Wednesday Journal 042821

W E D N E S D A Y

April 28, 2021 Vol. 41, No. 39 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Celebration and loss in two OPRF graduation ceremonies Ceremonies allows parents to attend

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Photo by Melissa Elsmo

HELP WANTED: Francisco Lopez and son Josemanuel Lopez of New Rebozo say the shortage of restaurant workers is complex and ties to both pandemic worries and earnings potential.

The waitstaff waiting game

Local restaurants are grappling with a new pandemic hurdle

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Patio season is upon us, COVID-19 vaccinations are more prevalent and demand for onsite restaurant meals is on the rise. Increasing openness to indoor dining is surely a welcome sign among Oak Park restaurant owners, but new and unexpected labor shortages are plaguing eateries as they emerge from the pandemic.

It appears no type of establishment is immune to this challenge. Bakeries, brew pubs, breakfast spots and white tablecloth establishments are all facing staffing shortages making it surprisingly difficult to meet growing demand.

“This is a national problem,” said Patrick O’Brien, chefowner of Scratch Restaurant Group including Scratch on Lake, 733 Lake St. “The pandemic put a lot of restaurant workers on unemployment for the first time. Now that they are using it many people have decided to stay home and collect.”

O’Brien shifted from offering more traditional hourly wages to salary in hopes of attracting applicants, but even ads placed for positions capable of generating more than $40,000 anSee RESTAURANTS on page 16

Meghann Spillane thinks graduation day is a “family thing,” and she’s always wanted to share that special moment with her parents. The eldest of three siblings, Spillane will be the first to graduate from Oak Park and River Forest High School, which makes the event even OPRF ALSO HAS A PROM DEBATE more memorable.

Story on page 6 So, when Spillane heard OPRF planned on hosting two graduation ceremonies, she was elated. According to the school’s plans, the senior class – which is made up of 850 students – will be divided into two groups, giving the students the chance to bring along a couple guests to the ceremonies.

“It’s such a big life event,” Spillane, 18, said. “I couldn’t imagine my parents not being there.”

But not all of Spillane’s classmates felt the same way. Some students said they were upset that they wouldn’t be able to graduate beside their friends, significant others or the senior class as a whole, while others said the graduation plans were yet another example of school officials ignoring the student body.

Senior Elijah Evans said he and his peers were See GRADUATION on page 13

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A Life-Changing Partial Knee Replacement at Rush At Rush, knee and hip replacements are so common they are a part of everyday life for the trained medical team.

According to Vasili Karas, MD, MS, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, that’s why there’s no better place in the Chicago area — and Illinois — to have these procedures done.

“The most important thing when it comes to selecting your care provider is to find a practice that does a high volume of these procedures,” Karas explains.

“There’s a lot of research on which hospitals and what kind of training results in better outcomes, and we consistently see that providers who perform more joint replacements have better outcomes.

Rush University Medical Center is the No.1 hospital in Illinois for joint replacements because we do a lot of them, and it makes us very good at it.”

For Paul Morris, 66, this common procedure was life changing. Paul has always been active and athletic, participating in sports like shot put, track and judo in his younger days and playing golf and hitting the gym as an adult.

Then, five years ago, he started to experience a tremendous pain in his left knee that he couldn’t relieve. He went to a Chicago-area hospital to have it checked out.

me; he didn’t tell me what to do,” says Paul. “It was evident I was having problems, and he went through all of my options with me, including not performing surgery at all.”

“I was told that I needed a knee replacement and there was nothing I could do about it,” Paul says. “I didn’t like my experience with them, so I put it off and bought about 20 different knee braces so I could keep golfing with my friends on the weekends.”

After the consultation, Karas, his surgical team and Paul decided that he might benefit from a partial knee replacement instead of a full one. Paul’s team noted that this option offered an easier recovery and higher retention of function and feeling.

Finally, he couldn’t ignore the discomfort anymore.

Between golfing, talking walks with his wife and playing with his family, he was constantly limping.

When he felt that he could no longer keep up with his grandkids, he called Rush on the advice of friends and neighbors who had positive experiences with their own knee and hip replacements.

Paul was up and walking the same day as the surgery, though he stayed in the hospital overnight so his care team could monitor him for some pre-existing health conditions.

A resident of the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Paul was grateful to have the option to have the procedure performed at Rush’s Oak Park or downtown location. He and his family decided that Oak Park was more convenient for him.

Paul’s care team discussed all his options, which was incredibly reassuring. “Dr. Karas listened to

And the result of his procedure? “Now that the weather is nicer, I’ve been walking with my daughters and their kids without any pain at all,” says Paul. “I’m looking forward to golf season this year.”

The only regret Paul has about his knee surgery is not doing it sooner.

“It changed my life,” he says. “Looking back, if I had proceeded with this five years ago, I might have lost more weight and been in less pain.”

Join Vasili Karas, MD, MS, for a free webinar on June 7 to learn more about knee replacement. Register at rsh.md/knee-1.

Call (312) 432-2598 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Karas.

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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On equity and its discontents

ince officially becoming Growing Community Media’s equity editor and ombudsman, I’ve been thinking a lot about what the position entails.

It may seem surprising that I’m thinking about the purpose of a role to which I’ve already been named. Why, a reader may ask, is this position not already defined and fleshed out? Why are you feeling your way in the dark?

Well, for one, because the Commentary idea of equity has no generally agreed upon definition, despite the term’s current trendiness in corporate boardrooms and school boardrooms and municipal boardrooms.

Since George Floyd’s death last year, terms like racial equity, racial justice, diversity and inclusion have been all the rage.

According to a 2020 McKinsey report, roughly a third of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies by revenue made statements in support of racial justice between May 25, 2020 (when Floyd died) and Oct. 31, 2020.

Roughly 1 in 5 of the top 1,000 companies made either external commitments (i.e., through donations, strategic investments, etc.) or internal commitments (i.e., requiring diverse candidate pools, increasing spends with Black suppliers, etc.) to promote racial equity.

Google Trends shows that searches for the term “racial equity” increased exponentially from May 2016 to April 2021, with search interest during that period peaking in January (Google was among those companies that made various racial equity and racial justice commitments).

And yet, despite all of these efforts, real racial equity is still elusive, as “racial disparities are produced, reinforced, and amplified across sectors,” McKinsey explains, without a hint of self-awareness.

The famously amoral consulting firm, which has reportedly advised the Sackler family on increasing its opioid sales and reportedly advised the Trump Administration on its deportation policies (all of this, of course, for a hefty fee), recommends “five key elements [that] would boost the effectiveness of ongoing racialequity efforts.”

Stacey A. Gordon, CEO and chief diversity strategist of ReWork Work, writes in her new book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work, that the “number one question” she is asked by companies is, “How will we know we’re doing the right thing?”

It seems everyone wants to jump on board the racial equity, racial justice, diversity and inclusion train, but no one seems to know where it’s going — myself included.

So what is racial equity?

I think of equity beyond race (it’s also about gender, class, wealth, physical ability, etc.), but in order to maintain my current strain of thought, I’ll isolate the concept to race (insofar as race can be isolated from other issues, particularly class and wealth).

The Annie E. Casey Foundation offers a clear defini-

MICHAEL ROMAIN

tion in its “Race Equity and Inclusion Action Guide,” written in partnership with Oak Parker Terry Keleher, a leading thought leader in the racial justice and racial equity field.

Step one in the Action Guide is to establish an understanding of race equity and inclusion principles.

“Often, race-focused conversations derail because people are using the same terms in different ways,” the Guide explains.

“Equity is defined as ‘the state, quality or ideal of being just, impartial and fair.’ The concept of equity is synonymous with fairness and justice,” the Guide adds.

“It is helpful to think of equity as not simply a desired state of affairs or a lofty value. To be achieved and sustained, equity needs to be thought of as a structural and systemic concept.”

In order to communicate effectively about race, in general, the Guide states, we need to move “people from the narrow and individualized definition of racism to a more comprehensive and systemic awareness. To illuminate racism we need to ‘name it, frame it and explain it.’”

Beyond critiquing and reacting to race inequities, the Guide explains, we need to know how to “create and proactively build racial equity” and that requires establishing “a shared language to present data, describe conditions and outcomes and identify root causes of inequities. A common language creates a narrative that makes it easier to communicate the commitment to racial equity.”

The Guide gives some of the best practical advice I’ve come across so far in my early research, but I’m afraid it doesn’t address what I fear is a much deeper reason for why conceptualizing racial equity, let alone achieving it, is so hard for Americans and our institutions.

What if, at base, no “common narrative” around race and equity can be drafted? What if our competing frames of reference around race and equity are irresolvable? And what if, instead of treating a shared narrative as a given, we start our understanding of race and equity by thinking about the moral quandary into which these concepts were born?

Consider, for instance, the Treaty of 1804. The United States offered the Sauk and Fox peoples cash and goods every year in exchange for their land. Was this an equitable exchange?

Another word for equity is ownership — a concept that was practically alien to the Sauk and Fox peoples, as historian William Cronon explains. The natives, he writes, considered their lives and the land’s as one.

They “had lived by wandering across a broad landscape in their movements between cropland and hunt, a practice that fit poorly with American notions of bounded property.”

“Nothing,” said Sauk Chief Black Hawk, “can be sold, but such things as can be carried away.” The land could not be sold, from the perspective of the natives, because it wasn’t anyone’s to own in the first place. And because the natives refused to negotiate on the United States’ terms, refused to enter that shared ideological space, ownership for the white men meant genocide for the natives. In this way, equity and inequity are two sides of the same coin.

From the standpoint of my imagined McKinsey

equity consultant, after the genocide, the U.S. may consider returning some of the land or issuing reparations or making strategic donations or increasing its spend with Native American suppliers. The U.S., however, cannot return a culture it has nearly liquidated, nor can she raise the dead.

“It had long been accepted that slaves were assets that could be seized for debt, but Jefferson turned this around when he used slaves as collateral for a very large loan he had taken out in 1796 from a Dutch banking house in order to rebuild Monticello,” the Smithsonian tells us.

“The slavery economy of the U.S. South is deeply tied financially to the North, to Britain, to the point that we can say that people who were buying financial products in these other places were in effect owning slaves, and were extracting money from the labor of enslaved people,” writes historian Edward E. Baptist in The Half Has Never Been Told.

What is racial equity to the enslaved people who were considered literal equity? And what is racial equity to their descendants? When so much of the equity in this country, which on the whole is white, is derived from Black bodies — what am I to make of the solemn-butperverse claims of the enriched that they would like to return some of this equity to me? How? In the excavated bones of my people?

What is racial equity to the Blacks in North Lawndale whose home equity was stolen through the complicated scheme of contract lending? What is racial equity to a Black family that has negative wealth? What is racial equity to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, destroyed by an envious white mob in 1921? What is racial equity to George Floyd and Tamir Rice and Eric Garner?

The other part of my new title — that of ombudsman — is, as National Public Radio helpfully explains, “to get answers for listeners, viewers and readers. News ombudsmen (also known in newspapers as public editors or readers’ representatives) investigate complaints and concerns about matters of accuracy, fairness, balance and good taste.”

I don’t have any answers yet. In fact, the point of these tortured musings is to resist the allure of thinking about equity the way Google and McKinsey and the country’s top 1,000 companies do.

“By claiming that they solve the world’s hardest problems,” a former McKinsey consultant wrote in a 2019 article published anonymously in the magazine Current Affairs, McKinsey Consulting shrinks “the solution space to only those that preserve the status quo.”

Right now, in lieu of answers and to avoid falling into that shrunken space, I can only pose more difficult and messy questions, which I hope contain the seeds of a real reckoning. After all, as an ombudsman I have a duty to critique.

What if equity is withered from the root? What if the conceptual soil around which the term has grown, particularly in recent years, needs tilling? What if equity, instead of a mission to achieve, is an object lesson to avoid?

What if the very concept itself is problematic?

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

Spring Artist Member Exhibition Through Thursday, April 29, 1 to 5 p.m.

Oak Park Art League (OPAL) As part of OPAL’s Centennial year, artists have selected works that best exemplify their current or past practice.

720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

“Titus Andronicus” Friday, April 30, 7 to 9 p.m. Pillars lawn, Concordia University Chicago (CUC) Featuring CUC alumni and current students, this is an outdoor event following CDC guidelines. A revered general returns a victor from a brutal 10-year war. Rome is ready for a new emperor to lead them into a time of peace and reconstruction. A series of events follows as Titus and Tamora, Queen of the defeated Goths, begins a cycle of revenge. Cannibalism, rape, mutilation and murder are the gruesome tools in Shakespeare’s bloodiest play. Free.

Register: signupgenius.com/go/9040548aca829a4fb6titus. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Native Plant Sale Order through May 18 Pick up June 3 through 5, in Maywood or Lemont Native plants add beauty and benefit the environment.

They provide habitat and food for wildlife, are droughtresistant, absorb storm water and carbon, and are easy to grow. This year, most plants will be plugs; dense roots help them grow quickly and lower prices help extend plant budgets. Butterfly and Bee Kits available. Brought

by West Cook Wild Ones. Order: wild-ones-west-cook. myshopify.com/. Pick up at Forest Preserves of Cook County Central Warehouse, 2199 S. 1st Ave., Maywood or Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont.

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Together We Inspire Wednesday, May 5, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Virtually with Sarah’s Inn Join an educational forum with speaker, Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, a national leader in research and advocacy in the field of domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV). Following is a panel discussion with Sarah’s Inn staff on the impact trauma has on communities and families and how to use that knowledge to help foster resilience and violence prevention. Free; $50 suggested donation. Register/more: sarahsinn.org/events/togetherwe-inspire-2021.

“I See You” Mothers’ Day Recognition Donate now, with New Moms Recognize a mother figure in your life while supporting the mothers of New Moms, who face barriers — lack of a supportive community, systemic racism, unstable housing, and job loss — made more difficult by the pandemic. Donate $25 or more by Wednesday, May 5, include a note of appreciation/recognition for moms in New Moms’ programs and it will be posted in the Transformation Center windows for families to see. Donate $100 or more

by Friday, April 30, and, in addition to the note for New Moms, you can send a candle from New Moms’ social enterprise, Bright Endeavors, to a mother in your life.

More: newmoms.org/mothers-day-2021

Tai Chi Wednesdays, starting May 5, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Zoom with Oak Park Township Senior Services Improve balance, strength, agility and coordination.

Participants build upon skills from previous classes. Led

by White Crane Wellness Center. Free. Register: 708-6131112.

Compound Yellow Events Friday, April 30, 5 p.m. – See, “That”_ by Alberto Aguilar and Alex Bradley Cohen, a structure involving successively adding layers of paint to custom panels made to fit the gallery. A performance by the artists takes place throughout the night. Register: facebook. com/events/498052157893726 Saturday, May 1, 7 p.m. - Paul Ashford Trio performs as part of the Side Yard Sound Series. More: compoundyellow.com/side-yard-sound-series Sunday May, 2, 1 to 4 p.m. - At Re-Fuse, be inspired by local artists and activists and participate in a collaborative open mic and share in a creative passion for justice and sustainability. Free; donations accepted for local environmental and labor groups, Deep Roots Project and Safer Foundation. Register: facebook.com/ events/483770532817105/ 244 Lake St., Oak Park

BIG WEEK April 28-May 5 Derby Gala

Saturday, May 1, Virtually with WSSRA

Enter a raffle, bid on silent auction items and take part in the paddle raise all to support West Suburban Special Recreation Association. Silent auction opens 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, and closes at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. See a short video presentation along with music by WSSRA participant Charlie Carpenter. Questions/more: 847-455-2100, wssra.net.

Take part: http://bidpal.net/wssraderby2021

Spring Open House Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oak Park Conservatory Discovery Garden Celebrate the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory’s 35th Anniversary by exploring new musical and discovery play pieces. Plus enjoy take-home activities and music. Free. Register for a timeslot: fopcon.org/conservatoryevent/spring-open-house-may-1-2021

Heartland Marimba Ensemble Monday, May 3, 1:30 p.m., Zoom with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association HME draws from classical marimba tradition, Central American and African roots of the earliest marimbas, and new arrangements along with a sampling of modern marimba repertoire for their performance. $15, suggested donation; free, members.

Register: nineteenthcentury.org

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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ART BEAT

BRAVO students find a voice

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Liam Nikolakakis wants people to know his uncle made money by selling virtual trading cards through the NBA Top Shot.

Kirin Pauline is curious about the sudden rise and fall of Europe’s super soccer league, and Christopher Denneen has something to say about the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.

That’s the plan so far for the next episode of “Hour to Empower,” a podcast led by Nikolakakis, Pauline, Denneen and nearly a dozen other students at Brooks Middle School, 325 S. Kenilworth Ave. The podcast, which launched late last fall, was carved from the school’s BRAVO performing arts program, said Alekzander Sayers, a BRAVO teaching artist, who oversees the project.

For about an hour twice a week, Sayers and his student storytellers meet over Zoom for their editorial meetings. They talk about ideas, workshop scripts, give feedback on segments and offer tips to finetune their audio skills. The sessions are also meant to serve as a space for students to express how they feel, said Sayers and Tina Reynolds, BRAVO’s artistic director.

Reynolds recalled how heavy 2020 was, especially during the spring and summer.

At that time, she saw her students, like so many across the nation, grapple with the novel coronavirus and watch the civil unrest unfold around the deaths of innocent Black men and women, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. With everything happening, Reynolds sought to offer an outlet where her students could feel safe enough to be vulnerable, “or they could do the complete opposite and maybe use it as an escape.”

Eleven-year-old Denneen decided to confront the hard issues facing America with his segment “Politics with Teens.” In an upcoming episode, Denneen, a sixth grader, said he’d like to recap the Derek Chauvin trial and talk about what the guilty verdicts for the former Minneapolis police officer mean.

“I think it’s very important to educate people on current issues in our society,” he said.

“These are really big issues that need changing, and kids are the next generation, and we need to know about those current issues.”

