Wednesday Journal 041923

April

$2.00

Local doctor brings joint surgeries to the global poor

Just back from Vietnam, cofounder of Operation Walk trains doctors here

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

Dr. Victoria Brander has dedicated much of her medical career to transforming the lives of individuals in developing countries who suffer from advanced joint disease. Cofounder of Operation Walk Chicago, Brander, a River Forest resident, recently returned from a weeklong medical mission in Vietnam, where she and a team of volunteers performed more than 40 free hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Since 2005, the organization has been involved in missions in Nepal, India, Brazil, Ecuador and China, as well as Vietnam, performing surgeries on roughly 1,800 patients In recognition of her humanitarian medical service, Brander was presented with the “Unsung Heroes of Compassion” award by the Dalai Lama.

Brander, who grew up in Oak Park and attended Trinity High School, always knew she wanted to be a physician and remembers, as a child, reading medical textbooks

See DR. BRANDER on pa ge 14

OPRF’s nancing plan comes clear, with no referendum

Moving faster than a referendum allows is key argument

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

It is almost certain that there will not be a referendum on Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Project 2, a nearly $102 million project to demolish and rebuild the southeast portion of the high school, which houses most of the school’s physical education spaces outside of the field house Components of Project 2 include a new 10-lane swimming pool, a new three-court third-floor gym, a new dance studio and a new theater Green Room among a host of other improvements to old and dated facilities

At the April 13 Committee of the Whole meeting of the District 200 Board of Education, a majority of the school board said they favored using 20-year debt certificates, a type of installment contract, to borrow the money necessary for Project 2 instead of issuing building bonds, which must be approved by voters in a referendum. Debt certificates are a type of borrowing that is paid off out of the district’s operating revenue and doesn’t result in a separate tax levy. The for mal vote on how to finance Project 2 will take place at the school board’s April 27 meeting but the outcome of that vote now seems clear

Four board members, Gina Harris, Ralph Martire, Mary Anne Mohanraj, and Sara Dixon Spivy, all said they favor debt certificates, while Fred Arkin and board president Tom Cofsky said they had yet to make up their minds, although Cofsky made it clear that he was leaning toward not having a referendum and using debt certificates.

The board members favoring debt certificates said that a major reason they didn’t want to have a referendum was because it would delay the start of the project by a year, pushing the start date to 2025 instead of 2024.

“I’m really concerned about the delay if we go to referendum,” Harris said.

Since the soonest a referendum could take place is the primary election of 2024, the administration said a referendum would delay the start of the project by a year Superinten-

dent Greg Johnson, in response to a board inquiry, did say during the April 27 meeting that it might be possible to start the project later in 2024 after a spring 2024 referendum, but he noted it would be difficult because contractors might not want to bid to do work on a project before the financing of the project was in place. Contractors might submit fe or higher bids, Johnson said, be cause of the uncertainty of the project going forward if a referendum were needed.

Referendum advocate Monica Sheehan said if the administration and school board were so concer ned about a delay in the start of Project 2 because of a referendum, they could have put it on the ballot in the just completed April 4 election.

“This board chose not to put the funding for Project 2 on the ballot in this month’s election, until next year for a referendum is not an issue,” Sheehan said in public comment at the start of the meeting. “The board received the construction estimates several weeks before the deadline, and the project’s funding has been a board goal since September. If the board wanted Project 2 on the ballot, it would have been on the April ballot.”

Martire said that nor mally he would favor a referendum for a large project such as Project 2 but since the project has been discussed for so long and there has already been considerable community input, he was comfortable with dispensing with not holding one. The conditions in the physical education wing were deplorable, Martire said, and he didn’t want to wait to improve them.

“This is the exception to the rule,” he said. “I think waiting longer when we have these facilities, in my opinion, is a breach of my fiduciary obligations to the school. Our students are utilizing facilities that are not just inadequate but potentially dangerous and har mful. That is not OK.”

During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Amanda Massie pointed out that during candidate forums two or four years ago, Arkin, Cofsky, Mohanraj and Spivy all said that they favored having a referendum about future large capital projects. While no one disputed the accuracy of Massie’s quota-

tions of their words, the board members said that circumstances had changed. Mohanraj pointed out that, in 2021, she was speaking of referendums generally but now that she has been on the board for two years and has studied the issue, she believes residents trust her to exercise her judgment about how best y for Project 2.

“My understanding that referendums can be a useful tool oesn’t mean that they’re the right tool to use every single time,” Mohanraj said at the school board meeting

Spivy said her comments in 2019 that she would never again ote to bypass the voters by not ving a referendum to issue onds only applied to debt service extension bonds, a type of bond that results in a separate levy and line item on a homeowner’s propand not to debt certificates which are paid back from the operating levy

Cofsky spent time during the meeting pointing out how the school board and administration made systemic changes in budgeting in recent years to control spending and bring increases in line with inflation to make the case that the district can afford to pay back money borrowed via debt certificates out of its operating levy The trict has been running operatin surpluses that give it the cushion to pay back debt, he said, using money from that levy

The financing option seems likely to be approved April 27 calls for the district pay for Project 2 by issuing $45. million in 20-year debt cert cates, using $44.2 million in c reserves, and getting $12.5 lion in donations through nonprofit Imagine Foundation. plan, the school will use $3.5 million from its operating levy each year for the next 20 years to pay back the money it borrows to pay for Project 2.

Arkin was concer ned that paying back borrowed money from the operating fund for the next 20 years could hamstring future boards and force cutbacks Members of the school’s Community Finance Committee (CFC) expressed similar concer ns in meetings in February and March and did not favor using debt certificates to pay for Project 2, a point raised in public comments by some referendum ad-

vocates

“The CFC stated that it’s best practice to fund major capital projects like Project 2 with referendum bonds, and that debt certificates should only be used for short-ter m borrowing, five years or less,” said referendum advocate Judith Alexander in an email after the meeting. “I and other referendum advocates agree with the CFC.”

But Martire said that having to pay back debt from the operating levy would provide a powerful dose of fiscal discipline for future school boards.

“I think it meets what our community has been asking for, and I think it installs financial discipline on the board,” Martire said. “If you’re funding out of your operating (levy), you don’t have a lot of room to futz around and lose the discipline you’ve been imposing here.”

Board member Kebreab Henry was the only board member to say he favored a financing option that included a referendum. Henry favored an option that would use a variety of borrowing methods, including five-year debt certificates, debt service extension bonds, and $13.7 million in referendum bonds, in addition to using cash reserves and donations from the Imagine Foundation.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, five people spoke favoring a referendum and four people spoke in favor of using debt certificates and opposing a referendum. Some opposed to a referendum pointed to the esults of the recent school board election in which the only candidate who unambiguously supported a referendum, Brian Souders, was not elected while three candidates who were content to let the current board dew to fund Project 2 were elected

In her public comment, Oak Park resident Leslie Sutphen pointed out that in 2016 a referendum to sell bonds to finance the construction of a new swimming pool was nar rowly defeated. Sutphen noted that Project 2 is a much larger and more expensive project than what was asked for in 2016.

“I think, given the community’s voice on the last referendum, it would be unconscionable if you did not consider another referendum for this particular vote,” Sutphen said. “It’s a lot of money. I think the community needs to vote on it.”

RALPH MARTIRE

SARA DIXON SPIVY

TO M COFSKY

College Readiness Series

Friday, April 21, 5-6 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y This series was made possible through a collaboration by Oak Park and River Forest High School, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and the librar y. All students, parents, and caregivers are welcome to join; refreshments will be provided for those in attendance. The rst installment, “College 101,” deals with the impor tance of life after high school, types of colleges and how to research and visit them. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Author Visit: Mia Manansala

Saturday, April 22, 12-1 p.m., ark Public Librar y

Mia Manansala, author of the ita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery se, will be joined by moderator, poet and author Cynthia “Cina” elayo for a discussion. Books will be available for purchase. Register now at oppl e St., Oak Park

Filmmaking for Social Change Screening

Saturday, April 22, 2-3 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

Join local Oak Park lmmaking duo Adria Dawn and David Tarleton for a free screening of two of their latest c tion lms: Identity, a shor t lm about youth gender and inclusion, and Gray Area, a shor t lm about a woman struggling with motherhood, trauma, and alcohol addiction, inspired by local Oak Park resident and mental health expert Kelley Kitley. A discussion and question-and-answer period will follow. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

The Great American Songbook ... With A Twist

Saturday, April 22, 4 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church

The Sing To Live Community Chorus will be per forming a set full of jazzy standards from the likes of Rodgers & Har t, the Gershwins, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, and many more. $25, 460 Lake St., Oak Park

BIG WEEK

April 19-26

Laura Kina: Over The Rainbow, One More Time

Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m., Riverside Ar ts Center

The works of Laura Kina are currently on exhibit at the Riverside Ar ts Center. On April 22 she will discuss her works in person. 32 E. Quinc y, Riverside

Falconaires Big Band: When Music Wa s Music

Saturday, April 22, 5-7 p.m., Oak Park Arms Senior Living

This 17-person band has specialized in big band swing sounds since 2008. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. For fur ther information call 708386-4040 or visit https://www.oakparkarms.com/ spring- dance -with-the -falconaires/. 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

I Lift My Lamp - Illuminations From Immigrant America: Jacqueline Schwab

Wednesday, April 26, 7:30-9 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church

You’ve probably heard Jacqueline Schwab’s piano stylings on several PBS specials, including Ken Burns’ documentaries on the Civil War and Frank Lloyd Wright. This concer t celebrates American immigrants’ sense of community through song, via vintage tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Poland, Scandinavia, and other countries. A reception will follow the concert. Proceeds to bene t the Social Justice & Mission Ministr y of Grace Episcopal Church.

$15 (suggested donation), 924 Lake St., Oak Park.

Ike Reilly/Ryan Joseph Anderson

Thursday, April 20, 7:30 p.m., Unity Temple Restoration Foundation

These two rootsy singer-songwriters will take the center stage. $25-$45, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

The New Woman

Monday, April 24, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Nineteenth Centur y Charitable Association

Catherine Prendergast, author of The Gilded Edge, discusses the rise of woman in the late 19th century who de ed the stereotypes of women’s roles. Suggested donation of $15 for non-members. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

By wide margin, Oak Park Starbucks wins union election

Negotiations to begin after election results certi ed

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Starbucks at 711 Lake St. in Oak Park will officially become a union coffeeshop. Workers in favor ofunionizing won the store’s union election, April 11, in a 12-1 landslide, following days oforganized protests against the coffee chain by the community and supporters.

“It honestly feels like my firing was not in vain,” said Amanda Carelli, the store’s lead organizer whose employment with Starbucks was recently terminated Carelli has been as involved as she can be since she was let go but was not able to vote due to her termination. She was, however, at the Starbucks while the votes were counted out ofsupport for the cause and her for mer coworkers. Winning the election, she said, almost brought her to tears she was so happy.

“It took me a lot not to cry,” said Carelli.

The now-unionized workers will soon engage in collective bargaining with Starbucks corporate, but before that starts, the parties have until April 18 to file objections to the election with the National Labor Relations Board. Ifnone are filed, the NLRB will certify the results of the election and bargaining can begin.

Once the results have been certified, a union representative will sit down with the store’s district manager to negotiate. Some ofthe workers from that Starbucks will also be involved in the discussions, serving as union stewards. Starbucks Workers United is affiliated with the Workers United labor union.

“We respect the outcome ofany fairly conducted and certified elections and I look forward to engaging with the Workers United representative identified to begin the good faith collective bargaining process for that store,” said Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull.

Carelli is trying to get her job at Starbucks reinstated She told Wednesday Journal she has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against Starbucks. She believes she will be able to successfully retur n to Starbucks as an employee, but it could take as long as six months until she is able to put her green apron back on.

In the meantime, she is grateful for everyone who showed up to carry their banner while the workers unionized.

“Thank you to the community for the support and the protests and everything,” Carelli said. “It’s meant a lot to my team.”

DAV E PETERSON

ORGANIZED: Protesters gather outside the Starbucks on Lake Street to support unionization e orts.

Just hitting your stride.

Susan Bardolph, MD

Access to Duly Health and Care Oak Park for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare members

Now more than ever, it’s important to get the most out of your health care benefits and manage your health. That’s why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Duly Health and Care are working together to provide benefits and services centered around patients on Medicare. At Duly Health and Care Oak Park, adults on Medicare will experience personalized relationships with Duly providers who deliver care tailored especially to their health needs, like maintaining healthy blood pressure, managing diabetes, and keeping physically strong.

Oak Park 1121 South Blvd.

Begin your journey to a healthier, happier you, call 708-745-5744 or visit: dulyhealthandcare.com/OakPark

On April 17, Mary Reynolds joined the Collaboration for Early Childhood as its new execut ive director.

Early Childhood group welcomes new leadership

Mar y Reynolds brings 15 years of experience at Humboldt Park’s Casa Central

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

Early childhood providers in Oak Park and River Forest welcomed Mary Reynolds as the new executive director of the Collaboration for Early Childhood. With an updated vision and mission outlined in its strategic plan, the nonprofit seeks to strengthen its relationships with families, widen its network of early childhood and family services providers, and center community needs, with Reynolds leading the way.

“There’s an important transition that many of us are in the process of making, from doing something for someone to doing something with someone,” board Chair Becki Streit said. “The how requires the leadership of somebody who is a great listener and really gifted at getting people to be comfortable to say what they want and need

and how they would like that delivered.” Reynolds told Wednesday Jour nal that the Oak Park-based nonprofit is a perfect fit for her working style and values, which she summed up as “in community, in collaboration, together.” Over the last 15 years at Casa Central, a Latino social services agency, Reynolds said she lear ned how to work collaboratively and center families’ needs. Until early this month, she served as vice president of children’s services and Head Star t program director, overseeing early childhood lear ning and services. Prior to these roles, she was program director of Casa Central’s violence prevention and intervention programming and therapist for young children and families who experienced violence and trauma.

At the Collaboration for Early Childhood, she sees an oppor tunity to build the Oak Park and River Forest early childhood system. While there are many early childhood providers available — from health care to education to specialized services — families often have to search for and coordinate services individually, rather

No joke: Comedy club OK’d for Downtown Oak Park

First step in lling a long-vacant space

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Re porter

The Oak Park Zoning Board of Appeal’s most recent meeting felt more akin to an open mic comedy night than a hearing for a special-use permit. The reason for the stitches? Comedy Plex, a new club and training venue is coming to Downtown Oak Park, after winning unanimous ZBA approval last Wednesday.

Comedy Plex, a fully funded venture by three Oak Park men with comedy backgrounds, has requested a special use permit to operate a live perfor mance venue at 1128 Lake St., a lower level space that has stood vacant for seven years. Commercial leasing agent David King, re presenting Comedy Plex, took center stage to discuss the merits of having a comedy club in space he originally thought no one in Nor th America would want.

The space is located in a basement with no windows and eight-foot ceilings with an entrance in an admittedly pretty alley but one 150 feet away from the street. These attributes, which King first considered drawbacks, make for a great comedy club

“I scratched my head for many months, just wondering if these guys were crazy or not,” King told the ZBA.

The alley entrance gives a speakeasy vibe, and it is not unusual for comedy clubs to be located in basement spaces One of, if not the nation’s most famous comedy club, the Comedy Cellar in New York City, is located in a basement off an alleyway. Eight-foot ceilings, he told the ZBA, make audiences

REYNOLDS

New energy for Early Childhood

from page 7

than having a centralized agency that can provide all the services and programs they need

“Many of the suppor t and services exist in silos that don’t talk to each other. One of the Collab’s main jobs is to make those silos go away and to eliminate wrong doors for parents,” Streit said.

That is why the nonprofit’s role as a

feel comfortable and more likely to laugh.

Also, the existing infrastructure of the space meets today’s zoning code for a comedy club, according to King, as the property has oversized restrooms and an accessible lift due to its for mer use as a telephone call center

The comedy club can accommodate 170 people maximum, its proximity to the Holley Cour t Garage makes parking easy for clubgoers. The pedestrian entrance to the garage is not even 50 feet away from the space.

With plenty of shopping and restaurants, not to mention the Lake Theatre, King believes the comedy club will help

convener is critical: of fering services that help families navig ate everything from coordinated intake to home visits. “Coordinated intake allows a family to pick up the phone, call a phone number and get an answer to the question they’re asking, no matter what the question is,” Streit said.

