Wednesday Journal 022019 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

February 6, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 28 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

State-bound swimmers Sports, page 41

‘Execution is where the rubber meets the road’ D97 focuses on implementing ‘nation-leading’ racial equity policy By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

If the application is approved, the closure could be finalized by the second quarter of this year, officials said. Westlake employs around 670 people, 200 of them “on an as-needed basis,” officials added. Pipeline Health officials said that they’ll invite qualified Westlake employ-

Gary Ford, an eighth-grader at Julian Middle School, will enter his high school years burdened by a mountain of experiences like the one he said he went through a few years ago. “I’m tired of differential treatment,” he told members of the Oak Park Elementary Schools District 97 Board of Education during a regular meeting on Feb. 12. “In my integrated studies class in sixth grade, a teacher let some white kids sit on their phones and play games, but when I pulled out my phone to check my grades, she told me to put it away or she was going to take it, even though she knew I was checking my grades.” Ford was among a half-dozen current and former D97 students who shared their racially tinged testimonies at last week’s meeting, where the board’s focus was on tweaking the language of a draft equity policy that garnered unanimous praise from local education advocates who spoke during the meeting. But most of the praise that community leaders issued about the draft policy was tempered by a collective caution, best summed up in the students’ stories, i.e. a strong policy without effective

See WEST SUBURBAN on page 15

See EQUITY POLICY on page 14

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

CONSOLIDATION AHEAD? State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch during a Feb. 18 press conference outside of Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park. Welch, a Westlake trustee, said he believes Pipeline Health lied about wanting to save the hospital during the purchasing process.

West Sub’s new owner proposes Westlake closure If state OKs Pipeline Health request, West Sub may absorb some in-patient services, employees By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park has a significant role to play in the recent decision made by its new owner, Los Angeles-based Pipeline Health, to close Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park. Representatives with Pipeline Health

LLC and TWG Partners — the two forprofit entities that purchased Westlake Hospital in January before announcing over the weekend plans to close the hospital — said in a statement released Feb. 16 that they plan to file an application next week with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to close the 230-bed Melrose Park hospital.

Education, Enrichment & Camp Fair

Tuesday, March 12, 4 - 7 pm Julian Middle School Cafeteria Parents, find the perfect fit for your child at our Enrichment & Camp Fair! A FREE event!

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Spring Open House

It’s amazing to be needed. Claudia ‘17

Healthcare needs you. This is the Open House that can open the door to an amazing career in

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

healthcare. At Resurrection University you can earn the degree you need to build the future you want. Whether you choose to pursue nursing or radiography, you’ll find the flexibility and support to succeed in the classroom and in your career. Come to our Open House and find out what ResU can do for you.

Explore bachelor degree programs in • Nursing • Radiography Saturday, March 23 Stop by anytime between 10am – 1pm

1431 N. Claremont Ave. • Chicago, IL 60622 • ResU.edu/openhouse

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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I N S I D E

R E P O R T

River Forest named dementiafriendly community River Forest was named the fifth dementia-friendly community in the state of Illinois at a board meeting on Feb. 11, a designation that acknowledges the village’s coordinated work in supporting those who suffer from dementia as well as supporting their caregivers. The village has been working to achieve this award for more than a year. “This was a culmination of a lot of folks getting together and talking about how we can make our community more dementia-friendly,” Village President Cathy Adduci said at the meeting. “It’s not just saying we understand dementia-friendly; it’s saying we support our partners who provide supportive resources to families, the caretakers who support [those with] dementia, Alzheimer’s patients. So really it’s a community-wide support and recognition.” The designation is the result of a

collaboration between the village, River Forest Township, Oak Park-River Forest Senior Services, and more. Lydia Manning, an associate professor of gerontology at Concordia University Chicago who led the local discussion, said groups will soon be holding events on how to support caregivers, recognize those suffering from dementia, and more. “Our goal is to reach out to Oak Park, Maywood, Austin, have it spread out as we go,” Manning said at the meeting. “It cuts across many sectors, banking, finance, business. We do need some representation from the K-12 system, so that’s where I’m going next, to try to think about how we teach our high schoolers, even middle school and elementary students about aging and dementia because it doesn’t just start at 65.”

Nona Tepper

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Ice time High school friends (above, from left) Conor Paris, 14, and Liam West, 15, battle for the puck along the boards of a homemade ice rink at the corner of Oak and Park avenues in River Forest on Feb. 16. At left, Will Mazzocchi, 15, of Oak Park, looks to make a pass to a teammate.

Wallace Smith Broecker

Scientist who coined ‘global warming’ dies

Wallace Smith Broecker, a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University in New York, died on Monday, Feb. 18, at the age of 87. Broecker was born in Chicago and grew up in Oak Park. An Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate, he was awarded his alma mater’s highest honor, the Tradition of Excellence Award, in 1997. According to his obituary in the Associated Press,

Broecker was known as the “Grandfather of Climate Science” and the “Dean of Climate Scientists.” After joining the faculty of Columbia University in 1959, he “brought ‘global warming’ into common use with a 1975 article that correctly predicted rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere would lead to pronounced warming,” according to the AP obituary. In an interview with the AP in 1997, Broecker said, “We live in a climate system that can jump abruptly from one state to another. We are conducting an experiment that could have devastating effects. We’re playing with an angry beast — a climate system that has been shown to be very sensitive.”

Ken Trainor

Poor bridge …

The Chicago Tribune recently reviewed Illinois Department of Transportation data showing that “400 out of 3,460 bridges in the sixcounty Chicago metro area are considered ‘structurally deficient,’ meaning they are in need of repair or possibly replacement. That’s nearly 12 percent.” The Tribune reported that for bridges to be considered deficient, “inspectors must find that the deck, superstructure or substructure is in poor condition, with advanced deterioration and breakage in critical areas.”

And one of those deficient bridges is in Oak Park. The bridge on East Avenue over I-290 and the railroad gets an average of 4,500 commuters a day, according to IDOT. Built in 1957, and reconstructed in 1984, IDOT rated the bridge’s deck as fair; its superstructure as poor; and its substructure as fair. It was last inspected in July 2018. The East Avenue bridge was one of three that the Oak Park Board of Trustees identified for a range of repairs last year.

Michael Romain

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Royal Weddings

Empty Bowls

Be an Informed Voter

Friday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Pleasant Home: Review weddings in the British royal family from Queen Victoria to Prince Harry, through period dresses on display and a lecture/performance by Leslie Goddard. Reception and open tours follow. Pre-event reception with British-inspired fascinator hat auction at 6 p.m. ($35). $25, regular program. Tickets/more: pleasanthome.org. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Friday, Feb. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., South Cafeteria, Oak Park & River Forest High School: Select a handmade bowl, made by a student, and enjoy soup donated by local restaurants. Benefits the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, Global Alliance for Africa and Housing Forward. Tickets at the door. 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park.

Monday, Feb. 25, 6 to 8 p.m., Oak Park Township Senior Services: Meet the OP Village Trustee candidates in a discussion on issues related to aging citizens – livability, housing, transportation and more. Questions: 708-613-0152, ArborWestNeighbors@gmail.com. 130 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7 to 9 p.m., Buzz Café: Hear from OPRF High School District 200 candidates and ask them questions. 905 S. Lombard, Oak Park. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Auditorium, Roosevelt Middle School: Attend a candidate forum for the River Forest Public Library and River Forest Village Board. Hosted by the League of Women Voters and the RF Civic Association. 7560 Oak Ave., River Forest.

Feb. 20 - 27

BIG WEEK

Harambee Friday, Feb. 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Longfellow Elementary: Celebrate African culture and more with dance, drumming, poetry, song (performances 7 to 8 p.m.), Jamaican cuisine, desserts and an African marketplace. Questions: mcahill@ op97.org, mablan@op97.org. 715 S. Highland Ave., Oak Park.

Dark Money Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., Maze Library: View the film that exposes the impact of Citizens United legislation and how elections are bought and sold. Brought by The League of Women Voters and WTTW. Free. 845 Gunderson, Oak Park.

Benefits Saturday, Feb. 23, 6 to 10 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Show off your knowledge at Wonderivia trivia night and support Wonder Works children museum. $100. Tickets/more: e.givesmart.com/events/bHS. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Saturday, Feb. 23, 6 to 11 p.m., Mid-America Club: Attend the Have-a-Heart Gala to End Homelessness to support Housing Forward. Celebrity guests Colin Donnell, of Chi-

Midlife and Beyond: Rewire to Make Your Life Electric Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Many look forward to retirement, but some find it difficult. Join a workshop with local author Dr. Janis Johnston, who will outline developmental characteristics of midlife. Participants will make a map of their current personality and discover how to rewire their day-to-day functioning. Books available. More: oppl.org/ calendar. Questions: arborwestneighbors@ gmail.com. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

cago Med, is the guest host and Mary Ann Ahern, NBC5 News political reporter, is the media presenter. Dinner, dancing to the Spoken Four band and more. $225. Tickets/info: HousingForward.org/events. 80th floor, 200 E. Randolph, Chicago. Saturday, Feb. 23, 7 to 10 p.m., Oak Park Conservatory: At Carnaval Masquerade, arrive in mask or costume for a South American-themed evening of live music, performances and prizes. 21+. Includes appetizers and 2 wine/ beer tickets. Benefits Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory.

Social Media and Technology: The Effect on Families Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Learn about research surrounding how social media, digital gaming and technology affects families and discuss creating balance between technology and family life. Brought by Thrive Counseling Center. Free. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

$50, individual; $75, pair. Tickets/more: pdop.org/CarnavalMasquerade. 615 Garfield, Oak Park. Saturday, Feb 23, 7:30 p.m., School of Rock: At Sing for the Scholarship Fund, a Karaoke night, proceeds go to the Park District of Oak Park Scholarship Fund to ensure anyone seeking early-childhood or after-school programming is able. Brought by The Parks Foundation of Oak Park and @ Properties. $40; $50, at door. Tickets/more: parksfoundationop. org. 219 Lake St., Oak Park.

“Reverie” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m., Auditorium, Percy Julian Middle School: Hear a musical revue performed by CAST middle school students demonstrating what it was like to live through World War II, when life was difficult, but music was a sweet escape. $10; $5, students/ seniors. Tickets: //bit.ly/cast-reverie. 416 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park.

“Mother Courage and Her Children” Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 to 23, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m., Performing Arts Center, Dominican University: Dominican students present Bertolt Brecht’s anti-war play, written in 1939 as a form of resistance to Fascism and Nazism. However, the play is set during the Thirty Years’ War of 1616-1648. $18; $5, students. Tickets/info: 708-4885000, events.dom.edu/performing-arts/ calendar-events. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Oscarthon On Feb. 23, Small Meeting Room, Main Library: See At Eternity’s Gate, 1:10 p.m., and The Wife, 3:15 p.m. Free. 834 Lake St. Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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ART BEAT

Concordia Theater tackles ‘work-in-progress’

Sponsored Content

Picture perfect • Keeping up on your dog’s appearance has benefits beyond good looks

ou can usually tell when a dog owner begins taking his pet for granted: The dog’s hair is matted and overgrown, her nails are long and broken and her teeth—well, let’s just say they’re not going to be able to handle chewing on bones much longer. We’ve all seen these dogs. Maybe we’ve owned them, too. Unless it’s time for the annual Christmas card photo, grooming becomes an afterthought. Something as simple as a bath or regular haircut gets pushed down the line, usually going undone until we can either no longer handle our dog’s unfavorable scent or after our fellow book club members conveniently absolve us of our monthly meeting duties. “We know you’re busy,” they’ll say. But busy or not, your dog’s appearance shouldn’t be an afterthought. In fact, it’s one of your responsibilities as a dog owner. You wouldn’t let your child or your parent go weeks without bathing. You wouldn’t send him to school with ratty hair and stained clothes. That’s not responsible parenting. As your dog ages, so will his grooming requirements. Here’s a quick look at what you can do to make sure your dog’s appearance stays on point and why it’s essential to maintain a regular grooming schedule. Hair today Your dog’s fur isn’t there just to make her look good. A dog’s

coat serves as protection from the cold and the heat and should be appropriately cared for year-round. Letting your dog’s fur grow extra long during the winter and shaving it off in the summer may seem to make sense but it works against the natural benefits of your dog’s outermost layer. It’s a good idea to consult with a groomer on your dog’s appropriate hair length. They’ll be able to help you understand why your dog’s fur is essential and help you determine the best way to handle it. One of the most overlooked elements of caring for a dog is regular brushing and bathing. Brushing your dog on a regular schedule helps remove dirt, prevents matting and keeps their coat shiny and healthy. Paws for concern Consider your dog’s paws. They’re much more important than you think. Since they’re highly sensitive to cold and heat, it’s especially important to keep them clean and protected. Removing debris in between the paw pads and keep their nails at a proper length. Does the thought of trimming your dog’s nails make you a little squeamish? Again, your groomer can help. Most dogs get a little nervous when their owners break out the nail clippers, especially if they’ve been clipped too closely in the past. Tooth or dare? You may have built up a tolerance to your dog’s breath but that doesn’t mean those offensive odors coming from his mouth should be ignored. Brushing your dog’s teeth may offer some temporary relief from his breath but that breath can be the result of an abscessed tooth, excessive plaque or other problems if an infection spreads to the dog’s bloodstream. In some cases, plaque can ultimately cause damage to your

dog’s liver and heart. And if you notice your dog is losing weight, check his mouth. Your dog may find it too painful to eat with broken teeth and sore gums. Also, it’s important to remember that those tasty snacks that promise they’ll keep your dog’s teeth clean aren’t all that effective. If you really want to clean your dog’s teeth—unless your dog is on the older end of the age spectrum—you’ll have to break out the toothbrush. Buy an enzymatic toothpaste that contains glucose oxidase, an antibacterial agent which will fight tartar and plaque and find a toothbrush specifically for dogs, which have longer handles and smaller, softer bristle. If you’re new to the brushing process, begin with your fingers instead of a toothbrush, if necessary, and after applying toothpaste, gently work your way toward the back of your dog’s mouth, brushing or rubbing each tooth. You’ll be finished in less than 30 seconds so it shouldn’t be difficult to brush your dog’s teeth every day. While your dog doesn’t have to be portrait-ready at all times, she’ll appreciate the occasional pampering that comes with a bath and haircut. You’ll help her look better, feel better and perhaps more importantly, serve as the tail-wagging, welcoming friend to your judgemental bookclub members when they attend your next monthly meeting. Jill Showalter owns Yuppie Puppy and Doggie Day Play in Oak Park. She has personally tended to more than 100,000 dogs since 2007 and has shared stories and advice with numerous dog owners.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Photo provided by Frank Lipo

BACK IN THE DAY: The Foley-Rice building at 644 Madison Street was built in 1925 as a showroom for Packard dealer Hill Motor Sales Company. The building could be torn down to make way for a grocery store.

