Wednesday Journal 041724

Angel in the out eld

Gone too soon, but not forgotten

Former D97 art teacher awaits new hear t

Nathon Rodrigues hopes to highlight the gift of life through organ donation

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Two months after re gistering on a heart transplant list, it’s time for for mer Oak Park Elementary School art teacher Nathon Rodrigues. Time to wait. Time to take stock. Time to share his story.

As part of April’s National Donate Life Month commemoration, sponsored by Donate Life America, a nonprofit that works to increase the availability of donated organs and tissue, he’s doing just that.

“These services are so necessary, they are so vital for so many people,” Rodrigues, 44, said. “You never really see the lives it touches, but it is there, and it helps your community.”

The Oak Park resident was first diagnosed in 2019 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, making it harder for the hear t to pump blood.

According to the American Heart Association, the disease is often caused by abnor mal genes in the heart muscle. It is also most often inherited, and is the most

@wednesdayjournalinc @wednesdayjournal @oakpark

Andrew Hagins (above) when he played for the Illinois Orioles, a traveling club, in 2006. ere is an enhanced look at Oak Park and River Forest’s baseball eld as the late Andrew Hagins’ #25 baseball jersey number was painted behind home plate last week. Hagins, who died in December, w ill be honored on April 20 before the Huskies’ home game against Hinsdale South.

PHOTO BY JOSH HAWKINS/FILE 2006

Drop Boxes are located at Oak Park Township and Village of Oak Park by Police Dept. • No Syringes, or Liquids can be accepted. • Drop box is always open!

Too often, unused prescription drugs nd their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. That’s why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in - safely and anonymously.

Oak Park Village Hall remodel plans inch forward amid cost concerns

The Facility Review Committee’s recommendation is estimated to cost $39.2 to $41.2 million

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park trustees heard recommendations Tuesday night about how to renovate village hall in a three-hour discussion that inched decisions forward as officials deliberated need, history and cost of the project.

That three-hour discussion followed a highly contentious public comment section, pushing the meeting to nearly five hours. The earlier portion of the meeting erupted in anger and high tensions after members of a group supporting a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war pressured the board to take a vote.

Co-chairs of the Facility Review Committee presented its recommendations for remodel, estimated by Johnson Lasky Kindelin Architects to cost between $39.2 million to $41.2 million. The recommendation combines elements of three original schemes presented by JLK.

The presentation was met with careful consideration by board members.

Village President Vicki Scaman pointed out that while a cheaper price tag might be attractive to the board and to taxpayers, it may not address all their concerns. If that was the case, the village might end up spending more in the long term if the board decides not to make those bigger investments now.

“The accessibility, the inclusion, the facilities for our staf f to feel safe and to work, all of those things are important,” she said. “[But] the cost and burden to the community does definitely matter to me.”

Committee’s recommendation

T he Facility Review Committee’s recommendation includes a small addition

to the National Re gister-listed historic building, moving all police functions elsewhere and shifting the council chambers to the lower level.

T he addition would allow for a secure entry to the building, a ramp, an elevator and g ender neutral restrooms, according to the village’s summary re port. On the lower level, the committee also recommends introducing a public commons area for working and gathering in addition to the council chambers.

Other infrastructure upgrades, such as for heating, cooling, lighting, roofing, windows and insulation systems, also add to costs.

“I think that’s all part of normal aging of a historic building,” said Meg Kindelin, JLK president. “There is nothing here that we found overly troubling.”

The committee indicated it tried to balance concerns about the lack of safety in the council chambers with ensuring the space is welcoming. The committee was concerned if trustees needed to escape quickly, they could be trapped because the stadium seats cascade down. If everyone attending needed to leave in an emergency, it could be difficult to do so.

The cost

Trustee Lucia Robinson questioned whether preserving the history of the building was the right lens to use to look at the project.

“I don’t want to spend $35 million preserving the ‘spirit’ of something,” Robinson said.

Committee co-chair Daniel Roush pointed out part of the historical significance of the building is that the location was intended to support racial diversity and discourage se greg ation between Oak Park’s

neighborhoods.

Trustee Cory Wesley pointed out that the cost of refurbishing Village Hall and building a new police station is in the same ballpark as demolishing and rebuilding. T he board’s original idea was to do that at an estimated cost of $118 million to $124 million.

Some project cuts may save money now, but it’s likely those upgrades may be needed or desired later, Kindelin said. Starting from scratch isn’ t necessarily cheaper, either, Roush countered

“[Village Hall] needs a lot of things, but it doesn’t need to be rebuilt today,” Kindelin said. “It needs these maintenance items taken care of over the next 10 years, [but] you have time to spend and time to think about it and time to raise money.”

But, Wesley said, the decision is a g enerational commitment, so it’s important that the board spends money to address functionality and add value to a building that will hopefully last at least another 50 years.

It also might be hard for the board to justify a new structure from an environmental perspective, Trustee Brian Straw said, since the greenest building is the one already built.

Although several board members expressed a desire to g et more defined cost numbers, Public Works Director Rob Sproule said the board needs to make specific decisions before that can happen.

To offset costs, Kindelin said the village may be able to apply for energy efficiency

grants. She also suggested the village consult a tax attorney to see if it qualifies for tax credits.

A new police station

But Oak Park board members had another pressing question: Where will the police station go?

In the committee’s recommended scheme, the police station would need to be moved entirely, but they weren’t tasked with recommending a location. Robinson said she would like village staff to focus on the need for a new police station next, a statement other board members echoed

Trustee Ravi Parakkat expressed concer n that the state of the current station may have affected the ability to attract and retain officers. The Oak Park Police Department has a significant number of vacancies.

Committee co-chair Colette Lueck said the board needs to persuade the public that a new police station is necessary. Some of the reasons it is necessary, she said, include the lack of training and interview space, as well as crammed evidence and record storage.

“We have the opportunity to look at this more creatively and more modestly,” Parakkat said. “We have time on our side … [to] arrive at something that is not cost-prohibitive for our community that is already burdened by multiple projects.”

Scaman said she’s confident the board will have a clearer vision at their May 7 meeting, as the trustees continue to discuss staff analysis and committee recommendations

Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park.

BIG WEEK

April 17 - 24

One Ear th Film Festival : ‘Patrol’

Monday, April 22, 6 p.m.

Camilo de Castro, Brad Allgood/2023/80 min/Conser vation, Climate, Justice, Food & Agriculture, Historical Perspectives, People & Cultures, Wildlife. 805 Lake St. #117, Oak Park

I Hear t Ar t Weekly Class (4-9 Years)

Tuesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m.,

KidCreate Studio

Does your child love art? Painting, drawing, clay—it’s all awesome. We will experiment with many techniques, materials and styles as we make 3D owls, stylized self-portraits, clay coil creations and more. Come to class ready for some mess-making fun. We’ll do it all at this artsy class. 200 Harrison St., Oak Park

Listing your event in the calendar

Wednesday Jour nal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest community groups and businesses are planning. We’ ll work to get the word out if

Stephen Kohler Music

Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m., Val’s halla Records

Celebrate National Record Day with Stephen Kohler and an ensemble of artists at the famous Val’s halla Record Store. 239 Harrison St., Oak Park

Building with Blocks

Friday, April 19,10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

We provide the wooden building blocks; you provide the imagination. For ages 0-5. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Cultural Ca eine Tour

Monday, April 22, 6 p.m., Downtown Oak P

During this week-long celebration, try signatur ca einated drinks from local businesses and collec stamps for each new drink you tr y. The rst 100 people to collect 5 or more stamps earn a trav co ee mug. 125 N. Marion St., Oak Park

The League of Women Voters, Drinks and Dialogue

Little Miss Ann and ddler, Anna Jacobson

you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Email details to calendar@wjinc.com

Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m., Friendly Tap, 6731 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn, IL

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a di erence in our community. All are welcome to join.

Thursday, April 18, 10 a.m., River Forest Public Library

Come see little Miss Ann perform at the librar y. Watch your toddlers have a fun time singing and dancing. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest

Georgia O’Kee e, An American Original

Nineteenth Centur y Charitable Association, Monday, April 22, 1:15 p.m.

Georgia O’Kee e’s career spanned seven decades and produced works known and loved by large audiences today. Margaret Farr, who holds a doc torate degree in art history, will examine O’Kee e’s creative output from her early charcoal abstractions through her late -career explorations of pottery. This program will be in-person only. It is free and open to the public, with donations welcome. 178 N. Forest Ave.,Oak Park, second oor ballroom

2024 KidsFest

Sunday, April 21, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Oak Park Conservatory

Join us for KidsFest, the popular family event sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. 21 Lake St., Oak Park

Bugapalooza

Thursday, April 18, 9:30 a.m. - Monday, April 22, 3 p.m.

Join us for 5 days lled with excitement, learning, and lots of buggy fun. 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park

Where D97 stands on ‘Portrait of an 8th Grade Graduate’

O cials hope to introduce Version 3 before the new school year

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Oak Park Elementary School District

97’s ef for ts to craft its highly anticipated “Portrait of an 8th Grade Graduate” are moving into its third version after officials incorporated months’ worth of community feedback into it

Data and feedback analysis will be taking place this month by senior leadershi p from the district of fice, school principals, the teacher design team and the affinity groups that participated in the f all, officials said.

According to Eboney Lofton, chief learning and innovation officer, the affinity groups included Black families, multilingual families, families with students with special needs, and LGBTQ+ families. Oak Park senior residents also participated.

The data was collected over months and included 16 feedback sessions held over 10 schools, three virtual sessions and a PTO listening session. Feedback was also received online through the districts Let’s Talk portal, as well as a middle school survey conducted at both Brooks and Julian Middle School.

Oak Park Elementary School District

97 has been working on getting the district through early-stage planning of designing a portrait, an idea that was introduced to the district by Supt. Ushma Shah, who had seen the work conducted in other districts

Po rt rait of a Graduate is not a ne w c onc ep t. School districts across the c ountry have implementing them for the p ast 15 year s.

According to national magazine EducationWeek, at least 17 states have pushed the “traditional definition” of what it means to be successful in school. Traditionally, this would have solely been seen through a lens of academic achievement: good grades, high GPA, attending college.

But with the concept of social emotional learning moving to the forefront of how educators approach teaching, the idea of portraits that illustrate a “whole” student began gaining popularity.

According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, based in Chicago, social and emotional learning can be defined as the “process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals.”

Several states have be gun adopting the idea on a state-wide level and mandated school districts to follow a state-wide portrait. In 2012, South Carolina became one of the first states to adopt them, and codified it into law three years later. Utah, Virginia and Washington state created similar profiles

T he c onc ep t of a po rt rait be g an to ga in traction after the federal Ever y

S tudent Succeeds Act, wh ich pe rm i tted state-specific accountability measures to pe rm it states flexibility to craft holisti c b enchmarks for wh at students in pre-K through 12 th gr ade should know and do when they gr aduation.

In Illinois, the decision to sketch a portrait is up to the districts because they have local control, said Lindsay Record, press secretary for the Illinois Stat e Board of Education.

“As long as school districts meet the state graduation requirements, they have local control to establish additional graduation criteria, create a shared vision among the school community, or incorporate learning standards in a way that reflects the unique needs and priorities of each community,” Record said.

In Oak Park, the district is looking at the “bigger picture,” said Shah.

According to Shah, D97 is trying to execute its responsibility to the district’s equity policy and to “redesign the system.”

“That is what the portrait is about,” said Shah. “It is a way to operation-wise these huge ideas that are very difficult to put into practice and this is our first step in trying to transform the district so it works in alignment with the equity policy.”

“We are kind of designing backwards from the end,” she explained. “What is at the end is ‘what exactly are we doing here?’ That is a question that we know all good organizations, first of all, ask themselves

and, second of all, know the answer to.”

These portraits can respond to evolving contexts, said Colon Lewis, chief learning officer for Battelle for Kids, a national non-profit organization focused on helping educators design portraits for their district.

“[Educational leaders] are thinking about how the world has changed and what these changes mean for learning experiences for students in schools,” Lewis said.

Lewis explained that each profile is unique to the community it serves and that timelines vary.

“The beautiful thing and also the most confusing thing about this work is that there isn’t a linear path where you finish your portrait where you do this first, this second, this third and next thing you know magical things happened for the kids,” Lewis said.

One thing that is important is for districts to work alongside the community.

“When they involve the community in the creation of the portrait, you are building that stakeholder buy-in so that you can avoid that pushback on the backend,” Lewis said. “If the district did this work in isolation that makes it harder for the community to get behind because they didn’t have input.”

Having student input also helps avoid “pushback,” Lewis said.

The district intends to introduce Version 3 before the start of the 2024-25 school year.

OPRF alum make NBC’s ‘ e Voice

Nathan Chester is featured on singer John Legend’s team

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

An OPRF alumnus is making waves on a popular singing competition with his powerful voice.

Nathan Chester became a household name after his blind audition for Season 25 of the hit reality television show on NBC “The Voice,” which features contestants singing during “blind auditions” in hopes of having a celebrity judge turn their chair around for a chance to be on their team during the competition.

This season features returning coaches Reba McEntire, John Legend, and Chicagonative Chance the Rapper with newcomers Dan + Shay, a country duo, rounding up the four teams.

For his audition, Chester sang Al Green “Take Me to the River” and got John Legend and Dan + Shay to turn around. Chester picked Legend to be his coach.

“He is the real deal,” Chester said. “He knows exactly what he wants, such a gentleman, a very kind guy. Big heart. Great ideas, he has a lot of great ideas.”

Chester, 28, is no stranger to performing. He grew up singing alongside his while helping in the kitchen and then later perfor ming in his church choir.

Chester, who considers Oak Pa hometown, went to Irving Elementary and Percy Julian Middle School before ing for a few years to Lindenwood, Ill. He transfer red to Oak Park and Rive High School during his sophomore year and graduated in 2013.

While at OPRF, Chester was involved in the music theater department, becoming a valuable member of both theatre and choir, said Michelle Bayer, performing arts department chair and director of theatre at OPRF

“I have the pleasure of directing him three times in his senior year,” Bayer said. “Nathan is a sponge! He works harder and learns faster than almost any other student

I have ever directed. He is a phenomenal singer, dancer, and actor.”

According to Bayer, Chester pl McCor mack in OPRF’s production of “Footloose,” Mitch Mahoney in “The 15th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and Enjolras in “Les Misérables.”

“Each of the productions I Nathan required him to embody a diffe ent type of character, sing in a different style, and dance with a different car Bayer said. “And Nathan was this flawlessly.”

Following graduation, Chester decided he wanted to pursue Broadway and began auditioning for shows across the countr He also attended Waldorf small liberal arts school in Iowa, for musical theatre.

Chester worked in regional theaters across the country, including The Stephen Foster Story in Bardstown, Kentucky, and Crane River Theater in Kearney, Nebraska.

The Voice

The second time’s the charm for Chester, who first auditioned for “The Voice” when the show made a stop in Navy Pier to host auditions back in 2011.

Chester, who was a sophomore then, was asked to sing a second song by one of the producers but did not continue in the audition rounds.

“As a 14-year-old, I was more frustrated than anything, but I also felt encouraged,” Chester said.

But getting to sing a second song was also a confidence booster.

“Even though I didn’t get picked, it felt like he was curious enough to be like ‘sing one more thin g’,” Chester said.

Years later, while Chester was perfor ming on Norwegian Cruise Line, he met a singer who had been on Season 21 of “The Voice” who put him in touch with a producer, which eventually led to a blind audition.

That blind audition was “super nerve wracking,” he said.

The two-chair turn was surreal.

