Wednesday Journal 032223

Want your name on a building at OPRF? It will

cost

you

$12.5 million donated so far toward $102 million Project 2

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Potential donors making notable pledges to help fund Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200’s $102 million Project 2 could ask to have their name publicly reco gnized on the outdoor track facility, but it would cost them $2 million.

As the project moves forward, with the board’s unanimous approval during a February board meeting, the district along with Oak Park and River Forest High School Imagine Foundation, a nonprofit organization, believe the option for naming reco gnition allows them to include their strong alumni community and those who show interest in being involved in the facility work, said Karin

See NAMING RIGHTS on pa ge 12

New program to o er free tutoring for students in need

Tutor tastic hopes to help students from low-income backgrounds

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Parents looking to find tutoring support for their children will now have a local resource aimed to prioritize young students of color and those from low-income communities

Tutor tastic is the brainchild of Peera Serumaga, a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School and a River Forester, who said she wanted to provide a resource that could be more accessible for students of color and from low-income neighborhoods surrounding Oak Park.

Serumaga, 19, said they are hoping to reach students in Maywood, Melrose Park, and the Austin neighborhood

“Those communities and neighborhoods are primarily neighborhoods that have people of color as their main demog raphic and a lot of the people are low-income,” Seruma ga said. “We just want to make educational resources, like tutoring, available to people in these demog raphics and disadvantaged communities.”

The passion behind the program, which began developing in August 2022, comes from Serumaga’s own personal experience as a student of color as well as a first-generation American.

“I’ve experienced firsthand racial discrimination within my academic career and limited access to educational resources and lear ning accommodations,” said Serumaga, whose mother immigrated to the states from Jamaica. “All that impacted my education during my childhood.”

While Serumaga said she often felt dismissed by some teachers growing up, as she is also on the Autism spectrum and had a different lear ning style, the teachers that she connected to served as an inspiration for her desire to provide opportunities to other children.

“When you are dealing with students of color and students from these low-income neighborhoods growing up they might have certain doubts of where they can end up and the things they can accomplish because of their circumstances,” Serumaga said, adding she often felt that way growing up.

Serumaga said she had originally thought about providing tutoring services at a cost but soon opted for Tutortastic to be completely free to be able to reach those in marginalized communities who could benefit the most from the program.

“I realized that a lot of these services are not accessible in the way that they need to be for these families,” Serumaga said. “These families can’t af ford to pay $300 a week for tutoring services but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have the resources they need for their children to thrive academically.”

Tutor tastic will be pairing par ticipating students, grades K-5, with a volunteer tutor for free one-on-one tutoring.

“The one-on-one connections are very impor tant because it allows the student to really build trust and a sense of security with the tutors,” Serumag a said. “They get familiar and that familiarity will help them open up to the tutor.”

Sofia Contreras, 16, who said she got involved as one of the tutors due to her passion for accessibility and education, also said she knew firsthand how easy it can be to get “lost in a class.” The current OPRF student said she often had a hard time in a classroom setting and knows that students

can struggle with asking questions. By providing a one-on-one structure, Contreras believe the tutors will be able to meet students where they are.

Additionally, the program hopes to be able to include parents down the line by hosting seminars, as they believe parent participation in their children’s education is crucial for success.

“I don’t want parents to feel as if they can’t be eng aged in their kids’ education because they come from a dif ferent country,” Contreras, whose parents are from Mexico, said. “We really want parents to feel like they have a voice in their kid’s education because that is something that a lot of parents of color, a lot of immigrant parents, a lot of low-income parents have been stripped of f. We want them to have a voice.”

Cur rently, the program has five volunteer tutors who will be available to help students who sign up for the free service. Recruitment for tutors has been spreading through word of mouth.

Keenan White, 20, said he joined Tutortastic in hopes of continuing the work he had originally star ted through his involvement in another program which was unfortunately dismantled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the students who White used to mentor were also from marginalized communities.

While the program is open to every stu-

dent who needs help, Seruma ga asks for parents who can financially af ford tutor services to consider using other resources.

“We acce pt everyone who’d like to use our tutoring services, but we ask that when applying, families be considerate that we still have limited space and are working very hard to make our prog ram as accessible as possible to students from underserved and under privileged communities who have little access to services like ours,” Seruma ga said.

To sign up, parents can visit tutor tastic. org. The program launches on Sunday, March 26 and will host tutoring sessions every Sunday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Tutor tastic hopes to be able to continue to grow and potentially expand to not only serve Oak Park and neighboring communities but also reach children attending Chicago Public Schools. To reach that goal, Seruma ga said it was impor tant to star t locally and set a strong foundation. They hope to be able to draw more volunteer tutors into the program as well as reach adult volunteers who might be able to help them with the managerial side of the program to help drive growth.

“We are looking to expand our program as much as possible and make it as accessible as possible,” Seruma ga said.

AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ

So a Contreras, Peera Serumaga, and Keenan White w ill be meeting with students for free tutor ing at Oak Park’s main librar y through Ser umaga’s program, Tutor tastic.

“The one- on- one connec tions are very impor tant because it allows the student to really build trust and a sense of securit y with the tutors.”

PEERA SERUMAG A OPRF graduate

BIG WEEK

March 22-29 Dino Works

Wednesday, March 29, Wonder Works Children’s Museum

Paleontologists of all ages, unite! The dinosaurs have o cially taken over the museum until April 2. There will be dinosaur ar t projec ts, fossil exploration, a giant T-Rex, plus a whole lot more. $13 for members, $26 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at https://wonder-works.org/2023- dino -works/. 6445 Nor th Ave., Oak Park .

Steve Forber t

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s This veteran Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter might have been one of the earliest ar tists doing what we now call Americana, mixing stor ytelling folks with roots-rock dynamics. $25, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Ber w yn.

Latin Music Night

Wednesday, March 22, 7-9 p.m., Great Sip Cafe

Live music from the Suenos Latin Jazz Trio plus Dominican food and (nonalcoholic) drink for sale. $10/$20 (suggested donation for musicians). 818 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Author Visit: Steve Dolinsk y

Saturday, March 25, 12-1 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y NBC5 Chicago’s The Food Guy and author, Steve Dolinsky, takes us through the histor y of pizza styles, locales, and people that make Chicago a famed destination. In his book, The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A Histor y of Squares & Slices in the Windy City, Steve highlights his top picks for pie, o ers a pizza lover’s glossar y, and shows you ever y pie he ate along the way. He’ll share some of the stories behind and within the book, and talk about just why Chicago is such a strong pizza city. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Tr y-It! Slime Time

Thursday, March 23, 4-5 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

We’ll have lots of fun making slime! Explore di erent ingredients to make your favorite slime, which you get to bring home with you! Best for ages 7-11. Register now at oppl.org/calendar

Meet Your Not-so-Scar y Local Horror Authors

Thursday, March 23, 7-8:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

This event showcases several prominent Illinois horror authors in a collaborative event with the Horror Writers Association. Authors appearing include Daniel Kraus, Cynthia Pelayo, Brian Pinker ton, Michael Allen Rose and many more. The panel will discuss what it is that brought them into horror writing, and enjoy a tour of all horror has to o er. Delight in some tales well told as some of our invited authors give live readings of some spooky stories. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Plant Swap

Sunday, March 26, 1-4 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

Plant lovers are invited to come together and trade pest-free plants of all kinds, which can include houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, seedlings, star ters, succulents, air plants, wild owers, etc., annuals or perennials. Drop in to give some plants and get some plants Register now at .org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Bach’s St. Matthew ’s Pa ssion

Saturday, March 25, 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, 4 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church

These per formances are a collaboration between the Bach Cantata Vespers Choir & Orchestra and Chicago Choral Ar tists. Soloists include tenor Derek Chester as the Evangelist. Former WFMT program host Carl Grapentine will present a lecture on the music one hour before each per formance. The Sunday concert will be live -streamed. Childcare will be available in the church nurser y during live per formances This presentation was originally scheduled for March 2020, but was cancelled because of the pandemic. 7300 Division St., River Forest

Listing your event

Wednesday Jour nal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest groups and businesses are planning. We’ ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper

■ Send details to Wednesday Jour nal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Rush Oak Park Hospital President Dino Rumoro, with 23th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro and 78th District state Representative Camille Lilly, during their press conference announcing construction of an outpatient clinic at the site of the old Sears store at North and Harlem avenues in Chicago on March 20.

Rush reveals plans for new outpatient center at North/ Harlem Sears site

Plans need state, Chicago City Council approval

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Rush University Medical Center health system of ficially released its plans Monday for a new outpatient facility at the for mer Nor th/Harlem Sears location.

Ald. Chris Taliafer ro’s (29th), whose ward includes the proper ty and the Galewood neighborhood in general, originally announced a medical facility during his Aug. 30, 2022 community meeting. Developer Novak Construction, which currently owns the proper ty, shared more details during a Dec 14, 2022 community meet-

ing. At the time, they declined to name the tenant, but they dropped enough clues to suggest that it would be Rush – something that the health system didn’t explicitly confir m or deny at the time.

But the veil of silence was lifted during a press conference held at the site on March 20. Rush of ficials specified that the 60,000-square-foot outpatient facility will of fer primary and specialty care services such as cancer treatments, neurolo gy and cardiolo gy services. Novak is still work ing on bringing a grocery store to the po tion of the proper ty closer to the intersec tion, but this is se parate from the Rush facility

Bringing the grocery store to the site has been Taliafer ro’s priority since Sear

See RUSH on pa ge 6

RUSH New outpatient clin

from page 5

closed. But during his Aug. 30 community meeting, the alderman said that, Jewel-Osco expressed strong interest, No vak decided to go with a medical tenant. During the Dec. 14 meeting, Jake senior vice president of Novak Construction. said the developer had “se tensive discussions” with grocery tenants that eventually fell through. He indicated that they were still looking for the store that would go south of the medical building.

Ru sh spokesperson Tobi n Klin firmed that the he alth system has not to do with the groc er y store pl ans for the site

The pl ans unveiled du ring the Ma rch 20 press conference fell in li ne with what Nova k shared on Dec. 14 The 60,000 -squ arefoot out patient faci lity wi ll of fer primar y and sp ecia lt y servic es found in ot her Ru sh faci lities It would not of fer su rgeries or any ot her in-patient servic es It wi ll have

“approxi mately 90 exam, consult and procedu re rooms.” The center wi ll have 20 0 pa rking spac es. The intersection is al so served by mu ltiple CTA and Pace bu ses.

Due to the PU D zoni ng, the new faci lity

PROVIDED

wi ll require city counci l approval. Ru sh al so ne ed s to get approval from the Il li nois He alth Faci lities and Servic es Review Board. The appl ic ation hasn’t be en submitted as of Ma rch 20, but the health sys-

Local chef has experienced the healing power of food

• Are you or a family member facing a new diagnosis?

• Do you suffer from a chronic condition that, despite everything you have tried, just won’t go away?

• Have you or a family member been told to reduce the inflammation in your body but you don’t know where to begin?

• Do you do you want to get started immediately but you just don’t have the time to research and do it right?

Chef William Blackburn, professionally known as Chef Beau, resolved his own neurological issues by changing his diet. Chef Beau says that “Eating an antiinflammatory diet puts the right nutrients into the body at the right time and focusing on Gluten Free, non GMO, antiinflammatory foods improved the quality of my life and my relationships.”

The mission of his company, Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen, is to demonstrate that choosing “Klean”, whole foods is not

just a delicious choice but is also a viable and sustainable alternative to relying on pharmaceuticals for the management of chronic diseases. Chef Beau and his team are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health through nutrition.

Clients can engage the services of Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen for weekly meal service, hosting private events and purchasing prepared products. “It all has to do with understanding the types of food that gives us gut issues,” he says. “I’ve learned to make recipes by substituting

ingredients. Instead of butter and cream, I use olive oil and coconut cream, which are flavorful and good for you.”

Their commercial kitchen is 100% gluten free, lactose free, and free from all food that is government subsidized. All meats used in Chef Beau’s dishes are pastureraised and certified humane. All seafood is either wild-caught or open-water farmed, and never any kind of dairy from a cow. They do offer some delicious cheeses from sheep, goats and buffalo, all of which are lactose free. Baked goods are made with brown rice and sorghum flours, all stock is organic and all seasonings are pure and natural.

Chef Beau’s weekly meal service plans are seasonal, chef-curated and change weekly. They rotate over 500 menu items including Bulgarian sheep-feta burgers, smothered roasted garlic pork chops, grain-free, plant-based lasagna and Buddha Bowls. Each main entrée is paired with a vegetable and a starch. Clients can pick-up from their kitchen or delivery is

indicated that they would do it in the t few we ek s. Under the cu rrent me etschedu le, the ea rliest the review board consider the appl ic ation is on May 9. sh ex pects to get the approval in ti me begin constr uction in fa ll 20 23, with the of op ening by Ja nu ar y 20 25 . Di no Ru moro, CEO of Ru sh Oa k Pa rk spit al, 52 0 S. Maple Ave., described the faci lity as a way to bring out patient ic es to pa rt s of Chic ago, Oa k Pa rk, ver Forest and El mwood Pa rk fu rt her h, where the health system do esn’t ently have any faci lities.

nvestments li ke these not on ly provide fits to patients in ne ed of care, but ey al so represent a si gnif ic ant investnt by Ru sh in jobs, accessibilit y and th equity,” he said “T hi s new locawi ll bring out st anding patient care e communit y, providing patients and communities with convenient access to RUSH’s national ly ra nked cl in ic al pr ogr am s.”

Taliaferro said he suppor ts the project. “This is a very exciting time,” he said. “This is an opportunity for our ward to bring jobs — but more importantly, this will bring health care to a neighborhood that is in need of a centrally located facility.”

available as far north as Highland Park, west to Naperville and south to Interstate 55. Online ordering is available, and orders must be placed by noon on Thursday for the following week.

For more information about Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen, call 708-354-4844, email Info@ChefBeausKleanKitchen or visit www. ChefBeausKleanKitchen.com.

Rendering aerial view of RUSH clinic at North and Harlem.

Takeout 25 launches boxed water, a bargain at 99 cents

To promote sustainability and local restaurants

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Takeout 25 has launched a new boxed water project that suppor ts local restaurants and sustainable living, while encouraging people to stay hydrated responsibly. The non-profit rolled the product out at Carnival Grocery in a soft launch March 15, where a re por ter from Wednesday Jour nal was the first to purchase the 99-cent box of spring water, which tasted as fresh as any of its bottled competitors.

“This is so exciting; it’s been almost two years in the making,” said Oak Park Village Trustee and Takeout 25 Founder Ravi Parakkat.

The boxed water is currently available at Carnival Grocery and the West Cook YMCA, but will soon be car ried at Candycopia, FFC gym, Fritzi’s and Fitzgerald’s, among others Sugar Beet Food Co-Op will

have it on shelves star ting April 4. Over in Forest Park, you can soon pick up a box at Kribi Cof fee, Brown Cow and Fiore. Para kkat will be scheduling deliveries to even more locations in the coming weeks.

Takeout 25 was star ted in November 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions were still very much impacting restaurants The found ing principle behind the org anization was to encourage residents to support local businesses by ordering takeout. Takeout 25 got its name based on the lo gic that, if Oak Park residents spent $25 in takeout per week from local inde pendent restaurants that would bring in $1 million in takeout revenue.

On Takeout 25’s Facebook group the names of the restaurant owners are used as often as the names of the businesses themselves This decision caused people to relate dif ferently to the restaurant community, according to Takeout 25 group moderator and events coordinator, Amy Parakkat, who also happens to be the founder’s wife

“It’s not, ‘I like their menu,’” she said. “It’s, ‘I know their kids I know they’re part of our community, and they’re just trying to get along the way the rest of us are.’”

The org anization grew from its humble be ginnings as a Facebook group, becoming a re gistered 501(c)6 non-profit and branching out to include restaurants and inde pendent groceries in neighboring suburbs of Oak Park, as well as in Chicago’s Austin community. Owners of grocery stores and restaurants can participate at will in Takeout 25, which does not require any sor t of compensation from the businesses it promotes Takeout 25’s core principle of supporting local remains at the hear t of its boxed water initiative Each box of water has a QR code that, when scanned with a smar t phone, leads to a special page on the Takeout 25 website dedicated solely to restaurant and grocery specials, which will be

consistently updated so all deals stay current.

The boxed water initiative has been in the works for some time, but supply chain delays slowed the project. Now that the product has ar rived, Parakkat is elated to have it stocked on shelves.

“It’s so exciting to be able to finally see this out in the open, living its life,” he said. The boxes are made in the U.S., while the water inside comes from two sources: Shasta Springs, Calif., and Blue Springs, Ga. Each box contains just over a pint of water. Price per box may vary de pending on the location of purchase. The boxes are made of 100% recyclable materials and can be refilled at home for future use, making them a more sustainable option than Dasani or any other manufacturer of plastic bottled water

“We lear ned pretty early on in Takeout 25 that Oak Park really wants to make a difference to the planet,” said Amy Parakkat. “This allows them to do it.”

A portion of boxed water sales proceeds will go toward addressing food insecurity. Previous Takeout 25 initiatives have benefited local food pantry Beyond Hunger

This past winter, Takeout 25 was also able

to provide 650 meals to war ming shelters. Since the boxed water is so new, what percentage of the proceeds Takeout 25 will take has yet to be deter mined, as has the beneficiary of those proceeds

Takeout 25 boxed water is sponsored by West Cook YMCA, Pillar Financial Advisors, Oak Park Apar tments and Carnival Grocery, where Takeout 25 held the product’s soft launch. Videog raphers from Black Thai Enter tainment were there March 15 filming promotional videos, featuring the Takeout 25 team and Carnival Grocery owner Ar thur Paris

“Ravi’s ef fort with Takeout 25 is just one of these really rare ef for ts where local businesses can promote themselves in their own community in a way that gives them an advantage over national chains,” Paris told Wednesday Jour nal.

As a small business owner himself, Paris believes in championing local and small businesses as he knows the challenges facing them. Paris said he was eager to get involved with Takeout 25’s boxed water project, having gotten to know Parakkat through his work as a village trustee and with Takeout 25.

“There’s a shrinking merchant class in this country I support what he’s doing,” Paris said. “The ef fort suppor ts my business and I suppor t him.”

STAC EY SHERIDAN

NO PLASTIC: Arthur Paris, Ravi Parakkat and Amy Parakkat with Carnival Grocer y’s display of Takeout 25 water.

STAC EY SHERIDAN

e rst box of Takeout 25 water purchased

Oak Park trustee candidates tackle policing, taxes and more in forum

Hosted by Growing Community Media

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Election Day is less than a month away, and to help Oak Park voters prepare for April 4, Growing Community Media hosted a candidate for um for village board candidates on March 16 in the council chambers at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St.

The topics discussed included policing, af fordability, high property taxes and more in the tight hour-and-a-halflong event moderated by local radio host Doris Davenpor t.

Three candidates – incumbent Susan Buchanan, former village trustee Simone Boutet and newcomer Brian Straw – attended the for um in person, while Trustee Cory Wesley, who is seeking a full ter m on the board, joined in via Zoom due to an illness Jim Taglia, the third incumbent village trustee candidate, was unable to par ticipate in the for um due to a back injury requiring hospitalization. Taglia, however, submitted a written statement, which GCM Publisher Dan Haley read on his behalf

About 90 people tuned in vir tually while roughly 50 people made up the live audience, but no dramatics unfolded before their eyes as no political spar ring between par ticipating candidates broke out. Rather, candidates were in ag reement with each other on a handful of topics, including wanting the village to band with other taxing bodies to challenge property tax appeals submitted by high-rise developers.

