Wednesday Journal 012523

Five ways to pay for OPRF’s $100M Project 2, four call for a referendum

Financial consultant lays out options to nance committee

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

At last week’s meeting of the Community Finance Committee, the financial advisor to Oak Park and River Forest High School, it laid out five funding scenarios for the approximately $100 million Project 2 capital spending proposal at OPRF that includes a new swimming pool. Four of those scenarios included a referendum to issue building bonds ranging from a low of $15.9 million to a high of $74 million. All of the scenarios presume spending $105 million on Project 2 because alter nate upgrades, which the school board may not approve, raise the cost of Project 2 to $104.4 million. The only option without a referendum had the lowest projected cost to taxpayers though that estimate is based on a questionable assumption

Madison Street grocery store project gets time extension

Oak Park is now looking at a completion date of summer 2024

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park village board has granted an extension to the developers of Pete’s Fresh Market, who have seen significant delays in the construction of the new grocery store at the corner of Madison Street and Oak Park Avenue. The store is now expected to open June 30, 2024.

This is considerably later than the first agreed upon date.

The village’s second Pete’s location was supposed to open Nov. 30, 2022, under a redevelopment agreement the village entered into in 2018.

The delays have interrupted traffic and the large vacant parcel fenced off by chain link fences has made the north side of Madison Street west of Wesley Avenue something of an eyesore.

“The number of times people have asked me, ‘What’s that big white tent on Madison Street? What’s going on?’” Village President Vicki Scaman said.

The significant delays, however, are not the fault of Pete’s, according to Oak Park Development Customer Services Director Tammie Grossman. She came to the grocery store’s defense during the board’s Jan. 17 meeting, laying the blame at the feet of utility companies.

“This request made by Pete’s is not because of any wrongdoing on Pete’s part,” she said. “It’s really because they have had a horrible time dealing with the public utilities that were in the way of the construction of this building.”

The Pete’s site, occupying 640-728 Madison St., is not an easy one to develop, Grossman said, and required the removal and relocation of underground utilities, which involved coordinating with AT&T, Nicor and ComEd. The latter utility company had “several” electrical poles and conduits.

“This is probably the most challenging development site that we have in the community,” Grossman said.

Grossman’s explanation, backed up by Pete’s project manager Eugene Grzynkowicz, was enough to satisfy the concer ns of almost every board member, including Trustee Chibuike Enyia, a former AT&T employee.

“I worked for AT&T for a number of years doing fiber,” he said. “There is so much work behind the construction of having to dig out lines.”

Trustee Lucia Robinson, however, was unconvinced, believ-

As an incentive to invest in the community, the village donated a portion of the site to Pete’s and gave the grocery store $3 million to purchase and demolish the historic Foley-Rice building. The village also pro vided $1.65 million to Pete’s to cover the costs of environmental remediation.

“We are already past the point of the original completion date and so we’re actually losing money on this on a daily basis, because we’re not recouping any of those sales and developed property taxes,” said Robinson.

Robinson told Wednesday Jour nal that Pete’s is expected to bring the village $1 million yearly in sales and property taxes

She was the sole village board member to vote against amending the redevelopment ag reement to grant Pete’s the extension.

ComEd finished removing their share of utilities between Thanksgiving and Christmas, right around store’s originally scheduled opening dating. The lengthy removal was caused by short staf fing within the electric company, which also had to send crews out of state to restore stor mrelated power losses, according to Grossman.

The utility work is only the most recent in the series of delays for the beleaguered project. Grzynkowicz gave the board the rundown, sharing that the grocery store had first engaged with the utility companies in September 2019. The companies were supposed to be gin removal and relocation ef for ts in March 2020, but COVID-19 hit.

“We have to give grace,” said Trustee Cory Wesley in regard to the pandemic’s impact to the project.

Pete’s representatives have ag reed to give quarterly up-

given that night.

that n

Pete’s will not have to pay any fee to the village in exchange for having its completion date extended. However, if Pete’s makes a request for a second extension, the grocery store will be slapped with a $2,000 fee, which will go up with every subsequent request.

Progress on Pete’s has been made, however. Last month, crews be gan to relocate water and sewer mains And once that work is completed, crews will be gin excavation for the 114-spot underground parking garage. Vendors have also been “locked in,” according to Grzynkowicz.

Michael Romain no longer with GCM

Michael Romain, long-time re por ter, editor, columnist and DEI director for Growing Community Media, is no longer with our org anization.

Over many years, Michael Romain has done valuable work for the Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review, Wednesday Jour nal and the Village Free Press, a publication he founded.

We wish him the best going forward.

Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

Dan

PHOTO BY NIC MCKELVE Y

READY TO GO? e site of the new Pete’s Fresh Market construction, which has been delayed.

FitzGerald’s Viewing Part y: The Blues Brothers

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, more R&B legends than you can shake a stick at, a few good car crashes, Chicago scener y ca. 1979, Carrie Fisher proving she was more than Princess Leia, and tons of quotable quotes This movie is as good as it gets! 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

You, Me, We: o-Ed Mentoring

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 4-5:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y You, Me, We is a mentoring program that meets bi-monthly on Tuesdays, until May 30. A Greater Good Foundation (AGGF) will provide a comprehensive Restorative Social Emotional program that will help students in grades 6-12 gain self-awareness and build healthy relationships/community. Register now at oppl. org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

The Slink Moss Explosion/

Joel Paterson Trio

Saturday, Jan. 28, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Slink Moss, the famed rockabilly phantom returns, sounding like a much spookier version of Chris Isaak. Also on the bill: guitarist supreme Joel Paterson. $20, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

BIG WEEK

January 25-Februar y 1

One- on- One Small Business Consulting

Friday, Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y Special event for anyone considering star ting a business. Chettha Saetia, business owner, business advisor, and direc tor of The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), will answer any questions. Schedule a half-hour appointment at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Barbara Ballinger Memorial Concer t

Friday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m.,

First United Church, 848 Lake St., Oak Park

A concer t honoring the life of Barbara Ballinger will e place at a memorial concer t featuring strings and organ, per forming pieces by Barber and Dvorak as well as spoken word eadings chosen by Barbara before her passing. The tuar y of First United ark and is open to the public

Barbara Ballinger ser ved 32 years at the Oak Park Public Librar y, including 24 years as the head librarian. She was instrumental in the development of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation Archives and a longtime friend of the foundation. Barbara had a profound impac t on the community she ser ved and will be dearly missed by all who knew her

Odd Fellows by David Alvarado

Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:30-8 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

David Alvarado is a visual ar tist, illustrator, and creative designer whose work has spanned from commercial ar t and editorial illustration to, recently, ne ar t. Tiptoeing between humorous, awkward, and strange, his work is inspired by a blend of commercial design from the past, cartoons from his youth, and the dreamlike state that occurs just before deep sleep. An exhibit of his work runs through Feb. 5. This is a special reception honoring his work. Learn more at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick

Monday, Jan. 30, 1:15-2:15 pm, Nineteenth Centur y Charitable Organization

Historical interpreter Ellie Carlson and biographer

Andrea Friederici Ross will bring back the erce, feisty spirit of Edith Rockefeller McCormick, who was responsible in some way for the Brook eld Zoo, Chicago opera, James Joyce’s Ulysses, a cure for scarlet fever, and the popularity of Jungian psychoanalysis. Carlson will personally channel Ms. McCormick for a discussion with Ross Free, but with a suggested donation of $15 for non-members. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Julian sta er on leave

a er alleged inappropriate communications with students

Non- cer ti ed employee faces police, school investigations

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

close any details surrounding the specific allegations.”

On Jan 23 Wednesday Journal reached out to District 97 for more information about the case and was asked to submit questions by email. Wednesday Journal emailed six questions to a spokeswoman for the District 97 including whether the employee was on paid or unpaid leave, how long the employee has worked at Julian, the nature of the alleged communications with students, the gender of the students allegedly contacted, and the status of the internal investigation.

Could

A non-certified employee at Percy Julian Middle School is on leave and being investigated by the Oak Park Police Department as well as by Oak Park Elementary School District 97 after allegedly engaging in inappropriate communications with Percy Julian students. Two sources, who asked not to be identified, because of the sensitivity of the case, told Wednesday Journal the employee is a male hall monitor.

Oak Park village spokesman Dan Yopchick told Wednesday Journal on Monday that Oak Park Police are still investigating and no charges have yet been filed

District 97 superintendent Ushma Shah infor med Julian parents of the allegations in a letter sent on Jan 13. Percy Julian Middle School is at 416 S. Ridgeland Ave.

“

District 97 spokeswoman Rebecca Bald replied that District 97 was unable to answer specific questions because it is a personnel matter which required attention be paid to both the rights of employees and students. Instead Bald issued a general statement that repeated many of the points made in Shah’s letter to parents.

Be sure to attend the mandatory workshop for Program Year 2023:

Be sure to attend the mandatory workshop for Program Year 2023:

. ”

REBECCA BALD District 97 spokeswoman

“School and district administrators this week became aware that a non-certified employee of Julian allegedly engaged in appropriate communications with students,” Shah wrote. “Upon receiving the report, the proper authorities were notified, the employee was immediately removed from the school pending the investigation, and the families of the involved students were notified.”

Shah also said the district was conducting an internal investigation of the matter as well as cooperating with “local authorities.”

“At this time, the district is unable to dis-

“Our safety staff has been working with the police department and conducting an internal investigation into the information received,” Bald wrote in an email. “The district has been, and will continue, implementing any responsive measures necessary to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”

“Though the district is unable to disclose additional details at this time, the school and district took swift action to address the allegations and have been in close contact with families of involved students to offer supports. As a school district, we are required to report employee misconduct to the appropriate agencies and have made the necessary reports in this case. Parents and guardians also independently have the right to file reports with the authorities.”

Application for funding

Application for funding

10 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 3 Required attachments Reporting requirements Grant funding timelines

timelines

River Forest board OK’s re training prop

New system to improve re department readiness

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

With an eye toward saving time and money, the River Fo est Village Board voted unanimously, Jan. 23, to purchase training prop for the fire department.

Cost for the prop, which will be purchased from Taylor Containers of Spokane Valley, Wash., is $57,000. Financ Director Rosie McAdams said the purchase will be covere from the general fund since it was not included in the capital plan.

Fire Chief Tom Gaertner, who addressed the board via Zoom since he was out of town, explained that the prop is a converted shipping container.

“It’s very important for us since we are severely lacking in training,” he said. “It’s an outstanding system.”

Addressing the village board, Fire Lt. David Bochenek noted that the prop will be on wheels to make it portable With a total footprint of 12-by-8 feet, the prop not only fits a standard parking space but also is small enough to be kept indoors in the firehouse during the winter. He said the prop will li

River Forest re ghters, and perhaps even police, w ill use a Taylor’d Containers “prop” for hands-on training a er the village board approved its purchase on Jan. 23.

be moved outdoors to a village parking lot near village hall for summer use.

In a memo to Village President Cathy Adduci, Gaertner said the department has no mechanisms . He said the closest hands-on training location is at the

south end of Cicero. When there is off-site training, the department needs to hire back off-duty personal for station coverage, which creates overtime costs

Training on the prop will not be limited to the fire department.

The prop also “offers an opportunity for police training,” according to Gaertner, and Bochenek said it “would also enhance paramedic training.”

Bochenek added that the prop is expected to last at least 20 years. The company is new to the market and is a single source vendor at this time. He predicted interest in such props will increase competition and sales, which will drive the price higher

“There is a financial benefit and a time benefit,” he said. “This will allow us to train in-house and keep overtime costs low.”

Village Administrator Brian Murphy supported the purchase, saying the prop “fits our environment well.”

In his memo, Gaertner said purchase of the prop would enable the fire department to coordinate a hands-on junior fire academy in conjunction with the junior police academy.

Having the prop onsite, he added, will allow department eact quickly to potential inefficiency or inecting tactics in a timely

PROVIDED

OPRF student snags science ‘Superbowl’ scholar spot

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

When Nadya Dhillon was about 7 years old, she got her first chemistry set. Now a senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School, Dhillon ranks among the country’s brightest young scientists, having been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search scholar of 2023. Dhillon is one of only 5 students in Illinois and 300 in the country to receive the honor this year.

“It just feels good because I worked very hard,” said Dhillon, who was sitting in her economics class when she received the news.

