WednesdayJournal_020525

Embracing her end gracefully

Orlando embraces holistic health, love and a mindset that looks ahead

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Quality of life, or quantity of years?

Gina Orlando will take the for mer, thank you very much

Whether we realize it or not, we’re all faced with that question in one way or another in our lifetimes.

But for Orlando, a Forest Park resident and for mer long time Wednesday Journal writer and Oak Parker, the question is about as real as it gets.

You see, she’s had cancer for 11 years and has been in Stage IV for three years. And it’s not going away

New project on Roosevelt Road joins previously announced Madison Street e or t

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

“Sometimes that’s necessary, but I’m 100 percent quality of life.”

Alongside her husband, Marty Berg, Orlando, 72, covered a lot of ground in a

“I’m 100 percent a quality-of-life person. I am zero percent around length of life,” Orlando said in an interview Jan. 29 at her home. “There are people totally opposite. People will do amazingly destructi ve therapies to possibly live two months longer.

45-minute interview, as the sun streamed through their condominium windows, illuminating photographs, artwork and as Barbra Streisand once sang, the smiles they left behind.

Oak Park’s village board unanimously approved, with one trustee absent, allocating more than $1.9 million in funding from the housing trust fund to two af fordable housing developments, providing 64 new units to the community.

The housing trust fund application opened last August with the intention to

GREGG VOSS

Gina Orlando and Marty Berg

Wed., Feb. 5, 7:0 0 pm

Wednesday, February 5 • 7pm

Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St, Oak Park

Attend in person or by Zoom

Event details and RSVP: www.mimbyoakpark.org

Oak Park Main Library Attend in person or join by Zoom EVENT DETAILS AND RSVP: www.mimbyoakpark.org

Hosted by MIMBY Oak Park. Founded by members of neighborhood and civic groups throughout the Village, MIMBY stands for “Maybe in My Back Yard”. Our goal is well-reasoned development policy that enhances the diversity, historic character, and vitality of Oak Park.

Hosted by MIMBY Oak Park. Founded by members of neighborhood and civic groups throughout the Village, MIMBY stands for “Maybe in My Back Yard.” Our goal is well-reasoned development policy that enhances the diversity, historic character, and vitality of Oak Park. April 1st election for Village President, Trustees, Clerk

Oak Park xture Segreti closes, nds Sears Pharmacy door open

Sta and clients, including pets, moving to Madison St.

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

After more than 60 years in business, Se greti Pharmacy closed its doors for good on Friday.

Opened in 1963, the independent pharmacy specialized in compounding drugs for both humans and pets. Located at the corner of Roosevelt Road and Lombard Avenue in Oak Park, the business was owned by Kenneth Bertini for the last 40 years.

Bertini, 77, cited both his age and the fact that the building housing the pharmacy is being sold as reasons for the closure.

“It’s been very emotional,” Bertini said. “I’m going to miss the people that come here. They were dedicated to me and I was dedicated to them.”

Although the pharmacy’s closure marks an end of an era for Bertini, he made sure both his staff and loyal customers will remain in good hands.

“The most important thing is that I found a home for my patients and for my employees that’s still in Oak Park,” Bertini said. Sear’s Pharmacy, 1003 Madison St., and also independently owned, agreed to absorb Bertini’s business by hiring his team, taking on his clients and expanding into compounding meds for pets

Jalal Mataria, a pharmacist and partner at Sear’s Pharmacy, said Bertini will train and educate the team at Sear’s during the transition. Bertini, who said he is not ready to retire yet, will also work scaled back hours at Sear’s

“We can all learn from him,” Mataria said. “He must be doing something right, that he’s survived all this time.”

Karla Ramos, a pharmacy technician who has worked for Bertini for five years, said she has enjoyed her time at Segreti and is grateful that the whole crew will be moving over to a new pharmacy together

“It’s been so much fun and it doesn’t feel like work,” Ramos said. “The atmosphere is great. I love when dogs come in here because we get to pet them and feed them treats.”

Ramos said pet clients have included cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and a horse.

“We even had a rat one time, so a little bit of everything -- but it’s mostly canines and felines,” she said.

According to Bertini, who be g an compounding for pets about 20 years ago, about 40% of his business consisted of pet prescriptions.

Over the years, he has acquired longtime pet clients and partnerships with veterinarians throughout the community

“I’m very moved by the letters and calls I’ve received from local veterinarians about us

closing,” Bertini said.

Bertini’s journey at Segreti Pharmacy began in 1963, when he was just 15 years old. His uncle owned a barbershop on East Avenue in Oak Park, where Bertini stopped in to get a haircut. When he expressed that he needed a job, his uncle suggested he drop by Segreti.

“So I took the bus over there, walked in, and told them my uncle sent me,” Bertini said. “I got hired and started the next day.”

He continued to work there through high school and colle ge and then served as a pharmacist once he became licensed. In 1985, he purchased the business and has run the place ever since.

“We’ve had to transform the business end of it many times,” he said. “Everything had to change as the times changed, to keep us viable.”

Now that he will no longer be working 50hour work weeks, Bertini is looking forward to fishing, going to the gym, traveling with his girlfriend, and spending more time with his four-month-old grandson.

In the final days before shutting his pharmacy’s doors, Bertini said he has been pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of love he’s received from the community.

“I don’ t think I did anything unusual,” he said. “I tried to be nice and I just took care of people.”

Jack Helbig, theater critic and teacher, dies at 66

Jack Helbig, a thoughtful, sometimes caustic Chicago theater critic, newspaper writer at the Reader, Daily Herald, and, in recent years Wednesday Journal, for years a high school English teacher, and an Oak Parker, died Jan. 28, 2025. He was 66.

Helbig is being remembered across all spheres of his life for his love of theater — he was also a playwright — the sharp tongue and humor he brought to his reviews and the generous spirit in which he engaged with people

He taught for 17 years at Holy Trinity High School in Chicago and more recently at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School.

Marc Stopeck, creator of the Journal’s Shrubtown comic, taught with Helbig at Rochelle Zell and said, “I commuted two hours a day with Jack for five months while we taught together at the same school. With Jack, there was never a loss for conversational topics: teaching, politics, ’60s television, Jewish history, ’70s television, Jack’s dog, theater, TikTok, more ’60s television, high school reading lists, and on and on and on. For that brief time, my commute was often the most interesting, funny and engaging part of my day. It was a gift that I will always be grateful for.”

— Dan Haley

WEDNESD

AY JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf

Digital Manager Stac y Coleman

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

Sta Repor ter Luzane Draughon

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Assistant Editor, Ar ts & Enter tainment Dalal Or fali

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Columnists Marc Bleso , Jack Crowe, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger

Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Senior Advisor Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Audra Wilson

Ways to celebrate Black Histor y Month in Oak Park

Local Black artists have their work on display at the librar y

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Locals looking to celebrate Black History Month, honoring the achievements and adversity faced by g enerations of African Americans, can attend library- and village-sponsored events

Black History Month, from Feb. 1 to March 1, is annually obser ved as a way to lift up Black people’s significant culture and past. Local Black artists, howeve r, told Wednesday Journal that Black history and work shouldn’ t just be honored and elevated in Februar y, but year-round

This year, Oak Parkers can view works by artists Tia Etu, Antonia Ruppert, and Hasani Cannon on display at the Oak Park Public Library’s Idea Box from Feb. 3 to 28. Photo grapher Howard Simmons’

exhibit “Stories My Camera Tells” is in the library gallery until Feb. 22.

T he library will also be showing films related to Black history on Feb. 20 and 27. And the Village of Oak Park is hosting its third annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 8, featuring speakers, perfor mances and refreshments

Idea Box

Etu, Ruppert and Cannon, three local Black artists, have their work showcased at the Oak Park library, 834 Lake St. Visitors can see their art from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 25.

“We are honored to be able to share the work of these amazing local artists this Black History Month and to provide opportunities for people to eng age with them,” Kristen Romanowski, the library’s

See BLACK HISTORY on pa ge 6

TODD BANNOR

Artist Antonia Ruppert (art on wall at right) speaks with photog rapher Howard Simmons at the Celebrating Local Black Artists reception at the Oak Park Public Library on Feb. 3.

Oak Park poised to implement Vision Zero

The village’s goal is to consistently have zero tra c accidents resulting in serious injury or death by 2035

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Pedestrians and bikers in Oak Park might soon feel safer traveling through local streets as the village board appears poised to implement a Vision Zero master plan.

Vision Zero is “the commitment to eliminating death and serious injury from traffic crashes.” The plan has strong community support, with 16 residents, including young schoolchildren, urging the village board to pass and implement Vision Zero during its Jan. 28 meeting

“When I was 5, a car was going super fast,” said Helene Farley, an 8-year-old Oak Park resident. “The driver had a red light. I was in the crosswalk. Then the car crossed in front of me … the car slammed into me. I want [the streets] to be safe for me and all kids.”

She was one of seven children to speak to the board Jan. 28.

And kids aren’t the only ones affected. Individuals with disabilities, senior citizens and other vulnerable populations are, too, along with anyone walking and biking in Oak Park.

The board has not yet taken an official vote on the consultant’s plan but is expected to in February. All board members present Jan. 28 expressed their support for Vision Zero.

What is Vision Zero?

The goal to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and fatalities and promote a walkable and bikeable Oak Park community is one the village has had its eyes set on for a while.

Oak Park’s goal is to consistently have zero deaths or serious injuries from traffic crashes by 2035, according to the report

Rather than evaluating problem intersections or streets on an individual basis from resident petitions, Vision Zero will allow village staff to comprehensively implement traffic-calming and protection measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Allowing staff to move quickly as situations develop, where we see that there are unsafe conditions at particular intersections … without it necessarily having to come before the board for every particular proposal is vital,” Trustee Brian Straw said.

The plan, a 127-page document, was developed through analysis of crash data, engagement with community members and discussions about potential solutions

Alex Hanson from Sam Schwartz Engineering, the consultant hired by the village, explained that from 2018 to 2022, there were 132 serious injuries and fatalities in Oak Park. And the average annual number of fatalities from traffic crashes increased over the previous decade

Compared to drivers, cyclists are 12 times more likely to experience a serious injury or death when involved in an accident. And pedestrians are 15 times more likely, Hanson said.

Around 68% of the time where someone was killed or seriously injured, it was due to the driver failing to yield, disobeying traffic signals or not reducing speed, Hanson added.

And a good number of serious and fatal crashes in Oak Park occur on border streets like North Avenue and Austin Boulevard or on typically busy roads like Madison Street and Chicago Avenue

The drafted Vision Zero plan includes strategies to achieve Vision Zero goals, designs to improve high-crash locations and ways to measure performance.

Village Engineer Bill McKenna expressed a concern Jan. 28 about the threatened federal pause in grant dollars affecting some funding for Vision Zero. But the White House reportedly rescinded that decision Jan. 29.

McKenna also pointed out that while many community members have expressed support for Vision Zero, some might not be happy with the traffic-calming measures that aren’t visually appealing. So, education around Vision Zero goals will be key.

“[For some residents] traffic safety and traffic violence and car speeding is really personal to them, for some it’s not,” he said. “We’re likely to get pushback from the community members.”

Expected changes

Oak Park will first focus on five Vision Zero strategies.

The first strategy is to “establish an ongoing safety improvement program for the High Injury Network,” or areas with a history of serious crashes.

To do this, the village will need to coordinate with partners like the Illinois Department of Transportation to improve intersections not solely under Oak Park’s jurisdiction. The village will also work to upgrade street lighting, especially in areas

with notable pedestrian activity.

The second strategy is to “expand on the Residential Traffic Calming Program to create a proactive approach to safety improvements on local streets.”

To reach this goal, the village will work to use “vertical deflection tools” such as speed tables or speed cushions on streets adjacent to schools, parks, transit stations or senior living facilities. These areas were specifically of concern for residents who spoke at the meeting.

The third strategy is to “create safe, comfortable, complete networks for people walking and biking.”

For this strategy, Oak Park will update its bike plan, complete the neighborhood greenways system, create a for mal crosswalk marking policy, enhance traffic signals and ensure infrastructure is maintained.

The fourth strategy is to “align policies and processes to the Safe System Approach.”

To do this, the village needs to update its “Complete Streets” policy and prioritize the safety of people walking with policies related to signal timing, speed and vehicle control.

The fifth strategy is to “increase targeted traffic safety enforcement efforts.”

For this goal, the village will work on enforcement to stop dangerous driving behaviors, especially in high-risk areas, increase officer training and install red light cameras. The report also suggests having quarterly meetings to assess crash trends and partnering with Cook County and other municipalities to lobby for additional enforcement powers

For example, Oak Park does not have the authority to implement speed cameras within its borders. By Illinois state law, only municipalities with more than 1 million residents can do so, according to Hanson.

Straw also said he’d like to implement measures to prevent drivers from passing in parking lanes, which can lead to near-misses. That’s possible with curb extensions or pinch points.

Community support

Residents’ top safety concerns, according to Hanson, include speeding and distracted driving, traffic during rush hours and school dismissal, insufficient pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and bad lighting.

One resident, Michael Ericksen, said he was almost hit by an aggressive driver in

broad daylight while in a crosswalk. And it wasn’t the first time.

“When we ask parents to share their close calls, one of the common [remarks] was ‘Just one?’” he said. “One argument that’s frequently made against improving pedestrian and bike infrastructure is that not everyone can ride a bike. And while that’s certainly true, it’s also true that not everyone can drive a car.”

Lindsay Hagy, also an Oak Park resident, said her daughter, Daphne, was hit by a car last fall and broke her arm. The current police protocol requires the officer to put someone at fault in the report, she said. And Daphne added that a police officer told her the accident was her fault, while she was in the emergency room.

“I agree that the driver did a good job [when] everything happened … [but] it’s hard to hear that you need to give your homeowner’s insurance to pay for the damage to somebody’s car from your 11-year-old child’s body,” Hagy said.

Carolyn Sarnecki, on behalf of Longfellow’s PTO, said parents of these elementary school students have made multiple requests for improved safety on crosswalks. Crossing guards are great, but many students don’t use those specific intersections or cross when guards aren’t present, she said.

“The very fact that kids are smaller means they are naturally going to be less visible, so we need the extra infrastructure,” she said. “We urge the village board to proceed with Vision Zero so we can tell our students, our youngest citizens, that they are just as important as anyone else.”

Numerous other stories like theirs were shared Jan. 28. Even Village President Vicki Scaman recounted her experience in a traf fic crash in Oak Park.

“Any one of these stories is one story too many,” Rachel Poretsky said. “We need to fully commit to Vision Zero.”

“A plan is merely an empty promise without the execution of its components,” Jenna Holzberg said.

“Do we want zero deaths or not?” Karl Lauger asked

Scaman agreed with them.

“This is not going to be a plan that goes on the shelf and collects dust the way that we sometimes can see in government,” she said.

The board is expected to approve the Vision Zero plan and greenlight implementation in February.

BLACK HISTORY

A month of events

from page 4

communications writer and editor, told Wednesday Journal.

Etu said she has a few pieces on display related to Black history. One is an acrylic canvas, inspired by a Black archival book that showed workers harvesting tobacco. Another is a pencil drawing of Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States. And another is a printed version of a mural she did.