They also ag reed that maintaining a 0% increase to the village’s property tax levy was unsustainable given increasing costs and police and fire pension commitments, with consensus being that the only reason the village was able to do this for fiscal year 2023 was due to an influx in federal funds.

They likewise all were against hiring more police of ficers but considered building a new police station an absolute necessity To the latter question, Wesley gave the frankest af fir mation, responding, “Oh my God, have you seen that thing? Of course!”

ON BOARD?

tain, strong indication that this selection of village board hopefuls will be willing and able to work collaboratively with other board members if elected to the three open trustee seats.

The participating candidates weren’ t in perfect alignment with each other in every aspect, however, although they did all remain cordial and respectful.

To combat the changing retail landscape and suppor t local businesses, Straw suggested hiring a concierge at village hall specifically to guide people hoping to star t a business through such processes as getting necessary per mits. He also suggested partnering with the Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce to of fer small business loans

Buchanan believes Oak Park’s retail community is in better shape than it might seem, stating the village has just a 3% retail vacancy rate She also reminded the audience that the village par tnered with the chamber to provide services to local businesses during the height of the pandemic.

As for the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, where she serves as village board liaison, she wanted it to continue moving away from big developers by shifting focus onto small business oppor tunities, while Boutet expressed her desire to see the village do more marketing for small businesses and retailers based on their district.

“We need to create a sense of place in every district,” Boutet said.

ag village crease the number of minority-owned businesses in Oak Park, but again diverged on how to do so. Wesley, who served as OPEDC board chair before being appointed to the village board, told the audience he co-wrote the updated OPEDC bylaws and racial equity statement.

Before he had to ste p down due to village board duties, he and the OPEDC were in the process of trying to create a Black entrepreneur incentive program to encourage new businesses to open in Oak Park This, he later lear ned, was ille g al under the Four teenth Amendment. So, OPEDC shifted to targeted outreach and building relationships, which he stands by.

Boutet, leaning on her experience as a lawyer, advocated for working around the restrictions in place under the le g al system, by creating a dif ferent set of qualifications that do not explicitly mention race She of fered up as an example forming a program for people that have traditionally been denied credit.

Straw didn’t believe it could be as simple as “making up a category that you think is analo gous to a racial category,” believing instead that the village board should look for solutions outside of the gover nment that the board can suppor t as individuals. He was not able to elaborate on what this meant due to the time limit per answer.

Those who were unable to attend the for um can view recorded footage online at Growing Community Media’s YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=cZvEqSZNddA&t=4784s

Early voting starts March 20, with Election Day on April 4.

TODD A. BANNOR

Brian Straw, Susan Buchanan, and Simone Boutet discuss the issues dur ing the Oak Park Village Trustee Candidate Forum, sponsored by Growing Community Media at v illage hall last ursday. Cory Wesley attended the forum via Zoom. A recent injury prevented Jim Taglia from attending.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING SUSAN BUCHANAN FOR VILLAGE T RUSTEE.

Early voting now at Oak Park Village Hall through April 3rd. Election Day April 4th.

Nora Abboreno

Andrea and Pete Alter

Anne and Gene Armstrong

Marcia Ashton

Jim Babcock

Lynn Barrier

Tom Bassett-Dilly

Mona Blaber

Bruce Broerman

Nick Bridge

Andy Buchanan

Brian Buchanan

Mark Burger

Ron Burke

Lucy Byrne

Judy A. Carter, MD

Cathy and Gary Cerniglia

Michelle ChapmanRienstra

Karen Christopher

Kina Collins

Sarah Corbin

Dr. Susan Buchanan has brought a thoughtful, inclusive, collaborative approach to building a more environmentally sustainable, more diverse, and more just Oak Park. She leads with discernment and with the interest of residents in mind. I appreciate her forwardthinking vision for a resilient, net-zero Village -- a responsible, necessary focus in light of the challenges increasingly posed by our climate crisis. I endorse her re-election without hesitation.

Ana Garcia Doyle, Environmental Leader and 20-year Oak Park Resident

I’ve known Susan for over 30 years. She is a logical thinker and always keeps herself abreast of current issues facing our local, state and national governments. I’ve always appreciated the time and energy she puts into the discovery of issues. She truly cares about our community and loves the work of the village board.

Julie O’Shea

Susan brings a scientific rigor to her analyses of public policy issues. She has committed her career to the wellbeing of communities and their citizens. As an occupational and environmental health physician, she brings a wealth of relevant knowledge to keep our community healthy, safe, and thriving.

Sara Dixon Spivy

Deborah Cosey Lane

Allison Cowett

Gary Cuneen

Jackie & Paula CzadarskiWest

Jerry Delaney

Mary DeGrazia

Laura Derks

Sara Dixon Spivy

Jim Doyle

Jackie Eckholm

Craig Endicott

Karen Fischer

Jennifer Fritz

Henry Fulkerson

Ana Garcia Doyle

Sara Gloth

Dawn Gonzalez

Carolyn Goldbeck

Paul Goyette

Chelsie HagenSwiecicki

Bob Haisman

Janet Haisman

Rev. C.J. Hawking

Harriet S. Hawkins

Brian and Nichole Hoppe

Brynne Hovde

Julia Huff

David Jacobs

Karen Jackson

Norma and Lewis Jenkins

Lou Anne Johanneson

Dave Kay

Debby Karton

Julia Knier

Jim Kelly

Alyssa Knobel

Deborah Cosey Lane

Megan Lewis

Angie and Gerry Maguire

Greg Marsey

Jennifer Mathis

Kelli Merrick

MaryAnne and Janet

Meyer-Larson

Beth and Steve Mrkvicka

Sherry Nordstrom

Hannah West and Jim O’Connor

Kelly O’Keefe

Julie O’Shea

Meghan Paulas

Terri Powell

Alison Price

Jennifer Quinlan

Nimmi Ragagopal

Nina Ricci

Dot Lambshead Roche

Meg Ross

Linda Sandman

Vicki Scaman

Don and Priscilla Sibley

Joan Slanina

Jamie Shamhart

Sara Spivey

Holly Spurlock

Pam Tate

Rhona Taylor

Lois Thiessen Love

Harriet Udelson

Joannie Wei

Christina Welter

Leah Wertheimer

Deborah Wess

Rich Wheelock

Lisa Wilkinsen

Michelle and Brad Wolter

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF SUSAN BUCHANAN

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OPRF nance options re ned as Project 2 decision nears

$12.5M in philanthropic donations alters nancial projections

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Updated funding scenarios for Project were presented to the Oak Park and Forest High School Community Finance Committee on March 13 by the school’ financial advisor, Elizabeth Hennessy Raymond James Financial. Project $102 million plan to demolish the southeast por tion of the OPRF building and it with upg raded physical education ties including a new swimming pool other notable upgrades

The funding scenarios were all updated to include $12.5 million in gifts the Imagine Foundation is on pace to to help pay for Project 2. The foundation could end up raising more than the million. The private gifts will lowe amount OPRF would have to borrow for Project 2 and reduce the cost to ers The five scenarios are similar to presented in January but tweaked count for the private gifts which will lo the cost to taxpayers

Four of the five funding scenarios clude issuing bonds that would have approved by voters in a referendum, ten called building bonds or referendum bonds. All the scenarios propose using large chunk of the district’s cash reserves, ranging from a low of $36 million to a high of $51 million, to help pay for Project 2.

One scenario, referred to as Scenario 4, does not include any referendum bonds. It is the only scenario that would not require any part of the funding to be approved by voters in a referendum. Scenario 4 would pay for Project 2 by taking, in addition to the $12.5 million expected to be raised by the Imagine Foundation, $44.2 million from cash reserves and borrowing $45.3 million by issuing 20 year debt certificates, a type of bond that is paid out of the district’s operating levy unlike referendum bonds which are paid back through a se parate levy and se parate line item on a property tax bill. The debt certificates would be paid using $3.5 million from the operating levy annually for the next 20 years for debt

re payment. Because there would be no se parate levy for the debt certificates the memo to the CFC states that the average additional debt levy to a homeowner under Scenario 4 would be zero.

That claim generated push back from some members of the CFC who pointed out that property taxpayers would likely pay of f the debt certificates by paying a higher operating levy than they would have to pay in the other scenarios

“It seems likely that the operating levy would have to eventually go up or services would have to be reduced in order to keep on paying the debt certificates,” said

Kathleen Odell, the newest member of the CFC. “So I’m still nervous about that zero number which I think looks attractive but might be confusing if you don’t know the infor mation behind the way we’re thinking about that.”

Odell, who has a Ph.D. in economics from UIC and is the associate dean of the Brennan School of Business at Dominican University in River Forest, said it seemed misleading to specify the cost to taxpayers of paying of f bonds but not to do so for debt cer tificates

“Either way you’ re paying back $45 million,” Odell said. “It’s just whether it’s sor t

of named and explicit in a referendum type of a bond.”

CFC chair man Steve Miller was also concer ned about relying on long term debt cer tificates also noting that it could af fect the size of the operating levy

“In the shor t ter m having $3.5 million committed means you’ re spending less on something else or you’ re levying more than you might have otherwise, but the longer you lock that in the fewer options you have,” said Miller, who works as the top business person at Schaumburg School District 54.

Questioned by CFC members Hennessy

Aquatic schematic design, aka the new pool, is one part of OPRF’s Project 2 proposal.

acknowledged that future operating levies would have to be large enough to pay of f the debt cer tificates but said that it is impossible to predict exactly how future levies would be af fected.

“In future years it’s up to future boards what they do with levy and budget so that cannot be deter mined at this point in time,” Hennessy said. “If the district is going to use debt cer tificates they have to decide how are they going to fund it and it’s an annual decision.”

Scenario 4 is the favorite financing option of many of the most vocal supporters of Project 2 because it does not require a referendum and would allow construction to be gin in 2024. It also seems to promise, at least at first glance, a lower cost to taxpayers. Any financing option that includes a referendum could delay the star t of Project 2 by one year to 2025 since the earliest a referendum could take place is next year

A one-year delay is projected to add $6 million to the cost of Project 2, boosting the projected cost to $108 million according to an estimate the school has received. That additional $6 million cost was incor porated into the cost estimates of all the funding scenarios that include a referendum.

Suppor ters of Project 2 say that the physical education improvements are long overdue and don’t want to wait any longer than necessary to get star ted.

“This community wants Project 2 to be funded the fastest and least expensive way possible,” said River Forest resident Laura Huseby, in a public comment at the CFC meeting. “The only way this can be accomplished is with debt cer tificates.”

But Monica Sheehan, a vocal advocate of a referendum and a critic of Project 2, said in her public comment that if the school board had been so concer ned about delaying the star t of Project 2, they could have put a Project 2 referendum on the April 4 ballot this year, thus avoiding the costs of a delay.

“Reg arding Project 2, we all know that the board could have put its funding on the ballot next month as it received its construction estimates in October 2022,” Sheehan said. “The board chose not to do

so, which means Project 2’s funding can go on the ballot in one of two elections next year.”

To get a referendum on the April 4 ballot this year the school board would have had to submit a referendum proposal about six weeks after getting construction cost estimates at the end of October which might have been dif ficult.

When estimated interest costs are included Scenario 4 tur ns out not to be the cheapest option after all. According to the memo presented to the CFC Scenario 4 is projected to have the fourth highest interest cost of the five scenarios with the district paying an estimated $25.9 million in interest for the debt cer tificates which boosts the total estimated cost of scenario 4 to $127.9 million. That’s makes Scenario 4 only the third cheapest option among the five scenarios even after $6 million is added to the cost of the other four options to account for the year’s delay because of a referendum in 2024.

The overall cheapest option is Scenario 5 which has a projected total cost of $122.9 million which includes estimated interest costs of only $14.9 million. Scenario 5 would use a mix of funding sources: $44 million in cash reserves, $22.2 million in 10-year debt service extension bonds, a type of borrowing that does not go to a referendum unless enough voters sign a petition to force a referendum, $15.6 million in five-year debt certificates, and $13.7 million in 20 year referendum bonds in addition to the anticipated $12.5 million Imagine Foundation contribution.

Scenario 5 is estimated to cost the owner of a home wor th $500,000 an additional $138 in property taxes but the cost would vary over time. Annual additional taxes would average $215 for the first 10 years but then drop to $61 a year in the second 10 years after the 10-year bonds are paid of f.

The second cheapest option, Scenario 3, which has a similar mixture of funding sources as Scenario 5, but in dif ferent propor tions with more money coming from 20-year referendum bonds and less from the 10-year bonds. Scenario 3 is projected to cost $125.9 million, including interest costs of $17.9 million. This option would cost the owner of a home wor th $500,000 an

estimated additional $146 annually, $200 a year in the first 10 years, and $93 a year in the second 10 years

Scenarios three, four and five all use debt cer tificates and their cost, paid out the operating levy, is not included in the estimated additional cost to property owners.

Two scenarios don’t use debt certificates and rely only on cash reserves and referendum bonds

Scenario 2 would use $51 million in cash reserves, bringing the cash reserves down to around 35 percent of annual operating revenues, and $44.5 million in referendum bonds along with the $12.5 million Imagine Foundation contribution. The total all in cost of this option is estimated to be $133.4 million, which includes interest costs of $25.4 million. It is estimated that this option would cost the owner of home wor th $500,000 an additional $199 in property taxes each year for 20 years.

The most expensive option is Scenario 1, which consists of $59.5 million in referendum bonds and just $36 million from cash reserves to maintain a 50 percent cash reserve fund balance. This option is projected to cost $141.9 million, including interest costs of $33.9 million, and would cost the owner of a home wor th $500,000 an extra $266 a year for the next 20 years.

While long ter m capital projects such as Project 2 have typically been financed by long ter m referendum bonds some wellfunded districts have be gun to use other financing mechanisms for such projects

Both New Trier High School District 203 and Highland Park Township District 113 are using alter nate revenue bonds, which are similar to debt certificates in that they are paid for out of operating funds but different in that they are subject to a backdoor referendum process, to mostly fund large scale physical upgrades to their campuses

However Lake Forest High School District 115 is taking the more traditional route

going to voters on April 4 asking them to approve issuing $105.7 million in building bonds to pay for moder nizing Lake Forest High School.

One advantage of debt certificates over referendum bonds, from the perspective of suppor ters of capital projects, is that debt cer tificates don’t need to be approved in a referendum. Going to voters in a referendum can be risky because it can be dif ficult to get voters to vote to raise their own taxes Debt certificates often car ry a slightly higher interest rate than referendum bonds because there is no specific tax levy backing the bonds.

OPRF projects to run an operating surplus of about $5.5 million annually from 2025 to 2027 giving it the financial cushion, at least for now, to easily pay of f debt certificates out of its operating levy But what the financial condition of OPRF will be in the more distant future is dif ficult to know.

Some CFC members expressed concer n that issuing long ter m debt certificates could limit the flexibility of future boards down the line in dealing with operating needs Hennessy has noted that debt certificates require careful budgeting.

“In my view it’s very, very dif ficult to project what’s going to happen with regards to future levies and future budgets,” Hennessy said.

After one more meeting of the CFC the school board aims to decide on a funding option by the end of the school year and perhaps as early as next month.

School board member Kebreab Henry, who along with board president Tom Cofsky, sits on the CFC noted that whatever funding method is ultimately chosen: debt cer tificates, referendum bonds, non-referendum bonds or some combination, proper ty taxpayers will end up paying most of the cost of Project 2.

“Either way somebody has to pay for it,” Henry said.

A one-year delay is projec ted to add $6 million to the cost of Projec t 2, boosting the projec ted cost to $108 million according to an estimate the school has received.

NAMING RIGHTS Foundation fundraising

from page 1

Sullivan, executive director of communications at OPRF

So far the foundation says it has pledges of $12.5 million and is aiming higher. Those private dollars will have some impact on the overall plan to finance the project, a process still being debated at the school board level.

“It’s an opportunity to reco gnize people’s generosity towards the district and some folks might want to donate in the name of let’s say a coach who was really meaningful to them or a teacher,” Sullivan said. “So not only can they be reco gnized for their donation, but it is also an opportunity for them to honor someone who was influential in their life.”

During the Feb. 23 school board meeting, Supt. Greg Johnson presented an item in the consent agenda, seeking to approve the naming recognition opportunity list as well as allow the foundation to act on behalf of the district to solicit donors.

According to the list approved, naming recognition opportunities start at $25,000 for renovated classrooms for a period of 10 years and range up to $2,000,000 for the outdoor track facility for a duration of 15 years.

Those donating $50,000 would be able to have their names on either the green room, the yoga and meditation room, or the dance/ multipurpose room, while the new south commons are going for $1 million and the new aquatics facility for $1.5 million.

Previous changes were made to the Board Policy 8:80 Gifts to the District, allowing the board to “recognize donors and other individuals through the naming of district buildings, parts of buildings, athletic fields, grounds or other district-owned property and facilities.”

Additionally, the policy states that all naming rights to district buildings, properties, and facilities belong only to the board. Sullivan said all donations would come with a contract and naming opportunities would be reviewed by the district before approved.

The school’s Imagine Foundation was created by community volunteers to aid the district in funding the Imagine Plan through private philanthropy efforts, a practice that Lynn Kamenitsa, the foundation’s executive director, said was common in the private school sector

“The school was not going to be able to pay for all of the Imagine work that was going to happen over at least a decade but prob-

to do that and we understood that taxpayers couldn’t just pay for all it either out of higher taxes, that wasn’t going to work in this community.”

Sullivan said the district is thrilled to work alongside the foundation and they are amazed at the commitments that they have already received.

The Imagine OPRF project, a five-phase, long-ter m capital projects plan, was created in 2017 with the goal of creating a “comprehensive, fiscally responsible facilities plan that would support equity and current and future academic programming needs.” Kamenitsa played a lead role in the planning process.

The first phase, Project 1, broke ground in 2020 with most of the work completed by Fall 2022. This included the re placement of the south cafeteria, renovations to the main entrance and welcome center, and the addition of 15 new classrooms The remaining 20 classrooms will be renovated during the summer.

As Project 2 moves forward, the raised funds would help pay for the estimated $101,757,790 project, which would focus on the physical education facilities. The plan includes a new 10 lane, 25 by 40-yard swimming pool with a 420-person capacity observation g allery, new locker rooms, new weight rooms, new training rooms, new offices, and a new dance studio among other improvements

According to Kamenitsa, the creation of the list of renovations and new facilities

district to show their gratitude to donors. This includes the Track and Field Project from the completed Project 1.

“We anticipate that most gifts with naming reco gnition will be from individual alumni, local alumni families, or their family businesses,” Kamenitsa said. “Those are the people with the closest ties to OPRR.”

While neither the foundation nor district expects to focus on any national corporations and don’t want to imply a type of “commercial, advertising relationship,” Kamenitsa said they would “enter tain” those offers if approached Kamenitsa added that they do not expect naming reco gnition to be the driving force behind donors’ motive, adding it’s to say, ‘thank you,’ not a marketing ploy.

“The majority of our donations will not have any naming reco gnition attached to them,” Kamenitsa said. “Even many donors of our larger gifts will not avail themselves of this form of public reco gnition.”

