Wednesday Journal 042722

W E D N E S D A Y

April 27, 2022 Vol. 42, No. 39 ONE DOLLAR @wednesdayjournalinc

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JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

SPECIAL SECTION Page 17

Childhood home of Fred Hampton landmarked Maywood’s board also joins Visit Oak Park tourism bureau

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Last week, the nearby suburb of Maywood made national news when its village board voted unanimously to grant the childhood home of slain Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton local historic landmark status. Oak Park will play a supporting role in Maywood’s ongoing effort to promote the newly landmarked site.

The designation, granted at a regular board meeting on April 19, means that Hampton House, as it’s now called, will be eligible for numerous financial benefits, such as a property tax freeze and income tax credits for historically appropriate renovations. In addition, any requests for its alteration or demolition must now be reviewed by the Maywood Historic Preservation Commission.

The two-story apartment building at 804 S. 17th Ave. in Maywood is currently a community gathering space replete with a Little Free Library and community refrigerator stocked with free food for those in need. Hampton’s son, Black Panther Cubs Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., hopes to turn the historic home into a full-blown museum and tourist destination.

The landmark designation comes roughly a month after Maywood officially became a partner community of Visit Oak Park, a local affiliate of the Illinois Office of Tourism, which receives

OLYMPIC PRIDE Emery Lehman, with grandfather Don Lehman, brings Olympic bronze back to his hometown STORY BY MELVIN TATE, PAGE 16 SHANEL ROMAIN/Staff Photographer

See HAMPTON on page 14

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‘They tell me you are wicked’ …

n 1917, Fanny Butcher, the Chicago Tribune’s longtime literary critic, wrote of the famous poet Carl Sandburg that he considered Chicago “an incomparable town with a soul unlike the souls of any other towns in the world, a being that he loathes and adores and fears and trusts …”

Ironically, by the time of Butcher’s writing, Sandburg had moved from Chicago into a small frame house on the 600 block of South 8th Avenue in Maywood, a suburb, my hometown, that like Sandburg’s Chicago, I at once loathe, adore, fear and trust.

That ambivalence was heavy last week while I watched the Maywood Board of Trustees vote in favor of granting local historic landmark status to the boyhood home of slain Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton.

I know the two-story brick apartment building at 804 S. 17th Ave. rather intimately. I attended kindergarten at Irving Elementary (now Irving Middle School), located across the street from the building and where Hampton attended as a child before enrolling at Proviso East High School in Maywood.

I also visited the house numerous times as a cub reporter, when Fred’s older brother Bill was still alive. After Bill died in 2018, the historic property nearly went into foreclosure before Fred’s son and only child, Fred Hampton Jr., launched a movement to save the home.

Earlier this month, Maywood joined Visit Oak Park, the state-certified convention and visitors bureau that helps dozens of west suburbs attract their own tourists. Maywood’s current mayor and board are hoping the bureau can help enhance plans to turn Hampton’s home, and the neighborhood surrounding it, into a destination.

But the neighborhood, like the Maywood swimming pool named after Fred and the home where Carl Sandburg once lived, has seen better days. The pool has been closed for a few years as village officials mull whether to renovate the facility or tear it down in order to build a brand new pool.

That’s a proposal, like the tourist destination idea, that seems distant, considering the many challenges staring Maywood in the face right now — challenges that, over the years, have calcified into an object lesson in how not to flourish.

By the time I was a teenager, I had developed a deep embarrassment toward my hometown. The suburb was, for my peers and me, somewhere we were supposed to escape.

It was then and only then, once we safely disembarked, that we could cultivate a healthy pride of place, a mossy pride grown in the shade of nostalgia.

Living here — having to deal with the high property taxes, the crime, the political dysfunction and social decay — was another thing.

My adoration for, and trust in, Maywood happened only after I started my newspaper here and began visiting the local library to read the old Maywood Herald newspaper

as the Maywood Company, which led to the municipalarchives, only after I started listening and ity’s incorporation in the early 1880s. Nichols helped lead sharing the stories of the many people who a regiment during the famous Pickett’s Charge at the have, at one point or another, called Maywood Battle of Gettysburg before going on to become Vermont’s home. youngest state senator, a real estate investor and an Percy Julian, before his family moved to inventor whose patents would help form the basis of the Oak Park, comes to mind. Through conversaChicago Scraper and Ditcher Company. tions last year with his daughter, Faith, I got Nichols formed Maywood at a moment described by to know a different side of Maywood — at one the historian Robert J. Gordon as “modern America point solidly middle-class and multiracial. at dawn,” because it was the culmination of some six When the famous songwriter and musician decades of technological and social revolution that would John Prine died in 2020, I interviewed his form the basis of western modernity. niece, Anne Prine Sorkin, a former educator Before 1870, there was no “universal indoor plumbing, and longtime resident of River Forest. I realrunning water, waste disposal, electricity, telephone, and ized after talking with her that the house in central heating,” Gordon notes. “In addition, every family Maywood where Prine grew up is right across in the country was more or less dependent on the horse.” the street from where I live now — just a stone’s throw Nichols, a white Civil War hero for the Union Army, levfrom Proviso East High School, where I believe John was eraged this great wave of innovation to start a town built a year or two ahead of Fred.

“They tell me you are wicked and I believe them,” a line on this world-historical progress, a town that, despite segregating itself by race in the decades since its founding, in Sandburg’s famous poem, “Chicago,” starts. would nonetheless find its moral fiber by the time Fred That’s why it helps to know a place or a person firstwas killed a century later during a historical moment we hand. The late, great former Herald reporter Paul Sasmight call “modern America sone had heard about the at dusk.” radical teenager from After the police raid of other people and from Fred’s West Side apartment other media outlets on Dec. 4, 1969, which resultbefore meeting Fred “for ed in a 14-man unit pumping the first and last time” at nearly 100 shots into the a gathering inside of the apartment, with barely a bulFirst Baptist Church in let coming from Fred and his Melrose Park in October fellow Panthers, the white 1969, just over a month Maywood officials visited the before the Black Panther crime scene themselves. leader was assassinated.

They heard the media’s “Look, I’m 21,” Sassone account of a “gun fight recalled Hampton saying between police” and the Panat the meeting, which thers, according to an Associwas held to discuss ated Press article at the time. racism in the suburbs.

But they also saw the rather “If you think it has all FILE obvious physical evidence, happened in 21 years and which led then-Maywood that I did it, then you Fred Hampton Jr. in front of his father’s boyhood home.

Mayor Leonard Chabala, should take me out and three trustees and members shoot me. But you and of the Maywood Commission on Human Relations to issue I know that these situations have been around for a long “a statement for murder charges to be filed against the 14 time.”

State’s Attorney’s police involved in the fatal ‘shootout’ at Based on the meeting, Sassone concluded that the 2337 W. Monroe, Chicago,” according to a Dec. 11, 1969 article power structure “was afraid of him for the wrong reathat Sassone wrote. sons. Hampton was no hoodlum or gangster. He was an “They tell me you are wicked” … intelligent and highly articulate revolutionary. That is, he Last year, I met Larry Hays, a white classmate of Fred’s didn’t like the way America was being run and wanted a and a retired teacher, who wanted me to pass along a poem change, using any means necessary.” he’d written about Fred to Fred Jr. I plan to do so. Here’s Sassone was partly wrong. The power structure was part of it: afraid of Fred for the right reasons, which is why it took “He had seen the world / Where I was blind / And tried him so seriously as to assassinate him. Fred’s insistence to see / But could not comprehend / Just what we feared on collective self-determination posed an existential of young black men / In our dark night.” threat to the dominant political order.

Maywood was founded by Col. William Thomas Nichols CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

MICHAEL ROMAIN

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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BIG WEEK April 27-May 4

Arbor Day Celebration Friday, April 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Park District of Oak Park ((various locations)

The celebration will take place in Taylor, Maple, Scoville, and Carroll parks and the Oak Park Conservatory. Scavenger hunts, tree stories, games, arts and crafts, giveaways, and more are planned throughout the day to highlight the importance of trees to the environment and everyday life.

View more information at the Park District’s events page: www.pdop.org

Spring Music Festival 2022 Wonderivia Virtually, Friday, April 29, 7:30-10 p.m.

The 11th annual trivia night fundraiser will support Wonder Works Children’s Museum. Start forming your teams of 6 or less and get your tickets today for a fun night of trivia, prizes, and auction. You can gather with your team at a location of your choice, or connect remotely.

Purchase tickets at: https://wonder-works.org/2022-wonderivia/

The Art of Alfred Hitchcock Thursday, April 28, 2-3 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library Veterans Room Bob Burton presents the films of Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense. Solve a crossword puzzle about the filmmaker at the end of the presentation. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Illinois Libraries Present: Nick Offerman & Jeff Tweedy Wednesday, April 27, 7-8 p.m., virtually through Illinois Libraries Present Join us for actor/humorist/woodworker Nick Offerman, in conversation with musician/hiking buddy Jeff Tweedy. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries—including Oak Park Public Library—offering high-quality events. Register now at https://bit.ly/April27_NickOfferman.

Crafting Workshop: Learn to Cross-Stitch (Grades 4-8) Thursday, April 28, 4-5 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library Storytime Room Join us for an interactive, crafting workshop for students in grades 4-8. Learn the basics of how to cross-stitch using a pattern of the phases of the moon. You can participate in person for guided instruction or follow our on-demand virtual tutorial at your own pace. The first 30 participants to register will receive a cross-stitch kit. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Saturday, April 30, 7-9:30 p.m. at Unity Temple, Oak Park Annual fundraiser showcases the talent of members and friends of the congregation. Proceeds provide scholarships for area high school students who compete for one of three $1,000 awards applied to voice instruction and to benefit the Unity Temple Music Program. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Adults: $15 presale / $20 at the door and children (13 and under): $5.

Online ticket sales as well as in-person ticket sales after service are open. tance. Contact: Masking and proof of vaccination will be required for admittance. ase tickets springmusic@unitytemple.org for more information. Purchase and/or make a donation, please visit unitytemple.org.

Champion Organ Combo Saturday, April 30, FitzGerald’s

Nothing sounds as perfect on a lazy midday Saturday like bluesy organ jazz. The Champion Organ Combo is here to fill that need. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Screening & Discussion of “This Is Not About Me” Saturday, April 30, 2-3:30 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library What is it like to be autistic and non-speaking in a world that has already made up its mind about you?

Join us to virtually watch and discuss “This Is Not About Me,” the story of Jordyn Zimmerman. Filmed in an observational style, the film gives a glimpse into Jordyn’s daily life interweaved with visits to Jordyn’s schools and interviews with teachers that worked closely with her.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Together We Inspire: Educational Breakfast Forum (with Sheriff Tom Dart and Michelle Weldon) Wednesday, April 27, 8-10 a.m., Oak Park Country Club This breakfast honors Lake Street Family Physicians and Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. $55, 2001 Thatcher Ave., River Grove.

Mosaic Art For Charity By Judy Steed

Entire Month of May, Second Floor Art Gallery 100% of all proceeds will be donated to three charities.

735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.

Kiwanis Bowl-A-Thon Sunday, May 1, 1-4 p.m., Circle Lanes Come join local Kiwanis clubs to bowl a few games and buy raffle tickets. Pizza will be included. The Kiwanis Bowl-A-Thon benefits kids with developmental disabilities via the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation and YMCA Camp Independence. $20, 7244 Circle Ave., Forest Park.

Li’l Ed & the Blues Imperials Tuesday, May 3, FitzGerald’s Slashing West Side-derived blues from a longtime blues veteran who has managed to retain the same band since the 1980s, which is a world record any way you view it! Part of WDCB’s Bluesday Tuesday, hosted by Tom Marker. Free with patio reservation., 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

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Former principal speaks to parents at Roosevelt

Doug Bolton, clinical psychologist, discusses being a “present” parent

we change?”

In an hour-long presentation, Bolton walked parents through the stages of the pandemic and how it has impacted them, their children, and the world around them. In just two years, people adapted to a series of changes, from first navigating

By F. AMANDA TUGADE mask mandates and stay-at-home orders to Staff Reporter watching everything reopen in full swing.

“We were going to come back, and it was World War I. A polio epidemic. The Spanish Flu. The Roaring Twenties. The Great going to be a ‘normal’ school year,” he said Depression. World War II. Major histori- of families’ expectations last fall. “And when everybody came back, it’s cal events that Doug Bolton’s almost like they tapped us on the grandmother lived through, shoulder and said, ‘Hey, this is a times that left their imprint marathon. It’s not a sprint.’” on society, the economy and Bolton noted that youth were modern medicine. Nonetheless, experiencing poor mental health Bolton said, his grandmother even before the pandemic came. carried on, carving out a life of The Centers for Disease Control her own. and Prevention (CDC) recently “The thing that struck me is released a study over a 10-year I never knew about all these period and showed that poor things in her life,” said Bolton, mental health and suicidal bea clinical psychologist and DOUG BOLTON haviors among U.S. high school educator who served as a guest students had soared from 2009 to speaker, April 21, for River Forest District 90 families. Looking up at 2019. About 37% of students reported they the projector screen, he flipped through a experienced persistent feelings of sadness stack of black-and-white photos of his fam- and hopelessness, a 10% increase from data ily, one of which depicted his grandparents pulled in 2009, according to the CDC. In 2019, the CDC reported LGBTQ+ stuholding their only son, his father.

“Yet when my parents divorced, she was dents were four times more likely to have the one who was there for us. She was the attempted suicide than their heterosexual rock. She was the one who was resilient for peers. A breakdown by race showed Black students were more likely to have attemptus,” he recalled.

In the Roosevelt Middle School audito- ed suicide. And the pandemic has only exrium, in front of about a dozen parents, acerbated those mental health issues.

“It’s important for us to take a look at Bolton kept returning to that word: “resilient.” What does it mean, especially for what the impact of COVID has been,” he today’s youth who are growing up in the said. The hope is to bring into focus the significance of mental health and wellness.

COVID-19 pandemic?

He offered a breakdown of social-emoDebbie Lubeck, director of student services at D90, said she invited Bolton to the tional learning (SEL) and talked about the evening event to shed light on an issue that importance of managing stress and other has been top of mind for many. Lubeck said difficult feelings, in parents and children Bolton was to host a similar presentation alike. Using a quick exercise, Bolton pulled up a color-coded chart and asked parents for staff and faculty the following day.

“When things fall apart, we rebuild. We how they were feeling at that moment.

“Where are you right now?” he asked. reconnect, don’t we? And we do it differently,” said Bolton, who was once a principal “Are you in the blue zone, and like ‘Oh, my at North Shore Academy in Highland Park, gosh. This is boring already. I can’t believe I a school for students with significant emo- came.’ Are you in the green zone? ‘It’s a beautional and behavioral issues. “Disruption tiful day, finally!’ … And then [the] red zone is always led to innovation. I hope the same is true for us today. In this time, what will See BOLTON on page 13

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A doctor with the instincts of a social worker and activist Marian Sassetti earns top family doc honor in Illinois

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

Dr. Marian Sassetti, of Lake Street Family Physicians in Oak Park, passionately believes that family medicine and community service go hand-in-hand — it is a conviction she makes manifest in her practice, in her deep involvement in numerous local nonprofits, and in her contributions to her profession. It was no surprise, then, to anyone (but her) that she was honored as the 2021 Family Physician of the Year by the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP). The IAFP is nominating for the national award this year.

Sassetti did not intend to be a doctor — she thought she would be a social worker. However, she discovered an interest in science while attending Trinity High School and was encouraged to consider a career in medicine. Trinity made a huge impact in her life and she was thrilled to receive the Alumnae Leadership Award last year.

“I had so many rich experiences at Trinity — Student Council, plays, choir and intramurals. I was even in a speech contest — and was surprised to learn that I had speaking and leadership skills. I often say that Trinity taught me how to ‘unmute’ myself (before that was a word),” Sassetti said.

After high school, Sassetti pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Northwestern University, graduating summa cum laude,

Marian Sassetti, family physician before attending medical school at Stanford University. She did a residency at Cook County Hospital, where she was confronted with the social determinants of healthcare.

“I saw how the lack of power and resources can impact patients’ health. This was a real epiphany — and it motivated me to go into family medicine so I could get at the root causes of patients’ health issues. Family physicians were the ones talking about social justice and access to healthcare,” Sassetti said.

An ardent advocate for the marginalized, Sassetti is a staunch supporter of the Affordable Care Act, which she views as a pro-life movement and the right thing to do — financially and morally.

“I haven’t met many family physicians who aren’t for universal healthcare. Access to healthcare is a human right. And it saves society money by helping physicians detect health issues before they become full-blown problems,” she said.

The residency also introduced Sassetti to the complexity of domestic violence, the impact of which she saw in her patients but which was hard to confront because of its stigmatization. She designed a curriculum to help physicians recognize and treat victims, and now serves as the IAFP’s leading expert in sexual harassment training and was a member of the American Medical Association’s task force on family violence.

Sassetti serves as vice president of the board of Sarah’s Inn, a local agency serving those impacted by domestic violence.

She helped create the agency’s Youth Voice Award to give high school students a platform for expressing their thoughts or experiences regarding domestic violence.

Sassetti is adamant that mental health and physical health are intertwined and must be treated concomitantly. She was president of The Well Spirituality Center in LaGrange for many years and served on the board of Thrive Counseling Center,

which honored her with the 2017 Spirit of Thrive Award.