“The print is called ‘In Her Father’s Shoes,’ and she just reaches out to people,” Etu said, adding that the girl is skipping along showing people that while life can be a rough ride, she’s getting through it. People can relate to that message of overcoming struggle, Etu said.

Ruppert said her work typically relates to community, stories or relationships. The past few months, she’s been working on an archive of her family’s history. Her acrylic and oil paintings on display at the library are called “Innocence of the Brethren,” “The Masters Touch,” and “Autumn Fellowship.”

“I want people to understand that the individuals who I painted are worthy of their

HOUSING FUND

Committing to a ordability

from page 1

provide and preserve af fordable housing in the village. In Oak Park, the cost of living is about 22% higher than the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute, which compiles and analyzes cost of living and salary data. The balance of the trust fund at the end of 2024 was $3,321,543.

Of that roughly $3.3 million, about $1.3 million was already committed to specific projects and programs, such as crisis housing rental support and the flexible rental assistance program.

Interfaith Housing Development Corporation and The Community Builders, Inc., two Chicagoland af fordable housing developers, applied for a portion of Oak Park’s housing trust fund dollars.

The board approved allocating more than $1.2 million to Interfaith and $700,000 to Community Builders, with attached conditions.

Both developers have experience in Oak

respect and honor simply because they’re there,” she said.

Ruppert has also been working with video to showcase interviews and oral history of African Americans. In one project for a North Austin library, she interviewed individuals about why they came to the area, some looking for security or some for family They’re proud of their homes and community, she said.

“It’s important for African Americans to see themselves showcased in cultural institutions,” Ruppert said. “If you never see yourself, it’s like you don’t exist.”

Cannon, born and raised in Oak Park, said his passion for art is innate, but fostered by community. His mother is an African and Caribbean dancer, and his influence partially comes from that culture. He does mix media work, specializing in Afro-centric imagery.

“Artists of color have a long-standing relationship with the arts,” he said. “Artistic institutions tend to highlight or focus more on white artists, [but] I think, especially nowadays, there’s even more incentive and more of a drive to show that ar tists of color have been and will always have a place in ar t.”

“For Black artists, so much of our identity is tied to struggl e, and not being taken seriously,” he said. “Our artwork, it’s almost exploding with just so much infor ma-

Park Interfaith built Grove Apartments, af fordable housing located above the Sugar Beet Food Co-Op at 812 Madison St. Community Builders also developed “The 801,” another af fordable housing complex, at 801

Van Buren St.

Interfaith has committed to developing “Keystone Apartments” for low-income residents at 1106 Madison Street. Trustees approved the special use permit for this development last July

This five-story apar tment complex is expected to have 36 units: 12 studio and the rest one-bedroom. Housing Forward has partnered with Interfaith on this project, with a goal to open in 2026. Keystone Apartments will be af fordable to those earning 60% of the area’s median income or less. Keystone Apartments is expected to cost nearly $16 million to develop. In addition to other state and county funding sources, Interfaith has applied for $7.5 million in grant dollars from the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Permanent Supportive Housing fund.

Oak Park’s housing trust fund dollars are conditioned on Interfaith receiving that IDHA PSH award.

Community Builders is planning to build

tion on how it is to be just a human being in general, but your humanity is simultaneously denied.”

“[I want to] remind us as Black people that we have so much potential and that we have so much joy and love within us,” he added. “While society and the world continuously dehumanizes us … this power is always within us.”

“Stories My Camera Tells”

About 30 photos from Simmons’ years of work in photography will be on display in this exhibit. Simmons was the second

an af fordable housing complex at 6104 Roosevelt Road. This structure is expected to have 28 units: three studios, 15 one-bedrooms, eight two-bedrooms and two live/ work units.

The live/work units would be occupied by residents who live there and also run a small business there.

“I’m excited to see that the project on Roosevelt includes commercial space on the first floor,” Trustee Brian Straw said. “I do hope that with future projects we really prioritize and urge folks to do mixed use development because as we’re working to create bikeable, walkable communities, having that storefront space creates a more walkable community.”

Trustee Cory Wesley added that he’d also like to encourage af fordable housing developers to offer retail spaces. It could allow for more diverse businesses, he said, if retail space is of fered at more af fordable rates.

The development at 6104 Roosevelt Road is expected to cost more than $19 million to build. In addition to other state and county funding, Community Builders has applied for more than $13.6 million from IHDA’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Black photographer at the Chicago SunTimes. He also worked for Ebony Magazine, traveled the world, and did commercial work, shooting for companies like Coca-Cola and Kellogg.

The photographer raised his children in Oak Park. He said his family, once known as the “Black Brady Bunch” family among locals, is the most important part of his life

One of his most iconic shots, currently on display, is of a Mississippi baby The photo, which Simmons said “took him” rather than him taking it, is of a baby in raggedy diapers between worn wooden frames.

“It’s sad that AI is going to destroy some aspects of photography, particularly commercial,” he said. “[But] they can’t replace journalism.”

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8, visitors can attend a reception with Simmons. And from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16 the library will host an artist talk with Simmons and Lee Bey, a Black writer, architectural critic and member of the Sun-Times editorial board.

“Black history is every day,” Simmons said. “There are things we encounter, there are things that we see and feel every day, all day.”

At 7 p.m. Feb. 27, the library will screen and discuss “Farming While Black,” a documentary about Black far mers in the United States.

Oak Park’s housing trust fund dollars are also conditioned on Community Builders receiving that IDHA LIHTC award.

Trustee Lucia Robinson said that she’d like to consider having a cap on grants from the housing trust fund in the future to spread the dollars around more. She also said she wants to earmark some funds for homeownership programs, specifically.

Jonathan Burch, neighborhood services director, suggested developing a downpayment assistance program or home buyer counseling services.

Other trustees said they’d be open to capping grant dollars in the future but would prefer it be tied to the number of af fordable housing units provided.

“If a great project came by that was creating a very large number of af fordable units, I would be happy to go beyond caps,” Straw said. “It’s about making sure we’re maximizing the impact of the dollars … If we have to put the whole fund into a really great project that is going to solve af fordable housing in Oak Park, let’s do it.”

“Please bring everything to us, because what we don’t want is to then be passing up on a project,” Village President Vicki Scaman said to village staf f.

More than a mouthful at Bite Night

Chamber’s annual event draws crowd to a winter night’s bu t

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Bite Nite is the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce’s annual tour de taste. More than 30 local restaurants, caterers and vendors of fered nibbles in the ballroom at the Nineteenth Century Club on Friday, Jan. 31.

Taking a first turn around the ballroom, local caterers showcased their various victuals

Bethanny Alexander, owner of Kind Café and Catering, of fered artichoke cakes drizzled in remoulade sauce, a ve gan take on crabcakes. Next table over, Teresa Saenz owner of The Pe ppered Table, laid a table with her Latin fusion dishes, including ceviche, guacamole and chips, and chipotle tomato meatballs.

Evan Paxinos cooks out of River Forest’s Hub Kitchen with the previous two. Under the Evanly Cheesecakes brand he presented flavorful bites of his chocolate mousse, apple caramel and cherry topped cheesecakes.

“The secret is in the crust,” said owner Evan Paxinos. “It’s a different cooki than the usual graham cracker base.”

T he event started at 5:30 p.m. and it didn’t take long for the room to g et packed.

“This is an amazing way to try many local foods all at once,” said event volunteer Joan Sibal.

“This is what I call a ‘communitarian’ event,” Keith Graham said, describing the neighborly feel of the event. “I’m finding out about new things on the menu at some of my favorite places, like Poor Phil’s and Publican.”

Speaking of Publican Quality Bread, their samples of flaky orange brioche and hot chocolate, were dished out by CEO Karen Browne and managing partner Greg Wade.

A second dance through the aisles focused on Oak Park bakers. Sisters Molly and Meg Svec who own Spilt Milk spread joy both sweet and savory: Waldorf chicken salad served with a round croissant biscuit and various cookies and other delights. Broken Tart’s sisters Katie and Krissy Mack took a similar approach with their hot honey butter cornbread biscuits, passionfruit tarts and olive oil cake bites.

“This is such a great way to connect to

the wider community,” Molly Svec said. “Bite Nite is a chance to linger and talk with people more than we have a chance to day-to-day in the shop.”

Luxurious plantains were on the table from both Café Cubano and Maya del Sol, but neither one could be missed. Staying with a Latin beat, people gobbled up Hoja Santa’s butter nut squash calabaza.

“Bite Nite is a ticket that we grab as soon as we hear about it,” Oak Parker Jeremy Rodriguez said. “Chamber events sell out quick.”

A third waltz around the floor included sandwiches from Maywood’s T & JJ’s Supreme Steaks and Catering. The restaurant is more than two decades old, but new owners Maurice Smith and Troy Nathaniel are looking to carry on the tradition.

Shanahan’s from Forest Park served up their signature creole flavors, while Berwyn’s Babygold BBQ of fered up a trifecta of their own: lollipop drumsticks with

creole ranch sauce, pimento mac & cheese with brisket, and smoked shrimp with Cajun cocktail sauce.

A sweet finish came from Brookfield’s Daisy’s Treats taffy grapes. Owner Wendy Moore said that customers come from out of state to get this confection that tastes like a taffy apple but is easier to eat.

Bite Nite has become a treasured tradition for many people. One group of friends were celebrating their eight outing

“We come early, so we are sure to get a bite of everything,” said Sarah Fuller.

“It’s a great way to research where to go next on our monthly outings together,” said Sarah Irvine, another of the four friends.

When the weather turns cold, restaurants suffer as people huddle at home This snacking shindig was a way to reintroduce the community to what’s worth venturing out to eat. Now that you’ve read about the bite buffet, get out there and support our local taste makers!

Loveseat Spotlight: Stylish & Cozy Ways to Elevate Your Space

One of 2025’s biggest design trends is the loveseat, and for good reason - it’s versatile, stylish, and perfect for creating inviting spaces in any home. Whether you’re refreshing your living area, bedroom, or reading nook, a well-placed loveseat can instantly elevate the look and feel.

Cozy Reading Nook: Tuck a plush loveseat into a corner with a oor lamp, a small side table, and layered throw blankets for the ultimate reading escape. Add a few textured pillows for extra comfort and style.

Luxe & Lounge-Worthy: In the living room, choose a curved or tu ed loveseat to create a cozy conversation area. Style it with a marble co ee table, sculptural lighting, and so throws for an e ortlessly elegant vibe.

Bedroom Retreat: Add a loveseat at the foot of your bed for a boutique-hotel feel. Drape a textured throw over the back and pair it with a chic oor lamp for the perfect relaxation spot.

Sunroom Escape: Bring a small-scale loveseat into a bright space for a cozy indoor-outdoor feel. Pair it with a woven ottoman, airy curtains, and greenery to create a peaceful retreat.

Looking for the perfect loveseat to t your style? Divine Consign has an everchanging collection of new and nearly new designer furniture at unbeatable prices. Stop by our 20,000-square-foot showroom and nd the loveseat that transforms your space.

Kellie Scott, Owner Divine Consign

TODD BANNOR

e Daisy Treats & Bakery table at Bite Nite 2025 on Jan. 31.

School psychologist touts expertise in school board bid

candidate Becky Perez looks to build

With over a decade’s experience working as a school psychologist, District 97 elementary school board candidate Becky Pere z said she has an uncommon understanding of how a school system’s policies D97

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Contributing Reporter

can impact young lear ners.

Pere z, who currentl works as a psychologist Oak Park and River Fo est High School, is r unning for one of the open seats on the D97 board of education. A for mer district employe and a parent to a second grader and fourth grader Washington Irving Elementary School, she said her professional experience, local connections and professional experience would be a major asset to the district.

“I feel I’m very qualified based on my dif ferent experiences in the school district, where I don’ t feel I will be pulled by one party or the other,” she said. “I have a unique perspective. ”

She holds a doctorate in school psycholo gy and a master’s de gree in educational psycholo gy from Indiana University.

Perez said that electing an experienced school psychologist to the board would mean having someone professionally trained in evaluating how school programs help students learn and perform, helping set priorities for the district.

“I bring a lot of energy to revitalizing conversations that are being silenced nationally.”

BECKY PEREZ D97 candidate

“I have the experience to deliver services but also to evaluate them, and I have that critical lens from the research standpoint,” she said. “I’m not afraid to ask the tough questions but I also have my bedside manner. I have been trained as a mental health professional and I have been in a lot of contentious conversations and I strongly feel that I have the ability to lead conversations that are equitable for all so everybody can feel heard while kee ping in mind our priorities.”

Pere z said her professional experience has earned her a deep understanding of early childhood literacy; an area she considers a key priority for the D97 board.

“I understand the principles of learning, from math to reading, to writing,” Pere z said. “Oftentimes I am the person

that’s helping solve how we are going to help our students achieve on an individual level and close gaps through special education. But I still understand the big systems that drive decision making when it comes to resources.”

Pe re z, the d aughter of Mexican i mmi gr ants, sees helping build a school dist rict that’s capable of meeting the needs of a dive rs e set of students as one of her top goals

“I am a first-generatio n student with a doctorat e, so I can honestly say that I strongly believe in public education,” she said. “I feel like my training allows me to be a really conscious problem solver in which I put students first. I know what equity looks like in a variety of settings.”

Pere z said that President Donald Trump ’s rhetoric against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and funding for public educatio n g alvanized her to run for the school board, with the hope that she could be part of the local ef fort to shield D97 from the new administration’s influence.

“I think I bring a lot of energy to revitalizing conversations that are being silenced nationally,” she said. “A lot of my research and my training was on English learners and immigrant populations and culturally responsive practices in both special education and school discipline.”

Pe re z is a proud Oak Pa rker and has b een happy to see her children grow up in D97. More than anything, her c andida cy is rooted in a b elief in her c ommunity ’s values

“I believe in local gover nment, I believe that community members have something to say and that there’s a lot of pride that comes with being an Oak Parker,” she said. “I’m hoping the community can see me as someone they can really trust.”

Mellman, Gertz alliance challenges OPRF

The Oak Parkers’ joint campaign for the D200 school board looks to roll back recent reforms

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Contributing Reporter

Nate Mellman and Josh Gertz said they’ve taken a “divide and conquer” approach to organizing their District 200 Board of Education election push.

Mellman, a judge for the U.S. Social Security administration from River Forest, and Gertz, a lawyer from Oak Park specializing in advising on employee benefits, are running a joint campaign. They now account for 2 of the 5 on-ballot candidates after challenges they filed successfully removed another candidate from the ballot on procedural grounds.

With four seats up for grabs in April, at least one of them will win a place on the board supervising operations at Oak Park and River Forest High School, barring a successful write-in campaign.

Mellman is the father of two OPRF graduates and one current student, while Gertz’s children are not high school aged, but he intends to stay in Oak Park at least until they’re able to matriculate through OPRF

The duo’s shared campaign website touts dips in PSAT performance by OPRF freshmen and figures showing a rise in in-school altercations over the last decade to support these campaign priorities.

