Wednesday Journal 040324

Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya

Johnson, Oak Park Village President

Vicki Scaman, Oak Park Postmaster

Kenya omas and River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci at Oak Park Village Hall.

Making history

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

Growing Community Media recently interviewed four powerful women leaders in our communities: Vicki

Scaman, Oak Park village president; Cathy Adduci, River Forest’s first female village president; Shatonya Johnson, Oak Park’s first female police chief; and Kenya Thomas, Oak Park postmaster. During their group inter-

OPRF details its response to school shooting threat

Changes in internal, ex ternal communications under way

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

As promised, the superintendent at Oak Park and River Forest High School made his re port to the school board on the response of school staf f and the Oak Park police department to back-to-back security challenges at the school on Feb. 14.

At the school board meeting on March 21, Supt. Greg Johnson summarized the two incidents that day.

The first issue led to the imposition of what is called a “secure and teach” response. It is the equivalent to a soft lockdown. It was called by school staf f when officials were infor med that an OPRF student had posted on Snapchat that he had a gun in his bag and was going

See WOMEN LEADERS on pa ge 20

See

on pa ge 24

view, the women discovered that they have many commonalities, including their philosophy of leadership—and their commitment to “girlfriend time.”

Oak Park seeks greater housing diversity

Metropolitan Mayors Caucus identi es ways to make the village more a ordable

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park can begin addressing its problems with housing diversity and af fordability by starting with three broad steps, village staf f members reviewing the issues suggested last week.

Those steps are allowing for additional multifamily housing in Oak Park’s business districts, addressing housing and parking holistically, and updating the inclusionary housing ordinance.

Those recommendations come as part of a Metropolitan Mayors Caucus housing study that resulted in a strategic vision to remedy what have been intractable and complex problems in Oak Park. That includes easing the tight housing stock while ensuring housing is af fordable enough so people across income bands and racial or ethnic backgrounds can live here.

“Affordable housing,” according to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, is defined as housing in which the occupant is paying no more than 30% of their gross income for housing costs, including utilities. Ben Schnelle, a MMC associate, said the MMC also measured it as the number of rental options that are af fordable for those earning 60 percent of the area median income.

In Oak Park, the area median income is $103,264, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, so those renters would need to earn $61,958 each year to af ford a monthly $1,548 rent.

In the study, the MMC identified 10 housing challenges facing the community and goals to help alleviate them:

■ Rental af fordability; Increase the supply of affordable rental housing

■ Homeownership affordability; Expand the variety of homeownership opportunities

■ Racial diversity and integration; Increase racial diversity across all parts of Oak Park

■ Climate change; Progress towards the goals established in Climate Ready Oak Park

■ Racial homeownership gap; Respond to racial disparities in a ccess to homeownershi p

■ Homelessness; Expand the supply of housing options for unhoused populations

■ Aging in community; Increase housing options for older adults to downsize and

age-in community

■ Physical accessibility; Increase the number of physically accessible homes

■ Housing for adults with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities); support housing options for adults with IDD

■ Older housing stock; Address housing maintenance issues across a variety of housing types

Schnelle also outlined nine recommendations for how to start meeting those goals, and of those, Brandon Crawford, the village’s deputy director of development services, suggested focusing on three He said the ones chosen could be implemented quickly should the board decide to move forward.

Integration and equity

In his presentation, Schnelle also pointed out prices for houses in Oak Park are rising faster than income. In 2022 in the village, an af fordable home for a median-income earner would be roughly $293,000. But the median sale price was about $525,000. For Black U.S. households, making a median income of $50,000, Trustee Cory Wesley pointed out those houses would be nearly impossible to af ford.

increasingly se gregated rental market in , he said, as a result of decreasestment.

“This increasing se greg ation is harmeryone in Oak Park,” Breymaier said. “It’s also antithetical to the equity, rsity and inclusion statement that board] have all committed to.”

eople will move to Oak Park because ts amazing schools and community, esley said, even if that means living tment or house below their inel. But that drives out lower inome earners from the community. does is it increasingly makes it [Oak Park] a less diverse place,” Wesley said. “Once you start decreasing the rates in the class diversity in the village, you’ re going to decrease the equity. And then that is a vicious cycle, because if you don’ t have minority re presentation here to advocate for equity, the equity starts to go down.”

One solution, according to the MMC recommendation, would be for the board to update development policies so more housing can be included in Oak Park’s business districts. This could increase density and enable multifamily developments.

Another recommendation: updating the inclusionary housing ordinance. Strategies for this include expanding its geog raphical jurisdiction, increasing the “in-lieu” fee for developers opting out of building af fordable units and requiring larger developments to build more af fordable units than smaller counter parts.

Rob Breymaier, the for mer executive director of the Oak Park Re gional Housing Center, said in a public comment he believes the village needs to recommit and reinvest in inte gration. There’s an

T he for mer President of Housing Forward, Henry Fulkerson, said in a public comment that he thinks developers opting out of making 10% of their units af fordable should have to pay more than $100,000 per unit, which is the current fee required that is then contributed to the af fordable housing fund

Trustee Brian Straw said he supports the MMC recommendation, because right now, no developers are opting to create af fordable units and are instead paying the fee.

“[That] tells me that we have set the in-lieu payments at a rate where everyone says ‘Oh, that’s cheaper, let’s do that,’” he said.

Parking

A nother recommendation focuses on looking at housing and pa rk ing tog ether. Schnelle said these factors are i ntertwined, and that the cu rrent requirements may limit housing d ensity

T he village c ould reduce on-site pa rk in g requirements, especially in af fordable housing developments, where they have proven to be largely unnecessar y. Another suggestion was to allow overnight, on-street pa rk ing, especially in high-demand areas

Trustee Lucia Ro binson said she was against allowing overnight pa rk ing bec ause there’s no extra d emand or waitlists for it. Other s, including Trustee S usan Buchanan and village President Vi cki Scaman, however, said they we re i nterested in exploring an elimination of the ban.

Trustee response

While Oak Pa rk may be outperfo rming i ts p eers when it c omes to af fordable housing, residents still want to expand that supply, Schnelle said. T he challeng e of rental af fordability dwarfed any other c oncern in the c ommunity sur ve ys rec ently taken.

Wesley said he b eli eves the answe r is to build more units ag gressive ly, a strat eg y he f elt was not pa rt icularly prevalent in the MMC ’s study and presentation.

“What I’m suggesting is that we take the things that we know wo rk and do those things here, ” he said.

T he board also has previously received residential p ushback re ga rding new developments and c onstruction, Buchanan said, claiming that one resident told her that if a building went up, it would “rui n [ their] life.”

“You c annot say you care about af fordable housing and then protest against d ensity,” she said.

Ro binson also suggested another way to increase reve nue for the af fordable housing f und. T he village c ould f und the Oak Pa rk Housing Authority initiative s from i ts g eneral f und i nstead of from the af fordable housing f und, following sui t with other village partner organizations, she said.

ROB BRE Y MAIER

April 3-April 10 BIG WEEK

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Scoville Park

Monday, April 8, 12-4 p.m., Oak Park Public Library-Main Branch

Participate in fun activities around the solar eclipse outside the Main Librar y, including pop-ups with community partners and the library Book Bike (weather permitting). This program is intended for all ages. Glasses will be available the day of the event, one per family, while supplies last. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Money on My Mind: Youth Financial Literacy Series

Thursday, April 4 (and April 11, 18, 25), 4-6 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Branch

For middle and high schoolers: learn the bene ts of personal nancial management from Byline Bank representatives. This four-part Financial Literacy Series includes but is not limited to, understanding a paycheck, credit, loans, taxes, the bene ts of saving and more. The series will be practical and interac tive. Register now at oppl. org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Arabiqa: An Introduction to Arab Music, Dance, and Culture

Sunday, April 7, 2 - 3:30 p.m., River Forest Public Library

Celebrate Arab-American Heritage Month with this special family-oriented presentation by Egyptian-American musician, teacher, and speaker Karim Nagi. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest

Music of Liszt: The Sacred and the Profane

Sunday, April 7, 4 – 6 p.m., Concordia University Chicago

JAY FRIEDMAN

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and Combined Choruses will perform a Chicago-area premiere at Concordia University’s Chapel in River Forest. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest

Seniors Self-Defense Class

Tuesday, April 9, 10-11:30 a.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Branch

Ramadan Read Aloud & Craft

Sunday, April 7, 2-3 p.m.,

Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Branch

Join us as we celebrate Ramadan with books and a craft. During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world spend a month fasting and coming together as a community. The purpose is to focus on doing good deeds such as charit y, fasting, and praying. D uring this time, Muslims focus on gratitude, sharing, empathy, compassion, generosit y, and sel essness. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Join Lindsey of Strictly Self Defense to rebuild your self-con dence by learning prevention strategies, along with simple, e ective strikes and escapes. Those who are di erently abled and use walking aids are welcome to attend. All techniques can be modi ed to be used e ectively by each attendee. Register now and sign waiver at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Comedy Mirror

Friday, April 5, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Madison Street Theater

Join us in the lobby for refreshments or to buy a last-minute ticket. Our black box venue is general admission seating with access to the main lobby restrooms and bar + concessions. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park

COMMUNITY ALERT:

Proposed Zoning Changes Threaten River Forest’s Character

Dear River Forest Residents,

We urge you to take notice of the impending zoning changes proposed by the Village, which could dramatically reshape our beloved community.

Here's what's at stake:

1. **Height Limit Increase** Imagine towering 4-5-story buildings overshadowing our quaint 2-story homes. is isn't just a possibility; it's the minimum height requested in the proposed zoning change, with potential for even taller structures.

2. **Parking Predicament** Picture a future where each residential unit requires only 1-1.5 parking spots, and only limited guest parking. Street parking becomes inevitable, exacerbating the existing scarcity, especially along all residential streets perpendicular to Madison and North Ave., including Bonnie Brae, Clinton, William, Monroe, Jackson, Ashland,

Franklin, Park, and Lathrop, Keystone, and Gale. Additionally, the dearth of parking for existing condos and townhomes on Harlem would only become more dire with new, dense construction on North Ave.

3. **Density Dilemma** Say goodbye to the rule making sure that each home has at least one bedroom. Prepare for the possibility of sprawling 46-48-unit buildings with quantities of studio apartments, altering our neighborhood's fabric and potentially a ecting property values.

4. **Street Parking Shu e** Brace yourselves for relaxed street parking rules, inviting overnight parking on nearby blocks. is shi could impede tra c ow and hinder emergency vehicle access, compromising safety.

Despite community continued outcry and ZBA reservations, the Village Board remains silent on the project's nancial implications and bene ts to our Village. Your input matters.

Attend the upcoming ZBA meeting on April 11, 2024, at Village Hall to voice your concerns. Let's safeguard the essence of River Forest together. Our community's future depends on it.

Warm regards,

Lathrop Ashland Franklin Neighbors

NorthEast Community Neighborhood Group West Lake Neighbors

Solar eclipse comes into view April 8

The viewing par ty will be from noon to 3 p.m. at Scoville Park

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park Public Library and the Park District of Oak Park are hosting a solar eclipse viewing party from noon to 3 p.m. April 8 at Scoville Park

The solar eclipse will cross North America, including parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Illinois is included in the path of the eclipse.

The last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. was on Aug. 21, 2017. NASA estimates 215 million U.S. adults viewed that eclipse. The path of totality, however, where the moon completely blocks the sun, will be wider in the 2024 eclipse than it was in 2017. But viewers don’t need to live in the path of totality to see at least a partial eclipse.

The April eclipse totality will last up to four minutes and 28 seconds, according to NASA. In 2017, the longest the sun was totally eclipsed was two minutes and 42 seconds.

Chicago is not in the eclipse’s path of to-

tality, meaning only a partial eclipse will be visible here. The total eclipse will be better viewed in southern Illinois and central Indiana.

Re gistration for the Scoville Park viewing party, which is free to attend, is not required, but is available online. There will be a limited number of viewing glasses available, according to the PDOP, but attendees will be shown how to make a pinhole viewer to experience the eclipse safely.

According to NASA, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without eye protection and could cause injury, except during a brief total phase of a total solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses are not the same as regular sunglasses. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker, according to NASA

“Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury,” NASA states.

NASA also recommends wearing sunscreen and other protective clothing if a viewer is going to be outside watching the entire eclipse.

Scoville Park is located at 800 Lake St. in Oak Park

D97 appoints new HR and equity chief

Campbell Tominov began her new position on April 1

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 announced the appointment of Natacia Campbell Tominov as the new assistant superintendent of human resources and equity.

Campbell Tominov started her new position as of April 1.

Her appointment came following a vote of approval during the D97 Board of Education meeting on March 19.

Campbell Tominov comes to D97 with 22 years in the education field, having served as a teacher, adjunct professor, professional development provider, and building administrator amongst other positions. More recently, Campbell Tominov was the assistant superintendent for human resources and labor relations at Joliet Public School District 86, where she oversaw the hiring processes, retention, and recruiting.

“To transform the district in the manner called for in our equity policy, we are going to need to build next-edge systems,” said Supt. Ushma Shah in a press release. “As a leader with significant experience in both school operations and curriculum and instruction, Dr. Campbell Tominov is the ideal leader to join our team in this unique role.”

Campbell Tominov began her career with a bachelor’s de gree in science and secondary education from Trinity Christian Colle ge and continued her education with both a master’s de gree in educational leadership from Concordia University and an educational doctorate in administrative leadership in teaching and learning from Walden University. Campbell Tominov also holds a superintendent endorsement as well as a certificate from the Human Capital Leaders in Education program.

PROVIDED

Animal Care League's

Sunday, April 28th, 2024

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Oak Park Country Club 2001 N. Thatcher, River Grove

• Buffet Lunch • Mimosas • Live and Silent auction

• Donation Match • Meet ACL Adoptable Animals

Join us for this annual spring tradition. All proceeds from this event work support the upcoming busy spring season.

Tickets and

“Oak Park ’s commitment to and policy for equity not only align with my values but speaks to the kind of dedicated work it takes to address diversity and equit y at an organizational level.”

CA MPBELL TOMINO V Assistant superintendent of human resources and equity

Through her career, Campbell Tominov had done extensive work “building systems that advance diversity, equity and inclusive practices,” and currently serves as the DEI Committee chair for the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators while supporting the DEI and Scholarship committees for the American Association School Personnel Administrators.

“Oak Park’s commitment to and policy for equity not only align with my values but speaks to the kind of dedicated work it takes to address diversity and equity at an organizational level,” Campbell Tominov said. “In my role as D97’s equity lead, I will be collaborating with the superintendent and all staf f to ensure that equity is embedded in who we are and all that we do.”