When asked what he hopes listeners walk away with, Denneen said he wants them to know that Floyd’s death is not an isolated incident. This is not the first time “a police officer has killed an African-American person because of their skin color,” he said. “That’s not just happening one time.”

Other “Hour to Empower” episodes have tackled equally serious topics such as voting rights and President Joe Biden’s plans to safely reopen as the pandemic eases. Back in February, students released a two-part episode celebrating Black people, ranging from political figures to poets, for Black History

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708-485-5665 cantata.org Kirin Pauline Month. Other times, students are reviewing popular TV shows and movies, discussing the best and worst of Disney Plus, or chatting with family or Brooks faculty.

As an educator, Sayers said he often reminds students “Hour to Empower” is their podcast, and because it is theirs, they hold the power to create and push those tough conversations forward, if they want to. Sayers added his role, like Reynolds, is to be there and support them.

“I always think that adults sometimes like to talk down to kids or set the mood for kids,” he said. “I think in this space, especially from day one, it’s been like, ‘What is your idea?’ [or] ‘Let’s talk about your idea.’

If the idea comes from them, they’re going to be so much more excited to create and iterate and make it better and stronger.”

That rings true for Pauline, the 12-yearold behind “What’s Dup?”, a segment that lets listeners know what trends are popular and what trends are fading. From a live review of McDonald’s Shamrock Shake and Taylor Swift’s re-release of her 2008 “Fearless” album, Pauline said “What’s Dup?” is one of the more “sit back and listen” types of shows.

“I wanted to make something different, especially because of the pandemic and everything; it’s a very serious time,” said Pauline, also a sixth-grader and one of Denneen’s classmates.

“There’s a lot of serious issues happening right now, and I love talking about those,” she said. “It’s something that we should talk about, but I feel like for me, I just wanted to give something that was about entertainment.”

And while Denneen and Pauline have approached their pieces differently, they do share one message for their listeners, especially those close to their age.

“It’s really important to just use your voice,” Pauline said. “You have one for a reason.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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And then there is the prom debate

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Susan Johnson, OPRF’s student activities director, said she was – and has been – listening to the seniors, and what she heard from them is that they want to be together. Whether it’s graduation or prom, the biggest challenge Johnson faced was finding a venue that could accommodate all 850 students, plus additional staff and even volunteers without violating village and state guidelines.

If OPRF hosted prom, it would look a lot like its graduation ceremony, Johnson said.

The school would have to, again, split up the senior class into smaller groups and throw separate proms, which is not what the students want, she said.

“Our challenge in a normal prom year is

GRADUATION Options

from page 1 “It’s such a big life event,” Spillane, 18, said. “I couldn’t imagine my parents not being there.”

But not all of Spillane’s classmates felt the same way. Some students said they were upset that they wouldn’t be able to graduate beside their friends, significant others or the senior class as a whole, while others said the graduation plans were yet another example of school officials ignoring the student body.

Senior Elijah Evans said he and his peers were already robbed of another school year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and “a lot of me and my classmates really expected the school to step up and do something meaningful for graduation and prom and all that stuff.”

“They really haven’t made any effort throughout the entire year to make us feel special at all,” said Evans, who is also 18.

The school’s decision to organize a pair of outdoor graduations on May 29 (rain date May 30) was partly impacted by a recent survey that listed five possible ceremonies.

OPRF could host one graduation only for the senior class or up to five ceremonies, which would allow students to bring guests, said Director of Student Activities Susan Johnson. She said other options included a drivethrough or walk-up ceremony, or the school could skip the in-person festivity altogether.

All students and parents were surveyed on the subject. More than 500 parents and 550 students responded to the survey. Half of the 512 parents surveyed voted for the school to have multiple ceremonies. The largest block of students, about 47%, went with a single ceremony. Johnson said that’s when she looked more closely at the student vote, which was broken down further by race.

finding a venue that could hold 800 kids, so finding it right now is even more difficult, especially one that can be safe,” said Johnson, who combed through several venues across the Chicagoland, ranging from Brookfield Zoo to local parks and parking lots.

“We looked around and we tried to find as big of a space that could hold our kids,” she went on, “but we weren’t able to succeed in that aspect.”

The only place Johnson was able to lock down was Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, which is about a 50-minute drive north of Oak Park.

“No one has to pay for anything, and they all get to be together,” she said. “At one point during the day, they’re going to sit down and have a meal together in the same spot and be able to share that kind of family style.”

Johnson said she noticed more white students opted for one ceremony, and students of color were “near-even” in selecting either one or multiple ceremonies. Those results led Johnson to say that “yes, we have a number that stands out in the sense that our students did have the highest vote, but not all of them in each individual subcategory had that feeling. That’s when we looked at it and we said it was a tough decision.”

Johnson said that she often turned back to students for more feedback and worked with the Oak Park Department of Public Health to figure out the best solution. With state guidelines loosening up, Johnson said she and other OPRF school officials were able to provide a graduation that was safe for both families and students.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, outdoor venues like the school’s football stadium can hold up to 25% of their capacity, and people must be able to social distance. Johnson said the stadium can fit about 1,000 people and splitting up the graduating class left enough room for other guests while the graduates are seated on the field.

Instead of throwing five ceremonies, “we could come down to two ceremonies, and we would be really, really close to having everybody in one,” said Johnson. “We said that was a really big compromise between the two, and this way, we can allow our students to have a couple people to see them graduate and still be with a large amount of other students.”

Evans and senior Ella Sorensen don’t see it that way and remain disappointed. The 18-year-old Sorensen said she felt like her vote didn’t even matter and that the school decided to side with the parents.

“It just makes our voices feel invalidated because even though we voted for one ceremony they still went with what the parents wanted,” Sorensen said. “That just doesn’t feel good, especially going to college, you want to feel confident with having your voices heard.”

Senior Elijah Evans, however, didn’t agree with Johnson. Even though he plans on going to the amusement park, Evans called the trip “degrading” and “pretty pathetic,” since most eighth graders in Oak Park cap off their middle school years with a similar celebration.

“It honestly is hurting the feelings of most of our class because saying ‘Oh, you can go to Six Flags and ride the bus with your friends’ – that’s literally what we did in eighth grade,” he said.

Seniors Ella Sorensen and Meghann Spillane echoed some of Evans’ sentiments.

Spillane, who isn’t a huge fan of rollercoasters and doesn’t plan on going, said that what gets lost in the conversation is that seniors

are missing out on all those events that led up to the night of the dance. It’s about getting dressed up, looking nice and having pictures taken, she said.

Those are the milestones that are missing, but they are also ones Johnson is trying to recreate.

“I want to assure everybody that we have been working really, really hard to try and find solutions that give our kids everything, and we’ve been doing that for months now,” Johnson said. “I just want to reassure them that we have been doing that, and we’re trying really hard to give them what they want and keep them safe at the same time.”

Parents, students organize alternate ‘formal’ Prom is once again cancelled at Oak Park and River Forest High School, but a small group of students and parents are looking to hold on to the cherished tradition with a privately organized event. The catch: Only 350 OPRF students can attend, and all students who go must be fully vaccinated.

The senior formal, a private event organized by student and parent volunteers, will be held May 31 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Marquette Park in Gary, Indiana, which is about an hour drive from Oak Park. With tickets costing $55, students will be bused to and from the northwest Indiana-based park. There will be six or seven shuttle buses, and students and chaperones alike are required to wear masks on the bus, said Michelle Hess, one of the formal’s organizers.

Hess, a mother of an OPRF senior, said she and other volunteers wanted to host a formal for the seniors to give them “some closure,” a chance to “let their hair down and have some fun,” especially since the coronavirus pandemic turned their senior year upside down.

Hess said the idea to throw the gathering in nearby Indiana came to her. She thought about her family’s cottage in Indiana, and “there’s this beautiful lagoon kind of banquet area in Marquette Park.”

Last September, the state of Indiana moved into its fifth stage of COVID response, reopening gyms, fitness centers, restaurants, indoor and outdoor venues at full capacity. Indiana state parks and forests, nature preserves and other state recreation areas are now open, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

In early April, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb lifted the statewide mask mandate, but municipalities still have the final say whether residents should mask up. Public health officials in Lake County, where the city of Gary is located, have continued to require residents to wear masks.

To ensure everyone’s safety, students must also present their vaccination cards to chaperones before boarding the shuttle buses, Hess said. Students are also asked to disclose the dates of their vaccines on

an online form or upload an image of their vaccination card before they can purchase a ticket. Hess added that chaperones, the DJ and photographer need to be vaccinated as well.

Hess said attendees are required to sign a “Best Behavior” pledge, which means they understand drugs and alcohol are not allowed at the event.

More than 200 tickets have been sold, according to Hess. She noted details about the senior formal were emailed to parents and posted on a Facebook page for OPRF parents. With the event now in public discussion, Karin Sullivan, OPRF communications director, addressed the senior formal, informing parents that it is not a school event.

“We want to make it clear that the school did not provide email addresses for that mailing, and that is a private event that is not sanctioned by the school,” Sullivan wrote. “We are not able to provide any information on the event, as it is not school-sponsored.”

Seniors Meghann Spillane and Emma Brandt are a couple of seniors who plan on going to the formal. Spillane and Brandt said they aren’t too worried about COVID-19, because all guests are vaccinated.

“I’m just excited that we have another option,” said the 18-year-old Spillane.

“Since we’re all vaccinated, and it’s going to be outside, I feel like it’s pretty safe.”

But Libby Eggert, another OPRF senior, was hesitant. Eggert was weary of the invitation, which didn’t list Hess or the other parent and student volunteers’ names.

The letter was signed by the 2021 Senior Formal Planning Committee.

“I’d feel a little better if I knew who was in charge,” she said. “The lack of transparency makes me nervous.”

“It’s also just a very short event,” she said. “We spend just as much time getting there as you do at the venue. And, even though I’ll be vaccinated and everyone else there will be vaccinated, I don’t know if I’m ready to go to an event that scale yet.”

F. Amanda Tugade

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

7

Kid’s antiracism reading effort shows huge heart

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Ten-year-old Lauren Burns has embarked on an impressive endeavor in order to increase the availability of antiracist children’s books and books penned by Black authors. Using donated funds to purchase the reading materials, Burns will stock up Little Free Libraries across Oak Park in an effort to encourage empathy and understanding.

Or in Burns’ own words: “To help not just the community, but the world know about how unfairly people are being treated.”

An impressively resourceful young person, Burns has set up a GoFundMe to purchase the books and started a blog to document her progress. She has amassed $1,140 through her internet campaign, far surpassing her original goal of $500. Her friends have rallied around her to help.

“I was actually super grateful for one of their parents, because they donated $100,” said Burns. “It was a really big donation.”

She has also researched authors, vetted reading materials and reached out to knowledgeable adults for recommendations. Her favorite book is Jelani Memory’s “A Kid’s Book about Racism.” She said she plans to buy several copies of it.

Burns said she was inspired to do the book-sharing initiative while watching the

T

Lauren Burns TV news about two months ago.

“They said lots of children – even in wealthy neighborhoods – don’t have books or don’t have access to books,” said Burns.

“So, I thought this was one little way I could help with that.”

The project is anything but little, contributing to manifold social causes that extend beyond increasing accessibility to reading materials. The books Burns has earmarked

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

are age-appropriate educational tools that help children understand the damaging effects promoted through racist ideologies, as well as the merits of antiracism.

“I have been amazed at the thinking, the reasoning behind it,” said her mother Charisse Burns. “She really feels deeply about a lot of things and she loves to try to make the world a better place.”

She is also conscious of where to purchase,

choosing to patronize independent shops including the Book Table and AfriWare Books, a Black-owned bookstore in Maywood.

Burns plans to deposit multiple books across “20 to 50” Little Free Library locations in Oak Park, including the one outside William Hatch School, 1000 N. Ridgeland Ave., where she attends fourth grade. So far, she has purchased about 25 books.

Burns’s graphic design tutor, Oak Parker Tree Havener, helped her create flyers to spread awareness of her antiracism literature campaign.

“We’re just going to be putting them around the community, but I’m going to get permission from [Oak Park village] hall because you can’t post lots of stuff around the community without asking,” she told Wednesday Journal.

Despite all her big ideas and her tender age, Burns handles her philanthropic ventures with the acumen and gumption of someone more than twice her years. Her parents credit her teachers as well as the community for supporting and encouraging Burns, who last year organized a schoolwide fundraiser to help immigrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

“We’re very proud of her that she’s thinking of other people,” said her father David Burns.

“And that she’s not afraid to do something.”

Healthy Chef Challenge Featuring YOU! his June, test your culinary skills

The Healthy Chef Challenge Home

in Beyond Hunger’s Healthy Chef

Edition is free and open to the community.

Challenge…Home Edition! We’ve

Participants will be split into categories:

expanded this annual cooking competition

kids/teens, amateurs, and professionals.

with a new twist—instead of just featuring

You’ll have June 11-13, a whole weekend,

local chefs battling to make a 5-star entrée

to make your dish, take photos or capture

out of Food Pantry ingredients, all community

funny reaction videos and come up with a

members can join in and get creative in the

catchy title and description. Judging will

kitchen.

be determined by online votes. You have

The Healthy Chef Challenge is a way for us to spread awareness about the importance of good nutrition and have some big community fun at the same time. It highlights our Nutrition Education and Cooking Class programming which empowers families with the knowledge needed to select and prepare

to “sell” your entry – creativity is the key.

Our event sponsor, The Chopping Block, will even feature each champion’s recipe as part of their July public virtual cooking class.

For more dates and details go to www.gobeyondhunger.org.

Angie Montroy of Angie’s Pantry—Inaugural winner of the Healthy Chef Challenge

healthy meals on a restricted budget. It also introduces our community to our registered dietitians Maria and Brianne who provide real life knowledge and experience, helping to tailor menus and meals to meet dietary needs or restrictions.

To learn more about Beyond Hunger’s services and how to get help visit GoBeyondHunger.org.

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OPRF promotes asst. supt. Greg Johnson to top job Johnson lauded by school board, outgoing superintendent

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

The search for a new superintendent at Oak Park and River Forest High School has now come to an end. Out of a dozen candidates interviewed, the District 200 Board of Education named OPRF Assistant Superintendent Greg Johnson as the next superintendent during its meeting on April 22. For nearly four years, Johnson has served as the school’s assistant superintendent, working closely with current Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, who is set to retire at the end of this school year.

“I’ve been an educator for a very long time, and there are some people who become educators and some people who are born to be educators,” said Pruitt-Adams in a brief heartfelt speech, addressing the board and Johnson. “Greg Johnson is one of those people who was born to be an educator. I knew from his first interview that he was different – different in a way that he understood education and all that goes into it.”

“It is his time,” she said. “He is ready.”

Like Pruitt-Adams, several board members took a moment and congratulated Johnson on his promotion, as well as shared their thoughts on why he was the right fit.

“You’ve been able to step in, challenge things that needed to be challenged, and you’ve made an impact during your tenure in your current role,” board member Tom Cofsky

said. “And I am very confident that you’ll have an impact as you move into this role.”

Board member Jackie Moore added, “You, from Day One, have been a valuable resource to our community and to our school. The bar you had to reach, to be honest, was a little higher than every other candidate because of what we already know, and you not only met that, but transcended in ways that will continue to benefit our district.”

During the meeting, Sara Spivy, board president, shared the details behind the process to find Pruitt-Adams’ successor. With the help of hired search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, the board was able GREG JOHNSON to bring district faculty, Incoming D200 Superintendent staff and families into this conversation and learn more about their ideal school leader.

Spivy said the D200 community wanted a superintendent who understood their needs, especially when it came to the

“What I have seen during my time here has been absolutely jaw dropping. I know that we can continue the great work and we can build on it..”

achievement gap, and could create and maintain a culture of trust and belonging.

“We have the luxury of working with him for the past four years,” said Spivy, as she tried to hold back the tears while announcing Johnson’s name. “I know his character and work ethic first-hand. He has been an unwavering champion of racial equity.”

After the board spoke, Johnson, too, reflected on his new position and thanked his colleagues, especially Pruitt-Adams, and his family for their support.

“What I have seen during my time here has been absolutely jaw dropping,” Johnson said. “I know that we can continue the great work and we can build on it.”

In a separate interview with Wednesday Journal, John Duffy, co-founder of the Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education, mirrored the school board’s sentiments.

Duffy, whose organization has worked alongside Johnson, said he looks forward to seeing Johnson build on the foundation Pruitt-Adams will leave behind.

“How do you replace an extraordinary Black woman leader who brought the district so far?” asked Duffy, who is also a longtime resident of Oak Park.

Over the last four years, Duffy said he has seen Johnson grow into a leader and a team player, two qualities that have propelled him into his new position as superintendent.

“He’s very bright. He knows how schools work. He knows instruction,” Duffy said. “Greg has been involved in schools, not just as a top-down leader, but as someone who’s developed before he came here. [As for] relationships with classroom teachers, he gets it.”

Register now for OPRF Alliance team tryouts: Fall ’21 – Spring ’22 season! May tryout dates. All Alliance players have access to coach-supervised summer clinics and scrimmages before the Fall season kick off in August.

Alliance Offers: • Summer clinics • Summer scrimmages • August pre-season training

• Fall training & games

• Spring training & games

• Winter training & indoor games

• Tournament play

Summer Clinics

Summer Scrimmages

(M-F morning) • June 14 to June 18 • June 21 to June 25 • June 28 to July 2 • July 26 to August 8 (evenings)

• Sunday evenings • Monday evenings • More dates will likely be added

Teams Next Year (birth year): High school Boys (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007)

2008 boys

2010/11 boys

2009 girls

2011 girls

High school Girls (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007)

2009 boys

2012 girls

2010 girls

2013 girls

OPRF ALLIANCE is a community of families and competitive travel soccer. The club was started in fall 2012 by a small group of soccer skilled adults who wanted to create an affordable traveling soccer option for area families. Our coaches are professionally trained, they are skilled and dedicated. They coach for the love of soccer, a belief in community soccer and a passion for training kids to play at a high level. Our coaches are invested in our community and their teams.