OPRF freshman’s overall performance on the PSAT dipped slightly after the pandemic, going from an average score of 1,005 in 2019 to 990 in 2023, according to the data Mellman and Gertz obtained from the district. The pair attributes this dip to D200’s adoption of a detracked freshman curriculum for history, English, world languages and science ahead of the 2022 school year. While detracking has only been in place at OPRF for two full school years, Mellman and Gertz believe the experiment has already failed.

“I’m looking forward to, you know, making a better place, hopefully in time for my kids because I’ve got three young future Huskies at home,” Gertz said. “One of the parents at my kids preschool said, ‘I know this guy Nathan Mellman, who’s looking for other people to run along with him on a slate’ and he put me in touch with Nate and, you know, we met and touched base and turns out we do have a lot in common. It’s been really great from a divide and conquer perspective as well to have a partner to do this with.”

Gertz and Mellman are a united front across several issues, including eliminating the detracking system used for freshman students, enforcing tougher student discipline policies and keeping the school’s wide ranging facility upgrade projects on budget.

“We both think that all kids should be challenged, that we need to keep all of our kids safe and that we should be good stewards of taxpayer money,” Mellman said. “I think we’re on common ground with the vast majority of residents of Oak Park and River Forest. We plan on running on those issues and winning on those issues.”

“OPRF traditionally was a very high achieving high school, I mean, it still is a very high achieving high school, but I think its performance has taken a turn a little bit in the wrong direction,” Gertz said. “There’s increasing gaps between it and some of the highest achieving schools in the state and we attribute that at least somewhat to the detracking program that’s been implemented for freshman year. While it seems there may be some intention to expand it, I think it’s had a negative impact on students at every performance level and we’d like to return to trying to challenge all students and to push them to the best of their academic potential while simultaneously still making sure that there is equity and that we are preparing students that might not have had such privileged upbringing to succeed in in high school.”

OPRF leaders strongly refute Mellman and Gertz’s claims about the detracking program, both because of how young the program is and because of the data itself.

“We will need several years of data to fully understand the effects of this particular initiative, however the data we do have simply does not support this claim,” Karin Sullivan, OPRF’s spokesperson, said. “On the Evidence Based Reading and Writing portion of the PSAT 8-9 and PSAT 10, taken by all freshmen and sophomores each year, academic outcomes have clearly not declined. In fact outcomes have remained very consistent since we launched the detracked freshman curriculum in the 2022-

2023 school year, both overall and within demographic groups.”

According to the school, freshman and sophomores, across racial demographics, who’ve been educated under the detracking curriculum have seen their perfor mance on the PSAT either hold steady or improve slightly in English compared to pre-pandemic levels when measured by what percentage of students meet or exceed state standard.

PSAT scores have fallen for some groups of freshman and sophomores in math when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

On the discipline front, the pair has argued that OPRF’s Behavioral Education Plan is too lenient particularly on students who’ve brought weapons to school. According to data the pair obtained from the district, of the 19 students found with a knife or firearm on campus from 2018 to 2023, only one was expelled

“There are some kind of glaring gaps in the school’s current safety procedures, and there have been an increase in altercations on the campus, which is troubling and distracting from a student’s learning experience,” Mellman said. “We’re not doing them any good by having these watered down consequences, only for them to realize when they become an adult, that if they do the similar actions, that there are indeed real consequences in society. So we need to take a look at the behavior education plan.”

OPRF also refutes Mellman and Gertz characterization of violence inside the school. Sullivan said altercations involving students and incidents of students making threats dropped by roughly 50% since the 2021-22 school year, the first full in-person school year after the pandemic last year. While there were 91 such incidents in 2021-22, there were only 46 in 2023-24.

Sullivan also pointed to the SB100 state law that required Illinois schools to restructure policy in a way that minimized automatic suspension and expulsion policies.

There have been 42 altercations involving students or incidents of students making threats at OPRF so far this year, according to data obtained by Mellman and Gertz.

In addition to sharing those priorities, Mellman and Gertz say both their candidacies were sparked at the same time, during one of the most controversial episodes of OPRF’s 2023-24 school year

Both men were part of a cohort of community members accusing the school of tolerat-

ing antisemitism in the aftermath of the outbreak of the IsraelHamas war in October 2023.

“You know this is why people run for elected office, especially at the lower level offices, cause something gets them going, gets the juices flying,” Mellman said.

“I think it drove me to investigate some other issues that I view as problematic with the way the district responded and interacted with the public.”

While Mellman was among the most publicly vocal members of the group, calling for several teachers to be fired over alle gedly pro-Palestinian social media posts during a school board meeting last year, Gertz was a supportive observer. Mellman also submitted a complaint against OPRF to the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Attorney General’s office, calling for a for mal investigation into the school for allowing a “hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish students” to take root. Gertz was among the community members who signed their names to the action.

Mellman said the complaint has yet to receive a response from either governmental body.

At the beginning of this year, OPRF shared plans to foster better cross-community relations, including contracting with Convergence, a consultant group whose primary aim has been fostering nonpartisan cooperation. Mellman and Gertz said they’re not satisfied with the steps OPRF has taken, although Mellman said that he would speak to issues in public more measuredly if elected to the school board.

The pair’s association with these ef for ts has drawn condemnation from some in the community, chief among them a group called D200 Neighbors for a Fair School Board. The group unsuccessfully filed a challenge to Mellman’s candidacy in December, arguing that Mellman’s move to file the complaint against OPRF w ould put him in a conflict of interest if elected to the school board.

Mellman and Gertz were not fazed by the pushback.

“It really hasn’t affected us,” Gertz said. “I think for a lot of people it’s actually had quite the opposite effect.

“We’ll let the loud opposition continue to voice its concerns. I think we’ll just kind of approach the average voter and take it from there. But I hope that the rest of the election is as civil as possible.”

NATE MELLMAN JOSH GERTZ

Exciting news from the Wednesday Journal

Dear Wednesday Journal readers,

In 1980, when my two partners and I launched what would later become the Wednesday Journal’s parent company, Growing Community Media (GCM), we dreamed of creating a local community newspaper filled with the kind of journalism we wanted to read and that our fellow residents desperately needed.

growth, service and impact. The Executive Director title will replace the Publisher title, which better reflects the realities of our not-for-profit organization.

Then, as now, we set out to create a paper that provided rigorous, insightful coverage of local gover nment; helped parents and taxpayers follow events in their local schools; connected readers and business owners to local businesses right here in our own backyard; and showcased the rich stories and strong opinions of the remarkably talented and diverse group of neighbors in the communities we call home.

Forty-five years later, I could not be prouder of all that we have accomplished along the way.

As we reach that milestone, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the future—for Growing Community Media, and for me personally.

Leading this organization has been the joy and privilege of a lifetime. But I’ve come to believe that the time is right to scale back my day-to-day responsibilities and pass the baton to new leadership.

So I’m delighted to announce that, with the support of our Board of Directors, I will be moving into a new role as Senior Advisor. This will let me spend a bit more time with my f amily while also allowing me to continue to support our team as we strive to build a strong, sustainable foundation for GCM’s future. My primary focus will be on growing our partnerships and fundraising, and I’ll also lead special projects from time to time

Later this spring, the Board will be hiring a full-time Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of

In the meantime, I’m pleased to announce that Max Reinsdorf will become our interim Executive Director. Effective immediately, Max will lead every aspect of our ef fort and work with all of us and our Board of Directors to sustain and grow this essential nonprofit newsroom. Max has already been working with GCM to help us do a deep dive on our business management and operations, so he knows our organization, our team and our needs. Max brings a passion for community news, having previously worked at both the Tribune and the Better Government Association. He has a sharp focus and deep understanding of digital growth with a healthy respect for the value of print. He has also worked on the philanthropic side of local news. Importantly, Max is a good listener and knows well our staf f’s commitment to this work.

I c ould not be more excited for the f uture.

But these are not easy times for loc al j ournalism, as you know. C hanging habits, new platfor ms and evolving business models have taken thei r toll on far too many local newsrooms around the country.

A community news organization is nothing without a community willing to support it —as readers, advertisers, subscribers, donors and champions. You’ve been essential to our success over these last 45 years—and you’re critical to our future, too.

I look forward to working with our new leadership and with all of you to keep that mission alive and thriving in Oak Park and River Forest. With gratitude, Dan

DA N HALE Y MAX REINSDORF

Infrastructure costs top River Forest’s capital plan

$5.3 million budget includes $125,000 for Harlem Avenue viaduct project

By ROBERT J. LIFKA

Contributing Reporter

Infrastructure improvements and maintenance headed the list of the five-year capital improvement plan unveiled at the River Forest Village Board meeting Jan. 27.

In his presentation, Matt Walsh, village administrator, said capital expenditures are estimated to be $33 million over the next five years, $5.3 million of which is expected to be spent in the first year, Fiscal Year 2026, which begins May 1.

Major funding for FY2026 will come from the capital improvement fund, $1.4 million; the water and sewer fund, $1.1 million; and the capital equipment replacement fund, $1 million.

Of the FY2026 capital expenses, $2.4 million will be allocated for streets, sidewalks and alleys and $991,000 for water and sewer improvements.

Unveiling the capital improvement plan is the first step of the budget process. Officials

said the plan is generally amended during the budget process as determinations are made for items to be moved forward or to be deferred based on current information.

In April, a budget will be prepared and recommended to the village board, which will take input from residents, if there is any, at a public hearing. The final step in the process will be adoption of the budget, which also is expected in April.

The streets, sidewalks and alleys capital expenses include work on the North Avenue streetscape project, $402,810; the electric charging stations project, $597,392; the Des Plaines River Trail project, $75,000; and the Harlem Avenue viaduct project, $125,000. All four are either partially or fully funded by grants.

Outside of the projects, the streets, sidewalks and alleys expenses include $625,000 for street improvements; $250,000 for sidewalk, curb and gutter maintenance; and $100,000 for the street patching program. The capital expenses for water and sewer

improvements include $230,000 for expenses related to the ongoing lead service line replacement effort, $150,000 for the subsidy program and $80,000 for the inventory and replacement. Other water and sewer expenses include $175,000 for water main replacements; $140,000 for sewer lining; $135,000 for replacing one of three pumps at the pumping station; and $100,000 for work on the stormwater master plan.

Village President Cathy Adduci said she hoped officials are “keeping an eye” on the stormwater master plan.

“I am willing to roll up my sleeves and work with our state legislators to obtain funding we need for this,” she said. “I’m taking this seriously and want to make sure we don’t lose sight of it.”

Other big-ticket items include replacing the 30-year-old backup generator in Village Hall, $350,000; a new aerial truck for public works, $240,000; a new sewer televising system, $150,000; and installing solar panels on the roof of the public works garage, $131,000.

Because of the comparatively low energy consumption levels at the garage, a 55-kilowatt system would result in the facility being net zero, meaning the rooftop solar installation would generate as much energy annually as is consumed by the facility, Seth Jansen, management analyst, said. Because the electricity at the garage is paid through the village’s franchise ag reement with ComEd, the monetary savings would be realized through a reduction in the franchise fee appearing on residents’ ComEd bills although Jansen cautioned the savings will not be realized immediately. In addition, installation of the solar panels will help the village achieve EV Readiness gold certification.

After rebates and incentives, the anticipated cost is about $37,000. Staf f will seek grant funding to further offset the cost of the project.

Adduci also thanked Walsh and the staff for preparing the capital improvement plan, noting, “I know how difficult this task is.”

Ethics complaint stalled in RF over question of jurisdiction Ethics Commission asks village board to amend ordinance

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

The investigation into an ethics complaint against the Village of River Forest is on hold after members of the village’s local ethics commission determined they do not have jurisdiction over the matter.

Although village officials have not released details of the complaint, citing a confidentiality clause in the ethics ordinance, the complaint is apparently related to Economic Development Commission (EDC) discussions leading to a proposed broker services contract with Jones Lang LaSalle of Chicago to market village-owned property at 7600 Madison St.

Officials were expected to vote on the contract at the Jan. 27 village board meeting but the vote was tabled after the complaint was filed that day by resident Margie Cekander apparently regarding the participation in EDC discussions by Commissioner Walt Wahlfeldt, who works for Jones Lang LaSalle

Commission Chair Peggy Daley announced after an executive session at the commission’s Jan. 31 meeting that she and fellow commissioners Greg Ignoffo and Rebecca DeGroff determined that, although they have jurisdiction over other ethics complaints, they do not have jurisdiction over those pertaining to a conflict of interest, which apparently is at the heart of Cekander’s complaint.

They voted unanimously to ask the village board to amend the village’s ethics ordinance to allow them jurisdiction and to keep the proposed contract with Jones Lang LaSalle on hold pending a resolution of the complaint.

In a memo to officials presented Jan. 27, Village Administrator Matt Walsh explained that the EDC published a request for proposals (RFP) for broker services in spring of 2024. The proposal from JLL was among five proposals received JLL was identified as the preferred choice by a review team of EDC commissioners

Tim Brangle and Cuyler Brown, chairman, along with Walsh and Jessica Spencer, assistant village administrator

Prior to drafting the RFP, staf f members were reminded that Wahlfeldt works for JLL.

“To address any potential concerns regarding the appearance of a conflict of interest, staf f and the chairman discussed the matter with Wahlfeldt, focusing on his role within the company and its relevance to the RFP,” Walsh said in the memo “Commissioner Wahlfeldt clarified that he works in a department unrelated to the one that would review, respond to or perform the tasks outlined in the RFP but, out of an abundance of concern, he would recuse himself and not participate in the selection process.”

When JLL was introduced as the selected prefer red firm at the January EDC meeting, Wahlfeldt abstained from voting and publicly disclosed his role with JLL. At that meeting, commissioners request-

ed that a le g al opinion be provided to the village board. Subsequently, the village attorney provided that opinion, stating he believes there are no concerns re garding conflict of interest. T he vote to recommend JLL was approved by a 4-0 with Wahlfeldt abstaining . Under the proposed contract, the village would pay JLL a base fee of $100,000 or 5.5 percent of the gross purchase price, whichever is greater. Walsh explained that the fee was included in the event that a sales price is below market value in order to attract the right development. The contract allows JLL 270 days to market the properties at 7612-7620 Madison, former site of the Lutheran Child and Family Services Building, and for mer private homes at 10 Lathrop Ave. and 11 Ashland Ave. T he three buildings sat empty from the time they were purchased by the village -- the LCFS building in 2017, 10 Lathrop in 2018 and 11 Ashland in 2019 -- until they were demolished.

Missing girl identi ed, arrested for possession of stolen car

A girl from Peoria, Illinois, was identified as a missing juvenile at 1:08 p.m. Feb. 1 at RUSH Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple Ave. She was found to have a warrant out of Cook County for possession of a stolen vehicle and was taken into custody. She was released to the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center.

Theft from motor vehicle

Between 4 p.m. Jan. 23 and 12:19 p.m. Jan. 29, someone used a rock to shatter the front passenger window of an Oak Park resident’s blue 2010 Ford F150 on the 900 block of South Maple Avenue. The person also stole the rear license plate. The estimated loss and damage is unknown.

Criminal damage to vehicle

Between midnight Jan. 24 and 1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, someone damaged the passenger door of an Oak Park resident’s black 2010

Nissan Rogue while parked on the 700 block of North Boulevard. The estimated damage is unknown.