“I have never met a doctor who is more dedicated to her profession, her patients and her community than Marian,” said Steve Parker, an Oak Park family therapist and Thrive board member. “In the tradition of a country doctor, Marian not only cares for the physical health of her patients but their emotional and mental health as well.”

In addition to her community service, Sassetti is dedicated to her profession. She is working with the IAFP on a podcast to help physicians develop systems for getting Illinois citizens vaccinated. As an assistant professor of family medicine at Rush University Medical Center, she volunteers at a free community clinic, working with medical students who serve the poor and uninsured. She is a proponent of allowing medical students to shadow physicians who can model the skills that can’t be learned in lecture halls or through inpatient rotations.

Inspired by her parents, who instilled in her the importance of giving back, Sassetti has built an estimable career that, ultimately, has combined her initial interest in social work with medicine.

“My father raised me to consider the question, at the end of life, what have you done with the gifts that you were given? I have been so fortunate to be involved with so many visionary people who bring out the best in me and in others.”

Farmers Market finds a manager inside village hall

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

After struggling to find a manger for the 47th season of Oak Park Farmers Market, village hall staff came up with a creative solution to fill the part time role.

Since July 2021, Erica Helms has been the Sustainability Fellow with the village. In that part-time role Helms maintains the accuracy of Oak Park’s greenhouse gas inventory reporting among other things.

Staff thought the market manager position would dovetail nicely with Helms’ current role and she has accepted the position.

“I think it is a good fit,” said Helms. “I

work a village hall, but I have not had the opportunity to meet people in the community. I am excited to meet people at the market and make meaningful connections.”

Helms has a master’s degree in urban planning and policy from UIC and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She also has 10 years of experience managing waste and recycling at music festivals and other large scale events as well as front-of-the-house restaurant experience. Additionally, Helms is passionate about urban agriculture, communication, and outreach.

Putting the two village roles together pro-

motes Helms into a fulltime equivalent position and helps to create flexibility when it comes to managing the market. She will be able to budget her own time between the two roles allowing her to handle farmers market related tasks year-round ensuring there will be consistent momentum when planning the market season.

Helms was quick to point out the market is on track to return to the 2019 model “everyone knows and loves.” She is clear organizers will need to remain aware of Covid-19 numbers throughout season but has high hopes the pandemic will not impact the 2022 season.

The new manager said 18 vendors have

confirmed their participation in the market with “several” applications pending expected approval. Helms anticipates welcoming 25 or 26 vendors this season including new newcomers Vangie’s Farm and Chao Farm which grow highly soughtafter Asian produce items. Smits Farm will return with a robust collection of certified organic produce as well. The village is still seeking part-time assistant market managers and has extended the deadline for bake sale applications.

The Oak Park Farmers Market opens May 21 in the Pilgrim Church parking lot, 460 Lake St. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 29.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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Two familiar faces appointed as principals at Beye, Irving Beye co-interim principal Cheryl Sullivan, Irving Assistant Principal Susan Mura to take on permanent positions

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

The Oak Park District 97 school board tapped two familiar faces to lead William Beye Elementary and Washington Irving Elementary schools next year. Cheryl Sullivan, who this past year served as co-interim principal at Beye, and Irving Assistant Principal Susan Mura were appointed by board members earlier this month to take on a permanent principal role at their respective schools.

Sullivan, a longtime educator at District 97, shared the principal position at Beye, 230 N. Cuyler Ave., with Sheila Carter, another decades-long district administrator.

The two were selected by the board last year to replace former Beye Principal Jennifer Schemidt, who resigned from her position after one year to become a school psychologist in the Naperville Community School District 203. Schemidt had served one controversial year at Beye after replacing Jonathan Ellwanger, the school’s longtime principal who had retired.

CHERYL SULLIVAN

SUSAN MURA

Mura, who has been assistant principal at Irving, 1125 S. Cuyler Ave., since 2018, was named Principal John Hodge’s successor. After serving 31 years in the district – 18 of which were spent at Irving – Hodge will retire at the end of June.

Sullivan and Mura will begin their new roles July 1, said district spokeswoman Amanda Siegfried.

Siegfried told Wednesday Journal that six people – three of whom were already employed at the district – were screened by the human resources department. Some candidates applied and interviewed for

both principal positions, while others applied and interviewed for one school, she said. Sullivan and Mura were among the candidates who sought a position at one school.

A team of parents, staff members, principals and administrators conducted interviews with candidates, and the Top 3 finalists were sent to new Superintendent Ushma Shah, Associate Superintendent of Education Felicia Starks Turner and Chief Academic and Accountability Officer Eboney Lofton for the last round, Siegfried said.

On selecting Sullivan and Mura, Starks Turner and Lofton pointed out the pair of new principal’s leadership, dedication and experience.

In a school news release issued by the district this past month, Starks Turner commended Sullivan for “providing muchneeded stability to her school during the ongoing challenges of the pandemic” and believes she will continue to help Beye grow in the coming years. Meanwhile, Lofton highlighted Mura’s ability to create a positive, inclusive learning environment

for all students.

“She has done an exceptional job at Irving over the past four years, and we are confident that the school will continue to thrive under her leadership,” Lofton said about Mura in the news release.

Sullivan and Mura also shared their excitement about becoming mainstays at Beye and Irving, making sure to spotlight their partners, Carter and Hodge.

“It has been an honor serving with Sheila Carter as an interim principal this year and building relationships with the students, staff and community. I am really looking forward to building on Beye’s many strengths and working to advance the educational experience for all students,” Sullivan said in the release.

Mura offered up a similar response.

“Over the last four years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Principal Hodge and have learned firsthand what a special place Irving is,” Mura said. “I look forward to continuing to work with our staff and families to support the growth and achievement of all students.”

Longtime township youth program gets name change ‘Engagement’ replaces ‘interventionist’ tag

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Change is underway for one program at Oak Park Township. Come this July, the Youth Interventionist Program will bear a new name to match what the township describes as an expanded service which will continue its mission to meet the needs of children and teens across Oak Park and River Forest.

The program – which will soon be called the Youth Engagement Program, or YEP for short – aims to offer more mental health services for youth and strengthen its partnership with local educators, community leaders and park district and library directors. Megan Traficano, youth services director at the township, said the interventionist program was first created in the mid-1990s

to prevent young people from using drugs or becoming involved in gangs.

The program, which follows a referral model, addressed the youth and community’s needs, both of which have changed over time, she said. What’s more is that while the program itself grew, people remained unaware of its other services and thought the program was restricted to its original makeup.

“We would be told there’s people in the community who think that they can’t refer certain kids to you because these kids don’t fall into what the intervention program was originally meant to help [with] … and that’s not true,” said Traficano. “We help all kids in the communities, and especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve just seen so much more mental health needs of kids.”

Echoing Traficano, Jonathan Brown, who

oversees the interventionist program, wrote in an email to Wednesday Journal that he and his team saw an uptick in anxiety and depression among children and teens even prior to the pandemic. Brown said he and his colleagues have also seen more youth dealing with mental health crises or navigating trauma.

Traficano and Brown said renaming the program to include the word “engagement” encompasses the work they do in the township’s youth services department. The two said they are teaming up with the park district to host an after-school program for youth and planning to hold mentoring programs. In the past, the program held presentations at schools on cyberbullying.

“We aim to be present in the community,” Brown said in the email.

Traficano shared a similar sentiment,

adding that the word “engagement” was meant to amplify the program and promote inclusion.

“Our programs and our services are open to any youth in the community,” Traficano said. “Everybody at some point in their life needs support, needs help, needs some sort of assistance – and that’s OK. That’s what we’re here to do, really.”

“We’ll help you – and even if it’s not [through] us, we’ll help get you to the right place. That’s just what we want to do. We’re here to engage.”

Find out more For more information, oakparktownship.org/.

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Concordia lists next steps to tackle racism President Russell Dawn plans a meeting with administrators, student leaders this week

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

More than a week after Concordia University Chicago students lodged a protest and demanded an overhaul of diversity and inclusion efforts, university President Russell Dawn emailed staff and students late last week, outlining the university’s next steps to “take action together.”

In an April 22 email, Dawn informed staff and students about the university’s five-point plan to continue the conversations on Concordia’s campus culture, with some initiatives taking place immediately.

This week, the Student Government Association looks to release a survey to students to gather feedback and ideas for future action steps. University Provost Erik Ankerberg and Dean of Students Kathy Gebhardt will also be meeting with leaders of six primary student organizations: Black Student Union, Latino Student Union, Spiritual Life, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Campus Activities Board and the Student Government Association, Dawn wrote.

Other efforts include offering regular events and roundtable discussions starting next fall where students can talk with administrators and student leaders. The university will also partner with the Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod (LCMS) and its Northern Illinois District to host a workshop that offers “a Biblical understanding of civility in a diverse community,” Dawn noted in the email.

A few dozen Concordia students RUSSELL DAWN held a peaceful protest on campus April 12 and voiced concerns over their perception of the university’s unwelcoming environment toward students of color, as well as those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or practice other religious faiths separate from LCMS. The protest – which took place on the same day and just prior to the university-led town hall meeting where Dawn addressed students’ concerns – ensued after a Concordia professor was banned from campus.

F. AMANDA TUGADE/Staff Reporter

AIRING CONCERNS: Students demand the university offer more scholarship opportunities for students of color and those who practice other religious faiths apart from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Paul Stapleton, a visiting English professor, previously told Wednesday Journal that he believed he was banned from campus because he has been outspoken about the racist incidents faculty, staff and students have experienced.

Stapleton said he has also been vocal about the major changes Concordia has undergone in recent years, including the layoff of 51 faculty members in 2020 and the gutting of liberal arts and sciences programs such as Women and Gender Studies.

Stapleton, who claimed university officials failed to tell him why he was barred from being on campus, was arrested April 11 for returning to the school to teach his students inperson.

“The ban seems very arbitrary. I have no clue why I’ve been banned,” Stapleton told the Journal in a previous interview. “No policy has been given to me – nothing. I just got banned, and I have no idea why.”

The university has declined to comment on the banning of Stapleton, citing the issue as an employment matter governed by confidentiality. Stapleton remains an employee of Concordia but has since been suspended from his position until the end of June.

During the April 12 protest and town hall meeting, students shared stories of racism or bigotry they faced in the classroom with professors or on the athletic fields with their coaches. Others pointed to the recent changes made to the university’s mission statement, dropping the words “diverse” and “women,” which they say reflects the way the university sees them and follows a pattern. Back in 2019, Eric Arno Hiller was removed from Concordia’s Board of Regents, after he made racist and sexist comments online.

An online petition created by alumni drew thousands of signatures, calling for Hiller to be ousted from his position.

In the town hall meeting, Dawn publicly addressed students’ concerns, directly replying to some questions. When one student asked Dawn why the university had taken down Black Lives Matter signs, which were initially hung to show support for Black students and bring awareness to police brutality and racial injustices, he answered that the Black Lives Matter organization itself has “specifically antiChristian roots.”

The university has yet to look into Dawn’s response on Black Lives Matter, but Concordia spokesperson Eric Matanyi told the Journal in an email that Dawn was unavailable for an interview.

In Dawn’s email, he wrote that the action steps are part of Concordia’s commitment to “mutual respect.”

“I wish to reiterate that we value each and every member of the university community as a unique creation of God – we care deeply about you and you matter to us. Together, there is much work to be done toward achieving our strategic goal of creating a vibrant and unified community,” Dawn wrote.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ART BEAT

Bill Chin chose First United’s music for Lent

Plenty busy, Bill Chin leaves youth chorus after 18 years

Final Pro Musica Youth Chorus concert is May 17

By MICHELLE DYBAL

W

Arts Contributor

hile some have full plates, Bill Chin has an array of spinning plates that he artfully keeps balanced. Looking at his calendar in mid-April, he planned for future performances for the many musical groups he is involved with in Oak Park, River Forest and Chicago.

But next month he will have one less group to plan for, Pro Musica Youth Chorus, the Oak Park based children’s choral program.

Bill Chin is its artistic director and has been spinning that plate for the last 18 years.

“Bill has brought incredible talent, skill, paBILL CHIN tience and passion to Pro Musica,” said Karen Kitto, executive director. “He is perhaps first and foremost an incredible artist. He nurtures true musicianship in our singers, choosing difficult music, and somehow coaching the kids into being able to sing whatever he throws at them.”

For Chin, leaving the chorus now works for a couple of reasons.

“I feel like this is a good time for me to focus on some of the other things I’ve been doing,” he said. “…One of the reasons I feel good about leaving right now, I think, is because the people in place are very capable and the organization is going in a good direction.”

Chin has plenty of other musical endeavors to focus on. He is the founder and artistic director of the Chicago a cappella chamber choir The Oriana Singers; he is chorus director of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest; he leads the annual “Sing We Joyous” concert performances

FILE

MULTIFACETED: Bill Chin works on a shadow puppet version of “The Gift of the Magi.” and City Voices, a choir that participates in a holiday show; he records four times per years with GIA Publications, Inc.; and is the director of music ministries at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St. While all his other jobs usually involve working with adult performers, Chin said the transition away from the youth chorus will be a gentle one because he will continue to work with Pro Musica students at “Sing We Joyous” and at Symphony of OP/RF concerts that include a children’s choir.

As artistic director at Pro Musica, Chin has led the Harmonia and A Capella choirs, the two highest-level choruses.

He has traveled with the group and performed with them internationally in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York City and regularly at the Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker in Chicago. Chin created the Prelude Scholarship program to allow more students interested in singing to be able to afford and access the experience at

Pro Musica.

During his time with the chorus, Chin has seen some of his former choir students grow up. He hears from their parents, or sometimes from the students themselves.

Chin reflected on working with the students while they were growing up, “seeing them develop as musicians.” But “when they are in college or after they’ve graduated and you see what wonderful individuals they’ve become,” he said, “it’s a good feeling to think maybe in some way, you were part of what made this wonderful person you’re talking to.”

Stepping into the artistic director role at the youth chorus is Laura Pinto, who is their current Primo Coro and Canterini conductor.

The final show of current season is its Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 17. That is also Chin’s last performance with the group as artistic director. The concert is at First United Church of Oak Park at 7:30 p.m. and will include a tribute to Chin. A simple reception follows.

Lent may be over, but a long-time commitment to diversity in music is not at First United Church of Oak Park. The church, 848 Lake St., gained national attention amid controversy for its Lenten theme, “fasting from whiteness.”

As the church’s director of music ministries, Bill Chin was not a decision-maker on the widely publicized Lenten theme, but he did select nearly all the music.

“This is not a totally unusual repertoire or something that we’ve never done before,” Chin said. When he recently looked back at music the church had incorporated during their online services during the pandemic, he found “quite a bit” of music with African American, indigenous and world origins. “It isn’t that we always do music by white composers and now we did a ‘180’.”

“Our hymnals have a rich variety of nonEuropean, non-white sources, so there’s nothing new …” Chin said. “We just put the focus less on white European composers and put the focus on these other sources.”

Chin, who has been with the church for 20 years, said the Lenten-theme music, which included African and Latin American countries as sources, was “more engaging in certain ways.” It was well-received, he said, and provided a learning opportunity for congregants.

“The feedback I’ve gotten on the music has been positive across the board,” he said. “There has not been any negative reaction to the music. It’s really about variety and new things and I think most people like to be exposed to new things and learn about something they didn’t know about before.”

Information about the music was placed in the weekly church bulletins for further exploration.

While some outsiders found First United’s Lenten theme controversial, Chin believes the aim was different.

“The point of the Lenten theme is to broaden our horizons, to include and to change the focus to things we haven’t been exposed to as much as we had before.” It also builds understanding, he said, and “… increases the number of things you can draw from to create a good worshiping experience.”

While the music selected changed the focus for five weeks, now that Lent is over and Easter has passed, Chin said their usual diversity of music plays on at the church.

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ART BEAT

Why ‘Fly Girl’ lifted me up

By ELIZABETH BERG Guest Author

A friend of mine recently said to me, “I love when you start a story with, ‘When I was a flight attendant …’ because I know it’s going to be a good story.”

Ann Hood

A

“Fly Girl” prologue

nn Hood is one of those charismatic people you just want to be around — in person and on the page. I’m always glad when she has a new book come out, but when I heard about Fly Girl, which is her memoir about working as a flight attendant for TWA in the golden age of air travel, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

I have a certain fascination with flight attendants. I have a lot of questions that I’m too shy to ask them. I figured I’d always be one of those people sitting on the plane sneaking looks at them and wondering

what their lifestyle is really like. How is it to jet off to all those places all the time — exhausting? exhilarating? What’s your favorite place to go? What is your favorite/ least favorite kind of passenger? Are you pals with all the other flight attendants? Do they teach you how to do hair and makeup in flight school when you’re not otherwise engaged in learning about pesky things like mechanics and where the emergency equipment is kept on each type of aircraft? And what about that mile-high club?

Ann Hood answers many of those questions in this book, but she does a lot more than that.

Fly Girl is a virtual get-away: you feel you’re right there on the plane with her in the glory days. When you think of how people fly now, in clothes close to being pajamas — or, in fact, pajamas — it’s hard to believe that people in the ’70s were outfitted in dresses or suits, the men in ties, the women in heels. And the flight attendants were lovely to look at, elegantly thin, with subtly done make-up and stud earrings

and tidy hairdos and pretty smiles. Their uniforms were chic, even the aprons. And as I recall, they were unfailingly pleasant, too.

