Wednesday Journal 051221 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

May 12, 2021 Vol. 41, No. 41 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Elegant’s quarter-century resuscitation of Rush Oak Park CEO retiring with once ‘broken’ hospital in strong shape By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Bruce Elegant, CEO of Rush Oak Park Hospital since 1997, remembers his arrival at an institution he said was “broken.” He’ll retire this June with the Rush outpost in Oak Park at the top of its game with a new $30 million ER completed and the burden of the COVID pandemic easing. In the mid-1990s, Oak Park Hospital, sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscan sisters, was failing. It had a poor reputation for its medical care and had not been invested in by the religious order. A pact was made for the Rush University medical system to take over full operation and financial control of the hospital without having ownership. Elegant arrived to resuscitate the institution and he has been working at it with steady successes since then. The hospital has expanded its patient base and campus, made clinical advancements and key technology investments and most recently navigated the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination effort. “It’s time to pass the torch,” Elegant told Wednesday Journal. Elegant’s successor will be Dr. Dino Rumoro, chairperson of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rush University Medical Center. Rumoro will take over July 1, while Elegant will focus on teaching graduate students in the university’s health system management program. See ELEGANT on page 16

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HOLIDAY OF ATONEMENT: From left, OPRF students Madeleine Niewoehner, Eva Spangler, Zoe Klein, Ania Sacks and Tim Mellman lobbied to add Yom Kippur to OPRF High School’s holidays.

With student urging, OPRF may recognize Yom Kippur

Jewish holiday may be added in 2022-23 school year By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Last September, Madeleine Niewoehner was in a bind. Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, fell on a Sunday, and 16-year-old Niewoehner sought to spend that day attending services with her family. But the weight of a hard math test

hung over her. “I just don’t have time to try to study on top of also going to services all day long, having lunch with my family and dinner with my family,” recalled Niewoehner, a junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Niewoehner said her teacher planned to give the test the Thursday before Yom Kippur but decided to move it to Monday, so she and her classmates had more time to study. While Niewoehner was happy her teacher pushed the test back, she now faced another issue: the exam was now set for See YOM KIPPUR on page 16

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Perfect Weather graced the 38th Hunger Walkathon West CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday May 2nd. The Planning Team wishes to thank and bless the Team Captains and Participants who raised money for this annual event and the businesses and individual donors who supported them. Due to COVID concerns and to keep gathering numbers low, we did not hold a centralized walk but each team captain arranged an event for their team. Photos from various teams are included here. Recipients of the money raised in 2021 include hungry and hurting people served by international relief and development programs of Church World Service and the following ten local agencies: Beyond Hunger, Cluster Tutoring Program, First Baptist Church of Melrose Park Food Pantry, Forest Park Food Pantry, Housing Forward, Pine Avenue Food Pantry, Proviso Food Pantry, Quinn Center of Saint Eulalia Hunger Ministries, St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry and Vision of Restoration Food Pantry. These agencies provide services in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park, Maywood and Melrose Park. We are pleased to report that the amount raised to date is over $86,000. The 2020 Walk raised $100,000. The need continues and donations of any size are still welcome.

It’s not too late to donate! Just visit our website: hwwcrop.org and press the “DONATE NOW” button THANKS TO:

SILVER LEVEL:

The following Businesses that provided financial and/or in-kind support:

CLO Marketing, Inc. Bernie’s Saw and Supply, Inc. Chosen Ones Learning Center

GOLD LEVEL:

BRONZE LEVEL:

Farmington Foods / Big Shoulders Smoke House M & M Property Management REM, Inc. / Ideal Facilities Services Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Team Captains and Walk Planning Team* Members Delrice Adams Lauren Brightmore Marty Colchamiro* Bill Cragg Joanne Despotes* Ted Despotes* Meghan Dowdle Mary Lou Dwyer* Karen Dylewski Susan Fleming Brent Friesen Harriet Hawkins* Jerry Hills Rev. Tom Holmes* Frank Hughes Erik Johnson Laura Kliewer Ted Lietz Marcus Love Linda Martens Charlaine McAnany Maxine McGhee Michael McKee* Margie McKenzie Nick Menninga* Martha Minnich

Downtown Oak Park Excel Environmental, Inc. Forest Agency Insurance Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co.

Mohr Oil Co. Storino, Ramello & Durkin Superior Ambulance Service, Inc.

ALL OTHER BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS:

JCS Construction Louie’s Grill McADAM Landscaping Todd & Holland Tea Merchants Yum Thai Pinyo, Inc.

Christopher B Burke Engineering, Ltd. Classic Cinemas, Lake Theater David King & Associates, Inc. Elite Tire and Auto

Cynthia Mobley Karen Murphy Rev. Kathy Nolte John O’Rourke* Amy Stearns Leon Williams Douglas Wyman* Liz Young Craig Zeller

Participating Teams (in addition to recipients): Ascension Church OP Euclid Ave United Methodist OP Fair Oaks Presbyterian OP First Baptist Church OP First United Church of Christ FP First United Church of Oak Park First United Oak Park Youth First United Methodist OP Good Shepherd Lutheran OP Pilgrim Congregational OP Social Media St. Catherine-St. Lucy OP St. Christopher Episcopal OP St. Paul Thai Lutheran FP Unity Church of Oak Park

The CROP Team wishes to acknowledge and thank

Wednesday Journal, Inc.

for their many years of outstanding generosity and continual community support!

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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A strange alchemy

ou may have noticed that erate on Tuesday evening. Republicans are now That said, I don’t want to setting their sights on unduly antagonize anyone, or Critical Race Theory as disparage readers for having the next red herring to opinions or attempting to hold feed the culture wars. You may the newspaper accountable. I even be asking what, exactly, is respect our readers and I think Critical Race Theory. we need to engage with you Well, don’t look to Vernon much more consistently and Jones for an answer. Jones directly, hence the community became a Twitter laughingstock discussion. when he appeared on “Black I will not, however, advoNews Tonight,” Marc Lamont cate for my own cancellation; Hill’s Black News Channel show, neither will I attempt to hide my last week. perspective on this issue. Commentary Jones is a former Georgia The truth, my truth, as a lawmaker and Black Republican particular Black man in the who — taking his cue, Soviet-style, from United States, even in the relatively diverse party propaganda — is running a rather and culturally welcoming suburbs of Oak quixotic campaign for Georgia governor on Park and Forest Park and River Forest, is a platform of banning Critical Race Theory that those Black bar-goers, even if they are from public schools. not a majority of the crowd, are a mob — “You oppose Critical Race Theory,” Hill, not necessarily by virtue of their actions or who is also a professor of media studies at their dispositions or any quality inherTemple, told Jones. “What is it?” ent in their characters, but because of a “I can tell you, but it’s left up to you to, strange alchemy. I can’t make you understand,” Jones arThis is the kind of alchemy that transrogantly told Hill, before refusing to tell forms a mob of sports fans burning police the professor what it is and then personally cars and garbage cans into a “rowdy” or insulting him after Hill repeatedly asked rather “unruly,” albeit celebratory, crowd. the gubernatorial candidate to explain the This is the alchemy that turns voters concept he’s campaigning against. in cities like Detroit and Philadelphia Hill posted a short clip of the exchange into frauds, and violent thugs attempting to his Twitter account on May 5, the day to overrule an election into overzealous Wednesday Journal’s sister paper, Forest “insurrectionists” (a term that leaves too Park Review, published an editorial called much wiggle room for moral ambiguity and “Turbulent bars.” that becomes particularly problematic on Forest Park is currently dealing with a closer inspection; for instance, today we local crisis related to late-night crowds of might also consider a slave or abolitionist bar-goers on Madison Street. The crowds who sided with the British in the War of have naturally prompted a robust communi1812 an insurrectionist). ty response in the form of increased police This is the alchemy that turns hardofficers and complaints, among other things. working mothers into welfare queens The elephant in the room is that a relaand welfare recipients into hard-working tively new bar on Madison Street in Forest farmers and hard-working farmers who Park has been attracting more late night are Black into welfare queens; that turns bar-goers who are Black. a 17-year-old suspected of killing two men The editorial — which was written by with an AR-15 rifle into “just a kid” and a our publisher, Dan Haley, who is white, “poster child for armed self-defense,” while and which I along with one other staffer, turning a 17-year-old dead kid, shot 16 times who is also white, reviewed and signed off for having a knife and slashing tires, into a on — urged readers to acknowledge race monstrous criminal. as a possible complicating factor in order This alchemy, I believe, was in the air to guard against any response to the crisis one night during my junior year in college, that may disproportionately harm and/or when I was walking hungrily to my campus penalize Black business-owners and Black apartment, minding my business, a plastic bar-goers. bag containing a carton of succulent Some people called the editorial racist chicken tenders I’d just ordered in my left for pointing out that race might play even hand, plastic flip-flops under my feet. a minor role in the crisis (“this isn’t about As I made a bee line through a darkened race, it’s about bars and drunk people; parking lot on my way to my apartment besides, I complained about the crowds and — better to avoid the busy, bar-lined street I’m not racist,” was, in a nutshell, a comfull of drunk partiers — six or seven police mon retort). officers appeared out of nowhere. They Others called the editorial racist for assum- encircled me, one flashing a light beam into ing that most people in the crowd were Black. my face and interrogating my very being. Still others claimed the article was racist for Once it was over and they were convinced reasons that were never really explained. that I was not the suspected burglar they Multiple people called for whoever wrote were looking for, I was allowed to continue and/or edited the editorial to be terminated on my way, but by then I had lost my appeand shamed. tite and a deep fissure had opened up in the I wrote this column Monday night, before ground of my relatively sheltered, subura scheduled virtual community discussion ban existence. about the editorial I was supposed to modThat was my first problematic encoun-

MICHAEL ROMAIN

ter with the police and my innocence and naiveté were permanently shattered in the wake of it. There is no denying that this alchemy is both fantastical, a phenomenon born of our collective social imagination and, indeed, sometimes a figment of our individual imaginations, and yet simultaneously real — a sort of Black Magic (itself a term that is problematic for the obvious reasons). I nonetheless believe we need to always acknowledge this strange alchemy, being as pervasive and deeply rooted in our national heritage as it is. It should never be dismissed, not ever — not even when it comes to events as quotidian as bar-going or walking home. And if to acknowledge the alchemy and believe in its continued potency is to be racist, then I am racist (blame the Urbana Police Department). So, now what do we do? ‘Faces at the bottom of the well’ One of the intellectual fathers of the Critical Race Theory movement, the late Harvard law professor Derrick Bell, prompted outrage among liberals in the 1970s when in a series of essays he criticized the enforcement of Brown vs. Board of Education — the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that, at least on paper, outlawed the racial desegregation of schools in the United States. What Bell argued in those essays might be put in the form of a guiding question that is still useful today: By all means, integrate, but at whose expense? If Black children, through that strange alchemy, had to be turned into martyrs in order to fulfill this country’s integrationist ideal, Bell didn’t want any parts of that ideal. “The problem, according to Bell, was that the civil rights’ lawyers’ commitment to integration “often flew in the face of what was best for [their clients], African-American communities they legally represented, or what those communities themselves desired,” write the editors of “Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement,” where you’ll find both essays. What was necessary, Bell argued, “was a race-conscious perspective that focused on the effect of integration on the black community. That change in perspective is the intellectual starting point of Critical Race Theory.” Another essay that’s considered an intellectual precursor to CRT, “Legitimizing Racial Discrimination through Antidiscrimination Law” by Alan Freeman (also in the book), argues that legal doctrine legitimates racial power by presenting itself as a “neutral and objective” arbiter between the “perpetrator perspective” of racism and the “victim perspective” of racism. Freeman argues that we should conceptualize racial discrimination more from the perspective of the victim than of the perpetrator, because it is from the victim’s perspective that we understand “those conditions of actual social existence as a member of a perpetual underclass.” Critical Race Theory figured out that in order to avoid being coopted by racist perpetrators, we need to shift our focus from

the perpetrator to the victim and the social conditions (including the very laws of the land) that victimize. By zeroing in on the strange and ubiquitous alchemy of racial prejudice and discrimination, the Review editorial, I believe, was attempting to do what Freeman outlines; that is, to consider the crisis on Madison Street from the perspective of the class of people likely to catch the most hell from the authorities once they put the hammer down. We were attempting, however awkwardly, to look at the situation through a critical racial lens. The problem I believe some good-faith critics Read the full story online may have with the editorial is that it LOG ON TO OAKPARK.COM focused on Blacks preemptively, some would say needlessly, because racism had not been explicitly “perpetrated,” so therefore why bring race up? Perhaps some Black readers of the editorial may have felt this way. Who, after all, wants to be considered part of a “perpetual underclass”? And who wants to think of themselves as a perpetual victim all the time? Why are we bringing race into this? Why do we need some white man playing savior by writing about “crowds of Blacks”? On this point, the CRT framework is instructive. Critical Race Theory does not call for individual Blacks to consider themselves perpetual victims nor whites to think themselves saviors — quite the opposite. The theory calls on us as a collective, as a society, to redistribute the burden of racism by shifting away from the perspective that the absence of explicit racial discrimination, the absence of an explicit perpetrator, roughly equates to the absence of racial inequality and racial inequity. It calls on us to consider, as Bell famously wrote, “the faces at the bottom of the well,” which is an act that requires us to strain our eyes to see the living, breathing human beings we, at first glance, may not think are there — an act that requires constant vigilance, an act that requires that we acknowledge racism’s pervasive alchemy, so that we may, once and for all, puncture the myth. It also calls on us to shift our perspective away from the mistaken belief that bringing a specific perpetrator to justice is the rough equivalent, or can be considered a placeholder, for systemic equity and equality. “The perpetrator perspective,” Freeman writes, “presupposes a world composed of atomistic individuals whose actions are outside of and apart from the social fabric and without historical continuity.” In other words, the neoliberal, marketdominated world we currently inhabit, where, as journalist Matt Taibi writes, “The solution to most things follows the logic of Stalin” or your typical corporate titan or the country’s celebrity ex-president or too many dopamine-addicted, selfrighteous social media users over-eager to cancel the next perceived perpetrator they set their sights on: “No person, no problem. You’re fired!”

WEB EXTRA

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

BIG WEEK

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

May 12-19

Modern Design + Post-war & Contemporary Art Auction Wednesday, May 19, 10 a.m., Toomey & Co. Auctioneers Choose from a selection of art and design by individuals who have shaped their respective fields during the mid-to-late 20th century. The auction features a variety of sculptures, paintings, works on paper, ceramics, glass, furniture, lighting, metalwork, and more. Among the examples available are works by European and American innovators as well as those who made their mark in Chicago. Bidding may be placed by phone (708-383-5234), absentee bid (info@toomeyco.com), or realtime, third-party platforms (LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable). Preview is available virtually and by appointment. 818 North Blvd., Oak Park. View the catalog: toomeyco.com.

Finding the Light: Dance at Pleasant Home and Mills Park Sunday, May 16, 4 to 5 p.m. Winifred Haun & Dancers presents an outdoor, in-person, site-specific dance event. It will include an excerpt from “Promise,” Haun’s 2009 acclaimed work; “Lady,” a solo for a dancer and a dozen balloons, created and performed by Company Dancer and Assistant Choreographer Amanda Milligan; “Disquiet,” a solo choreographed by Elysia Banks for Banks Performance Project Company dancer, Natalie Dellutri; and a new solo created and performed by Irene Hsiao. Those attending will visit five stations set up on the grounds with a concluding group work presented in the center of the garden, with audience members socially distanced at all times. Masks must be worn. $29; $24, ages 6 to 18. Tickets: eventbrite. com/e/finding-the-light-dance-at-pleasant-homemills-park-tickets-151118644935. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Dancing at a Distance: “After Hours” View on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo and Momenta’s webpage Momenta of Oak Park has created digital dance videos as part of a series for these times, which takes dancers to different parts of town. See “After Hours,” choreographed and performed by Connor Cornelius at Kribi Coffee, Forest Park. Check out previous releases and new releases on social pages or here: momentadances.org/dancing-at-a-distance

Thrive Talk: Transitions in Adolescents

Spring Concert

Thursday, May 13, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Join Thrive Counseling and guest speaker Dr. Hillary Urban, PsyD., who will lead a discussion on how to better detect developmental transitions in teens. The talk will cover issues specific to or heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how teens express anxiety and depression; the impact of the pandemic on teens; and the challenges teens may experience during periods of transition. Register: oppl.org/ calendar.

Tuesday, May 18, 6 p.m., Virtually with Pro Musica Youth Chorus Multiple ensembles present music videos of songs, including music from folksongs, Imogen Heap, an a cappella version of “Blackbird” and a “groovy dance party” version of “Good Vibrations.” $15 per family. Tickets/more: promusicayouthchorus.org.

Handel Week 2021 Season

Tuesday, May 18, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with the Oak Park Conservatory Get gardening advice and tips from plant experts and learn what to be doing in your garden now. Free. Register: pdop.org.

Through May 31, Virtually with Handel Week Festival Enjoy three concerts recorded from previous seasons. View Sing and Play in Dulcet Tone: The Intimate Handel, Music for Soprano, Mezzo, Two Violins & Basso Continuo; Music for Royal Fireworks and Water Music; and Sing and Play in Dulcet Tone: The Intimate Handel, Music for Mezzo, Harpsichord, Flute and Basso Continuo. $15, each concert; $40, three concerts. To order/more: handelweek.com

Open Mic Concert and Fundraiser

FRED Parent Support Group

Saturday, May 15, 2 p.m., Virtually with Pro Musica Youth Chorus Contribute to a local chorus while hearing a variety of music sung by talented young singers who perform solos and duets of their own choosing, showing their personal style with pop music to jazz standards to sea shanties. An all-ensemble finale features “Better Days.” $25 per family. Tickets/more: promusicayouthchorus.org

Tuesday, May 18, virtually FRED is a free, independent support group for parents and caregivers of children, teens and young adults with mental illness and resulting behavioral problems. FRED has more than 260 members from throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, with most residing in Oak Park and River Forest. Meetings are held virtually on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. To learn more go to: fredparentsupportgroup.com/contact

Get the Dirt: Your Garden Questions Answered

A Virtual Salute to Jonathan Miller Saturday, May 15, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Virtually with Chicago a cappella Join a tribute to the group’s founding artistic director who stepped down in 2020 after 27 seasons. The evening will feature personal testimonials and video performances from Chicago a cappella’s past concerts that Miller created and led, such as Shakespeare a cappella, The Birds and the Bees, Love Stories and A Cappella en Español. Hosted by current and former members of the ensemble, including Kathryn Kamp of Forest Park. $15. Tickets: chicagoacappella.org

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Sponsored Content

Hit the trail to Oak Park’s Craft Beer Breweries In case you didn’t know, May 10-16th is American Craft Beer Week.

Eric C. Wagner

New HVAC unit plan leads to more library space By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

The need to replace an aging heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit has presented River Forest Public Library officials with the opportunity to provide additional space for programs and services. Library officials presented their plan to construct a 16- by 25-foot masonry enclosure on the north side of the building at 735 Lathrop Ave. to village officials at the May 10 virtual village board meeting, the first step in the planned development process. Deborah Hill, library board president, and Emily Compton-Dzak, library director, explained the plan to install the new HVAC unit in the proposed enclosure, then convert the 400-square-foot mechanical room inside the building occupied by the current HVAC unit next to the children’s room into space that could be utilized for programs, community meetings and as a gathering space for children and their families. Library officials have already secured authorization from officials of the River Forest Park District, which owns the property, to proceed with the project. Trustee Katie Brennan’s concerns about the addition affecting the adjacent park property were assuaged by Compton-Dzak, who said the ballfield next to the library would not have to be moved to accommodate the addition. “For several years, library staff has been working toward an exciting project that could provide more community space to River Forest residents,” library officials said in a press release. “The Barbara Hall Meeting Room, the library’s only meeting room, is typically in near constant use, and the library anticipates high demand once COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings are lifted.” Compton-Dzak, who was appointed director in January, said library officials plan to solicit bids in July and are targeting September as a start date for the project, which she estimated will take 6-8 weeks to com-

plete. She explained they are targeting the fall due to weather considerations since the building will be without heat or air conditioning during a portion of the project. “This makes sense,” Cathy Adduci, village president, said in support of the project. After village officials reached consensus, May 10, for the project to move forward, library officials will proceed with filing a planned development permit, which is required because the library is located in the public, recreational, institutional zoning district. Lisa Scheiner, acting village administrator, explained that while the mechanical equipment is considered an “accessory use,” the construction of the enclosure triggers a requirement for a planned development permit. Compton-Dzak said staff members have been “hard at work lately, expanding service bit by bit” as COVID-19 restrictions are loosened. She said if the village’s Development Review Board approves the project, the next step will be the design phase, in which library staff members and stakeholders will work with an architect to envision how to best utilize the space that would become available for the public. According to library officials, park district commissioners approved the drafting of a memorandum of understanding between the two entities at their April 12 meeting, subject to the park district attorney’s review. Plans call for the 8- by 13-foot air handler unit to be installed on a concrete pad and surrounded by the masonry enclosure that would be placed on a one-foot-wide, 42-inchdeep concrete footer. Officials expect that any noise from the air handler unit will be mitigated by the masonry enclosure. The library opened its doors in 1905 in a small storefront property on Park Avenue. The current building, designed by Prairie School architect William Eugene Drummond, was completed in 1929. An addition to the building was added in 1989.

President & CEO of Visit Oak Park

That’s a great thing if you live in and around Oak Park, because we have four world-class breweries to help you get a taste of what’s on tap.