Regeneron STS has been referred to as the nation’s “oldest and most prestigious” precollegiate science and math competition. Established in 1942, several Regeneron STS scholars have gone on to reap major awards and accolades, including Lyons Township High School alumnus Ben Mottelson, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1975, and Robert Axelrod, who was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama. Axelrod is an Evanston Township High School graduate.

Dhillon will lear n this week if she is among the 30 Regeneron STS finalists. If she is, she will travel to Washington D.C. in March and participate in a week-long competition for more than $1.8 million in awards. President George H.W. famously called the Regeneron STS finals “the Superbowl of science.”

As part of her Regeneron STS application, Dhillon submitted the findings of a research project where she discovered an all-around better way to sterilize surgical tools using a chemical solution of silver nitrite and methylene blue activated by red light. She began working on the project as a junior in OPRF’s Investigative Research Design and Innovation course taught by Allison Hennings, whom Dhillon referred to as “genuinely the best.”

“I just could not have done this without her at all,” said Dhillon. “I’ve never had a teacher so dedicated to their students’ success.”

The objective of her research project was to reduce infections in patients by better eliminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria

found on surgical instruments, particularly duodenoscopes, which are flexible, lighted tubes that doctors use to diagnose and treat problems in the pancreas and bile ducts. Bacteria often find a comfortable home in the nooks and crannies of duodenoscopes, which are difficult to completely clean.

“You have to use really expensive, time-consuming methods of sterilization and they don’t even work very well,” said Dhillon.

Medical professionals thread the duodenoscope through a patient’s mouth, throat and stomach, allowing them to view the top of the patient’s small intestine. If bacteria are present on the devices, it can be transmitted to patients and infect them. Duodenoscopes are used in more than 500,000 procedures each year, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

“Nadya has a genuine concer n and passion for investigating novel solutions to some of our most pressing global public health chal-

lenges,” said Hennings.

Due to the high cost of purchasing duodenoscopes, Dhillon made models of the devices onto which she for med bacterial biofilms. She then dipped her models into the chemical solution and put them under a red light, to activate the silver nitrite and methylene blue. Her innovative technique proved to eradicate antibioticresistant bacteria more effectively than traditional methods.

“And the nice thing is that it’s very cheap and very inexpensive and it’s not time consuming,” she said. “It can be used in remote areas of the world or in hospitals here.”

The project was entirely her own work. Hennings told Wednesday Jour nal Dhillon

independently designed and implemented her experiment, showing unwavering perseverance, creativity and ingenuity while addressing a “a true gap in current medical techniques.”

“I am so excited for the opportunity for Nadya to share her findings with a broader audience,” said Hennings.

Dhillon is taking Hennings’ class again this year and continuing to work on the project. Her sister Sahiba, who is 15 months Dhillon’s junior, is also in her class. They often get mistaken for twins. Dhillon credits her parents for instilling a sense of curiosity within her and her sister.

Her mother, Dhillon recalled, spent a lot of time taking her and her sister to science museums. Her father did scientific experiments with the girls, finding entertaining ways to explain concepts and theories. As long as she and her sister put in their best efforts, grades don’t matter to mom and dad, according to Dhillon.

Next year, she will begin studying chemistry and anthropology as a college student. Dhillon’s plan is to eventually become a medical doctor, like her hepatologist and gastroenterologist father, whom she said has been her “biggest influence” academically.

Like all good parents, they are very proud of their children. However, Dr. Sonu Dhillon believes his daughter’s medical aspirations stem from a more theatrical source than a familial one

“As much as we’d like to take credit for it, I think ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ had more to do with her interest in medicine,” he joked. “She is obsessed with that show.”

Whether it was the long-running television show, which has been on TV for as long as Dhillon’s been alive, or something closer to home that sparked her passion, Dhillon is already making waves in the field of medical science. As for her childhood chemistry set, she still has it

Nadya Dhillon discovered a more e ective way to sterilize surgical tools

COURTESY OF OPRF

Nadya Dhillon stands in front of her research poster for the Regene ron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious STEM competition.

COURTESY OF OPRF

Nadya and Mrs. Hennings

“It can be used in remote areas of the world or in hospitals here.”

NAD YA DHILLON OPRF student

PROJEC T 2

5 options for funding

from page 1

that one funding mechanism, debt certificates, carry no additional cost to taxpayers. The scenarios were presented by Elizabeth Hennessy, a managing director of public finance for Raymond James Financial and an advisor to a host of school districts in the Chicago area.

The one non-referendum scenario called for paying for Project 2 using $46 million in current reserve funds, issuing $44 million in 20 year debt certificates, a type of bond that that doesn’t require a referendum because it is paid back out of the operating revenues the school gets from its annual tax levy, and $15 million in what is known as debt service extension bonds, a type of bond that can be issued without a referendum. If enough voters sign a petition, they can force a referendum on issuing debt service extension bonds through a procedure known as a backdoor referendum. According to the report that Hennessy presented to the committee this non-referendum scenario would cost the owner of a home worth $500,000 an additional $109 in property taxes annually for the next 20 years.

According to Hennessey’s presentation the $74 million referendum option would be the most expensive to taxpayers costing the owner of a home worth $500,000 an additional $339 in property taxes annually for the next 20 years. This option would use $31 million in reserves and maintain a fund balance of 50 percent of annual operating expenditures Another option without debt certificates would be to use $46 million in reserves, which would bring the cash reserves down to about 35 percent of the annual operating expenditures and asking voters to issue $59 million in building bonds. It is projected that this option would cost the owner of a $500,000 home $270 more annually in property taxes for the next 20 years.

Since debt certificates are paid out of the annual operating tax levy Hennessy’s presentation listed the tax impact of debt certificates on a homeowner as zero Project 2 critic Monica Sheehan objected to this in her public comment at the start of the meeting

“The chart does not list the tax impact for the proposed debt certificates which would require the school board to levy higher taxes than necessary annually to repay them,” Sheehan said.

In a telephone interview with Wednesday Jour nal Hennessy said the $3.5 million annual cost to pay off debt certificates can be met from operating levies that the district is currently projecting

“We’re using their existing financial projections and did not add additional levy to it. It’s affordable within their current projections,” Hennessy said. “But that’s a projection; there’s a lot of things that can change over time and that’s why we talked so much in the presentation about careful budgeting if you take on a debt certificate obligation.”

If the school board chooses one of the two scenarios without debt certificates, funding Project 2 with building bonds issued after passing a referendum and cash reserves, it could be possible for the district to reduce future operating tax levies by up to the $3.5 million annual cost of debt cer-

Exterior schematic design for Imagine OPRF Project 2.

saving was not mentioned in the presentation.

Hennessy’s presentation does say that issuing debt certificates would require “careful budgeting” to ensure that they can be paid back out of operating funds.

Sheehan says the issue of whether to borrow money for Project 2 is an issue that should go to a referendum. She noted that the Lake Forest School District 115, also advised by Hennessy, is putting on the ballot this year a $105.7 million building bond referendum to pay for renovation and updates to Lake Forest High School.

Three of the five scenarios presented by Hennessy involve issuing debt certificates. Sheehan opposes all of them.

“Scenarios three, four and five are unacceptable,” Sheehan said. “They are undemocratic because they include borrowing tools designed to bypass voters for funding approval: non-referendum bonds and debt certificates.”

Brian Souders, a candidate for the OPRF school board in April’s election, also spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting and he, like Sheehan, called for any borrowing related to Project 2 to be put to voters in a referendum.

“I feel as if we need to do a referendum on this, full stop,” Souders said. “People have said this, and let’s be honest, one of the reasons this committee exists is because there’s a lack of trust between the community and D200.”

Souders said the reason the district is considering non-referendum funding alter natives is because officials fear that voters would reject Project 2 in a referendum.

“If you don’t think it’s a winner then you try to do an end around and force it on the people,” Souders said.

River Forest resident Laura Huseby had a different view. Huseby said that having a referendum would delay the project and thus raise costs The earliest a referendum could be held is in 2024 because school of ficials didn’t decide on funding options in time to put a referendum, if they were so inclined to do so, on the ballot in this April’s school board and municipal election. Huseby, a resident of River Forest and the parent of a member of the OPRF boys swim team, said she trusts the school board to choose the best financing option.

“I support the Imagine Committee’s recommendations

cisions,” said Huseby in her public comment at the finance committee meeting. “Concer ning financing Project 2 I encourage you as a committee to retain all financing options available so the board may decide the right path forward. The investment figured for Project 2 is large and has gotten frustratingly larger with delay. Embarking on this important project now is the only answer for our community. More delays pose more millions in costs.”

Two other options include a mixture of cash reserves, smaller referendums for building bonds, debt service extensions bonds, which are limited in amount, and debt certificates. A plan using $46 million from current reserves, $15 million in debt service extension bonds, $28.1 million in debt certificates paid back over 10 years, and $15.9 in building bonds issued after voters approve a referendum is projected to cost the hypothetical owner of a home worth $500,000 an additional $182 a year in property taxes. A different plan that includes $15,585,000 of debt certificates paid back over five years, nearly $21 million in debt service extension bonds, and $22.45 million in building bonds issued after voters approve a referendum is projected to cost that owner of a home worth $500,000 an additional $250 a year in property taxes

Hennessy said interest rates on debt certificates are often no higher than the rates on building bonds for school districts that have strong financial ratings and only three to five basis points higher for lower rated school districts She projected that bonds issued in a referendum would carry an interest rate of around 5 percent, a projection that includes a one percent cushion to account for interest rates which are currently rising.

The Community Finance Committee will now examine all the scenarios and make a recommendation to the school board.

“I would love to come up with a recommendation by the end of February,” said Steve Miller, the chair man of the finance committee

The school board aims to choose a funding method for Project 2 before the end of the current school year and probably before new board members are seated in May.

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Oak Park moves forward on racial equity assessment

Village has budgeted $150,000 for consulting services

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Village ofOak Park is pushing forward on its plans to conduct a racial equity assessment in the community. The project will begin in earnest as early as this spring. The assessment is intended to provide the foundation ofthe village’s overarching racial equity plan, one of the board’s primary goals

The village’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Danielle Walker, gave the board oftrustees an educational presentation re garding the assessment process during a special meeting held Monday night.

“Sometimes society tosses around words like ‘diversity,’ ‘equity’ and ‘inclusion’ without a grounded understanding of what those words mean,” said Walker.

As Oak Park seeks to be a leader in racial equity, it is important to understand how those words interact but also delineate from each other, said Walker. She said the assessment will be a “really pivotal step” in the progression of racial equity in the village.

“It’s not a cure,” said Walker ofthe assessment. “It provides clues or a snapshot to address disparities.”

uting to the systemic fair treatment ofall races in such a way that produces equitable outcomes and opportunities for all. The evaluation is a more “macro” type of evaluation, Walker told the board.

The village has budgeted $150,000 for a consultant to facilitate the assessment, with a request for proposals to be released in the near future and a vendor selected byFebruary. That amount is on par with the magnitude ofthe study, according to Walker. For that same reason, Walker said having a consultant will help the village navigate the assessment, which will be the village’s first ever dedicated to racial equity.

The design ofthe assessment will be solidified in March, which is also when the assessment will start being dispersed through the community. Community engagement has historically been a struggle, as Trustee Lucia Robinson noted, but Walker and the consultant will be “intentional” in selecting focus groups and developing surveys. The village will also collaborate with other taxing bodies, which Walker called “paramount.”

“We’re inte grating principles of collecting empirical data and creating a baseline that we can benchmark over time,” said Village Manager Kevin Jackson. “If there are gaps, we can design programs and policies to address those gaps.”

DANIELLE WALKER

Using a weathervane as a metaphor, Walker said the assessment will serve as a tool to point Oak Park in the direction ofachieving racial equity. The assessment will measure to what extent the Village ofOak Park is contrib-

The data collection period will last through the second quarter ofthe year, with analysis happening in quarter three Analysis will include the development ofthe final report

Once the report is brought forward to the board, a racial equity action plan will be implemented, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of this year.

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Sportz Nook boasts bountiful menu

Elmwood Park bar offers scratchmade fare with sports fan flair

Community Food Editor

With more than 35 televisions tuned into sporting events across the globe, The Sportz Nook, 7841 W. Grand Ave., invites hungry locals to “come in a stranger and leave a friend.” Dave Carlson, general manager, has 12 beers on tap and put considerable attention to detail in the menu that keeps customers coming back for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Our customers like to say we are a restaurant disguised as bar,” said Carlson with a smile. “You can come in at 9 a.m. for a Denver omelet, play some games in the afternoon, or have a dinner that will really surprise you.”

