Wednesday Journal 041322

W E D N E S D A Y

April 13, 2022 Vol. 42, No. 37 ONE DOLLAR @wednesdayjournalinc

@wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

Easter Special Section Page B1

New allegations against Fenwick teacher already accused of misconduct

Another Fenwick grad releases video, detailing teacher’s ‘threatening,’ ‘predatory’ behavior

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

A second Fenwick High School alumna has come forward claiming longtime teacher John Quinn allegedly harassed her while she was a student.

Emma Seavey, a 2015 Fenwick graduate, detailed her encounters with Quinn in a video posted April 5 to YouTube, calling out the “daily sexual harassment” she allegedly experienced by him while she was a junior in his history class.

Among the incidents she described, Seavey spoke of instances where Quinn ushered her out of his classroom and wrapped his arms tightly around her. One time, she said, Quinn “slid his hand under my bra strap See QUINN on page 10

Stuff the ballot box Irving School’s Frank DiPaolo up for Custodian of the Year award REPORT BY F. AMANDA TUGADE, PAGE 5 ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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Oak Park village president apologizes for insensitive comparison

Scaman compared women’s fear of sexual assault to Black and Brown people’s fear of police stops

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman has issued an apology for a statement she made during an April 4 village board meeting that the fear held by Black and Brown people of being stopped by police is tantamount to the distress women feel regarding sexual assault and that both were inevitable. The comment was made while discussing a resolution, which passed, to purchase controversial automated license plate reading cameras for the police department’s use.

“As many stories as every Black person and many Brown in being stopped by the police is the same for every single woman, you know, and every daughter and every mother, of unwanted sexual advancement.

It’s just a fact of life,” Scaman said at the meeting. “And it’s gonna unfortunately continue. But I do believe Oak Park can do better…”

Scaman’s apology, which she posted on her personal Facebook page, came two days after the meeting, following backlash on social media from local progressives for the comparison.

“At Monday night’s village board meeting I made a harmful and racist comparison of Black and Brown experiences with police as similarly inevitable as that of women facing unwanted sexual advances in life,” Scaman wrote on Facebook.

“I am deeply sorry and understand the comparison of oppression is harmful and wrong.”

Scaman told Wednesday Journal she had been “sitting with discomfort” over the comment before she saw the criticism on social media. She said that a friend reached out to her about her comparison after the village board meeting.

In her apology post, the village president said she hurt people with her words but was “grateful to be called out” by members of the community, so that she can work to become better. Scaman wrote that she has been doing her best to be present in “these moments” to avoid repeating the error.

“I know that I have caused harm,” Scaman wrote. “To all that I have hurt I am sorry.”

Scaman also shared in her Facebook post that she hesitated to reiterate what she said in the meeting because she did not want those words to cause further harm.

The village president told Wednesday Journal she decided to post the apology to her personal Facebook account because she

VICKI SCAMAN does not typically engage in the discourse of Oak Park-related groups on social media outlets. Scaman added that she intends to engage more actively with the village’s citizen commissions so that the desires of the community are always heard.

“I am still reflecting on what it looks like to repair harm,” she said.

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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Houston, we have a crisis

he other day, I was driving west on the Eisenhower, coming off the long exit ramp onto Austin Boulevard, when I saw a middle-aged woman whose face clashed with the sign she held out.

By her appearance, the woman fit easily into a Saturday afternoon scene at any of Oak Park’s numerous coffee shops — Fairgrounds, Buzz, Addis, La Borra, Wise Cup, Starbucks.

Even though I didn’t know the woman, I felt as if I had seen one of my old high school teachers, now retired, begging for change on an off-ramp.

The woman seems symbolic of the new face of homelessness. Not the more nuanced reality of housing insecurity that evades the oversimplified perception of homelessness in the nation’s imagination.

No, I’m talking about that more abject, Dickensian impoverishment, the stereotypical homelessness we associate with the people bearing cardboard signs and Styrofoam cups and faces streaked with dirt.

The woman joins other, seemingly atypical embodiments. A few weeks ago, while driving near the Oak Brook mall, I saw a woman in a hijab panhandling with her children on 22nd Street. About a mile away, approaching Downers Grove — near Best Buy, Golf Galaxy and Starbucks — I saw a middle-aged white man who would not be out of place at a typical trade conference or in any boardroom.

The Associated Press recently profiled Karla Finocchio, a 55-year-old woman in Phoenix who slid into homelessness after she “split with her partner of 18 years and temporarily moved in with a cousin.”

She had planned to use her $800 a month disability check to lease an apartment after back surgery, but she “soon was sleeping in her old pickup, protected by her German Shepherd mix Scrappy, unable to afford housing in Phoenix, where median monthly rents soared 33% during the coronavirus pandemic to over $1,220 for a one-bedroom, according to ApartmentList.com.”

In Chicago, $1,220 will barely get you a studio apartment. According to ApartmentList.com, the average rent for a Chicago studio apartment is $1,638. A one-bedroom will cost you $2,051 a month.

That’s about on par with Oak Park, where the average 840-square-foot apartment goes

for an average rent of $2,075 a month, according to RentCafe.

Using the ubiquitous 30% rule, meaning your rent shouldn’t be more than roughly a third of your annual salary, you’ll need to make at least $82,000 to comfortably afford an average-size apartment in Oak Park and Chicago.

Rough Census Bureau data puts the median individual income in Oak Park at around $54,000 and the median household income at about $95,000.

I’ll hazard a guess that most people in Oak Park don’t make enough by themselves to live here and/or are a lost job away from being in Karla’s situation — or that of Cordelia Corley.

Corley, 65, told the AP that she ended up homeless in Los Angeles County after the hours at her telemarketing job were cut.

“Corley said she was surprised to meet so many others who were also working, including a teacher and a nurse who lost her home following an illness,” she said. “I’d always worked, been successful, put my kid through college […] and then all of a sudden things went downhill.”

Things are trending downhill for hundreds of thousands across the country, according to a 2019 University of Pennsylvania study that, the AP reports, “drew on 30 years of census data to project the U.S. population of people 65 and older experiencing homelessness will nearly triple from 40,000 to 106,000 by 2030.”

Dr. Margot Bushel, a physician who leads the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California San Francisco said her research in Oakland “has shown nearly half of the tens of thousands of older homeless people in the U.S. are on the streets for the first time.”

That’s a fact that’s particularly true of “younger baby boomers, now in their late 50s to late 60s, who don’t have pensions or 401(k) accounts. About half of both women and men ages 55 to 66 have no retirement savings, according to the census.”

The last time this country confronted

MICHAEL ROMAIN

a similar crisis of age-related destitution was nearly a century ago. The federal government’s response was the 1935 Social Security Act. “We can never insure one hundred percent of the population against one hundred percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life, but we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age,” said President Franklin Roosevelt on Aug. 14, 1935, during the bill-signing ceremony.

That was back when federal domestic policies were framed by the Christian creed of humility — “there but for the grace of God go I.” Social Security. Medicare. Financial regulation like the Glass-Steagall Act, which kept banks from gambling with other people’s money and created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in order to protect people’s savings.

Federally secured mortgages that created widespread homeownership.

The GI Bill, which assisted returning servicemen and resulted in millions of virtually free college degrees.

These laws and policies were meant to establish something approximating a floor of security for average Americans (albeit primarily white people) and to offer a degree of protection for the most vulnerable against predatory special interests who would exploit anything and anybody for profit.

Those policies also reflected a degree of democracy, egalitarianism and healthy populism that helped crystallize power relations in the minds of the average citizen, resulting in relatively effective political mobilization.

Fast forward to our current moment and those very political entities — unions, civil rights organizations, community organizers and other social activists — are considered by centrist Democrats, once the party that proudly housed them, to be “special interests.”

Lily Geismer’s new book, Left Behind: The Democrats’ Failed Attempt to Solve Inequality, demonstrates in great detail the extent

”They invent novel ways of blaming [individuals] for structural failings while justifying why only piecemeal, milquetoast and inadequate proposals … are the only ‘pragmatic, adult’ solutions available.”

to which liberals, ostensibly the ideological camp of the least of these, abrogated the responsibility of governing and addressing big issues, and turned that burden over to private actors.

Instead of protecting average citizens from the predatory impulses of monopolistic corporations and billionaires, liberal lawmakers (who are increasingly billionaires themselves) have charged those corporations and billionaires to “do well by doing good,” meaning to figure out the solutions to society’s big problems while also finding innovative ways to profit off them.

They also castigate all but the most entrepreneurial and market-minded among society’s most vulnerable citizens. They invent novel ways of blaming them for structural failings while justifying why only piecemeal, milquetoast and inadequate proposals — that barely scratch the surface of deeply rooted problems — are the only “pragmatic, adult” solutions available.

Meanwhile, they hide those piecemeal solutions inside of what Cornell University political scientist Suzanne Mettler has called “the submerged state,” which is an archipelago of policies “that lay [largely hidden] beneath the surface of U.S. market institutions and within the federal tax system.”

As a result, power relations are not crystalized but obscured, which only feeds into political apathy and makes the average citizen feel even more impotent.

When this country had a housing problem in the early 20th century, lawmakers essentially built an industry out of whole cloth to house people affordably and to employ millions. And people didn’t call that a handout, they called it the American Dream.

Now the best action we can expect from the government in the face of another housing (and homelessness) crisis — heck, in the face of any crisis — is the implementation of more tax credits, which disproportionately benefit the most affluent Americans.

Who needs conservative enemies when we little folk have friends like these?

There are social consequences for replacing a domestic policy apparatus premised on “there but for the grace of God go I” to one premised on the creed of Icarus — “look at me flying high, now why don’t you?”

Now, we have to live with the fallout.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

The Bama Lamas Friday, April 15, 8 p.m., Outta Space These Chicago-based horn-honking frat rockers return to action. Led by the tag-team vocals of Chris Holtane and Gabrielle Sutton, this band was last seen in Uptown at the Green Mill, during the Paper Machete variety show in February. That was a mere sampler of what this septet could do; you can get the full experience at this Outta Space show. $10, 6840 32nd St., Berwyn.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK April 13-20

Disco Night With Joe Nardi

Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board Meeting Saturday, April 16, 5-6 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library Looking to gain strong leadership skills, self-advocacy skills, and have a community voice? The Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB) is for you. Learn more about joining LETAB at oppl.org/teens and register to attend the meeting as a guest at oppl. org/calendar.

Friday, April 15, 8-11 p.m., Donny G’s

An Evening With Emery Lehman Wednesday, April 20, 6:45-8 p.m., Cheney Mansion Olympic medal winner, speed skater and Oak Park resident Emery Lehman will be present for a special Q&A. There will also be a brief presentation about the park district’s new Community Recreation Center, opening in spring 2023. RSVP to parksfoundationofoakpark@gmail.com. 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park.

Chess Champs Saturday, April 16, 11 am-1 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room Join us for a chess workshop and open play chess club, led by instructor Luis Tubens. Best for ages 5-13. Register now at oppl. org/calendar.

Jim Lauderdale Thursday, April 14, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Besides being a respected singer-songwriter in Nashville, Jim Lauderdale is equally compelling as a performer, with his seamless blend of country and bluegrass. $15 - $120, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Joe Nardi is a dance music DJ who calls himself the “Naw-T-Boy.” Since he was a teenager in 1993, he has been lighting up dancefloors with his hot dance mixes.

His adaptability has made him a favorite at weddings and private parties, but tonight he brings his dancefloor magic back to the club!

7308 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park.

Aging in Place Series: AgeOptions Senior Benefits Tuesday, April 19, 1-2 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library Could your budget use a boost? Join Breda Moran of AgeOptions to learn all about public benefits available to you—including SNAP, Benefits Access Application (Bus Pass and License Plate Discount), Medicare Savings, and more. Learn the many benefits you may be eligible for and hear about volunteer opportunities to help others receive resources that will help them thrive. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Homes for America

The Soulbillys

Wednesday, April 13, 1-2:15 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library From the famous to the obscure, classical to modern, American homes reflect the influential individuals who commissioned them. Take a first-hand look at America’s greatest historic house museums. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Sunday, April 17, 11:30 a.m., FitzGerald’s The name “Soulbillys” connotes a down-home mix of soul and country, but in reality, this duo is far more urbane, with jazzy rhythms that give their Americana an unexpected sense of swing.

6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

The Community Blood Center: Blood Drive Monday, April 18, 12-4:30 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room Help provide lifesaving opportunities for patients in need. Visit communityblood.org/donor and click “Donate Now” to search for sponsor code CW03, or call 800.280.4102.

Chair Yoga Tuesdays, April 19 & 26, 12:30-1 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library Calm and center your mind while moving your body through intentional poses and sequences. Chair yoga can improve your flexibility, concentration, and strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Register now at oppl.org/ calendar.

TechGirlz Workshop Wednesday, April 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library In this workshop for grades 5-8, students will learn how satellite images, collected by various agencies around the world, can be used to help global humanity. Platforms like OpenStreetMap and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team Tasking Manager offer an opportunity for volunteers, who are not necessarily experts in coding or interpreting this information, to contribute to critical missions.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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‘More than just custodians’ Frank DiPaolo is up for 2022 Custodian of the Year

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

For many staff and students at Irving School, Frank DiPaolo is more than the school’s custodian. The 51-year-old is known to steal the spotlight at the school’s talent shows with his martial arts skills or as DJ Frankie D taking song requests including the popular children’s hit “The Gummy Bear Song.” Beyond that, DiPaolo, who has worked at Irving for the last 20 years, is considered a pillar of the school, often remembered for his humor and easygoing personality.

That’s why Principal John Hodge nominated DiPaolo for the 2022 Custodian of the Year, an annual contest sponsored by the uniform service company Cintas. Out of 2,200 nominations, DiPaolo recently ranked in the Top 10 and is up for the coveted title and a $10,000 cash prize.

Hodge himself will be retiring from Irving, 1125 S. Cuyler Ave., at the close of the school year.

The voting period closes April 15 and a winner will be announced on or around the week of April 26, according to Cintas’ website.

Hodge, who has worked alongside DiPaolo for years, said the custodian embodies the culture of Irving and Oak Park School District 97, helping create a “sense of belonging for everyone.”

“He gets to know all of our students, but he especially makes a good connection with the students in our special education classrooms,” Hodge said of DiPaolo. “[He] is always a friendly face and is a positive mentor to those students. It’s nice to watch those students’ faces light up when Frank walks in the room or the way he acknowledges them in the hallway when they’re passing by.”

DiPaolo loved school as a child because of his teachers and one particular custodian who always entertained his curious questions about the boiler room.

“Back then, the boilers were outside the school, and there was a tunnel going underneath the school to the boiler room,” DiPaolo said, a tidbit he learned from that custodian. “It was just intriguing to me.”

Now, DiPaolo finds himself in the same circumstance with his students.

“Some kids here to this day ask me:

Frank DiPaolo

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

‘What’s down in that door?’ I’m like, ‘That’s where we get all the heat from and stuff like that,’” he said, smiling.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hodge recognized DiPaolo’s work in making sure that the building was clean and safe for staff and students. From measuring the desks’ distances in each classroom to hanging up masking signs and marking hand sanitizer stations, DiPaolo and his team worked long hours to prep the classrooms and keep up with the mitigations.

DiPaolo recalled the early days of the pandemic when the schools statewide and across the nation were abruptly closed.

DiPaolo, who regularly visited the building for maintenance calls, said it was hard not being surrounded by the constant chatter of students or seeing them running up and down the hallways.

“It was quiet, like oh my god,” he said, his voice softening. But once schools fully reopened, DiPaolo was excited.

“Seeing them come back, and especially the kindergarteners because it’s their first day of school,” DiPaolo said about something he missed when schools were temporarily shut down. He shared further that he has enjoyed watching generations of young children return to the school as young adults and catching up with them.

“Next thing you know, they’re coming back,” he said, adding that those former students are now in high school or college.

About his award nomination, DiPaolo said, “I was pretty shocked. I’m just very humbled that I made the 10 finalists.”

See DIPAOLO on page 13

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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West Sub’s prospective new owners pledge to listen The ownership team looking to purchase the hospital for $92M met with community members, staffers on April 7

By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

The prospective new owners of the West Suburban Medical Center, 3 Erie Court, met with community members during a town hall held April 7 at the Oak Park hospital, where they pledged to keep their ears open to staffers and area residents as they chart a new path for the medical institution. Eightypercent of West Suburban’s patients live in Austin.

West Suburban’s current owners, Pipeline Health, announced on March 10 that they plan to sell West Suburban and Weiss Memorial Hospital in Uptown to new owners.

