhood program through 8th grade, St. Luke Parish School, a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School, prides itself on the opportunity to educate the whole child, promoting spiritual, academic and emotional growth. As we prepare our students to ascend to top-flight high schools, it is imperative that they move to the next step not only with core skills, but an experience that is relevant and fuels learning.

We recognize that every child is unique and that each child learns at his or her own pace.

With this in mind, we provide an academically challenging curriculum that meets the needs of all our students. Our faculty strives to differentiate instruction in an effort to meet student strengths. Small group learning provides students with academically grounded, handson learning situations designed to foster new interests and develop intellectual talents. We know that each student has untapped gifts that are best nurtured by a variety of creative approaches to learning.

Our STEM program works in conjunction with the high academic standards of our science and math curricula and puts our students at the center of the learning experience.

We recently launched our Chicago Authors Program, which features visiting authors and encourages the advancement of all of our students to have a voice. Authors from our area are invited into our school for book readings and

to share their experiences as writers.

Learning goes beyond the classroom as our students participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. From Speech Club to Choir to Art Club and more, extra-curricular activities extend learning opportunities into social activities outside the classroom environment.

Additionally, St. Luke offers students in grades 4 through 8 organized no-cut team sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, and cross country.

Our commitment to technology offers students a fully integrated, cutting edge academic experience. Our wireless campus includes a dedicated Mac computer lab, as well as technology in each classroom. In addition, students in 3rd grade participate in the one-to-one iPad program and students in grades 4 through 8 have a personal Google Chromebook for their classroom use. We combine technological adeptness alongside the building blocks of learning, because we understand that technology is an essential link between the classroom and the larger world.

In order to ensure that we are the best we can be, St. Luke is currently undergoing a 6-month strategic planning process, that includes all school constituencies. This plan will be launched in September 2017.

Please come to our open house on January 29 or call us at 708-366- 8587 to schedule your visit.

33

St. Luke Parish School

Academic Excellence Surrounded by Catholic Faith

Open House Sunday, January 29, 2017 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Preschool through 8th grade

St. Luke Parish School

519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest, IL 708-366-8587 www.school-stlukeparish.org

Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family Now accepting applications for 2017-18 school year.

We accept other school credentials

We Offer: • Integrated Classical Curriculum High School Steeped in the Catholic Faith • Independent Accredited High School • Daily Mass • Academically Rigorous • Building a Culture of Life, Truth, Beauty & Goodness • Socratic Method and Lecture Format • Affordable Tuition ($6,900) • Sports and Extracurricular Activities “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” - G.K. Chesterton

Visit our website for more information on the admission process, upcoming events & to discover our curriculum

339 4th Street | Downers Grove | Check us out at cathf.com | (630) 442-1424

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

Senior Living January 2017

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SENIORliving

At Triton College in February: Three Classes on How To Retire Well Longtime Retirement Expert Jim Flanagan brings mix of financial savvy and gerontological sensitivity

F

ew people who live well into their 70s and beyond are “lifelong earners”—at some point, most individuals end, or at least dramatically scale back, their income-generating careers.

But anyone can, and should, be a lifelong learner. This is particularly true when it comes to navigating those latter years with a focus on maintaining financial dignity.

Jim Flanagan Those dual realities have propelled longtime Oak Park and River Forest resident Jim Flanagan to go beyond his career as a financial advisor and retirement expert. The founder of Bentron Financial Group, Flanagan recently received his Master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Southern California.

In addition, the father of three is pursuing doctoral studies in Leadership

and Gerontology at Concordia University in River Forest.

His rare fusion of expertise comes together in February with a series of three classes that covers the evolving landscape of retirement. The sessions will be at Triton College in River Grove, where Flanagan has been an adjunct professor for the past eight years.

On Saturday, Feb. 11th, Flanagan teaches “Affording Retirement.” It is followed by “Healthcare in Retirement” on Feb. 18th and “Financial Management in Retirement” on Feb. 25th. Each of the classes is open to the public and goes from 9 a.m. to Noon.

“What I learned in the pursuit of my gerontology degree really informs these classes,” said Flanagan. “My studies in gerontology allow me to look at an individual’s needs in retirement very differently than just from a financial perspective. I have learned that good retirement planning involves discussions about healthy aging, social connectedness, resilience and spirituality—not just money.”

“I’m giving tools for a new and different retirement than any generation has ever experienced before,” Flanagan said. “This type of education hasn’t existed in the mainstream until now.”

In “Affording Retirement,” Flanagan

Since 2008, Celebrating Seniors founder and chairman Jim Flanagan has served as chairman of the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee.

Jim Flanagan (far right) leads a recent Celebrating Seniors Coalition meeting.

will outline the current and likely future changes in retirement and then advise attendees on how to take control of them. Students will emerge with a better knowledge of how to create a comfortable, virtually stress-free retirement experience.

“Healthcare in Retirement,” on February 18th, will help attendees navigate the complexities of Medicare Parts A&B, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicaid and Long-Term Care insurance. Flanagan will ease the intimidation factor of these health-care options by educating students on the basics of each insurance plan.

Flanagan acknowledged that the details are so numerous that “people can get discouraged quickly” about their prospect of making sense of it all.

In “Financial Management in Retirement,” on February 25th, he will address how saving and investing near or during retirement is dramatically different from any other type of financial concern. For example, income, less risk and lower volatility in investments all become necessary components, yet too few people adjust their portfolios to align with these changing needs.

In 2010, Flanagan founded the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a

not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating, educating, and protecting older adults in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. It was an outgrowth of not only his professional work, but his community involvement.

In 2005 he joined the Oak Park/ River Forest Township Senior Services Committee, for which he has served as chairman since 2008.

Each of the Triton classes taught by Flanagan is $20, along with a $7 registration fee. All material is provided on the day of each class. To register, please call 708-456-0300, extension 3500.

Each class can be taken independently of the others; students are not required to attend all three.

Bentron Financial Group is at www. bentron.com. Celebrating Seniors is at www.celebratingseniors.net. This year, Celebrating Seniors Week is May 18-25, with a variety of programs and activities held throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

SENIORliving

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

37

Come learn how to jumpstart your retirement!

Affording Retirement Saturday, February 11th Healthcare in Retirement Saturday, February 18th

JAY FRIEDMAN, Music Director MAURICE BOYER, Assistant Conductor

Sunday Feb. 12, 2017 - 4PM Pre-concert conversation at 3pm

Chapel of Our Lord, Concordia University Use parking structure at 1110 Bonnie Brae, just south of Division Chapel just west of garage exit

Marcy Stonikas, soprano; Tracy Watson, mezzo soprano; Christian Ketter, tenor; and Kurt Link, bass Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest Chorus William Chin, Director

All tickets $30. For tickets go to SymphonyOPRF.com, email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com, or call 708.218.2648.

Financial Management in Retirement Saturday, February 25th • All Class Times: 9a.m. to 11:50a.m.

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

SENIORliving

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ADVERTISEMENT

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What will I experience during cataract surgery with a bifocal implant?

Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using eye drops to numb your eye; no shots are necessary. The operation takes approximately 20 minutes after which you will rest for a short time before going home. Post-operatively, you will be asked to instill eye drops for a few weeks after surgery. You will have 90% of you vision back within one day and your eye will be completely healed within two weeks.

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No Glasses after Cataract Surgery

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

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

VIEWPOINTS

39

More reaction to red-light cameras p. 42

Why they marched

A

s I write my first draft of this column sitting in my basement, my wife Marsha and several of her friends are upstairs working on the homemade signs they will carry in the march affirming women on Saturday in downtown Chicago. There are hundreds of these marches throughout the United States.

My initial innate cynicism and skepticism required me to bite my tongue so as to avoid my typical smartass comments over a bunch of women in their 60s wandering around the Loop on a cold January day (which turned out to be a warm January day). But as I thought more about it, and listened to Marsha, I changed my discordant tune.

There is something quite significant about thousands of women coming from all over Chicago to protest, to affirm their worth and value. I appreciate that women of all demographics are upset and angry, but these older women have an experience that others cannot have.

It took me a while to figure out what is going on here. If you were a woman born in 1950, it was 1968 when you graduated high school, and 1972 when you graduated from college. You entered the work force and got your first promotion in the 1970s.

A woman’s world was very different then than now. If misogyny could be measured, it was 2.5 times worse in 1975 than it is in 2017. The workplace and social scenes were very different then. Words and actions that are taboo today were close to the norm back then.

These women were regularly confronted with leering, ogling, grabbing and insinuating. Even worse it was the woman’s problem. The ambivalence and uncertainty of a changing legal and social code made self-help a woman’s only recourse. You avoided being in an office alone. If you were assaulted, you told yourself that you hadn’t been assaulted.

But then your life got better. Laws were passed. Women became doctors, lawyers and CEOs. Why, a woman was pretty much a lock to be the first female president in 2016.

But then the unthinkable happened. A churlish buffoon won the election. Even worse, he won even though he boasted of grabbing women by their genitalia. A score of women came forward to testify to his sexually inappropriate conduct. He boasted of the size of his penis. And yet he still won. How could this be happening? Past nightmares were being revisited. Time was being reversed. The hope for a brighter future for their daughters began to dim.

So what were these women of a certain age to do?

They did what women have always done. They gathered together, and sought a shared solace and consolation.

Then they did the only thing they really could have done.

They marched to affirm that the clock was not going to be turned back, and that they were deserving of respect and dignity.

I could not be prouder of my wife and her friends.

JOHN

HUBBUCH

FILE

O

Parking and equitability

n my block in Oak Park, there are two parking zones — one on the east side of the street, and one on the west. You can park on both sides of the street during the day, but you have to park on the east side of the street at night. Also, on Tuesdays, you’re required to move your car off of the east side of the street by 8 a.m., supposedly for street cleaning. I work from home on the third floor of my building, so trust me that I have the vantage point to know: That street cleaning does not happen every Tuesday.

When we moved into our apartment in March of 2015, we were informed that there were no permits available in either zone. The parking clerk informed me — to no personal surprise since I’ve lived in Oak Park most of my life — that many of the owners of the single-family units on my block buy up permits that they don’t really need (they have garages) to prevent apartment-dwellers from parking in front of their houses. Bravo, mission accomplished.

There were no permits left, and the next time I’d have an opportunity to even check whether or not any were available would be in July. So from March until July — four straight months — I had to put temporary passes in my car every single day. God forbid that I forget to move my car at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, and God forbid that I oversleep and not get my temporary pass into my car by 8 a.m. any day — I’d get a $50 ticket.