And just in time, Visit Oak Park’s new Oak Park Craft Beer Trail is here to help you celebrate even more. The breweries in Oak Park are each unique in their own way. Whether you pack them all into a day, or take a more leisurely pace, they’re sure to play a part in a perfect day out in Oak Park. So lace up those sneaks, and hit the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail with us. One Lake Brewing, located in a renovated bank on the corner of Austin and Lake Street, has built a reputation on its flavorful beers and tasty food. But something else that brings folks in is their spacious rooftop deck. Here you can enjoy great food and drinks. Their beer menu consists of amazing flavors, like the OLB Lager Beer, their version of the classic everyday American backyard lager, or the Lando IPA, along with many other interesting mixes. Their food menu is filled with fun eats like hop corn, which is popcorn mixed with amarillo hops, coriander, and orange. And their mac and cheese made with rotini, mornay sauce, and herbed panko crust will put a smile on your face no matter how old you are. This summer you can even enjoy the Brews n’ Bahhs event in conjunction with GlennArt Farm, which includes an hour of playing with their fun-loving goats before settling back with a flight of craft beers on the rooftop of One Lake Brewing. Not a bad way to spend your afternoon. Next up is the Oak Park Brewing Company. Here you’ll find a fun beer house with board games, and a library full of books from famous authors. But these unusual bar trappings shouldn’t be your only draw inside. After all, Oak Park Brewing Company has a stellar line-up of craft beers on tap. Enjoy crowd favorites such as their Helles Lager Saison, Rye IPA, English-style Porter, Sour Brown Ale, Mibock Witbier, or a refreshing Kolsch. And what goes better with all this beer than food, which the Oak Park Brewing Company has in spades. Fill up

on deep-dish pizzas, burgers, wraps, or even their hardy appetizers. Back on the trail is The Wild Onion Tied House. This one-hundred-year-old building used to be a theater house, but today it’s entertaining people with what’s on the menu, not on the silver screen. There’s an ever-changing list of seasonal beers. Currently on tap is a Barrel-Aged Salted Caramel Porter, as well as a Barrel Aged Peanut Butter Porter; both of which sound as delicious to taste as you would think. There’s a lighter Beggars Brown Brown Ale, and a Back Pocket DJ Cream Ale for those looking to have a few more. From Milk Stouts, to Ciders, Hefe-Weizens, and even Hard Seltzers, The Wild Onion Tied House knows a thing or two about the art of crafting beer. Their seasonal food menu is as colorful as their beer menu. Enjoy a cheesesteak sandwich with beer cheese sauce, fried chicken and waffles, even pastrami bite appetizers or cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries. There’s so much food and beer to order at The Wild Onion Tied House, you might get tongue-tied ordering. Finally, it’s not a craft beer trail without Kinslahger Brewing Company. While the taproom is currently closed, you can still order their tasty ales online. Pick up a few cans of their famous Prohibition Pilsner, or their well-balanced Dunkel beer. And if you like a heavier German beer, you’re in for a treat with the Mediator Dopplebock. Enjoy a Chicago Common with its rich chestnut red color, or a Baltic Porter with its opaque brown color and creamy body taste. While you wait for the tap room to reopen, you can try Kinslahger’s latest brew creation down the street on Roosevelt Road at the new Babygold Barbecue, located at the famed FitzGerald’s. Their new Babygold Coldbeer – named after the owner’s first child – pairs perfectly with all their smoked meats for some awesome “Berwyn-style” barbecue. The fun at Oak Park’s craft breweries doesn’t have to end when American Craft Beer Week is over. Later this month, you’ll be able to download a new digital pass for the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail on Visit Oak Park’s website so you can enjoy great deals and discounts all year long. Keep checking VisitOakPark.com for more information. In the meantime, see you soon on the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail. Cheers!

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Walker-Peddakotla sees board open to defund debate

Library hosts elected Oak Park and Evanston women of color By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Dialogue surrounding the defund police movement is alive and well in Oak Park and, under the leadership of the new village board, is likely to continue. That’s the view of Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla expressed last week during a virtual discussion hosted by the Oak Park public library. “I’ve actually spoken to all of the new incoming board members since they’ve been elected and each of them seem like they are willing to at least engage in this conversation,” said Walker-Peddakotla during a May 7 discussion. Titled, “Defunding the Police: A Discussion with Elected Women of Color,” the event featured Walker-Peddakotla and Cicely Fleming, alderwoman of Evanston’s 9th Ward. Both women are advocates of defunding police. The library held the virtual discussion as part of its anti-racism and restorative justice programming. “I think the defund word,” said Fleming, “I think a lot of people equate with abolition and they’re two different terms.” While she believes abolition is a “viable conversation,” Evanston is discussing defunding, according to Fleming. Defunding entails diverting police funds into increased social services. “I think some people would tell you in Evanston that we accomplished that,” said Fleming. Evanston’s 2021 budget, passed last November, included the elimination of 11 police positions, four of which were vacant, to offset the financial burden of COVID-19. “That money did not go to anything else that was going to help the community; it just went back into our general fund balance,” said Fleming. Using funds generated by eliminating two positions have gone toward creating an alternative mental health response model, she said. “The other model is only funded at $200,000 and our police department is still funded at $40 million,” said Fleming.

“And so it’s still very uneven.” Oak Park’s 2021 budget included $26.3 million for policing compared to the 2020 budget at $25.5 million, with pension hikes accounting for the majority of the increase. The library’s discussion allowed panelists to freely express their views on defunding in an atmosphere devoid of defensiveness or opposition — a marked difference from previous discourse held at the village board level in Oak Park. When asked how elected officials can reframe the public’s perspective on defunding police, Walker-Peddakotla didn’t sugarcoat her response. “Don’t do what the last board did,” she said. “What the last board did was create a fear-mongering response, which was all about, ‘Oh my God, crime is going up and we need police.’” In Walker-Peddakotla’s experience, elected officials feel they know what’s best for the community and are unwilling to engage in conversations that challenge that belief, holding their own views in higher esteem than those of constituents. “Does your view and your lens of policing, which is often a white lens, where you haven’t actually interacted with police on a daily basis — does that really matter in this conversation?” she said. That reality, according to Walker-Peddakotla, is tough for elected officials, especially those with sizeable egos, to realize. “Your view in this case actually doesn’t matter. What matters is that people are feeling pain from being surveilled by police,” she said. With three new trustees and a new village president freshly sworn in, Walker-Peddakotla shared her aspiration that the new board will be more open to discussing defunding. “I’m hopeful that the board dynamic around this topic is at least improved and that we’re going to be a little bit different,” she said. Library assistant Adam Paradis, who facilitated the discussion, made further note of Oak Park’s rocky history surrounding the topic, mentioning last August’s failed resolution to defund police, which culminated in disappointed youth protesting outside Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb’s home while also doing damage to his backyard garden and furniture.

Even with a new board, Walker-Peddakotla said, she does not believe the new village board would vote to defund the police should a resolution be presented. “I don’t think we have seven votes, a full board to vote yes on this issue,” she said. “We may not even have four votes.” Paradis also brought up the advisory referendum question to defund police, brought to the April 6 ballot by thenvillage trustee Dan Moroney, who has been widely critical of the defund movement. The non-binding referendum did not pass, with 68.04 percent of the votes against defunding the Oak Park police department. “That referendum, in my opinion, was racist and a white supremacist referendum that was designed to sway an election and not get certain people elected,” said Walker-Peddakotla. While Oak Park has recently flirted with the idea of reparations for Black residents, Evanston has already made the commitment. In March, the Evanston city council approved the Local Reparations Restorative Housing Program, created to preserve, stabilize and increase homeownership to build intergenerational wealth among Black residents. Through the program, eligible residents can receive up to $25,000 in housing assistance and mortgage relief. The program has an initial budget of $400,000, which comes out of the $10 million Evanston collected in tax revenue from recreational cannabis sales. The path to passing that historic piece of legislation was far from easy for Fleming, who discussed how it impacted her mental health. “I had a really hard go for the last month or two months about reparations,” said Fleming. “That was super-hard for me just as a Black person.” She received encouragement from Black constituents who thanked her for representing their interests and for speaking on their behalf. Walker-Peddakotla told attendees that pushing for defunding police and other social justice initiatives has had a noticeable impact on her mental, as well as physical, health, but building lasting change spurs her to continue. “I really do hope that more people walk away from this conversation wanting to know more about defunding and abolition, not thinking of it as a negative.”

Scaman to use village president title With a new village board comes a new outlook — and an old title. At least for Vicki Scaman, who succeeds Anan Abu-Taleb as head of the Oak Park Village Board. Unlike her predecessor, Scaman has decided to eschew the title of “mayor” in favor of the traditional “village president.” “That is how I view the role in a village manager form of government,” said Scaman, who first announced her intention to be called village president during a March 4 forum for village president candidates hosted by Wednesday Journal and the Business and Civic Council. While Scaman acknowledged that the two labels can be used interchangeably in many respects, she believes the term “mayor” gives the impression of sole leadership rather than multi-stakeholder governance. “I want to be very strong and clear: I’m working with trustees,” she said. “It’s not my way or the highway.”

Stacey Sheridan

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Emphasis on transparency, courtesy as OP board sets protocols First official meeting since swearing in

executive sessions. Emails, schedules, text messages concerning public matters and phone records of elected officials are available to the public through FOIA. Text messages sent during meetings are also subject By STACEY SHERIDAN to FOIA, even if elected officials are using Staff Reporter their personal cell phones and the contents Village President Vicki Scaman got the of the texts are unrelated to government isnew Oak Park village board moving dur- sues. “Any communication that’s conducted ing its May 10 meeting by discussing board during a meeting between board members protocols – a process that occurs every two becomes a public document,” said Village years with the seating of a new board. Attorney Paul Stephanides. “It is a guidance document and it’s up to Stephanides’s comment got a laugh out the village board to change this to how it of Trustee Susan Buchanworks for this group,” said an, who served two years Village Manager Cara Pavon the village board before licek. learning that information. During protocol discus“You never told us that!” sions, board members exsaid Buchanan through amined the logistics of laughter. agenda setting, structure of The giggles spread to commissions, public comScaman, who jokingly repment time and the schedulrimanded Buchanan by ing of meetings and executelling her, “Don’t want to tive sessions. encourage any FOIAs, SuOne of the first decisions san.” made by the board was the Email can present comdesignation of 7 p.m. as the plicated situations regardstart time for village board ing OMA, according to Scameetings, which typically man. To prevent any OMA occur on Mondays, with violations, village board executive sessions beginprotocol directs board ning at 6:30 p.m. The board members to blind copy agreed to allow a meeting all board members when start time of 7:30 p.m. when responding to an email dinecessary. Meetings will rectly for the purpose of end at the latest at 10:30 “avoiding contemporanep.m. Scaman expressed her ous communications” and desire to keep the length “to inform the other memof meetings to two hours bers of the board that the when possible. email has been responded JIM TAGLIA Going through the prototo by an elected official.” Trustee cols had the added benefits The protocol discussion of educating new board allowed the village board to members, as well as rereview standards of profesminding senior trustees, sional conduct regarding about the Open Meetings communications with staff, Act (OMA) and the Freeat the request of Trustee dom of Information Act (FOIA) – two im- Jim Taglia, the most senior trustee. portant pieces of legislation that protect “The last couple of years, we’ve seen the rights of citizenry to be informed on a lot – and the public doesn’t see this, but government business. I’ve seen a lot of accusatory, defamatory, de“As your previous village clerk, some- meaning language used,” said Taglia. body who processed a lot of FOIAs, I really Scaman agreed to add language to the want you to understand this piece,” said protocol document to encourage elected ofScaman. “You really want to avoid texting – ficials to communicate with staff in a coureven if it’s ‘What are you having for dinteous and professional manner. ner tonight?’ – during a board meeting.” The village board will likely not adopt the FOIA grants the public access to govern- updated protocol document until its May 24 ment records and communication, exclud- meeting; the board will discuss goal setting ing what discussions take place during at its next meeting, scheduled May 17.

“The last couple of years, we’ve seen a lot – and the public doesn’t see this, but I’ve seen a lot of accusatory, defamatory, demeaning language used.”

Oak Park knuckles down on climate change Village to hire consultant, full-time staffer to carry out programs By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Village President Vicki Scaman will honor the previous village board’s decision to implement recommendations, including the hiring of a full-time staff member, on climate change proposed by the ad hoc Oak Park Climate Action Planning Group. “There’s no way we can ever catch up on reducing greenhouse gases if we don’t start now and get serious about it,” said Scaman. The recommendations went before the previous village board March 22 and, with some slight modifications suggested by village staff, were approved in a 6-0 vote. Trustee Dan Moroney, whose term has since ended, was not present at that meeting. “Sustainability and making sure that climate action plan gets written is going to be one of my top three priorities,” said Scaman. The village’s sustainability fund will support the cost of carrying out the recommendations, the total cost of which is expected to be roughly $625,000. The money will be allocated for these purposes in the 2021 budget. The ad hoc climate group comprises about 28 individuals and is separate from the Environment and Energy Commission (EEC), but some overlap exists. The EEC’s Laura Derks is a member of the group, as is former EEC commissioner Ravi Parakkat, who was sworn in as a village trustee on May 3. Trustee Susan Buchanan is involved with the group as well. “It was unprecedented really that the previous village board took recommendations from a loosely affiliated group,” said Derks. The approved recommendations involve the creation of a grant program targeted at low-income homeowners and renters to retrofit homes with energy-efficient systems. The ad hoc climate group originally suggested $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds go toward this purpose. However, the village board apportioned $200,000 based on the advice of village staff. Grants per household will amount to between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on square footage. “We already have a very tiny program

right now, and this would actually go toward a much bigger audience for people to retrofit their homes or multi-unit buildings,” said Derks. To incentivize people in Oak Park to install rooftop solar panels, the village board agreed to begin a rebate program worth $225,000. The village will provide a $1,000 rebate on solar installation to those who can show their residential or commercial building has shown a 15 percent reduction over one year in energy use. Village staff plans to return to the board table, now under the leadership of Scaman, with proposed details for both the rebate and grant program. The approved recommendations also include a dedicated public information campaign worth $35,000 that will run from July through September to market energy-efficiency audits and retrofit grants. The amount deviates slightly as the ad hoc climate group originally requested $75,000. “It’s a PR campaign to really advertise the energy-efficiency audits that are out there because a lot of people don’t take advantage of them,” said Derks. Finally, the village will contract a consultant to identify the village’s greenhouse gas inventory and help develop a climate action plan. A dedicated full-time staff person will be hired to carry out the plan, as well as run the energy-efficiency programs and collect data among other responsibilities. The amount suggested by the climate group is $50,000 for the contracted consultant and $115,000 for the new staff member. Buchanan, who is two years into her four-year term, hopes to see the new board make a greater effort to follow through on sustainability efforts, not only agreeing to them but putting them into effect. “The previous board had different priorities and were unwilling to hold village staff accountable to the sustainability of direction that they gave to the village staff,” said Buchanan. This new board seems poised to do just that. Buchanan and Parakkat are not the only trustees who care about limiting the village’s carbon footprint. Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla has frequently advocated action on climate change during her time on the board. Trustee Chibuike Enyia, sworn in May 3, has installed systems in his home to make it more energy efficient, according to Derks. “We’ll actually have a new way of thinking for this new board and this new president,” said Derks.

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Four COVID cases at Percy Fourth COVID case at Julian Middle School Roosevelt Middle School Full-day in-person learning began last week; 87 quarantined By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Four people at Percy Julian Middle School tested positive for COVID-19 since the school began full-time in-person learning last week, according to Amanda Siegfried, communications director at Oak Park Elementary School District 97. “Last week marked the first time that all grade levels were on site at our middle schools for full days,” Siegfried wrote. “They were previously on a three-week rotation–one grade level on site at a time.” Percy Julian Middle School is at 416 S. Ridgeland Ave. In an email to Wednesday Journal, Siegfried confirmed that 87 people have been in contact with those four individuals and must quarantine for two weeks. Siegfried said the four cases – which were reported May 6 and 7 through the district’s mandato-

ry COVID-19 testing program – are not considered an outbreak by the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) guidelines. State health officials define an outbreak as five or more COVID-19 cases that are “linked to a common location during a 14-day period.” District 97 nurses worked alongside the Oak Park Department of Public Health to complete contract tracing and identify close contacts. A close contact is someone who was within six feet of a person with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, the IDPH stated. Close contacts are required to quarantine for 14 days from the date of the last exposure, and students are not allowed to test out of quarantine, Siegfried wrote in the email. District 97 continues to follow its safety mitigations, including requiring staff and students alike to wear face masks, wash their hands and social distance. Weekly COVID-19 testings and daily screenings will also continue to take place, Siegfried wrote. “We also urge our students, families and staff to continue doing everything they can outside of school to minimize risk to themselves and others,” Siegfried wrote.

District reopened for fulltime instruction last month By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

An individual at Roosevelt Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19, and now 34 people who have been in contact with that person are in quarantine, according to a press release issued May 6 by River Forest School District 90 Superintendent Ed Condon. That brings the district’s totals to four confirmed cases this past week, said Dawne Simmons, communications and community outreach coordinator at District 90. The district believes the cases are not being transmitted through the school, and the case has been reported to the Cook County Public Health Department said the district. The Illinois Department of Public Health defines close contact as someone who was within six feet of a person with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. On May 3, the district reported two people at Roosevelt, 7560 Oak Ave. in River Forest, tested positive for COVID-19, and 77 people were required to quarantine for two weeks,

according to a release. Two days later, District 90 reported another COVID-19 case, and 17 more people were asked to quarantine. Simmons said individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be identified. The district plans to continue monitoring students and staff for signs of coronavirus symptoms and deep clean and disinfect areas impacted by potential exposure to the virus, the May 3 press release stated. The district also looks to continue enforcing other safety measures, including requiring all staff and students to wear masks at all times and teaching students the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and handwashing. Last month, District 90, which consists of two elementary schools and one middle school, reopened and returned to full-day instruction. “The health and safety of District 90 students, staff and families is our highest priority,” wrote Condon in the May 6 release. “As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. “Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.”

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

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• Summer scrimmages

• Winter training & indoor games

• August pre-season training

• Spring training & games

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5:00 to 6:30 pm 5:00 to 6:30 pm 4:30 to 6:00 pm 4:30 to 6:00 pm 6:30 to 7:30 pm 7:30 to 8:30 pm

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

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Monday, May 17 Monday, May 17 Monday, May 17 Monday, May 17 Monday, May 17 Sunday, May 9

6:00 to 7:30 pm 6:00 to 7:30 pm 6:00 to 7:30 pm 4:30 to 6:00 pm 4:30 to 6:00 pm 12:30 to 1:30 pm

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

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

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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D97 hires interim supts.; Kelley takes medical leave

Uncertain when Kelley will return ahead of July 1 departure By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 officials have announced two interim superintendents who will step in, after current Supt. Carol Kelley departs July 1. However, because Kelley began a medical leave on May 3, one of the two interims has already stepped in. Retired educators Griff Powell and Patricia Wernet were named the interim superintendents for the 2021-22 school year at an April 27 school board meeting. Powell and Wernet previously worked as co-interim superintendents in Glenview School District 34. Wernet, who among many career roles

was a superintendent at Berwyn to develop a plan for her abSchool District 100 and Lisle Comsence,” the letter stated. munity Unit School District 202, Siegfried said Kelley’s return already started her new position to District 97 remains uncerat District 97 May 4, said Amanda tain and the district cannot Siegfried, the district’s commuprovide any further informanications director. While Wernet tion on her medical leave for privacy and legal reasons. sought to slip into her interim role Wernet carries more than 25 ahead of July, her May 5 start date years of experience as an educoincided with Kelley’s recent medical leave announcement. SUPT. CAROL KELLEY cator, according to a release issued April 27 by D97. She has “That just timed well with [Kelley] being on leave,” Siegfried said, adding also served as an interim superintendent in the district is unsure when Kelley will re- four districts, including Frankfort School turn. Siegfried also added Powell is cur- District 157-C, Lombard School District 44, rently an interim superintendent in Dekalb Glenview School District 34 and Berwyn Community School District 428 and will School District 98. As for Powell, his 40-year career in edumove over to D97 in July. Until then, he concation includes roles as a clinical assistant tinues to stay in touch with Wernet. The district emailed families April 30 professor and instructor at many univerabout Kelley’s medical leave, which official- sities across Illinois. Powell has held the position of permanent superintendent for ly began May 3. “She has been working closely with the five school districts including Niles Townboard and district administrators this week ship High School District 219 and Gray-

slake Community High School District 127. Throughout his retirement, Powell has been appointed interim superintendent at 10 school districts, including Country Club Hills District 160 and West Harvey-Dixmoor District 147. With the help of the Illinois Association of School Boards, the District 97 school board interviewed three candidates for the interim superintendent position, Siegfried said. The board plans to look into hiring a search firm to help find a permanent superintendent, and that process will be more intensive and aims to include input from district families and faculty, the April 27 release also stated. On the decision of hiring Powell and Wernet, Siegfried said the board feels fortunate to have a pair of experienced leaders at the district. Home to about 6,000 students, District 97 is made up of eight elementary schools and two middle schools. “We feel confident that we’ll be in good hands next year,” Siegfried said.

OPRF board changes over as admin also starts shift Three departures, two new members and one returning member By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

“Just listen.” That’s the advice Jackie Moore, a longtime Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 board member, gave to the newly elected members May 4 at a special meeting. “Take time to catch your breath and understand what you don’t know,” said Moore, as she tugged on her necklace and pointed out the word “listen” written across its pendant. Moore said she started wearing that necklace when she joined the board eight years ago and it helped to remind her of her role. During the meeting, current board members recognized Moore and outgoing members Craig Iseli and Matt Baron. Moore, Iseli and Baron did not seek re-election this April. Iseli and Baron both served one-year terms. The new board also chose its officers for the next year with Sara Dixon Spivy continuing as president, the reelected Tom Cofsky chosen as vice president and member Ralph Martire as secretary.