Ramco Healthcare Holdings, based in Princeton, New Jersey, has signed a letter of intent to purchase the hospitals for $92 million. Ramco plans to lease the hospitals to Resilience Healthcare. A company called Xpertease, which specializes in turning around struggling hospitals, will be responsible for operating the hospitals.

The sale is contingent on approval by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. According to the board’s site, the hearings on the sale were held on April 8. The board is tentatively scheduled to review the change of ownership applications on June 7.

During the April 7 town hall, which was organized by West Suburban, residents got an opportunity to hear from Manoj Prasad, the owner of Xpertease, and Reddy Rathnaker

Investor Reddy Patlola also addressed the forum.

Patlola, the owner of Ramco.

Prasad said he originally wanted to buy Melrose Park’s Westlake Hospital, which Pipeline acquired in 2018 along with West Suburban and Weiss, only to shut it down a year later. Prasad said that he was outbid, but that made him interested in Pipeline’s other properties.

He said he visited West Suburban in the guise of a consultant and was immediately impressed by how clean the hospital floor was, even though it was snowing outside.

“To me, that was the first sign that this is a hospital people take pride in,” Prasad said.

When he had a chance to talk to the hospital staff, Prasad said he was impressed by how many long-time employees West Suburban had.

“I was totally blown away by that loyalty,” Prasad said. “For 32 years, I’ve been fortunate and blessed to be called to hospitals that are struggling, but never have I seen such dedication in a group of individuals — not just people and the staff, but the community that is engaged.”

Patlola said that he had been thinking about expanding his holdings to hospitals when Prasad asked if he wanted to be involved in the purchase.

“I’m very interested in being [involved] in American hospitals, because I think healthcare is a human right,” he said. “I won’t say basic [right], but a human right.”

When asked about changes he wanted to make, Prasad said he wants to ensure that the hospital provides follow-up care for patients dealing with mental health issues, so that they won’t be trapped in the cycle of going in and out of hospitals. He also wants to invest in the treatment of diabetes.

“Diabetes is a pretty big problem with everybody, particularly with the African-American population,” Prasad dais.

“It [hits them] harder than others.”

Prasad said his major priority would be to listen to the hospital community, adding that he invites staff to share ideas

PHOTOS BY SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

Dr. Manoj Prasad spoke during the community forum at West Suburban Medical Center on April 9. and complaints with him. He said their in“Absolutely, without question,” Prasad reput would be confidential. He also said that sponded. he will make a point of walking around the Several staff members told Prasad that hospital to talk to staff and the meeting left them more that he plans to establish a hopeful than any of the precommunity advisory council. vious ownership changes.

“I learn, I absorb and I Ellen Walter, the social work share,” he said. “Anytime you manager at West Suburban, don’t see me rushing somesaid that the town hall was a where you can stop me [and good sign. talk to me].”

“I think this is the first When asked whether he time someone came up and understood the needs of said ‘this is who we are,’ not majority-Black communities ‘this is what you’re going to east of Austin Boulevard, he get,’” she said.

PATRICIA JONESANDREWS responded that he spent dePatricia Jones-Andrews, West Suburban nurse cades working in Detroit, so who has been a nurse for 34 he’s already familiar with isyears, said she appreciated sues those communities face.

Prasad’s willingness to enLiz Figueroa-Serrano, the gage with employees. community advocacy pro“I was impressed with the gram supervisor for Sarah’s opening comments,” she addInn, a Forest Park agency that supports vic- ed. “I’ve been here for [several ownership tims of domestic violence, asked whether he changes]; I wasn’t impressed with anyone would be willing to let more area commu- before.” nity organizations use the hospital for meetCONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com ings and programs.

“I’ve been here for [several ownership changes]; I wasn’t impressed with anyone before.”

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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Oak Park considers affordable housing trust

With possibility to revisit inclusionary housing ordinance

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The village of Oak Park made headway to bring affordable housing to the village with the passing of its inclusionary housing ordinance March 11, 2019, which requires most developers interested in building in Oak Park to either set aside affordable units or contribute funds toward constructing such housing.

Three years and one month later, an almost entirely new village board seeks to go further by creating an affordable housing trust fund for Oak Park. The discussion happened during an overview of affordable housing at the village board’s April 11 meeting. Trustee Jim Taglia, the only sitting trustee who was on the board when the earlier housing ordinance was passed and who voted in its favor, was absent.

While the affordability of housing is relative to the income earned by individuals, the village government generally tries to measure affordability when roughly 30 percent of one’s income is used to pay housing costs.

“That’s generally the definition,” said Tammie Grossman, development customer services director.

The number of affordable units in Oak Park has been steadily growing, according to the Illinois Housing Department Authority, which releases new data as part of the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act every five years. In 2018, 22.6 percent of units in Oak Park were considered affordable, compared to 18.4 percent in 2013. These numbers are determined based on a family of four having an area median income of $69,429. For renters who earn 60 percent of that AMI, affordable rent would be less than $1,404 a month. For owners who earn 80 percent of that AMI, an affordable monthly rent or mortgage payment would be less than $1,388.

“Those numbers change every year and when IHDA does the recalculations, they’ll change again in 2023,” said Grossman.

Grossman forecasts that 26.6 percent of Oak Park housing units will fall under the umbrella of affordable come 2023. IDHA will release the official data in December 2023.

The forecast was determined using the same formula as IHDA but with data taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

In the drafted trust fund ordinance, staff recommended targeting incomes based on the inclusionary housing ordinance and the Affordable Housing and Appeals Act. The fund could be used to relieve Oak Parkers of a variety of housing costs, including loans,

weatherization and emergency repairs.

Oak Park is projected to have roughly $3.2 million to put into an affordable housing trust fund by the end of 2022. No new developments are in the pipeline this year that would contribute to affordable housing funds based on the inclusionary housing ordinance. Per that ordinance, developers are required to make 10 percent of units affordable. In lieu of that, developers can pay

$100,000 per required affordable unit into the village’s affordable housing fund. Developers who choose to build near the Austin CTA Blue and Green Line stations, as well as along North Avenue and Roosevelt Road are not subject to the ordinance. The senior living development on Madison Street was also exempt.

See HOUSING on page 13

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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OPRF launches first student career fair to open ‘pathways’ ‘My Future, My Pathway’ to help students find training programs

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Nick Michalek always knew he wanted to work with cars. After graduating high school, he enrolled in the automotive service technology program at the College of DuPage en route to an associate’s degree and worked in different auto shops. Michalek wanted to put the skills he learned inside the classroom to use in the real world.

“Having the ability to work in my trade as I was learning my trade was really helpful,” said Michalek, who hunkered down on his passion and later became an automotive teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

This, Michalek said, was the start of his career, a journey that may look different from the traditional “go to a four-year college” track that many educators have long pushed for and a story he hopes to share with more students at the upcoming ‘My Future, My Pathway’ event on April 14 at OPRF. The in-

augural event, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., is open to all OPRF students and geared toward helping them discover various courses such as Michalek’s automotive class offered at the school or through partnering organizations.

Julie Lam, director of student learning at OPRF and event organizer, likened ‘My Future, My Pathway’ to a conference for students. Lam credited the idea to Kristin McKee, the school’s learning analytics coordinator, and Sarah Wurster, a post-secondary pathways coordinator. The two, Lam said, wanted to do something for students around standardized testing days.

This week, freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be taking a variety of statemandated tests, including the PSAT 8/9 and the SATs. On those days, seniors are given a nonattendance day, which they can use for a college visit, Lam said.

But McKee, Wurster and Lam thought further and asked themselves: “What could we do for the other students on that day?”

That’s when they came up with ‘My Future, My Pathway.’ Lam told Wednesday Journal the high school has more than a dozen programs of study, allowing students the chance to grab onto career training opportunities, explore jobs in trades and more. Students this Thursday will be able to meet with fac-

ulty and staff who teach courses in audio engineering, hospitality and culinary arts and woodworking just to name a few, Lam said.

“We talk a lot as educators about the achievement gap, but I don’t think we can solve anything with the achievement gap if we don’t focus and address the opportunity gap because some of our students might have access to explore a lot of these different types of options, but some of our students don’t,” she said.

“It’s important for our students to have exposure and learn about some of these courses,” Lam said, hoping students will be encouraged to sign up for the course or elective.

Representatives from other schools and organizations will also be at the event to talk with students about their internships and programs. For example, Lam said, officers from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will be hosting a virtual session to tell students about the agency’s high school ambassador program and dispel myths about the organization.

“They hire people who are computer scientists. They hire people who are in human resources,” Lam said about the CIA’s many branches.

Representatives from Argonne National Laboratory, Triton College, Ms. Robert’s Beauty Academy, Southwest Airlines and the

Oak Park Area Association of Realtors are among dozens also billed to attend the event.

For Lee Williams, a transition specialist at OPRF who works with students to plan their lives after high school, his take on the Thursday event is that it’s meant to serve as a day of exploration.

Williams, who plans on presenting about community college, said he wants students to know they have the choice, and they should allow their values to drive their choices. Williams told the Journal that he often hears from students and families that attending community college is an “easier” alternative than attending a four-year university – that community college is an extension of high school.

“We let students know that what you learn in a community college setting is similar or comparable to anyone that will move into a four-year college or university setting. However, you’re learning skills locally here at home,” Lee said, adding community college should be viewed as a “value-driven experience” as it meets the students’ needs.

Echoing some of Williams’ sentiments, Lam summed up what ‘My Future, My Pathway’ is all about.

“It’s a day that celebrates their voices and their interest,” she said.

River Forest’s new waste hauling contract hits snags

Current contract expires May 1

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Approval of a new five-year waste hauling contract for River Forest is on hold until two unanticipated snags are resolved.

The contract between the village and Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC was expected to be approved at the April 11 River Forest Village Board meeting but was tabled after officials were unable to resolve concerns regarding language in the contract related to opt-out composting and a possible unlimited household waste removal day.

The village’s existing contract, originally signed with Roy Strom Refuse and Removal Services Inc. in 2015, will expire May 1. The village has contracted with Strom since at least 1988 until the firm was purchased by Lakeshore in 2020.

Under terms of the proposed contract, refuse and recycling rates will be frozen at $30.29 per month in the first year with annual increases of 3 percent in each of the following four years. Three options for compost collection will be offered, a 35-gallon cart for $13 per month; a 64-gallon cart for $15 per month; and a 96-gallon cart for $17 per month. In a memo to Brian Murphy, village administrator, Jeff Loster, director of public works and development services, and Sara Phyfer, management analyst, noted all options are at a lower rate than the current rate of $20.87. Composting rates will also increase 3 percent annually.

Two at-home collections of household hazardous waste (HHW) and two at-home collections of electronic recycling (EWaste) are included in the base contract at no additional cost, services not included in the current contract.

In addition, Lakeshore will conduct multiple education campaigns, including an

introductory/informational video; HHW/ E-Waste postcard mailer; and food waste education marketing and semi-annual informational mailers in the first year and an annual informational mailer and HHW/EWaste postcard mailer in subsequent years.

Lakeshore also will provide increased customer service tracking and add staff to help coordinate River Forest customer service responses.

Trustee Katie Brennan questioned why opt-out composting would not be considered until the composting program had reached a 51 percent participation by year three of the contract. She and others had previously advocated for opt-out composting. Under opt-out composting, all residents would participate unless they chose to opt out of the program.

“This was low-hanging fruit,” she said.

Strom family member George Strom, who is still affiliated after the purchase by Lakeshore and who attended the meeting

virtually, indicated a willingness to change the language regarding opt-out composting.

“I cannot stress how hard we worked on this,” he said, referring to the contract.

“We want to make sure we get the village to where you want to be.”

Brennan objected to a clause in the proposed contract regarding an “unlimited household waste removal day,” which she described as a day when residents can “throw anything they want into the landfill.” Trustee Lisa Gillis speculated that the clause referred to the recycling extravaganza that had been held annually in the village and suggested rephrasing the language.

“We’re negotiating among ourselves,” Trustee Respicio Vazquez said.

Village President Cathy Adduci agreed, suggesting that the matter be tabled until the April 25 meeting.

“We need to get it right,” she said.

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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First United Church harassed for ‘whiteness fast’

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Many Christians choose to give up something for the 40 days before Easter. Whether potato chips or television, the act, known as a Lenten sacrifice, is a spiritually-inspired and voluntary repudiation of a luxury or pleasure to make more room for God and growth in their lives. One church in Oak Park has taken the religious practice a step further by “fasting from whiteness” — and in doing so, faced significant harassment.

“Fasting is about opening up space in our hearts and you fast from things that have a tie on your heart,” explained Rev. John Edgerton of First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St. The church’s eye-catching Lenten theme is part of the church’s comprehensive antiracism efforts. By fasting from whiteness, First United is recognizing that Christianity is not exclusively practiced by white people.

The clergy and laity of First United Church of Oak Park have widened the scope of their worship to highlight that fact, choosing instead to use contributions of non-white Christians.

“We’re trying to take the normal frame of reference that we have as a predominantly white church, but to remove from that [the] liturgical work that has been written by white people, Edgerton said. “Into that space, we have poured the amazing, beautiful work of Christians from a diverse background.”

For the entire 40-day pre-Paschal period, the church has only sung and played songs composed by non-white Christians.

“We [are] trying to highlight and lift up the voices of people of color,” Edgerton said.

The church has also refrained from using iconography that depicts Jesus Christ and other religious figures as white-skinned. In its place, the church’s bulletins feature the work of visual artist and photographer John C. Lewis. Lewis’ work portrays major biblical characters as people of color.

“It has been absolutely amazing,” Edgerton said. “Our church services have been so joyful and so wonderful and challenging in all the best ways.”

First United has faced criticism and even ire from people outside of Oak Park after the story was carried in such conservative outlets as TheBlaze and The Washington Times.

First United was also featured on the conservative morning talk show “Fox &

Friends,” where Boston Rev. Eugene Rivers III called the fast a “wokeness-gone-mad gimmick.” Right after the segment aired, First United began receiving voicemails at a rate of five per minute, according to Edgerton.

“This has been picked up and used as a cudgel by certain quarters of the media as a way to try to hold up the gospel work that we are doing as some kind of aberration, something to be ridiculed.”

Edgerton disagrees with that characterization. He said the church is simply doing their Christian duty during this holy season.

“In reality, what we are doing is serving the gospel; we are being faithful to the good news of Jesus Christ, who was a dark-skinned man from the poor part of town, who lived under the boot of an oppressive regime and who was executed for standing up for justice,” Edgerton said.

Oak Park Village Trustee and First United congregant Susan Buchanan organized volunteers to read emails sent to the church’s three pastors, screening the messages for threats.

“Clearly racism is alive and well in this country,” Buchanan said of the hateful messages the church has received.

Despite Oak Park police cars stationed outside, inside the confines of First United, no members expressed discomfort or disapproval regarding the fast; rather, there were many who wished the church would be bolder in its efforts, according to Edgerton.

Support from local organizations and residents has also bolstered the church, which is something Edgerton said cannot be seen online. Elected officials have reached out to First United and people from other religious denominations have brought platters of fruit and cookies. He expressed his gratitude to the Oak Park community.

As a safety precaution, this Sunday’s Easter services will be online only.

Despite the vulgarity and vitriol from those offended by the fast, Edgerton believes the media attention provides an opportunity to encourage a wider audience to partake in anti-racism discussions. He acknowledged the difficulty of having those conversations, but he does not apologize for making some people uneasy.

“There is no way to speak about racism in this country that is not uncomfortable. You have to be willing to be uncomfortable,” he said. “The other option is silence and we will not be silent.”

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QUINN

School conducts investigation from page 1

has never sexually harassed any Fenwick student, at any time or in any place,” the most recent statement reads. “John has always put students’ interests first and has always participated in Fenwick’s internal processes for addressing student concerns. He intends to continue doing so in the future.”

over my blouse.”

Second accuser speaks out The video, which has surpassed 10,500 views since it was posted, came roughly During the almost nine-minute video, a week after Helen Quinn Pasin, another Seavey spoke about how the Fenwick Fenwick graduate, took to YouTube and teacher verbally harassed her in class in accused Quinn of inappropriately touch- front of other students. ing her when she was a student.

“Regardless of our lesson that day, Pasin, who claimed the incidents be- Quinn would go out of his way to comtween her and Quinn spanned over the pare me to a marginalized woman and course of two years, from 2012 and 2014, asked how it would feel if I were to be sexhas since released a three-part video, ually assaulted by him,” she said. “Some publicly reading stories submitted by examples of this include: ‘Ms. Seavey, if other former students who have stepped you were a Jewess and I was a Nazi offorward and recounted ficer, what would you do if Quinn’s alleged patterned I asked you to get down on behavior. your knees and pleasure In one of Pasin’s videos, me?’” former students, some of Seavey eventually told her whom asked Pasin to reparents and reported Quinn main anonymous, recalled to school officials. Seavey how Quinn “touched them said in the video she was freely” or would use racial then removed from his class slurs in the classroom. Paand instructed to “avoid the sin read a submission from entire wing of the building one former student, who rein which he taught for my membered Quinn “making own safety.” Both she and sexual innuendos about me Quinn, Seavey said, were REV. RICHARD PEDDICORD also advised to not talk to in front of a class.”

