Wednesday Journal 040120 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

April 1, 2020 Vol. 40, No. 36 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Just stay inside says Oak Park Officers to speak with those potentially violating order By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The village of Oak Park announced March 27 it has in-

creased its efforts to convince people to stay inside, as the number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 increases. According to the announcement, “Patrol officers are on the streets, speaking with business operators and groups that may be in violation of the state order prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people.” The village also stated in its announcement that “residents should significantly restrict outings” and “only inter-

act with family members or friends outside one’s household to provide essential assistance.” Oak Park also closed its public-use playgrounds, sports courts and playing fields March 26 in a further attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the village. The number of positive confirmed cases has reached a total of nine but is

RIGHT AT HOME

See QUARANTINE on page 12

River Forest offers relief Fees, fines postponed By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

RUNNIG FREE: Olivia Ortiz, of Oak Park, enjoys a block-wide “fun run” on the 500 block of South Highland Avenue

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

The River Forest Village Board on March 30 provided some relief to village residents and businesses dealing with the effects of steps taken by local, state and federal officials to address the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trustees voted 5-1 to ratify two executive orders by Village President Cathy Adduci, one that suspended restrictions on hours of deliveries to businesses in the village and the other that made various operational changes, including waiver of late fees and parking fees and extending payment deadlines without penalties and adjudication dates. Deliveries to businesses were previously limited to between 7 a.m. and midnight. The changes are in effect through May 31. Trustee Tom Cargie, who had argued during the meeting that the effective date be earlier, See RELIEF on page 12

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Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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Oak Parker to leave helm of immigrant rights group

Ruiz-Velasco, executive director of PASO, leaves amid controversy By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

An Oak Park attorney, who is the executive director of one of the most prominent immigrant rights nonprofits in the Chicago area, announced last week she’s stepping down from the role. In a statement released March 27, the board of directors for PASO - West Suburban Action Project announced that Mony Ruiz-Velasco was leaving the helm of the organization after nearly five years as executive director, effective April 30. The board has launched an executive search for a new director, according to the statement. Ruiz-Velasco’s departure comes less than a month after seven out of the organization’s eight non-managerial staffers went on indefinite strike and called for Ruiz-Velasco’s resignation. The workers claimed that under RuizVelasco, they “encountered various forms of intimidation, abuse of power, deceit, disrespect, and overall inferior treatment that does not mirror the values we hold at PASO,” according to a signed statement they released on March 2. The board explained in a statement re-

leased earlier this month that PASO has “grown as an organization over these last few years and as a result have implemented additional structures that we feel are necessary to meet the needs of the community for the sustainability of our organization and staff.” At the time of the strike, PASO’s board and Ruiz-Velasco explained that they had recommended the use of an independent mediator to help resolve some of the organization’s challenges but that the workers refused to engage in the process. “There have been no findings of mistreatment or abusive labor practices by any governmental agency,” said Ruiz-Velasco during a March 4 press conference. “PASO board members and management have made many efforts in good faith to work together to resolve the issues.” In its statement announcing Ruiz-Velasco’s departure, the board did not give a reason for her departure and did not mention the worker strike. Board members and RuizVelasco could not be reached for comment on March 31. And PASO has closed its offices while Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order is in place. In its March 30 statement, the PASO board said that under Ruiz-Velasco, “PASO created and developed its immigration legal services program, which has provided representation and advocacy for thousands of families. “PASO has developed campaigns and projects that build community power and pro-

FEELING OF RESIGNATION: Mony Ruiz-Velasco leaves PASO after five years. vide tools for leadership development and empowerment, and has worked alongside the community to pass progressive pro-immigrant ordinances and state laws.” Ruiz-Velasco said she is “very grateful to the board, our funders, friends, faith leaders, allies, and partners for your trust and support and proud of the accomplishments of PASO over these past five years.” She added that the nonprofit under her tenure “led the way in providing critical immigration legal resources in the Western suburbs, passed the most welcoming state

and municipal policies in the country, and deepened our relationships with key partners to build a larger movement for the benefit of communities of color, LGBTQ folks, and other vulnerable individuals.” “For over 10 years, PASO has focused on community outreach and on the development of community leaders who have spearheaded campaigns for social change,” said Amailia Pallares, PASO’s board co-chair. “We hope to continue deepening and enhancing this work in the near future.”

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Lake Street-Oak Park Ave. intersection closing

The intersection of Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue – a portion of the wider Lake Street Improvement Project – will undergo sewer and utility upgrades faster and earlier than planned. Due to reduced traffic levels and closed businesses as a result of the statewide “stay-at-home” order issued to prevent further spread of COVID-19, the village of Oak Park has condensed the timeframe for the work. “Everything has changed in recent weeks due to COVID-19 and this project is no different,” said Jim Prescott of Prescott Group, the firm handling project communications. The intersection will close at 5 a.m., April 1 with construction expected to last seven to 10 days. An emailed update sent March 30 via the project’s website, BetterLakeStreet.com, stated the intersection would close as early as March 31. “Logistics and mobilization of signage, equipment, et cetera, has pushed closure to 5 a.m. Wednesday, [April 1],” Prescott said. The one-day delay makes little difference, considering the original construction schedule called for multi-stage closures of the intersection beginning April 13 with work carried out over a period of four weeks. Now, two to three crews will work simultaneously, instead of one crew in sections, to complete improvements to the intersection within seven to 10 days, according to Prescott. The village and project managers made the decision to compress the construction schedule to mitigate impact and inconvenience. “I am extremely excited about it. I think it was a very smart

decision,” said Anne Pezalla, president of the Hemingway District Business Association and co-owner of the athletic boutique Lively, 109 N. Oak Park Ave. While Pezalla has yet to speak with any of the other business owners within the Hemingway District, which extends along Oak Park Avenue from Lake Street to Pleasant Street, she believes carrying out construction sooner while most businesses are closed makes perfect sense. “I love the idea of doubling up on the work, going really hard,” Pezalla said. “Nobody’s driving. Nobody’s walking. Most of the retail businesses are shuttered. I know it’s going to be a pain, but if we can do it now, then when we reopen,

hopefully in a couple months, the parking and the traffic will be a lot better.” Jim August, co-owner of the Irish Shop, 100 N. Oak Park Ave., and former Hemingway District Business Association president, feels similarly to his successor, if not quite so enthusiastically. “Let’s get it done; get it out of the way,” said August. “It’ll be disruptive, but it can’t be any more disruptive than what coronavirus is doing to small businesses all over the country.” August called it “dumb luck” that the planned Lake Street renovations coincided with the COVID-19-related temporary business closures. “The impact that [construction’s] going to have at this particular point is to our advantage as a business district because we’re mandated to be closed,” August said. “We’re getting hurt by COVID-19 anyway.” August believes that essential businesses, such as restaurants, will probably be affected more by the full closure of the intersection because it will make travel difficult for customers. “I feel for the restaurants. They’re doing curbside pickup,” said August. “Hopefully they’re going to be OK.” August hopes people continue to place curb-side pick-up orders from restaurants along Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue. “I’m hoping people are supporting local restaurants that way because without that there’s not a lot of good news for them,” he said. “COVID-19 – it’s not good for anyone.”

— Stacey Sheridan

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

BIG WEEK

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

April 1 - 8

Oak Park Arts District Keeps Creative Juices Flowing Virtual Art Show - Ongoing Dancing Krow Studio has put out a call for entries for their Facebook Art Exhibit. Simply post an original new or previous work in the theme “Nesting” (other ideas welcome). Post and view art here: facebook. com/DancingKrow. Are you kitting me? Curbside Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Bead in Hand has created kits for ages 6 to adult: Creating Patterns with Beads, Memory Wire Suncatcher Kit, Wacky Beaded Person and the Bead & Ring Wrap Bracelet. Shipping also available. More/order: beadinhand.com/kits-for-sheltering-in-place.html. 145 Harrison St.

Fiber Fun Nights – Wednesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. The stitching and creating typically held at Dye Hard Yarns continue at home. Simply sign up for the Zoom conference. The shop is also taking merchandise orders, and is offering video concierge service, free shipping and curbside pickup. 210 Harrison. Zoom sign up/more: https://dyehardyarns.com/pages/new-covid-19-shelter-in-placeservices.

Tomato Growing Tips Webinar Wednesday, April 8, 6 p.m. Join Veronica Porter, an expert edible gardening teacher, who will cover planting and spacing, fertilizing and healthy soil, using raised beds and containers, pest control, pruning, trellis choices, how best to choose tomato varieties and growing methods and more. Q&A follows. Brought by Deep Roots Project. Register: deep-rootsproject.org/workshops-and-events.

Still Time to Appeal Property Tax Assessments The Cook County Assessor’s office has suspended the April 7 appeal deadline. Homeowners who would like free assistance appealing their property taxes can make phone appointments, Monday through Saturday. Schedule a time: 708-383-8005.

Volunteers Needed to Help Seniors Person-to-person contact is not anticipated for delivering groceries, meals and other items; pet care; moving refuse and recycling carts and more. Organized by Oak Park Township and other community organizations. Sign up: surveygizmo.com/s3/5512346/Oak-Park-CommunityVolunteer-Interest-Form?utm_source=March+24%2C+2020+&utm_ campaign=enews&utm_medium=email

Creative Takeout - Ongoing Art Studio 928 has ART! To Go kits. With nine subject-matter options, kits include materials to paint a 9x12 canvas, live video instruction/free replays. $34 includes, free shipping or curbside pickup. Order: studio928.net/product-category/time-for-art-to-go. 911 S. Lombard Ave. Music to Fill the Time Val’s halla Records has inventory in its online shop: valshallarecords.com/ product-category/lps. Call to check store inventory: 708-524-1004. Gift cards also available. All items available for shipment or delivery.

Stay Fit Oak Park/River Forest Local personal trainer Tommaso Sanna has daily workouts posted: facebook.com/TommasoSannaPersonalTrainerOakParkIl. Ahimsa Yoga (Oak Park, Berwyn, LaGrange, Elmhurst) has a wide variety of free yoga classes along with meditation and crystal bowl sound bath sessions: ahimsayogastudios.com/online-classes. Donations to support teachers accepted for both.

FitzGerald’s Virtual Open Mic Musicians can submit videos of their “in quarantine” music performances. This is set up to allow open mic performers to share while they are unable to do so at FitzGerald’s. Organizers are asking for donations to support FitzGerald’s, under new ownership. More: veltwaypress.com/index.php/2020/03/22/fitzgeralds-virtual-openmic-proceeds-to-benefit-fitzgeralds-night-club.