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Cofsky thanked Moore, Iseli and Baron individually for their years of service and commitment to District 200’s faculty and families. “Craig, you’ve been a counsel to me in many ways,” said Cofsky who was re-elected to his seat in April’s general election. “... I promise I will continue to go to [you] in the years ahead because you have sound judgment, and I really appreciate your insight and your contributions, as well as your friendship.” KEBREAB HENRY FRED ARKIN MARY ANNE Cofsky and Martire also commended Baron on his calls for transparency and commented MOHANRAJ to resign from the Oak Park and on Moore’s advocacy for students. Martire said Baron was River Forest High School Imagthoughtful and worked to “make the atmosphere at our ine Foundation board, a group seeking to raise private and high school one that was inviting.” foundation money for school capital projects, to avoid any As for Moore, Martire called her a “big thinker” when it conflict of interest. came to creating a welcoming school environment. “I think Mohanraj said she ran for a seat on the board because you’ve tried to keep everyone on task in understanding of her mother who came to the United States at 21. Draped what that really means and not just for the students attend- in a sari, Mohanraj talked about her Sri Lankan roots, ing our school but for their families and our communities. remembering her mother who was unable to pursue her That kind of leadership is rare. That kind of strategic vi- education. sion is rare.” “She never did get her GED,” she said. “She tried a In a brief speech, Baron reflected on his four years on couple of times, but with small kids at home, it was really the board. hard. I think that’s what I bring to this table. I want to see “To my colleagues on the board – to those staying on and all the students here get the kinds of opportunities that she those departing with me – thank you for your service. To didn’t get.” incoming board members, thank you for your willingness Also at the meeting, Martire said he was happy to see to serve,” Baron said. “To our present Superintendent Arkin and Cofsky again. “If you hadn’t been re-elected that Joylynn Pruitt-Adams and our next superintendent Greg would have been a major loss to our school and our comJohnson, thank you both for your leadership. It’s been an munity,” Martire said about Cofsky. honor to serve, and in closing, take care and God speed.” “As to our two new board members, I don’t know eiThe school board also welcomed newcomers Kebreab ther of you well at all, but we will get to know each other Henry and Mary Anne Mohanraj and former member through what I’m sure will be way too long board meetings Fred Arkin. Henry and Mohanraj will be serving their going forward, but I really look forward to your input and first term, while Arkin returns to the board, after losing your insights and new ideas you bring to the table,” he his seat in 2019. Arkin told the board that he had chosen said. “Welcome on.”

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

Champ Akkarapol creates elevated Thai cuisine

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Let your neighbor cook for you

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

On average it takes Chef Champ Akkarapol, owner of Thai Neighbor, 250 Chicago Ave., three minutes and 18 seconds to a get a dish from the wok to the plate. Yes, he times himself. “Every dish at Thai Neighbor is single cooked,” said Champ. “In some restaurants things are batch cooked and divided into servings. Not here — here we focus on the individual dish and the honest flavors that come as a result.” After a 14-month property renovation, Thai Neighbor opened in September 2020— smack in the middle of a global pandemic. Despite the challenge Champ persevered to bring his fresh approach to Thai cuisine to hungry Oak Parkers. “I want to have my customers come to me like they go to their neighbor’s house to have dinner,” said Champ who is especially committed to making Thai Neighbor a welcoming place for people in the LGBTQ community. Champ, who is half Thai and half Chinese, has been influenced by the duo of cooking cultures. His biological father was Chinese and came from a family of strong cooks who taught him organization, technique, and wok cooking. His mother, Toom Wiitanen, a

former restaurant owner is Thai and taught Akkarapol to cut tropical fruits by her side when he was just 10. She immigrated to the United States from Thailand in the late 1990’s. In November 2001, Champ and his two brothers joined their mother and were adopted by their stepfather. “Can you imagine?” he asked. “I was 16 years old and thrown into American high school in Chicago. I had some English, but not enough.” Despite encountering bullies, he relied on his strength to get through the difficult transition and credits his life experience with helping him grow into a quick thinker capable of moving forward despite challenging circumstances. The family has been through thick and thin together and Champ is proud to come from a family of fighters and hard workers. To this day, he considers his mother and grandmother to be his primary culinary influences who taught him the six flavors—salty, sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and umami. Attention to detail, respect for flavor and holding himself to high standards drives Champ to give his customers a Thai dining

Head chef and owner Champ Akkarapol experience featuring a customizable menu with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Additionally, he offers a “Chef Gone Crazy” special designed to give adventurous diners a surprise off-menu creation. For example, he may take a traditionally wet Massaman curry and transform it into a rice dish studded with shrimp and beef. “Curries are my specialty.” he said. “My mom taught me how to make curries 20 years ago.” Due to the industry wide worker shortage, Champ is currently the solo employee

Future unclear for Serenitea By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Tracy Boone, a 20-year Oak Park resident and owner of Serenitea Tea Café and Boutique, 1046 Pleasant St., has been bringing hot tea and diminutive sandwiches to Oak Park for 8 years. She is taking the next few months to determine the future of her niche shop. “This business was always supposed to be fun,” said Boone. “Now I wake up every morning and ask myself how I am going to do this.” Prior to the pandemic Boone ran her business with a reliable team of three seasoned employees and generated the bulk of her business through a party room used for wedding and baby showers as well as tea-themed movie nights. Cutting costs was an essential first step in coping with COVID-19 and Boone was forced to let the entirety of her staff go. As the pandemic worsened the once bustling party room sat and Boone could no longer afford to keep the space. With dining rooms shuttered she took to selling preordered sand-

wiches, scones, and tarts to-go. Today Boone is the lone worker at Serenitea — arriving to bake scones at 4 a.m., serving the six customers allowed in the shop at a time, and handling all ordering, production, and sales. On some days, the shop does not see a single customer, while on others there is overwhelming demand. Boone relies on the help of friends who volunteer their time get through busy days. Unexpected spikes, however, leave Boone scrambling to keep up while working more than 60 hours per week. “I have been asking myself how I can continue to do this, but this place is not just about money,” said Boone.” I have met people here who I consider to be family. I know all the kids who came here when they were little. I call them my tea babies.” Boone is committed to keeping her business open through the summer before deciding if Serenitea can survive. No matter the outcome Boone is grateful for her long-time customers and the ground swell of local support during the pandemic. “I hope to make it through,” said Boone. “If we don’t make it, I am not going feel like I haven’t tried.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

at Thai Neighbor and handles prep, phones, cooking and packaging. On Mother’s Day he took 13 orders totaling 60 individual dishes. Thai Neighbor is currently open 25 hours per week. In the five hours the restaurant is open daily, Champ has the capacity to accept up to 20 orders. Patrons are encouraged to call when the restaurant opens at 4 p.m. and place their order for pick up later in the evening — slots are given on a first come first serve basis. Thai Neighbor is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Babygold Barbecue now open at FitzGerald’s Hungry locals can crack a Babygold Coldbeer, listen to some live tunes and place an order for some chef-driven barbecue on the Veltway. Babygold Barbecue, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., officially opened for business at FitzGerald’s Nightclub on Thursday, May 6. The much-anticipated Berwyn restaurant, helmed by notable Chicago chef and Berwyn resident John Manion, puts a New Orleans inspired twist on a thoughtful array of smoked meats and sides. Menu highlights include chargrilled oysters, smoked whitefish dip, smoked brisket and a burger adorned with bacon aioli. Vegetarians will be happy to discover a cauliflower Po’boy, kale Ceasar salad and several veggie-friendly side dishes on the Babygold menu. Open Tuesday-Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Melissa Elsmo

Tracy Boone, owner of Serenitea

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at New Star Elmwood Park mainstay serves up Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Hibachi

In 1977 May was named Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month — a time honoring the contributions of Asian Americans to help advancement of our country and enrich our communities. For more than 65 years, New Star, 7444 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving up authentic Chinese cuisine. Thirty years ago, Jinny Zhao took Food Writer her first job at a south side Chinese restaurant. Eventually she bought the place and grew the staff from five to more than 150 before retiring. Thankfully, retirement did not stick for the dedicated restaurateur -- Elmwood Park and surrounding communities have benefitted ever since. “I retired for 6 months,” said Zhao with a laugh, “being retired is terrible for me so I bought this New Star.” She left her more leisurely lifestyle behind and purchased New Star, 7444 W. North Ave., in 2015 and immediately turned her attention to updating the Elmwood Park mainstay. New Star has been serving up traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1954 and

MELISSA ELSMO

remains a destination for both occasions and everyday fare. Zhao is proud to carry on the New Star traditions started by the Moy family decades ago and expanded the cuisines available at the North Avenue establishment. “I feel pretty lucky to be here every day,” said Zhao. “Because I have this business, I try to honor my customers everyday by making them happy. Zhao capitalized on the restaurant’s longevity in Elmwood Park and helped update New Star for a new generation by adding Thai, and Japanese offerings to the expansive menu. Traditional American-style Chinese dishes, like egg foo young, sweet and sour shrimp and BBQ pork fried rice continue to satisfy longtime customers, but colorful maki rolls, spicy Thai noodles and fiery hibachi shows are attracting a new generation of customers to New Star in Elmwood Park. Transforming the outdated and under-utilized banquet room into a vibrant hibachi venue has drawn eager diners of all ages to the North Avenue establishment. As the COVID fog begins to lift, Zhao admits she is proud to have ushered her staff through the pandemic safely and is happy to see people flocking back. In recent weeks, the restaurant has been bustling with hun-

TERIYAKI SALMON: New Star’s generous portion of glazed teriyaki salmon comes with a bowl of miso soup, garden salad and California Maki.

TRAVEL TO THAILAND: The generous portion of vegetarian Thai basil noodles or spicy fried rice come with soup and an order of fresh spring rolls or crab Rangoon. FRESH SPRING ROLL: Fresh Thai crepes filled with bean sprouts, tofu, scrambled eggs, and cucumbers and topped with plum sauce.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Japanese miso soup meets Chinese egg drop soup on the same table at New Star in Elmwood Park..

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2020

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SWEET AND SOUR SHRIMP: Lovers of American-style Chinese dishes will appreciate crunchy shrimp doused in an orange-hued sweet and sour sauce. Lunch portions are served with egg drop soup and an egg roll. gry diners and Zhao is especially thrilled to see children selecting toys from the wall as they enter the restaurant. “We like to offer something special for the children to keep,” said Zhao. “These are very high-quality toys, and the Legos are very popular.” No matter if you have children in tow or not, New Star offers vibrant, high-value

lunch and dinner menus ranging to from “old-style Chinese cooking” to updated takes on classic dishes. An Asian flavor adventure awaits when you take a seat at New Star where Jinny Zhao demonstrates a respect for her restaurant’s rich history and celebrates its future one meal at a time. All photos, Melissa Elsmo

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Oak Park Eats positively encourages readers to think about the food and beverages they consume and seek our unique and memorable beer drinking experience while celebrating Kinslagher’s local partnerships with Carnivore, Opportunity Knocks, Daly Bagels, and Darr-B-Q. - Keith Huizinga, Kinslagher

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HEAD TO JAPAN: The Japanese “pick three” maki special comes with both a warming bowl of miso soup and a green salad.

Discover more culinary delights at OakPark.com

Keep up with Melissa Elsmo and what she’s cooking up at:

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Austin cleanup designed to bridge invisible divide Renew 312 hosted May 8 cleanup By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

Leah Gurski and Wil Gurski,with a photo of Viola

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Siblings raise funds for nanny’s son By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

When Wil Gurski and his younger sister, Leah, lost their nanny last fall, they felt like their world fell apart. To them, their nanny, Viola Dabrowa, was more than just someone who picked them up from school or helped with homework. Wil and Leah saw Dabrowa as a second mother, a constant presence in their household who guided them through their childhood milestones. “She had always been such a bright light in our lives,” said the 16-year-old Leah, a sophomore at Fenwick High School. “I couldn’t imagine what life is like without her. Even now, half a year later, I still kind of walk into my house every day, and I’m like, ‘Wait, where is she?’” In August 2020, Dabrowa was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Her disease was “super aggressive” and quickly metastasized to the lymph nodes and her spine, said the Gurski siblings. A month later, Dabrowa lost her battle to cancer. She was 47 years old. “I felt hopeless,” said Wil, as he thought back to the moment he learned about Dabrowa’s diagnosis. Wil, who had known Dabrowa since he was 3 months old, had just started his last year at Fenwick. And, when Dabrowa died, Wil said he was emotional and “completely taken aback.” All at once, his memories of her seemed to rush back to him. “She was just such an awesome person, and I didn’t know what to do,” said Wil, 18. “She had a huge impact on my life.” During those dark moments, Wil said Leah pulled him into an idea that looked to keep her spirit alive. This past year, the two launched The Giraffe Plan, a small business that sells giraffe print sweatshirts in an effort to raise money for Dabrowa’s son, Adam. Funds from retail sales are placed

toward a 529 college savings plan for Adam. Wil said he and his sister grew up alongside Adam and considered him another brother. Leah and Wil said they picked giraffes as the main design for their clothes, because they were Viola Dabrowa’s favorite animal. They laughed, as they remembered the giraffe figurines and statues that lined up inside Viola Dabrowa’s home. Leah described giraffes as caring and loving – “larger than life creatures that would do anything for their children” – and believed Viola Dabrowa carried out those same characteristics. She was “this presence that you can’t really ignore,” Leah said. With the help of friends, families and donors from the Fenwick community, Leah and Wil were able to build The Giraffe Plan. The Gurskis credited fellow classmate Dylan Fu for creating the plan’s logo and designing the sweatshirts and website. They also thanked their peer Maddie Miller who helped draft a marketing proposal and whose family backed the plan as an official LLC. “It’s really been a learning experience, and it’s been very humbling at the same time,” Leah said. “It shows you how strong of a community we live in, especially in this Oak Park and River Forest area. Everyone wants to help everyone.” In a matter of weeks, Wil will graduate from Fenwick and soon head off to college to start that next chapter in his life. It will be the first time the Gurski’s nanny won’t be around for a special occasion. Leah shared how she longed to hear the sound of her nanny’s voice and to feel the warmth from her big hugs. “If I were to take anything with me that she’s taught me: patience and compassion,” said Wil. “... You can remedy, and you can heal, and you can help and improve things with compassion and patience. It’s really this virtue that she instilled in us, and she was the epitome of compassion.”

Around 30 people, most of whom were from Oak Park, got together on May 8 to pick up garbage and wash storefront windows in Austin’s Madison Street and Lake Street corridors. The clean-up was organized by Renew 312, a nonprofit founded by Shawn Netisingha and Dani Kowack-Dengel, both of Oak Park, to address the long standing disparities between Austin and Oak Park by bridging the divides between the two communities. The clean-up was meant to do something good for Austin while supporting Austin businesses and getting the residents of two communities to talk to each other and make connections. Netisingha said that Renew 312 is planning to do another clean-up during the summer, but they haven’t settled on the exact date. “There hasn’t been a lot of trust between Austin and Oak Park, and there hasn’t been a lot of listening to what Austin residents want,” said Kowack-Dengel, adding that the Saturday cleanup hopefully helps remedy that problem. Dearra Williams, of Austin, said the cleanup was particularly important to her. “I was born here in Austin, I was raised here, I live here now, and it’s very important to me to give back to my community,” Williams said. “Austin is often neglected. You can see it in the amount of trash.” Janelle Martin, who lives on the North Side but works for Austin Coming To-

gether, a coalition of Austin stakeholders that collectively work on various quality of life initiatives, said she participated because she wants to learn more about the community where she works. Aaro McManus, of Oak Park, said since Austin residents spend so much money in Oak Park, residents of the suburb should give back to their neighbors to the east. “We sort of treat Austin like a weaponized military zone, instead of like neighbors,” he said. Laura Derks, who lives in Oak Park, said she felt like Austin was practically in her backyard. She said that the community deserves more attention and appreciation, pointing to its long history and the many “community assets,” such as its schools and parks. She pointed to Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave. ini Austin as a “crown jewel” and a logical place where Oak Park and Austin residents could come together. “I am all about destroying any kind of barriers between Oak Park and Chicago,” Derks said. “So long as the community is OK with us cleaning up, I’m all for it. You never want to go into a community when you’re going to feel like you’re going to be unwelcome, and that’s why community engagement is essential.” Throughout the clean-up, several Madison Street business owners said they appreciated what the volunteers were doing and urged them to come back again. Netisingha and Kowack-Dengel said they spoke with several business owners about potentially collaborating on events, as well as promoting those businesses to Oak Park residents. Kowack-Dengel mentioned that she planned to come back later to do some shopping. “It comes back to building relationships,” Netisingha said.

PITCHING IN: Co-presidents of OPAU (left) Danielle Dengel and Shawn Netisingha along with volunteers (right) Janelle Martin, 24, of Chicago and Dearra Williams, 25, of Austin, join the clean-up in the Austin-Oak Park area on May 8.

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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OPRF’s 2003 ‘Learning Gap’ report still resonates A March discussion among architects of the influential study has insights for new D200 board, administration By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Carl Spight, one of the architects of “The Learning Community Performance Gap,” a 2003 report that analyzed racial disparities at Oak Park and River Forest High School, was frank in his assessment of the work nearly 20 years later. “It’s a difficult and cold read now in 2021,” Spight told District 200 board members during a discussion about the report held at a Committee of the Whole meeting on March 11. “It is a gumbo best served warm and now, of course, it is quite cold.” But while the report is outdated, much of its content remain salient, Spight said, because the underlying issues the report addressed — including race-based disparities in everything from disciplinary infractions to academic performance — are still very much alive at OPRF. “The performance gap is systemic and suggests two communities exist at OPRF — ‘one for white students that places them at ‘academic promise,’ and one for African American students that places them ‘at academic risk,’” said Lincoln Chandler, a strategy consultant who presented some of the major findings of the Performance Gap report to the board. The board was reviewing the document as part of the mandated professional development process the board implemented to deepen its understanding “of how policy impacts racial equity,” according to a board memo. Spight’s assessment takes on added importance now that D200 has new board members and a new, incoming superintendent in Greg Johnson, who will succeed outgoing Supt. Joylynn PruittAdams when she retires at the end of the school year. During the meeting, which took place before the April 6 school board election, Spight said that, while the 2003 Performance Gap report has aged, another book, “Despite thee Best Intentions: How Raciall d Inequality Thrives in Good d Schools” by John B. Diamond and Amanda E. Lewis, makess

Photo provided

LOOKING BACK: Dr. Carl Spight addressed members of the District 200 board at a meeting in March, where he offered his analysis of the influential 2003 Learning Gap report. Spight, who helped author the report, said it was outdated, but “remains salient” and recommended that new board members read “Despite the Best Intentions” (seen below) as a companion to the OPRF document.

similar points in a more engaging way. Spight said the 2015 book “affirms and reinforces, and perhaps better articulates many points we made in the 2003 document,” adding that the book “should be something that new board members ought to be required to read, in association perhaps, with the 2003 document.” Spight then weighed in on the district’s recent progress in confronting systemic racism at the high school. In the early 1990s, Spight, who has a Ph.D. in plasma physics from Princeton, chaired the discipline study team that “established definitively that there is a discipline gap” at OPRF. His wife, Marsha, co-founded AfricanAmerican Parents for Purposeful Leadership and Education (also known as the APPLE Parent Organization) t late 1990s. But since in the 200 when he left his posi2009, tion as a part-time staff res researcher at OPRF out of fru frustration with the school ad administration, Spight ha been an outside obhas se server of the changes happe pening at the high school. “OPRF has been sadly a and disturbingly capable o of making disastrous c choices in board memb bers, superintendents a and administrators c chosen by superintend dents and affirmed by b boards,” he said, adding t that these choices are an “Despite the Best Intentions: How Racial Inequality Thrives important reason why in Good Schools” by John B. Diamond and Amanda E. Lewis the school is still dealing with racial problems

from 20 years ago. In recent years, however, Spight has seen signs for optimism, particularly in curriculum and administrative personnel. “The flag of equity at OPRF has been in 2021 squarely placed in the arena of detracking the freshman curriculum and in the battle of implementation that has been engaged in that de-tracking [effort],” he said, referencing the district’s plans to end the practice of dividing freshmen into college placement and honors curriculum levels in most courses. “The good news,” Spight said, is that OPRF has “skilled” and “properly placed” administrators in Greg Johnson, currently D200’s assistant superintendent, and Laurie Fiorenza, the district’s director of student learning. Spight called Johnson and Fiorenza “exemplary administrators for the task at hand,” a rather serendipitous remark, given that Johnson would be named the district’s next superintendent roughly a month later. That’s also a very powerful endorsement and seal of approval, which begs the question of what role it may have played in Johnson landing the top job. What matters even more, many board members indicated during the March meeting, is how the high school follows through on its stated commitment to racial equity. The problem, said member Tom Cofsky — who at the time was running for reelection, a bid he ultimately won — is not resources. “Our district hasn’t been shy on the resource front,” Cofsky said. “Since 2003, we have spent significant money, more than [the Consumer Price Index] and there’s data there. So, it’s not that we haven’t ponied up for resources. The question is, ‘Are the re-

sources we’re using delivering the results we need?’ And based on the discussion we’re having today, the answer is, ‘No.’” For board member Gina Harris, the problem has been that the district has historically failed to acknowledge “the beliefs and behaviors” that arise from “white supremacy culture and ideology” as normative. “I don’t think we attack those in a more systemic way and in order to attack them in a more systemic way, we have to acknowledge [those beliefs and behaviors] as norms in our spaces,” Harris said. “We don’t acknowledge them as norms in our spaces.” Chandler said some particular areas of historical weakness at OPRF highlighted in the Learning Gap report include the lack of “evidence-based research techniques,” a lack of “measurable goals,” more “accurate and reliable means of measurement, even when goals are identified,” and plans “for reflection and judgment of their effectiveness.” Now former board member Jackie Moore said the 2003 report and the March 11 discussion raised “a lot more questions than solutions.” But there has been progress, said board member Ralph Martire. “The good news is our board is taking a step to implement policies at the board level that would require any proposal put forth by the administration addressing racial inequity to be evidence-based, have identifiable measures and be reported back at regular intervals to the board, so we can evaluate them against these measures to determine whether a course correction is needed,” he said. There are limits, though, even to that very measured and judicious approach, said George Bailey, a literature professor who also helped draft the 2003 Learning Gap report and who, along with Spight, appeared virtually during the March 11 discussion. Bailey indicated that the new board and administration may soon walk right up to the edge of those limits as it works to make freshman de-tracking a material reality. “I think that sometimes rationality gets you in the weeds and is highly overrated,” Bailey said. “So, I believe in research-based mishmash, but I also believe that you have to spice it up with some intuition. “For example, we know that a lot of parents in affluent neighborhoods think that equity means we’re going to dumb down the curriculum at this high school. We know that and you can’t talk about that rationally or authoritatively. Sometimes you have to get down to where people are and it means going down in that hole with them, in the dark with them, and asking them to go down in that hole with us, because it’s a hole we’re in and we need to go down in that hole together.” You can read the full Learning Gap report here: https://bit.ly/2Q8gE4C.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

ELEGANT

Revived Oak Park Hospital from page 1 The stress of running a major hospital during a global health crisis did not push Elegant toward retirement. The move is part of a succession plan put in place a couple years ago by Elegant and Dr. K. Ranga Krishnan, CEO of Rush University System for Health. A search for Elegant’s successor began late in 2020 – a difficult time for a leadership change, considering the onslaught of the pandemic was reinvigorated with a surge in case numbers last winter. “We were very busy with COVID. We hadn’t really begun vaccinating people yet,” said Elegant. “It was a really tense time, but I think we came out of it with flying colors.” Rush Oak Park was an early adopter of remdesivir, a drug that shortens the length

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM of hospital stay for COVID-19 patients, said Elegant. The hospital also put patients in the prone position, which Elegant said few community hospitals were doing. Proning allows patients to breathe easier by turning them onto their abdomen – an effective but labor-intensive process that requires the assistance of several medical staffers, including a respiratory therapist. Elegant has been working with Rumoro, transitioning him to take over, since the beginning of 2021. The process is going well, said Elegant. “I think Dino is an extremely capable and competent individual,” Elegant said of his successor. While already a member of the Rush family, Rumoro is an emergency medicine physician by training. As chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, Rumoro oversaw major renovations to the center’s campus to increase patient care and experience, as well as supervised the creation of the Rush system’s emergency medicine residency program.