Check our website for tryout dates, details and registration: www.oprfalliancesoccer.com/ We are always looking to add more teams and more motivated coaches: oprfalliancesc@gmail.com

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Release alert: Things We Don’t Say IPA OP breweries collaborate for mental health awareness

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a trio of Oak Park breweries are releasing, Things We Don’t Say IPA, a collaborative beer crafted to aid in smashing the stigma around mental health struggles. Kinslahger Brewing Company, One Lake Brewing and Oak Park Brewing Company are releasing the beer on May 1 and 100% of profits will go to Hope for the Day, a Chicago based nonprofit focused on suicide prevention.

“We are all fans of each other’s beer,” said Keith Huizinga, co-owner of Kinslahger, 6806 Roosevelt Rd. “We are always looking for reasons to come together and mental health awareness is a good reason.”

The initiative is designed to empower craft breweries to bring attention to people suffering in silence with depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. The program drives home the importance of utilizing available support resources by including suicide prevention and crisis hotline numbers directly on the customizable can design created specifically for participating breweries.

The concept has grown to include hundreds of craft breweries across the globe.

Huizinga led the charge of brewing Oak Park’s Things We Don’t Say IPA because of his personal passion for raising funds for mental health philanthropies. Kinslahger has a long history of supporting mental health awareness and backing organizations dedicated to bringing these struggles out

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

WHAT’S BREWING: Keith Huizinga, owner of Kinslahger Brewing shows off his vats. into the open. Historically, all tips left at Kinslahger have been donated to the American Federation for Suicide Prevention. Supporting Hope for the Day is a natural next step for the Roosevelt Road brewing company.

“My daughter struggles with anxiety and I lost a dear friend to suicide,” said Huizinga.

“After seeing mental health issues in my own home, I have become more aware of people who are effected but don’t talk about it.”

Though an IPA recipe was provided to participating breweries, the Oak Park brewers gathered for a socially distanced brainstorming session to tweak the recipe to their personal tastes. They cooked up a recipe and gathered in early April to brew the beer at

Kinslahger.

“This is the first time we’ve done a fullblown collaboration,” said Jim Cozzens, coowner of Oak Park Brewing Company, 155 S. Oak Park Ave. “Kinslahger is a production brewery. Brewing there means we can purchase the beer to sell at our brew pubs.

Doing it that way means will have the beer in three locations and bring more attention to this very important issue.”

The brewers opted to make use of the suggested ingredients from Malteurop Malting Co. and Hollingbery and Son Hop Co. but changed the ratios in the recipe to reflect the desired flavor profile all three breweries hoped to achieve in the final product.

The resulting India Pale Ale (6% abv) leans toward a “juicy IPA” according to Huizinga and boasts a fruit forward flavor and low bitterness coaxed from thoughtful usage of hops. Cozzens expects the beer to deliver strong citrus notes.

Kristin Alfonsi, co-owner of One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake St., says her brew pub was eager to jump in on the collaborative brewing project. In the past year, One Lake’s kitchen staff have been directly impacted by industry colleagues dying by suicide. In addition to acknowledging the mental health struggles prevalent in the restaurant industry, Alfonsi also recognized, as mother, that children have been struggling in various ways throughout the past year.

“The craft brewing world is a small network and we’ve really leaned on each other to get through the pandemic,” said Alfonsi.

“This year has been the pinnacle of hardship for so many people and many of us have felt ill-equipped to deal with it. This is a great cause to support especially considering everything we’ve been through in the past year.”

Things We Don’t Say IPA will be available on draft and in four packs of 16-ounce cans at Kinslahger, Oak Park Brewing and One Lake beginning on May 1.

Taste the Town 2 a second-time success

Drive-thru fundraiser raises 31K

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats editor

Take Out 25 Oak Park, the online community dedicated to supporting local restaurants through the pandemic, hosted its second Taste the Town event on April 22. The event raised $31,000 for the Oak Park & River Forest Day Nursery and nine Oak Park restaurants and bakeries.

When Cari Christoff, Day Nursery executive director, stopped by to pick up her bag at The Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., she paused to offer her help, but the well-organized drive-thru pick-up process was already flowing smoothly. While there were plenty of new faces among the people participating in the food-focused fundraiser, she saw Day Nursery parents, board members and donors pick up their Taste the Town bags.

“It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces supporting the Day Nursery in a new way,” said Christoff. “We have been a staple in the community for more than a century and it was nice to feel like we are part of the broader community.” The Day Nursery is at 1139 Randolph, at the intersection with Maple Avenue.

Funds raised through ticket sales were dispersed through a predetermined formula. The Day Nursery earned $9,644 through a portion of sales and direct donations. Amerikas, Carnivore, the Little Gem Café, Surf ’s Up, and Trattoria 225 provided entrees for the bag and each received $3,015, while One Lake Brewing, Rare Bird Preserves, and Well’s Street Popcorn provided desserts and earned $1,682 each.

Every dollar from the event went toward helping local restaurants survive as well as feeding the children enrolled in the Day Nursery’s early childhood education program.

Funds raised for the Day Nursery cover 13% of their annual food budget and Christoff has committed to spend the money raised through Taste the Town at local establishments including Carnival, Sugar Beet, The Daly Bagel and Carnivore.

According to Allison Cummins, event organizer, experience, subtle tweaks and a valued partnership with Austin Schramer, licensed environmental health practitioner with the Oak Park Health Department, made the second event run more smoothly than the first.

“Austin was super eager to answer any question I had and really helped to ensure the success of the second Taste the Town event,” said Cummins. “Restaurant owners were also ready and willing to pitch in and help.”

Brad Knaub, co-owner of Carnivore Oak Park, dropped off his much-lauded lamb and lentil soup and stayed behind to help check food temperatures and organize the refrigerated truck properly. Bill Quick, owner of Trattoria 225, pitched in to help package the dessert bags ahead of pick up.

“All of the extra effort shows the camaraderie between restaurants and their investment in the community and events like Taste the Town,” said Cummins. “This event is made up of a group of people coming together to make Oak Park the best place to live.”

Ravi Parakkat, Take Out 25 founder and Oak Park village trustee-elect, was thrilled with the success of the second Taste the Town event and hopes to replicate the event in the future.

“I am already looking ahead to the next event and hope we can host them two-to-four times a year,” said Parakkat.

“They will always be thematic, and I would like to focus the next one on a cause related to sustainability.”

In the spirit of environmental responsibility, Parakkat announced that participants interested in returning their Taste the Town bags for re-use at future events can do so at Sugar Cup Trading, 110 N. Marion St. Sugar Cup sponsored Taste the Town 2 and agreed to keep a receptacle for the bags on site for the next week.

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lake-Lathrop construction could start in June

Once out of the ground, development projected to take 16 months to complete

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest officials were told at the April 26 virtual village board meeting that excavation on the proposed development on the southwest corner of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue is expected to take place in June and July with the start of vertical construction to follow in August.

The proposal by Lake Lathrop Partners LLC to build a five-story, mixed use development was approved in 2016. Lake Lathrop Properties is a joint venture between Sedgwick Properties and Keystone Ventures.

Jay Feeley of Sedgwick Properties told officials that the first two phases of the project, assembling the land and remediation, are complete, allowing the development to move on to Phase 3, which is vertical construction.

“We now have a property that is clean,” Feeley said, noting that all materials from demolition were recycled.

He said there are three open items on the development’s building permit, which he

predicted would be addressed by the end of May. He also said site utilities removal is underway with work by Comcast and AT&T expected to be complete by the end of May. The developer also is expecting the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is sign off on the development by the end of May. Cory Robertson, with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, which is real estate agent for the residential side of the project, said contracts have been signed for six of the 22 units and a seventh contract is pending, which he said his team calls “a home run.”

Feeley said there has been “a lot of activity” and “a lot of excitement” with the project, adding he would consider nine contracts “to be moving forward.”

Dan Tausk of Mid-America Real Estate, which is handling the retail side of the project, said 15,000 square feet of retail space is available and considered the flexibility in creating spaces beneficial.

In response to a question from Trustee Katie Brennan, Tausk acknowledged no contracts have been signed but noted his firm has “one actively committed letter of intent.”

Feeley said financing negotiations are under way and the developer hopes to have financing in place by Aug. 1. In response to a question from Brennan, he said financing

for excavation is secured.

He said vertical construction would take 16 months, which would be beyond the Nov. 1, 2021, deadline for completion stipulated in an amendment that was approved by the village board in October 2019.

Brennan also asked that updates on the project be provided monthly.

River Forest has committed $1.9 million in TIF funding for the development. If trustees vote to take back the property, then the

village must reimburse the developer for demolition and environmental remediation costs. The developer previously estimated demolition at $250,000 and the village’s environmental consultant estimated soil remediation at $1.2 million.

Trustee Tom Cargie took the developers to task for conditions at the site.

“You guys need to be better neighbors,” he said, noting that snow was not removed during the winter.

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

River Forest names equity and inclusion committee 43 people, mainly residents named to advisory group

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

With two votes, River Forest officials created a much-anticipated but larger than expected ad hoc Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group at the April 26 virtual village board meeting.

The first vote, which passed 5-0, amended a resolution originally approved in February by adding a third co-chairperson and establishing the size of the committee at 43. Trustee Patty Henek did not attend the meeting. The size of the group was left open when the resolution was approved in February.

The second vote confirmed the appointments of the 43 members, all but one of those who submitted applications, and two of the three co-chairs. Village President Cathy Adduci said 44 applications were received but one resident withdrew. As was agreed in February, Trustee Erika Bachner and Lisa Scheiner, acting village administrator, were appointed co-chairs.

The appointments were approved 4-0 with Bachner abstaining because she was on the list of appointees, and Trustee Bob O’Connell abstaining because a family member is among the appointees. Henek’s absence and the abstentions of Bachner and O’Connell required Adduci to cast a rare vote.

Although Bachner advocated appointing one of the residents to the third co-chair position, Adduci proposed that newly elected Trustee Ken Johnson fill the position. In her explanation, Adduci cited the situation with the Deer Management Ad Hoc Committee, in which Cargie and Henek were appointed co-chairs but Henek withdrew after one meeting.

She also stressed the need for the terms of the trustees appointed to not be coterminous to prevent the results of an election from eliminating the two at the same time.

Johnson was elected earlier this month and will take his seat at the May 10 meeting.

Cargie, O’Connell and Trustee Respicio Vazquez supported having the third cochair be a trustee.

Bachner said she was “humbled” by the number of applicants.

“At the heart of it, this group will be involved in making sure we get closer to more people gaining access to resources, looking at where power lies and where it can be shifted when needed,” she said. “This group of people is rising to the moment and to the challenge.

“This is something I’ve been interested in

since I ran for trustee. This really fills me with pride. I’m really excited about this.”

Bachner thanked Trustee Katie Brennan for her efforts to create the advisory group.

“This was her initial idea in June,” she said. “She has worked with me endlessly over the course of the last year to create the vision for this.”

Adduci agreed, referring to Brennan as “an instrumental piece” of the advisory group’s development.

Brennan, in turn, thanked Adduci and Bachner.

“This has been my goal since June that this advisory group get up and going,” she said. “It is a much larger group Read the list of committee members than was anticipated initially and LOG ON TO OAKPARK.COM I think larger than any other commission or committee that we’ve had, including the deer committee.

“I have confidence that everybody will be aiming at the same goal. I also have confidence in Erika’s ability to lead this. It’s going to be challenging but we’ve got good leadership.”

O’Connell said he had some initial concerns about the size of the group.

“When I first heard 43, I said, ‘Wow!’” he said, but predicted that a group that size “will move more quickly.”

Vazquez said he thinks having 43 members will allow for more subcommittees to work on specific issues.

“I’m really excited and happy that we have 43 people interested in serving on this group,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Adduci acknowledged the amount of work ahead but said she is “psyched about it.”

The advisory group is charged with developing a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative for the village to be presented to the village president and board of trustees.

The internal initiative was introduced last September, along with an external component, and discussed at multiple village board meetings until consensus was reached in February.

The advisory group’s goals include hiring a consultant to assess village operations and designing a work plan to address diversity, equity and inclusion.

The external component, a partnership with Dominican University in River Forest, is moving forward, following adoption in October. The goal of the mutually beneficial partnership is to assist the village in becoming a community where there is a commitment to a culture of equity and inclusion and help the university expand its Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation efforts.

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Conservative site seeks to fill news void, invites suspicion West Cook News makes known its partisan edge, but largely abandons journalistic tools in local coverage

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Equity Editor

Patty Henek, a soon-to-be-former River Forest trustee who ran unsuccessfully for village president in the April 6 election, said while campaigning she learned a lesson in just how far and wide disinformation spreads.

“This article about me literally went as far as Texas,” she said in an interview earlier this month. “My mother-in-law has a very dear friend who lives in Las Vegas. That friend received an email from her niece who lives in Texas who got the article and recognized the name Henek.”

Two days later, a radio show host was referencing the article during a segment that aired April 5, the day before the election.

The article — “River Forest’s Henek proposes transforming village with subsidized, low-income housing” — was published by West Cook News, under the byline: LGIS News Service.

The radio host, Dan Proft, read the lede from the West Cook News article to his listeners on “Chicago’s Morning Answer with Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson.”

“Patty Henek is running for River Forest on a platform of bringing more low-income, Section 8 apartments to the village,” Proft said.

Henek said the article twisted her position on affordable housing and that she was never contacted to comment.

The local disdain for the outlet which has River Forest connections is bipartisan. Henek’s opponent, River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci, blasted the publication, as well.

“I have nothing to do with West Cook News,” Adduci said.

“I don’t read it. I don’t like it.”

Adduci referenced a 2019 article the outlet published about a sitting River Forest trustee that focused solely on his Facebook opinions of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and other national conservative figures.

“Nothing so far on [the trustee’s] opinion of Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, who, unlike Kavanaugh, has a sexual assault claim hanging over him,” the author of the 2019 article writes.

Most recently, a West Cook News article published April 27 claims to have “caught” two District 200 board members and Roosevelt University professors “bragging about how they promote Marxist re-organization of American society to their college students.”

The article only focuses on the members’ offline com-

Photo provided

PLAYING POLITICS: A screenshot of West Cook News’ story about then River Forest presidential candidate Patty Henek on the issue of affordable housing. Henek said the article distorted her position and that no effort was made to contact her.

ments before a Feb. 25 board meeting that was about four by advocacy groups who share our beliefs in limited governhours long and doesn’t mention attempting to contact them ment,” the site explains. for comment.

According to state election filings, Proft, a former RepubEarlier this year, a series of West Cook News articles cov- lican candidate for governor, chairs Liberty Principles, a ered an alleged campaign of harassment and intimidation political action committee that makes “independent expenthat a former District 90 school board candidate said was ditures in support of liberty oriented policies and candithe reason why he exited the race. The outlet imdates.” plicates one of the candidate’s opponents in the According to a 2020 article published by the alleged intimidation, but did not report that the New York Times, LGIS is overseen by Brian candidate had been under scrutiny by district ofTimpone, a River Forest resident and former TV ficials for complaints lodged by parents that he reporter. allegedly misused a district email list.

Like the Maine Business Daily that the New On its website, West Cook News says the pubYork Times highlights, the West Cook News is lication believes “that local government works part of Proft’s and Timpone’s “fast-growing netbest when voters have ready access to public work of nearly 1,300 websites that aim to fill a data about the use of their tax dollars: how void left by vanishing local newspapers across much money is being spent; where it is being the country. spent; how it is being spent.

“Yet the network, now in all 50 states, is built “We believe in limited government, in the not on traditional journalism but on propaganCATHY ADDUCI constructive role of the free market and in the da ordered up by dozens of conservative think RF village president rights of citizens to choose the size and scope tanks, political operatives, corporate executives of their government and the role it should play and public-relations professionals, a Times inin their society,” vestigation found.” says a statement Attempts to contact Timpone, Proft and at on the website least one reporter whose byline appears on a West Cook The outlet describes it- News article were unsuccessful. And the outlet hasn’t yet self as “a product of Local responded to an email seeking comment.

Government Information “Today’s news consumer has to do a lot more detective ■ Does the article have a byline?

Services,” the LGIS men- work in order to ensure oneself that you’re being informed ■ When was the story published? tioned in the byline of the by legitimate news and information sources,” Philip Napo■ Can I contact the reporters, editors and publishers? article on Henek. Proft, the li, a Duke University media professor, told the Wall Street ■ What are the article’s sources and does it appear the author spoke with, or attemptradio show host, is listed as Journal. ed to speak with, the sources he/she/they cite? the company’s president, acThe Wall Street Journal conducted its own deep dive into ■ Does the site have a way for me to make a correction or complain about coverage? cording to publicly available partisan conservative and liberal sites in October 2020.

Any phone numbers, non-generic emails or office addresses listed on the website? corporation filings with the Napoli told the paper that today’s “local partisan news ■ Does the outlet make clear its ownership structure?

Secretary of State. efforts are akin to journalism a century ago, when party■ How does the outlet define its readership? (Hint: if local readership is not defined Funding for West Cook driven newspapers with ‘Democrat’ or ‘Republican’ in their geographically, but ideologically, that’s a warning sign).

News “is provided, in part, names gave one-sided news, unabashedly.”

Questions to ask when evaluating local online news articles

“I have nothing to do with West Cook News. I don’t read it. I don’t like it..”

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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GRADUATION Options

from page 1 already robbed of another school year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and “a lot of me and my classmates really expected the school to step up and do something meaningful for graduation and prom and all that stuff.”

“They really haven’t made any effort throughout the entire year to make us feel special at all,” said Evans, who is also 18.

The school’s decision to organize a pair of outdoor graduations on May 29 (rain date May 30) was partly impacted by a recent survey that listed five possible ceremonies.

OPRF could host one graduation only for the senior class or up to five ceremonies, which would allow students to bring guests, said Director of Student Activities Susan Johnson. She said other options included a drivethrough or walk-up ceremony, or the school could skip the in-person festivity altogether.