In Oak Park, about 40 percent of residents live in apartments, but because most renters don’t have garages and most homeowners do, I would hazard a

guess that renters constitute both a higher percentage of parking permit holders and a higher percentage of residents paying fees for parking violations in what can only be described as a labyrinthine parking system.

It’s worth noting that, according to a Harvard study (and common sense), renters tend to be less wealthy than homeowners; also, according to census data, 41.8 percent of Oak Park renters spend 35 percent or more of their gross income on housing. Comparatively, 37.7 percent of homeowners spend 20 percent or less.

All of this means that the cost of living in Oak Park, while already high, is disproportionately higher for low-income residents than it is for higher-income residents. Tack onto that the cost of parking permits and parking violation fines that seem almost inevitable given the (labyrinthine) system the village has set up, and it feels as if the village is almost punishing us for not making enough to save up for a down payment on a home.

Note that, in 2017, the village has estimated it will make $2.5 million in parking fines — again, I’d hazard a guess, disproportionately on the backs of low-income residents who have to park on the street.

“Low-income,” admittedly, means something different in Oak Park than it does in the rest of the country.

Only 5.9 percent of Oak Park residents live below the poverty line as compared to 13.5 percent of Americans.

Of course, the poverty line is calculated by estimating

REBECCA VIPONDBRINK One View

See PARKING on page 45

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

O U R

V I E W S

Oak Park and immigrants

T

he impulse is correct. In this moment of Trump and his antiAmerican views on immigration, it is up to each community to deliver protections to immigrants, documented or not. Last week Oak Park village officials and activists aligned twice.

First, they broadly supported the concept of a “Welcoming Village” ordinance which would expand Oak Park’s legendary human rights protections with fresh wording to enunciate respect and protection for the immigrant community. Specifically, it is intended to make plain currently informal policies on how Oak Park, especially its public safety staff, deal with possibly undocumented residents. Laws, of course, are enforced. But citizenship status is not information that is sought or recorded. Nor is it shared with federal government officials.

But local activists were concerned that the proposed ordinance, patterned after similar efforts in Chicago and Evanston, created loopholes which might allow for a detained person to be turned over to federal immigration officers. Advocates asked and the village board agreed to pursue more definitive language that would toughen the intent of the ordinance.

That revised ordinance will come back quickly to a village board which is clearly in tune with the worries of immigration activists.

In this moment, we all ought to be immigration activists. As President Donald Trump takes power and works to implement his xenophobic agenda, we are left as Americans to defend the openness and diversity that has built this nation. Oak Park, as a progressive community, must be on the front of efforts to make plain, to make law that honors and actively protects immigrants.

Oak Park to D.C.

There are many ways to confront and work to overcome the damage to our country that President Trump and his Republican enablers are working to accomplish after his razor thin election.

One of them is through the power of presence. The Women’s March last weekend was a stunning declaration of political intent.

Oak Park women and men were well represented in Washington D.C., and also in Chicago, in declaring a loyal but ferocious opposition to Trump’s radicalism.

We were proud to watch those buses roll out toward D.C. The challenge now will be to stay active against the grinding power of a federal government redirected against our shared values and beliefs.

OPRF and Proviso East

There have been a couple of times recently when we’ve urged officials at Oak Park and River Forest High School to look north to Evanston for inspiration and ideas related to educational equity and innovation. And we’ve been gratified to see such connections being made.

Now here’s an unexpected suggestion: OPRF has things to learn from Proviso East High School. We’ve covered the Proviso Township High Schools for many years for our sister paper in Forest Park. And officials there will tell you that we’ve seldom had a good word to say. Run into the ground as a political fiefdom over decades, these schools hit bottom with a profound thud, failing by most every definition.

Over the past two years, though, a significantly remade school board has turned the energy in this district, made two smart hires for superintendent and Proviso East principal. Now this district is moving quickly on multiple fronts. There is a palpable energy in the halls of Proviso East being driven by a principal who is omnipresent in that building and setting a high expectation for both students and staff. At OPRF we see more layers of management, less presence and a plan that needs sharpening and promulgating.

Easier to rise from a very deep trough. We get that. But the days of caution at OPRF are wearing thin. And Proviso East, of all places, has lessons for us.

V I E W P O I N T S

@ @OakParkSports

Paying respect to strong women

W

hile hundreds of thousands of strong, independent women (and supportive men) gathered in Chicago, Washington D.C., across the nation, and beyond to send a message to the Misogynist-in-Chief on his first full day in office, I was attending a funeral in Oak Park.

I didn’t know Kathy Schulze well, but her name and face are as familiar as family. She was a classmate at Ascension School for nine years, 1957 to 1966. When you share the same sphere of influence from age 5 to 14, you feel a bond.

So when I read the email outpouring from fellow classmates, I decided to attend her funeral, partly to learn more about this special person I missed getting to know. I missed getting to know most of the girls in my class, being shy and sisterless — and with so many kids in our babyboom-peak class (c. 160), missing people was pretty much inevitable.

I learned that a lot of people admired Kathy. She was described as one of the smartest kids in our class, which she channeled into her sharp wit, yet was also unfailingly kind. Another classmate, Carol Joyce, provided a perfect example. She recalled being on the back end of normal in learning to tie her shoes, which in second grade would have been mortifying to admit. So she tried to think of someone she could ask to tie her shoes before and after gym class without drawing attention to it or making fun of her.

She settled on Kathy, KATHY SCHULZE who said, “Sure,” and performed her covert ministry until Carol mastered the skill. In second grade that level of kindness was pretty advanced.

Not surprisingly, Kathy became a nurse. She raised her son Jack one block south of the home she grew up in on Scoville Avenue. Jack delivered the eulogy and recalled her reading him the book Love You Forever almost every night, and with each reading she would cry, telling him they were “tears of happiness.”

Kathy Schulze (her married name was Spohn) stayed close to Ascension, which she also forever loved, and Pastor Jim Hurlbert, in his homily, noted that her death was not just a loss for family and friends but for the parish, and its history, as well.

She suffered from cancer and congestive heart failure, but she attended our 50th reunion last October, and her funeral, of course, was held in the sacred space we shared as kids, which was sad, but, as often happens, grace came to the rescue. I was there, I think, mostly to mourn the passing of our era. Instead, it brought that era alive again, what I call the “paradox of passing away.” Kathy’s death reminded me how lucky I am, how lucky we all are, to grow up when and where we did.

And with whom.

The back cover of the program quoted St. Francis of Assisi: “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing with you that you received — only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”

I like the part about giving, but I think we retain much of what we received. When you hear about an old grade-school classmate dying too young, it’s dispiriting. But I left that funeral with a fuller heart.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. What a beautiful difference a single life made,” appeared inside the program beneath a Celtic cross interwoven with thistles, a plant that symbolizes the thorniness of life even as it produces flowers of great beauty.

Saturday morning, hundreds of thousands of women swelled Grant Park to overflowing — to demand respect from a new president who desperately craves respect from others yet doesn’t understand how to extend it, especially to women. Don’t be like Trump; tell the strong, independent women in your life how much you appreciate them.

The day was sunny, warm and hopeful, and the Loop must have been a glorious scene. But, I stayed close to home and paid respect to a woman who was smart, witty, loving and kind. I got to know her a little late.

But better than never.

KEN

TRAINOR

Postscript: Just after I finished writing about Kathy Schulze, I received word of another lifeNELLIE SCHULTZ loving woman, Nellie Schultz, who died last Wednesday of ovarian cancer. I met Nellie on a daylong “Labor of Love” volunteer work detail in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood 10 years ago. We enjoyed toiling together so much, we arranged to be on the same detail the following summer.

Nellie was a gem. Over the years, I would see her at Farmers Market at her regular table near the musicians’ circle and stop by to say hi. The second-to-last time I saw her, she told me I should do a story about how difficult Cook County Hospital made things for cancer patients. She was feisty.

The last time I saw her I was in a hurry, so we caught each other’s eye and exchanged a wave and a smile. She had a great smile.

We didn’t agree on some things politically, but when we worked together, we were solidly on common ground. She once told me she didn’t want the Cubs to win the World Series because she was afraid they would lose their charm. Well, she lived to see the unthinkable happen. I’m guessing she wasn’t too terribly disappointed.

The Cubs may lose their charm, but she never did.

Nellie and Kathy, Schultz and Schulze, taught me a lesson in living a fuller life. They taught me not to be shy around strong, independent women.

And that I was never really sisterless.

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

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

W E D N E S D A Y

by Marc Stopeck

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

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

Don’t turn away in disgust, turn forward in hope Another fine column, this time a reprise of your own Obama journey [The best in our lifetime, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Jan. 18]. Finest president of our lifetime? Absolutely.

Character, intelligence, work ethic, a genuinely loving husband and father, thoughtful, courageous in governing and in commanding the military, a man who reads and a man who writes, a sense of humor and a sense of honor, a man not afraid to cry or to sing. His one great weakness, golf, must be overlooked.

President Obama should not be seen in contrast with the current president. That would be unfair to the exceptional leader he has been in his own right. Disloyal — dare I say unpatriotic — obstructionists failed to enhance their own agenda and values. The character assassination visited on President Obama, and on Secretary Clinton, represent a new low in modern politics, more a throwback to historical treatment of competitors.

Think of the slurs on President Lincoln by his opponents.

In President Obama’s valedictory at McCormick Place, the one note of sadness came from what was missing from his accomplishments: the things he would have done were he able — immigration reform, sensible gun control, greater address of climate change, economic inequality to name a few.

His naivety about healing the political divide in

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat Comptroller Edward Panschar Credit Manager Laurie Myers Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn

Washington and across the country highlights the entrenched cultural forces against change. I ask myself how could he not see it coming? But then what we can’t see is often right before our eyes, like a changing climate whose cold, wet days deny a hot, dry future.

Two final things: President Obama reminds us that citizenship is an active role and must be more fully engaged in the coming months and years, given the threats to values we hold dear.

Even as we want to turn away in disgust, we have to turn toward the future where hope leads us.

The second final idea is how valuable a thinking journalist is to our community. This is not blowing sunshine to inflate your ego. It is rather a way to say how grateful I am that you make me think most weeks, how you coerce a response like the comment following your column which, in effect, engages the conversation and moves us along in the path toward respect and understanding even as it reveals beating an old drum.