Foley-Rice building to be saved? Preservationists call for adaptive reuse of historic building by Pete’s

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Board of Trustees will soon decide the fate of a nearly 100-year-old building on Madison Street that was once among the biggest attractions on that commercial corridor. The building at 644 Madison St., built in 1925 and modified a few years later, designed by E.E. and Elmer Roberts, was one of the crown jewels of “Motor Row” when that area of Oak Park was one of the top places in the Chicago area to buy a car. The Hill Motor Sales Company building, which originally sold Packard brand vehicles, later became known as the Foley-Rice building and was still selling vehicles into the late 20th century. For more than a decade, though, the building has sat vacant and fallen into disrepair. It is slated for demolition at some future date to make way for a second Oak Park Pete’s Fresh Market grocery store, under a deal brokered by the village of Oak Park. But that plan could be in jeopardy, following a recent recommendation by the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, which voted unanimously to declare the building a historic landmark. Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said in an email response to questions that the development, which includes a senior housing facility on the south side of Madison Street along with the Pete’s, has the potential to transform the commercial corridor. “Naturally, the historic preservation is presented with just one component of this development, but the village board is elected and tasked with the responsibility to consid-

er all competing interests, evaluate its costs and benefits, and advance the interests of the village taken as a whole,” he wrote. That vote from the Historic Preservation Commission came at the request of local historian Frank Lipo, executive director of the Oak Park River Forest Museum, and Oak Park architect Frank Heitzman. The commission noted that the Foley-Rice building would be the 70th building in Oak Park to be given the historic landmark designation. It also would be the first landmark designation declared against the wishes of the owner, it was noted at the meeting. Steve Foley Jr. testified at the meeting that the building is “very expensive to maintain” and “almost impossible to heat.” Only a handful of groups have looked into purchasing the building over the last decade or so, including the grocery store chain Aldi. That company “got scared away because of potential historic preservation,” Foley said. “Yes, it’s a cool-looking building, but being on the market for 13 years, I think the market speaks for itself,” Foley said. “There’s no demand, no interest, no want, no need for this building.” Lipo sees it differently, noting that the building is a good candidate for adaptive reuse, especially considering the village is using money from the Madison Street Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District to bring a second Pete’s to Oak Park. “We are pursuing this because for 10 years it’s been identified as a very important building and meets multiple criteria to be an Oak Park landmark and that, we would hope, preservation would be part of the larger solution for the redevelopment of that site,” Lipo told the commission.

MOTOR ROW MEMORIES: Frank Lipo, left, and Frank Heitzman, in front of the Foley-Rice building on Madison Street. A grotesque on the Foley-Rice building on Madison Street in Oak Park.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

The building has a number of issues and would require substantial renovation to remove a large concrete ramp inside the structure and repair terra cotta features on the structure’s exterior. The building is unique in its so-called “grotesques,” a decorative feature on buildings — often mythical figures similar to gargoyles, but in this case whimsically depicting auto mechanics and men driving vehicles. Heitzman said during a recent tour of the building’s exterior that demolition of the structure is also an environmental issue. “The greenest building is the one that’s already there,” according to Lipo. Getting the Oak Park Board of Trustees to agree might be a tough sell. The board approved the redevelopment

agreement with Pete’s for the location at the end of 2018, just before the expiration of the Madison Street Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District. It is uncertain whether that plan could be altered substantially if Pete’s drops out of the deal since the TIF has expired. Abu-Taleb noted that the building has been vacant for nearly two decades, and, “During this time, not a single person has come forward to purchase the building simply for the sake of preserving it or its characteristics, and no action has been taken to change its historical status.” He encouraged all interested parties to “come together to support these investors, welcome these new jobs, and unleash the Madison Street potential.” tim@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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SEOPCO Candidate Forums

Oak Park Market is close to closing

Owner calls on Oak Parkers to support store in last push By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

When Angelo Palivos opened his new grocery store at 6209 W. North Ave. last fall he said straight out that for the business to be a success, “I need Oak Park to support it.” The buzz on Facebook neighborhood groups and elsewhere at the time suggested people living in the area were ready for a store of their own. But since opening in October, customers at the 13,000-square-foot store have been practically non-existent, Palivos said in a recent interview. Palivos needed a few hundred shoppers a day to make the business work, but the turnout has been more like a few dozen, he said. Now he’s looking to close the store unless things turn around fast. “Most likely we’ll be shutting down at the end of the month,” he told Wednesday Journal. He made it clear that the store’s imminent closure is not due to bad financing. “Oak Park Market was funded correctly,” he said. “We opened with no debt and a paidoff inventory. The lack of its success was due to the lack of Oak Park shopping support.” Palivos said he saw customer after customer enter the store and turn around and walk out. He said the shop cost him about $700,000 to remodel and stock with products. Palivos suspects that the store also hasn’t attracted Galewood and Austin residents because it’s assumed the store is meant for Oak Parkers. The store is limping along and Palivos is hoping for a change of heart with residents who said they wanted a grocery store in the northeast part of the village. It is the third attempt at a grocery store in the location since 2014, when the store,

then-known as North Avenue Fresh Market went out of business. The location reopened under different owner in February 2015 as Market Fresh Foods, but that business closed by 2017. Judith Alexander, chairwoman of The North Avenue District, a community organization, said she believes more residential buildings on North Avenue would have helped the grocer. Better marketing also would have brought more people into the store as well, she said. “This will become easier after we have more multi-family development, and this is coming,” she said in an email. “On the Oak Park side of North Avenue, 40-50 units are being built at North/East Avenue and in the middle of the next block to the west. One the Chicago side, the Sears site redevelopment is on track.” Oak Park Trustee Deno Andrews, who owned and operated Felony Franks fast-food restaurant, 6427 W. North Ave., before closing the shop in 2017, encouraged Palivos to open the grocery store. “I am disappointed. I have talked to residents who live near there who said they’re not interested in going to North Avenue to shop,” he said. “It’s one of those major streets that has a lot of traffic and people aren’t on the street looking for places to go. They’re on North Avenue to get somewhere.” Andrews said taxes on North Avenue commercial property also are a barrier to running a successful business on the strip, adding that Felony Franks failed in part because “the taxes haven’t adjusted to the lack of customers coming in.” He added that it’s an “unfortunate attitude to take that [Oak Parkers] wouldn’t go five blocks to support a business.” tim@oakpark.com

Oak Park Village Board School District 97, & School District 200

Come meet the candidates for local office and ask them questions about their vision and plans. After opening statements, community members will have a chance to talk to each of the candidates and learn about their priorities. All forums will be streamed on facebook @seopco

School District 200 Oak Park River Forest High School Board Candidates Wednesday, February 27 • 7-9pm

Irving Elementary School Auditorium • 1125 S. Cuyler

Oak Park Village Board Candidates Tuesday, March 19 • 7-9pm

Irving Elementary School Auditorium • 1125 S. Cuyler

School District 97 Oak Park Elementary School Board Candidates Wednesday, March 20 • 7-9pm

Irving Elementary School Auditorium • 1125 S. Cuyler Sponsored by:

www.seopco.org seopco@gmail.com

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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River Forest trustees debate rules to reconsider votes

Public comment procedures also discussed By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

River Forest trustees debated procedures for audience communication and official reconsideration of previous votes at a board meeting on Feb. 11, talking over whether trustees should be able to change their votes following a meeting, limiting citizen comment to 30-minutes, banning repetitive arguments, and more. “I do think there is value in giving us an opportunity to admit our mistakes,” Trustee Tom Cargie said at the meeting. He added that “it was me that drove” the idea of trustees being able to change their vote — but only if they were on the winning side of the argument — at a separate meeting after they were cast. He said he was inspired to champion the measure after changing his mind on an individual residential zoning issue, which was scheduled to be voted on again immediately after trustees voted on whether officials should be allowed to make motions of reconsideration at a subsequent meeting. During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Dan Lauber [see Viewpoints, page 31] said he believed motions for

reconsideration should stay as they are and be limited to the current meeting. He said he was “surprised” about the rule change, and that residents could benefit from a rule that requires two readings of an ordinance before it can be voted on. “With how long it could be before there’s a reconsideration, all sorts of mischief could happen,” Lauber said. “I don’t think it could happen with this board, but I do know with past boards it could have happened, where there would be ex parte contact with a board on a quasi-judicial matter. There could be political pressure placed on someone to change their vote and, if you have a month or two weeks to do that, things can happen.” Trustee Patty Henek likewise said she was “not really comfortable” with the proposed reconsideration rule. “Our job as a trustee is to prepare and research what’s before us,” Henek said. “If it’s gone through a commission, they’ve certainly looked at it different ways and come up with recommendations, [then] we should come to the meeting prepared to vote.” Village President Cathy Adduci compared the motion to reconsider to a second reading of a village ordinance, saying: “If there’s a trustee, or two, or three, who feel they made a mistake, we should allow them to think about it.” Trustees unanimously agreed to table

deciding whether trustees could make motions to reconsider until a later meeting. They also tabled voting on whether to restrict resident comments to those only relevant to village business and that are not repetitive; forcing those who wished to speak to sign-in prior to the meeting; limiting total public comment to 30-minutes; and other considerations. Trustee Carmela Corsini said there wasn’t any particular reason the village was inspired to look at the official rules governing public comment. “We, on an ongoing basis, review our ordinances, policies and procedures,” she said at the meeting. Trustee Mike Gibbs likewise said there wasn’t any problem the village was trying to solve. “I look at this as just cleaning up the ability to have future board meetings,” he said at the meeting. “By not having a hot topic before us right now, that topic isn’t clouding the discussion. Because if we had something controversial before us, people might say, ‘You’re trying to knock people down.’” But during the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Erika Bachner wondered why the board would aim to limit the number of public speakers at a regular meeting, calling codifying the prohibition of repeated statements “stifling.” “If anything, the village board should be looking for ways to broaden the back-and-

forth communication with residents,” she said. Resident Deb Wolkstein said limiting repetitive comments would split every issue evenly and not allow either side to show a greater portion of support. “If you do not allow us to speak at public meetings, how do you really hear from us?” Wolkstein said at the meeting. “Now you may say that we can reach out to you personally by email, or when we see you out and about at the country club or church or at common friends’ parties, but the truth for me, and I expect for many others, is that I don’t really know any of you personally.” Adduci said the move to ban repetitive comments, disruptive speakers and limit the time and total time for public comment was made in an effort to streamline meetings and prioritize a diversity of viewpoints. She recalled when members of the National Rifle Association (NRA) showed up at a board meeting, making hours of repetitive comment, and the board could do nothing to end the conversation. “If there’s a way you can streamline it, I think that would be important that we should all think about,” she said at the meeting. “We certainly don’t want to mute people; we don’t want them to not come up to speak.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com

MacNeal Hospital

cardiac care with heart

Compassionate heart care close to home MacNeal Hospital in Berywn is recognized as one of the top 50 hospitals for cardiac treatment in the U.S. not only because of our great heart care, but also because of the great hearts of our health care professionals. Find out for yourself this February by visiting macnealhospital.org/heartmonth to learn more about our comprehensive cardiovascular care and book an appointment today. To find a doctor visit macnealhospital.org or call 877-834-7264.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Doctor wants to be Oak Park trustee

Buchanan touts experience in the medical field in board run By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

She’s a physician, a University of Illinois professor and a commissioner on the Oak Park Board of Health, and Susan Buchanan says her experience in the medical field and her history fighting for progressive causes has prepared her for the job of Oak Park village trustee. Buchanan, 57, faces 10 other candidates in the April 2 race for trustee. The self-described “newbie to local governance” said her background conducting research and running training programs for those in the medical field requires an analytical mind. “The one thing I’m emphasizing in this campaign is that I have the skills that come from a career as a primary care physician and academician,” she said in a recent interview. She worked as a physician at a family practice in Humboldt Park for nine years and then became an expert in occupational safety and the health effects of environmental pollutants. “I’ve conducted research on lead expo-

sure, artificial turf and mercury in fish,” she notes on her campaign website. Buchanan also is a faculty member at the University of Illinois’ School of Public Health, where she serves as a physician member of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Group. Buchanan has been reluctant to state her position on some issues brought up at various candidate forums and will acknowledge that she is “not a one-issue candidate.” While meeting with residents over the last few months, Buchanan said taxes and development downtown are the top issues she hears about from voters. She said she would work to reduce the tax burden by holding the line to the Consumer Price Index as recommended by the village’s Taxing Bodies Efficiency Task Force. Buchanan said that the village doesn’t constitute “a huge proportion of the overall spending” but added, “That doesn’t mean there aren’t things the village can do” to reduce the tax burden. On the topic of tall buildings downtown, Buchanan said she does not have a height limit in mind, but said she is “not in favor of huge buildings in our downtown.” Transit-oriented developments near CTA lines, though, will help increase use of public transportation and help reduce “our addiction to fossil fuels,” Buchanan said. She said that as a trustee she would listen

to the concerns of those who are for and against increased development downtown. Buchanan also voiced support for passing an inclusionary zoning ordinance that would require developers to include affordable units in their buildings or contribute money to an affordable housing fund. “I’m surprised Oak Park has never had [an inclusionary zoning ordinance], especially with our history of promoting and supporting integration,” she said. Oak Park should push developers “as far as possible” to get at least 15 to 20 percent of units affordable “and not less than that,” she said. Buchanan wants economically and racially diverse neighborhoods, she said. “I live in south Oak Park and people say, ‘What if they wanted to build one of those [affordable housing developments] on your block?’ I say, ‘Bring it on.’” She emphasized her commitment to racial equity in the village, noting the importance of Oak Park’s work with the Collaboration for Early Childhood, a coalition of various agencies and government entities working to provide services to families with children in the lead up to kindergarten. “That is a group that directly addresses equity [through] access to services for young children,” she said. Buchanan also expressed her support for a village initiative to promote using a racial

Susan Buchanan equity lens in its decision making. “For most of us who grew up in a whitecentric society, this lens does not come naturally even for those of us taught to not be racist,” she said. Continued funding for the Oak Park Housing Center also is a priority for Buchanan in promoting integration and diversity in the village. Buchanan is one of three women running for three open seats on the board of trustees. After the departure of Trustee Andrea Button, the board will be all male except for Trustee Simone Boutet. Buchanan said half the board should be women. “I am definitely part of the wave of angry women after the last [U.S. presidential] election that is seeking public office,” she said. “I want to be one of the infiltrators.” tim@oakpark.com

Sustainability head runs for River Forest trustee

This is Kathleen Brennan’s first try for elected office By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

After serving as head of the River Forest Sustainability Commission, and as a member of the River Forest Parks Foundation, Kathleen Brennan is now setting her sights one of three trustee seats open on the village board come April. Brennan is one of five who have thrown their name in the ring. She is passionate, she said, about the issues of public safety, development and keeping the village affordable and inclusive. Over the past year, she has attended several of the River Forest Police Department’s quarterly crime meetings and called them “a hidden gem,” because of all the crime prevention tips she picked up. “One thing I’ve learned through these meetings is that 50 to 100 percent of River Forest burglaries are preventable,” Brennan said. “It’s unlocked homes, unlocked cars, unlocked bikes, unattended purses. The police department has done a great job at these meetings talking about preventive measures, like cameras, smart doorbells. Residents need to be exposed to all this great

information.” But at the last quarterly meeting, she said there were more presenters than attendees. Brennan believes the location of the meetings should be rotated and that talks should be livestreamed, so interested participants can still watch and submit their questions as they arise. She also believes the slide decks should then be retained and posted publicly. If elected, Brennan said she would support the police department by keeping training and technology up to date. “We’ve done a great job of applying for and obtaining grants on the sustainability side, and I’m sure these exist on the secure communities side as well,” she said, adding that she has talked with Police Chief James O’Shea about looking into grants for electric squad cars and bicycles. About two years ago, Brennan helped create the Village Sustainability Commission. In that position, she has collaborated with the Park District of River Forest on several projects, as well as creating a resident task force to focus on how the village can be more bike-friendly. The village is currently developing a bike plan, which will be published as an addendum to the comprehensive plan. “Millennials are definitely prioritizing and expecting municipalities to be look-

ing out for pedestrians and bicyclists, and I think this is potentially going to elevate River Forest for millennial homebuyers,” she said. If elected to the trustee post, Brennan said she would collaborate with other taxing bodies in the same way she has as a member of the Sustainability Commission, naming redevelopment of the River Forest Civic Center — several taxing bodies have signed an intergovernmental agreement to study its future uses — presents a great example and opportunity for collaboration. “We need to collaborate between the taxing bodies and make the most inclusive, efficient, cost-efficient governments for our residents,” Brennan said. She was inspired to run for office by the development of the Civic Center, as well as the five-story development at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue, the senior residence at Chicago and Harlem avenues, the new taxincrement financing (TIF) district on North Avenue, and more. If elected, she said she would survey residents about what types of businesses they’d like to see come to River Forest and then work to recruit them to the village. “River Forest is pretty landlocked and pretty built out, so we’re not going to have many opportunities like this,” she said.