SPECIAL OAK PARK SCREENING: THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY ISRAELISM.

7PM WEDNESDAY APRIL 10, 2024

LAKE THEATER

1022 LAKE ST

OAK PARK

When two young American Jews—who had been raised to unconditionally support Israel—witness Israel’s brutal treatment of Palestinians, their lives are changed. They join a growing movement of American Jews battling to redefine Judaism’s relationship with Israel, revealing a deepening divide over modern Jewish identity.

Sponsor: Committee for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel | Co-Sponsors: American Friends Service Committee; Chicago Educators for Palestine, Chicago Faith Coalition for Middle East Peace; HUB Collective; IfNotNow-Chicago; Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago; Oak Park Neighbors for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel; Tzedek Chicago

Post-screening discussion led by JEROME

Mc DONNELL

Former Host of WBEZ’s Worldview

SPEAKERS

LESLEY WILLIAMS

Board Member, Jewish Voice for Peace Action

BYRON SIGCHO

LOPEZ

Chicago Alderman

EMILY GOLDSTEIN

IfNotNow Chicago

$5 TICKETS!

Purchase in advance at CJPIP.ORG or scan QR code

April kicks o with ‘Week of the Young Child’

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

The Collaboration for Early Childhood kicks of f its Week of the Young Child Saturday with multiple events throughout the Oak Park community this upcoming week.

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration, sponsored by the National Association for Education of Young Children, the world’s largest early childhood education association.

Michelle Howell, family eng agement partnership coordinator for the Collaboration for Early Childhood in Oak Park, said their services are focused on children and families with children ages prenatal to 5 years old.

To help families celebrate their young children, Howell said the organization planned themed days and reached out to their local partners to see if anyone wanted to participate and host the events.

The kickof f event April 6 will be held at the Berwyn Public Library on South Harlem Avenue. from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a Bilingual Adventures with Abuela Storytime and Crafts. The event will feature children’s author Virginia Martinez, who will read her books “Adventures with Abuela: Let’s go to the Shedd Aquarium.”

On Monday, April 8, Music Monday will be held with three events hosted at locations around the community, including a 9 a.m. Music Together You and Yours Free Demo Class at Unity Church of Oak Park on Euclid. Bilingual storytime also will be held at Forest Park Public Library, and an Animal Moves Dance Party will be held at Let’s Play Work on Circle Avenue in Forest Park

Other events include:

■ Tuesday, April 9: Tasty Tuesday

■ Wednesday, April 10: Work To gether Wednesday

■ Thursday, April 11: Artsy Thursday

■ Friday, April 12: Family Friday

Tracy Patton, program manager for Easterseals Partnering with Parents, a parent support program for prenatal to 5-year-olds, said they have partnered with Early Childhood for their Artsy Thursday celebration.

“We will read a story that talks about

color mixing and talk a little bit about the importance of art experiences in early childhood and that not everything has to be something,” Patton said. “So, process art versus product art. We have all walked into a classroom and the bulletin board is filled with 20 identical projects with children’s names on them. You are doing art wrong if they all look alike.”

Kids will be able to paint and take their art home, Patton said.

The event will be free but re gistration is required as space is limited.

“If they can sit on a parent’s lap and put their hands in paint, they can paint,” Patton added.

According to Howell, all of the events are either free or are being of fered by their partners through discounted rates.

Additional partners for the celebration include Wonder Works Children’s Museum, FIT4MOM Oak Pa rk and River Forest, West Suburban Special Recreation Association, Forest Park Public Library, Let’s Play Work, Tracy’s Plate, the Oak Pa Public Library and more

“We just want to make sure our families know there is no wrong door … they also have a connection to anyone that we are connected to,” Howell said.

More information and re gistration for the events can be found online.

MY STRANGE SLEEP RITUAL

When I was a baby, my mom used to rock me to sleep while humming a repetitive chant. As a child, particularly if I was stressed, I would replicate her ritual. I did my own chanting and mimicked her rocking motion by bouncing my head against my pillow. Yes, I bounced my head against my pillow until I fell asleep. I usually fell right asleep. I know it sounds beyond strange, but it seemed natural to me. Since I slept in my own room, none of my family seemed to care.

Shockingly, this pre-sleep ritual lasted intermittently well into my adulthood. Crazy, right! Sure, I would pause the practice at times, when I was sleeping at a friend’s house or for long stretches during college. But inevitably, particularly if I felt stressed, I would resume the practice. Luckily, I was able to stop completely once I was married. Now, I cannot believe I ever participated in such a weird ritual as it in no way feels relaxing to me.

Not surprisingly, I was a very good sleeper throughout my young life. Perhaps, it was my brain’s way of self-preservation against a bat sh** crazy headbouncing practice. Consequently, sleep has been a good friend. That is until a few years ago.

In the last few years, I have suffered all kinds of sleep maladies. Sometimes, I cannot fall asleep. Other times I wake a few hours after I start sleeping. Still

other nights are a merrygo-round of waking and sleeping. How could I have gone from being a solid sleeper to a terrible sleeper? Why is sleep so important and how do I get more of it?

Our sleep patterns are dictated by our circadian rhythm. A circadian rhythm is the 24-hour internal clock in our brain that regulates cycles of awake and sleep. Light is the biggest influence on our circadian rhythm. It is also influenced by our food intake, stress, physical activity, social environment, and temperature. As the sun sets, our bodies release melatonin, a hormone that makes us drowsy. When the sun rises, our bodies release a hormone known as cortisol that promotes energy and alertness.

In past decades, people used to brag about their lack of sleep. Sleep when you die was a popular saying used by workaholics and partiers alike. In light of today’s research, that statement seems like a fool’s brag. Research has shown that sleep helps fight disease and build immunity. It also helps us maintain our metabolism and lower our risk of chronic disease. Not enough sleep or routinely getting broken sleep is linked with seven of the 15 leading causes of death in the U.S., including heart disease, cancer, stroke and brain aneurysms, accidents, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Surprisingly, the brain is very active during sleep. It serves as a drainage system that removes toxins while we sleep. Everything from blood vessels to the immune system uses sleep as a time for repair. When we fall asleep, our blood pressure and heart rate fall. Sleep helps prepare our brains to learn, remember, and create. Thankfully, researchers now believe you can “catch up” on your bad sleep. After a sleepless night, a nap or longer sleep the next night can help. But a weekend of good sleep cannot make up for a whole week’s worth of bad sleep.

For most adults, at least seven hours of sleep each night is best. However, how you feel in the morning is more important than a specific number of hours. Waking up, not feeling rested, or feeling tired during the day are the best indications that you’re not getting enough sleep.

As we age, the part of our brain (suprachiasmatic nucleus–SCN) that controls our circadian rhythm also ages. Daylight is one of the most powerful cues for maintaining circadian rhythms. Unfortunately, as we grow older, we receive less exposure to daylight. Plus, we suffer a loss of the hormones melatonin and cortisol (the drowsy and alert hormones) as we age. All are contributing factors to bad sleep.

So how do we improve our sleep? We likely already know these suggestions, but they bear repeating. Limit screen time before bed. The artificial light from phones and laptops decreases melatonin production (the drowsy hormone). Make your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Limit alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime. Both can disrupt your natural sleep phases. Skip big meals at night. They can also mess with your sleep phases and cause heartburn that keeps you up. Stick to a sleep schedule. Exercise. Experts aren’t totally sure why exercise works, but it may help you de-stress so your mind winds down. Plus, exercise is just physically tiring.

What do experts say is the root cause for many of us who have trouble sleeping? Not coming to terms with some sort of stress in our life, forcing us to ruminate about it on a conscious or unconscious level. So de-stressing your life may be the best way to improve your sleep.

Sometimes worrying about what would happen to our family when we are gone can cause stress Creating an estate plan helps reduce uncertainty and alleviate stress. You can create an estate plan today and sleep better tonight. 708-819-1580

THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

This

Beer Shop night market showcases mom-entrepreneurs

It debuts April 4

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporte

Even small-business-owner moms the blues.

Beer Shop co-owner Danielle Dengel parlayed hers into an oppor tunity

She and her husband, Jack, w co-owns Beer Shop, have two kids under three

But Danielle Dengel said becoming mom was a big adjustment for her

“I went through a massive identity crisis trying to figure out, trying to bring back the parts of my life that made me happy before kids and I was just struggling,” she said. “And then I met a lot of other moms that had gone through the same thing or were still in the middle of it.”

going to be a specific thing, except these eople all make their own items.”

r the first market, one vendor will be an a children’s book, signing copies. nother will be a Dive Bar Soap Company, ich specializes in crafting soap made from scratch, as well as other goods for bath, body and home. Owner Laurette Anderson started her business after becoming a mom. etween baby feedings and diaper hanges, I would watch soap-making videos online,” she said. “I’ve always loved things ombined science and art. Add in the elemaking something practical for use, and I was hooked.”

“I think it’s always good to have interests outside of your family and your children,” she said. “Something that’s yours, even if it’s a hobby or a volunteer project.”

It’s a view Dive Bar’s Anderson echoed as she made her plans for the market.

“With littles, I don’t get out as much as I would like these days,” she said. “I am a huge lover of craft beer and a total music geek, so the idea of an artisan market with great beer and a DJ sounds like heaven. I’m so grateful to be included in the amazing lineup of other maker mamas who will be featured over the coming months.”

That inspired her to reach out to other mom-entrepreneurs to launch a monthly night market, starting April 4.

Now, on the first T hursday of each

month from 7-10 p.m., a group of small businesses will showcase their wares inside the Beer Shop.

T he Beer Shop has hosted markets in the past, so the idea wasn’t so far from their usual, community-supporting mode.

“It’s always gonna look different,” Danielle Dengel said. “There’s never really

Pickle Hill Parties, a home-based floral business, will also be on hand. Owner Gigi Rowe sells custom flower arrangements and bouquets, weekly flower subscriptions, and vintage and new home accessories. At the market, she plans to bring a bouquet bar of fresh flowers, as well as dried flower bouquets, dried flower wearable bracelets, headbands, “to go” craft kits for kids, and some plants and garden supplies. Running a business is a lifeline for Rowe.

■ Address: 1026 North Blvd, Oak Park

■ Website: www.beershophq.com

■ Hours: Market Hours: 7-10 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month

“H e re , I found aLL the tools to live a full life.”

Don Johnston, Plymouth Place resident

When Don and Sue Johnston moved to Plymouth Place® , they stepped into a world of endless activities. Don immersed himself in our fully equipped wood shop, while Sue helped spearhead a community craft fair. “We love it,” Don said. “We thought we’d occupy ourselves, but there’s so much to do.” From pickleball to bocce ball to having a ball, our residents lead a full and vibrant lifestyle…and so can you.

Learn more at plymouthplace.org or call us at (708) 722-4146

An enriched life awaits at Plymouth Place

When Marti Tracy talks about Plymouth Place her eyes light up. “This is my happy bubble,” she said. “I loved it from the first day I moved in.”

For Marti, Plymouth Place has always been part of her plan. “About twenty years ago, I decided that when I didn’t want to take care of a house anymore, this is where I wanted to be. The trick is moving before you have to so you can enjoy it all.” And enjoying her life is exactly what Marti is doing at Plymouth Place – one of the western suburbs’ premier communities for adults 62 and better.

Situated in a gorgeous 17-acre arboretum just steps from downtown La Grange, Plymouth Place offers its residents over 100 activities per month. Here, they can enjoy stellar performances by top talent who regularly perform at Andy’s, the Green Mill, The Old Town School of Folk Music and even worldwide.

Other phenomenal activities include cultural outings to the city, themed dinners and a full complement of wellness activities including pickle ball, aquatic classes and Pilates. Yearlong, residents are connected to everything… from fabulous meals to therapeutic massages, art classes, invigorating lectures, weekly housekeeping and so much more.

Key to Plymouth Place’s success is its culture of continuous learning and collaboration. With over 30 residentled programs, every resident has an opportunity to spearhead new programs, be engaged in the community and take activities to the next level.

“It’s fascinating what our residents are doing here,” said Kathleen Riley, director of life enrichment at Plymouth Place. “We have so many life-long learners who want to share their talents. In return, our residents are seeking new experiences that foster their sense of purpose and help them grow intellectually. It’s really empowering.”

For example, to support Plymouth Place’s “farm to table” program, residents actively plant herbs and

vegetables in their raised garden beds. In the gorgeous new greenhouse, they can start seedlings, learn about propagating new plants or attend lectures on different plant species. Other resident-led programs include English as a Second Language for staff members, travel writing, and weekly film viewings and discussions headed by a former professor whose résumé includes Tufts University and University College Cork, Ireland.

Don and Sue Johnston immediately dove into the rich culture at Plymouth Place. “There is so much talent in this building in all forms of art — pencil, pastel, acrylics, oil, weaving and woodworking,” said Don who heads Plymouth Place’s expansive resident wood shop.

Leaning into that talent, Sue helped found the Holiday Artisan Fair. She also started a book drive for children of Plymouth Place employees and helped create a group trained to work with memory care residents. “We love it,” said Don.

As a nonprofit innovator in inspired living for 80+ years, Plymouth Place offers spacious independent living residences with priority access to a full continuum of services like physical therapy, assisted living and memory care.

To learn more about their vibrant lifestyle in La Grange Park, visit plymouthplace.org or call (708) 9984232.

Sue Johnston (left) with Cynthia Zolk. Sue helped found the Holiday Artisan Fair at Plymouth Place. Attracting people from all over the western suburbs, this annual event allows residents to display and sell their beautifully handcrafted items.

Scan to watch Don’s video.

Goedert Center nds new home through merger with St. Giles School

Families have already begun to enroll in St. Giles

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

After months of uncertainty, the Rose K. Goedert Center for Early Childhood Education has announced its partnership with St. Giles School as a way to help maintain its community together

At the end of February, St. Giles announced its “delight” in a partnership with Dominican University’s Goedert Center as a way to “create a dynamic early childhood program” that will continue to strengthen the educational options for preschoolers in Oak Park and the surrounding community.

The Goedert Center had been trying to find a permanent — or even temporary home — in the Oak Park area since the announcement that the preschool would be closing its doors this summer.

The center, which opened in 2005 at Dominican’s Priory Campus at Division Street and Harlem Avenue, had been providing early childhood education for children ages two to five and had of fered flexible schedules to meet parental needs. Following the sale of the Priory Campus by Dominican University to Fenwick High School in 2022, the high school had extended a “rent-free” lease, allowing the center to remain at the location for up to five years.