Rush Oak Park Hospital makes the grade Two separate organizations have given Rush Oak Park Hospital top marks for its quality of care and patient safety. Rush Oak Park Hospital received its second consecutive five-star rating for quality of health care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Five stars is the highest possible rating CMS bestows and indicate highest quality of care, most positive outcomes

YOM KIPPUR

Another OPRF holiday? from page 1 the day after the Jewish holiday. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, includes day-long fasts, prayer and reflection, said Niewoehner. Since last fall, Niewoehner and other Jewish students at OPRF have shared with school officials that they often feel like they have to choose their school work over their faith. Now, the fight to have their holiday recognized has gained some traction, as the OPRF District 200 Board of Education sought to consider Yom Kippur as a non-attendance day in the 2022-23 school calendar. At an April 22 meeting, board members discussed acknowledging the Jewish holiday on the school calendar is another step toward inclusivity. Board members unanimously voted against approving the 2022-23 school calendar and asked administrators to explore the possibility of including religious holidays like Yom Kippur. The school calendar for the 2021-22 school year has long been set in place. The board is expected to reconvene May

and patient experience. Non-profit watchdog organization Leapfrog Group awarded Rush Oak Park Hospital “Straight A” status for its success in avoiding infections, errors and accidents that could harm patients. It is the hospital’s 10th consecutive “A” grade from Leapfrog Group.

Stacey Sheridan

13 with plans to vote on the 2022-23 school calendar. “I don’t want us to do things that are simply symbolic,” said Gina Harris, a board member, during the meeting. “I want things to be systemic and structural, and this is one of those ways that we can begin that process.” Harris said students shouldn’t miss out on a chance to qualify for attendance-based awards or scholarships because they chose to take a day off from school to celebrate their religious holiday. This is a “systemic, structural issue that we need to change,” she said. Outgoing board member Jackie Moore and board president Sara Dixon Spivy echoed Harris and added this is not the first conversation held on this issue. Growing up, Moore and Spivy said they went to schools that attracted a large Jewish community and honored Yom Kippur and the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, alongside other religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. “I would appreciate being able to better reflect our student diversity in our calendar,” Spivy said. “Anything the board can do to help facilitate that process we are happy to do it, but we’ve been saying this for several years now. I am optimistic that we can make this a reality soon.”

Rumoro’s understanding of the Rush system, Elegant believes, will prove an asset to the hospital. “I think that will be very positive for carrying on the work that I started here with the organization,” said Elegant. Elegant has key supporters in Oak Park including Anan Abu-Taleb, the now former mayor. Abu-Taleb was a steady backer of the hospital as it expanded its campus into the adjacent residential neighborhood. A large parking garage is planned on hospitalowned property. And Rush recently got approval to demolish residential parcels it has accumulated on Maple Avenue. “Bruce has been a gamechanger for our community,” said Abu-Taleb. “Not only has he and the hospital been great medical providers, but they have also been an excellent community contributor.” Even neighbors of the hospital who have strongly criticized the growth and a perceived lack of communication with resi-

dents acknowledge Elegant’s contributions. “Under [Elegant’s] leadership, Rush Oak Park Hospital has become a first-rate community hospital and major economic asset to Oak Park. But the hospital historically has done a poor job engaging and considering nearby residents as it has encroached further and further into our neighborhood,” said David Osta on behalf of Center West Oak Park Neighborhood Association. At Elegant’s arrival in 1997, Rush was losing ground in a two-hospital race with West Suburban Medical Center. Elegant has remained at the helm of Rush for nearly a quarter century while West Sub has undergone numerous ownership and leadership changes. “No embarrassment to say that the hospital was broken. The quality was not very good,” said Elegant of Rush Oak Park. “We were not the preferred hospital.” Elegant ran the hospital for Rush, which had operational and financial responsibility but not full ownership. Rush acquired full ownership of the hospital in 2013. Under Elegant’s leadership, the hospital has undergone a renaissance, now holding the number one market share in its primary service area, as well as a reputation for providing high quality service to patients. The hospital has seen major expansion with Elegant at the helm. In 2019, it opened a brand-new 55,000-square- feet emergency department, which cost roughly $30 million – an accomplishment of which Elegant is particularly proud. He did not shy away from claiming responsibility for the hospital’s revitalization, transforming it into a medical care powerhouse from a rundown hospital. “I will take credit for that,” said Elegant.

In an email to Wednesday Journal, Greg Johnson, the school’s incoming superintendent, said changing the 2021-22 school calendar to include the Jewish holidays may be unlikely. In order to claim another day as a non-attendance day, the school year would need to start earlier in August, he wrote. “Unfortunately, moving the calendar to an earlier start date simply isn’t possible due to our summer construction,” Johnson wrote. Communications director Karin Sullivan said the first day of the school year is contingent on the final exams schedule for the fall semester. Final exams for the fall semester are typically given before winter break, which makes the fall semester much shorter than the second semester. “That’s been one of the challenges with taking off Yom Kippur,” Sullivan said. Public schools across Illinois must have a minimum of 185 days on their calendars to make sure students go to school for 176 days, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Schools are also granted five emergency days, which must be made up by the end of the year. OPRF junior Tim Mellman, who submitted a written letter for public comment to the board, said he appreciated how the school officials listened to him and his fellow classmates and took their concerns seriously.

“This entire effort has really proven the incredible importance of having student input in board decisions,” said Mellman, 17. He also hopes the board can show more support for students of other faiths and consider including their holidays in the future. “I think it would be really great if the board continued to make an effort to maintain student input in issues.” For Niewoehner and classmate Eva Spangler, the board’s decision felt bittersweet. The two said they were happy to see board members address their issues head on, but they also expressed their shared frustrations to other school administrators last October. In tandem with their civics class, the two said they even held a presentation for select faculty on the history of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah but felt their efforts were ignored. “What made me even more happy was how empathetic they were,” said Spangler, who is 17 and also a junior. “They weren’t just like, ‘Oh yeah, we’ll fix this.’ “They seem to actually care, and they really did have an empathetic approach thinking about it and how it would be for us, which I’m really glad. But also it took a while to get there.”

Bruce Elegant

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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River Forest board gets a new look, fresh start Two new trustees and new village clerk sworn in By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Cathy Adduci began her third term as River Forest village president by assuring residents that “our community is on solid ground” but noting, “we have more to do.” She was re-elected president in last month’s election, defeating Patty Henek, who gave up her village trustee seat to seek the higher office. Voters re-elected Respicio Vazquez as village trustee and elected Lisa Gillis and Ken Johnson as trustees and Jonathan Keller as clerk. Tom Cargie did not LISA GILLIS run for re-election after serving two terms as trustee and Kathleen BrandWhite did not run for re-election after serving one term as clerk. In her final act as clerk, Brand-White administered the oaths of office to AdKEN JOHNSON duci, Gillis, Johnson and Vazquez at the May 10 virtual village board meeting. “I want to thank the residents of River Forest for their continued confidence and support of our agenda for our community,” Adduci said after being sworn in. “Our vision is to maintain and continue the growth of River Forest as an outstanding place to live and work through focused and steady leadership and community engagement. “We are guided by three broad principles and remain committed to them,” she added, identifying ensuring the safety of all residents and businesses; strengthening residents’ quality of life; and stabilizing property taxes. “I am so proud to have been elected for another four years as your village president,” she continued. “I promise that I will work hard, I will be transparent, I will be available, I will bring together the best of our community on issues that are important to us and, last, I will treat everyone with respect and dignity.” Adduci and Vazquez were joined by trustees Erika Bachner, Katie Brennan and Bob O’Connell in thanking Brand-White, Cargie and Henek for their service. Several of them noted that Cargie also served six years on

the River Forest Park District Board prior to his election to the village board and that Henek has been active in community projects, specifically the Lemon-Aid Stand fundraising effort. Brennan noted that the board is losing its longest-tenured trustee in Cargie. She also praised Henek for taking “residents’ concerns seriously.” In addition to thanking Brand-White for her service, Adduci said she “admired her ability to pronounce words and names.” She also praised Cargie for his municipal

law expertise and leadership on the collaboration and deer management committees. In addition to thanking Henek for her service, Adduci said she “hopes she will continue to be involved.” In turn, Brand-White and Cargie thanked their fellow elected officials and village staff members. Brand-White thanked the residents who speak at village board meetings or volunteer to serve on village committees and commissions, calling them “the heart and soul of River Forest.”

Cargie said it was an “honor” to represent the village and that he “thoroughly enjoyed” it. “I tried to figure out what was best for the village,” he added. Henek did not attend the meeting. Elected officials were not the only ones being sworn in May 10. Michael Fries was sworn in as police sergeant and Megan Drake and Lane Niemann were sworn in as probationary police officers. In addition, Cpl. Troy Fields was recognized as police officer of the year.

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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ART BEAT

Activist exhibit bridges Oak Park and Austin By MICHELLE DYBAL

Arts Editor

hrough photos and stories, a new installment at the Oak Park Art League (OPAL), “Intersection: Art & Words,” demonstrates the good work being done in Austin and Oak Park by everyday people. The exhibit is titled, “Everyday Activists.” A project devised by Susan Stall of Arbor West Neighbors, Oak Park, and Tameka Wilson of Triton College, River Grove, the two teamed up to find, photograph and interview nearly 20 people from the Austin neighborhood of Chicago and Oak Park. Beginning in August 2020, Stall, former president of Arbor West and current chair of its Advocacy Committee, began contacting activists she knows. Wilson, a Maywood resident and student at Triton who has now earned Associates Degrees in Intercultural Relations and Arts & Sciences with a focus in photography, worked on the project as a photography intern through Triton College. In addition to photographing the subjects, Wilson interviewed half the participants and created the look of the photos in the exhibit. Stall worked on interview questions and creating short narratives from the interviews. Israel Rivas assisted with photography and some of his photos are in the exhibit. When Stall, a sociologist who studies community organizing, heard about Wilson’s

background, she thought they could join forces to bring everyday activists to light because “community activists work almost every day, often invisible.” Starting with people she knew, including Alicia Plomin, marketing & development manager for Austin Coming Together, Stall gathered recommendations. As they talked to participants, they learned of others who are “doing important work on the ground,” and the project developed from there. “The excitement of people about it has been really wonderful,” Stall said. “I didn’t know exactly how it was going to look. I didn’t know how we were going to get the stories out.” “My biggest takeaway from this,” Wilson said, “is the majority of our everyday activists don’t see themselves as activists. They saw themselves as everyday people. I love the modesty. It wasn’t just one or two, it was the majority. … They would say they see themselves as someone who is just doing what needs to be done in the community.” The installment divides participants into categories — Environment and Sustainability; Civic Engagement; From the Bottom Up; Youth Mentoring and Empowerment; Art and Words Activism; and Faith- and Rightsbased Activism. There are three or four activists in each category. From the Bottom Up includes “block club organizers” such as Deondre Rutues, of Austin, who, through Network of Neighbors, finds leaders for each block by going

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

IN LEAGUE: Susan Stall and Tameka Wilson collaborated on the exhibit, “Everyday Activists,” at the Oak Park Art League.

door to door in a 40-block radius. Wilson photographed Rutues at community events. She said she took photos that are more “spot on, directly looking at me, more engaged.” Faith- and Right-based Activism includes Oak Parker Clara L., her last name omitted to protect her because of what she does. Besides antiracism work, she fights for refugee rights and has harbored an undocumented person in a church basement. Environment and Sustainability features Liz Abunaw of Austin, founder of 40 Acres Fresh Market, whose mission is “to increase access to affordable, high-quality, fresh food in underserved areas.” While currently operating pop-ups and delivery service, she’s working to convert an old Salvation Army building into a large, local market for Austin residents — 40 Acres’ first brick-and-mortar location. Stall said the exhibit “really crosses a lot of disciplines, everything from psychology to intercultural studies to sociology to political science and the arts. I like to mix and match lenses, the way people look at things.” Wilson said their goal from the start was representing all types of people. “We were really working at: diverse by gender, diverse by age, diverse by ethnicity and race, diverse by types of activism,” Stall added. The photos are accompanied by a booklet with a narrative on each activist, edited down from an hour-long interview. “The word part was totally made to complement the photo part,” Stall said, “read the narrative as they are looking at that photo and that really enriches the experiences.” While the exhibit is currently open during regular gallery hours, the official exhibit opening is on Friday, May 14, when OPAL will be open longer to accommodate more visitors. A panel discussion, which includes a Spoken Word performance, will be held on Thursday, May 20. The panelists include Everyday Activist participants, who will share their passions, but also discuss how to cross “that Austin Boulevard bridge,” according to Stall. “We’d like to see this [be] more than just an exhibit. … It’s such a burning issue. I’d really like to have the panel grapple a bit with the people who come,” she said. Everyday Activists will travel to Austin Public Library, 5615 W. Race Ave., Chicago, this summer. Another panel discussion event will be held there. See Everyday Activists at OPAL’s Intersection: Art & Word through May 26. Gallery hours, Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m.; opening, May 14, 1 to 9 p.m., The panel is on Thursday, May 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Masks must be worn inside the gallery. More: oakparkartleague.org. 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Photo provided by Oak Park Festival Theatre

MERGING THE BARD: “The Venetians” is a co-production of Oak Park Festival Theatre and Kane Repertory Theatre of St. Charles. Clockwise from top left: Ellen Campbell as Desdemona, Jesus Vincent Meredith as Othello, and Andres Enriquez as Iago.

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Where ‘Othello’ meets ‘The Merchant’ By RIMA THOMPSON

Contributing Theater Reviewer

new play, The Venetians, written by playwright Matt Barbot and directed by Edward Torres, is a timely adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello and The Merchant of Venice. Playing virtually, on demand, May 10-16, through Oak Park Festival Theatre and copresented with Kane Repertory Theatre of St. Charles, Barbot’s Venetians tackles class system, religion, duplicity, jealousy and the dire consequences of misinformation. Othello, played by Jesus Vincent Meredith, wants to wed Desdemona, Ellen Campbell, and seeks help from a loan shark, Shylock (Lawrence Grimm). Desdemona, a white, naïve young woman of nobility, is eager to marry a much older Othello, who is cautious about the ramifications of secretly wedding his boss’ daughter. They eventually tie the knot with the help of loyal friends, some of whom later turn on the couple and become a catalyst of destruction and death through their disloyalty and selfishness. Iago (Andres Enriquez), Othello’s closest companion, is a liar, traitor, instigator and malicious murderer. Barbot captures a character who deceives so seamlessly, that, like Othello, the audience is drawn into believing with their ears instead of their eyes. Many in the audience will find commonality among the sometimes heartbreaking ways certain factions of a community are marginalized through massive mistreat-

ment; Barbot does an excellent job of modernizing the idea of people’s need to belong to communities that always shun them, no matter the identity compromises an individual makes out of a desire to be a part of something — race, economics, culture and class being central motivations behind the shunning. Barbot’s storytelling reveals how betrayal from those you trust can erode the innocence and goodness in a character. The acting is so involving, that you can imagine an audience shouting to the characters trying to warn them to open their eyes, and not be fooled by the extreme views of the perpetrators whose sole purpose is to manipulate them into committing unwarranted acts of violence. The story is told in relatable dialogue, making it easy for the audience to understand what is being said and allowing them to walk away feeling as though they just watched a live stage performance in a theater, not from the comforts of their homes, because of the impactful depiction by characters who are refreshingly engaging, clever, funny and commanding in their deliveries. I highly recommend this play. For me, watching it on the night of my birthday was a wonderful gift. A gift well worth sharing. Video on-demand tickets for “The Venetians” are available through Sunday, May 16. $25, individual; $45, family pass; $15, students and teachers. Tickets/more: onthestage.com/show/oak-park-festival-theatre/ the-venetians-video-on-demand-6122

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C R I M E

Home ransacked first, then the car

A home in the 700 block of Clarence Avenue was broken into through a closed but unlocked kitchen window between 12:15 p.m., May 6 and 6:15 a.m., May 7. The burglar ransacked the first floor of the home, removing keys to the victim’s vehicle, then left the home and went into the victim’s garage and got into the vehicle parked inside. The interior of the vehicle was also ransacked with no loss reported.

■ Someone entered a residence through an unlocked porch door then ransacked the kitchen and removed a key fob between 5 p.m., May 5 and 7:22 a.m., May 6 in the 700 block of South Euclid Avenue. Estimated loss is $200. ■ A power saw and a DeWalt power drill was taken from a garage with an unlocked side service door in the 800 block of South Grove Avenue between midnight and 8 a.m., May 7.

Motor vehicle theft Burglary ■ Someone

broke into a parked car and removed a white and brown purse, containing a white and brown wallet, credit cards, vape pen and phone charger between 8:05 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., May 4. Estimated loss is $400. ■ An umbrella, makeup bag, gift cards and restaurant rewards punch cards were taken from an unlocked 2016 Jeep Cherokee parked in the 100 block of West Lake Street between 4 p.m., April 30 and 4:15 p.m., May 3. Estimated loss is $80. ■ A man was observed via video surveillance going into the victim’s backyard, entering the garage through an unlocked door and taking a bicycle out of it between 1:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., May 5 in the 1000 block of South Lyman Avenue. Estimated loss is $100. ■ Someone forced open a residential garage then removed a skateboard and a bicycle from inside between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., May 5 in the 200 block of South Maple Avenue. Estimated loss is $450.

A woman observed two men enter and drive off in her vehicle, which she left unlocked and running in a parking lot in the 6400 block of West North Avenue at 8:02 p.m., May 5. The vehicle was recovered at 11:07 p.m., May 6 in the 800 block of North Waller Avenue in Chicago without any apprehensions.

was removed from the rear of a building in the 100 block of South Austin Boulevard between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., May 4. Estimated loss is $35. ■ A bicycle was taken from under a resident’s porch in the 500 block of South Humphrey Avenue between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., May 5. Estimated loss is $300. ■ The catalytic converter was cut from a Toyota Prius parked in the 1100 block of Ontario Street between 5 p.m., May 1 and 1 p.m., May 5.

Criminal trespass

Theft

Someone broke into a residence by removing the window screen and opening an unlocked window in the rear of the residence between 11:30 p.m., May 5 and 1:55 a.m., May 6, which is when the victim’s dog started barking and the victim noticed the open window, in the 600 block of South Grove Avenue. No loss reported.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a Toyota Prius between 3:50 p.m., April 29 and 6:53 a.m., April 30 in the 200 block of Forest Avenue. ■ Two packages containing a purse, dress and shoes were taken from the vestibule of a building in the 400 block of North Humphrey Avenue between 2:30 p.m., April 29 and 1:40 p.m., April 30. The estimated loss is $357. ■ A package was taken from the front porch of a residence in the 400 block of South Oak Park Avenue between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., May 4. The estimated loss is $115. ■ An Amazon package containing a bamboo cutting board

■ These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports May 3 – 10 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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SPORTS

Fenwick volleyball splits matches against Lane, DePaul With just 9 players on the squad, Friars seek consistency By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Fenwick High School boys volleyball team fell to visiting Lane Tech 22-25, 13-25 on May 5 before bouncing back on May 6 by sweeping visiting DePaul Prep - 25-13, 25-9. But like all spring sports teams, the Friars are happy to be back on the court after last season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s good to be back. It really sucked not to play last year, but I think [the pandemic] brought everyone together,” Fenwick senior Benjamin Groll said. “We’re a team that really hasn’t played together before, so we’re working hard to mesh.” The first set against Lane Tech was a back-and-forth affair that ended with Lane Tech winning on an ace. The Friars (4-3) couldn’t keep up the strong play as the visitors jumped out to a 17-4 lead in the second set and coasted the rest of the way. “We’re working our way up,” Whitman said of the Friars, who have just nine players on the varsity roster. “It was a tight and

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BUMP IT: Fenwick’s Diego Jimenez digs the ball during the Friars’ May 5 loss to Lane Tech in Oak Park. The Friars (4-3) rallied the following day, sweeping DePaul Prep. competitive first set. In the second set when [Lane Tech] got out to that big lead, some of it had to do with our errors. We had a mental breakdown and dug ourselves a hole that we couldn’t get out of.”