Your days are numbered; my days are too. The recent death of my wife and other family woes make me too aware of mortality. Like you, I have children and grandchildren whose existence gives me the chance to love with abandon and for whom I have hope in a better future.

Keep thinking, feeling and writing, Ken.

Donald Nekrosius Oak Park

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

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

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

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

If you have questions, call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 708-613-3310 or email him at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

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

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

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

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

Appealing red-light tickets requires persistance Gary Wilson, in his Jan. 18 letter, complained that his red-light camera ticket was only reviewed “for a nano-second” before his appeal was denied.

“Adjudication is the legal process by which an arbiter or judge reviews evidence and argumentation, including legal reasoning set forth by opposing parties or litigants to come to a decision which determines rights and obligations between the parties involved.” -- Wikipedia I went to the dentist at Harrison and Oak Park Ave., parking in the village lot behind the bank. I put quarters in the meter and when I returned, a parking attendant was writing a ticket, even though there was time left on the meter. She had looked at the wrong meter. She said, “Too late. Appeal the ticket to the village, and they will cancel it.”

The village turned down the appeal. I re-appealed the ticket to the Adjudication judge in a long comprehensive written explanation. This was denied.

I went to the Adjudication office and demanded an explanation: “We always find for the village.”

I stood there in silence and stared at the woman for a minute and she looked exasperated and stared back and then said, “I’ll write that you brought additional information” and wrote the thing off.

I had trouble graduating from Roosevelt University.

Although I majored in English, they said I needed a literature course to graduate. I said, “I’m not leaving this office until I graduate,” and then I was graduated.

Stand and stare.

My advice: Refuse to leave without a favorable decision. Worked for me.

J Roy Burton Oak Park

The tide is turning against red-light cameras Another great article [Easy money, News, Jan. 18]. Anyone reading your two articles could not possibly conclude the cameras are about safety. Red-light cameras are never about safety; they are only about money.

And note that many venues prohibit contracts that pay the vendor on a percentage or a per-ticket basis because that gives the vendor an almost-impossible-to-resist incentive to do everything possible to increase the ticket rates — regardless of fairness, safety or justice.

FYI: Napa, California voted to end their

RLC program last week, making at least 80 California communities that have ended or banned RLC programs.

There are just 32 programs now, in a state that once had over 100.

PIRG did a major report on such abuses in 2011 (http://www.uspirg.org/reports/ usp/trafficcamreport).

James Walker

National Motorists Association Ann Arbor, Michigan

Now expose what’s preventing Arts District development I really enjoyed reading the articles on the red-light scam. My husband was recently ticketed for not making a complete stop while turning right at Harlem and Cermak.

Now I wish Wednesday Journal would devote the same resources to investigating how Chris Kleronomos has managed to keep control of his properties on Harrison Street even though he is supposedly in bankruptcy.

And who in the village allowed him to escape the scrutiny of building inspectors

when he was remodeling one of his properties whose facade subsequently collapsed, barely missing a group of children who had just passed by, and destroying a glass-blowing business?

With all the talk of development in the village, how about an expose about the shenanigans that have prevented development of the Arts District on Harrison Street?

Laurie Beasley Oak Park

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Red-light cameras deter right turn on red I appreciated the well-researched and reported articles about the Harlem Avenue gold mine [A street paved with gold and Easy money, News, Jan. 11 and 18].

River Forest’s hypocrisy pretending the Harlem/Lake and Harlem/North Avenue lights are there for safety, when they are really there for revenues, is egregious.

As the article reported, there are few safety threats from rolling right turns.

There is another negative repercussion of this practice, not mentioned in the article: these cameras and the tickets they generate have effectively eliminated the legal practice of “right turn on red after complete stop” at those intersections. Motorists in the southbound right-turn

lane at Harlem and Lake simply sit there the entire cycle, wasting gasoline and time, with absolutely no reason to not turn right. They are intimidated by the “red light photo enforced” sign — and probably by a ticket they received for a rolling right turn — and they fail to realize that there is no sign that says “no right turn on red.”

Coming to a complete stop at that intersection, and then safely turning right, is legal! You will not be ticketed if you stop, look for pedestrians, and then turn right.

I would like to see one of two remedies: 1) Get rid of the cameras altogether, or 2) also post a “Right turn after stop” sign to let people know that they don’t need to sit there and burn gasoline. I have no problem with bringing more revenue into village coffers if they are not doing so under false pretenses. Rolling stops are illegal; right turns on red after a complete stop are not illegal.

Larry Mitchener River Forest

Right-turn-on-red tickets protect pedestrians Red-light cameras enforce the consequence of not obeying the law, which is to come to a complete stop at the stop bar before turning right on red. They are not predatory and arbitrary, especially in a community where so many people walk.

Those who disagree should try walking around for a couple of days. Walking is my main mode of transportation. I walk most places and I walk most days and I am at the mercy of drivers who do not follow the laws.

Last week, James Walker, executive director of the National Motorists Association referenced a 1992 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He writes, “Yes, a slow rolling stop is a technical foul … but in almost every case the drivers looked carefully enough to avoid conflicts of right of way. …” The study also found that pedestrians and cyclists were involved in 22 percent of right turn on red crashes and 93 percent of those crashes resulted in injury for the walker or biker.

Going back to Mr. Walker’s statement, first of all, “almost always” avoiding a crash isn’t good enough. I do not want anyone to be the one Mr. Walker seems to feel is OK to sacrifice. Second of all, I believe that the crashes were avoided,

but I don’t believe that is because the motorist avoided the crash. As a pedestrian, I am constantly jumping out of the way of right-turners who are just not looking for me. They are looking for cars.

It is rare for a driver to look all the way to the sidewalk. Instead, they turn their heads just far enough to see if there is anything in the road that may get in their way. In fact, it happened on my walk home from the train today.

I was in the crosswalk on a green. The right turner in question couldn’t see me because I was blocked by the truck in the left lane. The driver rolled right over the stop bar and into the crosswalk.

If I hadn’t jumped back, he would have hit me. The driver gave me a dirty look.

This is the norm, not the exception.

Driving is a privilege, not a right.

There should be real consequences when drivers do not follow laws. A real consequence for me is getting hit by a car. Safe drivers stop completely at the stop bar (at a red light or a stop sign) and then look for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles before moving forward. Unsafe drivers (in this case those not following the law) run the risk of, at the least, a ticket — and at the most, of taking a life.

Pamela Brookstein Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

Getting Down To Business

with the Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce January 23rd, 2017

Fourth Annual Foodie Fest Starts this Friday

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By CATHY YEN, Executive Director

his week the Chamber presents two signature events, both focused on our growing local dining scene: Bite Nite and Foodie Fest. With over one hundred and fifty restaurants, specialty food shops, caterers and grocers in our Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and the surrounding area, we have plenty to celebrate and much to promote.

We are delighted that almost fifty of our local restaurants are joining us for Bite Nite.

Two dozen restaurants will be offering Foodie Fest specials during the nine days that follow.

This all began four years ago as a way to promote our area restaurants on a shoestring (read: zero) budget. A small group

of us at the Chamber came up with “Foodie Fest” to encourage people to give new places a try during an especially slow season for restaurants. Akin to the restaurant week promotions you find in most major cities, Foodie Fest was conceived along the same parameters. Special prix fixe menus at reduced prices for a short one- to twoweek run.

This year, Foodie Fest runs from January 27 through February 4, overlapping almost exactly with Chicago Restaurant Week, organized and heavily promoted by the city’s “Choose Chicago” tourism bureau. Locally, we have to rely on social media, a handful of flyers and word of mouth to get the word out. Still we hope Foodie Fest will convince you to try out our local establishments, not just downtown hotspots.

It works like this: participating restaurants will offer a three-item or three-course special priced at either $10, $20 or $30 (excluding tax, gratuity and beverage).

Foodie Fest kicks off this Friday with Bite Nite, our third annual “taste of” party at The Nineteenth Century Club. Once again a sold-out affair, Bite Nite gives 400 diners an opportunity to sample “bites” from fifty local restaurants in a fun and festive atmosphere.

Ask about Foodie Fest when visiting the restaurants around town. Help us spread the word about all the fabulous places to dine right here in our community. You’ll find a complete list of area restaurants as well as Foodie Fest participants and specials on our website oprfchamber.org. Bon Appetit!

Jan 27 - Feb 4 Prix Fixe Specials at these participating restaurants:

foodiefest.net

Autre Monde Cafe Barclay's American Grille Cafe Cubano Citrine Cafe Connolly's Public House Cucina Paradiso Emilio's Tapas Felony Franks Francesca's Fiore Kinslahger Brewing Co Lake St. Kitchen + Bar N'Awlins Edibles

Novo Oak Park Brewing / Hamburger Mary's Papaspiros Poor Phil's Robinson's Bar & Grill Starship Restaurant Sugar Beet Food Co-Op The Heritage The Little Gem Cafe Winberie's Restaurant & Bar photo credit: Winberie's Restaurant & Bar

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

A Q&A about street cleaning Public Works: Has street cleaning been suspended?

Other towns nearby (that pay less taxes) are having their streets cleaned, but I don’t see that happening in Oak Park.

There is no snow to impede cleaning and also the crews have time now to do it. I don’t think privatization is an excuse!

Maybe before climate change this wasn’t an issue, but it is now, I believe!

Brent Borgerson Oak Park

Good morning, Mr. Borgerson: With the weather conditions being so favorable, we started street sweeping the village as a whole this week. We have two street sweepers from a contractor working nights, starting in the north and working their way south. We also have an in-house operator starting in the south and working his way north. We hope that the weather holds long enough to complete the whole village.

Before this week, we periodically had our one sweeper out during the daylight hours (when it was warm enough) to hit

problem areas. With many of the trees dropping their leaves so late, many of the streets need to be hit twice. Also, one thing we need to consider when deciding to sweep, is nighttime temperatures. When it is below freezing, street sweeping is more haphazard since the leaves freeze to the ground, thus making it very difficult to get a good clean sweep.

With all the snow melted, this has given us an opportunity to get crews out to: pick up litter, patch water openings, fill the numerous potholes that have opened up in the last two weeks, take in the salt deliveries, and the list goes on.