The publicly-funded nonprofit also has had to respond to the changes and challenges that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, which af fected both families and child care providers

“It has never been an easy time for early child care providers. ... The COVID crisis really brought that forward,” Streit said, adding providers struggle to find qualified

PROVIDED

tur n the downtown area into an enter tainment district. Downtown Oak Park and the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation jointly submitted a letter in support of Comedy Plex. About 25 people showed up to the hearing in suppor t of the club; many wore custom white baseball caps emblazoned with “Comedy Plex Oak Park.” No one spoke out against the application.

On top of being a place to take in a standup’s new set, Comedy Plex will also of fer classes in stand-up comedy and improvisation for people wishing to try their hand at on-stage comedy and acting. These classes are not limited to adults either, as the trio behind Comedy Plex – Christopher Bell,

staf f and attract talent to early childhood careers, whereas many families struggle to af ford child care. “That has such profound implications for family wealth.”

In response, the nonprofit has leveraged existing par tnerships with local agencies and businesses to combine resources and increase their collaboration. Yet more work needs to be done.

“We’ re looking forward to what needs to be built or rebuilt or redesigned,” Reynolds said, adding that hearing from community members is key to making decisions

“Really listening to parents, care givers, teachers, child-care providers, under-

Marz Timms and Sher man Edwards – want to inspire the next generation of comics and comedic actors by of fering summer camps and after-school programs.

These kids could use some help comedywise, according to Timms He told the ZBA that he had been out walking his do g in Oak Park earlier that day and stopped to play a little hopscotch with some neighborhood kids. The kids had some jokes on the sidewalk with chalk.

“One of those jokes was: Why did the golfer have two pairs of pants? Because he had a hole in one,” Timms said. “Those are the people we are looking to nur ture so that they can have some better jokes.”

The three Comedy Plex founders may be reco gnizable to the community for reasons beyond their status as Oak Park residents. Bell owns corporate entertainment company Mediatainment and spent half a decade perfor ming as McDonald’s Mascot “Ronald McDonald” for on stage, television and public events, while Timms is a touring standup comedian and voice-over actor Improviser and stand-up comedian Edwards was named “Chicago’s Best Stand-up Comic” of 2012 by the Chicago Reader.

Comedy Plex is aiming for a soft opening in mid-summer with an of ficial opening set for Se ptember, but before any dates can be set or headliners announced, the application must go through other village commissions, including the liquor commission. The applicants will then go before the village board for final approval.

“You’ re going to have to do your show again at the village board,” ZBA chair Jim Lencioni joked.

standing what are their needs and then figuring out how to be responsive to those needs within the scope of the org anization,” she said.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood also plans to expand its role as an advocate for early child care at the state level under Reynolds’ leadership and a full staf f. Streit said that, prior to Reynolds ar rival, interim executive director Laura Crawford made hires to fill some vacant positions that will be critical.

“The Collab is at this really neat point; they’ve talked about it as going deeper and wider. … I like the both/and nature of it,” Reynolds said.

FLEXING THEIR PLEX: Christopher Bell, Marz Timms and Sherman Edwards are bringing comedy to a club near you.

New owner of US Bank building on Oak Park Ave.

Space still leased, no changes yet

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The US Bank building, located at 104 N. Oak Park Ave., has been sold to a limited liability corporation but the bank and its subletters are set to continue leasing the building. Subletters include the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation.

“As far as I’m aware, in my conversations with the new buyer, there are no immediate plans to do anything different with the property,” said John Lynch, OPEDC executive director.

The property was transfer red to the ownership of Chicago real estate development and investment group GW Properties in February, according to the Cook County Clerk’s Office, for $5.02 million. The previous owner was a land trust at Chicago Title Land Trust Company.

US Bank rents the entire space then leases out the portions of the property not used by the bank to other entities, such as OPEDC, which has its office in that building. The building’s attributes are likely what prompted GW to make the purchase, according to Lynch.

“I’m sure that GW Properties sees the same qualities in this building that we see, which is a beautiful building in a fantastic location, next to a parking deck and across the street from a CTA station,” Lynch said.

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D90’s Samantha Stearns wins top honors

Social studies teacher is revamping the curriculum

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Samantha Stearns always considered herself an old soul, naturally gravitating toward learning about historical events. Now an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Roosevelt Schools in River Forest’s District 90, that passion is being recognized as she has been named the 2023 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Illinois Teacher of the Year Award.

Stearns, who has been with D90 for 11 years, said she was shocked when learned the news about the win and about being a finalist.

“It is a very humbling experience and teachers often don’t often get a whole lot of recognition so that in itself is amazing to me,” Stear ns said. “It is a reflection of the community in River Forest and how they support the education of their students within the school.”

edge pursuing a master’s degree, she was exposed to gaps in the history curriculum, changing the way she approached the subject with her students. Stearns said she became aware of the disservices she was doing to her students of color by not presenting the full story and not having them reflected in the history curriculum she was teaching.

“I have completely revamped the social studies curriculum that eighth graders receive,” Stearns said. “I have been leading the curriculum overview process that District 90 is going through to ensure that we have an inclusive, inquiry based social studies [program] and that we are preparing our students to go into the world and be civically engaged instead of disengaged citizens.”

SAMANTHA STEARNS

This includes teaching about the reconstruction period that African Americans experienced as well as experiences from the LGBTQ plus community, who have long been part of history.

Always having a curiosity for trying to understand events, Stearns said she gravitated from an early age to trying to piece together information.

“One of my first memories is hearing about the Oklahoma City bombing and [wondering] why do things like this happen,” Stearns said. That act of domestic terrorism took place on April 19, 1995.

As Stearns continued to expand her knowl-

Exposing students to more historical events only heads to more intelligent students, said Stearns, adding that students will be able to engage and apply historical thinking skills to their own lives and the world around them. Stearns said she has seen her students ask questions, wonder why policies are passed, and want to be more involved in their communities.

“They are not just going to be content to sit and let things happen to them. They see

themselves as agents of change and know they don’t have to wait to be 18 to be civically engaged,” Stear ns said.

Stearns, who is part of the Illinois State Board of Education and University of Illinois’s I3, Inclusive, Inquiry-Based Social Studies for Illinois, initiative said she hopes to continue to be a part of the conversation surrounding the revamping of the social studies curriculum at Roosevelt School.

“Other states are looking to Illinois as a leader in inclusive and inquiry based social studies and it has been an amazing thing to be part of such a wide movement that is really transforming social studies education across the state and hopefully across the country,” Stear ns said.

Stearns continues to follow that passion and pursue opportunities outside the classroom as well. She has been published in the “American Historical Association’s Perspectives on History,” along with the “National Council for Social Studies,” and has presented her research at the 2021 Indiana Asso-

ciation of Historians annual conference amongst other accomplishments

Stearns is no stranger to recognition as the 2022 Illinois Gilder Lehr man History Teacher of the Year winner for Illinois, awarded to fulltime American history teachers who demonstrate a commitment to teaching American history, both state and local, as well as evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom, and using primary sources to engage students. Stear ns was awarded $1,000 for her project assignment recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the September 11, 2011, terrorist attacks in 2021.

While Stearns is the recipient of the awards, for her the real winners are her students, who make her work shine through, saying that if it wasn’t for them no one would care who she was or about anything that she did. Crediting her students and community for her success, Stearns said she shared the award with them.

The Illinois Teacher of the Year winner, from 10 finalists, will be announced by the end of April.

Friends, neig hbors gather to re member Oak Park couple

During the height of COVID-19 lockdown, a beloved Oak Park couple, Tom Johnson and Leslie Ann Jones were fatally stabbed in their home in the 500 Fair Oaks Avenue. Their tragic astated across the Chicago hearted and active community leader

The case remains unsolved

To mark the third anniversary of their murders, thered on the block, April 13, es they led and the hearts

— Stacey Sheridan

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Argument at orntons ends in rollover crash

Video goes viral on social media

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff

Forest Park police ar Chicago woman at the confrontation at Thor Harlem Ave., which was pa video and then went viral.

The clip, which has on social media throughout the picks up with the argument already in pr ress, and the man recording capture some parts of the incident. But according to the video footage and subsequent Forest Park police investigation, the confrontation started with the driver, Kendra Y. Nance, arguing with her boyfriend after they pulled into the gas station. Other customers got involved in the argument, and the situation escalated to the point where Nance hit the car of one of the customers she was arguing with, then as she was headed onto Harlem

UPENDED: Having a bad day.

Avenue, she hit another car which resulted in her car rolling over onto its roof

Forest Park Police Chief Ken Gross announced on the evening of April 17 that Nance has been charged with felony Criminal Damage to Property, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Reckless Driving, Reckless

onduct, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident and No Valid Driver’s License. He told the Review that, while Nance was etained shortly after the incident, the pof announcing anything until they sure the Cook County State’s Attorney ed some of the more serious charges.

According to Gross, Nance and her boyulled into Thorntons at around 3:10 ue to car trouble. The couple got into the argument, and other customers chimed in, and soon, Nance was yelling at several he video picks up mid-argument, catchback and forth taunting and one of ustomers throwing a cup at Nance’s car. g into the car and drove around the gas station. As her boyfriend tried to get her to stop driving, opening the car door, Nance slammed into one of the customer’s cars, dragging her boyfriend for a few feet before driving north on Harlem Avenue as the boyfriend picks himself up and continues arguing with the customers.

What happened next wasn’t caught on video, but according to Gross, Nance then crashed into another car, and her car rolled

over. The video captured the immediate aftermath as Nance got out of the turned-over car and mockingly laughed at the man recording the video before heading east.

According to Gross, the couple ran into the alley behind Thorntons, where police officers arrested them.

None of the customers in the parking lot were injured. Both Nance and her boyfriend were treated for their injuries at Loyola University Medical Center, and Nance was arrested

The video was widely circulated on Twitter and Facebook, with some accounts erroneously saying that the incident happened at an Oak Park/Chicago border. Members of the Forest Park Town Hall Facebook group discussed coming to the regularly scheduled April 18 Forest Park Neighborhood Watch meeting, which was to take place at the Forest Park village council chambers at 7 p.m. But later in the afternoon of April 17, Mayor Rory Hoskins’ office sent out a notice saying that the meeting was cancelled “due to staffing issues,” and that the next Neighborhood Watch meeting would take place on May 16 at 7 p.m. at the regular location.

SCREENSHOT

River Forest to balance 2024 budget with reserves

Revenues projected to increase by more than $1M, pension costs to decrease

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Covering non-recurring expenditures with cash reserves allowed River Forest officials to present a balanced general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2024 to the village board April 10.

Estimated total revenues for FY2024 are about $19.3 million up from about $18.2 in FY2023. Estimated total expenditures for FY2024 are about $20 million up from $18.5 million in FY2023.

A deficit of $670,755 is due to $731,361 in non-recurring expenditures, which will be covered by reserves. The budget shows a sur plus of $60,606.

The fiscal year starts May 1 and ends April 30, 2024.

Matt Walsh, acting village administrator, and Rosemary McAdams, finance director, presented the budget at committee of the whole meeting April 10. A public hearing on the budget was held during the regularly scheduled village board meeting that followed.

Estimated property tax, state sales tax, non-home rule sales tax, income tax and other revenues are all projected to increase in FY2024.

Among the revenue highlights, property tax revenue is estimated at $7,007,350 for FY2024, up from $6,931,715 in FY2023, while state sales tax revenue is estimated at $2,376,327 for FY2024, up from $2,112,388 in FY2023.

Non-home rule sales tax revenue is estimated at $1,059,449 for FY2024, up from $880,440 in FY2023, while state shared income tax revenue is estimated at $1,820,822 for FY2024, up from $1,550,159 in FY2023.

McAdams said the village is in a “strong financial position,” noting that she still expects an increase in revenues despite “conservative” estimates

One revenue area that saw a significant increase is ambulance fees, estimated at $2 million for FY2024, up from $510,000 in FY2023

due to the village entering into an intergover nmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to participate in the Illinois Ground Emergency Medical Transport Program.

Estimated salaries and benefits, commodities and contractual expenditures in the general fund are all up for the coming fiscal year. In addition, $300,000 was budgeted as a capital outlay for anticipated changes expected from the village-wide traffic study that is currently under way.

Salaries and benefits expenditures are estimated at $13,941,957, up from $13,437,395 in FY2023; contractual services expenditures are estimated at $4,291,903 for FY2024, up from $3,919,463 in FY2023; and commodities expenses are estimated at $653,112 for FY2024, up from $369,247 in FY2023.

At 69.81 percent of the budgeted expenditures, salaries and benefits continue to be the largest expenditure for the general fund. The increase in commodities expenditures is partially due to the $190,000 expenditure for police body cameras, although Walsh said the village is still pursuing grant opportunities

Capital improvement expenditures include $206,370 for new police squad cars, $630,000 for new public works trucks and $1.2 million for street resurfacing.

Over half of the street resurfacing funding, $736,279, will come from a Rebuild Illinois grant.

Jeff Loster, director of public works and development services, said streets currently identified for resurfacing as part of the project are Augusta Street between Thatcher and Harlem avenues; William Street between Augusta and Chicago Avenue; Hawthor ne Avenue between Forest and Franklin avenues; and Thatcher between Hawthor ne and Madison Street.

The Rebuild Illinois grant funds were issued in six disbursements of $122,713 over a three-year period, concluding in FY2023. The project will be similar to the village’s annual street improvement project but must be accounted for separately. Funds not expended

by July 1, 2025, will be forfeited

The remaining street resurfacing funds will be used for the village’s annual street resurfacing program, which Loster said will include Park Avenue between North Avenue and Greenfield Street; Franklin between North and Greenfield; Bonnie Brae Place between Augusta and Chicago; Clinton Place between Chicago and Oak Avenue; Clinton between Lake Street and Central Avenue; and Keystone Avenue between Oak and Lake

Police and fire pension obligations in FY 2024 are projected to decrease Village officials explained that the decrease -- from $1,959,903 in FY2023 to $1,921,246 for FY2024 for police and from $1,733,600 in FY2023 to $1,726,278 in FY2024 for fire – is due to a change in methodology based on a programming change made by the actuarial consultant.

In addition, officials previously expressed the hope that the recent consolidation of roughly 650 local pension funds for suburban and downstate police officers and firefighters into two statewide funds would lead to higher investment returns and lower future pension contributions.

A 22% increase in the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC) expenditure sparked one of the few discussions during the budget presentation. Walsh explained that the increase from $224,144 to $275,285 year over year was due to the decrease in participating agencies.

When Forest Park joined WSCDC in 2017, there were five agencies sharing the cost. Since then, Elmwood Park and Park Ridge dropped out, leaving River Forest sharing expenses with Forest Park and Oak Park Walsh said WSCDC officials are trying to attract other communities to join and share expenses. Another option would be to join another co-op with other west suburban communities, he added.

Trustee Katie Brennan also asked that the village not increase the composting fee as planned

“We want to encourage composting,” she said. “It supports the village’s image of being in favor of sustainability.”

Adoption of the budget is expected at the April 24 village board meeting

Your Patio & Utter Outdoor Enjoyment

Do you hear those sounds of birds chirping?

This is the hugely anticipated time of year when spending time outdoors goes from rugged endurance to utter enjoyment. That means you’ll want to take advantage of more opportunities for entertaining company. And now, more than ever, our clients view their outdoor space as an extension of their home. While blending interior comforts with nature’s unbridled beauty, they go beyond basic patio sets for merely eating. They incorporate fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, luxurious sofa seating, and more, to create an outdoor living room that enticingly blurs the line between inside and out. Fireplaces and fire pits are very popular ways to create a focal point that also combats the lingering chill in the air. At the same time, they maximize entertaining space and appreciation of outdoor wonders. Enhancing and beautifying does much more than expand your hosting capabilities — it’s a surefire way to boost your home value, too. For a few ideas about what McAdam can do to bring your patio dreams to life, visit our website’s Design & Installation section. For more tips, visit www. mcadamlandscape.com or call McAdam Landscaping at 708-771-2299.

KATIE BRENNAN

MATT WALSH

Scott McAdam Jr.

DR. BRANDER Acting globally

thrown out by a neighbor. Acce pted the six-year Honors Program in Medical ucation at Northwester n University, she an important mentor during her freshman year who inspired her decision to specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, relatively new field at the time

“Dr Henry Betts was a leader in the disabil ity rights movement and a strong advo for the passage of the American Disabilities Act. He was on the forefront of thinking about patients as more than just diseases admired the way that he saw the world bigger place than many of the other doctor that I met,” she said.