However, the high school decided to exercise an early exit clause and will be taking over that space on the Priory Campus

Since that announcement, representatives of the Goedert Center had been trying to find a new location to help its families not only find childcare but also keep the community they had grown to love

T he ef for ts included a partnership with West Cook YMCA and a pitch to the Forest Park School District 91 for use of its largely unused Grant-White Elementary School building.

The new partnership between Goedert and St. Giles aims to give families that community they had already built.

Me g Bigane, principal at St. Giles, said 30 Goedert families have already enrolled in St. Giles

“We are thrilled to welcome the families and students of the Goedert Center for Early Childhood Education into the St. Giles School family,” Bigane said.

Michelle Bibbey, executive director at St Giles, said the school evaluated if it had the capacity to expand its program to include the Goedert families and then approached the center to help

Sarah Thomas, director at the Goedert Center, said after not having any luck through all the avenues it had explored, it was “wonderful” to hear from Bibbey.

Thomas said that as soon as St. Giles approached with the proposal to create a partnership with Goedert, Goedert families were made aware and were happy to hear the good news.

That partnership will include a “seamless transition” in hopes of providing “minimal disruption” for students, parents and staff.

The second part of that partnership is “expanded resources.”

The press release said that by banding together, St. Giles will “provide enhanced resources and facilities, fostering an even more enriching learning environment.” It also states that it will maintain its 10 students to 1 teacher ratio.

Finally, the partnership will also include “expertise integration,” with teachers from both schools combining their strengths to enhance the education program.

Thomas said St. Giles and Goedert shared many of the same beliefs, culture, and aligned in their educational mission, which would ease the transition for families.

“St. Giles is that place. Our programs are strikingly similar with educational philosophies that mirror one another,” Thomas said. “I know our students will feel the warmth and support of a loving community.”

While the merger is a “partnership,” both Bigane and Thomas said there are certain details that are still being worked through.

As of now, the new partnership will operate under the St. Giles name

According to the press release, the integration of Goedert into St. Giles will be effective June 17, 2024.

Woman arrested for battery to police o cer, property damage

Two 21-year- old Chicago women we re ar rested March 26 at Cajun Boil & Bar at 1109 S outh Blvd. One was arrested for c riminal d amage to the property and ag gr avated battery to a p olice officer after striking the victim. S he was held for b ond hearings. T he other woman was ar rested for battery to a Berwyn resident. S he was given a notice to appear citation and released.

Aggravated cruelty to animal arrest

A 24-year-old Joliet woman was arrested for aggravated cruelty to an animal on March 27 on the 6200 block of Roosevelt Road. She also had an active warrant from Palatine for fleeing and eluding.

Domestic battery arrest

A 47-year-old Oak Park man was arrested for domestic battery that occurred on March 20. The arrest happened March 28 on the 400 block of Wesley Avenue.

Criminal damage to property arrest

A 31-year-old Chicago man was stopped and arrested March 30 on the 100 block of South Marion Street. He was

identified as the person who threw a cement rock and damaged a glass window of an Oak Park residence. He was issued a notice to appear citation and released.

Catalytic converter theft

Someone used a cutting tool to steal the catalytic converter from an Oak Park resident’s 2014 Toyota Prius March 29 on the 700 block of North Taylor Avenue. The estimated loss is unknown.

Burglary to motor vehicle

■ S omeone broke i nto a Burr R idge resident’s Hond a Pilot as the owner was p umping g as March 27 on the 700 block of North Harlem Avenue. T he individual stole a backpack c ontaining a wallet, a laptop, a c ell p hone, a g old ring and other i tems. T he c ell p hone was later found on the 0 – 100 block of La ke Str eet. The backpack with the c omputer and ring was found near Austin Boulevard and Nor th Boulevard

■ Someone broke into a Cicero resident’s unlocked 2014 Ford work van and removed various Milwaukee power tools March 29 on the 600 block of Wesley Avenue. The estimated loss is $3,000.

Motor vehicle theft

■ Someone stole an Oswe go resident’s running and unlocked black 2017 Nissan Ro gue March 25 on the 1100 block of South Harvey Avenue. The estimated loss is $15,000.

■ An Oak Park resident parked a running black 2021 Acura ILX March 30 on the 6100 block of Roosevelt Road. Security footage showed a vehicle, possibly a dark colored Kia Soul, pull up next to the victim’s car, with three people exiting. Two of them entered the Acura and both cars drove away westbound on Roosevelt Road. The estimated loss is $30,000.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated March 25 to April 1, and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Luzane Draughon

Spring 2024

SENIOR

living

FOR OVER A CENTURY, Cantata has been helping seniors live their best lives

ABrookfield community fixture for more than 100 years, the not-for-profit Cantata campus offers a range of living options set within the quiet privacy of a scenic 10-acre forested preserve, yet remains readily accessible to the greater Chicago area.

“With Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Rehab and Long-Term Care, we are here to help our residents navigate the progression of their entire life journey, whatever it looks like and whatever they need,” said Cantata’s resident services director Lesya Shoorgot.

Residents can choose where to enter the Cantata system with the ability to transition between levels of care as their health and preferences evolve. The Independent Living apartments provide residents with a sense of freedom and opportunities for socialization with friends and neighbors.

“It’s a great environment to start your retirement in,” Shoorgot said. “Caregiving support is available for an additional fee at the Independent Living level. Later, if your care requirements start to change, our Assisted Living approach is unique in that you can still maximize your independence in your own apartment with assistance available only as much as you need it.”

Assisted Living residents can choose from private one or two-bedroom apartment options and remain free to set their own daily schedules and leave the campus at will.

“When you do need help with bathing, dressing or medications, we’re there at the touch of a button,” Shoorgot said. “There’s no caregiver in the room with you all day long. Our residents are able to maintain their privacy but still have immediate access to additional care whenever they want it.”

Between Independent Living and Assisted Living, Cantata manages 150 apartments on the property with changing availability and serves meals in restaurant-style dining rooms.

“All of our food is made fresh in-house daily — soups and starters, two entrees and a dessert,” Shoorgot said.

“Many of our residents love the fact that they don’t have to worry about cleaning up or doing the dishes after they eat!”

A variety of life-enrichment programs — including games, movie screenings, craft activities, music, shopping trips, restaurant visits and religious services — create

a full, well-rounded experience for Cantata residents.

“Our most popular activity is an instructor-led exercise class each morning after breakfast,” Shoorgot said. “Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library leads a book club here, and we have RBHS students visit to do activities with our residents as well. It’s always fun to see the different generations coming together and having a good time.”

A dedicated staff of employees who truly care about the residents they serve are one of the reasons for Cantata’s longevity. Some have been with the organization for as long as 25 years.

“We have a real passion for the work we do, our residents and their families,” Shoorgot said. “We’ve been around long enough to become experts in the industry. The aging process isn’t onesize-fits-all; it’s unique and different for each person. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

For more information, visit www. cantata.org or call us 708-387-1030!

Scan here to visit our Cantata website

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

THE CARE MOM RECEIVES AT BELMONT VILLAGE IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

For two decades, Belmont Village has provided best in class hospitality and support for thousands of seniors in Chicago and in great cities across the U.S. Our assisted living and memory care programs set the standard of excellence. University collaborations with UCLA and Vanderbilt have helped us champion unmatched cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results for residents. With exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, at Belmont Village you’ll experience senior living in a class all its own.

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

To learn more, visit BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK

Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a personal tour today.

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Premier Programs for Hospitality, Health & Wellness

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Medication management with licensed nurse on-site 24/7

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Diabetes Center of Excellence

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Dedicated Alzheimer's Care

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff

Mind Body Awareness (MBA) Wellness program

Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness

Women, Embrace Your Health Today!

We invite you to participate in our Healthy Legacy Program, our FREE 6-week workshop designed for AfricanAmerican and Hispanic/Latina women age 50+ who want to learn to eat right, manage weight, and learn how to better improve and maintain their health.

Join us for fun exercise, nutrition counseling, and health education in a supportive environment together!

HEALTHY LEGACY PROGRAM

• Meet twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks

• Practice goal setting and problem solving

• Discuss healthy habits and create a personal weekly health plan

• Learn about nutrition, healthy eating, and practice meal planning

• Exercise weekly for improved strength and flexibility

• Meet with other women in supportive discussion groups

• Be celebrated at the end with a graduation and surprises!

Sign up today for this FREE Workshop!

Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 7-June 13!

Workshop is held 1:30-3:30pm at Oak Park Township, 130 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.

To register, please call Mary Anne Ojeda at Oak Park Township at (708) 383-8060.

When Parents Say ‘No’ to Home Care Because of Cost Worries

By Tia Harrison, Home Instead® Oak Park, IL

Most aging adults want to remain in their homes as they age. Those of us in the home care industry have heard this time and again, and it’s an opinion confirmed by research.

According to a study commissioned by Home Instead, Inc., for the Home Instead® network, 86 percent of seniors want to live at home for as long as possible. But many older adults need help to achieve that goal.

In fact, as individuals age, some form of care is often necessary to remain at home. There generally are two types of home care:

• Home health care provided by licensed medical professionals for which the individual has received an order or prescription from a healthcare provider.

• In-home care such as personal care, homemaker or companionship services provided by professional caregivers.

Cost can be a concern for many aging adults. Perhaps you have these apprehensions yourself or your aging parents have expressed this worry. But home care can help older adults stay independent and home longer, and cost doesn’t need to be a roadblock.

Not only could home care allow your parents to remain at home, services are designed to be flexible and geared to their needs. For example, Home Instead provides at-home care and companionship support for aging adults from four hours a day to 24-7 support. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support.

Because home care services, both home health and in-home care, are often only required for a few days a week, the savings to aging adults can be significant. A Home Instead, Inc. study indicates approximately 20 percent of the Home Instead network’s clients employ Care Professionals for an average of 12 hours per week. Depending on the level of care needed, home care has the potential to save thousands of dollars a month compared to other options.

For more information, check out the Home Care Funding Solutions Guide

For more information about Home Instead, contact Tia Harrison, Franchise Owner, at 708-524-9814 or go to www.homeinstead.com/421

WOMEN LEADERS

from page 1

How did your background prepare you for being a leader?

Adduci: “I was the only girl with four brothers and it was complete survival mode. Growing up with brothers makes you tough. It made me feel like I could do as much or more than they could,” Adduci said. A first-generation American citizen—her father was born in Italy and her mother in Ireland—she was the first in her blue-collar family to go to colle ge

Scaman: “I’m also first-generation— both parents were born in Germany. Growing up in a German household taught me not to be a softie—we don’t complain, we just persevere. My mother [Irene Clute] taught me the value of standing up for what is right. She stood up for Oak Park’s gay community and received an award from OPALGA for her ef forts.”

An athlete in her youth, Scaman was the first girl on Glen Ellyn’s otherwise all-boys baseball team.

Johnson: Like Adduci, Johnson grew up with four brothers. “I was used to being surrounded by boys—and telling them what to do,” she said, laughing. She credits her mother as a role model for working hard, helping people, and standing up for what you believe. But she also asserts that her six strong aunts played key roles in shaping and molding the woman she is today.

Thomas: A third-generation postal worker with a military background, Thomas grew up with a lot of love. “My grandmother made me feel special and gave me everything. My mother was the disciplinarian. My father was always encouraging me—but he’s a big cry baby compared to them,” she said, laughing.

What inspired you to step up and take on your leadership role?

Scaman: “I evaluated the political landscape and I honestly believed what I could bring to the table could make a difference. We have plenty of talented people in our community, but I felt that my skill set, experience and emotional intelligence were needed at the time. If I believed that our community needed something different, I would have been fine not running.”

Johnson: “When the for mer police chief announced he was retiring, I knew we needed someone to be transformational and forward-thinking because policing was changing. I wanted to be part of that change,” she said. A collaborative leader with more than two decades as a police officer, Johnson embraces a servant leadership style. “I may be the boss but I’m here to make sure that my staf f have the things they need to be successful.”

Adduci: “I figured, why not me? I thought I was well-qualified after running a significant corporate division. But the [outgoing] village president told me he wasn’t sure he could support me because his friend was running for the position. I used “friendship is not a leadership skill” as a tagline during my campaign. Sometimes you just have to keep pushing and insisting that this is something we can do.”

Thomas: “I never set out to be a postmaster. I was a Chicago postal carrier when my bosses asked me to consider the position in Oak Park. I don’t turn down opportunities. I wanted to change the current management style. I had heard Oak Park could be challenging but I figured it couldn’t be any worse than Chicago. We’re working to make it better.”

Oak Park and River Forest residents are not reticent about expressing their opinions. How do you cultivate the self-con dence and resilience to respond to criticism?

Scaman: “I look for opportunities to learn from healthy criticism. The challenges don’t scare me — they energize me. I’m not seeking to be everyone’s best friend. I’m focused on putting in the work to make the sound decisions that are in our community’s best interests. And I want to lead in a way that multiplies what our board members are capable of doing together.”

Johnson: “Policing is the low hanging fruit for criticism. I encourage my staf f to operate based on facts, not emotion. But if the criticism is based on something we did wrong, then I want to determine the why. I’m the first to admit if something isn’t done cor rectly—I will own that. But it’s not about blame, it’s about working together to make things better. I am not one who has to prove myself to anyone. I’m in competition with myself and I try to be the best person I can be every day.”

Thomas: “Criticism of the postal office is similar to policing. When I first took over in Oak Park, the physical property was suffering. We got complaints about the grass so I had it mowed—then we got complaints that the grass was cut too low. You can’t take it personally—you have to just keep moving forward.”

Adduci: “Women do the work. We show up consistently and that’s half the battle. We made a commitment to our roles and we give it our all. The pushback doesn’t deflate us—it motivates us.”

How do you balance your personal and professional lives?

Johnson: “I can’t turn of f my phone. I sleep, eat and live Oak Park. As soon as I open my eyes every morning, I pray and ask God to lead my path and to make sure I’m doing the right things for the right reasons. Then I head to the gym at 5 a.m. I try to work around my boys’ schedules. We try to take at least one vacation with extended family, and my husband and I take minivacations. And I need my girls’ trips!”

Scaman: “I’m a new grandma. When I get the call to babysit, I do everything I can to say yes. It’s a joy. And the outdoors are important to me. If the sun is out, I’ll be

pacing in my front yard on my phone. The neighbors must think I’m crazy.”

Thomas: “I never turn of f my phone. My family is postal so they understand. I love to travel—but I bring my laptop. I love my spending time with my grandkids and my girlfriends.”

Adduci: “I have a daughter getting married in the f all—I’m looking forward to that. I love to tr avel. Getting to g ether with my gi rl friends for cocktails and giggles is magical. I also love biking, walking and r unning.” A dduci and her team recently won the national HYROX r unning/ f unctional fitness c ompetition in their age category and will be c ompeting in the wo rl d championship in Nic e, France this summer

If you were not in your current positions, what career might you have pursued?