Against Lane Tech, sophomore Caleb Groll, Benjamin’s younger brother, led Fenwick with seven kills, two digs and a block. Lucas Gallagher added five kills, Benjamin Groll five assists and Aidan Butler four as-

sists. “It’s fun to watch brothers play together,” said Whitman of the Grolls. “They had nice games.” But with such a small roster, the Friars have very little depth and almost no room for error. Whitman would like to see more consistency developed as the season progresses. “We’re a young team,” she said. “My outside hitters, Aidan and Caleb, are sophomores. They’re still learning and are going to make mistakes, but I’m confident our senior leadership is going to step up and help the younger guys. Playing is how we’re going to get better, and we’ve got a long way to go.” For his part, Benjamin Groll feels Fenwick needs each player to work on his mindset and become more resilient when things get tough. “Volleyball is a mental game. When you start getting down on yourself, it’s going to bring everybody down,” he said. “We need to work on not beating ourselves up.” On May 6, Fenwick swept DePaul Prep 2513, 25-9. Butler had nine assists, Zach Hernandez added seven digs, and Gallagher and Caleb Groll each had four kills to pace the Friars.

Fenwick names Tony Young boys basketball coach

Is first permanent AfricanAmerican varsity head coach in school history By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

It didn’t take long for Fenwick High School to find fill its vacant boys basketball head coaching position. Tony Young was hired May 6 as the new coach for the Friars. He replaces Staunton Peck, who stepped down April 13 after eight seasons on the staff, including the past three as head coach. In addition to his coaching duties, Young will serve as an assistant athletic director. “Coach Young brings great enthusiasm, experience running a basketball program, and a track record of developing studentathletes on and off the court,” Fenwick athletic director Scott Thies said in a press release. “Fenwick will also benefit greatly from his experience working in various

Young said. “[Then-SIU head leadership roles at the high coach] Chris Lowery invited me to school level.” come back to be his graduate asIn a phone conversation with sistant. We had always talked me Wednesday Journal, Young getting into coaching, and since I said the Fenwick job is one didn’t have a job set up, I took his that is hard to not be interoffer. From there, things took off.” ested in. And he was excited to After SIU, Young went to St. hear from the school during its Louis University, where he said search. he grew as a coach working un“Scott reached out to me and der Rick Majerus and Porter asked if I were interested, and TONY YOUNG Moser. Four seasons later, he beI was 100 percent in. It’s a blesscame coach at East St. Louis High ing to be in this position,” said Young, who recently finished a four-season School, followed by stops at DFW Speer in Chicago and Marmion Academy. stint as head coach at Marmion Academy. As the first permanent African-American Young was a decorated player in high school and college. He was a starter on head coach for any sport in Fenwick history, Schaumburg High School’s 2002 team that he’s proud to join the school at a time where knocked off top-ranked Thornwood in the efforts are being made to increase the numstate championship game. In college, he was ber of minority students and staff and crethe sixth man on the 2004 Southern Illinois ate more diversity. “My passion is watching young men and University team that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. women grow into productive and successUpon graduation, Young was set to play ful citizens, especially those who look like overseas, but then fate led him to coaching. me,” he said. “Fenwick has a mission of di“I got injured. I broke my wrist, and while versifying the school, and I’m more excited I was rehabbing, my contract got canceled,” about that part than the actual basketball. I

believe in what they’re doing.” Young also knows about the tradition of basketball success the Friars have had over the years, and he wants nothing more than to keep it going. To accomplish this, he’ll install a system that gives the players freedom -- with a caveat. “I love doing things the right way, and I’m looking forward to bringing that mentality to this program,” said Young. “I’m not going to let you do whatever you want at the detriment of our team. I’ll let my players have their autonomy as long as they play right, but you’ve got to play defense.” Young credited Peck for building up the program the past few seasons, and with several returning veterans, the potential is there for Fenwick to be very successful next season. He’s eager to get in the gym with the Friars and get to work, and he offered a message to the Fenwick community. “Next year, you’ll see a team that’s motivated and plays its butt off,” Young said. “I want to make sure the kids are proud to represent Fenwick. When we do that, all the other things will fall into place.”

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

@ @OakPark

Metzger twirls perfect game to beat Glenbard West

8 strikeouts for pitcher while retiring 21 straight batters By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

When Oak Park and River Forest High School softball pitcher Cassie Metzger arrived at Glenbard West High School to pitch during the Huskies’ game on May 3, she wasn’t sure how she would fare against the host Hilltoppers. “I was nervous and wondering how I would throw. During warm-ups, I felt good and didn’t think I would throw a bad game,” Metzger said. Not only did she throw a good game, it was perfect. Metzger retired all 21 batters she faced as the Huskies (9-2) blanked Glenbard West 8-0. “I felt decent early on, and then in the fourth inning, I thought to myself, ‘Something’s going on,’” said Metzger, who registered eight strikeouts. “At that point I thought I was going to throw a no-hitter, and I felt excited.” When a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter in Major League Baseball, it’s customary for teammates not to talk to the pitcher or distract them. But that wasn’t the case with Metzger and the Huskies. “Luckily, they didn’t shun me in the dugout,” she said. “[My teammates] came over and said I was throwing pretty good. At the time I didn’t

know, but in retrospect, they were trying to hint at [the perfect game] without saying anything. It was kind of funny.” Usually, a bid for a perfect game is filled with late drama, and this was certainly the case as in the bottom of the seventh, Glenbard West’s leadoff batter went to a 3-1 count before being retired, and the final batter fouled off a pair of 1-2 pitches before lining out to right fielder Bella Reniva. “My heart was beating fast; I didn’t want to screw things up,” said Metzger. “The last pitch was a curveball, and Bella caught it. I told her she saved my perfect game. I’m super pumped about it.” OPRF coach Mel Kolbusz thought Metzger was “really, really good.” “She battled the whole way, especially late,” he said. “She knew by the seventh inning she could do it. There were a couple of times late when I thought Cassie might lose it, but she didn’t. We also made some good defensive plays behind her.” Offensively for OPRF, Maddie Grant belted a pair of homers and Sydney Ross also went yard. Metzger’s perfect game was the start of a hugely successful week for the Huskies as three more wins followed, including a dramatic 11-10 comeback win against Downers Grove North on May 4. Alex Prouty got the win in relief and also starred at the plate with a pair of Homer’s, including a walk-off grand slam.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SPOTLESS: Oak Park and River Forest High School pitcher Carrie Metzger struck out eight and benefited from some timely defense as she set down 21 straight Glenbard West batters on May 3.

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

Join Us in Celebrating 35 Years! Upcoming Programs and Events May 18: Get the Dirt Free Virtual Lecture May 21: Toddler Exploration Time Virtual Program May 22: Plastic Pot Recycling at the Conservatory June 3: Urban Foraging Free Virtual Lecture

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

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

A comeback to remember Ken Trainor, p. 26

Defending District 90

lock scheduling is back in River Forest District 90’s Roosevelt Middle School and the question remains: Is it back because of curriculum or safety? I’m concerned by a persistent lack of transparency on the topic of changes to curriculum and instruction. Last week, some school leaders were champions and others reached new lows. The evidence follows. Two years ago, the D90 Board of Education (BOE) moved to adopt a new schedule that would use four 85-minute periods per day, replacing eight 40-minute periods. Back then, and long before safety concerns over COVID-19, the community was told the schedule would solve for more math instruction, and would come at the expense of foreign language and art. This drew nearly 500 signatures on a community petition and over 160 parents to the unrecorded D90 Community Feedback Session. I know Principal Larry Garstki as a straight shooter. I had one question of him that night: Why all this change now? He no sooner replied “to accommodate the new curriculum” when BOE President Ralph Martire leapt from his seat, stole the mic and changed the subject. Odd behavior given a wonderful opportunity for a school principal to answer questions in front of an audience that rivaled the annual school musical. I was following the topic closely, sensing the disconnect between school and community, and beginning to take heat just for asking questions. It was becoming clear this highperforming district adopted new curricula designed using a teaching theory also new to the district — constructivism. In general, the theory says children learn better when they have more time for ideas that originate with them instead of teachers guiding a lesson. The change was central to the Vision for Equity initiative aimed at reducing the racial predictability of achievement. So far, it’s unclear how this is helping all children. I’ve reported enough on recent academic declines in the district. Now I wonder what might be different if Larry were able to finish his thoughts that evening. Would there have been more discussion? Would there be less confusion and contention today? Instead, the district let the community dawdle over more math time at the expense of art and foreign language. In a packed house, and under pressure from the community, the BOE backed away from block scheduling that would have aligned with curricula already in use — but not for long. Block scheduling had been adopted in February through committee and was up for discussion at the April 16 BOE meeting. There are pros and cons to block scheduling, which you can hear about in the recorded zoom meeting — visit the D90 website and pick up at about 37 minutes. Superintendent Condon speaks of mitigating health risks by limiting mobility. He also said, “We will be doing every-

STEVE LEFKO

See LEFKO on page 31

CREDIT: STARZ

EQUITY: Kendale McCoy in a scene from the 2018 docu-series ‘America to Me.’

R A C E

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Contentious birth of D200 racial equity Part 11 in a 12-part series

Discipline inequities

ultiple developments in the first decade of this millennium helped birth District 200’s racial equity vision and work. In these years, community action led by APPLE (African American Parents for Purposeful Leadership in Education), a state of Illinois review, outside studies, and political discourse around race were as contentious as any period in the history of Oak Park and River Forest High School. These developments all helped move the D200 Board of Education to finally prioritize racial equity in 2009 and center it in the district’s strategic plans of 2014 and 2017. Strong advocacy by APPLE and community allies, regional special education experts, and bold leadership from board members Ralph Lee and Sharon Patchak-Layman were key to developing transformative perspectives on race that were necessary for seriously addressing racial disparities at OPRF. In this process D200 had to move beyond conservative thinking that sought to exonerate OPRF of any responsibility for disturbing racial inequities in discipline, special education, achievement, and classroom culture around curriculum tracking. It also, perhaps surprisingly, required a rejection of the belief proposed by some board members that a “color-blind approach” to overall improvement should frame board goals and plans.

Three historic features of second generation segregation in post-Civil Rights Era integrated schools were especially harmful to African-American students at OPRF —glaring disparities in discipline, the segregation of Black students in lower tracks and special education, and the inequities of rigid curriculum tracking. D200 discipline inequities, where Black students were twice as likely to encounter the discipline system and be punished than white children, elicited a call by APPLE and the Oak Park NAACP for an independent evaluation. In December of 2005, an audit by the office of the West Cook State Department of Education absolved D200 of any discriminatory actions. Wyanetta Johnson from APPLE strongly dissented saying, “The problem isn’t how children are treated once they’re in the system, the problem is what is causing our children to be disciplined disproportionately.” Specifically, the state findings did not look at causes such as cultural differences, or what role racial bias might play in discipline disparities. During the state audit, APPLE and the Citizens Code of Conduct Committee submitted anecdotal evidence and a data analysis, neither of which were accepted or included in the official record of the

JOHN DUFFY

See DUFFY on page 31

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

O U R

A half-inning to remember

V I E W S

Saving Oak Park Hospital

t is nearly impossible to overstate the low ebb Oak Park Hospital had reached in the late 1990s. Under the ownership of the Wheaton Franciscan religious order, the hospital stood alone at a time when alliances between hospitals were becoming common as a way to survive. Oak Park Hospital had a poor reputation for its medical care. Oak Park paramedics reportedly bypassed its emergency room. There had been no investment in the physical plant at Madison and Maple since the 1960s. There had been no money to spend on medical technology. Then in 1997 Rush University Medical Center arrived, crafting a deal with the sisters that gave it full control of operations and finances at the hospital without the burden of owning it. It is also the year that Bruce Elegant arrived as the CEO of Rush’s experiment in satellite hospitals. (Rush took full ownership in 2013.) Now it is 2021 and Elegant is about to retire after nearly a quarter-century at the steady helm of what was renamed Rush Oak Park Hospital. Elegant, with carefully honed support from Big Rush just down the Ike, saved this community hospital. Not only saved but lofted it into a preeminent position among Oak Park-River Forest area hospitals and health providers. Starting in the shadow of a fairly dominant West Suburban Medical Center, Elegant, always competitive, set his sites on overtaking West Sub. He gets credit for pushing Oak Park Hospital ahead while West Sub gets credit for perpetual changes in ownership, leadership and becoming something of a basket case. There’s a lot to be said for staying 24 years in one job, for having a plan and working that plan right up through the building of a state-of-the-art emergency room facility. We have, in specific circumstances, been critical of Elegant and Rush Oak Park. Always it had to do with what we saw as tone-deaf relations with its residential neighborhoods. As Rush made its comeback, its physical growth was necessary and inevitable. That it would at virtually every turn have the implicit backing of Oak Park’s village government for that growth was not a surprise. Both Rush and the village should have done better in listening and communicating with residents. That said, not many people put a decrepit but critical institution on their shoulders and carry it all the way back. Bruce Elegant did that. He deserves credit and thanks. Rush Oak Park Hospital is now a model of how community-based health care thrives within a larger health-care system such as Big Rush. Bruce Elegant, who will continue to teach within the Rush medical management curriculum, was key in creating that model. We wish him the best.

Support independent media Regulars on this page, we hope, know about Wednesday Journal’s transformation into a nonprofit newsroom under the umbrella of Growing Community Media. We’ve asked before and we’ll ask again for your financial investment in our community news. Thanks to so many of you who have become members. Today, though, we’re asking you to think about the Journal as a piece of something bigger, something wonderful, something fragile. That is the ecosystem of independent media across all of Chicago. We’re members of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA). That is 68 miraculous newsrooms doing everything from arts to ethnic media to neighborhood news. We’re in print, digital, video, podcasts. Each of these newsrooms runs on passion, voice and hope. Today CIMA launches its second annual fund drive and it runs for a month. Every dollar — money from donors like you, to the foundations beginning to see the critical importance of community media — goes back into these journalistic ventures. You can direct your donation to specific members or share it among all the members. Go to savechicagomedia.org to find out more about each remarkable newsroom, including ours. We hope you’ll join in supporting this rich media ecosystem.

I don’t normally write about sports, but this week I couldn’t resist: uesday early evening, following deadline, following a nap, I thought about a walk, though the weather looked uninviting — cold, wet, gray. Weather for grass-lovers, I call it. Grass thrives in our chilly, sluggish spring. But I don’t. The town turns into Mudville. But my better angels won out, so I took it in stride and was glad I did. On the return portion of my loop, I passed Euclid and Ontario and heard some commotion from the nearby high school athletic fields. I continued on, then stopped and backtracked. You never know what you’ll find on the ballfields, I told myself, my better angels still in command. In the northeast corner, girls in blue jerseys were playing catch on the sidelines of the softball field. Were they just starting? I wondered. No, just warming up for the bottom of the seventh inning. I couldn’t see the scoreboard from my post outside the fence on Linden Street, a good distance from the diamond, but I knew if the home team was still playing in the bottom of the last inning, the game was either tied or they were behind. I was hoping for the former, and things started out well. The leadoff hitter slapped a solid single up the middle and was immediately replaced by a “courtesy” runner (curious term), who was speedy enough to advance to second base on a passed ball, and quick enough to advance to third on the ensuing ground out. One out, runner on third. The next batter also poked a single up the middle and the runner scored. No wild celebrations, so the home team must be losing. The next batter hit another hard grounder, which the second baseman knocked down, but the runner on first was fast enough to beat the throw to second base. Two on. So far, so good. A strikeout was followed by a single through the left side of the infield. The runner on second was held at third, indicating they were more than one run behind. No use taking a chance on being thrown out at home. Two outs, bases loaded. Next up was OPRF’s pitcher, Alex Prouty. Pitcher vs. pitcher, mano a mano, game on the line. Quickly, she was in a hole with two strikes. The opposing pitcher, going for the kill, windmilled and delivered and, as they like to say, Prouty got all of it. A long drive, deep to left field, going, going … you know where this is going and so did the opposing team. It cleared the left field fence by plenty and also cleared the bases. There is only one occasion when a runner

lands on home plate with both feet simultaneously and disappears into a swarm of jubilant teammates and that would be a walk-off homer to win the game. When a batter comes to the plate with two outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the last inning, there is only one image running through every spectator’s brain, and when it actually happens, it feels like a small miracle. You wonder if you’re still imagining. But the wild celebration at home plate confirmed it. A five-run comeback win in the bottom of the seventh. There was joy in Mudville after all. But the celebrating didn’t last long. The two teams gave each other a sociallydistanced, sportsmanlike wave instead of the usual long line of handshakes, which was merciful for the Mustangs of Downers Grove South in their moment of crushed hope. But for the Huskies, it was business as usual, time to groom the field and lower a portion of the outfield fence, albeit with smiles on their faces. They called out to Prouty’s family, milling nearby: “She gets dinner tonight!” Which sounds odd, but presumably they meant the dinner of her choice. I still had no idea what the final score was, so I ambled over to the family and asked. “The score was 11-10,” I was told. “My granddaughter hit the home run!” Prouty made her family proud. I was profuse in my congratulations. Everyone should have a moment like this in high school. Most don’t, of course, but Alex Prouty did. And it wouldn’t have happened except for the six previous hitters (and one pinch-runner) who set it all up for her. If this column makes it into your scrapbook, Alex, and you read it years from now, as great as that walk-off grand slam was, I hope it doesn’t even crack your top 20 all-time highlights in life. On the other hand, Prouty is a senior and after two pandemic springs, this is quite a moment to savor with just weeks till graduation. It will certainly crack her list of top 20 high school highlights. I count myself lucky. This was my first halfinning of girls high school softball. Ever. It confirms my notion that if you hear commotion in the general vicinity of the high school athletic fields, walk on by. You might find yourself on the receiving end of an energy infusion. It’s happened to me twice now (OPRF’s marching band was the other). I headed home with spring in my step. And in the future if I ever find myself going back and forth about whether to go for a spring, early-evening walk? I’m taking that walk.

KEN

TRAINOR

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

by Marc Stopeck

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

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

Growing Community Media

Oak Park: ‘affluent’ or ‘sophisticated’?

n 2014, during coverage of the Bali murder case, national media referred to “the affluent suburb of Oak Park.” As I heard that adjective — affluent — I raised an eyebrow of mild surprise and skepticism. Later, I considered that it might be a fair socioeconomic demographic descriptor of our village. But I don’t believe we Oak Parkers are comfortable with being called “affluent.” There are people, including in certain places in Chicago and in Lake or DuPage counties, who actually want to be perceived as affluent. There one may find folks sporting $10,000 Rolex watches, or wearing expensive fur coats, or driving $95,000 sports cars, or discussing the relative merits of the Caribbean Island each went to last winter. That’s not Oak Park’s style. Now, enter on the scene some interesting businesses in Oak Park. Particularly in what the OPRF Chamber of Commerce refers to as “The Pleasant Business District.” As I write these words, I am savoring a bottle of Italian red wine that I bought at Anfora Wine Merchants. It’s from Sicily, a fine Gulfi Cerasoulo di Vittoria from 2017. It set me back somewhere between $25 and $30. Other wines in that Italian/Sicilian Red section of the store cost around the same or more. I have to say, it’s a really excellent wine. The vast majority of the wines for sale at Anfora are Italian. It appears to be positioning itself as a wine store that specializes in wine from one part of the

world: Italy. Just a few steps to the north of Anfora one finds the Italian restaurant Victory. The restaurant’s menu features a private wine collection, which includes wines costing as much as $495 per bottle — unusual for an Oak Park restaurant. Of course, for a few years now we’ve had the delightful Carnivore, a small butcher and fishmonger shop selling top-quality fresh meat and seafood. I go there mostly for fish, but I have also had their delicious steaks. It can be a bit on the expensive side: one of those big juicy steaks might price out at $56. Question: will people of Oak Park feel uncomfortable patronizing the kinds of shops and restaurants whose prices are out of reach of those who are not affluent? Will Oak Parkers who actually are affluent and could easily afford $300 bottles of wine, and $80 apiece steaks feel improperly ostentatious flaunting their class privilege in such a manner? My answer? We will tell ourselves that discernment of, and investment in, a high-quality food and wine experience is an indicator of our worldly sophistication; it’s not a crass display like furs or jewelry. I think these high-end wine and food emporia and restaurants will do just fine in Oak Park. And oddly enough they will comfortably co-exist with continued handwringing that we need to be a more economically diverse community of households and not an “affluent” community. Christopher Damon, a 34-year Oak Park resident, was a member of Oak Park Public Library Board from 1993 to 1997.

CHRISTOPHER DAMON One View

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

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@ wjinc.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘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)

■ Signature details as at left

your connection to the topic

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

H O W

T O

R E A C H

U S

ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media, NFP.

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

D O O P E R ’ S

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M E M O R I E S

The many methods my teachers used

hen I was in high school, my teachers presented the course material in their own special way. My plane geometry teacher used the Socratic Method, which involved asking questions in a systematic way intended to help students organize and reveal their understanding of theorems, axioms and postulates, but above all to learn the thinking process needed to solve proofs. The Socratic Method was also used by my sophomore English teacher as she led us through the meaning of each poem we read. My English literature teacher used the Socratic Method to help us understand Shakespearean plays, Chaucer and the eight novels we studied. Many did not participate very well when this technique was used, but my Engish Lit teacher operated on a point system, so if a student either could not or would not respond when called upon, the teacher would subtract points from the student’s overall grade.