Kathleen Brennan “Most residents are very concerned about taxes. The majority of our taxes go to our schools [and] many of us moved here for the excellent schools, so we’re not going to be able to avoid our taxes. But what can we do to control them? Well, we’ve got this development going on, so it’s sort of a sweet spot to make the most of it, and I want to make sure we do it thoughtfully.” A native of Glen Ellyn, Brennan now lives and operates her law practice in River Forest. She was appointed to head the Sustainability Commission, and likewise appointed to her role on the park district foundation. This is her first time running for elected office. Brennan said she has about 10 people who are helping run her campaign.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Lightford looks to include minorities in marijuana biz By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

As a proposal to legalize the adult recreational use of marijuana moves forward in the Illinois General Assembly, state Senator Kimberly Lightford (4th) wants to make sure the black community doesn’t get left out. During a community forum she held on Feb. 11 at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Lightford and a panel that included state Sen. Heather Steans (7th) — one of the co-sponsors of the current legalization bill — talked about the details of the proposal with pro-legalization organizations. Lightford said that when medical marijuana was legalized, there were 24 licenses available for marijuana cultivation facilities; but none of the 16 licenses distributed so far have gone to African-Americans. Only one license went to a business with any kind of minority ownership. Should recreational use be legalized, the number of cultivation and dispensary businesses would increase. Lightford said that she wants to make sure AfricanAmericans and other minorities have a good shot at securing those licenses going forward. Steans said that her support for the legalization measure comes down to the fact that “prohibition hasn’t worked” and

that the war on drugs has hurt minority communities. That is also the reason why she wanted to make sure that those same communities would benefit from legalization. The big issue, Steans said, is that the process is “very opaque.” Steans explained that, according to the bill she’s co-sponsoring, residents 21 and older would be able to purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis and cultivate “up to five plants” in their homes. They wouldn’t, however, be able to use marijuana in public and “driving under the influence will be illegal.” Municipalities would have the power to either closely regulate cultivation centers and dispensaries for recreational marijuana or ban those facilities altogether. Employers and landlords would be able to adopt zerotolerance policies relating to recreational marijuana. And recreational marijuana businesses would have to abide by the same packaging and tracking rules as medical marijuana businesses. Currently, the state tracks every single milligram of medical cannabis that private companies produce. Although Steans said that legalizations isn’t a cure-all for the state’s budget woes, she added that the measure could generate around $525 million and create “at least 24,000 jobs.” The senator has been working with the

Marijuana Policy Project, a cannabis policy reform organization, to create what she described as a “three-legged stool” approach to restorative justice. Kareem Kenyatta, who works for project, said that this approach would include expungement of prior convictions for marijuana-related crimes, modifying the current licenses to expand opportunities for minority entrepreneurs to get involved by allowing a craft beer model for marijuana cultivation, and reinvesting revenues from taxes on legalized marijuana into minority communities hurt by the war on drugs. Kenyatta said that the third leg would focus on job training and teaching entrepreneurs skills they need to start businesses. Donte Townsend, the co-founder and media director of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, agreed with Kenyatta and added that his organization would support establishing a Cannabis Equity Commission to figure out how to best use the marijuana tax revenues in minority communities. Townsend added that aldermen who “pushed cannabis businesses out of [their] communities” shouldn’t get any of those funds. Edie Moore, the chapter’s other co-founder and executive director, said that there should be provisions for what she described

as an Uber Eats-style service for those who need medical marijuana, but are physically incapable of getting to a dispensary on their own. And she also advocated for cannabis business incubators. Daniel Pettigrew and NBA player Al Harrington co-own Viola Extracts, a Denverbased marijuana cultivation business. Pettigrew, who grew up in Chicago and currently lives in Hyde Park, was on hand to provide a black-owned cultivator perspective. Pettigrew said that getting Viola Extracts off the ground was “challenging for [him and Harrington] as minorities.” They didn’t have a lot of examples to follow, and even though Harrington was a celebrity, the company had trouble raising money. Pettigrew also explained that any Illinois black entrepreneurs wanting to get into the recreational marijuana industry just as the drug is set to be legalized are already at a disadvantage. “There should be African-American cultivators in the existing medical [cannabis] program,” Pettygrew said. “Any new cultivators would be at disadvantage trying to operate in this space. If you don’t control pipeline, how much control do you have?” CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com

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Making space for makerspace in Oak Park

Local author, professor wants village to be an innovation, arts hub By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

Makerspaces, hackerspaces, tech incubators, business accelerators – the phenomenon has taken many forms and operates under different names, but the goal is generally the same: make space available to help cultivate learning and innovation. The spaces have become ubiquitous throughout the Chicago area over the last decade – 1871, mHub and MAKE! Chicago, are among the more well-known spots – and the time has come for Oak Park to have its own, according to local author Mary Anne Mohanraj. Mohanraj, a UIC professor and Oak Park Library Board member – she’s also considering a run for village president – has been working to establish makerspaces in Oak Park, and possibly Berwyn or the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, over the last year. She launched the effort in 2018 through a series of lectures and workshops on writing, 3D printing and various other topics. Maram Makerspace is the working name (the word is Arabic for “aspiration”), but that could change as the project develops, she said. Mohanraj’s Maram Weekend of Making, the most recent in her series of events, takes place Saturday, Feb. 23 and Sunday Feb. 24, at Serendib House, Mohanraj’s home at 332 Wisconsin Ave., and SugarBeet Schoolhouse, 349 Ashland Ave., River Forest. Attendees can participate in workshops on a variety of topics, including writing, 3D

Photo provided by Mary Anne Mohanraj

A CLASS OF ITS OWN: Author Alec Nevala-Lee teaches the class, Writing Science Fiction That Sells, at Serendib House. The class will be offered again this weekend at Maram Weekend of Making. printing, crocheting, soup making and publishing, among others. Meanwhile, Mohanraj continues to search for a permanent home for her makerspace, and funding to help get the venture off the ground. She believes a makerspace could position Oak Park as the cultural and artistic hub of the area and a suburban center for innovation. A combination of tuition revenue, membership fees and space rental would pay the bills, she said.

The project has been nominated as a finalist for the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation’s Entrepreneur Leaders in Philanthropy “Big Idea” grant, which makes $50,000 available to groups working on projects that aim to benefit the community. She’s also looking for state and federal grants and partnerships with entities in and around Oak Park. One of this week’s seminars, for instance, is held at SugarBeet Schoolhouse, a nonprofit that provides education about food literacy.

“We’re trying to build a sort of vibrant welcoming space where all members of the community can feel comfortable,” Mohanraj said. The space aims not only to help cultivate new ideas, but homegrown ideas from some of the brightest young minds in the area, Mohanraj said. “We’re losing young adults who don’t see Oak Park as a thriving place for innovative work,” she said, adding that young makers now have to go to Chicago to find workspaces to nurture their ideas. Mohanraj, an English professor and affiliate faculty in Global Asian Studies at University of Illinois at Chicago who has authored 14 books, said she envisions that the space would include classes and workspaces for writers and artists. She said the makerspace would take organizational loads off artisans, who have little spare time to schedule classes and manage the financial side of an incubator business. “They just want to do their work and share their knowledge,” Mohanraj said. While the Maram Makerspace is still in its early stages, Mohanraj said she would like to have multiple locations, which would cater to different interests. A warehouse space in Austin, for example, could accommodate more industrial-type maker spaces for metalwork, glass blowing and other heavy machinery, she said. Any plan would include contribution from leaders in the Austin neighborhood, she said. “We’re talking to Austin community groups to make sure whatever we do there is in line with their vision for Austin,” she said. More info about the Maram Weekend of Making is available online by visiting tinyurl.com/y4g3393r. tim@oakpark.com

Parks Foundation looks to expand access to programs

‘America to Me’ spurred primary focus on equity for the charity By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

The recently aired “America to Me” documentary raised questions about just how equitable Oak Park and River Forest High School – and, by extension, the Oak Park as a whole – really is. This has led to a lot of discussion and soul searching. For the Parks Foundation of Oak Park, it was a call to action. For the past few months, the foundation has been raising money for the Park District of Oak Park’s scholarship program, which helps cover the cost of the program fees for residents who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

The foundation already has raised $7,000, and it’s hoping to raise $25,000 more by the end of 2019. As part of that effort they will be holding a karaoke night fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Oak Park School of Rock, 219 Lake St. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. According to the guidelines posted on the Park District of Oak Park’s website, scholarships are available to Oak Park residents of any age who meet certain income requirements. The scholarships are broken down into three tiers, with Tier 1 roughly corresponding to the income levels needed in order to qualify for free lunch and Tier 2 roughly corresponding income level to qualify for reduced lunch. For example, for a three-person household, the maximum Tier 1 income is $27,014, the maximum Tier 2 income is $38,443. Scholarships can be used for all program fees and passes, but not equipment purchases and rental fees. In all cases, residents

have to pay some portion of the costs out of their own pockets, but the amount depends on the tier. Tier 1 recipients get 75 percent of the costs covered, while Tier 2 recipients get 55 percent of the costs covered. Tier 3 recipients get 35 percent of the costs covered. Either way, each recipient gets up to $300 a year. The money for the scholarship program typically comes from non-resident fees. Parks Foundation President Jake WorleyHood said that the problem with that method is that it only nets so much money. “This source of revenue is limited and is not enough to reach everyone who needs it in our community,” he said. “The fund has been exhausted each of the years since its inception.“ “America to Me,” Worley-Hood said, got the organization thinking about the importance of access to opportunities the park district offers. “Several months ago, and in the wake of ‘America to Me,’ the Parks Foundation de-

cided to focus solely on equity in our community,” he said. “The park district has spectacular offerings for our community, but their efforts to keep the tax burden low sometimes leaves program offerings costing a bit more than we might like.” Worley-Hood said that this current fundraising effort isn’t a one-time thing. The Parks Foundation, he said, is committed to not only to continued fundraising, but to look for grants and support from private foundations to help foot the bill, so that the $32,000 they hope to raise would only be “a tip of the iceberg.” “The Parks Foundation has committed to the long-term goal, without increasing the burden on taxpayers, of insuring that cost is not an obstacle for anybody seeking programming through the park district,” Worley-Hood said. For more information about Park Foundation’s fundraising, visit parksfoundationop. org/scholarship-fund.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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EQUITY POLICY Action needed from page 1 implementation means more of the same old experiences for Ford and seventh-grader Dallas Ellis. “They tell me to use my voice, but when I speak, they don’t listen,” Ellis said of his experience in a school environment where black people are labeled “ghetto, loud and ignorant;” where, according to other students, blacks don’t often show up in history lessons except in reference to slavery or traumatic struggle; and where black students are much more likely to be punished than designated gifted and talented. The draft racial policy, which the board will likely approve no later than March, has been in the making for at least a year and is the result of the district’s collaboration with a range of organizations and community groups, including the D97 Diversity Council (DivCo) — a collection of PTO and community leaders formed in 2017 to help improve equity, diversity and inclusion at D97 schools, and in the wider Oak Park community. Gavin Kearney, a member of DivCo who is also running for a seat on the D97 school board in April, called the draft racial equity policy “one of the strongest in the country.” And John Duffy, who heads the Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education, said the draft policy “does what key efforts of the past did not do.” Duffy explained that past efforts, such as the Committee for Tomorrow Schools — a 1976 plan that sought to manage racial integration in Oak Park’s elementary schools by creating junior high schools — did not match the current draft policy’s commitment to “ongoing vigilance to identify racial inequities that persisted with school integration, despite the dominant culture’s best intentions.” Jim O’Connor, a D97 board member, said the draft policy is “really high quality work … nation-leading work.” But many of the same people who praised the language of the draft policy, which acknowledges that student outcomes and experiences in D97 are largely predicted by race, also critiqued what could be considered a glimpse into how the district might execute its ambitious policy. Earlier this month, district officials released a memo outlining a range of potential recommendations that officials said might be necessary for implementing the policy. They included adding 19 full-timeequivalent staff positions, such as reading and data specialists, bringing in outside equity consultants, and introducing a variety of professional development resources for current teachers and staff members, among other measures. The memo did not include costs, but some community leaders said it provided easy fodder for some residents to pit the district’s equity work against genuine concerns about

costs to taxpayers. Indeed, at the Feb. 12 meeting, Oak Park activist Monica Sheehan, who said she fully supports efforts to make the district more equitable, expressed her concern that “the funding of this policy could negatively impact our community,” before referencing Oak Park’s “unsustainable tax burden.” Some leaders also argued that the memo represented a top-down approach to execution that did not sufficiently include input from students, parents, teachers and Oak Park residents. During an interview on Feb. 8, Makeisha Flournoy, a co-founder and co-president of DivCo, recommended that district officials “transform the way they think about community engagement.” Flournoy praised efforts by D97 Supt. Carol Kelley to incorporate a diverse array of perspectives during the drafting of the plan, but she said the district has more room to improve and urged district officials to rely more on the voices of students, staff members and even “folks who might not have kids in the district yet.” “For implementation we’re going to be watching closely,” said DivCo member Andrea Kovach on Feb. 8. “We’ll need to have community input to make sure it’s the strongest implementation possible. The framework is there in the policy, but now we have to see it in action. These are our values in action.” “Execution is where the rubber meets the road,” said DivCo member Venus Heard Johnson. During the Feb. 12 meeting, board member Rob Breymaier, who facilitated the night’s discussion of the draft policy, said the memo was created at the direction of the board and was just a rough outline of what implementation might look like. He added that the memo’s recommendations “are not set in stone.” But some board members, such as Rupa

Datta and Kecia Broy, echoed the concerns of DivCo when it came to the memo’s release. “The memo that came along is where the disconnect is for me,” said Broy, adding that “the numbers and assumptions around staffing” are “incomplete” and need more work. Datta said the “policy language, together with the resources memo, makes it sound like you can only have equity or try to attain equity when you have resources.” Datta said that equity should be a main focus for the district at all times, regardless of how much money is in the budget. “We talk about additional resources being needed to do something, but we might just need to do something [period],” Datta said. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

EQUITY NOW: Top, District 97 students after speaking at a board meeting on Feb. 12. Middle and bottom, board members listen to community members share their stories. Photos by Paul Goyette

WEST SUBURBAN Changes ahead from page 1 ees to apply for positions at West Suburban or Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and that a community shuttle between Melrose Park and West Suburban in Oak Park “is also in the works.” They also said Westlake’s in-patient services, including gynecology, intensive care and obstetrics, among others, will be consolidated with West Suburban. Pipeline Health and TWG Partners purchased Westlake, West Suburban and Weiss from Tenet Healthcare for $70 million in January. In a Feb. 17 Chicago Tribune article, Dr. Eric Whitaker, the founder of TWG Partners and vice president of Pipeline Health who is also a close friend of former president Barack Obama, told reporters that closing Westlake will allow West Suburban and Weiss to remain financially sustainable. He added that Westlake lost $9 million in 2017 and was set to lose even more this year. Whitaker explained to Tribune reporters that he told local leaders that “all options were on the table,” even though the new owners did not originally intend to close any of the three hospitals. “As we looked at the financials, the losses had accelerated tremendously and it was beyond what we had projected,” Whitaker told

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT: Community leaders say the closure of Westlake Hospital will leave nearby Melrose Park without a safety net institution. the Tribune. “To the extent that we would have to pour a lot of capital into Westlake, it really would have endangered the other two hospitals we had as part of the purchase.” The announcement still incensed local lawmakers, such as state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-7th), who represents constituents in Westlake’s and West Suburban’s service areas. During a press conference outside of Westlake on Feb. 18, Welch, who is also a Westlake Hospital trustee, said that he was informed of Westlake’s closing on Friday from a voicemail message left by Whitaker. “Just like I told Eric Whitaker on Friday — we are not going to let them close these

doors,” Welch said. Welch recalled that “every single time” Pipeline Health officials spoke with hospital trustees during the purchase process, “they told us they wanted this hospital to invest in it, not close it. They said they believed in community, that they believe in the commission of community hospitals like Westlake.” Welch added that he contacted the Attorney General’s office on Friday “and asked them to investigate whether [Pipeline] intentionally misrepresented and committed fraud” during the process of purchasing the three hospitals. He said that he’s already fielded inquiries from other investors look-

ing into the possibility of purchasing Westlake from Pipeline Health. Before acquiring the hospitals, Pipeline Health had to file papers with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which “approves or disapproves applications for construction or expansion of health care facilities to avoid unnecessary duplication of such facilities and promotes development of facilities in areas where needed,” according to its website. Pipeline Health officials said that they plan to file an application next week with the Review Board to close Westlake. If the application is approved, the closure could be finalized by the second quarter of this year. Earlier this month, when he was asked what attracted him to Pipeline, Whitaker told Crain’s that Westlake “really believed in putting community first.” Whitaker added that the hospital believes “in quality care. They believe in being the lowest cost provider. And so all of these things I think are important in hospitals because I think there are one-off community hospitals in danger all over this country.” And in January, Jim Edwards, the CEO of Pipeline and a partial owner of the company, told the Chicago Tribune that he wasn’t “put out by the fact that these hospitals have some issues and problems from a financial perspective. We feel strongly with our resources, our finances, our experience we can come in and make a difference, and, for lack of a better way to put it, save these hospitals.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

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C R I M E

Two Hyundai Tucsons left running, both stolen Two Hyundai Tucsons, both of which were left running and unlocked, were stolen in separate incidents a couple of days apart. An Oak Park resident’s brown 2013 Tucson was stolen from the 3100 block of West Flournoy Street at 9:22 a.m. on Feb. 14. The estimated loss is $15,000. Another Tucson, this one black and a 2016 model, was stolen from the 600 block of Madison Street at 4:39 p.m. on Feb. 12. The owner is a Bridgeview resident and the loss is an estimated $25,000.

