Wednesday Journal 042920

SEPARATED BY A CENTURY 1918 flu killed 43 Oak Parkers Viewpoints. Page 23

In 2020 museum gathering COVID stories Page 6

W E D N E S D A Y

April 29, 2020 Vol. 40, No. 40 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

As economy collapses, D200 looks to build

Backyard marathon

Facing potential loss in funding, board says pursuing projects better than waiting

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The economic slowdown prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic could bore a nearly $10 billion hole in Illinois’ budget over the next two fiscal years. The gap would likely mean steep cuts to local school districts. District 200 in particular faces a worst-case scenario of nearly $42 million in revenue losses through 2025 as a result of the COVID-19 recession, district officials said recently.

Those prospects, however, did not deter the D200 school board from unanimously voting at a regular board meeting on April 23 to move forward, as scheduled, with $32.6 million of long-overdue capital See CONSTRUCTION on page 10

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

RUNNING IN PLACE: Anton Straughan ran a marathon to benefit Housing Forward and Beyond Hunger.

Beyond Hunger, Housing Forward benefit

By JAMES KAY Staff Reporter

Oak Park residents Anton and Kirsten Straughan are no strangers to long dis-

tance running. However, running 1,310 laps in their backyard is a challenge they never faced until Beyond Hunger and Housing Forward combined for a fundraiser on April 26.

The event raised over $18,000 in its first day and the money has already been split between the two organizations. Their goal was to hit $25,000 in donations but the link to the donations page is still live at justgiving. com. Search for Oak Park Backyard Family

Marathon.

“We are thrilled with how the event turned out,” said Kirsten. “We were concerned about the weather and had some technology problems in the first couple of minutes but, besides that, everything went as planned.

We’re hoping to get closer to our goal so we can give more donations to these amazing See MARATHON on page 11

SUBSCRIBE! O N LY $ 38 A Y E A R !

@OakPark.com/subscribe • Enter “FREE MONTH” in comments for...you guessed it...a FREE month!

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Enjoy our FREE Online Workout at www.TENandFiT.com Greetings from Your Tennis and Fitness Centre Fitness Department!

We hope this finds you doing well and staying healthy, as you experience this period of shelter in place. Thank you for your patience. Everyone appreciates your role in supporting a more positive outcome to a difficult situation.

We miss you, our entire community at-large, and the vibrant atmosphere created by all.

Although we have faith in getting back to some level of normalcy, although, it may not be soon enough for your active needs. To help you stay fit we’d like to share trainer-led exercise demonstrations as they are made available to us.

Ellen Petrick presents Strength Workout - Kickboxing New! Strength Workout - Foam Roller

Tennis Pro Tip Our Head Tennis Pro:

John Morlidge

The Yoga Centre Presents Meg Barber - Parivrtta Trikonasana Meg Barber - Samavritti Breath Practice Meg Barber - 1 Hour Yang Yoga Hatha - Teresa Heit-Murray

Visit Facebook.com/TenandFitOakPark and Facebook.com/TheYogaCentreOakPark for more info!

We know that you will enjoy these class offerings. More to come!

301 Lake St., Oak Park (708) 386-2175

Stay Healthy at www.TENandFiT.com

266 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 524-YOGA

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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COVID-19 hurting small medical practices Dentists, podiatrists and others losing revenue

Like many other medical practices, Lopez has moved her own podiatry practice at 6931 W. North Ave. to a telehealth model, examining Having not made the switch to telehealth, Bender still sees teeth over Facetime, having patients use spoons to widen patients in person. But only those with serious and immedicheeks and reflect molars. ate foot problems.

However, not every insurance provider covers dental “All the patients I’m seeing now really need to see me,”

By STACEY SHERIDAN telehealth claims.

Staff Reporter said Bender. “They’re either in pain or they’ve injured Like many other businesses, Lopez had to furlough her themselves or they have an infection.” staff, including the dental hygienists who assist her.

Medical practitioners working outside the realm of CO“Our staff has been advised to go ahead and file for unemVID-19 have been sidelined financially and operationally ployment,” said Lopez. “It has been very by the pandemic. Imposed safety measures prevent people challenging because we own our own from receiving such routine care as dental cleanings, therapractice. We’re not owned by a corpopeutic massages and standard examinations. The decreased ration. It’s kind of like a mom-and-pop patient numbers have caused considerable financial strain shop.” for small medical practices, prompting worries of permaLopez has applied for federal loans, nent closures. including the Paycheck Protection “It is definitely one of the biggest questions that we have over our head,” said Dr. Esther Lopez, a dentist and owner Program (PPP), through the U.S. Small DR. MARY ANNE BENDER Business Administration. Many busiof Healthy Tooth Dental, 719 Lake St. Podiatrist, OPRF Chamber president Though dentistry is considered an essential business, den- nesses are vying for those loans, making the competition stiff.

However, Lotists are limited to providing emergency and urgent care under Governor J.B. Pritzker’s order. Emergency dental work pez remains hopeful.

COVID-19 has also hurt chiropractic includes any treatment of a potential life-threatening oral and physical therapy practices. cavity, as well as ongoing bleeding in tissue and severe pain Fuller Health Group, which provides or infection. Urgent dental treatment refers to conditions that could lead to life-threatening emergencies if untreated. both services, has seen its revenue decrease at its two locaPeople can contract COVID-19 from particles ejected tions – one in Chicago and the other in Oak Park, 1010 Lake Bender’s current patient volume is about 40 to 50 percent through the mouth, making dental work dangerous. Den- St. of what the normal volume would be at this time of year. De“Financially, both practices have seen a significant retists have been limited to urgent and emergency procedures spite the significant decrease, Bender has had better fortune duction in overall revenue,” said Sam Yousif, Fuller Health in an effort to preserve available personal protection equipthan other practitioners in her field. ment. Lopez made the move to cease normal work opera- Group manager.

The chiropractic and physical therapy fields are quite lit“I’ve heard a lot of podiatrists saying they’re at 20 to 25 tions prior to the issuance of both local and statewide orerally hands-on. Physical therapists often treat patients si- percent, so I’m lucky with regard to that,” she said. ders to shelter in place.

“Our last official day where we had our entire team treat- multaneously, all in one large room with shared equipment.

Normally, Bender sees four patients per hour. She has “It requires a lot of not necessarily just interaction, but ing patients was actually Saturday, March 14. It seems like since spaced out her appointments, seeing only two an hour, ages ago,” Lopez said. “It was a really big realization of how interaction within a collective group,” Yousif said. to ensure their safety, as well as her own. However, it has afAccording to Yousif, some patients can be treated through our world was going to change and how uncertain things are fected her bottom line. telehealth surprisingly well. However, people who had surgoing to be in the field of dentistry.”

Under normal circumstances, Bender has only one emgery just prior to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois need ployee: herself. Along with other medical practitioners, Bender rents the space from the owner of the clinic. The traditional therapy.

Fuller Health has hand owner’s hired staff man the front desk, answer faxes and sanitizer and hand wash- calls and get test results for the practitioners. ing stations, as well as therThe clinic owner laid off that staff. For about two weeks, mometers readily available. there was no one to answer phones or respond to faxes, said Therapists wear masks and Bender. Now Bender pays one of the former staff members gloves; they also make home visits when needed. Patients to work as her assistant.

“I have to pay my assistant for more time than I usually who come into appointments are asked to wear would and I’m seeing fewer patients,” Bender said. “The masks as well. next couple of months, I will not pay myself a salary at all.”

Appointments are schedLike Lopez, Bender has applied for the PPP loan. However, uled further apart to ad- Bender only knows of two people who have gotten it. Bender equately sanitize equipment has also applied for multiple grants. and limit the number of “Anything I qualify for, I apply for,” she said. people together at one time.

Outside of podiatry, Bender serves as president of Oak “Certain practices and businesses were predicated Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. Many business on a financial model that owners have reached out to her with serious closure consaid, ‘I gotta serve as many cerns. people as possible within a “Many of these people have not gotten approved for any of certain space,’” said Yousif. the financial assistance that they’ve applied for,” she said.

That financial model Bender believes her practice will survive the crisis; her does not translate into an husband has a secure job and she has patients waiting for environment safe from COher to reopen fully.

VID-19.

“I can get by without paying myself for a few months, “It’s a very stressful time, ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer from a businessowner per- which is not a good thing, but at least I can get by,” she REVENUE CAVITY: Dr. Esther Lopez, owner of Healthy Tooth Dental, 719 Lake St., has spective,” said Dr. Mary said. “A lot of businesses at this moment may not make it turned to a telehealth model.

Ann Bender. Bender owns through.”

“It’s a very stressful time, from a business owner perspective.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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ART BEAT

Art League auctions founder Carl Krafft’s oils

Funds raised for programs, building projects

By MICHELLE DYBAL Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is a place to create and learn. It is also a place for artists to come together and show artwork, and for art lovers to view new creations.

Over its 99-year existence, OPAL has amassed a collection of 40 to 50 artworks in a permanent collection. In the fall of 2019, the board of directors and Jill Kramer Goldstein, executive director, began talking about what to do with these works. While a few selected pieces hang and rotate on the back wall of the first floor of OPAL’s home in the Carriage House Gallery, 720 Chicago Ave., most were occupying a small office space.

Not only is there inadequate storage space, the environment in the 100-year-old building is “just not the best way to store anything with archival intentions,” Kramer Goldstein said.

“It’s not part of our mission to preserve the work; we’re not a museum,” she said.

Selling the work, however, would enable OPAL to pursue their mission.

“We’re more about offering opportunities for artists -- professionals and students -- to learn and grow in the arts.”

Once the decision was made to sell the art, Toomey & Co, an Oak Park auction house, was contacted. Erin Marcell and Aron Packer, senior specialists of Fine Art, came into the Carriage House Gallery, OPAL’s home since 1937, in December to view the collection. They chose 17 works, mostly paintings, for their Interiors Auction, which will take place on Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m.

“The 17 that they chose were the pieces they thought would be most recognizable by the artists names, were probably in the best shape physically.” Kramer Goldstein said.

“Ultimately they made the decision on what they thought they could take and sell with the highest return. … They want to obviously help us out.”

The works were acquired as gifts from artists or their families throughout OPAL’s history. Two oil paintings being auctioned, “Throughout the Woods” and “Landscape,” are by OPAL founder Carl Krafft and each carry an auction estimate of $1,000 to $2,000. “Sunset” by the Carriage House prairie school architect E.E. Roberts is also in the auction; its estimate is $300 to $500.

While the Carriage House was designed by E.E. Roberts,

Kramer Goldstein said the art league did not feel compelled to hold onto the artwork created by the architect.

“There are plenty of people in Oak Park that live in an E.E. Roberts home and might love to have a pastel drawing of his that was done in 1920,” she said.

On letting go of the only works OPAL owns by its founder, Carl Krafft, Kramer Goldstein said it came down to “not being able to serve the pieces and, in the long term, take care of them and offer them the stewardship that they deserve.”

There are still “treasures left” from the collection. Kramer Goldstein, who is also an artist, said a couple of her favorites are there, including one that she imagines was done in the 1970s or 1980s, a post-modern, stark depiction of people on an el train. It is unsigned.

“It’s lovely,” Kramer Goldstein said. “And, I’m really kind of happy it wasn’t chosen.”

This is not the first time Toomey is holding an auction closed to the public, but it is the first time there is no inperson preview.

There has been interest in the OPAL works. Some potential buyers requested preview appointments and one window preview was set up, a new safe way to view an item during the COVID-19 pandemic at the showroom at Toomey & Co., 818 North Blvd. Lucy Toomey, CEO, said they are offering virtual previews too.

Kramer Goldstein said the money made from the auction will go “into expanding programming as well as some of the building maintenance.” Programing goals include open drawing sessions for artists, scholarships for underserved students for summer classes and community partnerships with other nonprofits. Building project goals include a new roof and an ADA accessible 1st floor bathroom.

The 17 OPAL artworks in the Toomey & Co auction can be viewed at toomeyco.com. Bidding can be done by absentee bid or online through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable.

Oak Park Art League muddles through difficult days Hands on for 99 years

By MICHELLE DYBAL Contributing Reporter

The works sit displayed in an empty gallery. Paintings were hung on the walls and sculptures set in place more than a month ago. The opening was planned for Friday, the 13th of March, perhaps an omen. That was the day, Gov. J.B. Pritzker began announcing restrictions on gatherings. The art opening at the Carriage House Gallery of the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) was canceled.

This was a turning point at OPAL when everything began to change.

“It’s been tough,” said Jill Kramer Goldstein, OPAL’s executive director. “Financially, I think the landscape for nonprofit art organizations is going to look very different in a year, at least in the state of Illinois.”

OPAL typically holds 10 to 12 classes and workshops each week. All were canceled, included the latest session, Spring 2, which is listed optimistically on the OPAL website as beginning May 4. The classes

and workshops, primarily for adult artists from beginners through advanced, consist of offerings like Mixed Media Sketchbook, fiber art, drop-in figure drawing, Farmers Market Watercolor Workshop and Expressionist Oil Painting. But on April 23, a new stay-at-home order came from the governor that keeps everyone but essential workers quarantined through May 30. Summer offerings, such as camps for elementary school students, scheduled to start in June, are becoming uncertain now too.

“We are a space that heavily relies on programming that happens in person, and a lot of small group learning in person, and all of a sudden the rug gets pulled out from under you,” said Kramer Goldstein.

The nonprofit’s revenue stream is sourced by this programming and somewhat by their exhibitions, where a small entry fee is charged to artists. There are also memberships, renewed yearly on a rolling basis.

OPAL is receiving renewals.

“We haven’t shut the lights off and put a padlock on the door – it’s just a pause,” Kramer Goldstein said. “We’ve had so many members really step up and make monetary

donations, make donations of their time.”

OPAL is also receiving offers to volunteer when it re-opens and members and teachers are in touch with Kramer Goldstein, making plans for the future.

The Oak Park Art League was founded 99 years ago. The centennial celebration kickoff announcement has also been affected by COVID-19. Derby Days, held in early May to coincide with the Kentucky Derby, is OPAL’s largest fundraiser. That has been postponed until fall and along with it the centennial celebration, which may not kick off until the end of 2020 with a celebration through 2021. The monetary loss from the missed A Day at the Races is $15,000 to $17,000, the goal set for the May 2 event.

Kramer Goldstein and the OPAL board have been working to fill the shortfall. They applied for the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Plan loan through their bank to cover payroll but were denied in the first round. They are hoping for approval in the second round.

They have also applied for the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund and are awaiting news.

And, money will be coming in from a previously planned sale of 17 paintings from

OPAL’s collection. The works, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s, will be auctioned by Toomey & Co, Oak Park, on May 6.