Helpful Resources Sarah’s Inn Continues to Serve Victims of Abuse To access services, schedule a remote appointment for an intake or a counseling or advocacy session, or to be connected to a Legal Advocate (also onsite at 555 Harrison, Chicago) for help obtaining an Emergency Order of Protection. Call 24-hour crisis line: 708-386-4225, or text 708-792-3120. Message Partner Abuse Intervention Program staff for case management and support: 708-386-3305 x1010

Mental Health Support In the NAMI Guide to the Coronavirus, read topics on anxiety, medication, losing a loved one to coronavirus, mental illness, how homeless and prison populations are affected by the pandemic, and more: nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/ NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US. The Support4U app is for youth in school districts 90, 97 and 200, who may text a licensed clinician 24 hours a day. Support is available for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, thoughts of suicide or any other mental health-related topic. Enter: 844-670-5838, then D90 - text SAFE; D97 - text HOPE; D200 - text CARE. For other mental health/social emotional support, contact the Thrive Counseling Center Crisis Line: 708-383-7500 x204, Riveredge Hospital: 708-771-7000 or the Community Mental Health Board: 708-358-8855.

Beyond Hunger Food continues to be distributed for those who qualify. Bring photo ID and proof of address in service area. See website for qualifications: gobeyondhunger.org/need-help. Food Distribution Hours - Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon; starting April 1, the 1st Wednesday, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.; all other Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. A Social Service Coordinator helps people apply for public benefits, including SNAP and benefits access. Social Service Hours - Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.

Oak Park Township Take-out lunches for seniors ($1.50, suggested donation) are offered Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 130 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Questions about any senior services: 708-3838060. Senior transportation for medical appointments ($1.00, suggested donation), can be arranged: 708-383-4806. Questions about Youth Services: 708-622-8535. Those in need of supportive services for youth may call 708-445-2727. Online Resource Search: healthconnectionhub.org. More: oakparktownship.org/township-updates-on-covid-19, 708-3838060.

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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ART BEAT

Permanent record: 30 years of Oak Park’s gay and lesbian history NATHAN LINSK, PhD, ACSW

Guest author/editor

s we are into another election season, we recall that an Oak Park village board election, in April 1989, provided the impetus for a previously hidden community to emerge. Up until then, there was no way for gay and lesbian people to gather, outside of some very discrete social groups and a couple of Forest Park bars. Most of us travelled to the North Side of Chicago to socialize and find support. Gays and lesbians were totally invisible to the larger Oak Park community, which was then noted, as it is now, for diversity and community involvement. This began to change as the numbers of HIV and AIDS cases were reported and the disproportionate numbers of positive gay men in Oak Park revealed that indeed many gay men lived in Oak Park and surrounding areas. Community Response, Inc., a newly formed social service organization, started to provide support. My partner, the late Mel Wilson and I were asked to join their board, as representatives of the gay population. Mel was already advocating for gay and lesbian rights and education at Oak Park and River Forest High School. I was a social work professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center and also had just started the federally funded Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center, where I am still involved, although I’ve been retired as emeritus professor at UIC since 2011. As the village planned to update the human rights ordinance to include disabled and other groups, Community Response founder and CEO Angelika Kuehn engineered meetings with village board candidates to ask for consideration of people living with HIV/AIDS. This led to a campaign to include sexual orientation among those categories of people needing protection and successful inclusion in the ordinance. Mel and I, along with longtime Oak Parker Bryan Findlay, then decided that a visible community group was needed, which led to the formation of the Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association. The name of the organization was modified in 1994 to the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association (OPAL-

GA) as the group increasingly included participants from surrounding communities. In 2019 a “plus” was added to be more inclusive of the wider range of gender and sexual identities. OPALGA+ has just completed the celebration of its 30th anniversary. Early achievements of the group are well known, including the human rights ordinance, persuading each government unit to adapt protections for LGBT+ citizens, being among the first domestic partnership registries established in the state, electing openly gay officials, creating services for youth, and myriad cultural and social events. However, current members were not aware of the stories of how this happened. So I contacted a number of early OPALGA members, and we met several times last summer, deciding how to document the early history. We wanted to focus on our own experiences — how it felt, why things happened and how this changed not only for us as participants, but the larger community. We hoped to capture these stories while we still had collective memory, while some of the early leaders could contribute, as some have moved out of the area or died. This coalesced with OPALGA+’s 30th anniversary and is a counterpart to the exhibit that was recently displayed at the Oak Park River Forest Museum. The result is the new book, The Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association: Stories from the History-Making First Decade. I served as editor-in-chief, but the book is truly a joint effort. Eventually 20 authors contributed, including founding members, members of the youth groups, recent OPALGA+ cochairs, and community members who were involved over the years. The book highlights the first decade, with its advocacy efforts and successes, linkages to other groups, and a number of programs including cultural arts, educational programs, social events, and youth programs with a timeline, early strategic plan and some press material as appendices. The book is available as a web publication, downloadable for free at opalga.org. A limited print run of hard copies allowed us to contribute copies to the OP-RF Historical Society, the University of Illinois Chicago Library and the Oak Park Public Library.

“We wanted to focus on our own experiences — how it felt, why things happened and how this changed not only for us as participants, but for the larger community.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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COVID-19 WATCH

In every essential way, life goes on

dds and COVID-19 ends, with some a bit odder than others: Good day for a parade: Teachers at Mann School, 30 of them at last count, will be connecting with their students Wednesday afternoon in a passing parade of teachers’ cars driving through the northwest Oak Park neighborhood. An email and Facebook request went out from Amy Mariani, a 20-year Mann veteran, to fellow teachers last week to gauge interest. With enthusiasm strong, Mariani next reached out to Oak Park police to make sure the parade would not violate the current stay-at-home regs we’re all operating under. The police response was that if social distancing is maintained, they were in favor. Well as Mariani explained in an email to the Journal, the teachers will be properly distanced because they’ll each be in their own car. And as Cheryl Sullivan, the interim principal, told us, the notification to Mann families was to stand on front porches or to wave from windows. Alex Rogals, our photographer, will be out shooting the parade, so look for pictures by Thursday at OakPark.com and on our Facebook feed. Finally, in some sort of seeming secret message, Mariani asked me to reference the MARIANI OREO MILKSHAKES. Whatever that means. As nighttime comes on Wednesday: At a time when we are all alone together, efforts to create communal experiences continue. Locals are planning “Let There Be Light” tonight across the villages. Simple idea. At 7 p.m. light a candle or place a Luminary outside your house. Where there’s a Y, there’s a way: In the first week of all this mishegas I wrote about a plan hatching at the shuttered West Cook YMCA to reopen as an Emergency Child Care facility serving the children of local hospital staffers and first responders. Seemed then that there were, rightly, plenty of hoops to jump through. And when I didn’t hear back from Phillip Jimenez, the Y’s CEO, I wondered if it had proved impossible. Well, don’t underestimate the Y. Monday morning the Marion Street facility opened its Emergency Childcare service and was anticipating 30-40 kids from K through 8th. They expect to be at 80 youngsters next week. There is a

fee for parents, there are scholarships available, and early funding comes from the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation with other leads pending. A batch of local providers have joined in as collaborators, specifically Loyola, Rush Oak Park, and Riveredge hospitals, West Suburban Dispatch Center, PCC Community Health, Proviso Township Therapist and UIC. The Book Table sends up a flare: You could make a list of all the things that make Oak Park Oak Park. Way high on my list is The Book Table, the Lake Street bookstore which has been “fiercely independent since 2003.” Rachel Weaver and Jason Smith sent a reluctant email last week to fans of the largely locked up store asking for donations. “We don’t like begging for money, especially when so many are hurting right now, but if you can afford it, and you value having our store in the community, please do consider making a donation,” they ask. Well, I’m in. You next? Speaking of generosity: In their note Jason and Rachel mention hating “begging for money.” Well, folks, as Wednesday Journal became a nonprofit this year, I had to face up to my worries about asking for money. And you know what? I’ve discovered I don’t have any worries. I’m not great at it. And I can’t figure out how many zeroes to ask for when I’m talking to a potentially larger donor. But it turns out the fundamental ask isn’t hard because I believe with such passion that the work we do here is so important. Especially now. Last Tuesday, after we wrapped up our first almost fully remote print edition, we sent a direct ask to our thousands of digital readers. Didn’t know what the response would be. But as you read this week’s skinny 28-page newspaper, you can see that ad revenue has been scorched for the moment and reader revenue is more critical than ever. Well, as of Sunday just under 400 of you have donated to Growing Community Media this week. It is a response that has been heartening to every person who is working so hard around here (or wherever the hell they have gotten themselves off to). I am grateful to each of you. And, if you have not invested in our independent community journalism, I’m not shy about asking: Why not today?

DAN HALEY

Oak Park 30, River Forest 5 confirmed COVID-19 cases By STACEY SHERIDAN and MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

The villages of Oak Park and River Forest have a combined total of 35 confirmed cases as of March 31. The village of Oak Park announced March 30 that four more residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Oak Park to 30. The village of Oak Park also said an officer of the Oak Park Police Department has been diagnosed with COVID-19. River Forest has a total of five cases, according to a Cook County COVID-19 surveillance website. The website, ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/ draftapp03282020/, appears to be a duplicate of the Cook County website, ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/covid19/, that was available briefly on March 26 before going offline the following day with the message that it was “currently unavailable.” Both websites are active again, and both are reporting the same number of cases for River Forest, although the numbers for some neighboring communities differ between sites. One site, for example, showed 16 cases of COVID-19 in Forest Park while the other showed 13 on the morning of March 30. Of the 30 Oak Park cases, the residents

with COVID-19 range from 20s to 70s and include a child younger than one. Further information cannot be released regarding the cases due to privacy laws. The announcement noted that privacy precludes the sharing of location information of those tested to anyone other than public health officials and first responders. According to the announcement, Oak Park Assistant Human Resources Director Kira Tchang has “notified employees who have had direct contact with the individual and they have been placed in quarantine status as a precaution.” The announcement also states that, pursuant to current Illinois Department of Public Health protocols, “any other individuals who had direct close contact with the village employee would be notified through the applicable public health authority.” The announcement also includes an important caveat designated with asterisks, reading, “It is important to note that as patient tracking and case follow-up occurs, the number of Oak Park cases reported may change depending on residency confirmation.” Please check www.oakpark.com for further case updates.

