Wednesday Journal 031324

Oak Park and River Forest

ite woman on pilgrimage about racism says a collective can end it

Not just any white woman – Rachelle Zola’s anti-racism work guides her way

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

If someone said that an end to systematic racism in this country is possible – with reasonable doubt – the

likely response would be to question the statement.

Well, someone did say it, out loud and publicly. Her name is Rachelle Zola, a 75-year-old white woman who has led a privileged life in a country

that was built for her Zola said she not only believes it is possible, but that it’s possible within her lifetime.

See ZOLA on pa ge 14

Oak Park okays $200K for Grace migrants’ shortterm rentals

The amount is double the original proposal to aid migrants staying at Grace Episcopal Church until March 15

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Oak Park board of trustees approved spending an additional $200,000 of village funds to aid migrants, which village president Vicki Scaman said she hopes will close the chapter of village aid to migrant community.

“What we’re saying is that this is it,” trustee Cory Wesley said.

The five board members present voted unanimously in favor of spending the funds. Trustees Lucia Robinson and Ravi Parakkat were absent.

The new amount, allocated to the Community of Congreg ations to help provide short-term rental assistance for migrants, is intended to help fund leases for migrants at Grace Episcopal Church. The shelter at Grace

Rachelle Zola

Community members call on Oak Park library leaders to resign

At least 80 Oak Parkers have signed the open letter that also asks to reinstate

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Roughly 80 Oak Park community members co-signed a letter asking for the resignations of Oak Park Public Library Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon, Deputy Director Suzy Wulf and Director of Communications and Development Jodi Kolo

The letter, written on behalf of the community group Freedom to Thrive Oak Park, also called for other actions, including a reinvigorated commitment to anti-racism practices.

The letter comes among heavy criticism of the library leaders from for mer staff and community members over the handling of a

Palestinian cultural event, the elimination of two community engagement staff positions and their response to those concer ns.

The letter’s authors said they have seen a failure to adhere to the library’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan and “poor judgement” from Dixon, Wulf and Kolo. They wrote that stories detailing a climate of fear and mistrust at the library have been abundant for nearly a year

They list other concerns, including the library’s “fact-checker” page, which they claim used public money to promote opinions and politics rather than facts on a library-sponsored website, as well as a failure to equitably process Freedom of Infor mation Act requests

restorative practices

“These actions are unacceptable, counter to — and often in direct defiance of — the Board-approved Anti-Racism Strategic Plan, which includes equity practices and principles the Oak Park community has invested significant resources in creating,” they wrote

In the letter, the authors also shared frustration that library leadership claimed Juanta Griffin, the library’s multicultural learning coordinator, was responsible for confusion about the Palestinian culture event.

“If the leadership had appreciated and eng aged restorative practices, this situation might not have escalated,” the authors wrote. “We are now at a point be-

yond re pair.”

The community members are asking for a safe and welcoming environment at the library, and outline steps they believe will achieve those goals.

Those steps include supporting Griffin, reinstating for mer restorative practices coordinator Tatiana Swancy, requiring restorative practices training for library leadership, conducting a financial audit of the library and answering questions about the handling of the Palestinian culture event.

“Your actions – or failure to act – will determine the future of the Oak Park Public Library and reflect on Oak Park’s national reputation as a restorative library,” the authors wrote

Oak Park Library to implement anonymous sta survey

The backlash over the management of a Palestinian cultural event continues

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park Public Library’s board of trustees are working to distribute an anonymous staf f survey through a third-par vendor to ensure all employees can safely share concer ns

The seven-member board heard an earfu of concerns from community members and current and for mer employees — as w some comments in support of leadership at a packed special meeting Thursday night.

The move to create an anonymous sur comes as the board is evaluating Execti Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon’s first year. Dixon and her leadership team ha taken heat from the community over how Palestinian culture event was handled, the elimination of two community engagement staf f positions, and now, their response to the backlash.

special meeting.

The library’s board of trustees and Dixon both have since issued public apolo gies.

But it wasn’t enough, according to former staf f and public commenters at the

“The apology from the library leadership does not feel genuine,” for mer restorative practices coordinator Tatiana Swancy said.

“As far as I know, Joslyn, and no one else from the library, has attempted to reach out to any of the community members.”

Several commenters expressed their frustration about the library’s “fact-checker” page — Dixon’s public attempt to calm the situation — saying that it does not accurately address the situation and asking for it to be removed.

“It uses the library logo, name and credibil-

ity to reframe genuine concerns from community members and library staff regarding library leadership,” one commenter said. “This is unprofessional, it is unethical and it is unacceptable.”

For exampe, the “fact-checker” states it is false that there is a culture of fear among staff at the library caused by Dixon. Swancy said it’s “outrageous” for the library to say what the culture in the library is. Based on her experience, she said, there is a culture of fear among some library staff.

“It appears that our library head is unaware of one of the most obvious elements of media literacy: fact versus opinion,” another commenter said.

Oak Park resident Susan Lucci said she deeply loves the library, but the library’s antiracism plan has not been followed.

“We may call ourselves a book sanctuary, but I wonder whether we are providing sanctuary for human beings to work and to gather,” Lucci said.

Some commenters asked for Dixon to be placed on administrative leave or for her resignation.

Dixon did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Roughly 20 individuals submitted comments or spoke at the meeting. Some comments included support for the library’s leadership and for Dixon.

JAVIER GOVEA

Oak Park Library

Craft and Chat

Thursday, March 14, 7-8 p.m.,

River Forest Public Library

Crafting isn’t just for kids. Join us this month to create your own spring ower wreath. We provide the supplies, so just bring your creativity. Brought to you in partnership with River Forest Township. Registration required at www.river forestlibrary.org. 735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest.

TET (Toddler Exploration Time)

Friday, March 15, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m., Oak Park Conser vatory

Young learners (18 months – 5 years) will be delighted with stories, lessons, and crafts led by FOPCON’s education docents at the Oak Park Conser vator y. Each month is a di erent topic. Advanced registration for 9:30-10:15 a.m. 10:30-11:15 a.m. is required. Limited to 30 children and their caregivers. 615 Gar eld St., Oak Park.

Introduction to Performance:

Alice in Wonderland

Friday, March 15, 4 – 5 p.m., The Ac tors Garden

The spotlight shines on the fantastic and the fantastical - a fresh adaptation of Alice in Wonderland by Dave Hudson. Register here or visit https://www.hisawyer. com/marketplace/activity-set/568439. 909 S Lombard Ave., Oak Park.

More Slime, Please! Mini-Camp

Tuesday, March 19, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., Kidcreate Studio - Oak Park

Calling all slime lovers. Get ready for a class that will take your slime game to the next level. In this camp, you’ll be diving head rst into the world of slime, and explore various slime recipes to create the most epic gooey, sparkly, and stretchy concoctions. For ages 4-9. 200 Harrison St., Oak Park.

Ice Show

Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17, Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

Watch our annual show, where Skate Academy par ticipants perform unique routines to popular soundtracks! Celebrate the hard work of Park District skating participants. Tickets go on sale March 9. 415 Lake St., Oak Park.

BIG WEEK

March 13-20

Sibshop for Preschoolers Who Have a Disabled Sibling

Sunday, March 17, 1 – 2 p.m., Oak Park Public Library – Main

A Sibshop is a chance for kids who have a disabled sibling to come together, talk about their experiences, and play games. This class will use picture books to start age-appropriate discussions. All conversations will be child-led, with minimal caregiver intervention. Email Shelley with questions: shelleyh@oppl.org. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Co ee And...

Music: Irish Stew, Songs and Stories from Old Ireland

Monday, March 18, 1:15 p.m.,

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Come enjoy a peek into rural life in Ireland in the early 20th centur y. Along with some Irish songs, Gerry Dignan will share quirky, humorous, and poignant stories giving Irish Americans and their friends an idea of the world of their ancestors. A three-course lunch is served on Mondays at noon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for check-in and socializing. Reservations required, visit: https://tinyurl.com/ yvkaztcv, or call 708-386-2729. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Wednesday

Sunday, March 17, 9:30 a.m., St. Edmund Catholic Church

On the Second Sunday of each month, month, St. Edmund has a breakfast after the morning mass at 9:15 a.m. in the social hall. This event is free and open to everyone. 188 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

Pajama Story Time, Ages 2-7

Monday, March 18, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m., River Forest Public Library

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.

AI (Arti cial Intelligence) and the Ever yday User

Wednesday, March 20, 6 p.m., Oak Park Public Library - Main

AI is a part of our ever yday life. Join us for a conversation with featured guest Dr. Mechie Nkengla and Oak Park Public Librar y Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel as they discuss the uses, impacts and ethics of AI. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Ducks in a Row Board and Card Games

Saturday, March 16, 12-5 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y – Maze

A monthly meet up of friends for snacks, games, and fun. New friends and new games are always welcome. 845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park.

How a Roosevelt tea sound baths to aid her st

Tara Zinger wanted to ease students’ heightened stress from the pandemic

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

In a quiet auditorium, lit up with galaxy lights, eighth grade students at Roosevelt Middle School, lay down to experience stillness and moments of peace, as gentle, soothing sounds fill the room before car rying on with the rest of their school day.

Tara Zinger, seventh and eighth grade communications teacher at Roosevelt Middle School as well as the advisory teacher, brought moments of relaxation to her eighth graders through the incorporation of sound baths using singing bowls into her curriculum.

A sound bath, according to Zinger, is a full body, deep listening experience where students hear a variety of sounds that help guide them into a meditative state.

This helps them calm down their nervous system and be fully present.

“Our brains tend to future- or past-travel and what the sound bath does is give kids, all people, an anchor to come into this moment and be right here, with whatever experience they are having,” Zinger said.

Eighth graders at Roosevelt have been able to participate in sound baths thanks to

a grant by Fund was awarded back in 2021.

Fund For Teachers aims to “suppo teachers as they develop skills, knowledge, and confidence to impact student achievement,” as stated on their website.

Since 2001, they have invested more than $35 million in 9,000 teachers and their students

Zinger said she wanted to learn skills that she could bring back to her students to help with the increase of stress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the pandemic, I really noticed that students were more stressed, more anxious and a little more dysregulated than I had seen in my career and I wanted to learn how to support them,” Zinger said.

Through the grant, Zinger traveled to Bali in 2021, where she studied yo ga, sound, and ar t therapy.

“It was magical and inspiring,” Zinger said. “Really what was wonderful for me was seeing a whole culture that is built around emotional support, built around living in the present moment. Kids meditate in school there every day.”

To experience what is possible at a cultural level when “there is a culture of calming down and tapping in” is what Zinger said she wanted to bring back to her students.

Tara Zinger plays various singing bowls to create relaxing class as she guides them through a relaxing sound bath medita Feb. 14, 2024.

Law rm to help migrants with asylum

Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. will provide services through June 30

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s village board approved an ag reement with Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. to assist local migrants with navig ating the United States immigration process.

The firm will be working with them until June 30.

The village received roughly $1.9 million in a Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grant in February, $360,000 of which was designated for legal services Those services include legal fees and access to attorneys for aid with asylum, temporary protected status and employment authorization applications.

Danielle Walker, the village’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, said the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic had been providing services at all the village’s shelter

sites during the first round of grant funding. Their representatives, for example, gave presentations in Spanish to help migrants lear n about immigration processes and timelines in the United States, she said.

“Some of it was jarring for some of the migrants,” Walker said.

But the conversations were necessary, she added.

In January and February, the migrants living in Oak Park had an opportunity to go over legal documentation with attorneys, Walker said. Now, their next steps are to apply for asylum, TPS or work permits. The new firm will help with that process

Kelli Fennell, a partner with Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., said it’s important to find out who is eligible to apply for asylum, but not everyone has a strong case for it.

Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel for Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, has told Wednesday Journal that only about

it because they feel centered,” Zinger said.

Students have a 50-minute sound bath once a week and then participate in short meditations, 10 minutes, twice a week.

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When she returned from Bali, D90 allowed her to craft the curriculum around social emotional support so that students had a designated time everyday where they received that support.

During the sound bath experience, which Zinger said can be customized for the individual, the goal is to find a position where they feel comfortable, supported, and relaxed, to be able to let go of the outside world and solely focus on that moment.

Some participants choose to sit, others lay down with their eyes closed as they listen to the varying relaxing sounds and Zinger guides them through the meditation process.

In the three years Zinger has been incorporating this curriculum in her teachings, she has found students are very excited to come to class and have a moment for themselves in a world that is very fast paced.

“Kids get calm and chill and present and then when we go to do public speaking, which is one of people’s greatest fears, they are really more prepared to stand up and do

Even those 10 minutes have shown to help her students, Zinger said.

Maeve Gibbs, eighth grader, said the sound baths and meditations have helped her improve in her studies.

“It starts my morning of f right and makes it easier to focus in all my other classes,” Gibbs said.

Doing it during the first class she has in the day sets her up for a better day, she said.

“In the quarter I have communications, my grades turn out better. I focus more on my classes when I have started my day of f right. I get better test scores because I focused better in class,” she added.

Zinger has witnessed students of all backgrounds benefit from the curriculum.

“Students who have self-reported having anxiety, I have noticed major differences in them,” Zinger said. “They look forward to it very much.”

Neurodivergent students have also benefited from the curriculum, as well as students with ADHD and those on the Autism spectrum.

However, everyone can benefit from this type of curriculum.

“All people benefit from it. Often, I don’t

one in four asylum applications are approved. Applicants typically need to prove that the gover nment or police were abusing them, were denying them employment opportunities, harassing them or even torturing them, Tsao has said.

It’s also important to time those applications correctly, Fennell said, because once an asylum application is submitted, a 150-day countdown starts before a migrant is eligible to submit a work permit application, too

“Everyone that we’ve met with knows exactly where they stand,” she said.

However, timelines for immigration court are unpredictable, she said, due to a huge backlog of cases. In terms of final adjudication for asylum for the migrants, those decisions are likely several years away, Fennell said.

“This is a great move forward for folks who have been living with a lot of uncertainty in our village,” trustee Cory Wesley said.

know what is going on for a student, on the outside people can seem that they are just fine but, on the inside, there is a lot they are dealing with, and it is a support for them,” said Zinger.

Elliott Mayeda, an eighth grader, said he looks forward to sound baths the day before.

“When I do them, I get really calm,” Mayeda said. “I am more energized for the rest of the day and it feels good.”

“Not having to worry about anything for 50 minutes, it’s a good thing,’ he said.

Wanting those benefits to reach staf f and the wider D90 community, Zinger helps bring the curriculum to the whole district, including through professional development sessions and hosting a community sound bath once a month for care givers, students, and anyone in the community.

“Those are special events because they are multigenerational experiences,” Zinger said. “You have a range from 10 [years old] to 70 [years old] in the room and everybody is experiencing the benefits of sound and breath.”

At the last D90 community sound bath event, 36 people were in attendance.

“It starts a new day for you,” said Sophie Wasiolek, an eighth grader. “I like the sounds with it, and I feel it relieves me. With having stress from classes, I can just lay down and be still.”

Village to consider Ridgeland Avenue bike lane

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s village board is considering a new bike lane on Ridgeland Avenue, but residents disag ree whether it will be an improvement or a detriment.

Residents have said they feel unsafe walking, cycling and driving on certain streets in Oak Park, and the bike lane and other traffic items are intended to meet those transportation needs.

Several residents gave public comments at the board’s March 5 meeting, and their opinions were split. Some pointed out potential new problems that could arise, such as delivery drivers parking in the bike lane, loss of parking and kids’ safety while crossing.

“It’s a disaster in the making,” Mary Pikul said. “I do not think the positives of this project outweigh the unintended consequences.”

Others disa greed. One commenter said a protected bike lane on Ridgeland would be

a “godsend.” Another, Jack Davidson, said he’s had “countless near misses” while biking and running and once was hit and had to have surgery.

“Traffic violence and deaths are not random ‘accidents,’” Davidson said. “But they’ re tragedies that you are responsible to prevent.”

From 2018 to 2022, there were 132 traffic deaths and serious injuries in Oak Park, according to a presentation by Alex Hansen from Sam Schwartz Engineering.

Traf fic deaths and serious injuries are 12 times more likely for people biking compared to those in cars and 15 times more likely for people walking, according to the presentation. More than 80% of Oak Parkers re ported they’ve experienced or witnessed a traffic crash.

Additionally, people of color experience significantly more deaths as a result of traf fic crashes in Oak Park

Conducting a feasibility study for a new

bike lane on Ridgeland comes with the price tag of $86,309. The fiscal year 2024 budget for the village has $50,000 allocated for the study, but the board would need to transfer an additional $36,309 from its fund balance for the work

Village staf f has some of the same concerns as residents, including loss of parking, lack of space for garbage collection, loss of school drop-off and pick-up areas and loss of areas for delivery vehicles. Losing parking lanes could result in cars blocking the bike lane or traffic lane, according to the village

The majority of the board expressed interest in moving forward with the feasibility study, but several members wanted to consider other options for a bike lane as well.

“We really need to prioritize folks who are biking and walking and their safety over getting people to their destination 15 seconds, 30 seconds faster,” trustee Brian Straw said.