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■ A black LG K20V cellphone was stolen from the cup holder of a closed but unlocked Mitsubishi Outlander in the 200 block of Lake Street between 4 and 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 13. The estimated loss is $100. ■ A package was stolen from the common area of a building in the 900 block of North Austin Boulevard at 8 p.m. on Feb. 2. The package contained a GoPro Hero 7 camera and battery charger. The estimated loss is $394.78. ■ Two women stole an unknown amount of alcohol from Walgreens drug store, 811 Madison St., about 11:18 a.m. on Feb. 12. The two women entered and then left the store through an emergency exit on the east side of the building. They entered a silver or tan van parked in the 500 block of South Oak Park Avenue. They then headed southbound on Oak Park Avenue. The estimated loss is

unknown. ■ Two Apple TVs were stolen from a business in the 800 block of Lake Street about 12:44 p.m. on Feb. 6. Two men, estimated to be in their mid-20s, entered the business and concealed the Apple TVs inside the front waistband of their pants and left. The estimated loss is $378. ■ A man and a woman stole an estimated $317.76 worth of products from Target department store, 1129 Lake St., about 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 11. The man took a laundry hamper and filled it with various Dove body wash and beauty products. The woman put several food items in a tote bag. The two then left the store without paying and entered a gray or silver vehicle with no license plate.

Criminal damage to property Two panes of glass at a building in the 600 block of South Austin Boulevard were damaged by a projectile, sometime between 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 and 9:30 a.m. on Feb 10. The estimated loss due to damage is $200. These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Feb. 11-17, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Homes

Is historic harder to sell? River Forest shooting videos to boost older homes’ appeal By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

n an effort to promote its historic housing stock, the village of River Forest has recently started producing short videos highlighting homes that have won historic preservation awards. Assistant to the Village Administrator Jonathan Pape says the videos serve two purposes: promotion of preservation and education of the public. “This project is a way to highlight an award-winning home,” Pape said. “The best way to achieve preservation is to award and recognize homes that have been cared for.” He also notes that the videos provide great examples for the community of locals who have pride in

their River Forest properties. Noting some recent demolitions of historic properties within the village, Pape says that when maintenance is deferred too long on an older home, the house can reach a point where a purchaser thinks it is easier to tear a house down than rehabilitate it. “The Historic Preservation Commission has had conversations about how to approach this from the larger scale,” Pape said. “They are trying to be proactive in preservation.” One of those videos is on the Victorian-era home of David Burns (www.vrf.us/news/item/147). “David’s home is incredible,” Pape said. “A lot of people drive by it and wonder what the inside is like.” See HISTORIC HOMES on page 19

Photos courtesy of Gullo & Associates Real Estate

NEW STRATEGY: A River Forest couple has decided to market their Victorian home on their own with the help of a new video from the village to find the right buyer for their historic property, which has been a tough sell to date.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

NEW LISTING

1147 FOREST AVE, RIVER FOREST

1227 JACKSON AVE, RIVER FOREST

1434 JACKSON AVE, RIVER FOREST

406 LATHROP AVE, RIVER FOREST

942 LATHROP AVE, RIVER FOREST

6 br, 4.1 ba $1,400,000

4 br, 3.1 ba $1,075,000

5 br, 3.1 ba $939,900

4 br, 3 ba $700,000

3 br, 1.1 ba $639,000

Pauline Sharpe 708.848.5550

Sarah O'Shea Munoz 708.848.5550

Jannie Earl 708.848.5550

Susan Maienza 708.848.5550

OPEN SUN 122

OPEN SUN 2:304

NEW LISTING

936 FOREST AVE, RIVER FOREST

1136 GUNDERSON AVE, OAK PARK

845 IOWA ST, OAK PARK

325 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK

1217 N MARION ST, OAK PARK

3 br, 2.1 ba $595,000

3 br, 2.1 ba $547,000

3 br, 1.2 ba $525,000

5 br, 1.1 ba $495,000

4 br, 3.2 ba $485,000

Jeanette Madock 708.848.5550

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

Jeanette Madock 708.848.5550

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

Susan Maienza 708.848.5550

Get Noticed. World-Class Marketing that moves your home from Listed to Sold. 101 N. Oak Park Avenue | 708.848.5550

NEW PRICE

OPEN SUN 111

847 S KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK

300 N MAPLE AVE 16, OAK PARK

713 S EAST AVE, OAK PARK

936 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK

1230 N EUCLID AVE, OAK PARK

4 br, 1.1 ba $475,000

3 br, 2.1 ba $465,000

3 br, 2 ba $450,000

8 br $447,500

3 br, 1.1 ba $439,900

Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550

April Baker 708.848.5550

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

Jeanette Madock 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

NEW LISTING

OPEN SUN 122

812 AUGUSTA ST, OAK PARK

1170 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK

709 HAYES AVE, OAK PARK

1029 BELOIT AVE, FOREST PARK

335 S TAYLOR AVE 1S, OAK PARK

3 br, 2 ba $425,000

4 br, 2 ba $399,000

3 br, 1 ba $329,000

3 br, 3 ba $240,000

3 br, 1 ba $231,000

Pauline Sharpe 708.848.5550

Robert Hann 708.848.5550

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

HISTORIC HOMES De-personalizing from page 17 He points out that the video does more than allow curious residents to peek inside a neighboring home. It also illustrates how rewarding it can be to rehabilitate and live in a home that has seen more than 100 years of history. For Burns and his wife, Marihelen, their Queen Anne-style Victorian was both a wonderful place to raise a family and a decadeslong labor of love. Over their almost 40 years in the home, they completely updated the interior and exterior. From mechanicals such as plumbing and electric to the plaster walls and original windows, they updated the house from attic to basement. Along the way, they took pains to make the older home fit the idealized vision many current buyers have for their houses. They added a chef ’s kitchen, gutted and remodeled all of the bathrooms and added a spacious master bathroom to form a true master suite. They moved the laundry to the second floor of the house, finished the attic as living space and created a bespoke family room and pub in their basement. “I have to remind buyers all the time not When their old garage needed replacing, to be taken in by the superficial, but we they petitioned the village to create a two- are all fooled by surfaces,” Franken said. story garage that was in keeping with the “Home buying is like speed-dating, which is style of their home. probably not the greatest way to find a goodWhen the couple decided the fit, long-term relationship.” time was right to downsize, they Some buyers, said Franken, went into the process of selling appreciate older homes, but their home well-prepared, but others are turned off by the as the process dragged on withidea. The key is getting those out a quick sale, David develbuyers to understand those oped a theory that even in a vilhomes have stories to tell, that lage of many historic homes, they’re solid and usually wellselling a unique historic home built. is not easy. “If you want a home that’s He says that for realtors, brand new, we’ve got those there was little difference here, too, but even new houses between historic and newer have issues -- some would say homes, as most relied on the they have even more problems MLS (Multiple Listing Ser-- you know, ‘they don’t make vice) for the vast majority of ‘em like they used to,’” Franmarketing. ken said. “Sometimes I think Burns suspects that there is the hardest homes to sell are a better way to market an older the townhomes or condos that home and help younger buyers are 20 years old and don’t have who may be unfamiliar with novelty and freshness anyhistoric homes see the value of more, but also don’t have the buying historic. He thinks the cachet of history.” village’s series of videos is a After viewing the Burns’ step in the right direction and house, some realtors advised BETH FRANKEN wonders what proactive real the couple to paint their estate agents can do along the Real estate agent with Berkshire home’s pink exterior or offer Hathaway HomeServices same lines. a painting allowance to a proBeth Franken, real estate spective buyer. David recalls agent with Berkshire Hathabeing told about color palettes, way HomeServices in Oak “It has to be grey.” He says realPark, flipped a historic home in Oak Park tors also found fault with the kitchen. and now works with prospective buyers. “We tried to retain some Victoriana for She notes that there can be a bit of educa- the kitchen with tin ceilings and maple cabtion when working with clients who are inets, but we were told that we should paint moving from apartments or newly con- the kitchen cabinets white,” Burns said. “We have the modern conveniences, but we structed condos in the city.

“Home buying is like speed-dating, which is probably not the greatest way to find a good-fit, long-term relationship.”

Photos courtesy of Gullo & Associates Real Estate

DRAWING INTEREST: The Burnses said that they were advised to paint their kitchen cabinets white and tone down the pink exterior to appeal to contemporary buyers, but they declined, believing there’s the right buyer out there. “But you have to find them.” were told buyers don’t want our six-burner stove, they need an eight-burner stove.” Franken, who was not involved with marketing the Burns home, says advising clients to make changes in order to appeal to the greatest number of buyers can be tricky. “People feel the same way about their homes as they do about their children,” she said. “They are blinded by love, and they aren’t prepared to hear anything negative or any suggestion that there’s something amiss with their taste. It’s especially difficult when a home has ‘authentic’ colors that just aren’t on trend anymore.” Franken said that when you market a home, “you have to de-personalize it, so

buyers can picture themselves in it.” The Burnses are planning to re-list their house for-sale-by-owner, and David has identified four specialized websites dedicated to period houses, which he thinks might be the key to finding a buyer who will love the Queen Anne-style house as he and his wife have. “How do you get people to understand that a 100-year-old home can be as good, or better than, new?” asked Burns. “I hear that no one wants to buy a work of art. Yes, they do, but you have to find them. Yes, a significant house is different, but it’s something the owner can be very proud of, and it’s a fascinating home to live in.”

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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TO OUR BROKER ASSOCIATES ON AN OUTSTANDING YEAR

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Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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EXCEPTIONAL RENOVATION in the heart of RF presents unparalleled quality and design. The quality construction continues into the rehab where not a detail has been missed throughout this thoughtfully proportioned home with 6 BRs and 5 full and 1 half bath......... ..............................................................................................$1,795,000

LOVINGLY MAINTAINED AND UPDATED, move-in ready, 6 BR, 3 1/2 BA Burma Brothers Home. Tall ceilings, original woodwork, oak floors, art glass, wood burning frpl, fam room/sun porch, den/ lib with built-in bookshelves, mudroom. Fenced yard, 2 car gar & 2 add’l spaces.........................................................................$1,250,000

MOVE FAST! Lovely 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath Tudor home with beautiful original woodwork, windows with built –in screens, wood burning stone fireplace, built-in shelving, family room with surround sound system. Two car garage w/2 extra spaces. Meticulously maintained! ............................................................................$689,000

STATELY LANNON STONE GEORGIAN that is move in ready with five large bedrooms, and three full baths. Large room sizes, remodeled gourmet kitchen, family room, three fireplaces , full finished basement, walk up third floor storage with 10 foot ceiling. Slate roof. Attd 2 car garage...............................................$1,095,000

1426 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

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N E W L ISTIN G! ELEGANT, GRACIOUS HOME with 4 BRs, 2-1/2 BAs offers a large formal LR w/gas fireplace, spacious DR, hardwood floors, beautiful molding, family room, eat-in kitchen, finished lower level and whole house generator. Outside includes back deck & 3 car garage. ........... ................................................................................................ $700,000

READY TO MOVE IN charming 3 bedroom home features a welcoming front porch with swing and sitting area. Home offers magnificent oak woodwork, stained glass & hardwood floors. Finished basement. Large deck & beautifully landscaped yard. Home has many extras!...........................................................................$432,500

AWARD WINNING RENOVATION of this impressive 4 bedroom, 3 full bath luxury home! Large open floor plan, designer kitchen, mud room with built-ins, huge pantry, finished basement rec room, loads of storage and three separate porches. Architect designed landscaping. ...........................................................................$639,000

BRIGHT, SUNNY END UNIT townhome in prime Forest Park location. Main level has open concept LR/DR with gas fireplace, updated kitchen, sliding doors to large balcony. Family room/office, washer/dryer on 1st level. 2-car attached garage with space for 2 extra cars................................................................................$295,000

RIVER FOREST HOMES

UNIQUE QUALITY BURMA BUILT HOME with 5 bedrooms and 3 full, 2 half baths. House has many wonderful features; 2 separate office areas, hardwood floors, kitchen with all newer appliances, adjoining eating areafamily room. Finished basement. Three car garage .......................$895,000 LOVELY BRICK GEORGIAN with elegance, modern day conveniences, and space. Features include hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, family room, double-sided fireplace, sunroom with heated floors, beautifully paved patio. Lower Level rec room w fireplace and heated floors........... $875,000 PRICE REDUCED GRACIOUS, NEWLY UPDATED four bedroom, two full, two half bath home features refinished hardwood floors, a recently renovated kitchen, updated bathrooms, two laundry rooms. Longtime owners have meticulously maintained this home. Enjoy all it has to offer!. ............................................................................................................. $799,000 GREAT LOCATION & EASY LIVING in this single family Tri-level home on a quiet Cul-De-Sac street. Great flow for entertaining, complete with family room. MBR has an en-suite European bath. Finished lower level has a 1/2 bath, study and exercise room. Growth to make it your own.$599,000 PRICE REDUCED OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU exists in this brick colonial with attached garage. Three bedrooms---shared Master Bath with huge walk in closet. Walking distance to school and parks....................$500,000

OAK PARK HOMES

CLASSICE NORTH OP HOME with impeccable curb appeal. Three bedroom, one and a half bath home includes a wood burning fireplace, stained glass, family room, eat in kitchen, ample closet space, expansive deck overlooking a beautiful yard. Discover the best of Oak Park!$469,000

STATELY BRICK/STONE ENGLISH STYLE HOME with 6 bedrooms and 7-1/2 baths. Features include a formal living room with limestone wood burning fireplace, dream kitchen, sun-soaked breakfast room, Smart Home ready, white oak floors, mud room, 10 ft ceilings.......................$2,490,000 RARE NEW CONSTRUCTION in prime location is like no other. From the cut limestone, European detailing to the unequal foyer, it has no peers. This 7 bedroom, 7-1/2 bath home offers private office, elaborate chef’s kitchen, 10 ft ceilings, mud room, impressive lower level. .......................$2,490,000 BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining........................$2,399,000 SETTING A NEW STANDARD in approachable elegance, this five bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home will exceed your expectations with wide plank hardwood floors, striking lighting and custom millwork throughout. One of a kind floor plan, and three fully finished levels.......................... $1,250,000 THIS LOVELY HOME, found in premier RF location, offers wonderful space for family and entertaining, along with 2 fireplaces and hardwood floors. This elegant home is beautifully constructed and large enough to accommodate family and friends for years to come. .................. $1,225,000

UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home!... $1,545,000 HANDSOME PRAIRIE INFLUENCED HOME, evident in gorgeous original wood and art glass windows throughout. Beautiful entryway, classic wood mantle, French doors, built- ins. Charming coach house. Special home much loved by same family for two generations. ...............$899,000 BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL BRICK HOME with four large bedrooms and two and a half baths offers a wood burning fireplace, high ceilings, leaded glass windows and beautiful architectural details. The sun room has French doors leading to a paved patio. A must see property! $760,000 CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings, four spacious levels of living in beautiful Oak Park. This 5 BR, 3-12 BA home offers a formal entry, wood burning FP, sun room, family room, eat-in kitchen. Great flow, tons of natural light & storage throughout this beauty! ........................$650,000 MOVE-IN READY with space for everyone! Enjoy the well thought out design of this 5 BR, 4 bath home! 1st FL includes open floor plan, kitchen/ family room combo, BR, full bath. 2nd FL features 4 BRs, 2 full baths, laundry. Finished basement with additional BR and 4th full BA... $599,900

FOREST PARK HOMES

PRICE REDUCED ENJOY LUXURY LIVING in this masterfully renovated home on an extra wide lot. Gutted down to the studs, this Impressive open concept home features wood floors, natural light and high-style designer finishes. 1st FL office, finished LL family room and easy access to a large deck.....................................................................................................$454,800

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2-FLATS

RIVER FOREST 2BR, 2BA. Top floor, corner unit.......................... $259,000 RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Newly updated.....................................$114,500 OAK PARK 3BR, 3BA. Two parking spaces..................................... $399,900 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. ........................................... $140,000 NEW LISTING FOREST PARK 2BR, 2BA. .....................................$162,900 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Neat, tidy unit......................................... $95,000

The Spring Market is Here! Contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis

For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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633 NORTH EAST AVENUE, OAK PARK

400 FOREST AVENUE, OAK PARK

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Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Sunday, February 24, 2019 ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

1031 Hayes Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $385,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 1016 Baldwin Ln, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $429,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 639 N. Lombard Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $432,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 713 S. East Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . $450,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 600 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 845 Iowa St, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . $525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30-4 1136 Gunderson Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . $547,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 842 N. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 12-2

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

842 N. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1207 N. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $579,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 936 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . $595,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 101 N. Euclid UNIT 12, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $639,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 106 Rockford Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $639,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1:30 2881 Landwehr Rd, Northbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $639,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1132 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $689,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1041 N. East Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1426 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $700,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 738 N. Marion St, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $749,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 439 Thomas Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $789,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 228 Franklin Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $875,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1207 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,095,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 815 William St, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1140 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

MULTIFAMILY

TOWNHOMES

CONDOS

727 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,795,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

335 S. Taylor Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . . $231,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

7521 Brown Ave. UNIT G, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $295,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 601 South Blvd. UNIT F, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coldwell Banker Residential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $365,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 15 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 11-1 15 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

335 S. Taylor Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . . $231,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1111 Erie, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $475,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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Growing Community.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

In The Village, Realtors®

Harry Walsh, Managing Broker

Mike Becker

River Forest • $922,000 4BR, 4BA Call Marion x111

Oak Park • $870,000 Multi unit Call Harry x116

Oak Park • $718,800 4BR, 3.1BA Call Kyra x145

Oak Park • $517,000 Multi unit Call Kyra x145

Roz Byrne Joelle Venzera

Tom Byrne

Forest Park • $499,000 3BR, 2.1BA Call Joe x117

Forest Park • $439,900 Multi unit Call Joe x117

Oak Park • $450,000 4BR, 1.1BA Call Elissa x192

Oak Park • $424,500 2BR, 2.1BA Call Elissa x192

Home of the Week Open Sunday 12-2pm

Kris Sagan

Laurie Christofano

Forest Park • $196,900 2BR, 1BA Call Kris x101

Forest Park • $150,000 3BR, 2BA Call Marion x111

Linda Rooney

Marion Digre

1041 N East Ave, Oak Park Morgan Digre

Ed Goodwin

Oak Park • $149,900 1BR, 1BA Call Jane x118

Joe Langley

$699,000 • 4BR, 2.2BA

Oak Park • $119,800 1BR, 1BA Call Laurie x186

Jane McClelland

Kyra Pych

Call Roz x112

Keri Meacham

Mary Murphy

Steve Nasralla

Elissa Palermo

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

PREVIEW HOUSE Produced by the Advertising Department

UNDER CONTRACT

LUXURY 510 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST $1,395,000 :: 7+ BED :: 7.5 BATH

907 LATHROP, RIVER FOREST $1,495,000 :: 6 BED :: 7.5 BATH

Gourmet kitchen opens to family room. Attached 3 car garage. Walk to train.

Beautiful Tudor - Attached 3 car garage. Expansive lot - too much to list.

NEW LISTING

132 S GROVE, OAK PARK $539,000 :: 3 BED :: 3 BATH

7310 HOLLY , RIVER FOREST $1,125,000 :: 6 BED :: 5.5+ BATH

Beautiful kitchen & baths. Located in the heart of Oak Park, walk to everything.

Great family home - newer construction in awesome location. Walk to everything!

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

Terry Lemley, Agent 191 North Marion Oak Park, IL 60301 Bus: 708-383-3163 Terry Lemley, Agent Terry Terry Lemley, Lemley, Agent Agent terry@terrylemley.net

191 North Marion 191191 North North Marion Marion Oak Park, IL 60301 OakOak Park, Park, IL 60301 IL 60301 Bus: 708-383-3163 Bus:Bus: 708-383-3163 708-383-3163 terry@terrylemley.net terry@terrylemley.net terry@terrylemley.net

Get a new lease on Get Get aanew new Get new renters Get aanew lease lease on on lease on insurance. lease on renters renters renters renters insurance. insurance. insurance. Did you know your landlord’s insurance. insurance only covers the building? I’m here to help DidDid you know your landlord’s Did you you know know your your landlord’s landlord’s protect your stuff. insurance only covers the thethe insurance insurance only only covers covers LET’S TALK TODAY. building? I’m here to help building? building? I’mI’m here here to help to help protect your stuff. protect protect your your stuff. stuff. LET’S TALK TODAY. LET’S LET’S TALK TALK TODAY. TODAY.

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All The Work Has Been Done!

his gorgeous renovated farmhouse, located at 200 S. Taylor in Oak Park, does not disappoint! It is a home absolutely loaded with charm and character. One outstanding feature is a large family room addition which includes a stunning gourmet kitchen complete with cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and an expansive pantry. The family room has cathedral ceilings and a wood burning fireplace with a gas starter. Light abounds with floor to ceiling windows! You will love the spacious deck and an intimate secret side patio featuring a charming pergola and sitting area. The home also includes an enclosed front porch, beautiful art glass windows, hardwood floors and natural woodwork. The main floor of this home was made for entertaining! The private backyard is professionally landscaped with colorful perennials. Upstairs, there are two master suites. The second floor master bedroom has a walk in closet and designer bath with steam shower. The third floor master is huge with its own sitting area. The home is located in a beautiful, quiet area of Oak Park, yet still close to the center of town. Easy walk to schools, pool, Pete’s and the farmer’s market. 200 S. Taylor is currently on the market for $718,800. Contact Kyra Pych, Remax in the Village, at 708-648-0451.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

226 S Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park

1221 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park

$748,000 | 5 BR | 2 BA

$420,000 | 2 BR | 2 BA

Amazing Greystone is an elegant and beautiful single-family home in the heart of downtown Oak Park.

Beautiful 2 bedroom + large family room home in heart of North Oak Park.

1020 Washington Blvd #1A, Oak Park

321 S Euclid Ave, Oak Park

$148,000 | 2 BR | 1 BA

$875,000 | 5 BR | 4.1 BA

Beautifully updated, 1st floor, two-bedroom condo in the heart of downtown Oak Park!

Spectacularly finished Queen Anne in the heart of Oak Park!

Steve Scheuring Realtor and Local Expert, Oak Park & River Forest steve.scheuring@compass.com 708.369.8043

538 Monroe Ave, River Forest $650,000 | 3 BR | 2.5 BA Stately & Solid brick 3 bedroom with master suite on huge lot!

Steve Scheuring is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass Real Estate. Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local equal housing opportunity laws.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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OUT ABOUT Working towards equity and equality for all

ak Park and River Forest Villagers of the Year 2018 took time out for a special edition of the popular Wednesday Journal Conversation, to discuss Equity in our Villages on Friday, February 8 at Dominican University. Honorees, past and present, along with villagers from both Oak Park and River Forest and a host of other areas, showed their support on the cold February evening to welcome new members, Jackie Moore, Ralph Martire, Ed Condon and Steve James to the list of most notables in the elite club of many but to also take part in a panel discussion, moderated by Frances Kraft, about what equity means for our villages. More photos can be found at www.oakpark.com/outandabout.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Education, Enrichment & Camp Fair

Tuesday, March 12, 4 - 7 pm Julian Middle School Cafeteria

Parents, find the perfect fit for your child at Wednesday Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education, Enrichment & Camp Fair! Meet representatives from area day camps, overnight camps, enrichment programs as well as education organizations to learn more about their programs and activities for your child, all in one day! Fun, games and activities for the kids!

Join us on Tuesday, March 12 for this FREE event! W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com

A G I N G

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

VIEWPOINTS

In praise of peach pits its p. 33

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

When you call the doctor

ometimes I feel like a medical Renaissance woman. In fact, the next time I have to fill out a form that asks for occupation, I’m going to put down: extensive medical treatment: examinations, hospitalizations, tests, scans, X-rays, blood work, physical therapy. Needles don’t bother me. That which I dread above all is calling a doctor or a hospital on the phone. You have to go through at least three or four people, all of whom want your name, address, date of birth, insurance, marital status(?), etc. I really shouldn’t complain; what an awful job to be the third one I talk to when I’m getting testy. Most docs also have a taped message. I swear some offices at both Rush and Loyola use the same voice — female, a bit nasal. She will give you several choices for your next step, none of which you want. She’s not the one who will put you on hold and never come back. If you follow her directions, she may actually switch you to your doctor’s office, which will either ring incessantly or put you on hold with some soporific music in the background. Wait, that’s not fair. They might answer, and when you’ve finished groveling, tell you the doctor’s first appointment is in July. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to call a doctor or hospital and hear this message: “Hey, this is Spike here at (Northwestern, Loyola, Rush). Call 911 if you’re really sick. Otherwise get off the phone. “OK, if you’re still on, grab your favorite beverage and sit in a comfortable chair. You’ll be on hold for a long time and the music stinks. Now I admit I have no idea whether I’ll be connecting you to where you want to go or somewhere else, but what I can tell you is you’ll need a lot of stuff in front of you. I’m talking your ID, your insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, a referral, all that s__. No insurance? Listen, Stroger isn’t as bad as it used to be. Even if you have a doc here, you’re probably going to listen to a lot of taped messages before you get to the right office. “Hey, if you’re really sick and still think you should call your doc first, I’ll put you on hold and say a prayer for you. But here’s what I’d do. Call 911. Sure, it’s a little embarrassing if you can walk to the ambulance, but trust me, these guys will take you right to the ER. You can skip the waiting room, where you’ll catch God-knows-what. I’m telling you. You may have to wait a few hours in an ER bed, but at least you’ll be lying down. And they’ll get hold of your doc. They’ll also do all of the paperwork.” “So unless you’re bleeding or on the floor, I’d start looking for that chicken soup. I repeat, there’s no way, I mean no way, you’re actually going to talk to a doctor. Just so you know. Spike out.” Note: If you are one of my docs, this is not personal, and Mary Kay O’Grady is a pseudonym.

MARY KAY O’GRADY

Photo courtesy of Village of River Forest/Facebook

Real transparency in River Forest government

ith a simple rule change, the River Forest Village Board can achieve the transparency in government that was AWOL at its Feb. 11 meeting. The agenda, released just three days before that meeting, included an ordinance reducing citizen comments at village board meetings and adding “Rule 6: Reconsideration” to its Rules and Order of Business that would allow trustees to reconsider a village board vote. Instead of the usual procedure where the board can reconsider its vote only at the meeting where the vote was first taken, this new rule would allow the board to reconsider any vote at its next meeting, potentially exposing village trustees to political pressure between meetings and delaying the finality of any vote. Had the board approved this rule change, it would have gone into effect immediately (highly unusual timing) on Feb. 11. Going into effect immediately would have enabled the board to reconsider its vote taken at its previous meeting which denied a zoning variance and instead reverse itself to grant the variance despite the variance proposal failing to meet the standards for approval. For all practical purposes, the public had no notice of these changes and effort to alter board rules to instantly benefit one property owner. Until the agenda was released three days before the Feb. 11 meeting, the public had no clue these rule changes were up for consideration or that this series of votes was scheduled. These ordinances weren’t even on the radar of Wednesday Journal, the public’s firewall against political shenanigans. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to prevent attempts to pass an ordinance with inadequate public notice: Require every ordinance (with an exception for actual emergencies) to be read at two separate village board meetings before the board can vote on it. This approach has been so

effective at promoting government transparency and citizen participation and is supported across the political spectrum so much that California, Nevada, and Florida require all local governments to hold two readings. This rule would prevent the village board from voting on an ordinance before the public knows much about it. That first reading alerts the media which reports on it, informing the general public. In cities with this rule, I’ve consistently seen few people come to the first reading of an ordinance, but when alerted by an article in the local paper, large numbers often show up to voice their views at the second reading. This approach gives local governments and the public time to better evaluate and vet the ordinance’s worthiness and identify possible unintended consequences — that’s real citizen participation. Requiring two readings fosters the transparency on which so many elected officials run for office. It enables the public to know what measures its representatives are considering. The River Forest Village Board will again consider adding “Rule 6: Reconsideration” to its Rules and Order of Business when it meets Feb. 25. Residents should attend this Monday at 7 p.m. at village hall and speak their mind, or contact village trustees at https://www.vrf.us/contactboard.aspx now to urge them to reject Rule 6 and require readings of an ordinance at two separate village board meetings. Let’s take this giant step toward actually achieving the governmental transparency our village trustees all insist they favor. See the rule change and detailed analysis at http:// www.riverforestmatters.com. Daniel Lauber is a planner/zoning attorney and a River Forest resident.

DANIEL LAUBER One View

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

O U R

V I E W P O I N T S

V I E W S

Pipeline Health stumbles

ou only get one chance to make a first impression, or so the saying goes. Pipeline Health, the new owner of West Suburban Medical Center, and, for the moment, of Westlake Hospital, has officially squandered that first impression. The mishandled announcement Friday that the L.A.-based Pipeline would seek permission from the state to shutter Westlake Hospital in nearby Melrose Park raises questions of both integrity and competence. The health-care company, fronted locally by Dr. Eric Whitaker, friend of Obama, etc., seemingly spent months negotiating the purchase of these two local institutions along with Chicago-based Weiss Memorial from Tenet Healthcare. Where then was the due diligence? How, in a two-week period, can Pipeline go from closing the deal amid promises it would be investing in three hospitals to the bombshell that Westlake had be cut loose and fast? Whitaker, in an interview with Crain’s, said closing Westlake was not part of the plan, but that “people who work in health care … have seen [Westlake] patients vote with their feet in terms of going to other facilities. We’ve heard the same thing for several years under the past two ownerships of the West Sub/Westlake combine. West Sub is getting by modestly while Westlake is a money-losing machine. Why then didn’t Pipeline force Tenet to do the hard PR job of applying with the state to close Westlake? Why didn’t Pipeline refuse to purchase Westlake? Either would have been preferable to its excruciating announcement with its message of abandonment to Proviso Township and heartlessness to its 500 employees. Tenet, based out of Dallas, will be remembered as a blip in local health-care history. But Pipeline made its case as a different sort of community-building, health-care company. Now it is making new promises that the closure of Westlake will strengthen West Sub as services are shifted to Oak Park and patients and docs theoretically follow. We get the reality that health care is changing and needs to change more and faster. There are fewer inpatient beds needed, investment in technology and outpatient care is essential. Our hope has been that Pipeline would lead our community health care in that direction. Today it feels as if it is stumbling out of the box. Inevitably those promises of greater investment in West Sub ring hollow. Suddenly Pipeline Health has a lot to prove.