It didn’t take long for most students to get with the program. There were three or four “A” students in the class who ended up with “C” or “D” grades because they thought they would overcome point deficits by scoring high on the occasional tests the teacher gave. On the other hand, some “C” students received an “A” because they realized that the only grade that counted was the recitation grade. My teacher wanted to know how we analyzed literature and not how well we could parrot facts. The lecture method was used in my world history class, and lecture-demonstration was used by my physics teacher. The lecture method trained me to write down nearly word for word what the teacher was saying. This really gave me an advantage when I went to college. Recitation and discussion were used in American history, first-year English and American literature. The idea was to involve students actively in communicating to other classmates what they understood about the

JOHN

STANGER

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

lesson. Many tests were also given The drill technique was used in the first two years of Latin, consisting of vocabulary, conjugations and declensions. I thought this process was torture, and I felt that my Latin teacher took pride in the fact that she could grind Latin into us. By the time I got to third- and fourthyear Latin, I learned how valuable the drills had been when we translated and read the Latin classics — Caesar, Virgil, Ovid and Cicero. The translations were not difficult because those of us who continued in Latin realized we had been superbly trained in the foundations of this ancient language. In second semester of first-year English, my teacher used the test-teach-test method. The teacher would administer an initial test on the grammar we were going to study to determine what we knew. He would follow this with instruction on our weak areas discovered in the initial test and after a week or two of teaching to our weak areas, he would conclude with a final test to determine how well we had learned the material. I learned from each of these methods, and I used some of these techniques in my own classrooms.

I just read your piece on the Maze Library [Maze: A storybook place to dream, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, April 21]. Yes, it is such a little gem. When I moved to Oak Park in 1995, I had just gotten divorced, was trying to figure out what my new life would be like, but had a brother who lived in Oak Park and a best friend in River Forest. When I landed in an apartment on East Avenue just south of Rehm Park, I went to the Maze one evening and I don’t know if I started crying but I remember feeling that the world was again full of possibility. That fireplace. Those chairs! The comfortable, easy atmosphere of readers and meanderers and parents with kids — it was heavenly. Indeed, that and the Conservatory down the street, and Rehm Park where Byron swam most of his boyhood were the centerpieces of my life for quite a while. You hit the nail right on the head. Thank you for that story!

Diane Scott

Oak Park

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

memorable moment in my life occurred when I heard Billy Collins in an interview with Terry Gross on her NPR show Fresh Air. Terry was interviewing Collins, our poet laureate, 2001-03, about his views on 9/11 which had occurred a few months before. Paraphrasing, Collins responded to Terry by saying we would know that as a nation we are recovering from this great tragedy, which took the lives nearly 3,000 people, when we collectively feel gratitude. Would Collins once again cite gratitude as a virtue to be cultivated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already taken almost 600,000 lives? Relief, maybe, at least for those of us lucky enough to be vaccinated, but not gratitude. After all, with deaths continuing to rise by the day, there is a good chance that Americans have lost a loved one or will soon. Why feelings of gratitude and not safety, relief or anxiety? What is there to be grateful for? That we’ve so far survived the virus? What about those who have not? I am taking Billy Collins’ words as a springboard to explore the question, “What is gratitude, anyway?” In searching for information on the meaning of gratitude, I found this quote from the Roman philosopher and statesman, Marcus Tullius Cicero: “Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others.”

The Daly Bagel 130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park (708) 613-5263

V I E W P O I N T S

Gratitude during the pandemic I take him to mean other virtues like courage, love, generosity, which need gratitude as their base. Cicero was not only a philosopher but a statesman. His view of the human condition was grounded in the practicalities of everyday life. Indeed, his quote spurred me even more to write about the subject of gratitude. In my search for information on the relevance of gratitude, I have come across experts in psychology, philosophy and religion who have written about the subject — as well the economist familiar as the father of capitalist theory, Adam Smith. I found this article by Gregory Rodriguez on the subject of gratitude in the Los Angeles Times (date not listed): “But perhaps most compelling are the words of Adam Smith [Theory of Moral Sentiment, 1759]. … Smith considered gratitude to be a crucial source of social civility and stability. He wrote that the duties of gratitude are perhaps the most sacred of all those which the beneficent virtues prescribe to us. ... He even seemed to understand that the cold calculations of a market economy sometimes undermined the conditions that gave rise to the spontaneous expression of thanks.” Another article, “Gratitude the Parent of Virtues,” echoes Cicero’s words.

“Throughout history, gratitude has been given a central position in religious and philosophical theories. The importance of gratitude has been a fundamental focus of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Almost all of the Biblical psalms focus on the expression of gratitude toward God.” (Emmons & Crumpler, 2000) “In all likelihood, our propensity for gratitude really does have deep evolutionary roots, and it will be up to us to find out how deep they go.” (Melanie Schak, “Big Ideas,” Feb. 2, 2017) These describe the importance of gratitude not only for an individual but also for the well-being of a society. They reiterate Billy Collins’ words. And I think they are important right now in the middle of the pandemic. As a country we need to find gratitude in these times. For me, the importance was highlighted during the time of our country’s previous political leadership when I tended to feel depressed, oppressed and obsessed with current affairs. I kept thinking I shouldn’t read so much in the newspapers and listen so much to NPR, which would only trigger my trilogy of misery. This is what many of my friends have done. When I tried to engage them in an “Ain’t it awful” conversation, many respond, “I don’t watch the news or follow

JOE MCDONALD One View

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today’s political controversies.” I needed to do something to calm my anger and anxiety — feelings antithetical to gratitude — which comes from following the news. One of the ways I restore feelings of gratitude is through meditation. My favorite guru is Sharon Salzberg whose many meditations are available on YouTube. One, titled “Loving Kindness,” helps me reduce my upset-ness about current affairs. She leads you to feel gratitude for your life and others in the world, even those you don’t know. I frequently think of Barack Obama who brought so much hope into my life. Much has been written about gratitude regarding cause and effect. Does feeling better cause gratitude or does gratitude cause feeling better? As Sonya Lyuybomirsky et alia writes in Psychology (2005), “It seems logical that people who have more success in life will feel more gratitude. This is not as clear cut as it seems, as considerable research has shown that people very rapidly adapt to new circumstances, and return to their baseline emotional levels: lottery winners are no happier one year after their win. Wealth is only slightly related to happiness ...” I hope the words of Billy Collins and others have convinced you of the importance of feeling collective gratitude during these long days of the pandemic. Joe McDonald is a longtime Oak Park resident.

One Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting at The Daly Bagel! thedalybagel.com

Among the many celebrating the occasion: Amanda Daly, the incredible staff of the Daly Bagel, and her awesome supportive family! Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Weil Foot & Ankle Clinic; Shana Rutten Taveras, Blackout Baking; Pat Koko, Celebrating Seniors Coalition; Teri Miller, Beyond Hunger; Jonathan Biag, Escape Factor; Darien Marion-Burton, D.M. Burton; Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank; Theresa Jurgus, Baird & Warner; Robert Feeley, Personalization House; Heidi Ruehle, Unity Temple Restoration Foundation; Cliff Osborn, Jack Carpenter Realtors; Cam Davis, Village of Oak Park; Liz Holt & Mark For your own ribbon cutting contact us on oprfchamber.org Walden, OPRF Chamber of Commerce. Photos: Todd Bannor, Bannor & Bannor.

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An inspirational day While Religious Education class looked different for the 2020-21 year, God was still at work in amazing ways, most especially on Confirmation day back on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Ascension Parish. The multiple Confirmation liturgies I have attended throughout my life are always reason for celebration, as a group of people are sealed in the Holy Spirit. Yet there was even more reason to celebrate at those liturgies that day because we, as a community of faith, made Confirmation happen even in the midst of a pandemic. We did our part to help prepare youths for this day. And then we got everything arranged according to protocols and gathered on Feb. 6. It was a blessing to stand before the gathered

LEFKO

assembly and announce the names of my Religious Education students. It was an experience of grace and triumph in a difficult time in our world. Those aspects of life that truly matter most in life shined forth brightly, rising above any difficulties that might dash our hope. Even as we long for the end of not only this pandemic but all the evils and ills of the world, we rejoice that God is still alive and at work in our world, like through the young people professing their faith and being sealed in the Holy Spirit. That is our hope, the hope in which we are saved, and in which we live now. It was truly an inspirational day.

D200 AND EQUITY Slow progress

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

Paul Rubio Oak Park

Transparency and community trust from page 25 thing in our power at all three schools to be limiting the number of interactions kids have, particularly the first half of the coming school year.” Later Principal Garstki said, “The schedule [next year] will look very similar to the way it is right now” and identifies a current gap in teacher training for this kind of instruction. Curriculum Director Allison Hawley volunteered that the curriculum in use now for math and science requires 60 minutes, reading and writing 90 minutes, and said, “It’s helpful that we have a schedule that is evolving to support that kind of instruction.” Yes, I think she said teachers have had 40 minutes, maybe for a couple years, to teach curricula designed for 60 to 90 minutes because the community wanted

sweeping changes to special education beginning in 2010 with the new superintendent, Stephen Isoye, and a new head of special education, Tina Halliman.

from page 25

Clinging to old patterns

state investigation. By 2007, APPLE’s discipline study was expanded to include racial injustices in OPRF’s special education practices. In November of 2007, APPLE presented a disturbing memorandum: “Segregation, Outplacement and Noncompliance: How OPRFHS Violates Federal & State Special Education Laws, Harming Students, Families and Taxpayers.” It was a sweeping 41page indictment of how the school’s special education was in violation of federal and state protections for Black children. It was a compelling plea advocating not just for the rights of Black children but all children, including those with disabilities. The memorandum accused D200 of serious problems needing immediate reform: • placing a disproportionate number of African-American students in a segregated separate classroom in violation of guidelines for least-restrictive learning settings • outplacing students, including more Black children than any high school in Illinois to alternative schools at a cost of $2.87 million per year • over-identifying African-American children as having emotional disturbances and segregating them from the regular education classroom • failing to adequately prepare special education and regular-ed teachers for teaching in an inclusive classroom As a consequence of APPLE’S work a possible federal intervention loomed — the exact fear required to begin best practices in special education and disabilities rights which most high schools in the region had already put in place. Unlike other critical studies of OPRF, the APPLE report led to

The previous superintendent, Attila Weninger, arrived in 2007, replacing Susan Bridge. With new equity-focused board members Ralph Lee, an African American, and former D200 teacher, Sharon Patchak Layman, who served eight years on the District 97 and District 200 boards, and John Allen, the board continued slow-moving deliberations to address achievement inequities. To move that work forward, Weninger quickly laid out a plan involving over 60 initiatives, some new, but most in existence already. All but a few proposals continued the OPRF tradition of isolated remediation of Black students. From the start, Weninger premised his plan with politically and historically naïve assertions — claims that nonetheless appealed to status-quo thinking still clearly present in the community. He argued to not look backward and to end the rancor around how to resolve racial disparities. Perhaps most troubling for equity allies was his assertion that OPRF had no role to play in achievement disparities, that all was well with the school. In four short months Weninger concluded the source of achievement disparities was that too many students were unprepared to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities OPRF offered. APPLE and other racial equity allies found Weninger’s plan a non-starter. Most problematically, the plan amplified a perspective some board members began simultaneously to advance — to wrap any plan to address achievement in a color-blind ideology, insisting that race should not apply, that a plan should exclude reference to any racial or ethnic group. Weninger was

to save foreign language and art. Last, in a scene mimicking the Martire micgrab, BOE President Rich Moore exercised his authority saying, “Number one, we’re doing this as a mitigating circumstance … the communication needs to be out there. As you’ve said it very clearly here, it is a mitigating circumstance.” He seems to direct attention away from curriculum matters discussed by Garstki and Hawley, never mentions recent academic decline, and instead points exclusively to safety as the reason for change. The meeting covers the pros and cons, but makes a mess of explaining why. Is it curriculum or safety? The evidence begins years ago and it piles up here, when the BOE, the superintendent, the curriculum director, and the school principal still can’t provide a consistent explanation for why block scheduling now. When transparency leaves the school, so does community trust. (https://district90-org.zoom.us/rec/play/ wLuMkGQnoYBo8fzu4xpZ7L2ZgCzkMRrYmsWbsyEbcEil9zTL4cgpb41sM4UPSwoS0bLKpVIr-c4L904Y.tLSUJQNgvDFWklOe)

37 years of APPLE advocacy to be impacting other students, African-American Parents especially those enrolled in for Purposeful Leadership in special education programs in Education (APPLE) is an adD200. vocacy group formed in 1984. APPLE acted in collaboration In its first years, it was comwith many allies over the years. posed of parents and students The assistance and support of OPRF High School and Disfrom the community as well as trict 97 elementary schools and state and local political leaders members of the community. have always been important to Early in its history it focused advancing APPLE’s goals for on providing academic, culBURCY HINES all students in Oak Park. tural and emotional support for With multiple allies, APPLE students. Other goals included winning access for Black students to col- was indispensable in getting the Racial Eqlege prep, Advanced Placement, and gifted uity Policy and Procedures and the Access education courses offered in both districts. for All equity curriculum reform now beAlthough APPLE’s primary focus was the ing implemented in D200. After 37 years, the APPLE organization African-American student, to this day it has included the needs of other ethnic is proud to say, “We did it and we lived to groups as well. see our goals implemented.” Moving forward, APPLE’s goals began to Burcy Hines is a lifelong member of lean toward inclusion of the African Amer- APPLE and was president in 2014-2015. ican so they had a feeling of belonging and She worked on the critique and challenges saw OPRF as their school too. APPLE then APPLE brought forth to end the OPRF began to re-direct its work on behalf of discipline and special education inequities those students who were “excluded” be- described in Part 11 of the series “Race and cause of their race and ethnicity. APPLE Education in Oak Park.” She currently also discovered that the problem which leads the D200 work of the Campaign to African Americans encountered appeared Hire More Teachers of Color. following a reactionary national discourse claiming race was no longer a factor in our lives, that America was in a post-racial world. It was a perspective outrageously out of sync with the reality of students and families, regardless of their racial identity. Carl Spight decried the Weninger Plan’s claim that the district focused too much on “the gap” and not on solutions. The esteemed APPLE leader and OPRF researcher asserted, “What we have suffered from is too little insight, too little assessment, not enough truth-telling, and too little ac-

countability.” Most importantly, Spight rebuked Weninger for failing to recognize the persistent structural and cultural barriers that contribute to “two OPRFs,” one for high-achieving students, the other limiting the learning opportunity of AfricanAmerican and other students. It was a racial critique as old as American public education. And it is finally being boldly addressed with today’s Access for All freshman curriculum restructuring.

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

Educating parents on mental health

’ve been doing some research for a paper at OPRF High School. What started as research into how men’s mental health is being neglected, turned into finding out that neglected men’s mental health impacts men and women, children, and society as a whole. If society can teach men a better way, it can change how their actions affect society. The beginning of the problem is when men are boys, just starting to grow up and learning how to live. They get told to “man up” or “walk it off ” when they get hurt or are sad. Boys are always being told they need to be strong and independent and because their parents are not teaching them what being strong and independent means, they perceive it in their own way. Lots of boys grow into men perceiving strong and independent as physically strong and not getting help. They think they have to do everything on their own and that others helping them means they are weak and need to depend on others to survive in this world, which contradicts the independent part their parents are teaching them. When they are told to be strong, they see people getting muscles and being able to fight and they think that’s what it means to be strong, so over time some boys start to work out to get strong physically and learn to fight. They start to show aggression and do not express their feelings. They just bottle it up until it comes out as anger. That can result in aggression toward others or even toward themselves. Society can change this mindset. They should be taught to depend on others a little more. Men should be raised knowing that a therapist can help them understand themselves. Parents should be educated on how to support their kids and provide resources so they can grow their mental stability. There are a lot of mental health services such as Amita Health and Thrive Counseling Center. Thrive, for example, is helpful with a bunch of recourses such as a mental health crisis hotline, suicide prevention hotline, and scheduled counseling (https://www.thrivecc.org/what-we-do/). Organizations such as Thrive are a great example of how society can help our kids grow into men who don’t think they are going to be seen as weak if they ask for help. If they grow up knowing there are people who can help them and talk to them about their feelings, then that can reduce the risk of built-up emotions. Society can help by normalizing men, talking about their feelings to either someone they trust or mental health professionals. Aggression can lead to hurting a friend or someone they are in a relationship with or even random people they do not know. They could be aggressive toward their spouse or kids by hitting them. They could start to take out their aggression in other ways, like some messed up people could go to rape or sexual abuse or even suicide, according to the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (https://opdv.ny.gov/professionals/ abusers/genderandipv.html#note75). Men make up 97% of the domestic abusers in heterosexual relationships. Around 20% of marriages have domestic violence included in them. Domestic violence is more than just abuse. Around 29% of domestic abuse is domestic violence. Another problem is that men are committing suicide and not getting a chance to talk to a mental health professional. A study shows that around 75 to 83% of successful suicides in the United States are men. A reason for that could be that more females have contact with a mental health professional at some point in their life. It’s important that society starts paying more attention to men’s mental health, acting on it and raising our kids to pay attention to their mental health. Parents should educate themselves on resources about how to deal with their kid’s mental health and normalize the idea that men can talk about their feelings. If men can express their feelings and not just hide it away and keep it to themselves, everyone can feel safe and connected. Society can be connected through feelings and support for one another. Everyone can feel safe because men will be less violent and more empathetic. It is necessary for parents to be educated and informed on how to raise children to talk about their feelings and feel like part of society. Konrad Mahler is a freshman at OPRF High School.

KONRAD MAHLER One View

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Deer over-population Recently, Ms. Laurie Gillard wrote a Viewpoints letter concerning deer “culling” (a milder word than “killing”). [What you should know about deer management, May 5] She saw the practice as normalizing gun violence. I agree with her, but unfortunately, there seems to be no solution relative to the over-population of deer roaming outside of the Forest Preserves. During this past year’s dreadful and isolating pandemic, one of the few experiences I enjoyed was viewing the beautiful, graceful deer wander through Thatcher Woods. Observing their family activities was a treat. The mother deer were never distant from their young, in contrast to the one majestic large buck who stood watching over the group, from a distance.

The young lively deer would often linger close to our car as long as we were still and quiet. They seemed to expect we humans would feed them, which we did not. These deer (or their “relatives”) had already consumed the hosta plants growing in the garden at my house. Furthermore, I did not appreciate the “thank you” notes they left behind! This nuisance, however, did not influence me to favor the “culling” of these handsome creatures of nature. I lack knowledge of how best to care for these vegetarian deer and the overpopulation problem, but would it be possible to inject a few females with birth control substances as an alternative to slaughter/ culling?

Harriet Hausman River Forest

Opposed to proposed Austin building We the undersigned are in opposition to the proposed apartment building at 7 Van Buren in Oak Park. We are a diverse neighborhood of individuals who live among numerous apartment buildings with mixed-income units, and we fully support the notion of affordable housing. However, while we share David Pope’s vision of “integrated affordability,” this proposed structure is inappropriate for the chosen site. Planned at six stories plus a roof deck, the proposed building would not only dwarf the surrounding apartments, condos, and houses nearby but would be twice as tall as any other building on Austin Boulevard in Oak Park. This structure, planned to contain 44 units but only 18 parking spaces, would drastically increase parking congestion. By overcrowding the

neighborhood, the building would permanently inconvenience everyone in the area, including the new residents. In conclusion, this structure would be out of proportion to the surrounding buildings and inconsistent with neighborhood aesthetics.

Frank Vozak, Terry Rymer, Theresa Carilli, Jane Campbell, Ashly Speakman, James Gilchrist, Susan Gilchrist, Warren Jepson, Maria Jepson, Judith Eldridge, Juliana Schneider, Kevin Kell, Joe Darnaby, Anna Winters, Joann Umeki, Ronald Winters, Elizabeth Rexford, Jerry Hellman, Tim McCoy, Jeanne McCoy, Merle Tillery, Donald Tillery, Barbara Metric, Jeb Metric, Brad Antonacci, Penny Antonacci, Christi Dallam, Phillip Keeku, Colleen Keeku, Mike Austin, Amanda Austin, Sarah Hammer, John Linehan Oak Park

Equity and its discontents Equity, thy name is results! Whatever it takes! Maverick philosopher” Bill Vallicella: “‘Equity,’ as currently used, refers to equality of outcome. It could be achieved in a footrace by attaching weights to runners so as to ensure that they all cross the finish line at the same time. One would thereby purchase the benefit of envy-free equality of result at the cost of excellence and high achievement. Would it be worth it?” It’s the burning question of the day. Bill: “And then there is the question of who would attach the weights and how they would go about doing so. Would they not have to be unequal in power and authority to those equalized to bring

about the latter’s equality of result?” Say what? Bill: “I suspect that those who support ‘equity’ imagine themselves as among the equalizers and not the equalized, just as those who are for central planning think of themselves as among the central planners and not the centrally planned.” Leaving us with a rule to go by: Bill: “The means to the achievement of ‘equity’ are far worse than ‘equity’ is good.” It would seem so.