Trustees Susan Buchanan and Cory Wesley also said they want to prioritize people over vehicles, but trustee Ravi Parakkat pointed out that car congestion could be a problem for emergency vehicles.

“I feel really strongly that we should make commitment to making this happen,” Buchanan said. “It is a joy to ride those [protected bike lanes].”

Village staff is negotiating a contract with TranSystems Corporation for the study. If the study is approved, final recommendations would likely come before the board in fall 2024, said Bill McKenna, village engineer. The public will be able to give input on the bike plan at transportation and plan commission meetings about the work and through the Engage Oak Park website.

Hansen and McKenna also provided other updates on other traffic measures at the meeting. This included the ongoing Vision

Free lead water service line replacement available

Funding is available through the Community Development Block Grant program

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park is developing a progr am to re place lead water service lines with copper ones, and those who are interested but can’ t af ford it can see if they qualify to have the wo rk done for free.

T he Department of Housing and U rba n Development’s C ommunity Development Block Grant has f unds available for the progr am, a ccording to the village we bsite. Fo r those who q ualify, there’s no

BIKE LANE Calming tra c

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Zero plan, school traffic safety items, traffic enforcement, the neighborhood greenway system, traffic calming measures and pedestrian infrastructure.

Vision Zero is a commitment to stopping deaths and injuries from car crashes by implementing safe roadways. At the meeting, several commenters expressed their support for it.

The engineering division held meetings with school District 97 administrators who identified traffic safety concerns at the schools. Julian Middle School concerns are the first priority, according to the village.

Village staff and CivilTech Engineering already worked with the Illinois Department of Transportation to install a school speed zone on Washington Boulevard, near Julian Middle School. They are also requesting a school speed limit on Ridgeland Avenue near Filmore Street to improve safety by Irving Elementary School.

During the traffic enforcement update,

c ost to pa rt icipate

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead can be harmful to one’s health even at a lo w exposure.

T he Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum contaminant level goal at zero for lead in drinking water, according to the CDC.

To qualify for the village’s progr am, an owner must have a service line made of lead or galvanized material, which they can identify using the village’s guide

The owner’s household income also cannot exceed the program limits, in order to qualify. A full income table can be found online.

T he re placement will include swapping an existing lead or g alvanized steel water pipe for a one-inch copper pipe. The village is hiring the contractor and will oversee the work, according to its website. The work takes about one day.

Deputy Chief Roderick Robinson said police are looking at reimplementing a traffic unit, but the short staffing makes it difficult. Wesley, Parakkat and Straw all asked for traffic violations to be addressed at a higher rate

The 2024 fiscal year budget also has $300,000 allocated for construction of neighborhood greenways, according to the village, which will focus on areas like East Avenue, Scoville Avenue, Fair Oaks Avenue and Elmwood Avenue.

The budget includes $350,000 to design the remaining greenway system, construction for which is expected in 2025 and 2026. Village staff plan to apply for $250,000 from the Cook County Invest in Cook grant to help fund 2025 construction.

There are nine traffic calming petitions that the transportation commission needs to review, according to the village, which staf f expects to present to the board by late summer. Some measures implemented since January 2023 include bump outs, stop sign upgrades, special speed zones and speed humps.

Village staff are also meeting with the disability access commission and aging in communities commission for input on pedestrian signals, push buttons and Vision Zero plan to improve pedestrian accessibility.

Paid

Lake and Lathrop could see new developer

Michigan Avenue RE is

negotiating with courtappointed receiver

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

The Lake and Lathrop property could have a new developer in a few months

Chicago-based Michigan Avenue RE has submitted a bid of $3.75 million for the site of a one-time condominium project at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue and is “actively negotiating” on a contract with Ascend Real Estate Group, the court-appointed receiver, according to the second receiver’s report issued earlier this month by Ascend.

River Forest pulled the plug on the Lake and Lathrop development on a critical Sept 15 deadline, apparently ending years of frustration for village officials and village residents, particuarly those who live near the development—but resulting in an unknown future for the site.

Sedgwick Properties failed to meet the conditions set forth by the village, according to officials. Construction activity was not to be permitted on the site, they added.

“As of September 15, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., the Village has repealed the building permit for the Lake and Lathrop development at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue and issued a stop work order to Sedgwick Properties, the developer,” village officials said in a news release issued at that time

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According to the second receiver’s report, Ascend engaged Jones Lang LaSalle, a Chicago real estate company, in the fall to conduct an “aggressive marketing campaign” of the Lake and Lathrop property. Beginning in November, the property was “exposed extensively” to the market for approximately 75 days through email blasts, on site tours and followup phone calls, according to the report

Through that campaign, 66 firms were contacted, 47 of which requested additional information. Five written offers were submitted in response to a “call for offers” in January. Follow-up discussions were held with the five bidders and a second round of bidding was announced wherein all five bidders were instructed to present their highest and best

offer. Three enhanced offers were receiv in February, the highest of which was from Michigan Avenue RE

According to the report, a “final purchase and sale ag reement should be executed by purchaser and presented to the Cook County Circuit Court for approval within 30 to 45 days.”

The next hearing date is scheduled fo March 18, at which time the court is expected to rule on a motion to reconsider presented in January by Lake Lathrop Partners LLC and Sedgwick Properties, an authorized agent acting on behalf of Lake Lathrop Partners LLC. No ruling was issued at that time.

River Forest officials have stressed previously that any proposed development for the site will be subject to village zoning and permitting approval. They also noted that the village is not paying any legal expenses for these court proceedings or for any property maintenance expenses. Because of the village’s subordination to Wintrust Bank in the redevelopment agreement, Wintrust Bank is responsible for these costs, including property tax payments, officials added.

The project had been on the drawing board since before the village board’s 2016 approval of the proposal by Lake Lathrop Partners LLC to build a four-story, mixed-use development containing 22 condominium units with 14,000 square feet of retail space. Variations on the same project had lurched and lingered for a decade previously. The original project included another story and eight more units but was scaled back.

The project experienced a series of delays over the years, including environmental cleanup from a dry cleaner originally on the site and a lawsuit involving a tenant who did not want to leave

WHAT THE H*** IS AI, ANYWAY?

Iused to be about as tech savvy as my dog Pepper. Growing up, before tech issues, we had mechanical problems. My mechanical engineer father took care of all mechanical problems in our household, including mine. After I married Mike, my Oak Park-based electrician father-in-law was my mechanical problem solver.

THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

Then along came our mechanically inclined son John. He not only could solve my mechanical problems, but he was also a whiz with computers. Consequently, I had an in-house tech answer man. Since I was always afraid of touching the wrong tech button, I just called John for tech issues. I did not see myself as having mechanical or technological abilities. I was perfectly happy letting my family members solve these problems for me.

Then tragedy struck. Just as I was setting up my law firm with the need to incorporate lots of tech, my son John left for college. This left me on my own to solve my tech issues. Yikes!

Guess what? I learned to figure it out.

Oh sure, it started out rough. But slowly, ever so slowly, the tech haze began to lift. I Googled the heck out of a problem, watched countless YouTube videos, and actually gave myself a chance to figure it out.

Sure, I made lots of mistakes, but I stopped being afraid of technology. I started making fewer mistakes and achieving more successes. I embraced tech’s ability to make my life easier and more efficient. Today, I am still no tech genius, but I am happy to work on solving my own tech problems. I also actually enjoy (mostly) trying out new technology.

Lately, there is a great deal of talk about a new technology called AI or artificial intelligence. It made me curious. What the h*** is AI and how can it improve my life?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an umbrella term that incorporates several types of technology in the computer science field. AI’s goal is to replicate tasks that typically require human intelligence. There are three types of Artificial Intelligence; Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and Artificial

Super Intelligence (ASI).

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) is what’s known as weak AI, meaning it can only complete one type of task. ANI is used to create solutions that are good at one specific task, like reading medical images, detecting manufacturing abnormalities, and finding patterns in business data. This is what most AI is today.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) are what is known as strong AI. AGI is a technology that is able to do multiple tasks, becoming more human-like in its abilities. AGI models make their own decisions and learn without human input using logic and emotion. Pure AGI models do not exist, yet. But technology is getting closer and closer to its existence. Now there are chatbots and digital virtual assistants that are getting good at maintaining conversations. They can also have emotional reactions to direct stimuli and sometimes can even read human emotions.

Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) is the technology of science fiction. If ASI models existed, they would be machines that are smarter, wiser, and more creative than humans.

Where do AI models get their intelligence from? Machine Learning. At its most basic, a machine learning model uses an algorithm to read thousands or millions of data points and then come to a conclusion or a prediction. (An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions that describe how to perform a task that is used to solve a problem or reach a result.)

The machine learning model takes in data: images, video, audio, or text (usually scraping data from the internet) and begins to recognize patterns in that data. Once it learns to recognize patterns in the data, it can also learn to make predictions based on those patterns. However, it needs a human to monitor it to ensure the prediction is correct.

A subset of machine learning is deep learning. Deep learning is intended to mimic the structure of a human brain, with complex, multi-layered interconnected

decision-making units (artificial neural networks). Unlike general machine learning models, deep learning models can be taught to operate without human input.

A subset of deep learning is Generative AI. Generative AI focuses on creating new and original content stemming from the data in which it was trained. A specific category of generative AI is LLM (large language model like Chat Gpt). Unlike general machine learning models, LLMs have a specialized focus on text-based data.

A general machine learning model can help to predict your next Netflix movie choice based on data of your previously watched movies. An LLM with its deep learning can do so much more. An LLM can actually create an entire movie script for you to film to sell to Netflix. For instance, you can ask the LLM chatbot in Chat Gpt to create a play about frogs in the style of William Shakespeare’s writing. In 17 seconds it will give you the first scene dialogue of the original movie, A Midsummer Croak’s Dream.

Besides picking movies and creating goofy movie scripts, can AI really make our lives better? Yes, it can! Among many other things, it can; summarize complicated topics and research, translate text into a different language, plan a vacation, write your resume, prepare you for an interview, provide cooking and recipe advice, and create a personal workout.

What follows to the side as the Top Ten Reasons To Create a Revocable Trust is estate planning content written entirely by Chat Gpt by asking it to write a witty top 10 reasons to create a revocable trust.

Even though the majority of AI is still considered weak AI -- only able to complete a single task -- it has still been revolutionary in making tasks easier. And it will just keep getting better and better. Just like AI, estate planning can also make your life and your family’s life easier. Estate planning is easier, effective, and more efficient than you think. Create an estate plan today!

TOP TEN REASONS TO CREATE A REVOCABLE TRUST

10. Revocable Trust: Because Death Shouldn’t Be a Taxing Experience

Death and taxes may be inevitable, but your heirs don’t need both. A revocable trust won’t bring you back to life, but it can lessen the tax sting.

9. Lock Away Your Family Secrets

Your Aunt Mildred’s secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies should be the only thing passed down, not your financial details. Trusts keep your financial affairs private, like a secret vault without the drama.

8. Because Control Freaks Need Estate Plans Too If you’ve ever rearranged someone else’s loaded dishwasher, a revocable trust is for you. Maintain control even from the great beyond – it’s the ultimate mic-drop from the afterlife.

7. Prevent Family Game Night Turned Lawsuit: Monopoly is meant for fun, not dividing up your estate. Keep the peace in the family by making your wishes clear – avoid turning game night into a courtroom drama.

6. Ancillary Probate –

Sounds Like a Medieval Curse, Avoid it! Nobody wants to deal with ancillary probate (probate in more than one state due to out of state real estate ownership); it’s like the annoying side quest in a video game. A revocable trust is your cheat code to skip that level.

5. Specialized Distributions: Because One Size Fits None Your wealth is as unique as your fingerprint, and one-size-fits-all estate plans are so last century. Customize your wealth transfer with a trust –because your legacy deserves a bespoke suit, not off-the-rack.

4. Avoid DIY Inheritance: YouTube tutorials are great for fixing leaky faucets, not for divvying up your life’s work. Leave the inheritance planning to the professionals – your DIY legacy might not turn out as you envisioned.

3. Financial Wisdom Teeth: Inheriting money too soon is like getting your wisdom teeth at 12 – nobody’s ready, and it’s probably going to be messy. Delayed distributions in a trust act as the financial orthodontist, letting young heirs mature before they can chew through the complexities of wealth.

2. Skip the Probate Drama

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www.theresaclancylaw.com theresa.clancy@theresaclancylaw.com

Because nobody wants their family feuds to become a prime-time courtroom drama. Trust me, it’s not the kind of reality show you want to star in.

1. Trust: Because Your Heirs Deserve an Easy Button: Life’s complicated, but your inheritance plan doesn’t have to be. Hit the easy button with a revocable trust and simplify your loved ones’ lives.

River Forest is ‘continuing progress,’ President Cathy Adduci says in state of village address

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

“We are continuing our progress,” River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci said in her State of the Village address at the March 11 Village Board meeting, citing making safety a top priority, continuing to strengthen the village’s property values through quality of life initiatives and ongoing ef for ts to stabilize property taxes among the village’s accomplishments over the past year

Regarding safety, Adduci noted that the police and fire departments are fully staffed and the first village-wide traffic safety study that was completed in the fall “will help to determine needed changes and interventions to make our streets safer and more easily traversable.”

The police continue to hold quarterly safety meetings and are partnering with the Thrive Counseling Center in Oak Park to help address mental health issues. Village officials also ratified a three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 and approved purchase of body cameras for all police officers and expansion of the village’s street camera system. Adduci said the body cameras “will hold of ficers accountable as well as provide more foot-

STAFF SURVE Y

Dixon defenders

from page 3

Jennifer Norborg, the library’s children’s services manager, said she spoke on behalf of herself and two other staf f members. She said she supports Dixon and believed the executive director has improved staf f morale, led with grace, ensured the financial wellbeing of the library and strengthened community ties.

“We are united in our belief that despite some claims, the majority of library staff are not miserable all or even most of the time,” Norborg said.

Dixon has been a transparent director, Norborg added, but since harm was done, meaningful repair will take time on both sides. She said there is a “vocal minority who have dis-

age to assist with criminal investigations” and the FOP contract “allows us to remain a competitive and attractive destination for law enforcement professionals.”

Firefighters have focused on training and education for themselves and for residents, working with a recently acquired training prop and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device. Adduci said the prop simulates fighting a fire “enabling personnel to practice hands-on skills in-house” and the CPR device has saved six lives in the past year.

Regarding quality-of-life initiatives, Adduci cited the sustainability commission’s involvement in village officials’ decisions to ban the use of polystyrene, better known as Styrofoam, commonly used on food packaging, and single-use foodware. She also pointed to the partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Urban Planning and Policy to create a climate action plan for the village, which she said “will help to steer future initiatives in the areas of renewable energy and reduction of emissions” and “aligns extremely well with the village’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Readiness Program.” She noted electric vehicle usage in the village has grown by nearly 500 percent over the past five years.

In addition, Adduci cited the efforts of the age friendly advisory committee and diver-

paraged” Dixon but that she looks forward to her continued leadership.

“We feel that Joslyn is the best director this library has had,” Norborg said.

Swancy said while it was Norborg’s right to share her opinion, she was disappointed that some staf f were criticizing the response of those who felt they had been discriminated against.

“All those voices should be heard in a way that is safe,” Swancy said.

In a written comment, a for mer OPPL employee said Dixon has been “slandered repeatedly” and recent community actions are “silencing a Black woman leader.”

Another written commenter said while people were hurt by recent events, the situation allowed for Dixon, a Black woman, to be criticized for every “unpopular” decision.

Swancy said she understands why that’s a concern, but she is also a Black woman. Many people of color have been targeted, not just those in positions of leadership,

sity, equity and inclusion advisory group

The age friendly committee presented a final report to officials which she said “has driven our focus on improving accessibility at our intersections and sidewalks.” The DEI group is working with a consultant who “specializes in organizational strategy that looks through a lens of equity.” She added she and other officials are “looking forward” to the group’s final report

To stabilize property taxes, Adduci said officials are targeting economic development while being financially accountable.

She said officials hope demolition of village-owned properties along Madison Street will spur greater interest in the site for new development. “After years of marketing the existing buildings for adaptive reuse, we determined it would be best to market the property if it were cleared for development,” she said.

Officials also hope that making changes to the village’s zoning regulations will lead to additional economic development. “We strongly believe this effort will help grow our tax base and provide for additional housing that will be affordable to new buyers,” Adduci said. If approved, the proposed changes would apply to the village’s four commercial districts and simplify re gulations.

“Growing our tax base if only one factor

she said. For instance, Swancy said the library is blaming Juanta Griffin, the library’s multicultural learning coordinator, for any confusion about the Palestinian culture event.

“The community members impacted do not feel confused,” Swancy said. “They feel that Juanta and the community engagement team treated them well, treating it [the Palestinian culture event] as a collaboration.”

During the library board’s discussion about potential vendors for a new anonymous staf f survey, the board ag reed it would be best for staf f feedback to come directly to the board.