Let me assure you, we take our jobs here at Public Works very seriously. We put a lot of thought into how we schedule our work and what is the best and most economical way to use your tax dollars. If you have any questions or concerns about any of this, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,

Scott Brinkman

Interim Streets Division superintendent Village of Oak Park

Join us and let’s take action On Sunday, Jan. 15, I and about 200 other concerned citizens attended a MoveOn.org “Community Meeting to Resist Trump” at Oak Park Public Library. There were over 500 of these meetings going on simultaneously throughout the country. Many of us have been overwhelmed with feelings ranging from anger to anxiety and sometimes fear, combined with a sense of powerlessness.

However, I left the meeting with a strong impression of “we are who we’ve been waiting for.” Together we are powerful! A

single action may not seem to matter, but multiplied by hundreds, thousands, millions, and so on, well, you get the picture.

This election has been a real wake-up call to many of us, and I am excited to see more active participation in our democratic process by Americans who know what it means to be a real patriot.

For more information, please contact: wetakeactiontoday@gmail.com

ALLSTATE ARENA

JAN 25 – 29 FEB 1 – 12

Marni Curtis Oak Park

PARKING

An issue of inequality? from page 39 the cost of a minimally adequate diet and multiplying it by three, incorrectly assuming that a third of any household’s budget goes to food and the rest is enough to cover all other expenses. The reality is that most families spend about a fifth of their income on food because of other costs, such as housing, health care, school supplies, and utilities.

And recall that we’re talking about gross income, not take-home pay. Families making less than $50,000 a year make up 25.8 percent of Oak Park’s residents. A family making $50,000 a year would take home about $36,000 — $17,500 of which might go to rent and $10,000 of which would go to food expenses, leaving, from take-home pay, about $8,500 for everything else. Estimating parking per-

365462

FREE PARKING mits at $200 a quarter, there’s $7,700 left for medical expenses, utilities, and so on — or, in other words, about $650 a month. A little thin, isn’t it?

It’s not to say that I think the village misappropriates the money they make from parking fines. I appreciate our beautiful parks, our high-quality public schools, our police and fire departments, our public library, our parks department programming. All of us, homeowners and renters alike, tolerate a high cost of living for a high quality of living. But the village could do more to ease the blow for renters — we could work to simplify parking zones, or give preference to renters when permits open up, for just two examples.

The village board was set to discuss their “guiding principles” for Oak Park’s parking system this past Monday. As it stands, it’s going to approve guidelines for sustainability, public safety, and customer service.

It seems like it might be about time to add “equitability” to the list, as well.

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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A dumpster encounter that changed Christmas

here wasn’t much snow left by Christmas, but plenty of people scurried about like snow bunnies, each acquiring the materials needed to enjoy their own version of this festive day. On my way to join family on Christmas morning, I had a memorable encounter with a new neighbor.

I saw her at the end of the alley, earnestly looking through a red garbage dumpster. I sat in my car for a few minutes and just observed. She didn’t appear to be in a hurry as she searched each bag she could reach with her 5-foot-5, 110-pound frame.

“This can’t be happening on Christmas morning,” I thought. But it was.

I shut off my car and walked over to her. Being careful not to crowd her personal space, I stood a foot away, smiled, and said, “Excuse me.” She lifted her head out of the dumpster and stared at me with caution and curiosity. “Can I leave this with you?”

I asked as I extended my last two 10-dollar bills her way. I smiled with my eyes and lightly nodded my head to assure her it was OK. Her eyes never left me as she turned her body squarely toward me and took the gift. We both smiled and she said, “Thank you. This is such a blessing.” She went on to explain that she wasn’t scouring the dumpster looking for food but for

a box to mail a Christmas gift to her 10-year-old daughter in another state.

“That’s pretty awesome,” I said. She let me know that the money would allow her to complete her task since she had no way of paying for postage.

She opened up about her life and told a harrowing tale of surviving various types of abuse and the drug addiction that led to separation from her daughter.

“Almost a year clean!” she proclaimed and we both smiled again.

We talked about accessing some of the social services available in Oak Park and how little information is obvious to newcomers. Turns out she already attends Narcotics Anonymous support meetings and has a temporary place to live. Finding employment has been difficult. But after having once been on the verge of death, she is hopeful for her future.

There we were, two strangers sharing a moment near a red garbage dumpster. The encounter certainly changed my perspective on the Christmas Day I thought I would have.

Look around and you’ll notice she’s far from the only person searching dumpsters in Oak Park. Not all are looking for boxes.

Ken Woods is a resident of Oak Park.

KEN WOODS One View

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Join us as ‘We Take Action’

On Sunday, Jan.15, over 200 enthusiastic and passionately motivated people attended a community meeting in the Oak Park Public Library to discuss ways of taking action in response to the new president’s administration. This meeting, along with over 500 such meetings taking place simultaneously across the country in 47 states, was the result of a highly effective campaign by MoveOn.org. Ruth Rankin and I had been feeling the need to do something to address the political atmosphere permeating our country when the appeal from MoveOn appeared in our email.

The agenda of the meeting was to bring people together as a community to harness fear and anxiety into action. I said it was time to stop living in disbelief that Trump had been elected president and begin to take action that ensures that all people are treated with respect and dignity and that our Mother Earth is not harmed.

After an inspiring and motivating slide show of profound quotes from prominent historical figures emphasizing the importance of speaking truth to power and injustice, Ruth introduced the agenda, which involved becoming a community of action. Three of the most immediate and specific issues, immigration, the ACA, and cabinet appointees became the primary focus. The larger group broke up into smaller groups to address these concerns and determine immediate actions to be taken.

These groups are continuing to meet on their own. They also formed a social media group that has already met to create a web-based platform to keep us all connected. Plans are to gather again to report on progress and expand the focus of action.

The hope is that this is the beginning of a groundswell of political activism in our community and to contribute to the national movement responding to Trump’s presidency.

If you are interested in getting involved or have ideas of something you’d like to spearhead, please contact the group at: wetakeactiontoday@ gmail.com.

Steve Parker Oak Park

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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Our most basic common link

Let’s get down to cases: We have just survived the Gold Medal of dirty elections (Silver Medal: Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams, 1800; Bronze Medal: Andrew Jackson vs. John Quincy Adams, 1824). The simple fact of the matter is that we have survived and now we have to move forward.

This Republic continues to be the greatest experiment in human freedom ever attempted. As is the case with all experiments, there are times of trouble.

But with the eyes always on the prize, the troubles can be overcome. America has always been great and America has never been great. The United States of America is a work in progress.

We strive for a more perfect Union. We have not arrived there yet. The greatness of the Republic lies within us. In Democracy in America (1835-1840), Alexis de Tocqueville described it: “The American Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities within its ordinary people. The American government must never forget this fundamental attribute of the people’s character.”

We need to remember that we are a people of great generosity. Americans donate over $1 billion every day to charities. We are also a people of cuttingly cruel language. Now is the time to decide which behavior should dominate.

Aristotle reminds us: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act but a habit.” Perhaps the first step is to stop being people of “ists” (sexists, racists, misogynists) and become people of “ness” (kindness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness).

Let’s begin to rely more on the civility of polite conversation instead of the speedy venom of Twitter.

I take my leave of you with these thoughts from a more courteous but equally dangerous time: “So let us not be blind to our differences, but let us also direct attention to our common interests and the means by which those differences can be resolved.

And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s futures. And we are all mortal.”

■ John F. Kennedy, The Peace Speech, June 10, 1963

Joe Smith

Oak Park

A G I N G D I S G R A C E F U L L Y

I

Seventeen for 2017

need to put aside my “dystrumpia” and concentrate on some of the good people I know, or know of, this year.

My nephew Mike Weber is an all-around guy’s guy, raised in Wisconsin, sports lover, etc. He told me this summer that although hunting with his dad was a big part of his youth, he was giving it up because “I love animals and I don’t want to kill them.”

Madge and Terry Laitala ran an Oak Park daycare/preschool called The Sunshine House, which was an absolute marvel of inventiveness and love. My grandchildren were fortunate to attend. We said goodbye to Terry this year, a real loss.

I’ve known Marsha Lehman for 40 years, since we were neighbors in the Washington D.C. area. Our kids are older now than we were then. My best friend is someone who, if I killed someone, would assure me it was the right thing to do. On the other hand, I would not ask her to help me bury the body because I wouldn’t want her to get mud on her Ferragamo boots.

Speaking of Washington, I never understood why Martin O’Malley, former mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland, didn’t do well in the Democratic primaries. Everything he said made sense; I think he would have been the stronger Democratic candidate for president.

I’m lucky to call Nan Hammond and Paulette Cary friends. They’re two of the busiest people I know — lovers of theatre and travel — but to be friends of theirs is to know there’s someone out there who will keep in touch, reach out and lend a hand.

Almost as soon as she moved here five years ago, Paula Waldron went to the park district and asked to start an art appreciation class for seniors, including art-related trips. Her research is extensive and her warmth and humor are infectious.

Speaking of art, Ed McDevitt is a pillar of the Chicago Architecture Foundation and created Public Art Chicago, which catalogs public art and provides an app that will give you information on your phone when you’re near a significant piece of public art. He sings, too.

Sally Kidwell is a gifted pianist, composer and vocalist, but when she writes about her religious beliefs, it makes me forget about all the intolerance in the name of religion.

Joyce Novack runs the pulmonary therapy program at Rush Oak Park Hospital. Her warmth, compassion and expertise are unparalleled in people I run across in the

MARY KAY O’GRADY

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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medical community.

You may not realize it, particularly those of you who hang out on this paper’s online comments page — do any of you actually have jobs? — but Dan Haley (the head) and Ken Trainor (the heart) make this paper extraordinary, and they have the awards to show it. Dan’s dogged commitment to keeping connections with the West Side and Ken’s constant search for our better angels are a powerful combination. Consider this a warning. Buy the damn paper!

I have to applaud super WJ education reporter, and editor of the Austin Weekly News, Michael Romain. What a year he’s had!

Reporting on education is never easy, but with the pool referendum, it could not have been more complicated and convoluted. He did a terrific job. Bravo, Michael.

What in the world is better than a good massage? There’s a masseuse in Oak Park named Nancy Hess who is superb. She takes time to find out all about you and her massages are simply heavenly.

I have met Mary Ann Brown of Hephzibah, but I don’t really know her. When I was a CASA volunteer, a child in one of my cases was sent there and I breathed a sigh of relief because I knew the care would be extraordinary. It was. Thank you, Mary Ann, and everyone at Hephzibah.