5 days out of prison, Austinite dies at West Sub An Austin man who died last week at West Suburban Hospital from complications related to COVID-19 was released on parole from an Illinois correctional facility five days before his death, state records show. Timothy Loving, 59, was pronounced dead at West Sub, 3 Erie St. in Oak Park, on March 17. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office ruled that Loving died from respiratory failure related to COVID-19. He also had underlying medical issues, such as diabetes and chronic substance abuse. According to information publicly available on the Illinois Department of Corrections’ website, Loving was discharged from Lincoln Correctional Center in Lincoln on March 11, after serving four years. He was admitted into the correctional system on Jan. 11, 2016. Currently, it’s unknown how Loving contracted COVID-19. A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Corrections did not respond to a request for comment. An employee with the department’s COVID-19 support line said that he could not comment on Loving’s case, citing privacy laws, but he did say that, as of March 27,

there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Lincoln Correctional. The employee also said that IDOC is not testing prisoners before they’re released, unless they show any symptoms of the viral disease. According to the department’s data, there have been eight confirmed COVID-19 cases among incarcerated individuals and nine among staffers. Those cases have been at two adult transition centers and three correctional facilities. So far, there have been only 30 COVID-19 tests conducted among the state’s incarcerated population and all are pending. The North Lawndale Adult Transition Center, 2839 W Fillmore St., has reported three cases of COVID-19 among inmates who are housed under transitional study. Officials with IDOC have stated on the department’s website that all “correctional facilities, Impact Incarceration Programs, and work camps are currently under Administrative Quarantine with no visits.” Gov. J.B. Pritzker has also suspended all admissions to the department of corrections from all county jails in the state.

— Michael Romain

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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COVID-19 WATCH

COMFORT, CARING, AND CONSOLATION DURING ISOLATION

Oak Park rules and regs By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Playgrounds, fields now closed In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the village of Oak Park has closed all Park District of Oak Park public-use playgrounds, fields and sports courts, as announced March 25. The order includes basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball courts. Oak Park Public Health Director Mike Charley issued the order to supplement Governor J.B. Pritzker’s statewide “stay-athome” order, issued March 20 and extending through April 7. Charley’s order also prohibits all organized sports games and competitions during this time, stating, “organized sport games or competition, such as baseball, softball, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, tag, football or similar activities, between persons at public parks or outdoor recreation areas are prohibited in order to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19 disease because such activities could entail or promote non-compliance with the social distancing requirements set forth in Governor Pritzker’s Order.” The order does not include dog parks. However, it mandates that people who use dog parks must comply with social distancing requirements laid down by Pritzker, including maintaining a distance of at least six feet between individuals Although the village and park district are separate taxing entities, the village consulted with the district prior to issuing the order, according to Diane Stanke, marketing direct for the park district. “The Village Public Health Department has the responsibility to do this, with our blessing, for the health and safety of our residents,” Stanke told Wednesday Journal. “We are all in agreement on this measure.”

Pet license renewals postponed The village of Oak Park has opted to postpone the May 1 deadline to renew pet

• Virtual daily minyan

licenses, due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the daily operations within village government. Village government has yet to announce the new deadline. According to the village’s news release, “Owners whose pets were already licensed and who had emails on file with the village will be notified when a new deadline is set. The village will also promote the new date via its Facebook page and Twitter account, as well as via “enews.” Rather than coming to village hall or sending in renewals through the postal service, pet owners are encouraged to renew licenses online, via this link: https://webservice. oak-park.us/AnimalLicense/. New or first-time pet owners have the ability to and should also register their pets online. The village has an annual licensing fee of $25 or $10 for animals that have undergone spaying or neutering.

• Shabbat services online • Online courses, meditation to educational classses • Q & A with rabbi Adir Glick, members of the medical profession, Jewish Children and Family Services, and other experts

Really? Oak Park eases parking rules The village of Oak Park has temporarily eased parking restrictions to accommodate residents whose routines have changed as a result of COVID-19. Oak Park has stopped enforcing on-street, overnight and daytime restrictions, as well as those related to street cleaning. Oak Park lifted the parking restrictions March 13 “when all of the universities started sending students home,” said Oak Park Communications Director David Powers. “Safety restrictions are still in effect as are the zone regulations for paid permits.” Currently, the village plans to resume enforcing parking restrictions at 2:30 a.m., April 7, when the statewide order to stay at home issued by Governor J.B. Pritzker is set to expire. Should the village decide to issue any extensions, the information will be posted to the village of Oak Park website. “When we are ready, we will announce our next phase,” Director Development Customer Services Tammie Grossman said. “It’s on our radar.”

1040 N. Harlem River Forest 708.366.9000 www.harzion.org

Temple Har Zion is warm, diverse, and committed to a profound and deep intellectual and spiritual life. Temple Har Zion is a leader in the Conservative movement in welcoming interfaith families.

Apartment living with congregate services

114 South Humphrey Oak Park, IL 60302

his property with its architecturally award-winning atrium, provides seniors and persons with disabilities with parking, library, laundry room, wellness center and other conveniences. A service coordinator is on staff to assist tenants who may need additional services. The units are studio and one bedroom, each with electric appliances, tile bath, and wall to wall carpeting. Modern fire and safety systems are installed in each apartment and common areas of the building. There are 8 accessible one bedroom units for the mobility impaired.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

STROLL: Emily O’Donnell with daughters Alice, center, and Maddy of Oak Park, walk their pup, Matilda. The village of Oak Park has postponed the deadline to renew pet licenses.

The Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the 202/section 8 Program. Residents pay approximately 30% of their monthly income for rent. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.oakparkha.org or contact us at 708-386-5812.

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

COVID-19 WATCH

Oak Park Moms teams with restaurants to feed health workers $10,000 raised, 1,000 meals served By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a phone call with her sister-in-law inspired Liz Murphy, an Oak Parker, to provide meals to healthcare professionals working long hours in our local hospitals. Murphy’s sister-in-law, a respiratory therapist, lamented having eaten nothing more than a small bag of Cheetos during a grueling 24-hour shift. Local grocery stores had been cleaned out of supplies, self-serve food stations had shut down and hospital dining rooms were closed. Hospital workers were facing severely limited dining options. Murphy, a mother to an active four-year-old and with a career in advertising, is also a breast cancer survivor and knows firsthand the value of healthcare workers. Additionally, her sister is a nurse and her mother a former nurse. Family connections and her personal narrative compelled Murphy to give back to the healthcare professionals and the behind-the-scenes-workers who keep hospitals running smoothly. She turned to the internet and made a post on Oak Park Working Moms (OPWM), a powerful Facebook group made up of nearly 6,000 members, asking for donations to provide a meal for local health care workers. “I thought I would get a few donations and send some cookies to a hospital,” said Murphy with a laugh, “but things really snowballed; it was overwhelming. We took in an unbelievable amount of donations.” Murphy collected more than $10,000 in donations given largely in $5 and $10 increments. With support from fellow OPWM members, Jennifer Phinney and Jill Wejman, Murphy was able to purchase far more than cookies. Relying on local restaurants, she delivered meals to 20 Chicago-area hospitals, with 50 to 100 mouths to feed at each location. Her simple idea morphed into feeding more than 1,000 hospital employees over the past two weeks including laundry workers, custodial staff, receptionists, nurses and doctors working on the front lines during the pandemic. “I figured I could kill two birds with one stone,” said Murphy. “I could give a boost to our healthcare workers while

partnered up with Donna Fantetti-Slepicka of River Forest Chocolates, 7769 Lake St., River Forest, to provide an array of sweets to local hospital workers at West Suburban Hospital. The donations from OPWM’s were spread far and wide among both local restaurants and medical facilities. Here are more examples. Cindy Summer of Sugar Fixé Pâtisserie, 119 N. Marion St., Oak Park, closed her bakery in response to mandated dining room closures, but put her skills to use putting together an array of pastries for hospital staff at Rush Oak Park. She did the same for Loyola Hospital in Maywood. In addition to desserts, all staff members working the night shift in the pediatric ward, Pediatric ICU, NICU, ER and the internal medicine floor at Loyola received a full dinner from Eastgate Bistro, at 102 Harrison St., Oak Park, thanks to Murphy’s fundraising efforts. Brendan O’Connor of Big Guys Sausage Stand, 7021 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, used donated funds to deliver roast turkey sandwiches and potato soup to Northwestern Hospital last week, while Patrick O’Brien of Scratch on Lake, 733 Lake St., Oak Park, delivered sandwiches and assorted sides to Cook County Trauma Center. Fare from Delia’s Kitchen, 1034 Lake St., Oak Park, went to Comer Children’s Hospital; Tre Sorelle Ristorante, 1111 Lake St., Oak Park, provided a meal to MacNeal Hospital, and Kettlestrings Tavern, 800 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, delivered to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. Starship Subs, 7618 Madison St., Forest Park, put together a nice box of sandwiches for first responders at Photo provided by Elizabeth Murphy Loretto Hospital. Owner Paul McKenna said he made WELCOME EATS: Healthcare workers from Christ Advocate in every effort to maximize the donated money by offering Oak Lawn received a meal provided by Oak Park Working discounted orders to keep costs down. Moms. “These women are working moms,” said McKenna, “and Elizabeth has taken this on despite being very busy.” supporting our local restaurants and the restaurants have McKenna’s daughter works in the emergency departbeen eager to help.” At a time when local eateries are fighting for their future, ment at an Oak Park hospital, making his desire to support Murphy indicated many restaurants added extra food to or- healthcare workers deeply personal. “Everybody stepping up and working together is what ders, offered discounts and personally delivered food to the makes our country great,” said McKenna. “This is a hard hospital. Thanks to donations made through OPWM, Connie Brown time and doing something like this makes people feel betof Brown Cow Ice Cream, 7347 Madison St., Forest Park, ter.”

Chicago non profit, RF foundation, OP restaurant

Collaboration to feed youth wrestlers By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Beat the Streets, a non-profit program aimed at empowering youth through wrestling, has joined the #MillionMinutes challenge to meet the urgent needs of their participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hands-on wrestling is off limits with a shelter-in-place order in effect throughout Illinois, but Beat the Streets, with strong Oak Park and West Side connections, continues to offer online work outs, literacy

support and personal wellness checks to their participants throughout the city. Additionally, the program is committed to providing weekend meals to augment weekday free-lunch programs. The Lavin Family Foundation, with deep River Forest roots, was looking for a way to show support to Beat the Streets while simultaneously supporting Oak Park restaurants during the pandemic. “The donation was significant and came at the perfect time,” said Mike Powell, executive director of the non-profit. “We’d been making personal phone calls to our participants who were likely dealing with food insecurity. We’d offer help, but no one wanted to take us up on it.”

Armed with funds from the foundation explicitly designated to be spent in Oak Park area restaurants, Powell realized he could get food to entire families on the weekend. He turned to Carnivore, 1042 Pleasant St., Oak Park, to help roll out the program Brad Knaub, Carnivore co-owner and a former wrestler, was eager to help. He and his team at the artisan butcher shop are known for providing luxury products but try to remain accessible when it counts. The Carnivore crew whipped up 150 generously sized sandwiches after hours at the shop. The high-quality meals were individually packaged and delivered to Kidz Express, 5221 W. Congress in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for distribution to Beat the Streets

participants and their family members. “We had an unbelievable response,” said Powell. “This is about maintaining community as much as its about serving a meal.” Beat the Streets has applied for grants and continues to look for additional community partners to support their newly formed weekend food program. The organization currently has enough money in reserve to provide 10 meals for Beat the Street participants throughout Chicago and hopes to be able to offer more. “Oak Park’s future is intrinsically linked to the health of Chicago and the city’s youth,” said Cathy Yen, an Oak Park resident and director of operations at Beat the Streets.