Burglary

■ Between 4:20 p.m. Jan. 26 and 7:25 a.m. Jan. 27, someone got into an Oak Park resident’s red 2018 Honda HRV while parked on the 600 block of North Austin Boulevard. The person ransacked the interior and stole an iPhone charging cord and vehicle insurance and re gistration. The estimated loss is $30.

■ Between 8 p.m. Jan. 28 and 6:55 a.m. Jan. 29, someone got into an Oak Park resident’s white 2021 Nissan Kicks while parked on the 600 block of South Harvey Avenue. The person ransacked the car and stole a black Steve Madden purse. The estimated loss is $40.

■ Between 5:40 p.m. Jan. 31 and 10 a.m. Feb. 2, someone entered the storage room of a building on the first block of Pleasant

Street and cut a cable lock to steal a Diamondback mountain bike. The estimated loss is unknown.

Arrests

■ A 32-year-old Oak Park man was arrested at 2:19 a.m. Jan. 27 on the 100 block of Clinton Avenue for domestic battery against another Oak Park resident. He was held for bond hearings.

■ A 33-year-old Cicero man was arrested around 10 p.m. Jan. 28 on the 200 block of North Oak Park Avenue for domestic battery against an Oak Park resident. He was held for bond hearings.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated Jan. 27 – Feb. 3 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 Luzane Draughon

e art of dying peacefully

Oak Park death doula focuses on the end-of-life experience

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Tif fany Johnson is a death doula.

But the Oak Park resident insists that her work as an end-of-life educator isn’t as dire as the title might seem.

In fact, it can be both enlightening and beautiful.

Perhaps as much as the better-known birth doula.

“I am focused on the end-of-life experience,” said Johnson, who owns We Too Shall Pass, an LLC focused on advocacy for a dying person and their family. “I’m here to walk alongside of you in your journey so you’re not alone and your voice is heard.”

Johnson’s childhood prepared her for this work. Her father was slowly dying during her teen years, so she saw firsthand how hopes, needs and wishes intertwined.

As for her work, make no mistake.

“It can be hard, sure, but there is also a beauty in accepting what is inevitable,” she said. “I can speak to personal experience, and I love creating comfort for people.”

She added: “There is fear and anxiety as-

sociated with this time. Often people seek my support because they don’t want it to happen.”

That includes everything from a dying person’s bodily disposition, how they are remembered, even writing their own obituary. Part of her advocacy is working with hospice teams and funeral directors. She works in a dying person’s home, in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

Johnson had been a massage therapist since the mid-1990s, and studied art therapy prior to that, before becoming a death doula in 2017. In her role, she does a lot of pain management, but that’s just one facet of her work. An important part is learning about her clients’ faith journeys, and how that impacts the death experience.

Johnson said since the role of a death doula is relatively new, often people don’t realize her support exists. That’s why events she does called Death Over Dinners are crucial to helping people come to grips with the inevitable. They are potluck affairs, and participants from their 80s all the way to their 20s discuss the specific topics related to end of life, for example mak-

ing advance directives.

There’s more. Johnson is a member of the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition, which is advocating for two bills in the Illinois legislature – one in the House and another in the Senate – that would legalize end-of-life aid in dying, which is legal in 10 states plus the District of Columbia. The coalition comprises ACLU of Illinois, Final Options Illinois and Compassion & Choices Action Network, a national organization that protects, educates and expands on endof-life options.

The safeguards in such a scenario are many, she said. For example, a patient must be deemed terminally ill by two independent doctors, with a prognosis of six months or less. The patient must be mentally capable and able to self-administer the blend of medications that causes the patient to fall asleep with subsequent heart stoppage

Since the bills were introduced into both chambers earlier this month, said Chloe King, senior campaign organizer for Compassion & Choices Action Network, the hope is to have the bill on Gov. Pritzker’s desk this spring.

GINA ORLANDO

Facing facts of life

from page 1

Misty watercolor memories of the way they were. And still are.

On a nearby table were gifts and other remembrances from her celebration of life service the prior Saturday at Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park, which is available for viewing on YouTube. Above a doorway was an Illinois license plate with TEAM 93, the year Orlando and Berg were married at Unity Temple on Lake Street in Oak Park

That’s all fine and good. Orlando prefers to look forward.

She knows what’s coming, but unlike others – unlike most of us – she has embraced it.

“I’m not afraid of death,” she said. “As I shared in the service, I know that I’m going to something good. There may be some life review there and all that, but the light is great. Being supported and surrounded with unconditional love and light and all that good

Not surprisingly, views on end-of-life aid in dying can be both diverse and polarizing (see sidebar), but King and Johnson are both about open discussion around the topic

“We’re not trying to convince anybody to do something they don’t want to do,” King said. “We connect with communities that have questions, so they have the facts, so they know what they are opposing.”

Added Johnson: “I welcome those conversations, personally. If there was a peaceful conversation about it, those objections would dissipate.”

stuff, I know where I’m going to go.”

She added: “I’m not saying I’m this angelic person, no. Follow the light. The passcode is love.”

Orlando grew up in South Chicago, the heart of the steel industry in the region. She grew up in an ethnic Polish-Italian family, neighbors were close, the Catholic Church meant stability, and the food?

“Every woman in our family was an amazing cook,” she recalled. “On my Italian side, every one of them made pasta sauce and it tasted different.”

Then, with a chuckle, she added, “I thought as a kid, it’s basically the same ingredients.”

She’s adamant that her diagnosis wasn’t the turning point in her life, or even a significant tur ning point, for that matter

“A lot of people, they are so focused on these deranged cells,” she said. And of the real turning point, she added, “I think when it was getting the music director’s job at Ascension in 1975. Coming to Oak Park, it was the perfect place for me. My spiritual search has been deep and wide, but I’ve always been welcome there.”

The bane of Orlando’s approach to what’s

TIFFANY JOHNSON

Gina Orlando and Greg g Voss

eological views on medical aid in dying

Medical aid in dying isn’t legal in Illinois, but the End-of-Life Options Act, or Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 1328, aims to change that.

“I would love if there would be hearings and it passed in the spring session,” said Chloe King, senior campaign organizer Compassion & Choices Action Network.

Not so fast, say leaders of Oak Park area faith communities

“It’s kind of a slippery slope,” said the Rev. Carl Morello, pastor of two Catholic parishes, including St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles. “The church’s position has been to honor life from birth until natural death. But when people are in a terminal situation, we do support them in making the choice for hospice care.”

Rev. David Heim, interim pastor for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, ag rees with Morello that precedent in this case is worth examining theologically.

“If assisted dying begins to change that culture, people who are in a terminal situation, ‘I guess society expects me to take my life,’ that’s the slippery slope,” Heim said. “Christians continue to hold the idea that suffering isn’t pointless.”

coming has been heavily influenced by her strong belief in a holistic health mindset. For the Wednesday Jour nal, she wrote a natural health and natural foods column for four years, where she injected a measure of spirituality and humor. She still operates her part-time business, Naturally Wellthy, and is a certified wellness and health coach, and a certified hypnotherapist. She was an adjunct professor at DePaul for 15 years, teaching two holistic health courses

T herefore, her philosophy is holistic.

“What can we do to support the body to heal?” she said. “It’s just cancer. It may kill me, but that’s not my focus. I’ve never once identified as a cancer patient. It’s my o wn body

Rabbi Adir Glick, Solomon Family Rabbinic Chair at Temple Har Zion in River Forest, said Judaism does not permit taking a life, either one’s own or someone else’s. But there may be a slight caveat.

“My goal is to support families with whatever they are going through with Jewish ethics, but I also understand we live in a different time,” he said. What if he had to counsel a terminally ill person contemplating aid in dying?

“I would leave it open-ended,” he said. “I would bring the Jewish value or ethic as a matter to consider, but I understand it is a very personal decision and a person must make the decision based on the wide scope of their situation.”

Rev. Emily Gage of Unity Temple adopts a similar view and points to a 1988 Unitarian Universalist Cong re gation statement af firming one’s right to die with dignity.

“I ca n’ t speak for everybo dy in our c ong re gation, but I b eli eve the locus of decision-making should be within each person,” she said. “For me, it includes making decisions on how you would die, given the parameters of their terminal illness.”

–Gregg Voss

“What can we do to support the body to heal? It’s just cancer. It may kill me, but that’s not my focus. I’ve never once identi ed as a cancer patient. It’s my own body.”

GINA ORLANDO

“I’m not going to keep on finding the next thing and doing the next thing [I will] stay as well as I can, as vital as I can, and then happy, healthy and dead.”

There’s the key word: vitality. People are skittish about death, she said, but the cel-

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will host four informational meetings on the Dr. Percy L. Julian Chicago Avenue Streetscape Project. The public is invited to attend and participate in these important discussions regarding the future of this key local infrastructure project.

Meetings will be held at the following dates, times, and locations:

Thursday,

February 6, 2025

at 7�00 PM � Whittier School

For additional information or to submit comments ahead of time, please contact Brandon Crawford at BCrawford@oak-park.us

ebration of life service “was so life-giving to me, it was the perfect medicine. It’s a unique chance to survey your life, and what do you want to share?”

That’s not to say there isn’t a lot to do, but much of it has already been done, including the financial and cremation questions. She’s also planning to take steps to determine what to do with her possessions

“I don’t like a lot of things,” Berg deadpanned

“All you have to worry about is the plants being watered,” Orlando replied.

Her final message is simple. Live life fully – every aspect and experience, even the end. Berg pointed to a song played at the celebration of life ceremony:

“Be Not Afraid.”

“You can improve and increase your health in many ways, mind, body, heart and soul,” she said. “Find ways to not be afraid of dying. Craft your end of life in a way that is meaningful and joyful and even creative for you and your family.”

email: dhaley@wjinc.com

A Conversation with the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

On a recent winter afternoon, I sat down with the board members of local industry group, the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors.

OPAAR’s mission promises it “advocates, protects, and promotes the interests of its members and the public they serve,” and in that vein, the group of local realtors discussed with me how they serve the local real estate community, changes to their profession, and what they think the future might hold for real estate in

Bellock-Treasurer, Gabe Caporale, Jonathan Zivojnovic, Bobbie Shaper Eastman-Director, Elissa PalermoImmediate Past-President, Linda Rooney-Vice President, John Law rence, Sharon Halperin-CEO

What is the OPAAR?

Sharon Halperin, Association Executive of OPAAR, said that the real estate organization is one of the oldest in the state: OPAAR celebrated 100 years in the community in 2017. As a trade organization that supports local agents, she said, OPAAR prides itself on professionalism, honor, education and collegiality.

The organization provides educational opportunities for all members, which board director Bruan Yabes said helps agents serve clients better. Whether educating about radon testing or hosting events with affiliate members such as lenders and attorneys, OPAAR organizes ways to help agents, new and experienced, keep apprised on real estaterelated issues.

“Because this area is so unique, we have unique opportunities for education,” said board member Monica Dalton. “Our property taxes here are unique. We will have [township Assessor] Ali ElSaf far in to address our group on tax issues. With our historic housing stock, inspections can be very different here, so we can address this within our group.”

The group also works to foster relationships among

members. Even though the area is home to many different brokerages, fostering a culture of community is a key component of OPAAR.

OPAAR members host broker tours each Tuesday at their active listings. Board member Deborah Wess called the tours, “a huge part of our culture.

“We get to know each other at brokers tours,” she added. “It helps the agents to know each other.”

The bene ts of local

Board president Cynthia Howe Gajewski said that while the relationships built by OPAAR are beneficial to agents and clients, “we are not granting any favors. We re present our clients in the best way possible.”

She added that agents who are on the ground in the community know about issues that interest local buyers and sellers. For example, it pays to have an agent who is wellversed in local historic districts, because there are limits to remodeling work that can be done on the exterior of houses that are contributing to the districts.

“Being from here, lends itself to the idea that we’re selling the community as well,” said member Bobbi Schaper

Howe Gajewski and Linda Rooney attending Illinois Realtor meetings in Bloomington in January 2025.

Eastman. “We know about the libraries and the fire department.”

OPAAR meets with leaders from village government in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Elmwood Park to keep abreast of relevant community governance.

Board member Edwin Wald said that people who seek out this area to buy a property are drawn by the architecture and the historic housing stock, adding that the schools are huge draw, as well. The board re ports that living and working in the community allows agents to better re present their clients.

What ’s ahead in 2025

The OPAAR board ag reed that 2025 appears to be headed for more of the same when it comes to local real estate: tight inventory and high prices.

Mortgage rates in the 7% range are historically average, but they can seem high to a population that currently owns a home financed at 2% or 3%.

“For people sitting on a low mortgage rate, this is a hard mental shift to make,” Howe Gajewski said.

Dalton pointed out that a couple who is downsizing could be facing a similar over-

on a smaller property. ing older erties and the mar

buyers are now getting help from family to compete with cash buyers.

More investors are backing out of the area or holding of f making purchases because it has become expensive to homes, according to Wald. He sees this as a leftover from pandemic resource problems.

Others, like Wess, point out that the cent election may have slowed activity, “to the sense that a general sense of uncertainty maintains or increases, it’s not good the housing market.”

According to Halperin, in spite of these challenges, life events such as mar riage new jobs and children still push people to move, and board member Vanessa Rankins said that she sees people grow ing more accepting of mortg age rates in the 6% to 7% rang e.

“Marry the house, date the rate,” Schaper Eastman said.

All of the agents point toward an increased reliance of locals on the Priv Listing Network, which allows sellers to shop their houses without for mally listing on the Multiple Listing Service.

Board member Elissa Palermo said that at the time of the meeting, Oak Park had 17 single family homes on the PLN and 18 on the MLS. In River Forest, there were seven

Agents say the PLN has the advantage of having fewer requirements for listings. When less information is advertised about the home for sale, sellers have to do less work to make sure everything is perfect. In addition, homes on the PLN don’t accumulate market time, a stat that can hurt homes that are perceived to be sitting on the market when they are publicly listed on the MLS.

“Sometimes, less is more,” board member Chris Curran said. “Buyers feel they got lucky by getting a house before it gets to market, and sellers feel it ’s easier to sell without all the hassles.”

Curran also pointed out that use of the PLN might be contributing to rising prices. Off-market sales might g enerate increased prices of 5% to 10% because buyers will pay more to g et a house before it is listed publicly, and appraisals aren’t needed for cash of fers.

“This drives prices up,” Curran said.

locally. All buyers now sign a contract outlining the fees paid to both seller and buyer agents, which the agents say makes the entire issue of pay transparent. In general, the agents say that buyers are asking sellers to pay the entire fee and are writing that into their contracts

Homebuying seminar

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, OPAAR will be hosting a first-time homebuying seminar at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. in the Veterans Room.

Free to the public, “Easing Into Homeownership” will feature local experts who will help demystify the home buying process. Attendees will learn about financing approaches, as well as down-payment assistance and other assistance programs. A Q&A with the experts will follow the presentation.

Questions? Contact info@oakparkrealtors.org

up to 38, member Linda Rooney said.

event. Le to right, front row : Sharon Halperin, Elissa Palermo, Catherine Simon Vobornik, Al Rossell, Rep. Danny Dav is, Cathy Krieger, Gabe Caporale, Jan Raspatello. Back row : Ed Bellock, Deborah Wess.