These paintings, which if sold on the high end of the estimates, could go for as much as a collective $15,500 – Kramer Goldstein’s wish. The funds are slated to go toward programming goals and building maintenance.

The Carriage House, 720 Chicago Ave., will soon be emptied of its Entanglement exhibit as the art is packed up for artists to pick up. The exhibit can be viewed online, however, with a virtual walk through (oakparkartleague.org). The April Artist Member Show has been moved to June and another show, slated for May, is also postponed.

A Meet the Maker Monday series is being brought to light in virtual form. Originally imagined as an in-person event to launch in April, the art league has retooled using technology to bring the event into homes.

It begins May 18 with Pamela Penney, an OPAL board member and fiber artist, doing a tour of the E.E. Roberts designed Carriage House that is the home of OPAL and sharing what she has been creating as an artist during shelter in place.

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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BIG WEEK April 29 - May 6 Virtual Crop Hunger Walk to Benefit Cluster Tutoring Donate now; virtual walk Sunday, May 3 Cluster Tutoring pairs volunteer tutors with students in grades K through 12 from the Austin neighborhood for ono-on-one sessions throughout the school year. The money raised at the annual Crop Walk pays for nutritious snacks for the 100+ students during tutoring. Funds raised also go to others around the world experiencing food deprivation and starvation. Donate: crophungerwalk.org/oakparkil/Team/View/129909/ Cluster-Tutoring. Questions or to donate by check, email: clustertutoring@ clustertutoring.org.

FitzGerald’s Stay-at-Home Concerts

NAMI Parent and Family Support

Saturdays, 4 p.m.

The nightclub continues to take the show on the road through May. Sign up for a visit or watch the livestream of the FitzGerald’s Nightclub Facebook page.

May 2 Al Scorch (Bloodshot Records) May 9 Lil’ Ed (Alligator Records) May 16 Prom Theme Dance Party May 23 Toronzo Cannon (Alligator Records) May 30 Ryan Joseph Anderson While concerts have been in Berwyn and south Oak Park, plans to extend into neighboring communities are a closely guarded secret. For updates, check FitzGerald’s social pages or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

Tuesdays, 7 p.m., WebEx Join a virtual support group that offers hope and shared experiences for family members supporting a loved one with a mental health condition. To join, create a free login at webex.com, then enter meeting number 291 478 541, password: Connect. Also, join the private National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Facebook group by sending a Facebook message to NAMIBockus requesting an invitation to join. Private Phone Support is available for those family members who need it: 708-524-2582 x108, or email bockus@namimetsub.org.

Help for Hephzibah Home There are 25 young children, victims of trauma, sheltering in place at Hephzibah Home, and others served by the organization who need support. How you can help: Send emails, videos or cards of encouragement to our staff: mgrott@hephzibahhome.org, or c/o Marissa Grott, 1144 Lake St., Ste. 500, Oak Park, IL 60301. Donate to the Emergency Fund: hephzibahhome.org/covid-emergency-reliefsupport/. Purchase wish-list items and have them delivered directly to Hephzibah Home: hephzibahhome.org/donate/ wishlist. Provide a dinner for children and staff at Hephzibah Home: email hweigel@hephzibahhome.org

Wonder Works Story Time Weekdays, 2 p.m., Facebook Live Join Oak Park’s children museum for virtual story time. Hear and see stories read from children’s books and learn about a daily activity Mondays through Fridays from the staff at Wonder Works. Go to: facebook.com/wonderworkschildrensmuseum

Stay Fit Oak Park/River Forest Park District of Oak Park offers classes for the young and young at heart. Find Creative Movement for young children with Miss Deanna or Strength and Flexibility for Circus, Dance, Cheer, and Acro with Nadea (and her cats) here: pdop.org/programs/dance. Do an active adult session with Mara and more: pdop.org/programs/health-fitness.

Binge Drinking.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

/’bin(d)ZH ‘driNGkiNG/

The consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time.

In 2018, 22% of OPRF 12th graders* who consumed alcohol report binge drinking in the past 2 weeks (5 or more drinks in a couple hours).

For more information and to discover local resources: www.OakParkTownship.org/PYD This campaign is supported by the Strategic Prevention FrameworkPartnerships for Success Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.243 funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through a grant administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Supporting youth in Oak Park and River Forest Townships.

Oak Park & River Forest Townships

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@Positive Youth Development

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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Documenting the COVID experience ANXIETY IN CHILDREN AND TEENS: Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment With Special Focus on the Impacts of COVID-19 with Heidi Hamernik, PhD

Thursday, May 7, 2020 • 7 p.m. — 8 p.m.

Moved to a Virtual Webinar

Use the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/91951403119

iPhone one-tap :

US: +13126266799, 91951403119# or +19292056099, 91951403119#

Webinar ID: 919 5140 3119

Before the current COVID-19 crisis, childhood and teen anxiety was already on the rise. But what is normal anxiety during development and when is professional help needed?

Learn what factors contribute to this anxiety and what you can do to help.

Dr. Hamernik is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. She completed her pre- and post doctoral residency at Rush University Medical Center. She has worked at Lutheran General Hospital and is currently in private practice. For the past 25 years, Dr. Hamernik has provided pediatric neuropsychological assessments as well as individual and family therapy to children and adolescents. She specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional and regulation challenges, as well as autism spectrum disorders.

HOPE

RESILIENCE

R EC OV E RY

120 South Marion Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-7500 www.thrivecc.org

OP RF Museum collecting stories, photos of this ‘moment in time’

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

People often think of history as something you study to learn about the past, history museums places to visit to see great artifacts from years ago.

But Frank Lipo, executive director of the Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St., is making sure the COVID-19 pandemic is being documented now. Even while it is closed during the pandemic, the museum is collecting photos and stories that represent local people’s experiences in this unique time.

When people walk into a history museum, said Lipo, they expect the exhibits to tell old stories. He sometimes asks kids who visit the museum what “history” is. A common response is, “Something that happened to grandpa.” But Lipo likes to tell kids, “What happened during your summer vacation is history too.”

In fact, history is being created in this very moment, and Lipo’s mission for the museum during the COVID-19 crisis is to collect relevant items now. Although sometimes history needs perspective, a stepping away to get distance and a different look, it’s important to document things as they happen too.

A trend in museums, said Lipo, is asking the question, “How are we documenting our own time?” without necessarily waiting for the “accent of history.” He likened it to an art museum that collects works from a current artist who’s perhaps not famous yet because the curator likes the paintings or sees something special in the art.

“Why wait to see what’s donated in 20 years?” said Lipo. “We want to collect things now so we have more raw material to use later.”

The “things” he’s talking about are the personal experiences, the photos and stories that show how local people are reacting to and dealing with the pandemic. And he and the museum are asking local people to submit their experiences to the museum.

They’ve set up a Google form with prompts, asking questions about people’s experiences during the pandemic.

What brings you joy? What are you grieving? How has the pandemic changed the way you celebrate holidays or important dates? These are some of the prompts on the Google questionnaire, but residents can also go off script and email thoughts and photos to the museum.

Lipo talked about how it’s the photos of

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SNAPSHOT: Frank Lipo, executive director of the Oak Park River Forest Museum daily life that are significant. People doing puzzles to pass the time. Snapshots of virtual book club meetings. Inspirational sidewalk chalk messages, or teddy bears in windows for socially distanced scavenger hunts.

“This is an important moment in time,” said Lipo. “These stories are the things that people will be telling their kids and grandkids. It’s having a big impact on people.”

An integral part of this, said Lipo, is representing diverse viewpoints and perspectives in all areas, including race, age, and socioeconomic status, among many other things. Looking at how differences in the way people live affect their reaction to this current crisis is crucial.

“For example, living in an apartment might be different than living in a house in terms of someone’s experience right now,” said Lipo, just as whether a person is unemployed or working from home will significantly change her experiences and outlook on the situation.

“We want to represent all different perspectives,” said Lipo, “and the stories aren’t always going to be happy. You have to include experiences across the spectrum of good to bad.”

He mentioned the heroics of hospital workers, important stories to document.

But there are people out there who aren’t being reached, who are dying and not getting the care they need for a variety of reasons.

“Life is messy,” said Lipo. “But all the stories are important. And we want to make sure there is broad coverage of the community’s history.”

For more information and a link to the form to submit your experiences to the museum, visit oprfmuseum.org/living-historycapturing-oprf-stories-during-2020-pandemic.

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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Oak Park dept. heads report progress on COVID-19

Board extends state of emergency till June 1

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

During an April 27 Oak Park village board meeting, a unanimous vote of the board extended the declaration of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic until June 1. The village board passed the original declaration over a month ago at an emergency morning meeting on March 13.

At Monday’s meeting heads of various village departments gave positive updates regarding their ability to carry out work during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Things have been going pretty well over here at the fire department, operationally,” Fire Chief Tom Ebsen said. “I have to say we’ve held our own very well.”

According to Ebsen, fire personnel clean the stations every day with disinfectant and they have a well-stocked supply of personal protection equipment (PPE).

The fire department now transports an average of one to two symptomatic patients per day, according to Ebsen.

“As far as transporting patients who are symptomatic, we saw a peak in our department in the first two weeks of April,” Ebsen said. “That was when we had our

highest number of transports of pahas assisted in decontamitients who were symptomatic. The nating equipment and the last two weeks it took about a 30 perstation whenever officers cent dip.” bring someone in who has On duty fire personnel conduct tested positive for COVemployee temperature checks three ID-19. times: when shift starts, halfway “There has been an upthrough the shift and when they get tick in violent crime unforoff. To date, no fire personnel has tunately. We’re seeing some tested positive for COVID-19. results of that as of late, but The Oak Park Police Department I think it’s something that TOM EBSEN has also implemented employee is regional,” Reynolds said.

Oak Park Fire Chief temperature monitoring, as well as The chief also relayed alternative scheduling and a onethat he has received conto-one internal PPE exchange, said Police cerns from sworn personnel unions regardChief LaDon Reynolds. ing COVID-19, which he is addressing.

“Everyone in the police department is re“There are police officers dying across quired to wear a mask. Because of the size the nation and essential workers, just like of the hallways and the size of the police the medical healthcare professionals, the department, it’s virtually impossible to be officers have to be out there,” Reynolds more than six feet from each other,” Reyn- said. olds said. “Whether you’re in the station or In many instances regarding policework, in public view, everyone is to wear a mask.” officers cannot maintain six feet of disThe police department is also distribut- tance. According to Reynolds, officers have ing masks, provided to them by the Park concerns regarding their own health and District of Oak Park, to those in need. Of safety, as well as that of their families. the 200 masks they received, they have dis“I think we did a really good job as a viltributed 180. Police distribute masks upon lage to approach this and mitigate it early. request.

Our early decision was positive, and I “If we run out, we take peoples’ names think it allayed a lot of the concerns that and they can come back and pick them up our union members have, and I continue to have communication with them,” he said. as we get resupply,” Reynolds said.

All three Oak Park police officers who Oak Park’s public works department

tested positive for COVID-19 have returned to work.

The public works department has fared well using its three-shift staffing model, according to Public Works Director John Wielebnicki. When not on shift, most people work from home.

In the next couple of weeks, the department plans to plant more trees.

The department has received more calls of late, which is not unusual for this time of year. Callers mostly have questions regarding wood chips, compost deliveries and tree trimming.

Oak Park Public Health Director Mike Charley said his department held an orientation earlier that day for 23 new volunteers. Volunteers were trained in “dispensing and contract tracing.”

A number of people who signed up to volunteer could not make that orientation, so a second orientation will happen soon. The public health department is still accepting volunteer requests.

“We have plenty of PPE at this point. We have been receiving requests from healthcare organizations and we have been fulfilling some of those requests,” Charley said.

“There is a team of village employees who are aggressively trying to procure additional PPE, but it’s a very competitive process with everyone else that is also looking for that PPE.”

As COVID-19 takes hold, eldercare facilities adapt Four deaths in one Oak Park nursing home

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The COVID-19 virus poses an especially high risk to senior citizens, many of whom live in the multiple assisted living homes and nursing care facilities in Oak Park.

Cases of COVID-19 have already taken hold in several of these buildings. Oasis of Oak Park, 625 N. Harlem Ave., has had one staffer and 13 residents test positive. Four residents of Oasis of Oak Park have died of COVID-19.

Oak Park’s public health department tracks COVID-19 instances in these facilities. As of April 27, the chart lists one resident and two members of staff at Belmont Village, 1035 Madison St., as having tested positive for the virus. Berkeley Nursing & Rehab, 6909 W. North Ave., has had one resident test positive, which resulted in death.

Five residents and five staff members have tested positive at Brookdale Oak Park, 1111 Ontario St., with one resident death.

Meanwhile, Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., has had one resident test positive and

zero staff cases.

Interim Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Terry was already working with officials well before any positive diagnoses, according to Oak Park Communications Director David Powers.

“He had them cancel congregate activities and restrict visitors to the facilities, both important steps to protect residents from inadvertent exposure by asymptomatic friends and family,” Powers said.

Public Health Director Mike Charley issued orders requiring that facilities “take very specific steps to comply with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for protection of facility residents and employees,” said Powers.

According to Powers, those specific steps include providing “proper personal protection equipment per CDC and IDPH guidance” to staff who have close contact with an infected individual.

The steps also include taking and recording the temperatures of each employee at the start and end of work shifts. Charley’s order directs facilities to bar any employee with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher from entering or returning.

The order also prohibits senior residences

from accepting new residents and does not allow any visitors inside, including delivery personnel inside the building. Staff must accept deliveries outside.

Facilities that do not act in accordance with Charley’s order face legal consequences.

“Failure to comply with a public health order is a Class A misdemeanor under state law, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. In addition, a facility could lose its license and face civil liability,” Powers said.

Two senior residences operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation – The Oaks, 114 S. Humphrey and Mills Park Tower, 1025 Pleasant Pl. – are not tracked by the public health department because the two buildings do not meet the requirements of providing assisted living or skilled nursing.

Both the Oaks and Mills Park Tower took early steps to protect residents, said David Pope, CEO of ResCorp.

“We were early in putting restrictions on access to the Oaks and Mills Park. The only outside people permitted were employees, medical practitioners, home care aides, mail and package delivery,” said Pope, a former Oak Park village president.

Residents are urged to “treat every other person as an active carrier. Pope said the

residents understand their age puts them at an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19.

“They’ve done an exceptional job of sheltering in place,” said Pope.

According to Pope, the Oaks has had one suspected case of COVID-19, which resulted in death. Mills Park Tower has no reported cases.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office reported the death of an unnamed 88-year-old man with Belmont Village listed as his residency. According to Belmont Village, that report was made in error.

“We have had no deaths. Period,” said Jeff DeBevec, Belmont Village senior vice president of communications.