Many first-class sections used to have large bouquets in the front of the cabin, and I recall receiving a mimosa complete with orchid seconds after I sat down when I flew first class to Hawaii from Boston, courtesy of about 10 gazillion frequent flyer miles.

There was fine food, too; Ann carved so much chateaubriand on planes, she can still probably do it in her sleep. There were cloth napkins and china plates and little salt and pepper shakers. After meals, there were ice cream sundaes served from a cart to your liking. And even in coach, who didn’t like that cute French toast served for breakfast?

Ann describes flying all over the United States and Europe. She describes a passion-

ate date she had with a man she met in first class. She takes us through the specifics of work routines that flight attendants observe after the seat belt sign goes off, including the inevitable burned fingers from taking foil off food trays.

Oh well … along came deregulation, an oil crisis, massive furloughs and a labor strike. Ann kept working — not always for TWA, but she kept flying. Also, she kept writing. Ever wonder what the flight attendants do when they’re not patrolling the aisles? In Ann’s case, she was working on a novel, sitting on her jump seat, or in hotels, or on public transportation going to and from the airport. Reading about her writing is when I found myself getting unexpectedly moved because of the idea that whatever your dream is, it’s worth trying to achieve it. Imagine, though, having two dreams fulfilled, as Ann did. It’s hard not to cheer for her at the end of the book. Hard, too, not to take another look at what you might do to address some of your own dreams.

Come to this Zoom event to meet the charming Ms. Hood and hear more about her experiences as a flight attendant and as a writer. I’ll bet you’ll have your own questions to ask.

Ann Hood’s appearance is part of the Writing Matter Series, hosted by Elizabeth Berg.

Find the link at nineteenthcentury.org.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

11

Hyperlocal Lyman Ave. Bread headed to Farmers Market ‘Neighborhood bread guy’ brings bread by bike to Oak Park market

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Tim Giuffi, “the neighborhood bread guy,” can be found peddling his bread bike throughout South Oak Park every week — he has spent the last four years building his micro bakery business by selling sourdough subscriptions and delivering his product by bike.

Now Lyman Ave. Bread is approved to become a firsttime vendor at the Oak Park Farmers Market.

“The weekly delivery slots are limited to South Oak Park because I deliver by bike,” said Giuffi. “The farmers market will be the only place you can get my bread products outside of that area and those products are completely unique to Oak Park.”

Though he was reluctant to apply in the past Giuffi said courage to apply this year came from experience, product variety and increased oven capacity. Relying on a home

kitchen license issued by the Village of Oak Park and cottage laws, Giuffi’s small batch bakery, Lyman Ave. Bread, has been able to expand its reach because of semiprofessional bread oven with the capacity to bake two dozen sourdough loaves at a time. In addition to sourdough loaves, he is also confidently producing naturally leavened croissants, English muffins, Fougasse and baguettes.

Giuffi is the only person behind Lyman Ave. Bread; he is solely responsible for makPHOTO BY NORA GIUFFI ing every product.

He uses locally RISING: Tim Giuffi, the baker behind Lyman Ave. Bread, will bike his loaves to the Oak Park sourced, freshly Farmers Market during the 2022 season. milled whole grains like Eingram videos and 18 months of trial-and-erflour. korn and Kamut and prod“I plan to use the market as much as pos- ror experimentation, Giuffi, was confident ucts are leaved using a 10 sible,” said Giuffi who was clear he cannot he was producing a reliable sourdough year old sourdough starter. round. use cheese in his baked goods because of For the weekly market Giuffi plans to cottage law limitations but will experiment Today Lyman Ave. Bread boasts 26.7K bring 150 items to start. He aims to offer with fruit and nut fillings.

Instagram followers who enjoy standard country sourdough loaf and a Giuffi’s bread photos and techEco-conscious market shopsecond option with a rotating add-in like pers will appreciate that Giuffi, nique reels accompanied by muwalnuts or sesame seeds. He will also craft who does not drive, plans to sical selections by The Grateful sandwich loaves made in pullman pans and bring his breads to market by Dead, The Flaming Lip, Phish offer one small novelty item each week like bike. He will attach a trailer to and David Bowie. He is also bialys, stuffed buns or twice-baked crois- his specially built bread bike working with Massachusetts sants made with local butter, milk and and strap a table, chair and based, Page Street Publications,

FILEI

THE GREATEST THING SINCE...: Sourdough from Lyman Ave. Bread.

“When I started Lyman Ave. Bread it was all about building community for me.”

tent across the top of the bread on a book about freshly milled compartment. He has been takflour. ing practice runs to the Pilgrim “When I started Lyman Ave. Church parking lot on Lake Bread it was all about building Street carrying 200 pounds of community for me and getting flour. The trip takes approxito the farmers market means I TIM GIUFFI mately 20 minutes. get to push that community a litLyman Ave. Bread Giuffi, a Brooklyn, NY natle farther,” said Giuffi. “Before tive, spent years working in I was hoping people would find the Philadelphia restaurant me — now I have a place to sell scene before finding his way to every week and just want people Southeast Oak Park. He embraces his role to get some good bread.” as stay-at-home dad to eight-year-old, Nora.

The Oak Park Farmers Market opens on Nearly six years ago Giuffi started making Saturday, May 21. Please note, Lyman Ave. pizza dough as a hobby to make mealtime Bread will make its first appearance at the more fun. Over time his passion for pizza market on Saturday May 28. Giuffi and his making morphed into a focus on crafting bread will be at What’s Blooming on Harartisan sourdough bread. After learning rison on Saturday, May 21 (11a.m. to 7 p.m.) to bake the bread through 15-second Insta- in the Harrison Street Arts District.

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

River Forest signs 5-year waste contract

Adds special hazardous waste pickup, electronics recycling options

By ROBERT K. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

By a 5-1 vote at the April 25 village board meeting, River Forest officials approved a new five-year waste hauling contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC. Trustee Katie Brennan cast the negative vote.

Approval was expected at the April 11 village board meeting but was tabled after officials were unable to resolve concerns regarding language in the contract related to opt-out composting and a possible unlimited household waste removal day.

The village’s existing contract, originally

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

Although the opt-out composting issue was resolved by changing wording in the contract to allow the village and Lakeshore to enter negotiations “at any time” as opposed to year three of the contract, officials were unable to overcome Brennan’s objection to inclusion of an “unlimited household waste removal day” section, which she described as a day when residents can “throw anything they want into the landfill.”

Under a proposed revision of that section, a sentence referring to Lakeshore working with the village “to divert as much material from landfills as possible” did not change Brennan’s contention that

the section should be deleted, nor did Trustee Erika Bachner’s suggestion that the section heading be changed to “Unlimited household waste and recycling removal day.” Both changes were included in the contract that was approved.

Brennan argued such issues as composting, household hazardous waste removal and electronic recycling were addressed elsewhere in the contract and asked, “Why do we need this?”

Under terms of the proposed contract, refuse and recycling rates will be frozen at $30.29 per month in the first year with annual increases of 3 percent in each of the following four years. Three options of compost collection will be offered, a 35-gallon cart for $13 per month; a 64-gallon cart for $15 per month; and a 96-gallon cart for $17 per month. All options are at a lower rate than the current rate of $20.87. Com-

posting rates will also increase 3 percent annually.

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

In addition, Lakeshore will conduct multiple education campaigns, including an introductory/informational video; HHW/E-Waste postcard mailer; and food waste education marketing and semiannual informational mailers in the first year and an annual informational mailer and HHW/E-Waste postcard mailer in subsequent years.

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

Red-light cameras returning to River Forest

No firm date for restart, but IDOT gives village green light

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

After a delay of nearly two years, redlight cameras are returning to River Forest. Jeff Loster, director of public works and development services, said the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) gave the officials the green light on April 9 to reinstall three red-light cameras, one at Harlem and North avenues and the other two at Lake Street and Harlem Avenue.

River Forest approved a contract in June 2020 with Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions doing business as Verra Mobility, replacing SafeSpeed as the village’s red light camera operator.

In February 2020, local officials announced their intent to decline to renew River Forest’s contract with SafeSpeed and issue a request for proposals from other vendors amid a federal corruption probe involving state and suburban politicians and a former SafeSpeed official, allowing the contract to expire July 1, 2020.

The village originally contracted with SafeSpeed in 2011.

Loster said officials have been working with IDOT “over the last several months” regarding the change in vendor for River Forest’s red light cameras. Staff members will be working with the engineering consultant Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick Inc. and Verra Mobility to make the

necessary modifications at both camera locations as approved by IDOT, he added.

Loster said when the cameras will be operational is still to be determined.

He said officials are unable to explain the length of time it’s taken to implement the change, which was estimated in 2020 at 30 to 45 days, but the village was not responsible for the delay.

“I don’t know how long it took to get the original cameras up, so I don’t have much context,” Loster said. “I know IDOT is working on creating a new policy relative to red-light cameras and even though it is not something that was applied to our ‘vendor transfer,’ it may have been a factor.

“At the end of the day it is something that was subject to IDOT review, so village staff and our consultants made sure we were timely with our responses and the information that was requested of us, but the other side of the equation is obviously not within our control.

“That said, we certainly did not anticipate it taking as long as it did.”

After dealing with budget shortfalls in the past two years related to the pandemic, officials will likely appreciate the renewed revenue stream from the red-light cameras.

Over the final five years of its contract

with SafeSpeed, River Forest collected more than $4 million in red-light camera fines, according to village budget documents.

In addition, the new contract could provide more revenue than was received under SafeSpeed.

Verra Mobility charges a flat rate per system per month as opposed to taking a per ticket percentage of each fine, unlike SafeSpeed or the other two firms that submitted proposals in 2020, RedSpeed and Gatso.

According to figures provided in 2020, assuming 18,500 tickets are issued per year, village revenue would be $1,755,200, which is almost $400,000 more than it would have been with RedSpeed or Gatso.

Fines for red-light camera violations are set at $100 per ticket by the state. Under the contract with Verra Mobility, the village will collect the full amount. Under SafeSpeed, River Forest received $60 from each ticket. Under the other proposals, the village would have received $64.06 per ticket from RedSpeed and $72 per ticket from Gatso.

According to the website of Verra Mobility, the firm works operates more than 4,000 red-light, speed and school bus stop arm safety cameras in more than 200 jurisdictions across North America.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lynx spotted in Oak Park Those who see it are urged to contact the Oak Park Health Department

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

People out walking in Oak Park may have encountered an unusual sight. A lynx appears to have made the village its home. After multiple reports of sightings, the Oak Park Public Health Department has been tracking the medium-sized wild cat for about a week.

“It seems to be sticking around,” said Public Health Director Theresa ChappleMcGruder. “Which is interesting because they tend to travel and can travel up to 70 miles a day.”

The cat appears to have gotten comfortable, according to Chapple-McGruder. The health department, under which animal control duties fall, are tracing the lynx’s movements to determine where the cat might be headed.

Where the cat came from is a mystery.

Larger than the average housecat but smaller than a coyote, the lynx stands about 2 feet tall and has ears topped with tufts of black fur, a characteristic trait. There is no evidence to suggest there might be multiple lynxes in Oak Park.

Chapple-McGruder told Wednesday Journal a lynx has not exhibited any aggressive behavior at this time and appears to be quite skittish around humans. However, it might attack if it feels cornered.

“It will only bother people if it feels bothered,” said the public health director.

People are directed to stay away from it and to keep lights on when going outside at night.

Those who do have a run in with the lynx are urged to report the location of the encounter to the health department either by calling or by sending an email to the health@oak-park. us.

Lynxes are predatory creatures and Chapple-McGruder believes Oak Park has plenty of squirrels and rabbits to keep the cat satisfied. However, she also advises keeping small pets close and not letting them outside unsupervised as a precaution.

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Being ‘present’ parents from page 5 when you’re to get up and start screaming.”

Taking the moment to acknowledge one’s feelings gives a person the chance to adjust and think about their needs, Bolton said. Do you need to grab a snack, take a pause or check your phone?

“It helps us all be present,” he said.

Stress impacts an individual’s ability to be creative, he added, to listen, to exercise empathy and at times, their memory.

“You have been so upset that you can’t find the words, or sometimes for me, the only words I can find [have] four letters,” Bolton said, eliciting a laugh.

Throughout the lecture, Bolton circled back to another word: “present.” He reminded parents often that there are no perfect parents, only “present” ones.

“We don’t have to fix it,” he said, advising the small audience to “hold space” with their children whenever they are working through feelings of frustration, sadness or anger. He noted that may be hard to do,

13

as parents have the quick urge to “solve it now,” and when they can’t, that can lead to arguments.

“But we have to give time in the moment.

It helps to give it time. It always helps to give it time.”

A father himself, Bolton told parents they will make mistakes, especially in front of their children, and that’s OK. What matters is how they work to repair those mistakes and forgive themselves in the process.

At the close of the presentation, Bolton talked about the upside of COVID, how it reshaped our values, teaching us to slow down and cherish time spent together.

“We need movement. We need to spend more time outdoors. … We function better when we collaborate, when we’re emotionally and relatively connected to one another,” he said. “That we can focus on curiosity, instead of achievement. That we can breathe.”

And while the pandemic has yet to officially end, Bolton offered this last reflection: “You won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure when the storm is really over.”

“One thing is certain: When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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Historic step for Maywood from page 1 state funding to promote tourism initiatives for a range of western suburbs across Cook County.

Member suburbs receive a variety of benefits, including having their event listings and attractions promoted on VisitOakPark.com.

Partner communities also receive marketing support and are included in the bureau’s paid advertising campaigns, according to Eric Wagner, Visit Oak Park president and CEO. There is no cost for suburbs to join the bureau, but the state requires a letter from each village requesting their inclusion in the bureau’s service area. The Maywood village board voted unanimously on that letter during a meeting on March 22.

Maywood Mayor Nathaniel George Booker said the local landmark designation “is just the first step moving forward in regards to the healing of Maywood to actually pay homage and pay the respect that is due” to the legacy of the Hampton family.

Booker said the village is planning an African-American history tour in Maywood in June that will incorporate aspects of Hampton’s legacy.

Moments before the historic April 19 vote, Hampton Jr. said Hampton House “is bigger than a building, more significant than a structure.”

Maywood’s Council Chambers, where the board meeting took place, was packed with community members who supported the landmark proposal. Many of them erupted in applause and chants of “Long live Chairman Fred!” after Hampton Jr.’s comments and just after the board finished voting.

Among the crowd, Maywood Trustee Melvin Lightford pointed out, were people who knew Fred Hampton or whose parents knew the slain Black Panther Party leader.

Joe Wilson, a well-known businessman in Maywood who, along with wife Theresa, own a popular restaurant in Maywood, is a former Black Panther. “[Joe] came to Chicago from California in that same period of time,” said Lightford.

“Talk to him, he was there.”

“I just want to say how honored I am to be here for this moment,” said Maywood Trustee Miguel Jones, before complimenting Hampton Jr. Jones created the influential Twin Villages Covenant between Maywood and River Forest. The formal agreement, which was approved by the boards of both suburbs in 2020, commits them to “the principles of human-

ity, equity and inclusion” and guides “the overarching spirit of our distinct towns to think as one and to interact in more collaborative ways,” according to the document’s language.

“You’ve been all over the place,” Jones told Hampton Jr. “And you always mention Maywood. I hope one of the things we can do to honor Chairman Fred is to make this a tourist destination for people to visit. I went to Ghana last year and it was an honor to see [portraits of] Chairman Fred on some [people’s] walls.”

Maywood Trustee Aaron Peppers echoed similar sentiments, adding that his father attended the same schools as Fred Hampton, including Irving Elementary School (now Irving Middle School) and Proviso East High School in Maywood.

“In our household, we had to know [Fred], we had to know the struggle, we had to know the history,” Peppers said. “He quizzed us all the time. It was very important. It was instrumental in my life.”

During his remarks, Hampton Jr. touched on some parts of his father’s biography. As chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, Hampton was head of the organization’s largest chapter, Hampton Jr. said. Hampton Sr. was assassinated by law enforcement officials inside his West Side apartment on Dec. 4, 1969.

“You have rarely, if ever, heard me say, ‘The police murdered my father.’ You have heard me say, ‘The government assassinated Chairman Fred.’ He authored the Rainbow Coalition [with many representatives of the organization] here today. The free breakfast program fed a minimum of 3,500 children a week,” Hampton Jr. said, before urging community members to understand and tout that rich history.

Tuesday’s vote comes nearly a month after the Maywood Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to move the historic landmark nomination process to the village board for a final vote. The brick two-flat was built in 1923.

“The significance of the Hampton home is that it represents worker housing for companies like the nearby American Can Company, which was the largest employer during the Great Depression, and later, African-Americans and Immigrants were actively recruited during World War I due to the labor shortage at the time, further adding to the diverse nature of the village’s growing residential base,” according to the landmark application.

The home, the application continues, “is credited with being the fertile ground that nurtured a future thought and opinion leader, whose influence and legacy are still felt to this day by many in the community.”

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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C R I M E

Man hit in the head, then robbed

A Hazel Crest resident was the victim of a robbery, April 18, at 7:50 p.m. in the 100 block of South Maple Avenue. Someone approached the man from behind and hit him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground. The unidentified assailant then took the man’s wallet, which contained his driver’s license, cash and credit cards. The estimated loss is $50.