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February 14th

Celebrate this romantic holiday at Hemmingway’s Bistro

Valentine Weekend Dinner

Valentine Brunch

Friday & Saturday, February 14 & 15

Sunday, February 16, 11am - 3pm

*O ering ree-Course Pre x Menu, complimentary Champagne - $85

1st Course: Maine Lobster bisque or Baby Arugula salad

2nd Course: Salmon A La “Princess”, asparagus, hollandaise , caviar garnish or Beef Wellington, green bean almondine, au gratin, red wine sauce

3rd Course: Heart-shaped Chocolate Tart, toasted pistachios, rasberry coulis

Come out for the best brunch in town! Featuring live Jazz and complimentary Champagne

*Pre x and Regular Dinner Menus available, Reservations recommended Hemmingway’s Bistro • 211 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 • 708-524-0806

Valentine’s Market

at the Oak Park Conservatory

Give your Valentine a gift that Blooms!

Shop for blooming gifts from our greenhouse for your valentine or treat yourself! Order online February 1-10 or visit the Conservatory February 13 and 14 to shop in person (10:00A-4:00P).

Visit oakparkconservatory.org/valentines-market February 1-14

Locally grown and full of love, choose from blooming plants and flowers such as succulents, tropical houseplants, fresh-cut bouquets & more.

Join Oak Park Regional Housing Center and help us Thrive in 2025 as we continue to help individuals & households achieve housing stability, achieve housing equity and generate wealth through homeownership.

I walked into oak park regional housing center seeking housing assistance and they helped my son find employment! They are a great asset to the community!

- B.K., OPRHC client

For more information: Visit us at 1041 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Il 60302

• 708-848-7150

• info@oprhc.org

• oprhc.org/donate

Have a Heart!

Missing Manning

Needed: awareness, action, resilience

We’re in a “blame the victim” situation. DEI programs are not the problem. Old people are not the problem. DEI programs are a response to inequity, injustice and prejudice. The President blamed the recent, horrific DC plane crash on DEI programs!

VIEWPOINTS

OAgeism is unconscious bias. It is baked into our social conditioning, so people don’t even realize when we are reinforcing inequality. Most of us, at some level, believe that old is bad and young is good. Most of us, at some point, act on that belief — from trying to stave off wrinkles, to buying offensive super market birthday cards, to not hiring the best person available because they are too old. Ignorance is what allows unconscious bias to persist.

Ageism runs through public policies as well. gardless of political affiliation, old people are facing significant challenges due to recent policy hanges and funding cutbacks. The recent threatened freeze on federal grants and loans would ve disproportionately affected old people

Proposed cuts to programs such as Medicaid and Housing Choice Vouchers have put many old eople at risk of losing vital support, including housing assistance and health-care services.

Caregivers for old people, transportation for old eople, nutrition for old people — the list goes on.

Ageist policy decisions are directly impacting the well-being of our oldest and youngest Americans. It’s crucial for all of us to stay infor med and advocate for policies that protect and support our changing population.

Given our ongoing rapid demographic shifts, continuing with the same policies and approaches from the past 50 years is insufficient. Our current challenge is to preserve what we have, and our long-term task is to develop systems that are more sustainable, equitable and responsive to our exploding older population.

When people feel threatened, we can act out of fear. When power structures feel threatened, those in control often escalate tactics, whether through suppression, propaganda or outright violence.

Fascism, in particular, thrives on reinforcing hierarchies and silencing dissent, often under the guise of “maintaining order” or “protecting tradition” or “the good ol’ days.” It’s not just about unconscious bias at that point — it becomes a conscious, deliberate effort to uphold and promote inequality, to “other” large swaths of our population. The unfolding widespread purges at the FBI will further enable this.

Facing the current threat to all our old people, we need to stay infor med, create honest relationships and build community . This will help us to create strong networks of support, networks to help create policies that nurture and protect all of our people, no matter what their age. We need to help break through propaganda and misinformation, which will make it harder for those in power to continue to operate without accountability. And we need to ensure that we can protect ourselves and our communities from the consequences of policies that harm the old and the young We need a balance of awareness, action and resilience.

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

ree questions before choosing candidates

ne question I always get around this time of year is, how should we choose who serves our community? Candidate views on particular issues can be illuminating, but COVID and the migrant crisis (among other things) have made clear that we cannot predict every issue that will face our community over the next four years.

Given that, voters should evaluate the candidates on three key questions:

What are their values?

How do they make decisions?

Will they work collaboratively?

We do not know wh the next four years will bring, but the last two weeks demonstrate that the Trump administration is bent on doing harm to the most vulnerable among us, including immigrants and trans youth. Identifying the values that drive a candidate’s decisions is a key first step in knowing whether they are capable of rising to meet the challenges that we will face over the next four years.

we are maximizing the impact of every dollar we spend. President Joe Biden was cor rect when he said, “Show me your budget and I’ll tell you what you value.”

Moreover, understanding a candidate’s values will help you understand which issues they will champion in office. An issue can have unanimous support on the board but fail to advance if it lacks a champion. Focusing on values rather than issue support will help to identify candidates who will champion those issues.

The decision-making process of candidates is difficult to evaluate. Examine their responses in for ums and questionnaires with an eye toward what sources they rely on, how critically they review data and policy research, their ability to understand the downstream impacts of policy decisions, and their ability to read and understand the complexities of gover nment budgets.

This approach to decision-making that embraces, rather than shuns, the complexities of local policy choices is beautifully captured in the recent One View by Nicole Chavas [Progress and preservation can co-exist, Viewpoints, Jan. 22] discussing how we must approach historical preservation in a manner “that honors our past without limiting our collective future.”

One of those downstream impacts is the budget. Our resources are finite and we must make sure

We need candidates who will read and understand the policy research and do the heartwrenching work of wrestling with values that are often in tension.

Even if a candidate shares your values and makes good decisions, they will fail to get results if they cannot work collaboratively with their colleagues

The best piece of advice I got from Village President Vicki Scaman when I ran for village trustee is, “The job of a trustee is to count to four.” On the village board, it takes four votes to advance (or defeat) almost anything on the agenda. A sole voice condemning the rest of the village board accomplishes very little if they cannot build consensus. And before counting to four, a trustee must count to two. The agenda itself is a collaborative ef fort. Any two trustees can place an item on the agenda for consideration by the whole board. Voters must take into account the ability of candidates to work collaboratively. Identify candidates who will: champion the issues they care about; find a collea gue willing to work with them to get it on the agenda; and invest the time in advocating for their priorities with the colleagues to actually accomplish their goals.

OUR VIEWS

Two good Oak Park stories

Here are two stories that tell you a lot about Oak Park at its most generous and open-hearted. Take them as an antidote to the mire of the moment in this nation.

There has been a small and independent pharmacy on Roosevelt Road at Lombard for some 60 years. Se greti’s There was, we suppose, a Mr. Se greti, but for most of the years on that corner there has been Kenneth Bertini. He started to work there when he was 15 years old, worked through high school and college, got his pharmacist license and continued to work there. Finally in 1985, Bertini bought the corner pharmacy and has operated it since.

Along the way, he says, he had to transform the business side of his operation multiple times. One very interesting reinvention was beginning to compound meds for pets. He works with many local vets and pet owners. That gradually grew into 40 percent of his business.

Now 77 and with the building on Roosevelt re por tedly sold, Bertini chose to close shop but wanted to find a place for his employees and his pet med business. He connected with Jalal Mataria, now a co-owner of the quite wonderful Sears Pharmacy on Madison Street. They’ve known each other for years. The two worked out a plan that has Segreti’s staf f joining Sears and Bertini training Sears pharmacists on how to mix meds for dogs and cats.

Creative solutions that look out for people – employees and customers and, yes, their pets – are hard to find. Here’s to Bertini and Mataria for forging an alliance out of a friendship that keeps independent local pharmacy alive in Oak Park.

And a hat tip to the Sun-Times which told this story first.

***

Ten days ago, we were among the hundreds who tur ned out at Ascension Church for a Celebration of Life service for Gina Orlando. A good sentiment to celebrate a life rather than simply mourn a death. But the twist here was noted on the cover of the extensive program celebrating Gina.

“I’m still alive!”

And alive she is, not planning her funeral but rather a gathering of her friends from her many spheres of a well-lived life. Ms. Orlando, a Journal columnist on wellness many years ago, had things she wanted to say about having Stage IV cancer for three years, but mainly she wanted to talk about her coming death and how she plans to get to that death with vitality.

Her motto, suggested by a doctor, is “Happy, healthy, dead.”

We are people who are all going to die. Even Oak Parkers. And we don’t talk about it and clearly we don’ t like to think about it. Gina Orlando has thought about it and now she has talked about it.

“Find ways to not be afraid of dying. Craft your life in a way that is meaningful and joyful and even creative for you and your family,” she told our Gregg Voss.

Words to live and die by

He state of the art of state names

ere’s an oddity: No doubt you’ve noticed that some of our states bear Native American names. But have you ever counted how many? Illinoisans, of course, know we’re surrounded by such states: Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and, of course, our own Illinois (a Frenchification of a Native American tribe, the Illini).

We’re so used to it, we take it for granted. But keep going: Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming

KEN TRAINOR

Twenty-eight out of 50. More than half! Add the six states with Spanish names, California, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon (a little less definitively), and the tally is 34. For good measure, throw in the French-derived states, Louisiana, Maine (also less definitive), and Ver mont, plus one from the Dutch, Rhode Island (anglicized from Roode Eylandt, referring to the red clay near the shore, which resolves the mystery of why a state that isn’t an island should be named “Island”).

That brings the total to 38 out of 50 states bearing non-Anglo names (the remaining 12 are Washington, Virginia, West Virginia (Kanawha, the lovely name of a principal river, regrettably, didn’t make the cut), North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Georgia, New York (changed from New Netherland when the English took over), Pennsylvania (William Penn wanted it named just “Sylvania” for the forests), and Delaware (which sounds Native American, and there is a Delaware tribe, but the state was named after Lord De La Warr, the first gover nor of Virginia, go figure).

One would expect, in a country culturally “descended” from the British, that the majority of states would bear Anglo names. No, they are but a small minority. And one would definitely not expect — given the long-established pattern of disregard, disrespect and outright cultural contempt and hostility, bordering on genocide, demonstrated by the Anglo and European majority toward Native and Central and South Americans — that the vast majority of the states would bear Native American and Hispanic names.

Odd doesn’t begin to cover it. And even though many of the states simply adopted the Native American or Spanish names of the principal rivers in those states, I would fully expect that said states, after ethnically cleansing themselves of native influence, would then change the state name to something more European. Maybe they just couldn’t be bothered. Still, you might think that, after expelling said tribes, the glaring reminder of a Native-American state name might induce some measure of historical guilt. A

haunting of conscience perhaps. But maybe they just couldn’t be bothered about that, either.

In the best of all possible explanations, retaining such names might be seen as historically honorific, but that d oesn’t jibe with the majority’s actual b ehavior (i.e. misbehavior) directed toward Native American and Hispani c p eoples.

And it doesn’t be gin to explain our longstanding fetish for Native American mascot names for our sundry spor ts teams

Here’s an extra oddity: Nor th Carolina’s original western territory (it was a long territory) broke away in the late 1700s and adopted the name Franklin, for Benjamin Franklin. But after much back and for th and congressional involvement, the new state was named “Tennessee,” a Cherokee word, even though a few decades later, they evicted the Cherokees, subjecting them to a forced march west, infamously known as “The Trail of Tears” (1830). Curious and curiouser, as Lewis Carroll said, speaking from beyond the looking glass.

Other, less infamous, curiosities about the names of states: Sir Walter Raleigh named Virginia for Queen Elizabeth I, also known as the “Virgin Queen of England.” So yes, Virginia (and West Virginia) refers to virginity.

Washingtonians wanted to name their state Columbia (after the river), but the District of Columbia already existed. So they chose Washington to honor the Father of our Country and to avoid redundancy. Then the District of Columbia became known as Washington D.C. Sometimes you just can’t win.

Massachusetts was the first state to choose a Native American name, followed by Connecticut, making them the two most difficult state names to spell — except for Mississippi.

The oddest oddity of all, of course, is the name of our country itself. Most of us learned the peculiar historical footnote that our beloved, idealized-butnever-realized “America” was named for an Italian explorer/navigator named Amerigo Vespucci. The world’s greatest act of egomania or the greatest practical joke of all time? And why his first name? I suppose we should be grateful we didn’t end up being named the United States of Amerigo — or the United States of Vespucci

As you ponder all of this, I’ll leave you with Russian comedian Yakov Smir noff’s signature signoff: What a country!

Details for this column were gleaned from the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Public Affairs (www.bia.gov/as-ia/online-press-release/ origin-names-us-states). And the Wikipedia entry on Amerigo Vespucci is a real hoot.

Next time …

Kudos to Jonathan Panton for expressing his political views on Donald Trump’s second inauguration. It took courage to publicly voice his optimism about the next four years. And while I’m certain that his thoughts are shared by neither a majority of Wednesday Jour nal readers nor Oak Park residents, those views are exactly the opinions that Democrats will need to seek out if they are to reclaim the White House, as I believe will happen in 2029.

Simply stated, Democrats need to listen carefully to people who voted for Mr. Trump this time around, and not simply label and dismiss them as racists, misogynists, illinformed, etc. The ef fort requires seeking out people with whom you disagree, really listening with an open mind to their perspectives without criticism or judgment, and figuring out how to practically address their concerns — however distasteful you may find that exercise. Democrats will not regain power without engaging with independent voters and honestly addressing their issues. Hearts and minds cannot be swayed without listening and understanding.

A dose of reality will also help. Democrats did not lose the election because of bigots Barack Obama would not be elected president twice in a nation predominated by bigots Democrats lost the election because they didn’t speak to the issues of concern to independent voters, those voters (like me) who are neither avowed Republicans nor Democrats, and who are open to voting for either party’s candidate if the candidate’s message resonates to their concerns

Fortunately, there are many people who have shared their thoughts on what went wrong for Democrats this time around. People like Sen. John Fetter man (D - Pennsylvania), commentator Stephen A. Smith, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, late-night host Bill Maher, and teacher Tera Johnson-Swartz have all effectively discussed what tur ned off independent voters about Kamala Harris and the Democrats. There’s not a Trump fan in that group. Seek them out. Listen to them. Consider their perspectives on what attracted independent voters to Mr. Trump, issues like immigration, the economy, and policing. Then, plot a course to more clearly address those issues head-on. See you in four years.

Tom Healey

19-year Oak Park resident

Proud independent voter for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama (x2), Joe Biden (and ne ver, ev er Donald Trump)

Schools, taxes, and your upcoming vote

The arrival in the mail of the First Installment due for the annual Cook County Property Tax seems as good an opportunity as any to assess strategic priorities for Oak Park now and going forward.

CHRISTOPHER DAMON

One View

Let us all for the moment put ourselves in the shoes of someone who bought a home in Oak Park, 10, 20, 30, maybe even 40 years ago. Over that time, many of these homeowners invested in major rehabilitation effor ts spending tens of thousands of dollars improving kitchens and bathrooms, making living spaces out of attics and basements, and upgrading electrical and HVAC systems. Their home values increased as a result not only of the physical improvements but as part of an upward market trend and positive aspects of Oak Park relative to other communities. By now, for many Oak Park homeowners, the equity in their home represents a major portion of their financial assets.