All students and parents were surveyed on the subject. More than 500 parents and 550 students responded to the survey. Half of the 512 parents surveyed voted for the school to have multiple ceremonies. The largest block of students, about 47%, went with a single ceremony. Johnson said that’s when she looked more closely at the student vote,

which was broken down further by race.

Johnson said she noticed more white students opted for one ceremony, and students of color were “near-even” in selecting either one or multiple ceremonies. Those results led Johnson to say that “yes, we have a number that stands out in the sense that our students did have the highest vote, but not all of them in each individual subcategory had that feeling. That’s when we looked at it and we said it was a tough decision.”

Johnson said that she often turned back to students for more feedback and worked with the Oak Park Department of Public Health to figure out the best solution. With state guidelines loosening up, Johnson said she

and other OPRF school officials were able to provide a graduation that was safe for both families and students.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, outdoor venues like the school’s football stadium can hold up to 25% of their capacity, and people must be able to social distance. Johnson said the stadium can fit about 1,000 people and splitting up the graduating class left enough room for other guests while the graduates are seated on the field.

Instead of throwing five ceremonies, “we could come down to two ceremonies, and we would be really, really close to having everybody in one,” said Johnson. “We said that was

a really big compromise between the two, and this way, we can allow our students to have a couple people to see them graduate and still be with a large amount of other students.”

Evans and senior Ella Sorensen don’t see it that way and remain disappointed. The 18-year-old Sorensen said she felt like her vote didn’t even matter and that the school decided to side with the parents.

“It just makes our voices feel invalidated because even though we voted for one ceremony they still went with what the parents wanted,” Sorensen said. “That just doesn’t feel good, especially going to college, you want to feel confident with having your voices heard.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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The village of Oak Park has announced that Theresa D. Chapple-McGruder will serve as the new director of the Oak Park Department of Public Health. With a scheduled start date of May 3, Chapple-McGruder brings to the village a doctorate in epidemiology and a master’s degree in public health.

“A health professional of her training and experience is uniquely qualified to guide our health department through what continues to be a very challenging time,” said Village Manager Cara Pavlicek in a village news release.

Chapple-McGruder has spent much of her career working at local, state and federal health agencies. She currently leads the Women’s Health Data and Evaluation team at the Health Resources and Services Administration in Rockville, Md. While Maryland is a far cry away from her new position, Chapple-McGruder is already

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familiar with Oak Park, having lived in the village from 2005 to 2009 while working on her doctoral degree at the University of Chicago.

“I am excited by the opportunity to return to Oak Park in a leadership role THERESA D. CHAPPLEwith the municipal MCGRUDER government that Public health director plays such critical roles in protecting and serving the public,” Dr. Chapple-McGruder said.

The village’s health department has been under the leadership of firefighter and paramedic Joseph “J.T.” Terry, who stepped in as interim public health director following Mike Charley’s departure. Charley, Oak Park’s previous public health director, resigned last November to serve as the village of Skokie’s director of health and human services.

“J.T. has done an outstanding job of managing the village’s response to the pandemic, but I know public health is not his chosen career path,” Pavlicek said in the news release.

Edwards leaving WBEZ Leaving to serve as director of an executive search firm

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Oak Park names new public health director

Following a long career in Chicago Public Media including a stint as interim CEO, Oak Park’s Steve Edwards has stepped down as chief content officer at WBEZ, leaving public radio to serve as managing director of executive-search firm Koya Partners. The firm also works in strategic planning.

“I will return to my first role as a listener, as a member and a fan, but I will always be connected to Chicago Public Media in profound ways,” said Edwards in the WBEZ story announcing his departure.

Edwards began working at Chicago Public Media in 1999. During his tenure at Chicago’s NPR member station, Edwards wore multiple hats. In addition to being a member of WBEZ’s leadership team, Edwards also served as a journalist and program host. His last day will be May 14.

“I have been privileged to spend the vast majority of my professional life at WBEZ, and the experience has enriched me and

shaped me in every aspect,” Edwards said. “Even though I’ll not be getting a paycheck from Chicago Public Media any longer, my passion for the mission and my belief in the importance of quality journalism and STEVE EDWARDS the future potential for WBEZ are undiminished.”

Edwards previously left WBEZ in 2012 to work at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics with David Axelrod, himself a former Oak Parker. He spent five years with the institute, ascending to executive director, before returning to WBEZ in 2017 as chief content officer.

Managing Editor Tracy Brown will succeed Edwards in the role of chief content officer. Brown came to WBEZ in 2019, following a career in print journalism. For her skills and commitment to journalism, Edwards has given her his seal of approval.

“We’re doing much more impactful, enterprising journalism than we’ve done in WBEZ’s history, and that’s testimony to Tracy’s leadership and work.”

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

15

Oak leaves, acorns, and sundry local logos Township ditches classic design, but didn’t D97 just adopt it?

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park Township has an identify problem, survey says.

“A lot of folks in the community don’t know what the township does or what services we do, what we stand for, and what our mission is,” said Township Manager Gavin Morgan. “We’re trying to change that.”

Part of that change is creating a new logo and that means retiring the current, longstanding white oak leaves, adorned with a singular acorn.

What do oak leaves and acorns really say anyhow?

But it was only a decade ago that District 97 Oak Park elementary schools adopted a new logo. You guessed it, oak leaves and acorns.

The school district, embracing modernity, needed to replace its longtime logo — a stick-drawn version of a little red schoolhouse. Since Oak Park never had a little red schoolhouse, it offered neither historical relevance nor a compelling message about the district’s progressive methods.

A few years back Oak Park and River Forest High School realized they were swimming in variations of Huskies and school crests and pencil drawings of the handsome exterior of the Scoville Avenue landmark. An effort was made, a $24,676 budget adopted, and a consultant hired with the goal of condensing all that imagery into something more unified.

Until the school’s alums spoke up, worrying that the school crest was about to be mothballed. That was never actually the plan, but the project was basically shelved.

The Park District of Oak Park had a windmill-like logo going back decades. It was recently “refreshed” and simplified.

Meanwhile, Oak Park’s most recognizable and purposeful logo is a representation of stick people/stick trees going back largely unchanged to the 1970s when the village of Oak Park remade and rebranded itself in the era of integration. A new and entirely modern village hall was built at Madison and Lombard, the police cars were suddenly orange and white and the new logo was slapped on everything from vehicle stickers to fire trucks.

Currently, Oak Park Township is collecting proposals for a new logo as part of its wider rebranding project.

The township is looking for a partner to guide it through the process, part of which includes developing a new logo more indicative of what the township provides to the community.

“The goal is to change the fact that people aren’t real familiar with the township and make sure they understand the services we provide and the value we add to the community,” said Morgan.

Those services include meal assistance for seniors, adult

protective services, benefit access, caregiver support, youth intervention programming, substance abuse prevention resources, and more. They do not include forestry or autumn leaf pickup. But most residents don’t glean that information from the current woodsy logo, as indicated by the results of recent community surveys conducted by the township.

“One of the survey questions was, ‘What does this logo bring to mind?’ or something to that effect,” said Morgan.

“One of the responses was oak leaves. And that’s not exactly what we’re going for.”

The township has used the white oak leaves and acorn for decades, but Morgan doesn’t know exactly when the logo made its debut.

“Somebody just recently came across a document from 1971 that had the same logo,” he said.

OPRF planned its logo unification in 2019, in a contract worth $24,676 with Sikich Marketing and Design.

When asked if the township expects their rebranding contract to carry a similar cost, Morgan responded with a resounding, “That’s not what I had in mind.” They plan to keep project spending at a “reasonable level.”

“We didn’t lay out a specific amount just because we wanted to see what people had to offer and then we’ll talk about cost,” he said. “But we will present any contract to the [township] board for their approval.”

OPRF didn’t end up spending the full contracted amount — just 25 percent, or $6,169.

The project was halted because of alumni concerns that the OPRF crest would be jettisoned, which the school never intended to do, according to OPRF spokeswoman Karin Sullivan.

“Tradition is really big in this community and for alumni of this high school in particular, and we wanted to respect that,” Sullivan told Wednesday Journal.

However, the school had already paid 25 percent of the amount to Sikich.

“We settled on them providing help and consultation to our students and trying to create some consistent branding,” said Sullivan.

That need for consistent branding still exists, according to Sullivan. Sikich agreed to assist the students, meeting with members of the graphic design club and providing input to those tasked with making changes.

“I don’t want to make anyone nervous that we are changing the crest; it’s updated with the school colors,” said Sullivan.

OPRF hasn’t quite made the leap to the more colorful logo quite yet, but it has had something of a soft rollout, according to Sullivan, who said many administrators are using it as their Zoom backgrounds during school board meetings.

“It’s been great working with the students,” she said. “It’s been a longer process for sure, but it’s been really rewarding to work with them and to see the work they’ve produced.”

When D97 redesigned its logo in 2010, the operation was executed entirely in-house by the district’s webmaster, Stephanie Grammens.

“There was no additional cost, given that the design work was handled internally,” said D97 spokesperson Amanda Siegfried. Superintendent Al Roberts charged Grammens with the task of creating a logo that would serve as an anchor across the websites under the district’s umbrella. The decision was based on Roberts’ image, as well as feedback from parents and guardians, according to Siegfried.

“Grammens came up with mock-ups of six logos, and the final version was selected by Roberts and the district’s former communications director, Chris Jasculca,” she said.

Siegfried told Wednesday Journal the chosen design of an acorn with an attached white oak leaf encircled by the district’s name represents the Oak Park community’s dedication to the environment and its youth.

“The color green featured in the design mirrors the colors found in logos being utilized by several other local entities and will help tie us more closely to our community partners,” said Siegfried.

16

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

RESTAURANTS Worker shortage from page 1 nually through salary and tips failed to lure applicants.

The lack of staff adversely impacts restaurants in myriad ways, but reputation cost is among the most significant. Being understaffed often translates to slower service and restauranteurs like O’Brien worry about disgruntled customers and negative reviews.

“Fortunately, people are coming out to eat and we are busy, but I need more than three servers in the dining room to provide adequate service.” said O’Brien. “This problem won’t end until unemployment ends.”

Meg and Molly Svec, co-owners of Spilt Milk Pastry, 811 South Blvd., have been experiencing hiring challenges as well, but in their case find they are limited to shortages of front-of-house workers. A recent posting for a barista position yielded just two applicants; a similar posting pre-pandemic would have attracted approximately 100 applicants. Spilt Milk, however, has not had difficulty finding people to work in the kitchen.

As a result, the Svec sisters cannot imagine it is just the allure of unemployment benefits holding people back from re-entering the work force.

“I don’t like the idea of blaming unemployment because it paints restaurant workers as lazy,” said Meg Svec. “And that just isn’t the case. Restaurant workers are not lazy people.”

The Svec sisters know many front-ofhouse restaurant workers who found themselves in environments that lacked COVID related safety protocols. They speculate a lack of consistency in safety standards from restaurant-to-restaurant has made it difficult for workers to trust they will be protected in a new environment. This fear would likely impact waitstaff, bussers and bartenders more seriously as they interact with the public far more than cooks and dishwashers. The Svec sisters hope communicating their strict COVID protocols with potential employees will help build trust.

Kristin Alfonsi, co-owner of One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake St., delayed the return of indoor dining until her entire staff was fully vaccinated against COVID-19. While she achieved that goal, staff shortages have made reopening One Lake’s indoor dining rooms nearly impossible “We are opening for limited indoor dining on the first floor on May 1,” said Alfonsi.

“Unfortunately, we cannot increase our hours or open the middle level without more staff.”

Alfonsi agrees unemployment benefits are a contributing factor, but also believes the industry is still waiting to catch up with vaccine roll-out. As more restaurant workers become fully vaccinated and added unemployment benefits expire in September, Alfonsi expects to see a wave of applications.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM In the meantime, One Lake’s lower level has been redesigned to function without servers. While the full menu will be offered on the lower level all food and drink orders will be placed and picked up from the bar.

The rooftop will still operate as a full-service space and the mid-level will open as more workers join the One Lake team.

Josemanuel Lopez and his father Francisco, known to all as Chef Paco, co-owners of New Rebozo, 1116 Madison St., have given tremendous thought to the industry wide need for qualified waitstaff and kitchen workers.

“Sure, unemployment benefits factor into the problem,” said Lopez. “But there are also too many openings and workers have the ability to shop around for ideal hours and pay.”

Chef Paco and his son are clear the struggle is about more than money. New Rebozo already pays their kitchen workers $15 per hour. Front-of-house waitstaff earn $13 per hour plus tips far exceeding the Illinois minimum wage for tipped workers of $6.60 per hour and the slightly higher Chicago rate of $8.40 per hour. Still, New Rebozo is relying on extended family to keep the restaurant operating.

“Even with higher wages two of our 10 employees had more than one job. When restaurant workers are paid lower wages, it is common for them to have two or three jobs to make ends meet,” said Lopez. “Relying on unemployment benefits to ease the burden of having to work so many hours during a dangerous pandemic makes sense to me.”

New Rebozo took COVID compliance very seriously and put their staff first in terms of social distancing and reopening their dining room. Throughout the pandemic New Rebozo only dealt with a single case of mild COVID among staff members.

“When we had the COVID case we sent our staff home, closed for an extended period and did a deep cleaning,” said Lopez. “But I know of another local establishment where 90% of the staff came down with COVID and they were all told to come back to work. That inconsistency does play in the reluctance to return to work.”

Lopez also noted dining room capacity restrictions are making it difficult for waitstaff to make enough in tips to make it worthwhile. At 50% capacity a restaurant needs to turn tables four times every night to give servers the same number of tables they had access to when the restaurant was filled to capacity. While customer hesitancy is waning, Lopez indicates dine in business is not that robust.

Lopez and his father have also seen employees relocate, take jobs in a different industry, find more hours at another restaurant, or even opt to make do with less income for safety reasons. Pre-pandemic New Rebozo always had a full staff and now, of the seven potential employees they have brought in only one has stayed.

“The truth is we cannot pinpoint the reasons for the shortage because this has never happened before,” said Lopez. “People made a good living here if they put in a little bit of effort. I think that can still be true.”

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17

ART BEAT

Oak Parker among ‘New Faces’ bringing Broadway to Chicago

By MICHELLE DYBAL

F

Art Editor

or those ready for musical theater, Porchlight Musical Theatre of Chicago delivers its virtual musical revue, New Faces Sing Broadway 1961, featuring 10 young artists, including Maurice Rex Randle of the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. Randle, 27, is an Oak Park native.

The show is based on New Faces revues produced from 1934 to 1968, which introduced such soon-to-be-knowns as Maggie Smith, Henry Fonda and Eartha Kitt. Host of the Porchlight show, Kelvin Ralston Jr., provides the back story as well as factoids on the musicals and songs in the program.

Musicals from 1961 range from the wellknown How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying to the virtually unknown Subways are for Sleeping to those with songs that became very popular, such as Do Re Mi’s “Make Someone Happy,” recorded by Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett, the Supremes, and Jimmy Durante.

Singing has been an important part of Randle’s life since third grade. He remembers singing Motown music in the car with his grandmother and wanting to be a pop singer. As a student at Longfellow School in Oak Park, he said he was encouraged by his teachers, Ms. Martin and Mr. Weber. Randle said Weber was an avid theater performer and fan. He wasn’t in Weber’s class, but he thinks the teacher spotted him singing around school.

“When you’re that young and you have a gift, you are just bold and brave about it — you just do it everywhere,” he said.

Weber held an annual revue concert in his class, Randle said. “He asked me if I could sing a solo in it and the rest is history. I was like, ‘This feels good. OK, you’re doing this.’”

Randle sang “Seasons of Love” from Rent, which, he said, is a “favorite of a lot of theater people” including Randle (a complicated favorite at this point, he added). He didn’t understand what it meant at the time but

was honored to be able to sing it at such a young age. He also was involved with Open Door Theater, attending its summer camp and appearing as a duckling in Honk and acting in other productions there.

After attending Julian Middle School for a year, Randle’s family moved to Bolingbrook, where he participated in local community theater. Randle also acted in Circle Theater’s youth productions in Forest Park.

Growing up in a single-parent household, his mom and grandmothers drove him back and forth from Bolingbrook to Forest Park to support his theater interest.

“They are my biggest fans,” he said.

“There was never, ‘Well, let’s do something more practical.’ As soon as I said I wanted to do theater, they said, ‘OK. Broadway by 30.’”

He also pursued theater in college.

Fast forward to early 2020 and Randle was about to sign his second contract performing with Celebrity Cruise Lines when COVID-19 hit. While the pandemic has “derailed theater,” and dried up stage work, he keeps busy at his job with Howard Brown Health, Chicago. He is a Youth Medical Benefits Navigator at the Broadway Youth Center, working with marginalized and unhoused youth to gain access to health-care resources, he said.

Meanwhile he kept looking to return to the stage. He auditioned for Porchlight’s full season last spring hoping to get into one of their New Faces shows before he wasn’t “a new face anymore.” Randle previously appeared in the company’s production of The Scottsboro Boys in 2017.

New Faces Sing Broadway 1961 was filmed at the Studebaker Theatre in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, built in 1898, with more in-person performing than most shows in the area have had since the pandemic began.

Safety measures were taken — separate dressing rooms, separate filming days for small groups of singers, masks on until singing began and staying distanced. Randle said he was very impressed with how safely it was run.

Photo provided

Maurice Rex Randle sings in Porchlight Music Theatre’s “New Faces Sing Broadway 1961.”

“I got in there ready to work, ready to do my thing,” he said. “The pandemic is here, obviously, but I’m not focused on the pandemic. I’m focused on this work, doing these songs, doing what I love.

“And the way that they filmed it made me feel like a star,” he added.

During the in-person filming, in addition to small groups of performers, there was a film and sound crew of four or five people and the show’s director Brianna Borger, music director Tom Vendafreddo, artistic director Michael Weber, and producing associate and company manager Christopher Pazdernik.