An equity culture Strong and getting stronger: That’s our reading of the proposed District 97 policy on equity after last week’s discussion by the school board and community members. Long in the making, this long-overdue policy seeks to reshape, maybe upend, how our Oak Park public elementary schools view our collective responsibility to educate and nurture every single child. With a goal of making final changes by March — before the April school board election — the draft policy is properly direct in acknowledging that racism and inequity are baked into our school system, essentially into every school system. The consequences have been brutal for generations of young black and brown children. Tinkering about the edges hasn’t worked for the simple reason that the rot isn’t at the edges — it is at the core of the system. This policy says that, addresses that, puts in place methods of measuring that. We heard many things we liked in the public and board comments last week. Here’s one takeaway from Rupa Datta, a soon-to-retire board member. She sought wisely to separate the progress and determination to infuse equity into our schools from discussion solely of financial resources. The promise has to be that, whether there is loads of money to throw at equity or when cash gets tight, every choice, every expectation must remain focused on growing equity. That is the culture shift demanded in this moment.

@ @OakParkSports

The holiday wall

hey are no longer merely delightThey sing softly as they play, contentful. They are moving along, alment suffusing face and voice as they most 5½ and are now alternately weave a Ghostbuster narrative aloud — delightful and aggravating — to until it collides with the other’s narraeach other and to me. When I get tive, at which point serious whitewater aggravated, Tyler calls me “Grampy,” negotiations ensue, sometimes at as in Grumpy Grampa. With each other, banshee decibel levels. they alternate between the Battling They grow happily exuberant to the Bickersons and Best Buddies. point where they don’t know how to But there is still plenty of delight calm themselves down and I have to as Tyler and Bryce arrive each week be the wet blanket. Actually, wet wipes to overturn my life and living space. work better. For some reason, they love I notice a hummingbird sticker from these cool moist sheets, which also sigPapyrus Stationery on the teapot in my nal the transition to lunch. I offer PB&J china cabinet. Animal stickers adorn my sandwiches or salami & cheese. One dining room chairs. chooses the first, the other the second. They pull markers and drawing paper, If you give them a choice, 99 times out puzzles, Play-Doh and Legos out from carefully stored of 100, they won’t agree. The hundredth time, they niches on and under the shelving by the front door. agree that they don’t want either. I make PB&J for “I like it when I burp and taste something I ate that Bryce and salami & cheese for Tyler. As soon as I like,” Bryce observes. They had their first cinnamon they see each other’s plate, they want both. But the roll that morning. cheese isn’t the cheese they’re used to. They want I love the way they resemble the English language. to know its name. They nibble it mouse-like and, “They put it all in grudgingly, approve. them’s car,” Tyler says. During lunch, Bryce “How do it suppose asks what I like most to go on that?” he asks, of all. Tyler brightly and later, “I is a alien.” replies, “Us!” I attempt a gentle You got that right, correction: “I am an buddy boy. alien.” Last week was “No,” he says. “I is.” Valentine’s Day. “Why I remind them I won’t don’t you decorate, be here next week bePapa Ken?” they ask cause I’m taking a trip every time a holiday to California. rolls around. While I “We bemember,” they clean up, they work say. They haven’t masfuriously on several tered “R” yet — or “L” pieces of art, then ask either for that matter. for tape. When we read books, As we climb in the My decorating committee takes charge. they drape themselves car to drive to Grandon me. Reading is a conma’s, Bryce continues tact sport. Sometimes our lunch discussion. Bryce straddles my shoulders and looks down from “Mama is number one,” he says. on high. If we’ve read the book already, they join the You got that right, buddy boy. She’s the top, she’s narration, pointing out all the details on each page the Coliseum. because a good kids’ book always has lots of visual I mention the potholes in the street and they want detail. to know more. I try to explain about expansion and I open a new book with a picture of what looks like contraction of pavement as temperatures fluctuate. a walrus with a spike coming out of its nose. “What’s pavement?” “Oh, a narwhal,” Bryce says, matter-of-factly. “What’s expand?” “Where did you learn what a narwhal is?” I ask, “What’s contract?” astounded. “I don’t bemember,” he replies. “What’s fluctuate?” They’re on to me. They know I write about them. I’m used to 50-cent words when 10-cent words are As they play with their 282-piece Playmobil Ghostrequired. I do my best. Hitting a pothole explains it buster station, Tyler says, “Papa Ken, can you make a better. newspaper about this?” After nine hours together, Mama picks them up. “Maybe,” I say. “You never know.” They’re done with me. Mama, after all, is number But mostly they’re still innocently unselfconscious, one. So I kiss them goodbye and head upstairs. In oblivious to their adorability. I love watching them my bedroom, I find three pieces of paper taped to move with effortless grace, bordering on dance. In the wall, my Valentine decorations. One depicts the fact, Tyler climbs on my coffee table and attempts a three of us, armless but with big smiles. Another features four elongated hearts, bright red, one of tap-dance. which seems to have a window or doorway to enter. Thich Nhat Hanh said (according to a greeting card The final one bears the magic word we hope defines I saw recently), “To be beautiful, be yourself.” I might and dominates all our days together: LOVE. quibble with whether that applies to grownups. We Bryce told me he wants to decorate that wall for develop several selves and don’t always present our every holiday. best self because we misplace or bury it. But kids are I’m suddenly looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day. beautiful — even when they aren’t at their best.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

Peach ignorance is the pits

t’s the middle of winter — snow and ice cover the ground — and I am thinking about peaches. Could it be that the last jar of freestone peaches I canned late last summer is staring at me from the refrigerator? It seems no matter how many peaches I can, it is never enough. So now I am thinking commercial peaches, remembering the peaches of my childhood, large freestone halves in syrup, looking a bit raggedy but loaded with flavor and a pink blush where the peach met the pit. I start scouting the local supermarkets and find cling peaches everywhere — either sliced or halves and made by only a few canning companies. I discuss this with family members and friends. Soon I’m in shock. They don’t know what a stone fruit is, much less that there are two main kinds of peaches. I ask my most intelligent friends what are the two major peach categories and am met with blank stares and silence. What is this? They never heard of cling and freestone peaches and the many varieties therein. Has civilization and thousands of years of peach breeding failed us? I explain that the first peaches at the Farmers Market are Cling, and they carry that name because they cling to their pits and make it difficult to divide them in halves or to slice them. But if we’re patient and wait a few weeks, the Freestones arrive, and we can easily release them from their pits to slice or halve them. We enjoy them out of hand, make peach pies and cobblers, concentrate them into peach preserves, but most importantly, can the halves to open the jar on a winter’s day, and just eat them out of the jar. Soon the Oak Park

W E D N E S D A Y

Farmers Market will open again, and many of us will be awaiting our favorite fruit and vegetable varieties. We will glory in stone fruit: more than 15 kinds, including plums, apricots, cherries, nectarines, and peaches. It is up to us to educate our family members and friends about fruits, understanding that botany has been dropped as a serious subject from most academic institutions. Our students know how to use many mechanical devices but they don’t know that the stone in the peach they are eating is the seed and could grow another peach tree. We should demand that our schools teach students about the foods they eat and the research that creates new fruits, such as the SweeTango apple, which is newly developed in Minnesota and quickly becoming everyone’s favorite. Why is it important to know these things? If our planet is to survive, we need to be the guardians of our real foods, protecting them from ignorance and a lack of caring. I’m ready for the 2019 Farmers Market, where I will relish the Red Havens and other peaches that await my canning. And this year I hope to can enough peaches so I won’t run out. Incidentally, I did discover that one company in California cans Freestone halves and slices, and I am looking for a local store that carries them. The peaches on the can look like the Freestones I can. Maybe if we all ask our local stores for the canned Freestones, we will rekindle some interest in these delicious fruits. Thus far, store personnel have been unaware that there are two types of peaches or even that they get put in cans. How about some food courses for supermarket employees? Bobbie Raymond is a longtime resident of Oak Park.

ROBERTA RAYMOND One View

Check out this One Earth Film Fest screening One Earth Film Fest is in its 8th year, with 67 screenings in over four counties, March 1-10. Check oneearthfilmfest.org to see a synopsis of films by locations, dates and themes. Ticket purchase is recommended. Roundup Facing Its Judges will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at the Main Library in Oak Park. I particularly recommend this film because it fits with GoGreen Oak Park’s mission of raising awareness of pesticide toxicity. And most importantly, it gives a global understanding of the devastation of what Roundup is doing to the world’s soil, air, water, food supply and people. Eighteen months ago 30 countries came to The Hague and related their sto-

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

ries of Roundup’s devastation before five judges. The word ecocide was applied. Our special guest is Commissioner Frank Avila of Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Reclamation Department. He will have just returned from India where he held a conference on water reclamation policy. He has been a concerned opponent of toxins for many years. As always, there will be an energetic dialogue between our guest and the audience. And, of course, different organizations will be there to share action opportunities. Many thanks and please pass this on to others.

Peggy McGrath Oak Park

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger, Nona Tepper Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Cassandra West, Doris Davenport Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Bill Wossow Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Event Coordinator Carmen Rivera Ad Coordinator Nonna Working Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

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

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

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

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

Age bias and the health care burden

couple of things on my mind: The first is the poor treatment of today’s employees, especially when it comes to age discrimination. A decade or so back, firms started letting older employees go and this practice accelerated with the 2008 Great Recession. It appeared then that workers above the 55-year-old range were prime targets. Today this practice continues, except that the ages affected are approximately 45 years old and above. More and more businesses have gone to the business model where temp agencies are utilized to provide “contract” employees to fill the companies’ requirements. These “contract” employees get hourly wages, normally without benefits, no off days without loss of a day’s pay and, most importantly, no health care. That sums up a large segment of today’s work force, with no change in approach apparent. Get the flu, no pay; snow day, no pay; holiday, no pay. That’s what these workers face in order to live and support themselves and their families. Secondly, the resulting health care concerns. A family member who grossed less than $50K (and that’s more than many) as a contract worker in 2018 uses ACA for a medical plan (BCBS). Her actual net take-home pay comes to less than $35K from which her health care portion of approximately $20K must come. That amount includes the ACA payments, a few doctor visits over the course of the year, and required medications. Note that (fortunately) there is no hospital stay or major illness in this scenario. That leaves a maximum of $15K for housing, utilities, food, transportation, etc.

You get the picture. In the previous year, her take-home pay was about half of that! This individual has some major health concerns, including macular degeneration, but still has no choice but to troop out daily by public transportation so that a day’s pay can be earned. Before age downsizing took place several years back she was making $71K with full benefits for basically the same job. This is a disturbing situation, but many face worse and have to work multiple jobs. As a side note, while she normally gets a tax refund this year (thanks to the billionaire tax plan), she’ll end up owing an additional $2K and doesn’t have a clue where that money will come from: monthly payments to the IRS? Half her pay each month goes to health care and this is without being hospitalized, just for ACA and medications. People claim Medicare-for-all is socialism, but it’s not socialism when businesses get every tax advantage (Amazon made hundreds of billions in 2018 and paid no FIT) causing regular people to pay more? The environmental controls that have been in place for many years are rapidly being eliminated so that giant firms can pollute this country without any restrictions and gain additional profits. That’s not corporate socialism? One gets to the point where you wonder whether it’s worthwhile to continue. You get to the point where you get weary of the fight against your own government and just want to face the alternate of eternal oblivion. Without strong changes in our government, the future of this country is really in great peril. Jim Agin is an Oak Park resident.

JIM AGIN

One View

A great fit for OP village board I am an emeritus professor of Business Administration from UIC. Most of my research and consulting over the past two decades has involved public sector performance. I know and have worked with Prof. James Thompson (UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs), who is running for Oak Park village trustee. Jim has extensive practical experience, having worked for 15 years in city and county government before returning to earn a PhD in Public Administration at Syracuse University (which has one of the very top programs in the nation). Jim is the most perfect candidate I can imagine for Oak Park trustee. He has lived in Oak Park for over 20 years and well understands its culture and values. And if you are concerned with Oak Park taxes, then Jim definitely is your man. His practical experience and education make him unmatched in his ability to analyze local government revenues, costs and budgets, as well as how to make local services as productive as possible. In addition, he would be unmatched in his

skill in analyzing our community and surrounding areas to inform trustee decisions about business development and how to optimize revenue from it. He’s very familiar with the types of problems and successful solutions employed by other local communities, since he teaches the capstone Master of Public Administration course in which the students consult with Chicago-area governments. Finally, I know from my own experience that he is a friendly person who works well with others on professional projects. And he successfully served for five years as head of the UIC Department of Public Administration. So he would be skilled in helping trustees work as a team, even on matters where they strongly disagree. If you want further information, you can check out his candidate website http://www. bluesedge.com/thompson4trustee and his UIC professional profile https://cuppa.uic.edu/profiles/thompson-james. Or feel free to contact me at daroldbarnum@gmail.com or 708-714-1876.

Pay stations on Madison are a bad idea

Many studies and opinion pieces have been written about how to attract businesses to Madison Street and keep them happy once they are there. One way not to support businesses is to plunk down shiny new pay stations for parking along the street, which is what the village is currently doing. I like to stop by Sugar Beet and pick up a few groceries. Will I now have to fumble for my phone or credit card to pay for this quick trip? This can only hurt many small businesses where convenience is an important factor. Not only do pay stations deter potential customers, they also push parkers into the neighborhoods. Madison Street is still a developing area in terms of retail; businesses along its route should be supported and customers should be encouraged. This latest move by the village seems extremely counterproductive.

Darold Barnum Oak Park

They can plow my alley twice

disinvestment without raising property taxes or making the school unaffordable for our working students. Although Mr. Gary left the board earlier than planned (he was called to active duty with the Navy), the legacy of outstanding fiscal management continues to allow Triton to offer quality educational opportunities to students at a reasonable cost. It is my belief that as a village trustee, Mr. Gary will bring his fiscal responsibility and vision to benefit all who live in, or do business with, Oak Park.

I just read Jim Whalen’s comment about alley snowplowing [Is alley plowing counterproductive? Viewpoints, Feb. 13]. What area of Oak Park does he live in? In the 25 years I have lived here, the alley has been plowed twice. Maybe the effort should be on plowing the sidewalks and stop taxing homeowners to care for village property.

I sure hope Jim Whalen is alone in believing that plowing the alleys are counterproductive [Viewpoints, Feb. 13]. Yes, Jim will need to do a little cleanup after the plow leaves a thin line on his garage apron, but that seems to be small price to pay to get a clear alley. It sounds like Jim is very lucky and has a whole block that individually shovels to the center of the alley. Excellent collective cooperation; I wish that was universal. He probably never lived in the city, where alley plowing is rare. I recall actually being trapped in the garage for days at a time after heavy snows or just the slow accumulation of winter. I had some neighbors who would pile snow in the alley center opposite the direction of their travel. Other times there might be clean aprons but the center of the alley was so high and frozen, you risked your oil pan scrapping along. Once I singlehandedly shoveled half the alley myself to get out. Alley plowing is one of the many attractions I had to moving to Oak Park. I hope the village is reading this. They can give Jim’s alley a pass but please then do mine twice.