Friends of the OPPL board liaison Kristina Ro gers said she doesn’t want anyone to be targeted for speaking their mind T he staf f needs to be able to trust that the survey is anonymous, board secretary Susanne Fairf ax ag reed, because without that trust, the board will only g et inaccurate information.

that helps stabilize our property taxes,” Adduci said. “We also need to be disciplined and fiscally responsible.” She said she is “proud to say” that village officials have adopted balanced budgets for 16 consecutive years. Helping balance the budget has been the use of grant funding, she said.

She said the village had received more than $1 million in grant funding, including $60,000 for the police body cameras; $350,000 for the demolition of the Madison Street buildings; $90,000 for the green alley program; and $100,000 for upgrading sidewalks. In addition, more than $1.1 million for general infrastructure improvements and $22 million in shared grants have been appropriated directly to the village for fiscal year 2024/25 in the state budget, Adduci added.

“I want our community members to know that you’re in good hands – great hands in fact – through a team of individuals on our boards, commissions and committees; our staff; and, of course, our village board,” she said. “We truly have something special here in River Forest.”

The only trustee comment came from Respicio Vazquez, who noted Adduci had left herself out of the address and thanked her for her leadership.

“It’s hard work but it’s nice work,” she responded

Library board president Matthew Fruth said the board needs to have a realistic expectation of staf f responses, because not everyone responds to a survey. Others ag reed, but said they need to do their best to get accurate information.

The board plans to compile further questions for the potential vendors before choosing one at their regular March 26 meeting. After that, they plan to move quickly to distribute the survey, but it will likely take several weeks for the vendor to gather responses, compile data and create a report

Swancy said she appreciated that the board is taking time to make the right decision, and hoped that staff members feel they can share honestly. In the past, staff have worried other surveys weren’t anonymous, Swancy said.

“[We need to make] sure that whomever we choose, everyone in the library has equitable chance to be able to contribute,” library board vice president Virginia Bloom said.

Oak Park’s president ends committee meeting early a er ‘threatening’ comment

The comment, an alleged joke, referred to violence and left President Vicki Scaman visibly shaken

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Vi llage president Vi cki Scaman ended a finance c ommittee meeting Fe b. 22 after only 10 minutes after hearing a c omment she said was “threatening.”

“I deserve to be able to participate fully in this meeting without being this upset,” Scaman said as she ended the meeting.

Sarah Corbin, a friend of Scaman’s, said her understanding is that before the meeting started Donna Gayd en, interim chie f financial officer, was tell-

Do you have DIABETES?

If you do, you should know how important foot care is. Over time, diabetics risk developing foot complications. When the nerves are damaged from chronic high blood sugar, feet can become numb or painful with burning or tingling. is is called diabetic neuropathy. When diabetes a ects the arteries, circulation to the legs and feet may be compromised. Either of these conditions may lead to serious problems including ulceration, even amputation.

e key to prevention is early diagnosis of diabetes, and regular foot exams from a podiatrist. Diabetics who receive regular foot care, including paring of calluses and debridement of thick fungal toenails, are almost four times less likely

to undergo an amputation than those who do not seek treatment.

Medicare and some private insurances cover 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of protective insoles each calendar year. Dr. Lambert has been a supplier of diabetic shoes since 2002. e shoes come in 30 di erent styles each for men and women. ese include boots, lightweight colorful athletic shoes, and dress shoes. Even patients who are not diabetic love the look and comfort of the footwear. Diabetic socks, slippers and compression hosiery are also available.

Protecting your feet with appropriate footgear is an important aspect of preventive care for diabetics.

ing a story about a previous p lace of wo rk T her e, the chie f of p olice shot the mayo r.

Trustee Ravi Parakkat re por tedly leaned toward the trustee next to hi m and said something along the lines of “I g uess we need to talk to the chie f” in a j oking manner, Corbin said. Parakkat declined to c onfirm whether thi s was true, and said he has nothing to c omment about wh at happened

“She was quite shaken with the joke being made about gun violence, violence toward women,” Corbin said. “It’s unfortunate, I think, that she still has to meet and work with Ravi in a congenial way, when he still has not apolo gized.”

In a w ritten c omment, Scaman sai d a c omment made j ust p rior to the meeting violated the village ’s v alues and principles, one of wh ich is building trust through r espectful dialogu e and actions

“Reg ardless of his i ntent, it had a visible impact on Vi cki, and he need s to account for that,” Corbin said.

Although Corbin said Scaman asked for an apology, Parakkat said he is not planning to talk to any board members about the incident and would rather focus on coming together to serve the community

“It is rather unfortunate that this is where the board relationships are, ” he said. “There is a lot of pent up stress.”

At the March 5 board meeting, roughly 10 community members attended to show support for Scaman, Corbin said. Scaman said that genuine support made a real difference for her and allowed her to retur n to doing her job.

“It took some of that da rk cloud of really having f elt quite distraught by the incident,” Scaman said.

Scaman a dded that she wants to ke ep the best interests of the community in mind and focus on the positi ves rather than the ne gative s.

“There’s nothing about our environment that says it ’s OK to make a s ide c omment about g un violence or violence ag ainst women,” Corbin said.

T he finance c ommittee meeti ng will be rescheduled for a future date.

7351

is closing March 15 because of a lack of funding and resources.

The original proposal at Monday’s meeting was $100,000, but Scaman raised the request to $200,000 after disclosing that discussions with state leaders, such as with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, indicated there was a strong likelihood Oak Park could be reimbursed for some of that spending.

There’s no guarantee, said Lisa Shelley, the deputy village manager. But there’s also no concern that Oak Park would not qualify for some reimbursement she said that state officials told the village. Wesley called it a “perfectly good risk.”

In remarks to Grace’s cong re gation on March 10, Rev. John Rumple said the village gave the church “no end game, no plans” for the migrants staying there. He said the village has focused instead on migrants in other shelters, many of whom are families and children. The migrants staying at

Grace are all men, but many of them have families back home, Rumple said.

“Where is the Village of Oak Park?” Rumple asked. “No person from the village board or office has ever once visited this shelter, to my knowledge.”

Rumple said he is not able to sustain overseeing the shelter and leading the church. The church’s leadership explored every option, he said, but they ultimately had to decide what was possible for the parish. Grace’s shelter has been the last to receive help in the village, Rumple said.

“I struggled with what they [the migrants] needed, and how weak that made me feel, that I couldn’t keep going,” he said.

reimbursed on those expenses

When he told the migrants the shelter was closing, Rumple said they were shocked. Some panicked. Some even fled.

“We trusted God to provide for us when we began this shelter and we’re going to have to trust God to provide as we end this shelter,” Rumple said. “I encourage these men to do the same thing.”

“This is a communitywide miracle,” he said. “This is an example to our government leaders that they need to take notice of.”

RE V. JOHN RUMPLE Grace Episcopal

In addition to help from partners such as Beyond Hunger and Housing Forward, Grace has spent $18,350 on food, $12,071 on supplies, $4,700 on clothing and small amounts on items like medicine and transportation, Rumple said. The church is working with the village to be

“This is a community-wide miracle,” he said. “This is an example to our gover nment leaders that they need to take notice of.”

The Community of Cong re gations is trying to ensure all individuals at Grace have leases and can avoid going to the City of Chicago’s landing zone, an area where transportation vehicles with migrants drop of f new arrivals.

The men at Grace have been handed “so many empty promises,” Rumple said.

However, the Community of Cong re gations and Apoya, a group of Oak Park residents trying to find housing for asylum seekers, are now working together to help them. Apoya has been finding landlords to take in the men without a credit check and the Community of Cong re gations will pay the first year rent up front.

Apoya will also provide starter furniture and some home items, Rumple said, but the migrants will be responsible for their own utilities and food.

The organization already received $150,000 in village funds and $300,000 from a Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grant for migrant rental assistance. The grant funds must be spent by June 30, but village funds do not have those constraints, Shelley said.

That funding was primarily intended for migrants previously staying at The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel and the West Cook YMCA. Both those shelters have closed, with some migrants now staying at St. Edmund School.

According to the village, these shortterm rentals are funded by the village, grant funding and private funds secured by the Community of Cong re gations.

Scaman said the community has worked together “diligently” and “impressively” to support migrants.

ZOLA

Outside lines

from page 1

“We can do it if we have the collective will to do it,” Zola told the Austin Weekly News during an interview re garding her mission to do her part to make it happen.

Her comments are not from the sidelines. Zola, a restorative practitioner, is out front, on a journey to build bridges between Black and white people and to exchange stories and hard truths that she said she learned too late

She’ll be sharing her beliefs and experiences this spring at two events: A show in North Lawndale in March and in a 754-mile walking pilg rimage from Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama.

Zola, of Oak Park, grew up in Long Island, New York, and has lived in various parts of the country and the world working as an advocate for children with developmental disabilities.

While it’s shocking to hear someone say out loud that it’s possible to end systemic and structural racism in this country, it’s also shocking to hear the same person say they did not have a clue about the depth of harm done by the country’s long history of slavery from 1619 to 1865 and the Jim Crow era that followed.

Enacted in 1876, Jim Crow – laws that prohibited Black people from using the same public facilities such as restrooms, restaurants and drinking fountains as white people – was enforced through 1965 with lynchings and other atrocities against Black grained in state and local laws that mandated se in the South.

For example – although it may be impossible to know certain – an Equal Justice Initiative re port documented nearly 6,500 lynchings in which Black people were hung by the neck from trees until they died between 1865 and 1950.

there were questions to be asked. So how is that possible? I’ve lived in Jordan, Ecuador, Mexico, and it took me moving to Chicago to lear n about my own country.”

Zola added that it’s really easy as a white person to not acknowledge racism.

She clarified that it’s not that she wasn’t aware that racism exists.

“It goes deeper than that,” she explained. “I wasn’t thinking about Black lives but I also wasn’t thinking about Irish lives, Germans lives, Asians lives… I wasn’t thinking about anybody else’s life. I had my own trauma growing up and I just knew how to get from point A to point B.”

What makes her qualified to do this work? Wednesday Journal delves into her background and her teachings on race.

Her hunger strike

Zola’s thoughts on book-banning

Re garding the Re publican-led movement to whitewash American history by banning certain books, Zola said it’s absurd.

“Reading, educating oneself is power,” Zola said. “These people want our youth in school to be ignorant, not ask questions and not to question systemic racism, not to question the very foundation that our country was built on … T hey want to remain a country of white supremacy. T hey won’ t g et their way and they are doing everything in their power to stop progress.”

Why do white people dislike Black people so much?

It wasn’t until 1954 with the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas lawsuit that the Supreme Court declared school se greg ation unconstitutional. The remaining Jim Crow laws were overturned by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Asked how it’s possible she wasn’t aware of the depth of harm from racism, Zola responded: “That’s a question I ask myself all the time. I grew up in a time when no one challenged me. If someone had said to me, we need to do something about systemic racism, I would have said yes. I didn’t even know the questions to ask. I didn’t even know

PROVIDED

Back in 2021, Zola embarked on a 40-day hunger strike in support of federal legislation (HR40) that establishes a commission to study and develop re paration proposals for African Americans.

Black groups, activists, elected officials, everyday citizens continue to fight and speak out in their demand for reparations for the har m done by structural and systemic racism.

Activist Deondre Rutues, who serves on the 15th Police District Council, told the Austin Weekly in a recent interview that re parations are necessary.

“Had it not been for the blood, sweat and tears of the enslaved ancestors of African Americans, this country would not be where it is today,” Rutues said.

Zola agreed that generabeen denied the wealth they creparations should be paid to African Ameri-

“Any pushback on that from white people comes from a place of ‘not enough,’ that if African Americans receive what’s owed to them, there won’t be anything left for them, ” Zola said. “We’ve done harm for generations, and we need to repair that harm. Repairing the harm starts with admitting that harm was done. It’s like we don’t want to admit our legacy, the lynchings. George Floyd is another example of that. It was a moder n-day lynching.”

Zola said her restorative justice involvements are callings from the universe which is how she said she ended up in Chicago.

“The first place I went to when I got here was the North Lawndale Restorative Justice Community Court where I met people I’m still connected with,” she said.

“I don’t know what is so scary and that’s why I’m walking down South to find out,” Zola said of her upcoming walk to Alabama. “I want to hear their stories. If I don’t hear their stories, I’m not going to understand this.”

Her stage production

Now heading in a direction that ventures outside straight lines, with purpose, Zola is sharing her story and saying the unspoken to as many audiences as will listen to what she has to say in her one-man show, “Late: A Love Story,” written by Zola and Emily Bragg and directed by Melissa Lorraine.

Zola said she states right at the beginning, “This is a tribute to the people of Chicago and beyond that so many deem as invisible and dismiss and or hate because of the color of their skin, I have never even considered them, their lives, their lived experiences, the de pth of their trauma and the harm they experience every day. So, I’m here today to share my ignorance, what I’ve learned, and to change the course of history.”

T he pl ay is also an opportunity to tell white audiences they’ve got it wrong if they’ve never been involved in trying to right the wrongs they see against Black people.

Some Caucasians who’ve seen the show were moved to take a closer look at what they can do outside of what they’re already doing. Black people who’ve seen the show spoke favorably, Zola said.

The show will be held at 2 p.m., March 30 at Theatre-Y in North Lawndale. Free tickets are available at Theatre-Y. com. Donations are accepted.

Her pilgrimage

Set for April 2, Zola’s walking pilg rimage steps of f at about 10:45 a.m. from Theatre-Y. She’ll walk 10-15 miles each day, performing her one-person show wherever she finds a host along the 754-mile-long journey to Montgomery, Alabama.

The first 10 miles will take her to Evergreen Park. She’ll keep supporters posted with updates on her website, www. latealovestory, Facebook page, Rachelle Zola and Tilk Tok by the same name. You can find her on Instagram @I Am Rachelle Zola.

A friend will drive along in an RV to accompany Zola. The walk event will include breakfast and speakers at 9: 30 a.m.

Rachelle Zola

CRIME

Man screaming profanity points gun at driver

A man, driving a black Kia Soul, approached a Chicago resident’s vehicle in traffic around 7:30 a.m. on March 8 on the 1500 block of North Harlem Avenue. He was screaming a profanity and then pointed a small gray semi-automatic handgun at the victim. The victim then drove away

Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon arrest

A 22-year-old Chicago man was driving and stopped for a traffic violation on March 9 on the 300 block of North Austin Boulevard. He had a loaded gun, which had been converted to be fully automatic, inside his car. He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon – machine gun. He was held for bond hearings.

Aggravated discharge of a rearm

Someone, possibly driving a dark gray Volkswagen sedan with tinted windows, fired a gun several times into a Chicago resident’s vehicle. No injuries were re ported. The incident occurred on March 5 on the 6400 block of West North Avenue.

Motor vehicle theft

Someone stole an Oak Park resident’s white 2016 Nissan Maxima between March 3 and March 4 on the 600 block of South Boulevard. The estimated loss was $20,000, but the vehicle was recovered by the Chicago Police Depar tment on March 8.

Theft

■ In West Suburban Medical Center, at 3 Erie Court, someone got into an unlocked room and stole two boxes with a Sherlock navig ation system, a mounting bracket, a side mount arm, a wireless remote and a Sony printer bracket. The incident, which occur red between March 1 and March 4, resulted in an estimated loss of $8,540.

■ Someone got into an Oak Park resident’s Ford work van by breaking the front driver’s side window on March 9 on the 1200 block of Woodbine Avenue. The person stole assorted tools. The estimated loss was $3,150.

Arrests

■ A 61-year-old Chicago man was arrested for battery against an Oak Park resident on March 6 on the 100 block of North Marion Street. He was issued a citation and released.

■ A 33-year-old Chicago man was arrested for domestic battery against an Oak Park resident on March 6 on the 4900 block of West Cermak Road, in Cicero.

■ A 46-year-old Oak Park man was arrested for domestic battery against a Chicago resident on March 9 at the 1100 block of Westgate Street.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated March 4-11, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Luzane Draughon

Inari Sushi brings downtown innovation home

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Inari Sushi offers traditional dishes and surprising delights. The intimate restaurant, located at 7428 W. North Ave. on Elmwood Park’s famed Restaurant Row, is suited for both a quick lunch and a sophisticated night out.

Sara Kate opened the location with the idea that both tradition and innovation could exist side-by-side. Her sushi knife was honed through work and collaboration with many of the well-known downtown sushi destinations. Bringing that same dedication to quality was a goal when she opened Inari. Another was to make sushi, sashimi and all their related dishes more easily accessible than a trip downtown.

For more than a decade Inari has satisfied the sushi cravings of local diners.

Sushi craving? Inari satisfies

Sushi for lunch! Mid-day combos include a 5-piece sushi platter with a spicy tuna maki (roll); a sushi and sashimi combo with five pieces of sashimi, three pieces of sushi and a California maki; and an option to suit vegetarians.

As evening rolls around, drinks from the bar are 50% off from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. during Inari’s daily happy hour. Cocktails range from traditional to those tailored to the menu. A lychee martini comes chilled with a flavor that belies its Asian heritage. The lychee fruit is sweet with citrus and melon overtones mixed with a strawberry and pear essence.