So has been working with John Legend.

“It feels like having a loving uncle, but an uncle who is so successful and busy and doing something all the time that anytime you g et with that uncle you’ re like ‘I can tell your present and you’ re here, but I know when you leave here

you have a f amily and you’ re touring the world,” Chester said.

Chester made it past the Knockout round, where coaches pair up their remaining artists to sign a song of their choosing in a head-to-head matchup.

“I feel like I am really learning a lot,” Chester said. “There is something about being in the presence of Reba [McEntire] where I feel like I am learning something. I am learning a lot from my peers. It is insane how many incredible vocalists come from all over the world.”

Chester is also looking past his time on a singing competition and has started a company with his girlfriend, Emily Viancourt. They said they hope to expand that business and create more shows featuring alumni from “The Voice.” So far, a few have already signed up, including Jamar Langley who was on Season 23 and current season contestant Bryan Olesen.

As they expand, he said they hope to add talent from other shows including “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.”

“Oftentimes with those shows, people don’t know what to do afterwards,” he said. “They have the show, they have all this momentum and fast forward five years, and some don’t know how to transition into performing professionally.”

“The Voice” is currently airing on Mondays and Tuesday on NBC.

PHOTO BY C ASE Y DURKIN/NBC

Nathan Chester performing during the Knockout premier on Monday, April 4. PROVIDED

Nathan Cheste

e Children’s School hires new leader

Candelaria-Dunstan

has been the new head of school since April 9

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

The Children’s School is under new leadership. Michelle Candelaria-Dunstan has been announced as the new head of school following a national search. Candelaria-Dunstan will be the first person to hold the newly added position for TCS. She began her new role April 9.

Candelaria-Dunstan comes to TCS from Boise, Idaho, where she was the Education Director at Anser Charter School. At the school, she advocated for legislative changes to increase dive in charter schools and has led other schools with an “inclusionbased” mission, along with having experience teaching various grade levels.

Candelaria-Dunstan holds master’s degree in educational leadership, as well as a bachelor of arts in elementary educatio from Boise State University.

Interim Director of Cu riculum and Instruction Gloria Mitchell said Candelaria-Dunstan is coming to TCS at a “pivotal time” in the school’s history.

to “better meet the needs” of students and school families

According to Tracy Litsey, communications consultant at TCS, the longtime director of administration, Pamela Freese recently retired from her position. She had been at TCS for 16 years.

Alyssa Stark, president of the board of directors at TCS, said the new head of school position will be replacing the director of administration position.

“The school is transitioning its leadership structure away from a previous two-director model with the hiring of a Head of School,” Litsey said.

For years, TCS has operated with a director of curriculum and instruction, as well as a director of administration.

According to Litsey, Christina Martin, the director of curriculum and nstruction, who has been with TCS since it was founded in 2004, will also be leaving.

MICHELLE C ANDELARIA-DUNSTAN

Both directors announced their ntentions to leave the school in the fall of 2023, Litsey said. he plan to restructure TCS has been long-time coming, said Litsey. Conversations began several years ago and planned for at least two years.

The move followed months of uncertainty after their lease at St. Edmund was not renewed as a result of the physical condition of the building.

TCS shares portions of the space with First Baptist Preschool.

According to Mitchell, the school is in the process of renovating an additional floor in their new location.

In 2023, TCS also found itself in litigation with a family whose six-year-old student

was expelled from the private school. The child’s mother, Kwijona Calvin, a resident of the West Side of Chicago, was named as the plaintiff in the lawsuit documents, which claimed the school practiced racial and disability discrimination against the student.

The lawsuit is still in litigation and Horvat Law of Chicago, who is representing Calvin, would not comment on the case.

Litsey said the lawsuit did not have any affect or cause the structure changes at TCS.

“We are excited to bring fresh energy and ideas to our already rich program of projectbased learning and democratic education,” Mitchell said.

Candelaria-Dunstan joins TCS in hopes of continuing to provide exceptional educational experiences

“I am dedicated to upholding our school’s mission of providing a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” Candelaria-Dunstan said in the statement. “I am confident that together with our excellent faculty and dedicated board, we will continue to create a warm, welcoming, and dynamic learning community where every child feels valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.”

In a statement provided by TCS, Mitchell also said the school is in the process of hiring additional staff members and undergoing a “restructuring” of administration

“The need for change has een driven by the growth and expansion of our school,” Litsey said. “We started as just a small K-2 school, ew quickly to a K-5 school, and then added a middle school.”

The two previous directors, Freese and Martin, had privately considered retirement several years ago, said Litsey, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed those plans as they “agreed to stay on to help the school navigate through the demands of COVID and shortly afterward, an impending move,” Litsey said.

“We are grateful for their incredible service but always understood that once we had settled in our new building, they would be moving on.”

Mitchell, a veteran middle school teacher was named interim director of curriculum.

“In regards to other leadership positions the board and faculty together with the ne Head of School, will be considering whether to add additional directors to the school’ leadership team,” Litsey said.

During 2023, TCS relocated, moving into a portion of First Baptist Church of Oak Park, on Ontario Street near Scoville Park

Oak Park approves another $100K for migrant rental assistance

The amount is intended to help asylum-seekers at Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

In a 5-2 vote on April 11, Oak Park’s Village Board of Trustees approved an additional $100,000 to be allocated to Community of Cong re gations to help resettle 17 migrants staying at Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church.

The new amount will come from the village’s general fund, something Trustees Lucia Ro inson and Ravi Parakkat disag reed with, prompting them to vote against the resolution.

Community of Cong re ga tions has resettled 201 migrants with help from grant funding and the board’s allocation of other general fund dollars. The Oak Park Resettlement Task Force, sponsored by the Community of Cong re gations, helped find available housing for many asylum-seekers and offered landlords a fully paid, 12-month lease.

“They are currently seeking to provide the same level of support asylum-seekers within the gram and community ha Tchang said. “$100,000 would allow folks to move into their own lease and set themselves on that same pathway toward independence.”

These 17 individuals are the last known asylum-seekers in community housing or staying at faith-based Tchang said. Calvary Memorial also housed migrants for she said, but that found alternate solutions of them.

The $100,000 is intended to fund five leases ant families odist, Knapp said.

“Euclid United Methodis hurch is sort of lar place that Grace Episcopa hurch was in two months ago, in that they are tired and running out of money,” he said. “There needs to be an offramp of some kind.”

them in a way that is consistent,” he said.

June 30, the shelter’s original end date.

Euclid Methodist had not been included in the village’s other resettlement efforts, Human Resources Director Kira Tchang said, because the board directed staff to focu on the temporary shelter sites Those included Grace Episco pal Church, The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel and West C YMCA.

Euclid Methodist also volunteered to shelter the migr staying there, without the vil lage asking or providing aid, Tchang said. Rev. Colin Knapp, president of Community of Congregations, said the church reached out following the success of their resettlement efforts.

Grace Episcopal Church had to close its migrant shelter March 15, the result of a lack of funding and resources. The village later approved $200,000 in village funds to help the Community of Congregations fund leases for migrants previously staying at Grace in addition to those at St. Edmund School.

Trustee Cory Wesley, who has voted against allocation of village general funds for migrant short-term rental assistance, voted in favor of the resolution Thursday night, citing equity as his reason. He said that because the village has created this framework of helping asylum-seekers, it’s only fair to not exclude others and extend them that same assistance.

“I believe $100,000, even if we have to eat it out of the general fund, for me, is worth the consistency of our values and employing

The board also unanimously approved village staf f applying for the Cook County Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to help reimburse some of Oak Park’s migrant response.

This reimbursement, if proved, would be related to expenses including food and shelter incur red at the Oak Family Transitional Shelter housed at St. Edmund School after the village’s other shelter sites started to close. It will also help transition funding of the OPFTS from state to county.

“We continue to identify and want to maximize all funding options available to the village when it comes to our response,” Tchang said. The cost of operating the OPFTS did end up much lower than anticipated, Tchang said, because fewer migrants than expected needed to stay there and all were resettled by early April instead of staying until

So far, Tchang said, the village has received about $340,000 in reimbursement from the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grant in the first ound and is approved for $60,000 more. The village has also already been approved $365,000 in reimburseant services from ounty Disaster Revery Fund he state understands Oak ask for more refor expenses such ental assistance hang said.

“The state has also indicated that they’re learning from us, as a community that has been deeply involved in the response,” she said. “We’re hopeful that will enhance our application.”

Tchang also said village staff intend to present a detailed budget timeline of expenses for the migrant response on April 30.

GOOGLE MAPS

Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church

LUCIA ROBINSON

KIRA TCHANG

CORY WESLE Y

River Forest Township Supervisor Carla Sloan retires

John Bevcar will be named as her replacement

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

For the first time in 14 years Carla Sloan will be missing from the River Forest Township offices.

Sloan has announced her retirement as township supervisor after 11 years at the helm. Before becoming township supervisor, she was township clerk for three years.

The River Forest Township Board of Trustees is expected to name John Becvar as Sloan’s successor at the board’s May 21 meeting. Becvar has served as township clerk since being appointed in May 2023 to fill a vacancy.

The developments were announced at the board’s March 19 meeting.

“Since moving into our community, John has jumped in with both feet,” Sloan said. “He is committed to service, including the importance of delivering quality human services. He’s also done an exemplary job as clerk and will be a wonderful supervisor.”

Becvar is semi-retired after spending more than 30 years in the private sector. He lived in Chicago for over 20 years before moving with his husband in May 2021 to River Forest. He said intends to run for a

full four-year term in April 2025.

“I’ve been very for tunate to spend the past year as township clerk,” he said. “It has helped me get to know the community.”

Sloan said her resignation will enable her to spend more time with family, which includes four adult children, one with autism, and two grandchildren, including

one who arrived early on the morning of April 15.

“I will miss the dedicated and passionate people with whom I have worked in human services,” she said. “I have several projects and hobbies which have been on hold and which I plan to pick up again.”

Sloan said the township has “actually

been my third career.”

After a corporate-based career in product management, she changed her focus to volunteer work related to autism.

“My passion is government/political science,” she said. “While I never held public office before the township, I had a wide variety of financial, marketing, non-profit and disabilities-related experiences which were key steppingstones to the township. The township, with its focus on human services, was a perfect fit for me.”

Becvar said he’s always been involved in the local community and always enjoyed serving local residents.

“I want to get people involved at any level, whether it’s volunteering on a project, being on one of our committees or serving as a clerk,” he said. “I’ve always had this drive to give back.”

The board is accepting resumes to fill the soon-to-be vacant township clerk position. The supervisor and clerk positions are both part-time.

River Forest Township funds do z ens of agencies and progr ams related to older adults, youth, mental health, developmental disabilities and financial assistance, plus the assessor’s office. The Township has six part-time employees at its offices, located on the second floor of the River Forest Community Center, 8020 Madison Street.

Oak Park approves expansion of overnight on-street parking

The decision improves access only for existing permit holders

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

In a 6-1 vote Thursday night, Oak Park’s Village Board of Trustees approved the transportation commission’s unanimous recommendation to expand overnight, on-street parking in zones Y1 and Y2.

The board’s decision expands access to overnight parking in those zones for existing permit holders only. The number of permits the village issues will not increase.

Zone Y1 includes the east side of the 100 block of North Oak Park Avenue, the south side of the 700 block of Ontario Street, the north side of the 700 block of Erie Street,

and the east side of the 300 block of North Oak Park Avenue. Zone Y2 includes both the south and north side of the 1000 block of Pleasant Street.

Village staff received complaints from existing permit holders parking in these zones

Those residents said it was difficult to find parking spaces in a “reasonable” walking distance from their homes, according to village officials. Expanding parking in these zones allows for 36 more spaces in zone Y1 and 17 more in zone Y2.

Trustee Lucia Robinson was the sole vote against the recommendation. She said she doesn’t think just expanding the parking map is the answer and would prefer to con-

figure it differently to reflect resident’s needs. This would include reducing parking in areas where there are no permit holders or less demand, not just expanding other areas, she said.

Staf f members are constantly reassessing parking zones and looking for areas of improvement, said Sean Keane, parking and mobility services manager. Robinson said she’d also like to examine the cost of the overnight parking permits.

Trustee Cory Wesley, howeve r, voted in favo r of expanding pa rk ing a ccess in these zones

“I don’t care if we let people park anywhere and everywhere,” he said. “Wherever we

don’t put bike lanes, let everybody park.” Development Services Director Emily Egan pointed out one of the board’s goals is to create vibrant, diverse, connected neighborhoods. By expanding overnight parking zones, the board is improving access for residents who do not have other options, according to village officials. Staff members are also working to balance parking demand with infrastructure improvements like bike lanes, Egan said.

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus also suggested the board consider eliminating the overnight parking ban, especially in highdemand areas, as part of its housing study. Robinson said she opposed that idea, too

John Becvar and Carla Sloan.

St. Luke teacher featured as WGN Teacher of the Month

Alexia Filice received $1,000 toward her kindergar ten classroom

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

News station WGN featured St. Luke school kindergarten teacher Alexia Filice as its teacher of the month.

Camera crews descended on the River Forest school to profile the beloved teacher for the popular news segment. It aired in March Virginia Ryan, whose daughter Isabella Ryan is in Filice’s class, was one of the parents who made the nomination. She and other moms included in the nomination a video of all the students saying what they love about Filice. They also highlighted how she implemented the St. Jose ph and St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations at the school.

“She is a legendary educator in my opinion,” Ryan said, adding that Filice has an amazing rapport throughout the St. Luke community.

Ryan said she has seen her own daughter grow in Filice’s class, beyond what she expected for a child in kindergarten.

“

always trying to make Mrs. Filice proud.”

“She doesn’t just have that relationship with my daughter, she has it with everyone,” Ryan said. “She can have an individual relationship with each and every child and family that is personalized for them and that really maximizes their potential to achieve their highest ability.”

Such dedication had been witnessed throughout her career at St. Luke School, where Filice has worked since she graduated in 2002. She earned a de gree in early childhood education and sociolo gy at Dominican University.

Filice arrived at St. Luke for student teaching in the fall of 2001 and was hired shortly after to teach kindergarten, taking a few years of f after her second child was born. She also held a preschool teacher position, as well as a teacher’s aide position, at St. Luke when one of her children was diagnosed with Leukemia.

She can have an individual relationship with each and every child and family that is personalized for them and that really maximizes their potential to achieve their highest abilit y.

VIRGINIA RYAN Student’s mother

“She is already reading – she is so excited to do her homework. She is always looking for opportunities to put math patterns together, which is something I didn’t expect in kindergarten,” Ryan said. “She is

From the beginning, Filice said she gravitated towards teaching younger children.

“You get their pure innocence, I feel that you get the utmost from that age, they are like sponges, they want to learn,” Filice said. “You get their honesty. They are young enough to where they are willing to take chances and have fun and be silly, but they are old enough to try to do some things on their own.”

Filice said she decided to take after her parents, who were both also educators.

CORREC TION

An article published April 10 titled “River Forest celebrates young authors” credited Lucia Auvinen as the top author for Roosevelt Middle School. Auvinen was the top eighth grade author and Savita Weisell was the top Roosevelt overall author. We apolo gize for the er ror.

“I knew I wanted to go into teaching because I would watch my mom and be at school with her,” Filice said.

Another driving factor: she wanted to pull from her own personal academic struggles as a child and find various ways to eng age “every type of learner.”

“Just knowing that I had difficulty, I just knew that I wanted to help other children who have difficulty and give them a variety of techniques so they can feel they are lear ning,” she said.