Burglary ■ Someone

removed a black, orange and red-striped Juiced electronic bicycle from an open garage in the 900 block of Clarence Avenue between 10 p.m., April 18, and 5 a.m., April 19. The estimated loss is $3,000.

■ Someone pried open the lock handle and door to a vacant building under construction and removed 10 copper pipes, 50 feet of copper wiring and four buckets of filling between 3:30 p.m., April 20 and 5:30 a.m., April 21. The estimated loss is $2,800.

■ A blue Bosch Bulldog power hammer

drill with bits in a blue case, a red Milwaukee impact driver, and a red Milwaukee 4-inch grinder were removed from a 2021 Ford Transit van with an unlocked door between 10:30 a.m. and 1:26 p.m., April 22, in the 1000 block of North Grove Avenue.

The estimated loss is $720.

Motor vehicle theft ■ At

7:55 p.m., April 18, an unknown person removed a gray 2020 Kia Forte, rented from Avis Car Rental in Chicago, which was parked in the 6400 block of Roosevelt Road. The victim’s Samsung Galaxy A12 cellphone was inside the vehicle. The estimated loss is $18,300. The Chicago Police Department recovered the vehicle, unoccupied, at 2:45 p.m., April 19, in the 7300 block of South Eberhardt Avenue in Chicago.

■ Someone removed a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, parked in the 600 block of Adams Street between 6 p.m., April 21 and 7:30 a.m., April 22.

Recovered stolen vehicle

Criminal property damage

The silver 2016 Toyota Corolla reported stolen April 17 from the 100 block of Forest Avenue was recovered without apprehension by Oak Park detectives at 8:30 p.m., April 21 in the 4900 block of West Maypole Avenue in Chicago.

■ Someone shattered the front driver’s side window and damaged the window trim of a 2017 Toyota Highlander, parked in the 1000 block of Woodbine Avenue between 7 p.m., April 18 and 8:04 a.m., April 19. The estimated damage is $1,000.

Theft ■ The catalytic converter was removed from a black 2006 Ford Escape parked in the 300 block of South Maple Avenue between 5 p.m., April 12, and 6:20 a.m., April 13.

■ Someone cut the catalytic converter from a 2008 Honda Fit between 11:15 and 11:40 a.m., April 21, in the 200 block of South Humphrey Avenue.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a Honda CRV, parked in the 100 block of North East Avenue between 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., April 22.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports, April 19-25, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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Show your support by visiting SugarCup Trading.

Friday, 4.29 & Saturday, 4.30 A percentage of sales will be donated to KIDS TOO.

For more information, visit KIDSTOO.ORG KIDS TOO is affiliated with Parents Against Child Sex Abuse.

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Oak Park Olympian back in town for parks event Emery Lehman shows off his speedskating bronze during Q&A

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Oak Park native Emery Lehman, who won a bronze medal as part of the U.S.A. men’s speedskating pursuit team at the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, returned home to take part in a question-and-answer session moderated by Park District of Oak Park President Jan Arnold at the Cheney Mansion April 20.

The event was sponsored by the Parks Foundation of Oak Park, which is spearheading a fundraising campaign to help the Park District construct a Community Recreation Center.

Lehman brought his bronze medal along and answered questions from not only Arnold but from the audience. He was excited about being back in his hometown.

“I wish I was here longer,” said Lehman.

“I’ve been here for three and a half weeks and I wish I could train here [instead of Salt Lake City, where he currently lives]. I love SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor Oak Park; it’s a lot of fun and it’s always great to be with my parents. I’m happy to be MEDALIST: Oak Parker Emery Lehman, who earned a bronze medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics, was interviewed by Park District back seeing friends and family.”

Executive Director Jan Arnold, April 20, during an appearance at Cheney Mansion, sponsored by the Parks Foundation of Oak Park.

Lehman told Arnold and the audience how he got involved with speedskating, starting next Winter Olympics, which take place in “It’s been really tough,” Lehman said pics.” with lessons at the age of 4. about balancing schoolwork along with Lehman has qualified for the Olympics Italy in 2026. And he realizes achieving this “I was at a hockey clinic and saw a flyer feat will require making a continued sacritraining. “I’m going for my master’s from three times, and he’s only 25 years old. for speedskating,” he said. “I was a pretty Johns Hopkins University.

“I don’t think there are many speedskaters fice. good skater at the time and “With the type of training we do, there It’s just one online class, but who have been to the Olympics three times my mother [Marcia] thought it feels more like a full course before my age. It’s incredible to think about,” isn’t much time for a social life,” said Lehmit’d help me become a faster load at Marquette University Lehman said. “Winning the Olympic bronze an. “We train three days, then take a day off. hockey player.” [where he got his undergrad- this year still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, be- We spend a lot of time biking in Park City, “I said I would do it as uate degree]. It’s caused me cause I’ve been competing and meeting new Utah, and have two training sessions each long as I didn’t have to wear day. We stay very busy.” stressful days and nights, but people.” a skinsuit,” Lehman added This year’s Olympic experience was vastly Lehman plans to complete his master’s it’s something I’ve been dowith a laugh. “I called it a different for Lehman than his previous two. degree within the next two years and would ing since I was 14.” leotard – and I still do to this Due to COVID-19, he and his teammates were like to become an engineer. While he’d like Like many other kids, day.” restricted to the Olympic village and had to the 2026 Olympics to be his last, he says if Lehman wanted to do someLehman was a well-roundSalt Lake City gets the Games in 2030, it’d be thing special in sports, and test every day. ed athlete as a kid. In addi“It didn’t feel like we were in China,” he hard for him to skip. he believed speedskating tion to ice hockey and speed“It’d be pretty tough not to go,” he said. “If said.

“We had to go directly to the rink and was his best opportunity to skating, he played lacrosse, EMERY LEHMAN they’re in your backyard, you’ve got to go.” then directly back to the village once we accomplish this endeavor.

He baseball, flag football, floor Lehman is helping the Parks Foundamet and was encouraged by were done with practice or our event. The hockey, basketball, soccer legends such as Bonnie Blair, past Olympic experiences were about not tion with the fundraising for the Commuand tennis.

Shani Davis, Dan Jansen and only sport, but also camaraderie among ath- nity Recreation Center and believes it would “My mother signed me up letes from other countries in the village. But great for the community. for everything,” he said. “[Ice] hockey was Apollo Ohno.

“I like that the rec center would be for ev“I was at a competition in Cleveland, and in Beijing, everyone wore masks and was my first love, and I also enjoyed speedskating Apollo was there,” he said. “He had three concerned about catching COVID. It was an eryone, especially for those who don’t have and lacrosse.” anywhere to go after school,” he said. “I Lehman feels the time management he de- Olympic medals at the time and he was on isolated experience.”

Even so, Lehman isn’t finished with the think it’s great it’d be free and open to the veloped growing up has helped him in adult- the same ice with me. It was really cool, and I hood. determined that I wanted to try for the Olym- Olympics yet. He wants to compete in the public.”

“I was at a hockey clinic and saw a flyer for speedskating. My mother thought it’d help me become a faster hockey player.”

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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Growing Green

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Honor offered for local green leaders Annual Green Awards from village touch individuals, groups

Oak Park’s Environment and Energy Commission is a nine-member body that advises the village board on climate policy.

It also chooses the winners of the annual Green Awards for innovation and local service to the environment.

Here are the 2021 winners.

We Clean Green, Inc. Woman-owned local company Environmentally responsible methods for healthy and clean results

First United Church of Oak Park Rain Garden Project Buildings and Grounds Team and Environmental Justice Team Native plants and 1,100 gallons of water infiltration

Rare Birds Preserves, Inc. project Elizabeth Madden Created a local micro farmers’ market during the pandemic McLouis Robinet Dedicated community champion and sustainability steward Lifetime achievement helping create thriving local sustainability communities

Judy Klem Dedicated community sustainability steward Early adopter of many environmental health and sustainability practices

Oak Park Farmers Market Farmers Market Citizen Commission and village staff Safe, healthy pandemic market and zero waste initiatives

Collaboration for Early Childhood Growing Gardens Program John Borrero, executive director, Community Team Cohorts and Albrecht Poss Family Foundation Garden/composting supply awards to Early Childhood programs to expand STEM concepts Chris Lindgren Park District of Oak Park sustainability stewardship Leads by example, gives back and collaborates for the benefit of a thriving community

GREEN AWARDS RELATED STORIES ■ Gardeners blossom through

early childhood education, page 22

■ Rare Bird energizes local business

through mini market, page 28

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Whole Earth, local focus Ana Garcia Doyle connects climate and equity

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

Ana Garcia Doyle’s passion for environmental work was sparked while she and her husband were living temporarily in Switzerland. The Swiss lifestyle was eye-opening and, initially, a bit frustrating. She and her husband were so indoctrinated to American hyper-consumerism that they kept thinking they could “fix” Switzerland’s lack of efficiency.

“We couldn’t believe that we had to go to one store for groceries, another store for meat, and another for flowers.

It was maddening at first. I mean, where was the Costco?

But we came to realize that the Swiss are relational beings — and the visits with the grocer, the butcher and the florist became welcome parts of our lifestyle. We had to detox from the pressure of American life,” said Garcia Doyle, a former professional digital marketer.

Her experience in Switzerland reminded her of the importance of community, a value rooted in her childhood. The daughter of Filipino imANA GARCIA DOYLE migrants, Garcia Doyle grew up in Chicago surrounded by extended family, many of whom followed her parents to America. As one of the eldest of 26 first cousins, she served as the family’s unofficial “ate” or big sister.

“From the moment I was born, I was in charge. I was a consummate consensus builder. That piece of my persona has motivated me to be a community organizer,” said Garcia Doyle.

The birth of her first child more than 20 years ago intensified her interest in the environment. She made organic, pesticide-free baby food and felt the weight of ensuring that her daughter had the chance to explore the simple joys of nature the way she had as a child.

When her children were young, she was active in pro-

In 2017, Garcia Doyle had an epiphany while listening moting sustainability in their schools, starting with the creation of a “green team” at their Montessori school. She to a radio program featuring Michelle Alexander, civil worked with a group of Beye Elementary School parents, rights lawyer and author of “The New Jim Crow.” Alexwith guidance from Seven Generations Ahead, to co-write ander repeatedly used the word “disposable” when referan application resulting in a $110,000 grant from the Illi- ring to the way people treat others, particularly people of nois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportuni- color. Garcia Doyle made the connection between the way ty to fund sustainability initiatives at District 97 schools, we think of people and the planet as disposable, and the relationship between racial and enviincluding the conversion to zero-waste lunchrooms. ronmental justice.

She and her husband also tackled the “We need to view each other through external and internal renovation of a zero-waste lens, believing that all of us their historic home. The LEED Goldhave value,” she said. certified home has energy-efficient inIn an effort to bridge the equity and sulation, windows and lighting, solar ecology movements, One Earth Collecpanels, a geothermal heating and cooltive sponsors youth programs in the ing system, rain-harvesting system, and Austin neighborhood, in partnership native plantings. The home was selected with BUILD, an organization serving as one of three sites in Illinois to pilot a Chicago’s at-risk youth, and in Pilsen, a GARCIA DOYLE greywater reuse system, recycling water Hispanic community on Chicago’s near Executive director of from their bathtub and shower for flushsouth side. The programs teach young One Earth Collective ing toilets. people about urban gardening and Garcia Doyle helped launch the One healthy cooking while helping them deEarth Film Festival in 2012 to generate velop leadership skills. awareness of climate issues and get peoTwo decades after her initial foray into ple excited about taking action against climate change. sustainability, Garcia Doyle’s interest in the environment, The festival intentionally uses storytelling to connect equity and community organizing has come full circle. with people’s lives — and, as Garcia Doyle says, to engage She is determined to leave a smaller footprint on the plantheir heads, hearts and hands. Now considered the Mid- et and do all she can to ensure a more resilient future. west’s premier environmental film festival, the annual “There are many ways to shift your thinking, and then, program screens films at venues throughout the Chicago hopefully, shift your living. The goal is to keep moving forarea and attracts viewers from around the world. ward,” she said.

“There are many ways to shift your thinking, and then, hopefully, shift your living. The goal is to keep moving forward.”

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Friends and admirers of Ana

“Ana Garcia Doyle’s involvement in Oak Park’s sustainability plans ensures that they are more equitable and inclusive of populations that are most affected by climate change. Anti-racist sustainability action plans require intentional involvement of marginalized voices and leaders like Ana who will hold decision makers accountable for making sure that happens.”

Vicki Scaman Oak Park village president

“The creative energy Ana has brought to One Earth Collective over the past 11 years has helped the organization grow its impact from Oak Park and River Forest to the broader Chicago region and now nationally. She is intentionally inviting voices of color to take center stage, helping the larger environmental movement understand the perspectives of dynamic environmental justice leaders. One Earth Collective is also mentoring new leaders and connecting people across racial, social and environmental systems, making all justice movements more powerful.”

Laurie Casey Marketing director, One Earth Collective

“Everyone should have an Ana in their life. She has the unique talent of bringing everyone to the proverbial table, sharing her vision, and making everyone feel a part of the process. She builds bridges, and the relationships she has developed across Chicagoland -- from Austin, Little Village, Barrington and Grayslake -- have taught us all that we need each other and that all of us have a voice in making the world better and more sustainable.”

Julie Moller Long-time environmental activist and former River Forest resident

“Ana has been an amazing partner with BUILD. She brought her expertise and network to give youth a chance to understand their power on this earth and how they can contribute to making it better. She is always looking ways to connect youth to environmental issues. We have been extremely grateful for her contribution to the Austin Grown program, providing such rich information and content for our youth while working alongside them to do the work every step of the way!

Carmen Scott Boria Director of enrichment programs, BUILD, Inc.

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Growing Green

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PROVIDED

GROWTH: Kids gather to observe thousands of wiggling worms in the compost bin at The Day Nursery in Oak Park.

GREEN AWARD WINNER

Gardeners blossom through early childhood education

Collaboration for Early Childhood grows gardening program

By KATE HESTERMAN Contributing Reporter

The time kids get enough learning experiences before kindergarten is the same time pigs fly. That is why the mascot for the Collaboration for Early Childhood is Cece, the flying pig. Within their Growing Gardeners Program, kids can learn problem-solving skills, STEM concepts and team building during their most formative years.

“Gardening is such a great anchor for pretty much anything you want to work on with kids,” said Becki Streit, the Collaborations board chair.

However, many families do not have the resources to build a garden at home, said Streit.

Determined to make a change, the Albrecht-Poss Family Foundation funded the gardening program which provided 11 preschools, childcare centers and home daycare centers with the tools and abilities to build their own garden. Each raised bed was installed by professionals and careful-

ly crafted from cedar to ensure longevity and sustainability for each of their partners.

“We wanted to ensure our partners would be able to use these gardens for years and years,” said Streit.

The program also supplied each partner with a composting system, gardening tools, plants, seeds, a curriculum to keep consistent across all locations and get this — 2,000 live worms. The gardening program helps kids learn everyday environmental practices while seeing the fruits of their labor — literally. After receiving the Green Award and being recognized by the Village of Oak Park, Streit said she did “a little happy dance.”

“The more people who know about the project and the more interest there is among our early childhood community, the farther out we can push the opportunities for other preschools and daycare centers to give kids those experiences,” said Streit.

The program hopes to expand by adding more partners and wheeled garden carts for spaces with limited green space.

Growing Green

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Talking sustainability with Tom Bassett-Dilley

Architect about done with energy retrofit of his own home

sulation; the house is heated and cooled with mini-splits; the traditional hot water heater was replaced with a heat pump; the Architect Tom Bassett-Dilley is well-re- traditional clothes dryer replaced with a garded for his expertise in passive house condenser model; and the family is cookarchitecture and the green-minded Oak ing with induction.

These changes don’t come cheaply, but it Parker practices what he preaches. Not was worth taking out a loan to only did he contribute to makmake the changes. For the cost ing the Park District of Oak of a couple hundred dollars Park’s Carroll Center a net-zero month, he says, “It’s a totally building, he’s been working different house. It’s set up for on architectural icons such as the next 100 years.”

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oscar In his case and for many loBalch House and includes his cal homeowners, Bassett-Dilley own home in the list of energy says it makes sense to look at retrofits he’s recently overseen. all home renovations through All of this dovetails nicely a sustainability lens. For inwith Bassett-Dilley’s role on the village’s Climate Action TOM BASSETT-DILLEY stance, his traditional hot water heater was dead. It made Network (CAN.) He notes that sense to replace it with a heat through CAN’s work studying emissions in the village, a frightening sta- pump rather than a gas model. He says detistic emerged: 73% of emissions in Oak cisions like this can go a long way to helpPark come from buildings. Calling this “as- ing older homes cut their use of fossil fuels.

He also stresses that with sustainability, tonishing,” Bassett-Dilley says the number emphasizes the need for sustainability to there is a big equity issue to consider and become a part of the local conversation on says, “We need to do this work for everybody at all income levels.” building and remodeling.

The time to act is now: he calls the focus In the case of his own older home in Oak Park, Bassett-Dilley says he’s very close to needed a “war-time effort.” For those needhis de-carbonization goals. The gas line is ing assistance to fund changes to their gone; he’s added solar panels and new in- homes, he points to the village’s sustainabil-

By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

PROVIDED

Tom Bassett-Dilley’s Oak Park home. The architect is nearing completion on a de-carbonization project for his own house. ity fund which offers matching grants of up to 50% of costs, up to $10,000.