Oak Park

Gary for Oak Park village board I met Thomas Gary many years ago when he was a member of the Triton College Board of Trustees. As an employee at that time, I frequently heard good things about his contributions as a board member, specifically in regard to fiscal management. Recently I learned that Mr. Gary encouraged the establishment of an Audit Committee, which in turn resulted in the school earning several awards from the Government Finance Officers Association for its financial management. In addition, and as a result of this management, the school was able to finance a major capital plan and weather state

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Mary Jeans

Karen Heller Oak Park

Plow the sidewalks instead

Mark Schlosser

Kurt Hedlund

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

Oak Park’s Urgency: Reining in Excessive Taxation

he race for three open seats on the Oak Park Village Board is crowded with 11 candidates. If you’ve been listening to the campaign dialogue so far, you may think choosing the ones for you is about determining which ones align most closely with your level of progressivism. I share my fellow candidates’ progressive values. However, as a practical matter, I also recognize that — more than any other issue — reining in excessive taxation is the foremost concern for me and fellow Oak Parkers, property owners and renters alike. Fortunately, it also happens to be something that, if elected, I would have much more influence over than any noble-sounding notion that has little, if anything, to do with actual village governance. Oak Park has a bad habit of throwing money at issues — think the Divvy bike-sharing debacle, or the Downtown Oak Park valet parking service to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars — that have little to no impact. The accompanying chart shows three data trends between 2005 and 2018: Oak Park’s overall levy increase among all six taxing bodies and Tax Increment Financing districts, inflation, and average single-family home sale prices. Over that span, total levies (reflecting the trends of an average tax bill) have gone up 68 percent, or well above twice the rate of inflation. Meantime, the average single-family home sale price has appreciated by less than 3 percent. A prime reason: Buyers must allocate a larger proportion of their total

monthly housing “nut” to real estate taxes, thereby dampening property values. I am surely not alone in knowing of numerous anecdotal stories that reflect the fallout from these trends. Countless Oak Parkers have decided, or are coming to the decision, that they need to sell their home because their real estate tax bill has made homeownership in our community unaffordable. Regrettably, if these sellers purchased their home after 2005, they often find that they are unable to sell their home for as much as their purchase price, when doing so seemed like such a sound investment. Two foundational roles of municipal government are to protect and strengthen the value of property, and to stabilize property taxes. Unfortunately, Oak Park has experienced the very opposite: a onetwo punch of stagnant property values coupled with rapidly rising taxes. Through early voting that begins on March 18 and culminating on Election Day on April 2, there are three open seats that Oak Parkers will fill on the village board. If you share my concern about burdensome taxation causing property values to suffer, I ask for your support and your vote. If you desire village board members who will be diligent in advocating for policies that maximize equity for all Oak

BRIDGET BARON

Village of Oak Park Trustee candidate

Affordable housing is more than ‘feel good’

Intergenerational play equipment is good news As a local nonprofit with the mission to “support and enrich aging through community building and advocacy,” Arbor West Neighbors (AWN) appreciated Igor Studenkov’s detailed article (including photos) on “Senior-centric equipment coming to Randolph Park” [News, Feb. 13]. The generous “exercise equipment” forthcoming for adults is welcome, but we are especially excited about the inclusion of “intergenerational play equipment.” I first saw this innovative play equipment on a trip to Shanghai in 2001 where elders partnered with children and youth in a well-populated urban park. Recognizing its potential to bridge generational divides, a few AWN board members advo-

cated for this shared play equipment at the park district community meeting on Randolph Park renovations last spring. As noted by the park district’s director of marketing, Diane Stanke, both the outdoor fitness and intergenerational equipment are “a first” for Oak Park. Not noted is that the addition of the shared adult-child play equipment puts Oak Park on the cuttingedge in the U.S! We look forward to partnering with the Park District of Oak Park, Township Senior Services, and the Oak Park Arms to encourage the frequent usage of this park equipment, and for its installation in future park renovations.

Susan Stall

Arbor West Neighbors

Supertrump to the resistance I just met a young man named Michel Sokol, who is from Mexico. He has developed a band as resistance to Trump. Three men dress as Trump and sing “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” “Fake News,” “Cruzader in Chief,” and upcoming ... “Mirror Mirror on Your Wall.” I loved their energy and their commitment to dissolve once a progressive

Park residents with a level-headed view of their potential impact on property values, I ask for your support and your vote. And if you seek fresh voices on the village board that are balanced, fact-driven and independent, I ask for your support and your vote. For more information on Bridgett’s candidacy, visit BridgettBaron.com.

Democrat is elected. They need more press, more opportunities to play, etc. Discovery by Democrats and progressives could have them on all the talk shows and SNL! Their site is supertrump.mx. Check it out. Hamilton style but not a rap.

Cynthia Breunlin Oak Park

I went to the village board meeting recently to hear the staff ’s recommendations about affordable/inclusionary housing in Oak Park. I’m glad I did. Before public comments and the staff ’s recommendation, Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb made some introductory remarks about feasibility and balance. They seemed to be well received. However, there was a phrase that he used several times that bothers me. He said we shouldn’t do something “to feel good” or “just to feel good.”

I don’t think that is the issue. Affordable/inclusionary housing is a moral issue and an important one for diversity in Oak Park. I could give many statements, local and international, that proclaim this imperative. But I won’t. I will just say that affordable/ inclusionary housing is not icing on a “good” deal cake. Affordable/inclusionary housing is the cake.

Wayne Vanek Oak Park

Missing the Journal

As an employee with District 97, I have for years enjoyed reading Wednesday Journal, which was delivered weekly to our lobby. This year, your weekly treat to us mysteriously disappeared. Out of sight, out of mind. It’s taken me this long to remember to email you that I miss reading your paper. I wish you had distributed a flyer to our school telling us of your decision and informing us where we could still get the paper,

how to access it digitally, or subscription information (which is also mysteriously lacking on the editorial page). Few of us pick up the education insert that you deliver to our school. I, for one, would like the whole Wednesday Journal experience. Help me help you to keep your newspaper alive and our community informed.

Jodie Schroeder

Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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O B I T U A R I E S

Sister Jean Murray, 91

Mary Kelleher, 96 O’Leary, the late Martin Mary (Maureen) Kelleher (nee O’Leary), 96, O’Leary, the late Kathleen died on Feb. 9, 2019. She Hartnett, and Dennie (Philowas a native of Breahig, mena) O’Leary of Ireland; Castleisland, Co. Kerry, grandmother to Maureen, Ireland. Mary KelleClaire (John), Dean, Megan, her was the wife of the Mary Kate, Kevin, Nora and late David J. Kelleher; Brian; great-grandmother mother of Kathleen to Lucy and Jamie; and the (Dean) Rogers, Noreen aunt of many. (the late Alan) Cassidy, Visitation was held on Feb. MARY KELLEHER Eileen (the late Barry) 11, followed by a Mass at St. Tinley, and the late DaGiles Church in Oak Park. vid P. Kelleher; sister to the late Sheila The family appreciates memorials to O’Connor, the late Paddy O’Leary, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 150 N. the late Eily Burke, the late Johnny Michigan, Suite 1550, Chicago 60601.

Former president of Rosary College Dominican University and the village of River Forest lost an influential community leader and friend with the passing of Sister Jean Murray on Feb. 14, 2019. Sr. Jean died at the age of 91 at the Dominican Motherhouse in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. A Sinsinawa Dominican sister for 66 years, she served as president of Rosary College, now Dominican University, from 1981 to 1994. She joined the college in 1961 as a French teacher and later served as chair of the Foreign Languages Department. She led the college’s internaSISTER JEAN tional program in FriMURRAY bourg, Switzerland for many years and in 1997 launched the Fanjeaux Pilgrimage, an annual trip retracing throughout southern France the footsteps and ministries of St. Dominic, founder of the 800-year-old Dominican Order. The program attracts faculty, staff and students from Dominican-sponsored colleges and universities across the country. Sr. Jean served the Sinsinawa Dominican congregation as a provincial councilor for the Southeast Province from 1976 to 1980. She was the first woman to lead the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities and founded the Dominican Higher Education Council. Born in Broadview, Illinois, she graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest and received her bachelor’s degree in French from Rosary College and her doctoral degree in French from the University of Fribourg. She received the prestigious academic honor, Les Palmes Academiques, from the French government in 1976 for her publications on notable French author Georges Bernanos and her leadership in promoting French contributions to education and culture. After her retirement, she was a regular pres-

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880

Alfred Boots, 87

Sr. Jean in her presidential regalia. ence on the Dominican campus, attending student activities, concerts and lectures and cheering on athletic teams. In 2012, the university named its newest residence hall in her honor. “There was a quiet strength about Jean Murray that defined who she was and all that she accomplished,” reflected President Donna Carroll in an email to the Dominican community. “Hers was a soft style, but a strong presence. She described her later Dominican University years as a ministry of presence, continuing the relationshipcentered Rosary College tradition.” Sr. Jean is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and the Dominican Sisters with whom she shared her life for 66 years. She requested a green burial, which took place on Feb. 16 at the Sinsinawa Dominican motherhouse in Wisconsin. A funeral Mass will be held at the motherhouse on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Dominican University on Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. in Rosary Chapel. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Sr. Jean Murray, OP Scholarship at Dominican University.

Patent-holder, engineer

ents, John and Christine. Alfred Henry Boots, In addition to his wife, 87, died peacefully at his Joanne, and his son, Stehome on Feb. 16, 2019, ven (Penni), he is survived with his wife Joanne by by his grandchildren, Sarhis side. He graduated ah, Kevin, Kelly, Katie, and from Lane Tech High Colin; his brothers, Ronald School, served as a sec(Barbara) and Raymond ond lieutenant in the U.S. (Sandee); his brother-inAir Force, and earned a law, Kenneth (Damien) B.S. in Mechanical EngiMlynski; his sister-in-law, neering at the University ALFRED BOOTS Phyllis (the late Albert) of Illinois. The couple Marrazzo; and his many married in 1959 and had nieces and nephews. two sons. A celebration of his rich, long life After a long career as a project engineer for Keebler Cookies and will be held at Oak Park’s Drechsler Campbell Soup, he retired in 1995 and Brown & Williams Funeral Home, shared their love of worldwide travel 203 S. Marion St. on Saturday, Feb. with their family. He was an adored 23, beginning at 11 a.m., with a short service at 2 p.m., and a luncheon folPapa to his grandchildren, all of whom he showered with love and af- lowing at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are fection. He held two U.S. patents and suggested to Edward Hines Jr. VA was a master raconteur. Alfred Boots was preceded in death Hospital at https://www.pay.gov/ by his son, John (Jayne) and his par- public/form/start/53167010.

Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director

Family Owned & Operated

I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.

Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director

Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667

203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/467-9066 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

RELIGION GUIDE Presbyterian

Check First.

First Congregational Church of Maywood

400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.

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

William S. Winston Pastor

ELCA, Lutheran

Good Shepherd

Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00 a.m.—Education Hour 10:30 a.m.—Worship

All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741

Lutheran—ELCA

United Lutheran Church

409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)

3:30-4:00pm

Nationwide

WJYS-TV (M-F)

6:30-7:00am

Chicago, IL.

WCIU-TV (Sun.)

10:30-11:00am

Chicago, IL.

Word Network

10:30-11:00am

Nationwide

(M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

West Suburban Temple Har Zion

1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

Child care available 9-11am

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

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

708/386-1576

(708) 697-5000 LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service

Fair Oaks

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available

Grace Lutheran School

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

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship

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

Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

Roman Catholic

St. Edmund Catholic Church

188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220

St. Giles Family Mass Community

We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.

Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed

Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca

Upcoming Religious Holidays

Mar 4 Maha Shivaratri Hinduism 5 Shrove Tuesday Christianity 6 Ash Wednesday / Lent begins Christianity 11 Lent begins Orthodox Christian 21 Purim Judaism

To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 P.M. MONâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;FRI

WEDNESDAY

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

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

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM NEIGHBORHOOD UMC 817 WASHINGTON BLVD MAYWOOD, IL 60153 EVERYONE IS INVITED!

Celebrate Black History Month SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 10:45 AM TO 2PM

HELP WANTED CHURCH CUSTODIAN Substitute Church Custodian in Oak Park for one month. MondaysFridays 2:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6:00 p.m., Sundays 8:00 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1:00 p.m. Proven ability to clean/maintain large building, lift 50 lbs.; set-up/take-down tables/ chairs for events. Must possess good communication skills, work well with groups, safely monitor entrances; represent the Church when greeting visitors. Reports to Facility Manager. Potential for future ongoing occasional substitute hours. Resume or inquiry to churchoffice@firstumcoakpark.org

FLYER DELIVERY

Door to door. No experience necessary. Part-time, days. Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day. Must pass background check. Starting pay $10/hour. Call Pete

708-386-155

IT Project Manager III sought by Enablon North America Corp., in Chicago, IL. Dvlp & maintain S/W solution delivery methods & processes. Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com, ref # 28733.

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK 3BR APT 3BR newly remodeled with new kitchen & new bath. Near I290 & Blue Line East Ave. stop. Incl. heat, parking avail. $1795 per month + 1 mo. security & credit check. Call Kate 708-522-4631.

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Lost & Found and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. 708-613-3342

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â&#x20AC;˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Oak Park: Studios, 1, 2 & 3 BR from $825 - $2,100 Forest Park: Studios, 1, 2 & 3 BR from $795 - $1,850

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888

SPACE FOR RENT 501(c)(3) SPACE AVAILABLE Oak Park near library 5 offices + large reception 3rd Fl. Elevator bldg.

Call 708/848-4070

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Forest Park

7740 Madison Street 1200 sq. ft. of built-out office space with parking in front. $1,750 per month

Strand & Browne 708-488-0011 THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking; Free wifi; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared Waiting room; optional Conference room. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

ELECTRICAL

ESTATE SALES LaGrange Park

ESTATE SALE 110 SCOTDALE RD FRI 2/22 & SAT 2/23 9AM TO 3PM SUN 2/24 9AM TO NOON EVERYTHING MUST GO

50 years of living must go including the house. Dining room and kitchen sets, queen-sized bedroom set, chairs, oriental rugs, art, piano, 4 sets of china. lawnmower and snowblower. Much more. All in very good condition.

ITEMS FOR SALE FUTON Black futon, excellent condition. Black metal frame. $35. 708-488-8755 MUSIC Musical scores, piano trios, concertos, violin, cello and flute music. All 1/2 price or less. 708-488-8755

WANTED TO BUY BUYING VINYL RECORDS! Hello, I am interested in buying your old 33 1/3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 78â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and some cds/cassettes. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking for soul, r&b, hip hop, reggae, latin, african, electro/disco/ house/techno, jazz, soundtracks, psych rock, garage, punk, indie, old school country (bluegrass, honky tonk, rockabilly). If interested in your records I will offer you a very fair price!!! Call Andy 773-241-0929. WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

NOVENAS NEVER FAIL NOVENA May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and forever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me. St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favor I ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. R.B.

Ceiling Fans Installed

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We make service calls! We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Home Re-wiring â&#x20AC;˘ New Plugs & Switches Added New circuit breaker boxes â&#x20AC;˘ Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp â&#x20AC;˘ Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial â&#x20AC;˘ Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. â&#x20AC;˘ Bonded â&#x20AC;˘ Ins. â&#x20AC;˘ Low Rates â&#x20AC;˘ Free Est.

708-409-0988 â&#x20AC;˘ 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts â&#x20AC;˘ 30 Yrs. Exp Servicing Oak Park â&#x20AC;˘ All surrounding suburbs â&#x20AC;˘ Chicago area

PETS While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Pet Care Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References

524-1030

CLEANING Pamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A+ Cleaning Service

Fall is here! Time to make a change? Take a moment to preview our detailed cleaning. For a free estimate please call 708-937-9110

ELECTRICAL ++++++++++++++ + + + HUGHS + + ELECTRIC + + + Appliance lines + Lighting + â&#x20AC;&#x201D;services + Furnace repair & tune-ups + + + Trouble calls Free Estimates + + 10% Senior Discount + + Lic & Insured Since 1986 + + Good References + + + 708-612-4803 + ++++++++++++++

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) OH, MOST BEAUTIFUL flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. RB.

Selling your home byÂ owner?

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank you St. Jude. RB.

Advertise in Wednesday Classified! 708-613-3342

HANDYMAN Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN

FLOORS

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

KLIS FLOORING INC.