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

COVID-19 WATCH

Pandemic hits home for local nonprofits

Major fundraisers canceled or postponed, putting budgets under pressure By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying stay-at-home order sweep across all facets of daily life, local not-for-profits are seeing their missions and their bottom lines impacted. Within days of the state issuing a shelter in place order, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust postponed its big fundraiser, the Wright Plus housewalk, to late June, and drastically cut some employees’ hours while furloughing others. The Trust combined these efforts with a fundraising letter, saying donations of $500,000 could help the Trust stabilize operations and recover from the crisis. At New Moms in Oak Park, the decision was quickly made to cancel its largest fundraiser of the year, the Kitchen Walk, scheduled for April 25. President and CEO Laura Zumdahl said that an alternative fundraiser is in the works. She said to look for details on a late spring fundraiser, in which a donation to New Moms will earn access to design tips from some of the area’s favorite kitchen designers -- all online. Zumdahl calls the timing of the virus during the spring fundraising season, “the perfect confluence of factors. We’re seeing an increased need from our clients and decreased revenue.” She says that many of the young mothers New Moms supports are losing their jobs and require more support than ever. While stay-at-home orders have ended in-person group programming, New Moms continues to provide housing for young mothers and their children and has transitioned to some online programming. A recent email to donors highlighted the need for many basics including diapers, wipes, formula and cleaning supplies. “Ultimately, we know it’s really important to be on the front lines,” Zumdahl said. “I imagine the distribution of emergency supplies will be heightened for weeks. Who knows what the long-term needs will be? It is hard for our great volunteers to engage physically at this time, but they can still provide other items that will help meet our increased need.” The Oak Park River Forest Historical Society also has had to postpone its spring housewalk, and Executive Director Frank Lipo says that while meetings in person are curtailed and the fundraiser had to be pushed back to the fall, the nonprofit is in good shape to weather the storm. “We’re humble enough to know that the

medical professionals and others on the front lines are the ones we should be focusing on now,” Lipo said. “We’re so grateful for healthcare workers and those working at grocery stores and those working to keep everyone safe. As a cultural institution, we also know culture is important, but we are in this for the long haul.” Lipo says the historical society is in good financial shape, with no debt and enough reserves to pay the two full-time employees who can work from home. It is also an interesting time for the organization to go to work documenting history. Lipo says that members and others are reaching out to help document the community response to the pandemic. He says the historical society can also offer important lessons with a look back at the 1918 flu epidemic and other trying times for society. “This is not the first time our nation has faced bad times,” Lipo said. “For morale, it can be helpful to think about getting back to the other side. For the members and staff, we are grateful our past support is getting us through this. On the other side, we know people will want to continue to be a part of the history of the community. That’s a lifelong engagement.” Not-for-profit schools that depend on fundraising dollars are also impacted. Katie Vanaria, director of institutional advancement for Ascension School, says the school had to cancel its annual Kathy Adams Runa-Thon fundraiser, scheduled for March 27. The event was replaced with an online day of giving, but Vanaria emphasized the importance of the run-a-thon. “The run-a-thon is a line item in our budget,” she said. “If we don’t meet our goal, we come in under budget for the year.” She says that the event typically raises $45,000 for school operations, so the impact of the event is significant. The pandemic response also impacts some school families, so Vanaria and her team made the decision to widen the reach of the online giving day by reaching out to parish families and alumni families. Looking ahead, she says the uncertainty of the pandemic’s impact is also weighing on the school, which depends on a healthy enrollment. While working from home, her aim has been to expand the school’s outreach via social media by highlighting the work teachers continue to do with their students every day. “Our teachers have learned how to be really innovative, and the school is doing a good job of continuing the curriculum,” Vanaria said. “After this is over, maybe that is the bright spot, that we’ve adapted and taken advantage of these opportunities.” Housing Forward’s director of development and communications, Erik Johnson, says it was pure serendipity that the organization’s big spring fundraiser took place on Feb. 29, just days before many other organizations had to cancel their spring fundraisers.

While the event helped the organization financially, he says Housing Forward’s mission has been hit particularly hard. Johnson said the community response has been astonishing. Family foundations have made grants to provide food and shelter. “The community response is what’s making this happen,” he said. “It’s the bright spot in this really difficult situation.” Looking ahead, Johnson said that Feast for Good, a spring fundraiser, will be post-

poned, and he is taking a wait-and-see approach in regards to a planned summer trivia fundraiser. “We want to be thoughtful and observant,” he said. “This is a situation I don’t think anyone has ever been through before. There are no complete comparison points, not even 9/11 or the 2008 recession. I don’t know how philanthropy in Chicago will be affected going forward. The best we can do is be observant, learn and be nimble.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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COVID-19 WATCH

Hospital masks? Oak Parkers use 3D printers to help

First Responders are requesting more By JAMES KAY Staff Reporter

In an effort to combat supply shortages at nearby hospitals, Oak Parker Robert Parks is rallying locals who have 3D printers to create face shields for first responders. After developing one shield and showing it to a local ICU nurse, multiple hospitals are requesting Parks’ group’s services. “With COVID-19 ramping up, it is really important to get as many people together who have 3D printers so we can be in a situation where supply quantity is less of a concern,” said Parks. “When this gets worse, we don’t want an ICU person walking into an infected patient’s room and dealing in close quarters without any kind of protection.” Parks came across the design of the shield during a segment on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” that detailed the story of an engineer who used 3D printing to create face shields for Swedish Covenant Hospital on Chicago’s North Side. When the story was posted online, Parks, who owns a 3D printer, found the design the engineer made and uploaded it. He followed the instructions and created the shield. Parks quickly realized the design was simple. While it took three hours to create the frame, the shield is made up of a plastic sheet that covers the user’s face. The plastic is attached to the frame by three nubs that go along the front of the shield. It also contains an elastic band that is attached in the back of the shield that goes around the head of the person using it.

PROTECTED: With supplies short, Oak Parkers use 3D printers to create shields for first responders. Once he finished the product, Parks showed it to two people he knew who work at local hospitals. He received positive feedback. “The first time I saw it, I thought it was professionally made and offered by a vender,” said a physician at Rush Oak

Park Hospital who wanted to remain anonymous since the masks aren’t FDA approved. “It is exactly what we need. The frame fits beautifully and the screen is very effective.” The nurse that Parks showed the shield to has used it on the job already and has colleagues who requested that she bring in more to help with supply shortages. One of the perks of Parks’ shields is that they are reusable and can be washed with bleach, making them a valuable commodity for hospitals. “I used [the shield] yesterday during a 24-hour shift, and it gives me a feeling of security when I go into a room with a COVID-19 patient,” said the nurse who also requested anonymity due to the masks not being FDA approved. “I used Clorox wipes on it so that it is ready to go the next time I need it. It just makes me feel so much safer. We are going to run out of supplies, and we need these [shields] to feel safe.” Right now, Parks has connected with 25 people in Oak Park that have 3D printers and want to contribute to the cause. While he describes his 3D printer as “small,” locals with bigger printers can produce the frames at a faster rate than the printer Parks owns. The goal is to print as many frames as possible so that the team can assemble the shields and distribute them to local hospitals (there are already two that are interested). “I can’t say enough about this group of people,” said Parks. “I am really just a logistics grunt. The troops on the front lines battling [COVID-19] are remarkable and I have so much respect for them.” If you have a 3D printer and want to help produce face shields for local hospitals, you can contact Parks at COVID19SHIELDOP@gmail.com.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Drug-Free Communities: Local Problems Require Local Solutions

APRIL SHOWERS BRING PREVENTION POWER!

ike many community organizations in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are finding creative and alternative ways to engage with each other while respecting “social distancing.” +PYD had many prevention events planned for the month of April, from a screening of Screenagers in D90 to discussions of social hosting laws as proms and graduations were right around the corner. The Drug Enforcement Agency has even postponed National Prescription Take Back Day. Although we cannot implement the events as originally scheduled, we too are taking to ZOOM, Facebook, and Instagram to get our prevention messages out to the Oak Park and River Forest community. With all the attention on our health (rightly so) and the stay at home orders across the state, why not use this time to discuss the dangers of underage drinking and substance use with your children? If ever there was a time to focus on prevention, it is now. Granted, there is not much to do but consume: Netflix, memes on

Positive Workgroup for ment Youth Develop ssion:

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Facebook, and yes, alcohol and other substances. This consumption may be driven by a lot of things, ranging from the boredom of being stuck at home, to anxiety over how the coronavirus outbreak may affect the health of loved ones, employment, or the future of the nation. Youth are also experiencing anxiety and uncertainty as they adjust to this disruption in their lives. While adults may find temporary comfort in clearing out the toilet paper aisle in Costco or indulging in a few ‘quarantinis’ with some pals during a virtual social distancing happy hour, these coping mechanisms are temporary and may leave our physical and mental health worse off. There are healthier alternatives to navigate this current situation. +PYD recently received a Drug-Free Communities grant that supports the community to address and reduce underage drinking and substance use by youth. Oak Park and River Forest have some of the highest rates of underage alcohol and drug use in the state for 8th -12th graders. While not all youth drink, alcohol still remains the number one drug of choice for teens. Ron Elling, a +PYD Workgroup member states, “at a time when youth can’t even go to the library, let alone school, we need to be seriously concerned about permissiveness and access, not to mention idle time.” Children report that their parents’ opinion matters the most when it comes to not using alcohol or drugs. Experts say parents should start conversations early about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. April is Awareness Month and what better opportunity to have the conversation when we have the additional family time! SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, suggests talking early and talking often. Parents are

the number one protective factor when it comes to making healthy choices. Visit the SAMHSA website for information and guidance on how to start the conversation, samhsa.gov/underage-drinking.

ADDRESSING THE VAPING EPIDEMIC IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC Youth are vaping at alarming rates, not only of nicotine but high concentrates of THC. Reports have suggested that smoking, drinking, and their long-term health repercussions have contributed to increased susceptibility to the illness in other countries. Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse wrote a warning that the coronavirus “could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.” We all know at this point that COVID-19 affects the respiratory system. A weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to respiratory illness increases risk and compromises health. According to the Monitoring the Future survey, vaping and marijuana use showed two of the largest increases in the survey’s 40-year history. Daily use of marijuana by 8th, 10th, and 12th graders significantly increased between 2018 and 2019. +PYD uses the self-reported Illinois Youth Survey to monitor local trends. In 2018, 20% of Oak Park and River Forest 8th-12th graders had vaped nicotine and used marijuana in the past 30 days. Of those that used marijuana, a high percentage used an electronic delivery system.