Intended to help lower-income residents pay for installing insulation, energy-efficient lighting, water heaters, high-efficiency showerheads and faucets, air leak sealing, thermostats and solar panels, the grants can also cover installation of upgraded heating, venting and air conditioning.

The grants are funded by the village’s

Sustainability Fund, funded in part by waste hauling fees, electricity aggregation monies and the mandatory single-use bag fee enacted in 2018 to encourage adoption of reusable bags.

Bassett-Dilley says that creating homes and buildings that are less reliant on fossil fuels is a large goal of CAN and a big step CONTINUED on next page

How to make your home more sustainable

PROVIDED

Architect Tom Bassett-Dilley has been working on retrofitting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oscar Balch House in Oak Park to make the home more sustainable, and lower its emissions.

Tom Basset-Dilley says one of the more important first steps to checking your home’s emissions is to get an indepth energy audit. Such an audit will give you a big picture of the state of your home and provide payback periods to let you know how quickly improvements will start to pay off. He also recommends Paul Hawken’s book, Drawdown, which details global and regional steps to curb carbon emissions.

On a micro-level, Basset-Dilley recommends that with any remodeling project even the smallest changes can be made

with sustainability in mind.

Sustainability tips for your home ■ Solar panels ■ Composting ■ LED lighting sources ■ Repurpose greywater ■ Energy-efficient appliances ■ Low or no VOC paints ■ Double-glazed windows ■ Low-flush toilets ■ Add insulation ■ Replace gas-fueled appliances with electricity-fueled models

— Lacey Sikora

Growing Green

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM CONTINUED from previous page towards the village combatting emissions.

One way to aid in this would be to attach a Home Energy Rating System or HERS score to a home when it hits the market.

Bassett-Dilley says that such information, would help people “know how it’s going to feel and how much it will cost to pay the utilities,” in a home.

Knowledge can be power, and BassettDilley says a big fear is the flippers so active in renovating homes in Oak Park. He notes that the newly renovated houses might look pretty but if they weren’t renovated sustainably, they could still require a huge output of fossil fuels to feel comfortable.

At the end of the day, he says the point is to replace fossil fuel with electrification because we can make clean electricity but we can’t create more fossil fuels.

Bassett-Dilley admits that he toggles between doom and hope when it comes to combatting climate change at the local level but says he’s really excited to see the village sustainability plan come out. He points locals towards the website: www.sustainoakpark. com and says of the movement, “I think we’ll see this keep growing. We need to take action. That’s the bottom line.”

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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Rising sea levels must change architecture, says Oak Park native Weston Wright, a practicing architect in Boston, has written a new book titled, More Water Less Land New Architecture. The book covers architecture, sea level rise, and the future of coastal urbanism and includes contributions from six world renowned architects, urbanists, and academicians.

Born in Oak Park, Wright grew up in the architectural milieu of his father, Chicago architect Rodney Wright, who practiced in his South Maple Avenue basement when the family lived in Oak Park in the late 1950s. Wright cites his time in his father’s studio as an important influence and points out that his father was an early proponent of passive-solar concepts and sustainable architecture. In 1980, his father’s firm the Hawkweed Group published a book titled The Hawkweed Passive Solar House Book.

According to Wright, climate change makes the exploration of new types of architecture a necessity, and he states, “Since scientists remain unsure of the rate, scale, and extent of a water’s rise, not to mention,

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an abrupt change that could occur from ice melt, there is a need to explore a coastal settlement’s options. Absent a timely ex-

ploration of a more resilient architecture, and built environment, our lone option becomes a mass migration inland.”

Eventually, sea level rise will subtract, reconfigure, and split apart an existing coastal or riverine settlement’s footprint from permanent flooding. The book discusses a range of resiliency practices spanning from the Neolithic Age to current thought, the challenges that are likely to arise from flooding, and introduces a solution that could mitigate retreat, abandonment, and provide an opportunity to broaden the landscape of what had heretofore delineated a coastal settlement’s habitable context. The idea for a solution—a response to sea level rise—constitutes a new type of architecture and built environment; it could essentially be thought of, as a next-generation coastal architecture.

Wright’s book is available from the German-Swedish publisher AADR at: https://aadr.info/product/more-waterless-land-new-architecture-availablefrom-april-2022/

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‘You should have a plan’

OPRF, community orgs unite to make high school building more sustainable

ber of the school environmental club, said it’s important for district staff to ask building contractors questions, including their experience in working on energy efficient projects or where they source or purchase their materials. Questions like those, she said, make all the difference in the long

By F. AMANDA TUGADE run. Ball and Avalos told Wednesday JourStaff Reporter nal that they leaned on Gary Cuneen, executive director of Seven Generations Ahead For years, Oak Park and River Forest (SGA), for ideas and guidance, looking High School District 200 has worked to closely at what other local school districts make its over century-old building more or park districts have done to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. environmentally conscious and responBut this year, the district decided to take sible. another step and launch the “Me, Manolo and Gary got Sustainability Policy Comtogether and compiled a list mittee, bringing together of examples,” said Ball who school administrators, first met Cuneen through students and community SGA’s youth-led branch, It’s partners at the table.

Our Future. Together, she Sophie Ball and Manolo said, they drafted a plan and Avalos are two OPRF stushared it with district addents who have a seat at that RON ANDERSON ministrators. That plan may table and recently helped OPRF operations chief be finalized this summer. create a plan for the district’s Ron Anderson, execunext steps in going green. tive director of operations Ball, 17, and Avalos, 16, said at OPRF, spoke more about they suggested the district be more thoughtful about hiring construc- the district’s partnership with Cuneen and tion companies for renovation projects and the myriad of sustainability efforts that have taken place over the years at the high set renewable energy goals.

Ball, a senior at OPRF and a mem- school.

“You can’t do it all at one time. You should have a plan.”

COURTESY OF OPRF

OPRF students help clean up a local forest preserve.

COURTESY OF OPRF

GETTING TO ZERO: Manolo Avalos, 16 and a sophomore at Oak Park and River Forest High School, holds up a bag of food waste. Avalos, a member of the school’s environmental club, is one of many who have helped measure food waste.

“We want to be a trendsetter,” Anderson said, adding he often turns to Cuneen for feedback on what the district could do to improve. “We want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can do to make sure we’re sustainable.”

From retrofitting light fixtures or powering down the vending machines when not in use, Anderson said those acts might seem small, but they are impactful.

Anderson said the district also leans on the school environmental club where students such as Ball and Avalos continue their mission to make OPRF a better place.

The environmental club recently released its annual report, documenting its “sustainable habits,” including working with school and cafeteria staff to help dispose of lunchroom waste properly and educating faculty and students on what items to consider as trash or saved for compost.

Students in the club also weeded the garden beds outside OPRF last fall and plan to plant native plants in the space next month. Native plants are known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds and insects, the club wrote in its report.

Club members have also volunteered to clean up Schiller Woods, removing invasive plant species, and are brainstorming plans to create events at the nearby Thatcher Woods in River Forest for students. More recently, the environmental club held a

PROVIDED

The garden beds outside OPRF. thrift store weekend at the school’s gym where faculty, staff, students and community members were encouraged to donate and sell their gently used clothes. Clothes leftover from the sale would be sent to the Chicago Textile Recycling warehouse in Hillside.

Anderson reiterated that these simple acts are the vital steps to starting and maintaining the changes, and the initiatives can only grow from here.

When asked what advice Anderson, Ball and Avalos had for those interested in going green, the three remained candid: Pick one thing and do it – and don’t give up.

“You can’t do it all at one time. You should have a plan,” Anderson said.

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Growing Green

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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Rare Bird energizes local business through mini market Sustainably sourced and hyper-local focused

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supported agriculture) while enjoying a house-made pastry or coffee.

“We like to partner with a lot of different folks to highBy KATE HESTERMAN Contributing Reporter light their businesses during the pandemic when the stores were iffy and all the markets were more difficult What’s better than fresh produce, delectable to navigate. Our small market was a way for pastries and support for hyper-local businesses? people to get outside but also feel safe to shop,” Not much checks all those boxes. Rare Bird Presaid Madden. serves has mastered this combination with its The market prides itself on choosing quality artisan mini farmers market. products from sustainably grown and responsiStarting as a small-batch artisan preserves bly sourced vendors. Featured hyper-local proand curd producer, Rare Bird grew out of its ducers such as Mick Klug Farms, Star Farms shared commercial kitchen and into a storeand Publican Quality Bread are just a few. The front in 2016. The Oak Park Arts District space market has also expanded to add various pop-up is equipped with enough room to sell retail shops displaying flowers, house-wears and even products and house a commercial kitchen and ceramics for sale.

ELIZABETH MADDEN classroom.

“This is being part of this community, and Once the pandemic hit, workshops and classes hopefully bringing delicious food or something were suspended and Rare Bird was left less accessible. Own- interesting to look at for your house. It’s an extension of our er Elizabeth Madden contended with these issues alongside store,” said Madden. so many other small businesses in the community.

The mini market is held in the Rare Bird alley at 211 HarRelying on her connections with local businesses, Mad- rison St. in Oak Park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Thursday den created a local mini farmers market intended as a spot through October. Madden says she is “flushing out” plans for community members to pick up their CSA (community- on how to utilize the space for more days of the week.

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Growing Green Save the Date for the Zero Waste Microbrew Review

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Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) is preparing to host its 15th craft beer extravaganza — the perennially popular Microbrew Review is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The zero-waste event is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and supports SGA’s mission to preserve our environment for generations to come. The event is held in downtown Oak Park.

Gary Cuneen, founder and executive director of SGA, is excited the nonprofit organization will be able to do the event “full throttle” once again in 2022. He anticipates that Covid-related modifications will lift this year allowing the festival to return to its pre-pandemic glory.

Organizers are setting the stage to welcome approximately 80 craft brew-

eries to serve suds to 3,000 beer-loving attendees. The Iron Brewer competition is back on tap and patrons can purchase a VIP experience giving them the chance to vote for the best featured brew, as presented by the 20 participating brewers. Three band shells will provide musical entertainment throughout the day and food vendors will be onsite.

“The Microbrew Review has become a favorite among the Oak Park community, and it has a village reunion feel,” said Cuneen. “The event also lets us take our mission and expand it across the metro area and educate a whole new group about sustainability.”

Get tickets at https://sevengenerationsahead.org/opmbr/

— Melissa Elsmo

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

29

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

GET READY: The 2022 Microbrew Review returns to downtown Oak Park this August.

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

Growing Green

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Creating solar converts central to Seven Generations mission

Park District of Oak Park leads local adoption

By CASSANDRA WEST Contributing Reporter

The warnings from scientists about Earth’s climate emergency haven’t been lost on Seven Generations Ahead, the Oak Park-based nonprofit. Humans need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 100% by 2050, SGA executive director Gary Cuneen says, repeatedly.

That urgency is the reason SGA is Oak Park’s strongest solar evangelist. Transitioning residences and institutions to solar energy has become a primary focus of the 21-year-old sustainability nonprofit. Clean energy is also a critical part of the workplan for the Oak Park River Forest Sustainability Plan, known as PlanItGreen (PIG), that SGA oversees.

One reason to emphasize energy is because everyone — homes, businesses, schools, churches— depends on it, yet the major energy source (fossil fuels) is dirty and detrimental to the planet and human health. A cleaner form of energy, solar is renewable, meaning it’s obtained from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, making it critical in fighting the climate crisis.

As it is with any emerging technology, people can be initially skeptical. What SGA does is educate, and educate some more through lunch-and-learns, presentations and strategy sessions that help community members understand what they’ll be getting with solar. It also emphasizes that solar infrastructure and installations can provide much needed jobs, and save households, businesses and institutions money on their energy bills.

It’s that last benefit that’s a key selling point. But before the savings, people will actually have to experience solar.

Progress is happening.

The Park District of Oak Park, an early adopter that SGA advised, has nine facilities that use energy generated by rooftop solar panels, and the district expects to add more. “We’ve worked with the park

district to analyze options for buying solar energy from new projects being built in Illinois,” Cuneen says. “We’re beginning to have the same conversations with District 200 and their procurement consultants.”

SGA’s solar advocacy now extends beyond Oak Park. “We’re exploring with a large-scale utility solar project that ultimately institutions across Oak Park and River Forest and beyond could connect to,” Cuneen says. “We’re trying to create those sorts of connections that will drive new project development in solar.”

The village of Broadview has a project initiated by Mayor Katrina Thompson called the Solar Industrial Corridor, which SGA has advised on ownership and financing options. For more than a year, SGA has collaborated with Chicago Public Schools on a program called “CPS Goes Solar.” An

RFP was just released for 13 CPS buildings to tap solar on their buildings.

Cuneen credits SGA/PIG solar consultant Mark Burger, who has 40 years of industry experience, including a stint at the U.S. Department of Energy, with progress on these outreach efforts. Burger has “stepped up outreach on a number of fronts” and is working to “bring together taxing bodies in Oak Park and River Forest to make procurement of onsite solar or offsite (community solar subscriptions)” a reality. “Most large entities are not used to making long-term energy procurements. That’s one of the biggest ideas to get across to them.” He adds, “They also want to be assured that they’re going to get clean electricity at a stable price… and avoid the volatility of energy prices.”

While solar adaptation is more than a dream, it’s far from mainstream. In a vil-

lage of 20,000 resident units, Oak Park has about 450 residential installations. River Forest has about 100. The Park District of Oak Park is the biggest nonresidential.

Statewide, only about 1% of electricity comes from solar.

Burger says the state’s 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) seeks to make solar “equitable for all incomes and all types of people.”

Over the last decade serious efforts were made to increase the economies of scale, making solar cheaper, he says. “Solar is still fighting uphill against the incumbent system.

“The technology is good. The economics are there. The biggest [obstacle] is politics.”

Despite that, Burger says solar “will eventually become the primary form of energy.”

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Growing Green

Celebrate Arbor Day with the Oak Park park district All-day activities in four locations

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

In honor of the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, the Park District of Oak Park has planned its biggest celebration yet of the national tree-centric holiday. Join the park district on April 29 for a full day of free, fun and educational activities with plenty of giveaways.

The festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at four different locations – Taylor, Maple, Scoville and Carroll Parks, as well as at the Oak Park Conservatory.

By having events at multiple spots, the park district intends to make it convenient for all Oak Parkers to attend, regardless of where they live.

“We have never done anything like this throughout the district with so many parks involved,” said park’s spokesperson Ann Marie Buczek.

As Arbor Day falls on a Friday this year, the event was planned to suit the school schedules of children. The morning will feature activities for the younger set. The adventures geared toward older children will take place in the afternoon after school dismissal. While being fun, the activities will also educate children on the importance of conservation.

“I found that kids get really interested, really excited learning about nature,” said Hannah Szuch, the park district’s nature and adventure supervisor.

Attendees can expect scavenger hunts, games, crafts and even tree stories. Not to be confused with readings of the Shel Silverstein classic “The Giving Tree,” tree stories is a kid-friendly term for interpreting the rings in a tree’s trunk, otherwise known as dendrochronology. Thicker rings occur when the tree had a better growing year; thinner rings denote years where the tree had little water, according to Szuch.

“You can really read a tree’s history from

the rings,” said Szuch. “Its age, but also what happened in its life.”

Park district staff and volunteers will be on hand at each site to give tree tips and answer questions. Special guests will also be in attendance. Members of the village of Oak Park’s Environment and Energy Commission will be stationed at certain sites, gathering residents’ input on sustainability and climate change. The village’s sustainability coordinator, Marcella Bondie Keenan, will be attending as well.

“I’m excited to partner with the park district on this. Hopefully it’s the first of many collaborations,” said Bondie Keenan.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District has donated over 100 oak saplings for the event. Stationed at Taylor Park, MWRD representatives will be giving away the baby trees to those who would like to plant them. MWRD is also providing free, high-quality compost and coloring books for kids.

The Oak Park Public Library’s Book Bike is stopping by Scoville Park, While Sugar Beet Food Co-op will be posted at Maple Park. The local grocery store is offering tastings of foods and drinks that come from trees that grow in that very park. No tree nuts will be passed out to ensure the safety of those allergic. However, self-described tree nut Szuch will be there.

Of course, the park district will also be planting a tree as it does every year for Arbor Day. An American Hornbeam has been chosen and will be planted in Carroll Park at 1 p.m. The American Hornbeam is a hardwood species native to the Chicago area that is resistant to many pests. Kids will be invited to help shovel the dirt over the roots of the newly planted tree to show them that conservation is something they can play a direct part in.

“Doing stuff locally can show them that it’s not just things far away, like the rain forest or the ice caps, that are important,” said Szuch. “It’s also conservation right here at home and they can actually make a difference.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

Growing Green

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Here’s who is leading green in Oak Park and River Forest Oak Park Climate Action Network Encourages local communication, education and advocacy on issues focused on combatting climate change.