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

Helping the homeless see better days

orest Park is home to a sizable number of students from Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine. Thanks to a nonprofit organization called Better Days Community Outreach Services, these students are becoming even more closely connected to our community. Better Days is an organization dedicated to helping the homeless. It partners with Loyola students and uses Forest Park as a staging area for preparing and distributing food to the less fortunate. It started, though, with students being the recipients. The founder, Pastor Joyce Smith, works with medical students in her capacity as Loyola’s assimilation education coordinator. In December 2020, she talked with a student named Jessica Simpson about distributing gift cards to students, who are often pressed for time and money when it comes to preparing meals. They were grateful for the cards. Jessica, though, didn’t want to be only on the receiving end. She suggested that Pastor Joyce use her home on the 1400 Block of Elgin as a site for food preparation and pickup. Jessica organized schedules for 70 students to pick up free groceries and help on homeless care days. They set up folding tables in the snow, where the students could safely collect their groceries. They used these same tables to put together care packages for the homeless. The packages include fresh produce donated by Imperfect Foods, sandwiches prepared by the students and health supplies like hand sanitizer and masks. Jessica has always had a heart for the homeless. As a

young girl, she would cry at the sight of a homeless person. She still gets emotional. It makes her feel good to prepare PB&J and cold-cut sandwiches and distribute them to the needy. Students pick up their groceries on the third Saturday of each month and help the homeless on the fourth Saturday. When Jessica became too busy to organize the operation, her classmate, Aaron Perlow, stepped up. He moved the operation to his home on the 7600 block of Monroe. Aaron considers it a privilege to help the homeless. He sees an extreme need for food among the homeless in the western suburbs. He is the Better Days point man for locating the homeless. Aaron scours areas in Forest Park and Oak Park where the homeless congregate. This includes the CTA stations and expressway entrance ramps. Local police officers are also helpful in directing him to the homeless. When Aaron approaches, they can be apprehensive at first. They are grateful, though, for the food and even more thankful for the conversation. In a recent talk with a homeless man, Aaron learned he was trying to return to his native Florida. Aaron plans to purchase the bus ticket he needs. As the weather warms, it’s tougher to locate the homeless. So on April 24, the students made sandwiches and brought them to a “tent city” at Chicago and Sacramento. Pastor Joyce was with them to prepare the grocery bags and pass them out. Prior to founding Better Days in 2015, she was a legal assistant at Loop law firms. After obtaining her master’s degree in Human Services, she switched to the

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HOPE FOR BETTER DAYS: Students from Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine organize food in Forest Park for Better Days, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless. medical field. She is now in her eighth year at Loyola. Pastor Joyce operates Better Days out of her home in Calumet City. She is also an assistant pastor at New Beginning Worship Center in Thornton. To support Pastor Joyce in her ministry, you can make a PayPal donation at betterdaysoutreach.com. If you would like to help pack grocery bags and distribute them to the homeless, you can email Pastor Joyce at betterdayscos2015@ gmail.com. The students will supply the folding tables.

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Encouraging the reluctant to vaccinate

If, as polls suggest, 20-30% of Americans refuse to be vaccinated, the pandemic will not go away, but will become endemic, and this plague will last forever. There is a simple solution to this problem, however. Anyone who wants to attend an indoor mass gathering or fly in a plane must show proof of vaccination. Some may have genuine concern about the safety of the vaccines. The science is no longer in doubt — over 100

million Americans have been vaccinated. We feel great! Nevertheless, everyone must do their own costbenefit analysis. Do the benefits outweigh the risk? Some refuse to be vaccinated because they believe that their rights outweigh those of society in general. Fine, you can choose not to be vaccinated, but you do not have the right to kill your fellow Americans by infecting them with a deadly disease. Similarly, you may choose to

‘Donate 25’ had an impact

drive drunk, and I personally don’t care if you run into a tree, but you do not have the right to kill other drivers or pedestrians. Yes, you have the “right” to refuse to be vaccinated, but this choice prohibits you from participating in group activities where your ignorant choice endangers others. This is the risk-benefit analysis we all must do.

I’m not on Facebook but just learned from my husband that a lady posted on FB that, in response to my “Donate 25” letter, she donated her entire check from the government ($1,400) to Hephzibah House. And she said that she didn’t trust the post office, so she immediately wrote the check and walked it over to them. I’m stunned and heartened by her action. Imagine what a word from your paper could do. That news made my day.

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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O B I T U A R I E S

Alvin Ho, 45

Kathleen Feulner, 71

Alvin Ho, 45, of Oak Park, died unexpectedly on May 2, 2021. Born in Toledo, Ohio on June 11, 1975, he also lived in Iowa and Illinois until he left the Midwest for New York City to pursue his master’s degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. During grad school summers, he worked on an archeological dig in Pompeii, forming strong friendships, and a robust love of travel. Back in New York, he worked as an architect and reveled in all the city had to offer: running in the NYC marathon; escaping the city to camp with friends; and scoping out all the best restaurants. While playing on a championship-winning dodgeball team in Queens, he fell in love with (and later married) the team MVP. Life took him back to the Midwest to raise a family closer to his parents. He and Rebecca settled in the wonderful community of Oak Park. He loved traveling with his young family, sharing with them his wanderlust and sense of adventure. Experiencing life with Marian and Malcolm brought him much joy. In 2020, he changed careers to become a stayat-home pandemic dad, overseeing Zoom Kindergarten and providing much-appreciated support at his parents’ restaurant, Shan-Li’s in Aurora. He traveled the world and cherished his time with family and friends. And though his time with us was far too short, we were all touched by his kindness, generosity, sharp sense of humor, and love of adventure. Alvin was the husband of Rebecca; the father of Marian and Malcolm; the son of Henry and Shirley; the brother of Angie (Ken); and the uncle and friend of many. A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St. in Oak Park. A reception for family and friends will follow at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 545 S. East Ave. in Oak Park. Please be advised that masks are required. Because we are in unprecedented times, capacity is limited for the celebration of life ceremony and reception. We ask that you RSVP with a headcount for your group so that we can plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding and love. https://forms.gle/ LPDAzWiQNjL15qh37 In lieu of flowers, donations to Marian’s and Malcolm’s college funds can be sent via Zelle or Venmo to Marian.and.Malcolm@ gmail.com. We also invite you to send stories of Alvin to this email account to share with Marian and Malcolm to keep the memory of their father alive. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Kathleen M. Feulner, 71, of Oak Park, formerly of Forest Park, died on April 23, 2021 following a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia. Born on Aug. 15, 1949 in Chicago to Tony and Lois Feulner, she grew up in Cicero, attending St. Frances of Rome School, Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, and Loyola University where she was awarded a degree in Political Science. She had a long and successful career working for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She enjoyed traveling around the world with friends and family and made friends wherever she went. An ardent volunteer at St. Catherine/St. Lucy Church, she helped wherever it was needed. She loved music and was a dedicated soprano in both choirs at St. Catherine’s for over 40 years. Kathy is survived by Terry Feulner and his wife, Joy; Judi Kukral and her husband, Bill; her nieces, Wendy Wyatt and Kim Vetter; many great-nieces and -nephews; and one great-great-nephew. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna–St. Lucy Church, 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery is private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish are appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Preservation architect

St. Catherine-St. Lucy parishioner

Eddie Jovan, 92

Avid athlete and philanthropist Constantine “Eddie” J. Jovan of Oak Park, 92, died peacefully on May 1, 2021. The son of the late James and Esther Jovan (Pappadakos), he was born Dec. 14, 1928, the second of three brothers, and grew up in Beverly and Oak Park. He attended Oak Park and River Forest High School, where he served as co-captain of the football team. Soon after graduating, he served in the Korean War. He delivered medical supplies on the battlefield and was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class on the 38th parallel. Upon return from service, he managed the family motion picture theatre business. During this time, he earned a real estate bro-

kerage license, picked up flying as a hobby, and earned a pilot’s license. Other hobbies included jogging, swimming, tennis, deepsea fishing, and boating. He had a genuine love for art. An active investor and longtime member of the Chicago Athletic Association, he prided himself on being an avid and dedicated athlete. He provided athletic routine advice to many, including attorneys, judges, politicians, and professional football players. He belonged to and frequented the Illinois Athletic Club, the Union League Club, and the Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club. A longtime resident of Oak Park, he vacationed at his home on Lake Geneva and enjoyed vacationing and fishing with family and friends in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Michigan. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported Catholic Charities, Big Sisters of Chicago, Providence-St. Mel School, and other organizations. Eddie is survived by his brother, William “Bill” Jovan; his sister-in-law, Mary Alice Jovan (Rankin); his nieces, Julie Jovan Sheerin (Patrick) and Heather Joyce Ebbott; his nephews, Fran Joyce and Peter Joyce; his great-nephews Judge Greyson Sheerin and Jackson Jovan Sheerin; and his sisterin-law Carol Joyce. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654 or to Big Sisters of Chicago, P.O. Box 5728, River Forest, IL 60305. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Thomas Landa, 66 River Forest resident

Thomas James Landa, 66, of River Forest, formerly of Oak Park, died on April 21, 2021. Born on May 9, 1954, he attended St. Eulalia Grammar School, St. Joseph High School and Triton College. A devoted father,

he was actively involved in all of his children’s schools through sports, school board, coaching and everything in between at Ascension School, Trinity High School and St. Ignatius College Prep. He had a fond love for his high school, St. Joe’s, and loved attending any game and connecting with all his alumni friends. Tom Landa was the husband of Mary Pat (nee Kane); the father of Margaret, Emily and Robert; the brother of Ronald (Barbara), Kenneth (Sharon), Mary Elizabeth (the late John Delaughter), Jeanne (Kenneth) Rossal, and David (Donna) Landa; the uncle, cousin and friend of many; and the son of the late Frederick Charles and Mary Helene (nee Supej) Landa. A celebration of life will be held at Ascension Church, but due to COVID restrictions, only invited family and friends will gather. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ascension Church and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (ccalliance.org). Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Burke Shipley, 97 Quaker, UIC professor

(John) Burke Shipley, 97, a resident of Oak Park since 1966, died peacefully on April 7, 2021. Born in New York City in 1923, he was a proud alumni of one of the nation’s first progressive schools, The Little Red School House in Greenwich Village. World War II interrupted his university studies. As he was about to ship out with his unit to France, acute appendicitis sent him to the hospital instead. Upon recovery, he was sent to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, but he vowed to make it to France someday. See OBITUARIES on page 36

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box. Sign up for FREE at OakPark.com

Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Why anti-racism work is library work

he Oak Park Public Library is on an anti-racism journey. This includes working with a local consultant and implementing a new anti-racism strategic plan. Why are we doing this? Because as your public library, we value all people. We value providing a welcoming space for everyone. We know you value this too. Because as we continue to ask “What kind of community do you want to live in?” you continue to tell us: A community that’s kind. Accepting. Inclusive. One where anti-racism practices are making a difference in people’s lives. Here’s how our public library friends in the nearby western suburb of Downers Grove put it: “By openly condemning hate and violence, we demonstrate we are a safe place for people of color and people who look or think or act differently. By

standing up for all people, we push our doors open a little wider to welcome all.” “Some folks just need a bestseller and a tax form,” says Downers Grove Library Director Julie Milavec. “Some need help using a computer. Others want a book for their child with a main character that looks like them. None of those needs are more important than the others. All take a different approach to do well.” Like Downers Grove, we also are working with a consultant on anti-racism practices “to learn to use a different lens, a different way of seeing, to help us find where we are falling short,” as Milavec says. In June 2020, with the support of Reesheda Graham Washington and RGW Consulting, we assembled a cross-section of stakeholders — administrators, staff,

O B I T U A R I E S

Marie Nickels, 99

continued from page 35 After the war, he continued his studies at Chapel Hill (University of North Carolina) followed by his PhD at Columbia University in New York City, which brought him to London (UK). There he met his future wife, a lovely French demoiselle in a restaurant they both frequented. They married in London in 1953, and after settling in NYC, they made many trips to France with their family over the years. Dr. Shipley was a professor of English at the University of Illinois Chicago for over 30 years, joining when UIC was still located at Navy Pier. He was known for being friendly, demanding, yet fair, and he kept in touch with many of his students over the years. When he wasn’t burning the midnight oil grading papers, he enjoyed quiet contemplation of his voluminous stamp collection. In addition to serving as editor of the Abstract of English Studies for many decades, he continued researching and writing until his death. Burke is remembered and will be missed for his beautifully and thoughtfully crafted letters to family and friends. A longtime member of the Oak Park Friends Meeting, he was honored by them as one who epitomized Quaker practice in action, with his longtime advocacy of Quaker Peace Testimony and conscientious objection to war. He was very actively involved in the abolition of the death penalty in Illinois, traveling multiple times to the state capitol, until it was finally abolished in 2011. Burke is survived by his wife, Nicole; his three daughters, their spouses, and three grandchildren. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

patrons, board members, and young adults. This team developed a draft anti-racism strategic plan. In January, all library staff members were asked to share feedback on it. “We created a plan because the library is serious about being an antiracist organization for the long-term,” said Tatiana Swancy, our library’s restorative practices coordinator and a member of the team that developed the plan. “As important as it is to have a vision, it is just as important to have a plan with concrete steps on how we’re going to reach our vision, and how the library can be held accountable for it.” On March 23, a final version went to the board of library trustees, who unanimously approved it.

DAVID SELEB

One View

Librarian, gourmet cook

Marie Virginia Nickels (nee Patke), 99, of River Forest, died peacefully in her River Forest home, surrounded by her family. Born on Nov. 30, 1921 in Chicago to Louis and Gertrude Patke, she grew up on the North Side of Chicago in the Albany Park neighborhood. She attended Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School, Immaculata High School, and Rosary College (now Dominican University), graduating with a degree in Library Science. She became a librarian at Barat College. On Jan. 12, 1946, she married her longtime neighborhood sweetheart William C. Nickels. She traveled the world with him. Her four children, Bob, Pam, Mary and Bill were her pride and joy, and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a “wiz” in the kitchen, turning out gourmet meals every night. She delighted searching for the freshest fruits and vegetables at her summer home in Montague, Michigan. Marie was the wife of the late William C. Nickels; the mother of Robert (Mary Kay), Pamela (Edward) Dieschbourg, Mary (Daniel) Dillon and William (Paula) Nickels; the grandmother of Katy (Richard) Sequeira, Tom, Clare (Andy) Retrum, Julie (Jeff) Wojtowicz, Beth (Conrad) Perez, Mary Pat (Mike) Kwit, Matt (Hannah), and Mike (Gina) Nickels, Lisa Von Roenn, and David, Ryan, and Nick Dieschbourg, Emily (Mike) Gallagher, Lauren (Bill) Ellsworth, and Dan Dillon, Maddie and the late Billy Nick-

Library Trustee Colleen Burns said she voted yes “because in order to live up to our mission to be a welcoming space for all, we must promote and advance anti-racism practices.” As we continue to turn outward, we know we have work to do, both individually and the partners we collaborate with to serve all of Oak Park. As Oak Park Township Manager Gavin Morgan says: “Anti-racism work benefits us all because the more we connect and learn from each other, including the different experiences, perspectives, and understandings we offer, the better off we are.” Racism is real. We need to work together to be anti-racist. Join us. Learn more at oppl.org/anti-racism. David J. Seleb is the executive director of the Oak Park Public Library.

Bess Poulos, 94

Pioneering River Forest real estate broker Bess Poulos (nee Karagianis), 94, of River Forest, died on April 28, 2021. Born on Dec. 23, 1926, she was a successful and pioneering real estate broker for over 50 years, the first woman broker in River Forest. Bess was the wife of the late Jim T.; the mother of Georgienne Poulos (Emil Plecko), Thalia Poulos (Chris Miller), Tom (Angie) Poulos, Eileen Poulos (Bill Fiscus), and the late Louis (Diane Sclafani) Poulos; the grandmother of Andrea (Rory) Kinnear, George (Laura) Fox, Lenore (Chris) Augustine, Jason (Joannie) Fox, Ted (Michelle) Fox, Valerie Poulos (fiancee Justin Martin), Thomas (Mimi) Poulos, Demitri Fiscus (fiancee Zoe Lewis) and six great-grandchildren; the sister of Michael (Vicki) Karagianis, Kally Rembas Tsatsos, and the late Helen (the late James) Pierce; and the sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend of many. The funeral service was held May 3 at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester 60154, followed by

els; sister of the late Don (Shirley) Patke; and great-grandmother of 23. Due to current COVID regulations regarding gatherings, a private funeral Mass was held May 11 at St. Luke Church in River Forest, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.

interment at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements were handled by Nicholas M. Pishos Funeral Director Ltd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Luke Church (528 Lathrop, River Forest 60305) or Dominican University (7900 Division St., River Forest 60305). Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD RENOVATION OF BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

tronically mailed to all known potential contractors by 4:00 P.M., Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Receipt of any addenda must be acknowledged in writing as part of the Bidder’s Proposal. Bidders shall be responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. The Village of Brookfield shall not assume responsibility for the receipt by the Bidder of any addenda.

PUBLIC NOTICE On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 9 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2021-2022 school year. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. The details are listed below.

RECEIPT OF BIDS The Village of Brookfield will receive sealed proposals for the renovation of the Brookfield Village Hall, Police Department and Community Development Department until 3:00 P.M. Central Daylight Savings Time, Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Office of the Village Manager, Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, immediately after which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. The Project consists of the renovation Brookfield Village Hall, Police Department and Community Development Department located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Architect, Charles Grund, the Principal-In-Charge, or Lorena Adame, the Project Manager, at the office of Grund & Riesterer Architects; Voice – 312.372.5353, Fax - 312.372.5367, Email – cjg@ gnrarch.com & lna@gnrarch.com, respectively. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Bid proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the plans, the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all of the requirements for performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. The Village of Brookfield will, in no case, be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses or changes in anticipated profits resulting from such failure or neglect of the bidder. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the plans or proposal. Sealed envelopes or packages containing bids shall be addressed to the Village Manager and plainly marked “BID PROPOSAL FOR THE RENOVATION OF BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT” on the outside of the envelope. QUESTIONS, CHANGES, CLARIFICATION Any questions that arise must be made in writing and shall be directed by electronic mail to Architect, Charles Grund, the Principal-In-Charge, or Lorena Adame, the Project Manager, at the office of Grund & Riesterer Architects; Voice – 312.372.5353, Fax - 312.372.5367, Email – cjg@gnrarch.com & lna@ gnrarch.com, respectively. The written questions, along with the Village’s responses, shall be circulated to all known potential bidders without identifying the party submitting the questions. The cut-off for receipt of additional questions shall be 3:00 P.M., Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in order to facilitate preparation of any addenda. No inquiry received after that time will be given consideration. Replies and/or addenda will be elec-

RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any and all proposals for any reason deemed in the best interest of the Village of Brookfield. PAYMENT OF PREVAILING WAGES The general prevailing rate of wages in Cook County, Illinois, for each craft or type of worker or mechanic needed to execute the contract or perform the work, also the general prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work, as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, shall be paid for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the contract or to perform the work. AWARD OF CONTRACT Unless all bids are rejected, the contract award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder that the Village of Brookfield in its sole discretion determines to be in the best interest of the village. In determining who the lowest responsive, responsible bidder is, the Village of Brookfield will consider all factors that it, in its discretion, deems relevant. Village of Brookfield, Illinois Tim Wiberg, Village Manager Published in RB Landmark May 12, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE OF AMENDED BUDGET Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside School District No. 96 in the Cook County, State of Illinois, that an amended budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, will be on file and available for public inspection by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm starting the 15th day of May 2021, at the district’s administrative offices on 3340 South Harlem Avenue in Riverside Illinois. To schedule an appointment please email fittonj@ district96.org. Notice is further given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m. on the 16th day of June 2021 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting. Board of Education Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois By: Joel Marhoul, Board Secretary Published in RB Landmark May 12, 2021

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-524-3030. Meeting Information: Join Zoom Meeting https://op97-org.zoom.us/ j/87544758528?pwd=bUJwREc3WEhqTzMzSVFzSjVFOG5Cdz09 Meeting ID: 875 4475 8528 Passcode: 505448 One tap mobile +13126266799,,87544758528# US (Chicago) +13017158592,,87544758528# US (Washington DC) Published in Wednesday Journal May 12 and May 19, 2021

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2021 Green Alley Improvements This project generally consists of the reconstruction of four alleys, totaling approximately 5,000 square yards of existing concrete alley pavement. This project includes the installation of approximately 750 square yards of pervious pavers and 4,300 square yards of concrete alley pavement. A 6” underdrain is also proposed throughout the length of each alley, with a connection to the existing storm water system. In an effort to minimize resident disruption, construction will be completed in 2 phases, with 2 alleys being completed in each phase. The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, May 10, 2021 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability

PUBLIC NOTICES to perform the work. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening. The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids. Published in Wednesday Journal May 12, 2021

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The Village of River Forest is accepting bids for the following project: UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SYSTEM UPGRADE WORK PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 45 FOREST AVENUE RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS IES NO. 1020-01 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Scope of Work includes providing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, insurance, and all other services necessary to fully complete the fueling system upgrade work at the Village of River Forest Public Works Facility, as specified in the Bidding Documents. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following: Removal and replacement of concrete pavement, asphalt pavement removal (replacement by others), fuel island concrete and features, surface equipment and components, the in-place upgrade of existing UST systems (6,000-gallon gasoline and 2,000-gallon diesel fuel), including the replacement of all existing tanktop equipment and product piping, the removal and replacement of existing leak detection system and existing fuel management system, and all other work specified to fully complete the project. Refer to the Bidding Documents for detailed information relating to the scope of work, the Base Bid requirements, Alternate Bids, and Unit Price requests. A. Contract will be awarded for the following Work: 1. UST System Upgrade Work, Village of River Forest Public Works Facility, River Forest, Illinois. PROJECT SCHEDULE AND BIDDING REQUIREMENTS On-site work shall begin in August 2021 (or sooner) and shall continue without interruption until fully complete. It has been estimated that this project will take approximately six (6) weeks (thirty (30) business days (shifts) or less) to complete. Bidding Documents will be available on or before May 10, 2021 at the offices of the Village’s Environmental Consultant, Integrity Environmental Services, Inc. (IES), 1240 Iroquois Drive, Suite 102, Naperville, Illinois 60563 or in person at the mandatory