Johnson: “At one time, I thought I’d be the next Oprah [Johnson majored in communications before switching to criminal justice in her junior year]. And I might have pursued show business if I could only carry a tune.”

Scaman: “I might have had a career in show business. I once ran a restaurant and we used any excuse to turn it into a cabaret with costumes and a live band. I made $3,000 in tips bartending in a white feather headdress for a Mardi Gras party.”

Thomas: “I would have been a comedian—and I still might. I have a whole platform of material from the post office.”

Adduci: “I’d be a beach bum in Hawaii and travel the world. My goal is to see every continent.”

CATHY ADDUCI River Forest Village President

KENYA THOMAS Oak Park Postmaster SHATONYA JOHNSON Oak Park Police Chief

VICKI SC AMAN Oak Park Village President

Oak Park librar begins search for ne executive dir

Request for proposal process is the next step

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

T he Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees plans to start a request for proposal process to eventually hire a new executive director after firing Joslyn Bowling Dixon March 16.

Dixon was fired amid controversy regarding her handling of a Palestinian cultural event and the elimination of two community eng agement team positions

In the board’s statement after Dixon’s firing, they wrote they intend to have an investigation take place re garding the internal handling of the Palestinian cultural event, and the way the library handles public records requests .

During the March 26 library board meeting, several public commenters expressed their distaste for how and why Dixon was fired

“We were shocked to find that the decision to sever ties with the library executive director has been made in such a sudden manner,” one commenter said. “The board’s actions have additionally exposed the library to potential liability and financial har m.”

Others cautioned that the board may now have a hard time finding a re placement.

“What director is going to want to c ome here to lead when it appears that this b oard j ust really wants a figurehead and is not really following through on the restorat ive practices?” another c ommenter asked .

Yet an other, who brought her children as a reminder that youth are watching when adults “spew hate,” expressed support for the board’s decision to listen to har med library staf f.

“Injustice to anyone in our community is an injustice to everyone,” she said.

T he board outlined a tentative process to hire Dixon’s re placement. Immediately

For now, Deputy Director Suzy Wulf and Director of Collections Leigh Tar ullo are filling in. Fruth said they asked for additional compensation to reflect those extra duties. Most board members appeared to support that.

Foss, however, questioned how the board plans to compensate for additional expenses. Those might include investigations of the Freedom of Information Act request responses and the Palestinian cultural event, the staf f survey and the search process for a new executive director. Fruth responded that the board would need to examine the budget it passed and potentially make amendments. Some library initiatives planned for this year may need to be defer red to 2025, Fruth said, to account for those additional expenses. The library is running more than $1 million in deficit.

One public commenter suggested Jim Madig an, the for mer deputy director with deep community ties, fill in. T he interim director should not come from the current library leadership, he said, because that

would send the wrong message

But Wulf said she and Tar ullo were comfortable stepping in. Wulf said she knows the administrat ive side of the position and has worked closely with the library directors, while Tar ullo knows the historical and cultural side well.

“I think I probably speak for most of the staf f we ca n’ t really move forwar d until we [h ave] a new executive director,” Wulf said.

Wulf added that a lot of questions remain for her about the handling of the Palestinian cultural event because planning be g an before she was hired. An investigation might be helpful, she said.

Board Secretary Susanne Fairf ax said whoever investigates it should be someone who has experienced marginalization or stereotypes, so they can understand that perspective when evaluating the culture event.

FOIA questions

Another incident that may be under investigation is the library’s distribution of FOIA request responses. Two residents submitted FOIA requests asking for the same infor mation. One came back with little to no redactions, and the other had many.

Foss said the FOIA that was not redacted was reviewed and provided by Wulf. The one that was redacted was one Wulf “had questions about,” he said, and an attorney provided redactions, not Wulf.

“She followed our procedures and was acting in best accordance with the first FOIA that came across her desk,” he said. “[She] did what she thought was responsible and forwarded to our attorney a second [FOIA].”

Wulf said the board should hire someone independent and neutral to investigate the FOIA responses if they choose to do so.

“[We] never want to cause pain to anyone,” she said.

JAVIER GOVEA

Rev. Kathy Nolte ds farewell to Good Shepherd church

s heading to a new job in an ELCA bishop’s o ce

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Kathy Nolte will bid farewell to the members and friends of Good Shepherd Church at a rece ption at the April 13 from 2 to 5 p.m., and at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services the April 14.

She is stepping down to take a new job as assistant to the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Pastor Nolte summarized her time at

Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. e Oaks o ers studio and one-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and private bathrooms. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, and parking.

On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service

Good Shepherd by saying, “I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world to have had the experience of being in this cong re gation, walking with them in everything we have faced. Our lives will be entwined forever, but it’s time to go.”

That “everything” included a church fire that forced the faith community to worship away from home for a year and a half, and Nolte being struck by lightning in 2012.

The lead pastor of the red brick church on Randolph Street harkened back to her childhood to put into words the spirituality that has sustained her through the joys and challenges of her time at Good Shepherd.

“I was raised a Roman Catholic, ” she said, “and my gr andmother was a hug e influence on my s pirituality. S he had a

agencies and programs designed speci cally for seniors. e Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.

For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.

COURTESY OF METROPOLITA N CHICAG O SYNOD

Kathy Nolte

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SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024 @ 4PM

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHAPEL – RIVER FOREST

Jay Friedman, music director and conductor

William Chin, choral director

Patrick Godon, organist

TOTENTANZ

Mio Nakamura, piano soloist

MISSA SOLEMNIS*

Susan Krout, soprano

Sarah Ponder, mezzo-soprano

Ace Gangoso, tenor

Daniel Eifert, bass-baritone

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

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

OPRF adds teachers, psychologist to sta

Board president Tom Cofsky votes no, saying that sta growth is outpacing enrollment growth

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School Board of Education approved adding a fulltime psychologist and 1.3 FTE teachers to aid in next year’s needs.

In a 6 to 1 vote, the board added the teachers to help keep class sizes low and to teach an incoming freshman class that is expected to be 70 students larger than this year’s.

The cost of the new hires is estimated to be $199,000. The additions will bring the total of certified staf f at OPRF to 229.3 FTE.

School board president Tom Cofsky cast the lone vote against approving the new positions, saying that he is concerned that staf f has increased significantly at OPRF during the past decade while enrollment has remained nearly flat

“For me, unfortunately, this is déjà vu all over again,” Cofsky said. “We have in-

D200 SECURIT Y

from page 1

to “shoot the school up” during 5th period. Once the student was identified, with the assistance of the FBI, and questioned it was de termined that there was no real danger and the secure and teach was ended

Later that day a school employee sa students leaving the building and was cerned that shots had been fired. That ployee communicated the concern to school security. At that point the Oak Park p decided that, although they and school officials both thought that the report about shots possibly being fired was not accurate, they needed to follow their protocol and do a full sweep of the school to make sure.

creased staf f over a decade while enrollment remained flat. Fortunately, we’ve had the resources to support that and it worked.”

But Cofsky complained that the school’s staffing model is not in line with its financial model or its enrollment model.

At the March 7 Committee of the Whole meeting in which the staffing proposal was first discussed, Cofsky noted that staffing had increased far more than enrollment over the past decade.

“We’ve added 56 staf f and 15 students in the last 10 years,” Cofsky said.

About .7 FTE of the new teaching staf f will be allocated to special education while .6 FTE will be allocated to general education. There will be an increase of 1.2 cotaught classes in math and science in which a special education teacher is paired with a general education teacher.

The additional psychologist will mostly

work with special education students, focusing on special education and students with 504 plans who qualify for accommodations based on some sort of disability but who do not qualify for a specialized individual education plan.

“It is necessary to continue our inte gration of special education and general education supports, and it is an appropriate response to significant growth in 504 needs over the past several years,” according to a memo from four administrators.

According to the memo, the increase in general education staf f is a result of increased enrollment, and some programmatic shifts including an expansion of colle ge and career pathway programs and the introduction of two new Advanced Placement courses. The school has also been trying to reduce class sizes in its Honors for All freshman curriculum from 26 to 28 students a class to 25 to 25 students per class

was put in place.

“At our debrief with OPPD we learned that although their own officers believed it to be another false report the totality of the day’s ents required that they respond as they did, with a full armed response to ensure the building was safe before releasing us from the secure and teach,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the school’s review of the ents indicated two broad areas that the school needs to improve.

“Internal communications channels and structures during the crisis need to be ironed out to ensure that the right information gets to the right people absolutely as quickly as possible,” Johnson said. “We had some delays and we’ve made some adjustments.”

so the increased number of freshmen next year requires an increase in staf f.

The increased number of non-native English speakers at the school is also requiring the school to offer two new classes in United States history and physics/chemistry for non-native English speakers. The number of non-native English speakers at OPRF has increased this year, driven in part by recent migrants to the United States who are now living in Oak Park

The state of Illinois requires that a school which has 20 or more non-native English speaking students who speak the same language provide a more supportive program including classes just for that group of students so OPRF must beef up its English Language Learner program. Overall approximately one percent of OPRF students are non-native English speakers who need instruction in their native language

school’s security director, led a training on emergency procedures at an OPRF faculty meeting. The Oak Park Police Department conducted a training session at OPRF during the recently concluded Spring Break so that they are more familiar with the building.

Johnson said the school has also updated its incident command structure and conducted a training session on the new structure.

Johnson said some students who had been sheltering in the South Cafeteria did not hear the cancellation of the first secure and teach and the instruction to go to their sixth period class. Some of those students became concerned when other students started entering the cafeteria and some students began leaving the building and heading out to the mall between the school building and the athletic fields. When a school staff member saw that the students outside the staff member became concer ned.

“An employee looking out on to the mall from the third floor saw students leaving the cafeteria, became worried that something was wrong, and called security fearing that there had been shots fired outside the school on the mall,” Johnson said.

The Oak Park police sergeant who had arrived to respond to the initial threat was infor med of this new report Although both school officials and police sergeant believed that no shots had been fired, police decided that their normal protocol of a full sweep of the building was necessary. Oak Park police officers then entered the building carrying long guns while another secure and teach

The second area to improve is more frequent and improved training and communication with stakeholders.

“I’m talking about students, parents, teachers and the Oak Park police about our emergency protocols is necessary,” Johnson said. “This includes what happens during the event as well as how we work with families to support our students after.”

On Feb. 14 and afterwards some parents and students complained about a lack of communication from the school during the lockdowns

Some steps to improve have already been taken. On March 12 Traccye Love, the

“This includes creating radio codes and protocols to improve radio communication during the emergency, assigning roles to division heads and other administrators not directly involved in the response to help with communicating during the event,” Johnson said. “And also exploring the use of additional technology, data for communication with staff and students during the secure and teach.”

The school also updated its website to specify what a secure and teach entails as well as what a hard lockdown is

“Any time something like this occurs it is incredibly upsetting and a lot of questions should and do come our way about how and why we respond as we do,” Johnson said. “We take any and all of these incredibly seriously. We review them with the patience and thoughtfulness that we believe they deserve and we are always striving to ensure that we

Des Plaines River Trail to run through River Forest

Plans call for a biking and walking path down Thatcher

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Extending the Des Plaines River Trail through River Forest is one step closer following action by the River Forest Village Board at the March 25 meeting

T he b oard voted unanimously to approve an i ntergove r nmental ag reement with the village of Rosemont for $66,900 for the village ’s po rt i on of Phase 1 d esign of the project. T he Rive r Fo rest section of the trail will mainly r un along Th atcher Avenue b etween North Avenue and Madison Street with a smaller section r unning along Madison b etween Th atcher and Van Buren Street, where it will c onnec t with a proposed biking/walking path in Fo rest Pa rk

In a memo to Matt Walsh, village admin-

istrator, Mike Reynolds, interim director of public works, explained that the Des Plaines River Trail is an improvement to the existing trail system, an attempt to increase usability. T he trail r uns along the Des Plaines River through Lake and Cook counties between Wadswor th on the north and North Avenue on the south. Plans call for connecting the 56-mile-long Des Plaines River Trail with the 61-mile-long Illinois Prairie Path, using the River Forest section and a planned bike path along Van Buren Street in Forest Park, which would create a continuous trail from the Wisconsin/Illinois border to Wheaton.

Approval of the attached IGA with the village of Rosemont is necessary for River Forest to participate in the project and to ensure project continuity moving forward, Reynolds said. Rosemont officials already

approved the IGA.

The upgraded path will include various elevation changes, allowing its use for a greater period each year and will now connect each community on the trail down through River Forest, Reynolds said. The trail may also provide additional benefits for traf fic control on Thatcher Avenue.

In working with Christopher B. Burke Engineering the project stakeholders were recently able to secure Surface Transportation Funding through the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning in the amount of $156,100, Reynolds said. With a total Phase I fee of $223,000, the local match portion that River Forest would be responsible for is $66,900.

A lthough officials anticipated that staf f members would meet to review the preliminary c onc ep t p lans, Trustee Katie

Brennan suggested that officials reach out to any remaining members of an ad hoc resident c ommittee that was for med when the matter was first discussed several years ago.

Reynolds said the project schedule and any necessary deliverables would need to be determined. While Phase II design and construction costs are not yet known, it is anticipated that the project stakeholders will continue to seek grant awards to help offset as much of the direct costs to the village, he added.

According to the Cook County Forest Preserves website, the Cook County portion of the Des Plaines River Trail is 28.4 miles long, consisting of paved and unpaved surfaces. The Cook County Forest Preserve system includes over 350 miles of paved and unpaved trails.

River Forest prepares for electric vehicles

The goal is to meet ‘the growing demand for EVs and EV charging infrastructure,’ o cials say

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest continued on the path toward becoming an EV Ready Community at the March 25 Village Board meeting, with officials voting unanimously to support the recommendation of the Sustainability Commission to forward a series of proposed text amendments re garding electric vehicle charging stations to the zoning board.

At their March 12 meeting, Sustainability Commissioners reviewed several examples and model language clauses provided by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to achieve the proposed changes and provided their input on several items before voting unanimously to make a recommendation to the village board to proceed with a text amendment related to electric vehicle charging stations.

The next step in the process will be a public hearing on the proposed changes, which include allowing an EV charging station as an accessory use; allowing EV charging spaces to count toward minimum parking requirements; and defining transporta-

tion electrification technologies to provide clear definitions for electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle supply equipment.