DeBevec believes the man may have lived at Belmont Village at one point, but never changed his address upon moving out of the facility.

Belmont Village corporate instituted preventative COVID-19 procedures within its locations back in March.

“We have engaged an expert at Johns Hopkins University to educate our company on infectious disease control,” DeBevec said.

“We regularly collaborate with geriatricians at the University of California San Francisco on influenza mitigation and best practices at our communities.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

D97 looks to replace ‘inefficient’ financial system Board also hires new senior director of finance, promotes administrator

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

District 97 officials are looking to replace its current financial and human resources system with one that they say is more efficient.

The district currently pays $28,481 a year to a company to maintain its current Alio system, according to an April 21 memo by Rob Grossi, the district’s financial consultant, and Michael Arensdorff, the district’s senior director of technology.

Arensdorff and Grossi recommended that the board switch to a “more robust and effective system” called Infinite Visions at a cost of $430,020 over five years, which includes a first-year on-boarding cost of $227,777.

They estimated that the cost of maintaining the program from years six to 10 would be around $304,392.

“This is not just a replacement of the current system,” Arensdorff said during a reg-

ular board meeting on April 21, which was conducted via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s to really transform and take a deeper dive into our processes and procedures within the system and how we operate our business and human resources.”

“Upgrading the software will allow us to better manage budgets, align with best practices, improve efficiencies, comply with [Illinois State Board of Education] guidelines and better track financial equity by allowing us to monitor expenditures by building and program more efficiently,” Grossi said.

In their memo, Arensdorff and Grossi said that the district’s current financial and human resources system “has/is creating inefficiencies and struggles to complete tasks that have led to direct and indirect costs that will be addressed with a new system in place.

“This is something that has also been identified in the annual financial audit over the last 2+ years,” they wrote. “Due to this and the district getting some key staff in place to embark on the planning and execution of a new system this recommendation is now coming to the board.”

Last April, district officials had to apolo-

gize to some teachers who did not receive paychecks because of “an internal oversight that led to our payroll information not being uploaded to the bank in time for this to happen,” according to a letter drafted at the time by Paul Starck-King, the district’s former assistant superintendent of finance and operations.

And in February 2018, Stark’s King’s predecessor had to apologize to employees after acknowledging that “an accounting error made the previous year had resulted in an insufficient amount of payroll taxes being withheld from employee paychecks — an error that could have affected their state tax returns in 2018,” according to a Wednesday Journal report at the time.

During the April 21 board meeting, the D97 school board unanimously approved the appointment of Patrick King as the districts new senior director of finance. King, who will be paid an annual salary of $130,000, will start on July 1.

“We’ll be able to have run out the payroll for the whole year and setup the new contracts in the brand new system rather than having to carry stuff over,” Grossi said.

The district also promoted Felicia StarksTurner, currently the district’s senior direc-

tor of administrative services to associate superintendent of education at an annual pay of $160,000. Starks-Turner will start in her new role on May 1.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Grossi and Arensdorff said that they recommend that the district convert to the new system on July 1, 2021, which was pushed back from an initial target date of Jan. 1, 2021.

“We’ll be able to have run out the payroll for the whole year and setup the new contracts in the brand new system rather than having to carry stuff over,” Grossi said, explaining the advantages of the July date.

Grossi said that he anticipates the district realizing a variety of cost-savings and efficiencies with the new system in place.

“There would be an automatic reduction of at least one staff in HR,” he said. “And many functions will become easier to do, such as bank reconciliation, grant tracking and other aspects of HR. And I think as the systems going and the people get familiar with it, just like any other software, we can have a second bite at the apple to see if any other efficiencies can be developed.”

The board is expected to vote on the new system at a regular meeting on May 12.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

D97 approves staff requests D90, OPRF discuss 8th graders

Most of the cost savings — $1,075,588 -- is driven by teachers with larger salaries retiring. Roughly $350,000 in cost savings is due to the district’s elimination of four classroom teachers and a special education team support teacher. The reduction in teachers is due to “a very low class size for a couple of our Kindergarten classes,” according to an April 7 memo by Gina Herrmann, the district’s senior HR director.

“There are also two grade levels that have decreases in size; therefore, we plan to decrease the section number accordingly,” she said.

Another $137,000 in cost savings is due to a range of other staff reductions and state reimbursements that bring the total costs reductions to $1,562,588. The administration requested four teaching positions be budgeted at $280,000, in case the district has an increase in projected enrollment or an increase in students qualifying for special education.

Lincoln and Longfellow, where enrollment levels are approaching 700 students, stand to get the bulk of the new personnel.

The district plans to add a new full-time enrichment specialist in its Gifted, Talented and Differentiation program. The new position will be split between Lincoln and Longfellow and will cost $70,000.

The district will add three special education co-teachers — one in first grade at Beye,

and one each in kindergarten and first grade at Longfellow. The new co-teachers will cost an additional $210,000.

Lincoln and Longfellow would also each get an additional student support specialist who will “assist the building administrative team in organizing and fostering a positive, safe environment that is conducive to best meeting the needs of all students, staff and parents,” according to Herrmann’s memo.

The new positions would cost a total of $170,000.

Lincoln and Longfellow will also each get a full-time school psychologist at a total cost of $85,000. Currently, each school has a parttime psychologist. They’ll each also receive an additional full-time receptionist at a total cost of $70,000.

The district also budgeted for additional social workers at Lincoln, Longfellow, Beye and Whittier. Lincoln and Longfellow, each of which has 1.5 full-time-equivalent in social worker staffing will get two full-timeequivalent staffing while the district will add an additional 0.5 full-time-equivalent social worker staffing at Whittier and Beye for a total cost of $170,000.

The district also plans to replace a student support specialist position at Whittier with an assistant principal position at a cost of $1,434, which is the difference between the salaries of the two positions.

Michael Romain

Like all Illinois schools, District 90’s school buildings will remain closed to in-person learning for the rest of the 2019/2020 school year, but in video messages to families and the community, Superintendent Ed Condon announced a number of digital learning related updates, stressing patience and positivity as teachers and families adjust to a new normal.

River Forest District 90 schools are working with Oak Park and River Forest High School on plans to remediate gaps in learning caused by the transition to online schooling, said Condon.

Acknowledging the limitations of online teaching, Condon described the mitigation of gaps in learning as “mission critical” looking forward, with the district already in contact with OPRF to collaborate on a plan to address the issue as well as preparing students in all grades to have the necessary information and learning necessary to progress and succeed.

Condon said the priorities of the district are extended safety, health and welfare for students and families and the community, communicating clearly to stakeholders, and providing continuity of learning for students.

This includes inclusivity and accessibility of online material, according to

Condon. All students have district issued iPads and internet access at home. Students typically have access to recorded classes that can be viewed at any time to allow for a range in availability.

“We need to do everything in our power to remove barriers to learning,” said Condon.

According to Condon, teachers are participating in remote learning days, receiving additional training in running online classes.

Condon thanked staff members and families for their patience and positivity in the face of the difficult learning environment, and he acknowledged that at-home learning experiences are very different from family to family. Students and families are encouraged to reach out to school social workers, teachers and principals to ease the mental burden of the situation or with any issues with academics.

Condon also said announcements will be forthcoming regarding graduation for 8th graders, summer school, and how to return items left at school to students.

Students and families with questions about online learning can reference the entire District 90 remote learning plan on the district’s website and get updates at district90.org.

Maria Maxham and Zach Batia

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Hard scrabble times for local restaurants Billy Bricks, Scratch Kitchen plot paths to survive

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Staff reductions, operational adjustments and rent negotiations are plaguing local restaurateurs as they have faced a timeconsuming loan application process for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

For PPP loans to be forgiven, 75 percent of each loan granted must be used to pay employees while the remaining 25 percent can be used to pay rent, taxes and utilities. If this ratio is not kept, and verified by a paper trail, the loan will need to be repaid in full – with modest interest.

Ric Gruber, owner of Billy Bricks Wood Fired Pizza, 128 N. Oak Park Ave., is fighting for the survival of his Oak Park location -- one of eight Billy Bricks establishments in the western suburbs. Gruber notes, even prior to COVID-19, his Oak Park location has consistently been the most expensive to operate.

“Our Oak Park location has the highest taxes and rent of any store; we’ve even had to raise our prices here to offset the added expenses, but that doesn’t really work because our prices can only get pushed so high.”

Business has slowed at Billy Bricks in the face of COVID-19, but rent payments are still coming due. Gruber was able to negotiate a 50 percent rent reduction through a broker for April, but the second half of his rent would not be forgiven. Gruber has not spoken directly to his landlord but hopes for an in-person meeting to discuss the potential for back rental forgiveness due to the extreme revenue limitations COVID-19 has caused.

“Our landlord is under no legal obligation to negotiate with us,” said Gruber. “But I would like to see some flexibility. I’d like to temporarily adjust our rent based on the square footage of the restaurant we are currently able to use.”

To complicate matters Billy Bricks has yet to receive a PPP loan.

“We sent our bank, Fifth Third, all of our paperwork on March 30 and they didn’t “process” it before the money ran out,” said Gruber. “I guess they were too busy with their bigger customers.”

In the meantime, Billy Bricks’ “Feed the Front Line” efforts have been helping generate revenue at his stores. Next week Billy Bricks is providing lunch and dinner to the Oak Park Police Department with Senator Don Harmon. Harmon has graciously donated lunch and Gruber has matched his donation by providing the department dinner.

Patrick O’Brien of Scratch Restaurant

Group is adjusting operations and trying to protect his trio of local restaurants. Scratch Kitchen in Forest Park has been shuttered since the shelter-in-place order went into effect but will re-open for curbside pickup and deliveries at some point next week.

Scratch on Lake has been operating as the hub for all three restaurants, although O’Brien reopened District Kitchen and Tap (DKT) on Harrison Street to serve a limited carry-out pizza menu in response to customer demand.

O’Brien, whose Lake Street restaurant space shares a landlord with Billy Bricks, reached out proactively before the government closed restaurant dining rooms, indicating he anticipated having trouble meeting his rental agreement because of the looming COVID-19 crisis.

O’Brien indicated he is also behind on rent and utility payments at his DKT and Scratch Kitchen properties but those landlords have been understanding and willing to negotiate during this unprecedented time. Concerned for his financial security, O’Brien paid half of the rent due on his Lake Street restaurant on April 1 and said he would pay what he could as the month unfolded.

“The landlord seemed to understand, but indicated he still expected the second half of the rent in April,” said O’Brien. “I do not get a negative vibe from him. He knows if I can pay, I will pay.”

And it turns out O’Brien was able to pay his Lake Street rent in full for April. In fact, the Scratch on Lake has seen almost no decline in business in the midst of COVID-19.

“I am blown away. As long as business is good at Scratch on Lake, I am able to pay my rent on that property,” said O’Brien. “But another month of this will be tough. I might be able to make it through May.” Scratch Restaurant Group also received a PPP loan and expects to receive the money in the coming days. O’Brien credits his nineyear relationship with Forest Park Bank for his success in securing the loan.

O’Brien is grateful for the infusion of cash but worries about how spending rules could impact the health of his businesses.

Many of Scratch Restaurant Group employees have been laid off, but the PPP loan will require O’Brien to hire them back to properly utilize the PPP funds.

“I am taking on a loan while I am already in debt. It’s a ridiculous thing,” said O’Brien. “I am going deeper and deeper into the red with insurance and taxes and rent payments and I can’t use this money to help with those debts.”

“I am looking at needing thousands of dollars to reopen each place,” said O’Brien. “I am starting to wonder if things will ever be the same.”

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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COVID-19’s mental health crisis

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

COVID-19 is more than just an economic and physical health hazard. It’s also a mental health crisis, leading to heightened levels of depression and anxiety among people.

“Isolation, major life stressors like financial strain, loss of employment, lack of adequate childcare, and limited access to resources can exacerbate mental health issues,” said Kristen Keleher, licensed clinical professional counselor and manager of community engagement at Thrive Counseling Center, 120 S. Marion St. To address the Oak Park and River Forest communities’ mental health needs during this time, Thrive has a free check-in support phone line, accessible by dialing 708-3837500, ext. 8. Since opening the line, Thrive therapists have actively been receiving calls from people in need of support.

“I would say the overall theme of the calls is just difficulty coping with the novel challenges that they’re facing,” Keleher said.

Staying inside and working from home has altered many people’s daily routines.

“I have had a lot of conversations with clients about behavior activation during shelter in place,” said Molly Feldheim, a Thrive

CONSTRUCTION

Board votes to move ahead from page 1 improvements that affect some of the most vulnerable students at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

The board also directed the administration to explore ways of funding some of the work by taking on debt. Board members agreed that, despite the financial uncertainty they’re facing, now is probably the best moment to expend some of the financial capital they’ve built up over time in the form of a $100 million fund balance and zero debt.

Members also agreed that the advantages of starting construction this summer, when the campus will be empty due to COVID-19 restrictions, outweigh the costs of postponing construction to see what circumstances may arise in the future.

“There’s not a complete right or wrong answer to what the board decides to do going forward,” said Rob Grossi, the district’s outside financial consultant, during a PowerPoint presentation at last Thursday’s meeting.

Grossi emphasized that he was not making a recommendation for one action over another. D200 administrators, however, recommended that the board postpone the planned construction at least until there was more clarity about how the COVID-19 crisis would impact the district’s long-term

therapist.

“For instance, staying in bed too late and then feeling shame and guilt, people neglecting hygiene or not having anything productive to work on, or not having the energy, motivation or mental resilience to get those tasks done, which becomes a spiral.”

People have also lost access to typical outlets for stress management and self-care, such as exercising at the gym.

Combined with the shutdown of childcare facilities and the pressures of having to homeschool, stressful circumstances could send people straight toward a meltdown.

Instances of child abuse have also risen as children spend more time at home, according to Keleher.

While not every person has the exact same situation, contracting the virus — a possibility faced by all people — is also extremely worrisome.

“Anxiety in particular tends to have a lot of physical symptoms that correspond with it, like increased heart rate, which causes sometimes shallow breathing or tightness in the chest,” Keleher said.

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are also early symptoms of COVID-19.

Some people are having trouble distinguishing anxiety-related breathing problems with those of the virus, leading to even higher

levels of anxiety.

One of Feldheim’s clients already struggled with hypochondriac-tendencies before COVID-19.

“She, for the past few years, has been excessively worried about health conditions and has gone to her doctors almost once a month because she feels something is wrong,” Feldheim said. “She has described the pandemic as ‘her worst fears realized.’”

Social isolation and the inability to be in close proximity of friends and loved ones has plummeted some individuals into depression as well.

Perhaps out of boredom or to take the edge off, people are imbibing more alcohol, a central nervous system depressant.