Following medical school, Brander work with Dr David Stulberg, a world-renowned surgeon involved in hip and knee replacement surgeries at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Brander specialized in the care of patients before and after surgery. Brander, who is now a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwester n University, and Stulberg were fir m believers in the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and developed a patient education class applying this approach to replacement surgeries. They presented their integrated method at conferences around the world.

Once, while traveling to a conference in a developing country, they looked out the windo of their taxi and lethora of

served as an epiphany for Brander and the spark for Operation Walk Chicago.

“It struck me that while we were in the country to teach doctors to perform replacement surgeries, the bulk of the population who most needed the surgeries would never be able to afford them,” she said.

Operation Walk’s first medical humanitarian mission was in Chengdu, China, at the massive West China Hospital of Sichuan University.

“Frankly, we didn’t have much of a plan. We didn’t do any fundraising or market-

work it out as we went. We sent letters to our current patients, letting them know that we would be out of the country for a week — and, surprisingly, our patients sent us money and personal notes of encouragement for our future patients in China. We received enough money to do 96 surgeries.”

Operation Walk is focused on training in-country medical professionals in the latest technologies and equipment as much as actually doing the surgeries. Each mission usually involves a team of 40-45 clinicians, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, physical therapists and support staff, none

from page 1 PROVIDED

whom are compensated and the majority whom take vacation time to participate the trips Each U.S. clinician is partnered with an in-country counterpart to maximize educational value of the mission and to oster strong and lasting relationships. Leadmedical device companies donate all of the critical supplies, such as joint implants

“Our sweet spot is to take medical staff in eloping countries who know the basics help them become as skilled as any proessional at any hospital in the world. And goal is to inspire them to provide joint relacement surgeries not for the wealthy but for the poor in their communities,” she said.

Brander and her team view hip and knee lacement surgeries as means for improvthe socio-economic environment of ommunities without social safety nets In eloping countries, many families in a village may depend on one income-generating person. Since much of the available labor is physical, if he or she is incapacitated, the entire village will be impacted. Providing replacement surgery can help put that person back in the workforce.

Operation Walk’s recent mission in Vietnam coincided with the 50th anniversary of the American withdrawal from Saigon. One of her patients, a man in his 80s, asked her why she came to Vietnam to do this work.

“I was thinking a lot about the war during our visit. I told him that a lot of Americans suffer from guilt and shame about our country’s actions in Vietnam and that maybe I was working off a bit of that. He reached out and took my hand and said, ‘We can’t forget but we can forgive — and you are forgiven.’ It was amazing,” she said.

Brander recalls a previous visit to Vietnam, when she treated a young man sufferdisease that fused his hips and had been unable to leave his bed without the help of a pulley up by his parents They carthe hospital screening room he was not part of the group slated for surgery, his deter minathe team. They were concer ned rmities were so extreme that he to death during surgery or have other complications. He received hip replacement surgeries in 2015 and knee replacement surgeries in 2016.

Van Tien is walking, he’s martwo children. He is a public has an executive coaching busiould not be alive today without s,” she said.

“You can’t always predict that what you do will have a positive outcome. But you do your best. I’m going to continue doing what I can do, from my heart, as best I can.”

Dr. Brander trains her team on addressing advanced joint disease around the world. (Right) One of the bene ciaries of the group’s medical e orts

SARA JANZ

BACK HOME: Dr. Vicki Brander in River Forest a er her tr ip to Vietnam.

OPRF engages in frank school safety talk with parents

Fighting referrals are at or lower despite social media perceptions, says superintendent

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

A few weeks after a student walkout in protest of sexual harassment at Oak Park and River Forest High School and just two days after another fight at the school OPRF hosted what it called a community conversation on safety last week. Nearly 100 people attended the event that was held in the school’s South Cafeteria.

For the first hour of the two-hour event OPRF administrators presented data and talked about how they handle safety issues at the school. During the second hour the attendees engaged in small group discussions with each other while an OPRF administrator took notes About 20 or so students from the student group Students Advocating For Equity (SAFE) also split up among the 10 or so tables to contribute to the discussion. The students provided an on the ground perspective on how things are at OPRF.

“I thought it was a great discussion, it was very informative, very educational,” said Lisa Azu-Popow, the mother of an OPRF sophomore. “I walked away lear ning more than when I came in. Very transparent.”

In a surprise to some, student referrals for inappropriate physical contact of a nonsexual nature, such as fighting or shoving, is down or on par with recent years. According to data presented by OPRF Superintendent Greg Johnson 56 students have been referred for disciplinary action for inappropriate contact of a non-sexual nature this year compared to 76 students for all of last year, 65 in the 2019-20 school year and 75 in both the 2018-19, and the 2017-2018 school years. In the 2011-2012 school year there were 102 such referrals. If it seems like there have been more fights this year than in the past it could be because fights are more publicized on social media than they were in the past with students taking videos of the fights

“I went to a big, chaotic high school and there were fights all the time, so the numbers were, I thought, more favorable to the school than expected,” said Elise Dysart, the mother of an OPRF freshman. “We see it online and then it lives forever in memes and so you get this impression that there’s these violent outbreaks at the school every week and the numbers don’t prove that out.”

But Johnson acknowledged that fighting has been an issue at OPRF this year.

“There is no doubt that we’ve had prominent fights,” Johnson said.

Teachers and security guards at OPRF have expressed concer ns this year about fights and other discipline problems at OPRF The school is in the process of hiring six additional security guards to try to provide more security and promote order in the school.

Some have wondered whether the school’s emphasis on restorative justice, a philosophy that emphasizes repairing har m and improving behavior instead of just focusing on punishment for bad behavior, is behind some of the issues at OPRF

But Principal Lynda Parker said state law now limits what is called exclusionary discipline, suspensions and expulsions, and that, in any case, OPRF is committed to the restorative justice approach.

“Ultimately we are a lear ning and teaching institution so we always default to teaching,” Parker said. “When a student shows us that they’re having dif ficulty in any area of discipline our first response is to teach them the behavior that we want them to have.”

But the school does impose consequences for rules infractions and is moving to get a little tougher in its response to bad behav-

ior. OPRF’s Behavior Education Plan uses a philosophy of progressive discipline and has five levels of responses to bad behavior ranging from level one, managing an issue in the classroom without an administrative referral, to level 5, intensive administrative intervention that can result in an out of school suspension or even, in extreme cases, a recommendation for an expulsion.

Starting with the next school year the administration is proposing to raise the starting level of 10 of fenses including gang activity, moving from level two to level three, to disruptive and uncooperative behaviors, also moving from level 2 to level 3. Level two of fenses can lead to up to one day of in-school suspension, now called in school reflection, while level 3 of fenses can result in up to three days of an in-school suspension. Possessing more than three grams of a drug other than marijuana, an amount that suggests selling, will become a level 5 of fense that could lead to expulsion. The school board could approve the changes at its next meeting on April 27.

According to a survey students feel a little less safe at OPRF this year compared to last year. This year 83 percent of students responding to a survey said that they feel mostly or very safe in OPRF hallways com-

pared to 81 percent one year ago although the percent of students who feel very safe in OPRF’s hallways declined to 32 percent this year from 37 percent last year

Students felt slightly less safe in OPRF bathrooms than they did in the hallways This year 75 percent of OPRF students surveyed said that they feel either very safe (28 percent) or mostly safe (47 percent) in OPRF bathrooms compared to 80 percent last year. In the small group discussions some students said that OPRF bathrooms are often crowded and chaotic with vaping and drinking sometimes going on. Some students try to avoid the bathrooms The mother of an OPRF junior said that her daughter doesn’t drink water during the day in an attempt not to have to use the school’s bathrooms. The number of students cited for vaping at OPRF has increased to 77 this year, up from 49 last year.

OPRF sophomore Paige Thomason said that she thinks sexual harassment doesn’t get enough attention from school officials

“I think we want this issue brought up just as much as drugs or drinking,” Thomason said.

School of ficials have discovered six weapons infractions at the school during the current school year. Five knives, four of the pocketknife or Swiss Ar my knife variety, have been discovered as well as one knife with a blade longer than three inches One student brought a mini-BB gun to school this year Over the last four years two real guns have been discovered on the OPRF campus.

One parent thought that OPRF, with approximately 3,400 students, is just too big and the administrator at her table agreed

At the end of the evening Johnson, who dropped in briefly at a number of small group discussions, said that he heard authentic, honest engagement not polarized discussions.

“It’s healthy and inspiring,” Johnson said.

Tammy Highfill, the mother of an OPRF sophomore, had a similar reaction.

“I found the conversations extremely productive and everyone was very nice, very concer ned, very open to hearing everybody’s ideas,” Highfill said. “I don’t think there are any big solutions that parents can come up with tonight but it seems like this was a pivotal night because perhaps more conversations will happen after this.”

BOB SKOLNIK

SAFE ZONE: Superintendent Greg Johnson delivers opening remarks at the OPRF Community Conversation on school safety.

Original oors at Pleasant Home ripped out

Park district and foundation’s relationship also torn

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Park District of Oak Park whipped preservationists and architecture supporters into a furious response after it authorized the removal of large portions of the original oak flooring at Pleasant Home. Allegedly, they did so behind the back of the very agency entrusted with its preservation.

“I’d say they knowingly lied to us,” said Kevin Brown, executive director of the Pleasant Home Foundation.

The white oak floorboards in three first-floor rooms of Pleasant Home, a National Historic Landmark that anchors Mills Park at Pleasant Street and Home Avenue, were ripped out and discarded in a dumpster over Easter weekend. The foundation was unaware the floors would be replaced, according to Brown, having been infor med by the park district that the plan was to restore and repair them.

“This project is meant to not only make the repairs needed, but to prolong the life of the existing floors on the main floor,” Chris Lindgren, a park district superintendent, wrote in a March 8 email to Brown.

Whether that was ever the park district’s intention is now being questioned by the foundation. Listed in the park district’s 2023 fiscal year budget is a goal to “replace first floor flooring at Pleasant Home by April 1” with $40,000 ear marked for the floors. Brown acknowledged the foundation should have noticed the line item earlier.

The park district, according to Executive Director Jan Arnold, had intended to replace only some of the boards, but the floors were later deemed “unsalvageable” and unsafe to walk on. This was affir med by Lindgren, who said the floorboards had “reached the end of their life.”

“There were multiple boards cracked throughout the first floor and upon hand removal, the adjoining boards were found to

be in worse condition than anticipated,” he said. “Also, there was no way to add finish to these boards that would be warrantable by any legitimate contractor.”

The park district’s contractor, Johnson Flooring, contacted the park district, stating that their crews were uncomfortable refinishing the floors due to their condition, according to Lindgren.

Removing the flooring brought up the cost considerably from what was budgeted. Replacing 1,900 square feet of the roughly 10,000-square-foot mansion is costing the park district $77,680, according to Arnold

The project is being criticized as unnecessary. Architect and structural engineer Stephen Kelley, who was also the foundation’s restoration committee chair, told Wednesday Jour nal the original floors, made of oldgrowth wood from a virgin forest, could have been easily repaired

“[The park district’s] position is that the floor was in really bad condition and someone was going to fall through it,” he said. “My position is that the flooring was in fairly good condition and that Pleasant Home is one of the most fir mly built houses in all of Oak Park.”

The new wood floors, despite being white oak, will not compare to what was tossed into the dumpster, according to Kelley, who has

worked in historic preservation for 40 years. That wood is “irreplaceable.” The floors being put in now were of farmed wood

“It’s not going to be as hard as the original flooring and it’s not going to wear as well,” said Kelley, who happened to be on a walk in Mills Park over Easter weekend when crews were ripping out the original flooring.

Pleasant Home, a Prairie-style mansion built in 1897 and designed by famed architect George Washington Maher, has been under the ownership of the park district since 1939. The Pleasant Home Foundation, which started as a park district task force, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring Pleasant Home The two entities are separate but are intended to work in collaboration with each other

That collaboration is now under substantial strain, as many involved with the foundation feel bur ned by the park district over its treatment of the historic floors. Kelley has resigned because of the situation although he plans to stay on the board until the flooring issue is resolved. The park district’s removal of the flooring has also led donors to reconsider contributing financially to the foundation.

“People are pulling their support of us because we don’t have the ability to hold the park district accountable or to bring them to the table to make sure that projects

like this move forward in a way that’s sensitive to the house,” said Brown, who fears the new floors will render Pleasant Home ineligible for historic preservation grants

The foundation for mally condemned the park district’s decision to remove much of the quarter-sawn flooring and the process used to do so in an email to donors, sent April 14. A longer statement located on the foundation’s website lays out the timeline of events and underscores their disappointment in the park district.

When asked how the park district intends to repair its relationship with the foundation, park district board President Kassie Porreca said communication is underway between the two entities

“We’re very apolo getic about that and have communicated how much we value their partnership,” she said. “We are all stewards of this community treasure of Pleasant Home, and all have our part to play in preserving and restoring it and making sure that it is here for generations to come to use and enjoy.”

Jake Worley-Hood, park board vice president and board liaison to the foundation, likewise of fered apolo gies for the lack of ongoing communication with the foundation about the project.

“I apolo gize for that lack of communication and commit to rebuilding the necessary trust between our organizations,” said Worley-Hood. “The viewpoint of the foundation is necessary to preserving the future of the home.”

Worley-Hood also said he plans to ensure that communication improves and that the park district must do better in keeping the foundation appraised as projects evolve.

“I fully support our staf f’s decision to do the necessary work on the floors but know that we are in a community with passionate dif fering views of our historic structures,” he said. “Ultimately, we will work it out because we are all in it for the same reasons, to do what’s best for the house, the community, and the taxpayer.”

While the removal of much of the original flooring has been called a “travesty,” a “desecration” and an “avoidable tragedy” across the community and on social media, Pleasant Home Foundation President Raeann Spencer is looking for the positives in the situation: Tours of Pleasant Home are resuming April 20.

“We would like to share the beauty and the history of Pleasant Home with everyone,” Spencer said.

PROVIDED

MISCOMMUNIC ATION: Pleasant Home Foundation says it wasn’t consulted before the park district disposed of the home’s original ooring

Berwyn resident injured in road rage incident

An instance of road rage led to one Berwyn resident being cut with a knife at 9:48 p.m., April 11, in the 500 block of South Harlem Avenue. The victim, a 31-year-old man, was transported to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment of a non-lifethreatening cut on his left ar m.

Both the victim’s and the offender’s vehicles were stopped northbound on Harlem Avenue in the left turning lane to enter Interstate 290, when the male offender exited his vehicle, then began yelling and walking to the victim, who was seated in his 2001 Buick Re gal. The victim exited his vehicle and be gan yelling back, when the offender got a knife out of his pocket and cut the victim’s left ar m.

The victim then ran away from the offender, running southbound on Harlem Avenue. When he returned to the scene to retrieve his Buick, he saw it being driven away by the of fender. The of fender’s female passenger fled the scene driving the of fender’s vehicle.

The victim’s Buick was later recovered in the 7200 block of Madison Street in Forest Park. Police are investigating the incident.

Oak Park police do not have additional information as to what spur red the road rage incident, according to Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick, but the victim told police the incident started in Berwyn near 16th Street and Harlem Avenue

Reckless discharge of a firearm

Two 10-mm shell casings were found in the 1000 block of South Austin Boulevard after Oak Park police were called to the scene at 1:48 a.m., April 16, following a report of a recklessly discharged firearm.

Burglary

■ Someone forced open the front door of an apar tment and removed a black 40-inch Roku television set from inside between 12:16 a.m., April 10, and 1:30 p.m., April 12, in the first block of Washington Boulevard

■ Someone broke into a 2020 Kia Optima and removed a Kahr CM45 .45 caliber pistol from the vehicle’s center console between 2:52 p.m. and 3:50 p.m., April 10, in the 900 block of Lake Street.

Motor vehicle theft and recovery

■ A 2019 Hyundai Elantra was taken at about 12:36 a.m., April 16, in the 900 block of Lake Street. Chicago police recovered the vehicle at 3:12 a.m., April 17, in the 100 block of North Long Avenue in Chicago.