COVID-19, Cannabis, and Vaping The Federal Trade Commission warned “There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or overthe-counter products available to treat/cure #coronavirus (#COVID19). Coronavirus-related ad claims will be subject to exacting scrutiny.” More on this can be found here: www.ftc.gov/ NIDA concludes: “We can make educated guesses based on past experience that people with compromised health due to smoking or vaping and people with opioid, methamphetamine, cannabis, and

According to the World Health Organization, conventional cigarette smokers are likely to have more serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19. Because vaping can also cause dangerous lung and respiratory problems, experts say it makes sense that the habit could aggravate the symptoms of COVID-19, although longer-term studies are needed. Given the seriousness of the current situation, and the EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Ling Injury) deaths last year, +PYD hopes to raise awareness and education in the community. Youth in Oak Park and River Forest need support and guidance to make healthy choices. Experts say finding out what motivates youth to use will also help you guide them not to. Currently 1 in 4 high school students vape according to the CDC, and majority of youth believe marijuana causes little to no harm. +PYD encourages anyone from the community interested to get involved with the coalition. Community level change requires the community to work together to support our kids to make better choices. Kelly O’Connor, Prevention Services Manager with Oak Park Township, says, “our best strategy is prevention. Starting conversations and education when they are younger, before high school, may be our best defense and help deter issues later in life. And what better time than now, to start talking.” Joseph Califano, founder of The National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse, states, “a child who reaches the age of 21 without smoking, using illegal drugs, or abusing alcohol or prescription drugs is virtually certain never to do so.”

Give alco

For +PYD resources and Vaping cessation visit www.oakparktownship.org/ prevention-services

other substance use disorders could find themselves at increased risk of COVID-19 and its more serious complications—for multiple physiological and social/environmental reasons. The research community should thus be alert to associations between COVID-19 case severity/mortality and substance use, smoking or vaping history, and smoking- or vaping-related lung disease.”

For more information visit our website at: OakParkTownship.org/preventionservices or call; 708.358.8005, ext. 125

This was developed and funded in whole and or part, by grants from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of ONDCP, SAMHSA, or HHS, and should not be construed as such.

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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April is Alcohol-Awareness Month

Parents: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give in to pressure to provide alcohol to teens.

STEPUP! Your kids really are interested in what you think about underage drinking and cannabis. Get the conversation started.

STEPUP! STEPUP! 78% of 8-12th graders report that their family has clear rules about alcohol & drug use. You can start now. (68% 12th graders, & 80%10th graders)

For more info: www.OakParkTownship.org/PYD This campaign is supported by the Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.243 funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through a grant administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Supporting youth in Oak Park and River Forest Townships.

Oak Park & River Forest Townships

@PositiveYouthDevelopment

In partnership with Oak Park-River Forest High School *2018 Illinois Youth Survey (Oak Park and River Forest data)

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

Homes

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

New real estate office opens in River Forest

National realtor expands local footprint By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

erkshire Hathaway Home Services expanded their local offerings in February opening a new office in River Forest, at 7773 Lake St. John Lawrence, managing broker of the Oak Park office also manages the River Forest office and says the expansion was long-planned. “Berkshire Hathaway has been exploring the idea of a River Forest space since my office was acquired in Oak Park in 2018,” Lawrence said. “River Forest is a coveted area, and there’s very little opportunity for a brick-and-mortar space, particularly on Lake Street. A number of agents are River Forest residents, and this shows our commitment to the area and will help us capture more of the River Forest market.” Broker Zak Knebel is partnering with Berkshire Hathaway to open the new office and is looking forward to bringing a presence to River Forest. “It’s a nice plus for clients,” Knebel said. “We’re the only organization that has an office in both Oak Park and River Forest, so, as brokers, we’re uniquely situated to show people both communities.” The opening, just weeks before the coronavirus brought the Chicago area to a virtual standstill, was originally timed with an uptick in the spring real estate market. In an interview in mid-March, Lawrence said that was too early to state what the effects of the virus would have on the local real estate market, because sales statistics coming out at that time were based on work done in the previous 60 to 90 days. Nevertheless, he says that the first quarter of 2020 will reflect a marked improvement in sales and closings over the same period in 2019.

First quarter reflections Before the pandemic hit, Lawrence says much of the area was seeing a large increase in real estate activity. In River Forest in the period ending March 15, the combination of detached and attached sales closed was up 7 percent. The same period saw five sales at or above $1 million, compared with three at this time last year. Oak Park had been showing strong numbers as well. As of March 15, the number of closed units, both detached and attached housing, was up 35 percent over the same period in 2019. From Jan. 1 through March 15, the num-

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

ber of contracts written on detached housing was up 36 percent and the number of contracts for attached housing was up 57 percent. “There’s a significantly different feel for the buyer,” Lawrence said. “They don’t have the ability to sit and wait like they did last year.” Inventory is also down in the tri-village area. Lawrence says that there are 17 percent fewer listings in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park as of March 15. He says all of this has been good for sellers. “There’s more buyer activity and fewer things to choose from,” Lawrence said. “We’re seeing good houses go really quickly, and last year, this was not the case.” Lawrence says there are a number of factors at play in Oak Park’s large uptick. In 2019, the federal tax law changes hit Oak Park hard with its high property taxes, and he says local school ratings also were part of the problem. “Brooks and Julian both were receiving lower scores, and generally, there was a feeling of unrest and angst in the village,” Lawrence said. He says that this year, Julian’s rating increased, and there may have been some pent-up demand from people who sat on the sidelines last year. “Maybe people did a little more research and looked behind the scores and headlines and saw that both schools are good quality

John Lawrence (left) and Zak Knebel (right) are partnering to open a Berkshire Hathaway Home Services office at 7773 Lake St., River Forest

schools,” Lawrence said. While low mortgage rates undoubtedly play some role in the uptick in home sales for the first quarter, Lawrence believes other factors figure more prominently. “The rates have been really good, but the second half of 2019, they were just as good as this year in January and February, so this is not just rate-driven,” he said.

Uncertain future As effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to play out, Lawrence states, uncertainty is creeping in. “In these first days of crisis mode, we’re still seeing activity,” Lawrence said. “We’re still getting daily showing requests, but we are seeing some sellers pull their homes off the market.” He says that in the first five days of the

crisis, Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park saw roughly 25 homes pulled from public listings or moved to temporary off-market status. Lawrence many of those were pulled because of the uncertainty surrounding Oak Park’s shelter-in-place order, issued on March 18. Once the state issued its own stayat-home edict -- under which it was clear that showing homes was not prohibited -Lawrence says many of the pulled listings are back on the market. As he looks forward to growing the River Forest office, Lawrence says it makes sense to be open to more changes ahead. “It’d be naïve to say the virus won’t have a significant impact, but will it kick the can down the road? Maybe we’ll pause and then go back to a typical spring market in the summer. We’ll see,” Lawrence said.

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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VIEWPOINTS

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

C O N S C I O U S

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

Shrubtown P. 21

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

A G I N G

What happens next What happens next depends largely on us — our government, politicians, health institutions and, in particular, 328 million inhabitants of this country — all making tiny decisions on a daily basis with outsize consequences for our collective future.

Washington Post

As is clear to everyone, the world we are living in today is dramatically different from a month ago. And as we eventually move through the current COVID-19 pandemic, the world we find on the other side will also be dramatically different. Our attitudes and our actions today will impact that world of tomorrow. At 8 p.m. each evening from our front steps, my wife leads us as we join neighbors to make noise in celebration of and gratitude for health-care workers and other first responders. Add grocery store employees, garbage collectors, mail carriers, all delivery people and so many others whose labor we so easily took for granted up until a few weeks ago. There are many inspiring examples from many countries of people offering helping hands and acting responsibly, and even courageously, on a daily basis. Truly, this crisis is our time to shine. Of course, there is another face to this crisis. The Spanish military, in efforts to help secure and sanitize care homes, has found older residents completely abandoned, lying dead in their beds. According to a doctor in Parma, Italy, the instructions there are not to offer access to artificial respiratory machines to patients over 60. I am reminded of the early years of the AIDS onslaught in this country. Ashton Applewhite recently blogged, “In some quarters the AIDS epidemic was considered divine retribution for sinful behavior. Shamefully, many of those most at risk, already marginalized by homophobia and racism, were overlooked and even left to die. Doing the same to those marginalized by ageism — the corrosive belief, at its ugly heart, that to age is to lose value as a human being — is just as reprehensible. It is not ethical, or legal, to allocate resources by race, gender or sexual orientation. Doing so by age is equally unacceptable. Period.” Last week on national TV, the lieutenant governor of Texas asked all our older people, “Are you willing to take a chance on your survival in exchange for keeping the America that all America loves for your children and grandchildren?” He was advocating that we discontinue social-distancing so America can “get back to work” sometime in the next month. Are you kidding me? Of course grandparents would do anything for their grand-children’s future. But let’s not advocate stupidity as a cure for our economic recession. Prematurely ending social-distancing/quarantine will cause millions of people of all ages to get sick and will totally overwhelm our health-care system, causing even more loss and dislocation. It is urgent that we avoid “either/or” or “old vs. young” ways of framing this crisis. We can and must struggle to accomplish the “both/and” orientation in this pandemic. Undoubtedly, over the next six months, all of us will be sorely tested in this regard. Today, we have an opportunity to shape that world of tomorrow. All of us, no matter what age, not just our current “leaders,” now have the responsibility to envision what changes we want to manifest in our post-pandemic world. This is part of aging consciously. Like all explorers, we will figure it out as we go. Marc Blesoff writes the monthly Conscious Aging column in Wednesday Journal.