“Our therapists have also learned, from participation in various community meetings and through communication with clients, that substance abuse has increased,” Keleher said.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot imposed a 9 p.m. liquor sales curfew because so many people were going to liquor stores and lining up outside, risking further spread of COVID-19.

The economic turmoil caused by COVID-19 has raised the unemployment rate and exacerbated financial concerns.

Lisa DeVivo, Oak Park Township Commu-

nity Mental Health Board executive director, expects an increase in the number of people who need mental health services but don’t have health insurance.

“We’re anticipating that the need is going to go up because of people being laid off,” said DeVivo. “We are paying very close attention to that.”

In part, the Community Mental Health Board provides funding to some of the mental health agencies it partners with to help cover the cost of treating uninsured patients living in Oak Park.

The board has created a guide of available resources, updated weekly and shared with Oak Park and River Forest taxing bodies.

While few agencies are seeing patients in-person, Riveredge Hospital, a mental health treatment center in Forest Park, is continuing to admit patients suffering from extreme cases of depression and anxiety, according to DeVivo.

During this crisis, people should also consider the mental health of others, as well as their own.

“Remember to reach out to people who might be isolated or you might be concerned about,” Keleher said. “It’s perhaps even more important than ever to make sure they know there is someone thinking about them and caring about them.”

financial standing.

“I will say this,” Grossi explained during one of the moments in his pointcounterpoint presentation that seemed to resonate loudest with board members.

“More than likely, your current financial condition is going to be the best condition you’re going to be in for many, many years — maybe forever.”

Grossi and Cyndi Sidor, D200’s chief financial officer, both said that the COVID-19 crisis raises the probability of state lawmakers implementing a statewide property tax freeze in order to bring some relief to residents and businesses. Grossi projected that a property tax freeze could cost D200 $3.7 million in FY 2022, $4.9 million in FY 2023, $6.4 million in FY 2024 and $7.9 million in FY 2025.

The state may also be forced to cut Evidence-Based Funding, a school funding model signed into law in 2017 that’s designed to distribute more state funds to students and districts most in need. If the state cuts Evidence-Based Funding, the district could lose the annual $3.8 million it’s getting from a Property Tax Relief Grant it secured last year by agreeing to give back $2 million to taxpayers in the first year of the grant program.

Grossi and Sidor added that if the state forces local school districts outside of Chicago to pick up a larger share of teacher pensions, the district could lose even more money. Grossi projected that D200 could lose $400,000 in FY 2022, $800,000 in FY 2023, $1.2 million in FY 2024 and $1.6 million in FY

2025 if that happened.

A worst-case scenario — which includes D200 losing the annual Property Tax Relief grant funding, the state implementing a property tax freeze, and state lawmakers shifting the cost of pensions to local districts — could translate into a total loss of roughly $42 million from 2022 through 2025, Grossi projected. If that happens, the district’s fund balance would fall well below the 25 percent of annual revenues that the Illinois State Board of Education considers to be the bare minimum for a district in good financial health.

Of course, circumstances may change and some scenarios may be avoided, Grossi said.

The state could receive a federal bailout or voters could pass the Fair Tax amendment, which would change the state’s income tax structure from a flat tax to a graduated tax, which would partially offset the state’s heavy financial losses.

Board member Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability — a nonprofit public policy think tank — said that, based on his discussions with lawmakers, he’s “not quite as convinced” as Grossi that there will be a property tax freeze.

“The optics of kicking pension obligations back onto the local level looks better for the state, [but] if the state is going to kick the costs of funding teacher pensions down to the school level, they’re sure not going to freeze property taxes at the same time they’re doing that,” Martire said. “They get that that’s a no-go.”

The $32.6 million first phase of work includes the renovation or construction of 76 general education classrooms, the reconstruction of the south cafeteria and the relocation of the library. Other major aspects of the work address a range of critical improvements for students in OPRF’s special needs program, such as installing an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant elevator and an ADAcompliant restroom. All of the first phase work will be paid for out of the district’s roughly $100 million fund balance.

Board members who spoke during last Thursday’s meeting said they were not comfortable with postponing work that could benefit OPRF’s most vulnerable students.

“It feels that we’re really shortchanging our students yet again, kicking the can down the road yet again,” said board member Sara Dixon Spivy. “I am not inclined to postpone it.”

Board President Jackie Moore echoed points mentioned by representatives with Pepper Construction, the firm managing the construction work, who said that delaying construction would certainly mean higher labor costs and possibly higher material costs, among other increases.

Moore added that the district has already obtained the necessary permits to start construction this summer, when the campus will be empty. She added that adding debt “needs to be considered,” since it “spreads out responsibility of this project to future citizens and taxpayers.”

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

MARATHON

Running full circle from page 1 organizations.

The fundraiser, streamed through YouTube and Facebook, featured Kirsten, Anton, and their children running in laps in their backyard on the 600 block of South Kenilworth where the event was held. Fifty laps in the backyard was the equivalent to one mile. Anton ran an entire marathon (1,310 laps); Kirsten ran a half marathon; their son Jack ran a 10K; and their daughter Sophie ran a 5K. In order to avoid becoming dizzy from the repetition of running in circles, they switched the direction of their laps every mile.

The inspiration for this backyard bonanza came after Anton stumbled upon a YouTube video of a runner from England, James Campbell, running back and forth in his backyard 7,000 times to complete a full marathon. He did it to raise money for United Kingdom National Health Service and ended up donating £29,351 ($31,782 U.S. dollars).

While they had a bigger space than Campbell, the family had headphones so they could hear the livestream and answer any questions thrown their way during their laps, adding to the challenge.

“That was very entertaining and it made it go by very quickly,” said Kirsten laughing.

“We also had neighbors and friends come out to support us at a safe distance during it as well. It was great and helped us to keep going.”

The fundraiser also included special guests from the area. Deno Andrews, Oak Park village trustee, made a 30 minute appearance on the stream as well as Oak Park police Sergeant Bob Monty, Oak Park Eats’ Melissa Elsmo, Beyond Hunger’s Michelle Zurakowski, Oak Park FFC Pilates Instructor Cameron Jarrett and many more. Before he started his 10K, Jack Straughan also held a 30-minute concert.

The fundraiser is still open to the public and anyone who is interested in donating, according to Kirsten, has until June to contribute to the cause.

“I think just feeling good about being part of this cool organization and this great sense of community that we all felt yesterday,” she said.

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ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

FANS IN THE STANDS: Abby and Carrie Bankes cheer on Jack Straughan doing laps in his backyard as part of the Beyond Hunger and Housing Forward fundraiser.

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

SPORTS EXTRA

OPRF basketball star plans to transfer

Barnes cites racism for leaving Oak Park

By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

After two years at Oak Park and River Forest High School, highly touted 2021 college basketball prospect Isaiah Barnes has decided to transfer to another school to close out his senior year. This will mark his second time transferring to a different program after playing his freshman year at Romeoville High School and his sophomore and junior years at OPRF. Barnes and his family haven’t decided on his next destination or a timetable for when they will make that decision. But, Barnes said an ongoing problem with race in the community was one of the leading factors in his decision to move.

“This was a family decision, and we had some time to think it through,” said Barnes on a phone call with Wednesday Journal on April 23. “My main factor in making that decision is that there is a lot of profiling that is going on in Oak Park and race-related things going on in the last couple of years. We felt like leaving the school was the best decision for me.”

Barnes is the second athlete in the last week to say he’d experienced racism at OPRF (hyperlink), although Barnes didn’t share specific instances of racism.

“This environment in Oak Park makes it hard to focus on everything at once,” said Barnes. “Switching environments where I have nothing to worry about but schoolwork and basketball would be the best fit.”

OPRF, through its communications director, Karin Sullivan, sent a statement in response to Barnes’ statements regarding his experience at OPRF: “We are really sorry to see Isaiah leave OPRF High School and wish him nothing but the best. In the past two years, we’ve taken several steps to address issues of race in ways that directly affect students.

“These include hiring a director of equity and student success, offering our racial equity course, forming a diverse Student Leadership Group that advises the superintendent and administration, creating our racial equity policy, and revising our curriculum with a focus on relevancy and equity in terms of content, materials, and pedagogy.

“We are working hard to make sure that all students are treated fairly and equitably.”

In terms of the on-court loss for the Huskies, Barnes is leaving behind the 18 points and 7 rebounds per game that he averaged last season. As a team, OPRF finished the season 17-11, but it didn’t quite live up to the preseason expectations that had them as a state title contender. Barnes was also sidelined with a knee injury during the team’s loss to Lane Tech in the first round of IHSA regional tournament on March 4.

Heading into the 2019-20 campaign, Barnes was ready to build on a profile that already included a scholarship offer from University of Illinois. He also plays for the Illinois Wolves -- a UAA team that has some of the area’s best prospects, Fenwick’s Bryce Hopkins and OPRF’s Josh Smith among them.

Since the season ended, the list of colleges recruiting Barnes has dramatically expanded. He says he now has offers

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

MOVING ON: Isaiah Barnes against Glenbard West this season. from University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin-Madison, St. Louis University, University of Maryland, Texas Christian University and University of Kansas.

“It’s very exciting getting some recognition for the work that I put in,” said Barnes. “It’s a long process and it’s going to take a while before I make a decision on what school is the best fit for me [in college]. I am very grateful for every offer that has come my way.”

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION UPDATE Originally, we had asked families to begin calling Betsy Ross and Garfield schools May 1, 2020 to register their child or children for Kindergarten. However, since the schools are now closed the remainder of the year that is not a viable option.

If you have a child who is currently enrolled in preschool and will be 5 years old prior to September 1, 2020, they may be enrolled in Kindergarten.

Beginning Friday, May 1, 2020, you may now email either Betsy Ross or Garfield to set up a screening and registration appointment for August 2020. Please do not try to call the school offices as no one will be in the buildings to answer the phones.

Families who reside south of 290 will email and attend Betsy Ross School – contact Patricia Marino at pmarino@fpsd91.org. Families who reside north of 290 will email and attend Garfield School – contact Diane Rice at drice@fpsd91.org.

keep up to date at www.fpsd91.org

Your email to either school should include the following information: • Student name • Current address • Student’s date of birth • Full name of parent or guardian • Phone number of parent or guardian Your child will need to attend the appointment with you as they are screened for instructional planning purposes. If your child has an IEP, information about next school year will be discussed at the Annual Review meeting which is scheduled with each individual family.

Once we receive permission to begin the Kindergarten registration process, we will email or call families with the official dates and times for registration.

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

13

SPORTS EXTRA

Senior athletes react to canceled season

‘There’s definitely a lack of closure’

By JAMES KAY and MELVIN TATE Sports Editor and Contributing Reporter

On April 21, the IHSA decided to cancel the spring sports season, prematurely ending the high school careers of senior athletes in the area. Melvin Tate and James Kay caught up with some of those athletes from OPRF, Fenwick and Trinity to see how they are dealing with the lost season.

Here’s what they had to say.

OPRF boys tennis Before shelter in place protocols became stricter and their courts locked up, OPRF went to Taylor Park to try to stay in shape if the season were to resume. However, that following week, all the tennis courts in the area were closed and the reality of the situation started to hit the team.

“When school got canceled, and it was a week before spring break, I was like, ‘Oh, it’s basically like two weeks of spring break, and we’ll be back,’” said senior Ben Pickering.

“But then they started to say that the season could extend into the summer and that’s when my faith fell off.”

For Pickering, the lost season stings just a little more due to how last year ended. Pickering and his doubles partner, Aiden Klass, won two rounds at state last year and ended up losing to the duo who eventually won the state finals.

To ready himself for another postseason run, Pickering practiced eight hours a day over the summer and ran track in the winter to stay in shape. With the season canceled, he won’t get a chance to expand on last year’s success. However, he is keeping everything in perspective.

“Yeah, there’s definitely a lack of closure,” said Pickering. “But you have to put things in perspective. I’m blessed to be in the situation I am in regardless. I have a roof over my head and other people are going through worse circumstances. But there is definitely a lack of closure.”

Fenwick girls soccer The Friars had high hopes entering this season with many returnees from the 2019 team that reached the Class

2A supersectional where it fell to 4-0 to eventual state champion Benet.

Senior Sheila Hogan missed most of last season due to injury and was looking forward to being a key contributor.

“I think there’s something so special about being a senior leader on a team,” said Hogan. “You work so hard for the three years leading up to it just for this moment, so it is devastating this year’s season was cut short.”

Yet, despite not being able to be around her teammates and classmates, Hogan feels her relationships have grown

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

MEMORIES: (Above) Fenwick’s Lily Reardon left, and Riverside-Brookfiled’s Taylor Jurgens tangle in 2019. (Below) Trinity’s Isabella Parravincini takes a swing last spring during a varsity softball game against Fenwick.

stronger as a result of the crisis.

“I think from this pandemic, we have all learned how powerful our relationships with others are,” said Hogan. “We all take advantage of the ability to see our friends every day during the school year, and this experience has really put into perspective how much others influence my life.”

Trinity softball First-year head coach Eileen Macey was looking forward to working with a Blazer team that reached the 3A sectionals in 2019. But like the other spring sports, preparations came to a rapid halt due to the pandemic.

“This year, we had such good team unity and strength in all areas,” said Macey. “I felt we could really make an impact this season.”

Senior Nicole Romano has been playing softball for about 12 years and felt part of her was taken when the IHSA made its’ announcement. But she also knows the pandemic is something no one asked for and that the decision made was wise.

“It was hard to deal with, but I understand that this is in no one’s control and it’s something we all have to deal with,” said Romano, who will attend Michigan State and play club softball. “I thought we were going to be a force to be reckoned with this year, and it’s unfortunate. I miss being around my team; they’re like sisters to me.”

Trinity has tentatively rescheduled its’ prom and graduation ceremony for this summer. While both Parker and Romano appreciate the opportunity to still have those cherished moments, those events will have a different meaning.

“You watch all the seniors in front of you for three years and they get to do all the events that honor them,” Romano said. “Then you finally get there, and (the pandemic) happens. The events get taken away at first and then (rescheduled), but they don’t feel the same.”

To access the expanded version of this article, check out the sports section on oakpark.com.

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

W H A T ’ S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

C L O S E D ?

Oak Park cancels all public events Oak Park Public Health Director Mike Charley issued an order April 24 canceling all public events, due to COVID-19 concerns.

The order extends through the month of June and includes sidewalk sales, sporting events and theatrical productions.

Among the cancelations is the annual village-sponsored community festival “A Day in Our Village,” which was scheduled to take place June 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“I know these events are part of the character of the community and important to our local economy but reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19 is critical to protecting the health of citizens,” Charley said in a village news release. “Only by limiting social contact can we hope to control this highly contagious virus.”

First held in 1973, the “Day in Our Village” festival celebrates diversity and community involvement in Oak Park. 2020 would have been the festival’s 47th year.