■ A 2020 Kia Forte was taken between 8 p.m., April 15, and 6:05 a.m., April 16, in the 100 block of South Grove Avenue

■ Someone removed a Toyota Highlander and, while fleeing the scene, struck the victim’s 2023 Subaru, damaging its bumper, between 11 p.m., April 15, and 8:25 a.m., April 16, in the 800 block of South Euclid Avenue

■ A 2012 Hyundai Sonata was taken at about 4 p.m., April 16, in the 800 block of North Humphrey Avenue. Chicago police recovered the vehicle at 3:31 a.m., April 17, in the 4400 block of West Washington Boulevard in Chicago.

■ A 2019 Kia Sportage was taken between 10 p.m., April 11, and 6:30 p.m., April 12, in the 100 block of North Humphrey Avenue.

■ A 2013 Kia Optima was removed between 2 p.m., April 11, and 3:30 a.m., April 12, in the 900 block of South Oak Park Avenue. The vehicle was recovered April 12 with a peeled

steering column in the 900 block of Lathrop Avenue in Forest Park

Theft

■ The front license plate attached to a Honda Pilot was removed between 7 p.m., April 13, and 3:59 p.m., April 15, in the 1000 block of North Linden Avenue.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a 2012 Hyundai Elantra parked in the 100 block of North Euclid Avenue between 6 p.m., April 11, and 3:20 p.m., April 16.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a 2003 Hyundai Elantra parked in the 700 block of South Harvey Avenue between 2 p.m., April 7, and 2 p.m., April 9.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports , April 11-17, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Kris Sagan Linda Rooney

Kyra Pych

Erika Villegas, Managing Broker/Owner Mike Becker Laurie Christofano Marion Digre Morgan Digre Leticia Cruz Oak Park $139,000 1BR, 1BA Call Marion Oak Park $139,000 1BR, 1BA Call Marion

Oak Park $709,000 5BR, 2.1BA Call Patti

Oak Park $370,000 3BR, 1.1BA Call Kris Forest Park $295,000 Vacant land Call Jane Oak Park $245,000 3BR, 1BA Call Jane

Elmwood Park $350,000 3BR, 3BA Call Harry Cicero $269,000 5BR, 1.1BA Call Erika

Chicago $275,000 2BR, 1BA Call Jane Forest Park $109,900 1BR, 1BA Call Mike

Oak Park $434,000 3BR, 1.1BA Call Kris UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

Neighbors organize as development looms Chicago and Ridgeland

Community meeting scheduled for April 20 at Dole Branch Library

Ambrosia Homes has proposed constructing a ve-story, 36-unit apartment building at the northwest corner of Chicago and Ridgeland avenues in Oak Park. e developer will hear directly from neighbors about their views at a community meeting scheduled for April 20.

By LACE Y SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Neighbors to a proposed fivestory development at 505 N. Ridgeland Ave. have for med a group called Oak Parkers for Wright-Sized Development (OPWSD), and they hope to expand their reach in advance of developer Ambrosia Homes’ neighborhood meeting on April 20.

FRANK LIPO

Three neighbors of the proposed de velopment, Frank Lipo, Kathy Dull meyer, are part of the group which has expressed concer ns about 36-unit luxury apar tment building and would require zoning relief to be built.

The district’s zoning, according to Dull, gives developer Tim Pomaville permission to erect an 11-unit building by right.

Cur rently, the property at 505 N. Ridgeland Ave. is home to a one-story building last used as a dentist’s of fice with a rear parking lot. Located in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, the building was constructed in the mid-20th century and is considered non-confor ming structure, not protected from demolition.

Pomaville is proposing a larger building than is allowed by right through Oak Park’s planned development process. According to Village Craig Failor, developers must go through the planned development process when proposed buildings are over 20,000 square feet in gross floor area and the applicant is requesting relief from zoning re gulations

See DEVELOPMENT on page 20

DEVELOPMENT

“I think the group is that we support some kind of on this corner but also unanimous that thi type of development is not right Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District and this area,” said Brimeyer, home directly to the north of building.

Lipo, Dull and Brimeyer ha with Pomaville and said that ing was cordial and Pomaville was open to their ideas, it was clear the de not going to change his the building.

At their meeting, Pomaville pointed to tw other similar developments that Ambrosi has built in Oak Park, one at

omponent to the building.

Rather than contributing a business for loal residents in the neighborhood, she says it will add 39 cars to the alley traffic and significant height, which is a negative for neighboring single-family homes

Brimeyer, Dull and Lipo all say that granting the proposed zoning variances here would set bad precedent for the neighborhood as the other three corners of the intersection Chicago and Ridgeland enues, which are home to one-story commercial buildings that could potentially be redeveloped into taller, residential buildings

“It’s a pure density play,” rimeyer said. “It’s good for the developer’s pocketbook. … The village should be very careful with this.”

Acknowledging that as the next-door neighbor to the project he is likely to be most affected by the development, Brimeyer says that his concerns are broader when taken in the context of the development process in the village.

“It’s sort of scary as a resident when something like this happens,” Brimeyer said. “We’re up against someone who isn’t from here, who boasts about his connections with

Neighborhood Plan long-ter community planning that should be valued when new developments are proposed.

“If the village doesn’t uphold the zoning code, it’s like the wild west,” Lipo said.

Christopher Payne, the for mer chairman for the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, an architect and member of Preservation of Oak Park, questioned the village’s process for approving developments in general and in historic districts in particular

He draws comparisons to the corners of Lake Street and Euclid Avenue, home to four relatively newly constructed buildings.

“It seems when these were getting built, there was a sense of character and design,” Payne said. “The sense of scale, the presence, the entrance and the roofline all took design into consideration.”

More recent developments though, including the multifamily building at Harlem Avenue and South Boulevard, which abuts a historic district, don’t have those design considerations, according to Payne.

“It’s like we don’t have a plan,” he said. “We just do whatever comes before us as a village.”

here in the village

“It doesn’t fit in this neighborhood. It belongs on Madison,” Payne said. “I’m not against capitalism. We want our developers to be healthy, but not at the expense of our neighborhoods.”

Because the development is in a historic district, the developer will need to submit plans to the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission for review.

Susie Trexler, Oak Park’s urban planner in historic preservation, says the village’s guidelines for new construction in historic districts encompass many of the details Payne thinks the village would be wise to consider in new developments

The guidelines state that the HPC should look to new construction to “be compatible with the neighborhood and adjacent buildings [and] consider carefully how the new structure relates to the character of the neighborhood in terms of scale, massing, street frontage, materials, height, windows and door placement, details and finishes.”

The April 20 community meeting, which is a required part of the planned development process, is open to the public and will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta St., Oak Park.

At the meeting, the developer will present preliminary drawings of the proposal and comments from the public are invited

TIM POMAVILLE

Fenwick pitcher Lorenzo notches 400th career strike ou

4-year varsity player achieves milestone against Whitney Young

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Fenwick High School senior Talia Lorenzo has been a pitcher on the varsity softball team all four years, which is longer than the tenure of head coach Bryan Hoffman and his staff.

During that career, Lorenzo has racked up some impressive numbers, and she reached a significant milestone in a home game against Whitney Young on April 14, posting her 400th career strikeout.

“It felt really nice,” said Lorenzo, an Aurora University signee.

Lorenzo said she had no idea she was on the verge of 400 strikeouts, saying she was a bit surprised when Hoffman came out of the dugout after she struck out Young’s Natalie Nieves in the top of the second inning.

Hoffman took the game ball from Lorenzo, which was presented to her after the game with “400” written on it

“I was confused by him coming out, but when I saw everyone cheering for me, I felt very grateful,” said Lorenzo, who now has 405 career Ks. As a sophomore she had 177 strikeouts, and last year she had 166.

“She’s been our workhorse and carried us,” said

Hoffman. “It’s great to coach her. She works extremel hard and always wants the ball.”

Lorenzo pitched six innings against Young, three runs on seven hits and posting eight strik She left with Fenwick leading Young 4-3, but ing error on a potential game-ending double lowed the Dolphins to tie the game in the top seventh.

Whitney Young tacked on three more runs in the in ning to hand the Friars (6-6) a 7-4 defeat “I thought we played six good innings of softball, we couldn’t close it,” Hoffman said. “It would’v nice for sure to end with a win, but it doesn’t diminis Talia’s accomplishment. Young’s a great team almost had them, but we’ll lear n from it and to play come postseason.”

Lorenzo, who also had an RBI single, feels wick career has gone well. She especially enjoys bonds and friendships she has made with her mates over the years.

“Me and my team have been really close,” “It’s been great playing with everyone and seeing much better we’ve become as a team.”

Lorenzo plans to study nursing in college Aurora was the best place to continue her pla reer. But for now, she’s focused on helping the Friars improve during the second half of the season.

“Hopefully, as we continue to work together as a team, we’ll have more wins,” Lorenzo said.

Fenw ick senior so ball pitcher Talia Lorenzo prepares to hurl the ball against Whitney Young April 14. Lorenzo posted her 400th career strikeout in the Friars’ 7-4 loss to the Dolphins.

Garland named top athlete at Hinsdale invite

Senior wins shot put, discus to lead Huskies to 2nd place overall

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School senior Reese Garland has more time to focus on throwing this girls track and field season. Fortunately, she was just as attentive after

two more victories at Hinsdale Central’s Devilette Invitational on April 15.

As teams gathered afterwards, Garland was announced as the invite’s Outstanding Athlete after winning discus with a personalbest 40.95 meters/134 feet, 4 inches and shot put (11.75m/38-6.75).

“[OPRF coach Nick Michalak] was like, ‘Pay attention,’ and then I heard my name,” Garland said. “I didn’t even know they did this [award]. This is awe-

REESE GARLAND

some. This is so sweet.”

The Huskies (115 points) finished second to Hinsdale Central (166).

With two personal bests, junior Taylor Smith won long jump (5.10m/16-8.75) and was second in triple jump (10.60m/34-9.5).

Juniors Hannah Franke (2.88m/9-5.25 in pole vault), Lenny Sterritt (1,600-meter run in 5:24.93) and Brianne Davis (9.84m/32-3.5 in shot) and sophomore Bella Brauc (1.52m/4-

11.75 in high jump) were second.

Once a three-sport athlete, Garland also was busy with offseason volleyball and basketball last spring yet still managed to be a Class 3A all-state fifth in discus in 2022 (then personal-best 128-6.5).

In fact, Garland missed the 2022 Devilette Invite.

“I did skip a lot last year for volleyball, but this year I’m all locked in. I still do club volleyball but it’s just for fun,” Garland said.

See GARLAND on pa ge 22

OPRF volleyball regains form a er loss at LT

Huskies bounce back after win streak to open season ends

By MEVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

After winning its first six matches this season, the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys volleyball team suf fered its first defeat April 11, falling at Lyons Township in three sets

“We didn’t play our best,” said OPRF senior hitter and captain Peter Zurawski.

But good teams bounce back, and that was the case April 12 as the Huskies got back into the win column with a 25-14, 25-21 victory over visiting Riverside-Brookfield High School.

“I told the guys that [RB] is a good team and that when we came out, we needed to hit the ground running and make a statement,” said OPRF coach Justin Cousin. “We watched the [LT] film and came in more focused and ready to execute.”

After trailing 7-5 in the opening set, OPRF (7-1) scored the next 12 points to take control. Zurawski had three of his teamhigh six kills during the run, set up by as-

SARA JANZ

OPRF senior Jonathan Brow n (12) spikes the ball during the Huskies’ 25-14, 25-21 win over Riverside-Brook eld High School on April 12 in Oak Park.

sists from junior setter Quinn Borzarth.

“Quinn’s been running the cour t really good,” said Zurawski, a Ball State University signee who also had four blocks. “Com-

ing into the setter position as a junior is really hard, but he’s wonderful.”

Borzar th, who had 17 assists and four blocks, played as a right outside hitter last

OPRF so ball brings out the bats, wins 4 straight

Huskies outscored opponents by a combined 51-18 last week

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School softball team had an impressive week, sweeping all four opponents it faced.

and Kelly Regan drove in four runs

On April 14 at Elmwood Park, Anne Stine and Anna Topel each went 3-for-5, and Stine had 3 RBI as OPRF banged out 18 hits in a 17-7 victory.

The following day, the Huskies won a pair of games at Plainfield North. In the opener against the host Tigers, Elyssa Hasapis had five hits and six RBI to lead OPRF to a 16-6 victory. Hasapis is hitting 604 this season and has 24 RBI

OPRF girls soccer

The OPRF girls soccer team snapped a five-match winless streak with a 3-1 victory over visiting Downers Grove South on April 13.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

On April 12, the Huskies (11-4) rolled past host Morton 14-2 in five innings. Kennedy Ross belted a three-run homer, Julia Mattiace added a solo shot

In the nightcap against St. Charles East, Topel’s walkoff RBI single gave the Huskies a 4-3 victory. Bella Morales went the distance in the circle, allowing three runs and seven hits while striking out three

Ariadne Chow got the Huskies (2-41) on the board with a goal in the 17th minute of f an assist by Kylie Houghton. In the second half, a goal by Abby Cockerill (assisted by Malie Cassel) in the 54th minute gave OPRF a 2-0 lead

After Downers Grove South scored with less than 20 minutes left, the Huskies sealed the match when Genevieve Simkowski scored off an assist by Cate Ryan in the 64th minute.

year. But he’s been able to smoothly make the adjustment to setter and establish good chemistry with Zurawski

“I’ve been doing setting during club season, so it’s easy for me to carry over into high school,” he said. “With Peter playing outside, that also makes it easier; I just give it to him and he does all the work.”

T he Huskies also rece ived contributions from junior Daniel McNeilly (five kills), senior Ralph Bennet (three kills, four blocks) and senior libero Daniel Moran (12 digs).

“To come out strong tonight and recoup ourselves, g et some of the bench in, and g et refreshed will set us up right for the future,” Zurawski said. “We have a new attitude for the rest of the season.”

OPRF struggled to put away RBHS (10-6) in the second set, which is something Cousin will stress with the team going forward.

“We need to work on our confidence and improve our communication,” he said. “Also, we just need to execute better.”

Borzar th ag reed that the Huskies need to clean some things up. But he also likes the team’s potential.

“Plays we make mistakes on, we need to clean those up if we want to go to state,” he said. “I think we can make a good run to downstate if we do.”

GARLAND

from page 21

Taylor hopes to reach her first state meet. She surpassed previous bests of 5.07/16-7.75 in long jump and 10.33m/33-10.75 in triple jump

“The weather was really nice, so that was good. I think just being fully healthy also,” said Smith, the No 2 seed in triple jump and No. 4 in long jump

Last season, Taylor dominated mostly on the sophomore level and competed at sectionals. Taylor continues approaching state-qualifying standards of 5.35m/17-7 and 11.09m/36-5.

“[Jumps coach Tamara Gardner] says there’s no option. We’re going to state this year, so we need to figure it out,” Taylor said. “I’m 100 percent confident I can hit it.”

Brauc competed at 2022 state with the 1,600 relay and was an occasional high jumper

Now more experienced, Brauc was rewarded April 15 with two personal bests after never clearing higher than 4-8.

“I’m really, really happy with it,” Brauc said. “My approach was a lot slower last year and I think I’ve figured that out.”

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

DOOPER ’S MEMORIES

Johnny

VIEWPOINTS

Groth’s

seasons in the sun

Johnny Groth was the son-in-law of Otto Stoll, who was my father’s best man at his mar riage to my mother in May 1939. I met Johnny three times, once when he played for the Detroit Tigers and twice when he played for the White Sox. I met him when Mrs. Stoll, his mother-in-law, took me to Comiskey Park, and I recognized Johnny as a genial man with a ready smile and friendly eyes who always welcomed me with a handshake and a pat on the back.

Mrs. Stoll told me all about Johnny when she and I attended those three games, and every time I saw her and her husband.

He grew up a few blocks from Wrigley Field, and he and other athletic neighborhood ed exhibition football ames during halftime at Bears re then played

s natural athletic abilned him a scholarship to tin School, and as terback, he led the Latin School to victory in the School title game d for four years on s baseball team raduated from tin, he received many colle ge scholarship of fers, but our nation was at war in 1944 when he graduated from high school, so 18-year-old Johnny Groth enlisted in the Navy. While stationed at Great Lakes, he played baseball with such major league stars as Bob Feller, Virgil Trucks, and Mickey Cochrane , once again demonstrating his athletic ability while playing center field for the Navy team.