It is in the interest of these homeowners to ensure that the market value of their home does not decline and with any luck will increase. These longstanding homeowners and believers in Oak Park are not delighted that property taxes are as high as they are, but some of us understand that it is the price to be paid for a community that has a great school system and an excellent police and fire force. And over the years this very walkable village has become a place in which many of us want to live.

I happen to fall into the category of one “who bought a home in Oak Park, 10, 20, 30, maybe even 40 years ago” and “over that time … invested in major rehabilitation efforts.” I am going to take an educated guess that I am not the only resident in Oak Park falling into this category.

I believe that all policy decisions made by the two school boards in Oak Park and the village board should consider the following two questions, among others of

Pro le read like a hit piece

I have serious concerns with Wednesday Journal’s initial candidate profile for the upcoming District 200 School Board. From its title, “Mellman, Gertz alliance take aim at OPRF,” the profile reads like a hit piece. It repeatedly uses high school staff quotes to refute arguments by these candidates, without independent evaluation. More seriously, it makes these quotes appear to be a school staff rebuttal to candidates for the school board. Such inappropriate involvement in a school board election would be a serious matter. If that was not the context for these quotes, which I hope it was not, this article placed OPRF and its staff in a compromised position.

In addition, the profile cites a complaint by “D200 Neighbors for a Fair School Board” against Mr. Mellman and Mr. Gertz, accusing them of a conflict of interest because they signed onto a formal complaint against OPRF for insuf ficient efforts to protect Jewish students from antisemitism and a hostile environment. Full disclosure; I also signed onto this well-documented complaint and looked forward to investigation of its allegations by the state

course, when deciding upon any proposal:

1. Is the announcement or consequent result of this decision likely to increase, or decrease, the public perception of the quality of Oak Park schools?

2. Is the announcement or consequent result of this decision likely to increase, or decrease, the public perception of public safety in Oak Park?

Why do I suggest this? Because the two basic things that anyone considering buying a home in Oak Park will wonder about are schools and crime. Anything else is far down the list.

I ask my fellow Oak Parkers, especially longtime homeowners like me, to consider the kinds of decisions that our two school boards and village board have made; assess the de gree to which these decisions may have impacted, or will impact, public perceptions of school quality and public safety; and then base your April 1 voting on the results of your considerations and analysis.

Christopher Damon Oak Park resident since 1987 Oak Park Library Trustee (1993-1997)

Ravi

school board and the high school, neither of which has occurred to my knowledge

The argument that signing such a complaint is disqualifying was rejected by the Cook County Electoral Board. The notion that an activist is disqualified for running in a school board election because of critiques of the school and its board, even if such critiques could impose financial costs on the school, is absurd and would not be tolerated or given credence regarding any other religious, ethnic, racial, gender-related or political identify

Activists routinely take issue with school policies and seek to change them via election to the board. We have seen such laudable activism in Oak Park over the years. The article also ignores the fact that the “D200 Neighbors for a Fair School Board” is organized and led by individuals with a longstanding anti-Israel perspective (https://medium.com/@d200fair). Nor does it mention that a write-in candidate is running specifically to counter the candidacies of Mellman and Gertz.

Mark Segal Oak Park

Parakkat for village president

I am voting for Ravi Parakkat for village president because I want someone who looks ahead to consequences of actions. Poor planning leads to defending (sometimes apologizing) and later modifying actions. This is time consuming and costly. We citizens have spent hours writing about, complaining about, and somehow dealing with the revised leaf collection. This was costly to residents and saved Oak Park not a dime. Another example is the poorly conducted Percy Julian home assist of $1 million. This is contrary to our statutes and is currently being reviewed for le gality.

Ravi worked in business and understands vetting plans before they are implemented, not after.

Shelly Uslenghi Oak Park

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

We will miss George Manning

I’ve just read with gr passing of George E. Manning II, a longtime resident of Austin and a most interesting man. I am, among other things Chicago Architecture Center tin” is one of the tours I conduct. George’s Queen Anne home is the second of Schock’s designs we view and discuss. On each tour we have one or two homeowners who come out to speak about their homes, giving us insight into both the history of a home and of the travails of ownership of, in many cases, landmarked Chicago buildings one of our re gulars. Li engaging, full of stories and a font of One day all of the docents who do this tour walking the route ahead of a new tour season. We got to George’s house, and he spotted us as we stopped. He invited us in, something we as docents could do, but not something we can indulge in with a for mal tour’s guests. We were there for over an hour as George regaled us with his personal history and showed us the collections of

GEORGE MANNING

furniture and objects he had in each of the 18 rooms of his home. A highlight was the topfloor ballroom, with its multiple pianos, where ly held concer ts and soirees. George’s home is next door to architect Frederick Schock’s own home on Midway Park. It was completed in 1891 for Frederic Beeson, ustin homes Schock designed for Beeson, the president of a veneer company. s design for his own home is a large potpourri of Queen Anne elements and a reable tour de force. Beeson House #2, the Manning house, is a toned-down Queen Anne, wn right. When George acquired it, the home was in terrible shape. He worked for a very long

We Historic Austin docents will very much miss George. It will be a bit strange to stop at his home on a tour and not have him come out to greet us. May he rest in peace.

Ed McDevitt River Forest

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.

We reser ve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than super cial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as speci c as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful.

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Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com. For the latter, we prefer attached Word les or plain tex t included in the email.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■ 350-word limit

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

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Morning? Wake up!

Response to Jonathan Panton [It’s Morning Again in America, Viewpoints, Jan. 29]:

While I’m guessing Mr. Panton considers himself an infor med and intelligent consumer of news, his opinion perplexes me. What am I missing here? Apparently the American people, by a very small majority decided to reinstall a documented liar and convicted felon, not to mention wanna-be dictator, to the highest office in the land

Does Panton know that over 30,570* documented false or misleading claims were made by Trump in his first ter m and he has started out the second with his usual disregard for actual facts, so how can we trust anything he says?

As far as law and order goes, how does Panton justify the release of violent offenders who were responsible for the deaths of three Capitol policemen and the injuries of many more that were protecting our seat of government on Jan. 6, 2021? It is appalling that Trump calls these criminals hostages.

And it is a disservice to President Reagan to mention him and Trump in the same sentence. Re gardless of my political differences with Reagan, he had class and humanity. Compare his response to the Challenger disaster and Trumps response to the recent horrific crash on the Potomac and the differences are clear.

As far as being saved by God, how do you explain six failed assassination attempts on Adolf Hitler? He survived and look what happened. And now Trump is set to run the country with the most unqualified cabinet ever installed in office, many poached from the Fox news couch.

I ag ree it is a new day in America. It was not the peaceful transition of power, but the peaceful transition of our democracy into an autocracy, complete with the oligarchs standing by ready to kiss the ring.

And finally, as a Christian myself, Trump is the antithesis of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus taught love, not hate; mercy, not retribution; serving others, not oneself; everything Trump is not. He couldn’t even put his hand on the Bible as he was being sworn in. It may be “Morning in America” but we won’t be eating eggs anytime soon.

*The Washington Post

Walking for the hostages

As one of the leaders of the local Run For Their Lives group, which walks every week in support of the hostages held by Hamas, I need to address a serious error in Wednesday Journal’s recent coverage. The article [A year later, group vows to keep walking until Israeli hostages are released, News, Jan. 29] suggested that we have been walking for a “ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas. That is simply untrue. While I cannot speak on behalf of all our participants, most of us have been skeptical of the so-called ceasefire agreement, which appears to reward Hamas for its crimes and incentivize the future

taking of more hostages.

We have, of course, welcomed the successful release of Israelis, Americans, Thais, and others from Hamas captivity, but we are deeply pained by the price being paid for their freedom. Hamas is an Islamist terror organization which ran Gaza as a police state. Being willing to tolerate a ceasefire with evil as the cost of freeing innocent captives does not imply that we were ever marching in favor of one.

Je rey Bergman Ri verside/Oak Park

Editor’s note: Wednesday Journal re grets the erro r.

Scaman’s consistent leadership

Friends and Neighbors,

We’re getting closer to the village elections on April 1. Having a thoughtful leader who takes into consideration all of the members of the community and the village in the present and the future is more important than ever. Vicki Scaman has demonstrated that kind of leadership consistently during her tenure. Specifically, we want to highlight the issue of our leaf collection process Her vote against the leaf bag initiative stemmed from a genuine concer n for all of the residents but especially the older adults and those with mobility issues. She recognized the need for putting a hold on the initiative until there was more discussion and understanding.

Vicki consistently shows her dedication to hearing from all of the voices in

Oak Park and she pays attention to the input. Her approach as a leader is to prioritize transparency, communication and collaboration.

As we think about the future of our village, we need someone who listens, understands, and acts in our best interest. She has proven herself to be that person. We chose to move to Oak Park nearly 50 years ago. We’ve raised our children and we enjoy watching our grandchildren being raised here. We are voting for Vicki to support her vision for Oak Park and ensure that our community remains vibrant, safe, and responsive to the needs of all of the residents.

Vote for Vicki Scaman on April 1 to protect the values we cherish in our community.

Nora and Tony Abboreno, Oak Park

anking the responders

anks from Holiday Food & Gi Basket

Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Cong re gations, has concluded our 2024 season and I want to thank the hundreds of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who gave of themselves to make it a success.

This year, 785 families totaling 2,187 individuals were refe rred to us by schools, township offices, and social service agencies in Oak Park and River Forest. Every referred family rece ived a gift card to Jewel-Osco the week before Thanksgiving in an amount varying from $35-$80 depending on family size. In addition, every family was matched with a community sponsor who purchased holiday gifts of f a provided wish list.

I want to extend a special thank-you to two cong re gations who are essential to our operations. First United Church of Oak Park donates office space throughout the year and United Lutheran Church hosts gift drop-off week in December, allowing use of their sanctuary and other spaces throughout the building.

Since the 1970s, Holiday Food and Gift Basket has been spreading joy and helping our neighbors in need. Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you. As one recipient said, “The holidays can be difficult. Thank you for brightening my days!” If you’d like more information about our ongoing fundraising ef for ts or are interested in being involved as a sponsor or volunteer, please visit our website at www communityofcong re gations.org/holidayfood-gift-basket.

Kelly Pollock Director, Holiday Food and Gift Basket

Mary Vostal Oak Park

Jeffrey, Michael, and, I want to thank the Oak Park paramedics, firemen, and police officers who came to our home in Oak Park on Dec. 22 and tried to save Leslie Tischauser’s life. We don’t know your names, but we do know that you came quickly and did your best. In the last year of his life, particularly in the last six months, I called many times. Leslie always apologized for bothering them. Whoever responded would then say, “Hey, that’s our job. Don’t worry. Call us any time. We’ll be here.”

We would also like to thank David

Heims and the parishioners of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for helping my sons and me during this sad time in our lives.

And to the neighbors and small businesses who have been kind to me, I appreciate you.

Oak Park is a special place with wonderful people. Leslie would be saying in this scary time in our country, “Don’t give up. Remember Martin Luther King Jr. and his struggles and achievements.”

Connie Tischauser Oak Park

A woke sanctuary?

Now is the time for progressive communities to assert their values proudly and loudly I propose that Oak Park declare itself a Woke Sanctuary Community. Our new motto can be “Where DEI will never DIE.”

Bob Stigger Oak Park

Tra c study needed at Field Center

Dear Park District of Oak Park,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the construction of the new Field Center on Berkshire Avenue. I request that you pause the project until a thorough and transparent traffic study is completed. Building a large structure in an already congested elementary school area will worsen traffic, increase accidents, and heighten the risk of injury and death for pedestrians and drivers.

My husband was tragically struck by a car last year on Berkshire Avenue, just one block from the proposed site. As a pedestrian, he suffered life-threatening brain injuries, endured months of hospitalization, and lived without half of his skull for a significant period. If he had been a child, he would not have survived. His experience is a devastating reminder that pedestrian safety in this area is already a serious and urgent issue

The safety of children must be the top priority. While the park district identifies cut-through traffic at Harlem and North as a concern, the most serious danger lies in school pick-up and drop-off, as well as

before- and after-school activities. With large numbers of children being dropped off, speeding drivers frequently ignore stop signs and pedestrian crossings, putting young pedestrians at significant risk. The heavy traffic congestion during mor ning and afternoon hours further exacerbates this danger, as parents, adults, and teenagers navigate Berkshire Avenue on their way to work or school. Ensuring the safety of children in this environment is paramount.

Furthermore, Mann School is one of the only elementary schools in the district that does not provide bus services because all students live within walking distance. This means that young children, some as young as 5 or 6, are required to walk to and from school daily. Without proper safety measures and a thorough evaluation of traffic patterns, how can the park district ensure their safety? Pedestrians, especially children, are already vulnerable, and adding more traffic without proper planning could lead to further tragedies.

Blair Botti

Oak Park

Support Williams-Lee for D200

Audrey Williams-Lee, District 200 school board candidate, is on a mission. The assignment: make sure every OPRF High School student receives the highest-quality and supportive educational experience the school and our communities can offer. This includes supporting the overall well-being of students, teachers, and staff. Audrey has imagined what we as a community could accomplish and more specifically what students can accomplish when they all have a strong academic foundation and the confidence needed to go out into our community and others to contribute. She imagined it and then she got to work.

As an Oak Park resident who has worked with Audrey in the past on D200 issues, I know firsthand she is values-driven. She has the experience, knowledge, stamina, and commitment required to fully engage and make significant contributions Community members, we are in a moment

where positive, inclusive, strategic, dynamic, and courageous leadership is not only what we need, but also what we deserve. We’ve all worked too hard and care too much to go into our silos and have a narrow focus. The students in D200 are all our children, and we have the opportunity to do the best we can for each of them. Audrey’s been working for years on behalf of our children and will continue to do so

Look, I could go on and on about my friend, my neighbor, my collaborator and advocate for our children. If you know Audrey, you know what I’m saying is true If you don’t know Audrey, you can learn more about the work she’s doing to advocate for the students and families of D200 at her website, audreyford200.com.

It’s an honor to support Audrey and more importantly to support the community.

Bridgett Allen Hedgeman Oak Park

safety enforcement rst

While I applaud Vision Zero [village traffic safety plan], it seems to me that the fifth strategy, “increase targeted traffic safety enforcement efforts,” should be the

HYBRID WEEKLY CLASSES BEGIN ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15

Meditation for Everyone

TIMELESS TEACHINGS WITH MODERN INSIGHTS

46 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60302

2024-2025

Jay Friedman, music director

SUNDAY, February 16, 2025 @ 4PM

ESPECTACULAR ESPAÑOL

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHAPEL – RIVER FOREST

CHUECA El Bateo (Preludio)

STAMITZ

Viola Concerto in D Major, Op. 1, mov’t 1 Neena Agrawal, soloist 2025 Concerto Competition Winner

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV

Capriccio Espagnol

FALLA

The Three-Cornered Hat, Suites 1 & 2

Pre-concert Conversation with David Leehey at 3PM. Free reception following the concert.