The diminutive bar opened in May 2022 and Carlson took over the role of general manager just two months after the opening. His love for food service blossomed at age 13 when he took his first job as a busboy and dishwasher at a banquet hall. Over the years he worked in restaurants across the city and developed his own arsenal of recipes. And now he is bringing his own culinary touch to the

Elmwood Park bar menu.

“I’ve been cooking for 45 years and I have a palette,” said Carlson. “I started working on my meatball recipe when I was 15 years old and I’ve perfected it over the years.”

Today, Carlson serves up his “dense yet tender” bocce meatballs at Sportz Nook. They start with a combination of beef, pork and veal, PecorinoRomano brings flavor and Carlson swears by the addition of Liborio breadcrumbs. He is singularly devoted to the bakery located just around the corner from the bar. The meatballs are baked and then simmered in a scratch made red sauce.

In fact, Angelo and Enzo Pagni, owners of the now shuttered Sabatino’s restaurant, served as “culinary mentors” to Carlson and gave the rich and flavorful dish their seal of approval. At Sportz Nook, the meatballs are available as an appetizer and on a sandwich. The passionate manager also pointed out they will be part of a spaghetti and meatball entrée special during Elmwood Park’s upcoming Restaurant Week beginning on Feb. 17.

“Rocky’s Philly Cheese Steak” is a another Sportz Nook menu standout. The popular item is a confident riff on a Philadelphia classic. Served with a pile of hand cut fries, Sportz Nook’s version of the sandwich is made with shaved ribeye, roasted red peppers and onions with ooey-gooey

General manager Dave Carlson is putting his own culinary spin on the Sportz Nook menu while keeping his friend’s memory alive with a weekly meatloaf special.

Standout dish: The “bocce” meatballs are a menu specialty at Sportz Nook in Elmwood Park. They are slow simmered in housemade red sauce and full of flavor.

Cooks at Sportz Nook are moving away from fried food and have started offering a healthy hummus plate to please vegetarians.

chicken salad with apples, gorgonzola and raspberry as served at Sportz Nook in Elmwood Park.

Rocky’s Cheese Steak is a hearty sandwich offering at Sportz Nook. The sandwich, like all sandwiches at Sportz Nook is served on Liborio bread.

Provolone cheese on Liborio French bread. The hearty sandwich is just one of the reasons Carlson says some customers return multiple times a day.

The menu is being expanded to include grilled whiskey BBQ shrimp and a hummus plate to please vegetarians. Carlson is also proud to serve white wine steamed mussels and has plans to bring fajitas to the restaurant that masquerades as a bar.

“We are getting the reputation for having really good food and that matters to me,” said Carlson who credits his longtime friend Terry Harb for bringing him to The Sportz Nook.

Harb, who owned several restaurants and bars, was “always begging” Carlson to come to work for him. Carlson refused until Harb pitched him the management position at The Sportz Nook.

“I’d known him for 16 years and I always said no until he mentioned Elmwood

Park,” said Carlson. “I grew up here; this is my home — I just can’t say no to Elmwood Park.”

Harb loved Carlson’s homestyle dishes and had insisted that he put his famous meatloaf on the menu when the weather turned cold. Sadly, Harb died before winter, but Carlson honors his friend’s memory by offering the meatloaf entrée every Friday evening.

“The meatloaf is made with love, and I know how much he loved it,” said Carlson who credits the dish for keeping Harb’s memory alive.

The Sportz Nook brings a surprisingly robust menu to a traditional bar. Carlson credits his friendly staff and growing customer base for their gaining popularity. The bar offers patio seating in the summer, occasional live music on the weekend and filling menu options every day of the week.

Come in for a limoncello martini and stay for the meatballs.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Village board OKs zoning change to developer of 327 Home Ave.

Developer pledges maximum of four units

By LACE Y SIKORA Contributing Reporter

On Jan. 17, a super majority of Oak Park’s village board voted to grant the zoning map amendment sought by the developers of 327-329 Home Ave., 327 Home Ave., LLC., which is owned by Gary Collins.

On Sept. 22, the village’s Plan Commission denied the amendment change by a vote of three in favor of the change and two against. Without a quorum of five votes, the request was denied and 327 Home Ave., LLC opted to bring the request to the full village board without trying to reach a quorum at another date with the entire Plan Commission.

Collins, who is a board member of Growing Community Media which publishes Wednesday Jour nal, sought to amend the zoning map for the vacant lot at 327 and 329 Home Ave. from R-5, two-family residential zoning, to R-6, multiple family zoning. The R-6 designation would allow him to build up to 16 units on the two lots

John Schiess, Collins represented at the September meeting that it was his intention to leave the existing four-unit building at 329 Home as is and build a four-unit townhome on the lot at 327.

Prior to the Jan. 17 village board meeting, 327 Home Ave., LLC. voluntarily filed a deed restriction with the village limiting each lot to four units The deed restriction transfers with the property if it is sold, and Village Attor ney Paul Stephanides told the board that if the developer or a successor sought to build more than four units on the lot, the village could take them to court to enforce the deed restriction.

Seven neighbors of the proposed development spoke against the zoning map amendment at the village board meeting. Chief among their concer ns were density, traffic, destruction of green space and damage to the historic character of the neighborhood, which is in the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District. Nancy Cowles, who lives in the adjacent condominium building at 339 Home Ave., presented a petition of 300 signatures against the proposed zoning map amendment.

Plan Commission Chair Iris Sims noted

e owner of the property at 327 Home Ave., where a residential building (above) was divided many years ago into four units, wants to build a tow nhome development on the vacant lot immediately to the south, at 329 Home Ave.

contain extra text, so the deed restriction should not be considered in voting for or against the amendment. Village Development Customer Services Director Tammie Grossman said that while text cannot be added to the amendment, the deed restriction had been filed and was in place.

Trustees Lucia Robinson, Cory Wesley, Susan Buchanan, Chibuike Enya, Ravi Parakkat and President Vicki Scaman voted in favor of the zoning map amendment. They were swayed by multiple factors including the deed restriction; Schiess’ declaration that without the zoning map amendment, they could simply build a conforming two-flat that was the exact same size as the four townhomes planned for the space; and by Collin’s representations that he is a long-time community resident who values historic preservation and that he plans to live in the development himself Buchanan, Scaman and Wesley also cited

increased density as a reason to approve the amendment. Trustee Jim Taglia was the lone vote against the amendment, stating that he is open to development but he doesn’t want to risk the historic nature of the neighborhood, which is what makes Oak Park unique.

Under the R-6 designation, the developers will be subject to village zoning requirements as to setbacks, building height and lot coverage T he R-6 designation gives the developer the right to cover more of the lot with a building. R-5 zoning limits coverage to 65% for single f amily homes and 70% for two flats. R-6 designation pe rmits multi-family buildings to cover up to 75% of the lot.

Due to the lot’s location in a historic district, the Historical Preservation Commission will review architectural plans for the building when the developer submits them. The HPC review is purely advisory.

New CEO upbeat about prospects for West Sub

Prasad says he’s committed to making two hospitals work

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

A month and a half after Resilience Healthcare took over operations of West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital, CEO Manoj Prasad says they are committed to revitalizing the two hospitals.

“I’m of the belief that there should be no hospital in our country getting shut down because of financial reasons,” Prasad told Wednesday Jour nal.

West Suburban, considered a safety-net hospital, and Weiss, which is one step above safety-net status, have been beleaguered by financial problems in recent years, with the hospitals’ previous owner, Pipeline Health, filing for bankruptcy this past October.

The bankruptcy filing was among a series of delays that extended the transition of Pipeline, which found a buyer in The transaction was valued at $92 million with going back

re under the bankruptcy, for a song,”

full $92 milPrasad, acquirtheir of fsite campuses, but also their debts — to the tune of roughly $81 million.

MANOJ PRASAD

“It’s $81 million and counting,” said Prasad. “There’s still some debt being transfer red.”

Prasad and his financial par tner, Rathnakar R. Patlola, took on the burden of that debt and did so without a lender secured. They’re in the process of looking for lenders, and state funding will be critical in allowing the hospitals to continue caring for patients. While the debt is large, they don’t view the hospitals as a bad investment. They beli eve it would have been bad not to invest in them.

“What was the other option? These two would be shut down,” he said. “We don’t need more closed-down hospitals.”

Prasad is committed enough to the two hospitals that he and his family moved to River Forest from Michig an. When his daughter was in need of medical care, he took her to West Suburban’s River Forest campus, which he plans to make an “inte gral par t” of the Resilience system.

“If I don’t have the confidence that my family can get good care here, I have no business asking others to come and trust their health care to us,” he said.

Cur rently, he splits his time between West Suburban in Oak Park and Weiss in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, serving as group CEO He spends most of his days meeting with the hospitals’ caregivers to understand what can be

done to make their work easier

Prasad’s goal is uniting the hospitals into one group that operates out of two primary locations. West Sub’s for mer CEO, Barbara Mar tin, left the hospital the day Resilience took over, according to Prasad. Irene Dumanis remains CEO of Weiss but is now also the chief financial of ficer of both hospitals

Before Prasad, West Suburban’s chief medical of ficers had never met their Weiss counter parts. Now the teams are working in concer t with each other, eliminating the silos that once divided them.

“The collaboration is giving such beautiful results,” he said. “It’s very hear twar ming.”

Resilience allows employees the oppor tunity to work at both hospitals, should they wish to, while choosing one to serve as home base One West Suburban employee who lived near Weiss was able to switch over full-time to the Chicago hospital, drastically cutting down her commute to work.

When Resilience took over operations of West Suburban and Weiss on Dec. 2, Prasad hosted townhall meetings at both hospitals, hitting every shift to ensure that employees were given the chance to provide input and to hear directly from their new leader In the days since, he said,

everyone has come to gether to support one another

It hasn’t been free of obstacles, however. For two full weeks, West Suburban was without a phar macy license and could not buy drugs. The situation could have had fatal consequences had it not been for nearby hospitals sharing their supplies.

“I have to put on the record how gracious all the surrounding hospitals have been,” Prasad said, adding that he wants to continue working with them to prove the best possible care to the communities they serve He has already proposed new joint programs and is discussing them with the leadership of other hospitals.

Prasad said he does not stress about the futures of Weiss and West Suburban because they are staf fed by great people who share his desire to see the two hospitals succeed.

“These are going to be community hospitals that will provide care to the community as per their needs — personal care,” he said.

West Suburban has seen a revolving door of owners within the last decade. Prasad said he was told unnamed local leaders had a bet that Resilience wouldn’t last 15 days. That hasn’t deterred him.

“I have no intentions of going anywhere,” he said. “These two hospitals, they will flourish.”

West Suburban Hospital Medical Center. (File)

Manoj

Walsh approved as River Forest administrator

Village board votes unanimously for interim to replace Murphy

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

As expected, the Rive r Fo rest Vi llage Board voted unanimously Jan. 23 to appoint Matt Walsh as i nterim village ministrator, re p lacing B ria Mur phy, whose resignatio was announced earlier thi month.

Walsh has b een serving assistant to the village ministrator since April

Mur phy’s last day at Rive Fo rest will be Jan. 27. He has ser ve d as village administrator since December 2021.

Vi llage of ficials are not in a r ush to look for Mur phy’s per manent re p lacement.

“A t this point in time, we ’re not looking to hire a recr uiting fir m,” Vi llage

President Cathy A dduci said. “We’ ll j ust figure it out as we go.”

S he cited the strength of the staf f, especially leader s, as a reason for of ficials to take their time.

“We’ve g ot great p eople around Matt,” she said.

Walsh has ser ve d as assistant to the village manager since April. Prior to hi s iring in Rive r Fo rest, he ser ve d the village of Homer Glen for over three year s, including a year as i nterim village manage r.

He also ser ve d as a c ommissioner on the b oard of the Pa rk District of Fo rest Pa rk for eight year s.

Walsh gr aduated from the Unive rsit y of I llinois Chicago (UIC) with a Bachelor of Ar ts de gree in 2015. He also rece ived a Master of Public Administra-

tion de gree from UIC in 2017.

Over protests from Mur phy, who was attending his final village b oard meeting as village administrator, of ficials thanked him for his service and noted his accomplishments

Trustee Katie Brennan was ef f usive

in her prais e. A dduci and Trustee Erika Bachner also thanked him.