There are specials throughout the week. Monday’s offer is half-priced bottles of wine and sake. On Tuesdays there are $6 martinis and $3 Inari sushi specials.

The restaurant features the freshest ingredients possible in their both traditional and innovative menu. Tonkotsu Ramen is a warm and hearty dish that is a meal itself. The Sushi Ume combo mirrors a lunch special with five pieces of sushi and a tuna

maki.

There is a full selection of sushi and sashimi by the piece. Maki options include the ever-popular Dragon roll that wraps up shrimp tempura, eel, cucumber, avocado, sweet soy sauce and sesame seeds. If diners want a dramatic presentation, there is the Flaming Dragon roll, which is a chef’s specialty that, yep, is set on fire at the table.

Angry Dragon maki gets spicy. As does the Butterfly, Diablo, Fiesta and Latin Bliss rolls.

Chef’s specials show that while sushi has a long tradition, it can be creative. The BLT roll surprises with a pop of salty tempura fried bacon, spring mix lettuce and ripe tomato, all topped with spicy mayo. The Man in Black maki gets serious with super white tuna, spicy mayo, cilantro, tempura crunch, all covered with nutty, rich, black tobiko caviar and sesame seeds.

Robusta maki is a statement: lobster, fried banana and red tobiko caviar are wrapped inside-out with crispy rice, then topped with micro greens and a spicy, hon-

ey mayo.

Inari also offers a selection of increasingly popular poke bowls. This Hawaiian dish respects the island’s deep ties to Japanese culture. Think of the bowls as deconstructed Maki. Cubes of fish are served over rice, accompanied with a variety of vegetables and toppings.

Other entrees include beef, chicken, shrimp, salmon and veggie teriyaki. Grilled chicken or garlic lobster tail are among the other options.

The desire to linger over dinner at Inari is helped by an exciting dessert menu. Green tea ice cream is a staple that is loved the world over – as is mochi – served in

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR A

mango or green tea flavors. But then, just like the main course menu, desserts get adventurous. Chocolate cookie dough is rolled up in rice paper, same as an eggroll, fried to golden perfection and served with a side of pureed strawberries. Banana Tempura is flash fried and served with side of green tea ice cream.

Sometimes the cozy comforts of eating at home are the best. Inari offers carry out and delivery with a standing coupon, viewable on their website, for a free salad and roll for all carry-out and delivery orders.

Sara Kate’s goal to put sushi in easy reach has succeeded in satisfying cravings day and night.

The Details

inarisushi.com

7428 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Lychee cocktails at Inari Sushi.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Inari Sushi Ume combo.

JUDICIAL RACE | 11 TH SUBCIRCUIT

Kimberly Przekota squares o against Audrey Cosgrove in race for judge

Przekota has the Democratic par ty ’s nod

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing

The only contested race the 11th Judicial Subcircuit, cludes Oak Park b between a career prosecutor and a veteran lawyer who began her career as a public defender.

Just as is typically the case in the courtroom the prosecutor in this contest seems to have most of the advantages in this race.

Assistant State’s Attorney Kimber Przekota has work county state’s attorney since from the DePaul Uni Law in 2008. She is now a first chair prosecutor at Leighton Criminal Courthouse at 26th and Californ on prosecting murder cases and supervising two other prosecutors assigned to the same courtroom.

Przekota, a resident of Park Ridge, is 41. If elected, and the March 19 Democratic primary is tantamount to election because no Re publican has filed to run in the 11th Subcircuit, she would be one of the youngest, Cook County Circuit Court judges.

Przekota faces Audrey Cosg rove. Cosgrove, 59, moved to Oak Park last May after living all of her life in Chicago and most of her adult life on the northwest side of Chicago. After graduating from John Marshall Law School, Cosg rove began her career as an assistant Cook County public defender, where she worked for eight years and tried four murder cases. After leaving the Public Defender’s office Cosg rove opened her own law practice where she handled criminal defense, real estate, juvenile and family law while also serving as an administrative law judge for a number of agencies and occasionally working as a lawyer for state agencies. In February, she began a new job as the chief administrative judge for the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board. In 2020, Cos-

grove ran for judge but finished second in a field of five candidates in the 10th Subcircuit.

Przekota, who was a Division 1 swimmer and water polo player at Iona University and is married to for mer Fenwick water polo star Chris Przekota, has almost all of the endorsements in the race, including the support of State Senate President Dan Harmon who is also the Democratic Committeeman of Oak Park Also endorsing Przekota are 29th ward Ald. Chris Taliafer ro, 45th ward Ald. Jim Gardiner, state Sen. Laura Murphy, Franklin Park mayor and Leyden Township committeeman Barrett Pederson, Norridge village trustee, Norwood Park Township committeeman Frank Avino Jr., the Chicago Federation of Labor and five different union locals. Cosg rove’s only endorsement is from the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Pre-

cinct Organization IVI-IPO.

Harmon said before the endorsement session, a sitting judge called him to praise Przekota as the best lawyer who has ever practiced in front of him.

“I’ve been doing judicial elections for almost three decades, I’ve never (before) had a sitting judge call me to say this is the best lawyer I’ve seen in my courtroom,” Harmon told the Wednesday Journal. “I’ve never heard of judges inviting other judges into the courtroom to watch a lawyer deliver her closing argument. She really has name a name for herself in the courtroom. That distinguished her from the other candidate.”

Another factor helping Przekota get the politicians endorsement is that she is not from Oak Park. In the other 11th subcircuit vacancy Oak Parker, Dawn Gonzalez, who was appointed to the bench in January, is running unopposed. The 11th Subcircuit

runs north from Oak Park to include some near northwest suburbs of Chicago and part of Chicago’s northwest side.

Both Przekota and Cosg rove are rated as recommended or qualified by every bar association that has looked at the race. The only difference is the Cosg rove is rated as highly qualified by the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois while Przekota is only rated as qualified. Bar associations praised the legal ability and temperament of both candidates.

Cosg rove said that she believes that the breadth of her experience makes her more qualified.

“My opponent is a lovely person, she’s qualified, I’ve met her, but she’s been a career prosecutor and I’ve done so much since (leaving the public defender’s office),” Cosg rove told the Wednesday Journal.

Cosg rove said that being a judge would be an opportunity to help more people than she can as a lawyer.

“As an attorney you can only handle the case that’s in front of you but as a judge you have so much opportunity to help people,” she said.

Przekota told the Wednesday Journal that her courtroom experience is what sets her apar t and motivated her to run for judg e.

She added that she knows how to run a courtroom.

“I am a trial attorney and I’ve worked really, really hard to learn a lot how to be in a courtroom, how to make a courtroom run,” Przekota said.

In addition to being the slated candidate Przekota also has a financial advantage in the race. She has raised $33,300, including $25,000 from her parents who live in Oregon where she grew up

“They’re being very supportive so I’m very grateful,” Przekota said.

Cosg rove is funding her campaign with an $9,750 contribution from her law firm. Cosg rove spent $23,000 of her own money on her 2020 race.

AUDRE Y COSGROVE

KIMBERLY PRZEKOTA

Half-Day Preschool

2 year old

3 & 4 year old Pre-Kindergarten

New in 2024 Nature Preschool

AM or PM Classes

Extended Day & Lunch Options Available!

460 Lake Street Oak Park IL 708-848-5869

www.pilgrimschool.net

New Name, Same High-Quality Preschool Program!

Since 1966, Pilgrim Community Nursery School has been providing high-quality preschool programming for children in Oak Park and surrounding communities and is proud to be recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for our commitment to excellence. Known for over 55 years as Pilgrim Community Nursery School, we are excited to announce we are now named Pilgrim Community Preschool, providing the same high-quality early childhood education, just under a new name! Pilgrim offers a variety of half-day classroom choices for children 2 to 5 years of age including morning and afternoon classes, lunch and extended day options. In 2024, we are launching a Nature Preschool class, immersing children’s learning in urban nature within our Outdoor Classroom and neighborhood community. Whichever classroom a family chooses, children

at Pilgrim Community Preschool are guided by experienced and nurturing teachers with a deeply enriching playbased emergent curriculum approach to education. Our “Play With Purpose” philosophy invites children to explore, experiment, investigate and create through meaningful hands-on learning opportunities.

We understand that children learn best through doing! As we believe high-quality early childhood education should be accessible to all, Pilgrim Community Preschool is proud to offer scholarships and partners with Illinois Action for Children as CCAP provider, increasing financial aid options for families. Director Emily Norman is hosting a virtual open house on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 6-6:45 PM. Email office@pilgrimschool.net to register for the event or to schedule a tour.

Dance For The Fun Of It!

Dance class has many benefits including being physically and mentally fit, gaining confidence, expanding your social circle and more all while having fun. Reap the benefits at DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc.

Dance class keeps both the body and the brain active which is vital for people of every age. Dance offers a way to improve strength and flexibility, plus improve posture and balance.

Dance students gain coordination and agility. Taking time to exercise, learn and participate in a hobby can also help to reduce stress levels.

and make friends with those who have similar interests. Dance friends will become life-long friends.

Dancing offers a creative outlet for people to express their personalities in a safe environment. Students at DeMaira have many performance opportunities. Several dance recitals and concerts are presented locally throughout the year.

DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc. offers classes in a variety of styles including ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap and more for ages three through adults. Participating in dance can help all ages increase self esteem and confidence through mastering new skills. Meet new people

O

Dance Studios, Inc. In Oak Park

Children move naturally. They move to achieve mobility, they move to express a thought or feeling, and they move because it is joyful and feels wonderful. When their movement becomes consciously structured and is performed with awareness for its own sake, it becomes dance.

708-386-1833 Classes for teens & adults too!

Dance is a fun way to open up new possibilities, keep healthy and enjoy yourself! Call to enroll today! 708-3861833

LMS/ International Mansion: every child has a gift to be shared

ur school can be best described as a ‘Homeschool in School’ style program. We have a full dynamic Spanish Immersion curriculum and are listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students.

We are a small school with only 20 students total from Pre-K to 12th grade.

What sets us apart?- Fluency in Spanish Achieved within one year during Preschool years, or within two years during Elementary School years. The Spanish language is spoken throughout as the target immersion language. Academic classes are

Current subjects, but not limited to, are:

• Penmanship

• Reading/writing

all taught in English and/or Spanish and English. If weather permits, many of our academic classes are done outdoors.

- Student to teacher ratio: some classes are one on one, two to one, with a maximum of six students to one instructor.

- Daily schedule is customized and flexible.

- Professional and passionate instructors.

- Guest tutors with real life experience.

- No test to enter, no traditional testing.

throughout thought feels wonderful. When their Every child has a gift to be shared

- Students paired by interest, in mixed age setting.

- Weekly reports sent to parents.

also • Pre-K through 12th Grade. Private/Independent school since 1994. Listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students. After School & Weekend Lessons • Private Music Lessons • Foreign Language Lessons • Academic Tutoring

• Math • Science • Logic/coding

• Geography/history

• Theater (improv, superhero stage combat, musical theatre)

• Martial arts

• Art (including painting, clay art, comic book art and more)

• Music (Rock band, intro to most instrument, harmony, chorus)

• Social emotional discussions/ Life skills/Cooking

• Spanish immersion spoken through out the day and taught in lesson format

• Russian immersion taught in lesson format

• Chinese immersion taught in lesson format

• Intro to Foreign languages (Hebrew, Italian, chinese, japanese, korean, etc.)

• Physical education: Archery/Ice Skating/ Soccer, and more

• Chess and board games

• Architectural design

Wiz Kids Camps to Ignite Minds and Energize Summers for grades 1-8 at Whitney Young High School

Registration is open now for a summer of learning, exploration and fun

Wiz Kids Camps, the premier summer camp renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and athletic development, is excited to announce its expansion to Whitney Young High School for the summer of 2024. From June 17 to August 16, Wiz Kids Camps will transform the iconic school campus into a hub of learning, exploration and fun for students from first through eighth grade.

“We are thrilled to bring Wiz Kids Camps to the vibrant community at Whitney Young High School. Our carefully crafted programs aim to provide a well-rounded and transformative summer experience for students in grades one to eight,” said Nathan Legardy, Executive Director at Wiz Kids Camps.

The camp has served families for 15 years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School where it will return again this summer along with the expansion to Whitney Young High School.

Wiz Kids Camps boasts a unique blend of Academic and Athletic Programming, taking place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus field trips every Friday. The camp’s tailored gradespecific programs are strategically designed to combat summer learning loss, cultivate friendships and bolster social skills. Extended care is also available.

“As a working parent you always wonder, ‘Is my kid getting enough out of summer? Is this the kind of summer I want my kid to have?,’” said Renee Vasek, whose son is looking forward to his third year as a Wiz Kid. “They get everything out of Wiz Kids Camps.”

For first through fourth grade participants, certified instructors lead engaging math and reading enrichment sessions aligned with Illinois academic

standards, ensuring a sharp learning curve in a supportive and interactive environment. Meanwhile, fifth through eighth grade Wiz Kids benefit from daily academic sessions that go beyond the traditional curriculum, incorporating STEAM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and debate to instigate curiosity and accelerate achievement.

Adding to the richness of the experience are diverse electives in fine arts, chess, coding, drama, and media production. These comprehensive enrichment programs unfold in unique maker space environments, equipped with the necessary assets to provide a transformative learning experience for all participants.

“As a parent I love that I can send him to a place where he is safe,” said Christina Moody whose son has attended Wiz Kids Camps for two summers. “It’s a place where I know he is cared for with people who have a vested interest in his future. And, it’s a full day of camp. I don’t know what’s more to love than that!”

Complementing the academic focus, Wiz Kids Camps places a strong emphasis on fitness and athleticism. Core activities, overseen by seasoned coaches, include basketball, baseball, volleyball, cheer, track, tennis, tumbling, karate, soccer and swimming, catering to all skill levels from novice to highperforming enthusiasts.

Each exciting camp week concludes with thrilling field trips to venues such as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Raging Waves, Enchanted Castle, Challenger Learning Center and the Museum of Surgical Sciences, promising unique and educational experiences for our summer participants.

“Growing up through Wiz Kids, I’ve been able to express myself and not feel weird about it,” said former camper and now counselor Kayleigh. “Being in that environment, a healthy environment, is something that helps as a kid grows up. Coming into high school it’s a different experience than if I didn’t have Wiz Kids. I think it really benefited me, especially with the sports and clubs that I am in now.”

Parents are encouraged to secure a spot for their children, ensuring they embark on a summer filled with academic growth, athletic development and unforgettable adventures.

“It’s worth the investment to have your kids in a safe space where they are able to try a variety of activities,” said Erica Whittier whose son and daughter attend Wiz Kids Camps.

“Don’t think about it too long,” Moody added. “This is one of the best decisions you can make not only for your child but for yourself in feeling confident that they are going to be provided with educational enrichment opportunities in a program where people genuinely care.”

For more information and to register, please visit www.wizkidscamps.com or call 1-855-952-2677. Wiz Kids Camps is presented by the Wiz Kids Foundation in collaboration with Wiz Kids Sports Camps LLC.

A Wiz Kids camper slides into summer fun

Wiz Kids campers welcome new friends to join them as camp expands to Whitney Young High School this summer for grades 1-8.

TJoin the fun at the River Forest Community Center!

he River Forest Community Center provides an age-appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth.

Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, social intellectual and motor skills.

Early Childhood Programs:

• Munchkins & Playschool for Caregivers and Tots

• Preschool (Half-Day & Full-Day)

• Pre-Kindergarten (Half-Day & Full-Day)

• Before & After School Programs

• Summer Camps (Half-Day & Full-Day for children up to 8th grade)

Schools

Out

• Basketball Camps

General Recreation Programs

• Crafternoons

• Little Hoopers

• T-Ball

• Lil’Legacy Soccer

• Lil’Legacy Sports & Games

• Theater Programs

What you get for the money: highs and lows for local houses

By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

A recent analysis of the 2024 housing market by Forbes predicts that the spring market might not be free of the problems that hampered the 2023 market. Marked by high mortg age rates, rising home prices and record-low housing stock, the 2023 market made it hard for new home buyers to get their feet in the door.

Current homeowners, who might want to move up to a bigger home or downsize later in life, were less likely to do so when buying a new home meant taking on a larger monthly payment with a higher interest rate

A look at single family homes for sale now in the near west suburbs points to a small inventory of houses available headed into spring.

As of publication, there were 45 single family homes listed on the Multiple Listing Service in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park combined. This number does not include homes listed on the Private Listing Network, a tool real estate professionals are increasingly using to market homes among themselves without listing the homes to the public on the MLS.

In Oak Park, there were 29 single family homes on the MLS.

The highest priced home on the market

is 1201 Woodbine. Built in 2012, the home boasts 4,668 square feet and is priced at $2.19 million, or roughly $470 per square foot. The home has six bedrooms, five full bathrooms and was built in a Prairie style meant to honor the le gacy of Frank Lloyd Wright. On a double lot near Lindbergh Park, the home offers a heated pool and has a 2022 property tax bill of $40,661.