Randle sings a solo, “His Own Little Island,” from the musical Let it Ride, as well as singing in a trio. For the trio, the singers are unmasked but socially distanced, po-

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sitioned in and around an elevator as they sing “Been a Long Day” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Each performer shares a bit about themselves throughout the show — their pronouns and a fun fact — giving the production a personal touch.

Viewers engage in sing-alongs and the opening and closing numbers include all the New Faces. According to one of the singers, there were as many as five at a time on stage singing those group songs, a departure from the many individually recorded and edited numbers of other pandemic performances.

Porchlight Music Theatre’s “New Faces Sing Broadway 1961” is available for streaming through May 16. $25-$50. Tickets/ more: porchlightmusictheatre.org/events/ new-faces-sing-broadway-1961.

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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EVERYDAY ACTIVISTS

ALL WELCOME PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEWER Tameka Wilson Triton College

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Girl killed at West Side McDonald’s from Oak Park Jaslyn Adams of 1000 block of South Ridgeland Avenue

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Seven-year-old Jaslyn Adams who was fatally shot Sunday while in a McDonald’s drive-thru on the West Side was from Oak Park, according to the office of the Cook County Medical Examiner, which reported the child lived in the 1000 block of South Ridgeland Avenue.

“I am heartbroken and angered that a 7-year-old child was killed this afternoon on Chicago’s West Side,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in an April 18 tweet.

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“This unthinkable act of violence has no place here. The epidemic of gun violence cutting our children’s lives short cannot go on.”

Adams was in a vehicle with her father when someone opened fire on them at 4:18 p.m., April 18 as the pair sat in the drive thru-lane of a McDonald’s located in Chicago’s Homan Square neighborhood.

Chicago police officers transported Adams and her father, both of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds, to John H. Stroger Hospital. She was pronounced dead at 4:39 p.m. that same day. ABC Chicago reported Adams’s father was in serious condition.

Members of the North Lawndale community, along with Chicago police officers, gathered April 19 for a vigil and balloon release held in Adams’s honor.

Police have taken a 26-year-old male into custody for his suspected involvement in a battery that occurred on a westbound Blue Line train stopped at the Oak Park Avenue station early April 22.

“A witness told police that the incident began with an argument in the train car near Kedzie Avenue,” said Oak Park spokesman David Powers.

The victim, a 34-year-old woman, was transported to Loyola Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, the extent of which is not known at this time, according to Powers.

“The incident apparently took place inside the train car but had moved out onto the platform after an unknown person had pressed the assistance button near Austin Boulevard,” said Powers.

Responding to a report of a battery taking place, police arrived at the station at 2:10 a.m., where they took the suspect into custody The incident has been determined to be a Chicago police matter, according to Powers.

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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C R I M E

Carjacked at gunpoint A Chicago resident told police he was carjacked at gunpoint at 2:57 p.m., April 22, in the 6500 block of North Avenue. According to police reports, a man dressed entirely in black approached the resident’s vehicle, pointed a black handgun at him and demanded he get out of the vehicle.

After the Chicago resident complied, the offender was last seen in the resident’s vehicle traveling eastbound on North Avenue.

Chicago police later located the victim’s vehicle parked in the 1100 block of North Avenue at 7:32 p.m. The vehicle had sustained damage to its front and was missing its front license plate.

Aggravated discharge of a firearm

A man was observed exiting the driver’s side of a blue Jeep Compass and then shooting an unknown firearm in a northeast direction at 10:39 a.m., April 19 in the 100 block of West Harvard Street; the man reentered the vehicle and fled westbound on Harvard Street. No injuries were reported but a building was struck during the incident.

Burglary ■ Someone entered an unlocked garage and removed lawnmower, trimmer and a bag of charcoal, then entered the victim’s 2019 Honda Odyssey and took two pairs of Honda Bluetooth headphones, one pair of sunglasses and a first aid kit between 2:30 p.m., April 17 and 9:41 a.m., April 18 in the 1000 block of North Elmwood Avenue. The estimated loss is $650.

■ Someone broke into a parked car and removed a black wallet containing an Illinois driver’s license, cash and credit cards, which were then used at various locations between 6 and 8 p.m., April 19 in the 900 block of Madison Street. The estimated loss is $4,300.

■ A snow blower and two bicycles were taken from an open garage in the 600 block of North Lombard Avenue around 1 p.m., April 20. The estimated loss is $666.13.

BEAUTIFUL VICTORIAN

19

JUST LISTED

Motor vehicle theft A 2007 Honda Civic parked on the street in the 200 block of Chicago Avenue was taken between 8 p.m., April 22 and 11 a.m., April 23.

The estimated loss is $3,000.

Theft

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK

515 SUPERIOR, OAK PARK

removed packages from the vestibule of a building in the 900 block of Garfield Street between 10:52 a.m. and 8 p.m., April 20. Estimated loss is $200.

■ A black Portfolio light timer and 12 black Portfolio yard lights were taken from a resident’s yard in the 900 block of North Oak Park Avenue between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m., April 21. The estimated loss is $300.

■ Four tires and rims were removed from a 2007 Acura TL while parked in the 200 block of Home Avenue between 2:30 and 9:38 a.m., April 24. The estimated loss is $600.

$1,285,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH

$595,000 :: 4 BED :: 3 BATH

Majestic Victorian in central Oak Park Historic District.

Mid-century/Tri-level.

Criminal damage to property

1522 FOREST, RIVER FOREST

■ Someone

■ Someone shot at a car, damaging its hood, parked in the 1000 block of North Austin Boulevard between 8:30 a.m., April 20 and 8 a.m., April 21. The estimated damage is $500.

■ A brick with a threatening message attached was thrown through the front porch window of a home in the 800 block of South Humphrey Avenue between 10:30 p.m., April 21 and 6:30 a.m., April 22. Loss was unknown at the time of reporting. Police did not share the exact wording of the message, only that it was a veiled threat regarding the custody of a juvenile.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports April 19-26 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

21

Homes

Historical society housewalk returns May 2 Special hybrid event mixes outdoor, small-group indoor tours

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The year 2020 saw the cancellation of all major housewalks in Oak Park, starting with the Kitchen Walk, then the historical society’s walk, then Wright Plus. One by one, the harbingers of spring in Oak Park and River Forest were postponed and then cancelled as the COVID-19 pandemic brought indoor gatherings to a halt.

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest’s local house tour is the first to return, offering its annual Tales

Our Houses Tell Housewalk on Sunday, May 2 from 1 to 5 p.m.

In order to ensure the safety of volunteers and participants, and for the first time, the housewalk will be a hybrid event, with parts of the tours taking place outside, and small-group tours of the first floor of local homes. Masks will be required inside and outside.

Historical Society Executive Director Frank Lipo says the organization is grateful for all of the work that went into making the walk a reality.

“It’s exciting that so many volunteers, pulling together, can plan such a fun and educational event, and tweak it in 2021 just enough to keep it safe for all involved,” Lipo said.

Housewalk chairwoman Mary Boyaris is excited to finally be able to hold this walk. She notes that the volunteer researchers were just ramping up their work last spring when

everything shut down.

“Nobody expected this to last a year,” she said.

The subject matter was well worth waiting for, she says.

This year’s walk will focus on five homes in the subdivision designed in the early 20th century by Thomas H. Hulbert south of Madison Street along Clinton and Kenilworth avenues.

“This neighborhood is so unbelievable,” Boyaris said.

Neighborhood Unity Researchers had fun digging into the history of the area.

Historical Society board member Kurt Etchingham found an advertisement from 1904 from a local nursery, showing the See HOUSEWALK on page 23

22

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

HOUSEWALK Hulbert homes from page 21 shrubs and trees planted on the streets of the Hulbert neighborhood.

The streets once had four gates -- on Madison and Congress at both Clinton and Kenilworth, and many assumed the gates were part of Hulbert’s original plans for the subdivision.

In fact, research uncovered the gates were the work of the Hulbert Improvement Club, a popular convention at the turn of the 20th century. The Oak Park Improvement Club was founded in 1900, Boyaris notes, two years before the village was incorporated.

The Hulbert Improvement Club was founded to build these four gates to keep out vehicles from the Wisconsin Cement Company.

Other neighborhood pursuits in the early days included tennis courts and progressive dinner parties established by an early homeowner. Today, Boyaris says the area is just as neighborly and has a 50-year tradition of block parties and Fourth of July celebrations.

A peek inside Homeowners Sharon Henk and Steven Saraceno have lived in their Hulbert home for almost 23 years. When they found it, they weren’t looking to move from their previous Oak Park home, but the fireplace and walkup third floor sold them on the space for the family. In addition, they loved the neighborhood that was full of what they called “hidden gems.”

Over the years, they’ve raised four children in the house and completed untold number of projects. They stripped paint off the original woodwork and revealed original accordionstyle windows. They removed layers of shag carpeting to find out that the hardwood flooring had been covered with linoleum throughout the house -- even in the closets.

They are still enjoying improvements added by earlier owners. A garage was built in 1910 to complement the 1906 house, and later owners enclosed the front porch in 1923.

During the pandemic, they’ve tackled more home improvement projects, like painting

23

the interior and exterior. The couple are excited to share their home with the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest.

Jim Grogan, a Historical Society board member, has researched the neighborhood for the walk and says one home in the 600 block of Clinton Avenue has a fascinating history of people who have lived there. The first owner was a miner from England. He had no formal education but learned shorthand at correspondence school. When he came to America, he worked his way up to become one of the country’s pre-eminent medical reporters.

“I view him as an archetypal buyer for the Hulbert home, middle-income, quality people,” Grogan said of that owner, who worked in the city and raised his kids in the suburbs.

According to Grogan, Hulbert was more of a salesman than an architect and preyed on fears of city life by touting the area free of apartments, full of trees and fresh air. Grogan calls his marketing “a lot of good salesmanship.”

Etchingham’s research shows the power of Hulbert’s ads in city newspapers, saying they stressed the notion that when you bought a Hulbert home, you were buying de facto membership in a planned community where the type of residences, the size of the lots, the public landscaping and, by implication, the social and economic status of your neighbor, was controlled.

Depending on the inclusion of optional upgrades such as built-in buffets, bay windows, art glass and double staircases, Hulbert houses cost their original owners from $4,200 to $7,500.

While Hulbert’s advertising tactics might not work today, Grogan says the homes still draw buyers from the city looking for a little plot of land. They might be a bit harder to come by, though.

“People who live in these homes tend to stay there,” Grogan said. “There are great backyards and great houses.”

Before you go Tickets to the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest’s Tales Our Houses Tell Housewalk are $30 each or $25 for Historical Society members.

Tickets can be purchased at oprfmuseum.org or in person at the Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St. in Oak Park, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets will cost $35 the day of the walk at the Rush Medical Office Building at Oak Park Hospital, 610 S. Maple Ave., near the site of the walk. Advance tickets can also be picked up after 12:30 p.m. at

the hospital the day of the walk.

To reach the ticket pickup/day-of-event purchase point, turn south from Madison Street onto Maple Avenue, drive past the hospital main entrance and valet parking area and make a left at the first corner, which is Monroe Street.

Look for the table under the entrance canopy of the building. There will be no public restrooms available, because the office building is closed on Sundays.

No children under the age of 12 and no pets are permitted. Mobility may be limited in some homes and on walkways.

Photo provided

An ad from 1904 (top) shows gates that once served to keep vehicles from a nearby cement factory out of the Hulbert subdivision, which was dotted with tidy family homes like the one above, which will be on this year’s housewalk.

24

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

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Please call our Melrose Park office at (708) 344-2273 if interested or email Nicole Gray at nicoleg@saharahomecare.com and Greyder Martinez at greyderm@saharahomecare.com.

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Lucas Medi Car has an opening for a full time wheelchair van driver.

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than April 30, 2021.

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Development Customer Services 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

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MARKETPLACE ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE

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BLONDE DRESSER WITH MIRROR 4 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755

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Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

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Road Trip on the Horizon?

Let us know we’ll hold your paper!

Email: circulation@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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25

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

CONDOS

Sunday, May 2 ADDRESS

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

TIME

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

TIME

1192 Clarence Ave., #13, Oak Park. . . . . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$399,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 11-1 110 S Marion Street, #406, Oak Park . . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$430,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 12-2 320 S Maple Ave, D, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $449,000 . . . . . . . . Open Sat 11:30-1:30

ADDRESS

212 Lathrop Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . .

813 Belleforte Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . .

1091 Bonita Drive, Park Ridge. . . . . . . . . . . .

1139 N Grove Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1012 Augusta Blvd, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . .

1135 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . .

Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$395,000 Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $589,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$679,500 Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $950,000 Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$975,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$975,000

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 12-1:30

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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SPORTS

Fenwick closes out season with 3rd straight win Friars force 5 turnovers to notch 10-0 victory over St. Ignatius

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The triple-option offense is one that is rarely used in football these days. It’s difficult for defenses to prepare for and requires them to show a lot of discipline.

It’s also the offense St. Ignatius uses, and it was on display Friday night at Triton College as the Wolfpack visited Fenwick.

While St. Ignatius moved the ball well at times, the Friars’ defense not only kept the Wolfpack from scoring, it forced five turnovers as Fenwick prevailed 10-0 in its season finale.

“Coach [Titcus] Pettigrew, he’s been here for a while and knows how the option runs,” said Fenwick senior defensive back/quarterback Nick Polston of the Friars’ defensive coordinator. “We played them our sophomore year and shut them out, and I was really confident in coach Pettigrew and our linebacker coaches [Aidan Conlon and Jim Farnan]. All of our guys were super-disciplined.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Fenwick’s Danny Kent (11) continues to gain yards as he pushes through the defense on Friday during a varsity football game against Saint Ignatius College Prep at Triton College in River Grove.

Fenwick head coach Matt Battaglia said the team treated this game as if it was for a state championship and cited the defensive effort as the key to victory. “[Pettigrew] did a heck of a job with those guys, and they just wanted it,” he said. “They prepared all week for this offense, and they came ready.

I can’t be more proud of them in how they executed.”

The first half was scoreless as the

teams squandered opportunities for points.

Fenwick (3-2) moved the ball into the St. Ignatius red zone twice, but came away empty each time. The second opportunity, which came midway in the second quarter, was especially frustrating as a 22-yard touchdown pass from sophomore E.J. Hosty to senior running back Isaac Novak was called back due to a holding penalty. Then junior Eian Pugh dropped a certain touchdown in the end zone a few plays later.

This possession came after the Friars’ defense had snuffed out a Wolfpack scoring threat on the previous drive with Polston recovering a fumble on the Fenwick 14.

In the third quarter, Fenwick forced another Ignatius turnover deep within the Friars’ own half -- junior Aidan Vargas recovered a fumble at the 14 -- and this time the Friars were able to capitalize.

A Novak run of 28 yards and a ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer Hosty pass of 11 Fenwick’s Nick Polston (4) runs with the ball yards to junior after a hand off play during a varsity football Max Reese moved game against Saint Ignatius College Prep at the ball into WolfTriton College in River Grove. pack territory, then runs of nine,

eight and 13 yards by junior Danny Kent put the Friars into the red zone. Sophomore Pat Durkin powered his way in for a touchdown from one yard out to give Fenwick a 7-0 lead with 11 seconds to go in the third.

The Friars’ defense took over in the fourth quarter, forcing the Wolfpack into turnovers on all three of their possessions. The first was an interception by junior Martin Paris, who also forced three fumbles. Fenwick punted on the ensuing drive, but the ball was downed at the Ignatius 1-yard line and ultimately led to the second turnover, a fumble recovery by Conor Stetz at the Ignatius 25. That set up a successful 38-yard field goal by junior Iain Ramge that raised Fenwick’s advantage to 10-0 with 3:36 remaining.

“In practice later in the season, we started flipping guys on offense and defense, and that unified the team. I really think that’s what gave us the strength to get this shutout,” said Polston.

Finally, junior Denium Juette intercepted Ignatius quarterback Leo Rugai on the ensuing possession to seal the victory, which was the Friars’ third consecutive to end the See FENWICK on page 28

Wednesday Journal, April 21, 2021

@ @OakPark

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Landis combines for 4 TDs but OPRF can’t get past Glenbard West Huskies football team wraps up abbreviated season at 3-3

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

In his three seasons as a varsity starter for the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team, Naahlyee Bryant has been a fierce competitor and fiery leader, named a co-captain twice.

So it was a strange sight to see Bryant dressed in street clothes April 24 at Duchon Field in Glen Ellyn as he was unable to play in his last high school game due to injury.

“It was hard to watch,” said Bryant after OPRF lost to host Glenbard West 48-28. “Because I know if I was on the field, I would’ve made some plays. To be in a position where you wish you could’ve done something to help the team but not being able to sucks and is heartbreaking.”

The Huskies (3-3) struggled defensively without Bryant against the Hilltoppers’ ground attack, particularly in the first half

when they fell behind 21-0.

“There was some inconsistency early in the game, plays that we gave away and mistakes that we could’ve fixed up,” said OPRF coach John Hoerster. “But we didn’t let that sink us.”

In his final game, senior quarterback Jack Landis (21-for-26 passing, 239 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT) got OPRF on the board with a two-yard keeper with 4:50 remaining in the first half.

But Glenbard West running back Jalen Moore scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the half, a 35-yard scamper and then a backbreaking 80-yard sprint as time expired to give the Hilltoppers (3-1) a commanding 35-7 halftime lead.

However, the Huskies made a second-half charge as Landis threw two touchdown passes -- seven yards to Jemari Smith-Payton (10 catches, 84 yards) and six yards to Kaden Sleets -- to trim the deficit to 35-21 with 7:47 remaining in the game.

“We knew a lot of seniors weren’t going to play football again,” said Landis. “We really wanted to leave it out on the field and show no quit.”

After Jason Thomas scored from 29 yards out for Glenbard West, OPRF countered with Landis’ third touchdown pass of the day, a 36-yard strike to DeShawn Willis. The Huskies then stopped the Hilltoppers at the Glenbard West 44-yard line with 2:54 left and had a chance to draw closer, but Landis was intercepted immediately by Will Sackett, and Glenbard West sealed the game with a 26-yard touchdown run by Korey Tai. “They finished strong and played for four quarters,” Hoerster said. “It speaks tremendously to the character of the kids.”