Finally, I have my children and grandchildren, Rob, Su and Addie; Meg, Kirke, Jackson and Lucy. We occasionally get on each other’s nerves (is it too much to ask that they call me every day?) but in a crisis, everything falls into place and the love flows.

Maybe this year we can cut down on the crises.

Help us prevent the dismantling of ACA

am writing to ask for your help.

When my wife was 8 years old, she developed Type 1 Diabetes, an unpreventable autoimmune disease that currently has no cure. When a person has Type 1 Diabetes, their pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone necessary for the absorption of sugar into the cells. A Type 1 diabetic must then regulate their own blood sugar through monitoring and injections of insulin to stay alive.

Several years ago, my wife lost her insurance. Due to her preexisting condition, she was not able to regain coverage. Her test strips, insulin, and syringes, which are all extremely expensive, had to be purchased out of pocket.

Visits to the doctor were rare. A trip to the emergency room due to complications would have been financially devastating.

Without insurance, my wife’s management of her disease suffered. Seizures due to low blood sugar, or insulin shock, became more common. They typically occurred in the middle of the night, and I would have to feed her honey or glucose until she recovered. Her body’s reaction to the seizure would then lead to days of excessive highs and lows which, if

left unchecked, would eventually lead to more serious problems, or an early death.

However, because of the Affordable Care Act, my wife was able to get insurance that covered her medical needs. She now has an insulin pump, which has made a tremendous impact on her ability to manage the disease and her long-term health. Her test strips are covered, so she can test her blood sugar more often and maintain better control. She can now regularly visit an endocrinologist to help with overall management, and she can get yearly eye exams to monitor and treat any onset of diabetic retinopathy.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, she has what she needs to stay healthy longer.

There are still highs and lows, but there have been no more seizures or trips to the emergency room.

I know the Affordable Care Act is far from perfect. It needs a lot of work. I have no illusions about this. However, this law, which so many people love to despise, has helped my family. It has improved the quality and longterm health of my wife and best friend. And now, it is under threat of repeal.

I am asking you to take the time today and

WILL

HUDSON One View

call your representatives and senators and tell them to “Fix the Affordable Care Act, Not Dismantle It.” Tell them to make it better so that everyone can receive the care they require, especially those who are vulnerable and in need. Tell them to fix the ACA so that it can work for every American without hurting those who need it most.

Sen. Dick Durbin: 312-353-4952 / 202-2242152 Sen. Tammy Duckworth: 202-225-3711 Find your rep here: http://www.house. gov/representatives/find/ Here is a link to the letter that you can also share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.: https://goo. gl/z6alG8 I encourage you to forward this letter along to anyone who you think may find in it a compelling reason to make a call, especially friends of family living in states with Republican senators.

Here is a link to some more information about how the GOP will likely begin to dismantle the ACA and some Republican senators who may be susceptible to pressure: https://goo.gl/1SSxH2 Will Hudson is a resident of Berwyn. His wife is a social worker who maintains an office in Oak Park.

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

T

V I E W P O I N T S

O B I T U A R I E S

The not-so-simple life

Nellie Schultz, 72

he unprecedented election of a president like Donald Trump was a product of modern-day laziness.

In our internet-crazed society, we demand instant answers. We read the titles of articles but spare ourselves the burden of actually reading the articles.

“Alien Panda Gives Birth to Twins” sounds reasonable.

When I was a parochial school kid, our demanding teachers gave us complex projects. These assignments required actually walking to a library. Once there, I handed a scribbled note to the ancient librarian who scrolled through a secret code that looked similar to this: MD 720.897.

Safeguarding the sacred MD 720.897 in my sweaty hands, I first glanced at the um … more lowly racks … AB … FQ …

KA and so forth. Unable to contain youthful curiosity, I browsed these uncharted aisles. Inevitably, a book concerning cowboys, ghosts or space ships would catch my eye and I would plop down and read. I would tire of this in an hour or so and continue my journey ... before finally reaching the MD 720.897 Mecca.

And there they were: the dreaded texts concerning the brain. Yes, the brain.

That is what I chose for my project ... I mean ... yes … the entire human brain ... not part of the brain as my teacher, a wise, elderly nun had suggested, but a 10page double-spaced, topic-sentence-laden, footnote-riddled report, topped off with an exquisite bibliography.

I grabbed books by bundles. I almost tripped rushing to the nearest unoccupied desk. I breathlessly dropped the

I

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lifelong educator

books on the table, producing a powerful thud, which jolted my book-reading brethren, and elicited the proverbial scornful “hush” by the librarian.

OK, enough with the visuals and let’s get back to what’s really important: i.e. the problems of my project, the gist being that the report was due in two days, complete with a papiermache model of the cerebellum and its less significant connecting parts.

This kind of work is archaic compared to today’s standards. I had to open books and turn pages. I then wrote notes that I gleaned from the books onto an actual legal pad. I then re-read the text, re-read my notes, and wrote an outline. And after three hours of repeating these steps — interspersed with passages of Hopalong Cassidy — I was done.

Two sleepless nights later, with papiermache goo still fresh on my hands, I delivered my paper to my shrewd and scrupulously fact-checking Ursuline nun.

So what is the point of all this?

The point is that so many of us have become exasperatingly impatient, cerebrally lazy, and not willing to question that which is questionable.

So if you’re feeling a bit sad about the election, do this: Visit a library, read novels with no punctuation, spend an afternoon listening to Garrison Keillor, visit an art museum, attend a poetry reading, smell the flowers (I’m not being flippant, I mean smell actual flowers).

You see, folks, the Trumpettes’ work is easy and our work is hard. But there is a payoff: just like the arduous works of Aristotle, Gershwin and Shakespeare, they last.

Nellie Baldwin Schultz, 72, of Oak Park, died on Jan. 18, 2017 from ovarian cancer in the company of her son and daughter.

Born on Aug. 6, 1944, she was raised in Ashtabula, Ohio and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University. She spent two years teaching in Seoul, Korea and touring Southeast Asia. While in Korea, she met Daniel Harold Schultz, and they married in 1972 in Ashtabula and settled in Oak Park. The couple divorced in 2004.

Her life was centered on the value of education. A longtime elementary school teacher, she retired in 2008 but continued tutoring and substitute teaching. She invented her own games and other tutoring aides, customizing her approach to each child. Returning to school in her mid-50s, she received her master’s degree in adult education from Northeastern Illinois University and spent her final years taking woodcarving classes, learning to play the piano, and how to operate a ham radio.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed gardening, sailing, camping, playing softball, bike

TIM RICE

One View

riding, and spending many a sunny afternoon at Wrigley Field watching her beloved Cubs. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, resourcefulness, creativity, zest for life, and strong faith. She was a member of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park for 20 years.

Nellie Schultz is survived by her children, Todd Schultz and Aimee Feuser; her granddaughters, Etta Schultz and Madeline Feuser; and her siblings, James, John, Joyce, Norma and Marie.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 27 from 4 until 7 p.m. at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St. A memorial service at Calvary Memorial Church, 931 Lake St. in Oak Park, will be celebrated on Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m., preceded by an additional visitation at 9:30 a.m.

The family appreciates memorial gifts in her honor sent to Breakthrough Urban Ministries’ Youth Development Program, P.O. Box 47200, Chicago, IL 60647 or http://www. breakthrough.org/ways-to-give/

Constance Schwab, 78

Physician, longtime resident of River Forest Constance D. Schwab, M.D., 78, a longtime resident of River Forest, was the sister of Linda Schwab and the daughter of the late William and the late Edna Schwab.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest

(corner of Division Street and Bonnie Brae) Interment will take place at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Grace Lutheran Church are appreciated. For information: 708-383-3191 or drechslerbrownwilliams.com.

How to raise a molecular anthropologist, without really trying

am going to assume that since you are reading this essay in Wednesday Journal, you already have a handle on basic biology.

Step 1: Give birth.

Warning: It’s not a lot of fun, and pretty messy, but you do get the opportunity to try some pretty nifty drugs and you get a squealing, sweet-smelling door prize when you go home.

Did I have any idea when I brought my son home from West Suburban Hospital on that sub-zero morning in 1985 that, as an adult with 26 years of education behind him and a PhD hanging on his office wall, he would be analyzing gut viruses in Peru, extracting DNA and dentin from chimps in Gombe National Park, and studying the migration

patterns of ancient bovid mitogenomes from Pinnacle Point, South Africa? Nope. At the age of 3, he wanted to be a Ghostbuster.

As a young parent left mostly to my own designs, I never once considered forcing either of my offspring into any type of category or pointing them in any one professional direction. Honestly, it probably never even occurred to me. I was still busy trying to do that for myself. I put no limitations on them as far as what they could do with their imaginations or their lives, and while I may have opened them up to the possibilities around them, I never pushed them in any one direction. From the day they could ride in a snuggie on my chest or sit upright in a

stroller, I took them right along on my daily adventures, never thinking I could not handle it.

Naïve? Maybe. Selfish? A little.

But we learned together: art museums, the zoo, botanical gardens and conservatories, plays, music classes, the library. We even took trips together, everywhere from Washington D.C. to Disneyworld and, as they got older, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe …

As a writer, my children were not only the “subjects” of most of my articles but they often accompanied me on many of my off-site interviews to nursing facilities, foster care homes and homeless shelters. They witnessed firsthand the plight of those less fortunate, and what it means to take care

JULIANNE MARANI One View

of those who are not capable of taking care of themselves. Our little field trips showed them just how lucky they were to be able to choose their own paths in life and that not everyone has that choice.

So how do you raise a molecular anthropologist? I have no idea. There is no secret recipe to raising a successful kid — it’s 25% good genes, 25% good parenting and the other 50% is just dumb luck.

I do know this much: If you let your kids play in the mud, collect bugs and empty bird’s nests, play noisy instruments, take apart old appliances, wear superhero costumes on picture day, and let them win at Chutes & Ladders, you too can raise a molecular anthropologist — or a writer, or a Ghostbuster.

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

49

Religion Guide Methodist

Check First.

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

First Congregational Church of Maywood

400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message.

Refreshments and fellowship follow the service.

708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.

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

William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000

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. Jenny Weber, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship Presbyterian

Fair Oaks

Lutheran—ELCA

United Lutheran Church 1 5LGJHODQG *UHHQ¿ HOG Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and Children’s Chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Dennis Bushkofsky, Pastor Handicapped Accessible www.unitedlutheranchurch.org 708/386-1576

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

LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service 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

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m.