As of now, the philanthropic ef for ts have paid of f in favor of OPRF

The foundation is currently in the middle of privately meeting with prospective donors and have verbal pledges, putting them on pace to raise $12.5 million. Kamenitsa is confident the number will increase as they haven’t reached all potential leadership gift donors. Time is on their side, as the foundation hopes to continue to take pledges into early 2025, depending on the start date for Project 2.

is solid and of course we are hopeful that the number will go up,” Sullivan said. “And any amount that we get from philanthropic donations reduces the amount that has to come from our fund balance or any debt that we might have to take on. It reduces the impact to taxpayer funds essentially.”

If the district moves forward with a funding plan that does not need to go to referendum, the project would be able to be started by Summer 2024. If the funding option chosen requires a referendum, that vote would come next Spring, pushing the start date of the project to Summer 2025.

“The hesitation is about the ef fect that it will have on the community for a year of contention around this issue that has already been the source of so much contention” said Sullivan, when asked if there was a hesitation from the district to go to referendum.

While not everyone will have their name on the outdoor track facility, the district and the foundation hope to come up with a way to publicly reco gnize everyone who donates, at any level.

“We are well aware that some people can make gifts of six figures and that is fantastic and that might not be a huge hardship for them,” Kamenitsa said. “But some people who are going to give us 25 bucks, it is really meaningful to them too. It might be a hardship for some people, $50 might be a hardship for some people We want to make sure that their commitment is reco gnized even though it is not the same magnitude.”

Exterior schematic design for Imagine OPRF Project 2.

Bed Bath and Begone

Customers who stopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond’s Forest Park location, 215 Harlem Ave., two days before it closed on March 19, found rows ofbarren shelves and a few bits ofinventory tossed on the shelves at the front.

The store was among 87 locations closed over the past two months as the company hovers on the brink of bankruptcy. The

closures were announced on Jan. 30. When we visited the store on March 17, employees hung around, chatting.

Photos on the wall advertised all the office furniture and store fixtures available for sale. T he staf f brought out file cabinets, and even ladders and enormous shelves in the back ofthe store were on sale

IGOR STUDENKOV

IGOR STUDENKOV

SAFE plans to make demands of OPRF in meeting with administration

cus on racism, sexual violence, gender equity

By ASHLEY BROWN ontributing Reporter

and River Forest High School students can find a sanctuary in the group cating For Equity. SAFE makes it a priority to promote equity and inclusion in the OPRF community especially when it comes to topics such as rac-

ism, sexual violence and gender equity. Students Advocating For Equity attempts to do exactly that. Their past endeavors have included org anizing a March 10 walkout in opposition to how OPRF chooses to handle sexual assault alle gations. The school has in the past alle gedly avoided punishing male athletes accused of sexual harassment, has put victims in situations where they have to deal with their aggressors, and has re por tedly chosen to move the victim out of their classes after a reported alle gation instead of the assailant.

Though the administration as a whole has not shown continuous support for SAFE, Lynda Parker, OPRF’s principal, has been commended for her support of her students expressing their First Amendment rights. At the March 10 protest the principal made an appearance by coming out to inform students, after a faculty member said students had to return to school for 8th period, that they did not have to return to school and they could continue their protest if they chose to.

Following the protests, many SAFE members have re por tedly been called in to their deans and re primanded for exposing the names of alle ged offenders. The same male athletes were alle gedly sharing a group chat where they took pride in the fact that SAFE members were being punished.

Though not the largest group at OPRF, SAFE has certainly made headlines with hundreds of students attending the walkout with coverage on news outlets such as CBS2 Chicago.

Sophia Powell, a junior and leader in SAFE, said SAFE’s goal is to increase equity in “colle ge counselors” and the group has future plans for an “anti-racism seminar.” In addition, SAFE plans not only to start future petitions, but wants to create

a safe space for survivors so they are not ne gatively affected by the school’s policies and forced to be around their aggressors as in the past. SAFE intends to list its demands to Supt. Greg Johnson and Parker in a meeting this week.

Taylor Montes-Williams, senior and a leader in organizing the March 10 protest, said OPRF consistently makes an ef fort to support the aggressor but not the victim, and though SAFE is grateful that OPRF provides them with the space to express their frustration with the administration, it still fails to make OPRF a safer community for its students

Student athletes who are accused of sexual harassment are not reprimanded in a way that SAFE finds effective, Montes-Williams said. They are often given a light slap on the wrists and sent back to class. The group believes that athletes need to face additional consequences such as being removed from their teams. Powell adds that “we have the power to make change.”

When asked when it will be enough, Montes-Williams says, “there’s not always a final destination, it’s about constantly changing.”

Ashley Brown is an OPRF student and a contributing re porter for Wednesday Journal.

Weak response to River Forest’s lead pipe replacement program Kristine MACKEY District 90 School Board for

Village must provide inventor y of all lead ser vice lines in 2023

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Only 48 of 3,200 water customers in River Forest have taken advantage of the village’s lead water service line re placement program since its creation in 2021.

Reflecting that lukewarm response, no member of the public spoke during a public hearing at the March 13 Village Board meeting that met an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requirement.

The public hearing one of several IEPA mandates requiring municipalities to start planning for lead service re placements in the coming years.

At the beginning of 2022, a new Illinois law – the Lead Service Line Re placement and Notification Act -- went into effect, mandating that owners of any water supply must create an inventory of all lead service lines by 2023 and submit a preliminary plan in 2024 to the IEPA to re place all of them. The final re placement plan isn’t due in to the state until 2027 and municipalities will have a further 20 years to get all of those lead service lines re placed.

As is common in municipalities throughout Illinois, water service lines leading to buildings in River Forest constructed before 1986 are likely to feature lead. Because no safe blood level has been identified for young children, all sources of lead expo-

sure for children should be controlled or eliminated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels.

Under the River Forest program, the village will provide reimbursement for the full amount of re placing the villageowned portion of the water service line up to $5,000 and 50 percent of the cost to re place the property owner’s portion up to $2,500. The village owns the water service lines from the water mains to the Buffalo boxes and property owners own the water service lines from the Buffalo boxes to their buildings.

To be eligible, property owners are required to use plumbing contractors who are licensed and bonded in the village and must submit a reimbursement request.

Jeff Loster, director of public works and development services, said 25 water customers participated in the program in the first fiscal year, from May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022, and 23 participated in the current fiscal year, from May 1, 2022, to this month. Total reimbursements were $117,500 in the first year and $146,275 in the current year.

Because village officials are anticipating a drop-off in interest after the initial program rollout, they are allocating only $50,000 in next year’s budget, according to Loster.

“We continue to discuss allowances in excess of budgeted funds in an ef fort to allow as much participation as possible,” he added.

"We enthusiastically endorse Kris Mackey for River Forest District 90 School Board and hope you will vote for her on April 4th. We have known Kris and her family for 25+ years. She has the intelligence, organizational skills, and extensive experience in challenging fields including education that will make her a terrific school board member. We are confident that Kris - a tax-paying senior citizen with grandchildren attending D90 -- will apply exceptional judgment, logic, and reason to decisions about maintaining and funding River Forest's excellent educational tradition.”

-- Barbara and Michael Comiskey

Paid for by the Comiskey Family

River Forest o cials get earful on tra c pattern changes

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

The Community Room at River Forest Village Hall was packed March 15 as the Traf fic and Safety Commission addressed concerns raised by residents about controversial changes to streets in the northeast section of the village

Most seats were filled and several others were standing at the back ofthe room and along the walls as commissioners heard from residents about the modifications.

Last October, the village board authorized the modifications to address concerns raised at meetings ofthe River Forest Traf fic and Safety Commission and the village board over cut-through traffic from Harlem and North avenues.

Implemented in late November and early December, the changes affected LeMoyne Street, Bonnie Brae Place, Clinton Place, William Street and Greenfield Street.

The vast majority ofthe more than 30 residents and business owners who spoke at the three-hour long meeting March 15 were against some or all ofthe changes, although several residents spoke in favored ofthe modifications. Most ofthose who spoke during the twohour long public comment portion ofthe meeting identified themselves as longtime residents ofthe village

In his opening remarks, commission Chairman Doug Rees thanked those residents in attendance in person and via Zoom and said traffic issues in the northeast section of the village have been discussed “for at least 10 years.”

He defended the commission’s actions, saying feedback from “eight or 14 individu-

als who attended three meetings” were the basis ofthe recommendations to the village board.

“Now we have the other side,” Rees said. “We’ re all neighbors here. Let’s try to find something that maybe works for the majority of the village.”

Changes ranged from installing cul-de-sacs on Bonnie Brae and Clinton to adding and moving stop signs at several intersections. In addition, sections ofGreenfield and LeMoyne were converted to a oneway eastbound streets with right-turn-only curb diverters to allow for only southbound turns onto Harlem Avenue.

Concerns were raised about an upsurge in traffic in alleys, an overall increase in traffic, increased difficulty in driving to and from

their homes, speeding cars and drivers ignoring stop signs and going around barriers designed to create cul-de-sacs.

Several people suggested erecting additional stop signs and installing speed bumps or speed humps as alternatives to the modifications

Owners of businesses on North Avenue said the changes are impacting access for their patients and customers, making it challenging to navigate streets and difficult to find legal parking.

In addition, many claimed proper notice of the changes was not provided and questioned the decision ofthe commissioners to not follow recommendations ofa traffic study by Kenig, Lindgren, O’Hara and Aboona Inc. (KLOA) ofthe area bounded by North, Harlem, Greenfield Street and Lathrop Avenue

“Ninety percent ofthe time we listen to what the consultants have to say,” Rees said in explaining why the commissioners did not follow the KLOA recommendations. “This

Residents, businesses in northeast of village complain things are now worse

“

We’re all neighbors here. Let’s try to nd something that maybe works for the majority of the village.”

DOUG REES Chairman Tra c and Safety Commission

time we did not, because a constituency in this room had opinions based on their specific experiences

“As a commission, we decided to take a step further.”

Jeff Loster, director of public works and development services, defended the efforts by village staff to provide notice, saying postcards to residents had been mailed and numerous announcements were provided in the village website and through the village emailed newsletter

Residents raised similar concerns during the public comment portion of both village board meetings in February and again at the March 13 meeting.

Although in the minority, several residents said they saw a decrease in traffic following implementation of the modifications Speakers on both sides of the debate stressed their desire for slower traffic and safer streets, with many citing concerns about their children playing in their front yards.

During discussion following the close of the resident comment portion, commissioners March 15 debated possible changes they might recommend to the village board, but they ultimately decided to refrain from making most.

The exception was a 4-1 vote to support Rees’ motion to recommend to the village board that two-way traffic be reinstated on Greenfield Street and LeMoyne Parkway between Harlem Avenue and the alley, and that southbound traffic on Harlem Avenue be allowed to make right turns onto those two streets. John Osga cast the dissenting vote

In response to comments from several residents indicating confusion over whether the modifications made in November and December were permanent or temporary, commissioners ag reed to communicate to the village board their belief that the changes are temporary and that no decision will be made until after the villagewide traffic study currently underway is complete and a report issued.

Group of West Side faith leaders favor Brandon Johnson

pastor of Maple Park United Methodist Church on the South Side, urged attendees to “turn up the vote” for Brandon Johnson across Chicago.

“He can’t be in all 77 Chicago communities every day, but we can,” Wilson said. “Here am I. Send me!”

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

A group of prominent West Side faith leaders favored mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson Tuesday after urging Chicagoans to vote in the upcoming runof f election.

At the monthly Leaders Network meeting president David Cherry emphasized only a third of voters participated in the Feb. 28 election, with an even lower number on the West Side. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioner’s latest data shows a citywide turnout of 35.81 percent, with 30.66 and 23.83 percent respective in Austin’s 29th and 37th wards. Garfield Park averaged 27 pe cent for the 27th and 28th wards while Lawndale saw a voter turnout of just 25.84 percent.

Cherry said Johnson is the candidate who brings new ideas to Chicago. The West Side faith leadership group had not publicly favored a mayoral candidate in this year’s election. Last month, five of the nine mayoral candidates, including Johnson joined the monthly faith-based meeting.

“As toxic as Mayor Rahm Emanuel was, he was not as right-wing as Paul Vallas [is],” he said as he urged attendees to participate in the April 4 runof f. He called it “one of the most important elections” in Chicago’s history.

Guest speaker Rev. Janette C. Wilson,

Wilson attended the meeting to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Justice from The Leaders Network. The for mer senior advisor to Rev. Jesse L. Jackson added the upcoming mayoral election is pivotal not only for the city but potentially for the whole country as Chicago is “the lighthouse of the nation.” Wilson also served as national director for Rainbow PUSH and special assistant to the chief administrative officer of Chicago Public Schools

Calling Wilson a mentor and sister to many in Chicago’s faith ommunity, Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church said years ago she was one of the first female pastors he met. He said he then realized not only should women be allowed in the ulpit, but women have always een in the church’s front row and spearheaded movements calling for police reform and justice.

Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Baptist said voters can’t allow a candidate who has spoken publicly about ‘letting police loose” to win, adding “this is not a generation that will endure” police brutality

Hatch expressed his support for Johnson, whom he has simply known as Brandon for years living as neighbors in the Austin community. A video on Brandon Johnson’s Twitter page shows Johnson attended Hatch’s 65th birthday celebration Sunday at Hatch’s church in Garfield Park Johnson, who could not attend the March 14 meeting, sent a video message thanking The Leaders Network for their social justiceoriented leadership.

“I really wish I could be with you all today

Chicago is ‘the lighthouse of the nation,’ Rev. Janette C. Wilson said as she urged people to vote in the mayoral election runo

been discussed and has been built within the Leaders Network.”

Vallas also wins support of some Black West Side ministers

Paul Vallas on Sunday touted the backing of do z ens of Black pastors from the West and South Sides in an appearance at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 8401 S. Ashland Ave., the Chicago SunTimes re ported

Org anized by Willie Wilson, a for mer candidate for Chicago mayor, the event was an ef fort to grow support for Vallas among Black voters in his r unof f against Brandon Johnson, an Austin resident, in the April 4 election for mayor of Chicago.

but I’m moving around the entire city as we build for a stronger safer Chicago,” Johnson said in the recorded video message. “The type of city we envision has been discussed and has been built within the Leaders Network.”

Hatch said while it’s still an adjustment to see Johnson through the screen, he understands why the candidate could not attend. “I think we understand… and I think he knows we got his back.” 2023/24

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Leaders Network recognizes Rev. Janette C. Wilson.

Catalytic converter thief pulls gun on victim

A gun was pulled on an Oak Park resident after he tried to prevent two men from cutting his catalytic converter at 6:48 a.m., March 14, at the intersection ofPleasant Street and Euclid Avenue.

After hearing the sound ofa machine, the resident saw a man underneath the resident’s 2007 Honda hatchback removing the vehicle’s catalytic converter, while a second unknown man stood watch from the driver’s seat of a blue vehicle.

When the resident told the two men that he was calling the police, one ofthe men brandished a firearm at him then fled in the blue vehicle.

Attempted motor vehicle theft

■ A would-be carjacker attempted to steal a 2021 Kia Forte at some point between 5 p.m. on March 16 and 7 a.m. the following day, from the 300 block of South Oak Park Avenue, shattering the rear driver’s side window and peeling the steering column. The estimated damage is unknown.

■ A suspect took advantage ofan unlocked

door to try to steal a 2021 Kia Forte from the 1100 block ofLake Street on March 17, between 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. The steering column was peeled. Estimated damage is unknown.

Burglary

Someone broke into a locked 2015 Audi A3 and stole five pairs of prescription RayBan sunglasses from the vehicle between 6:30 p.m., March 14, and 9:50 a.m., March 15, in the 100 block of Forest Avenue.

Recovered stolen vehicles

■ A 2019 Kia Optima was removed from the 600 block of South Boulevard between 7:50 a.m. and 12:20 p.m., March 13. The vehicle was recovered in the 700 block of South Oak Park Avenue with front end damage The estimated damage is unknown.

■ A 2013 Hyundai Elantra was stolen from the 100 block ofNorth Humphrey on March 16 at 10:30 p.m. It was recovered a short time later by the Chicago Police Department in the city’s Austin neighborhood, at the 700

block ofNorth Pine Street, with a broken passenger side window and a peeled steering column. Estimated damage is $2,000.

Motor vehicle theft

■ A 2018 Hyundai Elantra was removed from the 800 block of South Randolph Street between 2 p.m., March 11, and 6:10 p.m., March 13. Estimated loss $13,000. Chicago police recovered the vehicle in the 300 block ofNorth Central Park Avenue in Chicago at 8:43 p.m., March 15.

■ A 2019 Kia Sportage was removed between 9 a.m. and 9:06 a.m., March 13, from the 700 block of South Grove Avenue. The estimated total loss is $28,000. The vehicle was recovered by Chicago police in the 5500 block of West Grand Avenue in Chicago at 1:37 p.m., March 13.

■ A 2016 Kia Optima was stolen from the 200 block of South Taylor Avenue overnight on March 17. The vehicle was recovered, running and unoccupied with a shattered driver’s side window and a peeling steering column, at the 100 block of Pleasant Street.

■ A 2019 Honda Insight was stolen from the

400 block ofNorth Austin Boulevard at 3:45 p.m. The car was left unlocked and running Estimated loss is $28,000

Theft

A UPS package containing a black and silver Black & Decker toaster was taken from the front ofa residence in the 6000 block of Roosevelt Road between 10 a.m., March 8, and 1 p.m., March 13. The estimated loss is $60.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports, March 14-20, and re present a portion ofthe 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 ofa 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 ofthe suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan and Igor Studenkov

SUMMER SOLVED!

Now in Oak Park–Summer Solved with Steve & Kate’s Camp!

If you have children, then you know planning for summer can be a challenge: Choosing a variety of activities. Planning around vacations and friends. Committing to weekly sessions 6 months in advance. But with Steve & Kate’s Camp coming to Oak Park, your entire summer could be solved!

Choice For Kids

Steve & Kate’s Camp, which has been a San Francisco Bay Area staple since 1980, is opening in Oak Park this summer! Steve & Kate’s Camp was founded on the belief that trusting a child helps them build their selfconfidence and helps teach them to trust their own judgment.

Oak Park Campers will design their day in real-time by choosing from a variety of activities including, sewing, stop-motion animation, music, performing arts, makers crafts, bread making, coding, sports &

IN WRIGHT’S STUDIO

A Place to Thrive: Health, Happiness, and Home

Day Camps in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park Studio

How do our homes impact our mental and physical well-being? How can we use architecture to ensure that every person in our community thrives?

Students in grades 3-5 and 6-8 will explore these questions and more as they create vision boards, sketches, and architectural models for a fellow camper!

Info + Registration: FLWRIGHT.ORG/CAMPS

Grades 3-5: June 26 to 30, 8:30-11:30 am

Grades 6-8: July 10 to 14, 8:30-11:30 am

recreation, and more. The children will decide what they want to do and for how long.

Flexibility for Parents

Steve & Kate’s Camp operates a flexible day-pass system where families can sign up for one day here, 22 there, or pay a flat fee, which covers the entire summer. Either way, families can use their passes any day this summer–without advanced notice! If your plans change, they’ll even refund your unused passes automatically at the end of the season. And just like everything else at Steve & Kate’s, kids will get to choose their lunch entree daily. Most of their meals come from local vendors and are prepared just moments before lunch. They throw in snacks and the occasional frozen treat to boot!

Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) are included.

Get Creative In Wright’s Studio

What does “home” mean to you? How does it impact our mental and physical well-being, and the well-being of our friends and family?

Find out during the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s 2023 summer camp, A Place to Thrive: Health, Happiness, and Home. Frank Lloyd Wright pioneered a bold new vision for modern architecture and design. Now, campers will work in Wright’s iconic Studio

and explore what home means for themselves, their fellow campers, and the community.

Participants will act as architects and create a unique and personalized home for a fellow camper. Educators, artists, and designers will help students as they create vision boards, sketches and an architectural model for their “client.”

A Place to Thrive is offered for grades 3-5 and 6-8. Limited capacity.

Grades 3-5: June 26 – 30

Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 11:30 am

Grades 6-8: July 10 – 14

Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 11:30 am

For more information contact the education department at 773.389.4261 or email educate@flwright.org.

Unplug your kids and let them get dirty at Terra Incognito !

We offer fun and educational wheel throwing camps for ages 8 and up. Summer clay camps provide young artists the outlet for exercising both critical and creative thinking through clay. If you want to nurture your child’s creativity, this is the place to be!

Students learn the skills to make functional pots and decorative clay art both on the wheel and by hand. They will then learn how to decorate their creations using underglazes and glaze. The projects they complete will be food safe, made from non-toxic materials which are all supplied. In addition, students will be shown the firing process, leading to a full understanding of the entire operation. With our low teacher-to-student ratio, every

camper will get the attention they need.

Morning sessions are from 9:00 am until noon for pre-teens (8-12 years old) and afternoon sessions are from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm for teens (13 years old an up). Each session is 2 weeks long, Monday through Thursday, starting on Monday, June 12th. The cost per 2-week session is $330.

Terra Incognito is located at 246 Chicago Ave in Oak Park. It has held Potter’s Wheel camps for over 30 years. Several of our former students are now well-known artists and teachers. We are thrilled to help cultivate the next generation of artists from Oak Park. Visit and sign up at terraincognitostudio.com.

Ascension School Enriches Minds, Bodies and Souls

For over 110 years, Ascension has provided an excellent Catholic education in the spirit of love, kindness, respect, and inclusion.  The strength and support of our Ascension community is notably present in the students’ academic, social, and spiritual education. Our goal is to create a positive atmosphere where students can grow in a safe, challenging and faith-filled learning environment.

With an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1, our faculty recognizes the individuality of each child’s development and has the opportunity to work with our students one on one to help them achieve their academic goals. Our students experience a well-rounded, Catholic education that enriches their minds, bodies and souls.

This year Ascension is one of only 15 Chicago schools entering its second year school partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry. Beginning in

Summer Potter’s Wheel Camps

Fun

preschool, every classroom has access to iPads, chrome books and students are exposed to comprehensive STEM opportunities throughout the year.

We offer both full and half-day programs for our preschool children.  Our preschooler’s day focuses on independent learning, socialization, reading readiness and literacy skills, fine motor and gross motor development.  Ascension School also has an Extended Day Program which offers before school and after school care for our preschool to grade 8 students.

Ascension provides outstanding fine and performing arts programs, extracurricular athletic programs and a number of clubs that promote teamwork, community and inclusion.

Learn about what Ascension School can offer your child with a private tour at school.ascensionoakpark.com.

Frick Kids Art Classes

Kids Love Art!!!!

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want your kids to learn about art. Maybe you want them to get something more. Or maybe they just want to be creative and have fun! Whatever the reason, Frick Kids Art Classes are where its happening!

Nurture your child’s imagination while learning about artists, color, design and more.

Group,

and private lessons available at your home, business or at the Frick Art Studio in Oak Park for Pre-K through 6th graders.

Keystone creates lifelong learners

“The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child,” said Keystone founder Vicki Shea. “The physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of children are nurtured with their academic development and each child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.”

Montessori education is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori. From her observations of the natural development of children, she believed that a child’s independence, self-esteem and love of learning could flourish with guidance from a properly trained teacher.

Keystone has a class for two-year olds, primary classes for 3-6 year olds, junior and senior elementary classes for 6-12 year olds, and a middle school. There are also parent/infant classes. One hallmark of Montessori education is grouping together children of different ages. “The mixed age classrooms allow students of all ages to benefit from each other,” says Katie Shea, current Director of Keystone. “The younger children have older peers to model themselves after. The older students develop compassion and patience working

with younger students.”

Children learn by working with specially designed ‘materials’ in an ageappropriate, developmentally designed environment that stimulates the senses and encourages exploration. The children are busy, each doing something either individually or in small groups. In one primary classroom a three-year old is mopping the floor, and a five-year old is counting with a bead chain. In the elementary classroom a student is researching snakes and nearby, a group of students is analyzing the grammar of a sentence with the teacher. “Maria Montessori developed materials, classrooms, and a curriculum that lights the fire of lifelong learning in students” says Shea.

Keystone is proud of its consistently high academic achievement and on helping children become well-rounded, responsible citizens. Keystone Montessori, 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest, is holding an Open House on Wednesday, June 28, 4:30–6:30pm. You can also call 708-3661080 to schedule a tour/observation.

The Love of Learning through Art & Play

Teaching art has been Phyllis Frick’s passion her entire life. She began as a camp counselor and instructor at YMCA camps and after school programs as far back as high school. She then became a girl scout leader in college and a cub scout den mother when her two boys became old enough. She went to school to become a pharmacist because that was the preferred way to have a career back in the 70’s when women could have a profession. But her heart wasn’t in it. She always wanted to be more creative.

After twenty years of counting pills, she decided to switch directions and get a master of arts in teaching. She taught middle school science for fifteen years in Oak Park and

was always sneaking art into her classes to make it more hands on and interesting for her students. When she and her husband, along with their two young boys bought their home in Oak Park, the first thing she did was gather her boys and the neighbor children together and give them paint and brushes and let them go to town on the playroom walls. A wonderful mural resulted that stayed there until the boys left for college.

Now her lifelong dream of having her own childrens art center has come to fruition. Frick Kids Art will focus on fine arts for kids and teach them the love of learning through art and play. Learn more about our Art Classes at FrickKidsArt.com and 630-215-9789.

Stern Glass works welcomes our younger creatives to GLASS GALAXY SUMMER CAMP!

For our glass artists ages 10-13 we have 3 projects offered this summer from 9am-noon Tuesday through Thursday! Join us June 27-29 to make enameled hanging glass mobiles. Each artist will enamel glass components of their mobile with favorite colors and designs based on their unique interests! Does a fused glass lantern with a galaxy theme of stars, moons, planets or even the make-believe sound exciting? Join us July 9-11 for the amazing fused glass lantern class. Finally come into the studio July 25-27 to make a slumped candy dish with a mosaic of colors and shapes melted together out of glass. High schoolers interested in the arts, looking for creative outlets and expressive means look no further. Join us

for our afternoon Glass Galaxy programs! June 20-23 we will dive into the beauty of stained glass, making celestial panels to hang in the window. If masquerades, mystery or fantasy is more your style then come on in July 5-7 to make a fused/slumped glass mask that’s made specifically to fit your face! Finally explore the world of 360o detail in our Cast Glass Through Mold Making class July 18-21! Each camp session provides your child with community, problem-solving, handskill building, creative growth, and of course lots of fun!

Info/Registration: www.sternglassworks. com/glassgalaxy

Questions: sternglassworks@gmail.com or 708-608-9085.

Summer Cooking Camps at Schoolhouse Kitchen are so fun!

Schoolhouse is celebrating its 6th year of Cooking Camps this Summer.

• HOMESTEADING CAMP - AGES 5-11

Kids will love baking and cooking in our beautiful kitchen studio each day. Learning new recipes, crafting, playing games and making friends is the perfect way to relax and learn.

Young chefs are so happy to bring home what they made to share with you and you’ll enjoy trying our kid approved recipes at home with them, too.

½ day camps - M-F - AM or PM

Camps

• T/WEEN COOKING CAMP - AGES 11-15

T/weens are challenged by our well designed projects that teach practical cooking and baking techniques. They build on skills all week long as they explore a variety of fun and creative recipes. Chefs bring home what they made each day to share with you and we send home all recipes at the end of the week.

4-6PM - M-F

Learn more @ www.iloveschoolhouse.com

An inclusive program for you child to explore the endless possibilities of glass-art!

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

Our 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 30 students total between Preschool and 8th 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

Current subjects, but not limited to, are:

• Penmanship

• Reading/writing

• Math • Science

• Geography/history

• Logic/coding

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

• Martial arts

language. Academic classes are 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.

- Students paired by interest, in mixed age setting.

- Weekly reports sent to parents.

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

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

• Social emotional discussions/Life skills

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

Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy: empowering every child

The Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy is a Spanish immersion School originated on the foundation that all children can learn and be bilingual. The children at Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy experience nature and Montessori Philosophy in Spanish. We support all learners and turn learning barriers into strengths. Our purpose is to give students the ability to learn in an enriched environment that encourages curiosity, stimulates language, and sets the child free to observe, think, create, and draw their conclusions in both languages. Believing that all children hold infinite potential, our shared purpose is to cultivate life-long learners and to empower every child to create a

more just and harmonious world. Our School is a yearlong primary Spanish immersion program, for threeto seven-year-old, that goes through first grade. We promote growth in all areas of a child’s development: academic, social, emotional, and physical. A key to the Montessori Method is the belief that every child has an inner desire to learn, and we work to cultivate that desire so that each child has a true joy of learning, being bilingual, and a lifelong interest to do so. Children feel at home here. They have a sense of peace and welcome, a feeling of gratitude, and a sense of community. Visit our bilingual community and experience this feeling firsthand! Fall enrollment now open.

St. Catherine-St. Lucy study focuses on repurposing rectory

Outreach under way to get feedback on possible social ser vice center

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The rectory at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church at 38 N. Austin Blvd. in Oak Park has been in the news for its recent conversion into an interim over night shelter for Housing Forward. But, with Housing Forward’s use of the space ending April 30, the Catholic church in Oak Park is actively exploring a long-term vision for the space.

When Oak Park’s four Catholic parishes were combined into two under the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Church initiative, an expressed outcome of the process was “to use St. Catherine-St. Lucy campus as a

base for powerful ministry outreach to the West Side of Chicago.”

As part of this outreach, the Rev. Carl Morello, pastor of the now-combined St. Giles/St. Catherine-St. Lu launched a feasibility study to determine if the St. Catherine- St. Lucy rectory could be re purposed as a social service center to address critical, unmet needs of underserved families in the Austin neighborhood.

“At the heart of it all is a reality that St. Catherine-St. Lucy stands on the cusp of Oak Park and Austin,” Morello said. “I want to see it stand as a beacon of hope and light, reaching out to those who need services.”

See RECTORY on pa ge 30

Catherine-St. Lucy Parish, has launched a feasibility study to determine if the St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory (above) can be repurposed as a social service center.

REC TORY

Connecting with Austin families

from page 29

T he St. Catherine-St. Lucy campus is already home to a school operating under the auspices of the nonprofit Big Shoulders Fund, where 85% of the 188 students are Austin residents, as well as Sister House, a progr am in the for mer convent offering services for women in recovery from addiction, Morello says that it makes sense to bring more services to the campus

T he feasibility study is already underway, headed by volunteers from both of Oak Park’s Catholic parishes, St. Giles/St. Catherine-St. Lucy and Ascension/St. Edmund’s. T he team is divided into three committees: community-based needs, assessment and business plan development; facility needs, assessment of the rectory and convent; and fundraising, designed to g enerate the resources to launch and sustain the new project.

Dan Doody and Jack Crowe are co-chairing the feasibility study and the community outreach committee as well. Both stress that the beginning of the process involves seeking out and listening to voices from the Austin community.

“Our real focus here is meeting community needs, and our goal at this time is to really listen,” said Crowe, who also writes occasional opinion columns for Wednesday Journal.

T he community outreach team has been working since February to connect with f amilies from Austin. One of the first groups surveyed was f amilies who have children attending St. CatherineSt. Lucy school.

Doody says the survey g auged interest in a number of services, including a food bank, mental and physical health services, addiction services, financial education and more. T he survey asked f amilies whether they would use those service and if they thought their neighbors could use those services

T he team then reached out to at four other schools in Austin, includ ing Chicago Jesuit Academy, Christ the King High School, St. Angela School and Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School. Following up on the surveys, the next step will include focus groups of lies and school faculty

Doody says that they are also ing out to social service organizations in Austin.

“We don’ t want to duplicate their ef forts,” he said. “We want to know are the needs of their constituents tha they are not providing. Do they want or need to expand?”

Everything will be ered in context, says Cr

“In many ways, our to be a matchmaker, to nect people to services they need so that they can thr Crowe said.

He points to the Infant fare Society’s Children ic, which is a block aw the school at St. Catherine-St Lucy and is already providing services to students

“It’s a beautiful thing, to have need and mission alignment,” Crowe said. “The goal is to re plicate this on a larger scale.”

The feasibility study for what is already being called The Social Service Community Center at St. Catherine-St Lucy is estimated to wrap up June 30. The hope at that time is for the group can make a recommendation about creating a community center, which would ultimately empower 250 to 500 individuals a year to achieve healthier, more stable lives by providing access to a range of social services

Morello acknowledges it’s a big project.

“Some might be concerned that we are biting of f more than we can chew, but as a priest, I have to put my trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Morello said.

“We have strong support from the arch diocese, and here’s an opportunity to do something.”

If you are interested in learning more or helping on any of the committees for the feasibility study for The Social Service Community Center at St. Catherine-St. Lucy, reach out to Dan Doody at dan@doody.com or Jack Crowe at jackcrowe117@gmail.com.

e St. Catherine-St. Lucy rector y has temporarily been ser ving as an emergenc y shelter for the nonpro t Housing For ward, providing meals (top) and beds (above) for the unhoused. at use will come to an end April 30.

“

ur real focus here is meeting community needs, and our goal at this time is to really listen.”

JACK CROWE Co-chair of the feasibility study

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

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

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

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

our

beautiful English Tudor

BEAUTY

Oak Park home sells for $950,000

The following property transfers were re ported by the Cook County Clerk from December 2022. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.

OA K P ARK

ADDRESS PRICE SELLER BUYER

RIVER FOREST

Michael T Reiter Andrew T

Jason J Gomberg Anna C

Lyn Clout Pezalla Anne

Oak Park Ave $285,000 Oconnor Barbara G Dola Global Ventures Llc

1120 N Lombard Ave $279,000 Sfr Borrower 2021-2 Llc Jimenez Manuel

333 S East Ave $272,500 Ramsey Allison D Young Matthew T

816 S Lyman Ave $250,000 Nyerges John West Side Remdl Llc 318 N Maple Ave $245,000 Bianucei Karin Kukla Kevin Joseph

1050 N Humphrey Ave $230,000 Tl Kindt Llc Humphrey Santoro Patrick L Tr

1141 S Highland Ave $225,000 Construction Rehab Services Llc

FOREST P ARK

OPRF girls rally late to squeeze past Fenwick

Ryan scores game winner to put Huskies past crosstown rival

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls soccer team rallied for a 2-1 victory over Fenwick High School in a Crosstown Showdown March 16 at Concordia University.

Junior forward Grace Kapsch gave Fenwick (0-2) the lead in the first half with a header off an assist from junior Susie Shank, but OPRF (1-0) tied things with 16 minutes left on a goal by junior midfielder Keira Kleidon off an assist by senior forward Kiki Leman.

Then with about 5 minutes to play, Huskies’ senior midfielder Cate Ryan scored the game winner

“It was the first game and we had to get the jitters out,” OPRF coach Christie Johnston said. “After some adjustments, I think we dominated the second half.”

OPRF has 10 seniors on this year’s team. The Huskies’ top returnees besides Kleidon and Ryan are sophomore forward Addison Bliss; junior forward Lilah Malik, who missed most of last season due to injury; seniors defenders Kylie Houghton and Tess Wright; and Leman, who scored nine goals in 2022.

Hoping to make an impact for OPRF are midfielder Abby Cockerill and forward Genevieve Simkowski, both sophomores

“The goal is to have a positive environment and have fun while doing so,” Johnston said. “We had a great start to the season and are excited for what’s to come.”

OPRF’s match at Niles West on March 18 was postponed due to cold weather. Th Huskies are scheduled to return to the pitch against visiting Nazareth Academy on March 28.

“Having this time off allows us to tweak the things we need to focus on more,” Johnston said.

While disappointed with the loss to OPRF, Fenwick coach Craig Blazer thought his team put in a solid effort

“The girls came out and started well,” he said. “We showed a lot of improvement, and that was very encouraging. We defended pretty well. We just didn’t finish our chances offensively.”

Having lost 11 players from last year’s team, which finished fourth in IHSA Class 2A with an 13-8-2 record, the Friars figured to have a bumpy start this year. Fenwick also lost its season opener March 14 at IC College Prep 3-0.

Among Fenwick’s returnees are Kapsch, junior midfielders Fiona Roche and Maddie Rogowski and senior defender Ellie Dvorak. Top newcomers include Shank, a midfielder/ forward, along with three freshmen, midfielder Mary Brunick, defender Lola Martinez and goalkeeper Margaret Price, who made nine saves against OPRF.

“Margaret is an athlete and competitor,” said Blazer. “She’s learning quickly and going to improve game to game.”

Fenw ick defender Lizzie Brunick controls the ball against Oak Park and River Forest in a non-conference girls soccer match at Concordia Universit y on March 16. e Huskies defeated the Friars 2-1.

Fenwick’s match against visiting Downers Grove North on March 18 was also postponed due to weather

Trinity tops 2022 win total in first games

Trinity High School notched more wins in the first week of the 2023 soccer season than they had all last year

The Blazers (2-0) started the season with a 6-0 shutout of Rauner Colle ge Prep of Chicago on March 16 and then followed it up March 20 with a 4-1 win over Proviso West.

Against Rauner, freshman forward Grace Ramel scored three goals, while classmate Natalie Linares added two. Against Proviso West, Ramel scored three more goals and added an assist, while

Lesly Guerra had a goal and an assist and goaltender Giselle Galloza made nine saves

The Blazers’ scoring outburst was a welcome sight for second-year coach Alex Hurtado, whose team finished 1-12-1 in 2022

“Our team had a high number of chances on goal [last year], but we failed to convert several of these chances into goals,” he said. “We need to keep our composure and improve our finishing.”

Sophomore Lesly Guerra, who scored against Rauner, had six goals last year for Trinity. With seven freshmen and 15 sophomores on the roster, continued development is the Blazers’ main goal this spring.

“This is a team with a youthful foundation and desire to win,” Hurtado said. “They will only continue to improve as they gain continuity playing with one another.”

A er down 2022, OPRF so ball a possible dark horse

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

T he Oak Park and River Forest High School softball team were uncharacteristically down in 2022, finishing with an

11-16 record and losing an IHSA Class 4A re gional final in walkof f f ashion to Taft. But with seven returnees, second-year coach J.P. Coughlin is optimistic about the Huskies’ chances of a turnaround season.