Oak Park Community Relations Director Cedric Melton, whose department coordinates the festival’s volunteers, expressed his sadness over the cancelation in the village’s release.

“Words can’t express how sad it makes us to have to cancel this one-of-a-kind gathering,” said Melton per the news release.

The village suspended the recruitment of volunteers and participants earlier in April.

“Given the risks of holding such a large gathering in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, there is no question that it is in the best interest of the community to take a year off and hope for better times ahead,”

W H A T ’ S

N O T ?

W H A T ’ S

C H A N G E D ?

Melton said in the release.

The festival has only been canceled once before, in 1975 due to a shortage of volunteers.

Stacey Sheridan

Daly Bagel swamped in opening It is official! As of Monday, April 27, The Daly Bagel, 130 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park, is open for business. Expect the shop to be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Though social distancing was not the opening day Amanda Daly had hoped for, the boutique bagel shop received more than 400 pre-orders for their “East Coast Bagels with a Midwest Twist.” Unfortunately, a last-minute oven malfunction interfered with pre-order confirmations, but Daly was apologetic and asked for patience on social media. In response to the back log the shop has suspended pre-ordering until they get caught up on existing orders.

Excitement about the arrival of The Daly Bagel is palpable in the community and proves these Oak Park bagels are worth waiting for.

Melissa Elsmo

Lake St. resurfacing starts early Preparation work for a less intensive portion of the Lake Street remaking project started months earlier than planned as crews began prep work on resurfacing the street from Euclid Avenue to Austin Boulevard. Originally planned to begin at the end of June, crews started the week of April 20, taking advantage of limited traffic due to

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

WHAT A CENTURY: Teresa Ventamilia, left, and her husband, Al Ventamilia sit out near their front steps and neighbors cheer and sing Happy Birthday during a block-wide 100th birthday celebration for Al .

COVID-19-related school and business closures.

Construction crews began such preparation work as saw cutting pavement, removing decorative fencing, as well as two trees, and installing construction signage.

Work will continue the week of April 27 and includes removing sidewalks and curbs, as well as adjusting sewer structures. Completion of street resurfacing is scheduled for September, while final landscaping has a scheduled October completion date.

During work, two-way traffic on Lake Street will be maintained at all times. Minor traffic delays may occur. Residents whose driveway access is impacted by construction will receive temporary parking passes allowing them to park on adjacent streets.

Those who have Z4 overnight on-street parking permits will get a parking pass to park between Lake and Ontario streets on Lombard and Taylor avenues.

Stacey Sheridan

The day the music died is May 31

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

KEEPING TRACK: Michelle Masny, of Oak Park, draws candles that represent COVID-19 cases in the village with chalk on the CTA viaduct on South Boulevard near Ridgeland.

The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest has cancelled its May 31 concert.

Titled Double Vision, the concert was to feature music of Mozart and Rimsky-Korsakov.

We’ll also be missing Freya Pang and Claire Rong, two young soloists who were set to perform.

The Symphony, which is feeling some serious financial strain, said it will perform this concert during the 2020-2021 season, when “we will be back next season renewed and eager to perform.”

The Book Table’s back – sort of If you can find the back door of The Book Table – it’s down the alley behind Lake Street, use Google Earth – then you can help Oak Park’s independent bookstore begin to spring back to life.

With the state of Illinois easing its regulation of non-essential businesses beginning May 1, Jason Smith and Rachel Weaver announced the store will begin making alleyside deliveries to customers who place orders.

Why the alley? Well, have you seen what used to be Lake Street lately? Fully under reconstruction, Lake Street is not accessible for book or food pickup. And, so, the alley.

The Book Table did announce it will also continue “home delivery” to residents of all Oak Park senior living facilities.

You can place an order by phone or online at booktable.net.

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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C R I M E

Armed man steals Apple products

A man displayed a silver-colored firearm and demanded the victim’s property, then fled southbound in the Oak Park Avenue and Euclid Avenue alley with the victims rose gold Apple iPhone 8 and Apple AirPods at 1:28 p.m., April 20 in the 700 block of South Oak Park Avenue. Estimated loss is $400.

Police describe the suspect as approximately 20 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall, black with a medium complexion and athletic build. He was last seen wearing a full black ski mask, jeans and a navy sweatshirt with orange writing on the chest.

Motor vehicle theft

Burglary

Someone entered a residential garage through an unlocked overhead door, found a vehicle key and removed the parked gray Nissan Altima from inside between 6 p.m., April 16 and 6:30 a.m., April 17 in the 1000 block of North Cuyler Avenue. Chicago police recovered the vehicle at 9:29 p.m., April 21 in the 4800 block of West Flournoy Street, Chicago.

■ A silver 2018 Hyundai Tucson was removed between 9 p.m., April 20 and 1:29 a.m., April 21 in the 900 block of Home Avenue.

Estimated loss is $18,000.

A bottle of rubbing alcohol, cash, several masks and a phone charger were taken out of a vehicle with an unlocked door between 3 p.m., April 16 and 10:30 p.m., April 17 in the first block of Harrison Street.

■ Someone broke into a residential basement and took five bikes, two pairs of black Ugg boots, a pair of free weights and a pair of white Apple AirPods between 8 p.m., April 13, and 8 a.m., April 14 in the 100 block of North Euclid Avenue.

■ Someone broke into a residence and stole miscellaneous jewelry out of a bedroom between 8 a.m., April 16 and 8 p.m., April 18 in the 600 block of Cuyler Avenue.

The estimated loss is $800.

■ Someone broke into a parked vehicle, ransacked its interior and removed a green Milwaukee drill set and a hand remote in the 1000 block of Madison Street between 4 p.m., April 25 and 7:51 a.m., April 26. Police estimate a loss of $600.

■

Police thankful for patience in murder probe The Oak Park police department offered no new details this week on its investigation of the double homicide of Oak Parkers Thomas Johnson and Leslie Jones, who were found dead in their Fair Oaks Avenue home April 13. Police Chief LaDon Reynolds thanked the community for its patience.

Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb reiterated the police department’s commitment to the investigation, as well as expressing his sympathy for the loss, during an April 27 village board meeting.

“We lost a special couple in Oak Park:

Thomas Johnson and his wife Leslie Jones. The police department and the police chief are looking at this investigation seriously and it’s a priority for the chief and the department to get to the bottom of this,” Abu-Taleb said. “I just wanted the community to know that the police department is on it and is on it 100 percent and getting all the resources that they need to get to the bottom of this. Our condolences to that family and their kids and their friends.”

Stacey Sheridan

Woman shot in armed robbery attempt

■

Criminal damage to property ■ Someone started a fire to a garbage can in front of Oliver Wendell Holmes School, 508 N. Kenilworth Ave., at 9:16 p.m., April 16.

Estimated damage is $100.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park

A woman was shot by an armed young adult man in an attempted robbery that took place at 4:15 p.m., April 21 in the 100 block of North Lombard Avenue.

The young man approached the woman, displayed a small silver-colored revolver and demanded she turn over her property to him.

After a brief struggle, the handgun discharged, striking the woman in her upper right leg. The man was last seen running southbound on Lombard Avenue toward South Boulevard.

According to police, the woman will recover. She did not know her attacker.

20-27 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

Police Department, came from reports April

Dear Oak Park Residents and Surrounding Community, This year we are giving back to you with an amazing one time offer (in celebration of our 25th anniversary)!

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Don’t forget to ask about our other programs and offerings: • Before and Afterschool “Homework Cafe” at The International Mansion • Language and Fine Arts Preschool and Elementary School (Homeschool-style in School) • Our Recording Studio • Translations and Interpretations

The Language and Music School At International Mansion

509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 info@internationalmansion.com • (708) 524-5252 • InternationalMansion.com

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

Oak Park Regional Housing Center and why we “Live in Oak Park”

M

any people are aware that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a leader in the Civil Rights movement, however, not too many know he played a large role in the Fair Housing movement. In the early 1960s, Blacks were systematically stripped of opportunities to live in certain communities. It was this discrimination, a core component of injustice that still happens today, that forced Black people to live in segregated neighborhoods.

Beginning in 1965, Dr. King led the Chicago Freedom Movement, which was the campaign to address housing (and other Athena Williams, Executive Director issues) in OAK PARK REGIONAL Chicago, the HOUSING CENTER most racially segregated city in the United States. This campaign pushed for “open housing” and the right of Blacks to buy homes and live anywhere they wanted. Black home seekers in the city and surrounding suburbs were effectively barred from middle-class, predominantly white neighborhoods and prevented from freely seeking housing.

While there were a few victories from the Chicago Freedom Movement, it was not until seven days after Dr. King’s assassination that Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

This flurry of open housing progress had a snowball effect that arrived in Oak Park in the late 1960s. The Oak Park Housing Center was founded in 1972 by Roberta “Bobbie” Raymond. I had the opportunity

to speak with Bobbie several times during my time here at OPRHC. She made it clear that “we need to be open to Blacks coming into the community while instilling the values of this community.” Bobbie, concerned about racial integration and fair housing, became active in Oak Park, and was instrumental in passing Oak Park’s groundbreaking 1968 Fair Housing Ordinance.

Fair housing was promised to everyone in America through the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. We are still a long way from realizing Dr. King’s dream of fair housing for all.

Unfortunately, Black and Hispanic families continue to remain twice as likely to live in poverty and continue to fall victim to discriminatory housing practices. Even today, in 2020, the consequences of social, economic and geographic inequality are becoming greater and more urgent. For example, the typical Black or Hispanic renter seeking housing is shown 11 percent fewer apartments than a white renter with similar qualifications, according to a 2012 HUD survey.

This is why we Live in Oak Park. The Oak Park Regional Housing Center promotes affirmatively furthering Fair Housing, which is a legal requirement that federal agencies and federal grantees further the purposes of the Fair Housing Act. At OPRHC, in partnership with the Village of Oak Park, our landlord partners, and community members, we create a housing market that is open, inclusive, and fulfills the diverse needs of all community residents.

Fair housing reconnects neighborhoods by ensuring access to quality housing, regardless of race, gender, religious views, familial status, or disability. All citizens have the opportunity to live in close proximity to high-achieving schools, employment opportunities, transportation options,

APRIL, NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH, increases efforts to end housing discrimination and raises awareness of fair housing rights. April is also the time to remember the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. banking services, grocery stores and retail, public services, and public space.

Local government reaps benefits from promoting integration by lowering costs for social services, improving revenues through strong property values, and providing a desirable community where households and businesses can thrive.

Our work is intentional. We are needed at a time like this to maintain and continue to promote racial integration as we move the legacy forward to embrace the values of the community especially inclusion and equity.

We are here today because we are tired.

Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity.

- Dr. King, 1966, Chicago Solider Field Stadium as part of the Chicago Open Housing Movement.

Schuman brothers, long-time Housing Center backers, sell buildings to ResCorp

T

he Schuman brothers, Russ and Kevin, bought their first apartment buildings on Oak Park’s east side some 30 years ago.

Over the decades they have focused on Oak Park values of quality multi-family housing units at affordable prices with a strong eye on racial diversity.

And that is why, says Athena Williams, executive director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, that the Schuman buildings, mainly on Austin Boulevard but also on Washington Boulevard, have been so integral to the properties represented by the Housing Center.

In late March, the Schuman brothers sold their last six Oak Park multi-family buildings to the Oak Park Residence Corporation, a non-profit housing partner of the Village of Oak Park.

David Pope, executive director of both ResCorp and its companion Oak Park

Housing Authority, is enthused about the sale. He hails the retiring Schuman family for “working under the radar but always advancing integration, affordability and quality units in an area we have always had concerns about maintaining.” Pope touted their long support for the Housing Center.

“They have been great partners with the Housing Center. They are huge fans of the work of the Housing Center,” he said.

That partnership will continue, Pope said, as all Residence Corporation units are listed with the Housing Center.

The purchase of the six buildings is the single largest purchase ever made in the 54 year history of ResCorp. Adding the Schuman properties and their 170 apartments increases the total number of apartment units it owns from 459 to 629, a 37 percent hike.

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housingrelated activities. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of: • Race • National Origin

• Religion • Sex

• Familial Status • Disability

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

These are some of our proud partners who support These are some of our proud partners. the Homebuyer and Financial Education initiatives of our West Cook Homeownership Program!

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fabiola.candlish@usbank.com

mortgage.usbank.com/fabiolacandlish usbank.com

Cynthia McDowell

475 East 162nd Street South Holland, IL 60473 2203 45th Street Highland, IN 46322 8007 Calumet Avenue Munster, IN 46321

CRA Loan Specialist Chicago & Indiana Mortgage NMLS # 347295

Ahkeem Henderson Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 224387

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Direct: 630.598.2302 Cell: 630.728.9483 eFax: 630.594.7902

OAK PARK REGIONAL HOUSING CENTER’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

We ask everyone - please be wise, sanitize. Use this protocol when entering your home:

g 0 er to

NMLS # 435499

rlittle@oldsecond.com

r

the

Jeanette.Vigil@AssociatedBank.com Cell: 847.651.4688 Fax: 773.594.5075

6400 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707

Out of concern for the health and well-being of our clients and employees as well as careful consideration of the recently announced national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our offices will only be accessible by phone and email until the state and or local “shelter in place” order has been lifted. Because we are accessible, providing emergency and

e ts

1647 West 18th Street Chicago, IL 60608

Cell: 773.742.7875 Fax: 844.227.3088

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Assistant Vice President CRA Residential Loan Officer/ Residential Lending

cynthia.mcdowell@53.com

Cell: 773.567.5799

Field Open ment.

Jeanette Vigil

1

When you arrive home try not to touch anything

6

20ml bleach + 1 litre water Prepare a disinfectant solution

2

3

Remove your shoes

7

Put on gloves and wash your mobile phone and glasses with hot soapy water or alcohol (disinfectant)

essential housing related services, please note that we have implemented additional health and hygiene protocols that include enhanced daily office cleanings, adding hand sanitizers at the entrance to our offices, practicing social distancing, and educating employees as well as clients on the latest CDC recommendations to help prevent illness.

Leave your bag, purse, keys, etc in a box at the entry of your home

8

Clean all the surfaces of whatever you bought from outside with the bleach solution, before storing it.

4

9

Remove your clothes and place them in a bag to be washed

Carefully remove and dispose of your gloves, then wash your hands

5

10

Take a shower.

If you can’t, wash all exposed areas.

Hands, wrists, arms, neck, nails, etc.

Remember, it is not possible to carry out complete disinfection.

The goal is to minimise the risk of infection.

1041 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302 • 708-848-7150 5934 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60644 • 773-887-5187 Hours vary by location and season, please call ahead before you plan your visit!