On the lower end of the price scale, 934 S. Austin is priced at $329,900. At 1,056 square feet, that price is the equivalent of $312 per square foot. The home was built in 1914 and has three bedrooms and one bathroom. There are hardwood floors in the living area, a front porch, stainless steel appli-

ances in the kitchen and a finished basement. The home had a $7,654 property tax bill in 2021.

In River Forest, there were only three homes listed on the MLS and no single-family home listings priced under $1 million.

At the high end of the scale, is 706 Monroe. The 1910-era home was entirely rebuilt in 2023 and is touted as being 97% new construction. At 4,000 square feet and priced at $1.89 million, the home costs roughly $473 per square foot. The home has white oak flooring, a new chef ’s kitchen and five full, new bathrooms, as well as five bedrooms.

It

HOME PRICES

from page 25

The home’s property tax bill in 2021 was $9,651, which may not reflect the value of the construction completed in 2023.

The lowest priced single-family home in River Forest is 1145 Thatcher. Built in 1929,

the brick home has leaded glass windows and two woodburning fireplaces. Priced at $1 million, or $324 per square foot, the home is about 3,085 square feet. There are five bedrooms, including two third-floor bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a finished basement and attached garage. Property taxes in 2022 were $22,215.

In Forest Park, there are 13 single-family homes on the market.

The highest priced is a newly built home at 838 Circle Avenue. Priced at $769,000 the home has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The home’s MLS entry does not include square footage. There are 9-foothigh ceilings throughout and a new garage as well. Property taxes in 2021 were $611, which does not reflect the house, which was constructed after that date.

The lowest priced home in Forest Park

is 820 Elgin, which is listed for $224,900. Built in 1909, the home had been used as a two-unit building, but the listing states the home must be de-converted and returned to single-family home status. At 1,628 square feet, it is priced at $138 per square foot and is listed as a four-bedroom, twobathroom home. The house is being sold in as-is condition and has a 2022 property tax bill of $9,205.

REDFIN.COM

$2.19 MILLION: 1201 Woodbine Ave., Oak Park

$769,000: 838 Circle Ave., Forest Park

REDFIN.COM

$329,900: 934 S. Austin Blvd., Oak Park

CLOSING IN 2 DAYS!

CLOSING IN 2 DAYS!

The Oak Park Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List is Closing on Friday, 3/15/24 at 3:00 PM

The Oak Park Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List is Closing on Friday, 3/15/24 at 3:00 PM

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program • Oak Park Housing Authority

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program • Oak Park Housing Authority

The Oak Park Hoursing Authority is accepting pre-applications to add 150 new households to the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. These 150 households will be selected at random from all pre-applications received during the period the waiting list is open. To facilitate the random selection process, pre-applications will only be available and can only be submitted electronically through the OPHA online portal at www.oakparkha.org.

The Oak Park Housing Authority is accepting pre-applications to add 150 new households to the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. These 150 households will be selected at random from all pre-applications received during the period the waiting list is open. To facilitate the random selection process, pre-applications will only be available and can only be submitted electronically through the OPHA online portal at www.oakparkha.org.

The Oak Park Housing Authority is accepting pre-applications to add 150 new households to the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. These 150 households will be selected at random from all pre-applications received during the period the waiting list is open. To facilitate the random selection process, pre-applications will only be available and can only be submitted electronically through the OPHA online portal at www.oakparkha.org.

For additional information - direct to your smartphone SCAN THE CODE or go to www.oakparkha.org

For additional information - direct to your smartphone SCAN THE CODE or go to www.oakparkha.org

For additional information - direct to your smartphone SCAN THE CODE or go to www.oakparkha.org

The HCV waiting list will close on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm.

The pre-application portal will be closing on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 3pm. Go to www.oakparkha.org to fill out your pre-application.

The pre-application portal will be closing on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 3pm. Go www.oakparkha.org to fill out your pre-application.

Need a reasonable accommodation and assistance in filling out the online pre-application? If you are a person with disabilities or elderly and require a reasonable accommodation and assistance in completing the online pre-application, you can call our special assistance phone line at 708-386-1464, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on

Can I come to the OPHA office to apply? No. You can only apply through our pre-application portal found on our website at www.oakparkha.org. Applying online is the easiest, quickest, and most efficient way for you to apply and it allows you to apply anytime - day or night - while the waiting list is open. Need a reasonable accommodation and assistance in filling out the online pre-application? If you are a person with disabilities or elderly and require a reasonable accommodation and assistance in completing the online pre-application, you can call our special assistance phone line at 708-386-1464 from Monday, March 4, 2024 through Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Our special assistance team will schedule an appointment for you at a later time during the open waiting list period to help you complete and submit your online pre-application.

Wednesday, March 13th and Thursday, March14th to schedule an appointment for you prior to 2 pm, Friday, March 15th to receive assistance in completing and submitting your online pre-application.

Need a reasonable accommodation and assistance in filling out the online pre-application? If you are a person with disabilities or elderly and require a reasonable accommodation and assistance in completing the online pre-application, you can call our special assistance phone line at 708-386-1464, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13th and Thursday, March14th to schedule an appointment for you prior to 2 pm, Friday, March 15th to receive assistance in completing and submitting your online pre-application.

Access, complete, review and submit your pre-application at: www.oakparkha.org

Access, complete, review and submit your pre-application at: www.oakparkha.org

Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday, March 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Help Bob Downs, longtime chair of Wednesday Journal, Inc., downsize and support Growing Community Media at the same time

Sold my house (88 years in Oak Park and I’m staying!)

Have to get rid of 60 years of home ownership (Kids can’t take everything)

I’m not only “downsizing,” I’m moving to a nice townhouse where somebody else does the repairs!

All the proceeds going to Growing Community Media NFP

• Miscellaneous tools – such as about 20 screwdrivers, planes, screws, nuts, bolts, and nails of every description.

• Like-new push lawn mower

• Boxes of ceramic tile

• Extension and step ladders

• Mirrors (framed and unframed, one 67” x 72”! from long-closed Oak Park Madigan’s fashion store)

• Paintings/prints/posters

• Lots of small audio speakers and audio cables

• Computer keyboards, mice, monitors

• Old fashioned school desk (w/ inkwell)

• Refinished Pilgrim Church Community Table

• Connectors

• CD Cases

• Lamps and globes

• Miscellaneous electrical parts

• Plumbing repair parts

• Hang Up board w/ hooks

• Motor oil, transmission fluid and funnels

• One good/new 2007 Acura Tire & Rim

• Containers of small crushed rock for pathways/gardening

• Numerous extension cords and multiple fused outlet strips

• Shelves galore!

• Two file drawers full of old Wednesday Journals (you can’t know where we are going if you don’t know where we have been)

• Several 4-drawer file cabinets

• Garden/snow shovels, and miscellaneous gardening equipment

• Pallets, bricks and cement blocks

• Lots of nice baskets from all over

• Box of pre-LED light bulbs

• Electric cable

• Stuff from my workbench

• Gasoline containers

• Mattress

• Large capacity commercial air compressor on wheels w/ hose

• Tennis/pickleball racket(s)

• Tables

• Huge, very “high end” conference table and chairs (probably not suited for a yard sale –was my law firm conference table I paid 3K to famous lawyer, used 30 years ago, has significant reserve of 1,000)

• Much more!

Oak Park & River Forest Townships

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Good-government choices on primary ballot

Tired of the choices on the general election ballot?

Then vote in Tuesday’s March 19 primary to place on the November 5 ballot these candidates who will make us proud:

Let’s replace ethically-challenged incumbents with high-quality reform candidates in the mold of scandalfree for mer Cook County Clerk David Orr — starting with Larecia Tucker for Cook County Board of Review

DAN LAUBER

One View

The longtime incumbent has shifted the tax burden to homeowners and local businesses by routinely reducing assessments for wealthy insiders like Ed Burke and Donald Trump and the largest developers and businesses. Electing a refor mer like Tucker to the Board of Review will help clean up an ethics-free office that makes us pay higher property taxes

Clayton Harris III will bring integrity, fairness, and toughness as Cook County State’s Attorney. Can we really trust law enforcement to his right-wing-financed opponent who shows no regret for railroading the murder conviction of an innocent 10-year-old black lad — leaving the actual killer on the streets?

And why would anybody want the incompetent incumbent Clerk of the Circuit Court on the November ballot? Her challenger, Mariyana Spyropoulos, will bring to the Clerk of the Circuit Court position the same fiscallyresponsible, good-gover nment approach she’s employed as a commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, saving taxpayers money and fostering a more efficient, error-free court system.

Three of the four candidates for the Water Reclamation District have gar nered support from the watchdog Sierra Club: Kari Steel, Marcelino Garcia, and Daniel Pogorzelski

But what about Cong ress? We’ve been inundated with misleading giant postcards from Melissa Conyers-Ervin, the well-financed challenger to incumbent Danny Davis. Her campaign is about as honest as her ethics-free tenure as Chicago City Treasurer where the city’s Inspector General has charged her with misusing taxpayer money, city employees, and city resources to benefit her private financial interests. She ruthlessly fired the employees who blew

VIEWPOINTS

Segregation is increasing in Oak Park

The Village Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement proclaims that, “The Village of Oak Park must continue to support its fair housing philosophy that fosters integration and unity in our community.” Sadly, after decades of low segregation in the community, the American Community Survey demonstrates that Oak Park’s Black:White segregation in the rental market has jumped significantly between 2018 and 2022.

tunities. It serves as a tool of oppression by exacerbating racial disparities and reducing multiracial connections. Moreover, segregation is antithetical to our community’s core values and aspirations. Failing to reinvest in racial residential integration will result in negative consequences for all residents and a loss of our community’s character and values

Segregation is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, in which 0 is perfect integration and 100 is total segregation. For decades, Oak Park has scored in the low segregation range with scores typically in the mid-30s. However, over the four years between 2018 and 2022 (the most recent data available), segregation of the rental market moved into the moderately segregated range as it jumped from a score of 33 to a score of 42. That is a 27% increase in the level of segregation and cause for alar m.

This rise in segregation, after decades of sustainable integration, is a shock but not necessarily a surprise. Integration requires intentionality because the housing market naturally reinforces segregation. In Oak Park, the intentional strategy relies on a strong collaboration between village hall and the Oak Park Regional Housing Center. Over the same period in which segregation has increased, the collaboration between these two institutions has frayed and activity has waned. Just as happened in other communities (e.g. Shaker Heights now scores 53), segregation is rising as intentional integration efforts have diminished

The detriments related to racial segregation are well documented. Residential segregation correlates with many inequities that we aspire to eliminate in Oak Park As segregation worsens, racial disparities in educational outcomes, wealth generation, property values, insurance rates, mortgage lending rates, commercial and small business investment, and health outcomes also intensify. Increases in racial segregation are also associated with reductions in racial har mony, civic participation, and economic growth.

Housing segregation affects all other areas of life Segregated neighborhoods result in segregated schools, social networks, and housing markets. It harms all of us negatively by reducing prosperity and limiting oppor-

The strategy to avert further gregation relies on the village and the Housing Center reinesting in and reinvigorating our community’s intentional ntegration efforts. The village must reinvest in the Housing enter, restoring it to the capacity it had prior to the pandemic. The village must also moder nize the Multi-Family Housing Incentives Program (once known as the Diversity ssurance Program) to more directly incentivize landlords in the community to list their vacancies with the Housing Center and actively, affirmatively further fair housing. The Housing Center must prioritize its programming in Oak Park, increasing marketing to under-represented populations, encouraging housing seekers to consider the full range of options in Oak Park, working closely with landlords to improve fair housing compliance, and engaging with residents to build multiracial coalitions that can leverage our residential integration for more equitable outcomes in other arenas.

The reality is staring us straight in the face. Segregation in our community has intensified to the point of urgency. Leaders at village hall and at the Housing Center must act urgently to prioritize intentional integration efforts. Otherwise, Oak Park will continue to segregate just like other communities that abandoned their intentional efforts. It is an unacceptable path, and an avoidable one if our leaders take action now.

Rob Breymaier, Laura Crawford, Maria De La Torre, Linda Francis, Cristal Gary, Thomas Gary, Omar Ghoneim, Michael Goldberg, Janice Huang, Kuang-Hao Huang, Bharathi Jayaram, Mattie Langenberg, Kelly LeRoux, Meagan Luhrs, Nicole McCann-Davis, Ami Novoryta, Doug Schenkelberg, Ryan Thompson, Rachel Unruh, Javier Villa-Flores, Phyllis Walden Oak Park

No jokes about gun violence

If, as alleged and not yet denied, Oak Park trustee Ravi Parakkat made a joke at the board table as a finance committee meeting was to begin, one about violence toward an elected official – a female elected official – then he needs to apologize. With sincerity.

The alleged incident took place Feb. 22 when the village’s interim chief financial officer told a story about a previous workplace where the chief of police shot the mayor. Parakkat reportedly leaned toward a fellow trustee and said, “I guess we need to talk to the chief.”

Village president Vicki Scaman adjour ned the meeting shortly thereafter and said she was upset by the comment. In a written comment, Scaman said the trustee’s comment violated the village’s values and principles, including a focus on building trust.

Parakkat, for his part, will not comment on whether he made the troubling joke. Instead, he acknowledged there is “pent up stress” on the village board and said he would focus on having the board come together going forward.

Moving forward would be more authentic and more likely if Parakkat acknowledged his error in judgment and apologized.

This board has been divided in recent months over the cost of welcoming Oak Park’s migrants and the intense village response needed to provide services to these new neighbors. While we have fully supported the concerted effort of the village gover nment to do its part while so many communities have actively ignored this issue at their doorsteps, we also understand why this has been a divisive issue and worthy of debate

But in this moment in America, there can be no justification for a joke about gun violence being directed toward an elected official. It is a repulsive comment and it needs to be addressed by Parakkat.

Bike priority on Ridgeland

Critics are correct. Building a protected bike lane on Ridgeland Avenue would be disruptive. Taking a major north-south street through the village and intentionally shifting its purpose from solely supporting auto traffic to incorporating safe transit for those on bikes will be disruptive.

Good

We need to disrupt our auto-centric transit policies and actively build in alternative pathways for residents to move through this village.

With the village board moving toward approval of a damned expensive consultants’ study of the Ridgeland bike lane proposal we hope we get something more ambitious than green paint slopped on semi-lanes along our roadways. We’re looking for a plan that creates a protected space for those on bikes and scooters.

Yes, it will cut down on parking. Yes, it will slow the speeds of cars on the street. Build it right, build it with consideration for active pedestrians, especially kids crossing back and forth to the multiple schools on or just off Ridgeland, and Oak Park will have taken a notable step toward making real its talk about alternate transit modes, climate protection and greater safety

We have badly underestimated Joe Biden.

This has been going on for some time. When he appeared onstage in the first few mass debates in the fall of 2019, nobody gave him a chance to win the nomination. A lot of people said he was old news. Too old, too white, too male, too much of an old-style politician. I admit being surprised to see him there. I liked him as vice president but vice presidents get no respect. Yet there he was, gamely competing in a no-win candidate lineup with over a dozen other hopefuls

e inconceivability of Joe Biden KEN TRAINOR

Nobody took him seriously. But he won anyway. “Inconceivable!” Wallace Shawn’s character, Vizzini, kept shouting in the film “Princess Bride” every time Dread Pirate Roberts overcame yet another impossible obstacle

No one, least of all the media, was sure that, having won the nomination, Joe Biden could possibly defeat Dread Pirate Trump in the 2020 election.

But he won anyway.

“Inconceivable!” they exclaimed.

So inconceivable that the MAGA Republicans assumed the election must have been stolen. Democrats and Independents, meanwhile, could scarcely believe, in the throes of a pandemic, with the 2000 election debacle still fresh in our minds, that this country could possibly run a clean, fair election.

But we did just that, in spite of every attempt by the MAGA insurrectionists to deny it and overtur n it

And no one believed that, having won the election, Joe Biden could possibly be an ef fective president with only the narrowest of majorities in the House and Senate to work with, which they only achieved by winning not one but two special elections! In Georgia!

Inconceivable!

But he was an effective president anyway, in spite of Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema, and the full complement of Republican obstructionism. The result? An inconceivably long list of transformative legislation, passed. The media was in such disbelief, they didn’t bother reporting on it, focusing instead on how Joe and his party were obviously going to lose big time in the 2022 mid-term elections.

But the Democrats defied conventional wisdom (the only kind of wisdom the media practices) and vastly exceeded expectations. Never mind. All the polls (which are never wrong) showed that Joe was going to get trounced by Trump in 2024 and didn’t have the good sense to declare himself a one-ter m president. He had low approval ratings, we were told, obsessively, and Americans felt the economy must be bad because the media and Republicans said so, and because most economists (who are

never wrong) predicted an imminent Recession. So the media didn’t bother reporting that the economy was wildly exceeding expectations. Must be a fluke.

Then Joe announced he was running for a second ter m. Inconceivable! Too old! All the polling says so — not to mention one Republican special investigator, who had no business saying so, but said so anyway. So all the Eeyore, Downer, Worry-Wart Democrats dived headfirst into the Slough of Despond

Which brought us to last week’s State of the Union Address, when we were sure Joe would fall flat on his wrinkled face.