After Johnny was discharged from the service in 1946, he signed a contract with the Tigers, mar ried Betty Stoll, and be g an his 15-year professional baseball career with the Tiger’s Inter national League team, the Buffalo Bisons, where he was a standout and was soon moved up to the parent team

Once in the big leagues, he played center field, and the 1950 Tigers made a run for the pennant, finishing a few g ames behind the Yankees

Will D200 gamble with its future?

Project 2 is a roughly $102 million Physical Education addition with a pool area so large that part of the structurally-sound building must be demolished and rebuilt to make room for it. A vote is expected on April 27, the final business meeting for three outgoing members You — the voters and taxpayers of District 200 — can help stop them from g ambling with your money and the high school’s future.

Three funding options are on the table, ranging from the best practice of putting all borrowing to referendum (Option 1) to the risky proposal with 20-year debt cer tificates (Option 2).

Option 2 is controversial for a few reasons. It would bypass voter approval without recourse to petition to put the funding on the ballot. Voters successfully petitioned the board’s 2015 non-referendum bonds to fund a pool. Debt certificates are generally used when an urgent expenditure can’t be covered by a school’s cash reserve. There’s no petition process for debt certificates because they’ re intended for emergencies, like a leaking roof

Debt cer tificates are controversial — and inadvisable — because they are re paid from operating budgets Option 2 requires the g amble that the operating budget for the next 20 years will cover the annual

Delays only deprive our students

I am writing to continue encouraging the District 200 school board to move forward with Project 2 via the non-referendum funding plan, a very reasonable financing option that suppor ts long overdue capital improvements, holds D200 accountable for future spending, and still retains significant borrowing capacity in the event of emergencies or unplanned expenses

Equally if not more impor tant, this plan delivers vastly improved conditions for our students, faculty, and staf f in the shor test possible timeframe where critical needs have long been identified and left unaddressed

Finally, the non-referendum path spares our communities and this board yet one more year of exhausting and divisive debate on issues we know are wor th the investment. As the recent election clearly shows, our communities suppor t the board in approving Project 2 funding and moving forward, now.

I reco gnize the magnitude of this decision and the courage board members may need to make it, in the face of cer tain criticism. In many ways we are at a le gacy-defining moment.

The entire Imagine process grew out of a community-dividing referendum in 2016. Along with other

Exterior schematic design for Imagine OPRF Project 2.

OUR VIEWS

Park’s failure at Pleasant Home

Pleasant Home is a National Historic Landmark. Its owner, the Park District of Oak Park, needs to treat it as such.

All the time. In every instance when work must be done in this 126-year-old mansion the starting mindset must be preservation. That the park district has a partner in that effort in the Pleasant Home Foundation should reinforce that mindset.

But that will only work if the district’s elected and appointed leaders are fully focused on collaboration and transparency with the foundation. As evidenced by the appalling choice earlier this month to rip out the original oak flooring in three of the primary rooms on the first floor, the district lacks both a preservation mindset and feels no compunction to work in good faith with the foundation.

It was only six weeks back that the district’s lead on this project told the foundation that it planned to have a contractor do a light refinishing of the existing old-growth oak floors. Without any consultation, that plan exploded into ripping out the floor and, in the process, carving the discarded wood into small pieces without a thought of salvage.

The foundation’s chief went so far as to allege his group was “knowingly lied to.” When under pressure for comment from Wednesday Jour nal, the district’s elected board president made an apology and acknowledged it had failed to communicate its plans to the foundation.

More than communicating its plans, the park district needed to engage with the foundation to share information and listen to the views of the experts who work within the foundation.

There is a foundational fracture here between two entities that must be entirely focused on the preservation of this glorious community home The park district must do much better

OPRF outvotes voters

“This is the exception to the rule.”

That’s what OPRF school board member Ralph Martire said last week in announcing his plan to support a method of financing the $100 millionplus Project 2 capital project at the school that does not include going to voters for approval of any portion of the financing for the massive rebuilding ef fort

He, and a majority of other board members, have previously supported the essential concept that voters should have a say in funding major building projects through a referendum. Except not this time. Not in the instance when an Oak Park taxing body is going to undertake the largest and most expensive project in its history.

This is nonsense.

If Martire, Sara Dixon Spivy, Gina Harris and Mary Anne Mohanraj have all previously explained the importance of voter involvement in a project of this magnitude, and if they are so concerned that a referendum on the project will delay this project by a year, then in all the discussions and all the drama and preparation for Project 2 they damn well should have worked backward from the April 4, 2023 municipal election and made it a priority to get this issue on that ballot.

This is disinformation by a board that simply didn’t have the stomach to go to voters to make their worthy case.

The floor demolition saga at Pleasant Home feels scandalous. Oak Park isn’t used to scandal involving governing bodies. Scandal smacks of corruption.

This scandal doesn’t feel like corruption, though. What it feels like is a failure of our network of oversight, accountability and openness, which is at the hear t of better-than-average gover nance, something Oak Parkers have long taken pride in.

An unpleasant surprise at Pleasant Home KEN TRAINOR

When the Park District of Oak Park tore up the floor boards and tossed them into a dumpster at Pleasant Home, a historic building and public treasure under park stewardship since 1939, they violated the public trust. Pleasant Home is more than theirs to do with as they wish, even though, technically, they “own” it. All of us, in some sense, “own” this village’s historical le gacy and its public treasures

A full accounting of their decision and the actions that followed has not yet taken place, but the administration and the park district board owe us an explanation, and the public must demand that accounting. If we don’t demand it, then the public, too, is par t of this failure of stewardship.

The Pleasant Home Foundation, the nonprofit charged with fundraising and restoring what is often called architect George Maher’s “masterpiece,” claims that the park district was not clear about their intent to rip out the floor and re place it with a new one. It’s a little hard to believe they could be caught completely unaware and were unable to raise the alar m, but if that’s the case, par t of this lapse lies in a lack of communication between the foundation and the park district.

The park district says they weren’ t hiding anything, that it was part of the budgeted plan, which the park board, presumably, would have to approve. If that’s the case, then the board of trustees came up shor t because it’s their job to provide oversight and raise questions. A plan to re place Pleasant Home’s floor should have raised questions, not to mention red flags.

The park district and park board may not have been acting “in secret,” but they certainly weren’ t acting as if they understood the preservation implications. If the building is historic, so is its floor. Was it truly un-restorable? Who made that deter mination? The foundation said it was not consulted. If that’s true, it means the park district made the decision unilaterally.

I hope this wasn’t a case of, “Ask for forgive-

ness, not for per mission.” Were they afraid they wouldn’t get permission from preservation experts? They should have been far more wor ried that they won’t get forg iveness from the public

Violating the public trust is not a smar t strate gy when you’ re hoping to move forward with an ambitious and expensive project like the CRC (Community Recreation Center), the kind of project that needs significant taxpayer buy-in. The pa rk district may not have been acting deceitfully (still to be deter mined), but they certainly weren’ t acting with transparent openness

To say the least, they have some explaining to do.

Jan Ar nold is the obvious person for this task, as are the board members. Governing boards in some municipalities are guilty of being overly complacent and compliant. Rather than governing, they let their one and only employee, the administrative executive, govern them instead.

So Ar nold is on the hot seat. Based on past experience, I’m fairly cer tain that Ar nold’s predecessor, Gary Balling, would not have allowed this to take place without a full public airing first. Speaking of which, your local newspaper also shoulders a por tion of the blame. We paid much closer attention to park board gover nance in the past, before the economic downtur n forced us to become lean to the point of bare-bones understaf fed. As a result, our role as watchdog of local gover nment has suf fered. We sometimes had to rely on the public bringing issues like this to our attention before we could re port on them.

If a community expects good gover nance — and it should — openness and transparency are essential. In this instance, the network failed. This case is bad enough, but it can serve as a wake-up call. We are clearly more vulnerable than we thought. And if this happened, then even worse can happen — with other public treasures and with other bodies of gover nment.

The system is currently working — better at least — over at the high school, where a small group of citizens has pressed for more openness and accountability, which improved our re porting on the far bigger and more expensive Imagine OPRF renovation project. Hopefully that, in tur n, will lead to a better outcome in the long run.

Public trust is a dif ficult thing to ear n and, once violated, is even more dif ficult to re gain.

The ball is now in the park district’s cour t.

e park district’s arrogance

T he park district’s destruction of the Pleasant Home floor is so incredibly wrong.

I am not connected with Pleasant Home and don’t know anything about flooring, but I know arrogance when I see it. To just go ahead and commit to an irreversible course of action without consent or even notification is shocking. A course of action that involves major labor like this could only happen with advance planning. That planning must have been deliberately kept secret.

It reminded me of 10 years ago when the park district decided to remove the sledding hill at Ridgeland Common despite vocal community opposition. I was one of several people who attended the board’s meeting where it was on the agenda, only to be told that we would not

be allowed to comment. I looked up an article about it and found that when Ms. Ar nold did finally meet with some community members, the contracts had already been signed I participate in many park district programs and am very appreciative of them but find that there is sometimes frustration with top-down decisions that are made without consultation or explanation.

Who is above the park district? Who in the village can do something to change the culture or even leadership and remind those whose salaries come out of our tax dollars that they have an obligation to consult, seriously consider input, and info rm — and not just impose

Joyce Porter Oak Park

A shocking violation of community trust

As a for mer president of the Pleasant Home Foundation board, I am very disappointed in the recent action of the Park District of Oak Park to re place the flooring at Pleasant Home without consulting with the board of the foundation.

The foundation was put in place in the 1980s to assist and advise the Park District on matters of historic preservation. Over the years, the foundation has

raised many thousands of dollars and contributed thousands of hours of volunteer ef fort to Pleasant Home to preserve this nationally reco gnized historic landmark.

For the park district to under take this action without the foundation’s input is a shocking violation of the community’s trust.

Edward S olan, Oak Park

WEDNESD AY JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Senior Repor ter Stacey Sher idan

Staff Repor ters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Big Week Editor James Porter

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

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

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

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

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.

LET TER TO THE EDITOR

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‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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

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Pleasant Home oors

Beyond Hunger’s mission Let’s do lunch … outside!

No one can concentrate on work or school on an empty stomach. So providing nutritious food to p eople who need it is at the heart of Beyond Hunger ’s wo rk . But the organization also knows that bags of food wo n’ t end hunger in the long term for the more than 40,000 p eople they ser ve annually. Th at ’s why Beyond Hunger looks at the underlyin g c auses of hunger, a ddressing i ssues of i nequity in how they source and delive r food and resources.

Beyond Hunger is serious about it s mission: harnessing the powe r of c ommunities to end hunger. To g ether with partners li ke the village of Oak Pa rk , they create c ollaborative solutions fo r hunger and nutrition security that forg e a more racially equitable food system.

Fo r over 40 year s, Beyond Hunger has provided food and resources fo r p eople in our c ommunity. T hey draw on c ommunity members’ knowledge and skills to shape progr amming that d elive rs resources p eople need to live healthy active live s. In a ddition to pro-

viding food to f amilies, Beyond Hunger also provides summer meals for school children, c onnects individuals to valuable b enefits li ke SNAP d ollar s, offers nutrition education and c ooking classes to c ombat chronic i llness, and d elive rs groceries to homebound older adults

As an organization, they focus on health and nutrition, i ntentionally offerin g food that nourishes and sustains — and that families love to eat.

C ommunity members c an visit Beyond Hunger (848 La ke St. in Oak Pa rk ) once per month to pick up grocerie s on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p. m. or We d nesd ay s from 3:30 to 5:30 p. m. When arriving, Beyond Hunger asks that individuals bring an ID and proof of address in one of the 13 z ip codes that they ser ve.

To learn more about Beyond Hunger progr ams, service area, or how to volunteer or d onate, p lease visit www.gobeyondhunger.org

Vanessa Matheny

Grant supervisor, villa ge of Oak Park

I am a student at Lincoln Elementary in Oak Park. Do you like eating outside? I do, and this is why my school should do it too.

Firstly, the weather is getting beautiful. It is sunny and warm, and we need to get out and enjoy it.

Secondly, the lunch room is loud and crow It makes it hard to eat.

Lastly, it doesn’t lot. Just a tent, and possibly picnic blankets.

In conclusion, I think Lincoln Elementary students need outdoor lunch.

Poking along on South Boulevard

I certainly enjoyed Ed McDevitt’s “One Vi ew” on the endless development project at La ke and Lathrop in Rive r Fo rest [ Lake & Lathrop: The site, the sa ga , Vi ewpoints, April 12] .

But before Oak Pa rkers g et too smug , we have our own ve rsion of Sa gr ad a Família — Gaudi’s 133-years-in-the-mak-

ing masterpiece in Barcelona — at 715717 South Blvd.

Of c ourse, I think these two projects share the same amateur developer, so it should not be a surprise that these projects share the same leisurely pace.

Alice Farley Oak

Don Anderson Oak Park

ALICE FARLE Y

Idling gets us nowhere

Cars and trucks, powered by fossil fuels, contribute more than a quarter of Oak Park’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to Oak Park’s Climate Action Plan. That’s why transportation is the second largest driver of climate disruption in our community.

We can reduce this harm with a simple change of behavior: stop idling. A running engine uses energy, whether it’s propelling a vehicle forward or not. That’s not only a waste of gas, a commodity that no one thinks is underpriced. It also generates the atmosphere-heating emissions that are propelling our global climate emergency, not to mention adding to your engine’s wear and tear, all to no purpose.

Years ago, the village launched an “Idling Gets You Nowhere” campaign. The slogan was proclaimed on car registration window stickers and yard signs outside of schools (where young lungs are especially vulnerable). The campaign lasted only a year, but we urgently need to revive it.

Idling is more common than ever, thanks to the advent of the hand-held screens that hold us captive to endless scrolling as the minutes fly by. While we waste time with our engines pointlessly running, we burn gas and precious dollars, all while adding to climate heating and environmental destruction.

It gets us nowhere.

Wendy Greenhouse Oak Pa

RibFest Every Day!

Mickey’s is the place! Mickey’s Rib Special

1/2 Slab Dinner $14.49 Full Slab Dinner $21.79

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily

I read with interest the letter from Nicole Chavas [Let’s build more housing not less, Viewpoints, April 12] in praise of a controversial zoning waiver request. Key points:

Is Ms. Chavas in the real estate business? If so, she has potential financial gains to make in an over-developed Oak Park, even more so with a large rental influx. Rental properties turn over more frequently than purchased properties, generating more commission opportunities for area real estate agents.

The property is already zoned for multifamily development for 11 new households and parking. That is reasonable and would bring new neighbors while not over-crowding them or endangering the environment. What’s the problem? Chicago developer Tim Pomaville wants a waiver so he can build an encroaching 39-unit building in an otherwise planned suburban neighborhood

Say no to over-developing Oak Park I wonder

What if, in a perfect world, the only people killed and injured by high-capacity assault rifles were members of the NRA and their family along with politicians and their family who support them. I wonder if they would change their position on gun re gulation?

If not, then those of us on the other side

For new neighbors, the proposed buildin will not have a courtyard or shared green space. It will not have athletic or fitness cilities. And it will not have enough tenant parking. The developer plans three dozen units in the space of 11, and only one parking space per unit. Many two-bedroom units have two adults and that means two cars. No overnight parking is permitted on Chicago or Ridgeland avenues, and village parking lots are full, expensive, and not close. Let development happen as it is zoned today, no special treatment for Chicagostyle me ga-development. Eleven new households would be lovely Thirty-nine will cause the community to show up at the April 20 zoning hearing at Dole Library to say, “No Waiver.”

Shelley Cirone Oak Park

of this argument would only be able to watch them being slaughtered. Not that I would like that, but people do put themselves in harm’s way … and the rest of us should not have to pay the price of others’ decisions!

Rick Klaus Oak Park

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus. 1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger Big Mickey! $3.69

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

Immediate

e right’s harsh and hate- lled new laws

Actions have consequences. A society is weakened, and risks crumbling, iftoo many people flout that grounding principle. Every responsible citizen would agree.

Yet right-wing lawmakers all around the country have been irresponsibly ignoring it when legislating more and more harsh laws against abortion. They see to it that only the actions of women who want to end pregnancies are subject to punitive legal action, too often even in cases ofrape and incest — hateful acts of violence, not love.