MARC BLESOFF

Dear Community …

hope you and your loved ones are staying safe in these unsettled times. Thank you — for staying at home, for avoiding unnecessary contacts and for changing your behavior so we can preserve and save lives from the threat we continue to face. Like you, I wonder if I washed my hands enough, if I distanced myself enough, and if I am doing my full part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. And what is enough? This virus may be new, but the effective way to respond to it isn’t: Social-distancing is the most effective way to respond. But how much is enough social-distancing? We know from science and experience that you can’t cheat, not even a little! No neighbors or guests over, no dinners/ drinks with a friend, no unnecessary trips to the grocery store. If anyone in your household puts themselves at risk, everyone in the house is at risk. The right reaction is not overreaction. We have lost precious time to prepare for this war. Here are the facts: We were slow to recognize the scope and severity of the virus in our country; we lack an adequate supply of personal protective equipment for our health workers; we lack a sufficient number of test kits to diagnose those who are infected; and we lack designated areas to isolate those who test positive for COVID-19. Like you, I am worried for my own family, friends, and of course, the health, safety and vitality of the members of our community. As mayor, my highest duty is to protect the health and the safety of our community. This is why I am writing to everyone. In the 1918 flu pandemic, cities that ordered social-distancing sooner and for longer periods flattened the curve, lowered the overall death rate, and shortened the time before life was able to safely return to normal. This is science and what history teaches us. COVID-19 is new but the effec-

tive, lifesaving way to respond isn’t. As a child, I grew up in a war zone. In war you hear the soldiers, tanks, planes, and bombs, and you smell the gunfire. You see the smoke, the pain and the bloodshed. This war is very different — silent and invisible, but no less deadly. This virus does not rest, it does not follow a schedule, and most of all it does not discriminate in choosing its victims. Each and every one of us is at risk. And in this war people are going to lose their loved ones — more people will get sick and some will die. We may get discouraged and may think the measures we are taking are not working or they’ve gone on long enough. This would be surrendering the progress we’ve made so far in the early days of our battle and would give the virus more victims to attack. I urge everyone to stay committed and unified. We are saving lives by adhering to strict socialdistancing and following the public health guidelines. Flattening the curve is the most effective way to respond. It provides time for development of a vaccine, lessens the strain on our health workers and health system, and enables us to win the war against this invisible killer. Let us keep in our thoughts and prayers those who have contracted this disease, as well as all the health workers and first responders. Those are the true heroes; they risk their lives to protect ours. Understand that we will face very difficult times in the coming weeks. We have the capacity to care for one another and we need to do just that. Let us be kind to each other and let us have faith. I am confident that we are going to get through this together, emerge stronger, and live to tell stories of courage, resilience and compassion. Anan Abu-Taleb is mayor of the village of Oak Park.

ANAN

ABUTALEB One View

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

O U R

V I E W S

Faster on Lake Street

ever let a good crisis go to waste. And we have a doozy with COVID-19. A smart move by the village of Oak Park, therefore, to take advantage of the effective shutdown of many businesses at and near Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street to dive into planned sewer and utility replacement at the intersection. The upshot is that instead of a series of partial closures of the intersection over an extended time period the crossroads will be fully closed by the time you read this editorial. By closing fully and adding more workers tackling aspects of the major project simultaneously, the work will be completed in 7-10 days rather than the original four-week schedule. More pain, but a time when most everyone is sequestered in their living rooms. Every good decision the village and project managers can make on the massive rebuilding of Lake Street from Harlem to Euclid (and the more modest repaving of the street from Euclid to Austin Boulevard) is critical. For all the years this project has been contemplated and debated, timing was always set with the goal of having the project — sewers, water mains, utilities, curbs, pavers, fancy streetscaping, new lighting and traffic signals — complete before Thanksgiving. The idea was to give local business a clear shot at a successful holiday season. Now with independent businesses traumatized by this already extended shutdown, it becomes essential that, when the stay-at-home orders finally end — June 1? — customers can get to their place of business. The stakes here are consequential for not only business owners but a community spending $15 million to upgrade its downtown for the decades ahead.

Get it right, Cook County

As we suffer through endless — and daily — muddle and blather from the current president related to COVID-19, locals have come to rely on substantially more immediate and accurate information from our hometown and state officials. Local mayors, including Abu-Taleb in Oak Park, Adduci in River Forest and Hoskins in Forest Park, have grasped that we’ll all deal better and follow the imposed restrictions more closely if we know this virus is all about us. At the city and state level, Lightfoot and Pritzker have been exemplars of plain talk, delivered with context and concern every day at the same hour. That’s why it has been disturbing, confounding to see the Cook County Department of Public Health so thoroughly botch a publicfacing website seemingly designed to tell residents across Cook how many COVID-19 cases are in their town and of any deaths linked to their communities. Our Growing Community Media reporters discovered this largely unknown site last week after tips from local officials. Since then the site has disappeared, reappeared, crashed, provided conflicting information. All the things a good public health communications strategy should avoid. Can’t tell you at this moment the status of the site. Can tell you Cook County residents deserve straight information on a crisis that has upended each of our lives.

More Viewpoints

It’s been on our to-do list for some months: Create a weekly digital newsletter to share the thoughtful — sometimes provocative — content of the print version of our Viewpoints section. With page counts limited for now but, stunningly, no shortage of opinionated readers, our need is to share letters and essays that don’t fit in print. So, with any luck, before the week is over a Wednesday Journal Viewpoints newsletter will hit your inbox. Ken Trainor, as always, will edit the pieces. And he invites you to submit letters and One View essays (500 words max) to him at ktrainor@wjinc.com.com.

V I E W P O I N T S

What I miss and what I don’t (so far)

e’re a couple of weeks into lockdown/quarantine/ sheltering in place. How’s it going so far? What do you miss? Perhaps more interesting, what don’t you miss that surprises you? I miss going to the movies, the Lake Theatre first and foremost, with its tantalizing menu of options on the dazzling new digital marquee, set in the bones of the old marquee. The Lake has always been the neon hub for the Ferris wheel spokes of the downtown business district to revolve around. I like walking past the marquee even when I’m not going to a movie — though not so much now that it’s closed, which it has never been before in my memory. Open every day for decades, amazing. I miss Shaun taking tickets and the smell of popcorn and the lines out front, and the movie posters promoting what’s there and what’s to come. I like seeing films with friends, but I don’t mind going alone. The big screen in a dark space is a much more enveloping and absorbing experience than watching TV in your home. I miss the communion of it, hearing other viewers’ reactions. There is nothing quite so reassuring as group laughter and even the occasional gasp or a whispered, “Here’s my favorite part” coming from the row behind. And following the credits, taking a mint from one of the brave staff whose job it is to unclutter the theater floor after a showing. I miss seeing people in restaurants at night, the warm glow within, diners engrossed in conversation. Another kind of communion. I miss Winberie’s in particular, that gentle beacon at the corner of Oak Park and Lake. They closed before the virus arrived but would have shut down anyway with the pandemic, so their decision looks prescient now. I don’t miss going out to dinner. A 20% markup on your meal (tip) and being gouged on a glass of wine turned me off. All restaurants should be BYOB, and workers should be paid a decent wage. I miss having dinner at home with friends. For people my age, dinner parties rise to the top of the list of entertainment options. Less expensive (and better) wine flows (for those who want it), as does the conversation, and you can stay as long as the host allows. No pressure to vacate the table except to move into the living room. The meal is usually a collective and lively affair. The culinary quality is at least as good and the variety much better. So are the acoustics. And the laughter. And the storytelling. Dinner with even one guest elevates the occasion. I don’t miss traffic and crowds. Driving is fun again, or at least more relaxing — even on Lake Street in Downtown Oak Park with the most poorly timed lights in the entire Chicago metropolitan area. You can now find parking spaces there, believe it or not. I sure don’t miss rush hour. Even Harlem Avenue isn’t busy at 5 p.m. And I don’t hear the honking of horns at the Oak Park and Pleasant traffic light from high-strung commuters desperate to get home after a long day at work and regretting their poor choice of a short-cut.

I don’t miss the busyness of business, the relentlessly revved engine of economic activity, and the noise from trucks, buses, trains, motorcyclists, ambulances and fire engines. The frenetic pace was exhausting. We needed this break just to show us another way. I don’t miss the myriad events and our hyper-scheduled lifestyles. Too many options. We no longer have to worry about what we’re missing because nothing much is happening. I love the openness, the release and relief of it, never fretting about what I might be forgetting. There isn’t much left to be late for. I miss the Oak Park Public Library, where I find most of my DVDs from their vast collection for at-home viewing. I miss having breakfast with friends at Hemmingway’s Bistro with sunlight streaming through the tall arched windows and the French feel of the place. I miss meeting friends for coffee, tea and catching up at Live Café or Courageous Bakery. I miss going there alone and writing while watching the village flow past as I gaze across the street at Scoville Park and the simulated mountain range of the library building. I miss spending time with friends face-to-face, unmediated by computer screens, never giving a thought to what vicious virus might commute from one of us to the other. I miss spending time with my grandsons most of all. When I take a walk, I hear cheery hellos from passersby as they veer off onto the parkway grass to give us a little distance — aware that we could be deadly to one another. But also aware that social-distancing is more than distancing. It’s also being social. Two women chat on a street corner with a careful separation of at least 6 feet, making me ponder: What is the optimal distance between two human beings? What we’re seeking isn’t shelter so much as sanctuary, a place of sacred safety. But we’re also seeking communion. Generally, though, the new normal of socialdistancing is not so radically different from my old normal. I’ve lived alone for many years and spend a fair amount of time solitary, if not in confinement. A writer benefits from enforced isolation. Makes us more productive. But we also benefit from creative communion. I miss the balance. My CD and DVD collections are getting more use. I’m eating better and less food is going to waste in my fridge. And if I had a full year of this situation, I still wouldn’t exhaust the list of uncompleted projects that have been guilting me from the back burners for years. Life is short, but it feels longer when you’re in confinement. That’s not such a bad thing. This unprecedented situation provides a golden opportunity to examine how we’ve been living and assess what changes might become permanent once this is over. In important ways, it might even be good for me — and I hope for you as well. What do you miss — and what don’t you?

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N

by Marc Stopeck

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Designers Mark Moroney Business Manager Joyce Minich Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Revenue & Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak

This is not business as usual I am very conscious of the completely unprecedented circumstances that we are all experiencing in both our personal/family and business/professional lives. Please make no mistake, these are trying times and nobody is immune to the effects of what we are going through — every day seems to be different from the last, and we are all wondering when we will get back to normal, and what that will even look like. This is not business as usual. Please do not expect that you will be able to “produce” at your usual rate or level. Please be conscious that your staff (or spouse, or kids, or family) may also need extra time to get their work done, or in the case of those you are quarantined with, just simply get out of bed. We all have a million things on our minds and many of us are struggling to keep it together. Be kind to yourself and one another. Reach out to your friends (virtually!) and love those closest (literally quarantine-close!) to you. Oak Park and River Forest are communities who pride themselves on taking care of others, and now is

Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan

the time when we all need to extend this sentiment to our local business community. Many of our local businesses have felt the pain of a downturn in sales or a sharp end to clients coming through the door. Now more than ever, we need to be mindful to stay local for all of our shopping and service needs and continuing to show our love to all of our local businesses. The OPRF Chamber works toward a vision where all who live and work in our community have the opportunity to thrive — that means those who live here, those who work here, and those who laugh, cry and love here will make it through these challenging times. Our daily routines are going to change, and business is going to change — but we are resilient, and the staff and board of directors here at the Chamber will continue to be of service to you, our small businesses, and this community as a whole.