Oak Park Climate Action Network urges community members to create a climate action plan and participate in community-wide and personal sustainable practices. https://www.facebook.com/oakparkclimateaction/ climateactionop@gmail.com (708) 653-0766 Interfaith Green Network A faith-based organization devoted to protecting the earth by providing practical sustainable practices through education and community action. https://www.facebook.com/Interfaith-Green-Network-208951019619778/ One Earth Collective People of all backgrounds express their creativity by educating and empowering change on sustainability and social justice issues. To achieve its goals, One Earth Collective combines three environmental programs: One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Local and One Earth Youth Voices. https://oneearthcollective.org/ (708) 824-6201

OPRF Environmental Club Students have the opportunity to hone their green skills at OPRF’s Environmental Club with fundraisers, meetings with experts and discussions based on recent legislation.

Instagram: @oprfhs_enviro Environmental Club Sponsor: Cindy Wong — cwong@ oprfhs.org It’s Our Future Just as the name suggests— It’s Our Future teaches the value of effective climate solutions to future generations. Youth gain the ability to promote sustainable practices and connect with various sustainability organizations within their community. https://sevengenerationsahead.org/its-our-future/ Program Consultant: Rachel Rosner — iof@sevengenerationsahead.org West Cook Wild Ones So many of the decisions we make can impact our environment — even our landscaping ones. West Cook Wild Ones provides landscape direction tailored to its local ecosystem by educating and advocating for the “preservation, restoration, and establishment of native

plant communities.” https://westcook.wildones.org/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8_PTWbGKE4YuC9bbWSx1Q Seven Generations Ahead In seven generations, will we be proud of how our actions impacted the earth? Seven Generations Ahead works with local government and private sector leaders to prioritize the education and implementation of sustainable solutions to make sure we are. https://sevengenerationsahead.org/ Energy and Environment Commission, Village of Oak Park Through education, collaboration, and implementation, Oak Park’s Energy and Environment Commission promotes energy conservation, energy efficiency, recycling and effective solid waste management. https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/citizencommissions/environment-energy-commission See GREEN on page 35

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Growing Green

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Sustainability Commission, Village of River Forest River Forest’s Sustainability Commission promotes the protection of public health, the environment and natural resources by collecting data regarding sustainability, alerting the board of trustees of possible issues and suggesting policy changes. https://www.vrf.us/boards/board/4#:~:text=The%20 Sustainability%20Commission’s%20pur pose%20 is,Review%20the%20guide%20to%20Sustainability.

Austin Green Team

Growing Green A beautiful and sustainable community greatly improves the quality of life for its members. Austin Green Team and volunteers are committed to achieving just that by providing Austin with community gardens and greenhouses. https://austingreenteam.org/ austingreenteam1@gmail.com (312) 238-8992 League of Women Voters Non-partisan political organization for women voters dedicated to discussing and raising awareness, including sustainable practices and programs across Oak Park and River Forest. https://www.lwvoprf.org/

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

35

LWVOPRF1924@gmail.com (708) 342-0803 Park District of Oak Park sustainability committee Winner of the “Best of the Best Award in Green Practices,” Oak Park’s park district is certainly keen on being green. Installations of solar panels and rain gardens, preservation of natural resources and education are just a fraction of the district’s work to implement sustainable practices. https://www.pdop.org/about/environment/

Compiled by Kate Hesterman

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Growing Green

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Laura Derks1, Mario Longoni2 & Amy Rosenthal2 1, Mario 2 & Amy Rosenthal2 2& 2 Laura Derks Longoni 1Flybird Experience & 2Field Museum 2 Mario Longoni Amy Rosenthal hal 1Flybird Experience & 2Field Museum Experience & 2Field Museum

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Chicago Region Field Guide to Taking Action on Climate Change Derkswill , Mario Longoni & Amy Rosenthal What Laura Actions YOU take?

Save this Guide!

1Flybird Experience & 2Field Museum 1

2

2

Climate change is already affecting all of us in the Chicago Region, and some of our neighborhoods and places face more severe impacts, more frequently. At the same time, many Chicago communities have shown resilience and creativity in responding to those impacts. We are indebted to the climate leadership of many groups and individuals to fight climate change. We can all take steps to mitigate climate change by slowing and reversing greenhouse gas emissions. The list below illustrates effective actions you can take to reduce your climate impact. Try some!

2 Switch to renewable energy for your 3 home, school, or house of worship.

7 Schedule an energy assessment or audit for your home or work.

8

Insulate your home, school, or house of worship.

Eat a plant-based diet.

4

9

Use the CTA or Metra.

Switch to electric appliances and vehicles.

5

Support habitat restoration and protection.

10 Walk to work, shop, and play.

1 Advocate for your city, state, and country to act on climate change.

6

Bike to work and for fun.

11 Plant trees and care for them.

Inspiration and data for this Field Guide were drawn from the Chicago Community Climate Action Toolkit, Chicago Community Climate ActionC CoolClimate carbon footprint calculator, Chicago Agreement on Climate and Community, and Project Drawdown.

CoolClimate footprint calculator Agreement o CoolClimate carbon footprint calculator Chicagocarbon Agreement on Climate andChicago Community Proj CoolClimate carbon footprin For more information about your household's carbon footprint, check out the CoolClimate.org interactive map.

CoolClimate.org inte

Laura Derks1, Mario Longoni2 & Amy Rosenthal2 1Flybird Experience & 2Field Museum Photos: Laura Derks, Dorian Bruer, Rene Schwietzke, Mario Longoni, Elevate Energy, Amy Rosenthal, Iza Redlinski, Openlands, TCA Health, and Laura Milkert.

Produced by Laura Derks, Mario Longoni, Amy Rosenthal and Alicia Diaz, Field Museum.

12 Cultivate perennial prairie gardens at home or in your community.

© Field Museum (2022) CC BY-NC 4.0. Licensed works are free to use/share/remix with attribution, but commercial use of the original work is not permitted. [fieldguides.fieldmuseum.org]

Chicago Community Climate Action Toolkit Community Action Community carbon Climatefootprint ActionChicago Toolkit calculator ChicagoClimate Agreement onToolkit Climate and Community Project Drawdown mmunity Climate ActionChicago ToolkitCoolClimate Climate carbon footprint calculator Agreement on Climate and Community Project DrawdownCoolClimate.org interactive map Chicago Agreement on Climate andChicago Community Project Drawdown nd Community Project Drawdown CoolClimate.org interactive map CoolClimate.org interactive map CoolClimate.org interactive map

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version 1

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Homes Tales our houses tell: West Side stories

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

Historical Society housewalk returns to River Forest

By LACEY SIKORA

A

Contributing Reporter

fter a tumultuous few years that saw housewalks cancelled and modified to emphasis outdoor spaces, the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society is back with a traditional housewalk that will give participants interior access to seven homes.

This year, the walk returns to its roots in River Forest, exploring some of the village’s oldest homes on the west side of the village.

Frank Lipo, executive director of the historical society says that while some of these homes have been featured on sidewalk walking tours that the historical society was able to keep going during the pandemic, this year is different.

“It’s great to actually get into these houses,” he said.

Historical society board member Mary Boyaris, who helped chair this year’s walk and has volunteered on previous historical society housewalks, says planning the walk in 2021 required a great deal of fortitude and good luck.

Originally planned as an exterior only walk, the 2021 housewalk fell in a period between waves of COVID-19.

While the walk had several stops on the exterior of each featured home, small groups were allowed to enter homes for an interior glimpse.

“Last year was like winning the lottery,” Boyaris said, noting that while they had to skip the traditional thank you reception for volunteers and homeowners, the committee is hoping to combine the 2021 and 2022 receptions.

This year, things are looking up. At first, Boyaris says that two years into the pandemic she wasn’t sure if her usual method of contacting homeowners was appropriate.

“It was intimidating to knock on doors with a face mask, knowing that most homeowners would not be excited to find a surprise visitor on their doorstep,” Boyaris said.

She had the idea to focus on an area of River Forest that co-volunteers Kurt Etchingham and Jan Saeger had turned into an exterior-only housewalk during the pandemic. The group already had a connection to some of the homeowners and knew that many in the community would love a chance to see the interiors of the homes.

Homeowners were ready and willing to open their homes, and Boyaris says that many of the oldest homes in the village featured on the walk are newly owned by young families who are excited to share them and add a chapter the homes’ histories.

After considering more than 36 homes, the volunteers See HOUSEWALK on page 38

PROVIDED

The Oak Park River Forest Historical Society housewalk will feature homes on the west end of River Forest that will take visitors back to very beginning of the village. Four of the homes date to the 1870s, before River Forest’s incorporation as a municipality.

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

HOUSEWALK

Before you go

Back to the beginning

The Oak Park River Forest Historical Society housewalk takes place Sunday, May 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets for the walk can be purchased in advance by calling 708-848-6755, online at oprfmuseum.org or in person in the gift shop of the Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St. in Oak Park.

Tickets purchased in advance cost $30 ($25 for OPRF Museum members).

Tickets can also be purchased the day of the walk at the River Forest United Methodist Church, 7970 Lake St., for $35. Face masks will be required inside the homes.

from page 37 narrowed down their choices to seven and prepared to delve into the history.

“This is a classic beginning of River Forest story,” Boyaris said. “We haven’t done a tour like this in seven years, and our old housewalks focused only on the first owners of the homes. Now, we go up from the first owners to the present-day, and we’re finding some really good stories.”

The seven featured homes are all centered on the 500, 600 and 700 blocks of Keystone and Thatcher avenues, making for a very walkable tour. Four of the houses predate the founding of River Forest in 1880, with four built in the 1870s, one in 1895, one in 1900 and one in 1911.

The houses share the stories of families and include a two-flat built for a man’s mother-in-law, a home a father built for his daughter and another home that stayed in the same family for almost 100 years.

Two of the homes were built in the same era by close friends that might have looked

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This home on Keystone Avenue was designed by Oak Park architect E.E. Roberts and is considered one his studio’s finest works. very similar when they were constructed but differ significantly 150 years later. An E.E. Roberts designed-home is considered one of his studio’s finest works, and another home has been considered a River Forest landmark since it was built in 1876.

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Boyaris notes that the Thatcher name runs throughout the stories as two separate Thatcher families owned and or lived in some of the featured houses.

The historical society aims to broaden the scope of their walks from just architec-

ture to include the histories of people who once owned the homes, and this year’s crop of houses lends itself to a lot of interesting information.

“There are so many stories about these houses, in part because many of them are 150 years old,” Lipo said. “We like to put the spotlight on interesting past owners.

Together, the people and the places tell the best stories.”

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SPORTS Daughter over dad as Trinity’s Hoffman blanks Fenwick

Blazers’ ace fires two-hit shutout to top crosstown rival

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

It was a family affair April 21 at the Dominican Priory in River Forest as Bryan Hoffman and his Fenwick High School softball team welcomed neighborhood rival Trinity High School, for whose team Hoffman’s daughter Danielle plays.

“It really wasn’t as weird as I thought it was going to be,” Bryan Hoffman said. “The hardest part is that we’re hoping for success with our team, but at the same time I want Danielle to do well, and clearly she had success today.”

Indeed, Danielle Hoffman had a good day both in the circle and at the plate against the Friars. She pitched a twohit shutout with 11 strikeouts and reached base twice as the Blazers rolled to an 8-0 victory.

“Our team did great today,” said Danielle Hoffman. “I feel we came together as a team and we’re starting to make some headway and become the team we’re supposed to be this year.

“Facing my dad’s team wasn’t as awkward like I thought it would be, but I’m kind of worried about family dinner tonight,” she added with a grin. “I thought it went well and was a nice, friendly competition.”

Danielle Hoffman showed why she’s Trinity’s top pitcher, and Blazers coach James Goranson felt this was her best outing of the season.

“Danielle was incredible,” he said. “I told her this was going to be her game today, and she and [catcher] Linnea (Drever) were lights out. I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts. When Danielle is in the circle, we have a chance against any team.”

Trinity (5-6) started with a pair of runs in the first inning. Lia Caporale’s double plated Analisa Barone. After moving to third on a wild pitch, Caporale scored on a RBI groundout by Eleanor Flores.

The game then settled into a pitching duel between Hoff-

SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

Trinity’s Danielle Hoffman threw a two-hit shutout, striking out 11, to lead the Blazers past rival Fenwick – where her father, Bryan, is head coach – 8-0 on April 21 in River Forest. man and Fenwick ace Talia Lorenzo. In the top of the fifth, the Blazers erupted for five runs that effectively put things away.

“Danielle started it by fouling off pitches and the rest of the lineup followed. You could honestly see the frustration on [Lorenzo],” said Goranson of the pivotal inning. “We strung some hits together.”

After Hoffman doubled to lead off, Meagan Murphy singled and Fenwick intentionally walked Caporale to load the bases. Then Flores singled to right, driving home two to give Trinity a 4-0 lead.

“Eleanor’s been solid all year,” Goranson said. “She takes balls and swings at strikes, and that goes a long way in the game of softball. We can rely on her in the clutch.”

Drever drove in Caporale with a RBI groundout, then Kendall Hynes doubled to plate Flores and give the Blazers a 6-0 lead. That would be all for Lorenzo, who gave up seven runs on seven hits to go with four walks and seven strikeouts.

“She’s a really good pitcher and was challenging me

at the plate,” said Danielle Hoffman of Lorenzo, who’s thrown two no-hitters this year, including a perfect game.

“She kept us on our toes.”

“Talia’s a great pitcher, but we need to make more plays behind her,” said Bryan Hoffman. “If we catch fly balls, it’s a closer game.”

Hynes scored on a wild pitch by Friars’ pitcher Sophie Stone to cap Trinity’s five-run fifth, then the Blazers added another run in the sixth when Murphy, who had three hits, homered to right-center.

Fenwick (5-8) had just three hitters reach base against Danielle Hoffman. Ellie Kolb walked in the second, Marisa Sena singled in the fifth and Kailey Janda singled in the sixth.

Both Fenwick and Trinity lost their doubleheaders on April 23. The Friars lost to visiting Resurrection 5-2 and 10-9. In the second game, Fenwick had 13 hits, including home runs by Caity Barganski and Janda. Meanwhile, the Blazers fell to host Providence Catholic 5-0 and 13-1 respectively.

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S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OPRF senior tosses rain-shortened no-hitter Cole Shamhart fans 7, walks six to lead Huskies past DGN

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

PHOTO BY J. TODD PHILLIPS

Cole Shamhart

Cole Shamhart tossed a no-hitter against visiting Downers Grove North on April 20 to lead the Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball team to a 4-0 victory in a rain-shortened five-inning game.

The senior issued six walks but also recorded seven strikeouts. Kevin Cortez (2-for2, RBI) and John Ferraro (2-for-3 including a two-run double) paced the Huskies’ attack.

The following day, Downers North was exacted revenge as the Trojans pulled away late to defeat OPRF 12-3. Mason Phillips collected two hits and scored twice for the Huskies (8-6) in the loss.

On April 23, Phillips recorded OPRF’s lone hit -- a single -- as the Huskies dropped a 2-1 game to Hinsdale South. Francis Heinzmann pitched well in defeat, allowing two runs on four hits along with four strikeouts.

NOW HIRING — FLEXIBLE HOURS — $15/HR TO START

Fenwick goes 1-3 in Florida trip The Fenwick High School baseball team went 1-3 on its annual Florida trip last week.

The Friars’ lone victory came April 19 as they defeated J.P. Stevens of Edison, New Jersey 4-2. Trailing 2-0 entering the top of the fifth, Fenwick (6-5) rallied for three runs.

Tommy Clark had a two-run single, then Finnley Koch’s sacrifice fly gave the Friars a 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Luis Gonzales (2-for-2) provided Fenwick with an insurance run in the top of the sixth with a RBI single.

Luke Mockler pitched three scoreless innings of relief to notch the win, and Jimmy Martin earned the save.

Sophomore placed 14th overall in 3,200 meters at invite featuring top runners

By BILL STONE

RESIDENTIAL — COMMERCIAL — RETAIL — CHURCHES — SCHOOLS

The OPRF girls water polo team went 2-2 at the Hudsonville-Zeeland Tournament in Michigan on April 22-23.

On April 22, Rory Cronin tallied seven goals to lead the Huskies (12-13) to a 12-6 victory over West Ottawa of Holland, Michigan. Cali Weber registered seven saves and Ella Homrock three.

On April 23, Cronin had four goals and Ava Massmann a goal and five steals to lift OPRF past East Kentwood (Michigan) 6-4. Weber had five saves and Homrock three.

OPRF’s Stabb break through with PR at Distance Night Contributing Reporter

SERVING OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST SINCE 1976

Cronin leads OPRF girls water polo in tourney

Oak Park and River Forest High School sophomore Katie Stabb thought she could achieve a personal record time in the 3,200-meter run April 23 at Distance Night in Palatine.

On a very windy and warm Saturday, Stabb was strong enough to take the lead with two laps remaining.

The third-place result in her heat was a huge PR of 11 minutes, 7.21 seconds -- her first time under the IHSA Class 3A state-qualifying standard of 11:07.39. Stabb’s previous best was 11:20.74 for fourth at the West Suburban Silver indoor conference meet on March 18.

“I’m really excited because I wasn’t sure that I would get a PR by that much,” Stabb said. “[Distance coach

Ashley Raymond] instructed me to try to beat everybody and just go on the last 800 [meters]. I guess they had more of a kick. It definitely makes me more confident and really hopeful for maybe future PRs when it’s not as windy.”

The annual invitational in Palatine featured many of the state’s top distance runners in girls and boys 800, 1,600 and 3,200 races with at least 49 finishers in each event. There also was a freshman boys 1,600 with 17 finishers.