What never seems to be taken into account is the obvious fact: It takes two to create a pregnancy. But the laws make no mention of the man, much less legislate consequences, meaning penalties, against him.

It’s mostly naked male chauvinism that makes women bear all the consequences when they rightfully should be equal for both. Every woman is profoundly changed when she goes through the long months ofpregnancy and gives birth. Her life can never, ever be the same pily, in most cases she welcomes the

the daughter or son was created in a loving act with the man she loves. But if a woman is forced, not loved, into a pregnancy, the man responsible should face consequences that are just as profound as hers. His life should never, ever be the same again as well.

Even a scarlet letter “A” branded on his forehead wouldn’t be nearly enough. Full payment for the expenses ofthe birth and at least the early life ofthe child would be the least he should do. Some might even go so far as to exact the penalty ofan ir reversible vasectomy so he can never again impregnate any woman, even a willing partner

Too harsh and unthinkable? That’s the verdict that should really be leveled against those recent new laws also.

Returning to the middle ground, expressed so well by Bill Clinton decades ago, abor tion should be “safe, le gal, and rare.” That is the responsible way forward in our nation.

Fred Reklau Oak Park

What’s with those who don’t vote in local elections?

Yes indeed, elections matter and have consequences, whether we like them or not. But do the results provide the winners a mandate and to do what? Given the sparsity of candidates on April 4, voters did not have many choices.

However, what about the paucity of voters? According to the Cook County Clerk’s Office election data, voter turnout for the village ofOak Park was only 16.11%. Faring ever so slightly better was the turnout for the OPRF school board with 16.57%, which included the District 200 voters who reside in River Forest.

The current and newly elected school board members really should consider the few votes they actually received last week when considering

the funding mechanism approved for the Project 2 capital improvements for the school building. Compare that percentage ofthe vote with the 80.3% of voters in 2020 who cast a ballot passing a referenda by 76% to 23% to require voter approval of future referendums for capital improvement expenditures above $5 million. The few votes the new school board members received last week hardly gives them a mandate to do as they please to fund Project 2. Finally, the nearly 85% of the local electorate who did not vote this year should be ashamed ofthemselves and vow to do better and vote in 2024.

Chris Donovan Oak Park

Man’s inhumanity to man

Ihappened upon a movie recently. It displayed a spectacular scene in which soldiers wore or namental clothing with glistening metal shields. They were surrounded by glamorously dressed bejeweled women, all staged in a huge openair amphitheater. The crowds were cheering in the stands and all was set before their crowned king, seated on his throne.

HAUSMAN

The “enter tainment” was provided by lions tearing away human flesh as music played in the background. Needless to say, I couldn’t tur n the channel soon enough. Most shocking to me was that this movie was advertised as being based on true events! Could this have really happened?

With the recent passing of the Honorable Benjamin Ferencz at the age of 103, I am reminded of the atrocities that took place during World War II. Judge Ferencz leaves a prominent legacy of a lifetime fighting for justice. He was the youngest prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials and, preceding his trial work, he had been assigned by General Patton’s 3rd Ar my Headquarters to investigate evidence of war crimes at the newly liberated concentration camps.

Ferencz said, “What I witnessed was seared into my memory. At Buchenwald, I saw a crematorium still going. There were bodies starved, lying and dying on the ground. I saw the horrors of war, more than can be adequately described.”

According to his book, Prosecuting Evil – the World of Ben Ferencz, “The Eisentzgruppen case he investigated was notorious as the largest murder case of all time. Twenty-two Nazis, along with six generals, joined the SS exter mination squads of approximately 3,000 killers, aided by local police, rounded up and slaughtered specifically targeted people from Nazi-occupied territories.” The targeted people were the intelligentsia: political and cultural leaders, members of the nobility, clergy, teachers, Jews, Gypsies, and other so-called “undesirables.” Some were shot; others were g assed in mobile vans; and 33,771 men, women,

and children re buried vine near Kvyin

”). During y liquidation, approximately 25,000 Latvian re also slaughtered. a “barws with a while ds cheered and an aced anthems and

The mass murders were documented in detail by the Nazis themselves. According to the book, “The killings were executed by men in the field who actively superintended, controlled, and directed the bloody harvest.” All defendants were convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity April 17 marked the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. Would that we reflect, every day, on the inhumanity mankind perpetrates and be cognizant of man’s continued inhumanity to man today. At present, Russia and its aggression against Ukraine is an example of moder n-day brutality Perhaps one would argue that this is not to be compared to the Holocaust, but they both are examples of vicious behavior based in power-madness, cruelty and hate.

We can certainly see evidence of the ruthlessness wreaked on our nation under Trump’s influence. How inhumane and cruel to take children from their parents as a measure to discourage immigrants coming here from South and Central America. Additionally, the outrageousness of book bans, library closings, and the re-writing of history are all out of Hitler’s early playbook.

The plunder of our Capitol and incitement of people to riot and overthrow our democracy is further evidence of actions resulting from power-madness, cruelty and hate.

Let us interrupt the patter n of “history repeating itself.” Rather, let’s find a new path, one motivated by peace and love

All information and quotations are from Benjamin Ferencz’s book, “Prosecuting Evil – the World of Ben Ferencz,” and from his obituary published in the New York Times, April 9, 2023.

D200 GAMBLE First a referendum

from page 23

re payment without impacting operations and student services.

Under Illinois law, a school board can increase its annual levy for operations by up to 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase, whichever is less Over the last 10 years, CPI growth has ranged from 0.7% to 7.0%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.* There is no reliable way to forecast CPI beyond a few years.

Impacts to future budgets include the teachers’ contract that will be ne gotiated several times, and the possibility that the state may shift the burden of teachers’ pensions onto schools, which would severely impact budg ets

NO DELAYS Move ahead now

from page 23

key goals, Imagine was designed to bring the community back to g ether, build trust in D200, and bridge our dif ferences Many residents a cce p ted those g oals and wo rked to meet them with honesty and i nte g rit y. T hey did so because they we re i nterested in findin g the solutions that we re best for our students, and for our community.

We now know, from this month’s election, there is not w idespread i nterest in a refe rendum. So p lease d elive r wh at ’s b est for our

STANGER Groth’s growth as a player

from page 23

Mrs. Stoll told me that Johnny batted .306 that season, which was his best year with a bat during his career. He was traded to the hapless St. Louis Browns in a seven-player deal in 1952, and during the next nine years, he played for the White Sox, the Washington Senators [first in peace, first in war, and last in the American League], the Athletics, and then back to the Tiger s, retiring in 1960.

I followed Johnny’s career even after he retired from the big leagues. His first job after retirement was managing the Tigers’ single-

If the board follows OPRF’s Community Finance Committee’s guidance and best practices, it will eliminate Option 2 from consideration.

Please email the board (boe@oprfhs.org), several of whom have said in the past that such expenditures should go to referendum [See Bob Skolnik’s story in this week’s News section]. Remind them that taxpayers made it clear that they want to vote on major capital projects in a 2020 advisory referendum.

Tell the board there should be no gambling with funding for high school operations

Judith Alexander, Marty Bernstein, Jack Davidson, Amanda Massie, Jack Powers, Jean Powers, Jack Sheehan, Monic a Sheehan, Je Sobcz ynski, Leslie Sutphen Oak Park

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The December percenta ge is used for setting the annual le vy. https://www.bls.gov/regions/ mid-atlantic/data/consumerpriceindexhistorical_us_table.htm

students, and wh at ’s embraced by the c ommunity, as soon as possibl e.

T he b oard will also li ke ly face c riticis m from local media, who seem more focused on the p ast wh i le ne g lecting to give this b oard or i ts recent predecessors suf ficient credit for the sound fiscal management the b oard has practiced over the last decade. We have had 7-10 years of eng agement on Imagine and facilities in Project 2, clearly more than enough. A nother year of c onflict serves no one

To the D200 b oard, your c onstituents suppo rt you. Approve financing Option 2 and move Project 2 forward now for the b enefit of our students and communities.

Peter Ryan Oak Park

A minor league team, then in Decatur, fo r two years. The Br aves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, and Johnny was hired by the Atlanta Braves where he worked fo r the next several seasons as a scout. During his baseball career, Johnny played on teams that included such luminaries as Minnie Minoso, Al Kaline, and Billie Mar tin.

Mrs. Stoll told me that the greatest thrill Johnny had during his career was when he hit a home run over the Green Monster [the very high left field wall] at Fenway Pa rk in Boston. Johnny’s career stats include a lifetime batting average of .279 and a fieldin g average of .987.

In 1960 Johnny and his wife bought a home in Palm Beach, F lorida, where he and Betty lived until he died at the age of 95 in 2021.

OBITUARIES

Joie Pierce, 85

Community organizer, spelling advocate

Joie Pierce, 85, a long time resident and community suppor ter of Oak Park for many years, died on Monday April 4, 2023, at Mills Tower in Oak Park

She had limited for mal education but was highly intelligent. Working as a le g al secretary and exam proctor for the military, she was also a super-volunteer for several Chicago and Oak Park public schools, and a multitude of other community org anizations Ever a hard worker, she ear ned her numerous cer tificates and reco gnitions. She had a superior flair and fondness for spelling and encouraged all students to speak, spell and present themselves at their highest level.

A self-motivator and very energetic, she was involved in star ting many businesses and projects, including Sunshine Milk and Cookies Kids TV Talk Show at Triton Colle ge, American Teen Scene – Teen Talk Show, Great American Spelling Bee, Society

People radio show, Fashion Circle Models and Magazine, American Women of Oak Park, American Knowledge Center, Austin Town Hall Park, and Junior Achievement Club at various schools.

She also lobbied the village of Oak Park to hold a welcome-home parade for the winner of the Miss American Pageant of 1991: Oak Park resident Mar jorie Judith Vincent, and she org anized Taste The Flavor of Oak Park Fest, which lasted for years. One of her proudest achievements was hosting in-home holiday dinners for the Great Lakes Naval Base service personnel.

Joie is survived by two daughters, Andrea Bonnie (Bruce) and Arlene Angel; four sons, Jose ph (Krystna), Jeffrey, Jay, and William (Tamika); 19 grandchildren, including Millie, Kelly, Jeffrey Jr., and Jasmine, whom she helped raise in Oak Park and who attended OPRF High School.

Spencer Tyson, 82 Pension analyst, member of Pilgrim Church

Spencer A. Tyson, 82, de par ted his ear thly life on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

A native son of Alton, Illi nois, his parents were Mar F. (Hinton) and Claude Tyson. He spent his formativ years in Dogtown, whic no longer exists, and East Alton. He attended Alton Senior High School, bu graduated in California after with the U.S. Marine Corp came back to Alton, he worked jobs at the old Tri-City grocery store and for Standard Oil while getting his bachelor’s degree from Souther n Illinois University in Edwardsville He married Lois Granger of East St. Louis, Illinois, had two daughters, and traveled in his job as an Equitable Life Insurance salesman. He ear ned a second degree which enabled him to become a pension analyst.

Mary Strudeman, 94

Minister of Care at Ascension Parish

Mary Therese Strudeman (nee Kelty), 94, of Oak Park, died peacefully on April 6, 2023. Bor n on Oct. 25, 1928, she was a longtime Ascension parishioner in Oak Park, who embraced the faith and her community. She had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed an acti lifestyle, including skiing, tenni walking, gardening, watercolor travel and yo ga, but nothing made her happier than spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her vocation was as a special education teacher in the near west suburbs. She loved making a dif ference in others’ lives and the many stories that went along with that.

Her volunteer passions included ushering at theaters, gardening at area greenhouses, walking for hunger (CROP) and “Reading Grandma” for kindergar teners at Irving School. One of her favorite ef for ts was with the Ascension Ministers of Care for almost 40 years, helping the org anization serve residents at three area nursing facilities.

Her exuberant laughter, compassionate caring and genuine smile will be missed by many.

Mary was the wife of late Thomas A. Strudeman; the mother of Ellen Acevedo (Alfonso), Timothy Strudeman (Andrea), Laura Strudeman (Michael LeBaron), Thomas Strudeman (Nicky); the grandmother of Alfonso, Emily, Matthew, Malle, Kevin and Laura; the sister of the late Jack (Mary Agnes) and Robert (Pat); and cousin, aunt and friend to many.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, on Saturday April 22 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation with family and friends at 1:30 p.m. Rece ption follow Mass In honor of Mary, please wear bright colors and/or fun ear rings because she lived her life in full color.

In lieu of flowers, please specify donations to Ascension https://www.givecentral.org/location/580 or UChicago Medicine - Comer Children’s Hospital.

Rick Reichenbach

Taught industrial ar ts

He enjoyed cultural pursuits, like traveling, eating ood food, reading books, and listening to jazz and lassical music. He had a ry sense of humor with deadpan delivery and ribbed his loved ones genalso knowing when to ke fun at himself Famwas important to him, on them. He was a man ould help without complaint.

Spencer spent his last 42 years living in the Chicago area.

He is survived by Lois, his wife of almost 60 years; two daughters, Kimberly and Nicole; his son-in-law, Nathan Goldbaum; and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park.

Richard Henry Reichenbach, Oak Park, died peacefully on March 22, 2023 at Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet.

Bor n in Chicago in 1927, the of Henry and Edna Reichenbach, he grew up in Nor thwest Chicago in a close-knit family with multi ple generations living in the same neighborhood. Following graduation from Roosevelt High School 1945, he enlisted in the US Ar my a surgical technician during WWII. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana, where he met his wife, Velma, whom he mar ried in 1952. Following graduation, they moved back to the Chicago area and he taught drafting at Lane Tech High School. Building on his talent for eng aging students, he went on to teach industrial ar ts at Roosevelt Middle School in River Forest, establishing a diverse cur riculum, including woodworking, drafting, metalworking, plastics, electronics, leatherwork and even personal computers well before mainstream adoption.

Known as Mr Rick to many, he inspired

generations of students over his ear teaching tenure. Even after retirement, he continued teaching outh while initiating programs the Latin School in Chicago and olunteering with Boy Scouts. He ways had a new project going and passed on his creative skills and tradition of crafts to his grandchildren, young relatives and neighbors.

resident of Oak Park, he and Velma raised three children. He was known for helping out others with various home re pair projects as well as being the first out with his snowblower and helping clear neighbor’s sidewalks and alleyways. Later they moved back to Nor thwest Chicago before moving to a retirement community in Brookfield. After Velma died, he moved to a retirement community in Romeoville

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Velma; and his sister, Betty Erickson. He is survived by his sister, Joan Van Note; his daughter, Cheryl; his sons, Michael (Kristina) and Steven (Barbara); and six grandchildren.

Lovey Shaughnessy, 104

Lover of ar ts and Grace Episcopal Church

Lovey Marie Shaughnessy, 104, a longtime resident of Berkeley Illinois, died on Dec. 24, 2022, sur rounded by loved ones Bor n 1918, the daughter of Irving and Lovey (Cook) LeVenton, of Oak Park, she grew up in a family six children and graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School. After high school, worked at Illinois Bell, the Josli Clinic in Maywood, Oak Park and River Forest High School in business office, and Village Radiology in Oak Park. She completed her career working in one of the many showrooms at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, a city she dearly loved. She continued working well into her 90s and maintained a sharp wit, much to the delight of her family

Throughout her life, she was active in her hometown of Oak Park as a member of Grace Episcopal Church and a participant in theater productions and various charity events. She had a deep appreciation for art, music, theater,

OBITUARIES

Sandy Heitzman, 76 Litterateur

and dance, and was also an avid readShe enjoyed traveling, especially Charlevoix, Michigan, where she spent many a summer with family and friends. She was very close to her siblings, Ruth, Suzanne, Sally, ames, and Archie, all of whom predeceased her.

he was also preceded in death

John Joseph Shaughnessy, her husband of 38 years. They raised o sons, William Irving (Patrice) , and Thomas Patrick (Deborah) Shaughnessy She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Van Deusen, John (Lina) Shaughnessy, Hanna Shaughnessy, Patrick Shaughnessy and Meghan (Nathan) Quist; her great-grandchildren Maxwell Van Duesen, and Wynter and Callahan Quist; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park Inter ment in the church’s Memorial Garden will immediately follow.