Other proposed changes would establish zoning re gulations to facilitate EVCS installation, assuring it no more difficult to site EVCS than any other equipment or use; establish new or articulate existing re gulations for content and appearance of advertising on EVSEs; establish new or articulate existing re gulations for whether and under what conditions EV charging stations are allowed in the right of way; establish new or articulate existing re gulations for the appearance of public EVCs; and design parking rules to safely and equitably allow access to EVCSs

Seth Jansen, management analyst, explained in a memo to officials that the MMC started the EV Readiness program in 2022 “to prepare to meet the growing demand for EVs and EV charging infrastructure.”

Municipalities that joined the program received free technical assistance and training in a variety of critical areas as they worked toward the designation of “EV Ready Community.” River Forest applied for and was

accepted into the second cohort, which officially began in August 2023.

Similar to the SolSmart progr am, local gover nment members of the EV Readiness cohorts follow a pathway toward EV Ready Bronze, Silver or Gold by completing a number of actions presented in the EV Readiness Checklist, Jensen said. With guidance and resources assembled by the Caucus’ EV Readiness Team, municipal leaders develop clear permitting for EV charging infrastructure; analyze zoning and parking codes to address barriers to EV infrastructure; eng age the community; and participate in technical and safety training for staf f.

River Forest has participated in the SolSmart progr am since 2022. Created by the Department of Energy, in partnership with solar nonprofits, the prog ram addresses the problem of complicated processes and red tape discouraging wellintentioned people from installing solar at their homes or businesses.

Because the March 25 vote applied only to forwarding the proposed changes to the Zoning Board, discussion was minimal although Jensen clarified for trustee Katie

Brennan that the section re garding the appearance of EV charging stations applied only to residential locations

According to the MMC, a second, updated version of the EV Readiness Checklist was crafted over the course of six months with the help of the EV Ready Advisory Committee. About 70 EVRAC members, including mayors, managers and other local government staff members, as well as representatives from councils of gover nments; regional planning organizations; Argonne National Laboratory; EV charging station companies; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; environmental and energy-focused nonprofit organizations; and economic development organizations. Committee members contributed nearly 350 hours during 18 meetings to create the EV Readiness Checklist and focused, priority pathways to ear n Bronze, Silver or Gold EV Readiness

Other municipalities in the second cohort are Aurora, Batavia, Bensenville, Berwyn, Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Hickory Hills, Highland Park, Montgomery, Northbrook, Park Forest, Richton Park, Wilmette and Woodstock and DuPage and Kane counties

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D200 SECURIT Y

from page 24

are best prepared to keep our students in this building safe.”

Sullivan said the student who posted the threat to shoot the school up has received disciplinary consequences in alignment with the school’s Behavior Education Plan. Such a threat can lead to Level 3 to Level 5 consequences which range from one to three days of In School Reflection, a form of in school suspension, which is a Level 3 consequence, to an out of school suspension or a recommendation for expulsion. Sullivan did not say which level of consequences the student received. The student has not been charged with a criminal offense.

OPRF security chief resigning at close of school year

Traccye Love’s tenure as the Director of Campus Safety at Oak Park and River Forest High School will be a short one. Love, a for mer Oak Park police sergeant, is resigning effective May 31 after slightly less than five months on the job.

Love confirmed to Wednesday Journal last week that she is resigning but declined to comment further

“I do appreciate you reaching out reding my resignation from OPRF,” ve said in a text message. “At this time, however, I respectfully decline to omment on the matter.”

Karin Sullivan, OPRF’s communications director, said Love is leaving OPRF for personal reasons

“That is as much as we’re able to say,” ullivan told Wednesday Journal.

Love began working at OPRF on Jan. 5 re placing Cindy Guerra who resigned in November, also re por tedly personal reasons, after less than six months on the job. Guerra’s predecessor, Cherylynn Jones-McLeod, left after one year on the job, also for what re called personal reasons. Love was the fourth director of campus safety at OPRF in the last five years.

“It’s unfortunate but that is what has happened,” Sullivan said. Bob Skolnik

Changes coming commissions. What does it mean?

Top local agents talk about recent settlement by National Association of Realtors

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

On March 15, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a legal settlement of $418 million, resolving lawsuits re garding broker commission payments in residential real estate sales.

As part of the settlement, the NAR ag reed to put in place a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) rule prohibiting the inclusion of offers of broker compensation in MLS listings. The organization also ag reed to a new rule requiring MLS participants working with buyers to enter into written ag reements with their buyers.

There has been speculation in the media and among local homeowners about what the settlement means. Although the terms of the settlement will not take effect until July, there have been media re ports predicting that half of real estate professionals might leave the profession and that home prices will drop precipitously due to

the changes.

We checked in with some career local real estate agents to see how they are reacting to the news and to hear what they think the NAR settlement means in Oak Park and River Forest. See

COMMISSIONS

from page 27

Common misconceptions

There have been re ports that the settlement will do away with an industry-standard 6% commission rate, typically paid by sellers out of closing proceeds, with half going to the seller’s agent and half going towards the buyer’s agent. All of the local agents interviewed stress that commissions have always been ne gotiable and were not set by the NAR.

Steve Scheuring of Baird and Warner said, “I think we’ve seen a lot of speculation after the decision.”

As to opinions that home prices will come down, he says, “Why would pricing come down? The valuation of the house is the valuation of the house.”

The agents also stress that no one knows exactly what the settlement will call for.

“As a realtor community nationwide, we will need some time to figure out the best changes in order to comply with the eement while still serving our clients to the highest standard,” said Scheuring.

Michael Nowicki

Ideal Location — Oak Park, said, “I think it’s too early to tell what the amifications of the settlement will be. I do, however, think that there are going to be many unforeseen consequences to this settlement, most of which will have a negative impact on not only the industry, but on buying and selling real estate for the consumer.”

Julie Stanczak of the Compass Lake Group said, “I was frustrated to see headlines that were inaccurate.”

All of the agents said that while the headlines have been garnering attention, they don’t necessarily convey the real picture behind what they do and how their practices work.

What buyers’ agents do

Although it is not currently mandated here, local agents say it is typical to use a buyers’ commission ag reement when working with buyers.

Stanczak continues to use the buyers’

commission agreement that she has always used. She discusses her fee with each client before they begin working together. If a seller said they were not paying the buyers’ agent commissions, then the buyers would be able to pay her fee as a closing cost credit built into the sale price.

She is not sure how the NAR settlement will change the need to pay agents who work with buyers. Yes, the MLS allows buyers to see what is on the market without the help of an agent, Stanczak says, “W do much more than let a buye home. Once tha buyer finds a home our experienc helps to guide them through the process, from ing the contract, to the price ne tions, the inspection issues, tracking dates, refer before the closing, and with help beyond the closing, to name some of it.”

knowledge that is priceless.”

Nowicki said buyers’ agents are inte gral to putting deals together. “When a buyer’s broker presents an offer to the selling broker, part of the ne gotiation is to convince the sellers that the buyers are committed to the house and committed to the process, are well-vetted and able to bring an ag reedupon deal to the closing table. If buyers’ brokers are not part of the transaction, it will be very difficult for listing agents to go to bat for a certain buyer because they will not have that kind of relationship with them. [Without buyers’ agents] I think you’ll get many deals falling apar t because of the buyers not having an advocate working on their behalf,” he said.

Scheuring echoed her approach. “Many of the brokerages like mine, Baird and Warner, have had detailed buyer representation training for our agents for some time now.”

He said local expertise is key to being a buyer’s re presentative and said, “In the last 25 years as a full-time agent, I have participated in more than 400 home inspections, and for some of my local colleagues, you can double that number. Most of us agents can walk into a home and within 20 minutes can tell you 70% of what is wrong with a home. This is an accumulated wealth of

trated with the NAR but not over the commission structure. “I do think the industry definitely does need reform,” she said. “Peole view it as an easy way to make a quick buck, when in fact, it’s much more complicated than that. It’s too easy to get a real estate license and too many people do it just to make some easy money, but then they don’t actually know what they’re doing. It makes it that much harder for those of us who do do ull time to work with agents like that and it tarnishes our reputation. People think we n’t do any work and make a ton of money reality, it is a lot of work if you’re doing it correctly with your client’s best interests at heart.”

he would not be surprised if some realtors leave the industry based on the NAR settlement. “In some ways that is good,” she said. “Transparency is good.”

Scheuring notes that as a full-service local agent, he does not discount his services but points out that local agents already are quite diverse in the fees they charge and whether or not they offer discounted services. He thinks that will continue under the settlement.

“When it comes to buyers, I think we may see fees being nego tiated on the le of service provided.

All of the agents stressed that when re presenting buyers, they do far more than at the Multiple Listing Service and take their clients to see houses.

“We are here,” said Scheuring, “to give buyer all the information they need throughout the transaction process so that they can make the best decision for themselves, their families, their investment and their future. We do this sometimes 7 days a week, at least 14 hours a day, and we get paid for that.”

Looking ahead

Stanczak doesn’t foresee remarkable changes in the local market when the NAR settlement is finalized this summer. She said agents have always had the ability to negotiate their commissions and said, “If someone is willing to negotiate the commission in July, they will be willing to ne gotiate their commission now.”

At the end of the day, Stanczak is frus-

Still, it should be noted that the de tail involved in the home purchase process and the actual transaction itself is overwhelming A study found tha 91% of buyers reported they would have found the process ‘very stressful’ without an agent,” he said.

Although the current real estate market is very hot, Scheuring said that won’t last forever. “There are already services that will list a home for a discounted fee. Will we see new ones? I don’t think so.”

Nowicki predicts there will be some changes locally, with some firms that want to capitalize on being new adaptors to the system, but he’s not sure how far that will go. He said, “In my professional opinion, I think that the top producing agents will figure out a system that will work well for the buyers and the sellers. Will the system look different than it does now? Yes, but if I had to guess, I would say that it will be more similar than different.”

Scheuring concurred. “In the end [the settlement] is change, and change is nothing but an opportunity to make something better. For many of us, buyer-mandated representation is a good thing.”

STEVE SCHEURING

MICHAEL NOWICKI

JULIE STANCZAK

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

C ONSCIOUS A GING

Dying with intention

VIEWPOINTS

Tomorrow, Thursday, April 4, Catherine Marienau and Terri Powell will present a program titled, “Expanding End-of-Life Options.” Hosted by Arbor West Neighbors (AWN), this program will be held at the Oak Park Main Branch Library, 834 Lake St., from 2 to 4 p.m., in the second floor Veterans Room.

Catherine and Terri will present and lead an infor med discussion about medical aid in dying and other things to consider as we and our loved ones approach the inevitable. I encourage everyone to attend as you are able

I asked you, “Are aging and dying inevitable?”

course you’d say yes. So why do so many of us fear and deny something inevitable?

End-of-life options, an important conversation for all of us, has been made even more timely because recent developments in Springfield. In early bruary of this year, State Senator Linda Holmes ntroduced SB 3499, titled The End-Of-Life Options r Terminally Ill Patients Act. Because of this bill, citizens of Illinois now have the very real possibility of joining the citizens of 10 other states and the District of Columbia in having the option of a death that aligns with our priorities, values and beliefs.

Senator Holmes’ bill, SB 3499, will allow adult Illinois citizens, who are ter minally ill and mentally capable, the option to request from their doctor a prescription for medication they can decide to self-ingest in order to die peacefully in their sleep. This is an important option for all of us

Let’s be clear, medical aid in dying (MAID) is not “physician-assisted suicide,” a misleading and factually incorrect label. To be eligible for an aidin-dying prescription, an individual must be:

1. an adult (18 or older)

2. terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less to live

3. mentally capable of making their own health-care decisions

4. able to self-ingest the medication

In addition to all four of the above criteria, there are additional safeguards in SB 3499. Not only must the attending physician inform their ter minally ill patient about all other care options (including comfort care, hospice care, pain control, palliative care), the physician must also

a) inform their patient that they can change their mind at any time and

b) offer them an opportunity to do so.

At the AWN program, join Catherine and Terri to explore what options lie ahead in your future, the current status of SB 3499, and how the compassionate option of medical aid in dying protects patients while improving care across the end-of-life spectrum.

If you or a loved one are having a difficult time while dying, would you want the option of peace of mind and comfort? If yes, remember to tell your elected state representative that you support SB 3499. You can do that at https://tinyurl.com/ILcontactnow

Aging is a continuum from birth to death. Aging is life. If birth and death are two sides of the same coin, aging is the coin. Ignoring, denying and fearing what is inevitable is the hard way out.

I always think that conscious aging is about living with intention. It can just as easily be about dying with intention.

One would have to be truly in the dark not to be aware of the total eclipse of the sun on April 8. That day, the moon will pass between the sun and the earth, darkening the sky until, gloriously, as always, light returns.

BARBARA HAUSMAN

One View

Coincidentally — or perhaps not coincidentally at all — this special event will take place on the very same day that my precious mom, Harriet Hausman, would have turned 100 years old. The universe itself is noting her passing.

That the stars aligned, as it were, and these two phenomena are occurring on the same day, make perfect sense to me. After all, the underlying theme of most of Harriet’s columns was seeking the light in what is dark Yes, some of my mom’s columns were humorous and light-hearted. Yet primarily darker concerns motivated her to write her column. Focusing a glaring spotlight on societal wrongs, dishonesty, and meanspiritedness, she asked that we work for justice, fairness, and peace.

Most of her columns ended with a plea to improve a situation, to make life fairer and more just, and above all else, that we lead with kindness. Mom revered our precious Democracy. She truly believed “We, the People” have the collective ability to make our country a better place for all. Of utmost importance, she believed that this responsibility lay with her and her audience as citizens.

For I can see that in the midst of death life persists, in the midst of untruth truth persists, in the midst of darkness light persists. (Mahatma Gandhi)

To the readers of Harriet’s columns, thank you so very much for your outpouring of love and kindness on her passing in 2023. A lot of us feel that the world is a different place without Harriet’s love and wisdom in it. I’m reminded of the song, “The Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which is always played and replayed when there’s a solar eclipse. Darkness overshadowing light, consuming one’s heart, is its theme

Resonating with me and I think some of you, too, is a longing for someone not present. “Every now and then I get a little bit lonely, and you’re never coming ’round.” There are times when in my g rief, my heart feels consumed by the

darkness of losing my mom, my very best friend

Yet following her lead, I strive to move forward in love. My mom, the most positive person I ever met, is my role model. However dark and difficult the subject matter in her writing, there was always hope. With her words and actions, Harriet chose to speak to our better selves, beseeching good-hearted folks to love and care for one another and for those in need everywhere.

My mom was and will always be deeply loved by my family. In life and death, she remains our North Star. May her shining legacy continue guiding us to be our better selves.