“I want to bring out the gifts that they have and focus on that, so they don’t dwell on the things they have difficulty with at school.”

Filice said she was very surprised and thankful about the nomination when she found out about it a week before WGN came to film the segment during her class,

which Ryan said was also a great experience for the kindergartners.

Filice received $1,000 for her classroom, which she said will most likely go to update some classroom equipment and get enrichment materals, but said she is open to helping her St. Luke family should another teacher need it.

“We are blessed to have Mrs. Filice in our school community,” said Principal Andrew DiMarco. “I am so happy for her to receive this reco gnition which she truly deserves.”

Being at St. Luke is being at her “home away from home,” Filice said.

“It is really such a wonderful place,” Filice said. “I work amongst some amazing educators, and I feel truly blessed being there. That is why I haven’t left. It is such an amazing place to be at.”

Alexia Filice

OPRF IRDI students win big in science symposiums

All 16 students presented as semi- nalists at JSHS and IJAS

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School students enrolled in the popular Investigative Research Design and Innovation course are receiving high accolades as they present their year-long research at various science symposiums across the country this semester.

In February, 16 IRDI students presented as semi-finalists out of 26 total presenters at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, where six out of the eight finalists selected were OPRF students.

Three of the five students selected for nationals were OPRF students Marina Sjoblom, second place overall, Sahiba Dhillon, third place overall, and Jenna Ahn, fourth place overall.

The three qualified to attend the 62nd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Albuquerque, N.M. in May.

“I am exceptionally proud and humbled by the passion, perseverance, ingenuity, and collaboration that my IRDI students have shown throughout the year,” said Allison Hennings, science teacher at OPRF. “It is inspiring and invigorating to see the absolutely bright future they are helping to craft.”

This has been a rewarding year for IRDI students who took the year-long course designed for students to explore any topics they are interested in.

“They look for a gap in current published research and then they design an experiment to address that gap,” Hennings said.

Students also reach out to published mentors for mentorship along with performing the experiment, which they will explain through a research paper, a research poster and a PowerPoint presentation to be submitted to local, national and international science symposiums.

For her IRDI project, senior Sahiba presented “Optimizing Bioremediation of Lead (III) in wastewater with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Chitosan across variable pH Levels.”

“It’s pretty simple,” she said. “I basically saw if these specific bacteria, lactobacillus acidophilus, combined with chitosan could take out lead from assimilated wastewater.”

The bacteria, which is commonly found in yo gurt or fermented food, can be available in developing countries, where con-

taminated water can be a real worry.

“Two years ago, I took a trip to India, and I visited my family’s village,” Sahiba said. “The water there, because of local jean and denim factories, they release heavy metals into the water and the village people don’t have an effective way to remediate the contaminants out of the water.”

The 17-year-old said she had devoted a lot of her own personal time to researching the topic and when she found out that IRDI students are able to pursue their own passion projects and receive funding, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to continue to dive deeper into the topic.

“Because my experiment found some success last year, I decided to continue my research and see whether changing the pH of the solution could possibly take out more lead than before,” Sahiba said. “The opportunity was amazing to be able to do this research, during a class period in the day and having access to a school laboratory.”

Students also submitted to the Illinois Junior Academy of Science symposium, with all students chosen to present on March 1, 2024, at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill.

All students qualified for state, which

will be May 3-4 at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill.

Many students were also awarded special awards, including junior Amelia Hammersley, who was selected as a finalist at the competitive International Re generon ISEF 2024, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, which will take place May 1117 in Los Angeles. Amelia is the first OPRF student who has qualified for ISEF.

“It’s a big deal, they compete for like $9 million dollars in awards,” Hennings said. “It is huge. I started this course 19 years ago and I never had a student get that far. It is very rewarded and shows what hard work can do and perseverance. Seeing the reward can make it all wor th it for them.”

T he project was also personal to Amelia, whose sister suf fered a severe concussion when she was younger and had to be hospitalized.

“I really experienced how brain injuries affect every part of someone’s life,” she said. “That inspired me to pursue neuroscience in this class.”

Amelia decided to study “neuroprotective effect of a combination of Celastrol and naproxen on acute traumatic brain injury in a drosophila melanogaster model

as a potential novel pharmaceutical.”

Amelia’s new treatment would potentially promote full neurological recovery, as naproxen and ibuprofen can cause underscore side effects, including brain strokes.

“That seems to defeat the purpose if people are administered this medication to help them recover and they end up getting a worse brain injury of different sorts,” Amelia said. “The goal of this experiment was to create a medication that would diminish some of those side effects while still promoting the same amount of recovery.”

Noah Campbell, a senior, along with Sahiba, were awarded the Stockholm International Junior Re gional Water Prize, which makes them qualify to compete for a chance to go to Stockholm, Sweden to be in the finals of the competition.

“I am so happy, definitely excited for the chance to go to Sweden, but I am just really happy that I was able to build something that worked,” Campbell said. “That is the most satisfying part to me.”

For Campbell’s IRDI project, he decided to use bacillus licheniformis, a resilient strain of bacteria, to treat acid mine drainage, the second largest problem right behind climate change.

“It was an intense but amazing experience,” Campbell said. “It was memorable. Especially the first time finding out my bacteria worked.”

According to Campbell, his experiment can have important implications including creating more “tailored and effective coral conservation programs” by focusing on “location-specific weather trends.”

Hennings said students are not done for the year yet, with three more competitions coming up.

“It is invaluable for them to be able to be exposed to many professionals on a global scale that can get feedback to them and allow them to see their work through different lenses,” Hennings said. “Giving them the opportunity to present at science symposiums shows them that their ideas are important and acts as a catalyst for them to keep going in STEM education.”

The IRDI research course will expand this upcoming school year and begin to include AP Research credit, said Hennings, adding that students will enroll in IRDI/ AP research next year but carry out the same curriculum IRDI has been following.

COURTESY OF KARIN SULLIVAN/OPRF

Sahiba Dhillon, Jenna Ahn, and Marina Sjoblom were selected to attend the 62nd National Junior Science and Humanities Sy mposium.

Contentious O

Village board meeting erupts in anger after some community members ask trustees to back a cease resolution

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staf

An Oak Park Board of ing April 9 erupted in anger and high tensions after members of porting a permanent el-Hamas war pressed the voice vote on the issue during a time they could not do so.

T he flashes of ways: to and from the audience and boar members, including Vicki Scaman.

The tensions were eventually snapped Susan Buchanan intervened to deflect harsh comments and Police Chie nya Johnson spoke pri ence members, asking them to calm down.

For example, when one resident spoke out against the proposal, several supporters cried “lies!” from the audienc

Buchanan then scolded seated tendees who interrupted the speak

“You will stop heckling our residents,” she said, pointing her at the audienc

The incident happened during the non-agenda public comment portion of the meeting. The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires municipalities to offer the public time to speak on any issue. It does not require board members to address those comments, and Oak Park’s trustees often don’t. That’s because some actions, such as taking a vote, could violate the act’s requirement to give the public no-

tice before votes are taken.

viduals from the Committee for a Just eace in Palestine/Israel and other community members presented trustees a petition that urges the board to pass a resolution backing a ceasefire. About 20 people spoke to support or oppose this resolution. In an unusual move, Scaman addressed the audience before the public comment secgan. She announced the board was not planning to pass a ceasefire resolution. s much as I really do want to hear all public comment that is here this evening, I do have a statement,” she said. “We [the board] are all behind this statement, which is completely in support of our community, but it is not moving forward with an additional resolution.”

She later took that initial statement back and apolo gized. Scaman also confirmed with Wednesday Journal she spoke with each board member one-on-one, and they

ag reed her prepared statement, that she later read, was OK.

But her initial words did not go over well with some of the petition’s supporters.

One community member called it “disrespectful” and left. Another said it was “outrageous” in their public comment.

From there, it escalated.

Behind the petition

Caren Van Slyke, a founder and chair of CJPIP, posted a petition the group is circulating that calls for “an immediate permanent ceasefire, the provision of immediate and unconditional lifesaving humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages.” It seeks 500 signatures. As of April 11, more than 300 individuals signed it.

“We are not asking you to take a side, but to take the side of justice and peace,” Van Slyke, who said she is Jewish, added dur-

il 9, 2024,

ing public comment at the board meeting.

CJPIP is a community-based group “dedicated to organizing activities and educational events that advance the cause of peace and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis,” according to the group’s website. The group states it supports other initiatives, including equal rights, an end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza and other areas, and an end to all for ms of ter ror.

According to its website, the group responds to breaking events and eng ages with elected officials to enlist support for “positive” legislative initiatives.

The petitioners are asking Oak Park to join other municipalities in passing the resolution and working toward “a just and lasting peace.” In February 2024, Reuters reported that roughly 70 U.S. cities, including Chicago, passed resolutions asking for a ceasefire on the Israel-Hamas war.

About 67% of voters support the United

SUSAN BUCHANAN

LU Z ANE DRAUGHON

Laurel Niedospial spoke to Oak Park’s Village Board of Trustees during public comment on Apr

in favor of a cease re resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

A refusal to act or legal compliance?

S ome attendees at the Oak Pa rk Vi llage Board meeting c alled for trustees to vote on the proposed c easefire resolution, and appeared visibly upset when the board didn’t

But trustees couldn’t

Why not?

Doing so would have violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act, a law that attempts to provide gover nmental openness and transparency while offering protocols for the exchange of information between the public and the gover nment.

The Oak Park Village Board of Trustees is a “public body” as defined by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and, as a result, falls under the act’s restrictions.

Those restrictions include that the public body – or most governmental entities, and in this case, the village board – must post an agenda at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting. That means the

States called for a per manent ceasefire and de-escalation of violence, according to a survey from Data for Progress.

The international war and reaction to it often hit close to home.

According to a 2023 WBEZ article, Cook County has more Palestinian residents, totaling more than 18,000, than any other county in the U.S. And according to a 2020 study, about one in 18 Metropolitan Chicago households have at least one Jewish resident.

Discussions about the Israel-Hamas war have also created tension at the Oak Park and River Forest High School. Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine students and parents at the school have re ported unfair treatment, Wednesday Jour nal re ported.

And at the Oak Park Public Library, controversy over the handling of a Palestinian cultural event may have contributed to the firing of Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon.

Needless to say, currents of angst, hurt and outrage ran throughout Oak Park even before the April 9 meeting began.

Public comments

The room was clearly divided. Those in favor of a resolution roared in applause after their like-minded neighbors spoke. When those who opposed the resolution spoke, their supporters, a much smaller contingent, clapped, too

Carollina Song, who said she is Jewish

board, under those rules, cannot add an item to the agenda less than 48 hours before the meeting if it intends to take an action on the item.

According to the village of Oak Park’s protocols, adopted Feb. 6, 2024, the agenda for a Tuesday board meeting is made public the Friday prior at noon. To add a new item to the agenda, the village president or a trustee with a seconded motion can make a request to the village manager. Any board feedback is due to staf f prior to 9 a.m. on the Friday before a Tuesday board meeting.

If Oak Park’s village board intended to vote on the ceasefire resolution at the April 9 meeting, it would have had to have included the item on the agenda by April 5 to account for the weekend. The agenda was published without it, so the board could take no action. Actions include voice votes.

However, the act also requires that

and backed the resolution, also said she does not want to see justice dismissed as something divisive.

“Silence encourages a tormentor, never the tormented,” Song said, quoting Elie Wiesel, author of “Night,” a memoir based on Wiesel’s experience during the Holocaust.

“I find it eg re gious that a village so hellbent on marketing themselves as progressive needs to debate the need for a ceasefire,” Laurel Niedospial, who also said she is Jewish, added during public comment.

“When these children [affected by the war] ask ‘who cared about us?’ I would like to say Oak Park did,” Faisal Alabsy said.

Another commenter said he expected the board to vote.

“The community deserves that each of go on the record, ‘yea or nay’ and not just hide behind ‘well, we went in the back room and thought about it,’” he said.

public meetings have space for people to comment. For those speaking about the resolution on April 9, that was during the “non-agenda” portion of public comment. Non-agenda public comment is where anyone can address trustees about anything that is not on the published agenda.

The board is permitted to develop parameters for non-agenda public comment. According to published protocols, trustees “will not respond to public comments as a part of the meeting or enter into discussion with a commenter as a part of the meeting.” There are exceptions to this.

“The village president will respond and at the conclusion of the public comment by noting that staf f will follow-up on the matter,” the protocols read.

There are no guarantees that public comments will result in board action or agenda items being added to later meetings.

— Luzane Draughon

has failed victims and hostages in this war, she said.

“I stand here today committed to peace because it is the only way to save lives,” she said. “If our village were to support a ceasefire, it would be sending a message that Oak Park is committed to peace and the protection of innocent lives.” Other residents opposed a ceasefire resolution.

Rasheda Jackson, assistant village attorney, confirmed the board cannot not take an official vote on an item that is not on the agenda.

Hajjar Herbert, an Arab-American woman of Palestinian descent who supported the resolution, said she’s afraid to check her phone because she doesn’t want to hear that a loved one was killed. The U.S. government

Scaman’s statement and board response

The b oard did not vote on any resolution or make a final decision about how they ’d li ke to move forward.

Scaman, however, did read her f ull prepared statement after the 20 or so c omments concluded.

Before reading it, the same few attendees vehemently i nter rupted her. Scaman, after asking them to stop i nter ruptin g seve r al times, lost her composure.

“You i nter rupted seve r al c ommenter s who we re here to do the same thing yo u we re, and eng age us in d emocra cy,” the visibly angry village president said. “You are done.”

As a few audience members c ontinued to i nter rupt, she resorted to threatening to have them remove d from the meeting

“You have b een i nsulting to this b oard that does not deserve to be insulted,” she said. “Enough, enough, enough! ”

In an i nterview with We d nesd ay Journal, Scaman c alled her opening statement a “misstep” and said the ir ritatio n b oard members exhibited was not without empat hy. If residents had reached out ahead of time, she said, officials c ould have b etter understood their g oals and helped those residents learn how to g et a resolution on the agenda.

Van Slyke said she did reach out to the b oard by email ahead of the meeting .

Rabbi Max Weiss of Oak Park Temple said he does not wish for the village to pass a ceasefire resolution and wants to focus instead on local efforts and making the community a “welcoming” one

“You already got what you wanted,” an attendee from the crowd yelled, speaking out of turn, and refer ring to Scaman’s opening statement.

Mark Se gal, who said he is Jewadded that he’s against a ceasefire resolution, adding that he does not want to alienate the local Jewish community

“Although a resolution will have no impact on Gaza, it will thrust village gover nment into an international conflict for which it has no responsibility or expertise, certainly exacerbating tensions in Oak Park,” he said.

“The resolution initially seems to check all of the boxes for acce ptable wording … but it has many problems,” Judith Alexander said. “Oak Park’s Jewish population feels frightened and alone.”

Scaman reiterated that she d oes not suppo rt a c easefire resolution, a ddin g that doing so “goes beyond the scope of our role as a municipal gove r nment. ”

S he also a dded that she is hoping to c ontinue co nversations with the resid ents present at the April 9 meeting .

“We do want to c ontinue to be responsive so that people feel heard,” she said. Scaman said she would li ke to eng ag e in co nversations with members of the b oard and other co nversations “in a restorat ive j ustice manner” about this topic, but not necessarily at the b oard tabl e. S he also suggested a village-sponsored mural or cultural event.

At the meeting, Buchanan said it was the most difficult meeting she’s attended and was frustrated by wh at she said was the way audience members i nsinuated the board did not care

“I saw Oak Parkers at their wo r st,” she said. “Their treatment of p eople wh o reasonably disag reed with their position was unacce ptable.”