“This could be the deepest team we’ve had in years,” he said. “Our youth may show up from time to time, but with the way this group practices, I expect us to

See SOFTBALL on page 34

Huskies return in 2023 with ‘deepest team we’ve had in years’

OPRF baseball looks to defend its league crown

Huskies will rely on strong pitching sta in 2023

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball team opened the season March 20 with a 6-5 loss at Brother Rice. Sophomore Ethan Moore had three hits and scored three runs and senior Patrick Car mody had two RBI for the Huskies, ranked 12th in Prep Baseball Re port’s preseason poll.

“I feel really good about this team,” OPRF coach Kevin Campbell said. “We’ re very fast and athletic, and this is going to give us the ability to be very flexible with our lineup and take some extra bases.”

OPRF, which went 19-10 and shared the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title with Hinsdale Central last year, features a strong pitching staf f led by senior Calvin Proskey A University of California at Santa Barbara signee, Proskey went 4-1 with 56 strikeouts and a 1.70 ERA in 2022.

“Calvin is one of the top ar ms in the state,” Campbell said.

Senior Hank Babwin (1-0, 1.75 ERA), along with juniors Cole Benson, Wilson Kruse, and Eli Travis are other pitchers Campbell will rely on.

Continued from page 34

get better and better throughout the season.”

The Huskies have experience in the lineup Ethan Moore batted .352, while older brother and senior Ezra had a .325 average. Junior outfielder Mason Phillips retur ns for his third consecutive season on the varsity, and a newcomer to keep an eye on is sophomore infielder Brady Green.

“We have a lot of experience retur ning at the plate,” Campbell said. “I believe we’ ll be a much better run-producing team this season.”

OPRF plays a dif ficult schedule, with non-conference highlights including the War rior Spring Classic in Riverdale, Tennessee, from March 27-April 1 and the crosstown showdown with Fenwick under the lights at Triton Colle ge in River Grove on May 10.

Campbell thinks Downers Grove Nor th, Hinsdale Central and Lyons Township will be the Huskies’ main competitors for the conference title.

“The expectation is to defend the conference championship,” he said. “After that, I feel we can compete for a trip downstate, but it’s a tough road, and we need to focus on each game in front of us first.”

OPRF has its home opener March 22 against Libertyville, with first pitch scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

OPRF retur ns all three outfielders in seniors Kelly Cortez, Kelly Regan and Anne Stine. The Huskies also have back junior Rachel Buchta at second base and junior Tyler Brock, whom Coughlin calls “one of the top defensive catchers in the state.”

Brock will receive pitches from OPRF’s top two retur ning pitchers, juniors Aria Hammerschmidt and Jordan Alioto They’ ll be joined in the circle by sophomore Anna Topel, junior Audrey Dumelle and senior Isabella Morales

Other Huskies looking to make an impact are sophomores Maura Car mody, Elyssa Hasapis, Gloria Hronek, and Julia Mattiace; juniors Macy Callahan, Lillian Menconi, and Kennedy Ross; and senior Annika Chesney.

“Our defense is really strong this year, which is important because we will most likely not put up monster strikeout numbers from our pitching staff,” Coughlin said. “Our offense is very versatile. We will hit for power and are very fast throughout the lineup.”

Unlike recent seasons, OPRF isn’t getting preseason buzz. That’s fine with Coughlin and the Huskies.

Fenwick splits first two games of 2023

Fenwick High School star ted this season splitting the first two g ames. In the opener on March 15, the Friars rolled to a 6-1 victory at Reavis Senior pitcher Luis Gonzale z went four innings, allowing a r un on two hits Jordan Vazque z pitched three innings of one-hit relief to notch the save, and also went 2-for-4 at the plate, including a two-run homer

On March 20, Fenwick managed just three hits and fell 3-2 in eight innings at Marist. Junior Mike Sosna star ted and went five innings, allowing a r un on two hits with five strikeouts

“We’ re playing a very competitive schedule, because we know that our guys want and need to be challenged,” said coach Kyle Kmiecik, in his first full season after taking over for longtime coach Dave Ho g an late last year

T he F riars aim to keep the momentum they had at the end of last season, when they finished 17-15. Fenwick got hot in the IHSA Class 3A tour nament, winning re gional and sectional championships, before losing 8-6 to Crystal Lake South in

“We’re not ranked and nobody’s talking about us,” he said. “This group has a lot of potential, is sur rounded by positive vibes...I can’t wait to eventually get on the field and perform as a team.”

After seeing a pair of games postponed due to weather last week, OPRF was scheduled to have its opener against visiting Maine South this week.

Fenwick downs Naz in season opener

A five-run eruption in the first inning gave Fenwick High School the cushion it needed in a season-opening 6-5 victory over Nazareth Academy on March 20.

The Friars pounded out 11 hits, with Madelyn Entler, Kailey Janda, Ellie Kolb and Teresa Nevare z each having two apiece. Sophie Stone got the win in relief, going four innings and allowing one run on four hits while striking out seven.

Entler (.386 batting average, 21 RBI in 2022), Kolb (.304, 13 RBI) and Stone (2.77 ERA) are all part of a class secondyear coach Bryan Hof fman is excited about.

“We’ve seen a ton of improvement from our current ju-

a rain-shor tened Schaumburg Supersectional g ame

Fenwick retur ns 21 players, led by senior pitchers Gonzale z (University of Wisconsin at Parkside) and Vazque z (Concordia University of Wisconsin).

“Luis is an absolute bulldog on the mound. He makes big pitches in big situations and attacks the zone with three pitches,” Kmiecik said. “Jordan throws mid to high 80s with a hard, shar p breaking ball. He’s the emotional leader of the team.”

When Gonzale z and Vazque z play as infielders, Sosna and classmate Josh Wicker are more than capable on the mound

T he latter two are part of a large and talented junior class, which has outfielder Will Gladden, catcher Finnley Koch and utility infielder Tanner Malchow among the Friars’ key contributors.

“Having so many juniors who are now playing their second year on varsity is very helpful because they have quite a bit of experience,” Kmiecik said.

After road g ames at Hinsdale Central on March 22 and IC Colle ge Prep on March 23, Fenwick has its home opener March 24 at the Dominican Priory against Lake Park

niors, and we’re looking for many of them to take on greater roles this season,” he said.

Despite struggling against Nazareth (four runs on six hits over three innings), senior Talia Lorenzo, an Aurora University commit, is Fenwick’s ace in the circle. Last year, she posted 166 strikeouts, nine victories and a 4.49 ERA.

Janda led the Friars in hitting last season with a .567 average and 34 hits Besides Nevare z, a sophomore, Fenwick’s other retur nees are sophomores Caity Barg anski and Molly Mullen, and seniors Emma Meehan and Maya Stathas. Newcomers include sophomore Leah Lowery and senior Allison Arispe.

Fenwick went 14-15-1 in 2022 and won an IHSA Class 3A re gional title while more than quadrupling the previous season’s win total. But Hof fman believes the Friars could’ve had a few more wins had they executed better in close games.

“We’ re working to be the team with the highest softball IQ in our conference,” he said.

Fenwick visits Ridgewood on March 22, then has its home opener at the Dominican Priory on March 24 against Payton Colle ge Prep.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

All students deser equal access to excellence

As longtime residents of Oak Park

the OP-RF League of Women Voters — now is surely not the time to sunset the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program. Instead, the state of Illinois should continue to value providing a choice for educational excellence for all children, despite their home zip codes or families’ income levels. Three Oak Pa have students and families that directly benefit from the Invest in Kids Act: Ascension, St. Giles, and St. Catherine-St. Luc

While we sent our kids to Ascension, St. Giles, and the Oak Park public schools, we have been active volunteers at St. CatherineSt. Lucy. We would like to invite the civic-minded League of Women Voters to be our guests during the school day at St. Catherine-St. Lucy to observe powerful, opportunitycreating learning in action. When they see firsthand the trajectory the St. Catherine-St. Lucy kids are on and hear the many examples the principal can share about our teenagers now succeeding in high school and college, we hope they will have a change of heart and embrace the school’s vital tax credit scholarships. Dozens of students at all three Oak Park private schools receive these wonderful scholarships, and we see every day how our kids are thriving because of their opportunities in this setting.

The Illinois General Assembly passed a comprehensive education reform package in 2017 that has provided hundreds of millions of additional dollars to Illinois’ public schools. We welcome this because all of us in Oak Park have always benefited from our strong public schools.

As part of that 2017 reform, the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program was launched to expand quality education options for low-income and working-class families across Illinois. As of this year, over 38,000 scholarships have been awarded to families with significant financial needs seeking the best possible fit for their kids’ education. The majority of these recipients have been Black and Brown children who deserve equal access to academic success and future opportunities. These families should have the same educational choices that people with more secure incomes have enjoyed for many years.

Unless the Illinois legislature acts this year, this vitally important Tax Credit Scholarship program will end. We strongly encourage our local leaders to renew the program and even make it permanent.

Dan Doody, Marty Bracco, Jeanne & John Gallo, Tracy Brooker, Dave Holmes Oak Park

VIEWPOINTS

Suppor t for candidates

p. 37-46

Ihave a belief that I cannot (yet) prove: I believe that the Village of Oak Park is heading at breakneck speed toward a state of existence in which only families with an annual income above $120,000 or so can afford to live here. This is occurring through corporate interests efficiently upgrading both rental and owned residential property and using our high school as the primary bait I have two primary purposes for offering this opinion. My first purpose is to get the attention of the bulk of residents of Oak Park and River Forest who feel strongly that our degree of economic diversity is worth protecting and insulating from decline. My second purpose is to help bring about suf ficient board member and citizen reaction and concer n about the possible imminent decision of the District 200 school board to commit, immediately and irreversibly, $102 million or more to the demolition and reconstruction of the current athletic and physical education facilities (Project 2), at a cost which, in my opinion, is much larger than necessary to adequately meet the actual needs of our current and future students.

I base this primarily on my own experience as a District 200 board member from 2007 until 2015, when we spent more time debating and analyzing a broad range of solutions to our outdated swimming pools problem than to any other single issue facing our district, including the issue of providing for the academic needs of our students who were not on our “honors track.”

I am completely aware of the inadequacy of the

current high school swimming pools and of the inconveniences of the current physical education and athletic structures, and of the need to remedy the bulk of those associated problems as soon as possible. I am also aware of the processes by which architectural engineering fir ms have been able to manage the presentation of construction alter natives in ways that highlight the ideas that they are presenting and do not necessarily bring less expensive alter natives into the full view of district committees and board members.

We have been under constant pressure to become the envy of every other high school in Illinois because of the potential attractiveness of “upscale” swimming and PE facilities. Why? To attract wealthier families and create a greater demand for Oak Park real estate.

So what would I propose to do about the problem of our “upward gentrification” of our populace? It would be to try to convince our District 200 board to carefully define just what we really need (as opposed to desire) to adequately replace our antiquated pools, and try to envision our use of a sizeable chunk of that envisioned $102 million in ways that might enhance the academic skills of our average- and below-average students

This will not lower our taxes, but it will improve the high school. And who knows? We might even find a way to slow down our never-ending tendency to increase property taxes.

Ralph H. Lee is an Oak Park resident and a former District 200 school board member.

e two schematic designs (above) are part of OPRF’s Project 2 proposal.

Are we threatening our economic diversit y?

OUR VIEWS

It is a complex message that Shatonya Johnson, Oak Park’s police chief, sent last week in a thorough presentation on public safety to the Oak Park Village Board. We think she did an admirable job of weaving support for her officers with a clear message that citizens and village administration need to hold her department to account.

“My philosophy on policing it to build of ficers up, to hold them accountable, and to make sure we continue the rich tradition that started long before I even started, which was built on community policing,” she told the board.

She’s right that there is a decades-long tradition of community policing in the village. She knows and we know that it does not provide full cover for the shortfalls of the department in growing connections with Black and Brown youth in town, with inventing a new way to make schools safer without an overwhelming police presence. She knows and we believe that the department’s early leadership on training officers on mental-health engagement, and adding third-party social service experts on calls is a good start, but needs to grow as a strategy.

Johnson clearly recognizes that the surprisingly strong and specific BerryDunn consultants report on the department is an opportunity to drive foundational change in this already good department. And also that embracing this village board’s determination to shake up citizen police oversight on complaints against officers is an opportunity to let the department step back some from policing itself A necessary step.

We don’t overlook the upsides of Chief Johnson being the first woman to lead this department. And her early career work as a social worker can only be beneficial.

We admire the thoroughness and transparency of her report last week. These are virtues to build on.

$12.5 million and raising

You want to make a major donation to the gigantic building project planned at OPRF High School and put your name on either the new pool or the yoga studio? We say, “Thanks and knock yourself out.”

We’re less interested in the naming rights on the to-be-constructed outdoor track and much more fascinated and pleased that the school and the newly formed Imagine Foundation have unlocked the giving potential of the school’s grads and supporters. With a price tag north of $100 million for the remaking of the school’s physical education wing, local taxpayers need all the help they can get in paying for this necessary and overdue investment.

So far, foundation leaders say they have committed pledges totaling $12.5 million for the project. They are still working hard and we have heard aspirational goals of hitting $20 million-plus. That is real money, genuine help.

So as the school board closes in on its decision on how to fund this project, here’s our advice: Maximize philanthropy. Draw down the still super-sized cash reserve by $50 million. And, with confidence and some swagger, put the balance out to referendum a year from now.

What have you done for love?

That’s a question I’ve been spending time with — since seeing A Chorus Line a few weeks back at Drury Lane in Oak Brook. The musical has been around almost 50 years, but I just caught up to it Life is like that. Our cultural treasures wait for us

I never understood the remarkable popularity of this musical. All I knew was that it involved dancers trying to become “one singular sensation” and singing about “what I did for love.” Which sounded ominous. What on Earth could they have done for love, I wondered, that they “can’t regret”? No one says that, I figured, unless they actually did something regrettable and they’re haunted by a sordid past.

Well, I finally found out — it was pursuing their art, specifically dancing. A passionate pursuit that promised neither fame nor for tune. The only thing that kept them going was love.

We did what we had to do

Won’ t forget

Can’t re gret

What we did for love

I’m glad I didn’t come to this song until this advanced stage of life. I doubt I would have understood it when I was the age of the dancers in the play.

Now I find plenty of wisdom in it.

Kiss today goodbye, the sweetness and the sorrow …

Kiss today goodbye, and point me toward tomorrow …

That is, I think, the proper orientation. It’s fine to remember yesterday. In fact, the character singing the song says, defiantly, that she “won’t forget”. But we shouldn’t be “pointed” toward the past. We can also savor the present, the sweetness with the sorrow, but the proper course of things is to perpetually kiss today goodbye as we prepare to enter tomorrow. We can’t live in the past alone We can’t live only in the present. And without past and present we would be rudderless in an aimless future. We live in all three, but only in their proper sequence, and always pointed toward tomorrow. And we do that by remembering what we did fo r love — which is also to say, what we had to do Love, the song says, is “never gone.” The logical (and cliched) wording, which almost begs to be inserted here would be “Love/Love will never die,” but Edward Kleban, the lyricist, turned a different (and truer) phrase: Gone Love

Love’s what we remember

What we do for love … makes all the di erence Hold police accountable, says chief

Remembering is of central importance in this song. And inseparable from remembering is regret — or lack thereof.

But I can’ t re gret what I did for love …

We can, and do, regret much of what happened in the past. Love does, sadly, sometimes end, but not what we did fo r love — because love is the only significant thing we do in life

Which is an excellent prescription for coming to ter ms with the past. We all make mistakes, come up short, mess things up, and fail. Hopefully not too often, but if you truly did it for love, then you can’t regret it

Which brings us back to the question, “What have you done for love?” Because that, and that alone, successful or unsuccessful, defines our lives. If we did it for love, then we did what we had to do

Love goes beyond romance — to parenting, grandparenting, friendship, work, the arts, and more. A successful life is filled with what you had to do … for love. You won’t forget it, can’t regret it, even if you don’t become one, singular sensation in the chorus line. And most of us are in the chorus line.

I thought of this following my visit last week with Jack Ker nan and Kate, his wife of just four years. What they did for love was get married — when Jack was 94 and Kate was 84. The happy couple just celebrated their fourth anniversary. At 98 and 88 respectively, they are relatively healthy … considering. As Jack noted, “There’s a big difference between 94 and 98.” But they have no regrets. Sure, some of their family members likely second-guessed whether it was the “right thing” to do, but Jack and Kate are both singular sensations and now they’re one singular sensation. The timing was good, a year before the pandemic, so they went through lockdown together.

Sure, they might have suffered a serious downturn, given the vagaries and uncertainties of aging. They still might. They married anyway. And even if it hadn’t turned out so well, they did it for love

After supper in the Casa San Carlo dining room, we walked back to their room and “chewed the fat” as Jack likes to say. It was wonderful. Jack was my late father’s oldest friend. They met in second grade, which would have been the year FDR was elected president — first ter m.

As my brother and I took our leave, we promised we’d be back

Kate said, “Don’t wait too long.”

One never knows, but one thing is sure:

I won’t forget last week, and I’ll never re gret knowing Jack and Kate

KEN TRAINOR

Vote against bypassing taxpayers in D200

An impending OPRF Board of Education vote is likely the most consequential decision in its long history: whether you, an Oak Park or River Forest resident or taxpayer, matter.

It’s a vote on how to finance the $100+ million Project 2 physical education facilities at the high school — with debt you will vote on to approve, or debt that intentionall bypasses you.

Most major school building projects across the country is financed through debt approved by voters. This is the norm; this is the best practice.

SOUDERS One View

In November 2020, an advisory referendum in Oak Park asked, “Should capital projects more than $5 million be approved by voters?” More than 77% said Yes — upward of 23,000 voters.

Yet, here we are. Again. Seriously considering bypassing voters, ignoring overwhelming voter sentiment, and opening up old wounds. For a pool.

How extreme has this become? Letters in these pages, Facebook and board meeting comments by Project 2 supporters arguing that right now it is just too important to leave to voters like you.

Some argue we don’t need to go to referendum because we can pay for these debt certificates without referendum bonds. That’s only because OPRF has overtaxed us 17 of the past 19 years, taking more from us than needed to run the school. A 2013 community finance committee told them to stop doing this; it was making Oak Park and

ver Forest less affordable

This took millions out of taxpayers’ pockets — dollars that you could’ve spent on tutoring, medical bills, college tuition, retirement funds. It would be different if the school used the extra funds for reading specialists or recruiting more Black teachers or upgrading all the science labs. But they put most of it in eserve

This isn’t how an organization that values ts constituents and their hard-earned money behaves.

This is where I’d encourage you to write the board and pack the boardroom to tell them you matter and to do referendum financing. But they already know how they will vote, whether they respect you and will keep their promises to you.

I’m running for the District 200 Board of Education because I believe we deserve better government. I’m the only candidate who says bypassing voters is wrong. I’m the only one saying taking more taxes from residents than the school needs is wrong. The only one talking about facilities upgrades beyond physical education, and about affordability. I’m the only one vowing to do the right, not the easy, thing in my service. Even for a pool.

Lear n more about my positions on the issues at www. BrianforOPRF.com. And vote for me — and only me in this race — March 20-April 4.

Brian Souders is a candidate for the OPRF Board of Education in the April 4 election.

Cortese, Isenberg and Mackey for D90

I support Joe Cortese, Eric Isenberg, and Kris Mackey in the District 90 Board of Education election. These independent, critical thinkers’ views reflect values that make River Forest an exceptional place to live and raise children. They bring exceptional experience, longstanding ties to the community, and inspiring visions for the future of education in River Forest. Please support them on April 4.