I close with “The Glowing Souls Among Us” by John P. Weiss:

The world will always have its disappointments and heartaches. We cannot escape loss, be it the passing of loved ones or the melting away of old friends. But as we navigate periods of stress, melancholy, and even despair, we’d be wise to pay attention.

We’d be wise to slow down and look for the light

Because the glowing souls among us are there. Spreading their message of love, acceptance, and hope.

They are the light in the darkness. The bothies [shelters] in a snowstorm. The passages back to serenity and hope.

They are the answer to despair

Harriet, of course, would have read this, agreed with it, and then urged all of us to be glowing souls. To this I say, “Amen!”

Barbara Hausman is the daughter of the late, definitely great Harriet Hausman.

Harriet Hausman

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Two Dads show us how to talk

If we are not concerned about the future of American democracy — the survival of this democracy — in this most perverse of election years, then we are not paying the attention we need to.

One path back to American optimism and realism is finding ways to talk to each other, to stop the debilitating and dehumanizing ways we have come to communicate about our shared civic life.

Growing Community Media is bringing two men to River Forest next week in a return of our Conversations series. Two Dads Defending Democracy is a model of how two people with strongly divergent political views, which they often shared in sniping fashion on cable news and insults via social media, took their conversation offline.

Joe Walsh, once a flamethrowing Tea Party congressman from the far west suburbs, and Fred Guttenberg, a gun safety advocate whose daughter was murdered in the Parkland High School mass shooting, actually started talking. What they discovered was common ground on protecting our fragile democracy this year. And as the talk tur ned into a genuine friendship, they also found ways they can see progress even on an issue like gun safety where they had profound differences

I’m inviting you to join us, April 9, at Dominican University in River Forest for a moderated conversation between Guttenberg and Walsh. The price of admission is $15. That’s a discount for our readers. Here’s the link: bit.ly/GCMTwoDads. The discount code is FF15.

A month ago, I took a random phone call from an unknown number. Turns out it was Shane from Tennessee. It did not start well. He was, inexplicably to me, very upset about a candidate for the 1st District seat on the county board. She was a radical leftist, he said, and Chicago was being overrun by migrants and “what the hell is going on up there?!”

I anticipated the call would end quickly with mutual shouting and a complete reinforcement of our powerfully held views. Instead, Shane listened while I said the candidate was a little left of me but an entirely reasonable woman with deep community roots. And he listened when I told him that all of our reporting on the West Side and in Oak Park about migrants made clear these people mostly wanted work so they could support themselves, that they came thousands of dangerous miles for the same reasons all immigrants come to America.

And I listened while he told me his family story of hard work and limited opportunity, his success as a recruiter in technology, and that he is part Native American and how proud he is of that heritage.

Thirty minutes later we closed the conversation sharing stories about our daughters and wishing each other well.

I’ve never had a conversation like that before. I expect I’m not alone.

Our divisions are profound. But finding ways to talk to each other is vital. I hope you’ll be there on Tuesday when the Two Dads show us how it’s done

Dan Haley Publisher Growing Community Media

We’

Isaw all 10 of the Best Picture nominees this year, just as I did last year. I’m a film buff, so I watch a lot of movies, many of them more than once. Some I never tire of — films I would want to have if marooned on an island (like Cast Away, which almost made my list).

Of course I’d need a device that allowed me to play or stream them, not to mention a way to charge the batteries of that device. But this is a thought exercise, so suspend your disbelief, as we do every time we watch a film, and we’re all pretty good at that by now. Long-ago Chicago columnist Bob Greene asked his readers to nominate the film they would want if island-stranded. The overwhelming winner was Shawshank Redemption

ll always have ‘Casablanca’ KEN TRAINOR

how can he go wrong with James Earl Jones and Moonlight Graham (Burt Lancaster) to guide the way?

Christmas Story – A tossup with It’s a Wonderful Life, but Jean Shepherd’s inspired narration/voiceover tips it for me Plus Darren McGavin as the father, standing over his “major award,” exclaiming with unabashed wonder, “There could be anything in there!” At that moment, I loved him. Ralphie no doubt felt the same.

On Groundhog Day, I watched … give you one guess … with a group of friends (call us the film buff-alos). I’ve seen Groundhog Day so many times I feel like I’m part of the film. Next up is Princess Bride with Dread Pirate Roberts and Princess Buttercup (“This is true love. Do you think this happens every day?”).

In L.A., after taking the tour of War ner Bros. Studios with a different group of friends, we ordered takeout from a favorite Moroccan restaurant for dinner and watched arguably War ner Brothers’ best film, Casablanca, set in Morocco (but filmed in a studio sound stage, including the famous airport scene at the end). Among the best lines in cinematic history is the greatest put-down of all time. Ugarte (Peter Lorre) says to Rick, “You despise me, don’t you?” and Bogart, without even glancing up, says, “I suppose if I gave you any thought I would.”

Here are eight more highly watchable films (plus nine honorable mentions; Shawshank Redemption didn’t make the cut).

Moonstruck – Screenplay by John Patrick Shanley, who is Irish-American but created the best ethnic romance with Italian characters, plus one of longtime Oak Parker John Mahoney’s best roles and Vicki Carr’s best song (“It Must Be Him”).

Wild Mountain Thyme – Shanley again, this time for the Irish. It’s poetic, eccentric, delightfully pagan, and almost nobody else knows about this cinematic gem. Watch it with subtitles though. The brogue is thick

La La Land – Obviously I’m a sucker for romance and a good musical. It doesn’t even need a happy ending, though this one does … from a certain angle. With a small nod and shared smile, the lovers bless one another’s separate paths

Field of Dreams – A great father-son film, especially for a father like me with an only son. This baseball film knows its way around a cornfield. The most important voice Kevin Costner hears is not, “If you build it, they will come.” It’s the second one: “Go the distance.” And

Lincoln – One of Steven Spielberg’s most important contributions to Americans’ self-understanding (Saving Private Ryan is another), with an Irish actor, of all people, bringing our greatest president immortally alive. No impersonation, this was incarnation. And the story also highlights the moment when, in spite of our extraordinary flaws, this nation was at its best (and worst).

Roman Holiday – Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn and the noblest gesture since Beau Geste, my father’s favorite film). What a treat. A script by Dalton Trumbo and a visit to post-war Rome thrown in as a bonus. On my last real trip to Rome (2010), I looked for, and found, Via Margutta 51, where important scenes were filmed. It was the highlight of my Roman holiday.

Out of Africa – Sydney Pollack’s masterpiece gets better with every viewing. Another great romance, this time with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford — I’m partial to films that take me places and provide a taste of true love. This one features one of cinema’s best verbal comebacks. The jealous ex-husband of Karen Blixen (Streep) says to Dennis Finch Hatton (Redford) after he moves in, “You might at least have asked.” Redford’s retur n: “I did. She said yes.”

Briefly, here are the remaining nine:

Silver Linings Playbook (Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper); Shakespeare in Love (Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, script by Tom Stoppard); Always (Holly Hunter, Richard Dreyfus, Audrey Hepburn’s final film); The Magnificent Seven (Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, et al); Sleepless in Seattle (Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Brooks Robinson); Bridges of Madison County (one of four fine films set in Iowa, of all places); The Great Escape (Steve McQueen, James Garner and a host of Nazis); Robin and Marian (Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, a close call over Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Haviland); As Good As It Gets (Helen Hunt, Jack Nicholson); North by Northwest (Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, my favorite Hitchcock flick); Philadelphia Story (Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart); and Bucket List (Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson, great armchair travel).

I have many favorite films, but these are the most watchable.

SHRUB TO WN by

Marc Stopeck

Energy-e cient heat pumps

In his “One View” of March 27 [Electrifying buildings and its costs, Viewpoints], Jim Polaski raises alar ms about the cost of electrifying buildings in Oak Park I think he is confusing two different types of electric heating. The old form of electric heating, referred to as Electric Resistance Heating is, indeed, one of the most expensive ways to heat a building. The more recent technology, which involves heat pumps, on the other hand, is one of the least expensive and in recent years has seen such significant improvements that Maine, one of our coldest states, is leading the nation in conversion of homes to heat pumps.

Whereas one can hope for, at best, about 95 percent energy efficiency using a gas-fired boiler, a heat pump can deliver space heating (or cooling) at as much as five times the amount of heating for the input of energy used (depending on whether geothermal heating is included). How does this happen? It is because the electrical energy the heat pump uses is not converted directly to heat, as in the case of a gas-fired boiler or an electric toaster. The electrical energy is used to operate a compressor that moves heat already in the air.

Forty years ago, heating through hot water systems was the gold standard, generally regarded as superior to forced air. Nowadays, however, conversion of a forced-air fur nace system to heat pump is easier than for hot water

I would advise Jim and anybody else concerned with saving money on heating and air conditioning to make a very modest investment in tightening up the air flow through their aged, drafty houses along with ramping up the insulation. That way, when you do decide to re place that boiler or furnace, you will be able to use a smaller heat pump, and in the meantime, you will save money on heating and cooling.

I would add that the village board has tur ned its attention to electrifying buildings because recent studies of our local energy use has shown that more than two-thirds of our carbon footprint is from energy use of our buildings. Although many of us are investing in electric vehicles, taming the energy use of our buildings should come first.

Nick Bridge Oak Park

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Sta Repor ter Amaris Rodriguez, Luzane Draughon

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

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

Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

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

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of

Park and River Forest. As we share the

Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, re you to action.

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

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

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

■

Re-zoning puts River Forest at risk

Our family deliberately moved from Oak Park to River Forest after witnessing the community we loved change for the worse before our eyes. The rise of tall buildings, increased traffic, struggle to find pa rking, and growing congestion destroyed the Oak Park we knew and loved.

River Forest felt like a calmer, quieter, and more grounded place to raise a family, where neighbors have time to get to know each other, and the streets are safe for kids to play and bike freely.

However, the proposed re-zoning risks losing the essence of River Forest, and the changes are har mful for these reasons:

Building height increase from 30 to 50 feet (67%) is a massive change that alters what we see when we look out our windows daily. Imagine looking out to a wall instead of the morning sky or your garden, sitting in the shadow of a towering building most of the day. It’s not just about losing sunlight; it’s about losing the open, airy feel that makes it a great place to live.

Removing the bedroom requirement means shifting toward studio-type apar tments, marking a significant change from a community where families put down roots to one that caters to those just passing through.

Reducing parking from two spots to 1.5 per home may seem like a minor tweak, but it doesn’t fit how we live. Families have more than one car. Where are these extra cars supposed to go? It’s easy to predict the downstream ripple effect: a flood of requests to park on the streets over night and worsened traf fic. Simple things like a shopping trip or dropping kids of f at an activity will become a logistical headache. We moved to River Forest for the community feel. The village is not just a collection of buildings. Re-zoning threatens our community of quiet streets, sense of space and privacy, and the character of our neighborhood. Re-zoning will make it harder for families to live here and to feel connected to our homes

Please consider the long-term impacts, not just on paper but in the real lives of your neighbors. Let’s keep our community a place where families want to stay, grow, and be part of something special.

Milap Sandhu River Forest

Showing where they stand

In response to “OPRF board member apologizes to Community Council leaders after complaint about comments” article [oakpark.com, March 20], it should be noted that the Community Council interrupted its nor mal agenda and programming — which was to listen to a presentation on OPRF’s mental health and wellness initiatives — so two board members could make a statement with the hopes that our council could try to come to terms with the misinformed comments that were made at a recent District 200 Board of Education meeting.

What our council got instead from our own board members was a non-apology apology and aggressive questioning back to us on why we were offended by their comments — not the way to regain trust. It

felt like a silly doubling down high school debate trick.

In addition to offering time for the board members to make a statement, the council also offered to gather in small groups to talk about our purpose (stated in our bylaws), our membership, our structure, and other ways to improve the council. This proved helpful and we look forward to discussing the comments that were made in these small breakout groups.

I am glad the board members and our superintendent were given the opportunity to show us where they stand. And it was clear, they stand with each other and not with the Community Council. If re-building trust was one of the goals of that meeting, let’s just say it did the opposite for me, and I believe others feel the same. One board member did not care enough (or even

pretend to care enough) to join in to listen and learn from the small group sessions. Instead, they bent the ear of the reporter for almost the entire meeting; that says it all for me. Message control over participating in the good work the council is trying, albeit not perfectly, to do

As a four-year member of the council, I will be suggesting we get new board liaison representation, someone who understands and values our purpose, is willing to listen and learn, and is humble enough to admit mistakes or misstatements. It would be a win, win, win, win for the council, the board, the community, and most importantly the students.

Go Huskies

Ross Lissuzzo

Parent of past and present OPRF students 4-year member on the Community Council

A good ending is my goal

Last year I attended a Celebration of Life to honor an old friend at Madison Street Theater. The venue was brilliantly appropriate because of his lifelong work in theater. It was where so many of us first met him.

His sudden death sharply reminded me of the impermanence of life, which could end suddenly or fade gradually. It also helped refocus my desire to maintain some semblance of management along the way. About a year ago, I became aware of the efforts of Compassion & Choices to facilitate legislation authorizing medical aid in dying in Illinois, thus expanding and improving end-of-life-care, and empowering everyone

to chart their end-of-life jour ney Medical aid in dying is a compassionate end-of-life care option for mentally capable, ter minally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request a prescription for a medication they may decide to take to peacefully end intolerable suffering. In the 10 states and Washington D.C. where it is currently available, medical aid in dying has contributed to a path of less suffering for ter minally ill individuals when hospice does not ease their suffering. It is up to each individual to decide what they want at the end of life, and I would like to see end-of-life care options expanded.

Recently, the End-of-Life Options for

Re-examine bagging leaves

I hope the village board rethinks the idea of eliminating leaf street pickup and having homeowners bag or mulch their leaves.

In addition to the points that Christopher Goode made last week in Viewpoints is the fact that, as residents in our 70s, the expectation of bagging our leaves is physically unreasonable.

We live on a corner lot and there are five mature trees on our parkway alone. My 97-year-old next-door neighbor also has trees. What is she supposed to do?

It seems like more frequent street leaf collection and better resident communica-

tion would solve the stated problems of cars catching on fire and unsafe driving. The trees in Oak Park benefit all residents. Why should only some residents (those with trees) now bear the cost burden of leaf collection? Will the next step be for homeowners with trees to also pay for the tree trimming and other tree maintenance budgets? I would urge the trustees to continue to explore options with LRS to meet all parties’ needs — and take resident bagging off the table.

Susan Parks, Oak Park

Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB3499) was introduced in the Senate by Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes. I support this bill and respectfully urge you to support it as well. Contact your senator at http:// tinyurl.com/SB3499.