VICKI SC AMAN

River Forest zoning board of appeals votes down proposed changes

The board indicated its intentions at a recent meeting but will formally vote in May

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The River Forest Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-1 against adopting proposed zoning code changes at an April 11 meeting at Concordia College.

The changes, recommended by the EDC and proposed by Houseal Lavigne Associates, which conducted a study of the village’s zon-

NEW HEART

Holding on to hope

from page 1

common form of genetic heart disease.

Rodrigues’ dad, Anthony Rodrigues, died in 2011 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. His condition, however, was determined only after doctors looked at his pathology report after Rodrigues’ diagnosis.

“We didn’t realize that he had it until after he passed away,” Rodrigues said. “There is a 50% chance you pass it to your children.”

Today, Rodrigues suffers from many symptoms, including shortness of breath and fatigue and takes medicine to slow the disease.

But now he finds himself in need of a new heart. It’s not clear when he could receive one.

“One of the heart transplant coordinators did tell me it could take as little as three months being on the list or it can take more than a year,” Rodrigues said.

Rodrigues is considered a universal donor because he has O blood type. That means he can accept a heart only from someone with the same type. Because of that, his wait time could increase.

“Having a suitable donor that matches my blood, tissue, type, my size, my antibodies, all that good stuf f,” Rodrigues said. “I know there are a lot of people ahead of me on the heart transplant list that have a lot more need for an org an right now.”

ing code, were intended to attract developers by changing zoning requirements in the Village’s C1 (North Avenue,) C2 (Madison Street,) and C3 (Central Commercial) districts

Among the changes proposed were increasing the maximum height of buildings, changing parking requirements and increasing density in the three districts

Vi llage Administrator Matt Walsh sai d that the April 11 meeting, the third meeting that allowe d for public c omment on the i ssue, was held at C oncordia C olle ge to a ccommodate the number of residents who wanted to attend

Walsh said that it was the b est -attended meeting he’s seen in his tenure in

Rive r Fo rest.

Roughly 160 residents attended in person with at least 50 more attending via Zoom. Walsh said that of the roughly 20 residents who made public comment, “the overwhelming majority were in opposition, with 3 or 4 in support,” of the proposed changes

Debbie Borman, who organizes the Lathrop, Ashland, Franklin Neighbors Group, said that the group has placed more than 300 yard signs and gathered more than 945 signatures on a petition opposing the changes

The zoning board will codify its vote at their May 9 meeting. After that, the village board could consider the recommendation at its May or June meeting

Transplantation, as of April 15, 103,223

Americans are waiting for an organ transplant. About 3% of them are waiting for a heart. Roughly 17 people each day die waiting for a new organ, statistics show.

Rodrigues, a for mer Oak Park Elementary School District 97 art teacher and substitute now works at Saint Ignatius College Prep, a private Jesuit Catholic school on Chicago’s Near West Side.

drigues was selected as a recipient of the 2020 James A. Gates teacher scholarship.

Today, Rodrigues said he has found new empathy for others, as well as for his own dad.

“My dad, towards the end, lost a lot of his independence, and I know that he was frustrated with that for sure,” Rodrigues said.

He added that now he finds himself facing some of the same frustrations as his everyday activities have become a little harder.

At that meeting, the board could choose to agree with the findings with no changes, tinker with the changes based on feedback, or go ahead with the proposed zoning changes as originally proposed

Walsh said that the hope would be to have the b oard’s p osition available before the meeting so that residents would be aware of the direction the b oard was going ahead of time.

“We’ll make a point to give notice, and in all likelihood, we will be at a larger venue given the level of public interest in this,” he said.

Vi llage b oard meeting agendas and packets are available on the village ’s we bsite at: www vrf.u s

“It is frustrating to not be able to empty the dishwasher without getting out of breath,” Rodrigues said. “I sometimes need to take a two-hour nap because I am so drained. It is definitely a change in lifestyle. It is hard to let go and ask for help when you need it.”

In those moments, d espite the frustration, Ro drigues said he leans on hi s f amily and friends who have sur r ounded him for suppo rt

A GoFundMe, org anized by his sister Tami Rodrigues-Johnson, has raised over $28,000 of its $75,000 goal.

The funds are to help the Rodrigues family cover medical costs, as well as daily living while Rodrigues explores disability options.

“We’ve started this GoFundMe to lighten the load on Nate and his family during these trying times,” Rodrigues-Johnson said. “Your support can bridge the gap between hope and hardship, offering Nate a chance at a future filled with love, art, and family milestones.”

As he waits, Rodrigues grows reflective about his family, his wife Elyse Rodrigues and his 12-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

“I’d like to see my daughter grow up,” Rodrigues said. “Go to school, hopefully go to colle ge, eventually get married and have her own family. As it is, nobody knows how long they have, but my lifespan is probably going to be shortened a good deal because of my hear t condition.”

To re gister to be an organ donor, Illinois residents can re gister at a local Secretary of State office or online.

PROVIDED BY ELYSE RODRIGUES

Nathon Rodrigues, his wife Elyse, and their daughter Elizabeth.

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Studio trucks parked along Lake Street near River Oaks Drive in River Forest during lming of a scene in the television show, “Chicago Fire.”

e location of a scene of the television show, “Chicago Fire,” being lmed both inside and outside a house on River Oaks Drive in River Forest on Monday April 15, 2024.

Studio tr ucks parked along Lake Street near River Oaks Drive in River Forest dur ing lming of a scene in the television show, “Chicago Fire.” It is not clear when the lming will air.

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A River Forest home gets a new lease on lif

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

T he house at 703 Thatcher in River Forest was built in 1937, and less than 100 years later, the home was showing its ag e. T he brown brick home was built in the French Eclectic style, and old-world influences showed through in the woodpaneled library and some of the original tile that remained.

When the house was listed for sale in early 2023, the old-style charm was hidden beneath maintenance issues. There was a hole in the kitchen ceiling and some of the walls were missing plaster and drywall.

Enter River Forest duo Dan Halperin, broker with @properties, and John Murph contractor. The pair had previously pa nered to buy and rehab local homes, then sell them for a profit.

They saw a diamond in the corner house, which was filled with light, and which had an en suite bathroom each bedroom. The house was listed $700,000 in early 2023, and Halperin and Murphy bought the house for six months, they turned the house from one that needed some love to one that the needs of a 21st Century family

NEW LEASE

Detail driven

from page 18

Very little about the original home was salvageable. Halperin said that the house had solid bones, which they retained. He pointed out an interesting construction point they uncovered during demolition.

“The majority of brick houses are wood framed,” he said. “This is brick throughout.”

Murphy ke pt the original wrought iron stair rail on the front staircase and rehabbed the original front door. Halperin said that it was far more costly to fix the arched glass door than to buy a new one, but said the old door added a charm to the front façade that was worth keeping.

The inside of the house got a complete makeover. A rear staircase was removed to create a spacious kitchen and dining room. In the kitchen, a reeded detail in the custom range hood is pic ked up in the detail on the side of the island. One side of the island offers an eat-in area for bar stools. A hidden walk-in pantry offers plenty of storage.

New wood flooring and a sleek fireplace opened the living area. The windows in the living room had been boarded up on the bottom. Murphy put in new windows that run from the floor upwards, which allows in more light.

Par tway up the stairs to the second floor, a family room with an original fireplace and

a window seat in a bay window make for a cozy playroom or a work-from-home space.

Halperin said he and Murphy worked to make the primary suit feel special. They took unused attic space to raise the ceiling in the bedroom to create a cathedral ceiling. The primary bathroom includes heated flooring, a soaking tub, a steam shower and a double-sink, floating vanity. A walkin closet with professional organization rounds out the room.

Three more bedrooms on this floor each have private bathrooms. A second-floor laundry area boasts colorful wallpaper and easy access from the hall.

The third floor had been roughly finished, and also received a complete makeover to make more livable space. There is a full bathroom, and room for another bedroom or a separate office, as well as a storage room.

The previously partially finished basement was completed with another bedroom, a full bathroom, a media room and dog washing station. Murphy dug out three egress windows in the basement that face south so that the space doesn’t feel underground

“There’s no scary basement in this house,” Halperin said.

A mudroom leads into the house from the attached garage. Halperin said they believe the home might have originally built by the Buurma Brothers, who built many significant homes in the village.

The house got a new exterior makeover too, with white paint and a new fence for the yard. On the interior, all of the major systems were re placed.

area.

“Every pipe, every wire, insulation, plumbing, electricity, even the floors are new,” Halperin.

The house went under contract while Murphy and his crew were still finishing up their work, and the sale recently closed for $1.85 million.

Halperin, who said this is the seventh project he has worked on with Murphy,

said that they have an eighth starting soon in Riverside. He said he is not surprised that it sold before the rehab was finished.

“River Forest inventory changes day-today,” he said.

He added that a typical number of active listings for single-family homes would be 15 to 18, a number far of f what has been on the market in early spring of this year.

e bones of the house were kept, providing an exciting canvas for design.

PROVIDED BY DA N HALPERIN / @PROPERTIES New wood ooring and a sleek replace opened the living

PROVIDED BY DA N HALPERIN / @PROPERTIES

is is the seventh collaboration by Dan Halperin and John Murphy.

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Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

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A GING DISGRA CEFULL Y

I’m breaking up with Trump

Trump cannot and will not admit he’s a loser. Allow me to do it for him. This is his third time running fo r president, and up until now I’ve been following him with angst and anger, but still following him. With a beautiful wife, five children we know of, and millions of dollars (although bundles are earmarked for court fines), it’s not enough.

He wants us to love him too.

Despite his wealth, Donald Trump is currently the neediest public person I know, a walking, talking, haranguing, lying egomaniac

MARY KAY O’GRADY

But I’m out. I’ve never supported him, but I’ve followed him through his first campaign, his presidency, and on and on and on. I’ve sat in front of the TV, slackjawed, listening to him.

Enough. I’m out. I’m not having it. I’m old now and after writing this, I’m not exposing myself to the chaos and lies anymore. It’s not good for my health or my soul. I’ ll vote against him, but that’s it I wonder if I’ll feel a loss. A few times in my life I’ve heard someone say, after suffering a loss, “It was all I had.” It’s an unbelievably sad statement, especially when you’re surprised, when you didn’t know, when the loss is something or someone who cannot be replaced

I don’t want to be the person whose disgust with Trump is “all I have.” Will I turn off the TV when they’re talking about Trump? Will I leave the room when friends and family begin a “Trash Trump” session? I don’t know. I’m something of a political junkie. I don’t know how it will feel to step back. But I must.

By the way, prepare for another “stolen” election claim when he loses

It’s perhaps even worse when the person who loses cannot mourn and move on. How will I comfort myself after such a loss? There are things a person can say or do to make up for a loss, but you probably won’t reduce the pain or the need of a person who is unable to admit or feel the loss. In some cases nothing will fill the void. The needy person will keep trying, often inappropriately, to fill the void. Such is the void within Donald Trump’s need to rule us, not govern us

To its credit, Wednesday Jour nal has chronicled in detail Faith Julian’s ongoing efforts to save her family’s home from forfeiture for non-payment of property taxes. This is an inspiring story and I wish her success.

Hopefully, having the support of a cast of luminaries, including Congressman Danny Davis, she will make some progress (see Wednesday Journal, Feb. 23, “Rep. Danny Davis, supporters push to preserve Percy Julian home”).

But Faith Julian is not the only one who could use a little support. Each year hundreds if not thousands of Cook County and Illinois homeowners lose their homes for non-payment of what often are very small amounts of property taxes. And the owner gets nothing, no matter how much equity they have built up in the home through years and even decades of hard work. Life savings are lost in many cases. It is sometimes called “equity theft.”

Adding insult to injury, at the end of the forfeiture process the Sheriff may turn the owner out onto the street, piling their possessions on the curb for all the world to see. It’s an inhumane, even barbaric, practice.

And it happens right here in our own backyard. In Danny Davis’ backyard. In Don Har mon and Camille Lilly’s backyards. This is so even though the U.S. Supreme Court declared almost a year ago, issuing a rare 9-0 opinion in a case I brought (Tyler v. Hennepin County), that taking people’s home equity without compensating them

is unconstitutional.

In the Supreme Court we had the support of dozens of prestigious organizations, representing every political perspective, including the ACLU, AARP, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Cato Institute. Even the state of Texas supported us

Chief Justice John Roberts, voicing the views of a unanimous Supreme Court, wrote in upholding the rights of my client, 95-year-old Geraldine Tyler, that taxpayers who are delinquent must “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, but no more,” voiding the Minnesota statutes in question.

Studies have shown that forfeiting homes for nonpayment of taxes heavily impacts poor people and people of color (big surprise), as well as seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable members of society.

What has been done so far by our elected gover nment officials to alleviate this problem and right this wrong?

Thus far, nothing. Welcome to Cook County, Illinois. But something can be done. Contact your elected state, county and local officials. Explain the problem and ask why nothing is happening and what they plan to do about this regrettable state of affairs.

Let’s all help Faith Julian and others in her predicament.

Charles R. Watkins is an attorney with Guin, Stokes & Evans LLC in Chicago.

Pool party

Ashort history lesson.

Better than 15 years ago, the Park District of Oak Park was contemplating a major overhaul of Ridgeland Common. They wanted to build a community rec center and looked hard at putting a roof over the pool to make it year-round. To their credit, they worked hard to engage Oak Park and River Forest High School in discussions to work together on a shared pool and other facilities at Ridgeland and Lake.

OPRF was still in its full-on arrogance mode and told the parks to go away, saying it did not have a need for new pools. That, of course, was nuts as its two puny pools were nearing the century mark and were obsolete in every dimension.

And it set up the past 10 years when the swimming pool situation at OPRF became the singular topic that launched endless failed plans, a highly divisive taxing referendum, and finally the decision to demolish the entire quadrant of the campus that houses all athletics

That $100 million-plus excursion will leave port shortly and result in many fine upgrades, including a hefty and modern swimming facility.

So is it irony or opportunity that in this moment the park district is testing the waters to build its own indoor, year-round pool, likely as an expansion of the new Community Recreation Center on Madison Street. The park district is touting another of its dubious surveys reporting that almost everyone wants this new pool and almost everyone wants a tax hike to pay for it!

To their credit the park district and OPRF have finally, in recent years, found multiple paths to collaborate and share the limited land resources for outdoor athletics on the school campus and at Ridgeland Common.

In that spirit, is it too much to ask for a sincere conversation between the school and parks about whether this new pool at OPRF might be actively, proactively shared with the community?

Listening when it’s hard

For eight years and more we’ve been watching for signs that the national political infections of anger and othering were spreading to the communities we cover. Now, clearly, it is happening. And our concer n runs deep

At last week’s Oak Park Village Board meeting an organized and competing effort was made to turn out supporters and critics of a ceasefire in Gaza resolution from that body. The meeting — actually the public comment portion of the meeting — erupted into contention with speakers being shouted down, village board members disrespected, an active lack of any impulse to listen or to understand the immediate realities of the situation.

Without a ceasefire resolution on the village board agenda, there could be no public vote taken. Not possible. Not legal. If Village President Vicki Scaman wants to argue that a ceasefire vote is beyond the scope of a local elected body, it is a change from this village’s propensity to take symbolic actions. Oak Park is still a Nuclear-Free Zone, after all.