Fenwick’s president Helen Quinn Pasin and each other or about the inJohn Quinn are not related. cident.

In Pasin’s video, she “While I kept up my side called Quinn her “abuser” of the bargain, Quinn did and described instances not,” Seavey said. where he, like Seavey, She went on, describing hugged her tightly and afterward ran his other ways her former teacher continued cheek against her face while asking about to seek her out. her “love life.” In one instance, Pasin “Quinn would make every effort to be said, Quinn looked her up and down “and as near to me in public places as possi[made] noises that sounded like he was ble,” Seavey said. “In the lunchroom, he growling” while hugging her. would come and stand at the next table John Quinn has since released state- over or would talk to individuals at my ments through an attorney, his brother table in a manner that was obvious: He Thomas Quinn, denying both Pasin’s and was trying to be intimidating.”

Seavey’s claims and highlighting his com“During my senior year, he would pick mitment as an educator. Quinn, who is his moderator position during Mass, so the younger brother of Illinois Gov. Pat that he was always at the end of my row, Quinn, a 1992 Golden Apple Award recipi- meaning I would have to walk past him to ent and a decorated boys basketball coach, get communion,” she continued. has been placed on paid administrative Even after Seavey graduated from leave since allegations arose against him Fenwick, she said Quinn often asked in late March.

Seavey’s younger brothers and her now “The accusation that John Quinn sub- fiancé’s younger brother, all of whom jected a Fenwick student to sexual harass- also attended the school, about her, such ment over eight years ago is false. John as “how I was doing, where I was living

“We promise you that we will act promptly and transparently upon learning the results of the investigation.”

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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FILE

John Quinn (above) was Fenwick High School’s boys basketball coach for 28 years before being abruptly fired in 2013. He was named to the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. He also won a Golden Apple Award as a teacher in 1992. and if I was still in a relationship with my now fiancé.”

“I should also add that he had none of these students in his class, so he was going out of his way to find them in the halls,” Seavey said.

In the video, Seavey said she reached out to the school twice since graduating in 2015, voicing concerns over the way Fenwick officials handled her allegations against Quinn.

In 2018, Seavey wrote to school officials and told them she was still experiencing “emotional reactions bordering on panic attacks” upon hearing John Quinn’s name. She reached out to school officials once more last year after allegations against a priest at the school surfaced. Through a community alert email, Seavey rehashed the incidents that occurred between her and Quinn, pointing out his “threatening and predatory behavior.”

Seavey said she received an email response from the school and was informed that Quinn was given a “last chance ultimatum.”

Fenwick responds, investigation almost complete In an emailed statement released two days after Seavey’s video, the Rev. Richard Peddicord, Fenwick’s president, updated families on the school’s investigation into Pasin’s allegations of misconduct against Quinn.

Peddicord wrote that Fenwick “immediately launched a third-party investigation” once they were made aware of Pasin’s allegations against Quinn last December, and that investigation is now near complete.

When asked for details on when the investigation would conclude, Fenwick spokesman Scott Hardesty told Wednes-

day Journal he had “not been given a specific timeline.” Peddicord, however, wrote in the email sent to school families that “Fenwick is well prepared to take prompt and decisive action based on the findings and the facts.”

The Oak Park Police Department previously confirmed that Pasin filed a police report with authorities last September. The report was later sent to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, which declined to press charges, saying the statute of limitations had expired.

The detective investigating Pasin’s claims also requested and received Quinn’s personnel file from Fenwick High School last October. The investigator noted the file included allegations reported between October 2012 and May 2015 of Quinn “putting his arm around students, putting his face close to theirs, back rubbing and shoulder massages that made students feel uncomfortable.”

11

In that same report, the police also noted there was a “previous DCFS case against Quinn.”

That case was filed in May 2021, and the police report includes allegations of misconduct against Quinn dating back to 1990 with a male student.

Police attempted to contact the individual several times but were unable to reach him, according to a police report, which was obtained via a public records request. Police also wrote they notified the person once more, informing him that a report has been made but the “statute of limitations has expired and the incident is no longer prosecutable.”

The report says the investigation was closed.

Quinn, through his brother, also denied this allegation and maintained that he has never “abused a Fenwick student at any time or in any place.”

“Fenwick High School investigated this accusation at the time it was made,” the statement read. “John fully cooperated with that investigation. After concluding its investigation, Fenwick determined that the accusation was unfounded. The Oak Park Police Department also closed its investigation and took no action with respect to this accusation.”

In an April 7 schoolwide email, Peddicord informed families that Fenwick is a cooperating participant in the investigation and unable to relay specific details or aspects about the investigation. He urged that individuals with concerns related to employee misconduct at Fenwick are “welcome” to share their experiences and reach out at confidentialinfo@fenwickfriars.com.

“We promise you that we will act promptly and transparently upon learning the results of the investigation,” Peddicord wrote in the email. “We will continue to work every day to ensure our students feel safe and supported, and that they have the mechanisms in place to come forward with any concerns or complaints.”

For Seavey, in her video, she said she hoped her story would help “bring justice for myself and those subjected to similar abuse” by Quinn. Seavey, who now holds a master’s degree in social work with a specialty in mental health and trauma, counsels high school students.

“My largest concern, there, is Mr. John Quinn has continued to have access to students while teaching at Fenwick High School. I wish to see him be removed from Fenwick High School as soon as possible,” she said.

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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Slow closure for Chef Gaetano’s Artisan Foods Reinvention is on the horizon for the veteran chef

By MELISSA ELSMO

zas and pasta sauces. The pivot proved to be successful until pandemic restrictions started to ease. When mask mandates In mid-March, Chef Gaetano Di Benedet- lifted and people started to dine in restaurants again, Di Benedetto experienced a to announced his namesake market, Chef Gaetano’s Artisan Foods, 7636 Madison noticeable drop in business.

“This is a story of a pandemic and then St. in Forest Park, will permanently close not a pandemic,” said Di after selling down its stock Benedetto matter-of-factly. of pastas, sauces, cheeses, and house made limoncello.

“This is like experiencing a An exact date the niche Italdeath in a way. First, I killed ian market will go dark has the restaurant and now I am not yet been determined as killing the market.” the pace of sales will drive The emotional chef was the decision-making, but according to Di quick to express gratitude for his longtime Benedetto that date is likely coming soon. customers and appreciates having had a The artisan market opened in October place where he could “use his creativity” 2020 after Di Benedetto closed the fine din- rather than churning out the “Alfredo ing establishment bearing his name in re- sauces and chicken Vesuvio” commonly sponse to pandemic volatility. He swiftly found on Italian American restaurant transformed the same space into a gour- menus. Both incarnations of the Gaetamet carry-out market known for peddling no’s brand allowed Di Benedetto to cook prepared foods including house-made the food he was most passionate about breads, artisan sandwiches, bakery piz- making. He considers the market closure to be a matter of survival and has started a GoFundMe to help support his staff as they brace for the eventual closure of the market.

Though the closure is a sad milestone in a long career, Di Benedetto is gearing up for his next food-focused endeavor – Lazy Food Ventures.

The new business model focuses on bringing chef-driven, shelf-stable, plant-based meals to the public. Di Benedetto and managing partner, Nakul Napoor, are just weeks away from their beta launch featuring “Gaetano’s flavors for home cooking.” The restaurant quality meals come in varieties including Bolognese, Italian Ramen, and Pistachio Pesto. All the meals are plant-based, high in protein and cook in 10 minutes.

For example, a pouch of Lazy Food Venture’s Carbonara boasts pea protein, vegan MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor Oak Park Eats Editor

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

As Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto prepares to close his Forest Park market, he is looking ahead to offering his forthcoming line of shelf-stable and nutrient-dense, plant-based meals. bacon, vegan eggs, vegan pecorino, almonds, coconut oil, brown rice, pepper, and cauliflower. The meals are designed to be healthy for both people and the planet.

Chef and co-founder, Di Benedetto also serves as head of research and development for the company. He will retain the Forest Park building and transition it into a food lab where he will continue to develop new recipes for Lazy Food Ventures.

He will be assisted in the food lab by Alicia Carlson who started as an intern at Gaetano’s market and just one other employee.

“This has been a long-time dream. I have been acting like a scientist since 2004,” said Di Benedetto who has a long history perfecting vegan meat and cheese alterna-

tives. “I won’t have to worry about production; I can just close myself in a room and play.”

The business will have a robust e-commerce platform, but Di Benedetto and Napoor are clear the launch will have distinct local appeal. Folks interested in participating in the beta launch should sign up at lazycooker.com. Di Benedetto and Napoor have committed to donating 25% of sales during the launch to Gaetano’s GoFundMe. The official launch of Lazy Food Ventures is expected later this summer.

In the meantime, pay a final visit to Chef Gaetano’s Artisan Market to stock up on your favorite items and wish Di Benedetto well on his next reinvention.

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Craig Hella Johnson’s

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

Considering

Matthew Shepard

Craig Hella Johnson’s

Considering

Matthew Shepard

A 105-minute oratorio that explores the life, death, and legacy of Matthew Shepard.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

A NEW DAY AT DOMINICAN

Outgoing president Donna Carroll, right, passes the torch to incoming President Glena Temple during the inauguration ceremony in the Lund Auditorium on April 7.

HOUSING from page 7 “I do think we should revisit the inclusionary housing ordinance, not only because the fee in lieu of is too low,” said Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla. “But the other big problem with it is there are pretty big parts of Oak Park that are excluded in it.”

Trustee Lucia Robinson agreed that the inclusionary housing ordinance needed to be updated and would have to include the trust fund, should it pass.

As for the affordable trust fund, the ordinance suggests other potential revenue

DIPAOLO from page 5 DiPaolo has worked in the district for 27 years, making stops at Longfellow Elementary School, 715 Highland Ave., and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., before settling at Irving.

The son of Italian immigrants, DiPaolo credited his work ethic to his parents, especially his father who worked previously in construction.

“Coming home from work full of mud at 6 [o’clock’] at night. Working hard, raising a family of four boys, working in the house,” he recalled.

DiPaolo, who lives on the Northwest

sources, including increasing the multi-family licensing fee and an increase in the real estate transfer tax. The latter would require voter approval. Another staff suggestion is amending the hotel/motel tax ordinance to allow revenues to go into the trust fund.

In the drafted trust fund ordinance, staff recommended targeting incomes based on the inclusionary housing ordinance and the Planning and Appeals Act: rentals at 60 percent AMI, townhomes at 80 percent AMI, homeowners at 80 percent AMI. Staff also recommended the village’s Housing Programs Advisory Commission review applications yearly prior to village board approval.

The village board directed staff to prepare a final affordable housing trust fund ordinance to be voted upon in May. Side of Chicago, spoke of how he spends his time caring for his parents and teaching karate and mixed martial arts at least twice a week at a local studio.

“We’re not just custodians,” said DiPaolo, who is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido and has been practicing martial arts since he was 8. “Talk to them. See what else they are besides cleaning the school and picking up paper.”

Vote for DiPaolo To vote for Frank DiPaolo for Cintas 2022 Custodian of the Year, visit www. custodianoftheyear.com/custodian-ofthe-year/. Voting ends April 15.

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For 2nd time, Harmon defers to Davis in state committee race Harmon filed for 7th District committeeman, then withdrew

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

State Senate President Don Harmon would like to be the Democratic State Central Committeeman for the 7th Congressional District but he doesn’t want the party post badly enough to run against incumbent Cong. Danny Davis for it. Both Harmon (D-Oak Park), who is also the leader of the Democratic Party of Oak Park, and Davis, the long- time congressman for the 7th District and current state central committeeman, filed to run for state central committeeman on March 7 the first day of candidate filings for the June 28 primary.

But last week Harmon dropped out of the race.

“I wasn’t sure what the Congressman’s intentions were when I filed my petitions,” Harmon told Wednesday Journal explaining why he dropped out of the race. “It’s an interesting time in the state party’s history and I wanted to be sure that our district

had a strong voice. I’m pleased that Congressman Davis is running for reelection and happy to support him.”

Harmon said he never intended to run against Davis for the party post.

“I didn’t know what the Congressman’s intentions were when I collected the signatures,” Harmon said. “Typically, candidates watch through the entire filing period including the challenge before figuring out who’s actually going to be on the ballot.

I withdrew at one of the earlier opportunities to withdraw.”

This is the second time that Harmon has filed to run for state central committeeman only to drop out after Davis stayed in the race.

The state central committee runs the Democratic Party of Illinois. Every four years each congressional district in the state elects, during the primary election, a committeeman and a committeewoman.

Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough is the 7th District state central committeewoman

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and is running without opposition for another term as committeewoman. Davis is also now unopposed for state central committeeman, but he has drawn three primary opponents in his bid for a 14th term in Congress.

Harmon has yet to make an endorsement in the 7th District congressional race.

“I’ve been really focused on what’s going on in Springfield until I get the Senate wrapped up for the session,” Harmon said.

State central committeeman and committeewoman are strictly party posts with no government responsibility. Until last year Mike Madigan, the now indicted former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, was the chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. Last year Madigan resigned as chairman of the state Democratic Party and was replaced by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-2nd District).

Madigan ran the state party with a tight grip using it mostly to help elect Democrats to the state House of Representa-

tives to preserve and enhance his power as speaker. Now under Kelly the state party is trying to be a more active and wide-ranging force in Illinois politics.

“I think it’s more important than ever that Democrats be active in the state party,” Harmon said. “The state party is reinventing itself. I think it has the potential to do more than it has ever done, to be a resource for Democratic candidates from statewide office to the smallest local office in the least Democratic county in the state.”

Harmon said he is interested in someday succeeding Davis as the state central committeeman for the 7th District.

“I think it’s important that the constituents of the 7th Congressional District be represented by a strong voice in the state party,” Harmon said. “I think Congressman Davis has served that function but if he should ever choose not to not be a member, I’d be honored to have a chance to represent the constituents.”

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15

‘Bittersweet’ closure for Eastgate Café Owners hope to find jam session musicians a new Oak Park home

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Since opening Eastgate Café, 102 Harrison St., Olya Dailey and her husband Pat have been hands on business owners. Now, nearly 14 years later, the Arts District mainstay has permanently closed. Over the years the café became known for serving up home-style EuropeanAmerican fare and grew to be a destination for musicians and music lovers.

The Dailey’s were having trouble renting the tiny garden apartment in the residential building they had purchased as an investment in 1999. To address the issue the couple decided to have the property rezoned for retail purposes and entered the complicated process in 2006.

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

Olya Dailey reflects on the 14 years she and her husband Pat owned and operated Eastgate Café in the Harrison Street Arts District.

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

After an uphill battle, they were granted the opportunity to open a “bookstore, gift shop and café.”

It is true Eastgate Café sold books and trinkets, but over the years the business grew to be more of a bistro than anything else. The niched space was prized for its homey feel and artsy atmosphere appealing to ukulele players, story tellers and painters alike. When jazz pianist Doug Lalli saw the cafe for the first time, he compared it to The Village Vanguard in Greenwich Village and stuck a deal to host Sunday jam sessions in the café. The weekly performances drew a regular crowd and even inspired Lalli to write a song called “The Eastgate Blues.”

On April 3, just before the start of their weekly jam session, the business owners broke the news that they had sold the building.

“We had to tell them this would be their last performance at Eastgate,” said Dailey. “I know it felt very sudden, but we had the building on the market for a few years; when the deal fell into place everything happened fast. They were shocked and silent when we told them.”

Dailey is clear Eastgate Café would have closed over a year ago had they not owned the building — they would

not have been able to pay the rent on the space during the darkest days of the pandemic. She credits musicians, especially house band members Lalli, Tony Morrison and John Scoville, for keeping the café going during the past two years. She is dedicated to finding a place in Oak Park where the house band can perform on Sunday evenings.

“It is bittersweet,” said Dailey. “When you invest in people for almost 15 years of your life there are so many beautiful and gorgeous memories and some tears, too.”

“I just want to close this place and chill the hell out,” said Pat Dailey as he removed photographs from the walls of the café.

The Dailey’s will need to have the eatery cleared out by the end of the month. They are donating dishes to a women’s shelter and distributing restaurant supplies to other local businesses. They look forward to enjoying a “semi-retirement” and possibly relocating to a warmer climate, but it is clear that the café will be missed.