My friend’s life came to a close, but there is no doubt in my mind that he lived his life to the fullest to the end. A good ending is my goal. I hope to live in a state where, under the law, that good ending can include the full range of compassionate end-of-life care options

Paulette Cary Oak Park

Why not the Y Pool?

If 69% of park district survey responders want an indoor pool and are willing to pay higher taxes for it, they should use their money to join the YMCA where they already have an indoor pool instead of making all of us pay higher taxes, where Oak Park taxes are already among the highest in the region. Certainly there are bigger needs in our village than a park district indoor pool.

George Recchia, Oak Park

e answer on this debacle is Yes!

I lived in Oak Park for 33 years and taught in District 97 the last 18 years of my 30+ teaching years. I was thrilled to be teaching in my hometown, but I found being a public servant in Oak Park very challenging for many reasons. This is the lens I look through as I consider Oak Park Public Library’s tumult and wonder about the following:

1. What would have happened if this difficult situation had been handled using DEI practices?

2. Did the board play any role in determining the library’s budget, decision to

reposition staff and the impact the repositioning might have on the its visionary DEI work?

3. As a way to begin the healing process, the for mer director proposed a comprehensive plan to gather data from the staff and community. What would we have lear ned from that data?

4. Did the Oak Park Public Library community lose an opportunity to put their DEI beliefs into action?

Yes!

Mary Nelson Forest Park

A solution for something that’s not a problem

The article titled, “Village to consider Ridgeland Avenue bike lane” in the March 13 Wednesday Jour nal, appeared to lack the level of objectivity expected of this newspaper. The sources for the traffic death and injury data did not come from public records but rather an engineering firm. Also, the references to bike and pedestrian accidents were broad statements on the “likelihood” of accidents rather than the facts.

Per the Illinois Department of Transportation

(https://apps.dot.illinois.gov/eplan/ desenv/crash/), there were 6,677 vehicle accidents in Oak Park between 2018 and 2022, 100 involving bikes whereas 154 involved pedestrians. Considering only bike and pedestrian accidents together, almost 67% of those were associated with crossing a road. A dedicated bike lane won’t fix that problem.

Spending $86,000 for a feasibility study of a bike lane on Ridgeland Avenue is a waste of taxpayers’ money. Not only is this 73% over the original budget, but it’s about spending funds on identifying a solution to something that isn’t a problem.

The greater public health and safety issue is how we manage and control the ability to cross a street and address the issue of distracted driving, not putting in a dedicated bike lane on a single highvolume road

If the justification study moves forward, I would expect an analysis to take place on the volume of bikers on Ridgeland, other north/south road options for bikers, and the impact a dedicated bike lane will have on the more than 340 Ridgeland Avenue residents. Otherwise, this feasibility study becomes a justification study for a decision without merit

Finally, let’s not forget the recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling that bicyclists are nearly always “permitted” users of the road — but are only “intended” users of the road when bike lanes or signage are present. That distinction means a municipality is not liable for damages sustained by a bicyclist if bike lanes and signage do not exist. With our litigious society, why would we want to open the village to that risk?

Mark Schlosser Oak Park

In favor of bagging leaves

You probably wouldn’ t object so much to bagging leaves if the mess of other people’s leaves and non-leaf garbage didn’t end up in a mountain in front of your house and near your already dangerous intersection, sometimes for days at a time.

Often a mess that wasn’t there before the mess was bulldoz ed is left on your parkway when the street is somewhat cleared. Parking is eliminated as long as the mountain of mess is there.

Lauren Peterson Oak Park

Right of self-determination, not statehood

A recent opinion letter in the Wednesday Journal Viewpoints section claims it is antisemitic to believe that Israel should not be a Jewish state because Jews have the right of self-determination under international law. The right of self-determination does indeed grant Jews, such as me, the right to practice our religion and our Jewish culture wherever we live.

However, logically and under international law, the right of religious and cultural self-deter mination is not tantamount to

the right to statehood. Different religious/ cultural groups living in the same nation cannot each have the lawful right to require that nation to embody their particular religion and culture. And so, asserting that Israel/Palestine should not be a Jewish state or a Muslim state is not antisemitic or Islamophobic. See //jewishcurrents. org/there-is-no-right-to-a-state and pesd. princeton.edu/node/656.

Jim Poznak Oak Park

Remark was irrelevant and inappropriate

As re por ted in this newspaper, at a February Oak Park Village Board Finance Committee meeting, Donna Gayden the interim CFO, told a story about a police officer shooting the mayor in Long Beach, New York, where she previously worked. The Oak Park brouhaha apparently started when one of the trustees then said to another, “I wonder if our chief knows,” followed by Village President Vicki Scaman leaving the meeting. My parents lived in Long Beach, New York from the 1930s to 1970s. I grew up there in the 1940s and 50s. The shooting happened in 1939, 85 years ago, in a small

town that bears no resemblance to Oak Park. Future mayors did not fear being shot; one lived down the street from us.

In this age of gun proliferation, why in the world did the CFO feel the need to bring up a 1939 shooting from a small town 830 miles away at an Oak Park Village Board Finance meeting in 2024? It was an irrelevant and inappropriate comment and caused unnecessary dissension.

By the way, I do not know any of the involved individuals personally.

Diane Mufson Oak Park

Leaf bagging is a bad idea

I implore the Oak Park Village Board to abandon its idea of having residents bag their leaves. Raking leaves (we rake to avoid noise pollution) is an ef fort, but trying to stuf f those leaves into standard yard waste bags with nar rowish openings would be a ridiculously difficult task.

The village cites safety concer ns. The biggest safety problem is not with the leaves in front of individual homes, but with the huge piles amassed by the village, which I have noted in the past few years are often left to languish in one location for considerably longer than one week.

The larger piles should be cleared as quickly as possible and be marked with cones. I have lived in Oak Park for 37

years and have heard of only one car fire started in a pile of leaves. The village should educate about the risks of that if it is such a concern.

Finally, leaving leaves on the lawn and garden beds is not the answer. As others have written, there are simply too many leaves to keep a significant portion of them on lawns and beds. By the spring when there are so many leaves that haven’t decomposed, they are heavy and wet and need to be collected anyway.

Is there another community in the state that requires homeowners to bag leaves? We pay a lot in taxes to be asked to do this here.

Carrie Kalina Oak Park

Parkway leaves

The vast majority of the leaves that fall are from trees in the parkway. These are trees owned by the village of Oak Park. I’m doing the village a favor by raking them into the street. Now the village wants me to buy bags too? I don’t think so!

Robert Larson

Oak Park

Not

OK to stop and frisk motorists

The most disturbing aspect of Wednesday Journal’s March 27 article on motorist stops [Oak Park police stop more Black individuals than white, data shows, News] is that so many people apparently believe it’s perfectly OK to essentially stop and frisk motorists without probable cause

A broken taillight or non-working headlight may well be a good reason to stop a motorist but is not probable cause to conduct a search. At most it may be a reason to issue a ticket although a warning generally seems more than sufficient.

Given the coercive nature of a police interaction, it is very concerning that the police are even permitted to “ask” to search a car when they know full well they have no grounds for a search

Bob Stigger

Oak Park

e man and the administration

Why the obsessive focus on Joe Biden’s age? He and Trump are both old (says this 86-yearold). But what we have is not actually the one-onone matchup so many seem to want. Trump is so psychotically narcissistic that he surrounds himself with no one but toadies who bow to his whims and demands, no matter how foolhardy and even destructive they are. Nobody else really counts in that crowd. They are just his echo chamber

President Biden, in contrast, has surrounded himself with a talented, accomplished, and dedicated team. The focus is on governing, not playing to the angry and aggrieved. And he listens to his people, “youngsters” though they are by comparison with him.

The presidency is not — and dare not be — a solo act.

Our choice is clear: President Biden and his proven, trustworthy team. No toadies need apply.

Fred Reklau

Oak Park

Irresponsible action by the librar y board

The following statement was read to the board of the Oak Park Public Library at their meeting on March 26:

We are residents of Oak Park for over 30 years and longtime supporters and users of the library We are writing to express our outrage at how the recent dismissal of the library’s executive director was handled.

While we are not in a position to evaluate the specific allegations against Ms. Dixon, we are offended at the manner in which the issue was handled by the board. The abruptness with which the decision of the board was made is as much an affront to the community as any that may have been committed by library administration. We had read about the controversy in Wednesday Jour nal and received emails from the board and director on the issue.

Your statement of Feb. 29 stated that a staff survey was planned and “the evaluation process had been extended to include this input.”

We were shocked to find that the decision to sever ties with the library director had been made in such a sudden manner without completing the process described. What happened to due process? Restorative practice calls for all parties affected in a conflict to find positive resolution through open and honest communication to repair relationships. Why were these principles not applied before such a rash decision — sure to deepen rifts with the community and within the staff — was executed? The board’s actions have additionally exposed the library to potential liability and financial harm.

Did the board seek to understand Ms.

Postal dis-service

I prefer to vote early and do so by mail. I signed up early for this option and continually checked the election site to follow the status of my ballot. For about two weeks, the site reported it was in process. Then I was notified it was sent on March 11, seemingly plenty of time to receive it and mail it in.

It finally arrived in my after-

noon delivery on the day of the primary, March 19. Fortunately I had not waited till that last minute but had gone to Oak Park Village Hall to cast my vote on March 18. Had I, or others, waited for the mail, there would have been little time and much inconvenience to cast my vote in time to be counted. This needs to be fixed.

Gil Herman, Oak Park

Dixon’s vision for achieving the board’s strategic priorities and her rationale for changes made? It appears quite incredible to us that a person whose reputation was forged as an advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion could be the insensitive autocratic bully as portrayed by some Sadly, it is too late now to heal the damages, financial and other, that have been done by the irresponsible action of this board, which has not demonstrated an ability to appropriately navigate this situation. We will all have to deal with the ensuing chaos and harm to institutional credibility for the foreseeable future. We can only hope that, going forward, the board will apply the principles of restorative practice and due process in their actions.

Emily & Bruce Brigell, Oak Park

No ‘angry mob’ threats

Having just read the article about the executive director of the Oak Park Public Library, I was distressed that the proceedings were threatened by the specter of an “angry mob.” That’s terrible. You cannot respond to an angry mob by appeasing them. Nobody should be making that threat in our town. The library goes a great job of providing an important public service and does not deserve to be threatened under any circumstances. This is not to say that the library can do no wrong and deserves a free pass, but no one should be threatened by angry mobs. That history is too terrible. No mob rule in Oak Park!

Mike Bochner, Oak Park

A failure to communicate

Recently I met the owner of a River Forest North Avenue townhome. He was unaware of the zoning code changes proposed by the village for TIF districts. He was upset because the changes directly affect his property, which is in a TIF district. He asked why the village did not inform the TIF residents by mail.

Good question, I told him; you are entitled to this information as a homeowner and taxpayer. Maybe it is expensive

But, he replied, the village wasted thousands of dollars to push barriers on Clinton and Bonnie Brae that nobody wanted, showing no money concer n. Surely, mailing cards to the TIF districts’ residents costs less than the $16,500 the village wasted with the KLOA report. And let’s not forget about the survey, the other

reports, and all the rest.

I explained to him that the village placed an ad in the classified section of Wednesday Jour nal on Dec. 20, a few days before Christmas, before the Zoning-Board meeting on January 11, and that it expects that the residents will regularly and diligently peruse all the classified ads in the hard copy of the paper in search of what the village wants to do.

He asked why the village wants to changes the zoning

To encourage developers who do not live here and allegedly to reduce property taxes, I replied.

He pointed out that the proposed 6-storyhigh buildings are big and ugly. And what about traffic and parking, he asked?

Well, I explained, the village will limit

the number of cars the buildings’ residents can have to encourage public transportation. Do not worry, think of Roosevelt Road, Ogden Avenue, or Cermak Road, and remember, your taxes will be lower. `

But, he added, the records show that actually property tax in Oak Park went up after the high-rises were built. And did the village project the costs and the revenues? What about schools, police, support personnel?

I do not think they did; I have not seen it, I replied. But the village is so busy. He shook his head. I thought that this was a gover nment by the people, for the people, he said, but it looks like it is a government by very very few, for ... whom?

Giuseppina Nucifora River Forest

OBITUARIES LETTER

Tra c stops are needed

I read with interest the front-page article stating that more Black individuals are stopped by police than white drivers. I live on Augusta right by Whittier School and the Dole Branch Library. Even during spring break, there are many adults and children crossing the street to get to the playground and library

After reading the ar ticle, I stood at my window and watched the cars drive by our corner. Literally, dozens of cars went through the four-way stop without stopping. I counted only three that actually stopped — two because there was cross traffic and one because the person lives on the block and was turning left. I have no idea what race the drivers were, but going through stop signs in Oak Park is a dangerous problem that the police should monitor.

Marilyn Wenzel Oak Park

Randy Zerfoss, 67

House painter/decorator, Way Back Inn volunteer

Randolph “Randy” B 67, of died home on 2024, sur the love dren and ste

Born on 1956, he had a giant heart with he love and friends deeply and passionatel brought him greater joy than hanging out with his kids and grandkids, ev was at a White Sox game. His sparkling eyes crooked smile, wild laugh, and wickedly ligent and unparalleled sense of be remembered. He had the remarkable ity to deliver lines from goofy movies perfect moment. He made friends, whether at work, where his clients frequently became his friends, in the grocery store checkout line, or in the hospital when he was nearing

the end of his life

He jumped right in to help anyone who needed it. For years he was involved with Way Back Inn, a local addiction recovery program, eventually as a volunteer board member. He helped countless people in their recoveries.

He grew up and lived most of his life in Oak Park, graduating from OPRF High School and attending Southern Illinois University. A talented house painter and decorator, he ran his own business for. He always admired Oak Park’s architecture, especially its “Painted Ladies,” which he excelled at making beautiful again.

Randy leaves behind his children, Andrew Guy and Amy Mira from his marriage to Janet; his grandchildren, Lucas and Scarlett; his siblings, David (Jennifer), Gary (Linda), Scott and Amy; his stepson, Lee, from his marriage to Marijo; his grandson’s mother, Natasha; his cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces/nephews; and many devoted friends, especially his lifelong best friend Bill. He was pre-deceased by his parents Guy and Mary Barbara (nee Gale) Zerfoss and hi s sisters, Cindy, Carol and Gaye.