Mainly, though, we need to deter minedly listen to each other with respect and grace on an issue that is complex and rightly surfaces deep feelings. We cannot let this village descend into the mire we see in our national politics

First defend democracy, then reach out

While people were yelling at each other in Oak Park Village Hall last Tuesday night during the village board meeting, an audience in Lund Auditorium at Dominican University were treated to a clinic on civil discourse titled, “Two Dads Defending Democracy,” sponsored by Growing Community Media and moderated by Sheila Solomon, a member of GCM’s board of directors, who brought her calm demeanor to the proceedings, just in case it got out of hand

KEN TRAINOR

It did not get out of hand, though the two dads come from opposite sides of the political spectrum, and even though Joe Walsh, a past Republican congressman from Illinois, is a for mer (self-described) “Tea Party banger,” while Fred Guttenberg has been a dedicated gun safety advocate ever since his daughter was murdered during a mass shooting at her high school in Parkland, Florida in 2018.

One could be forgiven for wondering how civil dialogue is possible with such a pairing. For several years, they yelled at each other on social media, defending their respective positions on gun violence and other matters, until Walsh, a “proud man of the right,” got tired of being, as he puts it, “a divisive asshole,” and reached out to several members of the political left, inviting them to engage in a more civil conversation. Most, he says, flipped him off. Guttenberg was the only one who said yes. Despite disagreeing with him on “almost everything,” Walsh says he respected Guttenberg for being willing to get involved politically after his daughter died. “We hated on each other, but we didn’t hate each other,” he recalls. Guttenberg says he learned, “We can disagree and still communicate.”

A wary friendship ensued. It’s not all sweetness and light. “We get into it,” Guttenberg says. But they also get along. With a critical election approaching, the two dads decided to take their dialogue on the road because they found common ground in their mutual distaste for Donald Trump and their shared assessment that our democracy would not survive his return to the White House

Walsh is a showboat, gesturing grandly to amplify his points. He spends half the evening with his hand on Guttenberg’s shoulder, signaling when he just has to say something in response. He is not everyone’s cup of tea (so to speak).

But he passed all of my litmus tests:

Walsh voted for Trump in 2016, realized his mistake and is doing something about it. He voted for Biden in 2020, does not buy the Big Lie, and is actively working to stop Trump from winning in 2024. That’s what this road show is about.

He was the one who reached out first to begin the

dialogue.

He acknowledges that the Tea Party (2010) paved the way for Trump (2016) and apologizes for it

He says defending democracy is more important than defending ideology. He puts country before party.

As a 2nd Amendment supporter, he nonetheless backs gun safety measures, including universal background checks, red flag laws, secure gun storage, etc., and he even signed a letter based on principles proposed by Guttenberg, asking gun owners to support gun safety legislation.

And he has been willing to endure the predictable withering backlash from his fellow conservatives for daring to step out of line.

Any conservative who can do all that scores big points in my book, even though I disagree with his positions on specific issues (such as his reluctance to support an assault weapons ban). Walsh says he defends the right to bear ar ms. Guttenberg retorts, “And I defend your right to be free from gun violence.”

Guttenberg doesn’t believe that, between now and November, Trump supporters can be reached. Walsh, however, is an optimist who believes everyone is reachable (“except for Tucker Carlson,” he admits).

Our long-term problem Guttenberg says, is “per nicious polarization.” Walsh acknowledges that the MAGA movement is further down the road of “hating who we disagree with.” In fact, MAGAs are energized by polarization, he notes, but we shouldn’t kid ourselves. “All of us are on that road.”

Guttenberg agrees, “We need to renew our social contract.”

First, however, Trump must be stopped. And we do that by voting, Guttenberg says, challenging those on the anti-Trump side who are holding out for some “ideal” candidate. “If you need to fall in love, there are dating apps for that.” In the meantime, he says, “You know who to vote for.”

Walsh, on the other hand, aims his challenge at Gen Zs, who are pessimistic about their future and ask why they should care if democracy survives. “People are afraid, so they check out,” he says, then points to Guttenberg. “This man’s daughter was murdered. He could have checked out and said nothing will ever change. Instead, he got involved. If he didn’t check out, you can’t either.”

Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh are traveling this divided country, demonstrating what is possible. They say we need to vote against Donald Trump, the biggest threat to our democracy, and vote for Joe Biden, the only person who can defeat him.

If the center right and center left can find common cause — and these two dads are proving it’s possible — then what’s stopping the rest of us?

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

If it’s good enough for the Smithsonian …

After reading and thinking about the Wednesday Journal article “D97 investigates lesson about cotton gins that sparked threats against the district,” and its editorial on “Let District 97 investigate” (April 10), I had an additional thought. Why not consult the experts?

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), colloquially known as “the Blacksonian,” is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. It was established in 2003 and opened its permanent home in 2016 with a ceremony led by President Barack Obama. (Source: Wikipedia)

The NMAAHC is the world’s largest museum dedicated to African-American history and culture. In 2022 it welcomed 1,092,552 visitors, was second-most visited Smithsonian Museum, and eighth in the list of mostvisited museums in the United States. The museum has more than 40,000 objects in its collection, although only about 3,500 items are on display. (Source: Wikipedia)

In order to share some of the more than 36,000 objects not on display, the Blacksonian has an online “Searchable Museum,” which is “transforming the museum experience, reaching beyond our walls to provide a rich digital experience and bringing the museum’s evocative

content and immersive in-person visitor experience into homes around the world” (Kevin Young, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture).

So I went on the “Searchable Museum,” looked for “Cotton Gin” and found the following:

“The iconic Tower of Cotton featured in the Slavery and Freedom exhibition provides a visual storytelling of the significance of cotton and slavery in the development of the nation.”

So my first thought was: If the discussion of the cotton gin and a display of a “Tower of Cotton” is good enough for the NMAAHC, it should be good enough for Julian Middle School. (Children are allowed in the Blacksonian). Furthermore, my own personal opinion is that showing students actual pieces of natural cotton, which urban Oak Parkers may never encounter again in their lives, is a stroke of genius by the teacher involved.

I am willing to wait for D97 to investigate. But right now I am siding with the greatest scholars of AfricanAmerican history in the United States and their display at the Blacksonian’s Searchable Museum.

Alan E. Krause Oak Park

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards

Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

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

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

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

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

If not Oak Park, who? If not now, when?

Adiverse group of Oak Parkers is asking our village board to join the growing number of local municipalities to call for a per manent ceasefire, release of all hostages, and immediate humanitarian relief to the besieged and now intentionally starved people of Gaza.

According to the U.S. Municipal Ceasefire Tracker (1), there have been 132 passed resolutions. Where is Oak Park?

I have heard assertions that this resolution is not in the purview of the board. And I ask, why not?

This is not a foreign policy issue. This is a humanitarian crisis supported by Oak Park tax dollars and af fecting Oak Park residents daily.

■ Community members, whose wellbeing is a village board priority, are ne gatively impacted every day through their personal losses, pain, and fear.

■ Every time there is violence, both antiPalestinian and antisemitic rhetoric and horrific acts increase exponentially — which is a threat to community members.

■ According to the U.S. Military Funding to Israel Map (2), Oak Parkers’ over $800,000 in federal taxes for unconditional

military aid to Israel is being used to bring about massive suffering in Gaza.

There are objections to this resolution, which are issues the other municipalities considered when they voted for ceasefire.

Taking action:

■ will detract from valuable time spent on village issues (But this is a village issue: our tax dollars are continuing the suffering, our families are in anguish, and our community members are living with increase bigotry every single day).

■ is just symbolic (During six months of slaughter and destruction, hundreds of Oak Parkers have ceaselessly written, called, gone to our federal re presentatives’ offices, rallied in Oak Park and in Downtown Chicago, and visited re presentatives in Washington D.C. But it has become clear that we need our local elected government members, those closest to us, to join with other municipalities who have chosen to amplify community members’ voices to our federal officials. This is an essential way that our federal re presentatives will hear from us).

Why the outcry?

I am compelled to respond to the online article about the contentious discussion at the April 9 Oak Park Village Board meeting regarding a proposed Ceasefire Resolution.

The article said: “For example, when one resident spoke out against the proposal, several supporters cried ‘lies!’ from the audience.”

I am that resident, and am still outraged that people tried to shut me down because they did not want to hear what I had to say. Unfortunately, that has been the tactic in too many places around our country, and around the world. Make it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for people opposed to Hamas to speak.

What did I say that aroused such an outcry from certain members of the audience? I opposed the draft resolution because, among several issues, it did not reference the sexual violence committed against Israeli, Jewish, and other women by Hamas and its allies on Oct. 7, and since then against female hostages. They said I was lying, that there was no violence.

Pramila Patten, special representative of the SecretaryGeneral [of the UN] on Sexual Violence in Conflict is quoted on the UN website as saying: “What I witnessed in Israel were scenes of unspeakable violence perpetrated with shocking brutality. … It was a catalogue of the most extreme and inhumane for ms of killing, torture and other horrors,” including

■ will set a precedent (This is different from other unbearable humanitarian crises. In this case, when community tax dollars are being used to fuel the suffering, we have a special responsibility).

Furthermore, any representation that petition organizers tried to force the board to take a vote last Tuesday is untrue and unfounded. We planned to introduce the resolution during the public comment section of the meeting where community members speak on something that is not on the board’s agenda. We had sent the resolution to the board and had begun both outreach and discussions with members. Our publicity urged the resolution’s supporters to come to the meeting to “support the introduction of a ceasefire resolution” and to sign our petition at www change.org/OakParkCeasefireResolution.

Before any public comments could begin, the board president informed us that the board had already decided not to move forward on a resolution.

Since she has apologized and taken back that statement, we expect the board to

sexual violence. The team also found convincing information that sexual violence was committed against hostages, and has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may still be ongoing against those in captivity. (https://tinyurl. com/3me2awek)

On March 24, the New York Times carried an extensive interview with Amit Soussana, the first hostage to speak publicly of the sexual violence and degradation perpetrated by her Hamas captors. It is very graphic and upsetting but there is no excuse to not read it. A Times of Israel article (“Released hostage Amit Soussana recounts sexual assault at hands of Hamas captor,” March 26, 2024, online only) quotes her as having been held, and assaulted, in a child’s bedroom. (There are also videos of her speaking about her experience.) Amit was released in November 2023. That was four and half months ago. There are reportedly 14 female captives still being held

Why was there such vociferous opposition to my statement? Would these same Oak Parkers dare call Yazidis who experienced sexual violence liars? Women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or in Yemen? Or even here in Oak Park?

You can be for the Palestinians, oppose Hamas and what it has done since Oct. 7. But abandoning Jewish women like Amit Soussana is too much.

Alan Peres Oak Park

reconsider. We are continuing dialogue with trustees and other stakeholders, and we are hopeful that our community can move forward.

Our village has a voice. We have a history of refusing to be silent and complicit, but we cannot rest on that history. Oak Park must join its voice with other municipalities, unions, clergy, and citizens who are standing against incalculable suffering and for justice and for peace.

Village trustees, I ask the question asked by Rabbi Hillel over 2,000 years ago:

If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?

(1) The U.S. Municipal Ceasefire Tracker is online as a joint project of buildingmovement.org and Muslims for Just Futures, which charts municipalities that have passed, rejected, and are still considering ceasefire resolutions

(2) The U.S. Military Funding to Israel Map is an online calculator developed by the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights at Homepage › Activist Resource › U.S. Military Funding to Israel Map.

Caren Van Slyke Oak Park

Updating domestic violence

I appreciate the letter written by Tom Weitzel, the retired Riverside police chief, concer ning domestic violence [Domestic violence response must change, Viewpoints, April 10]. There is now research, such as by Sandra L. Brown MA who created the Institute for Relational Har m Reduction and Public Pathology Education. This research indicates the pervasive nature of some partners’ personality characteristics and the treatment survivors of such relationships require. Having presented a paper last year at the American Psychological Association on my research on couples’ attachment issues, as exemplified by Harold Pinter’s work, Betrayal, and contrasted with a film such as Bergman’s Island, I can attest that issues between persons require up-to-date training and are not resolved by current practices, such as separating spouses as a response, nor is psychotherapy per se efficacious, but rather training such as noted above is required.

Marne Trevisano Oak Park

The Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) emailed me (1) and some other residents last week inviting us to a focus group on May 16 to share our thoughts on a proposed indoor pool, reportedly cited as a community “want” in a recent PDOP mail-in survey (2). Thanks for the invitation, but having attended countless PDOP and Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF) pool/facility meetings over the past decade where my input was ignored, I have no interest in attending another one But if PDOP truly wants my opinion on an indoor pool, here it is:

Instead of building another pool, PDOP should collaborate with OPRF to share the use of its soon-to-be-built Imagine Plan pool. There will be plenty of pool to go around. It’ll be so large that it will accommodate up to 17-practice lanes (each 7-feet wide x 25-yards long, per the Illinois High School Association requirement), six lanes more than the school’s two current pools combined (3)(4).

PDOP was willing to collaborate on a community/high school pool at Ridgeland Common, but OPRF declined, opting to keep the Imagine pool for itself. This taxpayerfunded pool should rightfully be a high school/community pool, not a high school/ private swim club pool that OPRF pools have largely been since at least 2012, according to the board-commissioned 2013 Stantec Report that reviewed pool usage and a 2016 OPRF pool usage report (5).

Sharing resources among our taxing bodies maximizes our limited tax dollars and land. In this case, it would prevent the

Share our Imagine pool

unnecessary duplication of an indoor pool: expensive to construct, operate and maintain. Pool collaboration is common in other communities, such as Waukegan and Bradley-Bourbonnais (6).

MONIC A SHEEHAN One View

Collaboration among PDOP and OPRF isn’t a new idea. In 2022, they signed an intergover nmental agreement (IGA) to share park district land, highlighted on the school’s website, enabling the building of the school’s new outdoor track, which is open to the community when not in use by the school (7). Likewise, these taxing bodies can share our new Imagine pool when not in use by the school, and PDOP can oversee its use for the community who should have priority over any private group.

e park dist rict’s Jan Ar nold and OPRF Supt. Greg Johnson break ground for the new track and eld projec t at the high school .

Please consider joining me in emailing PDOP Director Jan Arnold (jan.arnold@ pdop.org), her board (pdop_board@pdop. org), OPRF Superintendent Greg Johnson (gjohnson@oprfhs.org) and his board (boe@oprfhs.org) and encourage them to enter into an IGA to share the use of our new Imagine Pool.

I’ll also remind them that the funding for a major capital project, pool or otherwise, belongs on the ballot for voter approval, a basic principle of public finance. Moreover according to the Cook County Board of Elections in the Nov. 3, 2020 election with 31,092 votes cast, 76% of Oak Park voters approved a nonbinding referendum that major capital expenditures over $5 million should be subject to a binding referendum (8) Will PDOP honor this community input moving forward, having ignored it to build the recreation center? OPRF is thumbing its nose at it to build the over $100-million Project 2 and its Imagine Pool, construction and borrowing costs, choosing to circumvent voters and fund the project via loopholes. An invitation to the PDOP focus group should reasonably be extended to all. If you’ re interested, there will be space for at least one more.

Sources:

1) PDOP 4/11/24 email invitation to

Master of spin

T he recent Letter to the Editor from President Cathy Adduci (“Nothing to fear from zoning updates,” Viewpoints, April 10) paints a portrait of transparency and an invitation for open dialo g.