“I am going to miss them so much,” said Wendy Lalli, building tenant, jazz fan and café regular. “Eastgate is my idea of heaven. When I walked in for the first time, I immediately felt at home. I will miss this place terribly.”

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C R I M E

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Chicago juvenile arrested for armed carjackings, counterfeit money A 17-year-old young man from Chicago was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and deceptive practice April 6 after an investigation by Oak Park police found that the juvenile paid for two vehicles using fake $100 bills. The first incident, which took place March 14 in the 100 block of South Humphrey Avenue, involved the juvenile handing over a stack of counterfeit bills to the victim before grabbing the keys to the victim’s 2003 Infiniti G35.

The investigation found that the juvenile was allegedly the perpetrator in a similar incident that occurred Sept. 21, 2021, in the 100 block of South Humphrey Avenue, for which he was also charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and deceptive practice. In that instance, the juvenile also used a stack of fake money in exchange for the title and keys to the victim’s 2012 black Dodge Charger.

The teenager was further charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking for incidents that took place days apart last August. The victims in both carjacking incidents were Uber drivers. The juvenile allegedly forcibly took a silver Chevy Malibu Aug.

19 in the 100 block of North Taylor Avenue after he told the Uber driver to pull over, ordered him to exit the vehicle and put a gun to the victim’s side. He again posed as an Uber passenger Aug. 23, when the juvenile allegedly held a gun to the Uber driver’s head, ordering him out of his white 2018 Nissan Rogue in the 100 block of South Lombard Avenue.

Detectives found digital evidence, text messages and photographs allegedly connecting the juvenile to the crimes on the juvenile’s cell phone. The boy’s latent fingerprints were also discovered in the investigation. Upon his arrest, he was processed and held at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.

Aggravated discharge of a firearm Someone shot at and shattered a window to a residential building in the 600 block of North East Avenue at 1:59 a.m., April 10. A police investigation into the incident revealed a small bullet hole in a section of wood molding. The estimated damage is $50.

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Burglary

Criminal property damage

An Apple MacBook Air and credit cards were taken from an unlocked 2017 Chevy Sonic between 9 p.m., April 7 and 1:45 a.m., April 8. The estimated loss is $1,300.

Someone broke the latch securing a storage unit and removed two window air conditioning units between midnight and 7 p.m., April 10 in the 900 block of South Highland Avenue.

■ Someone shattered the front driver’s side window of a white 2018 Chrysler Pacifica parked in the 800 block of North Humphrey Avenue between 4:30 p.m., April 5 and 7:02 a.m., April 6.

■ The front passenger’s side tire belonging to a red Toyota Camry was punctured between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., April 4 in the 1100 block of South Austin Boulevard.

■ The passenger’s side window of a silver 2021 Ford F-150 that was parked outside of a garage in the 1100 block of Roselle Avenue was broken between 10 p.m., April 6 and 6:15 a.m., April 7.

Theft ■ The catalytic converter and dealership license plate were removed from a 2015 Nissan NV200 parked behind the entrance gate of Volvo of Oak Park, 1140 Garfield St., between 8 p.m., April 4 and 6 a.m., April 5.

■ An ECKO leaf blower was taken from the bed of a pick-up truck parked outside the Village of Oak Park Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., between 9 a.m., March 29 and 9 a.m., March 30. The estimated loss is $200.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports, April 4-11, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

17

SPORTS Fenwick boys hope to ride state title to track glory All-staters Rill, O’Bryan back to lead strong Friars team

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Fenwick boys track and field athletes can’t help but feel the championship aura around them.

The cross country team’s IHSA Class 2A state championship last November climaxed a truly ultimate season.

The program’s first state championship included head coach and Fenwick graduate Dave Rill sharing the title with his GRAYDEN RILL sons, one a runner (Grayden) and another an assistant coach (Brixton).

Dave Rill also awarded an honorary state championship medal to his coach and mentor, longtime Fenwick coach John Polka.

“The distance guys are excited obviously after that,” Rill said. “Our top guys are back and they’re in great shape.”

The Fenwick football team’s IHSA 5A title for its first IHSA state championship also is paying dividends. Besides the lineup’s middle and distance strength from cross country, the Friars have acquired

several top-notch sprinters from football, many making their track debuts.

“That combination, with cross country and football winning, our team is bigger than I’ve ever seen it,” Rill said. “We have almost 30 sprinters right now, which is more than I’ve ever had. The majority are football players.”

At the 2021 IHSA Class 2A state track and field championships last spring, junior Grayden Rill (4th, frosh-soph schoolrecord 1:57.80) and senior Lee O’Bryan (8th, 1:59.41) both earned top-nine, allZAC DALEY state honors in the 800-meter run. Rill, who equaled the third-highest state track finish by any Fenwick entry, was an allstate eighth in cross country last fall.

The eighth-place 400 relay with seniors Stephen Brown, Max Reese and Jacque Walls (school-record 43.22) became Fenwick’s first all-state relay ever. Brown reached state individually in the 200 (15th 22.89) and 100 (17th, 11.20).

Senior Zac Daley qualified for state in the 3,200 (12th, 10:28.30) and Rill also was 13th in the 1,600 (4:33.25).

O’Bryan’s second-place 800 (1:57.91) and

Rill’s third-place 1,600 (4:28.48) at the Chicago Catholic League Indoor Championships in March already are under the 2:00.80 and 4:31.13 2A state-qualifying standards.

Daley (3,200 in 10:07.98), junior Will Shannon (40-11 1/2 in triple jump) and the 1,600 relay of O’Bryan, Rill and seniors Will Jancewicz and Suleiman Abuaqel (3:40.61) also were fourth at CCL indoors.

O’Bryan (800 in 2:00.20) and Rill (1,600 in 4:27.75) both were third at the Top Times Indoor Classic on March 26.

Other key sprinters include senior Bryan Hunt and sophomores Elijah Romeus and Donnell French.

Assistant coach Brian Dzingai, fourth in the 200 at the 2008 Summer Olympics representing Zimbabwe, is bringing along the new sprinters.

“The nice thing is having that many (sprinters), we can have multiple relays.

We have enough for a 4 by 200 without those guys coming back (from the 400 relay),” Rill said.

Fenwick girls return with deep squad Besides eight returning IHSA Class 2A state qualifiers, the Fenwick girls began building depth during the indoor season.

“We are excited about the team and progress we have made so far,” Fenwick coach

Dale Heidloff responded.

Junior Bella Daley was 10th at state in the 1,600 (5:21.13), 2.82 seconds from top-nine, all-state honors. She was an all-state 23rd in cross country.

Seniors Sonia Kuchinic (13th in 300 low hurdles (13th, 50.92) and Maureen Moore (tied for 14th in high jump, no height) also were individual state qualifiers.

Seniors Jordyn VanSanten, Flynn Monahan and Moore and junior Allie Heyer were 21st in the 400 relay (54.50) and 22nd in the 800 relay (1:54.32). The 1,600 relay of junior McKenzie McClear, Heyer, Kuchinic and Monahan (4:24.94) and 3,200 relay with senior Camille Nourie and Daley (10:49.07) also finished 22nd.

Last season also included the program’s second sectional team title.

Junior Elisabeth Braun had the Friars’ top finish at the indoor Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Indoor Championships on March 20 by taking second in triple jump (10.21m/33-6).

Daley (1,600 in 5:23.05) and the returning 3,200 relay state lineup were third (10:25.30). and McClear (10.17) and Kuchinic (10.61) were third and fourth in the 60 hurdles.

At the Top Times Indoor Classic on March 26, Daley (1,600 in 5:23.01) and the 3,200 relay of freshman Mia Menendez, Nourie, junior Ava Martinez and Daley (10:24.30) were sixth. Martinez was an individual girls cross country state qualifier (180th).

Homer happy Huskies rally to defeat RBHS OPRF softball players swat one game-record seven home runs

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Having only played three games this spring due to multiple weather postponements, Oak Park and River Forest High School softball coach J.P. Coughlin is still

waiting to see what his young roster can do on a regular basis.

But after scoring just one run in their first two games, the Huskies broke out the bats in a big way on April 5 as they outslugged visiting Riverside-Brookfield High School 22-13.

“It was a tremendous hitting game for us, but we have an unreal amount of work still to do in all phases of the game,” said Coughlin. “We’re desperately hoping that we can start getting a consistent schedule going as games are going to show how well our inexperienced

team responds to the daily challenges we face in practice.”

After falling behind 7-0 in the first inning and trailing 13-6 entering the bottom of the fifth, OPRF (1-2) erupted for 11 See ROUNDUP on page 18

18

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OPRF boys track eyes 5th straight outdoor league title Huskies coming off WSC-Silver title at indoor championships

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys track and field team hopes to achieve its program’s unprecedented fifth straight outdoor West Suburban Conference-Silver Division title.

The Huskies won the indoor championship by 12 points over Downers Grove North on March 18, but the outdoor fivepeat will be a challenge.

“Downers Grove North is a very, very good team. We had a little more depth [and] scored in all 17 events,” OPRF coach Tim Hasso said. “We have very notable seniors but we are extremely young. I think we won the [indoor conference] frosh-soph level for the first time in my tenure.”

Sophomore Liam Moroney is the lone returnee from the 2021 IHSA Class 3A allstate second-place 400 relay (42.30) and fourth-place 800 relay (1:29.14). Senior Jeremy Pierre helped the 800 relay qualify at sectionals.

Senior Ian Kelley was among the WSC Silver’s premier indoor performers after taking 12th at state at the 300 intermediate hurdles (41.34), 0.64 seconds from a top-nine finals berth.

Kelley won the 400 (50.75) and the 55 high hurdles (8.09) and low hurdles (7.85) at the indoor WSC Silver meet. His 400

time was the No. 7 fastest reported 3A time this indoor season. Kelley also was part of the second-place 1,600 relay with senior Derrick Reed and juniors Alexander Hasapis and Elijah Mowatt (3:36.25). “[Kelley is] going to be a heavy lifter for us this year,” Hasso said.

Senior Josh Meister was 21st at state in pole vault (4.10m/13-5 ft.). His personalbest 15-0 to win the indoor WSC Silver shared the No. 5 best 3A height.

The 3,200 relay of juniors Owen Augustine and Roan Egan, and seniors Ryan Leonard and Lou Delano won the indoor WSC Silver (8:00.97) with IHSA 3A’s No. 3 time indoors.

Last year’s 3,200 relay state lineup with Augustine and Delano was 21st (8:16.66).

The two also competed at state with the 1,600 relay (17th, 3:30.53).

Sophomore Kaden Garland won the indoor WSC Silver in shot put (51-5½) after qualifying for 2021 state in shot (19th, 14.09m/46-2¾ ft) as the only freshman and discus (21st, 34.61m/113-6). Junior Cole Roberson completes the one-two punch in throws.

Versatile senior Patrick Diakite has been strong in high and triple jump and will complement Kelley in hurdles along with senior Derek Isom. Sophomore Mehki Austin transitioned quickly from basketball to indoor track as evidenced by

ROUNDUP

schmidt recorded the game’s only 1-2-3 inning on just eight pitches.

from page 17

Baseball

runs, then added five more in the sixth before the game was called due to darkness.

The Huskies belted out seven home runs, which is a school single-game record. Aria Hammerschmidt and Ella Kuenster each had two homers, and Cate Barkdoll, Rachel Buchta and Martha Lipic each added one. Hammerschmidt is the first-ever player in program history to hit a home run in her first two varsity at-bats.

Other top offensive performers for OPRF were Isabel Richmond (3-for-4, 3 RBI) and Tyler Brock (2-for-3, 2 walks).

In the circle, Jordan Alioto got the win in relief for the Huskies, striking out seven RBHS hitters in 4.1 innings. Hammer-

The OPRF baseball team split a pair of games last week. On April 6, the Huskies rallied for a walk-off 8-7 victory over Lake Park.

The game ended in bizarre fashion with Cole Shamhart and Jack Gooch scoring the tying and winning runs respectively on a wild pitch and a throwing error on the same play.

Dylan Wipf was credited with the victory for OPRF (4-2). At the plate, Shamhart went 3-for-3 with a walk, two RBI and three runs scored, while Jack Chambers and Dan Michaud each added two hits for the Huskies.

The following day, Jack Flagg put OPRF ahead 2-0 in the first inning with a two-run triple versus visiting St. Charles East. But the Saints rallied for three runs in the fourth in-

placing second in Silver high jump.

Junior Liam Newhart, an IHSA 3A individual state qualifier in cross country (45th), ran a second-place 9:37.85 at the indoor WSC Silver meet already in range of the 9:29.30 state-qualifying standard.

Senior Ryan Leonard was third at 2021 sectionals in the 800.

Junior David Flint, senior Josh Dennis and promising freshmen Caleb Schulz and Kwabena Osei-Yeboah will be keys to the depth of the sprint group.

Injury delays Welin’s spring debut OPRF senior Josephine Welin, the defending IHSA Class 3A state champion in the 3,200 (10:36.36) and runner-up in the 1,600 (4:42.55), is hoping to make her season debut soon.

Welin, who will compete next fall at the University of Washington, was diagnosed with a stress fracture in February. After an injury last summer, Welin overcame limited training to win the Class 3A girls cross country state title last November.

Senior Darnesha Fraley and junior Rhea Richards are among returnees from the 2021 state-qualifying 1,600 relay (21st, 1:47.84).

Fraley won the 200 (26.94) at the indoor ning to take the lead then added three more in the fifth to hand the Huskies a 7-3 defeat.

Calvin Proskey pitched four innings for OPRF, allowing four runs on three hits with a walk and four strikeouts.

Also on April 6, Fenwick High School jumped out to a 7-2 lead versus visiting Providence Catholic. But the Friars couldn’t hold on as the Celtics rallied for an 8-7 victory.

Luis Gonzales, Drew Horne and Jimmy Martin each had two hits, and Gonzales, Horne and Jordan Vazquez each drove in two runs for Fenwick (3-1).

Girls water polo The OPRF girls water polo team won its own invitational on April 9, notching a pair of victories.

In the first match versus Sandburg, Rory Cronin had nine goals to lead the Huskies (4-

Silver Meet March 18 and was part of the second-place 800 relay with Richards, senior Saniya Shotwell and junior Sage Bryning.

Junior Reese Garland won the indoor WSC Silver title in shot (35-9¾ feet) and has improved her best to 37-6. She’s also a state contender in discus, where she finished fourth at sectionals behind two seniors with a personal-best 100-7½.

Senior Lena Tang (pole vault) and Bryning (triple jump) also finished fourth at 2021 sectionals. Tang has exceeded the 10-3 state-qualifying standard indoors, including 10-10 and 10-6 for second at the indoor WSC Silver meet on a title tiebreaker.

Sophomore Katie Stabb’s fourth-place 3,200 (11:20.74) at the indoor WSC Silver meet already is in range of the 11:07.39 state-qualifying standard.

Others back from the sectional lineup include seniors Lucca Bibbey and Eva Carson, juniors Avery Minnis, Natalie Quinn and Ada-Louise Wigfield and sophomores Lenny Sterritt, Elsie Kren and Willa Aumann. Others to watch include senior Olivia Rafia, juniors Teshell O’Neal, Alicia Gaylord and Justice Clark, sophomores Vivian Wienke, Katherine Johnston, Taylor Smith and Chloe Johnson and freshmen Bella Brauc and Cori Anderson.

9) to a 15-7 win. OPRF also got contributions from Ashby Steward-Nolan (3 goals, 5 steals), Ellie Raidt (2 goals, 3 steals) and goalies Ella Homrock (9 saves) and Cali Weber (5 saves).

Later, the Huskies edged past Waubonsie Valley 10-9. Cronin had five goals and four steals to lead OPRF.

Trinity softball Danielle Hoffman’s two-run double in the bottom of the seventh gave Trinity a walk-off 6-5 victory over St. Laurence on April 5 at Triton College.

Hoffman also got the win for the Blazers (2-1) in the circle, going the distance. She gave up 11 hits but recorded nine strikeouts.

Eleanor Flores went 3-for-3 against St. Laurence with a home run, and Meagan Murphy also went yard for Trinity.

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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

C O N S C I O U S

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VIEWPOINTS

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Get rid of graffiti p. 21

A G I N G

Cohousing in Oak Park

ince the year 1900, humans have added more longevity to our lifespan than during all of previous civilization. Clearly, we are in a new phase, one which calls for new ideas, new approaches and new celebrations. It is also a time to revive and implement older ideas in our new situation.

Such is the case with cohousing.

Cohousing combines private dwellings and shared public spaces in one structure in order to help facilitate a conscious community. For example, residents can share a large kitchen and dining area, laundry and recreational space. Co-housing combines privacy and mutual support.

Oak Park Commons will be the first cohousing development in the state of Illinois. Last February, after three years of focused, creative work, Oak Park Commons Cohousing LLC (OPCC) identified a suitable and available parcel of land located at the corner of Carpenter Avenue and Madison Street, just west of Sugar Beet and Walgreens.

“We expect to complete purchase of the site late summer and, hopefully, construction will be completed in spring 2024,” said Susan Stall, who, along with her spouse Charlie Hoch, are two of the founders of the local OPCC core group. Stall and Hoch acknowledged the help of many individuals and organizations, including the ongoing support of Arbor West Neighbors (AWN).

Today, several factors combine to make ideas like cohousing not only appealing but necessary. Our increased longevity impacts not just where we live, but how we live. The steadily-increasing financial costs of housing and caregiving encourage shared expenses and responsibilities. Ageism requires that we think outside the box regarding our communities and our solitude.

Hoch commented that current plans for Oak Park Commons include a mix of studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom ADA accessible dwellings in a five-story 27-unit elevator condominium. “A large common room and adjoining rooftop garden will be located on the fifth floor,” he stated.

S U S T A I N  A B I L I T Y

Government takes climate action, you can too

MARC BLESOFF

See BLESOFF on page 22

The second week of each month, we feature a column on environmental issues submitted

by IGov, an intergovernmental body composed of two representatives each from the village, public library, park district, township, and school districts 97 and 200.

R

ecent articles in this paper have highlighted ways your local governing bodies are leading the way in mitigating the impact of climate change. These public organizations are specifically looking at ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, ones that are trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and rapidly warming our planet.

The Park District of Oak Park has been outstanding in its field in figuring out ways to make all aspects of their operations more sustainable. Their leadership continues to ask, “What more can we do?” to make operations responsive and adaptive to a changing climate.

The village of Oak Park has taken a huge step forward this past year in setting aside grant funds for residents to adapt their homes and multi-unit buildings to a warming planet (Better Homes, Better Planet) and have asked the community to steer its efforts on a comprehensive climate plan (Oak Park Climate Action Plan). To ensure all voices are heard, the sustainability staff is working diligently to listen to everyone “beyond the choir.” The draft plan will be released in May, and community members will again have an opportunity to provide comments. Both District 97 and District 200 schools are also following the lead of District 90 in River Forest and are beginning to put together a comprehensive sustainability plan.

These efforts offer such promise and remove some

IGOV

See IGOV on page 22

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

O U R

The flap about the slap

V I E W S

Fenwick’s failures

T

V I E W P O I N T S

here has rightly been discussion about the allegations that a former Fenwick student made last fall against a longtime teacher, which Oak Park police investigated, and that the Cook County State’s Attorney declined to bring charges, saying the statute of limitations had expired.

What the Journal reports today out of that police investigation, though, is more compelling still as it reflects on a pervasive disregard for the well-being of its students displayed by Fenwick High School over a decade.

The Oak Park detective conducting the probe last fall asked for and obtained the personnel file for John Quinn, the faculty member at the center of this swirl of allegations of improper behavior toward female and male students over decades.

In that file it was reported that school leaders had received complaints between October 2012 and May 2015 about Quinn “putting his arm around students, putting his face close to theirs, back rubbing and shoulder massages that made students feel uncomfortable,” said the detective’s report.

Police also noted there had been “a previous DCFS case against Quinn.”

We’d note that it was in this time frame that Quinn, a highly successful basketball coach at the school, was removed from that post without any logical explanation. Was that Fenwick’s timid attempt at disciplining Quinn? We’ll never know because Fenwick and its Dominican order, like so many Catholic institutions, has been stonewalling on other cases of appalling sexual misconduct against children by powerful adults for decades.

The school, doing a lame job of crisis control, claims it has undertaken a thoroughgoing and independent investigation of the charges against Quinn. A school spokesperson told the Journal there is no “specific timeline” for the investigation to wrap up. And it likely needs to be extended, as the brave testimony of former students Helen Quinn Pasin and Emma Seavey has encouraged other Fenwick students to come forward with their own personal stories.

So far this has led Fenwick to suspend Quinn from teaching. And in communications to the Fenwick community, the school has said it is prepared to act “promptly and transparently” once the investigation is complete.

We doubt that.

There is no evidence that the school has ever taken the many allegations seriously, has ever simply trusted the sincere testimonies of its students, has had the inclination to actively separate Quinn from those who have lodged complaints against him.

Why should we believe that the school will now be either prompt or transparent? That will need to be proven to us, to the community, to the young people brave enough to come forward.

And yet letting our grown-up pride Hide all the need inside Acting more like children than children.

Bob Merrill, Jule Styne

‘T

People

he Slap” at the Oscars a couple of weeks back has been thoroughly dissected and discussed, but I can’t resist adding a few thoughts: It was shockingly bad, but it could have been worse. Will Smith struck with an open hand, not his fist. That’s not much better but still better. It doesn’t mean we’re getting more civilized. It means we still have a long way to go. Many shadows reside in our psyches that need to be purged as we evolve.

He could have slapped Chris Rock with a glove, but that would have meant he was challenging him to a duel. At least dueling is no longer an option.

Ironically, the Oscars celebrate a medium where “the slap” makes frequent appearances, hundreds of times in films over the years. Somebody could put together quite a slap-happy film-clip montage. Someone probably already has. After Nicholas Cage tells Cher he loves her in Moonstruck, she slaps him, twice, and says, “Snap out of it!” Abraham Lincoln slaps his own son, Robert, in Steven Spielberg’s film, Lincoln.

Women usually do the slapping in films and the guy usually takes it. Chris Rock took it. He didn’t retaliate.

So he came out of this looking better than Smith.

“The slap” has been normalized, along with a full range of other violence, in the films (and video games) we watch. We take it for granted on the big screen. But when it happens in real life, not reel life, it’s shocking, an act of raw retaliation. Brute force.

People often say, “That felt like a slap in the face” after the surprise and sting of someone’s words or actions. Most of us, I’d wager, have never been physically slapped in the face. Most of us have never slapped anyone. It underscores the huge gulf between movie reality and the real world. As big a gulf as the one that exists between movie heroes and the actors who play them.

In the real, or maybe ideal, world, here’s what Will Smith should have done: He should have walked up, put his arm around Rock’s shoulder, pulled him close so he could use his mic, and said, “Chris, I’m fair game, but leave my wife out of this. Men have been beating up women and beating them down for far too long. That joke was mean. Don’t be mean. You’re better than that.”

Imagine the thunderous applause raining down from the rafters. That’s the difference between “standing up” for your wife and “protecting” her.

Wives don’t need protecting. They want a stand-up guy. Not a stand-up comic … or a stand-up tragic.

Would I have had the presence of mind to do that under the circumstances? Probably not.

But I sure wish he did.

Rock didn’t deserve the slap, but I hope he becomes a better comic and a better person, less mean-spirited in his jokes.

Smith probably didn’t deserve a 10-year exile from the Oscar ceremony. He did deserve the Best Actor Oscar, but what he also deserved was a mandate from the Academy to devise an effective campaign against the vicious cycle of retaliatory violence afflicting this society, thanks to easy access to guns. He should be required to appear in clever, creative, entertaining public service announcements, preferably with Chris Rock. Force them to work together.

It’s called “restorative justice.”

That might make Smith a better role model and a better person. More Will power, so to speak.

The best commentary I’ve read about “the slap” came from Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The second best came from Denzel Washington.

After the incident, Washington didn’t console or berate or sympathize. He told Smith, which Smith quoted in his Oscar acceptance speech, “In your highest moments, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.” Which reminds me of the old Paul Simon song, “the nearer your destination, the more you’re slip-sliding away.” Smith’s destination wasn’t the Oscar. It was respect. But you can’t get others’ respect if you don’t show self-respect. That was not the action of someone with self-respect. That was the action of someone desperately seeking self-respect, then watching it slip-slide away.

Jabbar, for whom my respect only grows, summed it up well in the opening of his statement: “When Will Smith stormed onto the Oscar stage to strike Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife’s short hair, he did a lot more damage than just to Rock’s face. With a single petulant blow, he advocated violence, diminished women, insulted the entertainment industry, and perpetuated stereotypes about the Black community.”

His ending was even better: “I don’t want to see him punished or ostracized because of this one, albeit a big one, mistake. I just want this to be a cautionary tale for others not to romanticize or glorify bad behavior. And I want Smith to be the man who really protects others — by admitting the harm he’s done to others.”

I hope Smith and Rock come out of this as better men.

We need better men.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

Stories of abuse bring call to action

W

hat remarkable courage and selflessness two of our community’s young women have displayed in sharing their stories of abuse on YouTube!

[Longtime Fenwick teacher accused of misconduct, News, April 6] I am hoping that, for a moment, we as a community can pause to honor their stories, their pain, and most importantly their commitment to turning their suffering into a call to action to prevent any more children from being harmed by their alleged abuser.

So thank you, Ms. Quinn-Pasin. Thank you, Ms. Seavey. Know that you have done no small thing and that your self-sacrifice will have long-lasting benefits for the multitude of other victims who suffer in silence having not yet found their own voices.

Currently, the most under-reported crimes in our country are sexual violence, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. The tragic reasons for this underreporting are clearly recounted by these articulate young women (and also by brave respondents on YouTube): When victims report their abuse, more often than not they themselves suffer more consequences than their abuser. They are not believed, they are bullied, often publicly shamed, and they are subjected to the trauma of recounting their stories over and over to authority figures who display disbelief and even contempt for their reporting.

And while it should be unthinkable, their abuser is allowed to continue to intimidate them without any retribution. This whole process is called re-victimization. Its consequences are lifelong and devastating — often leading to depression, anxiety, addictions,

self-loathing, shame, and all too often, suicide.

Thus, it is all the more important for us to honor Helen and Emma for standing tall in the face of their humiliations and betrayals. In a very real sense they have taken upon themselves the work that responsible adults who were charged with the safety of children had abdicated.

I would like to encourage all of us, whenever and wherever we can, to remind our young people that we know it is likely they will witness sexual harassment and abuse and, should they become victims, we will always support them when they come forward to report their experiences.

(By the way, the rate of false claims is the same as false claims of any type of crime, i.e. false claims of sexual crimes are no more common than false claims of robbery, burglary, home invasion, etc. And of course alleged perpetrators should be granted due process.)

For the victims of all ages who have suffered in silence, know that very many of us hope that, when you are ready, you will seek the help of professionals, community agencies, and trusted loved ones to find your own voices and begin to heal.

Finally, I want to wish the parents and loved ones of these two fine young women peace in their hearts as they too heal the trauma of their children’s abuse.

I am hoping you find comfort in knowing your community is grateful for the grace and courage with which your daughters have gifted us all.

Marian Sassetti MD, FAAFP is the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians content expert in education on sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

MARIAN SASSETTI One View

Eliminate litter and combat graffiti Oak Park has a graffiti problem. It also has a litter problem.

While it is not alone on this issue, as most communities deal with both, I would love to think that Oak Park can be unique in finding solutions to these problems.

When I was a member of the Oak Park Environment and Energy Commission more than 20 years ago, Karen Rozmus was the wonderful Oak Park Public Works Department environmental services manager.

She signed Oak Park up for the Keep America Beautiful Program on June 19, 2000, in affiliation with Keep Illinois Beautiful. The village became an official part of this group to create action and awareness about litter, the environment and personal responsibility.

A few years later, my daughter and her Girl Scout

troop painted this mural under the Clinton and South Boulevard viaduct. There is a colorful mural facing this one as well.

This is what the viaduct looks like today.

Let’s re-dedicate our community to do more to reduce litter, minimize waste, and beautify Oak Park.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the Adopt a Block, Neighborhood Clean-Up Program and Green Block Party Program, which are part of the Keep Oak Park Beautiful initiative.

I believe our community also needs to come up with viable solutions to combat litter and graffiti.

Melanie Weiss Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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

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

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

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

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

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

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

H O W

T O

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U S

ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

A one-year subscription costs $43 within Cook County and $53 outside of Cook County.

Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2022 Growing Community Media, NFP.

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

IGOV

What you can do from page 19 of the climate change fear we all hold in our hearts. Many people ask, “What can I do?” and “What impact does my one action really have?” Taking individual action will help you feel empowered and collectively will have a measurable impact. Here are a few scientifically-based ideas: ■ Insulate your home or apartment Uninsulated walls and roofs make up 2535% of heat lost in your home. Properly insulating your walls and attic and sealing any leaks in your home can help reduce heat loss. Air sealing helps in yearround energy use. Go to sustainoakpark. com for more information and financial support for these adaptations.

■ Reduce or skip the meat — especially beef — in your diet - The amount of carbon involved in livestock production is weighty! Cattle are the No. 1 agricultural source of greenhouse gases worldwide.

■ Get a Smart Thermostat and adapt to a new temperature at home - In the

winter, your thermostat should be set at no more than 68 degrees and in the summer 76 degrees. We keep ours at 62 in the winter!

■ Walk more and bike more - The less time we are in our cars, the better — for the planet and for our well-being. Plan your trips around town to rely less on your car. Oak Park continues to improve its safe biking/walking ways.

■ Energy assessments with ComEd Have ComEd or Nicor assess your home for energy savings. From ComEd Peak Savings and ComEd Hourly Pricing to LED lighting, all will adjust your energy consumption. Visit Sustainoakpark.com.

■ Get involved locally with ways to sustain our regional eco-system - To name a few organizations, depending on your interests: Oak Park Climate Action Network Interfaith Green Network One Earth Collective League of Women Voters OPRF High School Environmental Club or It’s Our Future Villages of Oak Park and River Forest sustainability efforts West Cook Wild Ones (for native plants and landscaping)

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Reviewing our police department I attended a recent public forum conducted

by BerryDunn, a consulting firm hired by the village of Oak Park to review its police department.

While only about 10 citizens participated, the comments expressed represented a variety of perspectives. A BerryDunn consultant listened carefully to the comments and was respectful to all.

Those in attendance included: a parent whose teenage daughter attends OPRF High School; another OPRF parent who works at Oak Park Township; other citizens are involved in village committees, including the police and fire commission; a former Oak Park police officer; and myself, an Oak Park native who recently moved back to the village after many years living in Chicago.

Our experiences and interactions with the police department ran the gamut. Years ago, my family had a very positive experience when Oak Park police assisted us with a relative suffering a mental health crisis. It was clear the officers had de-escalation training.

Yet a parent of an OPRF teen described the negative experience both she and her daughter had with police.

Through discussion, it became clear that, on some occasions, not enough police officers are sent to respond to certain incidents.

Conversely, the question arose: Does having an officer respond to a mental health issue run the risk of escalating the situation?

I was among several individuals who

praised the resident beat officer program.

It enables residents — or those working in business districts — to become familiar with the beat officer as they become familiar with the issues their assigned neighborhood is facing. But not everyone is aware there is a beat officer who is assigned to their neighborhood. Increased communication is necessary between the village and residents. It was noted that the village’s newsletter is now quarterly; it had been a monthly publication but was a casualty of budget cuts.

Additionally, there are email lists that residents can sign up for to learn when their resident beat officer will host monthly updates on activities within certain neighborhoods.

Finally, an Oak Park Township employee (and parent) who attended noted that in years past, there has been substantial coordination between various local governmental entities. I believe she spoke in reference to collaboration between township youth leadership and the village. There can never be enough collaboration and sharing of information among government units; breaking down siloes is an ongoing effort.

I look forward to reading BerryDunn’s report when it comes out. If anything, attending this recent forum served as a reminder that it’s important to show up to meetings, even on a cold and rainy night.

BLESOFF

looks forward to these challenges even as they are unfolding.

Currently, OPCC is recruiting members and investors. Can you support this important groundbreaking project? Have you thought about helping to create the very place where you want to live? Now is the time to have that discussion. There are several ways to get more information about, and get involved with, this forward-looking effort: ■ Attend one of the OPCC upcoming monthly public meetings (via Zoom or in person) ■ Contact Oak Park Commons Cohousing LLC (cohousingoakpark@gmail.com) (www.oakparkcohousing.org) ■ Attend the upcoming AWN housing forum, Aging in Our Communities: Housing Accessibility, Affordability & Possibilities, on May 14 at Concordia University, 9-1 p.m.

Sue Montgomery

Former community journalist Family has lived in Oak Park since 1964

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Housing alternatives from page 19 This ambitious and creative project has had challenges from its inception, including location, financing and equity. “We believe that diversity in age, race, ethnicity, gender, ability and experience improves rather than detracts from community,” said Stall. “Cohousing fosters reciprocity and shared values,” added Hoch.

Nonetheless, Oak Park is an expensive place to live, even after securing housing.

Incorporating economic diversity from the very beginning is an important foundational factor. The optimistic OPCC core group

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Celebrating Community Development Week National Community Development Week, April 11-15, is a time to celebrate the critical role the municipal government of Oak Park plays in administering the federal funds that support housing and expanded economic opportunities for our low- to moderate-income residents.

In the past five years alone, the village has distributed nearly $8 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The many services these funds have helped support through local not-forprofit organizations include public education, mental health, addiction counseling and treatment, access to fair housing, food insecurity relief, job training, housing assistance for the homeless, services for victims of domestic violence, and parenting education.

Beyond helping those most vulnerable in our community, CDBG program dollars also have helped fund local public infrastructure projects in low- to moderate-income areas, such as improving sidewalks, streets and alleys, and replacing lead water service lines.

Single- and multi-family rental rehabilitation and lead abatement also have been supported by CDBG funds administered by the village. These investments have helped to resolve serious safety code violations and improve health and safety conditions for low- to moderate-income households who call Oak Park home.

Allocating these critical federal funds is a major undertaking. Each year, volunteers on the Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee work with village staff to review scores of detailed applications for funding, submitted by a wide range of Oak Park organizations.

Funds are limited and the competition fierce. But the outcomes make the work both rewarding and worthwhile.

So please join us as we celebrate National Community Development Week and the many positive impacts federal CDBG program funds have had on our community.

Another good ramen restaurant

Elizabeth Austin, Gregory Buchanan, Andrew Cells, Nezar Nafiseh, Sheena Rayford, Bryan Wong

Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

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Are our kids safe in PE at OPRF?

On March 23, in the opening of OPRF/District 200’s PR campaign for Phase 2 of their facility plan (the $60+ million pool/PE demolition/rebuild), Superintendent Greg Johnson wrote a One View essay in Viewpoints, saying Physical Education (PE) areas “pose health and safety concerns.”

He then went on to list “falling ceiling tiles … buckets filled with dirty water from the leaking roof, mold …”, a “hard, slippery linoleum floor that is not appropriate for dance instruction” and more. In a follow-up Facebook post in a community group, a PE teacher said there are rats and cockroaches throughout the facility as well.

The point seemed to be “things are terrible, so it’s time to tear it down and build the new building.”

I had another impression: “What the hell are you people doing? Are my kids safe in PE at OPRF?” After all, these issues aren’t new. A Feb. 2, 2016, Wednesday Journal article on the pools

by Michael Romain mentions dangerous falling tiles and rats. The school’s own 2018 PR video for its Imagine facility committee also laments dangerous broken ceiling tiles and leaks.

We also recently found out (through Monica Sheehan’s dogged reporting) that Larson Engineering inspected the pools for the district in 2016 and found serious issues, and their August 2021 report said none of those issues had been addressed. Over five years.

What the board can do for ears and Earth

(The West pool finally failed a few weeks ago — as Larson predicted — and the board quickly approved a $900,000 fix.)

So it seems as if the only time OPRF cares about these dangerous and gross conditions is when it needs to sell the public its pool-stadium/PE building project. Well, I guarantee you don’t need a $60+ million new building to get rid of rats. Or mitigate mold.

As a parent of two OPRF students, I’m furious at these conditions and the risks D200 seems comfortable with. At their March 24 meeting focused on PE facilities, not one board member asked why repairs have not been made over the past five years. No one said how shameful it is to have these conditions with $100 million sitting in the bank.

Yes, that’s right. Our kids have to risk falling ceiling tiles and roaches while D200 hoards 100 million tax dollars in a reserve fund and continues to tax us.

If there are falling ceiling tiles, use the $100+ million to fix them. If there are rats and roaches, use the $100+ million to get rid of them. If there are leaks, use the $100+ million to plug them. If the floor is too slippery for dance, use the $100 million to replace it.

At some point, D200 and residents will come together to forge a sensible facility upgrade. But until it opens, let’s not neglect current students’ safety and experience — especially for PR efforts.

Brian Souders

Oak Park

Pool supporters seem strangely quiet

To all those eagerly awaiting the new ramen restaurant in downtown Oak Park [Prepare to queue up for Kyuramen, Oak Park Eats, April 6], a friendly reminder: Delicious ramen and udon soup are already available at Okami Chicago, just across the street from Oak Park at 6818 W. North Ave. And it’s much, much easier to park. For those who don’t eat pork, the udon soup is chicken broth-based. And their miso soup — the best you’ve ever tasted — is vegetarian.

Several weeks ago, Ken Trainor wrote a lyrical and hopeful column about the coming of spring [March toward spring, Viewpoints, March 9]. I appreciated the column, and as I read it, I thought about an unwelcome “specie” that arrives in spring — the gas-powered leaf blower. One of Ken’s previous columns called for the Oak Park Village Board to ban these deafening, gasspewing machines that also destroy habitats of beneficial insects.

It’s time for the village board to act. A time frame that gives lead time to landscape contractors needs to be put into place, as does an enforcement plan. There is much angst about what can be done about climate change. This is one simple thing that can be done now. I encourage you to email members of the Oak Park Village Board to urge them to take action on this one thing they can do.

I must agree with “Bad optics for District 200” from Monica Sheehan and “Confusing a pool with equity” from Jack Powers [Viewpoints, April 6]. I question Supt. Greg Johnson getting involved at this point other than pressure from the “group” that highly supports the 17-lane, 40-yard pool and seating for 600 spectators. Who are the members of the support group and why is it that we do not hear from them?

If there is such a demand, then the correct alternative would seem to be for that group to form a club much like travel baseball, soccer, etc. Do their work and build their own aquatics center that they could use and also rent out to other like-minded groups to assist with funding if needed.

And if the demand is such by this group, that rental aspect would only be profit for them.

Chair, North Avenue District Inc.

Oak Park

Oak Park

Judith Alexander

Elaine D. Johnson

Michael Papierniak

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

V I E W P O I N T S

O B I T U A R I E S

Flock cameras try-out should start now

Hanny Leitson, 96 Evelyn Tiemann, 79

I have to strongly disagree with Wednesday Journal on the timing of the one-year trial period of the eight Flock Safety Inc. license-plate-reading-camera compromise the village just passed [Wrong timing on Flock, Our Views, Viewpoints, April 6]. Now is the perfect time for such a program to go into effect.

First, let’s look at the position of the opposition. The “scalding” opposition of the CRC (Community Relations Commission) is mostly conjecture and not based on facts.

They said, “The surveillance technology could encourage racially-based policing.”

“These cameras could potentially create inequitable treatment of Black and Brown folks.” CRC says a 2021 Bloomberg study said such cameras could be between 1% to 10% misreads, depending on the system used, but CRC did not identify the misread percentage for Flock. Finally, the CRC says the cameras do not seem capable of accomplishing the stated goal of preventing crime.

I have to particularly take issue with this last criticism because it is not true. The stated goal of the Flock system is to identify the license plate of a vehicle that has been involved in a crime. It is a system to help police solve crimes, not prevent them.

There are no facts presented by the CRC to be used to oppose the Flock system. The CRC letter only raises hypothetical community concerns; it does not offer a factual basis for a yes or no vote.

Likewise, waiting for the results of the BerryDunn policing report is also irrele-

vant because nothing in the BerryDunn report will discuss the efficacy of the use of the Flock technology system in Oak Park.

As Wednesday Journal correctly pointed out, we do not have a permanent police chief and our village manager has only been on the job for two weeks. That is why this is the perfect time to initiate the one-year Flock trial period. Neither one of these decision-makers has a dog in this fight. At the end of the one-year trial period, the entire community can look forward to the fact that our village manager and chief of police will look at the data produced by the use of these eight cameras in the village of Oak Park with a completely open mind.

We can trust they will impartially analyze whether they have been of benefit to the community, whether there are some adjustments that need to be made so they are more effective or whether they are not right for our community.

We can only hope that the CRC will also be willing to take an impartial analysis of the results. The facts will set you free.

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A passion for dancing and reading

Johanna (Hanny) Leitson (nee Gross), 96, passed away on April 1, 2022, after a short illness. She was born and lived her childhood years in Vienna, Austria.

In May 1939, at age 13, her parents arranged for her to flee German-occupied Austria on the Kindertransport, an emergency transport of 10,000 Jewish children from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia to England. Throughout World War II, she lived with a family in Cheltenham, England until traveling in 1944 to be with her mother in New York City, at age 19.

She received her BA and MSW from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and worked as a social worker and therapist in Flint, Michigan. After her husband Mort died, she lived and worked as a therapist in Ann Arbor. For the last 14 years, she resided in Oak Park.

She was socially and politically engaged throughout her life, beginning as a teenager during WWII with Young Austria, an organization of exiled Austrians living in England, dedicated to a free and democratic Austria.

She became a civil rights activist while a university student and, later, when living in Flint. She was an early opponent of the Vietnam War and attended the first national Day of Protest against the War in Chicago in 1964.

She also helped establish the Flint chapter of Planned Parenthood. While in Ann Arbor, she assisted low-income seniors living in shared affordable housing. Perhaps most notably, she was a wonderful and valued listener who loved talking with and being supportive of friends and family.

Hanny is the daughter of Charlotte and Max Gross; wife of the late Morton Leitson; mother of Karen (White Plains, NY), Mark (Oak Park) and Ruth (Asheville, NC); motherin-law of Jeffrey Grabelsky (Karen), Pamela Strauss (Mark) and Martin Tatarka (Ruth); grandmother of Leah, Shira, and Jenny Grabelsky (Scott Macguffin) and of Sarah, Joshua and David Leitson; and great-grandmother of Finnean Macguffin.

Her cremated remains will be interred at Macpelah Cemetery in Flint, Michigan on June 12. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Fellowship of Reconciliation, or Planned Parenthood.

Passion and everlasting energy.

These words always pop into the minds of those who knew Evelyn “Evie” Francis Tiemann (nee Fettes), 79, when they think of her. She left too soon on Jan. 12, 2022 in Oak Park, where she resided for the last 31 years. Her life began in Boston, Massachusetts on Aug. 19, 1942.

She was an energetic and devoted teacher, dedicating her life to educating young children. She taught, full-time, for 50 years before retiring. Her passion for dancing erupted each week during her outings for country line and partner dancing. Her ardor for both food and reading led her to groups devoted to these treats with others who became close friends.

Religion was a significant part of her life, and she became a mentor to many in the Lutheran community. She started every morning with a devotional reading from her prayer book which she kept out on her table.

The eldest of nine children, her brothers asked where their “mother” was going when she left for college. A proud cheerleader for her children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, she always provided a smile, a hug or a book.

Evie is survived by her children, Leslie (Markus) Sleuwen, Kara (Jerome) Scott, Nathaniel (Cassi) Tiemann, and Margot (Elias) Cepeda; her grandchildren, Alessandra, Spencer, Caleb, Tirzah, Sophie, Samuel, Emma and Tabitha; her brothers, nieces and nephews; and her dancing partner, John.

A memorial service to celebrate the amazing and exemplary life of Evelyn Tiemann will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest, IL 60305 on May 7 at 10:30 a.m., with a light brunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Lutheran School who provide educational scholarships for underprivileged students, the Oak Park Animal Care League where she took her grandchildren to visit with cats awaiting adoption, or your local food pantry.

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022 Growing Community Media

the public within established guidelines.

This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

HELP WANTED

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

Starting a New Business?

Publish your Assumed Name legal notice in Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Landmark and Austin Weekly News.

Call the Experts! (773) 626-6332

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department.

This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department.

This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assis-

tance to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs.

FULL TIME DELIVERY DRIVER

Local company looking for full time driver.

Must be drug free and have a valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75lb. $14-16/hr Email resume: HR@sievertelectric.com

COVID-19 RESPONSE INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Intern in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

COVID-19 RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Coordinator in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Equipment Operator in the Public Works Department. This position will operate construction and maintenance equipment in a variety of street activities including loading, hauling, and related operations. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications April 4, 2022.

CASHIER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Cashier in the Finance Department. This position will perform all clerical tasks related to the cash receipt function. Collect process and deposit payments made to the Village received directly from customers, via mail, or lockbox or from other internal departments. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

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

FLAT ROOFERS, TUCKPOINTERS AND LABORERS

Call 708-452-7900

SANITARIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs.

PARKING RESTRICTION COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Restriction Coordinator in the Development Customer Services Department.

This position will plan and coordinate all activities and operations associated with the Village of Oak Park Parking Restrictions Program and provide assistance to the Parking & Mobility Services Manager and the Director of Development Customer Services in coordinating the

River Forest Public Schools District 90

Payroll & Benefits Specialist

River Forest, District 90 is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist with a high school diploma supplemented by two years of college-level coursework in accounting or business administration, or equivalent combination of experience and training in payroll and benefits is preferred.

Working knowledge of Windows, Word and Excel Programs. Accounting and payroll reporting software familiarity. Infinite Visions software is a plus.

Responsibilities: Maintain a high level of confidentiality of all District and Boardrelated business. Work cooperatively with the township school treasurer’s office, thirdparty vendors and staff to project a positive,

25

service-oriented demeanor.

Prepare and maintain payroll contracts for each employee annually. Complete bi-monthly payrolls including substitute and stipend pay; balance all payrolls to coincide with year-end W-2 forms. Ensure proper payment of insurance premiums, Flexible Benefits Plan premiums, Tax Sheltered Annuities, and RFEA Dues. Complete calculation, forms administration, and payment of TRS, THIS and IMRF reports; and complete quarterly reports for Federal and State taxes. Assist with annual financial audit and other audits, as necessary.

Interested candidates should complete an online application at www.district90.org

provision of such services to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until filled.

GRANTS COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will develop and coordinate CDBG and other grant-funded programs for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Development Customer Services Neighborhood Services Division Manager and department director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Secretary in the Development Customer Service Department. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, strong writing skills as well as multi-tasking capabilities. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Public Health Nurse in the Health Department.

This position will provide professional public health nursing services including health education and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled with first review of apps 2/2/22.

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com

  • AustinWeeklyNews.com • ForestParkReview.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

26

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

MARKETPLACE

CARS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$& all makes, Etc. RENTALS REAL ESTATE CLASSICS WANTED Collector James

Restored or Unrestored SUBURBAN RENTALS 630-201-8122 Cars & Vintage STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3Motorcycles BR OAK PARK & Domestic / Import Cars: FOREST PARK Best Selection & Service

HOME SERVICES

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 I BUY RECORDS!!

Cash for your vinyl records. Rock, Metal, Jazz, Punk, Reggae, Soul, Blues, etc. All genre’s considered. Why let your records collect dust when you can get cash for them.

Call or text 773-372-6643

RUMMAGE SALE

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining.

Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

LANDSCAPING

NOVENAS BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. CAC

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.

708-657-4226

1 SPACE FOR RENT IN STRIP MALL

Forest Park, IL 1,700 Sq. Ft. (END CAP) Excellent Condition. Recently Updated. *Heavy traffic area. Hospital across street.

SPACE FOR A DRIVE-THRU BUILD *Special Discounted Rate-Limited Time!

If Leave message, Include: Your Name, Phone Number and Type of Business.

TEXT or CALL: (708)828-6491

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720

708-243-0571

Oak Park

FREE RUMMAGE SALE JUDSON BAPTIST CHURCH 1252 N AUSTIN AVE SATURDAY, APRIL 23 11AM-2PM

Small home appliances, clothing, furniture, and more! Everything is free! Event will take place outside in church parking lot.

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

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

1 BD/1 BTH CONDO 630-201-8122 FOR RENT

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

MAGANA

Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. OFFICE/RETAIL SUBURBAN Collector James FOR RENT RENTALS

Great view. Appliances included. Laundry on premises. 1 parking space. Rent $900/month.

Application and credit check required. $25 non-refundable fee.

Call 708-610-2030 for more info.

CEMENT

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, 708-386-7355 Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, MMpropMgmt.com Mustang & Mopars

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

CEMENT

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

SPACE FOR RENT

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

708-296-2060

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

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

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22008892 on March 28, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of CFC SERVICES with the business located at: 424 MARENGO AVENUE APT. 1W, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CELESTE ADRENA FRAZIER 424 MARENGO AVENUE APT. 1W FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA Published in Wednesday Journal March 30, April 6, 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Mayor and the Council of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be received for the following Improvement(s): 15th Street Sewer Separation Project from Circle Avenue to Marengo Avenue.

Said bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Savings Time, on the 27th day of April, 2022 at the Village Clerk’s Office in the Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

The bidding forms and documents are available from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., at www.questcdn.com using login #8181404, upon payment of the sum of Thirty and 00/100 DOLLARS ($30.00), which is not refundable. Proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. No proposals will be issued to bidders after 10:00 a.m., on the 27th day of April, 2022.

Dated at Forest Park, Illinois this 13th day of April, 2022.

Mayor and Council Village of Forest Park By: Rory E. Hoskins, Mayor Attest: Vanessa Moritz Village Clerk Published in Forest Park Review April 13, 20, 2022

PAINTING & DECORATING

PUBLIC NOTICE This is official notification of a meeting to consider the RIVERSIDE HISTORIC DISTRICT, Riverside, Illinois, for updates to its National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation.

CLASSIC PAINTING

A meeting of the National Historic Landmarks Committee (Landmarks Committee) of the National Park System Advisory Board (Advisory Board) will be held to consider this updated NHL nomination.

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011

The meeting will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, May 11 and 12, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT). The meeting will be held virtually at the date and time noted above and instructions and access information will be provided online at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ nationalhistoriclandmarks/nhl-committee-meetings.htm All nominations that may be considered at this meeting and the regulations governing the NHL Program are also available at the above website.

The current boundary for the Riverside Historic District is as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of the intersection of Ogden and Harlem Avenues, thence north along Harlem Avenue to the intersection with the southerly line of the Illinois Central Railroad tracks,

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

thence northwest along said tracks to the intersection of 26th Street, thence west along 26th Street to the intersection with Des Plaines Avenue, thence south along Des Plaines Avenue to the intersection with 31st Street, thence west along 31st Street to the intersection with 1st Avenue, thence southerly along 1st Avenue to the intersection with Ridgewood Road thence west Ridgewood Road the northernmost corner of the intersection of Ridgewood Road and Golf Road, thence south along Golf Road and maintaining the same southward alignment through the existing alley (extension of Golf Road), continuing due south to the intersection with 1st Avenue, following 1st Avenue southerly to the intersection with Salt Creek, thence easterly along Salt Creek to the intersection with the Des Plaines River, thence easterly along the Des Plaines River to the intersection with Ogden Avenue, thence northeasterly along Ogden Avenue to its intersection with Harlem Avenue, the point of beginning.

If you have questions concerning the NHL Program or the Landmarks Committee meeting, please contact Patricia Henry, Historian, National Historic Landmarks Program, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 7228, Washington, DC 20240; e-mail: Patty_Henry@nps.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE 2022 MFT/RBI Street Resurfacing Sealed proposals for the improvement described below will be received at the office of the Village Clerk, Village of North Riverside, 2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546, until 2:00 p.m. on April 26, 2022. Sealed proposals will be opened and read publicly at the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of North Riverside, 2401 S. Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546, at 2:00 p.m. on April 26, 2022.

The boundary increase for this NHL will include the portion of the Village of Riverside west of 1st Avenue which was initially developed following the Olmsted plan. The characteristics necessary for inclusion within the district remain intact.

The western portion of the Village of Riverside conveys the park-like character, tree-shaded lots, curvilinear roadways (Ridgewood, Parkview, and Wabaunsee), housing density, relationship of houses to streets (setbacks), and the hierarchy of roads with spacious intersections, characteristic of Olmsted and Vaux’s 1869 plan. The roadways and their rights-of-way feature the characteristic streetlights, tree-shaded lawns, and pedestrian sidewalks found throughout the balance of the village. Housing types within this western portion of the Village of Riverside is similar to that found on comparable streets within the original NHL boundary. All of which enables the western portion of the village to convey the park-like character for which Riverside is recognized as nationally significant.

The National Park Service (NPS) is notifying property owners, local and state officials, interested individuals, organizations, and Congressional offices. Notice of this proposed action is also published in the Federal Register.

All notified entities are encouraged to comment on the updated documentation if they so choose. Interested parties may submit written comments and recommendations which will be reviewed by the Landmarks Committee and provided to the Advisory Board. Interested parties may also attend the Landmarks Committee meeting and, upon request, will be given an opportunity to address the Committee concerning a property’s significance, integrity, and proposed boundaries.

The Landmarks Committee will review and report on the proposed update to the Advisory Board, which in turn will make recommendations concerning the update to the Secretary of the Interior.

The NPS partners with NHL managers and owners to encourage and support conservation of these nationally significant sites. Designation as an NHL is not a land withdrawal, does not change the ownership of an area, and does not dictate activity. Owners of NHLs do not give up any rights or privileges of ownership, nor do they give up use of the area.

Comments may be sent to Sherry A. Frear, Manager, National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 7228, Washington, DC 20240, email: nhl_info@nps.gov.

27

Published in RB Landmark April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE Attention AJAH T HARRIS, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State.

Our records show, your 2012, JEEP, CHEROKEE with the following VIN 1C4RJFBG1CC124332 was towed to our facility. The current amount due & owing is $1965.00. If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 5/20/2022.

Published in Forest Park Review April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE Attention WESTLAKE FINANCIAL SERVICES and OSCAR RODRIGUEZ, you are the last indicated owner or lienholder on file with Illinois Secretary Of State. Our records show, your 2014, JEEP, CHEROKEE with the following VIN 1C4PJLCB0EW158370 was towed to our facility. The current amount due & owing is $1965.00. If payment is not received within 30 days, Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3. Sale of the aforementioned vehicle will take place at 1510 Hannah, Forest Park, IL, 60130 on 5/20/2022.

Published in Forest Park Review April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2023 Tree and Stump Removal This project consists of the removal of designated parkway trees throughout the Village in addition to stump removal and area restoration. The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, April 11, 2022 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Friday, April 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 13, 2022

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Name: 2022 MFT/RBI Street Resurfacing Location: Various locations throughout the Village of North Riverside Proposed Improvement: Hot-mix asphalt surface removal; hot-mix asphalt surface course paving; sidewalk, driveway, and curb and gutter removal and replacement; structure adjustments; restoration; pavement markings, and all appurtenant construction work.

1. Plans and proposal forms are available for download only from QuestCDN via the Novotny Engineering website, http://novotnyengineering.com, “Bidding” tab, for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. Please contact Novotny Engineering (630-887-8640) to obtain the QuestCDN password.

2. IDOT prequalification is required. The 2 low bidders must file within 24 hours after the letting an “Affidavit of Availability” (Form BC 57), in triplicate, showing all uncompleted contracts awarded to them and all low bids pending award for Federal, State, County, Municipal and private work. One copy shall be filed with the Awarding Authority and one original with the IDOT District Office.

3. The Awarding Authority reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any or all proposals as provided in BLRS Special Provision for Bidding Requirements and Conditions for Contract Proposals.

4. The following BLR Forms shall be returned by the bidder to the Awarding Authority: a. BLR 12200: Local Public Agency Formal Contract Proposal b. BLR 12200a Schedule of Prices c. BLR 12230: Proposal Bid Bond d. BLR 12325: Apprenticeship or Training Program Certification e. BLR 12326: Affidavit of Illinois Business Office 5. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws.

By Order of: PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE By: Kathy Ranieri, Village Clerk (s) Published in RB Landmark April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING DATE: May 4, 2022 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 12-22-Z APPLICATION: The Applicant, Mina Properties LLC, seeks a variance from Section 9.3 (N) (2) (c) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance which require that a detached garage must be constructed so that access is from the public alley to permit construction of a garage that features access from an existing curb-cut on Harrison Street at the premises commonly known as 1110 Harrison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 1618-127-024-0000 (“Subject Property”), in the HS Harrison Street Zoning District.

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

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The hearing will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent

due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 4, 2022. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. Individuals who sign up to participate in-person will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the hearing online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

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

Published in Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Barbara Wynn Coughlin Case Number 20224001670.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Barbara Wynn Coughlin to the new name of: Wynn Coughlin Robertson The court date will be held: On 06/07/2022 at 11am at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom #0112 Published in Wednesday Journal April 13, 20, 27, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to install new wireless telecommunications antennas on an existing building located at 320 Circle Ave., Forest Park, Cook County, IL. The new facility will consist of collocating antennas at a top height of 65ft on the 58ft building. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 6122003121 - SNA EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at (757) 354-7566.

Published in Forest Park Review April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING DATE: May 4, 2022 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 11-22-Z APPLICATION: The Applicants, John & Michelle Silvey, seeks a variance from Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential District Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, which provides that a property located within an R-4 Single-Family District shall not exceed a maximum impervious surface area of 60% of the lot to permit construction of a new 24’ x 22’ garage resulting in a maximum impervious surface area of approximately 65% of the lot at the premises commonly known as 1115 Highland Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-17-317-024-0000 (“Subject Property”) in the R-4 Single-Family Zoning District.

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

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The hearing will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has de-

termined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 4, 2022. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. Individuals who sign up to participate in-person will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the hearing online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

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

Published in Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Abdul Shahid Williams Case Number 20226002024.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Abdul Shahid Williams to the new name of: Abdul Shahid The court date will be held: On May 20, 2022 at 9am at 16501 S Kedzie Pkwy, Markham, Cook County in Courtroom # 0207 Published in Wednesday Journal April 6, 13, 20, 2022

Starting a New Business?

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM YEAR 2021 ACTION PLAN Date of Publication: April 13, 2022 Village of Oak Park 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-6400 Notice is hereby given of a proposed Substantial Amendment to the Community Development Block Program (CDBG) Program Year (PY) 2021 Action Plan for additional funding allocations using $278,500 in returned CDBG PY2019 funds to the following CBDG Infrastructure projects carried out by Village of Oak Park Public Works to be completed in PY2021: $97,500 for sewer main replacement and roadway reconstruction on Kenilworth from Lake St. to Ontario; $155,000 for resurfacing, street lighting, and landscaping on Forest to the jog, the jog to Ontario, and Ontario to Marion St; $26,000 in additional funds for the already approved PY2021 replacement of deteriorated public alleys between Humphrey and Austin, from Chicago to Iowa and between Clinton and Kenilworth, from Lexington to Garfield. These projects will be completed in Low to Moderate Income Areas.

The proposed substantial amendment is on file at the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 and is available for public examination and copying weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST from April 13, 2022 5.p.m. to May 13, 2022.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Any comments concerning the proposed substantial amendment may be submitted in writing to the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, via: email to Vanessa Matheny, Grants Supervisor, at vmatheny@oakpark.us, or at the virtual Public Hearing to be held from 3:30PM4:30PM on May 17, 2022. Please send a request to the above referenced email address to attend the virtual hearing. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 13, 2022

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified fountain maintenance companies at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 for the following: Preventive Maintenance for Decorative Water Fountain at Village Hall and Marion Street Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708358-5700 or by e-mailing vics@ oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified.

No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal April 13, 2022

Let the sun shine in...

PUBLIC NOTICE A revised Public Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee will be holding a meeting for applicant Presentations, a funding recommendations determination meeting and a Public Hearing on Program Year (PY) 2022 project proposals submitted to the Village for federal Community Development Block Grant Program funds. PY 2022 will run from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. All meetings will be held on GoTo Meeting and are as follows: Presentations, 5:30 – 9:00pm on April 13, 2022 and April 27, 2022; Meeting to determine funding recommendations and receive public comments on proposed funding recommendations, 5:30pm, May 2, 2022. All meetings are open to the public and reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed.

Meeting specifics are subject to change; please send a message to grants@oak-park.us to confirm details and/or receive the Zoom link.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 13, 2022

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

NEWS FLASH!

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.LATANYA WILSON A/K/A LATANYA PERKINS A/K/A LATANYA T. WILSON, 327 SOUTH WISCONSIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 19 CH 14237 327 WISCONSIN AVENUE, UNIT 3B OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 26, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 327 WISCONSIN AVENUE, UNIT 3B, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-315-023-1007 The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $87,572.57.

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

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

of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

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

For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-092068.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 19-092068 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 19 CH 14237 TJSC#: 42-496 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 19 CH 14237 I3190817

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 2, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-048-0000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse, attached one car garage.

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

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

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property.

Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

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

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-04687IL_613739 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 42-1079 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 18 CH 12736 I3191182

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2022 Easter Church Guide

EASTER CHURCH GUIDE

April 13, 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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EASTER CHURCH GUIDE

April 13, 2022

WELCOME HOME for Easter April 10

OAKPARK.COM | FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 You are invited to join us for any or all of our upcoming events to celebrate this special time of year. It will be our first Holy Week with our new pastor, Rev. Adonna Davis Reid.

Wednesday, April 13 7pm -- Messiah in the Passover presentation. (See below)

MAUNDY THURSDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

Friday, April 15

APRIL 14 7:00 PM

APRIL 15 7:00 PM

APRIL 17 10:15 AM

Easter Sunday, April 17

Service of Darkness Chancel Choir & Instrumentalists

Holy Communion, Festival Worship

Holy Communion

7pm -- Good Friday remembrance of Jesus’ suffering and death.

7am -- Sunrise worship experience. Weather permitting, this will be held outside on the church grounds.

10am -- Celebration of Resurrection! Activities for children pre-school through 12 years old will be offered during worship. Blend of traditional, contemporary, and gospel-inspired music styles will be part of this service.

First Presbyterian Church of River Forest www.firstpresrf.org

Quick and Lathrop, River Forest

Join us for Holy Week and Easter Worship Maundy Thursday Holy Communion April 14, 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday Liturgy April 15, 7:30 p.m.

Messiah in the Passover Demonstration Wednesday, April 13 MESSIAH IN THE PASSOVER, a vivid and exciting demonstration showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover.

MESSIAH IN THE PASSOVER will be conducted by Roy Schwartz of Chosen People Ministries. Chosen People Ministries is an over one hundred-year-old mission that was founded in 1894 by Leopold Cohn, a Hungarian rabbi who came to believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised by the Hebrew Scriptures. From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Chosen People Ministries has grown into a worldwide ministry to “the Jew first and to the Gentile.”

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Vigil Holy Communion April 16, 7:30 p.m.

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Day Holy Communion April 17, 9:30 a.m.

United Lutheran Church 409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland) Oak Park, Illinois www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

This service is open to the public, and First United Methodist Church of Oak Park would like to invite the Christian as well as the Jewish community to attend. For more information please call 708-383-4983.

A love offering will be received.

MESSIAH IN THE PASSOVER begins with the traditional Passover Seder table – complete with all the articles of this important Jewish celebration. The speaker will explain the symbolic meanings of the various items of the Passover feast and highlight their relationship to the Last Supper that Messiah celebrated with the disciples, giving special emphasis on the redemptive significance of the crucifixion.

MESSIAH IN THE PASSOVER gives the Christian community insight into Jewish traditions so that the Jewish roots of Christianity can be better understood.

This program also helps the Jewish and Christian communities understand their common heritage.

EASTER CHURCH GUIDE

OAKPARK.COM | FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

April 13, 2022

B3

Holy Week and Easter worship

Maundy Thursday 8:30am and 7pm

Good Friday

8:30am, 12pm, 7pm

Easter Vigil Saturday, 7pm

Easter Sunday

8:30am and 11am

Pre-service music begins at 8:15 and10:45am

Join us In person or on livestream at GraceRiverForest.org.

Thursday and Friday services are live-streamed at 7pm, Easter Sunday at 8:15am

Childcare is available in the church nursery

7300 Division St. ▪︎ River Forest 708-366-6900 ▪︎ GraceRiverForest.org

HOSANNA! Come journey through Holy Week with the Catholic Parishes of Oak Park and Chicago

ST. GILES CHURCH 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park

ASCENSION CHURCH 808 S. East Avenue, Oak Park Palm Sunday, April 9/10 Saturday, 5:00 pm* Sunday, 8:00 am and 10:30 am THE TRIDUUM Holy Thursday, April 14 Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7:30 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 9:30 pm to midnight Night Prayer, 11:45 pm There will be NO daytime masses or prayer services on Holy Thursday.

Good Friday, April 15 Morning Prayer, 8:30 am Family Stations of the Cross,** 12:00 pm ** Please note that the noon service on Good Friday will be geared towards families with children K-12. It is not intended for infants and toddlers.

Taizé Prayer around the Cross, 3:00 pm* The Passion of the Lord, 7:30 pm Holy Saturday, April 16 Morning Prayer with RCIA, 8:30 am The Easter Vigil, 8:00 pm

ST. EDMUND CHURCH 188 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park

ST. CATHERINE-ST. LUCY CHURCH 38 N. Austin Boulevard, Oak Park

Palm Sunday, April 9/10 St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church St. Edmund Church Saturday, 5:00 pm Saturday, 5:30 pm Sunday, 9:00 am Sunday, 11:00 am COMBINED SERVICES FOR THE TRIDUUM Holy Thursday, April 14 7:00 pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, St. Edmund Church Live-stream link: https:youtu.be/0eAxURD5h94 Good Friday, April 15 7:00 pm: The Passion of the Lord, St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church* Holy Saturday, April 16 7:00 pm: The Easter Vigil, St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church*

Palm Sunday, April 9/10 Saturday, 4:30 pm* Sunday, 8:00 and 10:30 am in Church 10:00 am Family Mass in Gym Outdoor palm distribution on Saturday from 3:30 – 4:00 pm and Sunday from 11:30 am -12:00 pm in front of the Courtyard Cross on Columbian Avenue.

THE TRIDUUM Holy Thursday, April 14 Morning Prayer, 8:30 am Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7:30 pm* Adoration until Midnight Night Prayer, 11:45 pm

Good Friday, April 15 Morning Prayer, 8:30 am The Passion of the Lord, 3:00 pm* Living Stations of the Cross, 7:30 pm Holy Saturday, April 16 Morning Prayer, 8:30 am Blessing of Easter Food, 11:00 am in Church The Easter Vigil, 7:30 pm (No 4:30 pm Mass)

Easter Sunday, April 17: The Resurrection of the Lord 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am*

Easter Sunday, April 17: The Resurrection of the Lord 8:30 am, St. Edmund Church 9:00 am, St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church* 11:00 am, St. Edmund Church Live-stream link for 11:00 am mass: https://youtu.be/R7M4og2G-Bw

Easter Sunday, April 17: The Resurrection of the Lord Sunrise, 6:00 am in Church Courtyard, Weather Permitting 8:00 and 10:30 am* in Church 10:00 am Family Mass in Gym

*Please see the website, ascensionoakpark.com, for live-stream links.

*Please see the website, stcatherinestlucy.org, for live-stream links.

*Please see the website, stgilesparish.org, for live-stream links.

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EASTER CHURCH GUIDE

April 13, 2022

Palm Sunday 8:30a - Worship, Palm Parade 10:30a - Worship, Palm Parade & Dance

Maundy Thursday 7:30p - Worship

OAKPARK.COM | FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

Happy Easter

Good Friday 7:30p - Tenebrae Worship

Easter Sunday 8:30a & 10:30a - Celebratory Worship 10a - Easter Egg Hunt

from

10:30 livestream worship via website

oakpark.com forestparkreview.com

611 Randolph, Oak Park (corner of East & Randolph)

708-848-4741 GoodShepherdLC.org

Celebrate the Resurrection!

Forest Park Baptist Church 133 Harlem Ave, Forest Park | 708.366.5091 | info@forestparkbaptist.com

A multi-ethnic, intergenerational community of believers glorifying God, encouraging everyone to know & follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Come for COVID-cautious family worship Easter 2022! (learn more by scanning QR code)

7600 W. Lake St., River Forest 801 Elgin Ave., Forest Park St. Luke and St. Bernardine Parish ● www.stlstbparish.org ● 708-771-8250

Palm Sunday

4/10, 10:45am

Good Friday

4/15, 7:00pm

Easter Sunday

4/17, 10:45am

Homes April 13, 2022

Real estate A confidential Red-hot market means some homes never make it to public listings

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

few years ago, real estate professionals could test the waters or limit exposure for a buyer by marketing a house as a “pocket” listing to a select group of peers before the listing officially hit the market on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

In 2016 what had been an ad hoc practice -which some agents utilized and some did not -- was codified when the Midwest Real Estate Data, also known as MRED, created a private listing network, or PLN, that was accessible to all Chicago area agents via their paid access to the MLS.

The PLN caught fire in 2019 when the National Association of Realtors banned the use of pocket listings, pushing agents to use the PLN for any property they wanted to show or sell before it officially was listed on the MLS. MRED defines the PLN as a database separate from the standard listing network, and says it allows brokers to share information with other brokers before exposing it to the public.

On its website, the agency defines it this way: “The PLN provides MRED customers a secure network in which to enter their ‘coming soon’ listings with an opportunity to premarket them to peers in the spirit of cooperation and compensation.”

See REAL ESTATE on page B7

April 13, 2022 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B5

live life in full bloom HA P PY E AST ER

atproperties.com

B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 13, 2022

REAL ESTATE

on the MLS, so all agents have access to it.

Beyond leveling the playing field and giving all professional real estate agent access to private listings, Simon-Vobornik says a major advantage to using the PLN is that from page B5 agents can list a home without accumulating market time.

Catherine Simon-Vobornik, 2021-22 presiIn a world where appearance is everything, dent of the Oak Park Area Association of Re- she says that a house that has been on the altors and a broker with Baird and Warner, market a long time can be a red flag to buysays that prior to the 2019 rule, pocket listings ers who often mistakenly assume that there could be tightly controlled by is something wrong with a house real estate agents or brokerages. that’s been on the market too Some would only share pocket long. Average market time in the listings internally with their U.S. right now is 18 days, so every own brokerage’s agents, leaving day counts. other local agents in the dark and Another advantage for seller, allowing properties to sell withshe says, is that listing first on the out being available to a broader PLN can keep your home’s photos audience. When inventory was off the internet, and means you low, this kept a lot of agents from have control over who sees your getting what she calls a “fighting house. During the pandemic, SiCATHERINE chance.” mon-Vobornik says many sellers SIMON-VOBORNIK Prior to the PLN, she says were concerned about having too agents relied on their personal many people in their houses with networks. open houses or multiple showings per day.

“We all know each other and talk, so it was “You can save people coming in your house more word of mouth,” Simon-Vobornik said. all of the time,” Simon-Vobornik said. “You “We might ask, ‘Do you have anything in the might just have one family visit versus hav$600,000 range coming on the market?’” ing an open house.”

Now, the PLN is part of the search criteria The PLN also allows sellers a bit more time

Level playing field

HISTORIC BEAUTY!

to get their house ready for market. SimonVobornik says some agents will place a house on the PLN while waiting for staging or photos. She says it might take more time now to get on a painter or carpenter’s schedule to make small repairs, but a house can go on the PLN while waiting to get market-ready.

The PLN can also be a good way to test the market and see if there are any issues with a home before it’s officially listed and collecting market time. Simon-Vobornik points out that people might notice an issue the seller didn’t know about, which will give the seller time to fix it.

“It can be an opportunity to work out the kinks before it goes live,” Simon-Vobornik said.

The current state of the local market makes the PLN more attractive according to Simon-Vobornik, who notes that the lack of inventory for would-be buyers is a real issue.

“It’s harder to find listings these days,” she said. “This year, I’ve got a lot more buyers.

There are four to five buyers out there for every house that’s listed.”

The shortage is nationwide. SimonVobornik cites a recent survey which shows that there were 12 million new families created last year, but only 8 million new homes.

“There’s a gap there,” she said, adding that she thinks the shortfall of homes could last

another three years.

While the PLN can be a boon to a buyer who wants to see a house early and a plus for a seller who wants to sell their house with minimal showings and less internet exposure, Simon-Vobornik says that it still pays to be realistic with expectations.

“A buyer may still be up against multiple offers, but maybe not as many,” she said.

For sellers, it can mean fewer eyes on your house as not all agents look at the PLN on a regular basis, and the general public and people working without an agent do not have access to the PLN. “The seller is entering the PLN with eyes wide open,” Simon-Vobornik said. “They’ll get the eyes that are smart enough on it.”

She also adds that regardless of whether the house is listed first on the PLN or the MLS, pricing is important.

“A seller really can’t sell their house for way, way more than it’s worth,” SimonVobornik said. “You have to price it correctly.

You still need that appraisal to come in, or it causes issues.”

In the current market conditions, SimonVobornik says that both sellers and real estate agents can benefit from access to the PLN. “It’s another selling tool in your bag to bring to your sellers,” she said.

What’s Your Property Worth?

Contact Me For A FREE Valuation!

Selling, Buying Or Leasing - Let Me Put My 25+ Years Of Real Estate Experience To Work For You!

Ken Van Santen | Realtor

708.975.0210 ken.vansanten@bairdwarner.com www.kenvansanten.bairdwarner.com Residential - Multi-Family - Commercial

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK :: $1,179,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH Majestic Victorian in central Oak Park Historic District.

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

April 13, 2022 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B7

OPEN SATURDAY 1-3

715 CLINTON PLACE, RIVER FOREST

OAK PARK

OAK PARK

Beautiful 2-level duplexed condo in the heart of downtown Oak Park!

Loads of sunlight and modern updates.

Fantastic opportunity to own this beautiful large condo in the heart of downtown Oak Park.

3 BR, 2.1 BA .............................................................................................................$289,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

OAK PARK

3 BR, 2.1 BA ...................................$630,000

2 BR, 2 BA ................................................................................................................$205,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

Susan Maienza • 708-860-1141

House Hunting?

Find a Realtor.

Find a home.

Get a list of Open Houses.

OAK PARK Beautiful vintage condo with pristine oak floors, large bright rooms and in-unit laundry.

2 BR, 1 BA ................................................................................................................$194,900 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

RIVER FOREST Beautiful French Normandy, with a huge backyard featuring an entertainment area and an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven.

4 BR, 4.1 BA ........................................................................................................$1,349,0000 Greer Haseman & Chris Curran 708-606-8896 or 708-366-0400

Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties?

Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties?

Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com

B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 13, 2022

New Listing!

1020 Harlem 2F, River Forest Spacious and gracious 3 bd, 2 ba residence in premier River Forest Condo Building. Two parking spots in heated, underground garage! Private front balcony and lovely shared backyard.

Sue Canepa | 312-203-0848 suecanepahomes@gmail.com

Coming Soon!

627 Washington Blvd, #3 Oak Park 3 BR, 2 BA, Updated vintage condo steeped with charm and flooded with natural light. Spacious rooms, CA, and in-unit laundry. This one’s a winner! ........ ................................................... $280,000

Just Listed & Under Contract!

715 Home, Oak Park 3 BR 2.1 BA , Expanded side entrance 4 square with outstanding woodwork and stained glass, plus updated kitchen and baths. This house has all the room you need! ......................................... $625,000

Shea Kiessling | 708-710-5952 shea@cbexchange.com

Stephanie Eiger | 708-557-0779 Stephanie.eiger@cbexchange.com

Another Successful Deal!

1173 S. East, Oak Park I happily represented the buyer in the purchase of this 4 Bed/3 Bath home.

Ready to help you too!

Under Contract!

5847 W Elm Ave, Berkeley 4 BR 4 BA, This spacious home offers a fabulous kitchen, open concept main level and quality details throughout.

Sara Faust | 708-772-7910 sara.faust@cbexchange.com

Andrea “Bonnie” Routen | 708-544-8440 Andrea.bonnie@cbexchange.com

Under Contract!

910 W Madison, Chicago Looking to move to the city, western suburbs, or Florida? Let me help you find the home of your dreams! Looking to sell your home? With low inventory & high buyer demand, NOW IS THE TIME. Lisa Grimes I 708-205-9518 lisa.grimes@cbrealty.com

Under Contract!

1016 N. Lombard, Oak Park Collaboration with quality builder landed our buyers this solid home - not yet on the market. We’re the team to choose to take you home!

Lisa Andreoli and Meredith Conn 708-557-9546 or 708-743-6973 teamgo2girls@gmail.com

Coming Soon!

349 Park Ave, River Forest 3 BR, 1 BA, Larger than it looks with hardwood floors throughout, eat-in kit with granite ctops, dry bsmt, freshly painted on an amazing 44 x 181 fenced lot with patios + 3 car garage.

Laurie Shapiro | 708-203-3614 Laurie.shapiro@cbrealty.com

Matching Unique Lives with Distinctive Homes.

New To Market!

339 Clinton #1 Oak Park Sunny 2 bedroom condo with in unit washer/dryer and parking!

Dream Home Found!

And I can help you too ... Don’t hesitate to reach out for all of your real estate needs!

Patty Melgar Hooks | 708-261-2796 patty.melgarhooks@cbexchange.com

Sandi Graves | 708-752-6540 sgraves@cbexchange.com

Amazing Location!

632 Home Avenue, Oak Park 3BR, 1.1BA,Come see this cozy home with tons of natural light, newly refinished floors, a WB fireplace, and 3 beautiful enclosed porches! This home is waiting for you! ..................................... $479,000 Michelle Miller | 708-334-5833 michelle.miller@cbexchange.com

Joe Langely 708-243-0330 jlangley.realtor@gmail.com

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Oak Park 114 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park | 708.524.1100

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Realty LLC.

April 13, 2022 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

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Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

It’s a smash at Circle Tavern Youth, legacy, fun and smash burgers at the center of Conti Parkway bar Circle Tavern, 18 Conti Parkway, brings a laid-back vibe and sense of community to “the Food Writer circle” in Elmwood Park, but don’t let this neighborhood watering hole deceive you — distinctly youthful energy is the driving force behind the business known for cranking out seriously noteworthy smash burgers.

At the height of the pandemic, 27-yearold Michael Jardine turned away from his

MELISSA ELSMO

Tavern Bite: Appetizers like Circle Tavern toasted ravioli complement a cold beer as a pre-meal treat.

Worth it: The double smash burger from Circle Tavern with house made tavern sauce, pickles and American Cheese is served with specially seasoned fries.

All photos Melissa Elsmo

B10 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 13, 2022

career in marketing and graphic design in favor of snapping up the Elmwood Park property. Thanks to some significant family ties, Jardine was already familiar with the Elmwood Park eatery. His Uncle Rich Mazzulla previously owned the building.

He was the mastermind behind Baciami before transforming the space into 18 West in 2018. Jardine purchased the building from his uncle in November 2020 and after making some cosmetic alterations, opened Circle Tavern in January 2021. The pandemic allowed the novice bar owner and restaurant owner to ease into the role of proprietor. A year later, the hands-on owner is on-site every day the bar is open and prioritizes serving quality food, solid drinks and fostering a fun environment for customers and employees alike.

“I really see this as a way to take the family torch,” said Jardine. ““There is nothing I wouldn’t want to eat on this menu and nothing I don’t think is good.”

When crafting the Circle Tavern’s thoughtfully edited menu Jardine intended

Michael Jardine, owner of Circle Tavern, shows off a double smash burger. to find the sweet spot between “limited and overwhelming.” The resulting menu boasts an affordable array of quality bar-fare. A robust selection of Italian influenced tavern bites, including toasted ravioli, baked clams and garlic knots join hot wings, salads and a smattering of thoughtful “sangwiches” including a patty melt, chicken focaccia, and cheesesteak. The standout menu item, however, is Circle Tavern’s take on the humble smash burger.

Whether ordering a single, double, triple or mammoth quad burger, fans of the smash will be pleasantly surprised that Circle Tavern is putting up a practically perfect version of this simple burger style.

Freshly packed rounds of beef are tossed on well-loved flattop before being pressed to ensure proper meat to griddle contact.

The cook in the Circle Tavern kitchen has clearly mastered the maillard reaction — that super scientific moment during the cooking process when meat takes on the crispy, crunchy, toasty exterior synonymous with a perfect diner burger. A soft

Wednesday Journal, April 13, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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7426 W North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707 Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm • Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm • Sun: 12 - 9pm

Call 708-456-6100 to make a reservation.

Loaded fries: Circle Tavern’s fries are memorable on their own, but bold diners can load ‘em up with bacon, cheese sauce, jalapenos, scallions and sour cream. bakery bun stands up nicely to griddled patties and requires nothing more than a sort of “all condiments in one” style sauce, pickle chips and some ooey gooey American cheese to yield a sublime smash burger. Seriously, this burger is exactly what a smash burger is supposed to be.

Circle Tavern boasts a long welcoming bar and six tables scattered throughout the establishment. In addition of luring folks with burgers and fries, Jardine has introduced weeknight specials to beckon locals to pop in each night of the week. On Martini Monday bartenders whip up nine different martinis including blueberry, pear,

and caramel apple varieties. Expect to find steak tacos on the menu on Tuesday, while Wednesdays are reserved for trivia or bingo and diners can snag two thin crust pizzas for the price of one on Thursdays.

“When he bought the place, I told him this would be his business not mine,” said Mazzulla of his nephew. “But I really couldn’t see it going to anyone else; I am proud of him.”

Circle Tavern, located at 18 Conti Parkway is open Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1a.m. The bar is closed on Sundays.

Oak Park Eats positively encourages readers to think about the food and beverages they consume and seek our unique and memorable beer drinking experience while celebrating Kinslagher’s local partnerships with Carnivore, Opportunity Knocks, Daly Bagels, and Darr-B-Q. - Keith Huizinga, Kinslagher

Sip more at Kinslahger.com/ Keith Huizinga, Kinslagher

For more culinary delights, visit OakPark.com and click on EATS.

Keep up with Melissa Elsmo and what she’s cooking up at:

Oak Park Eats on OakPark.com April 13, 2022 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

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Oak Park | River Forest | 1037 Chicago Avenue | Oak Park, IL 60302 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com Source: BrokerMetrics® LLC, 1/1/2019 - 12/ 31/2019Detached and Attached only. Chicagoland PMSA

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