Childcare Available

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

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

Child care available 9-11am

fairoakspres.org

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

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

Lutheran-Missouri Synod

Christ Lutheran Church

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

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

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

Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

Roman Catholic

St. Edmund Catholic Church

188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Masses: 8:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m.

Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m.

Parish Office: 708-848-4417 School Phone: 708-386-5131

Arborwood 2 bedroom apartments now available.

The Traditional Catholic Latin Mass

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

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

Third Unitarian Church 11am Service: “Celebration of Life� thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield near Austin and Lake

Grace Lutheran School

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

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

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

You’ll be as happy as a lark here; come visit us to find out why.

Unity

How to Keep in Touch with Us in 3 Steps

UNITY CHURCH OF OAK PARK 405 North Euclid Ave.

With Spirit as my guide, I take charge of my life.

1

Sunday Services 9 am & 11 am Youth Education 11 am

Sign up for Twitter!

708-848-0960 — unityoakpark.org

Upcoming Religious Holidays

Jan 25 Conversion of St. Paul Christian 28 Chinese New Year Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist Feb 1 Vasant Panchami Hindu 2 Candlemas Presentation of Christ in the Temple Christian Imbolc / Lughnassah Wicca/ Pagan Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Follow us on Twitter

2

twitter.com/OakPark

3

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

50

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Be part of our special day!

PlaydateION IT Before you drop a few pounds, pick up a plan. Call us.

Same-day appointments available.

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

SPECIAL NEEDS ED

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

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

Saturday, Jan. 28

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

Resolutions are fine. But don’t start a diet or exercise program without first consulting your primary care physician. Do you know your numbers for blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure? When is the last time you had them checked? We’ll look at them together and help you make choices that are right for you.

Judy Katz OTR/L & Associates

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Jacquelyn N. Skerrett, M.D. Family Medicine Se habla español

Saba Irshad, M.D. Family Medicine

entertainment stage sponsored by:

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

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

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

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

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

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

51

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion.

The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 524-0447 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK Hephzibah Children’s Association, located in Oak Park, IL provides a variety of child welfare and family services programs including group homes, foster care and adoption programs and after school and summer day programs.

DRIVER & SERVER NEEDED Driver & foodservice worker wanted at local school in Riverside. Driver must be able to do heavy lifting.

Both positions need to be able to pass drug screening and fingerprinting. Monday thru Friday no nights or weekends. Holidays off some with pay. Summers off. Driver must be able to work in all types of weather.

To set up a interview call Dawn at 630-430-4242.

We are currently accepting applications for an entry-level Accounts Payable Clerk. This full time position is responsible for processing account payments; maintenance of accounts payable files and records and other accounting duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: Associates degree in Business Administration or Accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

General accounting knowledge.

Experience and proficiency Microsoft Office, Word, Excel

in

Ability to learn and become skillful in agency general ledger software.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently CONTACT: Mary Tortorici, Director of Finance by email at: mtortorici@ hephzibahhome.org EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Business System Analyst sought by Silliker, Inc., Chicago, IL. Deg’d, exp’d in data manipulation & analysis using Excel w/ Macro/VBA database & statistical tools, etc. Send resume to sandy.murphy@mxns. com.

Chemistry Teacher (Chicago, IL) Dsgn, write & use lesson plans; teach Chemistry to high school students through lectures, discussions, & demonstrations; implmt appropriate instructional & learning strategies, activities, materials & eqpmt to ensure comprehension of learning styles & student needs; prepare students for chemistry/science related competitions & contests; prepare students for standardized tests; coordinate school science fairs &/or extracurricular activities as assigned; produce formal & informal testing to evaluate student success; ensure necessary & reasonable measures are taken to protect students, eqpmt, materials & facilities; Bachelor’s deg in Chemistry Edu., Chemistry, or Chemistry Eng. plus 24 mos progressive exp. in the job or science teaching at K-12 school envrmt including writing lesson plans, coordinating school science fairs &/or extracurricular activities reqd; M-F, 40 hrs/wk; Send resume to Cafer Cengiz, Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park Charter School, 2245 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609.

You Have Jobs.

We Have Readers!

Find The Best Employees With Wednesday Classified!

Call 708/613-3333

HOUSEHOLD COOK FULL TIME Cook needed for large Oak Park residence of priests. Duties include: operation of kitchen and all foodrelated activities, planning, shopping, preparation & serving following a healthy eating plan with some special dietary needs. Must be dependable & enjoy dealing with seniors. Comfortable with a religious environment is necessary. Training in related field and or 3 yrs work experience is required. Immediate opening, excellent benefits. For more info, email hr@claretians.org Mathematics Teacher (Chicago, IL) Dsgn, write & use lesson plans; teach Mathematics to elementary &/ or middle school students through lectures, discussions, & demonstrations; implmt appropriate instructional & learning strategies, activities, materials & eqpmt to ensure comprehension of learning styles & student needs; prepare students for math related competitions & contests; prepare students for standardized tests; coordinate school math fairs & extracurricular activities as assigned; produce formal & informal testing to evaluate student success; ensure necessary & reasonable measures are taken to protect students, eqpmt, materials & facilities; Bachelor’s deg in Math Education, Math, or Education plus 24 mos progressive exp. in the job at K-12 school envrmt including writing math lesson plans,coordinating school math fairs &/or extracurricular activities reqd; M-F, 40 hrs/ wk; Send resume to Serdar Kartal, Horizon Science Academy Belmont Charter School, 2456 N Mango Ave, Chicago, IL 60639.

PART-TIME SOCIAL PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR SENIOR COMMUNITY Please send resume to: 7824 West Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130 Attention: Administrator PT INSTALLATION MERCHANDISER ALTERNATE Part-Time Installation Merchandiser Alternate needed to merchandise Hallmark products and assist with installations at various retail stores in the River Grove, IL area. To apply, please visit: https://hallmark.candidatecare.com EOE Women/Minorities/Disabled/ Veterans.

Senior Consultants (Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl) are needed for our Chicago, IL office. May req. traveling. Send resume, ref., & sal. req. to Next Generation, Inc. 155 N Wacker Dr., Ste 4250, Chicago, IL 60606

SITUATIONS WANTED

SUBURBAN RENTALS

2BR APT WANTED Working mother of 2 with steady employment seeks 2BR apartment in west suburbs or Austin. Laundry on site preferred.

Call 708-712-8633.

RIVER FOREST 2BR & 1BR Hardwood floors throughout.

Spacious walk-in closets. Storage.

Parking. Laundry in building. Heat included.

Call 708-657-4226.

MUSICAL INSTRUCTION

RIVER FOREST 2BR CONDO River Forest condo for rent. 2 BR, 1 BA, Hardwood floors, built-in microwave and dishwasher. $1350 per month includes heat + 1 parking space. 1-1/2 month security deposit. $39.95 application fee.

Call Vicki at 708-714-0686 or vicki@beyondpropertiesrealty.com.

PIANO LESSONS IN YOUR HOME

Experienced, creative teacher.

Excellent with children. lessons@35piano.com 708.228.7150

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE HISTORIC MAYWOOD MANOR

902 S. 3RD AVENUE (behind Aldi) Tired of renting? Why not consider buying an affordable 2BR condo w/ 1000 sq ft of living space on this historic site at less than market rents?

Savings are built in from a unique 12 year tax freeze plus lower utility costs from energy saving systems and appliances. Onsite pkg, exterior lighting and enhanced security systems included. Be among the first to benefit from this unique project in which the buyer can have input into the individual unit(s).

Call 708-383-9223.

SUBURBAN RENTALS 2BR APT OAK PARK 1322 N AUSTIN 1014 S HUMPHREY No pets. $1100/mo.

Contact Walsh Management 708-548-1110 2ND FLOOR 2 BR 1185 S OAK PARK AVE OP $1200 @ mth. + Sec. Dep. Incl. gar park. You control, pay heat/AC. Avail Feb 1. Call 708-246-2579.

FOREST PARK CONDO Spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath condo for rent. Hardwood flooring living room/dining room. Freshly painted.

1 assigned parking space. Heat included. $1450 Contact (630)6972994 or (708)526-3815.

OAK PARK FOREST PARK Studio, 1, and 2 BDRM. Heated.

Dining room. Parking available.

Walk to El. $625-$1250.

www.oakrent.com Buying? Selling?

Renting? Hiring?

Wednesday Classified 708-613-3333

ROOMS FOR RENT

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro.

Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up.

773-637-5957 SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER? Call Us For Advertising Rates!

708/613-3333

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

CITY RENTALS Augusta & Kildare: PERFECT FOR SENIORS Studio Apartment A gorgeous studio apt. features include kitchen, dining room, large living room, walk-in closet, hardwood floors, incl. heat, appliances, and laundry room, in a beautifully landscaped & well maintained building, quite, safe & secure, rent $585.00, for more information call 773-838-8471.

Augusta & Harding: Beautiful 2-bedroom condo-like apt, in a sunny, safe, secure 8 unit bldg.

Large newly tiled kitchen & bath, hardwood floors, central air, appliances included, tenant pays utilities, rent 785.00, for more information call 773-838-8471.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M property management, inc.

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

GLA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. LaVerne Collins Managing broker

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

708-763-9927 www.glapropertymanagement.com

Properties may be broker owned.

Call us for a complete list of rentals available.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

CHURCHES FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL CHURCH FOR RENT

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

708-848-5460

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

TO BE GIVEN AWAY

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

Call 708 344-6150, leave a message.

LIVING ROOM CHAIRS 2 upholstered high back living room chairs, Oyster/Off-White. Very Good Condition. Call 708-485-0697.

SPACE FOR RENT

CLEANING

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

Pam’s A+ Cleaning Service

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

REPLACEMENT WINDOW Double hung, double pane, Argon gas, Almond color. Rough Opening 31.75 x 53.5.

Call 708-442-7760.

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

ELECTRICAL

FOUR SEASONS ELECTRIC

- 3 & 4 room suites

Full Service Electrical Work

- Store: 926 sq. ft.

- Medical Office Suite, 2800 sq. ft.

Rewiring Old Houses & Installing Ceiling Fans

7756 Madison St.

* OAK PARK *

6955-6957 North Ave.

- 1, 2 & 3 room office suites

6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. - 5 room office suite

Strand & Browne 708/488-0011

FURNITURE TRADITIONAL DINING ROOM Table with 3 leaves & 6 chairs.