Mur phy ser ve d as Plainfield village administrator prior to his h iring in Rive r Fo rest. He re p laced Eric Palm, who left Rive r Fo rest in Fe bruary 2021 after 10 years to a cce pt a similar p osition in Hof f man Estates.

Mur phy ear ned his bachelor ’s de gree from Oakland Unive rsity in Michig an and his master of public administrator de gree from the Unive rsity of Michig an.

Following Palm’s resignation, village of ficials used Gov HR of Nor thbrook, a public management c onsulting fir m, to c onduct a search for his re p lacement. T he fir m, wh ich serves local gove rnment clients and other public-sector entities across the c ountr y, had b een used by Rive r Fo rest previously, most recently to fill the village finance director position.

MATT WALSH

“

At this point in time, we’re not looking to hire a recruiting rm. We’ll just gure it out as we go.”

CATHY ADDUCI Village President

Oak Park’s new palace of protein

Walking into Wild Fork, which opened at the cor ner of Lake Street and Harlem on Dec. 24, I felt like Robin Williams in Moscow on the Hudson Playing a newly arrived Russian émig ré, Williams walks shyly down the coffee aisle of an American grocery store before dropping to his knees and wee ping with disbelief at the incredible range of buying options

My first experience of Wild Fork was not quite so dramatic, but I must admit to a small sense of awe at their remarkable range of meat, fish and seafood.

We usually pick up ribeye steaks from Carnivore on New Year’s Eve; this year, I thought it’d be interesting to try a few from this new palace of protein. I was somewhat overwhelmed; there were about a do zen dif ferent “kinds” of ribeyes to choose from, from USDA Choice Black Angus through A5 Wagyu. There were also exotic meats — ostrich, elk, yak, etc —

and a lot of fish and seafood. Overall, an impressive ar ray of protein.

At Wild Fork, everything is frozen. There are cer tainly some benefits to flash-freezing meat and other proteins at the peak of freshness, though I couldn’t suppress an involuntary side-eye at signage proclaiming, “Fro zen is Fresher” — a touch too Orwellian for me.

For all the good things that Wild Fork brings to the table, there’s a cer tain sterility to the walls and aisles lined with refrigerated bins. The perfect local contrast to Wild Fork is, of course, Carnivore, perhaps one-fifth the size of this new meat mega-mar t.

In the same way, visiting a small family-owned store like Candycopia provides an opportunity to chat with people who are passionate about sweets, who know their stuff and seem genuinely interested in educating customers about their wares. Though one can usually get a better price on Amazon, I much prefer the small-store shopping experience, though like many of us, I frequently default to Amazon because it’s so darn convenient.

Wild Fork is a valuable addition to Oak Park, and I will retur n, particularly for hard-to-get foods like goat meat and bison, all at decent prices But for truly fresh, rarely frozen, land and sea protein, sourced and butchered by people I can talk to about products and preparations, Carnivore remains my go-to.

Frozen is fresher according to Wild Fork.

Unlike Wild Fork, which brings in huge quantities of frozen food, Carnivore selects only the best meat and fish, mostly from local sources The butchers and fishmongers at Carnivore know their proteins, and they’ re eager to share their knowledge. Every time I visit Carnivore, it seems I lear n something. Going to Car nivore is a rich experience.

We’re all just getting to know Wild Fork, however, and I’m very open to exploring what they have to offer.

Wild Fork offers online ordering and delivery for a reasonable fee; convenience and good prices are key attributes of any successful commodity retailer, and as we all know, Downtown Oak Park needs all the successful retailers it can get.

David Hammond, a corporate communications consultant and food journalist li ving in Oak Park, is a founder and moderator of LTHForum.com, the 8,500 member Chica go-based culinary chat site.

PHOTO BY DAVID HAMMOND

Inside Wild Fork

PHOTO BY DAVID HAMMOND

HAMMOND

Local Dining & Food Blogger

An Elmwood Park resident has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and driving with a suspended license after Oak Park police pulled the 30-year-old man over shortly after midnight, Jan. 21.

The man, from the 2300 block of North 77th Court in Elmwood Park, was out driving when he was stopped at 12:31 a.m. in the 100 block of South Harlem Avenue in Forest Park by Oak Park police officers for a traffic violation. A subsequent name check found that the man had been driving with a suspended license while a search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun underneath the driver’s seat.

Robbery

An Oak Park resident was robbed of his wallet by two men outside of West Suburban Medical Center, 3 Erie Ct., at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 19. The two men approached the victim and told him, “Ho, ho, ho, break yourself,” before grabbing the victim and pushing him to the ground. After taking the victim’s wallet, the two men fled the scene in a burgundy sedan. The victim’s wallet contained his Illinois state identification, his U.S. Bank card, his bus pass and medical insurance card – an estimated loss of $30.

Arson

Someone ignited a small fire using exhilarant on a hallway carpet in a building in the first block of Washington Boulevard at 1:06 a.m., Jan. 16.

Public indecency

An Oak Park resident witnessed an unknown man masturbating in the driver’s seat of a gray 2012 Volkswagen van between 10:46 a.m. and 10:50 a.m., Jan. 19, in the 300 block of Garfield Street.

Burglary

■ Someone broke a kitchen window lock then entered into an Oak Park resident’s home through the window and removed an Xbox 1, a pair of black Timberland boots and a pair of blue Nike Air Jordan shoes from inside the residence between 10 a.m., Jan. 15, and 12:21 a.m., Jan. 17, in the 400 block of South Maple Avenue.

■ Someone broke into a 2020 Kia

Spor tage, peeled the vehicle’s steering column and took a silver Apple MacBook Pro laptop from the vehicle between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Jan. 18, in the first block of Forest Avenue.

Motor vehicle theft

■ A 2019 Kia Optima parked in the 100 block of North Humphrey Avenue was taken between 11:59 p.m., Jan. 21, and 7:30 a.m., Jan. 22.

■ Someone removed a gray 2019 Kia Forte parked in the 300 block of South Harvey Avenue between 6:30 p.m., Jan. 18, and 7 a.m., Jan. 19.

■ A 2016 Kia Sorento was taken from the 1100 block of Holley Court between 1:04 p.m. and 4 p.m., Jan. 15. The vehicle was recovered by North Riverside police in the 500 block of North Albany Avenue in Chicago at 7:41 p.m., Jan. 19.

■ A 2018 Hyundai Tucson parked in the first block of Randolph Street was taken between 5:30 p.m., Jan. 20, and 12:06 p.m., Jan. 21.

Attempted motor vehicle theft

Someone broke the rear passenger’s side door of a 2014 Hyundai Accent then damaged the vehicle’s steering column between 5 p.m., Jan. 21, and 8:30 a.m., Jan. 23.

Theft

■ The catalytic converter belonging to a Toyota Prius of an unknown year was cut between 10 a.m., Jan. 17, and 3:10 p.m., Jan. 21.

■ Someone cut the catalytic converter from a 2022 Toyota Tacoma between 9:10 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., Jan. 20, in the 100 block of South Elmwood Avenue.

■ Someone cut the catalytic converter from a 2009 Ford E-450 belonging to OakLeyden Developmental Services between noon, Jan. 18, and 7:11 a.m., Jan. 19, in the

300 block of Chicago Avenue.

■ The catalytic converter was removed from a 2011 Toyota Prius parked in the 200 block of South Oak Park Avenue between 8 a.m., Jan. 17, and 7:49 p.m., Jan. 18.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a 2015 Toyota Prius at 2:30 a.m., Jan. 18, in the 200 block of South Grove Avenue.

Criminal proper ty damage

Someone removed five wooden planks from the deck on the east side of William Beye Elementary School, 230 N. Cuyler Ave., between noon, Jan. 19, and 6:27 a.m., Jan. 20.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports, Jan. 16-23, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Homes

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

harif Walker is known as one of the West Side’s movers and shakers. A ommunity and youth advocate, he’s worked for After School Matters and is a commissioner of the Chicago District. As a for mer board chair ustin Coming Together and current president and CEO of Bethel New Life, he is committed to the Austin community profes-

sionally and personally.

Walker’s roots in the community go back to his parents. In the early 1990s his parents were looking for more space for their f amily than their Howard Street-area home could provide, but they wanted to stay in a community where they could give back some of the support they had been given on their upward trajectory in life

According to Walker, they saw Austin as that type of community and realized their money would go farther in Austin than it

did in West Rogers Park. Walker was away at college when his parents made Austin their home, but he moved back to Chicago after school, staying with them for a stint.

When a job transfer moved his parents to Atlanta in the late 1990s, they wanted to keep the house in the fami ly. Walker tried to maintain the family home and his own on the South Side and found it a challenge.

SHARIF WALKER

PHOTO BY ZACHARY WHITTENBURG

e Catherine Schlect House in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

WALKER Campus needs investment

from page 19

His parents eventually moved back to the area, and the family invested in turning the third floor of the house into a suite with a bathroom and kitchen for his parents. Walker, his wife and daughter lived in the house with them.

It wasn’t just any house, either.

The Walkers lived in one of four architecturally significant homes designed by architect Fredrick Schock in Austin. The Walkers’ house was designed in 1887 for Schock’s aunt, Catherine Schlect. The Shingle Style home with recessed porches and projecting bays has been featured on Open House Chicago and is a historic anchor of the community.

For Walker, the home has been a great place for his family.

“My sister is adopted, my aunt is adopted and we recently adopted a young woman who went to the colle ge I went to, and she’s a young mother,” Walker said. “We are trying to support another generation of young people. We have a dog, too. It’s enough to make a television show out of.”

Walker recalls getting a call in 1999, learning that the home had been desig-

nated a Chicago Landmark. At the time, he was working for After School Matters, which was across the street from the city’s Cultural Center. He remembers walking down the Cultural Center’s hall one day and seeing a photo of his house on the wall.

“It took me aback,” he said. “You grow up in the hood with a couple of holes in the wall, and you end up in this house that’s being heralded for preservation excellence. It’s a big ste p.”

In 2020, Walker was just getting his consulting business of f the ground when he was asked to consider taking on the CEO job at Bethel New Life. Walker was already a board member at Austin Coming To gether due to the recr uitment ef for ts of community icon Mildred Wiley

She passed away before he joined Bethel New Life, but he credits her influence in the role he plays in the community today

“She was a big advocate for the Austin community,” Walker said. “She worked at Bethel New Life for over twenty years.”

Bethel New Life has a nine-acre West Side campus that includes more than 200 units of senior housing. When Walker took

charge, all other activities on the campus had halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker wanted to return the organization back to its original vision and mor e.

“With COVID, equity, police violence, George Floyd -- the whole country was going through a transition,” he said. “A lot of the work we be g an strategizing around was through that lens.”

With proximity to Humboldt Park, Cicero, Oak Park and Austin, Walker saw a need to focus on the wellness spectrum, both physical and mental, and saw Bethel New Life’s large campus as a plus for this kind of work.

The original St. Anne’s Hospital on the campus dates to 1902, and Bethel New Life recently received a HUD grant to conver t the hospital to senior living. Walker has eyes on expanding the wellness and social services to all aspects of the community

He is partnering with over 50 organizations and recently launched a capital campaign to build the Mildred Wiley Wellness Hub.

“Our campus is within six blocks of the area with the most gunfire in the city,” Walker said. “It needs investment.”

SHANEL ROMAIN/STAFF

Ald. Emma Mitts, center, helps Bethel New Life, Rush and Amazon o cials, including Bethel CEO Sharif Walker, third from right, cut the ribbon on the new food pantr y that opened in December.

SHANEL ROMAIN/STAFF

CEO of Bethel New Life, Sharif Walker, second from right, speaks with donors and potential donors dur ing a fundraiser for the organization in his historical home in Austin on ursday, Dec. 15.

Late rally li s Fenwick boys past DePaul

Friars go on

7-0 burst in nal 50 seconds to seal 33-31 victory

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Trailing by five points late against visiting DePaul Prep in a Chicago Catholic League Blue boys basketball game Jan. 20, Darshan Thomas and his Fenwick High School teammates knew what had to be done

“We had to get stops,” he said.

That’s exactly what the Friars did, going on a 7-0 run in the final 50 seconds to pull out a hard-fought 33-31 victory over the Rams.

Thomas, who finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, scored the game-winning basket with 2.6 seconds left thanks to a great defensive play by Dominick Ducree.