The Oak Park Regional Housing Center is a 501c3 nonprofit, HUD approved agency. OPRHC is the home of: the Live in Oak Park Program, providing rental matching to affirmatively further fair housing; and the West Cook Homeownership Program, providing homebuyer education, all areas of housing counseling, and a financial education initiative to help people enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships The opinions and views presented in this section are not the opinions or views of any of our sponsors or funders.

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

19

Homes

Local designer sells house in nick of time

Property hit the market just as virus swept area

By LACEY SIKORA

W

Contributing Reporter

hen Jess and James Milburn bought their Oak Park house in 2016, they were returning to the suburb where James, who owns a commercial demolition business, grew up. Looking to put down roots for their family, which at the time included three little girls, they wanted a house they could makeover and make their own.

They found it in 412 N. Scoville Ave., an American foursquare-style home that was built around 1893. The home had been well tended by its previous family, but it presented an opportunity to for a makeover that allowed Jess to stretch her design skills.

Victoria Witt of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’s Oak Park office has worked with the Milburns for several years, and helped them find the house in 2016.

“The house was cared for, and a lovely family had raised their three girls there,” Witt said. “At the time that Jess and James closed on the house, they had three girls too, so it was a really nice connection.”

While the house had been well-loved, it needed a refresh, and the Milburns tackled the structural work first, digging out the basement and adding steel beams, on top of all new mechanicals. Witt remarks that making over the house really launched Jess’s design career, and Jess agrees.

Jess reimagined every inch of the home, adding color and wallpaper to make it fit for her family. Along the way, she got bitten by the interior design bug.

Today, along with Robin Flaherty, Jess runs North & Madison, a home design firm, and Jess says that remaking her own house planted the seeds of her career.

“The business really started two years ago,” Milburn said. “At the time, we were using the house for commercials and magazines, and it made me think I wanted to do something in this field.”

The kitchen was featured on the New Moms Kitchen Walk, and the garageturned-Tiki bar had a feature in Chicago Magazine. Land of Nod, now known as Crate and Kids, used the home for a catalogue shoot, and Samsung shot a commerSee MILBURN on page 22

Photos by Christine Golman

INSPIRATION: Jess and James Milburn made over their 1893 foursquare at 412 N. Scoville Ave. in Oak Park, with the work Jess did on the interior launching her home design career.

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

LIVE Online Open House Tours See houses and ask questions in real time Sunday, May 3, 2020 ADDRESS

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

MILBURN

Timing is everything from page 19 cial in the house. HGTV also featured the home in a Christmas shoot, which Milburn recalls as an interesting time.

“They shot the photos in March,” she said.

“The previous fall they said that they wanted to do the shoot on March 18, because it was going to snow a lot that day. They used the Farmers’ Almanac to predict the weather for shoots. It worked. It was really almost a blizzard that day.”

While the family only had to be out of the house during the day when it was used for commercial and magazine shoots, Milburn says eventually, the family made the decision to stop opening up their home.

“We had another baby – four girls now -and we got two dogs,” Milburn said. “It was just getting too invasive.”

She joined forces with Flaherty and their firm North & Madison took off. They work with clients throughout the Chicago area and also on e-design, bringing bright colors and fresh design to the area’s older homes, as well as new construction.

While the Milburns intended to stay in their house long-term, Jess says her interest in design had her keeping an eye out for local properties, just for fun. When the couple attended an open house a few blocks away, the temptation was too great, and they decided to put their stamp on a new house in Oak Park.

“I really think they thought they would be in this house forever, but with Jess’s design eye, it was hard to pass up another opportunity,” Witt said.

Witt says the timing was a bit worrisome with the coronavirus hitting the area just as the Milburns were going to list the house.

“We put it on the private listing network, and I was reaching out to local brokers on Sunday,” Witt said. “On Wednesday, we hit the MLS and had a showing that same day.

The buyers put in an offer in that night, and Oak Park’s shelter-in-place order went into place Thursday at midnight.”

At the end of the day, Witt says the house sold quickly because it was in great condition and was perfect for the family who put in an offer, but she says the timing will stick with her.

“I don’t think anyone involved will forget the timing,” Witt said. “It was so early on in this crisis. I think we were going to sell this house in spite of the timing, because it has what everyone is looking for: great house with open but defined spaces, beautiful design, location and neighborhood.

Witt concludes, “It is happy news in the midst of a time of uncertainty. That’s one of the things I love about real estate -- when you have a meeting of the minds, and everyone wins. None of us knows how long this will last or how it will shake out, but the real estate industry will adapt and keep going in the midst of everything.”

Photos by Christine Golman

NOTEWORTHY: Among Jess Milburn’s design highlights at 412 N. Scoville Ave. are the kitchen, which was featured on a New Moms Kitchen Walk, and the garage Tiki bar, which was featured in Chicago Magazine.

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

VIEWPOINTS

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

23

Arts adapt during the quarantine p. 25

Making the most of your quarantine

O

ur days are filled by activities that we would probably never take the time to do if this pandemic never surfaced. I cannot believe I am going on walks “for fun” now.

Saying it’s odd to be growing up at this time is an understatement. When our grandparents were our age, they saved the world by going to war. I’m saving the world by binge-watching reality TV all day with a plate of nachos in my lap, while occasionally getting up to wash my hands.

In all seriousness though, your priorities change when you have all the time in the world. You start to care about your well-being more, whether by doing an at-home workout or making yourself a nice dinner. If you don’t bake, learn a new dance, play an online game or FaceTime, all that free time feels daunting.

Staying home in retrospect is not that tough a command. In fact, if you were to tell me at the beginning of March that I would get to sleep in every day for the next month, I probably would have been pretty ecstatic.

However, if there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that we do these “bucket list” things, not for the sake of doing them, but because of the distraction it provides from the outside world. We are quite literally living in our own little bubbles. There are times when I selfishly grieve, aching for one more regular day of high school before I graduate or at least one last night out with my friends. Then I see the enormous line wrapped around the local grocery store or footage inside an NYC hospital, and I remember how this situation is really bigger than all of us. It feels so far out of our control, yet at the same it’s all up to us to follow the rules.

Quarantine forces you to re-evaluate your priorities. For me, it is day 36 of self-quarantine and when I’m not bored out of my mind, I have found myself stumbling upon some significant conclusions about existence.

For one, I’ve learned that all you need in life are a few good friends and music. If you happen to be like me, being at home doesn’t necessarily make you feel closer to your loved ones.

If anything, it’s a wake-up call to just how much you tend to disconnect with them. No one is blessed with a perfectly functioning family. Therefore, friends are very important in a time like this.

The people you choose to be your friend says a lot about you as a person, and before quarantine, you probably took most of them for granted. Friends are a support system, and because they can’t be with you physically right now, quarantine is really the ultimate test of friendship.

A good friend is measured by their ability to hold a conversation during these times. Talking to them should feel like an opportunity, not a burden. I learned who my closest friends are based on the conversations we have. Moreover, I now know I probably couldn’t live without them. It’s true you cannot choose your family, but you can choose your friends.

MARGARET KORINEK One View

See KORINEK on page 26

Courtesy of Historical Society OP-RF

LOCKDOWN: Headline from the Oak Leaves in 1918 almost could have been used today.

I

Flu shuts down Oak Park! (in 1918)

n late 1918 as World War I was in its final months, having killed more than 18 million people, an even more deadly event was decimating the globe — the “Spanish Flu” or Influenza Pandemic (Spain was the first country to report the incidence. It may not have started there). From 1918 to 1919 the pandemic killed 3 to 5 percent of the world’s population and reduced life expectancy by 12 years. October 1918 was particularly lethal and Oak Park was not spared.

Twenty-three-year-old Charles T. Widman, a sailor at Great Lakes Naval Station, was the first Oak Park victim. He died less than 24 hours after contracting the disease in late September. On Oct. 5, Dr. Frank Needham, Oak Park Commissioner of Health, placed a notice in the Oak Leaves advising residents on prevention and treatment while the influenza was “raging in the north shore suburbs.” He said there were comparatively few cases in Oak Park, although a number of serious cases had been reported to the health department. He advised that with the appearance of cold symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, fever and muscular pain, patients should be isolated and a physician consulted. Those recovering from the disease were advised to avoid public contact until their coughing had stopped.

By Oct. 19, it was clear that the flu had taken strong hold in Oak Park with 765 cases reported in the previous two weeks. Dr. Needham and the Department of Health imposed “swift and radical measures” to stop the epidemic, calling it the deadliest that had ever struck the country. The measures, which were to be implemented immediately and continued indefinitely, were to close all public and private schools, quarantine all school children in their homes and yards, and prohibit even small gatherings of children. In addition, all churches, theaters and movie houses were shut down; all public meetings and gatherings prohibited; all club entertainments, dancing, dance classes, lodge meetings, public funerals, and social affairs prohibited; and the

reading room of the library was closed.

By the following week, marked improvement was reported in Oak Park as the number of new cases rapidly decreased due to the quarantine, which was not lifted and, while it was not ordered, it was strongly recommended that citizens stay away, if possible, from Chicago and especially the Loop, where the flu was particularly virulent. In other news, it was reported that a disinfectant had been sprayed on the floors of the elevated trains going into Chicago and that there was only a fraction of the usual train traffic from Oak Park to Chicago. “Oak Park stayed at home and shopped at home and found the experience eminently satisfactory,” according to the press.

The only event through the popular 19th Century Club was a Red Cross meeting, and while about 20 Oak Park men per week were enlisting in the military for service in Europe, many were delayed indefinitely from moving to their training camps because of the flu.

And one Oak Park innovation was reintroduced. First developed in 1907 during a scarlet fever quarantine, a worship aid for in-home Sunday services was developed by the Pastor’s Union, signed by the ministers of most of the Protestant churches in town, and published in the Oak Leaves on Saturday. The Order of Service idea was eventually picked up by other communities where churches were closed due to the epidemic.

By Nov. 9, the quarantine had been lifted for both churches and schools, with some restrictions, while all other quarantine measures stayed in place under orders from the village and state health departments.

The following week, the quarantine was lifted for all but hospitals. Schools were to remain under medical supervision, including the assignment of a graduate nurse (RN) at each school to protect the health of students and teachers. Dr. Needham thanked the community for its cooperation and urged continued vigilance in maintaining proper ventilation in all public and

MICHAEL GUERIN One View

See GUERIN on page 26

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

O U R

V I E W S

OPRF’s decision to build

I

t is a rare thing to see an elected board ignore a recommendation from its staff — especially by a unanimous vote. But it happened last week as all seven members of the school board at Oak Park and River Forest High School chose to move forward with longplanned construction projects at the school. That work includes rebuilding the library, reimagining the student center, a new cafeteria, relocating and expanding special-ed facilities. With the board’s determined decision, projects will start in the weeks ahead.

It took a global pandemic and the economic wreckage in its wake to convince administrators who had championed this project, resurrected it really from the chaos of an endless debate on the size of the school swimming pool, that this was not the time to take on the costs of this work.

Financial advisors told the board that the massive costs to the state of Illinois in coping with COVID-19 made it almost inevitable that state aid to schools was in jeopardy, that a freeze on property taxes was likely and that pressure to shift teacher pension costs from the state to local schools could prove undeniable. Spending down the district’s massive, yes, absurdly high, cash reserves on construction would hobble the district if their predictions on the state’s predicament came true.

The school board thought the perfect storm described by consultants was overly pessimistic. More basically, though, we believe this school board, several members of which may choose not to run again next spring, saw its years of hard work in aligning a strategic plan based on equity and the remaking of the campus to foster those equity initiatives as the core purpose of their board service.

We support this decision even as we recognize the gamble it represents. OPRF has stumbled and distracted itself on equity for decades, it has not invested substantially in its campus for a half century. This is the moment. As troubled a moment as it is.

Farmers Market is vital It’s a hard time to make a plan. Makes it easier when you offload what is extraneous and focus on what is essential. In Oak Park, this COVID Spring, we look ahead to what will be a very peculiar and stripped-down summer.

Under its emergency powers, Oak Park officials have already cancelled plans for all public events through June 30. Among other annual markers being eliminated is A Day in Our Village, scheduled for early June. Local schools are resetting graduations. We’d expect to see the 4th of July festivities — parade and fireworks — also cancelled.

And that’s all good. We’ll live. And, hopefully, we’ll stay alive.

But here’s a hard one. Oak Park Farmers Market. No, not the donuts. Not the music. Not even the community-building camaraderie.

But the food.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and cheese, maybe flowers, too.

In a health crisis these are essentials. In a moment when, despite Donald Trump’s assurance that the nation’s food supply is “totally under control,” we worry about the availability of fresh food. So finding a path to open a much different market on Saturday mornings is critical.

Conversations are reportedly underway at village hall about what a socially-distanced farmers market looks like. This newly closedmouth village hall says guidance will be forthcoming. In the meanwhile, members of the village-appointed Farmers Market Commission are not meeting in May. And this being Oak Park, there are people working on a workaround involving a system of virtual markets and no-contact deliveries from farmers to consumers.

Potentially overlooked in this scheme are the many, many West Siders who support the Farmers Market given the dearth of fresh food options in Austin and Garfield Park. Oak Park’s market, years back, was a pioneer in bringing LINK purchase options to the market.

Parades are nice. Fresh food is vital.

B

What a world this could be

een walking quite a bit lately.

You too? It’s a gratifying experience. I’ve never been thanked so often for going out of my way to avoid people.

And I’ve never been so tempted to use my favorite line from the end of every Lone Ranger episode: “Who was that masked man?” (Or woman) Feels good to get out, if only to survey the display of seasonal flowers, which seem to thrive in our chilly, not-in-any-hurry spring. The daffodils are dazzling, nodding as if to say, “We’re cool.” They shine like yellow glow sticks. Even the magnolias, burned by sub-freezing temps and burdened by two snows, have shown real hardiness, struggling through and even thriving.

Flowers aren’t fragile. There’s a lesson in this.

Sidewalks are a-bloom with chalk pastel bouquets. Hopscotch is making a major comeback.

Creative expression abounds. Front windows are full of teddy bears and encouraging messages. My favorite is “April distance means May existence.”

And speaking of creativity, I never expected to be singing “What a Wonderful World” on Earth Day to my grandsons on a computer “platform” called Zoom. April has been the cruelest — and kindest — month.

And funniest. With his UVC light and disinfectant injection suggestions, our so-called president has bottomed beyond even his own spectacularly low standards. The confluence of eye-popping ignorance and mind-boggling arrogance produces statements of staggering stupidity. But his base keeps nodding their heads like daffodils saying, “He’s cool.” Of course, once caught, their fearless leader pleads “sarcasm.” We believe you, Mr. President. No, really, we do (P.S. that’s sarcasm).

As Ron Elving asked Scott Simon on NPR’s Weekend Edition last Saturday, “Would your mother have bought that explanation, Scott? I don’t think mine would either.”