Free parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place (one block west of Harlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets) in River Forest. Chapel just west of garage exit.

Tickets are $30 online through 2/15/2025; $35 on concert day. Students through college attend for free.

first strategy. That strateg y can be implemented now with minimal cost.

Paul Knight Oak Park

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit SymphonyOPRF.org

Questions: Email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail or call/text (708) 218-2648.

Ignacio del Rey guest conductor

Neena Agrawal soloist

Kenneth Bell, 93 Scout leader

Kenneth Bell, 93, of River Forest, died peacefully on Jan. 18, 2025. Bor n on July 18, 1931, in Chicago, he was raised on the Southwest Side of Chicago and was a longtime member of Salem Baptist Church. On Aug. 26, 1956 he married his ner, Mary Bell. For ov for Kraft General Foods, served in the Ar my in Korea from 1953 to 1955, was a Boy Scout leader for many years, enjoyed spreading the good news of the Bible, shooting pool, remodeling houses, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

area parishes of Faith, Hope and Charity and St. Gregory the Great.

Known for his insightful reflections on the teachings of Christ, he consoled those experiencing loss, brought joy to marriage ceremonies, and lifted up the powerless and oppressed with his Sunday homilies. He honored those who died before him with eloquent comments on faith and life. In so doing, he helped many reflect on how Jesus might have lived in today’s world.

He retired in 2020 and moved to Oak Park to be near his f amily. Although he considered himself an introvert, he embraced every opportunity to share his appreciation of fiction, art, history and music. He loved exploring Oak Park, enjoyed virtual book club meetings, and stayed in touch with his many friends.

then decided to pursue his doctorate in Mathematics, with a focus on Analysis at University of Illinois Chicago Circle (UIC), so the family moved to Chicago in 1970, and eventually to Oak Park in 1977.

He obtained his PhD in Mathematics in 1976, and a master’s de gree in Computer Science in 1980, both from UIC, and taught math at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee from 1976 to 1979, then math and computer science at Roosevelt University Chicago & Schaumburg from 1980 until retiring in 2010.

His hobbies included reading books: the history of the west, Scandinavian sagas, science fiction, and mysteries, listening to old-time radio shows, and learning different languages.

D’Esposito, and the late Mary Fran (Bill) Aunchman; uncle of Danielle (Mike) Delzotti, Pete (Michelle Olson) Senechalle, Tim (Stacy) Senechalle, Julie (Joe) Downey, Ann C. D’Esposito, Andrew D’Esposito, and Aimee (Brian) Tortolano; and many great-nieces and -nephews. He and his family are appreciative of the tender care that Kai and Nora provided the last two years.

Services were held on Feb. 1 at St. Giles Church, with private interment at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Giles Parish, attn: Migrant Ministry; Special Gifts Theatre; or the organization of your choice.

Ken is survived by his sons, Kenneth and Bradley; his daughter-in-law, Mary (nee Nienas); his grandchildren, Kristin, Katelyn (Katie), and Christopher (Chris); and his sister, Gloria (Bell) Upp. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Mary D. Bell, and his parents, Lance and Mildred (Anderson) Bell.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 2. Arrangements are being managed by Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Forest Park.

Donations in memory of Ken can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Brian Fischer, 71

Catholic priest

Brian Joseph Fischer, 71, die peacefully on Jan. 27, 2025 at Loyola Hospital. He gr up in Mount Prospect in St Raymond Parish, the second of seven children Jim and Adrienne Fischer. He pursued religious studies Quigley Preparatory lege and University of Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1979 and dedicated the next 40 years of his life to studying liturgy, preaching the gospel and celebrating Mass. He studied in Rome, taught at Mundelein Seminary, and served in the Chicago-

Brian is survived by his brothers, Keith (Donna), Bruce (Liz), and Jude (Anna Garrido), and his sister, Jamie (Dan Poro), as well as his Most and Fischer cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Adrienne, and his brothers, Neil and Craig (Me gan). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their spouses and children: Darcey (Joe Poulin), Katherine (Ivan Reynolds), Emma (Mike Tarantino), Lincoln (Ashley), Lily (Adrian Brown), Dylan (Katie), Zoie (Nick Prudenzano), Neil (Sophie), Clark (Allison), Lucy (Ron Wolfe), Jack, Dom and Paul. Memorial services will be private.

Jimmie Johnson, 83 Taught math, computer science

Jimmie Lee Johnson, 83, of Oak Park, died in the early morning on Jan. 19, 2025. Bor n on April 12, 1941 in Hobart, Oklahoma, he attended high school in Los Alamos, New Mexico where he was a Civil Air Patrol cadet. After graduating high school in 1959, he studied at New Mexico State University, where he earned a bachelor’s de gree in 1963 and a master’s de gree in 1966. He met Nancy while at New Mexico State and they married in June 1965. T hey had their first and only child, David R. Johnson in April 1967.

Jimmie is survived by wife, Nancy Johnson; his son, David R. Johnson (Charles Craig). He was predeceased by his father, James L. Johnson, and his mother, Emily Johnson, both of Agra, Oklahoma. Remembrance has been scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park, IL 60304

Craig Larsen, 73

Tax partner, Great Books reader

Craig B. Larsen, 73, of Oak Park died peacefully on Jan. 27, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on July 18, 1951 to Arthur and Lois (nee Niekom) Larsen in Franklin Park, he married the love of his life, Denise “Puddy” (nee D’Esposito) on August 7, 1982 and they had 42 wonderful years together.

Craig started his career at Northern Trust Bank, where he met Puddy before spending 30 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he was a tax partner. He was extremely, but humbly, proud of the career he built over many years of hard work.

He loved traveling, photography, and trying to improve his golf game. He loved literature. Upon retirement he completed the Great Books Course at the University of Chicago and was a frequent writer and journaler.

Arrangements were handled by ConboyWestchester Funeral Home.

John McCloskey, 79

Soup kitchen volunteer, writer

John Terrance McCloskey, 79, of Oak Park, died on Jan. 30, 2025.

A proud graduate of Fenwick High School, class of 1963, he was a 20-year volunteer in the soup kitchen at St. Malachy in Chicago. He loved the White Sox and had a passion for loved spending time with his family

John was the husband of Mary, nee Houlihan; the father of William “Bill” (Jamie Bergen) McCloskey; the grandfather of Sylvie McCloskey; the brother of James (Pam), Gerald (Berni), Thomas (Mary Jo) and William (Sue); the brother-in-law of Mike (Mary) Houlihan; and the uncle of Michelle (Christian Bernal) McCloskey, Quinn, Alana, Kaylene and Dan (Shannon) McCloskey, Maggie (Andy) Bax, Molly McCloskey, Michael McCloskey, Katelyn (Mudiaga) Eruteya, William Houlihan, and Paddy Houlihan.

A memorial visitation will be held at St Giles Church, 1045 N. Columbian, Oak Park on Friday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. until the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Private inter ment.

He taught mathematics at a junior high school in Las Cruces from 1966 to 1967. The family moved north to Moorhead, Minnesota in 1967 where Jimmie taught mathematics at Concordia Colle ge until 1970,

Craig was the proud father of Tom (Madeline) and Dave (Elise); Grandpa Bop to Natalie, Nora, Luke, June, and Ben Larsen; brother of the late Alan Larsen; brotherin-law of Julian (Molly) D’Esposito, Clancy (Bob) Senechalle, Kate D’Esposito, Annie

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Housing Forward-Oak Park (www. housingforward.org) or Saint Malachy Parish, Chicago (www.stmalachy.org).

Arrangements entrusted to the Original Kuratko Family – Brian D. Kuratko, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.

Fenwick’s Paris commits to University of Illinois

Friars’ senior to play college football in Champaign

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

A lthough he had c ommitted to the A ir Fo rce Academy to pl ay c olle ge football last f all, Fenwick senior Jack Paris held of f on signing in December because he wanted to see if his dream of playing for a Big Te n C onference institution would come to fruition.

Paris’ patience was rewarded as he announced on X (formerly Twitter), Feb. 3, his commitment to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Paris, who will sign his ag reement on Feb. 5, made an official visit to the campus over the weekend, and upon conclusion, the Fighting Illini made an of fe r, and he immediately acce p ted

“ I’m really excited about it,” Paris told We d nesd ay Journal in an i nterview. “I’ve b een talking with the c oaches for a few months and they’ve b een transparent with me, wh ich made it easy to be patient. L ast week, they c alled and said they wanted me for an official visit, so I jumped on it really quick.”

Paris got to tour the campus, including the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center, a state-of-the-art facility that features large strength and conditioning areas, player development areas, locker rooms, position meeting rooms, and a lounge area among other amenities.

He also met with current Illinois players and coaches and felt plenty of good vibes from those meetings.

“I love the staf f there,” Paris said. “[Head] Coach [Bret] Bielema, [linebacker] Coach (Archie) McDaniel, they’re just really great people and they’ve been good to me in

the process.”

Bielema has led Illinois to postseason bowl of the past three seasons. Last year, the matching the school record for victories in a season – and defeated South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Ne Year’s Eve, 21-17 in a nationally televised game on ABC.

T he excitement g enerated by I Paris to ke ep his childhood hopes ali

“It’s been my dream to play in the Big it’s been my dream to play at Illinois, at dinner Saturday night, and Coach Bielema told me I had the offer. I got up, shook his hand, and told him I’m ting to him. I told him I’ve been looking Illinois that has the culture he’s built ther

Paris, who chose the Illini over Air Fo versity, and several Ivy League and M ence institutions, said Illinois reminded him of established culture.

“It was like Fenwick on a bigger coaches’ energy at the start of the visit was the same end, and they’re all players’ coaches.”

Paris is Fenwick’s second Class of play collegiately in the Big Ten Conferenc shall signed his ag reement with the Uni gan in December. Paris said Friars’ head football coach Matt Battaglia provided valuable guidance during the cruiting process

“I would go up to him and ask questions he said. “He was always there for me, ans tions. If he didn’t have an answer, he’d always is awesome. The process was so easy much trust in Coach Battaglia.”

Paris’ officially signing on Feb. 5 will take emony at the school.

OPRF’s Miller advances to girls wrestling sectional

Third place at regional

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls wrestling team went through a rebuilding process this season, with several new members filling the holes an accomplished senior group left behind.

While the results did not go as they would have liked, the Huskies can celebrate the fact that one wrestler advanced out of the

Willowbrook Re gional, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Junior Isabella Miller’s third-place finish in the 140-pound weight class qualified her for the Schaumburg Sectional, which takes place Feb. 14.

“I think Isabella did awesome,” said OPRF coach Patrick Woulfe. “Friday wasn’t too tough, but Saturday it was important for her to win the first match, which she did. She’s been hurt on and of f for the past couple of weeks, but she was able to push through.”

In the first round on Friday, Miller

pinned Laila Cuadra of St. Charles East in just 56 seconds. Then in the quarterfinals on Saturday, she defeated Suzanne Stally of Glenbard North 11-6.

After losing in the semifinals via fall to eventual champion Abigail Ji of Hoffman Estates, Miller displayed fortitude by pinning Clara Fetzer of York at 1:27 in the wrestleback to assure advancement as the top four places in each weight class qualify for the sectional. She then pinned Lake Park’s Ava Bur ns at 1:13 in the third-place match.

“When she lost to [Ji], Isabella handled

her business and wrestled Huskie-style,” Woulfe said. “That’s wrestling hard and the right way.”

OPRF narrowly missed having two more sectional qualifiers as junior Michelle Kpekpe lost in the final wrestleback at 130 pounds and senior Kemaria Freeman lost in the wrestleback semifinals at 190.

“They both wrestled awesome,” Woulfe said. “Kemaria was one match away from qualifying and that would’ve been huge for her as a senior. She’s been one of the lead-

PROVIDED BY JACK PARIS

Fenw ick’s Jack Par is celebrates a big pl ay dur ing a 2023 football game against OPRF.

Williams returns home to play for lo cal college team

Trinity alum has joined UIC after two years at Marquette

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

For some college student-athletes, there’s no place like home. That’s what Trinity High School alum Makiyah Williams learned while she spent her first two years playing college basketball at Marquette University.

Upon the completion of her sophomore season, Williams entered the NCAA transfer portal looking for an opportunity to play more regularly She found a match in a local institution: the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). And she couldn’t be happier about it.

“I just knew I wanted to go somewhere that I could actually get a lot of playing time and show my talent and skillset,” Williams told Wednesday Journal in a phone interview. “I decided to come to UIC; I thought it was a good move for me because the head coach [Ashleen Bracey] had played for the same AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team that I played for, Chicago Hoops Express. There was already a relationship between [Bracey] and I, and just being able to play in front of my family was a big part of my decision too.”

Williams. Last season in her fourth game, she poured in a career-high 28 points and grabbed seven rebound in UIC’s 87-74 victory Southeast Missouri State. next game, Williams scored 22 points as the Flames rolled past Indiana University India napolis 79-49. She finished the season averaging 12.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game

This season, Williams erages 11.3 points and 3. rebounds per game wh shooting 84.9 percent from the free-throw line. One of her best efforts came against nationally-ranked Louisiana State University, Dec. 19, at Credit Union One Arena. Although UIC fell 91-73, Williams scored 15 points and went 3-for-6 from three-point range.

secutive games, including a road sweep of Evansville and Indiana State last week, and Williams is optimistic that things are heading in the right direction.

“We’ve lost a lot of games we should’ve won,” she said, “but we’re fighting through the adversity, and that’s been our main focus. ”

Williams graduated from rinity in 2021 and apprecites her time as a Blazer.

“[Trinity] got me out of my omfort zone,” she said. “Middle school basketball isn’t as intense or good as high school basketball. In middle school, I wasn’t told to be a leader or to communicate But Trinity gave me the opportunity to be a leader and learn how important communication is.”

nance from her.

“Just a lethal scorer, someone who could score in the lane or from three,” Coleman said. “She went from a freshman who really couldn’t shoot to a senior who became a big gym rat, someone who had the will to better their game.”

Coleman also appreciates the fact that Williams has stayed close to Trinity, helping out with some of the Blazers’ summer camps. Williams also created a dance team that performed at halftime of Trinity’s MLK Showcase game with Plainfield South, Jan. 20.

“We also go to her camp,” she said. “Makiyah started one for her community and we try to support her in any way we possibly can. It’s bigger than basketball; we want the relationships with our kids to be more than the four years we spend together. Makiyah knows Trinity is home.”

“It was a fun experience,” Williams said. [LSU] has a lot of WNBA prospects and some people that were McDonald’s AllAmericans. For me, it was a big opportunity to show that I can compete with the best of the best colle ge players.”

Entering this week, UIC is 8-11 overall (5-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference). er, the Flames have won three con-

“That’s something I really harp on with all my players, past and present,” said Trinity coach Kim Coleman. “Communication is the key to life. Having the ability to communicate with your teammates, parents, and loved ones really sets you up for success in life.”