“Dom got the strip and I ran to the basket as hard as I could,” he said. “As soon as he passed it, I was wide open. This game was impo rtant, and we knew we had to come out with a win.”

Fenwick (13-9, 3-4 in CCL Blue) started its game-winning rally with 49.8 seconds left. Nate Marshall (6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals) stole a DePaul inbounds pass and laid it in for a basket.

“We love Nate,” said Thomas of Marshall, who recently retur ned from a football injury. “He’s our motor, fuel, and energy, and it’s great having him back.”

After the Rams’ Robert Walls missed the front end of a one-and-one on the ensuing possession, Thomas grabbed the rebound. Fenwick pushed the ball up-court, and D.J. Porter (6 points, 2 assists, 2 steals) found Thomas for a 3-pointer that tied the game at 31-31 with 30.6 seconds left.

As DePaul tried to set up a final shot in the closing seconds, Kameron Hogan stepped in front of Walls, allowing Ducree to strip the ball. Ducree found Thomas streaking down the right sideline and passed to him for the game-winning basket.

“The kids did exactly what we asked them to do,” said Fenwick coach Tony Young. “They forced the guy into a trap and Darshan came up with the big layup to seal it. Players got to make plays, and that’s what they did at the end.”

On Jan. 17, Fenwick defeated visiting St. Francis de Sales 59-43. Porter led the Friars with 15 points and four assists. Marshall had 12 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Caleb Burgins added 11 points and two assists

As the regular season heads into the final month, Thomas believes it’s important for the Friars to maintain poise from beginning to end

“We need to work on being able to finish a game strong,” he said. “We always come out with good energy, but once things start to go rough, we need to stick together.”

After a home contest with Providence-St. Mel on Jan. 24, after Wednesday Jour nal’s print deadline, Fenwick embarks on a fourg ame road trip, be ginning at CCL Blue leader Mount Car mel on Jan. 27.

C AROL DUNNING/Contributor

Fenw ick’s Darshan omas lays in the game-w inning basket with 2.6 seconds le against DePaul Prep in a Chicago Catholic League Blue game Jan. 20. omas had 12 points and seven rebounds as the Friars scored the last seven points for a comeback 33-31 victory

OPRF bowler rst ever state quali er for boys program

Wernet’s 1,383 series good for 4th overall at sectional meet

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Payton Wer net had a great star t on Jan. 21 toward becoming the first Oak Park and River Forest High School boys bowler to qualify for the state meet. He had no trouble finding motivation to keep it going.

“This was my main year, senior year. That was my main goal, to make it to state,” Wer net said. “That was the one thing I promised my grandmother [Sheila] before she passed away, so this is pretty emotional.”

Wer net’s 1,383 six-g ame series (230.5-pin average) was good for fourth overall at the IHSA Sectional hosted by IC Catholic Prep at Bowlero in Glendale Heights and he eas-

ily advanced as the second of seven highest scoring individual qualifiers not from one of the six advancing teams.

Last season, Wer net was part of the Huskies’ first team and among three sectional qualifiers His team-best 1,191 at sectionals was 105 pins from the individual state cut.

His series at Bowlero on Jan. 21 was among his highest ever His personal-best high g ame is 297 at Circle Lanes in Forest Park.

Wer net be g an the sectional meet with his highest g ame (277) and was among the leaders after three g ames with a 745 series (277-235-233).

“Whether it’s the highest or not, this [se-

ries] is probably the most meaningful,” Wer net said. “I couldn’t be happier for my parents, my coach [Richard Shor t]. They helped me a lot. My coach really helped me out a lot today.”

Smiling somewhere, too, was Grandma Sheila, a huge fan since Wer net’s basketball days who died two-and-a-half years ago.

“She was like my second mom, so this really means a lot for my entire family,” Wer net said. “She was my No. 1 suppor ter outside of my mom. I wanted to make her proud today and I think I did that.”

Fenwick senior James Dubanowich (1,308, 218 average) finished 13th behind

All-conference honors for three Trinity basketball players

Miller posts double-double in win over Nor thside Prep

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

GCAC Red team in seniors Cam Brusca and Allie Heyer

a great day personally but just missed advancing to the state meet. Dubanwoich was eighth among individual candidates, three pins from the last berth.

Dubanowich then came one pin from the two at-large individuals among the state’s four sectionals who also qualified based on closest-to-the-cut in their respective sectional.

The two bowlers from the Rockford Guilford Sectional (1,257 and 1,256) were one and two pins from that individual cut. Dubanowich would have won the tiebreaker with the higher six-g ame series.

“He bowled spectacularly,” Fenwick coach Judi Tichanek said. “Basically [his key was] not letting his emotions get the best of him and basically just focusing.”

Miller is averaging 14 points and 7.8 rebounds per g ame for the Blazers. Richardson is averaging 9.8 points, 5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per g ame while Rodrigue z averages 9.2 PPG and 3 RPG.

On the cour t, Trinity (15-10) rolled past visiting Nor thside Prep 51-22 on Jan. 21. Miller posted another doubledouble with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Richardson had nine points, five rebounds and three assists and Rodrigue z eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

On Jan. 19, the Blazers fell to visiting Montini 56-45. Rodrigue z had 18 points, five rebounds and three assists while Miller added 12 points and five points

Fenwick girls basketball

Fenwick High School had two players make the All-

Ag ainst visiting Willowbrook on Jan. 23, Brusca had 14 points and eight rebounds and Heyer 11 points But it wasn’t enough as the War riors rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit for a 42-40 victory over the Friars (12-13), who scored just 11 points in the second half Brusca fouled out with 3:17 to play. That along with 29 tur novers hur t Fenwick, which lost a chance to tie or win the g ame when Grace Kapsch committed an of fensive foul with 1.9 remaining.

On Jan. 19, Heyer scored 13 points and Brusca had 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the Friars’ 47-36 loss to visiting Loyola Academy.

OPRF wrestling

Freshman Zev Koransky continued his strong debut season for the Oak Park and River Forest High School wrestling team, winning the 113-pound title Jan. 21 at the Huskie Invitational. The Huskies came in eighth as a team with 111 points

Koransky won three matches and improved his record to 28-7. It took just 44 seconds for him to pin Dylan Ramsey of Crystal Lake Central in the final.

Cooper Lacey and David Ogunsanya also had nice days

for

The Huskies have their final West Suburban Silver dual meet of the season Jan. 26 at York

Fenwick wrestling

Fenwick finished in 10th place with 50 points at the Chicago Catholic League Championships on Jan. 21 at Mount Car mel.

Finn McGee had a strong showing for the Friars Although he lost the 170-pound title match to Mount Carmel’s Colin Kelly via pin (2:35), he gar nered three victories on the day to improve his season record to 31-4.

Other Fenwick place-winners were Vincent Fioravanti at 160 (6th) and Conor Stetz at 220 (3rd).

The Friars will now prepare for the IHSA Class 2A regional at Ridgewood on Feb. 4.

PAYTON WERNET

Trinity High School basketball players Lauren Miller, Cier ra Richardson, and Sophia Rodrigue z were named to the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference All-Red Division Team Jan. 22.

the Huskies Lacey finished second at 138 pounds, losing 8-4 in the final to Jason Bowers of downstate Dakota, while Ogunsanya came in third at 126.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

Two districts, di erent fundin proposals

At the Jan. 17 District 200 Community Finance Committee meeting, bond consultant Elizabeth Hennessy presented five funding scenarios for the $105 million Project 2, the proposed physical education addition for Oak Park and Ri Forest High School, which includes a new pool. The new price tag includes a few alternatives, bumping up the initial construction estimate of $99.5 million.

VIEWPOINTS

Scoville Park: A jewel for all seasons p. 28

MONIC A SHEEHAN

One View

Only two funding scenarios follow best practice with referendum bonds, the other three proposals tack on debt certificates and non-referendum bonds, which would bypass voters for funding approval and reduce the referendum asks. One scenario includes no referendum bonds, aimed at circumventing voters entirely

The presentation highlights a serious problem: D200 is over-taxing residents. By levying more tax dollars than needed for operations, building maintenance and Life Safety projects annually, the district is generating a surplus, adding to its already mountainous cash reserve. The over taxation is made clear in a footnote in a chart (see link), “Funding Options for Project 2,” and in D200’s Five-Year Financial Projections updated on Oct. 31. Over-taxation and the resulting operating surpluses are needed for one key reason — to have funds available to re pay debt certificates for Project 2. This practice of over-taxation needs to end, and debt certificates should be removed from funding consideration.

The chart misrepresents the financial impact of the proposals, as it states that debt certificates would have a $0 tax impact on taxpayers, when in fact the board would have to continue levying higher-than-necessary taxes annually to repay them.

Contrast these funding proposals with the straightforward funding plan of another Hennessy client, the District 115 school board. They’re following best practice in funding a major capital project, willingly placing an identical-dollar-amount referendum on April’s ballot: $105 million for major facility improvements to Lake Forest High School, according to its website. Their funding proposal includes only referendum bonds, no

A highlight of the holiday season

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the highlight of the holiday season for me and what should be an immense source of pride for our taxpaying community. The 2022 Prisms of Winter Concert performed by the OPRF High School Music Department in early December was truly the best ticket in town.

I remember last year, when my daughter was a freshman taking chorus at OPRF, how incredibly blown away I was by each piece in the program. When the final number was performed by all choral, band, and orchestra members, along with all musical extracurricular group members, and conducted by multiple faculty members, all five senses took in the incredibly moving, energy vibrating, and impressive perfor mance.

This year, I did know what to expect as we came to that final piece. I knew I would hear hundreds of OPRF students from varying backgrounds, races, incomes, academic strengths, and musical talents come together as musicians and singers to create memorable music. I sat eagerly anticipating this year’s finale

Yikes, I was caught off guard! Yet again — and possibly

even more strongly — the full ensemble completely blew me away and my expectations were far, far exceeded

As my now-sophomore and I reflected on the night while driving home, we talked about musical performance being not just about the music that is played or sung; it’s how it’s played or sung.

As musical leaders for the school, the OPRF Music Department faculty demonstrated their technical expertise and their ability to inspire the best out of each and every student. The level of emotional depth in the final piece, especially, reflected not only the students’ talents but also the way in which our OPRF teachers eng age them fully in artistically feeling and sharing those talents.

I am immensely grateful for this department at our incredible high school as it positively impacts not only our students but the whole community — not to mention being an inspirational investment of our tax dollars.

Alison Welch Oak Park

OPRF High School parent

e Prisms of Winter Concer t at OPRF High School in early December.

OUR VIEWS

OPRF and a referendum

Last week the financial advisor hired by Oak Park and River Forest High School made a long-awaited presentation on the range of options District 200 might take to finance its ambitious and overdue $100 million Project 2.

This is the effort that will rebuild the indoor physical education/ athletics facilities at the south end of the Scoville Avenue campus. It will also offer some upgrades to the arts and theater facilities adjacent to the PE area.

It is notable to us that four of the five options presented by the Raymond James Financial consultant would include a tax referendum to seek taxpayer approval to fund a portion of the work We’d suggest the school board immediately jettison the one proposal that evades going to voters for their OK

A project this big needs voter buy-in. It’s only right. And it is the necessary opportunity for this vital institution to make its strong case for this once in a century investment.

It is also the moment for the school to move past three genuine obstacles

First, there is the lingering and rightful distrust OPRF created within the community years back with its massive overtaxing scheme. That’s where the infamous $120 million cash reserve came from. It has taken the past decade, some contrition, and some smarts on the school board to slowly pay down that reserve

In the months just ahead, the school board needs to also set a new cash-on-hand threshold that determines how much of a reserve is prudent. We’d suggest 35% and not the 50% some have suggested That will allow a greater portion of the still mammoth reserve to be spent on Project 2.

Because a referendum cannot get on the ballot until spring of 2024 it also allows the school district time to both refine its plan but more importantly to decouple longtime critics (who have their points to make) from those passionate about equity processes who are convinced the school has not considered this large investment in PE and athletics through a serious equity lens

These concer ns are genuine and need to be addressed.

Finally, going to referendum — and winning, as we believe is possible — will move the school past its last failed referendum. Always recall that vote went against the high school by two handfuls of votes. It was a caution, not a repudiation.

On all fronts time to move ahead.

Matt Walsh and River Forest

We have been following the public service arc of Matt Walsh, now River Forest’s interim village administrator, since he was actually a teenager.