Given the challenges of playing a season in the midst of a pandemic, Hoerster felt the Huskies handled the situation well. Unlike many other schools, OPRF was able to get its entire six-game season played.

“This year was immensely challenging.

Very few teams in the state were able to get all six games in, [but] we did,” he said. “We stayed together and did the right thing. … I was really proud of how they handled all of the adversity this season.”

Afterwards, Bryant and Landis each reflected on what it meant to be a Huskie

football player. r. “ I t ’s been a fun ride with them, hem, s o m e of whom I’ve been playing ying with since fifth grade,” grade ” Bryant Br said. “Wee weren’t were ’t always the best or most dominant team, but we were still one that loved each other and fought until the clock hit zero.”

“We always believe in our brothers, and we’re family who’s got each other’s backs,” Landis added.

Hoerster hopes the team realizes that nothing is ever guaranteed in life and that the lessons learned this spring will serve them well.

“Life is fragile and you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Hoerster said.

“Take time to really appreciate the opportunities you have today.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Nelson’s 12 kills lead the way, but Huskies fall to LTHS OPRF volleyball wraps shortened season 5-5

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Freshman outside hitter Grace Nelson led the Oak Park and River Forest High School girls volleyball team with 12 kills, two aces, and nine digs on April 21 at rival Lyons Township, but the Huskies fell in two sets (20-25, 24-26).

Nelson has been a bright spot all spring during a pandemic-shortened season that saw OPRF finish 5-5.

“She’s a phenomenal player,” said OPRF

boisterous affair with fans of both schools creating a lively atmosphere. But the pandemic has resulted in stringent spectator restrictions within the West Suburban Conference. Only parents of the home team’s players have been allowed entry at most contests, so the Huskies have had to create their own enthusiasm.

“It’s definitely been a challenge for us,” Collins said. “We’ve had to get energy and excitement from our own team and there are just 13 of us, which can be difficult. …

With the adversity they’ve seen this year, they’ve been able to face it head on and step up to the challenge. We’re grateful for the opportunity to play.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

OPRF’s Grace Nelson (6) hits the ball over the net during a varsity volleyball match against Lyons Township at Lyons Township North Campus

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

LT’s Ella Olson (2) serves the ball during a varsity volleyball match against OPRF at Lyons Township North Campus

Fenwick wraps with win over St. Ignatius

coach Kelly Collins. “Her skills and ability are great. Grace is a six-rotation player with a deadly swing, whether she’s in the front row or the back. As a freshman, she’s very impressive.”

Other notable OPRF efforts at LTHS were turned in by senior Chloe Gill (7 kills, 1 ace, and 10 dig), Emma Luptak (11 assists) and Maeve Morgan (10 assists).

“It was tough competition [from LTHS], give them credit,” said Collins. “We just made some errors at crucial points, and we were chasing the whole game. It’s hard to overcome that.”

Usually, an OPRF-LTHS athletic event is a

The Fenwick High School girls volleyball team defeated visiting St. Ignatius in two sets (25-14, 25-21) on April 22 to finish their pandemic-shortened season with a 6-4 record.

Against the Wolfpack, Elise Heneghan had eight kills, while Donna Carinato had nine assists and one ace and Maeve Welsh had five assists and one block. In addition, Gabriella Cavalieri added five kills, two digs and one block, while Beau Vanderlaan had four kills and two blocks to pace a well-balanced effort for the Friars.

“You always don’t get to finish the season with a win unless it’s the state tournament,” said Fenwick coach Kathleen O’Laughlin.

“Tonight the kids did a great job of coming out against a very solid team. I think our

senior leadership was awesome with Beau leading the charge, and Lauren [Hall], Donna, and Gabriella did an excellent job. I was proud of how the team finished.”

Heneghan, Vanderlaan and Welsh were named to the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference all-conference team.

There were plenty of challenges in trying to conduct a season in the midst of a pandemic, but O’Laughlin credited her competitors in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference for being flexible with scheduling in order to allow the teams to get in as many games as possible.

“The seniors were so happy just to have a season; they didn’t care when it was, they just wanted to get it in,” O’Laughlin said.

“That’s so important for their emotional well-being, and I’m proud of the IHSA for coming up with a schedule that would benefit the kids.”

Vanderlaan, who will continue her playing career at Brown University this fall, said she’ll cherish the many friendships and memories made during her time at Fenwick, especially this season.

“I was proud of how we overcame all the adversity this season,” she said. “Regardless of how much we got to play, we always went all-out.”

While Vanderlaan and the other seniors will be missed, the future looks bright as there are several talented players coming back in August, including Heneghan, Welsh, Shannon O’Laughlin and Lola Tortorello.

FENWICK

Winning streak from page 26 season.

“We had some heartbreaking losses, but tonight made it all worth it,” Polston said.

The Friars gradually improved as the year progressed, and Battaglia said he wished the season had been longer than the six weeks allotted by the IHSA. “We just focused on getting better each week, and we really grew as a team.

I’m sorry we only had six games with them,” said Battaglia.

However, the good news is that Fenwick will have plenty of talented returnees for the fall season, including quarterbacks Kaden Cobb and Hosty, who filled in ably when Cobb was injured; running back Kent; wide receivers Pugh, Reese and Bryan Hunt; fullback/tight end Durkin; linemen Vargas, Rasheed Anderson, Quin Wieties, and Jimmy Liston; linebacker Conor Paris; and defensive backs Juette, Martin Paris, and Jacque Walls.

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

The ‘defund’ movement in Oak Park and Evanston

W

hat would “defunding” the police look like in Oak Park and beyond, and what forms can defunding the police take?

All are invited to explore these questions in an Oak Park Public Library virtual program on Thursday, May 6, 7-8 p.m., “Defunding the Police: A Discussion With Elected Women of Color.”

While “defund the police” is an openended slogan, one of the guiding principles of the various defund movements (from abolitionists to reformists) is the notion that a “safe” world cannot be one in which Black and Brown people are kept in check through the threat of state violence.

To this end, “defund” can be understood as the work of the community to re-evaluate police interactions with civilians by reallocating public resources and services toward a community safety model that minimizes the social function of armed police.

Defunding the police is a call for communities to critically engage with the limitations of previous police reform efforts. It is a call to think about the history of contemporary policing, which includes enforcing chattel slavery laws and squashing labor uprisings. And it is a political call to engage with our municipalities, to increase democratic participation in the budget process and allocation of resources.

“Defunding the police” means rethinking our society, so that it’s built on cooperation, mutual aid, and care — and not through the threat of state violence, incarceration, or punishment.

The May 6 program is a chance to look at what “defund” could mean for Oak Park and Evanston. Oak Park Trustee Arti WalkerPeddakotla and Evanston alderwoman Cicely Flemming, two elected women of color, will discuss their understandings of “defund,” what it might look like for their municipalities, and the challenges and success they have faced in their elected work.

They will also discuss the various roles of young people, street protest and social movements, and community organizing in the defund/budget processes. And lastly, they will discuss the community and social changes that have occurred in the year since “defund” has gained traction in our society.

All are welcome to join this panel conversation on Zoom. To join, please register at oppl.org/calendar.

This program is part of Oak Park’s Anti-Racism Resource Challenge, in which we’re sharing intentional learning opportunities and curated resources. The theme for May and June is “Policing, Mass Incarceration, Protests, Black Lives Matter.” We affirm that state-sanctioned violence against Black communities must end and that racial disparities and biases heavily impact our criminal justice system.

In this self-guided challenge, some of us are reading and discussing works like “Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect,” a collection of essays that explore police violence against Black, Brown, Indigenous and other marginalized communities, as well as failures of reform measures.

To get involved in the challenge and learn more about the library’s anti-racism journey, please visit oppl.org/anti-racism.

Adam Paradis, a library assistant at Oak Park Public Library, is involved with Freedom to Thrive Oak Park.

ADAM PARADIS One View

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

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The Lake is back!

Ken Trainor, p. 30

Stand up for who we claim to be

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here is a song that always brings tears to my eyes, “The House I Live In” (music by Earl Robinson, lyrics by Abel Meeropol, under the pen name Lewis Allan, in 1947).

Combined with additional lyrics by Paul Robeson, this adds meaning to the image of our nation we aspire to have, but have never quite attained. Here are a few verses: What is America to me?

A name, a map or a flag I see, A certain word, “Democracy,” What is America to me?

The house I live in, My neighbors white and Black, The people who just came here Or from generations

LYNN ALLEN

back, The town hall and the soapbox, The torch of Liberty, A home for all God’s children, That’s America to me.

One View

The house I live in, The goodness everywhere, A land of wealth and beauty With enough for all to share.

A house that we call “Freedom,” The home of Liberty, But especially the people, That’s America to me.

Democracy is the bulwark value attributed to the United States of America. Today we are at a fork in the road. We can veer off toward a modern and dangerous form for of McCarthyism, or we can reclaim our commitment to democracy and live up to it.

400 years, African Americans, and For over 40 other people — especially of color — have been and stripped of human and demonized, caricatured caricat local, state and national governments. civil rights by local the FBI (led by J. Edgar Hoover), From 1938 to 1974 th the House Un-American Activities Committee, Un-Ame and Senator Joseph McCarthy persecuted people seeking civil rights and justice. Peaceful protesters who spoke out against racism and injustice (e.g. agai Americans such as Leonard Bernstein, Americ Hazel Scott, Canada Paul Robeson, Ro Orson Welles, et al) were met with Day, Or hostility and ostracism. Many hatred, h interned in camps, fired and/or were inte “blacklisted” (a practice recently used against Colin Kaepernick) which destroyed their careers and their lives. an Too much legislation today stokes racism; seeks to eliminate citizens’ racism voices by obstructing voting rights voice and criminalizing peaceful protests; encourages violence against people enco color through legislation (e.g. of co special exemptions for police ofspec ficers who kill unarmed citizens and people who mow down protesters for peo their cars); criminalizes certain with th citizens; and refuses to acknowledge citizen there are racial problems with that th profiling, enforcement, protection and profiling fairness in our criminal justice, social and educational systems. These and educ other such su measures eliminate peaceful choices choice that people have in seeking jusThis is not the way a democracy is tice. T supposed to work, and it will only lead suppo desperation and violence. to desp have to decide what kind of naWe h we want and what kind of people tion w See ALLEN on page 32

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

O U R

OPRF still poised for change

W

The Lake Theatre is Oak Park’s ‘Majestic’

V I E W S

hen Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams announced last November her intention to retire from Oak Park and River Forest High School at the close of this school year, we offered praise for her strong leadership and expressed two genuine concerns about the school’s ability to stay the course on its long-planned efforts to make equity real in this school.

We have often touted the remarkable alignment of the current school board and the sitting school administration on the complex and potentially controversial topic of equity. This is not something we have ever seen at OPRF on such a critical issue.

So our first concern was the April school board election and whether, with multiple incumbents considering stepping away, the school board would lurch in a new direction. The decision by Tom Cofsky to run and win another term was welcome, as was the return of Fred Arkin to the school board. Adding Kebreab Henry and Mary Anne Mohanraj to the school board bodes well for a thoughtful but determined implementation of the existing equity plan.

The second worry was, obviously, who would replace Pruitt-Adams? The school board announced both a national search and its intention to rush that search so that the current board would appoint the next superintendent.

The announcement last week that the board has chosen Greg Johnson, the current assistant superintendent, to replace Pruitt-Adams was more than welcome.

Johnson has distinguished himself as Pruitt-Adams’ second in command over the past four years. We have watched the two work seamlessly and with a mutual admiration that has always appeared entirely genuine.

In remarks after his promotion was announced, Pruitt-Adams said, “Greg Johnson is one of those people who was born to be an educator. I knew from his first interview that he was different — different in a way that he understood education and all that goes into it. It is his time. He is ready.”

Exceptionally high praise from an educator we have come to greatly admire.

We have tilted and jabbed at this high school over the decades for its perpetually too-timid approach to race, class and equity. This is an institution that majored in sort of talking the talk but got an F in ever walking that talk.

We dreaded the possibility that a new superintendent from outside the building would inevitably, even if she supported equity, slow the process, review the plan, kill the momentum toward implementing the fundamental changes that Pruitt-Adams and Johnson have teed up, have grown support for from faculty, staff, students and the community.

We have all endured this dreadful year of COVID-19 with its full disruption of every aspect of life at OPRF. Things will not simply snap back to normal as the next school year starts. But we will be deliciously closer to normal by fall. And that will be the moment to begin to make real the changes this proud and stubborn institution is poised to undertake.

This could have been a catastrophe, a derailment.

Instead it is an invigorating transition. And we are grateful.

The line of the evening during Sundays Oscars broadcast came when the winner of the Best Documentary Feature film, “My Octopus Teacher,” said, “A man forming a relationship with an octopus sort of makes you wonder what else might be possible.”

What indeed. Films make us wonder, which is just one of the reasons to celebrate the recent Lake Theatre reopening. Here’s what I wrote about The Lake way back in January of 2002, in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

I

One of the majestic moments in the film comes when the theater’s rehabbed marquee first lights up the night. My reaction was, “The Lake is better.”

The Lake has the best marquee in the entire metro area. OK, one of the best. Large deep-blue letters blinking downward to the red, white and blue neon wraparound, accented by white bulbs “chasing” in sequence — it’s a marvelous sight, especially in the deep freeze of January and February, when darkness takes control of the northern hemisphere and obliterates all memory of the other three seasons.

Except on the screens inside. One of the payoffs of movie-going is being instantly transported, not only to exotic locales, but other times of the year. We get to experience, at least vicariously, a couple of hours of sunlight and green growth or autumnal explosions of color. It is a momentary — but necessary — escape from our petty pace, a chance to live other lives briefly, risk everything and survive implausible thrill rides of danger, solve perplexing mysteries while putting ourselves in the kind of jeopardy we would never dream of exposing ourselves to in real life.

Films stroke our emotional hot buttons and pleasure centers or unleash adrenaline rushes or make us laugh, then land us back on firm ground with scarcely a perceptible jostle. Longer escapes from reality can be hazardous. Two or three hours is just about right.

Then we gush forth onto the street beneath that brilliant marquee to say good night or head to one of the restaurants or coffee shops in the area for post-film reflection and discussion.

Going to The Lake is a communal experience — an antidote to the isolation imposed by living in a severe climate [or a pandemic]. It is our winter Farmers Market, a place to briefly reconnect. And at this time of year the Oscar hopefuls find their way to the neighborhoods, so the choices are plentiful.

Getting out of the house is healthy. The lights of the marquee battling the dark is hopeful. Films provide a quick release from the ordinary. It all works and shouldn’t be underestimated.

A movie house can do a lot for a town, as it does in The Majestic. The Lake has done that and more. It anchored the downtown renaissance of the downturn past and continues to entertain and bring people together. It’s a place where kids and parents can go at the same time — not always, but sometimes, together. No small feat.

Not many towns have a Lake Theatre. When you’re looking for something real to hold onto, go back to the basics.

This one is positively ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer majestic.

KEN

TRAINOR

t’s “mourning in America.” It’s also “reexamination time.” Since 9/11, Americans have been asking, “Who are we that people hate us so?” We’re re-examining what we stand for and asking, “What’s real? What can we believe in?”

Well, I’ll tell you what’s real, what we can believe in.

The Lake Theatre.

OK, it’s only part of the picture, but this is a time for going back to basics. “The Lake” is one of Oak Park’s basics — which is ironic since what it purveys is virtual reality.

Movies are a major cog in our mythmaking machinery, however, and the American myth is the most “real” thing we have at the moment. Movie houses play a central role in presenting the stories we tell ourselves to create the consensual myth of who we are — or who we would like to be.

All of which applies to one of the movies currently showing at The Lake. It’s called The Majestic — about a movie house and the central role that theater plays in reawakening a small town to who they are and who they want to be. The film also explores how, as a nation, we frequently fall short of who we want to be — which is particularly pertinent today.

V I E W P O I N T S GREEN FOCUS: Oak Park Residence Corp. intends to use passive construction methods to make its proposed new development at 7 Van Buren St. a net-zero energy building. The proposed 44-unit building would have 24 set aside for affordable housing.

Rendering provided by Oak Park Residence Corporation

We’ll always have Peoria No weekly issue of the Wednesday Journal would be complete if there wasn’t a future-tense rendering of yet another proposed new residential structure for readers to eyeball. The most recent visual conception for final construct was on the front page of last week’s WJ [April 28]. This week’s issue it reappears on page nine, along with an account of a Zoom community meeting debating the merits of this 44-unit, 7-story building-to-be at Van Buren and Austin.

The meeting, as with other such previously proposed prominent new places, had supporters and detractors.

The voices of disapproval: It’s too big compared to any building in the area. It will block out the sun for some neighbors as it inexorably casts a shadow. What about parking?

I have been witness to the vertical enhancement of Oak Park’s skyline over the past several years. Each generated community meetings: What about parking? Or sunlight being blocked? Aesthetically inadequate. A bad

fit for the existing surroundings.

People of Oak Park, in another 10 years or so it will be those surrounding areas which will seem quaintly out of place, so last-millennium! Many of the current voices of dissent will have seen their last sunset (if a high-rise doesn’t obstruct such viewing). Game over.

The future is now. Hemingway? Wright? That’s for tourists, not local hipsters, who can now hang out in close quarters at a new Marion Street eatery that includes several bottles of wine ranging from $425-495. Hmm. Is the new Oak Park home to an influx of hedge fund managers? Crypto currency Masters of the Universe? YouTube megastars?

Whoever might fork over half a grand for a boutique bottle of grape in my neighborhood, it must be a case of “If you build it, they will come.” And for those of us who can’t afford the upgrades? Well, there’s always Peoria.

Joseph Harrington Oak Park

Deer culling normalizes gun violence I woke up this morning thinking about the possibility of deer culling in River Forest. I live a couple streets over from the forest preserve where the culling could potentially take place. I say potentially because it hasn’t been decided by the village trustees yet, but it will be soon.