Stabb, who competed in the third of four seeded 3,200 heats, was 14th overall among 61 finishers.

Top-30 overall finishers in the other five major events were OPRF junior Liam Newhart (21st, 9:32.23), who won the second of four heats for the boys 3,200, and OPRF senior Ryan Leonard (26th, 1:59.88) and Fenwick senior Lee O’Bryan (27th, 1:59.91) and junior Grayden Rill (29th, 2:00.08) in the boys 800.

OPRF’s Liam O’Connor (4:45.31) and Connor Schupp (4:46.80) were 11th and 13th in the freshman boys 1,600.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

VIEWPOINTS

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

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Happy 70th anniversary p. 46

Embracing the purpose of his life Roll out the barrel, we’ll have a barrel of fun Roll out the barrel, we’ve got the blues on the run Zing boom tararrel, ring out a song of good cheer Now’s the time to roll the barrel, for the gang’s all here.

Beer Barrel Polka

T

he letter I had been expecting, and dreading, for so long finally arrived the week before last: “Our friend and brother, Fr. Jim O’Connor, died on April 7th and was buried the next day. He had dementia for a few years as well as heart trouble. Generally, he was in a good mood and enjoyed singing, ‘Roll out the barrel!’

He was the last of his family. Blessings to you and your family as we approach the Easter season with the promise of eternal life. Fr. Tom McMaster” Jim O’Connor, 97, was a Trappist Cistercian monk for 73 years at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, Iowa.

He was the first monk I met when I started visiting the monastery for what turned out to be 21 Octobers, beginning in 1995.

That first day, he asked me where I was from. “Oak Park, Illinois,” I said.

“Me too,” he replied. A fast friendship formed. We had much in common. He was born on June 6, like me, in 1924, like my dad, and grew up in Cicero, attending St. Frances of Rome School, like my mom. He vividly recalled her and her older sister, Patricia, and often asked about “the Mooney girls” with a dreamy look on his face.

Like my mom, Jim’s family moved to Oak Park, Ascension Parish, a short walk up East Avenue to Fenwick High School, where he won the annual boxing tournament in his weight class, senior year, class of 1942. Later his family moved to River Forest. His sister, Jean, who taught in District 90 for many years, lived there until she died a few years back. Jim would come in to visit her once a year, right about now.

He was a wonderful ambassador for monastic life. Amiable and witty, with an ever-ready, glad-to-see-you grin, he made you think, “This looks like a life worth living.”

But he traveled a long road to get there. After high school, he joined the Army Air Corps and shipped off to Europe. Jim was stationed at an airbase in England where, at the exalted age of 20, he became co-pilot of a B-17 “flying fortress,” 388th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. He and the crew of the LaDee-Doo, flew their allotted 35 missions in 1944, from July 4

KEN

TRAINOR

See TRAINOR on page 42

FILE

Harriette and Mac Robinet, environmentalists

Owning the baby in the ditch

M

By KEN TRAINOR

cLouis (“Mac”) Robinet has lived in Oak Park for 57 years. When he moved here, he taught at the University of Illinois Chicago, then worked at Argonne Laboratories for almost four decades, specializing in health physics and radiation protection. After he retired in 2004, he began to focus his energies on environmental issues. Nine years ago, he co-founded the Repair Café, first Saturday of every month at the Fox Park Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., which has a distinctly environmental angle: It keeps a lot of appliances and electronics out of landfills.

It’s free, though donations are appreciated.

He is an active member of four environmental organizations: ■ Oak Park Climate Action Network, ■ Interfaith Green Network, ■ Senior Climate Action, and ■ Citizens Climate Lobby He also donates to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Sierra Club and the American Solar Energy Society.

We asked Mac to tell us more about how he got involved in environmental issues and how he views our precarious future.

Have you always been an environmentalist, or was there a person or event that precipitated your interest and involvement?

When I was a kid, we were constantly reminded that “if you see a baby in the ditch, you own it.” I was always respectful of the environment but I was sort of oblivious about the serious threat of global warming. I saw no babies in the ditch. However, about 25 year ago, I attended a lunchtime seminar at Argonne given by James Hansen. (He is considered by many to be the Father of Global Warming.) For the first time I realized that we were in a crisis unlike any ever faced by humans. I saw the baby in the ditch.

At the end of his talk, Hansen told us that he was giving us a charge to act. He said that we cannot say that we didn’t know or we didn’t understand. We now had an obligation to do whatever we could.

See ROBINET on page 46

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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

O U R

V I E W S

Urging cops to intervene

W

e find the jargon less than direct, but the goal of a new police training initiative in River Forest is welltimed and on point.

The River Forest Police Department is completing its application to become certified under the ABLE project, an effort to train police officers on methods of intervention when fellow officers cross lines while interacting with citizens on the street.

The name George Floyd did not come up April 11 when the department made a presentation to the River Forest village board on the topic, but it is clear the murder of Floyd on a Minneapolis street by one police officer with the complicit-to-active support of other officers is driving some necessary change in how we consider public safety and policing.

Officer Ben Ransom came somewhat close to the topic when he told the board, “We can’t just stand by. We need to change the culture, which will support the officers’ health and well-being.”

Ransom said the training focuses not just on teaching officers when to intervene but also, and maybe more critically, on how to accept an intervention from a fellow cop.

Police culture runs deep. It has its virtues and it has its demons.

Change starts by publicly acknowledging how ingrained silence and self-protection run in American policing.

This effort, offered by Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety, seems a bit tangled up in an odd language of “bystandership.” But the goal is overdue. Police departments, says ABLE, “must commit to creating a culture of active bystandership and peer intervention through police, training, support and accountability.”

River Forest, its police leadership, and we hope its officers, get full credit for this effort. When complete, this small department will become the first policing body in the entire state to be certified by ABLE. Oak Park, which maybe, just maybe is beginning to get some cohesive movement toward change in policing, ought to be paying attention to the steady efforts in River Forest.

Growing Green indeed

As Earth Month comes to a close on this troubled planet, here at home in Oak Park and River Forest, Wednesday Journal offers you a 20-page Growing Green special section overpacked with ideas, cautions, hope and reality checks related to why acting locally is still so critical to saving this planet.

Working on this project in collaboration with the Oak Park Climate Action Network, we had too many stories to tell (see Viewpoints, page 41). We are blessed to live in an activist, problemsolving community that recognizes time is short to have the impact we need to make. Here we have the beginnings of alliances between local taxing bodies willing to invest in zero energy efforts. We have youth on fire to make actual change and to do the work. We have faith organizations who see the need to organize. We have urban farming and farmers markets. We have a growing bike culture. We have local businesses open to exploring their part in limiting waste.

We have great energy, smart and determined people and we have limited time to make a difference. That is a great motivator.

V I E W P O I N T S TRAINOR

Dubuque Catholic newspaper for over a decade.

During my four-day personal retreats, every fall from 1995 to 2015, Jim and I found time to talk as often through Dec. 10. as possible, sometimes playing hooky from Compline, It was dangerous work. “Of the 450 combat crews the last chapel service of the day. He was ever curious that passed through the 388th from July 1943 to April about the world outside the monastery walls and 1945,” Jim wrote, “138 were missing in action and 200 intrigued by my take on current events. completed their tour of duty.”

Unfailingly good-natured and good hearted, he was Jim and his crew survived three close calls and lived utterly unpretentious, and a devout practitioner of to enjoy reunions held at New Melleray, which he dewhat I would call “deep acceptance.” He preached scribed as, “Two beautiful golden days of reminiscing letting the Holy Spirit show the way in my life, and and trying to comprehend the meaning of our lives.” he didn’t just see the divine in others, but actively Upon returning from the war, Jim attended Notre searched for it, and usually found it. He referred to Dame and DePaul universities on the G.I. Bill. In one most everyone he knew as “a beautiful person” and of his classes, a professor mentioned the contemplaregarded the shortcomings and frailties of human tive life of the monastic tradition, which planted a nature as part of the human comedy. I looked on him seed. In 1949, he entered New Melleas a spiritual father figure. ray, part of a surge of vocations Jim believed monasticism benfollowing World War II. efited the world at large, providing Life in the Trappist Cistercian an authentic, alternative way of Order back then was austere to living in a culture badly needing the point of severe. You worked one. I would agree, though that life hard with few “consolations,” as he is not for everyone. The monks set used to say. It was not for the faint an example of disciplined prayerfulof heart or the faint of faith. In ness, material poverty and spiritual addition to helping with farm work richness, devoting their life to seek(especially at harvest time), Jim laing union with God. If you believe, bored as a brick layer and limestone as I do, that the divine doesn’t exist mason, building a major addition in the world unless we incarnate it, to the cloistered complex, which bringing it into existence through was needed to house the influx of the way we think and feel and live, novices. He also taught philosophy then monks do just that, making classes, favoring Existential Pheeach day holy and consecrating nomenology, defined as “the study Fr. Jim O’Connor their daily routine. of subjective human experience as It is a life that seems to agree evidenced by beliefs, goals, feelings, with them. Most live deep into old thoughts, actions, social interacage and radiate composure and contentment — up at tions, and the like. It interprets the human condition 3 a.m., singing psalms seven times a day, seven days a through the perspective of the individual being studweek in their architecturally acclaimed chapel, with ied.” Right up his alley. Human beings were always in time outside of work to contemplate the purpose of the forefront of Jim’s spiritual awareness. existence, staying open to the guidance of the Spirit, But for many years, his human condition was miserliving in community where an excess of ego works able. He described it as a “dark night of the soul,” against you, with lots of interesting people from all using the famous phrase coined by the mystic John of walks of life showing up at the guesthouse, seeking the Cross. Today it would likely be diagnosed as clinitemporary refuge from the vicissitudes of life. cal depression.

Jim seemed to thrive on it, at least during the time Fortunately, life became more humane in the 1960s I knew him. There was delight in him, which I take to as the Vatican II reforms found their way to the abbey. mean he had discovered, and embraced, the purpose He recalled the day a visitor in the guesthouse blasted of his existence. a recording of Debussy’s “Claire de Lune” out the In the end, he faded into the eternal now of memory window and those working in the garden below stood loss, his hearing having already deserted him. When stock still, frozen in wonder, having heard no classical he died, as he once explained to me, he was buried in music for almost two decades. his black-and-white Trappist robes, no casket, lowered Movies also became available on special occasions, into the ground, accompanied only by prayers. But the first being “Zorba the Greek,” which caused many he believed in resurrection and eternal life and that’s monks to walk out in protest, finding it obscene. Jim, what he hoped to find on the far side of life. however, was enchanted. He saw in films a vehicle for And if it turned out he was right about all that, I conveying meaning and spiritual values, and he beknow what he would say to us now: came a dedicated film buff. Ulie’s Gold, starring Peter “Roll out the barrel, we’ve got the blues on the run Fonda, was one of his favorites. …”

An excellent writer who loved poetry, Jim produced Thanks for the wisdom, Jim, and all that good a quarterly newsletter titled, “Monastery Seasons,” cheer. which led to authoring a regular column in the continued from page 41

V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N

by Marc Stopeck

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

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

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

About Viewpoints

Instead of defund or defend, define

S

peaking as a white octogenarian male, I’ve had few encounters with police anywhere, and none during our five years in Oak Park. Getting pulled over and ticketed for speeding years ago was unpleasant for me at most, not stoked with anxiety. I’m well aware that minorities — especially young Black males — report much worse treatment far too often. I’m privileged even when I don’t deserve to be.

Reform of policing is a hot-button issue, to say the least. Shouts of “Defund!” from one side are met with loud responses of “Defend!” Each wants to set up the other as the enemy, and conflict has escalated. And both are negativities on the loose.

A positive alternative exists: Define. Be clear and specific about what is — and more importantly what is not — included in the “protect and serve” motto often used by police departments. Situations that are not clearly criminal, such as domestic and mental health crises, are routinely foisted off on police, when they would be better handled by people who are trained and experienced in social work and psychology. For 33 years, Eugene, Oregon, has had CAHOOTS,

a mental-health intervention program that has drawn attention and replication nationwide. Oak Park would do well to emulate it.

I’ve been gifted with two Swiss Army knives. One has two blades and four tools — not much bigger than the Boy Scout knives many boys had back in the ’50s. The other is almost twice as thick and clearly not just a pocket knife. It has two blades plus nine tools, even scissors and pliers! Most can’t be opened with a thumbnail; it takes a screwdriver — another tool! — just to get them out. Today’s police officers are too often expected to do too many tasks that demand tools that turn out to be just as unwieldy, and well-nigh-impossible to master by any one person. Change tactics. Call out armed and sworn peace officers for possible criminal activity, but send caregivers and peacemakers to people in crises. It’s just common sense.

We ask too much of our good police. Provide them with the right kind of support to partner with them and keep our community peaceful.

Fred Reklau is a Lutheran minister and an Oak Park resident.

FRED REKLAU One View

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

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

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

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

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Let’s emerge on the right side of history

Guess what?

Colin Fane, Agent 212 S Marion Street Fl G Oak Park, IL 60302 Bus: 708-383-3163 www.colinfane.com Monday & Friday 9am-5pm Tues/Wed/ Thurs 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-12pm

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We are collecting non-perishable food items for Beyond Hunger’s “Can Do” Community Challenge!

Donations can be made during regular business hours through the month of April.

Together we can make a difference!

State Farm Bloomington, IL

RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

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Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $11.99

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Gyros with fries $8.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .49

3

When considering the opportunity to rebuild the physical education spaces at Oak Park and River Forest High School (Project 2), let’s consider the legacy we want to leave.

Do we want to continue kicking the can down the road so the next generation must experience the same suboptimal learning spaces that today’s students face? I don’t.

Let’s center the children of this community and trust what they are telling us about the condition of facilities built in 1928 and 1957.

Their environment matters. Their physical and mental well-being matters. Let’s also listen to the OPRF physical education faculty, who have continued to deliver under the most trying of circumstances.

This is not a “pool project.” This is about rebuilding physical education classrooms and related spaces to align curricular approaches with today’s students. If we rebuild the southeast wing of OPRF, gender nonconforming students will find inclusive options for changing rooms. Students with disabilities will finally access all levels. We will break free from the architectural divisions that reflect the pre-Title IX societal divisions that defined physical education for girls as

less important. This project is a must-do because of the building conditions, and by rebuilding we will demonstrate we value our children’s physical and emotional well-being as much as we value their academic intellect.

There are creative funding options to consider, and the school is well-positioned financially with respect to our operating budget and reserves. Investment in capital projects will not take money from the operating budget, which covers the delivery of academic programming and the implementation of equity efforts across the school.

Just think of how differently this undertaking will feel if, instead of fighting it, we come together to resolve it with open minds on methods to fund it. We won’t get there if we dig in our heels or listen to naysayers with arguments not based on facts or the truth.

Let’s leave a legacy that represents our willingness to collaboratively fix a complex, longstanding problem so the youth of this community can benefit now and for generations to come.

Let’s be role models, not saboteurs.

Alison Welch Oak Park

A tour of OPRF’s Project 1 and coming Project 2 Recently, the OPRF Community Council toured the nearly completed Imagine OPRF Project 1 construction work, and had the chance to experience the new spaces Oak Park and River Forest students have enjoyed for several months now. We saw the new Student Resource Center, new cafeteria, and expansive new student common area near the main entrance.

The work is impressive. This summer, Project 1 work will continue, with the renovation of 65 classrooms and the construction of 15 new ones by the opening of school next August.

This first phase of a long-term capital improvement effort was a test for OPRF. Could a school that had not taken on a major new construction project in over 50 years handle this one? Would the work be done on time and on budget? Would the new spaces support instruction, equity, current and future student

needs — and be worthy of our community?

We now know the answers: Yes, yes, and yes.

But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself. Oak Park and River Forest families are invited to tour the new construction on Monday, May 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

While you’re there, be sure to take a tour of OPRF’s current physical education learning spaces. Next fall, the OPRF administration and District 200 school board will consider what specific projects to include in Project 2.

So this is a chance for you to see for yourself the state of the locker rooms, the classrooms, the wrestling room, the pools, the fieldhouse, the weight rooms — all the spaces thousands of current students use all day long — and to be informed for the conversation our community will be having in the coming months about the future of OPRF.

Tim Brandhorst

River Forest

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

And what is our responsibility?

Unlike John Duffy [Burning off the fog of history, Viewpoints, April 20], when I graduated from college I was drafted and sent to Vietnam as a combat infantryman, where I served from July 1970 until April 1971 with the 5th Battalion/7th Calvary, 1st Air Calvary Division. As a history teacher, Mr. Duffy knows that the 7th Calvary was Gen. Custer’s unit.

Decades after returning home, I was finally emotionally able to take college graduate level courses on “America in Vietnam.”

Mr. Duffy and his Vietnam Veterans Against the War message of “Love the warrior, hate the war” is a nice message to present to students, but it does not reflect the actual experience of returning veterans. The civilian population, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and all other veterans groups turned their backs on returning Vietnam veterans.

The Vietnam Veterans of America was founded in 1978 because no one else would have us. In the entire history of the United States, the Vietnam veterans were the only soldiers who were not welcomed home from war by their fellow citizens. Which is why the greeting to a Vietnam veteran is “Welcome

Home” rather than the traditional “Thank you for your service.” It was not until the Iraq war that there was the great America revisionist history movement when everyone claimed that back in the day they were against the Vietnam War but not the soldiers who fought in the war.