Liz Holt

Executive Director OPRF Chamber of Commerce

The art of using a corn cob

I’d like to know if John Hubbuch knows about the fine art of using a corn cob [Tape these tips to your fridge! Viewpoints, March 25]. I remember my father telling me about corn cobs floating in a full bucket of water inside a farmer’s outhouse way, way back, when he, too, was a young man. He proceeded to explain how to use one (I guess he figured I should know in case I ever encountered such a predicament). The water would soften up the cobs. One had to fish around in the bucket to find the softest one. With the chosen “Char-

min” in hand, one would give it a hearty shake to expel the excess water before swiping it. If you required another, one would repeat the process. But if there were no more cobs at the ready, one had to delicately rotate the cob to its other, cleaner side. A simple move that required a surgeon’s touch. (Recall that hand sanitizer had not been invented). I enjoy reading the Viewpoints section.

John Megall

River Forest

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 250-word limit

■ 500-word limit

■ Must include first and last names,

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708 613 3300

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O B I T U A R I E S

Elizabeth Kohapka, 103

Elayne Skwaritch, 98

Ballroom dancer

Crossing guard, X-ray transporter

Elizabeth C. “Elsie” Kohapka (nee Dybek), 103, of Oak Park, died on March 21, 2020. Born on Sept. 7, 1916, as a young women, she owned and operated a grocery/ meat market in Chicago with her husband (a precursor to the supermarket concept) and later became an administrator managing the office of a research department at Northwestern University Medical School. Her hobby ELIZABETH KOHAPKA was ballroom dancing for which she won many trophies. An avid home decorator, she was given an award by the village of Oak Park for the excellent appearance of her Victorian home. Elsie Kohapka was the wife of the late Anthony Kohapka; the daughter of the late Victoria and Michael Dybek; sister of the late Stanley (the late Adeline) Dybek, the late Rudolph (the late Marie) and the late Victor (the late Rose) Dybeck, the late Gertrude (the late Norbert) Zielinski and the late Olga (the late Edmund) Sala; the aunt of Stuart, David and Thomas Dybek, Dennis Dybeck, Robert and the late Marlene and the late Arthur Dybeck, Gloria Casey, Nancy Jenkover Podwika and the late Louise Zielinski, and Lawrence, Jerome and Terrance Sala; and the greataunt of many. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Edmund Church in Oak Park at a later date. Private entombment was held at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) would be appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Elayne C. Skwaritch (nee Culliton), 98, a 56year resident of Oak Park, died on March 21, 2020. Born in Chicago to the late John and Lillian Culliton, she was raised in the Hermosa Park area. A graduate of Nixon Elementary School and Kelvyn Park High School, she married Louis Skwaritch in 1946, and the couple moved to Oak Park in 1964. She was a crossing guard in Oak Park for over 20 years before she began working for Oak Park Hospital ELAYNE SKWARITCH as an X-ray transporter. She retired in 1990. Elayne is survived by her children, Sharon (Phil) Walsh and Ray (Michelle) Skwaritch; her grandchildren, Kevin, Kaitlyn and Jaclyn Walsh, and Robert, James, Marc and Elayne “Lainey” Skwaritch; her siblings, Myrcedes (Albert) Riebock, the late Jack Culliton, the late Edward (the late Beatrice) Culliton, and the late James (Becky) Culliton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis in 1992. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Church in Oak Park at a later date. A private interment service was held at Mount Auburn Memorial Park. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Kevin Tideman, 43 Witty, he persisted

Kevin Brice Tideman, 43, of Oak Park, died on March 8, 2020 in Chicago of complications relating to advanced Multiple Sclerosis. Born on April 12, 1976, Kevin suffered from an aggressive form of the disease beginning in his 20s, yet persevered in living longer than doctors thought he would.

Gifted in intelligence and wit, Kevin maintained these qualities through the entirety of his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, H. Dawn Tideman (nee Tyksinski), longtime employee of Dole Branch Library in Oak Park until her passing on March 10, 2009. He is survived by his father, Henry, and younger siblings Brian and Megan. In lieu of donations, please advocate for universal health care, where individuals do not have to be denied care based upon insurance coverage, or endure limited liberty and opportunity due to the systems the U.S. currently has in place.

Paul Petersen, 81 Educator and gardener

Paul W. Petersen, a longtime Oak Park resident, died on March 26, 2020 at the age of 81. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he taught at Longfellow School in Oak Park until the time of his retirement. He also served as a volunteer cross-country coach at Fenwick High School during the 1978 through 1981 seasons. In his retirement, he worked as a volunteer at the Oak Park Conservatory, was a dedicated “Friend of the Library,” and enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan. He was always working on projects in his garden and around his house but was never in a rush and always took his time to look over his work with his cup of coffee in his hand,” recalled neighbor Ed Pacer. “He enjoyed block parties and chatting with his neighbors. “Paul was a fixture on our block and always greeted anyone walking by with a great big smile and oftentimes some random bit of history that was both interesting and informative. He was always outside working in his garden, which is just starting to come back to life after the long winter.” Neighbors organized a ceremony on the 800 block of South Scoville at 7 p.m. last Sunday evening. Because of social distancing, everyone was asked to step outside their home and light a candle in Paul’s honor and place it on the sidewalk. They observed “a short moment of silence to remember a man who

Neighbors gather to remember Paul Petersen during a ceremony on the 800 block of Scoville Sunday. lived life on his own terms and was an eternal optimist,” said neighbor Chris Parente. “The world could use more Pauls right about now.” Paul Petersen is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Nancy (Peterson) Weiss and Ed Weiss, his nephews Ted Weiss and Peter Weiss, and his niece Elizabeth Lennie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul F. and Helen Sophia (nee Wendell) Petersen. Services will be private. Arrangements were handled by Fox River Cremation Society.

Joan Creedon Former OP-RF resident

Joan D. Creedon (nee Carroll), 89, of Riverside and formerly of Oak Park and River Forest, died on March 25, 2020. She was the wife of the late Daniel F. Creedon; the mother of Mark (Lynn), Edward (Karen), Daniel B. (Nancy), John (Ingrid) and Richard; the grandmother of 13; the great-grandmother of nine; and a cousin of Joe Kane. JOAN CREEDON Due to present circumstances, services are private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, Westchester, handled arrangements.

Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.

Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667 I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Dear Oak Park Residents and Surrounding Community, This year we are giving back to you with an amazing one time offer (in celebration of our 25th anniversary)! Perfect for children, teens, and adults!

Language and Music Summer Camp! Spanish Immersion no Spanish experience necessary. Our Summer Camp’s waitlist has been eliminated, with all the space we have at the new Mansion!

Special 2020 Offer!

Preschool Group (ages 2-4) Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Group (ages 5-8)

$248 per month

$199 for the first month! Private Lessons in ANY subject we offer!

3rd-5th grade group (ages 9-11)

All Languages, All Instruments, All Subjects for Academic Tutoring! All AGES!

Monday through Friday 9:30am-2:30pm, choose your weeks $250 per week. Before and after care available. Two-week minimum, 8-week recommendation for language acquisition.

Don’t forget to ask about our other programs and offerings: • Before and Afterschool “Homework Cafe” at The International Mansion • Language and Fine Arts Preschool and Elementary School (Homeschool-style in School) • Our Recording Studio • Translations and Interpretations

The Language and Music School At International Mansion

509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 info@internationalmansion.com • (708) 524-5252 • InternationalMansion.com

STAY IN. STAY SAFE.

Continue to support ALL small usiness.

oprfchamber.org

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

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

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

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

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

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

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

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED FOOD SERVICE WORKER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TEMPORARY FT SUMMER The Hephzibah Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Summer Day Care program is accepting applications for a Food Service Worker to be a full time seasonal employee in our program that runs from June 8th through August 14th. The days and hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Responsibilities include preparing and serving snacks and lunch, maintaining established standards of food safety, keeping kitchen, lunchroom and equipment in good and sanitary condition, and meeting all required reporting requirements. Requirements include: High school diploma or equivalent Quantity cooking experience Food Sanitation Manager CertiďŹ cation (or willingness to obtain by June 8th) Contact: Amy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director of Day Care at: aorourke@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer. IT Production Support Specialist U.S. Bank Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Assoc (Chicago, IL) to analyze science, eng, bus & other data processing problems to automate/improve existing systems. Req Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/CS, Analytics or rltd ďŹ eld & 2 yrs exp in trader facing IT Prod Supp role or Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & 5 yrs. 2 yrs (w/Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) or 5 yrs (w/Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) w/Calypso. 2 yrs w/Putty; Oracle; Windows Batch Scripting; trading issues incl pricing, trade ďŹ&#x201A;ow, proďŹ t & loss; Eclipse; & Java. 1 yr w/SQL & UNIX. Apply online www.usbank.com. MAINTENANCE PERSON WANTED American Security in Forest Park is seeking an experienced Maintenance Person to work part-time Mon-Fri, 4-6 hours p/day. $17 - $20 p/h, based on your experience and abilities. You must live within 20 min of 15th & Harlem. Job Req: Vehicle, Cell phone w/ texting, no criminal record. Responsibilities: Building repairs and maint, basic electrical & plumbing, light cleaning, & a variety of other tasks. Email your resume to jobs@ americansecurityservices.com or call 708-383-6969 ext. 240 M-F 9a-5 SUMMER SEASONAL STUDENT EMPLOYMENT The Village of Oak Park has openings for the 2020 Summer Seasonal Student Employment. Opportunities are in the Engineering, Water & Sewer, Streets Division, and Fleet & Forestry Divisions. Interested applicants must be 18 years old and actively enrolled in a post-secondary academic program. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website http://www. oak-park.us/. Interested and qualiďŹ ed applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

HELP WANTED

ROOMS FOR RENT

Mobile Senior Software Engineer sought by Body Shop Bids d/b/a Snapsheet in Chicago, IL to work as a full stack mobile software engineer, designing and developing new mobile apps on iOS and Android. Apply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com Ref# 83706.

SUBSTITUTE CUSTODIAN Substitute Custodian position at a church in Oak Park. Hours are 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m, each third Monday, and 2:00 p.m - 7:00 all other Mondays, throughout the year. There is potential for additional hours as needed throughout the week, and during regular Custodianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vacation times. Must possess proven ability to clean and maintain a large building, lift 50 pounds, and set-up/takedown tables and chairs for events. Must also have good communication skills, work well with groups, positively represent the church when greeting visitors, and safely monitor entrances to the building. This position reports to the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facility Manager. Please send inquiry or resume to churchofďŹ ce@ ďŹ rstumcoakpark.org

AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957

NETWORK SPECIALIST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualiďŹ ed candidates for the position of Network Specialist in the Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software conďŹ guration of computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environments of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, IOS/ Android. Network protocols, security, conďŹ guration and administration, including ďŹ rewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including ďŹ ber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Interested and qualiďŹ ed applicants can visit our website at http://www. oak-park.us/ for more details. PRESCHOOL ASST DIRECTOR & TEACHER HAPPY KIDDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEST INC. We are looking to hire 2 positions: Daycare preschool assistant director teacher qualiďŹ ed and a teacher position. Flexible hours. Associates Degree or credited ECE hours. Total college credit is a minimum. Candidate must be fun loving and friendly, and an energetic individual who is knowledgeable in daycare action and DCFS protocol. Degree and experience will determine your hourly salary. Call 708-484-8188 or fax resume to 708-484-8616. SUMMER PART TIME SEASONAL HELP The Hephzibah Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Summer Day Care Program is accepting applications for the following part time seasonal opportunity in our summer program that runs from June 8th through August 14th. Youth Development Specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Greeter: Two hour shifts Monday through Friday from either 7:30-9:30 am or 4:00-6:00 pm. Provide care and supervision of the children. Responsibilities include supervising indoor and outdoor free play, greeting and welcoming parents and children and serving snack. Requirements include H.S. diploma or equivalent and experience working with children. Contact: Amy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director of Day Care at: aorourke@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer.