In spite of Mr. Trump’s heroic efforts (sarcasm alert!) to find a cure for COVID-19, the quarantine continues. Never have so many had so much time on their hands or walked so many miles of our streets. Who knows what thoughts are rambling through their minds? Well, a few have been going through mine.

Here’s a quote I found in an old notebook attributed to Chekhov: “Any fool can get through a crisis. It’s this day-to-day that’s killing me.” But what happens when the day-to-day is part of the crisis?

Another, attributed to Oscar Wilde: “It is because humanity has never known where it is going that it has never been able to find its way.”

Or Henry Ford: “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”

Plenty to think about. Plenty to ponder.

Meanwhile, certain freedom-loving Americans have been congregating in large numbers in close quarters to exercise their constitutional right to act like damn fools — with the full egging-on of our alleged president. They don’t want authorities telling them what to do (like staying home for their own good). Which recalls the Ursuline nuns at Ascension School who frequently reminded us

that “Following directions is a test of intelligence.”

If you need therapy to cope with the madness, go online and find Roy Zimmerman’s song, “The Liar Tweets Tonight” (to the tune of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”). It will do you good and steel your resolve to “Vote him away, Vote him away, Vote him away, Vote him away.”

Nothing has ever been so dangerous for the status quo — or the status quo’s guardians — as so many people having so much time on their hands to contemplate the flaws and unfairness of the current system.

A revolution is building.

The powers-that-be desperately want the economic engine restarted — purely as a distraction — because the longer this goes, the more clearly the inequities come into focus. No wonder the privileged are in such a hurry.

In the White House, the mighty White House, the Liar tweets tonight …

Never before have so many families spent so much time together. Kids today will be telling stories about this extended recess when they are grandparents themselves.

As Scott Simon said in his commentary on Weekend Edition, April 25: “I hope that when both our daughters think back on this time, they’ll remember how many good people worked so hard to keep the world running, often at risk to themselves. They’re often people we take for granted and identify just by a job title — a nurse, a driver, a cop, a sanitation worker or a clerk. I hope our daughters will know their names and remember how much we owe them. … I hope they’ll appreciate the ingenuity of their teachers, who’ve tried to devise new ways to fire their young minds. And I know they’ll remember how their mother has held, nourished and cared for all of us in all ways.”

We shouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to reopen. As they say, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” We’re building our immunity to Trump’s impunity, in community, which reinforces unity.

And strengthens our resolve to: Vote him away, vote him away, vote him away, vote him away …

Never underestimate the power of a pandemic to reorder priorities. What’s important … and what isn’t? We’ve been given a great gift: slowing down so we have time to think … about the world we want to live in, a world where the economy and the powers-that-be serve us instead of the other way around.

April social distance means May co-existence.

Maybe the lockdown will set us free.

Pollution is fading. Gas prices falling.

Justice calls for system overhauling.

We’re all in eLearning.

Is fairness returning?

A revolution is brewing, a revolution of conscious awareness that begins with revelations.

Think about it. You have the time.

Who are all those masked men and women?

It’s us, the Lone Rangers.

Just keep thinking: What a wonderful world this could be.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

You can teach an old(er) dancer new steps

T

here is no question that this is a challenging time. At nearly 79 years old, I was planning my 50th year at the Academy of Movement and Music as a celebration of a life well lived. My task was to set up a succession plan for the school, to have fun with the last two recitals and to feel that things were just about set to be on automatic pilot.

Then suddenly everything changed. The school had to close — this meant that students from 22 months to graduating high school seniors and some adults could not come into the building, and a staff of nearly 50 people had to either learn to teach remotely — or file for unemployment. No classes, no recitals.

Nothing in my experience of 50 years had prepared me for Zooming with my students dancing in their living rooms — or kitchens or wherever they could find a place to work. For years the Academy had had a consistent staff — many of the teachers were people who had grown up as very young students in the school or who had been with us for years. The school administrator is someone I had known since she was a teen; many of the other teachers and staff had started as Academy parents. These are not just employees; they are friends and they are family.

The school is based in the arts, and though it is a for-profit business, none of us has done what we do to make a lot of money. We do what we do because we love what we teach and we truly love the children. I was very fortunate that when I turned to my staff and asked, “Can we do this?” we all did, and so we Zoom, we send

STEPHANIE CLEMENS One View

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Photo by Mike Dutka

CLASS ACT: JP Tenuta teaches a ballet class via Zoom at the Academy of Movement and Music. Stephanie Clemens takes notes. home videos of teachers doing fun things that can be done at home, and I have learned how to fill out forms for government loans.

We are so very grateful for the support from our families and 80 percent of our staff are still working, perhaps at reduced hours, but the learning curve has been steep and I believe most of us are working harder than ever. I think we will get through this, even if it goes on for longer than any of us would like.

We will go forward with both the old ways and the new ways of teaching and all be the wiser for it. For me it has been a challenge, but also a stimulus and I feel that perhaps I am not too old a dog to learn some new tricks.

Stephanie Clemens is the founder and longtime director of the Academy of Movement and Music and the Momenta dance troupe.

Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan

I

Not connecting isn’t an option

n these uncertain times, we want our community to know the Oak Park Public Library is here for them. Despite building closures, we are striving to connect, collaborate, and have a positive effect.

Now more than ever, we’re providing the virtual services and digital content people want and need. We’re also still doing typical work to keep the library running, like keeping buildings safe and providing excellent customer service. As one staff member says, “The alternative is not connecting at all, which isn’t an option for us.”

As we celebrate National Library Week (April 19-25), here are a few great ways our library staff are working through the crisis to keep transforming lives and building community (See an expanded list at oppl.org).

1. Virtual mental health & social services support - Since last fall, people without adequate health care coverage had been receiving free, confidential mental health assessments at the Main Library, thanks to a partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Inperson appointments are on hold, but our library’s director of social services and public safety, Robert Simmons, is still working with Rush to schedule free appointments via telehealth and virtual platforms.

2. Expanded digital library access, with daily remote customer service - Oak Parkers who didn’t have library cards before the stay-at-home order went into effect are not out of luck. We’re now able to create new library accounts for residents who apply online. This means more Oak Parkers are getting anywhere, anytime access to massive amounts of growing digital content, including ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies, TV shows,

and music, plus online resources to research and learn just about anything.

“To me, each resident connecting and being able to use the digital library is very meaningful and fulfilling,” says Kathleen Spale, manager of access services. “I truly love still being able to work remotely to serve the community of Oak Park and appreciate so much that I am able to ensure that so many residents are still able to enjoy our digital library.”

3. Interactive storytimes, book groups, and conversation - For kids, our Early Childhood Community Engagement Specialists are doing interactive, virtual storytimes over Zoom for daycare centers they’d normally be visiting in person. And they’re putting out engaging videos every weekday at 10 a.m. for all families.

For adults, we’re continuing ongoing programs like writing and Spanish and French conversation groups over Zoom, and launching new ones. Alexandra Skinner, manager of adult services says, “It’s about providing connection and normalcy during this disconnected time.”

Organizations all over the world are being challenged during this pandemic to rethink everything, from emergency preparedness plans to cleaning practices to human resources policies and programs that support employee mental health. And the library is no exception.

We are working to continue virtual programs for kids, teens, and adults through the summer. And we are working on a phased plan to reopen library buildings safely, all while being responsive to local, state, and national guidelines as they change. Find the latest at oppl.org.

David J. Seleb is executive director of the Oak Park Public Library.

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

DAVID SELEB

One View

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

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

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

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 250-word limit

■ 500-word limit

■ Must include first and last names,

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

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

your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708 613 3300

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

Craving closure

My high school career ended some random Thursday. As a senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School, I grew up confident that all of this education — the 2 a.m. studying, the social drama, the college search — would lead to that fateful moment when I would walk across the stage, grab my diploma, and find warm, comforting closure. My social and academic story would have a finite end when I said goodbye to friends I’ve known for 12 years and shook an administrator’s hand.

Instead, on March 12, I received an email saying school was done until after spring break. A month later, school was cancelled altogether. That random, arbitrary Thursday was the last day I saw faces I’d known for more than a decade. I, like every other senior, crave closure. We’ve had enough

sleepless nights over lost senior traditions and unmade memories. At the very least, I just want the chance to say goodbye to familiar friendships rather than have them go abruptly silent.

The administration can do something about this. It can promise that whenever this is done, in a week or a year, we will have an in-person graduation. So much of this meaningful period in our life has been stolen from us by the pandemic. Just allow us to find some closure in seeing friends one last time to say goodbye in person. Otherwise, I feel like parts of me will still be wandering these halls years from now, incomplete, with no real end to my story.

Daniel Weiss

River Forest

Support your local institutions

With many churches closed in this difficult period, people are not making their usual weekly donations. That leaves the churches in dire financial straits. I just mailed a check to St. Edmund.

I hope other people will financially support the institutions that help so many Oak Parkers.

Colette Ann Verdun

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Connecting OPRF students and senior citizens According to the HRSA, loneliness is as harmful to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Loneliness can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, or nationality.

However, while the COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone into social isolation, senior citizens are the hardest hit.

Seniors are more likely to live alone or within retirement homes, which further reduces their ability to connect to others during a pandemic. Indeed, retirement homes have been limiting outside visitors so as to protect the physical health of the residents within, to the detriment of their mental health.

Further, high school students are facing a similar uptick in loneliness. Barred from interacting with friends and classmates, students are left in an indefinite and disconcerting state of isolation.

So my friend Jackson Tanner and I have started an initiative, called Senior Salutations, to combat the loneliness

faced by seniors and students. Senior Salutations connects Oak Park and River Forest High School students as pen pals to local senior citizens living in retirement homes. We aim to lessen the mental health consequences of prolonged isolation in both groups.

Moreover, we hope to foster intergenerational communication and empathy, the benefits of which will extend long past quarantine’s end. At the very least, letter-writing is a soothing hobby to occupy these idle days of social-distancing.

All students from OPRF High School are welcome to participate! To sign up, all you need to do is enter your information into the link below, so we can connect you to a local senior citizen. https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_ kpjQQrWF7G8WX_IzOb9OCAKq6YuEWa9z37v4pHhrLd5o2A/viewform

Eleanor Sigel

Oak Park

Oak Park

GUERIN

1918-19 Pandemic from page 23 private buildings and quarantining people who appeared to have a cold or flu and avoiding crowds.

In mid-December, villagers were warned there had been a mild recurrence of the influenza but no quarantine or restrictions were required — only the same cautions that villagers stay in town and keep away from crowds.

The epidemic was over and for Oak Park, as well as the entire United States, October

1918 was the deadliest month of the entire pandemic. Worldwide, the influenza killed 30 to 50 million people, with some estimates reaching 100 million. In developed countries mortality was about 2 percent. In the United States, 675,000 Americans died. In Oak Park, due to its diligence, geography, or both, there had been 968 cases, less than 3 percent of the population, and only 43 deaths, a little more than a tenth of 1 percent of the village population.

Longtime Oak Park resident Michael Guerin is a volunteer at the Historical Society of Oak Park-River Forest. This article, based on multiple articles in Oak Leaves, is posted at oprfmuseum.org as part of its “This Month in History” feature.

Missing Ms. Mullarkey I was saddened to hear about the passing of Barbara Mullarkey. I came to know her back in the 1990s, when I sat on the board of commissioners for the Park District of Oak Park (1991-95). While running for the seat in 1991, one of my platforms as a candidate was to discontinue the use of herbicides in Oak Park parks. As a candidate, Barbara reached out to counsel me on the dangers of herbicides, including her objection to Round-Up, which has been identified as a carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

After I was elected, one night at a park board meeting she attended, she saw something she didn’t like. She called me the next morning. She said, “Chris, I don’t know if you are aware, but that Diet

KORINEK from page 23

Courtesy of Historical Society OP-RF

HELPFUL HINTS: Sound familiar?

In my experience so far, music has been an escape from the outside world and everyday distractions. It has allowed me to re-center my thoughts while I clean my room or go for a run. For others, that distraction might be anything from playing a sport or writing. If quarantine has taught me anything, it’s the importance of escaping “reality” every once in a while and doing something you are truly

Coke you were drinking at the meeting is toxic” (or something along those lines — she was not one to beat around the bush) and she ran through all of the side effects of aspertame. As she was running through the list, I realized I was experiencing some of the milder symptoms. I quit drinking Diet Coke (and all others) that day.

Her passion, her generous time and giving of knowledge is what I remember most about her. I am proud to be a recipient of her wisdom. Some could say she was responsible for saving lives.

Some may say she was ahead of her time.

But for me she was a giant in keeping a watchful eye on the citizens of Oak Park

Christine Comer Stannard

Former Park District commisioner

interested in.

A happy life consists of passion and support. What will matter the most is whether we choose to continue building on these two priorities, not just for the next few months, but for our lives.

There is a way for everyone to make the most of their quarantine. Nothing you do will ever be important unless you give it meaning.

In the meantime, reach out to your friends, spend time with your family, and listen to your favorite albums.

Margaret Korinek is an OPRF High School graduating senior.

FPSD91 Coronavirus Update 2 ad (FPR) 042220.pdf

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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4/20/20

1:57 PM

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Barclay’s American Grille

1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park Classic American cuisine: burgers, BBQ ribs, fresh seafood, steaks and chops Our Menu: Barclaysamericangrille.com/wp-content/ uploads/to-go-menu-02.12.20.pdf Call 708-848-4250 for Curbside Pick-up Delivery is available through Grubhub and UberEats 4pm - 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday

Blackout Baking Co. (office) 842 N Harlem Ave, River Forest Bite-size gourmet cookies Our Menu: Blackoutbakingco.com Order from our website for FREE local delivery or nationwide shipping. Always accepting orders.

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Call 872-222-9519 Local PERK! 20% OFF our new DIY Cookie Box with code ‘FOOD2GO’

Buzz Café 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Sweets, Snacks & Desserts served ALL DAY! Our Menu: Thebuzzcafe.com For Carry Out, Curbside Pick-up or FREE Delivery call 708-524-2899 Deliver also available with Uber Eats 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week

Counter Coffee Air Roasters

7324 Madison Street, Forest Park countercoffee.com FRESH Coffee, Eco-Friendly, Air Roasted each day in store, hand crafted beverages, and pastries (gluten free & vegan options available). Whole bean coffee and single use pods roasted for you when you order!