A native of Forest Park, where we also publish the Forest Park Review, Walsh ran for public of fice very early. And when he was 20, he won a seat on Forest Park’s park board. He served admirably and innovatively as a park commissioner for eight years. He stepped down only 15 months ago as his municipal work in south suburban Homer Glen made it difficult. He was hired as an assistant administrator in River Forest last spring.

Walsh is solid, approachable, thoughtful. It is interesting that River Forest is not launching an immediate search for a per manent administrator. Our experience tells us that Matt Walsh will actively impress

Much has changed, but much hasn’t

For the 50th anni versary of the Roe v. Wade decision, I went back to the 40th anni versary to see what I had to say then. It was instructi ve, on what still holds up ev en though Roe didn’t. Here’s what I wrote 10 years ago:

On this, the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the “pro-life” movement is, no doubt, assessing the successes and failures of their Ahab-like quest to kill the Great White Whale of le g al abor tion.

The results, at best, have been mixed.

1973. Dismissing the other side’s arguments as morally inferior will never result in mass conversion. Engaging in dialogue means recognizing there is something in the other trench worth listening to. You must open your mind wide enough to understand the other side’s argument, just as they need to understand yours.

KEN TRAINOR

As a 40-year member of the prochoice side, I have some sympathy — and grudging respect — for the antiabor tion side. So here’s some semi-friendly advice:

First, lose the label. “Pro-life” is insulting to anyone who doesn’t agree with you. It implies the rest of us are “anti-life” or “pro-death.”

It’s also inaccurate. If you were tr uly “pro-life,” you’d be picketing in front of NRA headquar ters. You’d be lobbying to end the death penalty

Having the nerve to call yourself “pro-life” undermines your credibility. Until you get out there and start vigorously defending the planet on which all life depends, you’re merely “pro-one-small-sliver-oflife.” Sorry, but pro-life is a very high bar indeed

As a movement you are really “defenders of the unbor n.” Truth in advertising.

Second, change your objective. For 40 years, the goal, pursued with single-minded, single-issue obsession (ala Captain Ahab in Moby Dick) has been to criminalize abortion. But you haven’t thought this through. If abortion were a crime, then every miscarriage would necessarily have to be investigated as a possible homicide. How well do you think that would go over? If you thought Prohibition (of alcohol) was unpopular, just wait.

You can win the occasional battle, but you can’t win this culture war through the legal system alone. You have to win the hearts and minds of the American people, and that can’t be done through legislation or court rulings. It can only be done in the court of public opinion. And in the cour t of public opinion, ar rogance, born of absolute moral certainty, does not a persuasive argument make. Neither side can “win” this culture war We need to reconcile, not conquer

Which brings us to your biggest challenge: It’s one thing to respect life. It’s another to respect your opponent. To do so, it is necessary to understand why choice and reproductive rights are so important to the other side. There are good reasons why you haven’t made a dent in changing pro-choice minds and the fact that the majority of Americans still favor legal abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy, just as they have — without wavering — since

This battle isn’t limited to abortion. There is a wider social context that you cannot ignore. But even in your narrow framing of the issue, abortion is a symptom of something deeper and more disturbing — disrespect for life. Actively resisting abortion, however, does not ear n you “virtue immunity.” It does not absolve you of your own participation in a culture that doesn’t value life enough. If you supported the war in Iraq, if you support capital punishment, if you support easy access to guns, if you spend your entertainment dollars on Hollywood shoot-’em-ups and graphic shooting-gallery video games for kids, if your consumer and electoral choices contribute to rain forest destruction, extinction of endangered species, and accelerating climate change, then you, too, are a member in good standing of the “culture of death.” Opposing abortion doesn’t begin to absolve you of your moral compromises

You can’t scold and shame people into valuing life You can’t legislate it. You have to lead by example There’s a reason no one with the moral stature and eloquence of Martin Luther King has emerged from this movement.

None of us are doing enough to promote increased respect for life. But at least I admit it. Neither do I make grandiose claims to being “pro-life.”

Both sides have more in common than you think. Many of us who are pro-choice have qualms about abortion. And everyone, I suspect, looks around and concludes that our culture does not value life enough.

It’s a starting point. The first step is out of the courtroom — and into the court of public opinion. If you can’t do that, I can pull out this column in 10 years and run it again. Maybe you’ ll be ready to listen by then.

The choice is yours.

Ten years later, the defenders of the unbor n are listening even less, now that Roe v. Wade has been over tur ned and they think they’ve “won.” But they haven’t won. The whole point of the fable of Captain Ahab vs. the Great White Whale is that the exceedingly moral captain got his harpoon into the whale, but he and his entire ship were dragged down with it.

Something to think about.

See you in 10 years

Shush! It’s a secret

Idon’t think anyone really knows how many classified documents exist in the various branches of the federal gover nment, but some of them have recently been found at the of fices and homes of for mer President Donald Trump and the current occupant, Joe Biden. Biden’s seem to have been holdovers from his years as vice president. Special counsels have been appointed in both cases to discover if any laws — other than common sense — have been broken.

PAT CANNON

One View

While it would be prudent to let the investigations decide the seriousness of these lapses, it has been re por ted that at least some of the documents found in Biden’s for mer of fice were briefing documents related to foreign trips. If you were planning a trip to Russia, you would be well advised to visit the De par tment of State website and get a briefing document to aler t you to the pitfalls of travel to that worker’s paradise. It obviously wouldn’t be classified. But if you were vice president, your briefing document would include juicy details that your hosts might object to — and it would be classified.

I happen to have a Top Secret security clearance, although it’s not active. It seems you keep your security clearance — which I’ve had since 1961 — unless it’s specifically cancelled. The most famous cancellation involved J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led the team that developed the Atomic Bomb. He lost his clearance in 1954 during the “Red Scare” because he had been associated in the 1930s with some “pro gressive” (read “Communist”) organizations, and had opposed the development of the Hydrogen Bomb. The Biden administration has recently restored his clearance, a purely symbolic gesture. He died in 1967, his career ruined

My clearance was related to my service as a cryptog rapher in the U.S. Ar my from 1961-63. In case you think I labored to break Russian codes, that’s what a “crypto analyst” does. Instead, I used machines to encode and decode classified messages in a communications center located in La Rochelle, France. Lucky me! Or at least until I had to spend the last six months of my two-year service in middle of the Mojave Deser t!

I had a Top Secret clearance because it was possible that I might have had to handle such a message. As it happened, I never had one classified higher than Secret.

By the way, the other (and lowest) classification was and is Confidential. These are still the main classifications, although there are permutations

I still can’t tell you the content of the messages I encoded/decoded, but I was in the Ar my during the Berlin Wall and Cuban Missile crises; and the early stages of the Vietnam debacle. The reason I was in La Rochelle? The Ar my operated a major supply port

just down the Atlantic coast at La Pallice In addition to taking a lie-detector test, I found out later that the FBI had interviewed my friend s, neighbors and employers. Homosexuals were barred from serving in the ar med services then, so the lie-detector and background check were designed, among other things, to discover your sexual tendencies, or whether you were a Commie or anarchist. The sexual thing may have been related to the re ports that several of the British intelligence of ficers who had spied for Russia had been gay, and it was presumed — without any real evidence — that their sexuality made them vulnerable to blackmail.

By the way, having a Top Secret clearance doesn’t mean you have total access For example, my signal company commander had the clearance (all officers do), but he wasn’t permitted access to the secure room where we did our work — we called it the “vault.” Even members of Cong ress, who are automatically given clearance, are only granted access on a “need to know” basis. Cer tain of ficials, including the president of course, are given total access.

Once I had decoded a message, it was either delivered personally or picked up by the addressee(s). They were required to show identification, proof of clearance, and sign a re gister. What they then did with it was out of my hands. Of course, that’s the rub. Le g ally, they had to store the message — or any classified material — in an approved safe, not in a box stored next to their favorite Corvette. Of course, that’s the problem. Who’s checking on this stuf f? No one, it seems.

There are any number of cases where government employees — even C.I.A. agents like Aldrich Ames — walked of f with classified documents and sold them to the Russians. And who can forget Chelsea (bor n Bradley Edward) Manning? But there are many more cases of simple carelessness. Instead of locking it up, bureaucrat X just leaves it on his desk; or brings it home to read later, where it gets mixed up with the bills and bank statements. Since there are millions of pages of this stuf f floating around, is it any wonder that so much of it goes astray?

Every study of security classifications has concluded that much of it need not have been classified to be gin with. Reform is suggested; refo rm never happens. It has also been suggested that documents are often classified to avoid disclosing embar rassing misste ps or even ille g al activities. I don’t doubt that for a minute.

Finally, I have a modest proposal. Let’s hire James Earl Jones to read the contents of the documents found at Mar a Lago and Wilmington and outload them on national television for all to hear

It might take a while, but it could be quite amusing

Pat Cannon is an Oak Park resident who writes a blog at cannonade.com.

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

About Viewpoints

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

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

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

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A jewel for all seasons

Every day, thousands of people drive past, walk through, or gaze from windows at Oak Park’s beautiful-in-every-season, Jen-Jensen-designed Scoville Park.

At this time of year, with the trees leafless and long hours ofdarkness, the World War I monument, titled Peace Triumphant, stands out like a jewel, its luminescence enhanced by the summer’s professional cleaning.

In winter, Peace Triumphant’s smaller “jewels” are the seasonal lights entwining the lamp posts along the walkways. The park is a beautiful sight for a driver, a walker, or a window-gazer.

I am in all these groups, and as I drive, walk, and gaze, I’m grateful to the staf f members ofthe Park District ofOak Park for the beauty and enjoyment they provide.

Elaine Johnson Oak Park

Pundits like to call raising the debt limit a “par tisan” issue. Raising the debt limit simply means allo wing the U.S. Gover nment to pay debts it has already incurred. For example, we are still paying for Bush’s Iraq War. Paying your debt is not partisan; it is simply ethical behavior. It is ridiculous that the debt limit exists at all. However, the Re publican Pa rty, having failed to win a majority in the Senate or the Presidency, plans to exploit the debt limit to hold the American economy hostage. They want to force unpopular spending changes that they are unable to pass as le gitimate le gislation. This is precisely what they did in August 2011 after they took control of the House while lacking a majority in the Senate or the Presidency.

As the U.S. approached bankruptcy in 2011, Standard & Poor’s downg raded the U.S. credit rating for the first time ever [1]. In October 2013, Re publicans ang ry

Debt limit doom or dupe?

over the hugely popular Affordable Care Act used this tactic to shut down the federal gover nment for 16 days Obama was forced to make huge spending cuts that hur t ordinary Americans.

TOM DECOURSE Y

One View

T he Re publican Pa rty ag ain holds the U.S. at gunpoint, ready to demand any radical plans their lunatic fringe may propose. The GOP Fictio n Faction won that power by successfully holding hostage Kevin McCarthy’s Speaker position.

It is time to call the bluf f of these domestic ter rorists. Let the gover nment def ault and stop paying Social Security and Medicare. I realize that tens of millions of Americans would suf fer, and many would die. But it is time for Americans to lear n what the GOP really stands for.

For half a century, the Re publican Party has declared its desire to abolish Social Security, Medicare, and all other

gover nment progr ams that benefit working Americans. Re publican strat egist Grover Norquist wanted to bankrup t the American federal government so it could be “drowned in a bathtub,” and there would be no money to pay fo r social progr ams Re publicans call socia l progr ams “entitlements” to make them sound like undeserved handouts. The GOP intend to rob every working American of our Social Security and Medicare, which we have paid into our entire working lives [2].

Whenever the Social Security Trust Fund runs low, the GOP resists fixing it, which could be done by removing the upper limit to income that pays into the fund. Every worker now pays 6.2% of their ear ned income (up to $160,200, the limit for 2023) into this fund. If you ear n $320,400, you pay only half that, 3.1%. If you make $1 million, you pay less than

1% payroll tax.

If this upper limit, which is a huge tax break for the rich, were abolished, the Trust Fund would be solvent for many years. Eliminating the income limit plus increasing the payroll tax from 6.2% to 6.7% would eliminate any possibility of a shor tfall over the next 75 years, according to an analysis by the Cong ressional Research Service [3].

Do Re publicans want to keep Social Security alive and healthy, or do they want to bankrupt it, steal our lifetime payroll taxes, and funnel our money to the rich? Watch and lear n!