Georgianne Filomeno-Aiello, 84

Longtime Oak Parker

Georgianne Marie Filomeno-

Aiello, 84, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died in her slee p on April 3, 2023. She was the wife of the late Sam Aiello Jr. and is survived by her sons, Len (Marie), Mike (Pat) and Tony; her grandchildren, Lacey Georgianne, Tif-

fany, Jesse, and Jenny; and four great-grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Leonard and Christine Filomeno; the sister of Lenore Falco; aunt of Christine Falco Mahon; and great-aunt of Bill Mahon. Services are private

Patricia Fiorini, 80

Career woman and world traveler

Patricia (Schaefer) Fiorini, of Oak Park, died peacefully on March 18, 2023. Born on March 17, 1943, she had just celebrated her 80th birthday. A graduate of Trinity High School and Trinity College A devoted career woman, she served as the president of Fraud for Blue Cross Blue Shield before retiring. Pat and Ray were world travelers and spent their free time trekking the globe and at antique car meets.

Pat was married for nearly 50 years to the love of her life, Ray Fiorini, until his death

in 2017. She was the daughter of the late Richard and Elizabeth (McGur n) Schaefer; sister of the late Sally (Harry) Clow; aunt of the late Colleen Clow; and is survived by her nephews Harry (Maura) Clow, Kevin (Jennifer) Clow, and her nieces, Kelly (Michael) Rabichow, and Gabrielle Clow, as well as her 14 great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration-of-life Mass was held at St. Giles Church in Oak Park on April 15, followed by inter ment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Sandra Heitzman, 76, was bor n in Chicago, the daughter of the late Angeline and Al exander Frensko. She graduated from Tuley High School in Chicago, ear ned her B.A. de gree in Education and her M.A. in English Literature from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society She taught English for several years at Phillips High School in Chicago and later became the longtime circulation manager at Forest Park Public Library, retiring after 25 years of service in 2019.

Besides her family, her most enjoyable interest was literature. She delighted in inspiring others to read and appreciate the best classic and contemporary books She star ted two lively book discussion groups, the Bundren Society (from William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying), one of the oldest literary groups in

wester n suburbs, and the “Gammy Birds” (from Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News, ducks that gather for socialized quacking) at the ForPark library. Both of the oups met monthly for many ears. Her man Melville’s Moby Dick was her favorite el and required reading for the members. A lover of film and music, and a dancer in her younger days, she also loved to travel the world with her husband and children. Fascinated by true crime detection as a hobby, she was a dedicated devotee of CrimeCon, attending many of its events. Sandy is deeply missed by loved ones and family

She was, the wife of Frank Heitzman (for 53 years); the mother of Christopher Heitzman, Nicholas Heitzman and Alexandra Heitzman.

Ar rangements were handled by Zimmer man-Har nett Funeral Home.

Molly Moroni, 65 Conser vationist

Molly Moroni, 65, of Shoreland Hills, Indiana and perville, Illinois, died peacefully at home, sur rounded her brothers and sisters April 3 2023. Raised in Park, she attended St. Giles Grammar School, T rinit High School in River For and Re gis University in Denver, Colorado. Successful in everything she did, she tired after many years as of multi-national, male-dominated, manufacturing businesses. She worked for highly competitive org anizations, consistently assuming key leadershi p roles After retirement, she devoted her incredible energy, perseverance and love of life to her f amily, friend s and causes impor tant to her, most notably preserving the beach at Shoreland Hills, Indiana. She loved cooking, the beach, golf, and traveling the world, and was a gift to all who knew her.

Molly is survived by her siblings, Har ry (Bar rie), Kitty (the late T homas)

Frank (Catherine), dith (Leslie) Mar tin-Veand Nancy (Paul) BanShe was predeceased her parents, Aldo and Moroni; her brothose ph (Yvonne), Aldo and James (Rosemary) Moroni. She was a devoted aughter, sister, aunt, greatand the most loyal

A visitation was held on April 10 and a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Raphael Church in Naperville on April 11 with inter ment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to By The Beach, c/o Shoreland Hills Proper ty Owners Assoc., P.O. Box 8881, Michig an City, IN 46361, are greatly appreciated. By T he Beach is a conservation ef fort in Shoreland Hills, Indiana, which was led in large part by Molly.

Ar rangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co., Funeral Director s.

LICENSED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https:// www.oakpark.us/your-government/ human-resources-departments

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

SEASONAL FARMER’S MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmer’s Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmer’s Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

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

HIRING CLEANING TECHNICIANS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN WESTCHESTER!

Awesome Cleaning & Janitorial Services is looking for experienced cleaning technicians that are energetic, hospitable, ready to work and AWESOME!

Pay starts at $20/hr. Must be available for weekends also. Ready to work? Contact us by email at info@awesomecjs.com.

Sr Marketing Data Engineer sought by Chowbus, Inc. in Chicago, IL to research, gather info, create, & implmt big data solutions incl data collection, transformation, & analysis on large d/bases for mktg purposes.

Reqs: Master’s Deg in Mktg Analysis or rltd field & 1 yr exp in job offd, in Business Intelligence Analyst role, or rltd role. Must possess coursework or work exp w/ SQL; Tableau; Data warehousing & data mining; & etc. Apply online at: https://www.chowbus.com/careers

GARAGE SALE

FREE Spring Clean Give Away

You see it, you like it, you take it!

Saturday April 22nd. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Judson Baptist Church

1252 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302

FREE FOOD

CARS WANTED

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call for more info. 708-738-3848

POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Supervisor in the Police Department. This position will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations of the Police Records Division Support Services Bureau, within the Police Department including records maintenance and management services; and coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications will be April 21, 2023.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Public Works Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is cross-trained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until filled with first review April 20, 2023.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer(s); Shifts to be filled are 8:00pm – Midnight or Midnight – 6:00am. The position is a rotating schedule assigned by the Supervisor – 4 days on and 4 days off which includes weekends and some holidays. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Public Works Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers.

This position is cross-trained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until filled with first review April 20, 2023.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will be accepting applications for the following classification(s):

Associate Electrical Engineer (Original)

Plumber (Original)

Additional information regarding salary, job description, requirements, etc. can be found on the District’s website at www.districtjobs.org or call 312-751-5100.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CLERK

The Village of Forest Park is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Accounts Receivable Clerk. Duties for this position include, but are not limited to; billing, collections, customer service, answering telephones, cashier duties, data entry and general office functions.

Qualified applicants should have a good working knowledge of computers, accurate typing skills, customer service skills and solid organizational skills. Experience with Springbrook municipal software a plus. A background investigation will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored

Restored or Unrestored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Collector James • 630-201-8122

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

CLASSICS WANTED

Collector James 630-201-8122

Restored or Unrestored

Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

RENTALS

SALON CHAIR RENTAL

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL 1BD, 1BA

Oak park salon, chair, rental, full-time and part-time. Contact Tony for details 847-732-2595.

Collector James 630-201-8122

APARTMENT TO RENT

All brand new in 2022; 700 sq ft; lots of storage; stainless steel appliances with dishwasher; quartz countertop; 2 car parking; $1300/mo; 3705 Forest Avenue Bkfield; need income 4 x rent; we follow 2-step Cook Co. leasing process; call Rich at 630272-0086

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

Office space (2-3 office rooms,1 bathroom, 700-900 sq ft,$1650/monthly)

Please call 708-485-9224 ask for Linda Sokol-Francis

ROOFING

JOE ROOFING

Roofing repair, tuckpointing, gutters and painting--- bonded, insured For free estimate call 773 297-1121

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

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

In re the marriage of JORGE PENA, Petitioner and BEYERLY MOORE PENA, Respondent, Case No. 2023D002416.

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

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before May 3, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 5, 12, 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Attention VICTOR SOTELO & SANTANDER CONSUMER USA, NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN that on 5/22/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sellthe following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2017, Chevy, Traverse with the following VIN 1GNKRFED5HJ144475 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review April 19, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Attention CASMIERA SMITH & EXETER FINANCE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 5/22/23, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2015, Dodge, Dart with the following VIN 1C3CDFBB9FD241810 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $2000.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.

Published in Forest Park Review April 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Invitation to Bid

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for Apparel Services. The bid specifications will be available on the Park District’s website as of 10:00AM CST on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Park District of Oak Park website at: http://www.pdop.org/bids-and-rfps/ Bids must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Apparel Services” and must be delivered on or before 2:30PM CST on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 to the John Hedges Administrative Center. Immediately thereafter, bids will be opened and read. For further information, contact Maureen McCarthy at Maureen.McCarthy@pdop.org

By: Maureen McCarthy Park District of Oak Park, 218 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal April 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

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.

e 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.

is 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: 1-800669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION TRINITY FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff, -v.DANIEL V. GALARDE, LAVITTA M. GALARDE, 720 N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

21 CH 4185 720 N. AUSTIN BLVD, UNIT 2-SW OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 11, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 15, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 720 N. AUSTIN BLVD, UNIT 2-SW, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-08-105-0211009

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $17,234.13.

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

Let

purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

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

For information, contact Noah Weininger, THE WEININGER LAW FIRM LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 161 North Clark St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 796-8850.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Noah Weininger THE WEININGER LAW FIRM LLC 161 North Clark St., Suite 1600 Chicago IL, 60601 312-796-8850

Fax #: 312-248-2550

E-Mail: nweininger@weiningerlawfirm.com

Attorney Code. 63307

Case Number: 21 CH 4185

TJSC#: 43-1440

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 21 CH 4185 I3217776

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings. We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.

Read and Support the Wednesday Journal.

For Rent - Coming Soon!

912 Franklin Ave, River Forest

3 BD, 3.1 BA, Looking to rent a single family home in a great RF location? This unique home has 3 ensuite bedrooms, one located on the 1st floor. Loads of indoor & outdoor living space. Lease to start June 1.

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

New On Market! 529 Forest Ave., River Forest Charming 3beds+tandem/1.1baths home with vintage details & thoughtfully updated over-time features tall ceilings, beautiful art-glass windows, hardwood floors, 40x179 fenced lot, 1+car garage with attached storage/ workroom just steps away from Keystone Park! $539,900

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

1232 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park 3 BR 2.5 BA, Updated 3 BR house with lg rooms, WB fireplace, and screened-in back porch. This house checks many boxes— from the gracious living room to the 2 ½ car garage to the spacious primary bedroom. $509,000

Stephanie Eiger 708-557-0779

Stephanie.eiger@cbexchange.com

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

Perfect Location!

123 Frank Lloyd Wright Lane, Oak Park 3 BD, 2 BA, Stylish, centrally located townhouse with attached one car garage and great outdoor space. Welldesigned living in the center of Oak Park. $359,000

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

Opportunity Knocks!

317 Ashland, River Forest Beautiful block in central River Forest location. Home “As Is”. Rehab home or BETTER YET...Build your new dream home on large 45x178 lot. $369,000

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

Just Sold!

224 Oak Park Ave #1P, Oak Park Bright 1BD/1BA condo with separate living & dining room plus bonus room perfect as a home office. Vintage details and hardwood throughout. Ideal central location in the Santa Maria!

Stephanie Eiger | 708-557-0779

Stephanie.eiger@cbexchange.com

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

Just Sold!

7609 Washington, River Forest 3 bd, 1.5 bath. Helped my buyers through a tricky negotiation, winning maximum concessions and price reduction. Ready to go to bat for you! $486,000

Deborah Wess 708-212-1122

deborahsellsoakpark4u@gmail.com

A health fair welcoming all neighbors and friends

“O

What I have witnessed over the past six months has been nothing short of astonishing. A collective group of local and regional health care providers, ranging from our largest hospitals to individual therapists coming together to offer and showcase their resources to both our local and regional communities. These services will be complementary to the youngest

Sam Yousif, Event chair

ur stated goal for this year’s Health and Wellness Fair was to expand our reach on a regional level to benefit both our surrounding communities as well as our participating vendors.and oldest among us and most importantly to those who are underserved and those without resources. We will see visitors coming from all of our surrounding communities including Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Elmwood Park, Oak Park, and Broadview. Notably, there has been the coming together of our regional stakeholders that include health care institutions, municipal government leaders, community leaders, political leaders, and education leaders to create collaborative partnerships to address the specific needs of our communities.”

“The largest annual Chamber event is around the corner, and we are excited to have you join us. Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 23 and be prepared for an amazing day! Our Planning Committee has arranged for a record number of free health screenings, and who can pass up a free massage, mixing your own smoothie or spinning a raffle

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

wheel for fabulous prizes. Your registration will also get you exclusive offers to local Downtown Oak Park businesses. So come and spend the day with us. We look forward to seeing you!”

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

BELMONT VILLAGE IS OUTSMARTING MEMORY LOSS

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness.

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Award-winning Circle of Friends® delivers positive results for Assisted Living residents with mild to moderate memory loss

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

A word from the OPRF Chamber Executive Director, Liz Holt Learn

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Available only at Belmont Village, Circle of Friends® was pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline through a unique program that builds brain fitness. Developed by a nationally recognized gerontologist, Circle of Friends® is rooted in evidence-based research in collaboration with UCLA and Vanderbilt University. And it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

about how

tackle memory loss at

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/ OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

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

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

Learn more about how we tackle memory loss at BELMONTVILLAGE.COM/OAKPARK Call 708-848-7200 to schedule a virtual tour today.

to schedule a virtual tour today.

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

O AK P ARK

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

O AK P ARK

O

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

Learn about our community response to COVID-19. Visit belmontvillage.com/corona-virus-preparation

OP_WednesdayJournal_CoF_7-8-2020.indd 1 7/2/20 10:00

SENIOR SERVICES

Helps support seniors with programs and tools to be as healthy, active, and independent in the home and throughout the community as possible, including transportation services, home-based assessments, financial assistance, home repair services, abuse preventions, socialization & more.

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

Offers a network of resources, services, and programs that enhance the social and emotional development of youth and their families through outreach and engagement programs, mental health and wellness, youth counseling, financial aid, socialization & more.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

General Assistance is a locally administered program that provides financial assistance to eligible Oak Park residents in accordance with the Department of Human Services. Energy Assistance and Emergency Assistance programs are also available for qualified residents.

RESIDENTS SERVICES

Provides help with a variety of resident services, including free notary services, voter registration, free medical equipment lending, and transportation assistance for seniors and people with disabilities including RTA passes, taxicab coupons, and parking placards.

ASSESSOR SERVICES

The Township Assessor and staff offer expertise in Cook County property assessments and related taxes, as well as helping residents file an appeal at no cost. In addition, staff can assist residents with exemptions and standard tax filing questions.

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

Chamber’s Health & Wellness Fair returns this weekend

80+ health vendors at FFC in downtown Oak Park

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce will present the 7th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair hosted by Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) of Oak Park on April 23. Featuring more than 80 local service providers and vendors, health screenings, activities and more. This event is free to the public. It is open to anyone in Oak Park, River Forest and all surrounding communities.

This will be the third time in 7 years that the Chamber has hosted its Community Health & Wellness Fair at FFC. The downtown Oak Park location offers plenty of space for vendors, engaging kids activities, elevator access and nearby free parking (in the Holley Court Parking Garage directly behind FFC).

While the goal of the fair has always been to provide opportunities for local businesses to feature their services, an additional focus for this year’s event is to expand the event’s reach on a regional level to the benefit of surrounding municipalities. The theme of providing access to quality health services as well as education on wellness has resonated

This year’s fair will include a record number of free health screenings and services from participants that include RUSH Oak Park Hospital, Riveredge Hospital, West Suburban Medical Center, the University of Illinois Cancer Center, B-Health, and many more. It is anticipated that visitors will come from surrounding cities and villages including Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Elmwood Park, Broadview and more.

“RUSH Oak Park Hospital is proud to once again be the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the 7th Oak Park River Forest Chamber’s Annual Community Health

& Wellness Fair,” says Caroline Heskett, program manager for the Office of Community Health Equity & Engagement at RUSH Oak Park Hospital. “We look forward to this event every year to connect with the communities we serve and to provide health education and screenings.” This year RUSH will be offering the following screenings: blood pressure, glucose, A1C, DEXA Scan and comprehensive cardiac screening. Doctors will also be on-site to explain test results. The fair is the perfect place to come as a family, and take

event and encouraging their families to participate. The Chamber is also working closely with the Townships in both Oak Park and River Forest to engage older adults and to provide transportation to the event. “Battling isolation and staying

continued on B7

A skin care clinic with you in mind

LASER SKIN TREATMENTS

· Laser Facial

· Wrinkle Reduction

· Rosacea

· Age and Sunspots

· Spider Veins

· Onychomycosis

· Wart Removal

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)

part of an active community can often be difficult for our senior community” said Liz Holt, the Chamber’s Executive Director. “We are committed to offering opportunities for everyone to join us for the day and just enjoy themselves. And if you can strike a few to-do items off your stay-healthy list, well then that’s a bonus!” For the first time the event will also be partnering with Downtown Oak Park to bring every attendee a DTOP Passport that they can use after the event to get food and drink specials at surrounding local eateries. Darien Marion Burton, the Chamber’s President, said “It is part of our Chamber mission to work for the wellbeing of the entire business community, and this partnership is a perfect way of guiding our guests from the fair to stay in the surrounding area.”