Mr. Duffy states: “They [the dominant national media] unquestionably repeat the administration’s messaging mix of truth, lies, distortion, and hypocrisy, reducing Ukraine’s death and destruction to the psychotic, imperial aggression of Putin — in a war they insist the U.S. has no responsibility in bringing about. The fog of history, sadly, continues.”

In June 1971 the New York Times published “The Pentagon Papers,” which had been provided to them by Daniel Ellsberg and which exposed the lies behind the Vietnam War. I believe Mr. Duffy should, like Mr. Ellsberg, publish what he believes represents the U.S.’s responsibility in bringing about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Duffy could thus lift the current fog of history.

Alan Krause

Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

Have that conversation and more

I am very grateful for Teresa Powell’s “One View” essay on having a family discussion about “end of life” wishes. It’s a good start.

I’d like to extend her sentiment in two more directions.

Having a discussion with family members about end-of-life wishes is, of course, critical. But, alone, it does not empower them to carry out those wishes in the event that I am incommunicative or incompetent. Health-care personnel have no mandate to listen to hearsay. End-oflife wishes need to be encoded and empowered through a formal Power of Attorney for Healthcare and a Living Will.

But what about after “end of life”?

There is so much more loved ones will have to be concerned with on my behalf.

Yes, formalities should be encoded in a Will, but even that barely scratches the surface.

I do recommend what I call develop-

ing a “cheat sheet.” Write out significant people who need to be contacted. Write out what to do with a pet. Where does that favorite book or piece of art go? What are my Medicare account numbers? And so much more. Put yourself in your loved one’s place — unwinding your life as you would like them to — and list out every piece of information you can think of to help them focus and get results.

Yes, this does need to be done now, not at the end-of-life stage. And yes, things may change — but it’ll be easier to cross something out and add updated information versus leaving your loved ones wondering what I would like to have done with ...

Have that conversation. Get a Power of Attorney for Healthcare. Make a Living Will. Sign a Will. And above all, create the cheat sheet needed to focus your family on what matters most to you and will be most helpful to them.

Ron Elling

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Happy 70th anniversary!

Eight children, 26 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, first cousins in from Alaska, Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin — about 120 family and close friends celebrated the 70th wedding anniversary of Glenn and Marianne Brooker, longtime Oak Park residents, Saturday at Ascension Church and the Oak Park Country Club.

ROBINET

How to get involved from page 41 What was the first action you took to address your interest?

The first action I took was a false start to support the production of renewable energy by wind farms. I thought I could do that by buying Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). After making monthly contributions for more than a year I realized that I was buying voluntary Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and I was really participating in a scam. I was discouraged to discover that millions of individuals and organizations who were trying to do something positive were also participating in this “scam.”

Through extensive research, I discovered that voluntary Renewable Energy

Less than .1% of couples make it that far and probably only a portion of those who do still have their wits about them and live on their own as my folks are.

The actual wedding date was June 14, 1952.

Certificates are simply records of energy production, and they have no impact on increasing renewable sources of electricity.

In most cases there is also the false claim that voluntary RECs, when bundled with the purchase of electricity, provide the buyer with 100% renewable energy.

Because of my experience and research with voluntary RECs, one of my passions and mission is to inform municipalities, and institutions about the real meaning of voluntary RECs, why they are a waste of money, why claims to provide renewable energy are false, and why they distract from doing what actually reduces emissions.

In January 2021, our own OPRF High School (one of the largest users of electricity in the village) signed a three-year contract for electricity bundled with voluntary RECS. I and others advised the school to at least acknowledge the error as a teaching moment for their students (advice not ac-

Tom Brooker Oak Park

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY: Marianne and Glenn Brooker in June of 1952 (above) and what came of it (left ).

cepted).

I have a list of environmental issues I feel obliged to work on. Currently, my top three are: 1.) Spread the word about the true meaning of voluntary Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

2.) Provide support for an ordinance which will require that all new building must be all-electric. Electrification of all new buildings and a phase-in electrification of existing buildings is probably the single most important action we can take to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

3.) Provide presentations on “How Heat Pumps Work.” (Heat pumps are the enabling technology for electrification.)

What would you recommend for local residents who want to get more involved?

I would recommend joining one of the groups mentioned above. They are all open and welcoming to everyone. Even the na-

tional organizations like the Sierra Club have local chapters. If you have questions concerns, or an opinion, send a One View essay to the Viewpoints section in Wednesday Journal.

Are you an optimist, pessimist, realist or all of the above when it comes to addressing climate change?

According to the 2021 IPCC report, we must treat climate change as an immediate threat. I am optimistic because the U.S. has officially rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, and has committed to a 50-52% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 2005 levels) by 2030.

It will take everyone doing whatever they can, regardless how small the action. However, the big picture is about reducing and eventually ending our use of fossil fuels.

We have to shift our energy supply to nonfossil fuel sources and invest in strategies like reforestation and carbon dioxide capture.

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Beware of gas leaking near new meters

Did your home recently have the gas meter replaced? Ours did. About a month later, we happened to be in that area of the basement and smelled gas immediately inside where the new meter had been placed outside. Two leaks were found that day at the pipe joints inside, leading to the new meter. Luckily, the new technician tightened the pipe joints and the leaks were fixed. No fire occurred dur-

ing that month. But you may not be so lucky! The technician who did the original work checked that our gas appliances functioned properly after he did the work, but he did not check the pipe joints inside leading to the new meter. Be aware. You may want to call Nicor to check for this type of leak at your home.

Mary Swiontoniowski Oak Park

Honoring Dr. Percy Julian Kudos and hats off to the Oak Park Public Library committee for their acknowledgment of Dr. Percy Julian’s birthday on April 11 and commemorating his life and contributions [Oak Park library features a new Percy Julian exhibit, News, April 20].

As a resident of Oak Park, a diverse community, it is foreseeable that the village president and board of trustees, as well as the school districts, would give prominence to his life by creating an annual recognition and celebration. It is the right thing to do!

Special thanks to Jodi Kolo, library

spokesperson, for the awesome summation of the life of Oak Park’s “Forgotten Genius.” Percy Julian is another significant figure in Oak Park’s history, whose achievements and story are very relevant to the community today and should be remembered, shared, and celebrated around the world.

Let’s unite and give Dr. Percy Julian, a well-deserved dignitary, recognition, admiration and respect for an unremembered hero.

O B I T U A R I E S

Michael Dolan, 84 Entertainer, home chef, family photographer

Michael J. Dolan, 84, died on Friday, March 4 at his Oak Park home, while under the care of his family and hospice workers. Born in Joliet, he was raised in Waukegan, the eldest of five children.

Beginning in 1971, he worked for DCFS as an administrator in facilities for juvenile offenders. He later transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections as a psychologist administrator for the Menard Psychiatric Center, where he established group counseling for adult sex offenders and programs designed to treat mental health issues. In 1990, he transferred to the Dixon Correctional Center in Sterling, Illinois, as the psychologist administrator, where he also established the Hospice Program for elderly offenders in the Health Care Unit at Dixon.

As retirees, he and his wife, Barbara, chose

Need a helping of

to make their home in Oak Park in 2004. He was an active member of the 19th Century Charitable Association and thoroughly enjoyed volunteering on committees designed to support the goals of this charitable organization.

He had a self-proclaimed flair for the dramatics and performed in numerous theater productions from youth into middle age. He never lost his love for entertaining with his quick wit and myriad of expressive faces. A lifelong learner, his bookshelves were lined with biographies, historical fiction, and publications related to professional interests.

Among his many skills, he was the head grocery shopper and an accomplished home chef. He was also the family photographer and carried his camera nearly everywhere to document adventures with his wife, children and grandchildren. His humor, generosity and love will be missed.

Michael and Barbara were married 57 years. They raised their three children, Shelly (Tim Schaffert), Lynne (Mark Argyilan), and Sean (Hillary) Dolan in southern Illinois while attending Southern Illinois University, completing advanced degrees. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Margot and Jacob (Shelly), River (Lynne) and Fiona and Theo (Sean).

Dorothy Wright Oak Park

Thanks for helping make WJ happen Thanks to all of the writers, staff, contributors, advertisers, and donors who help make Wednesday Journal happen. We in Oak Park and neighboring towns are fortunate to have local papers that shine a light on stories that otherwise might go unseen.

Whether it’s a matter of social justice or a

portrait of a new eatery, a tale of political intrigue or an upcoming concert, an eloquent opinion column or a provocative letter, I come away smarter, challenged, and closer to this large, complex community.

Karen Heller Oak Park

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/subscribe

Emailed every Friday morning!

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48

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

Growing Community Media

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

HELP WANTED FLAT ROOFERS, TUCKPOINTERS AND LABORERS

Call 708-452-7900

BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

software and other forms of systems and data.

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

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

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

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

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

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

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

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

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

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

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

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

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

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

Senior Marketing Analytics Manager sought by Avant, LLC in Chicago, IL to support marketing performance.

Telecomm prmtd. Apply @ jobpostingtoday.com #69256 Outreach Data Specialist sought by Reverb.com, LLC in Chicago, IL. Prvd sales rep w/ dta drvn strtgc pln 4 sellrs. Telecommuting permitted.

Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com, Ref #93953.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics.

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

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Business License Officer in the Development Customer Service Department. This person will perform a variety of technical duties in the processing and approval of business licenses and permits; and provide assistance and support to the Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications will be May 9, 2022.

PART-TIME CIVILIAN CALL TAKER

FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred.

EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Open until filled. $17.54/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. 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

FINANCIAL ANALYST – PAYROLL

The Village of North Riverside is in search of a qualified candidate to serve as a Financial Analyst in the Finance Department. This position is an entry level accounting position providing bookkeeping and administrative support to residents and members of the public. Primary responsibilities include implementing, maintaining, and reviewing payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions. More information on the position can be found on the Village’s website https://northriverside-il.org/. Email application, cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to administration@ northriverside-il.org.

River Forest Public Schools District 90 Willard Elementary PreK through 4th Grade Student Support Services - Vacancies for the 20222023 School Year District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced student support educators for the following positions: Special Education Support Teacher School Social Worker School Psychologist/Facilitator For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/ about/employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.

Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred.

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

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

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

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

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

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

General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners.

Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities.

Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student.

Application: Apply online at www.district90.org.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90. org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.

FULL TIME DELIVERY DRIVER

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

COVID-19 RESPONSE INTERN

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

COVID-19 RESPONSE COORDINATOR

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

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT

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

CASHIER

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

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

Starting a New Business? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal

• Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

CLASSIFIED

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

HELP WANTED

SANITARIAN

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

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

GRANTS COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department.

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

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

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

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

MARKETPLACE

CARS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

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

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. AUTO FOR SALE WANTED TO BUY Collector James 2005 Hyundai Sonata Restored WANTED MILITARY or Unrestored • 28,700 miles! • Original owner ITEMS: 630-201-8122 Cars & patches, Vintage Motorcycles • Silver • 4 door sedan Helmets, medals, • Sunroof • Automatic trans uniforms, Domestic weapons, flags,/ Import• 2022 Cars: battery photos, paperwork, Also

CLASSICS WANTED

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR OAK PARK &

FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT

SUBURBAN RENTALS

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

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

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

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

1 SPACE FOR RENT IN STRIP MALL

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

TEXT or CALL: (708)828-6491

1 BEDROOM APT

Small 1 bdr apt in Forest Park. Water and heat included. No parking. Available May 1. $700/month.

708-227-7007

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

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

708-657-4226

HOME SERVICES

CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N

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

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

Best Selection & Service

49

• Regularly maintained • Garage kept $8,000.00 (OBO)

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Call 630-335-5406 Mustang & Mopars

toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

James WANTED RENT TO RENT WANTED WANTED Collector TO RENT TO

630-201-8122 Garage Wanted to Rent

Coach House/Guest House Wanted to Rent Contact George at 708-722-1111or gfunkpunk@gmail.com with info.

2 car or Larger.

Contact George at 708-722-1111or gfunkpunk@gmail.com with info.

SPACE FOR RENT

“QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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

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

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

708-296-2060

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

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

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

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

CAREGIVER Caregiver for senior

Affordable price, excellent references.

With a car. 24-hour live-in overnight or hourly come and go.

708-692-2580

CAREGIVER

MATURE CAREGIVER Trustworthy, honest 20 yrs. Exp. 773-557-2781

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

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Wednesday Journal, April 20, 2022

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 3:00pm.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2022-23 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend.

If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Marilyn Thivel at mthivel@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3706 to request the Zoom Link information.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 20, 27, 2022

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

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

In re the marriage of GUILLERMINA SALGADO, Petitioner and JAVIER SALGADO, Respondent, Case No. 2022D001482.

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

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before May 18, 2022, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 20, 27, May 4, 2022

RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 TIMELY AND MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION FOR PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLED CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the requirements of Section 612(a) (10) of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEA 2004”), Riverside Brookfield High School will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation on Friday, May 06, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Il 60546--Due to the Pandemic this meeting will be held via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how students with disabilities, who attend private schools or are homeschooled within the district boundaries, will be served by District 208 during the 2022-23 school year.

Parents and private school administrators who would like to attend should contact Kevin Baldus, Director of Special Education, at baldusk@rbhs208.net Zoom invitation will be forwarded prior to the meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

In re the marriage of Lynne Catherine Rogers, Petitioner and Julio Walter Funes-Merida, Respondent, Case No. 2022 D 002265.

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

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before May 18, 2022, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 20, 27, May 4 2022

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

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Abdul Shahid Williams to the new name of: Abdul Shahid The court date will be held: On May 20, 2022 at 9am at 16501 S Kedzie Pkwy, Markham, Cook County in Courtroom # 0207 Published in Wednesday Journal April 13, 20, 27, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE tendance to the pre-Bid meeting The Village of Oak Park --Ofis not required in order to bid the fice of the Village Engineer, 201 project.

South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic All prospective bidders must prove proposals until 11:00 a.m. on they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Thursday May 19, 2022 for ProjDepartment of Transportation by ect: 22-2, Resurfacing of Various providing a certificate of eligibilStreets. Bids will be received and ity to the Engineering Division at accepted, and bid results posted which time a password will be isvia the online electronic bid sersued for access to the online bid vice listed below. In general, this documents. contract includes removal and This project is financed with local replacement of curb and gutter, Village funds, federal Community sidewalks, ADA ramps, driveways, Development Block Grant (CDBG) installation of 6” ductile iron pipe funds, and Illinois Department of water main, connection and disCommerce and Economic Opporconnection of water main, minor tunity (DCEO) grant funds and thus drainage improvements, installais subject to all state and federal tion of pavement patching, coldrules, regulations and guidelines, milling of asphalt roadways, instalincluding Davis-Bacon and Relation of level binder and hot-mix lated Acts, Section 3, and Equal asphalt surface courses, drainage Opportunity requirements. structure adjustments, pavement Contractor will be required to striping, parkway restoration, and comply with the Business Enterall appurtenant work thereto. prise Program (BEP) for MinoriPlans and proposal forms may ties, Females, and Persons with be obtained via the electronic Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575/0.01 service starting on Thursday April et seq.). This project will have a 28th, at 10:00 a.m. Plans and BEP utilization goal set by DCEO proposal forms can be found at for a percentage of the grant dolhttps://www.oak-park.us/yourlars going to businesses that have government/budget-purchasing/ been certified as owned and conrequests-proposals or at www. trolled by persons who are minorquestcdn.com under login using ity, female or who have disabilities.

QuestCDN number 8182491 for a Contractors are required to reach non-refundable charge of $30.00. the utilization goals or show good The Village of Oak Park reserves faith efforts to reach the utilizathe right to issue plans and specition goals. See project manual for fications only to those contractors details. Non-compliance with the deemed qualified. No bid docuBEP goal and requirements will ments will be issued after 4:00 disqualify the bid. p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK A pre-Bid Meeting will take place virtually through Microsoft Teams Bill McKenna on Thursday, May 5th at 11:00 AM. Village Engineer Meeting invites will be sent to all plan holders prior to meeting. At-

Published in Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

Starting a New Business?

Published in RB Landmark April 20, 27, 2022

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RASHINDA PLUMP, WAVERLY CLARK, JR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, WAVERLY CLARK, JR., INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR Defendants 12 CH 25204 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 1, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-325-0470000 The real estate is improved with a one story two unit brick building with no garage.

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

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

after confirmation of the sale.

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

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

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

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

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

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-05419IL_615363 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 25204 TJSC#: 42-1426 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 # 12 CH 25204 I3192970



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Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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KyuRamen Oak Park 118 N Marion Oak Park (708) 255-8888 kyuramen.com

Congratulations to KyuRamen Oak Park on their grand opening!

Among the Celebrants:. Miao Chen and Terry Wilson, KyuRamen; Tahnee Hodge and Lynn Palmgren, Palmgren Acupuncture; Cameron Davis and Vicki Scaman, Village of Oak Park; Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank; Kim Goldschmidt, AXA Advisors; Sam Yousif, BHEALTH; Darien Marion Burton, D.M. Burton; Michael Glab, Nutriquity; Judith Alexander, The North Avenue District; Liz Holt and Mark Walden, OPRF Chamber of Commerce; Kelsang Chogo, Kadampa Meditation Center

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52

Wednesday Journal, April 27, 2022

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