To me, bringing sharpshooters into our neighborhood forest is somehow normalizing gun violence. People may not be the targets but the idea of a mass killing nearby makes me ill. What about Maywood on the other side of the river? I cannot imagine how families impacted by gun violence there will feel knowing this is happening so close to their homes.

Reviewing the recent survey conducted by the Ad Hoc Deer Management Committee, homeowners are having problems. Landscaping is the major complaint.

What River Forest needs is a legitimate, communitybased deer management program and it needs to start with community education. According to the survey, 50 percent of the residents with deer issues are not doing anything about it, likely because they do not know what to do. When asked what kind of deer conflict-man-

agement program is acceptable to you, 51 percent of the respondents said either do nothing and leave the deer alone or prefer non-lethal options only. Only 22% of the respondents want culling only.

I believe the River Forest Board of Trustees, who represent the entire village, will consider these facts.

I urge you, the reader, to please take the time to read the survey results; they clearly show culling is not supported by the majority of River Forest residents.

Instead, encourage a vote to create a communitybased deer management program that has clearly defined goals and measurable objectives to resolve human deer conflict. The benefits of this will include greater trust in the oversight of the program, enhanced public decision-making, and a greater likelihood of developing successful and sustainable deermanagement efforts.

Let’s address the deer issues in a responsible, ethical way and keep gun violence out of Thatcher Woods.

Laurie Gillard River Forest

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

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

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

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

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

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

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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■ Must include first and last names,

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

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V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Maze Branch Library, Oak Park

Thanks for the Maze memories I didn’t grow up in Oak Park, but I’ve been here since 1984. Until we moved 2½ years ago to a condo across Scoville Park from the main library, we lived walking distance from Maze. I feel as you do about Maze [Maze: a storybook place to dream, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, April 21] and always will, and I’m sure those feelings are shared by many current and former Oak

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Thank you for your thoughts not only about Maze but about the central and vital importance of reading in one’s life. I completely embrace your words, “I figured no matter what life might throw at me, I could handle it as long as I had books to read.”

Elaine Johnson Oak Park

Remember our superheroes

Public Notice River Forest School District 90 (required by Illinois State Board of Education)

In accordance with the requirements of Section 612(a) (10) of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEA 2004”), the River Forest School District 90 will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. via a virtual meeting. 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 90 during the 2021-2022 school year.

Parents and private school administrators who would like to attend should contact Denise Matthews, Director of Special Education, at matthewsd@district90.org to obtain virtual meeting information.

Wednesday, April 28, is National Superhero Day. I’d like the residents of River Forest to remember the superheroes who worked all through the pandemic at River Forest Public Library. I’m sure I’m not alone in relying on them to provide more than my usual quantity of reading material and DVDs to help me pass the seemingly interminable months “in captivity.” First there was curbside pickup, then there was limited use of

the library itself. Every time I stopped in to get my material on reserve, I got a smile, any help I needed, and the generally great service I’ve come to expect in the 32 years I’ve lived in the community. Along with the doctors and nurses and first responders, I’d like to say to the library staff, “Thank you for your service.”

ALLEN

wish, and you respect my right to do the same.”) Live and let live. It means there will be liberty and justice for all. Isn’t that a key American value that we teach our children? Isn’t that what we ask our children to say every day in school as part of our “Pledge of Allegiance”? If we don’t believe in that, we should stop pretending that we do. Let us be judged by what we do as well as what we say.

If we believe in democracy and the rule of law, we must demand that all units of our government function that way. Now is not a time to cower in fear. Americans must speak up and demand that our governments reflect and work for the collective good of all of our people, our nation and our world.

Lynn Allen, and Oak Park resident, was the longtime director of the District 97 Multicultural Education Center.

For the common good from page 29 we want to be. More than half of us want a democracy where all citizens have equal rights, equal voice, equal opportunity and equal justice, but many Americans seem to fear what that will look like. Is it fear that “they” are “going to come for ‘us’” or that “they” are going to “take something from ‘us’” or that “strange or ‘foreign’ values will be imposed on ‘us’”?

No, but what it does mean is that we have to live together in peace and tolerance (which does not mean, “I will tolerate you.” It means, “I respect your right to be who you are and to live your life as you

Gail Popowits River Forest

V I E W P O I N T S

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OPRF’s ‘Working’ was a treasure

Huge kudos to the OPRF High School drama department, managers, actors, dancers and crew for their virtual version of Working. I loved it. I was delighted with the modernization of this fabulous play. I saw Working in its original form at Goodman Theater before it went to Broadway.

I wasn’t prepared for the additions of COVID, cellphones, texting, etc., but they were right on. It was actually touching to see the scenery of Oak Park: the high school, houses, storefronts, streets, snow (!), and graduation, which brought tears, thinking of what we’ve been through and what we’ve missed during this crazy, sad year of school and work. Thank you for taking on this production and gifting our community with this treasure of a play and the treasure of all your talents and creativity.

PROVIDED

Phyllis Rubin THE SHOW GOES ON: (Above) The cast of “Working” performs the opening number “All the Livelong Day” at the high school football stadium.

River Forest

Spilt Milk 811 South Blvd., Oak Park (708) 613-4403

Congratulations to Spilt Milk on their new location! spiltmilkpastry.comdd a subheading

Celebrating the occasion: Thomas Coates; Gavin Morgan, Oak Park Township; Vicki Scaman, Village of Oak Park; Sam Yousif, Fuller Health Group; Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Weil Foot & Ankle; Molly Svec, Spilt Milk; Meg Svec, Spilt Milk; Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank; Chris Griffith, Oak Park Bank; Peg Dowling, Our Planet Automotive; Teri Miller, Beyond Hunger; Theresa Jurgus, Baird & Warner; Cliff Osborn, Jack Carpenter Realtors; Jonathan Biag, Escape Factor; Constance Contursi, Hit It! Fitness; Cameron Davis, Village of Oak Park; Liz Holt, OPRF Chamber of Commerce; Mark Walden, OPRF Chamber; Todd Bannor, Bannor & Bannor.

Photos: Tina Harle Photography For your own ribbon cutting contact us on oprfchamber.org

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

Not throwing away my shot

am enormously frustrating to talk to right now. I had always assumed this was true, of course — I have witnesses who will gladly attest to its truth — but it turns out that people love to talk about COVID vaccines, and I have, with intent and purpose, avoided information on this topic.

Here is what I knew about the vaccine the last time I wrote in these pages: I wanted it as soon as possible, and I didn’t want to have to make any decisions about it. I don’t want to think about medical things generally. I want to pay a medical person to do this homework for me.

So far this system has worked. I have friends and family who registered for dozens of vaccine locators and exchanged tips about what pharmacy to loiter in near closing time and had put real thought into strategies about how best to convince a Jewel cashier that they were a health-care worker who was over 65 with cofactors. Me, I just ignored all of it, and March 12 I got an email from her with a link to make an appointment. I did, and I went to get the shot on March 16.

When I tell folks this, the first question is usually, “Which one did you get?” I tell them “The first one I could.” I cannot imagine a circumstance in which I would have passed on a vaccine due to the brand on offer that day. It would have felt like declining bottled water after a crawl across the desert because it was the wrong brand. I suspect the reason the question is asked is to give the questioner the opportunity to either bless the “choice” or raise an eyebrow in an expression of dismay.

That’s my experience of most follow-up questions to mundane matters. “How’d you come to choose that car model/cat food/internet provider/etc.?” is there to

allow the asker to either express satisfaction that I chose correctly or to make me doubt my own decision because it disagrees with something they read while out looking for information they didn’t need. I don’t need to pick up that psychosis through casual contact with readers of shared articles, so I don’t participate. I know there are three vaccine options, and I know one of them is one shot, and I did not get that one. (I think it was unavailable when I got my first of two.) I also know the second shot is more likely to kick my ass than the first one.

So I got to Rush Oak Park at 3:25 for a 3:30 shot and I was processed and injected in less time than it usually takes the medical system to validate parking. Why can’t we do medical things like this all the time? Walk in, say what you need, get it, leave. No waiting 58 minutes in an examining room. No 14-page forms that I fill out every time I go. No credit check or background check or whatever it is “Registration” does. Just flash an ID and get the quick hit. It was five times faster than getting a flu shot. C’mon, America.

It was weird to have gotten it. A little pinch and this weird year was six weeks away from being over. Dreamlike, really; that was it? It’s over?

I think the whole pandemic could wind up like that in a couple years. Like the Cubs’ World Series victory, COVID-19 is headed for a universal sense of “Did that really happen?” America will reminisce about it not because we miss it, but as reassurance that it wasn’t all a dream.

My second shot is this week. By May 7, I expect to be able to behave more or less normally.

(Whatever that is.)

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

ALAN

BROUILETTE

Recalling south Oak Park businesses

As I think about the places that were part of my life growing up in southern Oak Park, I recall two businesses that I frequented.

I always enjoyed accompanying my mom to Fair Share to grocery shop on Mondays when I was off school. For many years, it was our primary place for our weekly groceries, and also for special occasions. It was great getting to know the staff at the check-out lanes. They had a good selection of products that served us well.

Another business where I got great ser-

vice was Harrison Jewelers. I went there from time to time to have work done on my watch, including basic routine battery replacement. The people who worked there were great and ran a wonderful business.

I enjoyed getting to know them, connecting with them in a personal way each time I went there.

Indeed, I am grateful for what these businesses offered, and the memories will last in my mind for a long time to come.

Paul Rubio Oak Park

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Translating the official version When asked about citizen concerns as to the size of the Oak Park Residence Corporation-proposed building near Austin, David Pope says we can never get unanimity and that’s what makes Oak Park a special place.

Translation: The citizens’ concerns are of no interest to ResCorp because we always get our projects approved by the board.

Pope also says he will seek a proportion of residents with no cars so that parking provided in the design will be sufficient.

Translation: If we run out of spaces, we will let the residents park on your block.

Lastly, residents are concerned about sunlight being blocked and their privacy being invaded due to the building height and line of sight. Mr. Pope says, I hear you.

Translation: Mr. Pope is a great hearer, but he is not so good at listening.

That building, as designed, is going to be built just as it is ... because ResCorp is a sacred cow in Oak Park and no one wants to turn any of its projects into hamburgers.

Perhaps the new board and president will be different in how they assess building development.

Robert Milstein

Former Oak Park village trustee

Rethinking community safety

When facing situations that we don’t feel we can handle on our own, we are taught that the only support available to us is to call the police.

Let’s instead prohibit police from enforcing a range of non-serious offenses, including issuing fines and making arrests for non-dangerous behaviors, thus eliminating many of the unnecessary interactions between the police and community members that in too many communities lead to violence and sometimes deaths.

Instead of relying on police, we could have: ■ Urgent response teams that can respond to someone in a mental health crisis and connect them with services.

■ Metro service patrol workers who could pull drivers over for things like broken tail lights or other potential hazards and help with simple repairs so everyone can get home safely.

■ City employees who perform wellness checks on people sleeping in parks, connecting them to services or housing if needed.

■ Trauma-informed crisis intervention teams trained to de-escalate people doing harm and connect them to services.

■ Community-based transformative and restorative justice processes that address the root causes of harm and violence.

Tom Ard

Oak Park

Removing shame from struggle We are a country in the crisis of deep pain.

For four dreadful years, our leaders showed blindness toward the millions who live lives within the margins, in systemic poverty that’s truly heartrending.

These neediest of people rarely make a gain.

Their voices must be heard, crying out for kindness, but in the darkness of their lives, there are no bargains.

The Trump Administration’s lack of compassion was truly mind-bending.

There should be no thought of shame by those who struggle in the effort to feed themselves and their children.

They were left invisible in their isolated pens, the administration totally lacking empathy’s might, with no sense of how it feels in empathy’s bubble.

Our new leadership won’t stand still; With their wider lens, now’s the time to bring back the dignity of being human to those poor millions who have the right to God’s gift of laughter in the sunlight. **Notes: 1. Idea from Time Magazine article by Stephanie Land. Thoughts expressed are essentially mine.

Tom Lynch Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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Want to make your town a better place?

ver since we moved to Forest Park in 1982, litter has been a problem. When we lived on Beloit, there was fresh layer of litter on our lawn every morning. Lately though, the litter problem has gotten much worse.

This prompted Kristen Lyons to organize a clean-up for April 8. I was planning to attend but wimped out because of the rain. When Kristen organized a second clean-up for April 18 at Madison and Harlem, I came with mask, gloves and garbage bag. The volunteers who showed up were an ethnically diverse bunch, ranging from toddler to senior citizen.

I joined a group policing the north side of Madison Street. I planned to work for an hour, or until we reached Desplaines Avenue, but it took me a half hour just to get to Circle. That’s because there were so many cigarette butts on the pavement.

They were especially plentiful in front of bars. Can there be a connection between drinking and smoking?

People are using our tree planters as

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ashtrays. They’re also using planters and manhole covers.

These are all round and made of metal, but we have other round metal containers that are more suitable. Many trash containers appeared to be overflowing but we learned to simply push the garbage down.

I also learned that bending over to pick up litter is exhausting. It was the closest I’ve ever come to doing yoga.

I envied the young kids who were helping. They barely had to stoop to snag garbage. Jeremiah Manzanares reported finding three chicken bones and his sister, Rosabella, reported that “cigarette sticks are gross.”

I didn’t mind picking up butts but, unlike Elf, I avoided wads of gum. I also took Kristen’s advice and steered clear of sharp objects. While we cleaned Madison, other groups picked up along Harlem Avenue. One group headed north from Madi-

son and filled five bags before they reached the Green Line.

Altogether, the volunteers packed 16 bags with trash.

People on the street were surprised to see us picking up trash. Business owners thanked us. I almost made it to Desplaines before my hour was up. Afterward, I felt great.

After months of inactivity, it was good to get some vigorous exercise.

Kristen felt the same way and said it was getting her in shape for gardening. She talked about the litter problem on her 1000 block of Lathrop. She believes the culprits are passing motorists, as she recently found three full fast food meals that had been tossed into the middle of the street.

Littering is a breakdown of values, Kristen said. She sees it as another sign of the erosion of dignity in our society.

JOHN RICE

It reflects a growing lack of respect for people as well as property. She believes littering is learned behavior and children are following the poor example of the adults around them. Adults can also set good examples, like Commissioner Joe Byrnes who picks up trash every morning.

When Kristen was growing up in a close-knit South Side neighborhood, she would help her dad pick up trash. So organizing clean-ups comes naturally to her. She is planning her next pick-up for Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m. Volunteers will gather at Circle and Randolph. Students, she noted, can use clean-ups for community service hours. Scouts can use them to earn badges.

She is planning five additional pick-ups, but she pointed out that we don’t have to join group efforts to make a difference.

Just grab a bag and gloves and go for a walk.

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

If they made a movie of the Chauvin trial

f someone decided to make a movie out of what we saw at the Derek Chauvin trial, who would the main characters be?

George Floyd, of course. Although not in the courtroom in person, he was very present in other ways. Derek Chauvin; the three officers who stood by and did nothing to intervene; Darnella Frazier, the young woman who recorded the whole 9+ minutes on her phone; Philonise Floyd the victim’s brother; and others As you watch the tragic drama unfold, with which characters would you identify? Personally, I found myself relating to many of the players in one way or another, even Derek Chauvin.

If you are feeling victimized, you might identify with George Floyd. I felt like a victim after my first divorce, then when I was diagnosed with my progressive neurological disorder, and many other times.

When forces over which I don’t have control have overwhelmed me, I too, to use an analogy, felt like I couldn’t breathe.

If you’ve lost a loved one recently, it might have been difficult to watch the parts of this drama in which Philonise, George Floyd’s brother, appeared. His and his family’s palpable grief may have stirred up painful memories of losses that you have experienced.

What about Jerry Blackwell, Steve Swisher, and Matthew Frank, the tag team of prosecuting attorneys? As they methodically demolished the defense attorney’s weak attempts to make a

case, did you vicariously exult in good defeating evil for a change?

To tell you the truth, I felt sorry for Eric Nelson, the defense attorney. He was being asked to play a high-stakes game and was dealt a very weak hand.

The scenes filmed on location showing the three other officers — Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng who stood by and watched Floyd’s life slowly ebb and did nothing to intervene — were the parts of this drama that troubled me deeply.

I’m mostly German, and my people are, on the whole, good neighbors who care about their families. Ninety years ago in Germany, if a Jewish family moved in next door, my ancestors most likely would have acted in a neighborly way toward them. The thought of sending them to a death camp would not have entered their minds.

The problem, of course, is that in their passive, go-with-the-flow posture toward the world, they aided and abetted one of the worst examples of evil the world has ever seen.

You get the analogy. Ibram X. Kendi reminded us in How to be an Antiracist that to stand by passively in the face of evil amounts to perpetrating it. “There is no neutrality,” he wrote, “in the racism struggle.”

TOM HOLMES

“We must always take sides,” wrote holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”

I will not be convicted in a court of law of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter. But in the court of morality, I could be convicted on many counts of neutrality and passivity — of saying, “Don’t blame me.

I was just minding my own

business.”

The character in this whole Derek Chauvin/George Floyd tragedy with whom I identify the most is Darnella Frazier, the young woman who recorded the whole 9+ minutes on her phone. “It’s been nights,” she shared on the witness stand, “I stayed up apologizing and apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more and not physically interacting and not saving his life.”

She did much more than the three cops who stood passively on the sidelines, but what gave her nightmares after that kairos moment — that critical moment of deciding to act or to stand by — was her conclusion that she had not done enough.

I can really relate to that profound ethical question: “How much is enough?”

Erich Fromm was a German Jew who fled from Germany to the U.S. in 1933.

According to the Britannica website, his book Escape from Freedom “attempts to show modern man still is anxious and tempted to surrender his freedom to dictators of all kinds, or to lose it by transforming himself into a small cog in the machine, well fed, and well clothed, yet not a free man but an automaton.”

Freedom brings with it a blessing and curse. The curse is that ultimately we have to take responsibility for our own behavior — we can’t even say, “The devil made me do it.”