Instead, with all the waning energy he could muster, Joe Biden … … Kicked ass! Just as he did in last year’s State of the Union Address (guess the media forgot).

Inconceivable!

He roasted the Republicans, and especially his “predecessor,” then offered a hopeful, sensible, sane vision for the future and proved not only that he’s capable of doing the job for another four years, but also that he’s exactly the right person at the right time to right the ship of state and restore faith in gover nment.

Maybe we need to stop underestimating Joe Biden.

In fact, we need to do a lot more than that. We need to stop overestimating his opponent. A lot of Americans still think Trump is stronger, but he’s not. A lot of Americans (who should know better) think Biden is old and weak, but he’s not, as he showed last Thursday night, and he’s ready to rumble with those who are out to destroy democracy

You can’t fake the fire within. Biden is the real deal — a big f-ing deal.

After decades of Democrats playing nice, finally, finally, finally, finally, we have someone willing to stand up to ruthless Republicans. With Biden, the State of the Union is getting stronger With Trump, the State of Disunion will only get weaker

America is inconceivably lucky to have Biden as president. We have been blessed, periodically, throughout our history. I don’t know if we deserve it, or if we’re smart enough to appreciate it, but at critical moments, individuals like Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, and now Joe Biden emerge, seemingly out of nowhere, to save democracy.

And if that seems inconceivable to you, maybe you need to get over it

All we need to do now is come together — with enthusiasm— and deliver him a governing majority in Congress.

Biden is doing his part

It’s up to us to do ours.

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

Dear Bibi

To: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

From: A Midwestern American Ashkenazi Jew, born in the ’50s

I’m not saying it is fair, but as antisemitism rises, so does an expectation that Israel could fight a more just war. We Jews like to think we are distinguished not by what we say, but by what we do We seek to live peacefully with our neighbors. But Bibi, my heart breaks for Israel. Instead of executing precision tactics with strategic merit, Israeli movements into Gaza appear clumsy, indiscriminate, and cruel. Nothing of value appears to remain, just dirt.

Hatred cannot be defeated with weapons, only with better ideas. Peace and prosperity appear not motivation enough to temper blood lust and revenge. At this moment, in these circumstances, Israel resembles a furious toddler, thoughtless to what they break in their blind rage

Here’s a truth of fered from deep in the heart of America: Hamas is an idea. You can kill people, but not an idea. It will take generations, a hundred

years, more, before closely held ideas can change. But we all must begin the work now.

There must, must, must be a Palestinian state, and Gaza will need the whole world to build a new country. Freedom for Israel is not free; Palestine is the price. The promise of Palestine — left unfinished in 1948 — must be ke pt by those alive now so that your great-grandchildren might live in peace.

History will not look kindly on your scorchedearth campaign since Oct. 7. We will remember these months as witnessing one of the greatest human tragedies of our lifetime. It will be the end of the current Israeli government, one that lost its innocence and moral compass long ago.

It is time, Bibi, to step back from the line you have drawn in the sand. If not, your actions will be remembered for their violence, disreg ard for Palestinian lives, and a discredit to Jewish people all over the world.

Karen Morris Muriello Oak Park

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Sta Repor ter Amaris Rodriguez, Luzane Draughon

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

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

Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

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Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards

Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

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

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

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

If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

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Wednesday

e Supreme Court’s staggering overreach

The Supreme Court has morphed into an openly anti-democratic, anti-American institution. In 2000, the Supreme Court produced the historic anti-democratic decision Bush v. Gore, 531 U.S. 98. They ordered the recounting of ballots in Florida to be stopped and declared G.W. Bush the new president. In fact, if all Florida votes had been counted, Bush would have lost Florida and the election [1], but the Re publican majority, led by Antonin Scalia and supported by Clarence Thomas, appointed Bush the winner.

The openly partisan nature of the Court was further reinforced when Mitch McConnell refused to allow President Obama to appoint a justice to fill a vacancy in 2016. He waited until Donald Trump took office, and Trump appointed three radical reactionaries to the Court. The outlandish argument McConnell presented for blocking Obama’s appointment (let the voters decide in the upcoming election, 8 months away) was subsequently shown to be completely fraudulent when Ruth Bader Ginsburg died and McConnell rammed through the last-minute appointment of Amy Coney-Barrett just 28 days before the

2020 election.

Now the U.S. is in a desperate Constitutional crisis. A gangster who promises to overthrow our democracy is running for President. His ultimate motivation is to be able to pardon himself for his 91 felonies. A lifelong scof flaw, he escapes justice by delaying, appealing, intimidation, ad nauseam.

TOM DECOURSE Y

One View

urgency of resolving this case before the election, they have gifted Trump his wildest dream. They delayed starting their hearings for two months. Experts now predict there will be no resolution before the election. This decision directly benefits Trump, and will provide him a lifelong get-out-of-jail-free card if he manages to become President.

have allowed themselves to be bullied for decades. Al Gore essentially handed Bush the Presidency “to avoid a constitutional crisis,” despite being the actual winner. The Democrats did not demand that Obama’s appointee Merrick Garland be confirmed, as required by the Constitution, instead allowing McConnell to substitute a Re publican nominee a year later.

The Supreme Court just gave him exactly what he wanted. On Aug. 1, 2023, a grand jury indicted Trump in the District of Columbia U.S. District Court on four charges for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election through the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Trump has declared himself immune from prosecution for acts while President. The prosecutor, Jack Smith, petitioned the Supreme Court to decide this crucial issue quickly. They refused, giving Trump his wish, a delay, even though on Feb. 6 this year, a panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that Trump is not immune.

The case now is before the Supreme Court. However, despite the glaring

What’s behind those attacks on Kina Collins

Recent efforts to try to scare voters from supporting Kina Collins for Congress are a clear sign of the threat she poses to Danny Davis’ grip on the 7th District seat after more than a quarter-century in office.

Two recent mailers quote Kina from 2020 on defunding the police, a sure tactic for alar ming white suburban voters. Kina’s position on criminal justice reform can’t be reduced to a single phrase. It is in line with widespread calls for needed reform so that a call to 911 brings an appropriate response to each situation, not automatically involving force.

But police reform is not the issue here: the power behind these scare tactics is more likely AIPAC — the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This powerful lobbying group has long been an obstacle to peace in the Middle

East by bolstering the US’s unconditional support for Israel and under mining the twostate solution that is the only way forward for Israelis and Palestinians.

Kina’s recent call for a cease-fire in the IsraelHamas war — now finally echoed by the Biden administration — is the real reason we’re getting these hysterical flyers about defunding the police. Many 7th District voters agree with Kina: the killing on both sides must stop Decades of conflict have not brought peace to Palestinians or security to Israelis. It’s time for change in the Middle East. It’s time for change in the 7th District. We’ve already cast our votes for Kina in the 2024 Democratic primary and we hope you’ll do the same

Wendy Greenhouse & Mike Trenary Oak Park

There is absolutely no justification for refusing to hear this case immediately. The Supreme Court behavior is flagrantly partisan.

The problem is that the Supreme Court operates with no oversight. They pretend to have rules ag ainst corruption, but these are not enforced. Clarence Thomas has received luxurious gifts from Harlan Crow, an ultra-wealthy Re publican who has interests in influencing the Court [2]. For Thomas there are no consequences. The Court has been busily overturning laws made by our democratically elected Congress. They no longer even pretend their actions are based on the Constitution.

If they intend to appoint Donald Trump President, who will stop them? Democrats

The Supreme Court has become hyperradicalized, overturning precedent after precedent, forcing their personal beliefs on the entire country. The only obvious recourse is for the Democrats to be gin impeachment hearings on Clarence Thomas. His wife openly participated in the Jan. 6 insur rection, but he will never think of recusing himself from any case in which he can help destroy democracy. Clarence Thomas must be impeached.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Bush_v._Gore

[2] https://www.npr. org/2023/05/04/1174083586/a-look-atharlan-crow-the-billionaire-central-inclarence-thomas-controversies

Tom DeCourse y is an Oak Park resident.

Here’s why we ‘bother’ with EV charging stations

I’d like to respond to Don Anderson’s letter re garding fees for using the EV charging stations at River Forest Village Hall [Why bother if this is your EV policy? Viewpoints, March 6]. I sit on the River Forest Sustainability Commission, so I know firsthand the thinking behind the fees.

The fee is not meant to discourage EVs but rather to encourage their use by providing public charging stations. Charging a fee after a couple of hours encourages individuals using the charging stations to move their vehicles after a reasonable amount of time so that others may use the chargers. Currently we only have two public EV charging stations. Given

that, they can’t re place the need for a charger at home, but rather provide the convenience of “topping up” a charge for your car.

River Forest is not unique in this. Other villages have similar programs for their public charging stations. This is not dissimilar to offering an hour of free parking in a public garage and then charging for every hour after that.

As for the members of the Sustainability Commission owning EVs? I can personally attest that they do, having been given a ride home after our monthly meeting by more than one commissioner with an EV.

Louise Mezzatesta River Forest

Our Hobson’s choice for president

Looks like even corporate media outlets are giving a thumbs-up to our president’s SOTU speech last week. However, as one commentator opined, the bar for him was set pretty low. Re gardless, give POTUS credit for a crucially needed effective delivery. No cognitive stumbles, fumbles or any verbal gaffe to add to that corporate media’s clear bias in focusing on his cognitive health and little else.

Sure, he has had some awkward delivery moments. However, he provided no fur ther cannon fodder for the Right (and a lazy, irresponsible mainstream media) to use against him.

Speaking of the metaphorical setting of a bar to get over, this writer would opine that our electorate has been given a pretty low bar to get over in this coming November’s election. We are faced with, I feel certain, two of the worst candidates ever of fered in our entrenched, members-only, two-party political system. How so?

First, one candidate, who previously occupied the Oval Office, is a convicted sexual assaulter, and currently faces 91(!) other felony charges. Including that thingy that occur red live and in color on major media on 6 Januar y, 2021. Really? And somehow he is allowed to run ag ain? In public, as opposed to behind federal prison bars at the least? Sure he has entrenched followers, but so did Jim Jones, he of spiked Kool-Aid infamy.

Then there is the SOTU speaker from last week. He has followers, but to say the least not all are entrenched. In fact, some have already put him on notice that he won’t get their vote in November unless he uses a certain power he apparently cannot bring himself to act upon. That, in case you haven’t been paying attention (and many do not), has to do with the ongoing bombing of Palestine by Israeli military. Yes, Israel has a right to defend itself, but five months after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,400 mostly civilians, that response has taken the lives of over 30,000 Palestinians, about 40% of whom were children. At the drop of a hat, our president can stop sending (taxpayer) money and weapons to Israel, but he seems not to have a functioning moral compass.

He is a fully functioning, pragmatic, corporatized politician, so pragmatic that the visual evidence of the human car nage taking place on Palestinian civilians apparently precludes being cognitively clear enough to care about the polls showing he is losing potential voters. And thus, the rapist/insur rectionist just might be given the key to the White House again!

That is evidently the choice we have in November. It’s a Hobson’s choice (look it up). Cannot we do better than this?

Joe Harrington Oak Park

ARTBEA T

e comfort food of literature

I am 9 years old, sitting in my bedroom in Fort Hood, Texas, at a card table that functions as my desk. I have just completed my first poem, and I feel like Madame Curie with a little bit of Albert Einstein thrown in. I am pretty convinced that this is a work of genius, a launching pad that will propel me into the world of published authors. I intend to send the poem to American Girl magazine, but first I decide to show it to my best friend, who lives next door, and whom I admire very much, not least for the fact that she wears a brassiere.

Sherry comes over and sits at my “desk,” and reads my poem, and I sit barely breathing, feeling as though my hear t suddenly has a tight peel around it. My poem

my bedroom, slam the door, fling myself upon my bed, and weep. And then I don’t submit anything anywhere for 25 years.

Cut to many years later, and I have become a writer, publishing novels primarily, but also short stories, essays and non-fiction. I’ve had a lot of good for tune in my publishing life, but nothing surpassed the time I was asked to write a poem for an anthology, and then got to read it to a live audience at The Poet ry Center. Yes. I got to be viewed a little bit as a poet, at last. I don’t really try to write poetry these days; that was just a wonderful one-of f. But I do read it. I read it for the absolute beauty of the language, for the naming of things that I too feel but cannot express, for the way I can resonate to the emotions a poet conveys and thus feel less alone. More than anything, especially these days, I read poetry for comfort. I look upon it as the buttered toast of literature. I fall into bed at night with a head full of worry, read a little poetry, and feel calmed. Heartened. Renewed. I come to remember the worth of being human. I am reminded of what beauty surrounds us all the time, if only we will look. I come to a kind of hope, to a kind of renewed faith in humanity

PROVIDED

James Crews will be at the 19th Century Club, Sunday, March 24.

to me that Sherry is a terrible editor whose sense of aesthetics is all wrong, plus who cares anymore that she gets to wear a brassiere.

“A bone?” I say. “A bone?”

She nods.

“This is a poem about nature,” I say. “This is about appreciating the beauty of sunrise. Do you think a person wants to visualize a greasy bone?”

“I think it should be that the dog is sniffing a bone,” she says, and that is that.

I make no changes to my poem whatsoever. I put it in an envelope and mail it to the magazine and then try to wait patiently for them to send me back an enthusiastic acceptance as well as a check for about a million dollars; it said in the magazine that if they published you, you get paid.

I do not get an acceptance letter. I get a rejection letter. I get it really fast. And after I get it, I run up to

There is one poet I return to over and over for feeling soothed, a man named James Crews, whose work is unfailingly kind, gentle, and accessible. I don’t want to have to work when I read poetry. I want to sigh and nod in appreciation.

James Crews will be doing a reading on Sunday, March 24, at the 19th Century Club. I will be introducing him (well, I’ ll be fawning all over him), and he will read selected poems and take questions. After the presentation, there will be a reception with many delicious treats (my mom’s recipe for tof fee bars and Mrs. Fields’ recipe for chocolate chip cookies) and there will be an opportunity for you to get a signed copy of one or more of James’ books. In addition to his own books of poetry, he has edited anthologies focusing on kindness and connection that include fabulous poets such as Ted Kooser and Mary Oliver.

Please come to this event, and bring your friend. They’ll thank you. It is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged. Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m., 19th Century Club, first floor.

Elizabeth Berg is an Oak Park resident and a bestselling author.

Craig Montgomery, 63

OPRF Class of ’78

Oak Park nati Craig Wilson Montgomery died recently at his home near Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 63. The son of the late Clark and Joann Montgomery, longtime Oak rk residents, he was born on Aug. 26, est Suburban Hospital. ing up, he was a track and cross-country athlete at Oak Park and River Forest High School which took first in state in 1977, under the leadership of legendary track and crosscountry coach Roy Gummerson. Craig was also in choir and an outstanding scholar. He graduated from Grinnell College in Newton, Iowa, and went on to earn a master’s degree and a PhD in chemistry from Iowa State University. Throughout his life, he was a conservationist and loved the outdoors.

Kate Kroker, 81

Former president of PFL AG

Kathleen “Kate” Anne McGuire Kroker, 81, died eacefully at home surby her family March 5, 2024. Bor n 1, 1942 to the late and Marguerite , and raised Chicago, she was a proud Oak Parker since he and her kids pportunity to be daughters were lorist in two locausiness, Garland Flowers, d creating and sharing the beauty mer president of the , and remained passionate about her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community even when her health no longer allowed her to volunteer.

Why I support Nikhil Bhatia for Congress

Some candidates fill mailboxes with flyers. Others knock on doors every weekend and listen to voters. Nikhil Bhatia, one of the candidates in the Democratic primary contest for the Illinois 7th Congressional District, is the latter kind, and I enthusiastically support his candidacy.

Nikhil has spent his career as an educator in urban schools, including as a math teacher and middle-school principal in Chicago. He is running for Cong ress to improve and expand educational oppor tunities, reduce gun violence, protect the environment and preserve our democracy. In private conversations and meetings with voters, he speaks thoughtfully on a range of issues that affect citizens of the 7th District. That’s not surprising, as he has a master’s de gree in public policy from the University of Chicago.

Nikhil has de ep ly held and sincere positions, but he is also pragmatic. He wants to go to Washington to pass ef fect ive le gislation, and he will look for common ground with political adve r saries to do that. Nikhil is a pro-growth liberal. He is concerned with equity, bu t he wants to make the pie bigger, not just divide it up dif ferently. Hi s p oli cy prescriptions are typically left of center, but not far left. He wants to build up, not tear down.

He is young and smart and has the energ y, skills and desire to serve all citizens in the 7th District well. If that sounds like someone you might want to vote for, visit www.bhatiaforcongress.com to learn more.

In his early 20s, he began developing mental illness, a condition he dealt with for the rest of his life. His family is grateful for the many caring individuals he met along his way, including neighbors and strangers and especially members of the Oak Park Police Department, for their compassionate support

Family friend and for mer Oak Parker Jane Caldwell remembered Craig as a “sweet person with so much potential. He is now at peace.”