I have known Eric since my father coached his Tball team. He graduated from Yale and holds a PhD in Economics. He works in education research and for merly worked with boards of education to create policy manuals. He knows our community and knows how to effectively write policy and direct an administration. We are for tunate to have Ed Condon running our district, but he needs more effective direction. There is no better person to provide it than Eric.

Joe also reflects our values and beliefs, and excellence in education is his top priority. His wife, Lindsey (Snow), is a fourth generation River Forester, so he knows our community. Joe has a University of Chicago MBA and a background in finance to complement

Eric’s background in education. Joe’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility will be critical to the board’s future work

A for mer dean of students at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business with an EdD in education, Kris is dedicated to upholding River Forest’s tradition of providing its children with an unparalleled educational experience. She raised her children in Oak Park and River Forest and three returned to the community. She earned a University of Chicago MBA and works in education. Kris brings a w ealth of knowledge of school operations to complement her long attachments to our community.

This is a critical election for River Forest. Our schools have been downgraded from exemplary, largely due to unfortunate curriculum choices by prior boards. These changes are linked to the current block scheduling system that was delayed due to community opposition and later advanced under cover of the pandemic. We need Joe, Eric, and Kris to chart a new course to excellence in education in River Forest.

John Phelan, River Forest

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

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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

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the birds

Ivins /Moravecek

Why

Iam running for the OPRF District 200 school board as a way to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my f amily. If elected, I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and ke y stakeholders to a ddress the “front bur ner ” i ssues of :

1) Equity: Equity means wo rk ing to eliminate the predictability of outcomes b ased on race, gender, and socioeconomic status through intentionality in resource allocation and access to oppor tunities for all kids . It remains the defining issue of our time in public education, especially given the lost ground caused by the pandemi c. I will wo rk to suppo rt seve r al pillars for addressing the oppor tunity gap, including:

works to ensure you and your loved ones age with rich possibility and live your best lives. We offer an ensemble of lifestyle programs, living options and in-home services.

Learn more at www.cantata.org or call us at 708-485-1155.

■ C losely monitoring cu rrent equity initiatives for data and results, pa rt icularly the freshman curriculum honorsfo r- all strat eg y

■ Re cruitment and retention of a dive r se teaching staf f that reflects the OPRF student bo dy

■ Strengthening social/emotional and mental health resources for a g eneration of students experiencing unprecedented levels of de pression.

2) Fiscal stewardship : It ’s essential that school districts maintain the c ommunity trust that provides the financial footing to pursue equity and other goals. I will bring a playbook fo r transparency, benchmarking, and use of data to provide strong fiscal stewardship for D200 to impr ove trust and enable support for equity and other c ritical need s.

3) Fa c ilities: OPRF occupies a 116-year- old campus comprising expansions and additions that in some cases we re last improved in the 1920s. Wi th improved community trust, I will wo rk c ollaborative ly toward a sustainable long-ter m capital investment plan that

c an enable modern, studentc entered, and environmentally efficient lear ning facilities for the next 100 year s.

I am for tunate to have already ser ve d as a school b oard member with Oak Pa rk District 97 from 20132017.

Th at experience gave me three guiding principles for ef fect ive school board service:

1) Put students first : T he “true north” of school b oard service must be to always ask the question, “What’s in the best interests of students? ”

2) Seek to understand and liste n carefully : The issues in public education are complex, and intentionality is required to find and hear those students and families that are often drowned out by the “loudest vo ices in the room” or cannot be present at b oard meetings.

3) Build consensus: A board member is just one of seven people. Being effect ive requires finding common ground among all stakeholder s.

Public education has been a passion of mine since moving to Oak Pa rk My wife Sandra and I came to Oak Pa rk in 2005 along with our two young children, seeking to raise and educat e our kids in a dive r se community that b est re presented our ethnically mixe d f amily and with outstanding public schools

It is my hope that, through servic e on the OPRF school board, I can help other families enjoy and benefit from a strong public high school educatio n that is part of the backbone of Oak Pa rk and Rive r Fo rest.

Fur ther info rm ation on my platfo rm and background may be found at www graham4D200.com.

I humbly ask for your vote on April 4. Graham Brisben is running for the OPRF High School board in the April 4 election.

DISTRIC T 200 SCHOOL BOARD C ANDID AT E

For greatness, focus on student needs

Iam a candidate for the D200 school board, and I ask for your vote.

Oak Park and River Forest High School provides astonishingly great — even transcendent — experiences to many of our students and families. OPRF can also be a frustrating, overwhelming, maddeningly difficult institution to navig ate, one that sometimes fails in its mission to equitably educate every child.

My goal in serving on the board is to provide students and families more transcendence, and less frustration. To do that, we must focus on what our students need. As a member of the D200 board I will do my best to provide:

■ Help in recovering from the trauma of the pandemic. We must address our student mental health crisis, providing the additional programs, tools, supports, and resources our students clearly need. We should also focus on social media use; implement a peer-topeer mentoring program; and continue

to promote a welcoming, positive culture.

■ Rigor and access to excellence. Our students deserve a rigorous, best-inclass curriculum taught by excellent, experienced, creative, eng aged teachers; they deserve true access to this curriculum for all students; and they deserve a faculty, staf f, and administration that reflect the demographics of the student body.

■ A safe, secure school conducive to learning. We must ensure all students are safe, and all students feel safe, by providing appropriate staffing, following school safety best practices, and continuing to rebuild student culture. We must enhance training in restorative practices, so all students can more effectively resolve differences and disputes.

■ Welcoming facilities that enhance learning. We must continue to build learning spaces appropriate for 21st-century learning that serve student needs today and are flexible enough to adapt to learning styles in future decades. We must provide welcoming spaces and make them accessible to all students before, during, and after school.

■ A better bridge to high school. We need more effective collaboration with District 97 and District 90, including a far more robust orientation for f amilies; better communication and more detailed resources; earlier exposure for middle-school students to highschool role models; and special focus on a clearer on-ramp to special education services.

■ More pathways out of high school. We should provide more students with more visible non-colle ge options, including preparatory tracks aimed at acceptance to apprenticeship programs, and enhanced facilities for vocational training.

■ What each student unique ly needs. Equity challenges us to see and provide each student with what he or she uniquely needs in order to succeed. Yet too often we fail to accurately see the unique strengths and needs of each child, and so we f all short in providing what that student needs. We must more effectively assess each student’s evolving needs so that we can better meet the challenge of equity.

■ Thank you for your interest in our community’s most important institution, our high school. With gratitude, I ask for your vote.

Tim Brandhorst is a candidate for the OPRF High School Board of Education.

DISTRIC T 200 SCHOOL BOARD C ANDID AT E

Equity is the critical issue for OPRF

Though I am somewhat new to the Oak Park and River Forest communities (I moved here nearly 3½ years ago), OPRF High School is hardly new to me. I say this when speaking to the principles and values b oth imbued by and aspired to within this community. I see a community in the throes of making the right move s toward true racial equity, a more equitable socio-economic terrain, and meaningfully gr appling with the local d uty to address climate change. This is, in large part , why my wife, 6-year- old son, and I have decided to settle in and raise our family.

Why am I compelled to run for the District 200 board when my son is so young? A huge pa rt of this answe r lies in my desire to ser ve according to the b est fit. I have a great deal of experience wo rk ing in a board setting, bu t more importantly I have a professional career that has been driven to wo rk

for the better ment of our youth, whether that be lead ing mentoring progr ams; c onsulting youth-based progr ams in strat eg y, research and evaluation; or my go nance experience as a boar member of pre-schools human services agencie and agencies to aid victims of sexual assault.

T hough I am drawn to ser ve according to an aptness of fit in skills and back ground, I am compelled to join wh at I see as a ve ry p ositive, hopeful movement in our community We are cu rrently gr appling with major funding decisions around the advancement of the Project 2 initiative, and at OPRF we are making meaningful strides toward creating a more equitable, excellent, and thriving culture.

We have wo rk to do of ourse. We have a lot of rk to do in terms of equity — racial equity and ompetencies-based equity. Adopting and committing to instruments of accountbility that help establis h and maintain racial equity ccording to best practices an only help us substanve ly wo rk toward forging the environment and culture we year n fo r. We also must hire and retain more teachers of color

I see a greater need for the development of vo cational/ skills-based progr amming/special education and cert ificate progr ams for our high school youth. We cannot be a trul y excellent and equitable institution unless we are playing to every student’s strength and interest. Equity and excel-

lence are not a zero-sum g ame

And we must continue to build our capacity to address our children’s mental health need s. We have fallen woefully short of doing so for man y year s, and we are amid a serious public health crisis around mental health that screams for a greater focus and action.

Re ga rding Project 2, let’s be clear that it has already been approved to move forward and that the fundin g option for it will be decided before the newly elected board convenes. I f eel that there has been a great deal of noise around the current board c andidates’ ability to influence this outcome

L et’s see wh at the cu rrent board dec ides and let’s extend them the gr ace to hear- out the rationale info rm ing thei r decision.

Jonathan Livingston is a candidate for the OPRF High School Board of Education.

JONATHAN LIVINGSTON One View

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ELECTION, CONTESTS,REFERENDA/QUESTIONS

OF PUBLIC POLICY & POLLING PLACES

AVISO OFICIAL DE ELECCIONES, CONTIENDAS ELECTORALES, REFERENDOS/CUESTIONES DE POLÍTICA PÚBLICA Y LUGARES DE VOTACIÓN

OFFICIAL NOTICE: IS HERBY GIVEN, by Karen

A. Yarbrough, Cook County Clerk

that the Consolidated Election will be held in Suburban Cook County on:

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Martes 4 de Abril 2023

The Consolidated Election will be held in election precincts under the jurisdiction of the Election Division of the Cook County Clerk's Office.

La Elección consolidada se llevará a cabo en distritos electorales dentro de la jurisdicción de la División de Elecciones de la Oficina del Secretario del Condado de Cook.

The Polls for said Consolidated Election will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locations are subject to change as necessity requires.

En dicha Elección consolidada se podrá votar entre las 6 a.m. y las 7 p.m. Los lugares de votación están sujetos a cambios según la necesidad.

At the Consolidated Election the voters will vote on the following contests and referenda questions. Referenda/Questions of Public Policy will be voted upon in those precincts of Cook County under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Clerk in which a Unit of Local Government has requested the County Clerk’s Office to place said referenda/questions of public policy on the ballot.

En la Elección consolidada, los votantes emitirán su voto en las siguientes contiendas electorales y preguntas de referendos. Los referendos/cuestiones de política pública serán votados en aquellos distritos electorales del Condado de Cook dentro de la jurisdicción del Secretario del Condado de Cook en los cuales una Unidad de gobierno local le haya solicitado a la Oficina del Secretario del Condado que incluya en la boleta dichos referendos/cuestiones de política pública.

TOWNSHIP OF OAK PARK

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF POLLING PLACES

The voting will be conducted at the following polling places for each of the aforesaid election precincts selected by the Cook County Clerk.

votaciones tomaran lugar en cada de los antedichos precintos de elección seleccionados por el Cook County Clerk.

WardPolling Place Name Address City Zip Code

8500001HATCH SCHOOL 1000 N RIDGELAND AVEOAK PARK 60301

8500002ST GILES GLEESON BUILDING 1101 COLUMBIAN AVE OAK PARK 60302 8500003LONGFELLOW SCHOOL 715 HIGHLAND AVE OAK PARK 60304

8500004HORACE MANN SCHOOL 921 N KENILWORTH AVEOAK PARK 60302

8500005HORACE MANN SCHOOL 921 N KENILWORTH AVEOAK PARK 60302

8500006GWENDOLYN BROOKS MIDDLE SCHOOL325 S KENILWORTH AVEOAK PARK 60302

8500008DOLE LEARNING CENTER 255 AUGUSTA ST OAK PARK 60302

8500009PERCY

CENTRAL CHURCH 1154 WISCONSIN AVE

PARK CONSERVATORY 615 GARFIELD ST OAK PARK 60304

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 230 N CUYLER AVE OAK PARK 60302

IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL1125 S CUYLER AVE

JULIAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL416 S RIDGELAND AVE OAK PARK 60302

PARK TOWNSHIP SENIOR CENTER130 S OAK PARK AVE OAK PARK 60803

NOTE: The letter (N) following the polling place address denotes that the polling place itself is not accessible to the handicapped although other parts of the facility may be accessible. An exemption has been granted by the State Board of Elections and signs are posted indicating if the whole building is accessible or if there is a special entrance.

NOTA: La letra (N) después de la dirección de un lugar de votación indica que el lugar de votación en sí mismo no es accesible para personas discapacitadas, aunque otras partes del edificio pueden ser accesibles. La Junta Electoral del Estado ha concedido una exención y hay carteles publicados que indican si todo el edificio es accesible o si hay una entrada especial.

Dated at Chicago, Illinois this 22nd day of March 2023

Karen A. Yarbrough

Cook

County Clerk

cookcountyclerkil.gov

I’ve lear ned so much in the past four years. I star ted my campaign for village trustee in 2019 knowing that environmental sustainability and racial equity were priorities for me, and when I went door-to-door, residents let me know that development and proper ty taxes were impor tant to them. I paid attention, studied the issues, and spoke to people who know more than me. I am now more secure in my positions, and I’m always open to lear ning more. I’m one of those people who is not afraid to say, “Hmm, I never thought of it that way.”

I’m running for re-election for village trustee because I am excited to continue to drive the momentum we’ve created in village gover nment toward a just, thriving, net-zero village. I’ve been able to tur n my values into action in such areas as sustainability, policing, development, and maintaining a diverse community. I want to keep moving our village fo r-

AT

What I’ve learned as a trustee

ward toward a future wher our village is af fordable to whomever wants to live her feels included, and rece ives the services they need from a transparent and accessibl municipal gover nment.

As an occupational and environmental physician, public health researcher, and for mer family physician, I understand the impor tance of studying problems in de pth while listening to, and addressing the needs of, my patients and the communities I serve. I have provided the same quality of care to our village ’s residents. When I’m confronted with a new issue — and there are several on a weekly basis — I dive in to make sure I understand the various viewpoints. I seek out and listen to exper ts.

Isenberg w ill foster D90 excellence

I write to urge your vote for Eric Isenberg, candidate for the River Forest District 90 Board of Education.

I have known Eric for most of his life, and have watched him grow from talented young scholar to accomplished professional, loving husband and parent who, with Emily, chose our schools for his own children. I have continued to admire his inte g rity, his love of lear ning and his habit of evidence-based decision making

He is himself a product of River Forest schools, so Eric understands the impor tance of good school gover nance to every f amily and every student in our community Now he has stepped forward to help foster the educational excellence he, and we, so highly value.

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to vote for Eric Isenberg for D90.

Leah Marcus Ri v er Forest

Where to nd Michael Romain’s commentary

If you miss Michael Romain’s Wednesday Jour nal columns, and who doesn’t, you can read and subscribe to his work on Substack, https://michaelromain.substack.com. You can also

fur ther suppor t Michael by donating to his GoFundMe campaign, https:// www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-michael-romain.

Jim Poznak, Oak Park

The accomplishments I’m most proud of from my four ears on the village board include: facilitating the ad hoc sustainability group that made recommendations to the vilboard, resulting in energyficiency grants to low-income residents, rebates for solar panand our climate action plan ich puts our village on the path to net zero by 2050.

■ initiating and supporting the assessment of our police de par tment.

■ assuring that our Housing Center continues to receive funding so it can continue its vital role in kee ping our community diverse.

■ voting to approve transit-oriented developments that grow our economic base while promoting energy-ef ficient housing.

■ voting to keep our property tax increases to 3% for the past three years and 0% this year

■ supporting the formation of the Housing Trust Fund, which uses fees from developers to fund af fordable housing options.

Over the next four years I will ensure Oak Park continues to move forward. This means:

1) including initiatives in our municipal de par tments and in our village budget that move us toward our climate action goals,

2) driving action on the recommendations in the Ber ry Dunn re port on policing so that it doesn’t become a re port that collects dust on a shelf,

3) and continuing to use my voice and vote to promote progressive issues

Most impor tantly, I pledge to listen and take a dee per look at issues that concer n you. I’ ll always be willing to say “Hmm, I never thought of it that way.”

Brandhorst, Brisben, Livingston for D200

I am writing to express my support for Tim Brandhorst as a candidate for the OPRF High School District 200 Board of Education, which extends to Graham Brisben and Jonathan Livingston who are also r unning as candidates for the three open seats

Our community needs board members who will build upon the ef fective ef forts taken by the D200 board over the last decade to “right the ship” at OPRF and build a solid foundation upon which high school students in our community will thrive. T here is more work to be done, and it is my solid belief that Brandhorst, along with Brisben and Livingston, will seamlessly transition to the board ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into the challenges and oppor tunities we face to fur ther the school.

Tim has the compassion, self-awareness, critical thinking, consensus building, and energy the D200 board needs. His track record shows that his commitment to OPRF is sincere and vast, and his ability to seek input and collaboratively solve problems is unmatched. He spent countless hours as

a member of the Imagine OPRF working group, which helped develop a master plan for our facilities that will bring the building into alignment with 21 st-century lear ning needs. He understands Project 2 inside and out and will be an asset to the board and administration as this complex project unfolds. Tim’s volunteer ef for ts extend to participating on the OPRF Community Council, serving on the board of Applause, and participating on the River Forest Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group He’s the real deal.

We need committed leaders on the D200 Board who will bring a spirit of active leadership that will role model for all of us what productive par tnership and constructive debate look like. We also need board members who remember that, ultimately, the needs and well-being of all our children are at the center of every decision they make.

Please cast your vote for Brandhorst, Brisben, and Livingston on April 4.

Alison Welch Oak Park resident and OPRF Parent

Brian Straw will address villagers’ concerns

I am writing to ask for your vote for the newest Oak Park Village Trustee candidate, Brian Straw. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Brian a bit this winter, and I am impressed. When we first met, we got straight into discussing issues — housing, equity, local economics (including that everpresent tax burden). It was clear from the word go that Brian is intelligent, has fresh and viable ideas, and is a voice for progressive policies.

But where he really stands out is his temperament, experience, and passion for social justice Brian is an intelligent litigator, yes, but he is also a caring father and husband, a great conversationalist, and someone who truly “walks the talk.” From working the Obama campaign at his alma mater (University of Michigan), to representing transgender people and asylum seekers pro bono, to serving locally in Oak Park on the Transportation Commission, Brian has a proven

Souders would bene t the District 200 board

record of service. He is the “whole package” when it comes to a trustee candidate.

And as important it is to me that a candidate represent my values, it is equally important to me that representatives have the chops to address the nuts and bolts work of a trustee Platitudes only get so far when it comes to municipal gover nance. When a street is blocked by a pile of leaves, a sidewalk is broken, an intersection is unsafe for walkers, bikers, and drivers alike, and parking burdens negatively impact renters, homeowners, and small businesses, we need people on the board who will listen and work to address these more mundane issues promptly and with care Those are the issues that, when properly addressed, make Oak Park the best place to live and raise our kids.

So, please join me and vote for Brian.

Andrea Button

Former Oak Park villa ge trustee

Graham Brisben does his homework

Early voting has already started for the April 4 election, and there are four candidates running for three seats for the District 200 (OPRF High School) board. I strongly encourage everyone to vote for three candidates, and to include Graham Brisben as one of their three votes Graham and I served together on the District 97 board from 2013 to 2017, and I know that his commitment, skill set, and experiences will be invaluable to the D200 board.