Attorneys at the trial spent time asking, “What was Chauvin’s training?” Ms. Frazier was, in effect, saying that in the end we can’t escape our existential freedom and ethical responsibility by hiding under the cover of training or “that’s the way I was brought up.”

Finally, the most prominent character in the drama is Derek Chauvin himself.

I felt a great sense of relief when I heard that he had been convicted on all three counts, but as he put his hands behind his back, was handcuffed and led out of the courtroom, I felt sadness.

Most will say, “My God, I would never kneel on a vulnerable person’s neck like that.”

Maybe, maybe not, but as I watched the former Minneapolis police officer led off to jail to await sentencing I, as a privileged white male, saw him as a tragic character in a cautionary tale.

There but for the grace of God go I. Tom Holmes writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.

Wednesday Journal, April 28, 2021

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Vern Barg, 87

Nancy Strand, 77

Grocery store meat cutter

Advertising executive, gardener

Vernon Lawrence Charles Barg, 87, of Oak Park and Forest Park, died on April 24, 2021. Born to parents Elmer and Lily (Buelow) Barg on Sept. 24, 1933, he was the youngest of four children in his childhood home on south East Avenue in Oak Park.

He attended grade school at Christ Lutheran in Oak Park and graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1951. After high school, he studied at local community colleges while beginning his career as a meat cutter.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, where he worked as a medical assistant in orthopedics, followed by four years of service in the Army Reserves, and went on to a long career as a meat cutter and department manager for both Jewel Foods (over 10 years) and Dominick’s Finer Foods (over 30 years).

Dedicated to his family, faith and fun, he never missed a birthday, holiday or family gathering. An avid sports fan, he could consistently be found on the sidelines cheering on his daughters and grandchildren. A parishioner of St John Lutheran Church in Forest Park for the last 38 years and Christ Lutheran in Oak Park prior to that, he volunteered in many capacities. An avid fisherman and card player, jigsaw and crossword puzzler, he participated in the church dart and bowling leagues, acted and sang in Act IV and other church groups, and spent Saturday nights at the old Santa Fe Speedway. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida, Wisconsin, and Paw Paw, Michigan, as well as special excursions to Hawaii and Germany. He loved all Chicago sports teams but was most thrilled to watch the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Vern is survived by his three daughters, Karen (Mike) Baldwin, Donna (Eric) Hartin, and Wendy (John) Kuenster; his grandchildren, Emma and Owen Baldwin, Annaliese, Callen and Ciel Hartin, and Ella, JJ, Cameron and Ava Kuenster; his former wife, Diane Gasper Marston; his cousin, Glenn Strohschein; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lily (Buelow) Barg; his siblings Edgar Barg, Lavonne Groth and Shirley Barg; and his nieces Elisa Barg Gaskill and Esther Barg.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home in Forest Park, with a wake service at 6:30 p.m. Lying in state at St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park on Monday, May 3, will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m., with interment at Concordia Cemetery. Please remember to follow COVID guidelines.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John Lutheran Church (www. stjohnforestpark.org/stewardship) or the Belmont Village of Oak Park Staff Appreciation Fund (1035 Madison St., Oak Park 60302).

Nancy Strand (née Leabhard), 77, of Oak Park, died on April 4, 2021. Born in Oak Park, she graduated from OPRF High School in 1961 and the University of Illinois Champaign in 1965. In her professional life she was a well-respected advertising executive. Outside of her work life, her interests included gardening, knitting, the arts, nature, and bird watching. She pursued all she did with passion and talent. It took years, but she and her husband Jack successfully restored their Victorian house with loving care, creating a beautiful and welcoming home. She remained well connected to her high school class by being the webmaster of their website, providing a platform for classmates to communicate with each other.

She loved family, antiquing road trips, her fish pond, childhood summers spent at Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, feral cats, Dean Martin, books on tape, quiet nights at home watching old movies with Jack, and making ravioli from her grandmother’s recipe with her three sisters for the holidays. Strong, loving, quiet, elegant, organized, and meticulous are all words describing the woman, wife, sister, aunt, and community member that was Nancy Strand. She will be missed.

Nancy was the wife of Jack Strand; the sister of Joyce Stockholm, Gail and Frank Paris, and Jane and Don Stahlhut; the third daughter of the late Virginia and Arthur Leabhard; and the aunt of Julie (Terry) Powers, Jon Stockholm, Marty Paris, Arthur (Cassandra) Paris, Amy Paris, Beth (TJ) Cohen, Nathan (Jenny) Stahlhut, and Gwyn Stahlhut.

Donations are appreciated to PAWS of Chicago and/or Children’s Place Association of Chicago.

A memorial service and celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date.

Connie Coleman, 80 Civil and workers’ rights advocate

Constance “Connie” Coleman, 80, a 49year resident of Oak Park, died peacefully at home on March 4, 2021. Her many passions included nature and gardening, and the shrubs, flowers, and vegetables around her home reflected her love and hard work. Away from her home, she was a member of the Appalachian Trail Society and the Audubon Society and loved to walk on local and distant trails.

A music lover, particularly Baroque music, she was both listener and participant, singing in local choruses and chorales, and she never

gave up her piano playing. She also loved to dance.

The second of three daughters born to John and Constance Ducey, she attended local schools in the Chicago area. After Manhattanville College in New York, she began a 33-year career with the U.S. Department of Labor, first in Washington D.C., and then in the Chicago Regional Office of the Employment and Training Administration. In her work, she was involved in the policy creation and design of job development programs, particularly the Job Corps. She successfully advocated for including onsite child care facilities so young parents could receive training and still be near their children.

She was also an advocate and mentor for young women at the Labor Department, pressing for equal treatment and pay in job assignments. This reflected her broader commitment to civil rights, social justice, equity, and racial justice. She volunteered as a tester for open housing and, as part of that effort, testified in federal court cases on housing discrimination.

While working and raising her family, she found time to earn a master’s degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Loyola University of Chicago and later taught night-school courses concerning employee benefits at Roosevelt and Northwestern Universities.

Connie was the wife of Gary Lee Coleman; the mother of two sons, Conal (Sarah) and Peter (Deborah) Duffy; the grandmother of Megan (Philip Legan), Lisa, Conal Jr., Erin, Colleen, and Molly Duffy; the sister of Joanna (Dr. Joseph) Lawton and the late Veronica Ducey; the aunt and cousin and treasured friend of many.

A memorial service will be held later.

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

Jerry Parham Builder

Simply put, Gerald H. Parham was a builder. As a longtime construction project manager, he supervised the building of a number of edifices that grace Chicago’s skyline, including the Northern Trust Building, the Harris Bank Building, and the Chicago Tribune’s Freedom Center among others. Family legend holds that one time while working on an un-named project, famed architect Bruce Graham was said to have uttered, “Get me Jerry Parham.”

An Oak Park resident, Jerry Parham died in hospice care recently in Berwyn after a long illness.

Born in southern Indiana in 1944, he moved to Chicago when he was a small child. Like many of that era, his family came north to find work and a better life in the rapidly expanding cities of the post-war Midwest. They

settled in East Garfield Park. He graduated from Marshall High School at a time when the neighborhood was undergoing rapid social and racial change. While he wanted to obtain an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, his father was insistent that he follow in his footsteps and get a job in construction to support himself. Never one to follow kindly parental advice, he subsequently enlisted in the Army and served three years in the 3rd Infantry Division in North Korea and West Germany.

He was a biker who owned a series of Harley-Davidsons. He met his wife Barbara in 1970 at Oxford’s Pub in Lincoln Park, and six months later they were married. They had two daughters, both of whom fondly remember the man who called them “babe” or “sugs.”

In 1990, he moved his family to Oak Park to provide his daughters with a better education. As he was very much of Chicago — the address, the accent, the attitude — that move was “a big deal,” said his daughter Nicole.

“But he loved us and wanted the best for us.

There was also a lot of the South in him as well, as his mother was from Virginia and raised them on a proper Southern diet.”

Despite not having a college education, he rose to the executive ranks in the construction industry, helping to erect a series of tall buildings that dot the Chicago skyline. He held senior positions at Morse-Diesel, Pepper, and CenterPoint Properties. A towering 6-feet-7, he was usually the tallest guy in the room.

“No doubt his imposing physical presence helped him hold sway over any number of characters in what was, and still is, a roughand-tumble industry,” said his son-in-law Andrew Lennie.

Jerry Parham is survived by his wife, Barbara (nee Ostrand); his daughter, Nicole (Andrew) and Taryn (Mike); three grandchildren; his siblings, Marsha, Linda, Cheryl, and Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.

The wake will be held this Friday, April 30, from 4-8 p.m. at Peterson-Bassi Chapels, 6938 W. North Ave., Chicago.

See OBITUARIS on page 39

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

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

38

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF STICKNEY, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

IMPORTANT NOTICE: As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor of the State of Illinois’ declaration of an emergency, the below described public hearing will be conducted in person and via Zoom in compliance with P.A. 101-0640. All persons attending the meeting in-person will be required to wear a face mask at all times while in the building and will further be subject to strict social distancing (6 feet separation). Electronic attendance via Zoom is strongly encouraged. The information for the Zoom meeting is as follows: Website: Zoom.us Meeting ID: 312 915 7558 Password: 768782

PUBLIC COMMENT: Persons not attending the meeting in person may submit “Public Comment” to the Village Clerk no later than one (1) hour before the scheduled start of the meeting. Please send public comments to the Village Clerk at villageclerk@villageofstickney.com.

Notice is hereby given that on the 18th day of May, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the Stickney Village Hall, 6533 Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois, a public hearing will be held to consider the approval of the proposed redevelopment plan (the “Redevelopment Plan”) and the designation of that certain proposed redevelopment project area to be known as the Cicero-Pershing Redevelopment Project Area (the “Redevelopment Project Area”). The Redevelopment Project Area consists of the territory legally and generally described below: THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, AND THAT PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, LYING NORTHERLY OF THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF LOTS 54, 56, 58 AND 60 OF THE SANITARY DISTRICT TRUSTEES’ SUBDIVISION, RECORDED MARCH 31, 1908 AS DOCUMENT 4180218, EXCEPT THAT PART LYING EAST OF THE EASTERN BOUNDARY LINE OF THE VILLAGE OF STICKNEY; (SAID EXCEPTION BEING THAT PART OF THE EAST 649.14 FEET OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER LYING NORTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 54, AND BEING THE EASTERLY PART OF SAID LOT 54), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The proposed Redevelopment Project Area (RPA or Project Area) is located in the easternmost portion of the Village and is generally bounded by 35th Street to the north, Cicero Avenue to the east, the I-55 Expressway to the south and Laramie Avenue to the west. Land uses in the proposed RPA consist of industrial, commercial and residential uses.

Hawthorne Race Course is located in the northern portion of the RPA. The RPA’s western, northern and eastern boundaries are contiguous with the Town of Cicero. The RPA’s eastern boundary is contiguous with the City of Chicago.

There will be considered at the hearing approval of the Redevelopment Plan and Project for and the designation of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area and adoption of tax increment allocation financing therefor. The proposed Redevelopment Plan and Project is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, Stickney Village Hall, 6533 Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois. Pursuant to the Redevelopment Plan and Project the Village proposes to alleviate blighted area conditions in the Redevelopment Project Area and to enhance the tax base of the Village and the taxing districts having taxable property within the Redevelopment Project Area by utilizing tax increment financing to fund various eligible project costs to stimulate private investment within the Redevelopment Project Area. These eligible project costs may include, but may not be limited to, studies, surveys, professional fees, property assembly costs, construction of public improvements and facilities, financing, administrative and other professional costs, all as authorized under the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, as amended. The Redevelopment Plan objectives include promoting and protecting the health, safety, morals and welfare of the public by establishing a public/ private partnership, establishing economic growth, development and training in the Village by working within the guidelines of the business attraction and retention strategies developed by the Village, encouraging private investment while conforming with the Village’s comprehensive planning process, restoring and enhancing the Village’s tax base, enhancing the value of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area, improving the environmental quality of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area, and retaining and attracting employment opportunities Published in Landmark April 28, and May 5, 2021

within the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. To achieve these objectives, the Redevelopment Plan proposes to provide assistance by paying or reimbursing costs related to the acquisition, construction and installation of public facilities, property assembly, site preparation and improvement, job training and other eligible redevelopment project costs, the execution of one or more redevelopment agreements, and the payment of financing, administrative and other professional costs.

Prior to the date of the hearing, each taxing district having property in the Redevelopment Project Area and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may submit written comments to the Village, to the attention of the Village Clerk, 6533 Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402.

There has been duly convened by the Village a joint review board that considered the proposed Redevelopment Plan and Project for and the designation of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing therefor. The joint review board consists of a representative selected by each community college district, local elementary school district and high school district or each local community unit school district, park district, township, fire protection district and county that will have the authority to directly levy taxes on the property within the Redevelopment Project Area at the time that the Redevelopment Project Area is approved, a representative selected by the Village, and a public member. The first meeting of said joint review board was held at 3:00 p.m. on the 16th day of April, 2021, at the Stickney Village Hall, 6533 Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois.

At the hearing, all interested persons or affected taxing districts may file written objections with the Village Clerk and may be heard orally with respect to any issues regarding the approval of the Redevelopment Plan and Project for and the designation of the Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing therefor. The hearing may be adjourned by the Mayor and the Village Board of the Village without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes of the hearing fixing the time and place of the subsequent hearing.

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

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

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

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

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

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

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

Village Clerk Village of Stickney Cook County, Illinois

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y210006472 on April 1, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOULA’S with the business located at: 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: RENEE ELENA HAAS 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.

LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bid MOP AND TOWELS

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

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN Case Number 2021 CONC 000527 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN to the new name of: VERSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN The court date will be held: on July 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Daley Center, Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom # 1704, Calendar 9.

Published in Forest Park Review April 28, May 5, May 12, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE: Harrison Street Bible Church has ceased operations and is dissolving effective June 7, 2021. Any person with a claim against the church should contact the church at P. O. Box 4532, Oak Park, IL 60304.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 28 & May 5, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to collocate wireless communications antennas at a top height of 116-feet on a 120-foot building at the approx. vicinity of 715 Lake St, Oak Park, Cook County, IL, 60301.

Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Stephanie, s.hubacek@trileaf.com, 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 500, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 630- 2270202.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 28, 2021

Public Notice: Your right to know • In print • Online • Available 24/7/365 PublicNoticeIllinois.com

The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District #97 will receive sealed MOPS AND TOWEL bids at the Administrative Office located at 260 West Madison Street – Oak Park, IL, 60302, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 12th 2021.

Bids mailed or delivered shall be marked to the attention of: Ms. Jeanne Keane Oak Park School District 97 260 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 The front of the envelope should be clearly marked “MOPS AND TOWEL”. Additional information or specifications may be obtained by contacting Ms. Keane at (708) 5243125, or by email jkeane@op97.org commencing on May 7th, 2021.

Bid Due Date: Wednesday May 12th, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. Only those bids complying with the provision and specification of the bid will be considered. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities, qualification or irregularities and/or reject any or all bids, when in its opinion, such action will serve the best interest of the Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97.

Lonya Boose Board Secretary Published in Wednesday Journal April 28, 2021

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 13, 2021 at 4:00p.m.

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 2021-22 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 have 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 28 & May 5, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.CALVIN L. SMITH, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Defendants 2020CH06802 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 18, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 13, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-328-0050000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

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

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

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

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

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common

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O B I T U A(708) R I 613-3333 E S • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM CLASSIFIED Need a helping of Geri Brennock, 92 Continued from page 37

Trinity grad, lifelong Oak Parker

Geraldine Veronica “Geri” Brennock (nee Hanley), 92, died on April 24, 2021. Born on Jan. 8, 1929, she was a lifelong resident of Oak Park and a graduate of Trinity High School. She worked for Local Loan, the Loyola Press, and had a 25-year career starting at age 50 working for the Pipe Fitters Union Local 597. An avid reader and loyal Jeopardy fan, she loved her family and friends, her Kenilworth neighbors, and was thrilled to know the last of her grandchildren will graduate from college this May. Geri Brennock was the wife of the late Raymond J. Brennock; the mother of Bridget (Larry) Roth, Therese, Monica (John) Fischer and Megan (Tom) Hutchison and

the late Matthew; and the grandmother of Kevin (Adriana), Alex (Lauren) and Laura Fischer, Ashlan and Peyton Brennock, Jack, Hugh and Maggie Hutchison, Todd (Stacy) Roth and Nicole (Joseph) Molinaro.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 30, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Due to COVID restrictions, a private funeral Mass will be held at Ascension Church, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia Home (misericordia.org) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) are appreciated.

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

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, before Monday at noon.

Please include a photo if possible.

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In print • Online • Available to you 24 / 7 / 365 OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

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

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-12025 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020CH06802 TJSC#: 41-438 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2020CH06802 I3166754

tion to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-06-323-025-0000.

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

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

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

VICTOR Defendants 19 CH 12066 817 S. CUYLER AVENUE 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 April 5, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 18, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 817 S. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-124-0200000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $691,465.75.

Sale terms: 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale.

The amount owed also includes 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. 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 certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF

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

For information, Megan K. Gajewski, KELLEY KRONENBERG Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 216-8828. Please refer to file number CM19055.

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.

Megan K. Gajewski KELLEY KRONENBERG 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800 Chicago IL, 60601 312-216-8828 E-Mail: Mgajewski@kelleykronenberg.com Attorney File No. CM19055 Attorney ARDC No. 6276927 Attorney Code. 49848 Case Number: 19 CH 12066 TJSC#: 41-551 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.

I3167637

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

JOANNA SENTER AKA JOANNA D. SENTER; NICHOLAS M. SENTER; POPLAR BANK FKA BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA; Defendants, 19 CH 8670 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auc-

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURED TRUSTEE FOR ANGEL OAK MORTGAGE TRUST I, LLC 2018PB1 Plaintiff, -v.ECHELON INVESTMENT CORP., PATRICK OCENAS, SERENA

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