Coleman remembers the constant improvement Williams displayed in her four varsity seasons and saw moments of domi-

WRESTLING

from page 29

ers in our program this year. Michelle had some pretty good success this year and heading into next year, the sky’s the

Sofia Hinojosa (120), Anahi Banuelos (125), Kayla George (155), and Nerissa Blue (170) also competed for the Huskies, with Banuelos winning via fall in the second round and George winning a consolation match, also via fall.

s a team, we’ve gone through a lot of growing pains this year,” Woulfe said. “We have a young team, and losing Sarah Ephstein and Trinity White from last year, we felt it in both competitions and in the practice room. I think the we have took their lumps, but if they stick it out, put in the work, and come back ready to roll next year, we could have a really solid team.”

Fenwick

enwick freshman Aurelia Auteri had already made school history by being one of four students who comprised the first-ever girls wrestling team this season.

Williams is hopeful of getting a shot at playing in the WNBA, saying that playing for the Chicago Sky “in front of my family would be cool.” But for now, she’s focused on helping UIC finish the regular season strongly.

“We need to stay together and work toward our goal of competing for our conference championship,” she said. “Myself, I want to build my character and how I react during hard times.”

Auteri came close at Willowbrook to making more history by qualifying for the sectional, but she lost in the final wrestleback of the 135-pound class 10-8 to Fenton’s Lucy Rodriguez. Had Auteri prevailed, she would have finished in the top four and clinched a sectional berth.

“Unfortunately, she lost a very close match,” said Fenwick coach Seth Gamino.

Auteri pinned Allison Flores-Morales of Willowbrook at 5:22 in her Friday match. Then she notched a quarterfinal victory on Saturday when her scheduled opponent, Nora Bestor of Hoffman Estates, was scratched, but she was pinned by eventual champion Sharon Olorunfemi of Schaumburg at 1:25 in the semifinals.

Fenwick’s other three wrestlers competed, each winning a match. At 145, junior Cecilia Andino won a consolation match 2-0 over Geneva’s Katelyn Wray. At 170, junior Valerie Franco pinned OPRF’s Nerissa Blue at 3:01 of her opening match. And at 190, freshman Amirah Favela was awarded a win via a consolation round bye.

Overall, Gamino thought the debut of girls wrestling at the school went very well, and he’s optimistic that more girls will join the program next year

“It was a great learning experience for the girls, and the best part is they get to come back next year,” he said. “We’ll have proper coaching for them, and the sky’s the limit.”

MAKIYAH WILLIAMS

PHOTO BY PATRICK WOULFE

OPRF junior wrestler Isabella Miller (center) is anked by teammates Kemaria Freeman (le ) and Lyra Schaafsma (right) at the Willowbrook Regional, Feb. 1. Miller advanced to the Schaumburg Sectional with her third-place nish at 140 pounds, while Freeman is a sectional alternate in the 190-pound class.

Public Notice:

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:

2025 Street Improvement Program

This project includes the replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalk and driveway aprons, hot-mix asphalt surface removal, frame/lid adjustment, resurfacing, and other associated work.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Thursday, January 23, 2025 at: www.vrf.us/bids

Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: HMA Paving

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 29, & February 5, 2025

Illinois Classified Advertising Network EVENTS

GUN SHOW� February 7�8, 2025, Badger Military Collectible & Military Firearms Show Waukesha Expo, 1000 Northview RD. Waukesha, WI. Fri 3�8pm, Sat 9am-4pm, $10 �Under 14 FREE� Buy/ Sell, 608�752�6677, www.bobandrocco.com

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 Tuesday, February 18, 2025, for the following: 2025 Material Testing. Proposals can be sent electronically to eavgoustakis@oak-park.us

In general, the contract will require the following work: oncall material testing services for stone density testing, air/ slump/cylinder testing for concrete pavement, and QC testing for asphalt binder and surface courses. Work to be performed will follow IDOT standards and specifications.

Proposal forms may be obtained starting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Proposal forms can be found on the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid For questions, please call or email Elaine Avgoustakis, (708) 358-5726, eavgoustakis@oakpark.us.

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

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal February 5, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday, 7�30 a.m. to 4�00 p.m. local time until 2�00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2025 Tree Pit Maintenance Bid Number: 25�112

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

Published in Wednesday Journal February 5, 2025

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application from the Village of Riverside to review and consider various changes to the standards for accessory buildings and garages as set forth in the Riverside Zoning Ordinance. Application No.: PZ 25-0001

Petitioner: Village of Riverside Proposed Text Amendments: Various changes to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance relative to accessory buildings and garages. The affected chapters include, but may not be limited to, Title 10, Chapter 11 (Definitions), Title 10, Chapter 7 (Site Development Standards), and Title 10, Chapter 4 (Residential Districts). Among the changes being considered include adding definitions, revising standards for accessory buildings, revising standards for garages, and adding building coverage incentives for new detached garages. The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the matters being considered. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing.

The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Dated this 5th day of February, 2025.

Jennifer Henaghan, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission

Published in RBLandmark February 5, 2025

stories of four local bakers in Oak Park Sweet Success

From custom cakes to cookies with a story, these bakers turned their love for baking into thriving home businesses.

By RISÉ SANDERS WEIR Contributing Reporter

While creaming butter, separating eggs and adding sugar, some local home bakers discovered a surprise: some people wanted to buy their delicious creations

And so the creative adventure began for several local bakers – but only once they developed a business plan and obtain necessary gover nment approvals to run a food operation from home.

Valentine’s Day seems an appropriate time to review the journey of four such local bakers.

Oak Parker Lillian Kong started her Lit Cake Bakery as a blog where she shared her baking techniques and used her love of literature to inspire the shapes and flavors of her treats

“I was told for years I should sell what I

made,” Kong said. While she began with weekly treat boxes, she shifted to custom orders like birthday and anniversary cakes to focus on quality and efficiency.

It is an artistic outlet, according to Kong, but “I do have to make enough to pay for ingredients, insure myself I have to make sure that I cover those at least.”

terpieces for celebrations,” Watkins said. “I love talking to someone. They tell me about their event, what they’re celebrating, the theme. Then I translate all of that into this edible piece of art.”

FOLLOW THEM ONLINE:

The business side was something Maywood resident Tanesha Watkins felt prepared for. But she said that she had to grow a thicker skin to deal with customers. There was one, for example, who agreed her cakes were the best but complained they cost the most. She responded “thank you so much for the compliment. And as you mentioned that my work looks the best, the price is reflective of the work that goes into it.”

During COVID-19, she expanded her reach to out-of-town orders sent to loved ones who couldn’t visit their families

Lit Cake Bakery: Instagram @thelitcake Tee Tee’s Sweets: teeteessweets.com

Cookie Dad: tiktok.com/@russell.ja e.cookie.dad

Petal & Moon: petalmoonpastr y.com

Watkins’ be g an making cupcakes for her ne phew for his first birthday – he is now 22 – baking has been her full-time job now for a decade

“I am a cake and cookie artist. I create cen-

COVID inspired Oak Park’s “Cookie Dad” Russell Jaffe to reach for his oven mitts and to cook more. When Christmas 2020 rolled around, he wondered what to do with the rest of a carton of eggnog

“I remember being like, are there recipes that use eggnog? I found one for cookies and then one for frosting,” said Jaffe.

The taste was spot on, so he proudly posted on a dads’ social media group

“It actually was sort of like the closest thing I can think of to Fight Club. One of the dads, reached out. He was like can I get some of them? The next year, I did it again,”

Jaffe said. By 2023, it had become a tradition. And in 2024, he decided to make it official. Because he still has a day job, Jaffe limits his offerings.

“I do not like expansive menus. I like a few things done really well,” Jaffe said.

Gluten-free options are an important part of that mix for the Cookie Dad

“I have a gluten allergy, a wheat allergy When I bake gluten stuff, I put on the mask and the gloves. And if I make gluten-free things, I have a whole second mixer that never touches gluten at all. I take it seriously because I live it,” said Jaffe.

Baking a cake for a child with allergies was what ramped up Oak Parker Ashley Renée Johnson’s business, Petal & Moon. She had been a pastry chef at well-known places like Somerset, then Spiaggia

“I had just gotten one of my pastries on the menu. It was this chocolate brioche with a hazelnut frangipane and some orange cream and chocolate ganache. It got on the brunch menu in February of 2020. Then everything came crashing down,” said Johnson, referring to the pandemic.

She went home and baked sourdough bread, like so many others.

“One of my customers was like, my child has all these allergies. Can you make his birthday cake? So that was the first. I posted it on my Instagram page and then it slowly snowballed,” said Johnson.

A career in kitchens led Johnson to put emphasis on ingredients. For her the more local the better.

“It just feels special because I’m connecting with the growers and the land. All those things are super important to me because even though it’s a cake, it’s still food. And

even though it’s sweet, it’s still going to nourish,” said Johnson.

She relies on Janie’s Mill flours from Illinois, growing and drying her own flowers for decorations and gathering local fruit in the summer to preserve their flavors into winter. She even gathers grapes from her

grandfather’s Oak Park backyard

All four of these bakers put their hearts into what they create. Their craft goes beyond business. For them, it’s about feeding their community and spreading love the way only a good bite of food can.

“When you go to your grandma’ or aunt’s

house. They say, ‘Do you want something to eat?’ That’s why I love doing this,” said Tanesha Watkins

Save the date for Bite the Burbs, area’s culinary event

Seize the deals and explore local restaurants Jan. 31 to Feb. 8

By DALAL ORFALI Vibe Assistant Editor

As we wrap the holiday season and dig into the bitter cold winter, a culinary event is set to heat up the west suburbs

Bite the Burbs is coming back for its second year from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8. The event brings together more than 70 local restaurants, offering you a chance to explore diverse dining options with enticing deals

Organized by Visit Oak Park, Bite the Burbs aims to energize local dining during a typically slow time of the year

Annie Coakley, executive director of Visit Oak Park, shared the inspiration behind the event, saying: “It’s a promotion to bring people in the area who would prefer to stay home and order food in to get them to go out, and we’re enticing them with some kind of a deal.”

She added: “Restaurants have a choice of

the deal that they want to provide, which is either a free appetizer with entree purchase or a free dessert with entree purchase or 15% off the check or providing a prix-fixed meal.”

While named for Oak Park, Bite the Burbs extends to Forest Park, Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Riverside and North Riverside

Coakley emphasized the event’s regional focus, saying, “We have so many interesting restaurants – not your cookie-cutter establishments. For example, we’ve included Cuban, Venezuelan and Mexican restaurants, along with unique takes on pizza like brick-oven styles.”

The timing of Bite the Burbs is strategic It coincides with Bite Nite, a food-focused fundraiser hosted by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber on Jan. 31, creating synergy between two celebrations of local culinary art.

“We kick off the week with their event, then we have the rest of that week to get people out and explore restaurants they have tried and get a deal while they’re at it,” Coakley said.

Bite the Burbs provides an important platform for locally-owned restaurants, aiming to increase foot traffic and bolster community support

Participating restaurants were recruited through collaborations with local chambers and village economic development departments. “We are putting this promotion together. We provided them with a link to the form, and there is no cost for the restaurants to participate,” Coakley said. .

Restaurants also benefit from enhanced visibility through marketing strategies such as table tents with QR codes, posters and a user-friendly website listing all participating establishments and their deals

Feedback from last year’s event has influenced this year’s approach. “Restaurants requested more social media promotion, and we’ve increased our advertising budget,” Coakley noted. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Yummy Food Tours and Takeout 25 have helped spread the word and elevate the event’s profile.

Reflecting on Bite the Burbs’ potential, Coakley shared her enthusiasm. “Seeing the growth from 32 restaurants to over 70

in just one year shows that this benefits restaurants and that they appreciate the work we’re putting into it on their behalf,” she said.

While future plans may include extending the event’s duration or adding interactive elements like chef demonstrations, Coakley said that feedback from participants will shape the event’s evolution. She expressed gratitude for partnerships with organizations like Takeout 25 that have helped amplify the event’s reach. “They helped us spread the word to the restaurant community that this is available for them to take advantage of,” she said. .”

Bite the Burbs is not just a celebration of food; it’s a testament to the creativity of local restaurants. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or looking for a reason to venture out, this event promises an unforgettable culinary journey with the added value of a deal.

For more details, visit the Bite the Burbs website and check the list of participating restaurants. https://www.visitoakpark .com/bite-the-burbs-restau ra ntweek

RISÉ SANDERS WEIR

From le : Tanesha Watkins, Tee Tee’s Sweets owner; Lillian Kong, Lit Cake Baker y owner; Ashley Renée Johnson, Petal & Moon owner; Russell Ja e, Cookie Dad owner.

Submit events and see full calendar at oakpark.com/events/

Valentine’s Day Happenings: Local events to celebrate

By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter

OA K PARK

La Notte

■ Feb. 14, 1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park

Head over to La Notte to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu crafted by executive chef and owner Giovanni Mancini.

Cheney Mansion

■ Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m., 220 North Euclid Ave., Oak Park

View the Cheney Mansion decorated in lights at its Glow Valentine’s Day Dance Party. Expect dinner and dancing.

Little Gem Cafe

■ Feb. 14, 189 N. Marion St., Oak Park

Visit Little Gem Cafe for its four courses, Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu. Choose between five diverse main courses and three tempting desserts.

Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studios

■ Feb.14 and Feb.16, at 9 a.m. and 4 a.m., 1011 Madison St., Oak Park

If you are looking for something f estive for your little ones to do this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Schoolhouse Kitchen + S tudio ’s Valentine C ooking C amp. Want a f amily activity? Indulge in i ts Valentine’s Day pizza pa rty for families.

Pleasant Home

■ Feb. 14, at 7 p.m., 217 Home Ave., Oak Park

Celebrate being single at Love Bites:

An Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration put on by the Park District of Oak Park at the Pleasant home. Expect a night of antilove ballads and fun activities.

FOREST PARK

Robert’s Westside

■ Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m., 7321 Madison St., Forest Park

Feel neighborly love at Robert’s Westside’s King of Hearts event. The community is being asked to nominate a person who spreads the most love and joy; then they will be crowning a king or a queen while listening to the music of Jeff Mauro & The Jewel Bags and The Shams Band.

Table and Lain

■ Feb. 14 -15, at 6:30 p.m., 7322 Madison St, Forest Park

Cook a four-course romantic meal with your loved one at Table and Lain’s Valentine’s Day cooking class. From seared duck breast to a chocolate cake with gold leaf, this elevated experience will surely impress a date.

Scratch Public House

■ Feb. 15, at 12 p.m., 7505 Madison St., Forest Park

Get your gals and your dollar bills out for Valentine’s Diva Drag Brunch at Scratch Public House.

AUSTIN

Su Taqueria Thaly’s

■ Jan. 21 to Feb. 15, 3156 N. Austin Ave., Chicago

Su Ta q ueria T haly’s is the perfect spot for I nsta gr am- wo rt hy Valentine’s Day food, having all the heart-shaped snacks and love - themed drinks. Order a vitrolero (5-gallon jug) of horchata and a heart-shaped torta for a g ood meal and a good photo.

BROOKFIELD

Warm Wick Company

■ Feb. at 7 p.m., 3732 Prairie Ave., Brookfield

Cozy up with your loved one at Warm Wick Company’s Valentine’s Date Night candle-making event. Work to g ether to create a custom fra grance while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and chocolate-covered strawberries.