[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/worldus-canada-14428930

[2] https://www.nytimes. com/2023/01/19/us/politics/debt-limiteconomy.html

[3] https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/ RL32896.pdf

Racial healing … every day

A“National Day of Racial Healing,” is celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Mar tin Luther King Jr. Day. The W.K. Kello gg Foundation founded this in 2017 as pa rt of its ef fo rt to open and encourage discussion about racism and reconciliation.

As he expressed in his “I have a dream” speech, Mar tin Luther King sought to unite rather than divide our nation. He advo cated for honoring all human beings, respecting our dif ferences, and encouraging us to vote. Sadly, too many folks do not understand that our dive rsity is wh at gives our country it s unique strength and greatness White supremacists and the ignorant of our nation continue to infect us with the diseases of racism and bigotr y. This is an assault on our Constitution and d emocra cy. All citizens are equal under the law and have the right to vote and pursue freedom. Because these basic rights are too often ignored, good Americ ans have found it necessary to establish a day designated for racial healing .

T he day Mar tin Luther King was as-

sassinated had a huge impact on me. I felt with his deat h that his dream died as well, and with it, our future hope. W hen this occu rred, I was on the West Side of Chicago at Roosevelt School, tutoring children with F lorence Malone, a friend from Oak Pa rk . A policeman inter rupted our class to info rm us that Mar tin Luther King had been assassinated. He told us not to leave the building.

HAUSMAN

“Folks are going crazy out there, setting fires, breaking wind ow s, and acting out their anger,” he said.

Bar ricades we re set up to better c ontrol the may hem and prevent people from entering or leaving the area. The violence and outbursts we re understandable, but oh so ter rifying for the children, F lorence, and myself.

F lorence and I we re able to reach the f amilies of all but two of the children. We assured them we would care fo r them. F lorence had an idea to calm the

children and ke them saf e, e them to her home to feed them and im in her pool. fered to get us out, but initially some of the children balked at going with , confiding in us that them. our amazement, my ty suddenly and iraculously appeared at the school. Wi th police escor t we piled the children into both Mar ty ’s station wagon and F lorence’s ca r, and tr aveled to the safety and calm of her home. Fo r the most pa rt , although it was a cool April evening, the children we re delighted , sw i mming in their underclothes and being blanket-wrapped for their suppe r. It seemed they had forgotten the chaos left behind. By a belated bedtime, the children were safely home, and we could finally come up for a breath of air!

T he only other time I remember being this frightened was when Mar ty and I went to Selma to march for voting

rights. This peaceful group of protesters was led by a young 25-year- old, John Lewis. Unfor tunately, Mar ty and I felt we needed to leave the march when we saw the rapid build-up of a militi a closing in around the peaceful marcher s. Some of these heroic folks wh o staye d to march we re seve rely injure d … all in the name of voting rights. That infamous day of March 7, 1965 came to be known as “Bloody Sund ay.” The onl y “good” resulting from this hor rific day of sacrifice was the eventual enactment of the Voting Rights Act wh ich passed unanimously in Cong ress.

Now, here we are in 2023, and we are again fighting for the right of all citiz ens to vote without harassment. President B iden has urged deaf-eared Re publicans to abide by wh at is provided in our Constitution — the right to vote in free, fair, and unobstructed elections

To our Cong ress, please allow for wise c ounsel and suppo rt the rights due all of us in this democra cy to pursue freedom.

May there be no need to have a designated day for racial healing! In truth we need racial healing every day.

Tom DeCourse y is an Oak Park resident.

OBITUARIES Say yes to Imagine Project 2 and funding plan 4

Having attended District 200’s Community Finance Committee meeting (Jan. 17), I am still reflecting on the great work D200 has done in planning for the future for our community The years of saving and conservative spending so the district can invest in critically needed capital improvements like Project 2 (renovating century-old physical education spaces at OPRF) is a credit to the work of the D200 board.

In the words of Raymond James Public Finance Managing Director Elizabeth Hennessy, “The district is in a for tunate financial position. The district has a lot of levers it can pull to finance Project 2.” This is excellent news, as there is a clearly demonstrated need for these facilities at OPRF

The board has thoughtfully laid out a detailed schematic plan for the needed work to the school’s physical plant, and now the Community Finance Committee has been presented with dif ferent funding scenarios for Project 2. One key takeaway is that by embarking on this critically needed work now, the district can save millions of dollars in projected future cost increases. Delaying Project 2 could cost D200 as much as

SHEEHAN Go for referendum

from page 25

convoluted mix of borrowing tools aimed at diminishing or taking away voters’ rights to decide on funding for an expensive project. One board member was quoted in a Chicago Tribune story (12/13/22) stating that taxpayers want to vote on major capital projects:

“Board member John Noble responded later in the meeting that the school district has been at a ‘bottom level’ of finance in ter ms of maintenance of the buildings “The community did not want the school to be a bank account,” Noble said. “They do not want us to hold $45 million, and just sit in a bank account and collect interest. They actually want us to come to the people to have visibility for the initiative and vote on it.”

A Tribune story, dated Nov. 21, mentions that Elizabeth Hennessy is D115’s bond consultant. She is

$10 million more per year. Given the ag reed upon scale and urgency of need, this is incentive enough to determine Project 2 financing now and be gin work.

Perhaps most encouraging from Hennessy’s presentation to the committee is the outline of a funding scenario that would have little to no impact on property tax bills in Oak Park and River Forest when philanthropic contributions are factored into financing.

As we are all concer ned taxpayers and focused on our Cook County property tax bill bottom lines, I invite you to look at the materials presented to the committee and see for yourself that only one plan can both serve the dire needs of our community ’s children and be cost-conscious Materials can be found at: https:// tinyurl.com/3uyv5tyh.

Our community needs educational spaces that comply with current law. The board must move forward with Project 2 and Funding Scenario 4 is the most responsible solution for all Oak Park and River Forest taxpayers.

Laura Huseby Ri v er Forest

Tillie Gnewuch, 88

Taught thousands to read

Minnie Mathilda “Tillie” Gnewuch, 88, died on Jan. 20, 2023. Dr Gnewuch was bor n on Nov. 25, 1934, she was highly re garded as a reading specialist, and taught thousands of children how to read and hundreds of teachers to teach reading. She graduated from Har ris Teachers Colle ge where she was crowned the May Day Fete Queen in 1956. While working and raising her five children, she completed her for mal training at Oklahoma State University. Her career as an educator spanned four decades in numerous public and private schools, including Concordia Teachers Colle ge in Seward, Nebraska; St. John Lutheran School in Forest Park; and Concordia University Chicago in River Forest. She loved Jesus and wanted everyone to live in peace.

also the longtime bond consultant to D200 and presented the funding proposals at last week’s CFC meeting. Her name is listed on the cover page of the presentation powerpoint, the first listed source below.

Like D115 taxpayers, D200 taxpayers made it clear that they want to vote on major capital projects, successfully petitioning nonreferendum bonds on the ballot in 2015 to fund an over-sized pool. Please consider emailing the board (boe@oprfhs.org) and the CFC (cfc@oprfhs.org) and underscore that undemocratic funding proposals are unacceptable for Project 2: no debt certificates or non-referendum bonds. Go to the public Facebook group D200 Pragmatic Solutions-OPRF for links to sources

Sources:

1) Project 2 Funding Options Presentation CFC 1/17/23 Meeting: The char t “Funding Options for Project 2” is page 5. https://go.boarddocs.com/ il/oprfhs/Board.nsf/files/ CN2T7U7608ED/$file/Financ-

ing%20Options%20Presentation%201.17.23.pdf

2) Screenshot attached of D200’s Five-Year Financial Projections Updated on 10/31/22. The operating sur plus and building maintenance and Life Safety line items are highlighted. Subtract the latter from the surplus for the net operating sur plus

3) Lake Forest High School Website: Referendum Infor mation https://www.lakeforestschools. org/domain/1139#:~:text=Overv iew,2023%20Lake%20County%20 election%20ballot.

4) Chicago Tribune: First story includes quote from board member. Second story states that Elizabeth Hennessy is D115’s bond consultant.

“Lake Forest D115 voters to decide on $106M bond referendum” chicagotribune.com

“District 115 of ficials moving toward referendum on $105.7 million bond sale for Lake Forest High School renovation” chicagotribune.com

Monica Sheehan is an Oak Pa rk resident.

Tillie was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Rev. Dr. Donald Gnewuch; her parents, Theodore and Eva Johnson Weeke; and her sister Jean Gibson. She is survived by her siblings, Betty Henderson and William (Carol) Weeke; her children, Katherine (Gregory) Roberson, Rebecca Boyer, Deborah (Richard) Gher, Rev. Carl (Cynthia) Gnewuch and Sarah (Edward) Ruber ry; her grandchildren, Cour tney, Theodore (Tammy), Jose ph (Jessica), Nicole, John, Maria, Jonathan (Paulina), Lauren (Matthew), Sarah (Trevor), Rachael, Ava, Stephanie, Mark, Kyle, Michael and Brian (Kristina); and her great-grandchildren, Ava, Edg ar, William, Dakota, Lily, Aurora, Whisper, Nathan, Amelia, Matthew, Mackenzie, Adeline, Anastasia, and Violet.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - Ahlg rim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst. Funeral services are pending for Saturday, Jan. 28, visit https://www.elmhurstfh.com/ or call 630834-3515 for more infor mation.

Inter ment is at Concordia Cemetery, 7900 Madison St., Forest Park

Memorials appreciated for Concordia University, 7400 Augusta, River Forest, IL 60305, c/o the Gnewuch Family Endowment Fund or the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

WEDNESD AY

To run an obituary

ktrainor@wjinc.com,

OBITUARIES

Tom Zimmerman, 89

Thomas L. Zimmerman, 89, died peacefully on Jan. 15, 2023 with his wife and daughters by his side and surrounded by family friends. Born on March 1933 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Clif ford and Harriet Zimmerman, his father was a successful furniture and the family lived in Kansas City and St. Louis before moving to Oak Park in 1942. He attended Lincoln Elementary School in Oak Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wi he played football and ran cross countr He received a partial football scholarship to the University of Toledo, where he participated in ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation.

In October 1955 he was sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia for his Infantry Officer Qualification, then was assigned to the Far East 8th Ar my and then to the 5th Cavalry Re giment of the First Cavalry division. While stationed in Sendai, Japan, he married his first wife, and their daughter, Robin, was born at the 11th Evacuation Hospital.

Upon returning to the United States, the family settled in Oak Park and second daughter, Dana, was born. He continued his military career as part of the 302nd Special Forces Airborne Detachment which became the 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He rose from commanding an “A Team” and his final assignment was as an executive officer of the 12th group. He then became commanding officer of the 77th Military Intelligence Detachment (Airborne), which was attached to the 12th Special Forces Group

Once promoted to colonel, he was assigned to the 85th Division, and took command of the 3rd Brigade. He made a total of 100 military parachute jumps and earned his Canadian jump wings. He was extremely proud of his 30-year and 20-day career in the military serving his country.

He lived a rich, full life. He was a member of the Shriners and was a 32o Mason. He belonged to the American Legion and the Reserved Officers Association and was an active member of the

Special Forces Association, Chapter XXXVII.

Although heavily involved various organizations and dedicated to post-military life and obligations, family always came first. He was grandsons’ biggest (and loudest) cheerleader and yed dispensing sage advice, including his adage let the bas%#$ds wear you

During his 23-year mar riage to Mar y the devoted pair did evkee ping their F riday “date nights” and quality time at their second home in Delavan, Wi sconsin.

A “no holds barred” approach to everything characterized his approach to life during his almost 90 years on Earth. He made a big impression on all who met him, made friends easily and will be remembered for his kindness and loyalty to everyone from all walks of life

Tom was the husband of Mary Alice Povolny; the father of Robin (Joe Picone) Zimmerman and Dana (Michael) Murphy; the grandfather of Tom (Lauren Meleney) Murphy, Dan (Carly Neville) Murphy, and Jack (Kelly Hickey) Murphy; the brother of Ann Zimmerman Mor row and the late Jack (the late Dee) Zimmerman; the uncle of John (Courtney) Zimmerman and Bill (Kelsey Wilkinson) Zimmerman; the great-uncle of Gracie and Jax Zimmerman; and father figure to Michael (Amanda) Graczyk and Drew.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 3-8 p.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – Ahlgrim Chapel, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst. Starting at 6 p.m. family and friends are welcome to for mally share remembrances of their time with Tom. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 at the funeral home, followed by interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas’ name to the Special Forces Association Chapter 37 Scholarship Fund (SFA C37 Scholarship Fund) 24242 Champion Dr., Plainfield, IL 60585. The scholarship will be awarded honoring the memory of Colonel Thomas Zimmerman.