Mahogany finish. Neutral upholstery on chairs. Very good condition. $400. Contact aytenai@aol.com

ELECTRICAL

including

Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates No Job Too Big or Too Small Lic * Bonded * Ins * 24 hrs

708-445-0447

Electricians serving the greater Oak Park area. Licensed, Bonded & Insured–Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates. Kinetic’s proud to say you have never experienced service like this! 15 years experience and dedication.

No job too big or small!

(708) 639-5271

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue.

Or call us toll free at 1-888-328-8457 for an appointment.

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

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848

Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp | Servicing Oak Park and all surrounding suburbs

classifieds@RiverForest.com

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Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

CLASSIFIED

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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

FLOORS

HANDYMAN

KLIS FLOORING INC.

HANDYMAN

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-732-2263 Ask for John

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

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PUBLIC NOTICES 11:27 AM

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Community Design Commission, acting as the Design Review Commission, of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday evening, February 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 01-17-DRC: 6729 North Avenue, US Bank David Pilz with Sign Effects, on behalf of US Bank, is requesting that a variation be granted from Section 7.7.15 (D) (1) (b) of the Sign Code of the Village of Oak Park, which section requires that wall signs for buildings located on corner lots shall only be placed along the front lot line or the corner lot line. The proposal shows a “US Bank� sign located on the west elevation of the building, an area where there is no street frontage at the premises commonly known as 6729 North Avenue.

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.

DATED AT OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, this 25th Day of January, 2017 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/25/2017

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number D16149135 on December 29, 2016. Under the Assumed Business Name of PAWS FUR PURRPUSS with the business located at: 7307 ROOSEVELT RD, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JENNIFER LAWLOR 7307 ROOSEVELT RD FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/11, 1/18, 1/25/2016

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number D17149206 on January 6, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of TIME TO TALK with the business located at: 4234 ARTHUR AVENUE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JENNIFER LILL MURFF 4234 ARTHUR AVENUE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513.

Published in RB Landmark 1/11, 1/18, 1/25/2017

Page 1

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Community Design Commission, acting as the Design Review Commission, of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday evening, February 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 02-17-DRC: 940 Lake Street, Edward Elmhurst Health Center

Ernie DiFiore with Modern Signs, Inc., on behalf of Edward Elmhurst Health Center, is requesting that variations be granted from the following sections of the Sign Code of the Village of Oak Park, to permit the installation of two (2) wall signs, one on the east elevation of the building where there is no street frontage and said sign is located above the second story window sill, and one along Lake Street located above the second story window sill at the premises commonly known as 940 Lake Street, Oak park, IL. 1. Section 7-7-15 (D) (1) (a), which section requires that walls signs for buildings located on interior lots shall only be placed along the front lot line.

The proposal shows Sign # 1, a white illuminated channel letter sign that states â&#x20AC;&#x153;EdwardElmhurst Health/Health Center signâ&#x20AC;?, located on the east elevation of the building where there is no street frontage.

2. Section 7.7.15 (D) (5), which section requires that wall signs shall be located on the sign frieze or the sign band of the building immediately above the first floor window and below the second floor window sills in the case of a two-story building. The proposal shows Sign # 1, a white illuminated channel letter sign that states â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edward-Elmhurst Health/ Health Center signâ&#x20AC;?, located above the second floor window sill.

3. Section 7.7.15 (D) (5), which section requires that wall signs shall be located on the sign frieze or the sign band of the building immediately above the first floor window and below the second floor window sills in the case of a two-story building. The proposal shows Sign # 2, a white illuminated channel letter sign that states â&#x20AC;&#x153;Immediate Careâ&#x20AC;? located above the second floor window sill along Lake Street.

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.

DATED AT OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, this 25th Day of January, 2017 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/25/2017

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number D17149235 on January 10, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of WW CONSULTING SERVICES with the business located at: 740 E 160 ST, SOUTH HOLLAND, IL 60473. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CHRISTOPHER WALKER 740 E 160 ST SOUTH HOLLAND, IL 60473.

Published in Wednesday Journal 1/18, 1/25, 2/1/2017

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE/PUBLIC NOTICE The Riverside Township Board will hold a special meeting At the Riverside Township Hall 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 On Tuesday, February 7, 2017 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 2017-2018 Budget 4.Adjournment Liane J. Blauw, Clerk January 18, 2017 Published in Landmark 1/25/2017

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING Request of bids for athletic field drainage install at Taylor Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 The Park District of Oak Park seeks bids related to the installation of vertical drainage pipe system for the athletic field. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on Monday, February 13th 2017, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois.

The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Park Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website as of 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 25th, 2017. A non-mandatory pre-bid walk-thru is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1st at 10am (Chicago time) at Taylor Park 400 Division St., Oak Park, IL 60302. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Park District of Oak Park website at: http://www.pdop.org/bids-and-rfps/ For additional information, contact Travis Stephen at travis.stephen@ pdop.org or (708) 725 2054. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2015. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park By: Sandy Lentz, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal 1/25/2017

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17149360 on January 20, 2017 Under the Assumed Business Name of BENSFIELD FOUNDATION with the business located at: 8130 W 27TH ST, NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: THOMAS BENSFIELD 8130 W 27TH ST NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546.

Published in Landmark 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2017

OPEN HOUSE MEETING NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will hold an open house public meeting to discuss and seek input on upgrades and improvements being studied for Lake Street from Harlem Avenue to Austin Boulevard: DATE: February 8, 2017 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Oak Park Village Hall Council Chambers 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302 Exhibits will be on display showing current information regarding the project related to resurfacing, reconstruction, traffic and pedestrian planning, streetscape enhancements, and utility work.

Members of the public are invited to attend at any time during the two and a half hour time period to view project information and speak with Village of Oak Park staff and consultants working on the planning and design project. For more information, please contact Byron Kutz, Village of Oak Park Assistant Engineer, at (708) 358-5729 or bkutz@oak-park.us.

The meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (708) 358-5430 or by email at adacoordinator@oakpark.us at least 48 hours before the meeting. Persons planning to attend who will need a sign language interpreter or similar accommodations can call the TTY/ TTD number at (800) 526-0844 or 711. TTY users who speak Spanish may call (800) 5010864 or 711. For Telebraille, dial (877) 526-6670 or 711. Requests should be made at least five days prior to the meeting.

More information about the project is posted at www.oak-park. us/lakestreetimprovements.

Published in Wednesday Journal 1/25, 2/1/2017

Email us at c lassifieds @ Oak Park . c o m

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED 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: D17149331 on January 19, 2017 Under the Assumed Business Name of STRIVE STRATEGIES with the business located at: 82 SOUTH LA GRANGE ROAD SUITE 204, LAGRANGE, IL 60525. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: DENNIS W COOK 82 SOUTH LA GRANGE ROAD SUITE 204 LAGRANGE, IL 60525.

Published in Landmark 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2017

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT–CHANCERY DIVISION SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.GREGORY GARMON Defendants 10 CH 42289 1170 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 19, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 7, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1170 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-331-0070000. The real estate is improved with a yellow brick two story single family home with a two car detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

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

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

53

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 524-0447 • 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

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: Visit our website at service. atty-pierce.com. McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 476-5500. Please refer to file number 7999. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

McCalla Raymer Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street Suite 1300 CHICAGO, IL 60602 (312) 4765500 E-Mail: pleadings@pierceservices.com Attorney File No. 7999 Attorney Code. 60489 Case Number: 10 CH 42289 TJSC#: 3614560 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I711510

fer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 606064650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 4221754 CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 16 CH 04550 TJSC#: 3614040 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.

I712537

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 28, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 2, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11 RANDOLPH STREET UNIT #6A, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-317-024-1016. The real estate is improved with a condo/ townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted.

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

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property 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 14-16-05071. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. 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. 14-16-05071 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 006281 TJSC#: 36-13934 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.

I712981

spection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 16-018353 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122

general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm–3pm. Please refer to file number 15-076981. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs. com Attorney File No. 15-076981 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 12 CH 41397 TJSC#: 37635 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.

I713028

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARGARETTE STOILJKOVIC, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARGARETTE STOILJKOVIC, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MARGARETTE STOILJKOVIC, DECEASED, ELENA STOILJKOVIC AKA ELENA M. STOILJKOVIC, IVAN STOILJKOVIC, PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES, LLC, WILLIAM BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF MARGARETTE STOILJKOVIC, DECEASED Defendants 16 CH 04550 1180 S. Scoville Ave. Oak Park, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 6, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 7, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1180 S. Scoville Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-18-427-0160000.

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $354,975.58.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire trans-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT–CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.REBECCA MURRAY, DEREK MURRAY, THE 148-150 NORTH AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, LVNV FUNDING LLC Defendants 16 CH 006281 11 RANDOLPH STREET UNIT #6A

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs.

WILLIAM KAHN; CHRISTINE KAHN; FIRST MERCHANTS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 9486 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 28, 2017 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. 15-01-407-002-0000.

Commonly known as 939 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305.

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 in-

I713065 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT–CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.SHERRI LASKO, HARBOR FINANCIAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION F/K/A NEW AMERICA FINANCIAL, INC., CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO GREAT AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, ASSOCIATED BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO GREAT AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Defendants 12 CH 41397 401 SOUTH MAPLE 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 September 13, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 23, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 401 SOUTH MAPLE AVENUE, Oak Park, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-321-019-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $473,172.93. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to

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54

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

Huskies swept by Hinsdale Central OPRF boys and girls teams short-handed in hoops doubleheader

By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor

Winning games is always a challenge in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. Winning on the road without your top players is even more difficult.

That’s the scenario the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys and girls basketball teams faced at Hinsdale Central on Saturday.

The boys battled the Red Devils for sole possession of first place without 6-foot-6, 215-pound star forward Jared Scott, and the girls took on Hinsdale Central sans their best player, Blair Ripley.

The host Red Devils capitalized on the situation with a sweep as the boys won 67-60 and the girls, 52-33.

With both boys teams entering their showdown with undefeated records in conference, the game was hotly contested throughout.

Junior forward Phil Saleh kept OPRF (136, 4-1) in the game early with eight of his 11 points in the first quarter.

“My teammates helped me get open,” Saleh said. “We had good ball movement in the first half and the shots were there. My

shot was falling.”