This is insulting to residents. River Forest needs economic development, but where was this invitation a year ago when a paid consultant started the zoning review? Why wasn’t this invitation extended after the Nov. 24 village board meeting where three trustees voiced concer ns about the community ’s awareness of the proposed zoning changes? True leaders invite opposing views to catalyze community-centric solutions

T he 2019 Comprehensive Plan states:

“As a fully built-out community, the Village has limited oppor tunity for new development. Each infill redevelopment oppor tunity requires a heightened level of sensitivity and creativity to appropriately balance the Village’s existing character.”

How does lifting height restrictions and decreasing parking requirements convey the essence of River Forest to a developer?

For years, residents near Madison Street have attended countless hours of meetings to voice concer ns about potential development exceeding current zoning. Why proceed now without the in-

Indoor Pool Focus Group Meeting

2) March 26 WJ story on the PDOP survey

3) OPRF’s two current pools are 6 lanes and 5 lanes, (each lane 7-feet wide x 25-yards long) respectively, meeting the Illinois High School Association lane requirements: Competition Pool: Minimum 75 ft. (25 yds.) long - Minimum 45 ft. wide (no less than 6 lanes that are 7 ft. wide)

4) OPRF website lists the Imagine Pool’s dimensions as 25 yards x 40 yards

5) According to the Stantec Report (pp. 2.10, 5.28-5.35), after the close of the school day, TOPS, a private swim club operated by the YMCA, is the greatest user of the school’s pools besides the OPRF aquatic teams

The 2016 OPRF pool usage report showed that TOPS continued to be the greatest user of the school’s pools after OPRF aquatic teams

6) Chicago Tribune story on the opening of the Waukegan community/high school pool

https://www.chicagotribune. com/2016/11/08/grand-opening-planned-for95-million-indoor-pool-addition-at-hinkstonpark/

Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School Pool Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/BBCHSPool/

7) OPRF website page outlining the PDOP and OPRF IGA for the track and field project

8) 11/3/20 Cook County election results (p. 14) non-binding referendum on major capital expenditures

Monica Sheehan is an Oak Park resident.

corporation of already-stated concer ns?

Economic development is needed. But not at the expense of adjacent proper ty owners in deference to the financial gain of developers. The La ke & Lathrop debacle proves that development of a prime commercial, taxpayer-purchased proper ty in the heart of our village could not overcome poor village leadership, which allowed it to languish. Given that village leadership remains the same, what actions justify pulling protective restrictions now?

With its 6-1 vote in opposition to the proposed zoning changes, the RF Zoning Board of Appeals concurs.

President Adduci spins that she is doing right by the community, but she fails to reco gnize residents have wised up. We watched the mishandling and lost revenue of Lake & Lathrop and the demolition and current condition of villageowned property on Madison and lear ned.

We don’ t fear change as President Adduci infers. We simply do n’ t trust cu rrent leadership to lead this process with inte grity. “Transparency” demanded eng agement long ago and we as taxpayers must remain eng aged to af fect positive changes to the zoning code

Patty Henek River Forest

Clarifying my statements

My thanks to Luzane Draughon and Wednesday Jour nal for fair and accurate coverage of the contentious public comment period at the April 9 Oak Park Village Board meeting.

There were comments for and against a proposed board resolution calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire in Gaza. I’m accurately quoted as follows: “The resolution initially seems to check all of the boxes for acceptable wording … but it has many problems. …”

I would like to share now what I said two of those problems are:

The resolution’s failure to acknowledge Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields

The resolution’s call for a per manent ceasefire that would leave Hamas in power. I noted that “Hamas’ dedication to obliterating Israel is part of its charter. A senior official has promised many more October 7ths.”

I also said that I’m heartbroken at the human suffering in Gaza and Israel.* I added that I’m no fan of Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu or many aspects of how

Israel is conducting the war

I thank President Scaman and the trustees for listening patiently to all our comments. President Scaman’s statement correctly observed that people on both sides of this issue are hurting. I share her hope that we can listen to each other’s stories and connect in our common humanity

*Many aren’t aware that Israel’s economy is faltering and some 135,000 Israelis have been evacuated from border areas, according to an article in Haaretz magazine (https://www.haaretz.com/ israel-news/2024-02-27/ty-article-magazine/. premium/what-makes-the-plight-of-israelsdisplaced-citizens-different/0000018d-ea95d1e0-a1dd-fbf529ed0000). The information comes from a reputable Swiss human rights organization called UN Watch. https://unwatch.org/report-un-silent-on-israeli-idps Here’s another Reuters story on Israel’s troubled economy: https://www.reuters. com/world/middle-east/gaza-war-hits-israeli-economy-with-194-q4-drop-2024-02-19.

Judith Alexander Oak Park

Homework lacking in leaf-bag decision

I have been a village resident for 36 years, and my wife and I have raised our family here. As a business owner, I am convinced that due diligence in cost/benefit analysis is vital, and so asked the Oak Park Village Board for more research to make as transparent as possible the tradeof fs of the leaf disposal alter natives, both to make a better infor med decision and to make public the case for that decision.

I submitted a list of questions to the board requesting research on comparative cost of leaf pickup, impact on lawn-service fees or resident labor, environmental costs (e.g., lawn mower emissions from mulching), safety issues and whether any other communities had tried both methods and reached a conclusion.

Trustee Susan Buchanan re plied with a spreadsheet that was a list of communities, populations, and methods of leaf disposal. It did not address any of my questions. She stated, “Of the do zens of municipalities included in the table, only seven use Oak Park’s current method.” She apparently felt that this was proof that leaf bagging was superior, but of course that does not follow. The why question needed

A play to not end all plays

Oak Park Festival Theatre is often asked, “How do you decide what plays to perform?” This sounds like a simple question, but apart from our Shakespeare productions in Austin Gardens, we also work to bring new plays to our audience. As we think about what we might produce for a future show, a play-reading is a good way to get feedback from attendees and see how the play is received by a live audience. We are pleased that the Park District of Oak Park is co-sponsoring, with Festival Theatre, the upcoming readings of The Droll, Or a Stage-Play About the END of Theatre written by Meg Miroshnik, a contemporary playwright from Minneapolis. The readings will be staged at Pleasant Home on April 26 & 27 (more details & tickets on our website: www oakparkfestival.com). Included in the ticket price will be drinks and refreshments provided by PDOP There will be a post-reading talkback with the cast following the performance, which will take place at 7 p.m. on both dates.

Although the play is set in 1649, one year after a decree ordered the closure of all

to be asked but never was. Would more communities choose the street-swee p method given the oppor tunity? I asked additional questions along that line Ms. Buchanan’s response to that email was unpleasantly sur prising: “There won’t be any more investigation on this issue. The board has already voted on it and the policy will be in place star ting next fall.” So there wasn’t any environmental, safety, or dollar cost research, and there won’t be. Residents will find out the costs when they get the bill.

It is distressing to see that the board apparently believes that good decisions can emerge from an information vacuum. I still don’t know the best choice, and neither do they. I urge residents to contact the board at board@oak-park.us and demand a suspension of this decision until we all know the facts, they are published, and we have the tools to forge an intelligent course forward.

Rober t Parks Oak Park

London theaters, it encourages us to think about the importance of theater/cultural events in our moder n times. As actually happened, the closure leads artists to produce “underground” performances to keep theater alive. In Puritan England, theater was deemed an abomination during these times.

We are extremely fortunate in our village to have Oak Park Festival Theatre, our local professional theater company, which enjoys strong support both from the park district and the community

As we approach our 50th year in Oak Park, we hope we never have to consider what we’d do if that support vanished. The arts are a vital and integral part of our community life in Oak Park and we encourage you all to check out this upcoming reading and our summer performances of Romeo and Juliet (July 7-August 17) in Austin Gardens

O’GRADY

It’s over

from page 21

Trump can’t stand to lose. He even had a TV show called The Biggest Loser where he strutted around like a potentate in an overcoat — private elevators, limousines, insults. He created a tele-drama about losing, perhaps to help him beat back his own fear of losing.

Now he keeps running for the highest of fice in our country. He needs to win to avoid the pain of losing, even if it means punishing us with four more years of his anger and neediness I expected to feel volcanic shocks all the way to Chicago when Trump’s million-dollar-plus fine payments started bouncing, but they didn’t bounce! Maybe he really is as rich as he says he is. If so, all that money is not making him happy; he feels the need to win one more time, to punish his enemies (that’s people like us, Oak Parkers) one more time. Don’t be surprised if he declares himself President for Life. (Can you picture him being wheeled to the dais in a solid gold wheelchair?)

His family, except for the chuckleheaded older boys, seems to have stepped back, way back, including the slithery wife, who may actually live with their son in New York (my bet).

That’s enough. I will continue to be a good citizen.

I will vote.

But I’m out.

Barbara Cimaglio Oak Park resident Member of Festi val Theatre Board of Directors

OBITUARIES

Nancy Teclaw, 86

Nancy K. Teclaw, 86, an extraordinary woman who lived life fully, died peacefully on April 1, 2024. Born on Aug. 12, 1937, the eldest of four siblings born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1937 to parents Kenneth and Lilas Lindquist, she valued individualism, a strong sense of ethical responsibility, creativity, and a passion for the arts, including music. She attended St. Olaf College and was a member of the St. Olaf Choir.

After marrying her high school heart, Norbert Teclaw Park, she worked in various tion and also nurtured the Services, which would become the major mission of Oak Park tered grant writing and in her professional career was able to secure millions of for many nonprofits in the Chic

She was a founding member of tage Chorale and the ter of Oak Park, both of today. A longstanding member of International, she valued with the friendship, trav modeled “Service abov and proudly directed the special events

(Donna), Marion (Margaret), Leon (Pearl), and Raymond (Valeria) Teclaw; and her sisters-in-law, Angeline Teclaw, Lillian (Leon) Kaczmarek, Marcella (Leonard) Szymanski and Marlys Teclaw.

She is survived by her children, Lisa (Tom) Gill, Tim (Caren) Teclaw, and Ingrid Schimnoski; her grandchildren, Joe, Alison, Tommy, Kirsten, Solveig, Lilette and Lindy; her siblings, Ingrid Hallanger and Donald (Kate) Lindquist; her brothers-in-law, Richar and David Teclaw; her sisters-in-law, Caro Teclaw and Connaught Lindquist; and man nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heritage Chorale, 828 N. Harvey, Oak Park, IL 60302.

many grand-nieces/nephews but especially Vera, Scarlet, and Evelyn Arnold

A funeral Mass for Kate will be celebrated on Friday, May 3, 1:30 p.m. at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., in Oak Park

Ray Noesen, 63 aftsman

Sheila Stevenson, 89 Librarian and mentor

She was an original content creator, making clothes, including her own wedding dress, as well as weaving, crocheting or knitting other clothing items. She compiled a memoir, made yule log décor, homemade intricate advent calendars and other original creations. She was a collector of unique and interesting art, and she and Norb discovered many new artists while traveling

Nancy sang throughout her life, performing at funerals and all-state competitions. She played clarinet in marching band as well, and taught school in Neenah, Wisconsin, where she produced the musicals. After coming to Oak Park, she joined the OP-RF Symphony Chorus, then the Oak Park Concert Chorale, and helped found the Heritage Chorale. She also sang and toured Europe and Asia with Community Renewal Chorus and was director of music at St. Martin’s Church for 25 years. She and Norb participated in multiple Berkshire Choral Festivals in Europe

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and Norbert, her husband of 57 years; her brother, John Lindquist; her brothers-inlaw, Harold Hallanger, Alois (Kathy), Malen

71

aughter of ra aduddison High School, aduate degree in education from Illinois State University, and a Master of Special Education degree from Rosary College in River Forest.

Kate was a teacher in Chicago, Oak Park, Cicero and finally Berwyn. Her forte in special ed had her looking for ways to teach children with special needs and find strategies for each child to learn. She was always delighted when the light would go on in their mind and understand

The family had a small sailboat on Lake Michigan and cruised the lake in summertime, harbor hopping from Chicago to Mackinac Island and back down again. A special treat was her trip to Ireland where she was able to see the McNellis family home in Donegal and unexpectedly met a cousin there.

Most important, of course, were her children, born in 1980 and 1986, the absolute joys of her life.

Kate is survived by Dennis, her husband of almost 46 years; her children, Megan and Brian (Alexa Humman); her grandchild, James; her siblings, Michael (Jean), Judy Kobus, Suzanne McAuley, Mary (Mike) Gerhard, and Lori Carr; her 25 nieces and nephews, and

Raymond esen, 63, award-winning painter & historical architectural preservationist, his battle with li ancer the morning March 31, 2024. Born on 1961, Ray was multi-talented artist hailing from Chicago (raised in Oak Park), who left an indelible mark on the world of art and restoration. He received both his BFA (painting) and MFA (historic architectural preservation) from the School of the Art Institute, Chicago. For many years he served as a lead artist for Conrad Schmitt Studio and traveled across the country, meticulously investigating, documenting, and restoring the artwork of historic buildings — ranging from majestic churches to state capitols and grand theaters. In retirement, he returned to his passion of working in oil pastels, and traveled through the world with an artist’s eye. Ray was an active member in the West Ridge Artist Group and an online art instructor

A generous, warm and compassionate soul. His volunteer work included the “Lasagna Love” program and volunteering as a docent at Garfield Park Conservatory.

Unabashedly unique, he was loving, kind, creative and always brought joy, light and sparkle to every occasion. His spirit and artistry were reflected in his annual Christmas paintings and greeting cards.

Ray is survived by his husbands, Dr. Douglas Bell and Jeffery Moore; his sisters, Judi Lauria, Mary Lay, and Laura Kuchta; his brothers, Steve, Mark, Tom, John, and Scott Noesen; and his step-siblings, Scott and Kirk Oliver and Kirsten Pagacz (Doug).

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cliff Dwellers, 200 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd Floor, Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree (or trees) in his name or making a donation to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Rest in peace, Ray, and may your artistic spirit continue to illuminate our world.

sion for her wo rk set an example for her co-worke rs. S he was a mentor to many young l ibrary employees, encouraging them to wo rk toward advanced de grees in l ibrary scienc e. And she became a great personal friend, not only to many of her cowo rkers but to many l ibrary patrons as well.

Born in Paddington, L ondon, on Au g. 26, 1934, she was evacuated from L ond on and sent to live with a host f amily in Wales during the Blitz in Wo rl d Wa r II. After the war, her f amily settled in S ussex. S he first c ame to the U. S. in the late 1950s to wo rk at the Baltimore Public L ibrary, then returned to England in the 1960s to further her education in l ibrarianship and to earn a de gree in histor y from the Unive rsity of Leicester. In 1973, she returned to the U. S. to begin her career at the Oak Pa rk Public L ibrary, firs t as head of the Readers Services Depa rtment and later as the head of C ollection Development, before retiring in 2002.

S he love d opera, theater, and literature in all their fo rm s. A longtime Lyric Opera season ticket holder, she also tr aveled to the Stratford Festival in Ontario for 40 straight years and neve r missed a single S hakespeare production. Her other love was fine dining. S he made a mean t rifle and love d a g ood single malt Scotch (neat, water on the side please!).

In her final years her ne phew, Tim Smith, c ame to Oak Pa rk to care for her. S he was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Wi n ifred (Worley) St evenson and her sister, Gillian (Henry) St evenson Smith. S he is survive d by her ne phew s Tim Smith of L ondon and Christopher Smith of Amsterdam.

Kathleen Bartley, esirk, ll27, 2024 at MacNeal hos-

SPORTS

‘His heart was bigger than his bat’

Late OPRF baseball alum

Andrew Hagins will be celebrated this Saturday

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

It’s one thing for a high school studentathlete to have a positive impact on the field, court, mat, or in the pool. But when you make an even greater impact with the way you conduct yourself away from competition, it speaks volumes.