SITUATION WANTED EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER Experienced caregiver licensed in compassionate care seeking employment within a home environment. Salary negotiable. Please call Ms. Tate at 708-691-2770

CITY RENTALS LOOK q

A MUST-SEE!!! 929-933 N. LEAMINGTON ST. BEAUTIFUL newly renovated Studios ($725 - $750) & 2-bdrm Apts. ($875 - $900) in quiet bldg. Appls incld; tenant pays utilities. Credit/bkgrnd check reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Sect. 8 Welcome! For private viewing, call 708-307-8178.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT DOWNTOWN OAK PARK SUBLEASE We are looking to sublease our beautiful, spa-like ofďŹ ce. Our ofďŹ ce is already set up and is available for sublease in downtown Oak Park. This ofďŹ ce is perfect for a physician, anesthetist, masseuse, and/or acupuncturist. Space is available immediately. Please contact us for pricing and to schedule a tour of the ofďŹ ce. Ask for NikI. 708-613-4417 Nikimoreno33@gmail.com THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy ofďŹ ces for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wiďŹ ; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER?

Call Us For Advertising Rates! 708/613-3333

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â&#x20AC;˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACE A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN STRIP MALL: 1600-1635 Sq Ft. *315 S. Harlem Ave. and Madison St. area - Forest Park, IL. *Very Good Condition-Recently Updated. *Formerly a Cleaners. *Heavy foot/road trafďŹ c area. *End space. 45-Space Parking Lot! *For more details; Serious Inquiries ONLY: *EMAIL: poppygator@yahoo.com *CALL/TEXT, at: P.B. (708)250-7997 Or: D.B. (708)828-6491

ITEMS FOR SALE CHINA CABINET & CHINA China cabinet with 12 5-piece place settings of Bavarian china. $259.00 708-488-8755 DINING ROOM TABLE Very large, genuine antique. Empire style from Marshall Fieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Orig. $9000. Priced at $1900. VICTORIAN DINING CHAIRS 6 beautiful Victorian chairs, reproductions. $500. 708-488-8755

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ&#x201A;ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lead, plastic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

NOVENAS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) Oh, most beautiful ďŹ&#x201A;ower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. CAC

TAX ASSESSMENTS TAX ASSESSMENTS BUSINESS & APARTMENT BUILDING OWNERS Your current reassessment can affect your bottom line. Find out future tax liability. Contact us for a free review at www.ashtaxsolutions.com or call 773-941-4949

CEMENT

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708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 Â&#x2021; )281'$7,216 Â&#x2021; 3$7,26 67(36 Â&#x2021; &85% *877(56 Â&#x2021; 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* Â&#x2021; 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

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

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

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

Attention! Home-improvement pros!

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Call 708/613-3342

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

CLASSIFIED ELECTRICAL Red Star Electric

Your Neighborhood Electricians *Licensed *Bonded *Insured

-Residential/ Commercial Electrical Upgrades -Electrical Service/ Panel Upgrades -Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations -Standby Generators 708 722 1388 www.RedStarElectric.net

GARAGE DOORS Our 73rd Year

Garage Doors &

Smart Door Openers

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(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

Starting a new business? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice here Call for details: 708/613-3342

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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

HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

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PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

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Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003431 on March 13, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of SPARK & SHINE ONLINE with the business located at: 45 E. BURLINGTON UNIT 10, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ROBIN QUINN NEWBERRY 262 NORWOOD RIVERSIDE, IL 60546 Published in RBLandmark 3/18, 3/25, 4/1/2020

You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342 to advertise.

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OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003383 on March 10, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of A HAND UP with the business located at: 901 LAKE ST. UNIT 901, OAK PARK, IL 60303. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: PLESHETTE SIMONE DAVIS 901 LAKE ST. UNIT 901 OAK PARK, IL 60303 Published in Wednesday Journal 3/18, 3/25, 4/1/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 ABFC ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005WMC1 Plaintiff, -v.DARYL SATCHER, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., OAK PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2018 CH 08851 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 7, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 14, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-320-0401025 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-07459 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 08851 TJSC#: 40-1381 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 # 2018 CH 08851 I3148148

UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019 CH 05533 300-302 NORTH CUYLER AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 300-302 NORTH CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-107-0090000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in

order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-04111 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 05533 TJSC#: 40-655 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 # 2019 CH 05533 I3148307

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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 268445 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 40-595 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 00561 I3148758

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST Plaintiff, -v.EDILBERTO V. VERZO, MARCELINA C. VERZO,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 24, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home with a detached two car garage. 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

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

paid advertisement

These local restaurants are all OPEN during the current shelter-in-place order Check out their menus online, call them for delivery, carry-out, or curbside pick-up.

Now is the time to support local business!

Blackout Baking Co.

Eastgate Café

O’Sullivan’s Public House

Scratch Restaurants

(office) 842 N Harlem Ave, River Forest Bite-size gourmet cookies Our Menu: Blackoutbakingco.com Order from our website for FREE local delivery or nationwide shipping. Always accepting orders. Delivery and ship day every Tuesday. Call 872-222-9519

102 Harrison, Oak Park

7244 W. Madison Street, Forest Park Modern American/Pub Food Our Menu: Osullivanspublichouse.net Call 708-366-6667 to order Carry-Out and Local Delivery (No Delivery Fee)

733 Lake, Oak Park

Buzz Café 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Sweets, Snacks & Desserts served ALL DAY! Our Menu: Thebuzzcafe.com For Carry Out, Curbside Pick-up or FREE Delivery call 708-524-2899 Deliver also available with Uber Eats 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week

Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles 543 Madison St., Oak Park American - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Menu: Chicagoschickenandwaffles.com For Pick-up, call 708-524-3300 Delivery via Grubhub, UberEats, Doordash and Chownow is available Sun - Sat 8am - 9pm

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American Comfort Our Menu: Eastgatecafe.net For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-660-9091 Delivery is also available on Grubhub 12pm - 8pm; closed Monday

Grape Leaves Restaurant 129 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine Our Menu : Grapeleaves.us For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-848-5555 We also partner with Grubhub, UberEats, Poatmate. Mon – Sun 11am – 8pm

Jimmy’s Place 7411 W. Madison, Forest Park Italian Our Menu: Jimmysplaceforestpark.com For Pick-up and delivery, call 708-771-7476 Delivery also available on Grubhub 4pm - 10pm Daily

La Notte Ristorante Italiano 118 N Marion St, Oak Park Fine Authentic Italian Our Menu: LaNotte-op.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-948-7576, or text 773-817-2858 Delivery also available on UberEats and Doordash 2pm - 9pm daily Limited time offer -$100 Gift Certificates for just $80

Old World Pizza

Daily Specials posted on Facebook @osullivanspublichouseFP Delivery also available on GrubHub Available Daily 11am – 10pm

Puree’s Pizza & Pasta 1023 Lake St, Oak Park Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, panini, wraps Our Menu: Pureespizzaandpasta.com/ For Curbside Pick-up, take-out and Delivery, call 708-386-4949 Delivery also available from DoorDash and UberEats Available Daily 11am – 9pm

Q-BBQ 124 N. Marion St, Oak Park BBQ Our menu: Q-bbq.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-628-3421 or order online Mon – Thurs 11am - 8pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 9pm

Robinson’s #1 Ribs 848 Madison St, Oak Park Barbecue (vegetarian options available) Our Menu: Rib1.com For Carry-out and Delivery call 708-383-8452

American/burger/sandwich/salad/mac n cheese Our Menu: Scratchfp.com For Pick up/curbside (rear entrance), call 708-434-5643 Sun - Thurs 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat 11am - 1am

The Little Gem Café 189 N Marion St. Oak Park American Bistro Our Menu: Thelittlegemcafe.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-613-5491 Tues - Sun 3pm - 9pm (closed Mon)

Tre Sorelle Ristorante 1111 Lake St., Oak Park Homemade Pizza, Italian cuisine Our Menu: Tresorelleoakpark.com For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery call 708-445-9700 Delivery also available with Grubhub, Uber Eats Mon - Thu 11am - 9pm; Fri 11am - 10pm; Sat 3pm - 10pm; Sun 3pm - 9pm

Starship Restaurant 7618 Madison St., Forest Park Gourmet sub sandwiches, homemade soups, catering and individually wrapped items for safe distribution Our Menu: Starshiprestaurant.com For pick-up and delivery, call 708-771-3016 or order online Mon thru Sat. 8am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm

Delivery is available through UberEats, DoorDash , Grubhub Tues – Sun 12pm – 8pm

7230 W North Ave, Elmwood Park Pizza, Burgers, Pasta Our Menu: Originaloldworldpizza.com For Pick-up, Curbside Pick-up, Delivery and Contact-less Delivery call 708-456-3000, or fax 708-456-4580 Mon 3:30pm – 9pm; Tues – Thurs 11am –9pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm; Sun 11am – 9pm

Each of these restaurants paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!

Wednesday Journal, April 1, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Enjoy our FREE Online Workout at www.TENandFiT.com Greetings from Your Tennis and Fitness Centre Fitness Department! We hope this finds you doing well and staying healthy, as you experience this period of shelter in place. Thank you for your patience. Everyone appreciates your role in supporting a more positive outcome to a difficult situation. We miss you, our entire community at-large, and the vibrant atmosphere created by all. Although we have faith in getting back to some level of normalcy, although, it may not be soon enough for your active needs. To help you stay fit weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to share trainer-led exercise demonstrations as they are made available to us.

Ellen Petrick presents

Bret Patnodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presents

Strength Workout - Kickboxing New! Strength Workout - Foam Roller

Warm Up and Workout

The Yoga Centre Presents Meg Barber - Parivrtta Trikonasana Meg Barber - Samavritti Breath Practice Meg Barber - 1 Hour Yang Yoga Hatha - Teresa Heit-Murray

Visit Facebook.com/TenandFitOakPark and Facebook.com/TheYogaCentreOakPark for more info!

We know that you will enjoy these class offerings. More to come!

301 Lake St., Oak Park (708) 386-2175

Stay Healthy at www.TENandFiT.com

266 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 524-YOGA