7, 6-0) for Trailing Hinsdale Central (11-7, most of the first half, the Huskies took their first lead at 24-23 on Isaiah Fuller’s 3-pointer ter. Hinswith 4:15 left in the second quarter. dale Central senior guard Tomas Misiunas o give the scored on a tip-in at the buzzer to Red Devils a 30-29 halftime lead.

Hinsdale Central senior guard Jack Hoioach Fred berg, son of Chicago Bulls head coach Hoiberg, scored the Red Devils’ first five ger a 10-0 points of the second half to trigger run and 43-33 advantage. an [Hins“I think we have more talent than dale Central], but we didn’t come out playd Dashon ing hard enough,” sophomore guard ed Jared.

Enoch said. “Of course, we missed orer who He is a 15-points-plus-per-game scorer ould have plays with great energy, but we could .” won this game if we played harder.”

While Scott was missed, seniorr forward Cam Gross felt the team was well prepared.

“All of our roles stayed the same,” me,” Gross said. “Coach Maloney brought in a few bench players and they did a good d job. I really appreciated them stepping in.

“We just didn’t talk and communicate municate well enough on defense.”

Trailing 50-40 entering the fourth th quar-

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ter, OPRF went on a 6-0 spurt, courtesy of two lay-ups by Enoch and two free throws by Gross to whittle the deficit to 52-46.

That’s the closest the Huskies would get however as Hinsdale Central’s backcourt of Hoiberg (20 points, 7 assists) and Chris Eck (20 points) continually made timely baskets or passes.

Gross led OPRF with 20 points and five rebounds and Enoch contributed 15 points and four assists off the bench.

OPRF girls

With both teams struggling strugglin on offense, the Huskies held a 6-2 lead against Hinsdale aga Central with 2:43 left in the first quarter.

Hinsdale Central forward Riley Burr scored however, to give the eight points in a row, howeve Red Devils a 10-8 lead.

The Red Devils outscored the Huskies 18-4 in the second quarter en route to a 52-33 vicdamage in the paint, tory. While Burr did her damag Central made eight 3-pointers to cause additional coverage problems for the th Huskies.

Seniors Grace Hartzman (17 (1 points) and Paige Bareck (15 points) paced the Red Devils’ hot-shooting from beyond the t arc, while Burr finished with 17 points.

Hinsdale also celebrated head hea coach Tom McKenna’s 500th McK career win. care ca Dashon Enoch Senior point S guard Molly gu Cullinane led Cu OPRF with 12 OPR points.

Junior poin forward Amaya Coleman (10 points, 8 blocks) and an sophomore guard Kennedy Williams (6 points) Willia contributed for the Hus Huskies.

“Without Blair, there were opportuw nities for new kids to step up and take advantage of the opportunities,” OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin said. “It’s not the outcome we wanted, but we can build on many m positives from this game.”

The Huskies are 10-13 overall with a 2-5 record in conference.

Fenwick hockey tops Mt. Carmel

Friars score three straight goals during 6-3 win against host Caravan

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

The Fenwick High School hockey team is capable of scoring goals in bunches. The Friars proved it during a 6-3 win over Mt. Carmel at the Morgan Park Sports Complex on Jan. 19.

Tied at 3-3 with 4:59 left in the second period, the Friars reeled off three straight goals to defeat the Caravan 6-3 in a Chicago Catholic League game.

Senior forward Jeremy Winkiel started the three-goal spurt when he flipped the puck over the Mt. Carmel goaltender’s right shoulder into the net to put Fenwick ahead for good at 4-3.

“We definitely moved the puck well, especially coming out of the corner,” Winkiel said. “We really capitalized well coming in transition. We changed sides of the ice and got guys moving up toward the weak side. I think we capitalized on our opportunities very well.”

Senior defenseman Louie Gomez added an insurance goal on shot from the left side to extend the Friars’ lead to 5-3 at the 15:31 mark of the third period. Gomez has 15 goals and 18 assists this season.

“We’re starting to connect a lot better,” Gomez said.

“We’re getting used to playing with each other which is a big thing. We’re doing a lot of team bonding and everything is starting to click.”

Senior forward John Amico capped off the scoring for Fenwick on a goal with 7:58 remaining in the game.

Winkiel finished with two goals and two assists against Mt. Carmel, while senior forward Jack Angelini dished out two assists. Amico contributed a goal and an assist.

Forwards like Angelini (24 goals, 18 assists), Patrick Walsh (15 goals, 18 assists), Luke Rohrbacher (14 goals, 18 assists), Will Dunleavy (11 goals, 14 assists) and Johnny Metcalf (14 goals, 9 assists) have also assumed key roles for the Friars.

Fenwick is 26-25 overall with an 11-9 record in the CCL and a 10-14 mark in the Scholastic Hockey League.

While their record is barely above .500, the Friars feel they match up well with any team they face.

“My performance is an extension of how the team has been performing overall,” said Winkiel, who has 24 goals and 23 assists this season. “It’s been a pretty good year. We

Courtesy Fenwick Hockey Club

The seniors on the Fenwick High School hockey team are a tight-knit group. have done pretty well in the Scholastic Hockey League and we can play with anyone. When we play our game, there are very few teams that can keep up with us.”

Gomez added: “I know we can do better but we’re definitely getting there. Coach (Chris) Lappin is getting us there and getting us in shape. We just have to keep it up.”

The Friars host Glenbrook North on Friday, Feb. 3 at Ridgeland Common. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. in the Paul Hruby Ice Arena.

Fenwick is looking forward to the postseason. Cashing in on scoring opportunities will be a point of emphasis.

“We had a few patches during the season where we created a lot of chances for ourselves but the puck just wasn’t going in,” Winkiel said. “When we get into the playoffs, it will be really important to us to bear down and finish our opportunities.”

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

55

(Clockwise) OPRF senior Jaime Hernandez dominates his opponent; OPRF senior PJ Ogunsanya studies his opponent during a match; Chris Middlebrooks won at 220 pounds for OPRF; OPRF junior Elija Osit takes down his opponent a the Huskie Invite.

Photos by Jonna Borgdorff

TOURNEY

Hometown pride from page 56 Crystal Lake Central by major decision 17-8.

At 220, Chris Middlebrooks (19-2) also won an individual title for OPRF. He defeated Maverick McPeek by a decision 3-1.

The Huskies’ Jack Fisher (145) and Drew Matticks (170) placed second.

“At this time of the season, it’s about tweaking your weaknesses and keeping the conditioning up,” Fisher said. “We’re looking forward to February. Putting in the work and wrestling hard is what’s important. If we wrestle hard and to the best of our ability, the results will take care of themselves.”

Nico Bolivar (106) and Brian Holloway (160) won consolation championships. Other OPRF varsity wrestlers who

placed at Saturday’s event include Eddie Bolivar (120/6th place), Jake Cagnina (152/6th), Elijah Osit (195/6th) and Ashford Hollis (285/7th).

“Both the team and I are having great seasons,” Holloway said. “We just need to make some minor adjustments and we will be good for state.”

OPRF has incredible depth this season as the JV team placed ninth at Saturday’s invite.

A wave of underclassmen, including sophomores Eddie Bolivar, Cagnina, Hollis and freshmen Nico Bolivar, Josh Ogunsanya and Jake Rundell bodes well for the present and future of the program.

“We have a good balance of experienced wrestlers and new guys,” Holloway said. “I hope the younger guys get plenty of experience. When we are gone they can carry the torch and get another state championship for us.”

In addition to their impressive win at the 14-team Huskie Invite, OPRF closed out the regular season well. The Huskies cruised past host Hinsdale Central 61-12 (Jan. 19) and also defeated Lyons Township 52-14 (Jan. 12) in recent conference dual matches.

OPRF won its ninth conference championship in 10 years.

The Huskies also notched a hard-fought 28-24 win against fellow state contender Marmion at the Super Duals hosted

by Sandburg.

“During the season, we definitely have a tough schedule,” Matticks said. “Going against good competition helps you identify what are some things you need to work on.

“And our coaching staff is amazing. I think they are the best in the country. All they ask is that we give our very best effort and wrestle hard.”

OPRF opens the postseason with regionals on Saturday, Feb. 4. Sectionals are the following weekend. The IHSA Individual State Tournament culminates with the state finals Feb. 16 through Feb. 18 at the University of Illinois.

Renteria, Madrigal and Hernandez are definite state title contenders in their respective weight classes.

PJ Ogunsanya, Tarig Thurman, Dre Garner, Holloway, Matticks and Middlebrooks could do damage as well.

February ends with the IHSA State Dual Team Tournament Feb. 25 at US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington.

OPRF is vying for its fourth straight team state title and fifth overall.

“We’re expecting to dominate again this year,” senior Jaime Hernandez said. “Win or lose, we are going out with a bang. If all of our guys come to wrestle, I don’t see why we can’t win another state championship.”

— OPRFwrestling.com contributed to this story

56

Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2017

@ @OakParkSports

SPORTS

Huskies swept by Hinsdale Central in hoops 54

Fenwick hockey tops Mt. Carmel 54

Battle-tested OPRF wins own invite

Huskies primed for run at fourth straight Class 3A state title

By MARTY FARMER

A

Sports Editor

lthough the Oak Park and River Forest High School wrestling team enjoys competing around the country, there’s no place like home for the Class 3A three-time reigning state champions.

Wrestling at national tournaments like the Ironman Invitational in Ohio and the Clash in Minnesota serve as a great barometer to gauge how the Huskies match up against the nation’s elite.

For pure fun and hometown pride, however, the Huskie Invite is the most special event of the year for OPRF grapplers. It’s always the last match of the year at home, followed by the Susan P. Collins Annual Memorial Tournament for youth wrestlers the next day.

OPRF won the Huskie Invite Saturday with a team score of 216, finishing well ahead of runner-up Christian Brothers from Missouri (146 points).

OPRF (20-3, 6-0 West Suburban Silver) dominated at the lower weights with firstplace finishes from Tony Madrigal (126 pounds), Jason Renteria (132) and Jaime Hernandez (138).

Madrigal (28-2) edged Christian Brothers’ Malik Johnson by a 1-0 decision.

Renteria (30-2) earned his title via a fall at 3:32 against Alex Felix of Gilroy, while Hernandez (7-0) defeated Lenny Petersen of See TOURNEY on page 55

Photo by Jonna Borgdorff

OPRF senior Drew Matticks lifts his opponent off the mat at the Huskie Invite on Saturday, Jan. 21. Host OPRF won the invite with 216 points.

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