“What I have been able to witness over the past two months has been nothing short of astonishing” said B-Health’s

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

Sam Yousif, also the chair of the Health & Wellness Fair “A collective group of local and regional health care providers, ranging from our largest hospitals to individual therapists coming together to offer and showcase their resources to both our local and regional communities. These services will be complementary to the youngest and oldest among us and most importantly to those who are underserved and those without resources.”

Community members who would like to attend the fair are invited to pre-register for the event by visiting the Eventbrite page. The FREE advance registration includes:

• Admission to the 7th Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair and opportunity to interact and consult with 80+ health & wellness providers

• Complimentary screenings

• Fun family activities

• Healthy snacks

Presenting Sponsor

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Riveredge Hospital

American House Oak Park

Gold Sponsors

The Sheridan at River Forest West Suburban Medical Center

4th Trimester Baby, Lactation and Parent Support

AgeOptions

All Dry Services of Chicago

Allied Therapy Partners, PLLC.

Athletico Physical Therapy

Behavioral Learning

Beyond Hunger

Boatwright Financial, LLC

Brookdale Oak Park

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

Chiro One Wellness Centers

Collaboration for Early Childhood

Cook County Meds

Dar Counseling, PLLC

Diamond Gastroenterology

Dominican University

Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital

Empower Family Therapy

Folded Leaf School Of Yoga

Grachan Agency Grow Collective

HealthMarkets

Housing Forward

In Touch Pediatrics and Lactation, PLLC

Individual & Family Connection

Silver Sponsors

Right At Home

The Way Back Inn

Centre Physical Therapy

Mosiac Counseling & Wellness

Nutriquity

Belmont Village

Park District of Oak Park

Village of Oak Park

Village of Broadview

KidsConnect Pediatric Therapy

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

Venue Sponsor

FFC Oak Park

Vendors

Inner Spring Wellness

Irene Bean Wellness

Ivory Wellness

JenCare Senior Medical Center

Kadampa Meditation

Center Chicago

Keller Williams Realty Partners

Kneaded Work

Lake Street Family Physicians

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services LLP

Live4Lali

Loyola Medicine

Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest

MED AESTHETICS, LLC

Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic, PC

Mindful TMS Neurocare & Psychiatric Services

Moments at Home Respite Care and Home Services, LLC.

NAMI Metro Suburban

Oak Park Laser and Skin Clinic

Oak Park Public Library

Oak Park Township

Oak Street Health

PCC Community Wellness Center

Progressive Psychiatry

Prudential Insurance Company - Terry Zachata

Rejuvae Aesthetics & Wellness, PLLC

Roots Health DPC

Royal Health Care

RUSH Physical Therapy

Sarah’s Inn

Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio

Serenity Holistic Health, Inc

Smart Love Family Services

Smoothie King Stride

Theresa Clancy Law

Thrive Counseling Center

West Suburban Special Recreation Association-WSSRA

Westside Heroin Taskforce

convened by Representative

La Shawn Ford

Wildflower Center for Emotional Health PLLC

ZENB/Agency H5

Liz Holt & Darien Marion Burton of the Oak ParkRiver Forest Chamber of Commerce.

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

The Way Back Inn: Rebuilding & Healing Lives

Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. Our vision is to create a world where lives are transformed one day at a time. We help guide families and friends into recovery alongside their loved ones in our family program. We provide temporary housing and treatment for undomiciled Chicagoland veterans.

We also provide early intervention and prevention education to the Oak Park-River Forest community surrounding substance and gambling use disorders and recovery, partnering with the Village of Oak Park Positive Youth Development Coalition (+PYD) for a variety of community outreach events and initiatives.

Head on over to www.oakparktownship. org/prevention-services/ to see a calendar of upcoming events!

Join the +PYD Addiction Recovery Team

Committee (ART) to help educate and raise awareness around addiction recovery in the OPRF community. The Addiction Recovery Team (ART) is committed to helping those in the recovering community—and those seeking recovery—to find prevention, early intervention and treatment options with community support. The Addiction Recovery Team helps people in Oak Park and River Forest get treatment and support services for addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling.

Recently, Way Back Inn has partnered with a5 Branding & Digital and the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS-SUPR) for a statewide gambling disorder awareness campaign to ask the question—are you really winning?

Betting, gaming, wagering–gambling can take many forms. And for some people, gambling can lead to financial problems, relationship problems, depression, and anxiety. Gambling and sports betting are becoming more popular than ever with an estimated 15% of Americans gambling at least once per week. In Illinois, nearly another 700,000 people are at risk for developing a gambling disorder. You may know someone struggling with a gambling problem.

But not all hope is lost—we’re here to help. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional, physical, or interpersonal hardship as a result

of gambling or gaming, call Way Back Inn today at 1-833-DONTBET for a free, confidential assessment with one of our counselors.

Unsure if gambling or gaming is affecting your life? Head over to www. AreYouReallyWinning.com or call 1-800-GAMBLER to see if you’re really winning–or if gambling is causing difficulties for you.

For more information or to make a donation to Way Back Inn programs, go to: www. waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422 ext. 22. Together, we can help people rebuild their lives.

FREE Screenings & Tests available at the Health & Wellness Fair

RUSH Oak Park

• Comprehensive cardiac screening

• Blood pressure/glucose

• Diabetes A1C

• Dexa Scans

RUSH CDS Scope

• Hearing & Vision Screenings University of Illinois Cancer Center

• Breast cancer and cancer genetic risk assessments

• Cancer survivorship program

• Onsite programming with Wellness House

• Resources for sexual health after cancer

B-Health

• Manual Based Orthopedic Doctors of Physical Therapy: Sports Performance, Balance, Scoliosis, and more

• Chiropractor

• Health and Nutritional Counselor

• Massage Therapist

West Suburban Medical Center

• Sports Medicine/Orthopedic screenings

• Peripheral Artery (Vascular) Disease screenings

• Pain Clinic -- Pain assessments

• Village of Oak Park - Public Health Department

• COVID testing van (outside)

• Blood Pressure checks (inside)

Centre Physical Therapy

• Injury Screenings

Thrive Counseling Center

• Mental Health Self-Screenings

PCC Wellness

• Blood Pressure Checks

…eighteen hospitals and almost twenty-five immediate care/ urgent care facilities reside within a seven-mile radius of the Health & Wellness Fair?

…60 counseling, individual and family therapy, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatry and psychological support facilities are within 2 miles of the Health & Wellness Fair?

…more than 25 sit-down restaurants in the immediate Downtown Oak Park you and your family can dine in after attending the H&W Fair?

…a record number of complementary tests and screenings (over 20!) are being offered at this year’s H&W Fair? Get ready to get healthy!

…a funeral home was among the 50 vendors at the first H&W Fair in 2015?!

…the H&W Fair used to be held in the Ridgeland Commons?

…the H&W Fair is the largest health and wellness fair in the state of Illinois?

WANT TO LOOK

WANT TO LOOK

GOOD FOR SUMMER?

GOOD FOR SUMMER?

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6 reasons your family should attend the Health & Wellness Fair!

1 2 3

Free childcare at the FFC Kids Club.

Take a stop motion family selfie with Bespoke Flipbooks and get it sent right to your phone.

FREE parking all afternoon at Holley Court.

4 5

One stop to get every family member’s needs met - braces, sport injury screenings, mental health counseling options. Connect with over 80 local providers all in one location.

Get your FREE ticket to specials at participating Downtown Oak Park businesses.

6 It’s FREE and a great way to spend the afternoon!

Making a Difference: The University of Illinois Cancer Center

while ensuring that our scientific advances in care are consistently accessible to communities.

Research

Community outreach and engagement are the heart of our mission and science at the University of Illinois Cancer Center.

We’re located on the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) but our science is rooted in erasing cancer health disparities in the diverse communities we serve throughout Cook County and in the state. The impact of our research in preventing, screening and treating cancer leads to lifesaving, equitable precision cancer care at UI

Health and scientific discoveries that benefit all Illinois communities and beyond.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Our Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity works to foster strong partnerships between communities and our scientists, who are committed to addressing the cancer burden in communities based on local needs and priorities,

Under the auspices of our Community Advisory Board and senior leadership, this vibrant, deeply experienced team works to build the capacity of community agencies and under-resourced health clinics, as well as partner in delivering comprehensive access to high-quality care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and safety-net hospitals. The team also leverages data to advocate for policies that addresses structural drivers of health disparities.

Our more than 250 Cancer Center members hold academic appointments throughout UIC and at regional campuses in Rockford and Peoria. With interdisciplinary collaboration across the basic sciences, translational and population research, they create better, more equitable cancer care and access to novel treatments as a result of the diversity of our clinical trial participants – 79% of whom are African American or Latino.

Robust community outreach and engagement programs with racial and ethnic minority and other marginalized populations inform the work of our three

Take a tour of our giant inflatable colon CECIL aka Colon Cancer Education in the Community to Improve Learning

research programs – Cancer Biology, Translational Research, and Cancer Prevention and Control – by learning and understanding community needs that then become research projects to discover and deliver equitable solutions.

Screening to Survivorship

The partners vital to a patient’s cancer journey connect through the University of Illinois Cancer Center. Many of our members are physician-scientists who provide cancer care at UI Health, the academic health enterprise at UIC that includes a 445-bed hospital, more than 20 outpatient and specialty clinics plus the Mile Square Health Center network of 14 FQHC sites.

As part of the broad continuum of cancer care, our University of Illinois Cancer Center members conduct research and run clinic programs to increase access and use of cancer

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

genetic services and to enhance family history documentation to aid in cancer risk assessment. They also partner with UI Health, Mile Square FQHCs, Wellness House and others to provide survivorship services, programs, clinics and research for people navigating life with cancer.

Training and Workforce Development

Our Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination team ensures equity and diversity are at the forefront of designing and building pipeline programs to train diverse cancer researchers, from elementary school to early-stage investigators. Their goal is to educate, support and retain trainees from underrepresented minority groups to address the needs of our patient population.

navigation services to local events.

Philanthropy

Philanthropic donations help us address access barriers by centering the community voice and lived experiences in our outreach, screening and treatment programs. Support from donors helps enable us to conduct communityinformed research programs to drive equity in precision cancer care. And, it helps us to innovate workforce training and education, thereby assuring career pathways for all so that future scientists and clinicians reflect our national diversity.

Policy and Advocacy

The University of Illinois Cancer Center had a leadership role in collaborating with the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and implement an engagement strategy for community and legislative members in support of the Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Program’s development of the 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The plan is meant to serve as a “roadmap to guide cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship activities throughout Illinois.” Our advocacy work has included funding for cancer prevention programs such as the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured people in Illinois.

Our diverse researchers use state of the art technology to collaborate on cancer issues facing our patient population.

Cancer Center team members engage with community members by bringing education and patient

The Proviso Township Mental Health CommissionServing Your Community

Since 1976, the Proviso Mental Health Commission (PTMHC) has helped provide myriad mental health care services to tens of thousands of people throughout Proviso Township. We know that during these times mental health care services are needed more than ever. In addition to traditional therapies for behavioral care, the commission funds services for substance abuse, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, and crisis intervention. All critical areas of need in our community.

Following the Pandemic, we found a growing demand for virtually all of the services we offer. The stress of daily life in our current environment can sometimes be too much to bear but the Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has always been a beacon of hope.

“For nearly 50 years, The Proviso Township Mental Health Commission has stood ready to extend a helping hand when needed,” said Jesse Rosas, Executive Director of the Commission. “We are in the business of saving lives and restoring people to be productive members of society.”

It is worth noting, that while countless units of local government have taken steps recently to address what many believe is a crisis in mental health in the U.S., Proviso Township has been doing it for more than 40 years making it a recognized leader in the getting local residents the mental health care services they need.

For decades mental health professionals have worked to educate the public that mental health is as important and vital as physical health.

better society based on strong families and sound relationships that foster respect, care, and love.

It has not been an easy task with the stigma attached to it. Today that stigma is largely gone and mental health is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves. This leads to a

Mental health issues strike their victims in countless ways, ranging from depression to stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors. They can be caused by an actual chemical imbalance in the brain, by trauma, family or job strife, violence, domestic abuse, substance abuse or countless other factors. Regardless of their origin, one thing is certain; mental health problems lead to physical problems. Did you know that even some cancer and heart disease are believed to be caused by mental health issues? And that’s just the beginning. Mental Health conditions also cause physical maladies such as high blood pressure, lowered immunity, diabetes, fatigue,

Proviso Township has been doing it for more than 40 years making it a recognized leader in the getting local residents the mental health care services they need.

Don’t miss the 2023 OPRF Chamber Health & Wellness Fair!

Over 20 FREE physical and mental health screenings & Tests available on-site!

Doctors will be available to discuss test & screening results with you on the same day!

Tight shoulders? Get a message!

Curious about what your colon looks like? Walk through a giant inflatable colon!

Try out rock climbing with an FFC certified climbing instructors!

Get that old (or not so old!) injury looked at by a professional!

Get health & nutrition counseling from B-Health!

Get a free Covid test from the Village of Oak Park Health Department!

We all know someone in our lives who has been stricken with cancer. Did you know there are cancer policies that can give you a lump sum payout of $50,000?

In some cases the amount could be as much as $100,000. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will receive a cancer scare in their lifetime. Let me tell you how to protect your out of pocket expenses.

Barry Schumann

708.370.2183

Healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/bschumann

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5 things your kids can do for FREE at the Health & Wellness Fair!

1

Rig up and get on the climbing wall with FFC certified climbing instructors.

2

4

Spin raffle wheels at vendor tables and win BIG!

3

Mix your own smoothie on a Smoothie Bike from Smoothie King.

5

Tell fart jokes as you walk through a giant inflatable colon. Find the free food samples throughout the event.

A HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE sponsored by

Strong Starts Lead to Bright Futures!

Did you know that 90% of brain development happens before age five? That means that the foundation for all our future learning and lifelong habits happen during these amazing early years.

Here’s something else that is important to know. All the things that help our young children grow strong and get ready for school – responsive relationships, healthy meals, safe spaces to play, explore, and learn – also improve their lifelong health. That’s right. Young children who have high quality early care and education experiences are not only better prepared for school socially and academically, they will experience fewer physical and mental health challenges throughout their lives. And they are more likely to graduate from college, hold down jobs, and have meaningful relationships with their families. A strong start really does lead to a bright future.

A child’s early years are magical. Let’s

make the most of them! As a parent, you are doing that every day when you read, play, and sing with your child. You are modeling important skills for them when you navigate difficult situations or talk through what made you feel sad and why. High quality early learning programs build on what you are already doing to support your child’s development with the added benefit of providing built-in socialization opportunities with other young children. Early learning environments help children learn to share, play with others, and wait their turn, and let’s be honest, even some adults could brush up on these important skills, too.

Another benefit of being part of an early learning program is that early learning professionals are especially attuned to young children’s key stages of development. They are sometimes the first to notice developmental delays in children and alert caregivers to follow up with their pediatricians, early intervention, school districts and specialists for additional

potential support. There are many different types of early childhood care and education programs out there with different philosophies and learning environments. Look for a place where your child is warmly welcomed. Where safety and health are priorities, and where learning happens through play. Choose a program where children experience language and words through books, songs, and meaningful conversations with their caregivers.

Early learning programs can be expensive, and quality early care and education might strain a family’s resources. Quality care should not be out of reach for any family.

We know that caring for young children is a community-wide effort, and we are here to help connect parents and caregivers to the resources and programs that are the right fit for them so that our children can take flight!

Please contact the Collaboration for Early Childhood at parents@ collab4kids.org or by calling 708613-6122 ext 8 to learn more about early learning program options and affordability.

6 Health Screenings from RUSH Oak Park Hospital for