He leaves behind a brother, Bruce (Xu); a sister, Susan Montgomery (Howie Anderson); a nephew, Eric Montgomery; his aunt, Peggy Bruce; and many cousins.

Craig’s family will miss him deeply, yet rejoices in the kindness, compassion, humanity, and wry humor that he shared with us throughout his life

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huskie Booster Club of Oak Park and River Forest High School, at www huskieboosterclub.org.

A private funeral service will be held in Santa Fe

A memorial service will be held this spring in Oak Park.

An avid reader, she loved crossword puzzles and newspapers and was a brilliant conversationalist. She was known for her dry wit, sense of humor, and feistiness, had a strong spirit, strong opinions and a natural curiosity about the world around her. Her family is grateful that she put up such a hard fight, but comforted that she has found peace.

Kate was the wife of 50 years of her best friend, Phil Kroker; the mother and mother-inlaw to Meta Kroker (Joy Christopher) and Emily Spreng (Mike Spreng); and Buela to Lucia and Oliver. She is survived by her siblings and in-laws, Anne Richter (Fred), Patricia Dassinger (the late Thomas), Maureen Wilkinson (the late Larry), George (Mick) McGuire (Dorothy nee Dunkovich), Marguerite (Midge) Hellmer (Ronald), the late Laurie Hayes (Gerald), Monica Glowinski (Edward), Rose Rutherford (Rob), Elizabeth (Beth) McGuire (the late Steven Fabrykiewicz), Therese Hester (James), Jimmy McGuire (Pat nee Carroll), and Joseph McGuire (Margaret DeLaRosa), as well as Tony Kroker (Sharon). She was the aunt of 42 nieces and nephews, a cousin, godmother, great-aunt, neighbor, and dear friend to countless people, with many friendships lasting decades.

Donations can be made in Kate’s name to PFLAG https://pflag.org/chapter/oak-park-area.

Gamboney & Sons Funeral Directors handled the arrangements

DAN LAUBER

Good choices

from page 31

Edward M alone Oak Park

the whistle. Is that the sort of person we want to represent us in Congress?

What an embar rassment — like George Santos — if she were to become the nominee. The 7th Cong ressional District deserves better and frankly, Danny Davis is the only one who can overcome her aggressive campaign

Joy Virginia Cunningham has perfor med admirably on the Illinois Supreme Court since she was appointed to complete Justice Burke’s ter m. In an incredible imitation of Trump-like projection, her opponent is falsely portraying her as the political insider when that description fits him to a “T.”

We need well-qualified, competent judges throughout the courts. Be sure to see the compilation of judicial evaluations from 13 bar associations at https://www.voteforjudges.org. Every single association rejects Wende Williams while Appellate Court candidate Carolyn Gallagher gets some negative reviews as well.

If elected 7th Subcircuit Judge, Owens Shelby (recommended by all 13 bar associations), would be the rare member of the local bench with close ties to River Forest-Oak Park.

Vote by March 19 and take control of who goes on the November ballot — or don’t complain come Nov. 5.

Dan Lauber of River Forest has been active in reform politics for decades.

OPRF baseball team seeks to bounce back

The Huskies have lost the rst playo game each of the past two seasons

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Last season was uncharacteristically average for the Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball team.

T he Huskies finished 17-18 and – for the second consecutive year – lost the opening game of the IHSA Class 4A state tournament.

However, head c oach Kevin C ampbell said he feels there’s reason to be optimistic about a tur n in for tunes.

“One thing that has really stood out is we have a core group of guys that love being on c ampus in our facilities wo rk in g to g ether,” C ampbell said, entering in the third season. “I have guys that want to stay long after practice wanting to wo rk more. This is a team any c oach would love to be around on a daily basis. ”

OPRF returns 15 pl ayer s. S enior outfielder Mason Phillips (.322, 20 RBI, 14 stolen b ases last year) is a four-year va rsity starter, wh i le j unior infielder E than Moore (.367, 30 RBI, 14 S B) is a threeyear starter. S enior Carlo Lissuzzo, wh o pl ay s multiple p ositions, had a team-high

429 batting average and is d escribed by C ampbell as a “Swiss ar my knife.”

“Carlo j ust makes things happen fo r us re ga rdless if it ’s at the plat e, on the b ases, or in the field,” he added.

S eniors Cole Benson (5-0, 3.50 ear ned r un average in 2023) and Lu ke Gotti (4-1) are the Huskies’ top returning pitchers. OPRF will look for mound contributions from seniors Wi lson Kruse and Declan Waters and sophomore Johnny Nelson.

Other Huskies looking to pl ay ke y roles are j uniors Brady Green, George Holland, Timmy L eark, Joseph L eshnock, and Kendall Wallac e, along with senior s Eddie Br avo and Ryan Slad e.

OPRF opens the season March 14-16 at the PBR E ast Metro C lassic in Edwardsville, near St. L oui s. It begins another rigorous schedule that includes g ames with New T rier – who finished third in last year ’s C lass 4A state tournament, Joliet Catholic, and Lake Pa rk . There’s also the annual showdown with Fenwick, May 16, at Triton Colle ge.

T he West Suburban Sil ve r looks strong as Downers Grove North and Lyons Township look to battle the Huskies fo r the conference title

“We want to be a 25-plus win team and capture the W SC Sil ve r title,” C ampbell said. “Then win g ame one of the pl ayoffs and build of f that.”

Fenwick moves up to Class 4A

After winning back-to-back Class 3A sectional championships, this season, Fenwick finds itself in Class 4A.

But the good news for the Friars (17-17 in 2023) is that with 18 returning players, they feel ready for the challenge.

“We’ re very thankful to have such great experience and leadership from our upperclassmen,” said Fenwick coach Kyle Kmiecik, entering his second season. “They understand what it takes to compete at a high level and are great mentors for our younger players.”

Pitching seems to be Fenwick’s primary

OPRF alum Chardonnay Harris takes

CHARDONNAY HARRIS

‘I’m happy to be back in the community,’ she said.

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

ry hurler who contributed to a 3.18 earned-run average last year is back. Senior Mike Sosna, a University of Chicago commit, gained valuable experience last summer while pitching for the Polish National 18U team in the European Baseball Championship Qualifying Tournament in Ashbourne, Ireland. He posted a 0.94 ERA and had 21 strikeouts en route to being named the tournament’s Best Pitcher.

Seniors Joey Krzak and Justin Pinkowski are other reliable mound options for the Friars.

See BASEBALL on page 38

over Trinity so ball

But new head coach Chardonnay Harris, a 2017 Oak Park and River Forest alum, hopes to finally stabilize the Blazers.

“I’m happy to be back in the community,” Harris said. “I’d hoped to work at OPRF as an assistant, but everything happens for a reason, and I’m glad to be the head coach at Trinity.”

Harris was approached last year by Trinity athletic director Ken Trendel to see if she’d be interested in being head coach. But she admitted

she didn’t want to be a head coac h at the time and declined.

However, when Ivette Cano, last year’s coach, stepped down, Trendel again reached out to Har ris, and this time she accepted.

“It couldn’t have worked out at a better time,”

Harris said. “I knew some of the girls, and they’re familiar with my work ethic and how I do things.

See HARRIS on pa ge 38

The head coaching position for the Trinity High School varsity softball team has been a revolving door in recent years with six different coaches.

C AROL DUNNING

Oak Park-River Forest senior pitcher Luke Gotti warms up in the bullpen during baseball practice. Gotti went 4-1 in relief last year for the Huskies.

Can OPRF so ball top last year’s strong season?

Expectations are high for ‘hungr y’ Huskies this spring

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

With a lineup of five sophomores, the Oak Park and River Forest High School softball team didn’t have much fanfare at the start of last season.

But the Huskies went 31-8, won the West Suburban Silver title, and finished third in the IHSA Class 4A state tournament. And with several key returnees, expectations are high this spring for another strong season.

“Third place from last year was great,” said OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin, entering his third season. “But this group is hungry, and we’re looking for bigger and better things this year.”

OPRF returns 13 players, including junior shortstop Elyssa Hasapis. Hasapis had a sensational sophomore season, hitting .538 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI while garnering All-Conference and All-State First Team honors.

Senior catcher Tyler Brock is a two-time All-Conference selection and made the All-State Second Team. Last year, the Lake County College commit allowed just two sto-

HARRIS

from page 37

I want to make things exciting and create a safe space for whoeve r is on the team. ”

Harris added that her first week as head coach went well with the players being receptive to her.

“I want to give them an open platform if they don’t understand something,” she said. “We also want to make practice harder than a game so that way they’re prepared.”

Trinity has seven returnees – including six seniors - from last year’s team, which went 16-10 and lost an IHSA Class 3A regional final to St. Ignatius. Senior Kendall Hynes (.604, 18 RBI in 2023) enters her fourth year on the

len bases and picked off more than 20 baserunners for the second consecutive season. Senior second baseman Rachel Buchta was All-Conference and a Third Team AllStater (.375, 25 RBI).

Other top returning Huskies are juniors Maura Carmody (All-Conference, 6 HR), Gloria Hronek, Julia Mattice, and Anna Topel; and seniors Jordan Alioto, Macy Callahan, and Aria Hammerschmidt.

“Returning this many players, that’s pretty awesome,” Coughlin said. “We had one of the youngest teams in the state last year, but this year I think we’re one of the more experienced.”

Seniors Audrey Dumelle, Lilly Menconi, and Kennedy Ross also return for OPRF Newcomers to keep an eye on are sophomore Georgia Godellas; juniors Sofia Ayala and Molly Chambers; and senior Alex Kahn.

T he Huskies do need to re p lace Bella Morales, last season’s ace in the circle But C oughlin expects that to be a team ef fo rt , with Alioto (who allowe d j ust one hit in 7 i nnings of relief in last year ’s C lass 4A third-place g ame), C hamber s, Dumelle, Hammerschmidt, K ahn, and Top el all capable.

“Aria pitched a lot as a sophomore but couldn’t get into a rhythm last year because of her injuries,” Coughlin said. “This year, she’s healthy.”

varsity. Junior Claire Rambasek batted .394 and had 19 RBI. Seniors Nora Riley , Sofia Samatas, and Bella Waters also saw significant time in the field.

In the circle, sophomore Grace Samatas (4.44 earned-run average) and senior Anais Fernandez (6.13 ERA) gained valuable experience that’s sure to be helpful this spring.

The Blazers, who will field only a varsity team this year, seek to get contributions from 11 newcomers: senior Arabella Carrion; juniors Elizabeth Miehlich, Flynn and Lilli Puttin (twins), and Mena Zito; sophomore Ginny Redmond; and freshmen Solelia Ar royo, Aly Lopez, Emily Miehlich, Maddie Trendel, and Abby Young.

“Something that has stood out to me during preseason is our communication as a whole,” Harris said. “The

Highlights include a home game against de fending Class 4A champion Marist March 21; the annual spring break trip to Pigeon Forge, TN; a home quad on April 6 featuring Fremd, Lockport, and Wheaton North; and a crosstown showdown with Fenwick May 16.

Repeating as WSC Silver champs won’t be easy for the Huskies. Downers Grove North has a pair of pitchers who are signed with NCAA Division I schools; Lyons Township has a vast number of returnees. York is a

girls are friends outside softball so it makes it easier to get them to communicate on the field.”

Harris said she realizes that creating a new foundation at Trinity takes time, and that’s what she is focusing on. Once that’s established, she said she believes the results will take care of themselves.

“This season’s goals will be making it great in its own way while g etting better both mentally and physically,” she said.

“As my staf f and I are building a new culture for Trinity softball, it’s going to be important for the girls to buy in into what we have planned. Keeping our communication lines open to the girls about anything and everything that is important to them will help us get to where we need to be.”

, n said. “We’ve got our work cut out.

Coughlin added that OPRF will take the same approach as last year, which emphasizes daily self-improvement. He said he felt that helped the Huskies

“We don’t spend a lot of time talking about goals,” he said. “We just need to keep working and striving to be better as individuals and keep a true team culture. I strongly believe that we have the ability to end this year even better than last year.”

BASEBALL

from page 37

Fenwick’s lineup is filled with contributors up and down. Senior outfielder Ian MacKinnon led the Friars with a 378 batting average last season and added 17 stolen bases. Junior infielder Ryan Lazewski batted 343 and had a team-high 36 hits along with 15 steals, while senior infielder Josh Wicker batted .326 and swiped 12 bases.

Other players to watch are senior catcher Finnley Koch, who is a three-year varsity starter; juniors Luke Hickey, Ben Jar necke, and Tanner Malchow; and seniors Andrew Henderson, Gabe Kotwasinski, and Will Gladden. Gladden, a varsity contributor as a sophomore, is returning from an injury that cost him all of last season.

The Friars opened the season at Stagg on March 12 after deadline. Following a game at Maine South, March 16, Fenwick has its home opener, March 18 at the Priory Campus in River Forest at 4:30 p.m., versus Libertyville.

C AROL DUNNING

Oak Park-River Forest out elder S o a Ayala makes a scooping catch dur ing so ball practice.

PUBLIC NOTICES

CALENDAR NUMBER: 02-24-Z

HEARING DATE: April 3, 2024

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room

201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Slawek Lesny, seeking a variance from the following sections of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, to construct a third dwelling unit in the basement of an existing twofamily dwelling unit building at the premises commonly known as 1044 S. Grove Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-18-315-015-0000

(“Subject Property”), in the R-4 Single-Family Zoning District.

1. Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) only allows singlefamily dwelling units. The existing property is improved with a two-family dwelling unit approved by variance in 1923, and a garage with an apartment above constructed in 1921. The proposal is to add another dwelling unit in the basement for a total of four dwelling units on the property (three units in the front building and one unit above the garage in the rear).

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

2. Section 15.2 (B) requires that a nonconforming use of a structure cannot be expanded, extended, enlarged, or increased in intensity. The proposal is to add an additional dwelling unit in the basement of the existing nonconforming two-unit building which increases the intensity of use by one dwelling unit.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@ oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, March 13, 2024

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

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.MELANIE MARTIN, 300 CHICAGO CONDOMINIUM, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF HAZEL J. ANTHONY, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HAZEL J. ANTHONY (DECEASED)

Defendants

2022 CH 04036 300 CHICAGO AVE., 4N 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 17, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 10, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED

REAL ESTATE: UNIT 4-N TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN 300 CHICAGO CONDOMINIUM AS DELINEATED AND DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 25110568, IN THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 300 CHICAGO AVE., 4N, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-321-0341007

The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Con-

dominium 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, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-03237

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022 CH 04036 TJSC#: 44-527

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

Case # 2022 CH 04036 I3239636

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.RONALD CAILLOUET, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SUSAN L. CAILLOUET, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SUSAN L. CAILLOUET A/K/A SUSAN CAILLOUET (DECEASED) Defendants

22 CH 04542

31 LE MOYNE PKWY

The real estate is improved with a

Sale terms:

down of the highest

by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

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

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100

BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09308

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 22 CH 04542

TJSC#: 44-491

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 22 CH 04542 I3239998

Whether

Whether you’re into working out or going out, fine dining or fine arts, you’ll find it all at Plymouth Place®

Whether you’re into working out or going out, fine dining or fine arts, you’ll find it all at Plymouth Place®

Whether you’re into working out or going out, fine dining or fine arts, you’ll find it all at Plymouth Place® .

Whether

Our passion for inspired living is reflected in our spacious residences and endless activities like cultural outings, watercolor classes and wine tastings. To help you feel your best, our new Center for Healthy Living offers aqua aerobics, meditation and more. It’s the vibrant lifestyle you deserve…all just steps from downtown La Grange.

Our passion for inspired living is reflected in our spacious residences and endless activities like cultural outings, watercolor classes and wine tastings. To help you feel your best, our new Center for Healthy Living offers aqua aerobics, meditation and more. It’s the vibrant lifestyle you deserve…all just steps from downtown La

Our passion for inspired living is reflected in our spacious residences and endless activities like cultural outings, watercolor classes and wine tastings. To help you feel your best, our new Center for Healthy Living offers aqua aerobics, meditation and more. It’s the vibrant lifestyle you deserve…all just steps from downtown La Grange.

ATHOMEONTHE GREATERWESTSIDE For Cynthia Rodriguez, finding a forever home was a top priority

By DELANEY NELSON Special Projects Reporter

Whether growing up in Edgewater and Portage Park or renting in Belmont-Cragin — and now buying a house in Montclare — Cynthia Rodriguez has spent most of her life on the northwest side of Chicago.

Last January, Rodriguez and Abraham Roman, her husband of 20 years, attended an information session at YUB Realty. Roman was ready to start the home-buying process, but it took Rodriguez a bit longer to warm up to the idea.

“I was always the hesitant one,” she said. “[I was like], ‘We’re not going to be able to do it. How can we afford it?

How are we going to save for a down payment?’”

With two teenagers and an 18-month-old, Rodriguez was also worried about the prospect of balancing daily life with the ins and outs of buying a home, like submitting all of the necessary paperwork and visiting houses.