Mobile order online at Countercoffee.com, call ahead, and walk-in available. We can ship coffee to all 50 states. 708-689-8896 Open daily from 7am - 4pm

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park Italian Menus: Cucinaoakpark.com For Pickup, call 708-848-3434, curbside pickup is available For Delivery go to DoorDash or Grubhub Every night 4pm – 9pm

Eastgate Café 102 Harrison, Oak Park

La Notte Ristorante Italiano 118 N Marion St, Oak Park

Q-BBQ 124 N. Marion St, Oak Park

American Comfort Our Menu: Eastgatecafe.net For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-660-9091 Delivery is also available on Grubhub 12pm - 8pm; closed Monday

Fine Authentic Italian Our Menu: LaNotte-op.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-948-7576, or text 773-817-2858 or order online Delivery also available on UberEats and Doordash 2pm - 9pm daily Limited time offer -$100 Gift Certificates for just $80

BBQ Our menu: Q-bbq.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-628-3421 or order online. Open every day 11am - 8pm Delivery available with ChowNow and DoorDash NOW OFFERING FAMILY PACK SPECIALS! Go online or call for more info

George’s Restaurant

145 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Our Menu: Georgesoakpark.com/menu Serving breakfast and lunch for pick-up. One soup per day. All items won’t be available. Call ahead for availability.

For Pick-up call 708-848-4949; Delivery available through Door Dash and Postmates 8am - 3pm Monday - Sunday

Grape Leaves Restaurant 129 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine Our Menu : Grapeleaves.us For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-848-5555 We also partner with Grubhub, UberEats, Postmate.

Sunday - Thursday 12-8pm Friday and Saturday 12-9pm

Happy Apple Pie Shop

226 Harrison, Oak Park happyapplepie.com Sweet and savory pies, special orders Our menu is posted on our Facebook page and Instagram, or call us.

Call 708-606-0037 to arrange for No touch take-out, Curbside Pick-up, and Free Delivery Wednesday-Friday 11:30am to 6pm, Saturday Noon5pm.

Jerusalem Café

1030 Lake St., Oak Park Our Menu: Jerusalemcafeoakpark.com/menu Middle Eastern cuisine For Pick-up and Deliver call 708-848-7734 Delivery is also available through Uber Eats and DoorDas. 11am – 9pm Daily

Kettlestrings Tavern

800 S. Oak Park Ave Contemporary American Our Menu: Kettlestringstavern.com/eat For Curbside Pick-up, call 708-613-5044 Delivery is available through GrubHub Mon 3pm - 8pm; Tues - Thurs 3pm-8pm; Fri - Sat 11am–8pm; Sunday 10am-8pm

Mexican Republic Kitchen

7404 Madison St., Forest Park Mexican Cuisine Our Menu: Mexicanrepublickitchen.com/s/order For Curbside Pick-up order online at our website or call 708-689-0850 Delivery available via Uber Eats, Grubhub or Doordash. Tuesday- Sunday 3:00pm-8:00pm Daily Specials Everyday

Old World Pizza 7230 W North Ave, Elmwood Park Pizza, Burgers, Pasta Our Menu: Originaloldworldpizza.com For Pick-up, Curbside Pick-up, Delivery and Contact-less Delivery call 708-456-3000, or fax 708-456-4580 Mon 3:30pm – 9pm; Tues – Thurs 11am –9pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm; Sun 11am – 9pm

O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 W. Madison Street, Forest Park Modern American/Pub Food Our Menu: Osullivanspublichouse.net Call 708-366-6667 to order Carry-Out and Local Delivery (No Delivery Fee) Daily Specials posted on Facebook @osullivanspublichouseFP Delivery also available on GrubHub Available Daily 11am – 10pm

Puree’s Pizza & Pasta 1023 Lake St, Oak Park Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, panini, wraps Our Menu: Pureespizzaandpasta.com/ For Curbside Pick-up, take-out and Delivery, call 708-386-4949 Available Daily 11am – 9pm

Scratch Restaurants Scratch Kitchen & Lounge 733 Lake Street • 708-434-5643 District Kitchen & Tap 220 Harrison • 708-434-5289 American/burger/sandwich/salad/mac n cheese Our Menu: Scratchfp.com For Pick up/curbside (rear entrance), call 708-434-5643 Sun - Thurs 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat 11am - 1am

The Little Gem Café 189 N Marion St. Oak Park American Bistro Our Menu: Thelittlegemcafe.com/menu For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-613-5491 Tues - Sun 3pm - 9pm (closed Mon) Delivery is also available from Doordash

Trattoria 225

225 Harrison Street Our Menu: trattoria225.com Italian/ Vegetarian/ Seafood For Pick-up and Delivery call 708-358-8555 or use Grubhub 5pm – 8pm Monday- Saturday

Tre Sorelle Ristorante 1111 Lake St., Oak Park Homemade Pizza, Italian cuisine Our Menu: Tresorelleoakpark.com For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery call 708-445-9700 Delivery also available with Grubhub, Uber Eats Mon - Thu 11am - 9pm; Fri 11am - 10pm; Sat 3pm - 10pm; Sun 3pm - 9pm

Starship Restaurant 7618 Madison St., Forest Park Gourmet sub sandwiches, homemade soups, catering and individually wrapped items for safe distribution Our Menu: Starshiprestaurant.com For pick-up and delivery, call 708-771-3016 or order online Mon thru Sat. 8am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm

Each of these restaurants paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!

O B I T U A R I E S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Barbara Mullarkey, 84 Force of nature

Barbara Alexander Mullarkey, 84, died at her Oak Park home on April 15, 2020. Born on Aug. 1, 1935 in Oak Park to the late Olive (Kennedy) and the late Benjamin Alexander, she was a lifelong Oak Parker. She graduated from Ascension School in 1949, Trinity High School in 1953 and Rosary College (now Dominican University) in 1957. The friends Barbara made at Trinity and Rosary lasted her lifetime and were highlighted by cherished reunions every summer that spanned over 60 years.

She worked at Commonwealth Edison demonstrating newera electric appliances. A true trailblazer, she had a company car and an expense account. At ComEd she met her future husband, John. They planted deep roots BARBARA MULLARKEY with their five children on the infamous 200 block of South Elmwood with an amazingly colorful group of neighbors who quickly became and remain family. With over 100 kids on their block, Barbara became the organizer of iconic block parties that were the highlight of the kids’ summers, including water balloon wars and epic block-wide scavenger hunts.

She adored her family and was a treasured friend to whom she was a confidant and advisor. Her generous spirit will live on and inspire those who remember her warmth, kindness and inquisitive soul. Her true legacy is her 11 grandchildren whom she considered her proudest accomplishments. Grammie B was a fixture at Ascension, St. Luke, Lincoln, Roosevelt, WSSRA, Oak Park-River Forest youth programs, and OPRF High School, where she was one of their longest-tenured sports fans.

One OPRF coach called her a legend. She attended over 1,000 games and traveled over 10,000 miles supporting her grandkids and their teammates and loved every minute of it. She knew the coaches, refs, umpires and

scorekeepers and was never afraid to share her opinions or her stats!

Barbara championed many nutrition, health and wellness causes. Her crusades involved educating others on ingredients in food, drink and medicine and included removing chemicals in our food supply, most importantly Aspartame and Bovine Growth Hormone. She was steadfast and relentless about banning pesticides in our parks, raising awareness to the harmful effects of AstroTurf. She fought fracking and smart meters, advocated removing mercury from vaccines, raised mental health awareness and promoted alternative medicine ideologies such as acupuncture, massage and homeopathy.

She also advocated removing cell towers from schools and hospitals to minimize the adverse effects of electromagnetic radio waves on those who are most vulnerable. She felt strongly about lending her voice and energy to causes that protected the environment and was not afraid to battle/share her perspective with presidents, senators, congressman, village presidents and trustees.

Her many passions included: founding member and nutrition columnist for Wednesday Journal; journalist for Oak Park News, Conscious Choice, and Vegetarian Times; proud supporter of Maryville Academy, Oak Leyden Developmental Services, and WSSRA; advocate for prison food reform; charter member of Handy Hands; tireless Ascension School volunteer; OPRF Huskie Booster Club member; IVAC; Oak Park Environmental Network; HOPP and Nutrivoice Editor; author of Bittersweet Aspartame: A Diet Delusion; and Children’s book agent.

Her favorite newspaper editor, Dan Haley, wrote, “She was pure-hearted and damned if she wasn’t almost always right.” In true Barb fashion she would correct Dan and say she was always right. It was black and white to Barbara; you were on her side or the wrong side!

The Shakespeare quote that Barbara lived by was, “To thine own self be true.” She was true to herself and all those she loved and if she had one wish, she would want everyone to be good to themselves and others.

Barbara Mullarkey is survived by her devoted children, John Patrick, Ellen (Scott) Nelson, Daniel (Lauren Sherman), Karen (Marty) Kerrins, and Ann (Daniel) Ganschow.

Her grandchildren were the lights of her life:

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Kiley, Allie, Maeve, Grace and Johnny Nelson, Riley, Keegan and Regan Kerrins, and Patrick, Connor and Declan Ganschow. She was a funloving, adventurous aunt, cousin and dear friend to many. She was preceded in death by John T. Mullarkey and her sisters, Elizabeth Alexander, Lorraine (Bob) Carpenter, Mary Clare (Jimmy Freeman & Ed Walther), and Regina Alexander.

A memorial celebration of Barbara’s extraordinary life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19. Donations in her name to West Suburban Special Recreation (WSSRA.net) or the OPRF High School Booster Club are appreciated.

Irv Studney, 98

Artist, Bronze Star WWII veteran Irvin J. Studney, 98, died peacefully at home on April 21, 2020. A World War II Army veteran and Purple Heart/Bronze Star recipient, he graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago on the GI Bill. Though a commercial artist by trade, his true loves were golf and fine art. He and his wife Peg were involved in theater groups early on and became longtime members of the Village Managers Association.

After raising seven children, he spent his IRV STUDNEY later years delighting grandchildren with art classes, sleepovers and trips down memory lane. The finale to his 66 years on the 800 block of Clinton occurred Friday when his wonderful neighbors appeared on their walkways to honor him as he proceeded up the block one final time. He will be dearly missed.

Irv Studney was the husband of the late Marguerite (Peg); the father of Peter (Peggy), Therese (Robert) Kane, Paul, Mark, Thomas, and the late Michael and Philip Studney; grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 1; and brother of the late Gladys Condos.

Services were held, with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Donations in Irv’s name may be made to the Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302, or Ascension Church, 807 S. East Ave., Oak Park 60304.

Mildred Stefanski, 99 Family celebrant

Mildred H. Stefanski (nee Banas), 99, a 10year resident of Oak Park, formerly of Chicago, died on April 6, 2020. Born on Sept. 25, 1920 to the late Peter and Caroline Banas, she lived on the near West Side of Chicago in St. Anne Parish and married Chester Stefanski on Aug. 5, 1944. They raised six children. She worked as a frame assembler, later packing and filling orders for a candy company. After retirement, she spent a lot of time happily caring for her grandchildren and vacationing with her children. She was deeply devoted to her Catholic

Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

29

faith and always put family first. Whether it was Easter, Christmas, birthday parties or backyard barbeques, Mildred was there celebrating. She was loving, kind, generous and always wanted to lend a helping hand. She was a loyal Cubs fan and was fortunate to witness the 2016 World Series win.

Mildred was the wife of the late Chester J. Stefanski; the mother of Lawrence (Sandra), Susan (Joseph) Tennutti, Bonnie (Robert) Mather, Bernard (the late Frances) Stefanski, and Paulette Onesto and Marcia Moreno; the grandmother of Darlene, Peter, Lawrence Jr., Joy and Stephanie, Gina and Joey, Heather, Kristen, Lauren, Eric and Kelsey, and MILDRED STEFANSKI Annette and Anthony; great-grandmother of 11; sister of the late Mary (the late Bernard) Ligman, Casey, Frank (the late Elizabeth), Walter (the late Josephine), Louis (the late Frances) Banas, and Mabel (the late Louis) Kman; and the aunt and great-aunt of many.

Private interment was held at Resurrection Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at Ascension Church in Oak Park at a later date.

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

Barbara Mdzewska, 90 Artist who loved to travel

Barbara Mdzewska, 90, of Oak Park, died on April 18, 2020. Born on Nov. 15, 1929, she was a resident of Oak Park for over 45 years.

For many years she was a seamstress at Poly Cleaners in Oak Park. After she retired, she became a loyal member of the Oak Park Arms Retirement Community and the Howard Mohr Community Center in Forest Park, where she enjoyed many “senior trips” and discovered her talent as a true artist — painting and BARBARA MDZEWSKA drawing with passion. She was a world traveler and exemplary cousin, aunt, mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend to all.

She was the wife of the late Waldemar Mdzewski; the mother of the late Alicja Mdzewska (the late Marek Niziolek); cousin of the late Thelma and George Windsor; grandmother of Joshua Mdzewski-Niziolek (fiancée Jennifer Biesiadecki); aunt of Peter Lewandowski and great-aunt of Peter Lewandowski; friend of Janet Patch; and cat mom to Tye and Tiger.

She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters and is survived by many extended family members in Poland.

Private interment took place at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

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LEGAL NOTICES PUBIC NOTICE KEYSTONE PARK BALL FIELD BACKSTOP/SIDELINE FENCE PROJECT Sealed written bids for the River Forest Park Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2020 Keystone Park BallďŹ eld Backstop/Sideline Fence Project shall be received until 10:00 a.m. local time, May 8, 2020, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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To place an ad, contact Mary Ellen Nelligan (708) 613-3342 • maryellen@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, April 29, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

WE’RE BY YOUR SIDE 630 N East Ave | Oak Park $1,099,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik

703 N East Ave | Oak Park $1,080,000 Patricia McGowan

1132 Rossell Ave | Oak Park $949,000 Sandra Dita Lopez

1201 N Kenilworth | Oak Park $895,000 Keller Group Chicago

1000 Fair Oaks | Oak Park $850,000 Lloyd Behrenbruch

725 Belleforte Ave | Oak Park $799,000 Anne Ferri & Lynn Scheir

819 Fair Oaks Ave | Oak Park $670,000 Swati Saxena

1201 N Ridgeland | Oak Park $580,000 Sandra Dita Lopez

3332 N New England|Chicago $569,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik

1115 Rossell Ave | Oak Park $560,000 Saretta Joyner

1111 N Kenilworth | Oak Park $539,500 Anne Ferri & Lynn Scheir

334 Forest Ave | River Forest $535,000 Bethanny Alexander

547 N Ridgeland | Oak Park $505,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik

17 Forest Ave | River Forest $499,000 Patricia McGowan

828 Woodbine | Oak Park $475,000 Liz Eder

303 Gale Ave | River Forest $460,000 Bethanny Alexander

1217 N Harvey | Oak Park $450,000 Bobbi Eastman

2044 N 77th | Elmwood Park $444,900 Ed Bellock Jr.

1228 Scoville Ave | Berwyn $420,000 Eddie Tovar

2917 N Oak Park | Chicago $239,000 Swati Saxena

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