Ask for John

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR Our 71st Year

Garage Doors &

Electric Door Openers

Sales & Service Free Estimates

(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

%,%#42)#!, (!.$9-!. 3%26)#%3

773-732-2263

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens Washer â&#x20AC;˘ Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

!LL 4YPES OF (OME 2EPAIRS 2EPAIRS )NSTALLATIONS 0ROFESSIONAL 1UALITY 7ORK !T 2EASONABLE 0RICES 0ROMPT 3ERVICE 3MALL *OBS A 3PECIALTY

Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. AdvertiseÂ here. Call 708/613-3342.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED PLUMBING

(708) 613-3333 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (708) 467-9066 â&#x20AC;˘ E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

Let the sun shine in...

PLUMBING

Public Notice: Your right to know

A-All American

Plumbing & Sewer Service FREE ESTIMATES Service in 1 Hour in Most Cases

All Work Guaranteed Lowest Prices Guaranteed FREE Video Inspection with Sewer Rodding /P +PC 5PP -BSHF t /P +PC 5PP 4NBMM Family Owned & Operated

t Lic. #0967

PAINTING & DECORATING

PUBLIC NOTICES

CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost

PUBLIC NOTICE

708.749.0011

WINDOWS BROKEN SASH CORDS? CALL THE WINDOW MAN!

FAST RELIABLE SERVICE

(708) 452-8929

Licensed

Insured

Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929

Serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & Riverside Since 1974

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19000399 on January 23, 2019. Under the Assumed Business Name of NICE OUTDOOR DECORATING SERVICE with the business located at: 2844 W WALNUT ST, CHICAGO, IL 60612. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JONATHAN KELLY 2844 W WALNUT ST CHICAGO, IL 60612 Published in Wednesday Journal 2/6, 2/13, 2/20/2019

Public Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee will be holding an Introductory meeting, four meetings for applicant Presentations, a Working meeting and a Public Hearing on Program Year (PY) 2019 project proposals submitted to the Village for federal Community Development Block Grant Program & Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds. PY 2019 will run from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. All meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in Room 101 of Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park unless noted otherwise, and are as follows: Introductory meeting, March 14, 2019; Presentations I, April 2, 2019 (Room 201); Presentations II, April 4, 2019; Presentations III, April 9, 2019; Presentations IV, April 11, 2019; Working meeting to determine funding recommendations, 6:30 p.m., April 17, 2019 (Room 201); and a Public Hearing to receive comments on proposed funding recommendations, April 25, 2019. All meetings are open to the public; all meeting rooms are accessible. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Meeting specifics are subject to change; please visit Village Hall or call Mark Dwyer, Village Grants Supervisor at (708) 3585416 to confirm details. Published in Wednesday Journal 2/20/2019

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19000578 on February 13, 2019. Under the Assumed Business Name of LENDEZ with the business located at: 2429 S 2ND AVE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: RICHARD ALVAREZ 2429 S 2ND AVE NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. Published in RB Landmark 2/20, 2/27, 3/6/2019

In print â&#x20AC;˘ Online â&#x20AC;˘ Available to you 24 / 7 /365

OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:

2019 STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS This project will include the replacement of concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveway aprons, and drainage structures, installation of 1,200â&#x20AC;&#x2122; of 8â&#x20AC;? DIP water main, replacement of certain sections of combined sewers, milling and resurfacing certain pavements, reconstructing certain pavements, installation of street lighting on Broadway Avenue, landscaping disturbed areas, and performing other related work. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, the 12th day of March, 2019, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Tuesday, the 12th day of March, 2019, at the Village Hall. Bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available at the office of Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154, upon payment of a non-refundable charge of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per set of bidding documents. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Tuesday, the 5th day of March, 2019. All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s check or certified check in an amount not be less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable

to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check. All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. All bidders must provide proof that they are prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform at least 35% of the value of the work before being issued bidding documents. Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum duly issued by the Village. In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be mailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the biddersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; responsibility to obtain all addenda issued. The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals. BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

Published in RB Landmark 2/20/2019

Starting a new business? Call the experts before you place yourÂ legal ad! Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in Wednesday Journal/ Forest Park Review/ Riverside-Brookfield Landmark/ Austin Weekly News CLASSIFIED!

Call 708/613-3342 toÂ place your ad.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK NA; Plaintiff, vs. BARBIE ELERSON AKA BARBIE HURST AKA BARBIE ELERSON HURST; PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; Defendants, 18 CH 10199 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-13-300-022-1073. Commonly known as 1013 South Des Plaines Avenue, Unit B401, Forest Park, IL 60130. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 18022015 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3111830

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs. FRANCESCO MANCINI; JENNIFER MANCINI AKA JENNIFER MCLEAN; LIONS GATE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 17 CH 15605 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-315-029-1005. Commonly known as 336 South Maple Avenue, Unit 2B, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 19001387 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3111611

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK SOUTHWEST, N.A. F/K/A WACHOVIA MORTGAGE, FSB F/K/A WORLD SAVINGS BANK, FSB Plaintiff, -v.JOHN E. STROTH, VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Defendants 18 CH 05417 520 N. OAK PARK AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 3, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 5, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 520 N. OAK PARK AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-06-419-006. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant

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Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

CLASSIFIED

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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

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In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-18-04360. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-04360 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 18 CH 05417 TJSC#: 39-187 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3112799

CITIZENS NA SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BANK, F.S.B. Plaintiff, -v.EDNA R. MCCOY, CHICAGO TITLE LAND TRUST COMPANY SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE U/T/A DATED 10/17/1990 A/K/ A TRUST NO. 1182-CH, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 00566 205 S HARVEY AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 1, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 19, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 205 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-307-0160000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified

funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF

POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-18077. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-18077 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 18 CH 00566 TJSC#: 39-958 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3113082

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION CITIZENS BANK NA F/K/A RBS

BANK-DIRECTED SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. Wednesday Journal • Landmark Forest Park Review

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Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

OPRF outduels host Friars at sectional After collectively dominating Saturday’s event, rivals turn focus on state

By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor

It’s called the Fenwick Sectional, but a more apt description of Saturday’s boys swimming competition would have been: Huskies-Friars Round 2. With 15 teams competing for IHSA State Final berths, OPRF and Fenwick produced every relay team and individual swimmer (except Argo senior diver Ryan Rogers) who will compete at the state meet hosted by New Trier on Feb. 22-23. Talk about a “select” pool of swimmers. True to the intense nature of the crosstown rivalry, the Huskies exacted a measure of revenge by outscoring the host Friars 315-304 to win the sectional team title. In the first meeting on Dec. 4 this season, Fenwick defeated visiting OPRF 107-78 in a nonconference dual meet. “We knew it was going to be a competitive meet against Fenwick at sectionals,” OPRF sophomore Frank Tirone said. “Everyone had to give 100 percent. The student section was fired up and there were a lot of people there cheering both teams on. As expected, the rivalry was definitely present, but we didn’t let them get in our heads.” Fenwick senior Dan Lynch added, “It’s a great rivalry. OPRF always has great energy which pushes us to swim faster.” Ultimately, both teams gained from the sectional with an impressive list of state qualifiers.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Fenwick’s Liam Hutchinson, left, shakes hands with OPRF’s Will Raidt after Hutchinson took first place in the 200-yard freestyle during the Fenwick Sectional swim meet in the Dan O’Brien Aquatics Center at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. Tirone won both sprint races with times of 21.28 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle and 46.91 in the 100-yard freestyle. Standout junior Will Raidt, sophomore Diego Pareja and junior Braydon Graves won individual events for OPRF as well. Raidt took first in the 100-yard butterfly (51.24), Pareja placed first in the 100-yard backstroke (51.21) and Graves notched the fastest

time in the 100-yard breaststroke (58.63). Pareja also came in second at 51.97 in the 100 fly, while junior Tyler Hoyt was runnerup with a score 417.65 in diving, trailing only Rogers (436.95). “We had an amazing day as a team,” Raidt said. “Fenwick is a very fast team this year so we are proud to have won the meet. Lots of guys stepped up to make it possible. I was

happy with my swims. All I wanted to do was score points for the team and qualify for state.” In the most anticipated race of the day, Fenwick senior Liam Hutchinson edged Raidt (both state contenders) in the 200-yard freestyle. Hutchinson touched the wall at 1 minute, 40.88 seconds, followed closely by Raidt at 1:41.13. “Having Will as a competitor and friend at sectionals and state is fun for me,” Hutchinson said earlier this season. “I know we will push each other to go faster and perform as well as we can. The 200 free is always one of the most competitive events at the state meet.” Fenwick freshman Mike Flynn advanced to state in the 200 free as well with a time of 1:42.36. In the 500-yard freestyle, Fenwick qualified two swimmers in Hutchinson (4:36.52) and Flynn (4:39.99). Sophomore Connor McCarthy recorded a time of 1:56.43 to claim the 200-yard individual medley title. The Friars’ other state qualifiers included Alex Figus (2nd place in 50 free; 21.57), Dan Lynch (2nd in 100 breast; 59.65) and McCarthy (3rd in 100 fly; 52.01). Both teams fared well in the relays, with Fenwick advancing all three teams and OPRF sending two quartets to state. The Friars won the 200- and 400-yard freestyle races at 1:26.02 and 3:07.65, respectively, while the Huskies earned first in the 200-medley relay (1:33.67). Fenwick’s 200 medley relay and OPRF’s 200 free relay, which both finished in second, move on to New Trier as well.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

OPRF swimmer Dan Raidt, far left, and Fenwick swimmer Liam Hutchinson, next lane, dive in with fellow competitors in the 200-yard freestyle at the Fenwick Sectional on Feb. 16 in Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

S P O R T S

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Fenwick wrestlers play the long game State qualifiers Navarro and Zuber embody Friars’ bright future

By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor

Fenwick wrestlers Brandon Navarro and Matt Zuber competed in the Class 2A Individual State Tournament at the State Farm Center in Champaign over the weekend. Navarro (32-12) won two of four matches to place eighth in the 160-pound weight class division, while Zuber (22-10) lost a pair of matches via close decisions at 145. Both punched their ticket to state by placing third at the Antioch Sectional. At first glance, these results might seem pedestrian. And by admittedly unfair comparison, perennial powerhouse Oak Park and River Forest had nine state qualifiers, including state champion Eddie Bolivar. However, Fenwick coach Pete Kowalczuk is wisely taking the long-term view regarding the Friars’ status. From that perspective, the former wrestling standout at OPRF likes what he sees with his team. He believes the Friars are trending up and that Oak Park eventually will have two excellent high school wrestling programs. “I think our program is going in the right direction,” Kowalczuk said earlier this season. “The primary focus is on building a win-

Courtesy of Pete Kowalczuk

Led by head coach Pete Kowalczuk, center with arms extended, the Fenwick wrestling team is on the rise. ning program. I think our kids are getting better. They wrestle with passion and a lot of fight, which is all I can ask for as a coach.” The Friars’ most encouraging performance actually occurred at the start of the post-season state series. Hosting a regional, Fenwick finished second with 154 points be-

hind St. Patrick (249). More significantly, the Friars advanced 13 wrestlers to the Antioch Sectional. Regional winners included Ethan Kaempf (138-pound weight class), Matt Zuber (145), David Capron (152) and Navarro (160), while Will Kornowske (132), Charlie Sullivan (182)

and Jimmy Liston (285) were runners-up. Tommy Sullivan, Conor Paris, Martin Paris, Max Daley, Aden Vargas and Billy McGee also advanced to sectionals. “The regional was great because it showed that Fenwick wrestling is back in business,” Navarro said. “The sectional was really good as well because it showed our JV guys who bumped up a high level of competition. Personally, I was able to put my name out there and just have a lot of fun.” Fenwick returns all of its top grapplers next season, notably Navarro, Zuber, Capron and Liston. Kowalczuk has referred to them as the “four pillars” of the program moving forward. However, the development of current wrestlers and a steady flow of future Friars will be essential to building a sustainable winning program. Kowalczuk believes a good wrestling program needs between 35 and 40 wrestlers overall. He estimates the Friars have 25 wrestlers this season. “Coach K is doing a great job with the Fenwick wrestling program,” Navarro said. “He is young, enthusiastic and passionate about the sport of wrestling. He is getting firstyear wrestlers to join the team which helps the program.”

STATE

Six medalists from page 44

File photo/Jamil Smart

OPRF senior Ashford Hollis (37-6) took third in the heavyweight division of the Class 3A Individual State Tournament in Champaign.

is uncertain for wrestling in the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament, which begins with sectionals on Tuesday, Feb. 19 and ends with the state tourney on Saturday, Feb. 23. In addition to Bolivar’s stellar performance, five other OPRF grapplers medaled at state. Ashford Hollis (285-pound class) earned third, while Josh Ogunsanya (126) and Joe Chapman (152) both placed fourth in their respective classes. Nico Bolivar, Eddie’s younger brother, took fifth at 120 and Daemyen Middlebrooks earned sixth at 182. Hollis (37-6), also an OPRF football standout who will attend the Air Force Academy next fall, advanced to the semifinals with a pair of pins before dropping a 5-2 decision in the semifinals against Aydin Guttridge of Rockford East. Hollis bounced back by beating Plainfield South’s Andrew Bejarano in a 5-2 decision to finish third. With the exception of facing Anthony Molton (Lockport), Ogunsanya (35-8) won four matches including two pins in his bracket. However, Molton defeated Ogunsanya by decisions in the thirdplace match and quarterfinals.

Chapman (39-9) notched victories via a fall, major decision and decision en route to fourth place at 152. Chapman’s effort marked an improvement from last year’s sixth-place showing at state. After losing his opening match, Nico Bolivar (42-9) showed his mettle by winning four of five bouts. Bolivar’s most dramatic victory occurred against Danny Curran of DeKalb in the fifthplace match, a sudden victory at -1 (6-4). Middlebrooks (33-12), another key contributor on the OPRF football team, took home his first state medal. “I was thinking about the wrongs things going into state last season,” Middlebrooks said. “This time, I tried to keep things simple and just focus on wrestling one match at a time.” The senior started strong at 182 with falls against Trevor Swier (Montini) and Jacob Cronk (Lincoln-Way West); however, he lost his remaining three bouts to come in sixth. Torry Early (38-10) and Danny Lingen (20-9) also represented the Huskies at state. Early split four matches to finish eighth at 138 and Lingen lost both of his bouts at 170. “I think as a team we performed great,” Hollis said. “Placing six out of eight we brought (to state) was awesome. I am very excited to wrestle in the state team duals. I would love to end this season by showing everybody how well we can compete as a team.”

Wednesday Journal, February 20, 2019

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SPORTS

Fenwick wrestlers play the long game 42

OPRF outduels host Friars at sectional 41

Huskies’ Eddie Bolivar wins wrestling state title

Senior standout, five others medal at state for OPRF By MARTY FARMER

Sports Editor

ak Park and River Forest High School wrestler Eddie Bolivar extended an impressive Huskies’ streak at the Class 3A Individual State Tournament. The Indiana-bound senior won the 132-pound weight class state title at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Saturday, making it the eighth straight individual state tourney that OPRF has produced at least one champion. Over the past decade, the Huskies have produced 18 individual state champs. After a runner-up finish last season (16-1 tech fall loss against Montini’s 3-time state champ Real Woods), Bolivar took the final step with a 7-5 decision ASHFORD HOLLIS victory against Libertyville’s OPRF senior Danny Pucino in the title bout this weekend. Bolivar (43-3) won his other three matches by decisions, a pair of 8-3 scores against both Jake Harrier of Jacobs and Alex Lalezas of Mount Carmel. In the semifinals, Bolivar edged Montini’s Dylan Burnoski 2-0. The biggest news for OPRF other than Bolivar was the absence of Jake Rundell. The junior, who won a state championship last year at 106, was the top-ranked wrestler in the 113-pound class and the favorite to win another state title. However, Rundell was hospitalized due to an infection. Although he is reportedly feeling better, his status

“Placing six out of eight we brought to state was awesome.”

See STATE on page 44

Photo by Jamil Smart

OPRF senior Eddie Bolivar (43-3) edged Libertyville’s Danny Pucino 7-5 in the 132-pound final of the Class 3A Individual State Tournament on Feb. 16.

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