Rev. Quinn Weitzel,

94 Maryknoll priest, rst bishop of American Samoa

Rev. Quinn Weitzel, 94, died on Dec. 30, 2022 at the Maryknoll Mission Center in Ossining New York. Born in Chicago on May 10, 1928, he attended St. Francis Xavier School in LaGrange and St. Luke School in River Forest, then Fenwick High School in Oak tering the Maryknoll order in his at Quigley Preparatory

He attended Maryknoll Venard Apostolic College, Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania, as well as Maryknoll Seminary, Ossining, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and a Master of Religious Education degree. He later completed the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development in 1969.

Ordained as a Maryknoll (Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America) priest on June 11, 1955, Maryknoll’s largest-ever ordination class, he was initially assigned to promotional and fundraising work in the Chicago area, and in 1959 was named director of the Chicago Development House. He returned to New York in 1967 as Maryknoll assistant director of Devel-

opment, becoming director of Development in 1969.

He was granted a mission in Falealupo, Western Samoa in 1978, where he mastered the language of the people he served and lived the mission of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, “spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through love and hope by serving those most in need across the world.”

Pope John Paul II appointed Weitzel as the first bishop of American Samoa on June 9, 1986. He advocated family, education, community faith and music, becoming close with his ongregants and the people of the region.

He initially retired to the Maryknoll Resience in Los Altos, California, later relocating to the Maryknoll Mission Center in Ossining, New York

Quinn is survived by his sister, Mary Joan Hennessy; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Weitzel; and nine nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl J. and Patricia Q. itzel; his brothers, Charles J. and William B. Weitzel; his brother-in-law, Joseph F. Hennessy; and his sister-in-law, Mary Margaret Weitzel.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Maryknoll Mission Center in Ossining, New York on Jan. 4. On Jan. 17, a visitation was held at St. Luke Catholic Church in River Forest, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 305, Maryknoll, NY, 10545, Attn: Council Secretariat, or the Diocese of American Samoa-Pago Pago, PO Box 596, Fatuoaiga Street, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799.

Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Har nett Funeral Home

John Jacob, 72 Poet, publisher and teacher

John Christopher Jacob, 72, died on Jan. 5, 2023. Born in Chicag on Aug. 27, 1950, he was raised in Glen Ellyn, and spent the majorit of his life in Oak Park. A graduate of Glenbard West High School, he earned a B.A. from the Universit of Michigan and a Ph.D. (in Writ ing/Poetry) from the University of Illinois Chicago, where his mentor was the well-known poet Michael Anania. He was very active in the Small Press poetry scene in the 1970s-90s, running his own publishing house, Cat’s Pajamas Press. A prolific, published poet, he won Chicago’s first Carl Sandburg Literary Award for Poetry and also published a novel, Long Ride Back,

about a Vietnam veteran. Throughout his career, John taught at Nor thwester n University, North Central College, and Roosevelt University. He was also a Poet-in-Residence for the Illinois Arts Council for many years.

John is survived by his two children, Lucas (Madison) and Katy (Gabe Sterritt); his granddaughter, enny Sterritt (16); his grandson, Augie Sterritt (13); his brother, Jim Jacob; and his ex-wife, Martha; as well as cousins and other extended amily members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bertram and Eleanor (Addy).

No service is planned. In his memory, please support your local arts council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and/ or PEN America.

“Mellow this movement of moments … the current runs on and on through time …”

‘The Colonel’

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

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

DEFINITION

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

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

Essential duties and responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HELP WANTED

software and other forms of systems and data.

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

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

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

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

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

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

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

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

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

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

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

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

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

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

Experience and Training Guidelines

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

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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

PARKING ENFORCEMENT

OFFICER

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

FINANCE COORDINATOR

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

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

Shipping Manager

Clean,

Manufacturing

No weekends, no evening hours, great pay and benefits. $20-$25

per hour

Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals, CTA Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 www.fastchangeframes.com

IT OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of IT Operations Specialist. The ideal candidate is responsible for the effective operation of information technology services and support across the organization. The IT Operations Specialist serves as a technical expert for the implementation, maintenance and support of systems and networks. The IT Operations Specialist plans and carries out various complex assignments and develops new methods and approaches in a wide variety of IT specialties. Evaluates new and enhanced approaches to deliver IT services; test and optimize the functionality of systems, networks, and data; and define technical requirements. The IT Operations Specialist is responsible for providing various forms of computer-related technical assistance and improving the efficiency of the work of the staff through the use of technology. Interested and qualified applicants can visit our website at http://www.oakpark.us/ for more details.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

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

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

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is looking for a full-time Director of Finance & Administration, who will manage the administrative and financial matters of the congregation in collaboration with church leadership and board officers. This person will participate on and advise the Executive Team and advise governing board on a wide range of financial matters at both the strategic and operational levels including the operational budget and stewardship planning. They will also oversee and adjust processes and operations as necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation and creation of policies and procedures, as well as supervise some other staff members.

Core Competencies:

● Organization and Planning: Organize and oversee people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish multiple, concurrent goals and activities. Project management and excellent organizational skills

● Vision and Purpose: Commitment to and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist Principles, values, history and worship.

● Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry of the congregation

● Conflict Management: Recognize and resolve conflicts effectively, applying principles of active listening, collaboration, and equity for both congregants and staff

● Proficiencies: Working knowledge of business and church related software (Google Drive. Constant Contact and Realm or other church database software). Must have excellent project management and professional communication skills. Working knowledge of HR and accounting practices.

You can find out more information about the position at https://unitytemple.org/job-postings/. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@ unitytemple.org indicating “Director of Finance & Administration” in the subject line.

Oak Park Residence Corporation is hiring and inviting candidates to apply for:

• Case Manager – HCV Program

• Accounting Clerk (PT)

• Assistant Property Manager

– The Oaks and The FarrellyMuriello Apartments

• Property Assistant/Cleaner –Mills Park Tower

We offer benefits such as 401(k) with employer contribution, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Short-term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, EAP, FSA, Professional Development Assistance as well as these added Benefits:

- PTO, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Vacation, and Paid Holidays

- Tuition Reimbursement

- A Collaborative, Supportive, and Fun Work Environment

For a complete job description please go to our website: Work for OPRC –OPRC (oakparkrc.com) or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com.

OPRC strives to provide a positive and meaningful work experience, where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Oak Park Residence Corporation is a community-based, non-profit organization. For over 46 years, we have led the way in promoting Oak Park’s housing diversity and economic balance by offering quality apartments at affordable prices.

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

PUBLIC NOTICE

Attention Jose R Moreno, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State. Our records show, your 2016, Nissan, Altima with the following VIN 1N4AL3AP2GC175373 was towed to our facility on 11/21/2022. The current amount due & owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will intend to enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 3/6/2023.

Published in Forest Park Review January 25, 2023

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: Y23010023 on January 9, 2023.

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR

REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Lindsey Ann Brewer Case Number 2022CONC001598

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Lindsey Ann Brewer to the new name of: Lynzy Ann Bailey

The court date will be held:

On February 3, 2023 at 9:30am at 50 W Washington, Chicago, IL, Cook County in Courtroom #1730

Published in Wednesday Journal January 18, 25, February 1, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF WILL )ss

Circuit Court of Will County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Deborah C. Amaro, Petitioner and DiRefugio Carlos Acosta, Respondent, Case No. 2022DN000698.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois,

on or before February 24, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

ANDREA

LYNN CHASTEEN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 25, February 1, 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Chicago Zoological Society invites qualified bidders to bid on the Spring 2023 - 7 Seas Roof Renovation Project at the Brookfield Zoo. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for the purpose of obtaining pertinent information in regard to the scope of work will be held on Friday, January 27th at 9:00 a.m. at the South Entrance located at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL. Project information may be obtained via email inquiry to Melissa. Lewkowich@CZS.org on Wednesday, January 25th. Sealed bids are due on Thursday February 8th, 2023 by 12:00PM. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for partial financing of this project through grant funding.

January 2023

Published in RB Landmark January 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE 2.5 MG STANDPIPE PAINTING West of 2500 S. Harlem Avenue

I. TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING

OF BIDS: Sealed Proposals for the improvement described herein will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village of North Riverside, 2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546, until 2:00 p.m., February 6, 2023, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

II. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Consists of sand cleaning, priming, painting and chlorinating of a standpipe steel water storage tank, and all work included in the Specifications. The tank to be painted is a steel standpipe tank, which has a capacity of 2,500,00 gallons and is located just west of the northwest corner of the Costco building at 2500 S. Harlem Avenue.

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS:

A. Proposal forms are available for download only from QuestCDN via the Novotny Engineering website, http://novotnyengineering.com, “Bidding” tab, for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. Please contact Novotny Engineering (630-887-8640) to obtain the QuestCDN password. Proposal forms are non-transferable. Only those Proposals that have been obtained from, and with the approval of, Novotny Engineering will be accepted at the bid opening.

B. Proposal forms will be given only to qualified painting Contractors who can furnish proof that they have satisfactorily performed work of a similar nature. Bidder shall submit, as part of his bid, a list of at least five (5) tanks of 750,000 gallons capacity or more and similar painting requirements, completed by the Bidder within the last five (5) years. Also, Bidder shall provide documentation as to all steel tank painting work performed within a minimum of the last five (5) years.

C. The Bidder shall also submit with his bid, or within forty-eight (48) hours thereafter, evidence that he has the necessary environmental protection plans in effect for worker and environmental protection and safety.

D. All Proposals must be accompa-

PUBLIC NOTICES

nied by a Bank Cashier’s Check, Bank Draft, Certified Check, or Bid Bond for not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid, or as provided in the applicable sections of the “Standard Specifications”

E. No Bid may be withdrawn after opening of Proposals without the consent of the Owner for a period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled time of opening of Bids.

F. The Contractor will be required to furnish a labor and material “Performance Bond” in the full amount of the Contract.

G. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws.

IV. REJECTION OF BIDS: The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, to waive technicalities, and to accept the Proposal deemed to be most favorable to the Owner.

BY ORDER OF:

VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE PRESIDENT & BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Kathy Ranieri (s) Village Clerk

Published in RB Landmark

January 25, 2023

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 for the following:

Village of Oak Park Roland SG3-540 54” Print and Cut Combo Device Bid Number: 23-110

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 25, 2023

FIFTH THIRD BANK NA; Plaintiff, vs. CITIZENS BANK NA FORMERLY KNOWN AS RBS CITIZENS NA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BNAK NA; JOEL A. VERHOFF; RAELIN M. VERHOFF; RANDOLPH CROSSING CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNONW OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 6637

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 21, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-408-026-1012.

Commonly known as 612 RANDOLPH STREET, UNIT #2, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF LAURA RIZZARDINI, DECEASED, DANIEL ROBERT RIZZARDINI, JOHN LOUIS RIZZARDINI, JOAN R. RINELLA, DAMON RITTENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LAURA RIZZARDINI, DECEASED, OAK PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, ALPINE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS LLC, STATE OF ILLINOIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 20 CH 2480

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

NOTICE OF SALE

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday February 16, 2023 for Project: 22-8, Forest and Ontario Traffic Calming. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements will require the following construction: light pole removal and replacement; electrical cable and conduit installation; asphalt pavement milling and replacement; brick paver sidewalk and crosswalk removal and replacement; concrete sidewalk removal and replacement; concrete curb and gutter removal and replacement; signage; pavement strping; landscaping; traffic control; and all appurtenant work thereto. The work will take place on Ontario Street and Forest Avenue in the Village of Oak Park, Cook County, beginning East of Marion Street to South of the Austin Gardens Park Alley on Forest Avenue.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, January 26th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and

proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8377519 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified in either the HMA Paving or Concrete Construction category by the Illinois Department of Transportation by providing a certificate of eligibility with their bid submittal.

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

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, January 25, 2023

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6722185734

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3211098

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 26, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 16, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

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

Property Index No. 16-07-324-0331007

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $63,816.46.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300,

in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 20-093376.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

LOGS Legal Group LLP

2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com

Attorney File No. 20-093376

Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 20 CH 2480

TJSC#: 42-4228

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

Case # 20 CH 2480 I3210947

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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

e Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. is newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA