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April 14, 2021 Vol. 41, No. 37 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Man charged for shooting Oak Park police officer The officer was shot during a traffic stop April 8

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Enrique R. Rosa, 27, was charged with two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm for the April 8 shooting of an Oak Park police officer during a traffic stop.

A bond hearing for Rosa was scheduled for April 11 at the Criminal Court Building, 2600 S. California Ave., in Chicago.

Rosa faces up to eight years in prison for each count of attempted murder and a minimum of six years in prison for

the count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, if convicted.

The shooting occurred while the Oak Park officer was assisting Forest Park police with a traffic stop at 7 a.m. in the 600 block of Harlem Avenue near the interstate 290 expressway.

Two sources have told Wednesday Journal that there were two Oak Park officers in the squad car responding to the scene on Harlem Avenue. One was a field training officer, the other a newer officer. It was the field training officer who was shot by the alleged suspect. Efforts to reach Oak Park police officials for confirmation were unsuccessful.

Rosa, of the 2200 block of West Monroe Street in Chicago, was pulled over by the officers and upon stepping out the vehicle, opened fire on a police officer, striking him in his arm.

ADDUCI WINS 3RD TERM SCAMAN NEW OP PREZ All election results Pages 9-12

See SHOOTING on page 14

GOING UP ON AUSTIN A six-story, mixed-income apartment building is planned by the Oak Park Residence Corporation for the corner of Austin Boulevard and Van Buren. If approved by village government, it needs a zoning variance for height and a colonnade extending over a village sidewalk. The environmentally sustainable structure will replace a 12-unit motel-style apartment building long owned by ResCorp. Lacey Sikora has the full story in the Homes section. Page B1

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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On the difficulty of doing nothing

that the conditions that allowed nce I’m done scrambling me to live in mild everyday hysto make deadlines each terics about an unlimited supply week, I’ll take some time of terrible information were to decompress. More ofrelated to the conditions that ten than not, this decomwere, at the same time, consolipression will come in the form dating, sucking wealth upward, of visiting area bookstores and far outside my grasp.” browsing the shelves, waiting I gleefully paid the roughly for some moment of serendipity $20 for Tolentino’s book and when my eye catches a title that left the store before deciding to leads to an insight or irony. drive aimlessly around WinLast week, while browsing netka, voluntarily ensconcing the shelves at The Book Stall myself in this land of wealth in Winnetka, I stumbled upon that was both within my reach Jia Tolentino’s “Trick Mirror,” Commentary and beyond my grasp. a book of essays that I’d been After about 10 minutes of wanting to read ever since readdriving down a road flanked by gated ing one of her essays in the New Yorker a estates, I lost the urge to wander, in part few months ago. because I feared that I might be found out, I’m attracted to Tolentino’s prose because perhaps pulled over by a police officer who of sentences like this one, from the essay knew that I had no place or purpose here.

“Always Be Optimizing,” which is included I consulted my iPhone for the nearest in the book.

Starbucks and headed, with all deliberate “When you are a woman, the things you speed, to my newfound destination. But on like get used against you. Or, alternatively, the things that get used against you have all my way there, I spied the entrance of the Chicago Botanic Gardens and, on a dime, been prefigured as things you should like. took a sharp left.

Sexual availability falls into this category.

The security guard at the gate asked if I’d So does basic kindness, and generosity. scheduled a visit and, if I hadn’t, to simply Wanting to look good — taking pleasure in register online. I did so promptly, reluctanttrying to look good — does, too. I like trying ly paying the $20 parking fee. to look good, but it’s hard to say how much The gardens were mostly bare, the you can genuinely, independently like what crowds sparse. Where roses and fruit would amounts to a mandate.”

And this one, from the essay “The I In The be if they were in full bloom, there were only patches of dirt. Nonetheless, I hadn’t Internet,” which is also in “Trick Mirror.” experienced this kind of tranquility in a “In the run-up to the 2016 election and while. I found a bench on a platform overincreasingly so afterward, I started to feel that there was also nothing I could do about looking an expanse of water and stared at a duck going about its day. ninety-five percent of the things I cared In “How To Do Nothing,” the author about other than form an opinion — and

MICHAEL ROMAIN

Oak Park expands vaccination to 16 and up The village of Oak Park has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to all people over the age of 16. Pre-registration for the vaccine has already begun through the village’s website.

Effective April 12, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will make the vaccination available to everyone aged 16 and up.

At that point, IDPH will no longer require documentation for priority groups.

None of the vaccines currently in use have been approved for people under the age of 16 years old.

Pre-registration through the village of Oak Park does not schedule an actual vaccination appointment. It simply allows the Oak Park Public Health Department to contact those that wish to receive the vaccina-

tion when opportunities arise, according to the village of Oak Park.

The village also encourages residents to sign up through the Cook County website to receive updates on the county’s vaccination distribution locations, appointment scheduling information and more.

If you can’t land an appointment through the village, Rush Oak Park Hospital has COVID-19 vaccine slots available for anyone 18 or older who lives or works in suburban Cook County, or who receives care at Rush Oak Park Hospital. To see eligibility and scheduling information, visit the hospital’s website at rush.edu/vaccine. The hospital is not vaccinating people aged 16 or 17 at this time.

Stacey Sheridan

Jenny Odell writes that she came up with the genesis of her book inside of Oakland’s Morcom Amphitheatre of Roses, a pastoral urban oasis environment similar to the Botanic Gardens.

“I propose that rerouting and deepening one’s attention to place will likely lead to awareness of one’s participation in history and in a more-than-human community,” Odell writes.

“From either a social or ecological perspective, the ultimate goal of ‘doing nothing’ is to wrest focus from the attention economy [the economy of social media and the internet] and replant it in the public, physical realm.”

I marveled at the Botanic Garden’s Bonsai trees that seemed off to themselves on an island and walked plaintively in the English Walled Garden. At the top of a grassy hill, I could see a wall separating the Botanic Garden from the expressway and marveled that such calm could run parallel to such chaos.

The expressway the garden so effectively shuts out takes you to the balkanized urban garden of Chicago in about 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the traffic; to the West and South sides, where space for contemplation and decompression is a rarity and a privilege that relatively few Black and Brown people get to enjoy.

In “Crabgrass Frontier,” his pioneering history of suburbanization in America, Kenneth T. Jackson explains that before the American Revolution, the wealthiest residents lived in the central city while the suburbs were populated by urban outcasts, such as Blacks who “sought spots as far removed from their masters as possible, which meant retreat beyond municipal boundaries. Thus, the first Americans to flee the suburbs for racial reasons were Black, not white.”

After about an hour at the Botanic Gardens, I headed toward the exit, but not before spotting an imposing statue of the Swiss scientist Carolus Linnaeus, famous for creating a system that classified all living things.

The placard near the statue smartly acknowledges that Linnaeus “also applied

this system to humans entirely without scientific basis. He categorized humans based on race and assigned negative behavioral traits to Africans and other nonwhites.

This system has been used to promote slavery and other racial injustices throughout history.”

Ironically, the Linnaeus statue is surrounded by dense clusters of Japanese spirea, yet another signal of the overwhelming influence of Asian culture and heritage on these gardens, at a time of overwhelming anti-Asian sentiment in this country. A few feet away, another placard announced the presence of Black Cohosh a woodland herb native to North America.

Despite his achievements, I would not advocate for removing Linnaeus from the garden. In this moment, it’s enough for me to sit in the silence of this beautiful, mongrelized tragedy and struggle to find my place in it, however difficult and risky the endeavor.

Moments before seeing the Linnaeus statue, I came across a bronze statue called “The Sower.” It was a gift from the Art Institute of Chicago.

“At seven feet tall, this classic male figure captivates the viewer with its height, strong gaze and form,” the depiction on the Botanic Garden’s website explains.

The placard on the ground in front of the statue, which depicts the Western world’s ideal person (male, white, able-bodied and ready to conquer), describes the space where the statue sits as the “Stower Alcove” before presenting four lines: “The world before us, the world after us, our actions foretell … We reap what we sow.”

Classified ads are renovating!

Dear readers, You’ll see a change to our classified ads beginning this week. Instead of a single larger Classified section at the back of the paper, we are dividing the Classified ads and placing them farther forward in the paper. Find everything you’re looking for under new groupings for Home Services,

Jobs, Marketplace, and Real Estate and Rentals.

Our online Classifieds are still under construction on our new website but look for their return soon!

Thank you for continuing to patronize our Classified advertisers.

Growing Community Media

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK April 14-21 Ramadan & Islam Around the World Through Wednesday, May 12, Idea Box, Main Library:

Throughout the month of Ramadan, view a collection of Muslims artifacts from different parts of world, including traditional dresses from Iraq, India, Pakistan, Palestine as well as Islamic artwork, prayer rugs, and rosaries. Presented by Oak Parker Dima Ali. More: oppl.evanced.info/signup/ EventDetails?EventId=51363. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

“Working” Fridays, April 16 and 23, Saturdays, April 17 and 24, 7 p.m., Virtually with the OPRFHS Theater Department Based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers, this musical paints a vivid portrait of the men and woman that the world so often takes for granted – the teacher, phone operator, waitress, millworker, mason and more. $6 per device (plus nominal fee). Tickets/ more: sites.google.com/oprfhs.org/ workingthemusical

Benjamin Franklin: Entrepreneur, Scientist, Revolutionary Monday, April 19, 1:30 p.m., Zoom through the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Through documented speeches, letters and anecdotes, a living portrait of Franklin comes alive through researcher, writer and actor RJ Lindsey. $15, suggested donation; free, members. Register: nineteenthcentury.org.

Native Plant Sale Order through May 18 Pick up June 3 through 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Maywood or Lemont Native plants add beauty and benefit the environment. They provide habitat and food for wildlife, are drought-resistant, absorb storm water and carbon, and are easy to grow. This year, most plants will be plugs; dense roots help them grow quickly and lower prices help extend plant budgets. Butterfly and Bee Kits available. Brought by West Cook Wild Ones. Order: wild-ones-westcook.myshopify.com/. Pick up at Forest Preserves of Cook County Central Warehouse, 2199 S. 1st Ave., Maywood or Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont.

Native Plant Garden Q&A

Trustee Benefit in Support of Scholarships

Sunday, April 18, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Zoom with West Cook Wild Ones Whether curious about native plants, a veteran gardener wanting to explore this world or looking for an earth-friendly family activity, get your questions answered at this Midwest Native Gardening Basics presentation. Questions from simple to complex are welcome. Free. More/register: westcook.wildones. org/events/native-plant-gardening-q-a/

Wednesday, April 21, 7 p.m., Virtually with Dominican University The evening features appearances by Audra McDonald, Nathan Gunn, Megan Hilty and Ben Vereen along with inspiring stories from Dominican students and alumnae/I, cash raffle and more. RSVP by Friday, April 16. $100, suggested ticket price. Register/more: Dom.edu/Benefit

Learn and Grow Lecture Series Thursdays in April, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory Programs are for all gardening skill levels and presented by Master Gardeners.

Free.

April 15 – Plant Dividing with Kayla Chase, who shares when, how and why to divide perennials.

April 22 – Edibles & Raised Beds with Suzette Gacek offers tips on growing herbs and edibles.

April 29 – Container Companions with Ellen Kuner.

Register: pdop.org

Plant Sale Saturday, April 17, through Sunday, May 2, Online with the Oak Park Conservatory The public can select from a large choice of vegetables, herbs and flowers, all grown at the Conservatory. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON). Members receive priority ordering and pickup. Order pickups are at the Rehm Pool parking lot (515 Garfield St., Oak Park) May 11 through 13. Order/more: fopcon.org/2021-plant-sale

Why White Parents Need to Do More Than Talk About Racism Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library In this community discussion, join neighbors in talking about the Time Magazine article “Why White Parents Need to Do More Than Talk to Their Kids About Racism.” Reflect and learn together and talk about what comes next. Read the article prior. Register/access article: oppl.org/calendar

Community Circle: Exploring The 1619 Project’s “The Birth of American Music” Thursday, April 15, 6 to 7:15 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Library Explore the origins of American pop culture and the often unrecognized impact of Black culture on American music. Before joining, listen to the third episode of the New York Times podcast The 1619 Project: “The Birth of American Music.” Register/access the podcast: oppl.org/calendar

Scams and Fraud Protection Thursday, April 15, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Zoom with the River Forest Public Library Protect against identity theft; ruse burglaries; and financial, phone, mail and home repair scams with Emlee Hilliard-Smith, Senior Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and River Forest Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Ben Ransom. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket. com/events/scam-and-fraud-protection

“Not Afraid” Through April 18, Wednesdays through Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m., Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art See the canvases and sculptures of Oak Park artists Janice Elkins and Gina Lee Robbins. Their abstract art captures “an uncensored psychological response to these restrictive and bewildering times.” 2320 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago.

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Concern over latest LakeLathrop postponement Trustees ask urgently for April 26 update

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

The item that led to the most discussion at the April 12 virtual River Forest Village Board meeting was not on the agenda — although it was expected to be.

An update on the proposed development at the southwest corner of the intersection of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue was on the agenda posted April 8 but pulled April 9, leaving residents and trustees confused, disappointed and upset.

Village President Cathy Adduci explained that the item was pulled because “We didn’t give the developer enough time,” but Trustee Patty Henek called the action “unacceptable,” noting that the update was agreed to in March.

“This is a very serious issue in the community,” she said, adding that she felt it was “very unfair to residents” to pull the update from the agenda.

Two of those residents, Margie Cekander and Phyllis Rubin, questioned the action during the public comment portion of the meeting, noting they are still without answers to questions about the project that concern them.

Specifically, Cekander asked about the remediation of contaminated soil at the site and Rubin wanted to know sales figures.

Trustees Katie Brennan and Erika Bachner also expressed displeasure with the action.

“We need to have more and better information,” Brennan said.

The proposed five-story, mixed-use development was approved by the village board in 2016 but terms of the approval were amended in October 2019 due to delays involving the departure of one of the site’s previous tenants.

Under the amendment, the deadline for submitting the permit application was changed from June 17, 2019 to Dec. 15, 2019; for beginning construction from Dec. 17, 2019 to May 1, 2020, or 30 days after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency approves the remediation action plan for the project, whichever is later; and for completing the project from June 17, 2021 to Nov. 1, 2021.

“We’re continuing to make progress,” Adduci said. “I still strongly believe it will be developed.”

Henek’s question regarding the feasibility of completing the project in six months when ground has yet to be broken went unanswered as Adduci tried to move the meeting along without a more extensive debate on the issue.

However, Lisa Scheiner, acting village administrator, responded to another of Henek’s questions by stating that six contracts for units have been signed and another is pending.

Adduci defeated Henek in the race for village president in the April 6 election.

Henek asked that a “full update” be presented at the Monday, April 26, village board meeting. Brennan agreed, adding a request that the update be available even earlier since “There are so many different pieces.”

File photo

Artist rendering for project at Lake and Lathrop in River Forest.

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Daly Bagel celebrates surviving their first year

Community invited to a weeklong celebration at Chicago Ave. shop

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

When Amanda Daly opened the doors to The Daly Bagel on April 27, 2020 she greeted waiting customers for the first time exclaiming, “We’re open!” Production in the kitchen came to an organic halt and everyone inside the shop began to clap. It was a fleeting moment, but one not easily forgotten.

“Everything came alive in that moment,” said Daly, shop owner. “We opened the doors and life flooded in. Since then, The Daly Bagel has been a living thing.”

And now the boutique bagel shop, recently named by WBEZ’s Curious City as one of the best bagels in Chicagoland, is on the verge of celebrating its one-year anniversary in their retail space housed in the old Zephyr building, 130 Chicago Ave. “I am proud of how far we’ve come.” said Daly.

“This has been the longest and shortest year of my life,” laughs Adrienne Guldin, Daly Bagel baker.

“So true,” said Daly.

Daly whipped up her first batch of “East Coast bagels with a Midwest twist” in 2018 before officially teaming up with her “bagel partners” Guldin and Leah Garcia. The tight-knit crew baked out of River Forest Kitchen, hosting popular weekend popups at Urban Pioneer Group in Forest Park and offering Daly Bagels at area farmers markets. Daly then set her sights on a brick-andmortar location and embarked on a buildout expected to take just months, but which in reality, took more than a year to complete.

Once the shop doors opened Daly and her team were on a steep learning curve.

“It would take us all day to make two batches of bagels in those early days and then we would move on to making cream cheese.” said Guldin. “Now we make sevenand-a-half batches a day and have a team

working on cream cheese simultaneously.”

Over the past year Daly and her team of baker-employees have embraced their new reality. The first employee arrives at the shop at 4 a.m. to prepare for the 7 a.m. opening. It takes an hour for the revolving tray oven, capable of baking 500 bagels at time, to come to temperature and nearly as long for the adjacent bagel boiling kettle to fill with water. On rough mornings it takes an additional hour to deal with the flood that comes as a result of accidentally overflowing the kettle. Guldin blames early morning absentmindedness when she finds herself with wet feet in the kitchen.

Daly, Guldin and Garcia have settled into distinct roles. Daly, who remains hands on in the kitchen, handles operations, scheduling, social media and general catch all duties. Guldin oversees doughs and recipe development. Garcia is regularly in charge of opening the shop and is not known to flood the kitchen. Today, a total of 32 part-time employees keep the bagel boutique in business.

As for opening during a pandemic Daly and her team see it as a blessing and curse.

“It both helped and hurt us,” said Daly.

“On the positive side people were much more understanding about our growing pains, but the pandemic left us feeling separated from the community we want to connect with. We didn’t want this to be a transactional thing.”

The shop, however, benefits from excellent foot traffic despite their “off the beaten path location” and continues to cater to their passionate group of regular customers. Positive press and word-of-mouth have drummed up additional business. As a result, The Daly Bagel is known to have a line out the door with the most dramatic “socially distant” queue extending more than two blocks.

“We constantly remind ourselves we need to go at a pace the preserves quality,” said

Daly. “Because, let me tell you, it is almost impossible to fight the instinct to rush when you see a line around the block.”

On Monday Apr. 26, The Daly Bagel will begin a week-long anniversary celebration.

Lemon Lavender bagels, with their near cult like following, will be available all week long. While lemon lavender bagels are intensive to make, the shop sees a 20-30% increase in sales across the board when they appear on the menu.

A specialty sandwich called The Yellowstone, created by the Bellmar family as a perk awarded during The Daly Bagel’s Kickstarter campaign will also be available throughout the week. The sandwich features a choice of bagel topped with egg, chipotle cream cheese, pepper, onion, and pickled jalapeno.”

“The sandwich is really good,” said Guldin. “We may make the chipotle cream cheese available for sale on its own, too. It is so delicious.”

What does the future hold for The Daly Bagel? Daly will not rule out expansion down the road but for now remains dedicated to improving her Oak Park shop and ultimately perfecting operations for her devoted bagel community.

An Arts District exit District Kitchen and Tap, 220 Harrison St. in Oak Park, has permanently closed.

Patrick O’Brien, chef-owner of Scratch Restaurant Group announced April 10 would be the final day of service at the Harrison Street Arts district restaurant.

O’Brien continues to helm Scratch on Lake in Oak Park as well as Scratch Kitchen and Lathrop House Café in Forest Park.

While he was proud of District Kitchen and Tap’s two-year run, he admits the restaurant, known for communal dining and live music, suffered more than his other

establishments through the pandemic.

“We had intended on staying but were approached by a motivated buyer with a great concept and a great fit for the neighborhood.”

O’Brien was clear he is not looking for sympathy and expressed excitement about his new cafe and event space. He also teased the expansion of the Scratch brand in the future.

Details are not yet available regarding the incoming business.

Melissa Elsmo

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SURVIVORS: Owner Amanda Daly (top) behind the counter. Stephanie Charo (above) prepares salmon for lox and bagels.

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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River Forest will use reserves to balance budget Revenues don’t reflect American Rescue Plan funds

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Covering non-recurring expenditures with reserves allowed River Forest officials to present a balanced general fund budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year to the village board on April 12.

Estimated revenues for are $15,991,888, up from $15,909,336 in 2020-21. Estimated total expenditures are $1,591,620, down from $16,645,256 in fiscal year 2020-21. A deficit of $599,732 will be offset by $614,819 in nonrecurring expenditures that will be covered by reserves. The budget shows what officials called a “modest” surplus of $15,087.

The fiscal year starts May 1 and ends April 30, 2022.

Lisa Scheiner, acting village administrator, presented the budget at the virtual village board committee of the whole meeting April 12. A public hearing on the budget was held during the regularly scheduled village board meeting that followed. Adoption of the budget is expected at the April 26, village board meeting.

The budget does not reflect the $1.34 million village officials expect to receive through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan. Scheiner noted that announcement of the American Rescue Plan funding was made during the budget process and specifics have yet to be discussed.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on village finances in fiscal year 202021, Scheiner said River Forest is in a “strong financial position.”

Estimated property tax, non-home rule sales tax and income tax revenues in the general fund are down for the 2021-22 fiscal year, but estimated state sales tax and other revenues are up.

Property tax revenue is estimated at $6,556,697, down from $6,702,507. Meanwhile, state sales tax revenue is estimated at $1,831,850, up from $1,725,566. The village’s non-home rule sales tax revenue is estimated at $643,341, down from $661,180, while income tax revenue is estimated at $1,238,975, up from $1,133,580.

Other revenue is estimated at $5,720,025 for fiscal year 2021-22, up from $5,686,503 in the current fiscal year.

Estimated salaries and benefits and commodities expenditures in the general fund, which pays for day-to-day operations of the village, are down for 2021-22, but contractual services expenditures are up.

Salaries and benefits expenditures are estimated at $12,978,185, down from $13,002,085.

Contractual services expenditures are estimated at $3,286,373, up from $3,270,092 and commodities expenses are estimated at $327,062, down from $373,079.

“Despite the economic and operational

impact of the pandemic, the village’s financial policies and sound fiscal decisions over the past several years have positioned the village to ‘weather the storm’ without reducing core services,” Scheiner said to the village board. “This is due, in large part, to the village’s ability to absorb a reduction in some revenues by relying on fund reserves that have been built up over time. In addition, village staff worked hard to manage departmental budgets and defer purchases to future years.”

Scheiner also noted that the village had received $112,942 for COVID-response related expenses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “As a result of sound financial management, in an effort to assist residents, the village was able to forgo the Consumer Price Index increase of 2.3 percent as well as any additional property taxes associated with assessed valuations tied to new construc-

tion projects,” she added.

Noting the police and fire pensions “continue to be a concern,” Scheiner said the police pension contribution is up by $43,568, a 2.38-percent increase, and the fire pension contribution is up $73,599, a 4.35-percent increase.

However, she indicated the village could see a higher return on pension fund investments following passage of legislation that will allow municipalities and other government entities to pool their investments.

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Do you have diabetes?

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

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

Dr. Linda Lambert

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Oak Park’s Lincoln School Oak Park’s Lincoln School to get new principal to get new principal MARKETPLACE

ITEMS FOR SALE

AUTOS FOR SALE

ANTIQUE HALL TREE Antique American Hall Tree, solid oak. Excellent condition. 29”w x 78”h x 11”d, with covered shelf and mirror. $159.00.

708-488-8755

2008 FORD CROWN VIC INTERCEPTOR 62K MILES. $5500,

ANTIQUE MUSIC CABINET Antique music cabinet with door and five shelves. Standing on four legs. Mahogany finish. $129.00.

708-488-8755

D97 board votes to reassign Ryan Gordon from co-interim principal to permanent principal

2013 FORD TAURUS INTERCEPTOR 140K MILES. $5500.

2005 HONDA CIVIC EX

principal at Percy Julian Middle School 5 SPD, 170K MILES. $3500. for two years.1986 Before that, she taught for 11 CAMARO Z28 5 SPD, 73K MILES. $4500.

FRUITWOOD FINISH NIGHTSTAND years in Chicago Public Schools.

Solid wood nightstand, fruitwood finish. 1 drawer and 1 bottom Many new on all Gordon has a parts bachelor’s degree in shelf. 15”d x 24”w x 24”h. $59.00 708-488-8755 Call Pearson from elementary education Southern 773-540-7650.

MUSIC Illinois University Carbondale and Music: piano scores, concertos, piano trios, flute music violin a master’s degree in educational music. Variety of composers. $3.00 each.

708-488-8755 administration from Concordia University, ByNEW MICHAEL ROMAIN BIKES FOR SALE WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: D97 officials stated.

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, Staff Reporter TANDEM BIKE with all the bells and whistles. Best offer. paperwork, Also toy “Working soldiers – lead, plastic misc. toys.this at – other Lincoln Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 year has been an amazing THREE WHEELER with 2 baskets and all the bells and whisLincoln Elementary School, tles.

Best offer. Price negotiable.

Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads experience,” Gordon said. run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 1111 S. Grove Ave. in Oak Park, 708-447-1762 708-613-334 “Leading through a pandemic will have a new permanent has taught me so much, but my LADDERS principal starting this summer.

24 FT EXTENSION LADDER $50 biggest takeaway is that with WERNER FT STEP LADDER The District 97 7school board Very good ladder. $50 flexibility, transparency and voted March 23 to708-488-8755 reassign Ryan community, we can do anything.

Gordon to ELECTRIC principal, effective HEDGE TRIMMER I look forward to providing July 1. Gordon had $50.00 been serving consistency to our Lincoln as one of the school’s co-interim 708-488-8755 students, staff and families. principals since the 2020-21 RYAN GORDON Together, we will continue to be school year started.

Lincoln Principal District 97 Supt. Carol Kelley ‘Up at Lincoln!’” congratulated Gordon in a When she starts in the summer, statement the district released last month.

Gordon will be the fifth principal of Lincoln “Throughout this unprecedented school in roughly six years. year, she has proven herself to be an In January 2020, former principal excellent leader who is student-focused, Laura Zaniolo resigned mid-year after compassionate and empathetic,” Kelley less than a year in the position. Her exit said. “She has been able to act decisively prompted Kelley to hire Reesheda Graham and has built strong relationships with her Washington, an Oak Park equity consultant, school community by providing clear and to do a deep dive into the principal turnover consistent communication. She has also at Lincoln — a problem many parents said established a strong administrative team started with the exit of former principal that is committed to achieving performance Cathy Hamilton in 2017. Hamilton had outcomes forreaders, all Lincoln students.”

Dear served as principal of Lincoln for 15 years.

In the statement, D97 officials said In her statement, Kelly, who is leaving the administration’s recommendation You’ll see a change to our classifi ed ads beginning week.

D97 at the end of the this school year to start a “was based upon evaluation of Gordon’s superintendent position in New Jersey, Instead of a single larger Classifi ed section, we are dividing the said leadership during the 2020-21 school year, she’s confident that Gordon “will as well as careful consideration of external Classified ads and placing them farther forward in the paper. continue candidate resumes and feedback received to bring staff and families together to Find everything you’re looking for under new groupings for throughout the year from key stakeholders, promote high academic achievement and Home Services, and aReal Estate and Rentals. ensure positive learning environment for including Lincoln staff.” Jobs, Marketplace, Before she was appointed co-interim all of our students.”

CONTACT: principal Lincoln, Gordon wasare assistant Ouratonline Classifi eds still under construction onmichael@oakpark.com our new

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D97 board votes to reassign Ryan Gordon from co-interim principal to permanent principal

principal at Percy Julian Middle School for two years. Before that, she taught for 11 years in Chicago Public Schools.

Gordon has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University,

By MICHAEL ROMAIN D97 officials stated.

Staff Reporter “Working at Lincoln this year has been an amazing Lincoln Elementary School, experience,” Gordon said.

1111 S. Grove Ave. in Oak Park, “Leading through a pandemic will have a new permanent has taught me so much, but my principal starting this summer. biggest takeaway is that with The District 97 school board flexibility, transparency and voted March 23 to reassign Ryan community, we can do anything.

Gordon to principal, effective I look forward to providing July 1. Gordon had been serving consistency to our Lincoln as one of the school’s co-interim students, staff and families. principals since the 2020-21 RYAN GORDON Together, we will continue to be school year started.

Lincoln Principal District 97 Supt. Carol Kelley ‘Up at Lincoln!’” congratulated Gordon in a When she starts in the summer, statement the district released last month.

Gordon will be the fifth principal of Lincoln “Throughout this unprecedented school in roughly six years. year, she has proven herself to be an In January 2020, former principal excellent leader who is student-focused, Laura Zaniolo resigned mid-year after compassionate and empathetic,” Kelley less than a year in the position. Her exit said. “She has been able to act decisively prompted Kelley to hire Reesheda Graham and has built strong relationships with her Washington, an Oak Park equity consultant, school community by providing clear and to do a deep dive into the principal turnover consistent communication. She has also at Lincoln — a problem many parents said established a strong administrative team started with the exit of former principal that is committed to achieving performance Cathy Hamilton in 2017. Hamilton had outcomes for all Lincoln students.” served as principal of Lincoln for 15 years.

In the statement, D97 officials said In her statement, Kelly, who is leaving the administration’s recommendation D97 at the end of the school year to start a “was based upon evaluation of Gordon’s superintendent position in New Jersey, said leadership during the 2020-21 school year, she’s confident that Gordon “will continue as well as careful consideration of external candidate resumes and feedback received to bring staff and families together to throughout the year from key stakeholders, promote high academic achievement and ensure a positive learning environment for including Lincoln staff.”

Before she was appointed co-interim all of our students.”

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com principal at Lincoln, Gordon was assistant

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Oak Park voters reject defunding police concept; Scaman plans fresh discussion

Non-binding referendum wins majority of ‘no’ votes

village board has no obligation to adhere to its results. However, incoming village president Vicki Scaman told Wednesday Journal she does not intend to defund police.

“I do not have that goal,” Scaman said.

By STACEY SHERIDAN Scaman is currently the village clerk.

Staff Reporter Her primary goal, she said, is building Based on the Cook County Clerk’s unoffi- trust and transparency, working to have sercial results of the April 6 election, Oak Park vices that benefit everybody.

“That may be a tall order,” said Scaman. voters seem to overwhelmingly oppose the “But the best way to get there is to really lisidea of defunding the village’s police department. Almost 69 percent of voters cast ten to community concerns.”

Scaman does not believe that the referen“no” votes in response to the ballot’s advidum question was an accurate sory referendum question, “Shall assessment, because it providthe Village of Oak Park defund its ed no further information.

Police Department?”

“I don’t think a simple quesThe controversial referendum tion of, ‘Shall we defund the narrowly landed a spot on the balpolice?

Yes or no,’ is enough lot during a Jan. 19 village board information to know what the meeting by a 4-3 vote. Trustee motivation was behind why Dan Moroney proposed the referpeople voted the way they did,” endum, drawing criticism from a said Scaman. handful of his fellow trustees who As village president, Scaman viewed the move as a political plans to have the village board stunt. Moroney was at that time VICKI SCAMAN engage in conversations with a candidate for village president.

Incoming Village President the public, as well as continue He withdrew his candidacy nine to review social service agency days later. contracts and the measures Now about to leave office, Mothat the police department has roney told Wednesday Journal the taken to prevent and eradicate referendum’s result conveys that systemic racism. the majority of residents stand beLike Moroney, Trustee Arti hind their police department.

Walker-Peddakotla found the “I think it sends a strong mesresult of the referendum favorsage to our police department that able – but for very different reathe overwhelming percentage of sons. residents support the work that “Within one year of defundthey do in this community,” said ing becoming a national conMoroney. versation, that 30 percent of Oak Parkers Moroney expected that about 70 percent of voters who chose to vote on the referendum see the reason for it gives me a lot of hope,” said Walker-Peddakotla, who is roughly would vote against defunding the police.

The question whether the village Oak halfway through her four-year term.

During their shared time on the board, Park should defund its police received 31.79 percent “yes” votes and 68.24 percent “no” Moroney and Walker-Peddakotla have ofvotes; 10.8 percent of voters declined to an- ten butted heads over police reform, parswer the question. As absentee ballots get ticularly defunding. Walker-Peddakotla has counted, those numbers will likely change. been widely critical of Moroney’s referenSo, what do the results mean? Nothing dum question, believing he used it to garner compulsory from a legal standpoint. The support for his nascent village presidential referendum was non-binding, meaning the campaign.

“The best way to get there is to really listen to community concerns.”

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Offering You a Safe & Scenic Outlet “The referendum was irresponsible,” she told Wednesday Journal. “It was racist, and it was a white supremacist referendum to try and fearmonger a certain result to an election.”

Walker-Peddakotla said she was nonetheless “proud” of the percent of voters who voted in favor of defunding the police, despite the “Vote No to Defunding the Police” campaign led by the anonymous group “Citizens Against Defunding the Police.”

The group, which is unregistered with the Illinois Board of Elections, used a website, video and mailers to encourage people to cast no votes.

“That referendum plus the vote no to defund effort was completely coordinated,” she said. “I believe that even though people are denying it.”

Moroney has denied having had any involvement with the campaign and does not believe it influenced voters.

“I don’t think it swayed anybody,” Moroney said.

He believes the referendum result indicates that voters do not want “slogan-based policymaking” and thinks it will be a morale boost for Oak Park police officers, whom he said had been subjected to a “heavy amount of unfair criticism” for policing incidents in other areas of the United States.

“I don’t think the police have felt appreciated for the past year because of the defund the police advocacy has been persistent in the form of hundreds of emails that have called for a reduction of our force by 30 percent,” said Moroney.

He also noted the defunding resolution brought to the board by Walker-Peddakotla last August, which failed in a 5-2 vote.

Moroney views the referendum as a litmus test that gauged the public’s desire to defund police in Oak Park.

“The voters got an opportunity to state their opinion on what the advocates are advocating for,” he said. “We got our answer.”

Walker-Peddakotla does not plan to suspend her advocacy based on a non-binding referendum result. Nor does she believe it will stop other advocates from pursuing the defunding of police departments.

“The struggle for civil rights, the struggle for freedom, the struggle for liberation was never popular,” she said. “We have to continue moving forward.”

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10

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Readling undeterred by defeat in president race

Parakkat, Enyia, Robinson land village trustee seats

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

In the aftermath of the April 6 election, Cate Readling remains committed to the platform on which she ran for village president, despite her loss to Vicki Scaman, who is wrapping up her term as village clerk.

With all 37 precincts reported but not all

LUCIA ROBINSON

CHIBUIKE ENYIA

mail-in ballots counted, the presidentelect racked up 56.23 percent of votes, with Readling receiving 43.77 percent.

“The policies and issues we drove remain critical and just as we said throughout the campaign, we will continue to push all electeds for accountability around the issues of government transparency, access to government process, and fair and affordable housing,” Readling said in a statement to Wednesday Journal.

“Because of a competitive election we were able to expose inequity in the electoral process and I welcome all the opportunities ahead to continue challenging those barriers.”

Readling also expressed her pride in the campaign she ran and those mobilized around it.

Scaman claimed victory as Oak Park village president late election night, RAVI PARAKKAT

telling Wednesday Journal she is glad to be able to continue serving the community.

“I’m even more honored that our community has chosen me to serve in the role of village president,” she said.

As for Readling, Scaman said she has the “utmost respect” and expressed her appreciation for Readling’s “heartfelt commitment” to Oak Park.

“There is no doubt that we will continue to work together to make our community better,” said Scaman, who told Wednesday Journal she is excited to serve on the village board with the current trustees, as well as the three incoming trustees.

Poised to fill those three open village trustee seats are Ravi Parakkat, Chibuike Enyia and Lucia Robinson. Parakkat received the most votes at 19.91 percent, followed by Enyia at 18.16 percent and Robinson’s 16.97 percent. Robinson and Parakkat are part of the Unite Oak Park slate. The slate’s third member, Stephen Morales, received 15.6 percent of votes.

Enyia was backed by the Represent Oak Park coalition, which supported a group

of Black village board candidates that also included Juanta Griffin and Anthony Clark, who received 15.08 percent and 14.25 percent of votes for village trustee respectively.

For village clerk, Oak Park voters favored Christina Waters, who received 78.4 percent of votes cast. Waters currently serves as deputy village clerk, an unelected position, and also had the support of Represent Oak Park. Her opponent LouAnne Johannesson trailed with 21.53 percent.

These are the unofficial voting results.

The numbers will likely change somewhat as mail-in ballots are counted. Once the Illinois Board of Elections certifies the votes, the results will be finalized.

D97 and D200 school boards get new members Duffy, Johnson and Dribin win seats on D97 board while Arkin, Mohanraj, Henry and Cofsky win seats on D200 board

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

According to unofficial results reported by the Cook County Clerk’s office, the races for District 97 and District 200 school board seats have been decided. The April 6 election was a boon for candidates who ran on strengthening equity policies and practices in both school districts.

Education attorney Jeremy Duffy, healthcare sales professional Venus Hurd Johnson and researcher Nancy Ross Dribin garnered the most votes in a six-person race for three

open seats on the District 97 school board.

Duffy, Johnson and Dribin each garnered 23 percent, 21 percent and 18 percent of the vote, respectively.

The three winning candidates were all endorsed by the Oak Park Teachers Association and during interviews with Wednesday Journal prior to the election, all of them centered the issues of equity and community engagement in their campaign pitches.

“I want to thank everyone for their support,” said Duffy during a phone interview on Tuesday night. “This win means so much to me, but it’s an opportunity for me to do the hard work on behalf of District 97, most importantly our students.”

As of April 13, Fred Arkin, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Kebreab Henry and Tom Cofsky were leading the six-person field of candidates running for four open seats on the D200 school board.

Arkin, Mohanraj, Henry and Cofsky had each garnered 19 percent, 19 percent, 18 percent and 18 percent of the vote share, respec-

tively.

During interviews, all four candidates expressed their support for the D200 administration’s push to restructure the freshman curriculum — one of JEREMY DUFFY the most important votes the new board will face. The candidates also ran on equity continuing the current board’s equity work.

“I’m pleased that the voters of Oak Park and River Forest have such confidence in me and I am looking forward to working with what I think will be a strong board on the hard work of helping us recover from the pandemic and move forward,” said Mohanraj, an English professor and author who also served a term on the Oak Park Public Library board.

Arkin, who served as a D200 board mem-

NANCY ROSS DRIBIN

VENUS HURD JOHNSON

ber from 2015 to 2019, returns to the board.

Cofsky is the only incumbent elected in either race. Henry, a businessman, will be the only African American man on the board.

“I’m proud that Oak Park has made equity a priority,” Henry said. “I want to thank voters and volunteers who helped the campaign and ensured that we continue going in the right direction. We want to ensure that the high school offers all students the same opportunity for excellence and success during high school and after.”

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Follow us on Twitter

@OakPark

FRED ARKIN

MARY ANNE MOHANRAJ

KEBREAB HENRY

TOM COFSKY

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Adduci wins third term by a wide margin April 6 election brings new village trustees, park board commissioners

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

On April 6, Cathy Adduci took two-thirds of the vote to win a third term as River Forest village president. Patty Henek, a current village trustee, garnered 34 percent of the vote.

In an interview with Wednesday Journal on April 13, Adduci said she is “elated” to have been elected for a third term.

“There were many people I worked with, and I’m appreciative for the help and guidance of everyone,” Adduci said. “I’m proud of us -– myself and my supporters – for running a positive campaign, focusing on discussion and solutions.”

The overall direction the village will take, however, isn’t going to change, Adduci said, while acknowledging that there may be tweaks along the way.

“We will finish the initiatives we’ve started,” said Adduci. “We will continue to improve the quality of life in River Forest.”

Some of these areas include support for an ever-increasing older population, con-

tinuation of the stabilization of All voices are important, property taxes, and ongoing efstressed Adduci, even those of forts to spend within the means residents who didn’t support her of the village. Enhanced safety run for reelection. for residents and the village’s di“I want to include everyone in versity, equity and inclusion inithe conversation,” Adduci said. tiatives will continue to be efforts “It’s not about winning or losing. of great focus. That includes RivWe all win by working together.” er Forest’s growing relationship In the village trustee race, Lisa with Maywood.

Gillis (1,770 votes, 28.4 percent), Strengthening already positive Respicio Vazquez (1,615 votes, CATHY ADDUCI interactions with neighboring 25.9 percent) and Ken Johnson Oak Park is important too, said (1,456 votes, 23.3 percent) were Adduci, as is developing deeper connections elected to fill three open trustee seats in Rivwith Forest Park and Elmwood Park, which er Forest. Johann Buis, who came in fourth, also neighbor River Forest. trailed Johnson by only 56 votes.

Adduci said she’s also excited about deGillis, a 23-year resident, raised three chilvelopment in the village, including on the dren in town and brings over 30 years of corner of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue, advertising and business experience to the where environmental remediation is finally board. She currently serves as chair of the finished. Making the area safe and cleaning River Forest Sustainability Commission, it up was always the goal for the property, has been a member of the Oak Park-River Adduci said. Debate over the project con- Forest Infant Welfare Society for over 20 tinued Monday at the village board where years and is an adjunct professor and lecthree members demanded additional infor- turer at Dominican University. She plans to focus on COVID recovery, equity and inclumation on the development.

Adduci also stated that the village will sion, and affordability.

Ken Johnson, a 15-year resident, raised look at “meaningful development” at Lake Street and Park Avenue, and she said she’s two daughters in town. Johnson has pracexcited to see economic growth on both ticed law for over 25 years and opened his own firm in 2003. Johnson wants to see North Avenue and Madison Street.

the village continue to be “one of the most desirable places to live in the Chicagoland area” and plans to focus on community engagement and ensuring the long-term economic success of River Forest.

Respicio “Res” Vazquez, the only incumbent in the race, will serve a second term as a village trustee. He plans to focus on COVID recovery, equity and inclusion, and maintaining the financial stability of the village.

In the contested race for two seats on the River Forest Park District Board of Commissioners, Mike Grant (1,576 votes, 33.4 percent) and Carl Bade (1,316 votes, 27.9 percent) were victorious over Brad West (990 votes, 21 percent) and incumbent Mark Brown (831 votes, 17.6 percent).

Three candidates sought two positions as River Forest Library trustees. The winners were Ann Berens (1,856 votes, 45.7 percent) and Cathryn Ruggeri (1,171 votes, 28.8 percent). Katherine Bevan received 1,039 votes.

Small hitch preserves win D90 candidate Scott Hall’s for library board candidate votes will not be certified

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The results of the April 6 election stirred confusion when voters elected Saria Lofton to the fourth open seat on the Oak Park Public Library board of trustees. Lofton announced she had withdrawn from the race March 3, after the deadline had passed to have her name removed from the ballot.

Seeking to clear up the uncertainty, the Illinois Board of Elections told Wednesday Journal that Lofton has indeed won the election as she failed to have her withdrawal notarized, rendering it invalid.

“We don’t have any evidence that Lofton filed a binding written notarized withdrawal. So Lofton would be certified as the winner,” said Frank Herrera, communications director for the Cook County Clerk’s office.

A written notarized withdrawal of candidacy is required by law to formally withdraw as a candidate, according to Herrera. Without evidence of notarization, Lofton’s withdrawal is considered verbal and insufficient.

Lofton received 17.78 percent of votes April 6, according to unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk. Voters opted to re-

elect incumbents Sarah Glavin and Matt Fruth, who will serve a fifth term. Glavin and Fruth received 22.23 percent and 22.35 percent respectively. Literature professor Madhurima Chakraborty snagged the highest number of votes at 22.97 percent. Peter Prokopowicz landed in fifth place, with 14.61 percent.

Herrera confirmed that the library’s situation differs from that of River Forest’s District 90 as Scott Hall, whom voters elected, had his withdrawal properly notarized.

The occupancy of the fourth library trustee seat hinges on Lofton, who refused to give an indication on whether she intends to serve in the position to which she was elected or to resign.

“At this time, I don’t have a comment,” Lofton told Wednesday Journal Monday. “I don’t have anything to say at this time.”

When asked why she had tried to withdraw and if her situation had changed, Lofton responded, “No comment.”

Lofton’s seat will not go to Prokopowicz by default if she decides against serving.

“If Lofton chooses not to take the oath of office then the board would have authority See LIBRARY on page 12

Cook County Clerk’s office says candidate officially withdrew prior to election

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

Scott Hall, the River Forest District 90 elementary school board candidate, will not have his votes certified on April 27, according to the Cook County Clerk’s office Director of Communications Frank Herrera.

Herrera told Wednesday Journal on April 8 that Hall filed an official withdrawal of candidacy before the election but after the clerk’s office had time to remove his name from the ballot.

Prior to this communication from Herrera, it was uncertain whether Hall had simply announced he was no longer running or had officially pulled out of the election.

The latter is the case.

“Based on the fact that he withdrew his candidacy before the election, these unofficial votes will not be made official,” wrote

Herrera.

On March 25, Hall announced he had suspended his run for one of four seats on River Forest’s elementary school D90 board, but his name was still on the ballot, and he received the third highest number of votes out of the five candidates.

Katie Avalos (1,769 votes, 23.8 percent) took the lead in the race, followed by Stacey Williams (1,710 votes, 23 percent). Hall (1,478 votes, 19.9 percent) narrowly led Nicole Thompson (1,456 votes, 19.6 percent).

Newcomer Sarah Eckmann received 1,032 votes or 13.6 percent.

Since Hall’s votes won’t be counted, Eckmann will join the D90 school board. Incumbents Avalos, Williams and Thompson were reelected. Other board members are Cal Davis, Rich Moore and Barb Hickey, whose terms expire in 2023.

When Hall announced his departure from the race, he said he was withdrawing after he and his family were harassed.

Subsequently he resigned a volunteer role in the schools after allegations arose that he had misused a parent database in his campaign.

Hall could not be reached for comment.

12

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Join Us in Celebrating 35 Years!

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Support the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. Become a member today.

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Event details and more at fopcon.org

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Challengers lead Triton race

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

With nearly all votes tallied – some mailin ballots are still outstanding — two Triton College challengers are leading races for open board seats.

In the three-person race to fill the last two years of a board seat vacated last year, challenger Norma Hernandez led appointed In 2020, Jennings challenged sitting Conincumbent Lisa Bickel by roughly 100 votes gressman Danny K. Davis in the 7th District — 11,884 to 11,989.

Congressional race. Running as an IndepenMeanwhile, challenger Carodent, Jennings garnered more lyn R. Wilhight has 22.19 percent than 19,000 votes. of the vote, or 6,443 votes.

“I think the Congressional run In the four-person race for two gave me the tools I needed to run full-term seats on the Triton this race,” Jennings said. “That board, challenger Tracy Jenwas one of the greatest experinings, a Westchester pastor and ences of my life, to be honest — former Congressional candidate, just understanding how to break is well ahead of the pack. a district down and really use As of April 13, Jennings had social media.” around 33 percent of the vote, or Jennings said his son, Reggie 18,043 votes, far ahead of powerJennings, handled his social meMARK STEPHENS ful Triton Board Chairman Mark dia campaigning, which he said Stephens, who had 26 percent of made the difference. the vote, or 14,252 votes. Incum“My opponents were getting bent board member and Oak yard signs and I couldn’t afford to Park attorney Luke Casson was do that, so I ran on Facebook and trailing Stevens by just 46 votes.

Instagram. We got lots of feedback Challenger Andrew Charles from residents in places like NorKopinski had around 14 percent ridge, Park Ridge and Rosemont.” of the vote, or 7,548 votes.

Jennings said, if his lead holds When reached by phone late and he’s elected to the Triton Tuesday, Jennings said he was board, the first thing he’ll do cautiously optimistic about the is “spread the message of how LUKE CASSON results and wasn’t taking a victovaluable Triton is. I don’t think a ry for granted. He said his strong lot of people in our district really showing stemmed, in significant part, from understand how valuable Triton is in being able to afford a college education.” his Congressional run.

LIBRARY from page 11 to appoint a replacement until the next election,” said Herrera.

Fruth, who currently serves as board president, told Wednesday Journal it was his understanding that Lofton does not intend to take the oath of office.

The board has the authority to appoint anyone they deem suitable for the position.

“They have the option of course of appointing the next highest vote getter but not a legal obligation to do so,” said Herrera.

The library board has received over two dozen emails from the community about the situation, according to Fruth.

“I would say that all of them have asked us to not appoint Peter,” said Fruth.

Prokopowicz has received public criticism for posting racially insensitive jokes on social media at a time when the United States has seen a surge of hate crimes against

Asian-Americans, including the shooting of six Asian women in Atlanta last month.

His most recent joke came April 8 in a private Facebook group for Oak Park fathers.

After Prokopowicz stated in the group his unfamiliarity with the procedure of filling library trustee seats in the event of a candidate withdrawal, a group member asked whether he had any new Asian jokes. Prokopowicz posted another Asian-themed response.

Wednesday Journal has reached out to Prokopowicz for comment.

Library policies and board bylaws do not provide a formal process by which the library board must appoint a trustee, according to Fruth.

While Fruth stated Prokopowicz would not be excluded from board consideration if Lofton resigns, the remarks about Asian people may factor into whether Prokopowicz is appointed.

“It would be hard for me to imagine that people on the board would be able to not take that into account.”

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

13

Student-made video plugs Conservatory reopening OPRF sophomores create immersive film experience

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., recently leveraged the cinematic talents of Oak Park and River Forest High School students to announce that they’re back and open to the public.

In February, a crew of three OPRF video production students, under the guidance of film teacher John Condne, shot and edited a three-minute video that the Conservatory uploaded to its website last month.

Twin brothers Joey and Jake DiMaso, 16, teamed up with student Louise Calkins to make the video, titled, “Adventure at the Oak Park Conservatory.” The three budding filmmakers, all sophomores, created a short but immersive experience, particularly for viewers who have never been inside of the Conservatory.

“I used to go the Conservatory as a child and going back there to shoot was very nostalgic,” said Jake.

“Mr. Condne was able to bring a lot of really great equipment to the set,” said Joey, “and having the Conservatory as a venue was really great.”

Patti Staley, the director of Horticulture/Conservatory Operations, said the video was made possible by a grant that the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FPP) received from the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation Future Philanthropists Program.

Photo provided

AROUND THE WORLD: OPRF video students created a video tour of the Oak Park Conservatory.

“In meeting with our FPP team in the winter, the OPRF student leaders suggested we create a video to help promote tours to schools/students for when we can offer the program again,” Staley said. “They suggested we work with students to continue the mission of engaging youth.”

Judy Klem, FPP’s executive director, said she hopes the film can also attract visitors from communities beyond Oak Park.

“We are hoping to reach out to underserved communities and offer a grant to cover the cost of busing to bring students in for a tour of the conservatory,” she said.

Those target communities include Austin, Maywood and Berwyn.

During the pandemic, all school tours, along with a lot of other programming, were put on hold, Staley said.

“The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory saw a need and desire to expand the opportunity for school tours to students outside of Oak Park, but the cost of renting a bus was prohibitive,” she added. “We wanted to overcome this barrier by offering a grant to cover the cost of the bus and invite students from surrounding communities to experience the Oak Park Conservatory and this enriching tour.”

Klem said FPP and Conservatory members are building the structure of the bus grant program and hope to launch it in the coming months. Anyone interested in contributing to the grant program can contact Klem at director@fopcon.org.

Twins Joey and Jake DiMaso said the experience provided them with a platform to showcase their skills and to engage their growing passion for filmmaking. The brothers have a YouTube channel called DiMaso Studios, which includes some of their work and they also wanted to stress that they’re in the market for more.

“If any local businesses or individual people need any videography work, they can contact our work email at dimasostudios@gmail.com,” Joey said.

For more information on the Conservatory, visit: pdop.org/parks-facilities/oakpark-conservatory or call 708-725-2400. And to watch the video, visit: fopcon.org/schooltours-and-kits.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Vape products included in prescription takeback day Dispose of meds, vape pods and more at Oak Park Township

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

As part of National Prescription Takeback Day, the Oak Park Township will now accept vaping products as well as unwanted and expired medications on April 24.

“Maybe there’s some youth out there who wants to ditch their vape. This would be a good way to do that,” said Kelly O’Connor, Oak Park Township prevention services manager.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., April 24, drop by the main township office on Oak Park Avenue and drop off old medications, as well as vaping paraphernalia, including collecting JUUL pods, vape pens and cartridges. Hypodermic needles will not be accepted.

“Like the opioid epidemic, the vaping epidemic is alive and well,” said O’Connor. “We still have a lot of kids who are getting addicted to nicotine through vaping devices. We’re just trying to encourage and bring awareness to that issue

as well.”

The vaping products and medications will be safely disposed of, preventing the drugs from being misused, leading to accidental poisonings or overdoses.

A program coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Prescription Takeback Day happens twice a year in spring and fall. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last spring’s prescription takeback day was canceled.

Once everything has been collected, Oak Park police pick up the haul of deposited drugs.

The haul is then weighed and recorded. That number is added to the DEA’s national database, which shows the total weight of drugs collected throughout the country.

The DEA recorded 492.7 tons of prescription medicine collected across 4,587 participating sites for last October’s National Prescription Takeback Day. Oak Park’s contribution was a collected 85 pounds, according to O’Connor.

This is the first year the DEA is including vaping products in the National Prescription Takeback Day collection efforts.

“People complain a lot that those little cartridges are strewn about through parks and alleys,” said O’Connor.

Instead of littering or tossing them in the trash, bring vaping paraphernalia to the township.

“E-cigarettes and vape pens can contain lead, mercury and often lithium-ion batteries,” said O’Connor. “These materials can become toxic to humans and animals.”

If littered, the sweet smells coming off of fruit-flavored vaping cartridges could entice unsuspecting squirrels and small children, O’Connor believes.

“They do leak,” she said. “The liquid that’s in them has a lot of nicotine in it so you shouldn’t necessarily be touching them because it does absorb into your skin.”

The township will also be giving away drug deactivation kits and medicine lockboxes to keep drugs safely out of the reach of curious hands. Many of the kits and lockboxes were donated by the Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest and The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI).

O’Connor invites all to participate in National Prescription Takeback Day by swinging by the township April 24.

Those who can’t make it can still dispose of their medications and vaping products by dropping them off at either the Oak Park or River Forest police stations as both serve as prescription drug collection sites.

14

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Unity Temple’s minister, Alan Taylor, leaving after 18 years Points to growing Community of Congregations, West Side alliances among accomplishments

Park and that thanks to one year of paid leave provided by the congregation’s board he will use the time to discern where he is being called in the next stage of his ministry.

Looking back at the 18 years he has been Unity Temple’s senior minister, he said he was most proud of two things. “First, my

By TOM HOLMES efforts to cultivate the relational networks Contributing Reporter that have developed both within UTUUC (Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist ConLast week Rev. Alan Taylor sent a letter to gregation), among the Community of Conthe members of Unity Temple announcing gregations, and in the wider community his coming departure after 18 years in the that have led to strong new pulpit of the Frank Lloyd connections and partnerWright landmark. “After ships among the greater considerable reflection and West Side of Chicago. prayer, I have decided to One example of the relastep down as your senior tionships Taylor built with minister at the end of June. pastors and congregations My last Sunday in the pulin Austin is a rally a few pit will be June 13, 2021.” years ago at a Chicago poTaylor said he is not leavlice department precinct ing Unity Temple for anstation on the West Side in other congregation as often which a coalition of Oak happens in pastoral tranPark and West Side church sitions. “I’m leaving,” he members rallied to protest said, “because after nearly police violence. two decades of leadership, Taylor approached the you will benefit from new line of officers standing energy and fresh perspective — and I am in need of between the protestors REV. ALAN TAYLOR a period of renewal and disand the police station with cernment about my future. a basket of apples. As he My ministry among you gave an apple to each offihas been deeply rewarding cer, he said that a few “bad and meaningful, and now is apples” can give a bad image to the mostly a time for a new ministry to take hold and good apples in the department. grow among you.”

In a recent interview Taylor recalled the Taylor said he will still be living in Oak incident and mentioned two leading West

“I’m proud of ... the opportunity to lead a progressive faith community through spiritual reflection, dynamic growth, and the anxiety that came with dealing with a crumbling historical landmark.”

SHOOTING

Suspect charged from page 1 The officer returned fire on Rosa, who sustained two shots to his leg, according to Oak Park spokesman David Powers.

“This incident illustrates the dangerous and unpredictable challenges officers face each and every day as they serve and protect our community,” said Oak Park Police Chief LaDon Reynolds in a village news release.

“The prevalence of firearms and the ease with which they can be obtained makes being a police officer a risky profession. But many still choose to serve because of their dedication and desire to make a difference by literally putting their lives on the line for the greater good. I salute the officer wounded in this incident and wish him – and his family – a speedy recovery from this traumatic experience.”

Both the officer and Rosa were transported to Loyola Medical Center with non-

life-threatening injuries. The officer, whose name has not been released, was released from the hospital’s care April 10 and is recovering at home. At last report, Rosa was still recovering in the hospital.

Forest Park Deputy Police Chief Ken Gross said the altercation began as a domestic disturbance call on the 900 block of Thomas Avenue in Forest Park. It is believed that the offender took his girlfriend’s car, which he was driving when police stopped him.

The last time an Oak Park officer was shot during active duty was 1983, per Powers.

After the shooting, the suspect was in stable condition and the officer was in “stable but serious condition,” according to Sergeant Christopher “Joey” Watson of the Illinois State Police.

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force (PITF) is handling the investigation into the use of force by an Oak Park police officer early April 8, after a shooting occurred between the driver of a vehicle and the officer.

Dan Haley contributed reporting

File photo

Rev. Alan Taylor Side pastors, Rev. Ira Acree and Rev. Marshall Hatch, who were present at the protest and with whom he has done advocacy work for many years.

Taylor said he not only added his leadership to the work in Austin but learned important things from his colleagues there.

Acree, he said, told me that this wasn’t really about good cops and bad cops but that we need to concentrate on the bigger problem which is racism, and that the police are merely “the gate keepers” of the racist system.

“The second thing I’m proud of,” Taylor said, “is the opportunity to lead a progressive faith community through spiritual reflection, dynamic growth, and the anxiety that came with dealing with a crumbling historical landmark — a journey that led to the restoration of Unity Temple, the building of the Unity Temple Community Center, and a vital congregation that has pivoted so incredibly well during the pandemic.”

Taylor used the word “intense” to summarize his 18 years of ministry in Oak Park. Using the metaphor of a juggler, he was keeping three balls in the air: serving the congregation as its pastor, maintaining a very, what he refers to as, public ministry of advocacy, and working around the major

restoration of their building at 875 Lake St. which just happens to be a World Heritage Site.

Unity Temple’s board of directors sent out a companion letter in which they noted that “consistent with our bylaws and the Unitarian Universalist Association’s guidelines, we are working with the association to begin a process to search for an interim minister. . . .”

The board in its letter to Unity Temple members said, “We share with you our immense gratitude and appreciation for his leadership over the last 18 years, a time of enormous growth and change for our congregation. During his tenure, we have cultivated our beloved community, restored our building, acquired new real estate, identified our core values and mission, expanded our social justice mission, and more than doubled in membership. It has truly been a golden age!”

Taylor ended his letter to the congregation by saying, “There will be plenty of opportunities between now and the end of June for us to say our goodbyes. I am available for walks, meals, Zoom calls, visits, and small group gatherings. I look forward to meaningful conversations reflecting on our shared life together. In peace and love.”

Visit us online at www.OakPark.com

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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15

C R I M E

New Life Ministries church burglarized New Life Ministries Church of God in Christ, 634 N. Austin Blvd., was burglarized by an unknown person or persons who shattered a basement window to gain entry into the church between 10 a.m., April 7 and 1 p.m., April 8. Once inside, the burglar or burglars removed speakers from the sanctuary inside the church. Police estimate the loss of the speakers at $800.

Theft

Criminal damage to property

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a 2018 Ford E450 while parked in the 6900 block of West North Avenue between midnight, March 26 and 12:26 p.m., April 6.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a Toyota Prius while parked in the 100 block of West Harrison Street between 11 p.m., April 5 and 8 a.m., April 6.

Someone damaged the front windshield of a 2018 Hyundai Sonata while parked in the 6300 block of Roosevelt Road between 11:30 p.m., April 2 and 1:10 a.m., April 3. Estimated damage is $500.

Burglary ■ Someone broke into a residence and removed eight rings from a bedroom between midnight, March 23 and 1:07 p.m., April 6 in the 400 block of North Harvey Avenue. The estimated loss is $8,000.

■ Someone broke into a detached residential garage and removed multiple electric tools, an air compressor, floor jack, hedge trimmer and a lawn mower between 10 p.m., April 1 and 7:30 a.m., April 2 in the 500 block of North Taylor Avenue. The estimated loss is $2,035.

■ Someone pried open the rear alley security gate of a Duffy Construction Co. construction site, broke into the construction office and took a laptop computer, radio and circular saw between 7 p.m., April 1 and 6 a.m., April 2 in the 800 block of South Oak Park Avenue. The estimated loss is $3,000.

■ Someone broke into a residential garage and took two bicycles, a lawn mower, an air compressor and multiple electric power tools between 7:30 a.m., March 27 and 8:30 p.m., April 1 in the 700 block of North Elmwood Avenue. Estimated loss is $3,370.

■ A bicycle was removed from a detached residential garage in the 900 block of South Austin Boulevard between 6 p.m., April 7 and 4:13 p.m., April 8. The estimated loss of the bicycle is $450.

■ Someone broke into a parked 2017 Hyundai Tucson and removed $40 in cash from the victim’s wallet left in the vehicle between 3 p.m., April 5 and 7 a.m., April 7 in the 400 block of North Humphrey Avenue.

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These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports April 5 – April 12 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. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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ART BEAT

A year of firsts for OPRF violist Bryce Kayser

By MICHELLE DYBAL

F

Arts Editor

or high school seniors, this past year has been anything but ordinary. But for Bryce Kayser, class of 2021 at Oak Park and River Forest High School, this year has been somewhat extraordinary.

Bryce plays viola, and though learning remotely sent music-making into isolation, he played on, even when he felt unmotivated and struggled last spring and summer. But he pushed forward, knowing he had to work on audition music for his chosen double major for college — viola performance and music education.

“If I didn’t have my college auditions, there was a lot less to look forward to,” Bryce said. “Playing in an orchestra, collaborating with others, chamber ensembles, that sort of thing, is one of my favorite parts of playing viola. And getting to meet new people, performing with them and being able to share a common goal and passion — I think that’s fantastic.” During the pandemic, these types of experiences have rarely existed for any music performer.

Bryce continued to work on his music, however. He practices 2-3 hours a day, and sometimes up to five or six hours, he said.

This perseverance has led to some remarkable experiences.

In March, Bryce became the first AfricanAmerican student to win the OPRF High School Concerto Competition according to records from the past 25 years or longer.

It is his third year competing and first win. He said, “It was one of my goals for high school. I wanted to be a winner at least once, so I’m very thrilled that it came to be.”

The competition, in existence since the 1970s, is hosted by Patrick Pearson, orchestra director, who inherited the competition 18 years ago when he began teaching at the high school. He brings in three outside judges to choose three winners annually.

The winners play at the final concert of the spring semester. A virtual concert is in the works for mid-May this year and Pearson said how the Concerto Competition-winning students will be included is not yet determined. This year’s winners also include Clara Dodge and August Schwob who both play cello.

But that’s not all Bryce has accomplished.

In January, along with eight other musicians from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) and select members of the Chicago Children’s Choir, he performed “Together” with Peter Cottontail and others in a video that aired on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (fb.watch/39e2clxiEG).

It was one of his first experiences playing in a small ensemble and he “thought

it would also be fun to play with a choir,” something he never gets to do. He also had not recorded in a studio before and liked seeing everything “that goes on behind the scenes.” And getting to know more people in the Chicago area was a great opportunity, Bryce said. He was a little scared about it airing on TV, but mostly excited, especially after they wrapped at the studio. His family stayed up late the night the show aired. “It feels great to know there are so many people supporting me,” he said.

Since his freshman year in high school, Bryce has been in the CYSO, which is highly competitive and draws among the best student musicians in Chicago and surrounding communities. By sophomore year, he was in the Symphonic Orchestra, the CYSO’s highest level ensemble. He humbly acknowledged that, as they went back to rehearsing in person on April 11, he is the principal violist.

“Playing with so many other musicians that care and have the same passion and desire as you, it allows for more potential to have fun getting the message of the composer across to the audience,” he said. He has found some of his closest friends among CYSO members.

Bryce also appreciates his time playing in Symphony Orchestra at OPRF under the direction of Pearson. He credits his instructors for influencing his future career path, which is to teach music to high school students.

“Mr. Pearson at the high school; Maestro (Allen) Tinkham, CYSO; my private instructor, Michael Hining — I’m really fortunate to have so many great instructors in my life.

They have made such a profound impact on me,” Bryce said with a smile. “And I want to help other kids have the same great experience I had.”

An adult musician who also takes lessons from the Violin and Viola Studio of Michael Hining, Oak Park, said she has watched

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

A GOOD YEAR: Violist Bryce Kayser didn’t let the pandemic hold him back.

Bryce grow into “a wonderful human being.”

“I have also watched him dedicate himself to the viola,” said Michelle Harton, “with countless hours of practice, persevering to get the right nuance in sound and emotion, the right technique, committed to delivering some of the most beautiful sounds. He has also been my teacher; when we were working on something together, he is sensitive and patient, he has helped me with my viola technique, and willingly, unselfishly helps others.”

Pearson said of his student of the past four years, “He’s fantastic and doesn’t let his talent go to his head. He’s also a typical high school kid and well loved by his peers.”

During those hours-long practice sessions, Bryce takes breaks to “keep the right mindset” and stretches while thinking

about goals for the practice session. Or he may turn to his dog Bear, a 16-pound Bichon Shih Tzu mix to pet him or take him for a walk around Oak Park, where Bryce has lived his whole life, attending Longfellow Elementary and then Percy Julian Middle School. It was as a Longfellow fourth-grader that Bryce first picked up a viola. He began taking lessons in fifth grade and got serious in sixth grade, he said. By high school, he performed in two ILMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) All State Orchestra Festivals and three district festivals, achieved through competitive auditions.

“He’s one of the top musicians in my career,” said Pearson, a veteran orchestra teacher of 32 years.

Bryce begins the next step of his musical journey at the University of Colorado Boulder, this fall.

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

@ @OakPark

17

SPORTS

OPRF girls water polo seeks conference title Cronin leads the way with 13 goals in first three games

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls water polo season was delayed as the Huskies missed two games due to quarantining as a result of COVID-19.

Despite this, the enthusiasm has not been dampened, and coach Elizabeth Perez and her players are thankful to be playing after having last season canceled due to the pandemic.

“It feels amazing to be back,” said Perez, a 1998 OPRF graduate in her 17th year as coach. “We were all ecstatic for a season, even with precautions, because it’s better than no season at all.”

Seniors Rory Cronin and Adeline Kosterman are expected to supply offensive firepower for OPRF. Other top returning players include seniors Lauren Fricker, Beverly Lundeen, Annabelle Richert and Jasmine Wood.

Newcomers Regan Mary Cronin and Ashby Steward-Nolan are expected to make an impact on the Huskies, whose strengths are intelligence and defense according to Perez.

Above all else, Perez wants her team to enjoy this season, which is a healthy perspective given the circumstances.

“Our players want to have fun, which makes sense if you look at last season being lost,” she said. “They realize that the team aspect is more important than winning, but we also do want to be competitive.”

The West Suburban Silver is one of the area’s more competitive conferences for water polo. OPRF should be in contention for the title, along with Lyons Township and York.

“We should be formidable competition for both of those teams and hopefully win some, if not all of those contests,” Perez said.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

STONEWALLED: OPRF senior Annabelle Richert looks for her shot through a sea of Lyons Township defenders’ arms during the Huskies 16-6 loss last week in Western Springs.

OPRF is off to a 1-2 start. On April 6, the Huskies opened with a convincing 12-5 victory over visiting Morton. Rory Cronin was dominant, tallying 7 goals and 5 assists against the Mustangs, while goalie Regan Mary Cronin made 14 saves.

On April 8, OPRF fell 16-6 at Lyons Town-

ship. Rory Cronin paced the Huskies with three goals for the evening. Then on April 10, OPRF lost 12-6 to host Hinsdale Central, getting another three goals from Rory Cronin and 15 saves from Regan Mary Cronin.

Regardless of the season’s outcome, Perez feels her team has grown mentally as a re-

sult of the adversity of the past year.

“My players have handled the uncertainty and extra precautions extremely well, even in light of the recent quarantine,” she said.

The Huskies’ next matches are scheduled for April 13 at York and April 15 at home versus Hinsdale South.

OPRF softball looks to contend for WSC-Silver title

Metzger, Grant look to provide 1-2 punch on mound, at plate

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Entering his 29th year as OPRF softball

coach Mel Kolbusz has seen more than his fair share of successes and disappointments. But he felt especially bad for five players from the Class of 2020 who lost their final season of high school softball.

That’s why he was excited when word came there would be a season this spring, along with a state tournament. And the Huskies should field another solid team, despite not being as experienced as recent editions.

Kolbusz will rely on two seniors with four years of varsity experience: Cassie Metzger (Washington University of St. Louis recruit) and Maddie Grant (Louisville signee) to lead the way.

“Cassie is a hard-working leader who is a student of the game,” he said. “She has all the pitches and has improved every season.

Maddie is a power hitter who also hits for average and has the best hands of any first

baseman I’ve ever had.”

Seniors Emma Brandt and Alex Prouty join Metzger to form what should be a good mound trio for the Huskies.

“We should have a solid pitching staff with the three seniors who will each get innings as we match up with our opponents,” said Kolbusz.

See SOFTBALL on page 18

18

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

SOFTBALL

Glad to be back from page 17 Juniors Lucy Goodwin and Sydney Ross are also returning veterans from 2019, and Kolbusz feels they will play key roles again.

“Lucy is a solid catcher who has improved her hitting greatly,” he said. “Sydney is a power hitter who should be our leading infielder.”

Other players seeking to make contributions are seniors Olivia Baig, Rachel Hartman, Jessica Kohlenberger and Bella Reniva.

“I’m confident our hitting will be a strength,” Kolbusz said. “It’s very early but we’re getting some great swings and at-bats in practice.”

Year in and year out the West Suburban Silver is one of Chicagoland’s top conferences and this spring should be no different.

OPRF should contend for the title along with Downers Grove North, Lyons Township and York. And while the goals every season are to make constant progress and be in state championship contention, Kolbusz has one specific goal for the program given the circumstances of the past year.

“This year more than ever, I want the players to have fun and enjoy every minute of just playing the sport they love with their teammates and making memories they’ll have

S P O R T S

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forever,” he said. “They have done an outstanding job with all the different challenges they’ve faced throughout this crazy year.”

The Huskies begin their season April 19 at Proviso West.

Young Friars seek success Fenwick softball coach Sarah James was hopeful this season would be played and is thankful the state was able to bring the number of COVID-19 cases down to the point where practices and games could begin. But she felt bad for her 2020 seniors.

“It literally feels like yesterday was the last day I spoke to the 2020 team,” James said. “We had 10 seniors, all of whom I assisted on junior varsity and became their head coach [on varsity] in 2019. I’ll never forget them as they were, and we all had a great run.”

At the same time, however, the Friars are trying to focus on not what they’ve lost, but rather the blessings that they have.

And despite the losses to graduation, Fenwick has reason to be optimistic about another successful campaign this spring, thanks to four-year varsity players Mary Barshop and Ellie Young.

“People think [Barshop] is human, however, most do know she’s an actual cannon,” said James of Barshop, a catcher and first baseman who batted. 417 and had a fielding percentage of .986 as a sophomore. Young is a shortstop who batted .385 in 2019 and will

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

UP AND COMING: Sophia Kruszewski is one of four Fenwick sophomores looking to make an impact in the Friars’ lineup this spring. be a strong presence on the field.

James also has high hopes for another 2019 returnee in junior first baseman/outfielder Maddie Krzak.

“She’s a big hitter who can play anywhere,” James said. “She’s always mentally prepared and is the biggest team player who

will always be there.”

Fenwick has four sophomores who look to make an impact this spring in Allison Arispe, Sophia Kruszewski, Taila Lorenzo and Maya Stathas. James describes them as interchangeable with the ability to play several positions, which will be important

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Here’s the deal. The right insurance should Colin“Jessica Fane, Agent is attending Ball State in the fall.

as the Friars develop.

“You might think they would be nervous stepping up to varsity after totally missing their freshman year,” James said. “This class is very fired up, competitive and welcome the challenge with open arms.”

With teams like Montini and Providence around, the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference promises to be highly competitive. But James believes Fenwick can achieve lofty objectives this spring.

“We always set one accomplishment at a time, yet setting a high goal is important.

We want the state title,” said James. “We’re focusing on going undefeated in the conference, defending the regional championship, then moving on to sectionals.”

Fenwick begins the season April 17 with a home contest against Whitney Young at the Dominican Priory in River Forest.

She simply Street is one of the 212 S Marion Fl best G players in the state,” Osborne said of the four-year varsity Oak Park, 60302 starter. IL “Danielle is a great hitter and our number one pitcher to begin the year.”

Bus: 708-383-3163 Sophomore Eleanor Flores, a transfer www.colinfane.com from Guerin, and freshman Kendall Hynes are expected to have an impact on Trinity Monday & Friday 9am-5pm this spring and fall right in the middle of the lineup.

Tues/Wed/Thurs 9am-7pm “We have a ton of power in the middle of Saturday 9am-12pm our lineup,” said Osborne. “My first time

around, we broke the team home run record twice, and it’s been done twice more since I left. The bats will be strong for us” Predicting the winner of the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference is difficult to do because no one knows how the teams will react to being off for almost two years. But Osborne does know the league is tough from top to bottom.

“Montini and Mother McAuley are always strong,” he said. “Marian Catholic is probAfter enjoying a successful run from 1997 ably going in as the best team in our conferthrough 2016, which featured 12 regional ence; it’s probably the best in the state and titles, three sectional championship and a it’s a real challenge. I’m trying to rebuild my runner-up finish in the 2010 IHSA Class 3A program and get it back to where it was besoftball tournament, Bob Osborne has re- cause I expect to play at the highest level.” turned as head coach for the Blazers.

Osborne wants his players to be proud of “I had been coach for 19 seasons but need- being back on the field, but he also wants ed to take time off for family reasons,” said them to think about being Blazers again, Osborne. “Last year, I went to [now-closed] and not part of travel teams.

State Farm He expects Trinity to have expectations Guerin Prep to assist a friend, and when the Trinity job became open in the fall, Bloomington, I gave andILwants to re-establish a winning culture. the administration a call and we were able “We’ve got to get out of that mentality that 2001290 to work something out.” we’re not good enough,” he said. “It’s hard Now Osborne is cherishing the opportu- to have that mindset when you have four nity for his team to see action. coaches in four years, but you’ve got to get “These girls haven’t played for two years, them to trust you and your system. We were and it would be a shame not to get a season great in the past because we worked hard in,” he said. and not just because of our talent, and it’s The Blazers do have potential to be a good important to get back to that.” team this spring, led by the Hoffman sisters Trinity opens its season April 15 at Niles -- senior Jessica and junior Danielle.

North.

Osborne back as Trinity skipper

OPRF football hangs on for win over Downers North The Oak Park and River Forest High School football team fended off a late comeback attempt by the host Downers Grove North by intercepting a pass at the goal line as time expired to secure a 14-7 victory.

Jack Landis was the offensive star for OPRF (3-1), running for a 3-yard touchdown in the first quarter and then finding Eric Locke for a 3-yard touchdown pass in the second as the Huskies built a 14-0 lead.

Downers North quarterback Sam Reichert connected with Ethan Thulin for a 48-yard score with 3:48 remaining in the contest. After holding the Huskies on the ensuing possession, the Trojans (1-1) drove to the OPRF 31-yard line with 7 seconds left. But a false start penalty pushed the Trojans back five yards, then Reichert’s desperation heave was picked off by Locke to seal the win for

the Huskies.

OPRF will face York April 16 in its home finale. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Oak Park Stadium.

Fenwick downs St. Patrick Fenwick’s backup quarterbacks took center stage April 10 at Triton College, and the spotlight didn’t intimidate them at all.

Sophomore E.J. Hosty threw for two touchdowns while senior Nick Polston -- in a wildcat role -- scored two more on short rushes as the Friars (1-2) defeated host St. Patrick 31-13. The win marks Matt Battaglia’s first victory as Fenwick head coach.

The Friars host Leo April 16, with kickoff set for 7:30 at Triton College.

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Melvin Tate

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Our goal is 2,021 members for Growing Community Media during our Spring Campaign for Democracy And now we have a $10,000 match to make the race interesting!

Longtime readers Marilyn and Dale Fitschen and Sally and Lou Nieto have pooled their donations to convince you this is the moment to join the campaign for our independent community newsroom.

In a democracy, there’s room for all opinions. Liberal. Conservative. Coffee. Tea. Print and digital.

So whether you vote in person or by mail, whether you read Wednesday Journal print or online, we need you to become a member to keep the news coming.

We cover seven neighborhoods from Oak Park to Austin to Forest Park to Riverside. Readers like you are stepping up to make sure their community gets the news it needs.

Please become a member at a level that’s right for you.

We have been long time subscribers and readers of Wednesday Journal because it has consistently provided important objective information about our OPRF community which we can’t easily access anywhere else.”

- Sally and Lou Nieto

Donate at www.oakpark.com/donate

Campaign for Democracy All democracy is local

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

OPRF’s Alfred Schoepko: A commemoration

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lfred Schoepko, former OPRF High School teacher and long-term resident of Oak Park, died recently. If you didn’t know him, perhaps Oak Parkers at least saw him for decades at Farmers Market, in bookstores, or just walking down the street. He was a man of action and enthusiasm, seemingly always in a hurry. He didn’t want to waste one minute of life. He was a rare person, not always understood by people around him, but always reaching out and always offering something to others.

As a German teacher, he spent a good portion of our class time with unforgettable wit and jokes.

Whenever it would begin to snow, he rushed to the window of his fourth floor classroom and looked out with a dramatic expression and say, “Fall down you gentle flake!

Cover forest field and lake! The earth white do make! Hey, it rhymes!” This was a ritual and we never tired of it.

He joked (in German) about students who rarely came to class who were “over there at the greasy spoon drinking Coca-Cola.” With this he covered verbs, prepositional phrases and word order grammar rules. Clever and hilarious.

Besides the obligatory grammar, he often made references to great works of art and poetry, and periodically prepared slide shows of breathtaking scenery in German-speaking countries. These slide shows were accompanied by equally breathtaking symphonic music. I will never forget how I felt watching the pictures and hearing the selections he carefully chose. It was transcendent for me and a glimpse into his heart.

ALFRED SCHOEPKO He called our exams “festivities” and the test booklets “programs.”

We all knew that teaching der, die, das was not fulfilling to him. Sharing his love of art, and most of all music, was what energized him.

I recently learned he was choir director at St. Alphonsus Church for 50 years. Eventually he was also the choir director for OPRF’s freshman and sophomore girls’ choir, which was a thrill he could not contain. I was too old to be in that choir but I attended the concerts. His musical knowledge and ability was likely world class. I saw a photo of him with a violin and he also played the piano. “Herr Schoepko,” as everyone called him, sometimes made music recommendations to Bob Fuller, director of the a cappella choir. Among the most beautiful pieces he brought to us was “Pueri concinite”

by Johann von Herbeck. If you haven’t heard it, look it up and listen. Have tissues nearby. He cherished this music. He wanted everyone to have the joy he had while listening to it.

He had a deep knowledge of art history and taught courses and told many jokes about it. In my yearbook, next to his

WINKIE ILIC One View

See ILIC on page 27

VIEWPOINTS

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The Journal can and must do better p. 23

Two Fenwick grads, divergent paths

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he divergent paths my classmate from Fenwick (1958) and I took was triggered recently by watching the critically acclaimed film, Judas and the Black Messiah. It is the story of the betrayal of Fred Hampton, chairperson the Illinois Black Panther Party, by William O’Neil in 1969, which resulted in Hampton’s murder. While watching the film, I had to keep reminding myself that it is fiction, not documentary. Many scenes in the film are not true, at least as I remember the events they recount, and I was there when they happened.

The movie has a great cast: Martin Sheen as J. Edgar Hoover, La Keith Stanford as William O’Neil, and Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton.

Whether true or fictional, it was astounding to me to watch the FBI agent in the film describe the Panthers as the Black counterpart to the Ku Klux Klan.

The movie tells us that the FBI led the raid on Fred Hampton’s apartment, resulting in his death. Having personal knowledge of the event, I know the raid wasn’t led by the FBI. It was carried out by members of the Chicago Police Department, under the direction of the State’s Attorney’s Office. It was Richard Jalovec, an assistant to Edward Hanrahan, the head of the office, who led it. I had graduated from Fenwick High School with Jalovec 11 years before. The irony is that at the same time that Jalovec led the raid, I was helping the Panthers set up a free medical clinic on the West Side, a complement to their free breakfast programs setup in various community locations. What divergent paths we had taken by 1969.

Although members of the party, especially in California, were seen as violent revolutionaries, my recollection is that in Chicago the Panthers only used revolutionary rhetoric, not violent action against the establishment.

I assume that State’s Attorneys Hanrahan and Jalovec believed they were violent revolutionaries, hell bent on waging war on the Chicago establishment.

On the contrary, I felt that the young men and women from the party I worked with in setting up the clinic were the “crème of the crop” of the youth on the West Side of Chicago. For example, Ronald “Doc” Satchel, the head Fred Hampton of the clinic, was a nurse at Cook County Hospital. What a contrast between the members of the party and the Vice Lords gang with whom we had to negotiate for a clinic site on its turf. When the Vice Lords asked, “What’s in in it for us?” Doc replied, “We are funding this ourselves to provide free health care to the neighborhood.” After they realized there was no profit in it for them, the Vice Lords completely lost interest.

JOE MCDONALD One View

It is a cruel irony that the momentum for opening the clinic was stifled by the authorities’ incessant harassment of Fred Hampton. It was only after his murder that the momentum quickened, and the clinic opened.

One more thing that is not true in the movie is that it describes a gun battle between the Panthers in their West Side office and the FBI. To my knowledge, it never happened.

I kept forgetting that the movie was fictional not a documentary.

When it showed the location of the Panthers’ office, I said to myself, “That isn’t the office where I met PHOTO BY PAUL SEQUEIRA with Fred Hampton.” The real office was on the second floor of A.A. Raynor’s Funeral Home on West Madison Street. In reality, I don’t know if the building even still exists.

One thing that is not fictional is that, at the moment of the raid in 1969, Richard Jalovec and I had taken very divergent paths.

Joe McDonald is a longtime Oak Park resident and a member of the Fenwick class of 1958.

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Discuss the police

icki Scaman, president-elect of the village of Oak Park, perfectly hit the topic of the defunding police advisory referendum in her post-election interview with the Journal.

“I don’t think a simple question of, ‘Shall we defund the police? Yes or no,’ is enough information to know what the motivation was behind why people voted the way they did,” she said.

Rather, she said, her goal is to bring the soon-to-be reconstituted village board together in conversations among themselves and with the public to discuss public safety, the role of social service agencies in public safety, and steps the police department has taken and needs to take to face down systemic racism.

This is exactly what we’ve called for over the past year. Honest discussion. Likely uncomfortable discussion. And, if done right, most certainly productive discussion about what policing and public safety should look like in Oak Park.

Of course, the police department is not the only place in Oak Park’s village government that needs an equity perspective. Village government has been determinedly behind on issues of equity across the local bodies. Time to have an invigorating discussion and make a genuine equity plan.

We’re confident that Scaman has the skills to lead on this issue, and we see a new board better formulated than the last to bring life to these foundational concerns over equity.

‘We’re all West Siders’

The news this week that Rev. Alan Taylor will leave his post as senior pastor at Unity Temple after 18 years is important to members of that growing congregation. The testament to Taylor is that his plan to take time to discern next steps in his ministry resonates across the faith community in Oak Park, River Forest and the West Side.

Such was the leadership role he played in blowing open the doors of the Community of Congregations, a long stodgy network of Catholic and Protestant ministers and priests from Oak Park and River Forest.

These days the Community of Congregations represents all manner of faith communities. More remarkably, Taylor and a few humble and brave local faith leaders and West Side ministers have begun to bridge the chasm between the near west suburbs and the Austin and Garfield Park neighborhoods of the city.

That effort began to flower six years ago when Taylor, Rabbi Max Weiss of Oak Park Temple and Rev. Sally Iberg, now retired from Pilgrim Congregational, accepted the invitation of Rev. Ira Acree and Rev. Marshall Hatch, two leading West Side pastors, to join a healing service at Hatch’s New Mount Pilgrim Church in the dizzying wake of the mass murder of congregants in a famed South Carolina church.

Those five faith leaders, and members of their congregations, gathered in the magnificent sanctuary of New Mount Pilgrim and found common cause that day, and the alliance has grown and deepened.

It was 18 months ago, that the Community of Congregations held its annual Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service at New Mount Pilgrim.

To a packed house, Taylor proclaimed, “We’re all West Siders. The transformative power of love [allows us to] build relationships across faiths, races, class and so much that divides us.”

That is a legacy. But only a beginning to the work ahead.

Back to The Lake

Friday night at the Lake? Sounds like a plan.

The iconic movie theater on Lake Street will reopen April 15 after a year of COVID dictated closure. Chris Johnson, CEO of the familyowned chain, says The Lake is back for good. No ebbs and flows of the pandemic will shutter its seven screens again, he says.

So whether you are ready to gather inside again (in a theater abiding by all safety and capacity precautions) or not ready quite yet, it lifts the heart to see this essential piece of Oak Park life coming back to life.

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Getting to know Hemingway

he full story has finally been told.

The fullest to date anyway. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick have looked at Ernest Hemingway from both sides now in the threepart series, Hemingway, which aired on PBS last week.

While he was alive, the story was of a larger-than-life, high-living, celebrity author. Since his death, he has become a symbol of overblown, toxic masculinity.

Because he wrote in simple, declarative sentences, people assumed he was a simple, declarative man. The simplicity of his prose has been mistaken for shallow and his work misjudged as overrated.

This series captures his complexity.

Because he caroused and passionately pursued pleasure, he couldn’t possibly be a disciplined writer and serious artist, could he? But he was up early and writing every morning. The work kept him alive.

“The great thing,” he said, “is to last and get your work done.” Many of those who venture back to his work — and learn more about him — change their mind about Hemingway.

That’s how it was for me. There is a clarity to his writing. You can see the brook trout in the stream.

It’s like reading in sunlight. All the edges are distinct.

Hemingway rose to great heights, and his fall from grace-under-pressure wasn’t pretty. It was his destiny, but his choices certainly accelerated it. His strengths, as a person and a writer, were outsized.

His flaws were enormous and, ultimately, decisive.

Part 3 of the series raises the Hemingway story to the level of classical tragedy, but you need to see parts 1 and 2 for the full effect.

Awareness of the inevitability of death is the thread running through both his writing and his life.

There are no happy endings in Hemingway stories.

He comes closest in A Moveable Feast, a love letter to Paris with an elegiac tone, looking back on youth near the end of life. It was his last great book, written in spite of his advanced decline. Amazing that he could write anything at all at that point.

His fascination with bullfighting in Spain and big-game hunting in Africa, which, understandably, turns many readers off, can only be understood in terms of his obsession with death. What was it about bullfighting that fascinated him enough to write a book-length treatment titled, Death in the Afternoon?

Bullfighting only makes sense as a primal, quasi-religious ritual that incorporates considerable artistry — a ballet of life and death performed by the matador (with help from picadors, who lance the bull, gradually weakening him). Hemingway admired the matadors, but I suspect he identified with the bull — a powerful force of nature, disabled and brought low by a system rigged against him.

An apt metaphor for someone so enormously gifted and enormously cursed, undone by the daggers of his demons: his inherited mental illness, long years of alcoholic self-medication, PTSD from close involvement in three wars, and numerous concussions causing brain damage, including two plane crashes in two days in Africa near the end of his life.

Hemingway’s only surviving son, Patrick, compared his father as he neared the end to Shakespeare’s King Lear, howling on the heath. According to Greek — and Shakespearean — tragedy, a

KEN

TRAINOR

person of high station in life is undone and brought low by his own actions.

That is Hemingway’s life story. Tragedy traditionally plays out against the backdrop of the chorus, a stand-in for the audience, which is not a passive voyeur so much as an active witness to the hero’s demise. The experience instills an elevated form of pity, seasoned by sympathy. When it works, we leave the theater sensitized, more closely in touch with our shared humanity.

Tragedy fails if we leave the story feeling dismissive: “He had it coming,” as the young revenger in Clint Eastwood’s film, The Unforgiven, says after he kills a man. “We all have it coming,” Eastwood

replies.

The end of Hemingway’s story was in many ways pre-ordained, but even in the disintegration and degradation of his last few years, he managed to rise above it with the aforementioned Moveable Feast as well as The Old Man and the Sea, the myth of his life stripped to its bare essentials. He hooked the big fish, but the sharks feasted on it before he got it home. Though easily parodied because of its ultrasimplicity, it tells a great truth about him when the old fisherman, speaking for the author, says in the end, “I went out too far.”

By 1961, Hemingway could no longer write, due partly to electro-shock therapy. Only one form of agency remained and he placed a gun barrel against his forehead and pulled the trigger. The bull became his own matador.

In a Zoom discussion, one of a series of conversations held by Burns and Novick with guest authors and scholars in the weeks before the series ran, author Joyce Carol Oates had this to say: “I think we are expecting something of him that he was not able to provide. … His father had committed suicide. He was deeply insecure. He made out of the material of his life a very beautiful and lasting monument to just getting through it. He lived to be about 62 and then he killed himself. But he might have died much younger. … There is something heroic in these people enduring as long as they did — especially Hemingway, who was haunted by the possibility of dying by suicide all through his life.”

Hemingway himself once said, “I have always [felt] it was more important, or as important, to be a good man as to be a great writer. I may turn out to be neither but would like to be both.”

He wasn’t always a good person, but he was a great writer and he was eminently human. He captured in the “lasting monument” of his work the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful.

When it comes to Hemingway, too many Oak Parkers are indifferent or dismissive, turning a blind eye to the treasure that his growing up here represents. As this series shows, it is worth getting re-acquainted.

It would be easy to reduce Ernest Hemingway to a cautionary tale, but if, in our Greek Chorus, we aren’t moved by the story of his life, or the stories he wrote during his life, then we miss his heroism — as well as the heroism of other tragic figures like Oedipus and Lear.

And we miss the lesson tragedy teaches: that facing the truth — about living and dying — is what makes us truly human.

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The Journal can and must do better

would like to thank Ken Trainor for both his editor’s note and his April 6 response, “A matter of respect,” to my March 31 One View “People of color deserve respectful coverage.” Admitting fault can be uncomfortable so I sincerely appreciate that Mr. Trainor has done so and that he aims to keep working to eliminate “racial insensitivity” within himself.

I cannot ignore, however, that in both responses, each time Mr. Trainor admitted fault and acknowledged that his language was disrespectful, he followed up with a justification of the disrespect. Moreover, Mr. Trainor’s responses repeat, albeit more subtly, some of the same problematic patterns in the Journal’s coverage on race that I discussed in my original One View.

While I could address each of these issues point-bypoint, I do not believe that doing so would be productive. Instead, I’ll just get straight to the main point.

The Journal needs more — and ongoing — equity training. Readers can identify problematic patterns in the paper’s coverage of race, but addressing those patterns in a way that brings lasting progress is a job for professionals with expertise in teaching publications how to recognize, address and excise unconscious bias from their editorial decisions. Additionally, as I stated in my original One View, the Journal needs a clear, standardized, equity-based policy for covering race — something that would make its editorial decisions on racial issues less susceptible to bias.

Unconscious bias is insidious. Without a person

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even being aware of its presence in their mind, such bias permeates how that person thinks, perceives and interacts with the world. In a newspaper, such bias has serious consequences. To understand this, one need only look at the recent fallout over the Journal’s decision to remove a Muslim woman’s comment describing a village trustee as a “white supremacist” on the paper’s Facebook page, only to publish a non-Muslim white man’s response implying that the woman was a terrorist. These microaggressive “slip-ups,” no matter the time between them, the intention behind them, or the remorse following them, leave a wake of tumult.

In his April 6 column, Mr. Trainor wrote, “We can do better. Mostly, I can do better.” I would say that the responsibility of doing better on racial issues does not fall mostly on Mr. Trainor’s shoulders, but that it is shared equally with publisher Dan Haley, who, as I noted in my original One View, has his own history of writing dismissively and paternalistically on race.

Mr. Trainor, Mr. Haley and the Journal as an institution not only can, but must do better. Whether or not the Journal decides to implement ongoing equity training and develop a standardized, equity-based policy for covering race is its choice. But make no mistake about it, it needs them both.

Alisa Robinson is a lifelong Oak Parker who runs the world’s only comprehensive record of Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

ALISA

ROBINSON One View

The air we breathe: A serious health issue

ir pollution is a rising problem that needs to be stopped. It is the presence of chemicals in Earth’s atmosphere that are not a normal part of the atmosphere. In other words, air pollution is contaminated air. This issue is constantly getting worse and worse every day and we need to come together to solve this global problem. If we don’t take action and fix this problem soon, we won’t be able to fix it later.

Air pollution needs to be fixed as soon as possible because it is a serious health issue for people, especially children with respiratory issues. Children need daily ER visits due to the unhealthy air they are breathing. The air we breathe is becoming contaminated and deadly as we release harmful substances into our atmosphere.

“Air pollution” by the Gale Encyclopedia of Science states, “Primary pollutants are those released directly into the air. Some examples include dust, smoke, and a variety of toxic chemicals, such as lead, mercury, vinyl chloride, and carbon monoxide.” These pollutants cause harm and are destroying our environment.

These certain types of pollution can ruin and destroy the air for humans and animals. Dirty and polluted air can lead to death as well and we need to come together to help fix this issue.

There are several ways someone can help out our environment. If people don’t step up and do the right thing this growing issue can get bigger and bigger.

Gale explains a lot of ways a person can step up and help out: “Individuals and households can help reduce automobile emissions by working from home, walking, bicycling, using public transportation, or carpooling. Drivers can choose a low-emission electric or hybrid vehicle, keep tires properly inflated, and regularly maintain their vehicles to limit their environmental impact.”

Changing your lifestyle and doing these things can make a huge difference in the world and help out our environment.

Air pollution is very harmful and dangerous and is killing our planet. Each year millions of deaths occur due to terrible air that is killing people and the environment. According to the Gale article, “Let’s Clear The Air,” “the global estimate becomes 8.8 million, or 15.7 percent of all deaths worldwide.” This shows that air pollution is a major problem and is killing many per year. We can all prevent and save lives together if we control and stop air pollution.

In conclusion, we the people and the government need to help take action and solve this problem. If more people in this world can help out and change the way they live we can help prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths per year and clean our environment.

Helping our environment will make a huge difference in our society and it all starts with help from you.

Ethan Walsh is a student at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

ETHAN WALSH One View

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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 Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Arts Editor Michelle Dybal Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Linda Francis, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea, Debbie Becker Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Growing Community Media 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

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 250-word limit

■ 500-word limit

■ Must include first and last names,

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

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

■ Signature details as at left

your connection to the topic

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

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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.

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Johnson’s efforts for Housing Forward

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

CUSTOMER SERVICE & EQUIPMENT SUPPORT PART TIME Manufacturer of commercial food service equipment in McCook seeks an experienced customer service professional with a mechanical, gas & electrical technical support background.

Please email resume to: marketing@keatingofchicago.com LICENSED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner 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. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than April 16, 2021.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics. 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 no later than April 30, 2021.

PART-TIME CHEF Oak Park Meal Service looking for an experienced part time chef to manage food prep, cooking, cooling & packaging. Day hours, $15+/hour.

Contact Angie via email • angiemontroy@angiespantry.com

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Brandon Johnson as our Cook County Board Commissioner has been a strong advocate for Housing Forward, an organization near and dear to my heart. Brandon has been a consistent advocate for Housing Forward’s vision to end homelessness.

Most recently he helped procure funding for Housing Forward’s permanent supportive housing project in Broadview. He has also consistently supported progressive policies that have directly benefited our clients.

Recently, he received national recognition from the National Low Income Housing Coalition for sponsoring the Just Housing Amendment in Cook County. This amendment gives more than 1 million residents with arrest conviction records in Cook

County a fair chance at securing a home.

The Just Housing Amendment helps address the structural racism that has resulted in the mass incarceration of Black and Brown folks. Most importantly, it helps ensure that a prison record does not result in a life sentence of housing instability or homelessness.

I am proud to support Brandon Johnson and invite you to show your support by attending a virtual fundraising event this Thursday, April 15 at 5 p.m. You can attend or leave a donation by registering at the following site: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brandonjohnson45.

Henry Fulkerson Oak Park

Cap campaign expenditures One of the biggest problems for our government is its plutocratic nature. Money speaks, and you have only to look at our nation’s widening wealth disparity to be convinced of the danger of this situation to societal harmony.

So I was appalled to learn that the campaigns of our two candidates for village president combined to spend about $100,000

on the recent elections (this by their own verbal reports on a Zoom event). I am not the first to wonder how useful this money could have been for spending on the striking needs of our community’s disadvantaged.

Should we not consider capping campaign expenditures, say at $5,000?

James Whalen Oak Park

National Healthcare Decisions Day The COVID-19 crisis has heightened the awareness of mortality for all of us, not just the elderly or people with underlying conditions. April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a day created to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. It is a reminder to make or update our healthcare wishes, our Advance Care Plans, for the end of life.

Advance Care Planning is a process of reflection, documentation and deep discussion of treatment preferences in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. This planning involves the completion of your advance directives, most commonly a living will and the appointment of a Power of Attorney to

act as your health-care decision-maker. This will help ensure that providers honor your wishes for end-of-life care if you cannot speak for yourself.

Compassion & Choices is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the expansion of end-of-life planning and options. Free online resources, including the End of Life Decision Guide and COVID-19 Toolkit, available in English and Spanish, and the Dementia Directive, are available at www.compassionandchoices. org. These simple tools can help people open up these difficult yet important conversations about their end-of-life wishes with family, friends and health-care providers.

Julie Lindblad Iverson Oak Park

Stand up for voting rights We as a people have worked too hard and too long for freedom from slavery, in the past and now as underpaid, unemployed citizens today. We built this country and created, developed, engineered and invented more than can be imagined. These things caused this country to be so far ahead of other countries, and yet we have others who were/are immigrants treating us like we don’t belong.

We deserve the right to vote; our ancestors lost blood and life to get that right.

It took many, many years to reach our

people as a whole to get them to see that, yes, your vote counts. Because it counted so much during this last election, the “privileged” want to take it away again. Jim Crow rises again. We have to stop this. If it takes ending the filibuster, do it. We need to express ourselves to our Congressional representatives and senators the way to did for the president election. Tell them what we mean and what we are no longer willing to give up.

Margaret Parker

V I E W P O I N T S

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The past has a value that money can’t buy

Congratulations to Vicki Scaman on being elected Oak Park’s new, uh, is it back to Village President, rather than Mayor?

How about Boss, akin to Mayor Richard M. Daley during the Cook County Machine heyday? Whatever her title, I am glad she won, primarily because I voted for her. I backed a winner. Good for me. And Vicki. For now, at least.

As for making waves, I’ve been trying to roil the local political water pond by writing in dissent of Oak Park’s years-long transformation from Old Fashioned to Newfangled via all those vertically-gifted, high-density apartment buildings now standing, with more to come. The civic bird of Oak Park has become the construction crane.

Those presiding over village hall have long been trying to figure out how to “modernize” Oak Park. Street malls installed.

Street malls un-installed. Trial and error.

Mostly error, I’d say. Even before the pan-

demic, empty storefronts littered our local landscape.

I read that a new noodle restaurant (with international bona-fides) is coming to town, just up the street from the Marion Street monstrosity that is to be built across from the charming Carleton Hotel. The noodle shop owners cited the many high-rise residences as why they chose the site. Ramen.

Not just for dorm rooms anymore! I figure that epitomizes how local elected officials operate. They want your vote, then ignore your voice afterwards. Right, Carnival?

Sugar Beet? Pleasant District denizens who attended those board hearings to no avail?

Here’s hoping for a new village administration that respects the past as something that has a value that money can’t buy. Or shouldn’t ever be for sale. What’s left of it anyway.

Joseph Harrington Oak Park

Young medical people and their disrespect I had to go to the ER here in Oak Park on Monday because of arrhythmia. I think it was caused by the COVID vaccine.

I was told to go there by my doctor whose office is at Northwestern. They said they would be able to get the EKG report even though it was a different hospital. (That never worked out.)

After waiting for about an hour in a small room after the EKG was done, I opened the door to see if I could find someone to tell me if I was supposed to stay there or go back to the lobby. A very rude young man, who looked at me like I had no right to be breathing, said I was being admitted. I asked for what? What is the diagnosis? He would not say. I said I came here to get the EKG so that my doctor at Northwestern could get the info and tell me what to do next. He just stared at me with a disgusted look on his face.

I said, “Well, I guess I’ll be going to Northwestern ER and this was a waste of time.”

I spent the rest of the day and evening at Northwestern ER. Finally, around 8:30 p.m., after lots of tests, I was released with instructions to follow up with my doctor.

I emailed my doctor, and got a call back from another rude young person. This time a female, who made fun of the fact I wanted an afternoon appointment. I tried to explain it was because of my back. I need to eat and wait for the meds to kick in. She didn’t get it.

Oh, did I mention, I’m a senior and these young people don’t realize that in about 2030 minutes, they will be my age and probably be treated as rudely as I have been unless we fix this “ageism” problem right now.

My taxes have funded their schools, parks, libraries. They need to respect their elders.

How do we teach them?

Peggy Atkins

Oak Park

Kindness unmasked

At the Oak Park Post Office, I was asked to leave my place in line as I forgot my mask in the car. A kindly woman reached into her purse and pulled out a mask so that I did not have to leave and come back. Such kindness is hard to find in most newspapers. I thought you should know.

William Baker Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

25

No rules for spending the $1,400

‘U

ncle Walt, I’m going to use my stimulus check for college in two years.”

Pastor Walter Mitty had driven up to Manitowoc after the Easter service Sunday and was eating dinner with his sisterin-law, Susan, and two nephews, Brian and Matt.

The conversation got around to the $1,400 stimulus checks. “We’re not desperate,” Susan began.

“With what I make working at the bakery and the money I receive from the death benefit from Social Security, we’re OK. Besides, Herman had a good job at Oriental Milling so the house is paid for. But still, the money will help.

I’m going to put it in my checking account as cushion.”

“Mom won’t let me spend all of it,” said Matt pretending to be mad at his mother. “She made me put some of it in the bank, so I only have a hundred to spend on myself.”

“You poor boy,” said Mitty feigning sympathy. “What can you get for a hundred bucks these days?”

Matt laughed then got serious. “So Uncle Walt, what are you going to do with your $1,400?”

“I don’t know, Matt,” he replied. “I don’t need it for anything in particular, so I’m not sure.”

Pastor Walt went to bed early Sunday night, feeling the letdown from the stress of Holy Week responsibilities. His corner of the basement was known as Uncle Walt’s Room because it was where he slept during the year he had taken off to help Susan take care of his brother Herman who was slowly dying of cancer.

Mitty slept till 8, Monday morning, said goodbye to the nephews, stopped in at the Deutsche Backerei where Susan was working, bought two glazed croissants and a Berliner and drove out to Point Beach State Park.

Point Beach — a thousand acres of woods and two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan — is a kind of holy place for Mitty. When he was a kid, he and Herman would hike the trails pretending they were Indians. Now it’s a place where he gets his feet on the ground and his heart in the right place.

When he arrived at the parking lot overlooking the lake, it was raining, so he parked the car and had a glazed croissant and the coffee he had picked up at the coffee shop in Schroeder’s Department Store in Two Rivers.

The sound of the rain on the roof of his car was soothing. The lake was calm. A few seagulls flew by, but everything else was still.

The parking lot was empty, so he felt like he had the woods and the lake all to himself.

Sometimes he found himself staring at the huge expanse of water for half an hour, transfixed by the immensity of it, a powerful part of nature that had been there for hundreds of thousands of years before he was born at Holy Family Hospital and would be there hundreds of thousands of years after his ashes became

part of that nature he loved.

“So Uncle Walt, what are you going to do with your stimulus check?”

Mitty started munching on his second pastry, this time the Berliner. Sitting by the lake with the rain running down his windshield somehow made him think about that question differently than when his nephew asked him about it.

He didn’t need the money. That was one thing he knew for sure.

The thought of buying more things for himself felt like hedonistic gluttony.

If not for himself, then for whom? Michael would sometimes mention tikkun olam, the idea in Judaism that it is a duty to heal the world. “The world certainly needs healing,” thought Mitty.

He finished his Berliner, took another sip of coffee and felt a sense of cozy contentment as he looked out over the lake.

“OK, so it’s my duty to participate in healing the world,” thought Mitty. “But how? Do I fight gun violence by giving $1,400 to the Brady organization to promote gun regulation? Or maybe I should give it all to help pay for reparations in Evanston.”

Mitty liked the feeling of being small, of being an almost insignificant part of the lake and the woods, of definitely not being the center of the universe.

“So what good would my donation do relative to enormity of the racial and economic injustices in our country?” He looked at the lake and laughed at the thought of taking a gallon of water out of the lake to prevent it from rising anymore. A drop out of the bucket.”

And then he thought of Michael again who practiced tithing — 10 percent of your income according to the Torah as a way of giving thanks for a “bountiful harvest.”

He then thought about Zaphne and Bernie Rolvaag trying to keep their heads above water during the pandemic tidal wave. He understood why his sister-in-law would squirrel away the money as a cushion to use if the water heater broke down or her car needed major repairs.

So the check was meant to be a stimulus, right? But how many books could one man buy from Bernie’s bookstore or how many macchiatos from Zaphne could he drink in a year?

He had prayed about it, but the only answer he heard from God was the word “yes.”

As Pastor Mitty gazed back on the one quadrillion gallons of water there in front of him, he concluded that whatever he decided to do with this monetary windfall would be a drop in the lake, so to speak, and that he was in a way burdened with the uneasy freedom to decide how to use it.

And he decided to do a reverse tithe. “That’s it,” he thought, “10 percent for myself, 10 percent to spend on local merchants and the rest to give away.”

Tom Holmes writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.

TOM HOLMES

26

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

27

The Coronavirus Film Festival

I

have watched more movies during the pandemic than I have in probably any three years of my life combined — 107 over the last year.

We started out watching old favorites. Comfort-food movies, the kind you’d always stop on while channel-surfing on a rainy Sunday in November.

That got dull quickly, though, so my wife invented the Coronavirus Film Festival. She’d come up with a few categories: “Disaster,” “Musician in a Non-Musical Role,” “Movie with Clues,” etc. The fam would come up with movies in the categories, write them on slips of paper, throw them into a hat, and pull one when we had a couple hours.

A few reviews:

screen is so otherworldly it is as though she was filmed with special effects. She nearly glows in the dark.

ALAN

BROUILETTE

Some Like It Hot So it turns out classics are classics for a reason. This was my pick from the “AFI Top 100” category and it was awesome. I had been worried. Two things stood out: 1) A movie from 1959 featuring men disguised as women could have aged very, very badly. This one has not. There are no winces in the film that weren’t there in 1959.

2) I had never especially understood the phenomenon of Marilyn Monroe. That is, it turns out, because I had never seen a movie with Marilyn Monroe in it. I get it now. Holy moly. Her presence on the

ILIC

Celebrating Schoepko from page 21 name he included a flower that was half traditional flower and half “modern art” (spoken with a certain tone and his intentionally exaggerated accent), which was one of his favorite punch lines. He kept his colored markers around for just that purpose.

Always on the run, he dashed through the hallways, the top half of his body bent over to increase his speed, urgently heading to his destination while his pocket change jingled with each step. He always offered a Ricola throat lozenge to anyone who wanted one. He was in every way a giver.

When I graduated and started my college days, I returned to OPRF to see old teachers and especially him. He informed me, “with all due respect,” that the a cappella choir in the class of 1986 was actually better than ours in 1985. “All due

Moonstruck, Major League, Planes Trains & Automobiles The movie equivalent of pitching a perfect game is “There is not one wasted second in this film. You cannot alter anything without making the movie lesser.” Three of the four examples from the CFF are listed above.

Titanic This is two movies stapled together: A slightly draggy romance and an amazing disaster movie. I love disaster movies. You could turn the first hour and a half or so into about a 10-minute montage and I would be very happy with it. If I ran across Titanic on TBS while channel-surfing, I would come back right about the time the lookout’s eyes widen.

Tenet Times more couple a Tenet see to need probably I to really grasp whatever the heck that was but goodness was it fun to look at.

Point Break Everything you need to know about Point Break is that Keanu Reeves is an FBI agent on the trail of surfing bank robbers and the case-breaking clue is a butt.

Godzilla (1998) Here’s the thing about this amazing and legendary failure: It’s almost a decent kaiju movie. They got the spectacle, they got the barely-there characters, they got the magnitude, they got the laughable coincidences, they got the scientist no one listens to, they got the military doofus. They just totally whiffed on the one single thing you must get right in a Godzilla movie and that is Godzilla himself. The kaiju is not Godzilla in any way at all. If this movie had been described as “giant velociraptor trashes the Big Apple” and they’d called Dino York, it would have been a great popcorn flick.

Gigli This movie is awful. It is offensive, dumb, incoherent, mean, poorly acted, poorly written, and features zero chemistry between the two leads despite having been made entirely to capitalize on their then-red-hot romance. I am telling you about it because it is awful in the most fabulously mockable way. Buy yourself a couple cookies at a dispensary and fire up Gigli in the company of folks you think are funny.

Showgirls Brace yourselves: Of the 107 movies, this is the movie that most exceeded expectations. This movie was ahead of its time.

In a post-#MeToo world, Showgirls looks more like a brutal and damning allegory of how Hollywood treats women than the unrealistic overblown campy disaster it was regarded to be when it came out. It was only over-the-top unrealistic until

respect” was classic Schoepko and I can hear him saying it today. During that same visit I told him how I was studying music and also that my new boyfriend (now my husband) was from Yugoslavia. He immediately gave me instructions on how to get books to learn Serbo-Croatian, as it was called at the time. He insisted I listen to choral music called “Rukoveti” by Stevan Mokranjac. As the years went by, I marveled that he was so enthusiastic for me to learn that language. Later I found out why.

It was in 2012 when I next saw him at the OPRF A Cappella “Fuller Lives” reunion, organized by Bill Sullivan. It was a joy to sing under the direction of Bob Fuller again, and to see familiar faces. When I saw Herr Schoepko with his walker, I immediately went to him and began speaking to him in Serbian. He didn’t remember me, I realized, but I didn’t care, I was simply glad to be able to speak with him.

And to my surprise, while he had an accent in English, an accent in German, he had no accent at all in Serbo-Croatian. We had a wonderful conversation. I found out he lived in Belgrade for many years and since I had lived there, too, we discussed

beloved places, and of course, the choir music he could never forget, Rukoveti.

I wrote a few Christmas cards to him after that because, despite his failing memory, my memories of him were as keen as ever. I wanted him to know that out of sight was not out of mind.

Today I am writing in remembrance of him. I hope fellow classmates will remember and honor him in their hearts.

By various accounts, I know he endured many deep sorrows early in life — trauma and turmoil back in Europe that is unimaginable to many of us. But he never let that be his theme or his message. His life was spent living, giving and sharing everything he loved, with anyone who would listen. He was busy because a lifetime wasn’t enough time to share all that was in his heart.

We were kids when we sat in his classroom, laughing more than we would in any other classroom in that building. We had our own sorrows and turmoil. He knew that. He tried to lift us up. He tried to lighten the load. He tried to open our eyes to beauty in every way he knew how.

In commemorating his life, I share one

folks knew a lot more about magnates like Harvey Weinstein. Twenty-five years later, it looks a lot more like ruthless satire than high-budget soft-porn. If you doubt this is about how the showbiz machine chews up young women, ask Elizabeth Berkeley, who gives maybe the most fearless performance as an unlikable person I have ever seen in anything and was absolutely slaughtered for it. One wonders how a more established performer would have fared with critics.

Dirty Dancing This is the other perfect game. I had, unsurprisingly, never seen Dirty Dancing. This movie taught me how to watch a movie that was not made for me (or anyone I have ever been). You could not more accurately activate the pleasure centers in the youthful female brain without electricallycharged probes and an MRI machine, and maybe not even then. Listen: Baby establishes immediately that she is 18. The rest of the film is devoted to chronicling her journey from 14 to 30 in the space of a summer. She demonstrates and overcomes awkwardness. She learns to dance and she is the best at it. She has an edgy encounter in which she saves the day despite not being directly involved with the situation itself.

She argues with her father, eloquently, and he agrees she is correct. She has sex for the first time, and she is confident and skilled.

It’s amazing to watch something that is meant to push buttons that are not installed in you.

Alan Brouilette writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.

of his favorite poems by Heinrich Heine: Du bist wie eine Blume, So hold und schön und rein; Ich schau dich an, und Wehmut Schleicht mir ins Herz hinein.

Mir ist, als ob ich die Hände Aufs Haupt dir legen sollt’, Betend, dass Gott dich erhalte So rein und schön und hold.

You are like a flower, So lovely, fair and pure; I gaze at you and wistful Melancholy slips into my heart.

It’s as though I ought to place My hands upon your head And pray God to ever keep you So pure, fair, and lovely.

Thank you, Alfred Schoepko.

And as it expressed in Serbian on this occasion, I say with all my heart, Vecnaja pamjat, dear brother. Eternal memory!

Winkie Ilic (Winkle Hirschfield) graduated from OPRF High School in 1985.

28

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

O

n March 7, 1965, my husband and I decided to join a group of “likeminded” folks traveling from Chicago to Selma, Alabama. Our mission was to demonstrate solidarity concerning the issue of voting rights — a clearly stated, designated right in our Constitution — the 15th Amendment. In a democracy, the major core is for all lawabiding citizens to have the right to vote.

We were not as brave as many others comprising this voting rights march. As we walked peacefully together, we became aware of armed militia forming ranks surrounding us. A violent picture was developing minute by minute, awaiting us at the Edmund Pettus Bridge (the confrontation point). Approximately 49 of us left the march before reaching the bridge,

W

e needed spring break more than ever this year and we made the most of it. Normally, we head north for spring break.

Those Wisconsin water parks are a powerful draw. This year, we traveled in the opposite direction to Clearwater, Florida.

What a novel idea, going to Florida for spring break. I wonder if it will catch on.

I had my worries, though. After a year of lockdown, I was as jittery as a newborn kitten. I hadn’t flown in 15 years. I noticed security was tighter, same with the legroom. Our plane was packed with Midwesterners grateful to be escaping to paradise.

Paradise was all around us in Clearwater. From our 12th floor balcony, we had breathtaking views of the white sand beaches. We could also see every attraction and restaurant we wanted to visit.

They were all within walking distance of the hotel. If we did want a lift, the free

29

Voting rights in danger regretfully leaving hundreds of brave folks (led by John Lewis) to fight for their voting rights at the bridge that day, known as “Bloody Sunday.”

The sacrificing folks who faced the danger did accomplish their goal. The horror of that situation caused headlines and publicity and outraged citizenry, which forced the Voting Rights Act to be established in December of 1965. This assured every citizen the right to vote.

In 1982 and again in 2006, Congress re-authorized the Voting Rights Act. The Senate vote was unanimous for this bill, allowing citizens

to exercise their right to vote and run for public offices.

It is difficult for me to report now in 2021, after all the sacrifices made in the past, that Gov. Kemp of Georgia has signed a bill restricting voting rights. Shockingly, some 40 other governors have endorsed similar (but not yet enacted) bills. People have fought and died for this right, supporting our democracy, our diversity, and our lawfully provided rights, only to have “white supremacy” leadership try to suppress this right. These bills are thinly disguised but truly focused against nonwhites.

HARRIET HAUSMAN One View

We must not permit Georgia’s racist bill to stand as written. Voting must not be withheld from any lawful group. If we do not object to this bill, we will be opening the door to their bigoted leaders and possibly even allow for other groups to be targeted. Next possibility, a Hitler scapegoat list.

You may feel my words are too extreme, but nothing in our democracy is more sacred than our right to vote and to follow and respect our Constitution and its laws for equal justice and “inalienable rights.”

Please join me in emailing, texting, writing and calling everyone in our legislature to oppose this unlawful Georgia bill.

Harriet Hausman is a longtime River Forest resident. She recently celebrated her 97th birthday.

A spring break in Florida Jolley Trolley was circulating through the streets.

We didn’t need the trolley to get to the beach, it was a brisk walk from the hotel pool. The surf was gentle and the water was tasty. It was filled with refugees from the north. One woman I spoke with had escaped Ohio three years ago. She said that the slower southern pace was going to add years to her life. So the rumors are true — Florida is home to the Fountain of Youth.

Speaking of legends, I had heard about Florida’s fabled open-air restaurants but had never dined at one. We dined on fresh seafood while basking in the mild breeze.

One of these places had their own fleet of fishing boats. The food was so delicious, we witnessed a minor medical miracle.

Our traveling companion could actually

taste his appetizer. He hadn’t tasted anything since December.

After dinner, we strolled the pier to watch a spectacular sunset. As we walked back, we witnessed a magnificent moonrise. They even had full moons during the day. Mostly at the beach. To say that people dressed skimpily would be an understatement. I put on a shirt with a collar and felt like I was wearing a tux. The scanty clothing revealed more than the usual number of tattoos.

We also saw more than the usual number of people hobbling around on walking boots. I asked one woman how she got hurt and she said she slipped on ice in Syracuse. She wasn’t only a refugee but a casualty. A number of the walking wounded were northerners. They eased their pain with tropical drinks.

Our hotel didn’t just serve drinks at

JOHN RICE

Do you want to keep your public officials accountable?

the pool. The servers handed cocktails to guests who were in the pool. It was heavenly and the water had the same flavor as the gulf. There were only a few things that bugged me. It seemed that everyone around me was focused on their phones. I don’t get it. You’re surrounded by natural beauty and staring down at a device.

The best decision I made was to leave my phone in Forest Park. It was liberating to be free from my electronic leash. The saddest sight I saw was a little boy at the aquarium playing a game on his phone while a giant sea turtle glided by the window.

Seeing this phone addiction was depressing but we also noticed more people than normal reading real books. So there is hope for the human race after all. After four magical days, we returned to Chicago.

It wasn’t all bad. As one Floridian said, “In a few months you’ll be glad to be there and not here.”

John Rice writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Robert Moriarty, 87 Researcher and teacher at UIC

Dr. Robert M. Moriarty, of Michiana Shores, Indiana (formerly of Oak Park), died suddenly on April 6, 2021. Born on Oct. 9, 1933 in New York City to parents James and Mary (Cleary) Moriarty, he earned a B.S. from Fordham University in 1955 and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Princeton University in 1959 then went on to complete postdoctoral work at the University of Munich and Harvard University. He was later awarded fellowships from the Fulbright Program, NIH, and NATO. He spent over 40 years teaching and conducting research at the University of Illinois Chicago, most recently as professor emeritus. A renowned global leader and expert in Iodine Chemistry, he received the 2005 Award for Creative Research and Applications of Iodine Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. His research and publications have been cited thousands of times.

An entrepreneur, he founded the pharmaceutical research and development company Steroids LTD in the 1980s, which was later acquired by United Therapeutics.

A man of many passionate interests, he was a lifelong athlete, an avid squash player and a skier. A vintage sports car enthusiast and driver, he spent many days at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, where he was a driving instructor. Some of his favorite cars included a 1973 Ferrari Dino, and an “Outlaw” 1959 Porsche 356. A devoted dog owner from the time he rescued a stray in the snow, his beloved companions included Luke, Andy, Barton, Stetson, Austin and Emma.

Bob Moriarity is survived by his wife, Mary, three children from a previous marriage, daughters Marie Castellano, Annika (Scott) Bruggeworth, and David Moriarty, as well as stepdaughters Shelley (John) Rous-

O B I T U A R I E S seau, Jennifer (Jeff) Appenzeller, and seven grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sister, Katherine Harnan, and brother, James Moriarty.

A memorial service and celebration of life will follow later this year.

Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Jerry Murray, 78

Attorney, volunteer, environmentalist Gerald (Jerry) Francis Murray, 78, of Oak Park, died on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. The fourth child of six siblings, born to James and Rose Murray of Chicago, on Oct. 15, 1942, he graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1960.

He went on to Chicago State University (Chicago Teachers College) and spent a year and a half as an elementary school teacher with Chicago Public Schools, then joined VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) where he worked with local community organizations in California.

Upon returning to Chicago, he taught at Providence-St. Mel High School in Chicago for two years before entering Loyola University School of Law. He practiced law for 40 years, focusing on insurance law and adoption law.

Elaine and Jerry were united in marriage on Aug. 30, 1969 and moved to Oak Park in 1972, where they lived for nearly 50 years. A pillar of the community, he served as a liaison for many public service organizations. He volunteered at the Oak Park Food Bank and Housing Forward (formerly known as PADS).

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, he was a critical part of bringing pro bono law services to individuals and families in Oak Park and was a prodigious volunteer for the Democratic Party of Oak Park (DPOP), which recently named him Volunteer of the Year. Every summer Saturday morning, you could find him at Oak Park Farmers Market in a multitude

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lorraine McCahill, 101 Longtime River Forest resident

Lorraine “Rainy” McCahill (nee Riordan), 101, a former longtime resident of River Forest, died peacefully on April 5, 2021 in her Oak Park home. She was the wife of the late Thomas Edward McCahill; the mother of Thomas (Laurel), Larry (Katie), Marian (Dennis) Quirk, Maria (James) Stilling, William, Mary Jo, and Patrick McCahill; grandmother of Christopher (Sarah Kaspar), Mary (Jeff Naour), Erin (Eric O’Malley), Kevin (Jean), Joseph Lorraine McCahill and her late husband Thomas Edward McCahill (Maura), Martin (Molly Finn), Edmund, Lawrence (Kathy) Riordan; and the Molly (Pat Janulis), Patty, Tommy, Michael (Tiffany), Mimi (Bob) Rossi, and daughter of the late Thomas and late Brigid (Karm) Salh McCahill; Colleen, Matilda Riordan.

A private memorial Mass was Rory (LuMiao) and Kerry Quirk; Tommy (Lindsey), Danny (Katie), Meaghan celebrated at St. Luke Church in River (Seth) Jaramillo, Sean, and Kelly Still- Forest, and Lorraine will be interred ing; and Billy, Ellie and Brendan Vrtis; privately at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in great- grandmother of 24; sister of the Chicago. Memorials to a charity of your late Rev. Thomas Riordan, the late Jo- choice, are appreciated.

Arrangements by Peter B. Kennedy & sephine (late Ervine) Gray, the late Eleanor (late Fred) Clausen and the late Co. Funeral Directors. of volunteer roles, including voter registration, climate change action, and upcoming elections. And he never forgot to bring home blueberries and donuts to Elaine.

Outside of community activism, his passion was for nature and conservation. He spent countless hours on Sierra Club trips and volunteering on behalf of protecting the environment.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Elaine; his son, Joseph (Jenny), and daughter, Norah (Daniel); his seven grandsons, Connor, Dev-

on, Dylan, Michael, Derek, Owen and Francis; his siblings, Tom (Judy), Jim (Ann), Rosemary, and Bob (Linda); his sister-in-law June; and dozens of nieces, nephews, greatnieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack.

Visitation was held April 12 at Yurs Funeral Home in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club on behalf of Jerry Murray, https://www.sierraclub.org/illinois/get-involved/donate.

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

Growing Community.

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Public Notice: Your right to know PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

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OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

HEARING DATE: May 5, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 01-21-Z The Zoning APPLICATION: Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use application filed by the Applicant, Donn Todd, to operate a hand car wash and detail center, Miller’s Auto Detail LLC pursuant to Section 8.3 (“Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 248 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-08-319-022-0000 in the MS Madison Street Zoning District.

HEARING DATE: May 5, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 02-21-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use application filed by the Applicant, Sara A. Swiatlowski, to operate a physical therapy clinic, Real PT, LLC dba The Movement Guild pursuant to Section 8.3 (“Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 221 Harrison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-17-302-012-0000 in the HS Harrison Street Zoning District.

HEARING DATE: May 5, 2021

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.

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.

HEARING DATE: May 5, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 04-21-Z The Zoning APPLICATION: Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Michael F. Salerno D.D.S., P.C., seeking a variance from Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, which section prohibits dental clinics/offices from being located within the first 50 feet of the street lot line at grade level or on the ground floor of any building within the DT-1 and DT-2 SubDistricts of Downtown, to allow an dental clinic on the ground floor within 50 feet of a street line at the premises commonly known as 1107-1109 Westgate Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-07-125-015-0000 and 16-07-125-035-0000 in the DT Downtown Zoning District.

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video.

The meeting 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.

The Board will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting 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.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING DATE: May 5, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 03-21-Z APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Keith Criminger, seeking variances from the following sections of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance relative to expanding a structure devoted to a nonconforming use and allowing the maximum height of a principal structure to exceed 30 feet in height, to permit the construction of third floor addition with dormers at the property located at 1021 Wesley Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-18408-028-0000 in the R-4 SingleFamily Zoning District: 1. Section 15.2 (B) prohibits the expansion of a structure devoted to a nonconforming use.

The structure is a legal nonconforming two-family dwelling unit located within a single-family zoning district; and 2. Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential District Dimensional Standards) requires that a principal structure shall not exceed 30 feet in height. The proposed third floor addition is approximately 35 feet in height.

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 meeting 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 5, 2021. 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 participate 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 to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom webconference 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 14, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

Park District of Oak Pa0rk 218 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302

LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bid The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for T-shirt Services.

The bid specifications will be available on the Park District’s website as of 10:00AM CST on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Park District of Oak Park website at: http://www.pdop.org/bids-and-rfps/ Bids must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “T-shirt Services” and must be delivered on or before 1:00PM CST on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 to the Hedges Administrative Center. Immediately thereafter, bids will be opened and read.

For further information, contact Maureen McCarthy at Maureen.McCarthy@pdop.org.

By: Maureen McCarthy Park District of Oak Park, 218 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, 2021

Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342

In re the marriage of DIANA ITZEL COSS y LEON, Petitioner and CARLOS BLADIMIR LOPEZ MUNOZ, Respondent, Case No. 2021 D 002918.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, CARLOS BLADIMIR LOPEZ MUNOZ Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, DIANA ITZEL COSS y LEON, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before May 12, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, April 21, April 28,2021

Attention! Homeimprovement pros!

Reach the people making decisions–your target market.

Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342

The Board of Education, Komarek School District 94, 8940 W 24th Street, North Riverside, Illinois 60546, will receive sealed bids for: Additions and Renovations at Komarek School The Bid Opening will be on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 1:00pm at the Office of Nicholas & Associates, Inc. located at 1001 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056.

At this time the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud via video conference. Viewing instructions will be posted on the District’s website on the 6th day of May 2021. A Performance and Payment Bond in the full amount of the contract will be required. A Bid Security of 10% of the Bid is required with the proposal. The Contractor must pay the Prevailing Wage Rates for all work per Illinois Law. Bids shall be submitted on or before the specified closing time in an opaque sealed envelope addressed to: Joe Papanicholas, Project Manager, 1001 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056.

Bidders are required to submit two (2) copies of an AIA 305-Contractors Qualification statement to the offices of Nicholas & Associates, Inc., 1001 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 OR electronically to Joe Papanicholas (joe@nicholasquality.com) prior to the above bid date.

There will be a Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting for all interested bidders.

Location and time are as follows: Location: Komarek School located at 8940 W 24th Street, North Riverside, Illinois 60546 Date: April 20, 2021 Time: 3:30pm The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts of thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make the award in the best interest of the District.

It is the policy of Komarek School District 94, to provide equal opportunity to all qualified businesses in the awarding of contracts and accordingly promotes the utilization of diversified businesses to the maximum extent feasible in any contract issued against this solicitation to bid.

The bidder shall have a written sexual harassment policy in place in full compliance with Section 2-105 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Bidding Documents will be distributed electronically, at no charge, on or after April 16, 2021.

All questions should be directed to: Nicholas & Associates, Ph.847-394-6200 Fax.847-394-6205

Inc.

–

Joe Papanicholas – joe@nicholasquality.com Published in RB Landmark April 14, 2021

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: Y21006371 on March 23, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of THE PERIWINKLE PEACOCK with the business located at: 59 WASHINGTON BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: BRIEANNE MARIE MALDONADO-CRUZ, 59 WASHINGTON BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal March 31, April 7, April 14, 2021

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 main entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 5, 2021. 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 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 to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone.

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 main entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 5, 2021. 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 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 to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting 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.

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 14, 2021

Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, 2021

Starting a new business?

Call the expert before you place your legal ad!

Publish your assumed name legal notice here.

Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342

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 meeting 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.

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 05-21-Z The Zoning APPLICATION: Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, OP Office Partners, LLC, on behalf of US Bank National Association, seeking a variance from Section 9.3 (E) (Automatic Teller Machines) (ATM) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance, which requires that outdoor ATMs must be attached to and physically part of a building occupied by a financial institution, to permit the re-installation of an ATM to a non-residential use building (not a financial institution) located at 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16-07-120-064-0000 in the DT Downtown 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 meeting 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 5, 2021.

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 participate 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 to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom webconference means or by phone.

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 5, 2021.

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 participate 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 to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom webconference 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.

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 14, 2021

Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365 OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006573 on April 9, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of GRAF JANITORIAL AND MAINTENANCE with the business located at: 1047 DUNLOP AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID L GRAF 1047 DUNLOP AVENUE COACHHOUSE BEHIND 1045 DUNLOP, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA. Published in Forest Park Review April 14, April 21, April 28, 2021

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: Y210006472 on April 1, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOULA’S with the business located at: 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: RENEE ELENA HAAS 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, April 21, April 28, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1; Plaintiff, vs.

CHARLES T. GRANT; JUANITA J. GRANT AKA JUANITA LACOURT; PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 14415 Calendar 56 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: UNIT 311 AND P-30 IN PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: LOTS 19 TO 28 BOTH INCLUSIVE, IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 3 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF LOT 6 IN B. F. JERVIS SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (EXCEPT THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 18), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS THE WEST 1/2 OF VACATED ELMWOOD AVENUE LYING EAST OF AND ADJOINING LOT 19 IN SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 3 IN SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF LOT 6 IN B. F. JERVIS SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF TH E THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 THEREOF), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. THE EAST 1/2 OF VACATED GUNDERSON AVENUE LYING WEST OF AND ADJOINING LOT 28 IN SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 3 IN SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF LOT 6 IN B. F. JERVIS SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 0617416044, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS. “MORTGAGOR ALSO HEREBY GRANTS TO THE MORTGAGEE, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AS RIGHTS AND EASEMENTS APPURTENANT TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE, THE RIGHTS AND EASEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF SAID PROPERTY SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM” “THIS MORTGAGE IS SUBJECT TO ALL RIGHTS, EASEMENTS, COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, RESTRICTIONS AND RESERVATIONS CONTAINED IN SAID DECLARATION THE SAME AS THOUGH THE PROVISIONS OF SAID DECLARATION WERE RECITED AND STIPULATED AT LENGTH HEREIN.”. P.I.N. 16-18428-043-1019 & 16-18-428-0431064.

Commonly known as 6436 Roosevelt Road, Unit 311, Oak Park, IL 60304.

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

For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-0641 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3166129

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(g1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency

(driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-06429 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH08452 TJSC#: 41-167 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.

I3166321

May 13, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-328-0050000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

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

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

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

by The Condominium Property Act,

765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

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

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

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-12025 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020CH06802 TJSC#: 41-438 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 # 2020CH06802 I3166754

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST; Plaintiff, vs.

JOANNA SENTER AKA JOANNA D. SENTER; NICHOLAS M. SENTER; POPLAR BANK FKA BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA; Defendants, 19 CH 8670 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-06-323-025-0000.

Commonly known as 615 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302.

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

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 19-024425 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3166929

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION QUICKEN LOANS, LLC Plaintiff, -v.DRIKO DUCASSE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019CH08452 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD 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 17, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0270000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.CALVIN L. SMITH, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Defendants 2020CH06802 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 18, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on

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Property transfers p. B12

April 14, 2021

Homes

Powered by the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors

Rendering provided by Oak Park Residence Corporation

Res Corp seeks game changer with new development Net-zero design at heart of proposal at Austin and Van Buren

By LACEY SIKORA

O

Contributing Reporter

ak Park Residence Corporation, a nonprofit community development organization whose mission is to promote Oak Park as a diverse and economically balanced community by providing high-quality multifamily rental housing at reasonable rates for households of all income levels, has big plans for the mid-century, multifamily building it owns at 7 Van Buren St. OPRC plans to raze the building and erect a new six-story building in its place.

“It was getting to the point where we either needed to invest in it significantly or replace it,” said David Pope, OPRC president and CEO. In making the decision to replace the modest 12-unit building with something else, he says that there were six

primary arguments against new development in Oak Park that guided the thinking on the new building.

These arguments include: Why does every building have to be tall? There aren’t enough affordable units. The only accessible units are in downtown Oak Park. Why does all new development in Oak Park only happen downtown? What about environmental sustainability? Why can’t we build buildings that are beautiful?

Pope says the proposed building will answer those questions and break new ground in Oak Park.

At six stories, the proposed building is taller than the existing building but is no high-rise. Of its 44 units, 24 will be set aside as affordable housing. The building will be accessible, with an elevator.

Pope calls the project “the first significant investment, from a residential standpoint, on Austin in over 50 years.”

“It might really signal to others that you can invest in this area of Oak Park,” he added.

The development team, which includes design architect Kahler Slater and mechanical engineering group dbHMS, is also aiming high in terms of environmental sustainability

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BIG CHANGE? Res Corp wants to transform an existing mid-century modern building (above) at 7 Van Buren St. into an energy-efficient development (top) that will incorporate affordable housing and will serve as an example of how to approach future projects in Oak Park. and brought in Oak Parker Tom Bassett-Dilley, an architect and expert on passive house design, to help raise the bar.

Passive house techniques use passive influences in a building – like sunshine, shading and ventilation – instead of systems such as air conditioning and central heating.

Combining these techniques with very high levels of insulation and airtightness, makes it possible for a passive home to use 90 percent less energy than a typical dwelling.

The proposed building for 7 Van Buren St. will follow passive house techniques, but also aims even higher to create a net-zero building, which means the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis will be roughly See DEVELOPMENT on page B6

April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B1

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850 Home Ave Oak Park | $449,000 Keller Group Chicago

110 S Marion St, Unit 304 Oak Park | $429,000 Patricia McGowan

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5225 S Fairfield Ave Chicago | $325,000 Margarita Lopez

1313 Clinton Ave Berwyn | $269,000 Sandra Dita Lopez

715 Washington Blvd, #2D Oak Park | $219,000 Bethanny Alexander

333 S East Ave, Unit 312 Oak Park | $189,900 Saretta Joyner

213 N Marion St, Unit 1C Oak Park | $134,000 Cathy Yanda

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1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708.697.5900 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com Source: BrokerMetrics® LLC, 1/1/2019 - 12/ 31/2019Detached and Attached only. Chicagoland PMSA

B2 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

1101 N ELMWOOD AVENUE, OAK PARK

1101NELMWOODAVENUE.INFO

139 S GROVE AVENUE, OAK PARK

139SGROVE.INFO

Fantastic opportunity to own this updated, 6 bed, 6 bath, stately, center-en-

This majestic Victorian home commands your attention with it’s impressive

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wrap around porch and grand entrance. $1,285,000

ELIZABETH AUGUST • 773.432.0200 • elizabethaugust@atproperties.com

TONY & KATHY IWERSEN

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708.772.8040

•

tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

814 CLINTON AVENUE, OAK PARK

814CLINTON.INFO

204 S HARVEY AVENUE, OAK PARK

204SHARVEY.INFO

This 6+ bedroom, 5 full bath, light-filled home has over 3,800 square feet

Open, inviting, spacious, and unique Victorian home. Conveniently located

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MCCORMICK/KILLARNEY

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$1,149,000 312.961.4612

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312.545.5415

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April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B3

Exciting News in 2021!

Cantata’s Independent Living community is experiencing a

MAJOR RENOVATION! Call today for details on MONTHLY FEES UNDER $2000!

708-485-5665 cantata.org

B4 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

Generations of Excellence since 1958

708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest Alisa Coghill DonnaAvenue Barnhisel 7375 West North Kay Costello Anne Brennan MANAGING River Forest, Illinois 60305 Maria Cullerton Kevin Calkins BROKER/OWNERS Julie Downey Tom Carraher 708.771.8040 Kurt Fielder Pat Cesario Andy Gagliardo

Tom Poulos

815 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST

Joe Cibula Don Citrano

Ramona Fox Laura Gancer

Dan Halperin Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima Jack Lattner Iris McCormick Vince McFadden

Colleen Navigato John Pappas Rosa Pitassi Sue Ponzio-Pappas Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro

Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford

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9 FOREST • RIVER FOREST

7531 BROWN UNIT B • FOREST PARK

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Meticulously maintained and ready to move in. ........... $1,549,000

STUNNING TOWNHOME in a quiet courtyard location! This solid 3 BR, 3 full & 1 half bath townhome offers MANY UPGRADES THROUGHOUT! Features include a home office/family room, open LR, high-end kitchen, full size laundry, and hardwood floors throughout. Outstanding location! .................................. $529,000

STYLISH, OPEN, BRIGHT Townhome in great location! Room to spread out in the light-filled living and dining room, large kitchen with room for casual dining or a home office, three spacious bedrooms, three full baths, outside deck, two-car garage, and laundry. Dining/shopping nearby. ..................................... $339,500

COLONIAL REVIVAL STYLE with Tudor Revival influences built in 1909. This stunning six-bedroom home displays sophistication and tasteful elegant décor. It offers wonderful space for family and entertaining with beautiful views of the spectacular oversized corner lot. ........................................................................ $1,395,000

632 BONNIE BRAE • RIVER FOREST

922 LATHROP • RIVER FOREST

750 WILLIAM • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY • 13

1135 FOREST • RIVER FOREST

UN D ER CO N T RAC T!

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EXQUISITE, UPDATED HOME with luxurious finishes throughout, walk to EVERYTHING location! Four full floors of renovated space including massive, open, chef’s kitchen that opens to family room, French doors, amazing basement living space and home gym. Move in and enjoy! ................................................ $1,299,999

EXPERT DESIGN RENOVATION! The very best in contemporary design, finishes and mechanicals alongside exquisitely restored leaded glass doors and gleaming hardwoods create the ideal blend of old and new. Massive rooms and high end craftsmanship throughout. Oversized lot. .............................................. $1,499,000

CENTRAL LOCATION so you may walk to town and train! Located on the historic 700 Block of William this home features a beautifully renovated open floor-plan Kitchen, 1st floor family room, LL playroom, laundry /storage, office & full bath. Professionally landscaped yard and large deck. ....................................... $745,000

ELEGANT CRAFTSMANSHIP can be found throughout this 5 BR French Normandy home. Sophistication is evident from the moment you walk in the door. Impressive foyer, formal LR with fireplace and built-in benches, family room, separate formal DR, updated kitchen, home office. ......................................... $975,000

942 WILLIAM • RIVER FOREST

520 N OAK PARK AVE • OAK PARK

1104 S. MAPLE • OAK PARK

1634 N. 76TH CT • ELMWOOD PARK

GREAT OPPORTUNITY to live on a beautiful tree lined street!

Spacious home with family room addition, updated kitchen that blends beautifully with the vintage charm of the formal LR & DR. 2nd floor includes 3 BRs including large primary with walk-in closet, balcony and laundry room. ................................... $749,000

THREESTORY GRAND VICTORIAN on 100 x 218 lot in the heart of the Frank Lloyd Wright district. This estate features 6 Bedrooms, 2 Full baths, 3 fireplaces, many historic details including double front entry doors sourced from the Historic Pullman Estates section of Chicago. ..................................................................$646,000

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP!! This gem of a home sits on a 50 x 170 lot and has been in the same family for over 40yrs. Main house offers 3 BRs, 2 full baths plus family room. 2nd FL offers in-law suite complete with two BRs, living room, dining room , kitchen & full bath. 2 car Garage. ......................................................$499,000

LOVELY MOVEIN READY brick and stone Georgian in the RF manor section that will not disappoint! This 3 BR, 2-1/2 bath home offers a wdbg fireplace, remodeled custom kitchen, family room, finished basement with wet bar, full spa bath, large laundry room and plenty of storage.......................................................... $419,000

OAK PARK Two Flat ...........................................................$550,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 3BR, 3 full/1 half BA....$475,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full/1 half BA. Vintage beauty............$285,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. ...........................$250,000

UNDER CONTRACT OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. .................$244,900 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Great space......................................$174,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Open, light-filled. .......................... $169,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Private balcony. ............................. $142,000

OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Nicely updated. ................................ $92,500 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. No stairs! .......................................... $70,000 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Location Location! ....................$85,000

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS RIVER FOREST 2BR, 1BA. Updated condo. ..................... $158,900 PRICE REDCUCED RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. ............. $79,000 RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Corner unit. .............................$72,500

Shop for homes online at GagliardoRealty.com

547 LINDEN • OAK PARK

Find that New Home!

April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B5

DEVELOPMENT Passive methods from page B1 equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.

Pope says this development is a game changer.

“Anyone in the Midwest involved in this area would be interested to learn what we’re doing and how,” Pope said. “We’d make all of that information public in order to change the way people think about multifamily housing. It would be a real catalyst.”

Bassett-Dilley says he’s very excited to be involved in the project, which will most likely be one of the largest, if not the largest, netzero multifamily developments in the Midwest.

He emphasizes that passive house construction methods have proven to be cost-competitive with built-to-code methods, and says he hopes this building will show other developers what can be done.

“You’re just asking yourself, ‘Why the heck wouldn’t people do this?’” Bassett-Dilley said.

In order to push the project beyond passive house to net-zero standards, Bassett-Dilley says his team modelled different applications of glass, walls and shading. Walls of glass might look great, but they require large systems for heating and cooling and lots of energy to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Fine-tuning building components will allow the building to produce all of its own energy.

Solar panels will wrap around the south side of the building, and Bassett-Dilley calls having onsite renewables such as these a “big deal.”

On top of the sustainable focus of the project, Pope says he has another commitment to the neighborhood.

“If it’s not a beautiful building, we won’t build it,” Pope said.

The design requires a zoning variance. The lot is zoned for four stories and the building design also extends over the current sidewalk, but Pope says the design is done in a thoughtful way he thinks will appeal to neighbors and residents.

A colonnade will extend along the Van Buren side, visually connecting Oak Park to Columbus Park in Austin. A roof deck will offer views of the park and the city.

“We hope this is a way to foster a linkage and bring Oak Parkers and Austinites together in this jewel of a park,” Pope said.

For Bassett-Dilley, who sits on Oak Park’s Ad-Hoc Climate Action Plan Committee, this building represents the future of design.

He says his office is getting more and more calls for people interested in building passive houses.

“People realize that it makes sense, it’s proven,” Bassett-Dilley said. “It’s about time it gets through to the multifamily buildings now.”

He hopes the climate action committee looks at this building as way to start a conversation about incentivizing more developers in Oak Park to build with similar techniques.

“You have to have faith that people will be interested,” BassettDilley said. “We’re talking about a threat to our existence. Are you willing to give up a little glass for that?”

Photo provided by Oak Park Residence Corporation

GREEN FOCUS: Oak Park Residence Corp. intends to use passive construction methods to make its proposed new development at 7 Van Buren St. (renderings above) a net-zero energy building. The proposed 44-unit building would have 24 set aside for affordable housing.

g n a H e r e h in t k r a P Oak

B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

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CHICAGO

3 BR, 2 BA .................................................$269,000 Denise Espinosa • 773-817-9333

OAK PARK Fantastic and bright large corner condo in the heart of downtown Oak Park!

CHICAGO

2 BR, 2 BA ..................................................................................................................... $199,000

5 BR, 2 BA .................................................$275,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

OAK PARK Amazing Queen Anne Bungalow features, exquisite architectural details, custom lighting and modern conveniences.

4 BR, 2 BA ..................................................................................................................... $539,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

OAK PARK

2 BR, 2 BA .................................................$188,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

OAK PARK

OAK PARK

Amazing Mediterranean-influenced Colonial with gorgeous architectural details.

Quality construction, amazing space and fresh neutral décor!

3 BR, 3.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $559,000 Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 or Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

OAK PARK

2 BR, 2 BA .................................................$349,900 Cynthia Howe Gajewski • 312-933-8440

5 BR, 3 BA ..................................................................................................................... $745,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties?

Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B7

OAK PARK

3 BR, 4 BA .................................................$435,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

OPEN SATURDAY 11 - 1 P.M. 226 S TAYLOR

OAK PARK

OAK PARK

OAK PARK

Spectacular estate home designed by the famous firm of Tallmage & Watson.

The Charles Castle House built in 1924 by renowned architect Frederick Schock has been meticulously renovated.

6 BR, 5 BA ..................................................................................................................... $950,000

6 BR, 5.1 BA ............................................................................................................... $1,600,000

5 BR, 4 BA .................................................$750,000 Denise Sacks • 708-217-2111

Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 or Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

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OAK PARK Marvelous luxury home completely refurbished.

Brand new coach house with elevator!

8 BR, 6 BA .................................................................................................................. $1,600,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

Every week, every day in

OAK PARK Spectacular Home with wonderful space for family and entertaining!

6 BR, 5 BA .................................................................................................................. $1,395,000 Donna Barnhisel • 773-418-9137

7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040

Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties?

Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

OPEN SATURDAY 1 - 3 P.M. 426 CLINTON AVE

OAK PARK

5 BR, 4 BA .................................................$775,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

RIVER FOREST

RIVER FOREST

Pristine oak floors, custom built-ins and cabinetry and exquisite architectural details grace this magnificent Tudor.

Lovingly cared for, spacious and sunny home!

3 BR, 1.1 BA .....................................................................................................................$449,000 Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 or Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

OAK PARK

5 BR, 3 BA .................................................................................................................. $1,110,000

6 BR, 4.1 BA ...........................................$1,285,000 Kathy & Tony Iwersen • 708-772-8040

Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

House Hunting?

Find a Realtor.

Find a home.

Get a list of Open Houses.

Every week, every day in

April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B9

Under Contract in less than 2 days!

554 Park Ave, River Forest 3 Bedrooms, 2.1 Baths…$675,000 The Spring Market is officially here, contact me today if you’re looking to buy or sell!

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

Just Sold!

Under Contract in just 5 days!

1020 Harlem 1D, River Forest 2BR, 2BA condo with garage parking and in unit washer/dryer and hardwood floors… ................................................... $335,000 John Haagenson | 773-230-6995 john.haagenson@cbexchange.com

Just Sold!

1217 N. Grove Avenue, Oak Park 4 Bedrooms, 2.1 Baths…$665,000 Now is the right time to make a move!

Michelle Miller 708-334-5833 michelle.miller@cbexchange.com

Just Sold!

1137 Columbian Ave, Oak Park Represented buyer in the purchase of this beautiful 4700 sq ft home. 4 BR, 4.1 BA… $663,000. I work tirelessly for my buyers!

Allow me to help you find your next sacred space called HOME. Patty Melgar Hooks | 708-261-2796 patty.melgarhooks@cbexchange.com

Just Listed!

1046 Washington, Unit 3, Oak Park 2 BR, 2 BA. Large, top-floor condo with a wonderful floor plan and many vintage details in a courtyard building close to downtown Oak Park, Green Line. and Metra. Great potential! without a lot of work ................................................... $185,000 Stephanie Eiger | 708-557-0779 Stephanie.Eiger@cbexchange.com

Just Sold!

504 Park Ave, River Forest 3 BRs, 2.2 BA. Spacious and light-filled townhouse with hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen and private patio located in central River Forest. .............................. $480,000

506 S. Austin Blvd., Unit 1, Oak Park 2 BR, 2 BA. Fantastic first-floor spacious condo near transportation. Beautiful hardwood floors. Bosch stainless steel appliances and washer/dryer in the unit.

Assign parking available ........... $178,500

Just Listed!

161 N. Lombard, Oak Park So much SPACE inside and out. 4 BR, 2.1 BA. 1 floor office, enclosed sun room, huge basement and bonus playroom/office/ workout room upstairs. Large yard and 2.5 car garage plus shed!

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

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

st

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

My buyers are under contract on their next dream homes.

Great homes for sale coming soon! Let me help guide you home.

Just Listed!

128 N. Lombard Ave., Oak Park Super stylish transformation of this lovely 5 BR/2.1 BA home in central Oak Park.

Brand new gorgeous, efficient kitchen and custom crafted media room! Convenient location: schools, stores, CTA. Sue Canepa I 312-203-0848 suecanepahomes@gmail.com

Under Contract in 2 days!

1135 Schneider Ave., 2A, Oak Park 2 BR, 2 BA condo. New appliances, easy access balcony, generous master en suite, in-unit washer & dryer. Close to downtown Oak Park/River Forest, local universities, public trans. Great time to list - contact us today!

Coming Soon!

639 N. Elmwood Avenue, Oak Park Delightful 4 BR, 2.1 BA home with a great floorplan for entertaining as well as nice private spaces. This house is special, and it won’t be around for long! Call right away for the full list of bells and whistles .......... ................................................... $649,000

Lisa Andreoli and Meredith Conn 708-557-9546 or 708-743-6973 TeamGo2Girls@gmail.com

Kirstin Gloor | 708-351-8977 Kirstin.Gloor@cbexchange.com

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

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM 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. ©2020 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.

B10 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

Distinction

(di stingk’ shen) noun.

The act of distinguishing excellence; making a difference

Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service.

Sunday, April 18

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

CONDOS

ADDRESS

110 Marion St., #406, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . .

320 S Maple Ave., D, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . .

7531 Brown, Unit B, Forest Park . . . . . . . . .

111 Home Ave., #3, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ADDRESS

750 William St., River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . .

226 S. Taylor Ave., Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . .

426 Clinton Ave., Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

647 Linden Ave., Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

@properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$430,000 Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$449,900 Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$339,500 @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$559,000

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$745,000 Beyond Properties Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$750,000 Beyond Properties Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$775,000 @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,600,000

TIME

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-2:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 12-2

TIME

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 11-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 2-4

It is extremely rare to find real estate professionals who set themselves apart with distinction in everything they do... ...unless you select the professional who has distinguished himself by making a total commitment to excellence—Tom Carraher.

Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.

Tom Carraher

This Directory brought to you by

Realistic Expectation–Proven Results

mrgloans.com

Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989.

Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals

6821 W. North Avenue Suite 201 Oak Park, IL 708.452.5151

Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee.

NMLS # 207793 License # 1031

7375W. West NorthAve. Avenue 7375 North River Forest, Illinois River Forest 60305 708.771.8040 708.771.8040

http://tomcarraher.realtor.com

April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B11

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

Oak Park home sells for $1,080,000

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds for October, 2020. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.

OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

227 Clinton Ave

$1,080,000.00 Krasinsky Stephen M

Hearn Ryan L

601 N Euclid Ave

$1,700,000.00

Mccullough Gary E

Dodd Jonathan

852 Washington Blvd

$130,000.00

Wozniak Jessica Marie

Hui Cindy

211 N Marion St

$134,000.00

Bishop Bonnie L

Rymark Lindsey

200 Home Ave

$135,000.00

First Amer Bk Tr 0000000017641

Mann Sydney

1039 N Harlem Ave

$150,000.00

Japlit Christina

Thomas Timothy Aaki

819 Lake St

$150,000.00

Arsin Cargi I

Lacassa Kimberly

222 Washington Blvd

$167,000.00

Connor Jolien

Jurado Yaritza

500 Washington Blvd

$169,000.00

Linden Catherine M Tr

Nicols Rachel

444 Washington Blvd

$175,000.00

Worley Marvin Jr

Livorsi Dawn

208 N Kenilworth Ave

$178,000.00

Winski Jessica

Kelly Donna

1139 S Highland Ave

$185,000.00

Lowry Sandra S Tr

52Nd Ave Llc Guderson

623 N Humphrey Ave

$185,000.00

Lane Elmer Harvey Jr

Humphrey Land 623

308 N Taylor Ave

$195,000.00

Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr

Kozlowski Marek

1425 N Harlem Ave

$197,500.00

Morvay Allison J

Bradshaw-Castillo Elizabeth Ann

222 N Marion St

$205,000.00

Hughes Charles Allen Tr

Adams Adrienne C

181 Linden Ave

$205,000.00

Gonzalez Luis

Lara Charles James

165 N Kenilworth Ave

$220,000.00

Igboanugo Ifechukwu

339 Home Ave

$225,000.00

1107 Superior St 165 N Kenilworth Ave

227 Clinton Ave ., Oak Park

OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

Linden Catherine M Tr

707 Carpenter Ave

$430,000.00

Widholm Timothy J

Roberts Jason Dean

Berry Barbara M Tr

Vayninger Alexandra

804 Mapleton Ave

$470,000.00

James Stefan

N P Dodge Jr Tr

$235,000.00

Jastram-Williams Rita M

Ries David A

804 Mapleton Ave

$470,000.00

N P Dodge Jr Tr

Patel Saumil

$237,500.00

Berry Anne M

Fitzgibbons Susan

612 S East Ave

$480,000.00

Stepansky Christian F

Rodgers Matthew A

$480,000.00

Somin Oleksandr

Munoz Blanca

941 S Elmwood Ave

$239,000.00

U S Bk Trust

K D Grp Enterprises Llc

620 S East Ave

1050 N Taylor Ave

$240,000.00

Park Pl Prop Grp Il Llc

Plan Z Dev Llc

1112 S Lyman Ave

$485,000.00

Two Guys Llc

Vanells James

1155 S Ridgeland Ave

$275,000.00

Loftus Michelle D Orton

Albury Amanda

816 N Oak Park Ave

$490,000.00

Reyes Karina

Matuszewski Dan Bernard

1046 N Austin Blvd

$280,000.00

Pergams Oliver Rw

Williams Jamen

531 N Elmwood Ave

$520,000.00

Ferguson Carole A Tr

Peluso Abigail

$525,000.00

Dienberg Regina A Tr

Tardio Francesco

629 S Ridgeland Ave

$310,000.00

Antal Leonard

Cageao Nicholas I

1134 Woodbine Ave

949 Pleasant St

$312,000.00

Morrison Mary Louise H Tr

Carr John

838 Fair Oaks Ave

$530,000.00

Schigelone Jason W

Trela Kathryn

425 Harvey Ave

$318,000.00

Harris Shana

Romero Mayra

521 S Kenilworth Ave

$532,500.00

Bixby Harold William

Rudolph Nicholas A

828 Gunderson Ave

$325,000.00

Dougherty Mary Elizabeth

Eade Matthew

1118 Wenonah Ave

$535,000.00

Martinez Raymundo

Mohler Floyd

$545,000.00

Pendergast Christine A

Mulder Brooke K

1235 N Marion St

$330,000.00

Perrone Carmel M Tr

Bentley Benjamin

1115 Rossell Ave

1004 S Highland Ave

$340,000.00

Gaynor Kathleen B

Hulbert Michael Thomas

929 Linden Ave

$550,000.00

Deary Christopher D

Rose Jeremy H Tr

618 Wesley Ave

$355,000.00

Rindler Bruce E

Anand Ankit

1108 Rossell Ave

$555,000.00

Todd Donn D

Booth Mark

842 N Euclid Ave

$365,000.00

Longman Richard Thomas

Stenftenagel Jessie

141 S Scoville Ave

$565,000.00

Raymond Charles D Tr

Mal Trust

1145 S Euclid Ave

$385,000.00

Mcintyre Stephen J

Silva Jonathan

518 Gunderson Ave

$595,000.00

Thomas Thomas N

Beckwith Jamie

536 S Cuyler Ave

$388,000.00

Keane Matthew

Foy Michael

928 Fair Oaks Ave

$620,000.00

Martens Jeffery D Tr

Wenzel Morgan

100 Bishop Quarter Ln

$392,500.00

Friedman Benajmin S

Rosa-Cooper Andreia Gomes

1016 N Euclid Ave

$626,000.00

Hoog Andrew

Punihaole Thomas

407 Wisconsin Ave

$394,000.00

Borrelli Jean M

Emerson Steven

1112 Thomas St

$690,000.00

Dirkin Jennifer M

Wahl-Jones Meredith

814 Wenonah Ave

$405,000.00

Nardulli Philip F

Jacoby James F

415 N Cuyler Ave

$778,000.00

Redden Charles F

Osting Jonathan

118 S Cuyler Ave

$417,000.00

Childs Adam

Lambert Matthew J

201 S Taylor Ave

$830,000.00

Brown Francis Robert

Jamnik Jason

606 S Taylor Ave

$425,000.00

Wohlgenant Susan L

Kramer Leigh

834 N East Ave

$925,000.00

Jpm Const Contracting Inc

Adams Elliot

943 Hayes Ave

$425,000.00

Chui Sung Tr

Pena Angel A

846 Forest Ave

$950,500.00

Williamson Rick

Sheth Rajiv

918 S Humphrey Ave

$430,000.00

Stawski Stanley

Franklin John J

430 Home Ave

Unknown

Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp

Galanis George

B12 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

FOREST PARK

RIVER FOREST

ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

132 Dixon St

$180,000.00

Graham John

Wilson Rita P

846 Bonnie Brae Pl

$1,150,000.00

Paulson Erick

Luger Daniel

1521 Marengo Ave

$185,000.00

Meyer Alan Tr

Meyer Kathleen

407 Franklin Ave

$255,000.00

Hamilton Kathleen J

Akram Rabia

7314 Randolph St

$186,500.00

Forte Natalie

Krebel Andrea Leigh

435 Williams St

$300,000.00

Polka John

Richards James W

7314 Randolph St

$188,500.00

Love Shanna

Kirkwood Brunell

435 Williams St

$325,000.00

Jugureanu George Tr

Gete-Derfingher Maria E

1310 Franklin Ave

$493,000.00

University Il Fdn

Mcpartlin Sally J

251 Marengo Ave

$190,000.00

Hatton Carol A

Dougherty Mary

1518 Ashland Ave

$500,000.00

Bcl Home Rehab Sub I Llc

Maienza Meredith

1431 Harlem Ave

$200,000.00

Gonchar Mariya

Williams Ze Bretta

915 Monroe Ave

$525,000.00

Sasgen Martha Tr

Herring Sean

251 Marengo Ave

$259,000.00

Kutasi John

Foley Kathleen

738 Lathrop Ave

$527,000.00

Anderson Kristofor T

Ozinga Krista

901 Circle Ave

$297,000.00

Wambach William L

Hansen Justine P

7712 Vine St

$544,500.00

Francque Catherine

Hill Michael P

7420 Randolph St

$335,000.00

Thinnes Michael A Jr

Tse Lam

7204 Iowa St

$570,000.00

Kuby Karin G

Lucas Kevin J

1420 Bonnie Brae Pl

$576,000.00

Cassidy Noreen K

Chen Peter Chao-Wen

1103 Marengo Ave

$340,000.00

Plum William J

Kern Bridget J

562 Forest Ave

$596,000.00

Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr

Saafir Megan

1026 Elgin Ave

$345,000.00

Kutylo Lynne

Anderson Kristen Elizabeth

1447 Monroe Ave

$630,000.00

Bernstein Jack N

Lopez Joe Jr

920 Lathrop Ave

$375,000.00

Miller Nathaniel Scott

Feczko Nick

544 Keystone Ave

$700,000.00

Eaton Jeffrey G Tr

Kawakami Markus

7432 Washington St

$40,000.00

Washington Takeisha

Johnson Cordario

1335 Lathrop Ave

$795,000.00

Lindeman Janet A

Dee Julie A

630 Ferdinand Ave

$488,000.00

Loftus Kevin P

Easton Jordan L

628 Ashland Ave

$860,000.00

Huizenga David

Avalos Steven

232 Marengo Ave

$515,000.00

335 Circle Ps

Armer Andrew

555 Edgewood Pl

$880,000.00

Brundage Miles E

Sied Marshall J

7202 Oak Ave

$90,000.00

Michalowska Krystyna

Rojas Hugo A

7654 Madison St

$650,000.00

Arado Rlty Cc Lp

Wtfait Llc

1040 Monroe Ave

$925,000.00

Tarara Samuel J

Keith Scott T

320 Circle Ave

$99,000.00

Saucedo Fernando

Saucedo Pedro

223 Gale Ave

$930,000.00

Narsutis Steven A

Mefford Jessica

JUST LISTED

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK :: $1,285,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH Majestic Victorian in central Oak Park Historic District.

UNDER CONTRACT

1522 FOREST, RIVER FOREST

UNDER CONTRACT

s c i t i l o P All L! A C O L is

news on e t a d o t e upd Get all th ment an n r e v o g CAL elections your LO L A C O ming L the upco BISHED R U F E R W& at the NE

.com w e i v e R rk ForestPa ives with r h t y c a r Democ mmunity o c t n e d indepen m. journalis

437 ADDISON, RIVERSIDE

$849,000 :: 4 BED :: 4.5 BATH

$449,000 :: 3 BED :: 2 BATH

Brick Tudor with expansive yard.

Contemporary home in beautiful Riverside.

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B13

28

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Celebrating a decade creating great burgers in Elmwood Park

Burger Moovment marks 10-year anniversary with free birthday cake shakes “Besides making me feel old, being in business for 10 years makes me feel great,” laughed Anthony Gambino, Burger Moovment, owner. “We’re already on second generation customers here.”

For 10 years Burger Moovment, 7512 W. North Ave., has stayed true to their brand. For a solid decade they have been slinging top quality burgers, Food Writer fresh cut fries and milk shakes in an unpretentious fast casual environment. Now the North Avenue mainstay is preparing to celebrate their anniversary later this month.

A veteran restaurateur and owner of the two-decade old Cucina Paradiso in Oak Park, Gambino credits mastering the basics as the key to the Elmwood Park burger joint’s long-term success.

“I think we’re doing things the same way we did when we opened,” said Gambino.

“It’s pretty simple. We serve quality food at good prices with great service.”

MELISSA ELSMO

While food and value are essential, Gambino is steadfast his quick service joint would not have been successful without his remarkable staff.

“In the restaurant industry you are only as good as your staff,” said Gambino. “I am proud and humbled how our staff and management team have kept us in the game all these years. I am extremely appreciative.”

While Burger Moovment has stayed true to their food, value, and service trifecta to keep business consistent Gambino notes technology has changed considerably over past the past decade. Digital ordering and delivery needs have dramatically changed how Burger Moovment operates and the pandemic took that evolution to the next level. Today Burger Moovment partners with ChowNow to handle their online ordering needs because their processing fees are more restaurant friendly.

“After the year we’ve had it means everything to still be around,” said Gambino.

“Because of support from the Village of Elmwood Park were definitely able to weather the storm of 2020. From the Elmwood Park Eats bucks to the added parking, the village continues to support us in big ways.”

To honor their notable accomplishment, Burger Moovment will celebrate their milestone anniversary with a birthday cake shake give away. When customers purchase any double burger between April 26 and May 1, they will receive a free vanilla shake

Anthony Gambino credits quality, value and service for the long-term success of his quick service restaurants

B14 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ April 14, 2021

The Classic Moov, shown here, has had top billing on Burger Moovment’s menu for a full decade.

Patrons purchasing a double burger between Apr. 26 and May 1 will receive a free birthday cake shake to celebrate Burger Moovment’s 10-year anniversary.

Photo Provided.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Pastas

Dine-in – Pick-up – Delivery – Catering

29

Wednesday Journal, April 14, 2020

Dine-in – Pick-up – Delivery – Catering

Served with a side salad, bread & butter

zico

ncetta, & peas in our light cream sauce $14.49

Two Restaurants, Twice the Fun!

a

, fresh garlic, & parsley in extra virgin olive oil served over linguine $17.99

rimp Angel Hair sauce $15.99

tti

Pizzas

Pastas

ka

Traditional Thin Crust

Served with a side salad, bread & butter

-cheese spinach blend in our tomato cream sauce $13.49

a cream sauce $13.49

s with Angel Hair

shrooms, broccoli, onions, roasted red peppers, & fresh garlic in our sauce $13.49

izzico

hrimp, black olives, & tomatoes in our special pesto cream sauce $15.99

Sundried Tomatoes

ted grilled chicken breast in our special pesto sauce $15.49

Our light flaky crust is always crisp & golden brown.

Small 10” Cheese Serves 1-2 $9.39, Medium 12” Cheese Serves 2-3 $11.99, Large 14” Cheese Serves 3-4 $15.79, X-Large 16” Cheese Serves 4-5 $18.09, Family 18” Cheese Serves 5-6 $20.29

Chicago-Style Deep Dish

This is the pie that Chicago made famous!

A totally gourmet pizza with a buttery crust & lots of cheese.

Allow 45 min. bake time – cut upon request only.

Small 10” Cheese Serves 2-3 $12.09, Medium 12” Cheese Serves 3- 4 $14.39, Large 14” Cheese Serves 4-5 $19.00, X-Large 16” Cheese Serves 5-6 $23.50

alamari

Spizzico Stuffed

arinara sauce $16.99 our homemade marinara or meat sauce $12.49

do

heese sauce made fresh to order $14.49

Di Mare

, shrimp, fresh garlic, & parsley in our light plum tomato sauce $19.49

vera

resh garlic in extra virgin olive oil $13.49

an cheeses topped with mozzarella, baked in our homemade marinara or

fed Shells

end of 4 Italian cheeses in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49

Olio

in extra virgin olive oil served over angel hair $12.49

Baked like a pie with ingredients inside & topped with a thin crust & our special tomato sauce.

Allow 45 min. bake time – cut upon request only.

Small 10” Cheese Serves 2-3 $15.39, Medium 12” Cheese Serves 3-4 $19.09, Large 14” Cheese Serves 4-5 $22.99, X-Large 16” Cheese Serves 5-6 $26.69

Ingredients

Anchovies, Artichoke Hearts, Bacon, Fresh Basil, Black Olives, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Bocconcini, Broccoli, Canadian Bacon, Capicola, Extra Cheese, Chorizo, Feta Cheese, Fresh Garlic, Hot Giardiniera, Green Olives, Green Pepper, Ground Beef, Jalapeño, Kalamata Olives, Mushroom, Onion, Pepperoni, Pineapple, Portobello Mushroom, Imported Provolone, Ricotta, Roasted Red Pepper, Sausage, Spinach, Sliced Tomato Small +$1.59, Medium +$1.79, Large +$2.09, X-Large +$2.29, Family +$2.59 each, Double Dough, Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Genoa Salami, Shrimp, & Sliced Italian Beef an additional charge

Check out our Spizzico menu & combine your Specialty Pizzas orders Mouthwatering combos to entice any pizza enthusiast! Choose your style.

d in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49

With mushrooms, pancetta, & peas in our light cream sauce $14.49

Mussels Marinara

With plum tomatoes, fresh garlic, & parsley in extra virgin olive oil served over linguine $17.99

Artichoke & Shrimp Angel Hair In our special pesto sauce $15.99

Spinach Manicotti

(3) Stuffed with a 4-cheese spinach blend in our tomato cream sauce $13.49

Penne Alla Vodka

In our tomato vodka cream sauce $13.49

Fresh Vegetables with Angel Hair Artichoke hearts, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, roasted red peppers, & fresh garlic in our homemade marinara sauce $13.49

Gnocchi Alla Spizzico

Potato dumplings, shrimp, black olives, & tomatoes in our special pesto cream sauce $15.99

Mostaccioli with Sundried Tomatoes

Check out our Thank YouSeñor Jefé Gnocchi Potato dumplings in our homemade marinara or meat saucemenu Village of $12.49 Fettuccine Alfredo & $14.49 combine your In our homemadeElmwood cheese sauce made fresh to order Park Linguine Frutti Di Mare orders - Spizzico Mussels, clams, squid, shrimp, fresh garlic, & parsley in our light plum tomato sauce $19.49 And chopped marinated grilled chicken breast in our special pesto sauce $15.49

Linguine with Calamari

In our homemade marinara sauce $16.99

Rigatoni Primavera

Quattro Formaggio

Lasagna

Sautéed broccoli & fresh garlic in extra virgin olive oil $13.49

Sausage, Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper

Greek Pizza

Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Chopped Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Artichoke Hearts (Extra Virgin Olive Oil Based Sauce)

The 8am: The 8am has been on the Burger Moovment menu for ten years and flies a BBQ Pizza Sausage, Onion, Bacon (BBQ Sauce) little under the radar accioli, spaghetti, linguine,low angel hair, rigatoni, or fettuccine in our according to owner Small $15.19,Anthony Medium $18.69, LargeGambino. $21.79, X-Large $25.99, Family $29.39 or meat sauce $11.49

no

Penne Alla Spizzico

Spizzico Special

Mozzarella, Ricotta, Imported Provolone, Parmesan

d in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49

Dine-in – Pick-up – Delivery – Catering

7446 W North Ave,

Layered with 4 Italian cheeses topped with mozzarella, baked in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49

Check out our Spizzico menu & combine your Elmwood Park orders

www.spizzicopizza.com

Homemade Stuffed Shells

(5) Stuffed with a blend of 4 Italian cheeses in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49

Pasta Aglio e Olio

708-583-0002

Fresh garlic sautéed in extra virgin olive oil served over angel hair $12.49

Ravioli

Cheese or meat filled in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49

Gourmet VeggieBurger purists will appreciate the Clas-Tortellini blended with cake and topped with colorful Roasted Red Pepper, Sliced Tomato, Artichoke Hearts, Ricotta, Fresh Garlic

en, veal, or eggplant served over linguine topped with mozzarella, baked in sprinkles. nara or meat sauce $16.49

sic Moov featuring American cheese, let-Cheese or meat filled in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $13.49 Meat-Za Pizza Pasta Marinara Sausage, Pepperoni, Bacon, tomato, Ground Beef, Slicedpickles, Italian Beef ketchup, mustard, and During the anniversary celebration Burg- tuce, Your choice of mostaccioli, spaghetti, linguine, angel hair, rigatoni, or fettuccine in our Rigatoni Primavera homemade marinara or meat sauce $11.49 mayonnaise on a brioche bun.

The signature also offer a special Cuban zarella, baked iner ourMoovment homemade marinara orwill meat sauce $14.49 Mushroom, Broccoli, Onion, Green Pepper, Sliced Tomato Pasta Parmigiano offering was named among the top 20 suburburger featuring Midwest sourced angus ongole Pizza Valentino Your choice of chicken, veal, or eggplant served over linguine topped with mozzarella, baked in s in our homemade whitepatties clam sauce $17.99 Sausage, Onion,ban Sliced Tomato, Sliced Italianby Beef, Hot Giardiniera burgers the Chicago Tribune in 2019our homemade marinara or meat sauce $16.49 beef topped with smoked ham, swiss Small $16.19, Medium $20.19, Large $23.39, X-Large $27.79, Family $31.39 perennially popular menu of-Baked Cheese Rigatoni 7446 W. North Avenue, Elmwood Park cheese, pickles, roasted garlic aioli and and Grain Penne +$1.00, Sausage +$4.00, Meatballs (1) $+2.50 (2) +$5.00, 7446remains W. North aAvenue, Elmwood Park With Ricotta & mozzarella, baked in our homemade marinara or meat sauce $14.49 Spizzico Supreme fering. mustard.

Gambino is also quick to suggest hicken Breast +$4.79, Shrimp +$4.79, Grilled Tuna +$4.19, Tues,Canadian Wed, Bacon, Thurs 11 am Beef, to 9 Mushroom, pm (ClosedOnion, Mondays) Linguine Alla Vongole Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs 11 am to 9 pm (Closed Mondays) Sausage, Pepperoni,Sun, Bacon, Ground Green Pepper, $.79, Baked Mozzarella +$1.89, Baked Mozzarella Black Olives, Green Patrons Olives $17.99 & Sat 11 am – 10 pm Fri looking & Sat 11 am – 10 topmget their hands on aFresh littleneck clams in our homemade white clamFrisauce trying “The 8am.”& Ricotta The+$3.25, burger, topped with Small $18.19, Medium $21.89, Large $25.09, X-Large $29.39, Family $33.79 .25, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Garlic +$1.89, Tomato Cream Sauce +$3.25, www.spizzicopizza.com www.spizzicopizza.com free birthday cake shake can also build their a cage-free fried egg, applewood smoked baVodka Sauce +$3.25, Substitute Soup for Salad +$1.89, Additions: Multi-Grain Penne +$1.00, Sausage +$4.00, Meatballs (1) $+2.50 (2) +$5.00, own Moovment Guests canMarinated Grilled Chicken Breast +$4.79, Shrimp +$4.79, Grilled Tuna +$4.19, Extra Bread & con, Butter +$.45, Extra Romano Cups +$.35 ketchup, Moov sauce, American cheese, Panzerotti We accept all major creditBurger & debit cards. No checks accepted. Prices creation. subject to change without notice. +$.79, Baked Mozzarella +$1.89, Baked Mozzarella & Ricotta +$3.25, Baked or fried cheese $6.95, each ingredient +$.80 among single, double or triple beef AlfredoVegetables lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun, has choose Sauce +$3.25, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Garlic +$1.89, Tomato Cream Sauce +$3.25, Pizza al or tagliofried chicken, black bean Vodka Sauce +$3.25, Substitute Soup for Salad +$1.89, been on the menu since opening day 10 years patties, grilled Extra Bread & Butter +$.45, Extra Romano Cups +$.35 Double Dough Cheese, Sausage, or Pepperoni $3.00 veggie patties or turkey patties before seago. lecting from four buns (yes, one is gluten free) and a wide array of premium and standard mix and match toppings.

When asked what the future holds for Burger Moovment, Gambino was quick to respond.

“This is a solo venture, and we plan to stay that way,” said Gambino. “The last year really opened our eyes to everything and we want to be an institution in Elmwood Park.”

Get a Moov on! And get ready to celebrate a decade’s worth of quality burgers in Elmwood Park.

(708)-583-0000

(708)-583-0002

(708)-583-0000 7446 W. North Avenue, Elmwood Park Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs 11 am to 9 pm (Closed Mondays) Fri & Sat 11 am – 10 pm www.spizzicopizza.com We accept all major credit & debit cards. No checks accepted. Prices subject to change without notice.

We ARE LIVE ONLINE! Your Table is READY

All photos, Melissa Elsmo

The Cuban Moov: Smoked ham, pickled and roasted garlic aioli make this bold burger ideal for celebrating a milestone anniversary.

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April 14, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

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