What sets Graham apart is his demonstrated commitment to do his homework by listening carefully, asking clarifying questions, and seeking to understand the issues in order to build the necessary consensus around decisions that put students first.

As the D200 board continues to address three intertwined issues — equity, fiscal stewardship, and facilities — Graham’s experience, while serving as a D97 board representative to its finance and facilities committee, will let him hit the ground running

To be absolutely clear, the equity, fiscal stewardship, and facilities issues facing D200 in 2023-2027 are very different from

those that D97 was facing a decade ago. However, the knowledge and experience he gained, in hearing and questioning the options presented by the administration, working with citizen committees, listening to public commitment, building public trust, and reaching consensus, are directly transferrable to the current D200 issues

My four years of board service with Graham gives me absolute confidence that he will be an immediate and positive contributor as a new member of the D200 board, especially in the areas of fiscal stewardship and facilities, and in a year in which no incumbents are running. Most important, in my dozen years of knowing him, I have no doubt that he will make decisions that prioritize equitable outcomes and the best interest of students.

Do your homework (https://g raham4d200.com), and I’m confident you will ag ree that Graham Brisben deserves one of your three votes for the District 200 Board.

Bob Spatz Oak Park

I am writing in support of Brian Souders’ election to the OPRF District 200 school board. I am a 32-year resident of Oak Park and have known Brian for many years, mostly as a companion in our early Saturday mor ning foursome at Silver Lake Country Club He is a real student of the game, as he is of most things in life, and he’s a pleasure to lear n from.

But the real action, as is so often the case with golf, occurs at the 19th hole — the lunch dates following our games The conversations at those luncheons cover multiple topics. Brian is an active participant in all the conversations and a person who demonstrates a profound interest in the

Oak Park community and particularly in our schools.

He follows the news, is thoroughly conversant with the issues we face as a community, and backs up his assertions with a thorough review of the relevant facts. He takes ear nest interest in the views of others, and is always willing to express himself and his ideas with passion, articulateness, and a thorough understanding of multiple viewpoints.

In my view, Brian Souders would make an excellent addition to the OPRF District 200 school board.

John Hillman Oak Park

Isenberg will foster D90 excellence

I write to urge your vote for Eric Isenberg, candidate for the River Forest District 90 Board of Education.

I have known Eric for most of his life, and have watched him grow from talented young scholar to accomplished professional, loving husband and parent who, with Emily, chose our schools for his own children. I have continued to admire his inte grity, his love of lear ning and his habit of evidence-based decision making

He is himself a product of River Forest schools, so Eric understands the importance of good school gover nance to every family and every student in our community. Now he has ste pped forward to help foster the educational excellence he, and we, so highly value

We are for tunate to have the oppor tunity to vote for Eric Isenberg for D90.

Leah Marcus Ri v er Forest

Re-elect Trustee Jim Taglia

Every board needs a Jim Taglia, and in Oak Park we are lucky enough to have the actual Jim Taglia on the village board. We are happy to endorse him and hope that you will vote for him on April 4 so that he can continue to bring his dedication, thoughtfulness, and financial acumen to the board.

Jim puts his head down and does the work. He doesn’t grandstand. Serving as a trustee has never been about him. For Jim, being a village trustee is all about helping to improve the community

He always shows up thoroughly prepared and works incredibly hard for Oak Park, constantly meeting with constituents and digging into the data around the issues facing the board. He has a unique ability to grasp complex issues, but just as importantly, he

works tirelessly with others to find solutions. Jim is an outstanding fiscal manager. He recognizes the heavy burden that taxes place on all Oak Parkers, and he is always the first to urge his colleagues to spend wisely. He has worked to advance important racial equity initiatives, helping to foster a more diverse, accepting, and inclusive village. He has been a strong advocate of public safety for all Oak Parkers, and he insists on a high level of excellence and accountability from our first responders.

The Oak Park Village Board needs his experience, perspective, and temperament. Jim is a true public servant. Please join us in casting a vote for Jim Taglia.

Glenn Brewer, Adam Salzman & Bob Tucker Former Oak Park trustees

Straw, Buchanan will address gun violence and climate

Local elections can have profound effects on our daily lives and well-being, which is why I’m recommending Brian Straw and Susan Buchanan for village trustee.

Brian is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to address gun violence in our community. As a parent, I want my local government to prioritize gun violence prevention, as firearms are now the leading cause of death for children in this country. Brian understands the complexity of this public health crisis, and has put forth a thoughtful, evidence-based platform that addresses root causes of violence, as well as immediate interventions like secure firearm storage awareness and the intentional distribution of gun locks. We need Brian Straw

Boutet, Taglia, and Wesley for Oak Park trustee

to champion prioritizing gun violence prevention on the village board.

We already have a sustainability champion in Susan Buchanan, and should re-elect her so she can continue to prioritize sustainable development in our community. There is no doubt that the climate crisis is an existential threat, and Susan has proven that she will continue to approach her commitment to climate action with the urgency necessary to meet the moment.

We should elect Susan Buchanan and Brian Straw to the village board, as they are committed to the priorities that will guide Oak Park to a safer, healthier future.

Jenna Leving Jacobson Oak Park

Brandhorst: vibrant thinker for vibrant school

I have had the pleasure of working with Tim Brandhorst on a few River Forest and District 90 initiatives over the last six years and have found him to be an excellent listener as well as someone who gets things done. I think his ability to come up with plans that take into account many people’s preferences and needs is critical when it comes to serving on a large high school board.

Complex issues need careful analysis and Tim’s background as an attorney devoted to public service makes him an excellent candidate for the District 200 school board. He supports Imagine Project 2 and served on its working group with the goal of providing stu-

dents with facilities suitable for 21st-century learning.

He also strongly embraces the Honors for All curriculum initiative, and will closely track the available data and progress of this important initiative in order to provide all that may be necessary for it to succeed in the long term. He supports the racial equity policy, and supports the use of a racial equity assessment process in determining future facilities priorities.

Please consider a vote for Tim Brandhorst, a vibrant thinker for a vibrant school.

Beth Vlerick River Forest

Taglia embraces social goals, e cient government

When Jim Taglia joined the Oak Park Village Board, the village was boosting its property tax levy by 5% each year. The 2023 budget has no increase in the levy. A lot of people contributed to that change, and Jim was one of them. Taglia’s often quiet, behind-the-scenes work embraces efficient government in Oak

Park. Yet it also embraces the community’s social, diversity and equity programs. Reelecting Jim Taglia can help Oak Park meet multiple objectives in a way that helps to keep the village af fordable.

Jim Peters Oak Park

Here in Oak Park, we’re for tunate to have three excellent, experienced candidates running for village trustee. All three clearly do their homework and show up for board meetings fully prepared.

Simone Boutet has previous experience as assistant village attorney and trustee. With a notable decline in Oak Park’s perceived safety, I appreciate her balanced focus on combatting crime and increasing public trust in our police. Her lawyer’s perspective will be valuable.

As a longtime resident of nor th Oak Park, I appreciate that Jim Taglia has supported the revitalization of North Avenue, and those living near it, longer and more consistently than any

other trustee. He’s showing similar concern for Roosevelt Road and those who live nearby. He brings needed perspective as a successful business owner, but he’s willing to oppose businesses when he thinks it’s best for the village as a whole, like limiting gas station operating hours.

Cory Wesley is a very smart, openminded person who also has the courage of his convictions. He too has a valuable business perspective, deepened by chairing the Oak Park Economic Development Commission. He is also the only African American person on the board, and that perspective is valuable as well.

Joe Graber Oak Park

Vote for Brian Straw

I’m writing to support the candidacy of Brian Straw, who is running for Oak Park village trustee.

As I’ve gotten to know Brian over the past months, I’ve experienced him to be a committed and thoughtful leader whose skills, vision and balanced nature will serve our community well. His work as an attorney has equipped him with the capacity to analyze issues from all sides, to problem-solve, and to provide thoughtful input regardless of the issue.

He has demonstrated his problemsolving capacity in his role as a member of the Village Transportation Commission and has utilized his listening skills and long-term perspective to bring together opposing viewpoints and build on common interests to find mutually b

tainabilit

conversations strong knowledge across many topic areas — and the sense to know what he doesn’t know and to seek technical guidance and input from others.

He also understands that to have a plan is one thing, but to implement that plan with community engagement and technical support is how change gets done. He understands how important it is for our community leaders to play a regional role in sustainability and other issue areas, and that collaborating across communities is the tide that will help to raise all boats.

On top of his skills and collaborative nature, Brian is a wonderful representation of the best our community has to offer.

I urge you to vote for Brian Straw for

Taglia stepped up to help

We were dismayed to lear n of Jim Taglia’s injury and resulting dif ficulty attending campaign events We and our neighbors owe a great deal to him, and strongly support his re-election.

For nearly 20 years, our block of 1150 S. Cuyler has tried to get the attention of public of ficials both in Oak Park and Berwyn re garding safety issues in our neighborhood that stem from a particular Berwyn business. In all those years, no public of fice-holder has shown interest in hearing us, let alone helping us find a solution.

But after lear ning of our plight, Jim Taglia ste pped up and of fered to assist. Despite a crowded schedule, he made the time to talk extensively with, and then meet with, a group of us in one of our homes, and hash out ideas and potential solutions He took calls, texts and emails from us He assisted us in securing the attention of the Oak Park police chief, which led to a community meeting attended by do zens of neighbors, top of ficers with the police de par tment, and a number of elected of ficials.

Jim Taglia’s attention to, and care for, the dangerous matter at hand, and the entire southeast cor ner of Oak Park in general, was refreshing and appreciated more than we can express After so many years of trying without success to capture an of ficeholders’ attention, we have been buoyed by Jim Taglia’s responsiveness, devotion to our cause and commitment to serving the public

He is the very definition of a responsive public servant.

Jennifer Halperin, Stacey Hendricks, & Glen Moore Oak Park

Straw will improve tra c safety

I walk my do g outside the building where I live every day. As my do g circles around and around on the parkway, searching for the perfect spot to pee, I watch the intersection just nor th of my building. I never count the cars, but my guess is that at least half the number of cars I see approach the four-way stop drive too fast, don’t use their tur n signals, or don’t come to a complete stop if they slow down at all. What I see scares me, but my concer n is nothing compared to the trauma experienced by family and friends who lose loved ones because of vehicle-related fatalities in Oak Park.

What I write in this letter is nothing new. Over social media pages and at meetings across the village, Oak Park residents raise their concer ns about the threat that unsafe driving and unsafe transpor tation networks create for pedestrians, bikers, and other drivers These concer ns have been raised long before now.

What does feel new is a growing sense of urgency — a will to translate those concer ns into action. The village has ear marked money for a Vision Zero Plan, a plan to improve traf fic safety and eliminate fatalities

Based on comments from candidates running for village trustee in the April election, there seems to be a commitment to create a plan. Of those on the ballot, I am most excited about Brian Straw, a candidate who appears ready to fight not only for a plan, but for the implementation of a strong, well-thought-out plan. He appears ready to fight for Oak Park to transition from a village riddled with traf fic safety problems, to a village where people are safe walking, rolling, biking, and driving.

Gary Arnold Oak Park

Village board candidate report card

The Center West Oak Park Neighborhood Association (CWOPNA) recently sponsored one of the best-attended candidate for ums for the April 4 Oak Park village trustee election. All five candidates participated, and more than 100 people attended on Zoom. Based on candidates’ statements and input from attendees, CWOPNA has issued a single-issue report card on the topic of the forum: How candidates plan to better balance resident and developer needs, which in recent years has tipped heavily in favor of developers.

All candidates gave thoughtful, infor med answers, and pledged to be open to neighborhood concer ns when deciding on future developments. Here is CWOPNA’s Report Card:

Brian Straw, A+

Mr. Straw said the process for development should be refor med to give residents a meaningful say from the beginning. By the time community input enters the process, it feels like the cake is already baked, he said. Straw said it makes sense to reduce the maximum height — now 125 feet — in the Rush Oak Park Hospital district. He noted that the parking garage approved by the village board, but later shelved by the hospital, would have towered over the neighborhood

Susan Buchanan, A

Dr. Buchanan said she could not comment on how she’d vote on a proposal pending before the Plan Commission on May 4 that would make the allowable height at Rush Oak Park Hospital match West Suburban Hospital. However, she said it’s reasonable to question why the hospitals currently have different rules

Cory Wesley, B+

Mr. Wesley said Oak Park’s zoning ordinance relies on exceptions rather than rules. He said he

has the courage to change the ordinance when necessary to create fairness and justice for those negatively impacted by zoning issues. He said he is accountable and transparent and has the ability to change my mind when presented with compelling alter native opinions

Simone Boutet, B

Ms. Boutet said she has a 50-50 record on development, noting she voted against the Albion apar tment building. She said the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation needs transparency. If a project appears too large, it should be set back, rather than go to the street line. She said she prefers developments that relate and stagger instead of something that just comes at you.

James Taglia, B

Mr Taglia said he supported American House on Madison Street because Oak Park needs more senior housing, but voted against a townhouse development on 300 block of South Home because it was too dense and out of context with the historic nature of the neighborhood. He can’t say yet how he would vote on the proposed Rush Oak Park Hospital re zoning, but added that the proposal is a fair and reasonable request for residents to make.

We thank the candidates for participating in the forum, and whoever wins, we look forward to working with them on this critical issue. For more information on CWOPNA and the Report Card, email cwopna@gmail.com

Anne Frueh, Bruno Graziano, David Osta, Jim Ritter, Mike Weik Candidates Committee Center West Oak Park Neighborhood Association

Souders will bring an independent view

I write in support of Brian Souders for the District 200 school board. I have known Brian for more than a decade through our work to g ether strengthening and expanding a Cub Scout pack and, later, a Boy Scout troop in Oak Park . Throughout this time, I have found Brian an able par tner He is committed to open communication between leaders, parents, and youth. He is committed to sound financial stewardship and transparency — both in nonprofits we’ve r un to g ether and in school finances

His commitment to equity is similarly genuine, and he has demonstrated through his insis-

tence that our scouting org anizations provide g enerous scholarships and never tur n away a boy who wants to join. While most parents lose interest in Scouting once their own children move on, Brian’s commitment to this significant volunteer service has far outlasted his child’s involvement. That’s dedication.

Our board will be much stronger if Brian’s inde pendent perspective and voice are at the table with them.

Kevin Brubaker Oak Park

Souders understands transparency

I strongly support Brian Souders for District 200 school board. At this very impor tant time in our district, I believe he has the right skill set, and a point of view that is needed on the board. He will also bring a diversity of viewpoints and inde pendent thought.

Particularly with fiscal matters, Brian looks at the big picture, and will search for a common-sense solution while balancing many competing interests. He

has a keen understanding that OPRF is just one of many taxing bodies in our town, yet is heavily responsible for the tax burden and ultimate af fordability in our communities

Most impor tantly, he understands the power of communication and transparency. Too often D200 has been criticized for failing to adequately address important issues with the community in a timely and transparent manner. Brian

understands that communication is crucial, and that trust must be ear ned by our elected of ficials every day. He will work every day to build those strong, trusting relationships with the entire community

On April 4, I hope you will join me and vote for Brian Souders for the OPRF school board.

Annemarie Kill Oak Park

Jim Taglia came through for us

I am writing to voice my support for Jim Taglia for village trustee. Our block had been having issues with a Berwyn bar for several years beginning in 2018. There were weekly occurrences of public urination in our front yards, broken glass, empty liquor/beer bottles, drinking/fighting and drunk driving to name just a few of our neighborhood’s issues.

After we would contact the police, we found out they could only do so much as the business was located in Berwyn. We’d contact Berwyn and they’d just be dismissive at best. We all knew that these incidents would just escalate, and that people would get hurt.

We contacted the mayor and village trustees for help and guidance. The only person to ever contact us was Jim Taglia. He has proven time and again to be a good trustee for the village. Mr. Taglia took it upon himself to contact Alderman Nowak, Mayor Lovero of Berwyn, the Berwyn police and the business owner to come to a resolution to this problem.

Things never really improved from Berwyn’s side and our frustration grew We were just an extension of their parking lot. In the meantime, Taglia walked us through our options and was available to answer any questions. Someone was shot on Oct. 18, 2020 at the West Central Seventh Day Adventist Church. This was exactly what we were trying to prevent from happening. Not until then did we hear from the mayor and the rest of our trustees We were finally able to extend our “no parking” hours and decrease some of these incidents. This resolution would never have occurred without Jim Taglia’s diligence as our village trustee.

As of late, our Oak Park neighbors have been having similar issues with disorderly conduct, garbage and multiple shootings east of us (Grove, Highland, Cuyler and Ridgeland). We attended one of the meetings As usual Jim Taglia was there to see how he could help. He has not forgotten about our block. He continually checks in to see how our situation is progressing and to of fer his help.

He has proven to us that he has Oak Park’s best interest at heart. He is always available to hear our concerns and his responsiveness proves that. Jim Taglia will continue to serve Oak Parkers well.

Paul Moore, Oak Park

Are developers ‘climate ready’?

The recently proposed residential project at Chicago and Ridgeland is a welcome reminder that Oak Park remains attractive to real estate developers. The question is: Will these developers, and many others, incorporate Climate Ready Oak Park goals in their blueprints?

As our community’s vintage architecture attests, a building can last for decades or a century. The village urgently needs an updated ordinance requiring that new buildings be all-electric, along with stringent requirements for energy conservation and efficiency to create airtight exterior building envelopes. Resulting structures may cost no more to build, while greater operating efficiency paired with all-electric energy makes them healthier and more comfortable for occupants and better for the planet. Soon, such buildings will also command a market advantage, attracting buyers and renters attuned to the cache of renewable energ y, induction cooking, and assurance of healthy indoor air quality, along with on-site EV charging.

Residential energy use from fossil gas makes up two-thirds of Oak Park’s heattrapping atmospheric emissions. If the village is serious about meeting its own goals for reducing our community’s contribution to climate disruption, it must ensure that our new buildings are futurefacing, not investments in the past.

Laura Derks Oak Park

OBITUARIES John Dennis, 91 Writer and dreamer

Known to most as John Dennis (born Jackie Joseph Goonan — but eternally Jack Dennis) died peacefully on March 12, just shy of his 92nd birthday; surrounded by love, classical music, and family — including his wife of 61 years, Melanie Eastburn Dennis.

Pursuing their shared love of the theater, John and Melanie first met at auditions for Rumpelstiltskin at a community theater in Oak Park. Cast in the roles of Rumpelstiltskin and the miller’s daughter, they fell in love-at-first-sight and spent the rest of their lives “spinning gold out of straw.”

He came from strong Irish stock, a man who loved deeply, cared strongly, and believed wholehear tedly in synchronicity. He followed his dreams, figuratively and literally. He always travelled the road less taken which was what made his life the grand adventure it was. With each idea,

Kate Marciniak, 68 Writer, story analyst, educator

Catherine (Kate) Vianney Marciniak, 68, died on March 5, 2023. With her indomitable, gutsy spirit, she fought whatever cancer threw her way, until our warrior was ready to rest and died peacefully, joining her parents, Edward and ginia Marciniak.