The death of Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball alum Andrew Hagins (class of 2006) in December 2023 came as a shock to his family, friends, teammates, and coaches — not just for what Hagins accomplished on the field, but because of the character he displayed on and of f. Hagins was a very talented player for the OPRF baseball team. In his senior season, he batted .465 with 13 doubles, five home r uns, and 40 RBI. He was named the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Most Valuable Player and earned All-Area and All-State honors. He also excelled in the classroom, making the honor roll all four years.

After his Huskies’ career ended, Hagins was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now simply called the Rays) in the 28th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft. At the time, he had a full scholarship of fer for the University of St. Francis, but had he enrolled, he wouldn’t have been draft-eligible again until after his junior season. With that in mind, he decided to attend Oakton Community Colle ge in Des Plaines to improve his game against highquality competition.

It paid of f, as he enjoyed two terrific seasons with the Owls. In 2007, he had a batting average of 314 and drove in 52 runs, second on the team, earning First Team Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference honors and runner-up for the ISCC Player of

the Year. In 2008, he hit .366 with six home runs, eight stolen bases, and 38 RBI.

Following Oakton, Hagins went to Western Illinois University to finish his career. In 2009, he batted .292 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI for the Leathernecks. Upon graduation, he worked 11 years as a resource development manager for Solution Par tners Inc.

Hagins’ baseball accomplishments, while impressive, are not what he is being remembered for. Instead, Toni Hagins (a longtime OPRF employee), his baseball varsity assistant coach Matt Maloney, and his friends and OPRF teammates Gil Claudio, Tim Dennehy, and Bobby Fratto all marveled at his humble personality.

Wednesday Journal recently interviewed all for their recollections.

Toni Hagins, Andrew’s mother:

“Andrew was unbelievable. He was genuine, kind and loving, and just loved the game of baseball. He never left for anywhere without saying ‘I love you’ to us. He enjoyed his friends. He had a successful baseball career but was never in your face about it; you would not even know unless you saw him play.

“Andrew was a team player who loved his teammates and the game. I think that he was the kind of person people wanted to know, and once you met him, you would want to know him more. One of his teammates told me at the wake that he wanted to be like Andrew; he just looked up to him.”

Matt Maloney, for mer OPRF varsity baseball assistant coach:

“Here’s what I’ll say about Andrew: His heart was bigger than his bat, which is hard to do when you have such a big bat as he had. He was one of the best power hitters to ever go through the program, at least since I was playing at OPRF. There was never a day that he did not put the program, team, and coaches above himself. He was a lead-by-example guy and it was impossible not to follow because he not only lived and breathed baseball, he lived and breathed OPRF baseball. Andrew became

the guy younger kids wanted to become.

“From an underdeveloped sophomore to becoming an All-State outfielder as a senior because of his defense and bat, his game grew. But more importantly, he aspired to make others better. For me, Andrew was one of the best Huskie outfielders I ever saw, and that’s a long, prestigious list. He never missed a moment to thank people who helped him in his journey, and in turn, he impacted those he helped more than they helped him. That was such a special attribute he had.”

Bobby Fratto, Hagins’ friend and teammate:

“Andrew was my best friend, like a brother. He was the most selfless person I’ve ever known, and he wanted people around him to feel welcome in anything we were doing. He wanted everybody to succeed, and most of all, he just wanted everyone to be happy.

“He was the most humble person I’ve ever met. He was the most talented baseball player I’ve ever been around, but he never bragged about anything. If he did anything special, you would have to brag for him; he wouldn’t come out and say how good of a game he had. If he had a good

game, you’d never know it by the look on his face, but if anyone else did, he’d be smiling from ear to ear and would be so happy to see his teammates succeed. That speaks volumes about the type of person he was.”

Gil Claudio, friend and teammate:

“To sum it all up, Andrew was the glue of the team. Everyone was successful because of him. Everybody followed his lead.”

Tim Dennehy, friend and teammate:

“It was an honor to be Andrew’s teammate, but more importantly, his friend. He had a joy for the game, and exemplified what it means to be a part of the OPRF baseball program and community. He re presented us to the fullest and was a big part of the culture that was cultivated. Andrew always had your back.”

This Saturday, April 20, OPRF hosts Hinsdale South at 11 a.m. Before the game, the Huskies will honor Hagins with a special event. Also, Toni Hagins said she is establishing a colle ge scholarship in Andrew’s name to be awarded to a senior baseball player who, according to Toni, “exemplifies the qualities that Andrew showed not only as a player but as a person.”

PHOTO BY JOSH HAWKINS/FILE 2006

Andrew Hagins when he played for the Illinois Orioles, a traveling club, in 2006.

e mound is Sosna’s comfort zone

Fenwick pitcher’s Polish National U-18 Team experience proves fruitful

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

As part of our new focus in the Wednesday Journal sports section, each week we’ll be profiling local high school student-athletes. The goal is one boy and one girl each week.

This week, we begin with senior Fenwick High School baseball pitcher Mike Sosna. A three-year varsity player, Sosna has been a major contributor in the Friars’ back-to-back sectional championships. Moreover, he gained valuable experience last summer while playing for the Polish National U-18 team in the European Baseball Championship, held in Ireland.

“It was incredible,” Sosna explained. “I was able to bring back teamwork skills for this season that I got from re presenting Poland with a great group of guys.”

Here are Sosna’s thoughts on other questions we asked him:

How the season is going: “As a team, we have everything we need to win games. I love the squad that we have and I have the utmost confidence in each and every one of my teammates.”

Most memorable Fenwick baseball moment: “Our sectional win during the 2022 season. It was my first year on varsity and I ended up pitching that g ame

My start went well; however, Niles Notre Dame pulled a lead down to our last inning. For tunately, my teammates had my back as we ended up winning the sectional championship.”

Lesson he’s learned that will help him going forward: “To grind it out and give your all no matter if you’ re having a good or bad day.”

Sosna has committed to the University of Chicago: “I decided to go to Chicago so I can g et the best education possible while still being able to continu e my baseball career.”

Hobbies: “Golf. It’s been up there as

one of my favorite sports, and it’s a great way to get my mind of f of things.”

Favorite food: “A nything that my mom cooks.”

Favorite music: “I love all g enres of music; however, c ountry music has always been my favo rit e. ”

Famous person he would like to meet and have a conversation with: “Marcus Stroman. He’s always b een my favo rite pitcher d ue to his ability to overcome struggles and his incredible pitching abilitie s. ”

Biggest issue facing teenagers: “I think expectations and focusing on wh other people think or are doing is ve dangerous. It’s easy to let these things get to you, and something that I’ve struggled with myself. The best thing to remember is that you are on your own journey and you have to do what is best for you, not what looks good to others.”

Three things that describe him: “Hardworking, humble, and faithful.”

Mike Sosna

Davis, Huskies on track for better state returns

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and Rive r Fo rest High School senior B rianne Davis was elated to q ualify for her first C lass 3A girls track and field state meet in 2023. A ll three of her discus throws in prelims we re out of the sector, giving her no mark but valuable experienc e.

“It was so i ntimidating but I li ke d the c ompetition. I j ust wish I was able to piece it to g ether,” Davis said. “I think I lear ned something from it and I’ll do better this year.”

Davis is on pace for that better state retur n. Davis had her third-best thr ow with the Huskies of 36.81 meters/120 feet-9½ inches, Friday, as one of four event champions at Hinsdale Central’s Devilette

Invitational. OPRF (114 points) finished second to the Red Devils (122) in the nineteam field

Davis threw beyond the state-qualifying mark of 35.20m/115-6, which at sectionals results in an automatic state berth. In 2023, she threw 124-10¾ at the conference meet and 124-3¾ at sectionals for second to teammate and state runner-up Reese Garland, now competing for USC.

She also was second in shot put Friday (9.98m/32-9). Last August, she competed in both throws at the AAU Junior Olympics at Drake University.

“Although I didn’t perform that well, it was good experience being there. And I think for state I will be better,” she said.

Sophomore high jumper Alexis Henderson, meanwhile, set the outdoor school record with a first-place 1.62m/5-4. She

cleared an all-time school best 5-6¼ indoors, Feb. 24.

The 4 x 400 meter relay of Bella Brauc, Chloe Ko zicki, Devyn Kleidon and Julia Brown (4:05.33) and 4 x 200 (Amelia Hammersley, Blaire Brown, Maisie Hoerster and Brauc (1:47.95) also took first.

The 4 x 400 ran under the 4:05.50 state cut for the first time this season. Juniors Brauc (21st, 1:00.36) and Julia Brown (24th, 1:01.34) were 2023 state qualifiers in the 400.

“This is a new (4 x 400) team for us, a new order, and we worked really, really well together,” Julia Brown said.

“I’m excited to redeem myself [at state]. I feel like last year I didn’t run my best, but this year I feel more motivated, a lot more healthy to do so.”

Nora Butterly (300 low hurdles in 50.61), Anne Lynch (3,200 in 12:07.37), Hammer-

sley (100 in 13.04), and the 4 x 100 (Brauc, Hammersley, Kleidon, Taylor Smith in 50.57) also took second. Hannah Franke (3.20m/10-6 in pole vault), Lenny Sterritt (1,600 in 5:21.59), Smith (5.07m/in long jump) and Brauc (1.52m/5-0 in high jump) were third.

Franke, who tied for 16th at 2023 state (3.28m/10-9), again cleared the 10-3 state cut. Smith, a state qualifier in triple jump (17th, 10.98m/36-0¼), continues to progress after a broken right finger during basketball that required surgery and one month of recovery.

“I’ve been improving. Today was a really good meet [for me] in the cold,” Smith said. “I’m trying to get back into it, trying to fix my technique on some things. Other than that, I think just some more practice and to get on that runway in meets.”

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: Y24011638 on March 28, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of KIND COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES with the business located at:_1037 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MEGAN H JACKSON 1037 SOUTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA.

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

Published in Forest Park Review April 3,

Park North Fire

Boiler Replacement

Number: 24-123 Issuance Date: April 17, 2024 There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the North Fire Station, 212 Augusta, Oak Park, IL on Wed April 24, 2024 at 9:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Your right to know... In print • Online

The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00am. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/ parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2024-25 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Shdata Redmond at sredmond@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3121 to request the Zoom Link information. Published in Wednesday Journal April 17, 24, 2024

On Monday, May 06, 2024 at 8:30 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home-schooled within the district for the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting will be held at our Central Office located at 260 Madison Street.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions about this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-524-3030.

VILLAGE

OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held before the Preservation Commission of the Village of Riverside on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application for a local landmark designation of 169 Barrypoint Road.

The Petitioner, Errol Kirsch, on behalf of property owners Sonja Lin and Matthew Kerkhof, submitted an application to amend the text of Title 11, Chapter 1, Section 5 Appendix D of the Village Code by adding subsection number 72 to designate the property at 169 Barrypoint Road a local historic landmark. The legal description of the property is as follows:

THE SOUTH 50 FEET OF LOT 2 BLOCK 7 IN FIRST DIVISION OF RIVERSIDE, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER AND A PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN AND PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AND ALSO A PART OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

below the existing grade, backfilling the excavated foundations and basements with crushed aggregate, and termination of Village sanitary sewer connections. The Contractor shall be responsible for arrangement and the coordination of termination with other utility service providers.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, the 8th day of May, 2024, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Tuesday, the 8th day of May, 2024, at the Village Hall. An optional site inspection will be held between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 A.M. on Friday the 3rd day of May, 2024 for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all the requirements for the performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an indepth examination. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the proposal.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, the 2nd day of May, 2024.

an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to determine the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside School District No. 96 in the Cook County, State of Illinois, that an amended budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, will be on file and available for public inspection by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm starting the 16th day of April 2024, at the district’s administrative offices on 3340 South Harlem Avenue in Riverside Illinois. To schedule an appointment please email fittonj@district96.org.

Notice is further given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m. on the 15th day of May 2024 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting.

Board of Education

Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois

By: Stephanie Gunn Board Secretary

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of Riverside Township that the Township Board has

All bidders wishing to obtain bidding documents must be approved by the Village prior to obtaining bidding documents. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Comprehensive Diagnosed Evaluation Parents Training Now hiring RBTs and BCBAs

RBT starting at $30 an hour

BCBA starting: $100 an hour

Work in a great environment located at the heart of Oak Park at the intersection of Harlem Ave and North Ave. Apply by emailing us your resume.

Under the weather?

We’re here to help.

RUSH offers same-day primary care appointments for children and adults at several convenient locations in and around Oak Park.

From colds to checkups to chicken pox vaccinations, our providers can provide quick, high-quality care for a variety of non-emergency health issues.

We also offer on-demand and scheduled video visits, allowing you and your family to get the same top-notch care in the comfort of your own home.

Visit rush.edu/make-an-appointment or call (888) 352-RUSH (7874) to schedule an appointment.

A word

from the OPRF Chamber Executive Director, Darien-Marion-Burton

As spring breathes new life into our community, I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to the 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair, brought to you by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and proudly presented by Rush Oak Park Hospital. Scheduled for Sunday, April 21st, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) in Oak Park, this event is more than just a fair – it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to health, equity, and well-being.

For me, this fair is not just an event; it’s a reflection of our collective dedication to building a healthier, more connected community. As Executive Director of the Chamber, I am deeply passionate about creating opportunities for our residents to thrive, and the Health and Wellness Fair embodies that mission perfectly.

This year’s fair promises to be our most comprehensive yet, with over 80 exhibitors offering a diverse array of services aimed at empowering you to prioritize your health. From vital screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, A1C, heart health, and bone density provided by Rush Oak Park Hospital to on-site therapy

sessions offered by Diamond Sponsor Centre PT and initiatives addressing social determinants of health showcased by Diamond Sponsor Dominican University, there is something for everyone at this event. But our focus extends beyond physical health – we understand the importance of holistic well-being. That’s why, for the first time, we’re introducing a self-care lounge and a dedicated children’s play area in partnership with Wonderworks Children’s Museum, ensuring that every member of our community leaves feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being and strengthen our

Oak Park residents, meet your newest healthcare advocates, Dr. Katie Maietta and Dr. Stephen Whitfield! These highly skilled physicians have recently joined Lake Street Family Physicians, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a commitment to exceptional patient care.

Dr. Katie Maietta: A Local Expert in Primary Care

Originally from LaGrange Park and now residing in Oak Park, Dr. Katie Maietta has returned to her roots to serve the community she knows and loves. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University, she furthered her education at Penn State

College of Medicine, graduating with dual certifications in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics following her residency at Rush University Medical Center.

Having spent over 11 years as a primary care physician at Loyola, Dr. Maietta is well-versed in treating patients of all ages and genders. Her areas of expertise include preventative medicine, newborn care, adolescent health, and women’s health. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Chicagoland, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Dr. Stephen Whitfield: A Compassionate Advocate for Inclusive Care

Dr. Stephen Whitfield, a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, brings a passion for community-focused healthcare to Oak Park. Completing his residency at Northwestern, he is board-certified in family medicine with a specialization in HIV treatment.

Dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting inclusivity, Dr. Whitfield provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages and genders. He speaks Spanish and

community bonds. Join us on April 21st and take the first step towards a healthier, happier future. For more information and to register, visit OPRF Chamber of Commerce’s website. I look forward to seeing you there!

strives to ensure that every patient receives culturally competent treatment. Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys listening to comedy podcasts, engaging in friendly games of chess, and spending quality time with his siblings.