Family and friends will celebrate Randy’s life on April 20 at 4 p.m. For details, contact friends or family or email RBZsCelebrationofLife@gmail.com. Bring your favorite memories of Randy, your love for the White Sox and your best goofy movie lines

Lorrie Michael, 87

Competitive curler

Dolores “Lorrie” McMahon Michael, 87, died peacefully March 25, 2024. ved most of her life in the same house, a two-story, square brownbrick home built her father on the north side of Forest from Chicago World siblings attended the local Catholic school, several blocks , young Lorrie, due to an asthmatic the shorter walk to ust across the street

She attended Oak Park and River Forest High School and took pride in being a DOOPer, a “Dear Old Oak Parker.” She studied at Marquette University in Wiscon-

sin, where she met Tom. After she graduated, they married at her hometown parish of St. Vincent Ferrer. They lived briefly in San Antonio, where Tom attended Saint Mary’s University and completed his military training. The family returned to Chicago, eventually moving into her childhood home in River Forest in 1962.

The couple had seven children in 11 years and built a spirited and loving home, full of humor and chaos. She participated in community service, notably the Girl Scouts of America, where she was a district treasurer. She ensured that each of the seven children attended a different colle ge and continued that with her grandchildren.

She ran the family finances and was smart and skeptical, with a strong dose of practicality. She painted what was drab, fixed what was broken, and recycled what was no longer useful. She wrote letters that were clever and concise, mixing ordinary details with insight.

She worked for many years for State Farm insurance offices and enjoyed trips with her sisters, Annie and Jody. Their busy social life, centered around their friends at the Oak Park Country Club (OPCC).

In mid-life she began an athletic career as a competitive curler, appearing on several championship teams for the OPCC and Wilmette Curling. She even tried out for the Winter Olympics. In summers, she complemented her curling with lawn bowling, where she was very active for decades with Lakeside Lawn Bowling in Chicago.

In August of 2023, she and Tom celebrated 64 years of mar riage

Lorries was the mother of seven children, Vincent Michael (Felicity Rich), Clare Bergquist (Steven), Maureen Michael, Sheila Krue ger (Edward), Laura Michael (Anna Kramer), Tom Michael II (Katherine Shaughnessy), and Kevin Michael; grandmother of Michael Bergquist (Annie), Ingrid Bergquist, Martin Bergquist, Felicity Rich-Michael, Alexandra Rich-Michael, Patrick Krue ger, Natalie Krue ger, Zachariah O’Connell, Chalice Michael, Fiona Michael and Wyatt Michael; and the great-grandmother of Archie and Milo Bergquist.

She was predeceased by her parents, Vincent Purtell McMahon and Anne Fo garty McMahon; her older sisters, Mary Jane Kenefick White, Joanne Kenefick Timms, and Anne McMahon; her brother, Robert V. McMahon; and her grandson, Martin McMahon Bergquist.

Visitation will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer in River Forest on Thursday, April 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. A funeral Mass will be cel-

ebrated at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Lorrie’s name to Kiwanis Club River Forest-Oak Park and Marquette University.

Dawn Sullivan, 57

Found or created sanctuaries

Dawn Domrose

Sullivan, 57, of Oak Park, died on March 25, 2024. A true lover of nature, she found joy in birdwatching, walking dogs, and riding horses. Her compassionate heart extended to all animals, making her a beloved figure in the pet care community. She actively participated in the Girl Scouts and could often be found exploring the wonders of Brookfield Zoo. Her home was a beacon of warmth and hospitality, welcoming children from the neighborhood with open arms. Her infectious personality radiated “good vibes,” bringing joy to all who knew her.

She loved watching Star Trek, indulging in Stephen King’s novels, and being captivated by Gordon Ramsey’s culinary adventures However, her true sanctuary was found in Kona, Hawaii, where she enjoyed watching sunsets and the majestic dance of whales from the Lanai

Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her memory will be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dawn is survived by Patrick Sullivan, her husband of 35 years; their daughters, Leah Plesha (Mike), Maggie Sullivan; and her granddaughter, Siena Plesha. She was the daughter of Dallas and the late Harold Domrose, and is survived by her brother Tim, and sisters Jenny and Amy. She is now reunited with her sister, the late Desiree Domrose. She is the cherished daughter-in-law of Fran and the late Monroe Sullivan. Her warmth and love also extended beyond her immediate family to countless nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

A celebration of Dawn’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to “CatNap from the Heart” (https://catnapfromtheheart.org, 708-352-3914), an organization dear to her heart.

Kapsch, Fenwick down OPRF

Senior ’s two goals give Friars rst victory over Huskies in four years

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Fenwick High School senior girls socce forward Grace Kapsch has achieved plenty during her career, having been named to the All-State Team last year and playing an im portant part in the Friars’ back-to-back sec tional championships the past two seasons along with a fourth-place finish in the 2022 IHSA Class 2A tour nament.

But one thing was missing for Kapsch and her fellow seniors: a victory over East Avenue rival OPRF. On March 26, Fenwick crossed that item off its checklist, blanking the host Huskies 4-0.

“It feels especially good since we beat them at their house,” said Kapsch, who scored tw goals. “They beat us the last few years, so it feels good to get our revenge.”

Fenwick coach Craig Blazer lauded hi team’s effort, indicating that it was one of the best of this early season for the Friars

“The girls played exceptionally well,” he said. “Defensively, we did well to keep Oak Park in front of us and not really allowing them dangerous opportunities. It was a great team win, and we’re very happy.”

It took just over five minutes for Fenwick (5-0-1) to get on the board. Senior midfielder/defender Fiona Roche sent a ball into the middle of the box, and Kapsch headed it into the net past OPRF senior goalkeeper Jackie Bollinger

“I was able to get a head on it because I knew it was going to be placed perfectly,”

Fenw ick’s Grace Kapsch (r ight, white) heads a ball into the net past Oak Park and River Forest goalkeeper Jackie Bollinger in a girls soccer match, March 26. Kapsch scored tw ice in the Friars’ 4-0 victor y over the Huskies.

Kapsch said. “I just used my strength.”

Twelve minutes later, the Friars doubled their lead on a well-designed free kick play On the restart, two Fenwick players circled the ball, then senior forward Caroline Henige booted it past Bollinger from 30 yards out.

“I saw the defender was off the line a little bit and not paying attention, so I thought I’d chip it over her,” said Henige, a Marquette

University signee. “We’ve been working on that a lot in practice, so it’s good for it to pay off.”

“It felt really good to get the first two goals in the first 15-20 minutes,” Kapsch said. “It really helped us build up the momentum.”

After Henige’s goal, OPRF (2-4) picked up its play and controlled the ball the rest of the first half and into the second half. But

ren’t able to generate prime pportunities, and Fenwick graduned control of the match.

“[Fenwick] was winning the 50-50 battles,” said OPRF coach Lauren Zallis. ry aggressive when it came to winning balls.”

minute, Fenwick’s Kiera Mullary was tackled in the box, leading to a penalty kick. She beat Bollinger to the right, giving the Friars a commanding 3-0 lead.

put the icing on Fenwick’s minute, taking a feed from Susie Shank and heading it into the net.

e doing well as a team,” Henige rking together, and I think e only going to improve from here.”

enwick has established a culture success, Zallis is trying to build one of the Huskies. She feels matches enwick can be valuable lear ning tools growth phase and we’re going to continue to face adversity and challenges like this,” she said. “The best thing we can do is to take this and learn from it; if you don’t come out with an intensity that matches what the other team brings, you set yourself back.”

On March 30, OPRF dropped its fourth consecutive match, 5-1 at St. Charles East. Genevieve Simkowski had the Huskies’ only goal, assisted by Abby Cockerill.

Fenwick visits IC Prep in Elmhurst on April 6 at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, OPRF opens West Suburban Silver play at York, April 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Fenwick’s Molis sets sights on Lithuania

Friars’ sophomore hopes to make that country’s 18U girls basketball team

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Fenwick High School sophomore Cammie Molis is getting an opportunity not

many American students receive: a chance to play overseas and experience a new culture while trying out for another country’s athletic team.

Molis spent the final week in March in

Lithuania attempting to make that country’s national women’s basketball 18U team. She’s eligible because her greatgreat grandparents were from Lithuania.

“Some were born in Lithuania and now

live in America, while others like myself were born in America but come from Lithuanian descent,” said Molis of the

C AROL DUNNING

CAMMIE MOLIS

May play for Lithuania

from page 36

criteria used to invite players for outs. “There were only three players selected from America, so I feel honored, blessed, and grateful to be here right now.”

T he tryouts for the Lithuanian national 18U be g an on March 23. At press time, Molis’ status was unknown.

But Fenwick girls basketball coach Le nae Fergerson feels optimistic about lis’ chances

“From what I’ve heard from her dad, they’re really high on Cammi e,” she said. “She’s shooting the ball really well, and think they want her to come back. ing well, and I hope it continues.”

Fergerson can appreciate Molis bein in Europe, given that she herself 13 years professionally overseas.

“I was excited for Cammie,” she said. “I thought it’d be a great experience for her. I understand the European g ame and mindset, so it’s a great opportunity. I know her love for basketball, and she wants to play colle ge basketball and for her country’s team.”

Fenw ick’s Cammie Molis prepares to shoot during tryouts for the Lithuanian National U-18 women’s basketball team.

Ken

Trainor’s “Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community”…

Molis says she’s also using her Lithuanian trip to learn more about European culture.

“Aside from basketball, it would be a great experience to be able to travel to another part of the world and see things I’ve never seen before,” she said. “Learning about and meeting new people from other cultures, and learning to play basketball from the European coaching perspective.”

The fact that Molis is in position to attend a national team tryout shouldn’t come as a surprise. Her father Derek, who played at now-closed St. Joseph High School and Loyola University Chicago, has provided valuable knowledge

“He’s helped with my overall development of the game, mostly shooting, mechanics, and footwork,” Molis said.

“Her dad played at a high level of basketball, and his gift of shooting has tric kled down to his daughter,” Fergerson added. “He’s always there for her, and it’s nice for her to have his knowledge. That’s a great bonus.”

Molis recently concluded her varsity debut season with Fenwick. She says she knew since fifth grade she’d be a Friar, especially after participating in a feeder program run by a legendary figure in Fenwick athletics.

“From the moment I met Coach [Dave] Power, I made the decision that I wanted to come to Fenwick,” Molis stated. “He was a big inspiration, and as I got older, I realized that the academics were equally important; this will help me through colle ge and later in life.”

Molis thought her season was solid individually. But she hoped the Friars would have more victories than they did, and that’s motivating for next year.

“That’s just made me personally want to work harder this offseason to get better individually,” she said, “and to take on more of a leadership role re garding our team for next season.”

Molis says she enjoys playing fo r Fe rgerson.

“She’s improved my overall basketball IQ,” she said. “I understand the way she coaches, and she has made a better player. I’m looking forward to the next two years playing under her guidance.”

But first, she wants to make the Lithuanian U18 team. She believes that if she does, it will create many opportunities for her at the colle giate level.

“I would hope that colleges would see that it will help me learn, grow, and be able to play at the level I want to play in colle ge,” she said.

“… is like nding love letters at the bottom of a sock drawer. They are familiar but new, old yet young. They cover life’s spectrum: the grand, the small, the joyful, the sad. He has put into words the collective thoughts of our better selves. This is a book you will read many times.”

(McLouis Robinet)

“… takes us into the lives of its residents, to the benches and pathways of its parks, and the challenges and inspiration of a town working overtime to create COMMUNITY – not community as in a geographically de ned set of coordinates, but a sense of place that nurtures and sustains its residents.” (Rebekah Levin)

“… invites readers to celebrate a simple, low-tech stroll around his hometown, discovering the fascinating villagers who make this community the eccentric, unique, cantankerous, and inspirational place it is for so many of us.” (Frank Lipo)

Join this “pedestrian friendly” journey of discovery (and rediscovery) through a community like no other yet, in essential ways, like all others.

“Our

COURTEST Y CAMMIE MOLIS

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LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024 for Project: 24-1, Sewer and Water Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of water main replacement, fire hydrants, valves, water service replacements, sewer replacement, HMA surface removal and patching, HMA pavement, PCC pavement, curb & gutter removal and replacement, PCC sidewalk removal and replacement, pavement markings, lawn restoration, and other miscellaneous items of work.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www. oak-park.us/your-government/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9032080 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

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

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK

Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal April 3, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 for the following:

Village of Oak Park

CDBG Water Service Replacement Program - 2024

Bid Number: 24-121

Bid forms may be obtained from the Village of Oak Park website, http://www.oak-park. us/bid. Bid documents may be viewed at the Public Works Customer Service Center at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the contact person, Water and Sewer Project Manager, James Eggen, jeggen@oakpark.us .

All bidders will be required to submit Bid Security in the form of a Certified Check, a Cashier’s Check or a Bid Bond in the amount of Ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid, payable to the Village of Oak Park. The successful bidder will be required to post performance security and to provide a certificate of insurance as set forth in the bid package. This contract shall be subject to the provisions of the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS130/1 et seq.) to the extent required by law. This is a Federallyfunded project, funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and is thus subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including DavisBacon and Related Acts. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 3, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Jose Antonio Ibarra, Petitioner and Francisca Fernandez, Respondent, Case No. 2024D001717.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before April 26, 2024, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal March

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM, a virtual meeting will be conducted by Proviso Township High School (PTHS) District 209. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and students homeschooled within the district for the 2024-2025 school year. As a parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and who resides within the boundaries of PTHS District 209, you are urged to attend. This meeting is in compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education regulations. Please email rfleming@pths209.org to obtain the Microsoft TEAMS invitation to attend the meeting. For questions, please contact Ms. Ramonda Fleming, District Coordinator at (708) 4974650.

Published in Forest Park Review April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2024

The meeting will occur on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the Riverside District Office located at 3340 S. Harlem Avenue, Riverside, IL 60546. Please R.S.V.P. to Linda Roberto via email at robertol@district96.org.

Published in RB Landmark April 3, 10, 2024

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

COUNTY DEPARTMENT -

CHANCERY DIVISION

MIDFIRST BANK

Plaintiff, vs. Unknown Heirs and/or Legatees of Yolanda Daniels, Deceased; Derrick Rockett; Julie Fox as Special Representative for Yolanda Daniels Deceased; United States of America; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants, 22 CH 146

WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN THE TREMONT CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED AND DEFINED IN THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 0021260423, IN THE EAST 1/2 OF SECTION 7 AND THE NORTHWEST 1/4 AND THE WEST 1/2 OF THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 227 W. CHICAGO #3, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-08-102-0211009

The real estate is improved with a residence.

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

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

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 Judicia Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

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

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09619

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 00031

TJSC#: 44-611

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, April 29, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-12-406-027-0000.

Commonly known as 7536 Franklin Street, Forest Park, IL 60130.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Ms. Tammy Brown, Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, LOGS Legal Group, LLP, 2121 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015. (847) 291-1717. 21-095385 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3240657

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