But by the end of the year, with some convincing on Roman’s end, the couple decided they were ready to dive into what they see as the “American Dream.” He told her, “I know it’s stressful to gather documents and have these financial conversations, but we can definitely do it.”

“It’s always a dream to buy a home for your kids and for yourself,” Rodriguez said. They wanted to give their kids a place to call their own, and it felt like time to transition away from renting, and instead invest in their own property.

They returned to YUB Realty in January, where they met with real estate broker Lorena Ramirez-Carrillo’s team. Within

A GCM GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

a week, the couple received their preapproval letter, visited houses, submitted an offer, and closed on the house. Within the next month, they hope to move into their new home.

Rodriguez said she is excited that her kids will now have more room for themselves. Her 16-year-old daughter, for example, will stay in the finished basement, where she can chill without her two younger brothers “in her hair.” Her oldest son, 13, will

now have his own room, and her toddler will grow up in the family home.

“[I’m] looking forward to my little one growing up in his forever home,” she said. “With my older kids, we’ve moved a couple of times. I’m just looking forward to now, for my

It took some convincing, but Cynthia Rodriguez said investing in her own home was worth it in the end.

What you should know about buying a home, according to 3 real estate agents

By DELANEY NELSON Special Projects Reporter

For most prospective buyers, finding a real estate agent is a major step in the home-buying process. While it is possible to complete the process without a real estate agent, they can provide future homeowners with expert knowledge of the local real estate market, established connections to attorneys, loan officers and inspectors, and a wider variety of listings than you might find on Zillow.

Austin Weekly News spoke with three Chicago-based real estate agents about what buyers should look for in an agent and what to expect from the process.

Lorena Ramirez-Carrillo is a designated managing real estate broker and owner of YUB Realty. She has worked with attorneys in the real estate field, has worked as an underwriter and has run a title company. She works with first-time home buyers, people without a valid social security number and veterans, among others.

Eve Benton is a designated managing broker for EXIT Strategy Realty and an instructor with the Chicago Association of Realtors. Her specializations include first-time homebuyers, veterans, multi-unit sales and purchase/rehab.

Mario Greco is a real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices Chicago, where he founded the MG Group. He has been in the real estate business for over 20 years, serving the city and surrounding suburbs. Most recently, he has worked in West Town, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, West Loop, Roscoe Village, North Center and Uptown.

Do I need a real estate agent?

Ramirez-Carrillo: You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a house, but it is always recommended if you want to make sure that there’s not going to be any room for mistakes, if you want to make sure that your purchase is going to go smoothly and that you’re going to be guided the right way. You also may not have access to all the resources that we have, and even to all the listings. If you don’t have a real estate agent, you might be limited to whatever you find on public sites.

Greco: If you wanted to go look for houses, you could find whatever you wanted to find online, you could call the listing agent and have an appointment and show the place and then if you want to buy it, you can have an attorney write up the contract. You really don’t need an agent for the looking process — although I think you do — but now I think that is less important. What I think you need an agent for more now is: One, their knowledge of existing buildings, as well as the reputation of a builder or developer for new buildings. Two, you want the agent’s contact list for trusted attorneys, trusted contractors, trusted inspectors, even. And in a very competitive market, you also want an agent because listing agents like to work with buyer’s agents because

they actually have counsel and guidance and the transactions tend to close much more often and in a much smoother way. And then finally, in this market where there are multiple offers galore, the buyer’s agent is going to advise the client in such a way that the potential for disappointment or anger is lessened. But all of that aside, a buyer’s agent is most important not to find the property, but to close the transaction. In other words, once you’ve found it, after you’ve negotiated — which an agent is very important for — keeping the deal together is just as hard if not harder than finding the property itself and a buyer’s agent is uniquely qualified to know of all the hurdles and bumps and potholes along the way.

How do I choose an agent?

Greco: The prospective buyer should interview at least three agents. They should always look at their website presence to see what it is they’re putting out to the public and they should also then go to any of the review sites like Zillow, Yelp, Google and see what’s out there. Obviously, most Realtors® only post their good reviews but Yelp doesn’t allow you to take down your bad reviews. Zillow does, but Google and Yelp do not.

Benton: I’m going to start by saying, don’t believe what you see on HGTV and those TV shows where they make it look easy. Even if they don’t have the experience, even if it’s a new agent, you want to look for someone who has a desire to advocate for you. It’s incredibly important for you to feel comfortable with the person, with their knowledge base, or even their desire to garner

Lorena Ramirez-Carrillo Managing real estate broker and owner of YUB Realty

“Don’t believe what you see on HGTV and those TV shows where they make it look easy. Even if they don’t have the experience, even if it’s a new agent, you want to look for someone who has a desire to advocate for you.”

Eve Benton Managing broker for EXIT Strategy Realty and an instructor with the Chicago Association of Realtors

the knowledge. So that’s why if it’s somebody who is new, that’s not a problem. In my opinion, it’s important to them to have a desire to learn and have other seasoned resources to go to. You also want somebody that’s tech savvy.

Ramirez-Carrillo: Whoever you choose as your real estate agent should be able to tell you right there at the first consultation whether or not you meet the basic requirements to buy a house. Make sure that that real estate agent is knowledgeable in the area [you’re looking to buy in]. Years of holding a license does not automatically mean that that agent has experience, experience is based on the number of transactions that you have closed because the more transactions that you are involved in, the more of a chance that you have gone through different situations and that you’re able to help your clients.

What should my relationship with my real estate agent look like?

Ramirez-Carrillo: For me, it’s one of trust, and making my clients understand that for me, the most important part is that they ask questions, that they understand the process, that they feel comfortable with making a decision. Since the very first conversation with my clients, I make it clear that I want them to ask me

questions — don’t ask the neighbor, don’t ask any relatives because they’re all going to have their own ideas based on their own experience. With me, it’s never about, “Oh, I’m the professional and you should respect me.” It’s more, you are my client and I want to make sure that you feel comfortable with whatever decision you’re making. If it takes us months to get you the house that you want, or if it takes us going to see 50 houses, that’s what it’s going to take and that’s what we’ll do. But I always make sure that they are comfortable with making decisions and understanding the whole process.

Benton: A lot of times, people will meet their Realtor® the first time at a property. That is not the most ideal way to do it. Ideally, we should be having a consultation with the buyer prior to even showing properties. It gives me an opportunity to go over the forms, explain the process, set up a search. Set expectations. You should be checking in with them weekly. Time is of the essence once you’re under contract and at the end of the day the buyer is going to be at work doing something else. So between your agent and the attorney, they’re gonna help you manage those deadlines. What I also explain to my clients is: I consider myself a professional but you are the boss. You’ve hired me to do something for you, so I’m not going to make the decision I make recommendations.

I don’t have a Social Security number. What’s your advice?

Ramirez-Carrillo: There are lenders out there that do the type of loan for people that don’t have a social security number but they actually meet the [homebuyer] guidelines. A lot of companies or agents don’t service Individual Taxpayer Identification Number clients and I’m very proud to say that I do help a lot of them and that’s when it becomes really rewarding, when somebody who has had so much trouble getting the help actually gets to buy their own house. Definitely reach out and inquire about different lenders. I’m not the only one who services them, but it’s just not one lender that does loans with ITIN. Be careful to not ever give

Mario Greco

Real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices Chicago

money upfront because there have been a lot of scams. You should never pay a real estate agent upfront, especially thousands and thousands of dollars.

What’s your advice for prospective home buyers?

Benton: Think of Pareto rule, the 80/20 rule. If it has 80% of the things you want, it might be worth considering. No home is perfect. Something is wrong with every house — that comes with home ownership. But the benefits outweigh the challenges. If it has 80% of the items on your wishlist, you’re winning.

Greco: One thing they shouldn’t be hung up on is square footage. They should be looking for layout and not number of square feet. Two: along with their agent, they should be looking for obvious signs of neglect or disrepair. The other thing buyers need to do is look at, whether or not they like natural light, they need to walk into a place and if all the lights are on, they need to turn the lights off, and see what it feels like. If it’s a super bright day, this is the best it’s ever gonna get. Finally — and this is critical — a buyer should come to the property, not necessarily having to go inside, to the neighborhood at different times and on different days. You might have seen that at two o’clock on a Saturday and there’s no one around, it feels really peaceful. Well, come there Friday at seven o’clock or come there in the morning on a Tuesday and see what’s going on.

Ramirez-Carrillo: If you’re paying rent somewhere else, you’re already spending your money on housing, why not apply it to your own house? Why not apply to something that is gonna generate you equity and wealth in the future as opposed to just paying for basically staying in somebody else’s house for that month?

What should people look for in a home?

Benton: I wouldn’t worry about the cosmetic issues. If you want 42-inch cabinets, you can get that later. Quartz counters, you can get that later. [Look at the things] you can’t change very readily: the floor plan and your neighbors. While the floor plan can be changed, it’s usually not practical or affordable. Think about your lifestyle also, some people don’t mind living on major thoroughfares and some people don’t want to. Where are you in terms of your family setup? Kids or no kids? Are you moving to an area because of the school district? How does that impact your taxes?

Ramirez-Carrillo: We all have priorities and we all have wants when it comes to a property. So what is a priority? You want to be close to your job, you want to be in a good school district, you want to have at least three bedrooms because you have four kids. Things that are very, very important. I want them to tell me at the very first consultation; I want to make sure that at least we focus on all the priorities, whatever it is, and if we can throw in some of their wants, that is wonderful. If I can find them a house that meets all their priorities and still has some of their wants, that would be excellent. But what I tell them is do not try to find everything in a house because it’s rare that you’re going to find everything in a house. You’re going to have to compromise on some things.

FOREVER HOME

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toddler, this is his home and the one he’s going to remember growing up in. I’m excited for just making memories in our own home.”

Rodriguez credits her realty team with making the process smooth and easy. Their real estate agent was quick to respond to their messages and phone calls, and was sure to clarify information during each step of the process, she said.

“Our Realtor®, was so accessible,” Rodriguez said. “I’m fluent in English and Spanish, but when it comes to stuff like this, it’s like, I’d rather you explain it in Spanish to my husband so that we’re on the same page and I don’t miss or say something that maybe wasn’t translated correctly. So just having that accessibility of being able to speak with our Realtor® in both English and Spanish to where we all understand what we’re going through and understand what we’re reading and signing made it a lot easier.”

“That put us at ease that we had someone in our court that was able to provide us with that support in case we had any questions or didn’t thoroughly understand what was being asked,” she added.

The search

“One of the first questions Lorena asked us was, ‘What are you looking for? What does your ideal home have?’ It was at least two bathrooms and a dining room because with all the chaos, we do enjoy having family dinners together every day. That was one of the things that I must have had in my new home, was a large dining room. And honestly, all the properties that [Lorena] sent us had what we asked for, which made it really easy. It (was) like okay, they heard me, they are on our side, and want us to find what we consider an ideal home.”

The deciding factor

“At the end, we did have two [finalists]. The second house we saw, we really liked. There happened to be an open house that day, so of course there was other competition, there were going to be other offers.

With the last one we saw, the location and the size and it being move-in ready were those deciding factors. That second one we saw did not have a finished basement, where this one does.

[The situation was] having to go through that negotiation process with the one property that we liked, versus the last one where it was like, this has everything that we’ve been looking for, okay, let’s just do it and see what happens. We weren’t looking to do it so fast, it just happened this way. But again, because it was ready and had everything we were looking for, that is the reason why we decided to go with that last one we saw.”

Advice for prospective homebuyers:

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s one of those things where sometimes you’re like, ‘Oh, I should know this or I can Google this and I shouldn’t be asking so many questions.’ Or it’s like ‘Oh, I don’t want to bother you with this question.’ But I think [it’s important to] just be okay with asking for help or additional clarification. [Lorena’s team at YUB Realty] just made it seem like it’s not a bother, we’re here to support you and in a way educate you and make sure that you understand everything. So don’t be afraid to ask. [Real estate agents] are here to help you achieve your goal, your dream of owning a home.”

What is the housing market like on the West Side?

As demand for housing on the greater West Side grows, affordability for longterm residents hangs in the balance

By DELANEY NELSON Special Projects Reporter

Whether you’re a long-term Austin renter, homeowner, or prospective home buyer, the area’s housing market likely affects your dayto-day life. Familiarizing yourself with the housing market is one way to get realistic about the cost of becoming a homeowner.

The housing market describes the types, cost and amount of housing in an area.

The demand for and supply of housing are key drivers of the market and its prices. Typically, the economy, available mortgage credit, a neighborhood’s affordability and its amenities all contribute to the demand for housing in a particular area.

When there’s more demand than supply for a particular type of housing, like move-in ready single-family homes, for example, prices go up — especially if the demand is coming from higherincome home buyers.

Smith said. Some investors may just hold a property and rent it out.

On the other hand, if there are not enough move-in ready homes, for example, flippers may come into a neighborhood, purchase homes at a relatively low price, invest in home improvement, and then sell the home at a higher price to new owner-occupants. Flippers may bridge the gap between high demand and low supply for movein ready homes — but they also run the risk of pricing current residents out.

“One of the big challenges in a lot of neighborhoods is, if you do create a significant amenity in a neighborhood, how do you ensure that the housing in that neighborhood remains affordable for the long-term residents, or potential homebuyers from the community that want to stay in the community?” Smith said. “That is one of the key, I think, vulnerabilities of the way that housing markets work, unfortunately.”

West Side resident Eve Benton, who is the designated managing broker at EXIT Strategy Realty, has seen this influx firsthand.

But in some neighborhoods on the South and West Sides, historic disinvestment also puts a “bit of a wrinkle” in the story of the housing market, said Geoff Smith, executive director and principal investigator of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University.

Communities with lower costs and a lessmaintained, disinvested housing stock can attract investors that play myriad roles in the market,

Sale price changes for single family homes

Price trends from the first quarter of 2000 to second quarter of 2023

Values indexed in each submarket to the first quarter of 2000. Data: Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University

As mortgage rates rose, people who already owned homes weren’t too interested in selling, which would mean trading in a 3% or 4% interest rate mortgage for one at 7% or 8%. Supply started to drop. Then, when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to cool inflation, mortgage rates rose too.

Humboldt Park/Garfield Park

Austin/Belmont Cragin

Lake View/Lincoln Park

Benton said her own neighborhood’s defining features, including central location and beautiful architecture, have attracted outside interest that can impact pricing in the area. As more people find neighborhoods on the West Side attractive, the more development it will likely see, she said.

“I have seen people are becoming aware of the benefits of living on the West Side,” Benton said. “There are some areas that may have been considered maybe not as desirable, and you’re seeing activity in those areas too, because those are probably the only areas where someone can do a renovation, turn it over to a first-time homebuyer, and make it profitable for everybody.”

Increasing demand

In 2021 and 2022, interest rates were low and the national housing market saw a boom. But then things changed.

Today, there’s more demand than supply in the nationwide housing market, or a “sellers market,” said Mario Greco, a real estate agent and founder of Berkshire Hathaway’s MG Group, a Chicago real estate firm.

“Right now, the market is a contradiction: Interest rates are high and inventory is very low, but buyers have gotten used to interest rates being higher and they are looking for things to buy and there isn’t enough for them to buy,” he said.

This means for people looking to buy, there might be lots of competition for a few available homes, and many prospective homeowners may encounter multiple-offer situations, according to Greco. Higher prices in the market means buyers will spend more on a downpayment and are therefore looking for a turnkey property — one that is move-in ready and doesn’t need expensive renovations.

On a regional level, there’s a fairly flat population in Chicago, so the city overall is not seeing a ton of price growth, compared with other markets. But as areas away from downtown and the Loop are becoming more coveted, the market for some neighborhoods on the West Side is more volatile.

From January 2000 to June 2023, the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul tracked quarterly

price trends for single-family homes in more than 30 submarkets in the city and suburban Cook County. The team’s research indicates prices have increased more, and faster, in some neighborhoods on the West Side.

In the Humboldt Park/Garfield Park market, prices have gone up by 330% since the bottom of the market in 2013. Since the pandemic began in 2020, its prices have increased by 61%. These are some of the highest rates in the city, Smith said, which indicates a flow of demand into the neighborhoods. While prices in this area are still considered relatively affordable, with the median sale price below the city average at $215,000, concerns about affordability for long-term residents still loom.

The Austin/Belmont Cragin market, where the median sale price sits at $275,000, has seen a price increase of more than 150% since 2013. Before the second half of 2023, this submarket was previously the only submarket with single-family home prices lower than its bubble-era peak before the recession.

By contrast, the Lakeview/Lincoln Park submarket saw just a 29% price increase since 2013. Its median sale price is a hefty $1.28 million.

“I would say in the past three or four years, I’ve seen the prices increase in Austin,” said Lorena Ramirez-Carrillo, a designated managing real estate broker and owner of YUB Realty. “We all know that gentrification happens all the time, right?”

She said she believes in a couple of years, Austin is going to be “kind of like Logan Square” in terms of an influx of new residents.

Geoff Smith Executive director and principal investigator of the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University