Together, Dr. Maietta and Dr. Whitfield are committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to the Oak Park community. Whether you’re in need of routine check-ups, specialized treatment, or simply seeking guidance on your health journey, you can trust that you’re in capable hands with these two exceptional physicians at Lake Street Family Physicians. Please call us to schedule an appointment at 708-5248600.

Darien-Marion-Burton

Your Hearing Journey Starts with Us

In a world filled with vibrant sounds –the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your hearing loss treatment journey:

▪ Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of highly trained audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating various types of hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, rest assured that you are in capable hands.

▪ Comprehensive Evaluation: We believe in taking a personalized

approach to hearing healthcare. When you visit our clinic, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities, taking into account your lifestyle, communication needs, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to tailor our treatment recommendations to suit your unique circumstances.

▪ State-of-the-Art Technology: We are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing healthcare technology. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to the latest hearing aid technologies, we offer a range of solutions designed to improve your hearing clarity and quality of life.

▪ Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences before developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you require hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or auditory

rehabilitation therapy, we will work closely with you to find the best solution.

▪ Ongoing Support and Care: Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end after your initial treatment. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients and providing ongoing support and care to ensure that you continue to enjoy optimal hearing health for years to come. From regular follow-up appointments to adjustments and maintenance services, we are here for you every step of the way.

▪ Improved Quality of Life: The ability to hear and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining social connections, staying engaged in activities you love, and preserving your overall well-being. By seeking treatment for your hearing loss, you can experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to fully participate in conversations, enjoy your favorite hobbies, and reconnect with the world around you.

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.

The Synergy Team can help you feel your best again. Contact us for a supportive, personalized, and holistic approach to weight loss and weight management, nutrition, mental health, and overall wellness.

We o er:

• Medical weight loss

• Nutritional counseling

• Holistic health coaching

Judy Seals, APRN, FNP-C Founder and Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

Judy Seals, APRN, FNP-C Founder and Nurse Practitioner, Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

APRN, FNP-C and Nurse Practitioner, Integrative Health and Wellness

• Mental health medication management

• Ketamine treatment for mental health

• BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) for women

You deserve to feel amazing

You deserve to feel amazing

You deserve to feel amazing

708-808-2940

708-808-2940

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

708-808-2940

hello@synergyintegrativehealth.org | synergyintegrativehealth.org

- Increase Overall physical and mental wellness

- Increase Agility, Flexibility and Awareness of your Surroundings

- Gain real skills you can use “Just in Case”

- Honor your Life’s purpose: Walk through your world with Poise and Confidence!

Celebrating our 30th Year as Oak Park’s Original Martial Arts Education Center!

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456

NinjaLove makes the world go round!

www.master-sh-yu.com Follow Us!

50% of people who have heart attacks and stroke had “normal ” cholesterol blood tests.

A family history of heart attacks, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholestoral, & strokes is an indicator for having a CIMT test performed

Pawfficer Howie the Police Dog

The CIMT test is an FDA-approved Carotid Artery Ultrasound that:

• Screens for cardiovascular disease, the #1 killer of men and women in the U.S.

• Identifies risk for heart attack and stroke more accurately than traditional methods and is endorsed by The American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology

• Is non-invasive and without radiation

•A quick, painless, 10- minute test

Hanging out with friendly animals is a great way to reduce stress and feel happier. Come and visit with Pawfficer Howie, the police dog from the Oak Park Police Department. Howie has undergone more than 1,250 hours of service training with SIT Service Dogs to assist with officer wellness, help with victim comfort services for traumatic incidents and increase community engagement at public events. You can even follow Pawfficer Howie on Instagram! Check him out at @pawfficer_howie

Image of CIMT test to analyze blood flow and detect the presence of plaque and atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries

Presented by:

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024

11AM - 2PM

COMPLIMENTARY PHYSICALHEALTH SCREENINGS | NEW SELF-CARE LOUNGE | KIDS PLAY AREA | FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY | FREE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVP is encouraged for faster entrance. diamond sponsors

Silver sponsors Gold sponsors Platinum sponsors

Learn more: oprfchamber.org/health-wellness-fair

New Strategy Devised To Engage, Educate, and Connect the Community to Mental Health Resources

The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission launches a new digital media strategy designed to enhance residents’ access to mental health resources in the community. Similar to effective healthcare models that coordinate patient care, health education, and resources, their strategic communication approach follows suit. You may have noticed the tidbits of information, relatable content, and testimonial videos on their social media, which are geared at meeting the community where we are at in our current conceptualization of mental health, engaging with us, and guiding us to next steps in accessing resources.

While the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has been around for over 50 years,

“It’s refreshing to us to say that we’re making an impact with the resources that we’re providing”

- Commission President, Mike Corrigan

many community members are still learning about the service agencies and resources the PTMHC funds in their own community. The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission ensures that we have prevention and treatment services in our community. These services

include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Senior Care, Youth Prevention, and Crisis Intervention.

Mental and Physical health go hand in hand and most people will experience symptoms of a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. The most common mental health conditions are anxiety and depression; conditions most commonly heard of, if not experienced.

In addition to the direct-tocommunity messaging, the commission has taken initiative to provide the communities it services with information and resources that are simple and easy to incorporate into their existing resident communication channels; an effort

4565 W. Harrison Street, Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

www.ptmhc.org • 708.449.5508

to help keep everyone informed. “It’s refreshing to us to say that we’re making an impact with the resources that we’re providing,” says Commission President, Mike Corrigan.

To learn more or get connected to resources in your community, visit www.ptmhc.org or call (708) 234-TALK(8255). Their friendly and caring team will connect you to resources that are a fit. It’s completely confidential.

You can also learn more by following them on social media.

Facebook: @PTMHC

Instagram: @provisomhc

YouTube: @ProvisoMentalHealth

The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission ensures that you have prevention and treatment services in your community. Services include Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Developmental Disabilities, Senior Care, Youth Prevention, and Crisis Intervention.

4565 W. Harrison Street Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

Connect with us:

4565 W. Harrison Street Third Floor Hillside, IL 60162

Call (708) 234-Talk(8255) or visit ptmhc.org to learn more about resources in your community. It’s completely confidential.

www.ptmhc.org

M: 708.449.5508

www.ptmhc.org

M: 708.449.5508

Vice President Commissioner Secretary Commissioner Treasurer Commissioner Executive Director A. President

Vice President Commissioner Secretary Commissioner Treasurer Commissioner Executive Director A President

Michael A. Corrigan President

Angela D. Walker Vice President Orlando Velasquez Secretary

Cedric D. Giles Treasurer

Jesse D. Rosas Executive Director

Michelle De La Rosa Commissioner

Nicole Gilhooley Commissioner

Thomas D. Olson Commissioner

Translators from Dominican University

The OPRF Chamber is committed to ensuring that every attendee can communicate with providers at the Health & Wellness Fair. Thanks to Dominican University, translators from their Translation and Interpretation Studies Certificate program will be on site all day to assist any attendees who need a helping hand. So encourage everyone you know who might need health services to come along. Language will not be a they need to stay healthy and focus on wellness.

Canker sores hurt—really hurt. These small sores with outsized pain can make eating, talking, and even sleeping diffi cult. But fi rst, what is a canker sore, and how do you know if you have one?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold

What is a Canker Sore?

sores, canker sores do not occur on the surface of your lips and are not contagious. However, they can be painful and frustrating.

Most canker sores are round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They form inside your mouth — on or under your tongue, inside the cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, or on your soft palate. You might notice a tingling or burning sensation a day or two before the sores appear.

Know the Six Symptoms of a Canker Sore

• Redness inside your mouth

• A sensation of heat

• Swelling

• Pain

• A yellow-gray lesion with a surrounding red ring

• Challenges with everyday activities such as talking and eating

Need to get Rid of A Canker Sore Fast- Introducing KOURZEQ

J Mataria, Pharmacist (RPh) and owner of Sears’s Pharmacy , has heard from customers for years asking him for a way to heal a canker sore fast. J says, “In the past, there were no products I could really recommend to heal a canker sore quickly. Now, I can confi dently recommend a customer visit their dentist or physician for a KOURZEQ prescription; we can then fi ll their

prescription and get them back to feeling better.”

To contact Sear’s Pharmacy for KOURZEQ or other prescription needs, call 708-386-6304 or visit the pharmacy at 1003 W. Madison, Oak Park.

Online telehealth visit with licensed medical provider BeyondMD. They ship the prescription right to your door. 708.386.6304 1003 Madison St. Oak Park, IL OR

Walk with a Practitioner

The OPRF Chamber has a NEW program at the Health & Wellness Fair this year called “Walk with a Practitioner” a free, healthy, indoor activity to get people moving and connected with medical professionals. Join a local practitioner for a stroll on the CRC’s indoor track and have a chat about what ails you, or get advice on how you can help someone else in your life. No need to register - just pop up to the track, choose your practitioner and get started!

Schedule:

11am - 12noon

- Nurse Kitty Monty, RN - Oak Park Dept of Public Health

- Chris Ward - Way Back Inn, Gambling & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Organization

- Danielle Desire, Acupuncturist, Serenity Holistic Health

12noon - 1pm

- Alexander Neuman, DO - RUSH Oak Park - Primary Care

1pm - 2pm

- Keri Fair, MD - RUSH Oak ParkPrimary Care

- Mahmoud Lotfi, Chiropractor - Royal Health Care

Fitness Classes from Park District of Oak Park

Plan to come by the Community Recreation Center for FREE classes in the second floor Fit Studio. No registration required! Just come along and join in.

Yoga 11:00-11:45am

Strength Training 11:45-12:30pm

Yoga Sculpt 12:30-1:15pm

Strength Training 1:15-2:00pm

Keri Fair, MD

Mahmoud Lotfi, Chiropractor

Nurse Kitty Monty, RN

Alexander Neuman, DO

Chris Ward - Way Back Inn

SAME GREAT REAL ESTATE GROUP WITH MORE TECH!

SAME GREAT REAL ESTATE GROUP WITH MORE TECH!

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that has exceptional marketing strategies and technological tools that streamline the process of buying, selling, or renting a home.

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

Contact one of our agents today to learn more about our real estate programs and services!

O: 708.771.8040 | Gagliardogrp.com

Mathnasium’s summer program is convenient for parents and families, as it can be scheduled around summer camp, sports, and vacations! Each child is taught the way they learn best, so they’re able to develop a love for math and achieve their goals. And it’s a fun and engaging activity all on its own! Math-focused games and activities are incorporated into the learning in a lively and supportive atmosphere for a truly enjoyable summer experience. And because they’re having fun, they’re likely to have gained a new level of enthusiasm for the subject and be more eager to apply themselves when school begins.

We tailor a customized learning plan to account for the goals of the individual, whether they need to:

• Close gaps

• Improve fact fluency in addition/ subtraction or multiplication

• Improve problem solving

• Get a sneak peak at the material they will face in the fall

• Become “algebra ready” for their Integrated math course

• Get ready for SAT/ACT tests

Come see what our program offers, how we can appropriately challenge your student and the strategy for moving your student mathematically forward. The customized curriculum is designed for your student based on a grade level assessment, so you truly know if they are sufficiently prepared for the new content headed their way next fall.

Curious if Mathnasium is the right fit for your child? Come in for a FREE TRIAL SESSION to try it out! Call or text today to take advantage of early enrollment discounts! 708-613-4007.

Gagliardo Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Gagliardo Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Individual&CouplesTherapy•GroupTherapy•Art&PlayTherapy•EMDREatingDisordersTherapy TraumaBasedInterventions•IntegrativeWellnessTherapy•StressReduction/MindfulnessTherapies

HELPINGPEOPLEDEALWITHTHEFOLLOWINGISSUES

Depression&Anxiety•AttachmentDifficulties•EatingDisorders•LGBTQ+issues•SensoryProcessingIssues BipolarDisorder •PersonalityDisorder•GriefCounseling•AdjustmentIssues(Marital,birth,adoption)

Webelievethereisabenefittoyoubyourcollaboratingwithhealthcare partnerstomakethetherapyexperienceforadults,children,couples,and familieshappenininnovativeways.Weseeintegrativetherapyandcounseling asawaytoexplore,develop,andenrichtheselfforyouandyourfamily.

SERVINGMULTIPLELOCATIONS

THROUGHOUTCHICAGOLAND

CHICAGO•3047LincolnAvenue,Suite400

CHICAGO•2600S.MichiganAvenue,Suite211

CRYSTALLAKE•457CoventryLane,Suite116

HINSDALE•15SpinningWheelRoad,Suite406

LIBERTYVILLE•1641N.Milwaukee,Unit9

NORTHRIVERSIDE•7222CermakRoad,Suite703 OAKPARK•715LakeStreet,Suite273

Weacceptmostprivateinsurances,privatepayand willassessasliding-feescalebasedonyourabilitytopay.

773.312.3612

www.innovativecounselingpartners.com

Thanks to our Health Fair Vendors

Attendee Company

Amada Senior Care NorthShore

American House Oak Park

Andy KaczkowskiWestPoint Financial Group

Astra Health

Athletico Physical Therapy

Atlantia Clinical Trials

Austin Oasis

B-Health

Belmont Village Oak Park

Brookdale Oak Park

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

Centre Physical Therapy, LLC

Civinte Candle Bar

Coach Angie RN

Collaboration for Early Childhood Comedy Plex

Community Support Services

Compass College Advisory

Consulting Audiology Associates, LLC; The Hearing Place

Devoted Health

Dominican University

Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital

Family Medical Care

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park Fitness Formula Clubs

Flourish Research

Frick Kids Art

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital-Gottlieb Center for Fitness

Grace Therapy and Wellness Center

Grachan Agency

Grow Collective HealthMarkets

HERIF-Healthcare Education, Research and Innovation Foundation

Individual & Family Connection

JDC Business Solutions

JenCare Senior Medical Center

Julie Naturally LLC

Kadampa Meditation Center

Chicago

Krys Rollins, FNP, PLLC

Lake Street Family Physicians

Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest

Meridian Psychiatric Partners

Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, PC

Moments at Home Respite Care and Home Services, LLC.

Monarch Psychiatric Services,Ltd

Mosaic Counseling and Wellness

NAMI Metro Suburban

Natalie Walsh Designs

North West Housing Partnership

Novick Orthodontics

Oak Park Arms

Oak Park Children Therapy

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park Public Library

Oak Park Township

Oak Street Health

Park District of Oak Park

Kopicki Family Funeral HomesTerry Zachata

Renewal by Andersen

Riveredge Hospital

Royal Health Care

Rush Oak Park Hospital

RUSH Physical Therapy

Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC

SANDERS & ASSOCIATES

Sarah's Inn

Senior Citizens Center of Oak Park-River Forest

Serenity Holistic Health, Inc

Smart Love Family Services

Stride

SunCloud Health

Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness

The Reiki Brigade

The Sheridan At River Forest

Thrive Counseling Center

TVG-Medulla, LLC/Chiro One Wellness Centers

Victory Centre of Galewood Village of Oak Park

Vivian Juan Malli at The Federal Savings Bank

Way Back Inn

West Suburban Special Recreation Association-WSSRA

Wonder Works Children's Museum

YogaSix Oak Park

LASER HAIR REMOVAL: all skin types

PRP: hair rejuvenation, natural ller

MICRONEEDLING: scar reduction, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening

INJECTABLES: Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport etc), Fillers (Juvéderm, Voluma etc)

LASER SKIN TREATMENTS

· Laser Facial

· Wrinkle Reduction

· Rosacea

· Age and Sunspots

· Spider Veins

· Onychomycosis

· Wart Removal

· Acne Treatment