Born in Chicago and an an early age, she had natural talents r drawing and music, a Liszt or Grieg piano h practice. Among her many gifts, she finally settled on writing and communications, earning her BA/MA at the University of Il-

interaction, and project, he strove to leave an indelible mark on his communities. John believed in the goodness of others and always tried to see people’s good qualities, giving them the benefit of the doubt. He would often say how lucky he was to have the family and devoted friends he had, and what a blessing his life was.

He was the oldest of five and adored his four siblings. He treasured most being the father of his six children. He was the “Papa” of 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, for whom he unfailingly generated adventures, whimsy, farfetched tall-tales, and endless silly songs.

He was also a phenomenal whistler, a master pumpkin-carver, and an avid lawn-game player. He swore by his daily calisthenics and his cheater’s-diet (he never met a dessert he didn’t like). He was funny, witty, and a pun-master. He had an uncanny sense of direction, and his penmanship was second-to-none.

Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, he moved to Connecticut, Chicago, Maine, Vermont, Indiana, and eventually landed back in Vermont for good in 2016. He was a prolific writer — memoirs, poems, political speeches, musical productions, marketing for various health, youth, and senior organizations and initiatives, and countless children’s books, plays, and animated shorts. As a jack of all trades

linois.

Despite Midwest roots, Kate spent most of her adult life in Los Angeles working and teaching in the entertainment industry. Her expertise as a professional story analyst led to countless projects for multiple studios, including Disney, HBO, CBS, Miramax, DreamWorks SKG, Showtime, War ner Brothers, William Morris/Endeavor, 20th Century Fox, and Amazon Studios. She produced programming for NPR and C-SPAN, and was the co-director of the Downtown LA Film Festival (2004-2013) and the first Silver Lake Film Festival. Later she taught as adjunct faculty at UCLA. She passed down her passion for her chosen field to prospective students, saying, “Screenwriting is both an art and a craft. It entails letting your own original voice come out to create a compelling story and memorable characters. It also entails following some rules that seem blatant to story analysts but that are missed by most screenwriters. I love artistry that is given form through structure.”

She leaves behind many wonderful friends

and master of some, he worked many odd and wildly varied jobs and careers while honing and pursuing his writing craft; eventually earning his PhD in Communications and Social Marketing from Union Institute later in life.

Writing was John’s lifeblood, and Melanie was his muse, editor, costumer, actress, accountant, cheerleader, critic, and biggest supporter. Melanie watched over him all their years together, knowing he would rather write than eat or slee p. Their love was vast and their hope was dee p.

Jackie, Jack, John, John darling, Dad, Grampy, Papa will be missed, but he will be remembered and celebrated as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, father-figure to many, and dedicated friend. Even if you weren’ t for tunate enough to know him, please know that the world is a better place because he was in it for his time.

Because John dedicated most of his life and writing-career to advocating and creating for kids and seniors, we are asking (in lieu of flowers) for donations to be made in his name to any local-to-you child or senior-centered organization of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held on a future date when the family can make plans and arrangements.

and her family, including sisters Christina (Michael Brown) and Claudia (Steven Puiszis), both of Oak Park, and Francesca (John) Edwardson; nieces and nephews Meagan, Catherine (Daniel Brodzik), and Lizzie Brown; Steve, Claire, and Michael Puiszis; and Jack (Katie) and Brendan Maher; grandniece/nephew Hailey Brodzik and Gary Maher and her many Marciniak/ Barta/Volini relatives.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Theater, Film, Television student scholarship fund at UCLA https://www.tft.ucla. edu/giving-to-tft, or to the USC Norris Cancer Center Community Outreach & Engagement fund at https://giveto.usc.edu. The personalized note section should indicate: “For USC Norris Community Outreach & Engagement Fund (GF1017958)”.

A celebration of her life will be held in Oak Park, April 15, at Trattoria 225, located at 225 Harrison. The celebration service begins 11:15 a.m., followed by fellowship and food. A celebration is also planned in Los Angeles on April 22.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call for more info.

708-738-3848

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Riverside Department of Public Works is seeking energetic, responsible, and motivated applicants who enjoy working outdoors. This is a part-time, seasonal position lasting from approximately May through September. Applicants will be expected to work up to 40 hrs. per week or as scheduled by staff. Primary tasks will include, but not limited to: cutting grass, maintaining athletic fields, general facilities maintenance, flushing hydrants, reading water meters, installing water meters, cleaning/televising sewers, assisting full-time employees, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be 18 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug/ alcohol screening.

Applications can be downloaded from the Village website at www. riverside.il.us or picked up at the Riverside Village Hall located at 27 Riverside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546. Completed applications should be submitted to the Riverside Village Hall or the Riverside Public Works Department, 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Pay rate is $18/hr.

The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT MANAGER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Collective Impact Manager in the Village Manager’s Office. Under the general direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, the Collective Impact Manager will be responsible for building and assessing racial equity impact needs and developing a strategic plan to support those needs. This includes driving the initiatives focused on the Racial Equity Action Plan through community assessments, community engagement, data functions, and overall internal and external functions. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline. com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537117711 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

SEASONAL FARMER’S MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmer’s Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmer’s Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

Property Manager sought by 425 West St James LLC in Chicago, IL to pln & dir apt vwngs & leasng of resdntl real est proprts. Reqs HS

Dipl/GED or equiv & trvl to prprts w/ in Chicagoland area as needed. Mst hv perm auth to wrk in US. Snd rsm & cvr lttr to 1145 W Drummond Pl, Chicago, IL 60614.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHURCH MUSICIAN Church Musician IS Available for church services. Experienced, professional, with music degree. Can teach adults and children. Reads music and plays by ear, Hymns, praise & worship anthems, spirituals, contemporary, etc. Call: 312-909-0381.

CARS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James • 630-201-8122

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

CLASSICS WANTED

Collector James 630-201-8122

Restored or Unrestored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James 630-201-8122

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUMMONS (Family Law)

CITACIÓN (Derecho familiar)

CASE NUMBER (NÚMERO DE CASO): HF22130927

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Name): AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): ANGELO C GALLARDO

You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.

Petitioner’s name is: Nombre del demandante: MERCEDITA M. GALLARDO

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS

ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

AVISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN

LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya

recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

1. The name and address of the court are (El nombre y dirección de la corte son): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, 24405 AMADOR STREET, HAYWARD, CA 94544 - FAMILY LAW DIVISION

2. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): SATNESH S. PRASAD, 607 LONGWOOD AVE., HAYWARD, CA 94541

Date (Fecha): OCT 21, 2022

CHAD FINKE, Clerk, by (Secretario, por) SARAH GOUVEIA, Deputy (Asistente)

[SEAL]

Published in the Wednesday Journal March 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010231 on February 23, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of BTE MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES with the business located at: 5927 W. CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ERIN WILLIAMS 5927 W. CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Published in Wednesday Journal March 8, 15, 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2023

Time: 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: Dole Branch/Dole Center, Oak Park Library, 255 Augusta St., Oak Park, IL 60302

Subject Property Address(es): 505 N. Ridgeland, Oak Park, IL

Proposed Development: 5-story apartment building with parking

Purpose of Meeting: Pre-Planned Development Submittal Discussion

Contacts: Ambrosia Homes, Tim Pomaville, 312-437-8292, tim.pomaville@gmail. com

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010313 on March 14, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of AADEL ISTAMBULE with the business located at: 1500 ROBIN CIRCLE #212, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60169. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: AADEL ABDALMONEAM ISTAMBULE 1500 ROBIN CIRCLE #212, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60169

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 29, April 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010328 on March 16, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of MADAM STYLES with the business located at 2545 W. CATALPA AVE. APT 4C, CHICAGO, IL 60625. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TOTIANNA POLK 2545 W. CATALPA AVE. APT 4C, CHICAGO, IL 60625

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 29, April 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request of bids for the Park District of Oak Park’s Barrie Park Renovations, 1011 S. Lombard, Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for the Barrie Park Renovations., Oak Park. The project consists of new playgrounds, surfacing, site demolition, grading, landscaping, drainage, shade structures, fitness equipment, and more. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Friday, April 14th , 2023, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the link below as of 5:00 pm Wednesday, March 22, 2023. A non-mandatory on-site pre-bid meeting for contractors will be held at 10:00 am on April 6th at 1011 S. Lombard St, Oak Park. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via this link: https://www.demandstar.com/ app/buyers/bids/410256

For additional information, contact Chris Lindgren at chris.lindgren@ pdop.org or (708) 725 2050. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park strongly encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park

By: Chris Wollmuth, Secretary

Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Bidders Village of Forest Park

Time and Place of Opening of Bids:

Sealed proposals for the improvement described below will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois 60130, until 10:00 o’clock A.M., March 30, 2023.

Bids will be accepted ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service. A virtual bid opening will be held at the day and time of the bid closing.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81803711678?pwd=RXpHRFBVSTdSdnloTzRRY24rWWQ0Zz09

Meeting ID: 818 0371 1678

Passcode: 178991

Description of Work:

Name: 2023 Alley Improvements

Location: 900 Block Alley Dunlop-Lathrop, 1100 Block Alley Circle-Marengo

Proposed Improvement: Reconstruction of alleys with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement, subbase granular material, storm sewer and drainage structures, driveway, curb and sidewalk removal and replacement.

Bidders Instructions: The bidding forms and documents are available from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., at www. questcdn.com using login #8427030, upon payment of the sum of Fifty and 00/100 DOLLARS ($50.00), which is not refundable. A QuestCDN login will be required. Contact QuestCDN. com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance. Contractors must purchase bid documents and be shown on the Bidder’s Planholder List in order to bid. Bids received from contractors who are not in the Bidder’s Planholder List will be rejected.

By Order of: Village of Forest Park, Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, (Awarding Authority)

Published in Forest Park Review March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice to Bidders Village of Forest Park

Time and Place of Opening of Bids:

Sealed proposals for the improvement described below will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois 60130, until 10:00 o’clock A.M., March 30, 2023.

Bids will be accepted ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service. A virtual bid opening will be held at the day and time of the bid closing. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81803711678?pwd=RXpHRFBVSTdSdnloTzRRY24rWWQ0Zz09

Meeting ID: 818 0371 1678

Passcode: 178991

Description of Work:

Name: 2023 Water Main Replacement

Location: Ferdinand Ave/ from Roosevelt Rd. to Harrison, Wilcox Avenue from RR to Des Plaines Ave. Proposed Improvement: Watermain replacement, water service replacements, storm sewer removal and replacement, sewer structure adjustments.

Bidders Instructions: The bidding forms and documents are available from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., at www. questcdn.com using login #8428089, upon payment of the sum of Fifty and 00/100 DOLLARS ($50.00), which is not refundable. A QuestCDN login will be required. Contact QuestCDN. com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance. Contractors must purchase bid documents and be shown on the Bidder’s Planholder List in order to bid. Bids received from contractors who are not in the Bidder’s Planholder List will be rejected.

By Order of: Village of Forest Park, Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, (Awarding Authority)

Published in Forest Park Review March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Annual Town Meeting

Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of the Town of Riverside, in the County of Cook, and the State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said town will take place on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, being the second Tuesday of the month, at the hour of 6:01 pm, at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL, for the transaction of miscellaneous business of the said town; and after a Moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider reports of the officers, and decide on such measures as may, in the pursuance of the law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider & decide on the following:

Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Election of the Moderator, Oath of the Moderator, Approval of the Minutes from the Last Annual Town Meeting, New Business, Township Reports, Setting the date for the next Annual Town Meeting, and Adjournment.

Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township

March 14, 2023

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Riverside Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance and Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of Riverside Township that the Township Board has drafted a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year. Copies of said Budget and Ordinance are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, in the Township Office at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. A Public Hearing on the Budget and Ordinance will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 6:45 pm in Room 4 of the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL.

Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township

March 14, 2023

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

The Riverside Township will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in its Board Room at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive comments on the proposal to sell the following bonds:

Not to exceed $500,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2023 to pay the costs of maintenance, including painting, of the H. Wallace Caldwell Bridge, also known as the Riverside Township Pedestrian Bridge, over the DesPlaines River.

At the public hearing, the Township will explain the reasons for the proposed bond issue and permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present written or oral testimony within reasonable time limits. The hearing may be adjourned to another date without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes fixing the time, place, and date of the reconvened meeting.

JAY REYES, Township Clerk

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS ORDINANCE NO. 2023-2

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2023 OF RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

WHEREAS, Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois (“Township”), is a duly organized and existing Township created under the provisions of the laws of the State of Illinois, and operates in accordance with the provisions of the Township Code (60 ILCS 1/1-1, et seq.), the Omnibus Bond Acts (5 ILCS 70/8), and the Local Government Debt Reform Act, as amended (30 ILCS 350/1, et seq.) (collectively, the “Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Township is authorized under the provisions of §235-10 of the Township Code to levy a tax for all Township purposes in an amount not to exceed 0.25% (“Corporate Tax Levy”), which qualifies as a revenue source as defined in §3 of the Local Government Debt Reform Act; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Township Trustees (“Board”) has considered and determined that it is advisable, necessary and in the best interest of the Township to pay the costs of maintenance, including painting, of the H. Wallace Caldwell Bridge, also known as the Riverside Township Pedestrian Bridge, over the DesPlaines River (“Project”); and

WHEREAS, the estimated costs of the Project, including legal, financial, underwriting, capitalized interest, if any, bond discount, printing and publication costs, and other expenses is not less than $500,000, and there are insufficient funds on hand and lawfully available to pay such costs; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary and for the best interests of the Township that the Project be undertaken and in order to finance the cost thereof, it will be necessary for the Township to borrow not to exceed $500,000

and in evidence thereof to issue alternate bonds, being general obligation bonds payable from the Corporate Tax Levy (“Pledged Revenues”), as authorized to be issued at this time pursuant to the Local Government Debt Reform Act (“Alternate Bonds”); and

WHEREAS, if the above-mentioned Pledged Revenues are insufficient to pay the Alternate Bonds, ad valorem property taxes upon all taxable property in the Township without limitation as to rate and amount are authorized to be extended to pay the principal of and interest on the Alternate Bonds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Township Trustees of Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois, as follows:

Section 1. Incorporation of Preambles. The Board hereby find that all of the recitals contained in the preambles to this ordinance are true, complete and correct and hereby incorporate them into this ordinance by this reference.

Section 2. Determination to Issue Bonds. It is necessary and in the best interests of the Township to provide for the Project as hereinabove described, and there is hereby authorized to be issued and sold the Alternate Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500,000. The alternate revenue source to pay debt service on the Alternate Bonds is the Corporate Tax Levy.

Section 3. Publication and Notice. This Ordinance, together with a notice in statutory form (“Notice”) shall be published once within ten days after passage in the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, being a newspaper of general circulation in the Township, and if no petition, signed by 905 electors of the Township, the same being equal to 7.5% of the registered voters within the Township, asking that the question of the issuance of the Alternate Bonds in the amount not to exceed $500,000 be submitted to referendum is filed with the Township Clerk within 30 days after the date of the publication of this Ordinance and the Notice, then the Alternate Bonds shall be authorized to be issued. A petition form shall be provided by the Township Clerk at the principal office of the Township located at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

Section 4. Additional Ordinances. If no petition meeting the requirements of applicable law is filed during the petition period hereinabove referred to, then the Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees may pass additional ordinances or proceedings supplementing or amending this Ordinance, providing for the issuance and sale of the Alternate Bonds, so long as the maximum amount of the Alternate Bonds, as set forth in this Ordinance is not exceeded and there is no material change in the Project or purposes described herein. Such additional ordinances or proceedings shall in all instances become effective in accordance with applicable law. This Ordinance, together with such additional ordinances or proceedings, shall constitute complete authority for the issuance of the Alternate Bonds under applicable law.

Section 5. Severability and Repealer. If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be held invalid, the invalidity of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Ordinance. All ordinances, resolutions or orders, or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions

PUBLIC NOTICES

of this Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed.

Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be immediately in full force and effect after passage.

PASSED: March 14, 2023. /s/ VERA

A. WILT, Township Supervisor

ATTEST: /s/ JAY REYES, Township Clerk

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE

BONDS AND RIGHT TO FILE PETITION

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Ordinance No. 2023-2 passed March 14, 2023 (“Ordinance”), Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois (“Township”), intends to issue its general obligation alternate revenue bonds (“Alternate Bonds”) at one time or from time to time as funds are needed up to the amount of but in any event not to exceed $500,000 in aggregate principal amount, in order to pay the costs of maintenance, including painting, of the H. Wallace Caldwell Bridge, also known as the Riverside Township Pedestrian Bridge, over the DesPlaines River.

It is expected that the Alternate Bonds will be paid from the Corporate Tax Levy, and alternatively from ad valorem taxes levied without limitation as to rate or amount upon all taxable property in the Township.

Notice is hereby given that if a petition signed by not less than 905 electors of the Township, the same being equal to 7.5% of the registered voters within the Township, asking that the question of the issuance of the Alternate Bonds in the amount not to exceed $500,000 be submitted to referendum is not filed with the Township Clerk within 30 days after the date of the publication of this Ordinance and the Notice, then the Alternate Bonds shall be authorized to be issued for the Project. Any such petition must be filed with the Township Clerk not later than the close of business on April 21, 2023. Should a petition be so filed, the Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees would cause the question to be submitted to the electors of the Township at the Presidential Primary Election to be held on March 19, 2024. A form of petition is available to any person requesting one in the Township Clerk’s office at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

/s/ Jay Reyes, Township Clerk

Published in RB Landmark March 22, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BROOKFIELD NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to call of its directors, a special meeting of stockholders of First National Bank of Brookfield (the “Bank”) will be held at the Bank’s main office located at 9136 Washington Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, on April 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. to consider and vote whether an agreement and plan of reorganization, whereby a holding company, to be named Brookfield Bancshares, Inc., located in Brookfield, Illinois (the “Company”) would be created, making the Bank its wholly-owned subsidiary under the provisions of the laws of the United States, shall be ratified and confirmed, and to vote upon any other matters as may properly come before the meeting. A copy of the agreement and plan of reorganization, approved by a majority of the directors of the Bank and the proposed holding company, is on file at the institution and may be inspected during business hours.

First National Bank of Brookfield

Phillip Richard President and Chief Executive Of-

ficer

Published in RB Landmark March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97, COOK COUNTY, IL

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education (the “Board”) of Oak Park Elementary School District Number 97, Cook County, Illinois (the “District”), that it will hold a public hearing on the 11th day of April, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302, to receive public comments concerning the intent of the Board to transfer $3,800,000 from the Tort Immunity Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund of the District, pursuant to Section 17-2A of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/17-2A).

Any interested person may appear at the hearing and will be heard regarding this matter. After the adjournment of the hearing, the Board may consider a resolution directing the School Treasurer to make such transfer of $3,800,000 from the Tort Immunity Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund of the District.

Lonya Boose Secretary Board of Education Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Dated: March 22, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal March 22, 2023

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

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-OAR4

Plaintiff,

-v.ELLEN C. SCHNACK, RANDALL C. SCHNACK Defendants 19 CH 14891

626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE

OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 4, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 19, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-05-319-0080000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $417,344.71.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the

purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-092500.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

LOGS Legal Group LLP

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

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com

Attorney File No. 19-092500

Attorney Code. 42168

Case Number: 19 CH 14891

TJSC#: 43-1045

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 # 19 CH 14891

I3216043

condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W22-0188 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3215203