PUBLIC NOTICES

Pre-Bid Meeting on May 14, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Please call (630) 7189133 or e-mail mravanesi@integrityenvsvs.com in advance to insure the availability of the Bid Documents prior to the Pre-Bid Meeting. A mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting and site walk-through will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 18, 2021 beginning at the Public Works Facility, 45 Forest Avenue, River Forest, Illinois. Failure to attend this mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be grounds for bid rejection. Note: Although the meeting will be held entirely outdoors, personal face masks/coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced for the duration of the Pre-Bid Meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Bids are due at 10:00 a.m. on May 26, 2021 at Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or Bid Security in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total Base Bid sum. The Contractor will be required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the full amount of the Contract Sum, including any chosen Alternate Bids. The Contractor must no pay less than the prevailing rate of wages to all laborers, workmen, and mechanics performing the work under this contract, and must comply with all requirements of the Illinois Wages of Employees on Public Works Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12) and all other requirements as described in the Instructions to Bidders and Prevailing Wage sections of the Bidding Documents. The Village of River Forest will require all bidding Contractors to complete and submit with their bid, the Contractor’s Qualification Statement (AIA A305) included with the Bidding Documents. The Village of River Forest and the Village’s Environmental Consultant will review all Qualification Statements as an integral part of the bid review process. The Village of River Forest reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, reject nonconforming bids, reject conditional bids, waive irregularities in the bidding procedure, or to accept any bid that in its sole opinion best serves the interests of the Village. Published in Wednesday Journal May 12, 2021

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STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Little Irene Grace Ryu Case Number 20214001675. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Little Irene Grace Ryu to the new name of: Irene Grace Ryu The court date will be held: On 6/29/2021 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom # 111. Published in Forest Park Review May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006683 on April 22, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOP TIER PRINTING with the business located at 6436 18TH STREET 1FL, BERWYN, IL 60402. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LINDA P RICO 6436 18TH STREET 1 FL BERWYN, IL 60402, USA Published in Wednesday Journal May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006745 on April 27, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of UNIQUELY VICTORIOUS with the business located at 1021 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: URVONNIE FRANKLIN 1021 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA Published in Forest Park Review May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006706 on April 26, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of UNIQUE NOTARY SERVICES & TRAINING with the business located at: 1122 N HAYES, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: BEVERLY DENISE SINGLETON 1122 N HAYES, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN Case Number 2021 CONC 000527 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN to the new name of: VERSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN The court date will be held: on July 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Daley Center, Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom # 1704, Calendar 9. Published in Forest Park Review April 28, May 5, May 12, 2021

RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 TIMELY AND MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION FOR PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLED CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES In accordance with the requirements of Section 612(a) (10) of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEA 2004”), Riverside Brookfield High School will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Il 60546---Due to the Pandemic this meeting will be held via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how students with disabilities, who attend private schools or are homeschooled within the district boundaries, will be served by District 208 during the 2021-22 school year. Parents and private school administrators who would like to attend should contact Kevin Baldus, Director of Special Education, at baldusk@rbhs208.net Zoom invitation will be forwarded prior to the meeting. Published in RB Landmark May 5 and May 12, 2021

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM REAL ESTATE FOR SALE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Part-time (FTE 0.77) Elementary School Physical Education Teacher. Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Grade-Appropriate Physical Education Endorsement; successful teaching experience in physical education preferred; Master’s Degree is preferred. Job Duties: The part-time PE Teacher will work in partnership with the full-time PE teacher to instruct students in Pre-K through 4th grade on how to develop habits of mind and actions that support good health, fitness and enjoyment of sport and play. The PE teacher will facilitate a learning environment that engages students in learning skills for sport and fitness, as well as SEL skills by growing confidence, sportsmanship and team spirit. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e.cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.

SENIOR POLICE RECORDS CLERK The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualiﬁed candidates for the position of Senior Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. this employee is responsible for distributing assignments, checking the work of others to ensure compliance with rules, policies, codes or other requirements, and referring matters that require supervisory intervention to the Police Records Supervisor. This employee also performs the full domain of clerical duties in the support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Application deadline May 14, 2021.

DRIVER NEEDED NOW HIRING DRIVERS!!!! Lucas Medi Car has an opening for a full time wheelchair van driver. To be considered must have:

SECRETARY/ASSISTANT

CALL (708) 442-7533, MONDAY THRU SUNDAY (10AM TO 4PM)

Part-time, very ﬂexible small law ofﬁce in Oak Park. Ability to navigate a desktop essential

HOMECARE AIDES Sahara Homecare is hiring Homecare Aides for our Melrose Park location. We are looking for compassionate caregivers to assist elderly clients with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and other errands. Pay starts at $14.00 per hour and ﬂexible hours are available. Please call our Melrose Park ofﬁce at (708) 344-2273 if interested or email Nicole Gray at nicoleg@saharahomecare.com and Greyder Martinez at greyderm@saharahomecare.com.

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OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE HELP WANTED

a current Illinois driver license be friendly and courtoues have a good driving recoed must be 18 years or older in age pass a criminal background check

To schedule an interview

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park, IL. Visit the link below to check out this opportunity to join a great team! https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2/ jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en You can also learn about other career opportunities nearby.

Apply in person after 3pm.

KALAMATA

Greek Cuisine 105 N Marion Street 708-628-3661

MARKETPLACE

R E N TA L S OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT 1040 NORTH BLVD OFFICE Sub-lease, Move right in. Private furnished window ofﬁce 10×15 @1040 North Boulevard, walk to CTA green line and Metra train. Asking $600m + 1m SD. Includes all utilities and internet. Note: this is a 2nd-story walkup space. Conference room available. Call Michael @ 708 383-7900 LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION FOREST PARK HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & HIGHLY VISIBLE MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street. Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean ofﬁce. Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-383-8574. OFFICE SPACE, PROFESSIONAL SHARED Comfortable furnished. AVAILABLE MAY 1: subletting blocks of time, minimum four hours per week at super reasonable hourly rate.

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

• • • • •

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Psychotherapy starter or retiring? Working at home yet need professional setting? It’s a perfect space on border of Oak Park - River Forest in clean building, free street parking, ACCESSIBLE, steps from bus and train. DON’T delay! INQUIRIES: Please phone/text 708-387-9000 MUST include name & profession for response.

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

ITEMS FOR SALE

SPINET PIANO AND BENCH Baldwin spinet piano and bench. Light brown wood ﬁnish. $300 obo. 708-386-0087

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL Shovels and ice breaker. $5 each. 708-488-8755

ANTIQUE HALL TREE Antique American Hall Tree, solid oak. Excellent condition. 29”w x 78”h x 11”d, with covered shelf and mirror. $159.00. 708-488-8755 ANTIQUE MUSIC CABINET Antique music cabinet with door and ﬁve shelves. Standing on four legs. Mahogany ﬁnish. $129.00. 708-488-8755 LADDERS 24 FT EXTENSION LADDER $30 708-488-8755 ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER $50.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE DRESSER WITH MIRROR 4 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE CHEST OF DRAWERS 5 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755

GRANDFATHER CLOCK Perfect condition, oak wood, chimes all work. Everything is perfect. $499.00. 708-488-8755 BRASS HEADBOARD Solid brass headboard. Originally from Marshall Field’s. $189.00. 708-488-8755

GARAGE/YARD SALES Oak Park

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 1134, 1128, 1114 S CUYLER AVE + MORE SAT 5/15 9AM – 3PM

Treasure trove o’ fun: Star Wars standups, antique furniture: school desk, deco desk; Asstd.clean, ed. toys & crafts, clothes (Tod -Teen) ceiling lights, draft. table, vint. women’s & So Much More! Preview via FB OP Sales

MASK REQUIRED

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ﬂags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

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

Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, May 12, 2021

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Property transfers p. B8

May 12, 2021

Homes

Twice as nice

Two Patton & Fisher-designed homes hit the market in Oak Park By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

atton & Fisher was a Chicago architecture presence from 1885 through 1899. Architects Normand Patton and Reynolds Fisher designed buildings throughout the Midwest, including the Lincoln Park Zoo Headquarters and several buildings on the Illinois Institute of Technology Campus. They left their mark on Oak Park as well, designing Pilgrim Congregational Church, the now-demolished Scoville Institute and a number of single-family homes. Two of those homes recently hit the market and are good examples of the architects’ style. The John Rankin House at 245 N. Kenilworth Ave. was built in 1888. The Lawrence Muther House, just a block away at 222 Forest Ave. was built in 1883. Greer Haseman and Chris Curran of the GPS Team of @ properties are listing both houses, both of which have asking prices near or above $1 million. The home at 222 Forest Ave. is listed at $1,290,000. The sixbedroom, four-bathroom house spans over 5,300 square feet and sits on a lot that is 74-feet wide by 331-feet deep. The sellers won a historic preservation award for their restoration of the home’s front porch, which includes a second story balcony accessible from the upstairs bedrooms. The first floor features working original pocket doors and wainscoting that defines the grand staircase to the second floor. While the traditional living room and dining room boast the classic woodwork and high ceilings of a Victorian home, they also marry well with today’s styles. “Contemporary furniture and lighting work well in these rooms because of the high ceilings and sense of grand space,” Haseman said. The kitchen is new and the original butler’s pantry adds charm as a pass-through to the dining room. A newer mudroom provides storage and access to the rear yard. The original stable and tack room at the rear of the property have been reimagined as garage and storage space. At some point, a family room was added adjacent to the kitchen, and Haseman says the volume on the first floor and numerous windows allow in lots of sunlight. The library with original leaded glass windows and built-in bookcases, says Haseman, is “a great background for Zooms.” A small room tucked under the front staircase lends itself to a fun hideaway for children. Upstairs, the primary bedroom is a spacious combination of two smaller bedrooms, and includes an en suite bathroom. Four more bedrooms and a hall bathroom round out the second floor. High ceilings, leaded glass and original wooden sphere doorknobs keep the old-house charm alive. The attic space features a playroom, sixth bedroom, full bathroom and a bonus room. Haseman says that this house, like its later-built neighbor on Kenilworth share many traits. “You can see that when they designed these houses,” Haseman said. “The design elements were very consistent. These houses were meant to entertain.” See PATTON & FISHER on page B5

Photos provided

TWO-FER: Two Patton & Fisher homes, at 222 Forest Ave. (top) and 245 N. Kenilworth Ave., have just gone on the market. May 12, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

222 FOREST AVENUE, OAK PARK

222FOREST.INFO

632 BONNIE BRAE PLACE, RIVER FOREST

632BONNIEBRAE.INFO

Prominently situated on one of the most recognized and valued residential

Architectural Digest renovated home that blends the character of old with the

streets in America. $1,290,000

trends and functionality of modern day. $1,200,000

HASEMAN/CURRAN • 708.606.8896 • greer.gps@atproperties.com

AUGUST/MUNDY

•

773.432.0200

•

elizabethaugust@atproperties.com

1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

45 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, OAK PARK

45WASHINGTON.INFO

1230 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK

1230WOODBINE.INFO

Beautiful, large single family home with 7 bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms

This beautifully renovated home in the Mann School District is bright and

completely renovated in 2010!

welcoming with tremendous space and flow.

SOHAIL SALAHUDDIN

•

$799,900

312.437.7799

•

sohail@atproperties.com

$675,000

VICTORIA SCHUTTE • 708.214.8108 • vkrauseschutte@atproperties.com Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

B2 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ May 12, 2021

Coming Soon! 5517 W. Ohio St., Chicago ................................................... $259,700 Andrea “Bonnie” Routen | 708-544-8440 Andrea.bonnie@cbexchange.com

Just Sold! 7509 Madison St. #4D, Forest Park ................................................... $241,000 Allow me to help you find your dream home! Michelle Miller 708-334-5833 michelle.miller@cbexchange.com

Coming Soon! 147 N. Euclid, Unit 507, Oak Park 3 BR, 2.1 BA + den. Rarely available top floor unit with private roof top deck! Split floor plan, high-end finishes & custom lighting! Ultra-private, yet close to everything. ................................. $675,000

Coming Soon! 220 Franklin Ave, River Forest 5 BR, 4 BA Victorian Farmhouse in desirable location. Includes 1st floor BR, large kitchen & family room, expansive basement, EV charging station in garage and so much more!

Just Sold! 193 E Quincy, Riverside 4 BR, 3.1 BA Brand new construction! Walk to downtown Riverside and Metra stop. Open floor concept, high-end kitchen, large master suite and many amenities ... ................................................... $675,000

Lisa Andreoli and Meredith Conn 708-557-9546 or 708-743-6973 teamgo2girls@gmail.com

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

Accepted Offer Received Day 1! 1906 N Spaulding, Chicago Clients are thrilled for an easy sale of their vintage three flat in Logan Sq..... $699,000 Let us put our marketing to work for you. Sara Faust &. Stephanie Eiger

Just Listed & Under Contract! 946 N. Humphrey Ave., Oak Park 3 BR, 1.1 BA Wonderful, large American 4-square. Vintage details with modern sensibilities, including redone electric, plumbing, and mechanicals, plus a large yard and a 2-car garage ........... $390,000

Just Sold! 8 Park Avenue, River Forest 3 BR, 2.2 BA. I represented the buyer in the purchase of this beautiful home. Housing inventory is low, contact me to take advantage of this seller’s market. It would be my pleasure to assist you. ... $481,000

Stephanie Eiger | 708-557-0779 Stephanie.Eiger@cbexchange.com

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

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

Stephanie Eiger | 708-557-0779 Stephanie.Eiger@cbexchange.com

Consistently been a top-producing agent in the western suburbs

Just Listed! 1323 Park Ave., River Forest 5 BR, 4.1 BA. French country estate with contemporary design finishes throughout. Over 4,400 sq ft. includes a chef’s kitchen, 1st floor family room and park-like backyard ................................ $1,495,000 Shea Kiessling | 708-710-5952 Shea@cbexchange.com

Just Listed! 253 Washington, Unit B, Oak Park 2 BR, 2 BA. Four levels of living space: 3rd flr family rm, finished basement, and attached 2 car garage. Prime Oak Park location ...................................... $375,000 Kirstin Gloor | 708-351-8977 Kirstin.Gloor@cbexchange.com

Kirstin Gloor | 708-351-8977 Kirstin.Gloor@cbexchange.com

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM

Just Listed! 937 KEYSTONE I RIVER FOREST Stunning 5 BR, 4.1BA architectural masterpiece nestled in a huge, landscaped yard. Open floor plan with spacious rooms, high ceilings and tons of windows. First floor in-law suite, sound proof home office, private master suite, screened porch with fireplace, hot tub and attached garage.

John Haagensen 773-230-6995

john.haagenson@cbexchange.com

Sue Canepa I 312-203-0848 suecanepahomes@gmail.com Lisa Grimes I 708-205-9518 lisa.grimes@cbrealty.com

Oak Park 114 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park | 708.524.1100 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Realty LLC.

May 12, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

Generations of Excellence since 1958

708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest Alisa Coghill DonnaAvenue Barnhisel 7375 West North Kay Costello Anne Brennan MANAGING River Forest, Illinois 60305 Maria Cullerton Kevin Calkins BROKER/OWNERS Julie Downey Tom Carraher 708.771.8040 Kurt Fielder Pat Cesario Andy Gagliardo

Tom Poulos

815 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST

Joe Cibula Don Citrano

Ramona Fox Laura Gancer

Dan Halperin Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima Jack Lattner Iris McCormick Vince McFadden

Colleen Navigato John Pappas Rosa Pitassi Sue Ponzio-Pappas Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro

Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford

Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307

547 LINDEN • OAK PARK

1210 WILLIAM • RIVER FOREST

1907 N 76TH AVE • ELMWOOD PARK

N EW LI S T I N G!

N EW LI S T I NG!

STATELY SOUTHERN COLONIAL blends old world craftsmanship with elegant modern updates ideally located. Grand foyer, elegant LR with fireplace, recently remodeled gourmet kitchen, mudroom, family room, large basement with den/office. Meticulously maintained and ready to move in. ........... $1,549,000

GLAMEROUS MEDITERRANEAN COLONIAL in prime Priory Park location! First floor features open foyer, distinctive fireplace, French doors, family room, updated eat-in kitchen with island, expansive sunroom, finished basement, attached 2 car garage & beautiful outdoor spaces! .................................................$1,199,900

BEAUTIFUL MIDCENTURY SPLIT LEVEL thoughtfully updated with Modern Kitchen and Baths. Open Living and Dining areas flow into the eat-in kitchen. Three Spacious Bedrooms upstairs, Family Room with Fireplace and Radiant Heated Floors. Attached Two Car Heated Garage. ..................................................... $439,500

COLONIAL REVIVAL STYLE with Tudor Revival influences built in 1909. This stunning six-bedroom home displays sophistication and tasteful elegant décor. It offers wonderful space for family and entertaining with beautiful views of the spectacular oversized corner lot. ........................................................................ $1,395,000

1135 FOREST • RIVER FOREST

942 WILLIAM • RIVER FOREST

520 N OAK PARK AVE • OAK PARK

750 WILLIAM • RIVER FOREST

UNDE R CO NTRAC T!

U N DE R CON TR AC T!

ELEGANT CRAFTSMANSHIP can be found throughout this 5 BR French Normandy home. Sophistication is evident from the moment you walk in the door. Impressive foyer, formal LR with fireplace and built-in benches, family room, separate formal DR, updated kitchen, home office. ......................................... $975,000

GREAT OPPORTUNITY to live on a beautiful tree lined street! Spacious home with family room addition, updated kitchen that blends beautifully with the vintage charm of the formal LR & DR. 2nd floor includes 3 BRs including large primary with walk-in closet, balcony and laundry room. ................................... $749,000

THREESTORY GRAND VICTORIAN on 100 x 218 lot in the heart of the Frank Lloyd Wright district. This estate features 6 Bedrooms, 2 Full baths, 3 fireplaces, many historic details including double front entry doors sourced from the Historic Pullman Estates section of Chicago. ..................................................................$646,000

CENTRAL LOCATION so you may walk to town and train! Located on the historic 700 Block of William this home features a beautifully renovated open floor-plan Kitchen, 1st floor family room, LL playroom, laundry /storage, office & full bath. Professionally landscaped yard and large deck. .......................................$729,000

229 ASHLAND • RIVER FOREST

611 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST

1225 MONROE • RIVER FOREST

1634 N 76TH CT • ELMWOOD PARK

UN DE R CO NTRAC T!

S O LD!

LOCATION AND CHARM. This 5 BR home has been lovingly cared for. Main floor has sunroom, LR, DR, and 2 BRs. 2nd floor boasts a primary BR with fireplace, full bath and 2 walk-in closets, plus 2 more BRs with another full bath. Semi finished LL family room, lots of storage space. Deep 37x178 lot. ..................$590,000

BEAUTIFUL, CENTER ENTRANCE COLONIAL with a large foyer, family room, sunroom, luxury kitchen with eating area AND island seating, tons of storage and pantry space, open floor plan rec room in basement. Tastefully done and impeccably maintained. All you need to do is move in! ..................................................... $1,299,000

STUNNING AND INVITING elegant and updated home! Beautiful LR, newly finished hardwood floors, fireplace, eat-in, updated kitchen, 1st floor office, family room with fireplace. Finished basement with game room and office space and 1/2 bath. 3 car attached garage. Spectacular backyard. ......$1,249,000

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS

UNDER CONTRACT RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA................ $69,900 OAK PARK 3BR, 3 full/1 half BA. Rare front unit. ............$475,000 UNDER CONTRACT OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA......................$250,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Great space......................................$174,000

RIVER FOREST 3BR, 3 full, 1 half BA. Stunning! ............ $529,000 UNDER CONTRACT RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2 full/1 half BA.$479,000 NEW LISTING RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2 full/1 half BA ....$450,000 RIVER FOREST 2BR, 1BA. Near Concordia Univ. ............. $125,000

B4 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ May 12, 2021

OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Open, light-filled. .......................... $169,000 UNDER CONTRACT OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA...................... $142,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. ................................ $99,000 FOREST PARK Two Flat ....................................................$358,000

Shop for homes online at GagliardoRealty.com

LOVELY MOVEIN READY brick and stone Georgian in the RF manor section that will not disappoint! This 3 BR, 2-1/2 bath home offers a wdbg fireplace, remodeled custom kitchen, family room, finished basement with wet bar, full spa bath, large laundry room, and plenty of storage.......................................................... $419,000

Find that New Home!

Contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis

PATTON & FISHER Historic homes from page B1 The Patton & Fisher-designed home at 245 N. Kenilworth Ave. sits on the corner of Kenilworth and Elizabeth Court in the center of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. Listed at $950,000, the house has five bedrooms and four full bathrooms and roughly 5,800 square feet of living space. The deep front porch is fronted with an or namental relief. Like 222 Forest Ave., visitors enter the home through a vestibule and set of double doors into a grand foyer. The double parlor and library on either side of the entry both have their original fireplaces and sport period-appropriate wallpaper from Bradbury and Bradbury. Original pocket doors throughout the first floor remain. A sunroom off the double parlor has an original tiled floor. Throughout the first floor, woodwork has been lovingly restored and maintained, including wainscoting, moldings and fireplace surrounds. A full bath and updated kitchen round out the first floor. A grand staircase leads to a spacious second floor landing with linen closets. The primary bedroom has an original fireplace and an en suite bathroom. Another bedroom is in the turret directly above the first-floor library, a third bedroom includes a sleeping porch, while a fourth bedroom has its own half bathroom. A full bathroom and laundry room are also on this floor. The third floor was the original ballroom and entertaining space for the home. Wood flooring and a wet bar make this space work well for entertaining today, and a fifth bedroom, office and full bathroom make this a great space for guests as well. Haseman says the timing of the listings was purely coincidental, but adds, “It’s kind of fun to have them both on at once.”

BOOK YOUR HARD HAT TOUR NOW!

Photos provided

Original features, like the dining room woodwork (top left) and living room fireplace (above) at 245 N. Kenilworth Ave. and the main staircase in the entrance hall of 222 Forest Ave. (bottom left) have been lovingly cared for and restored.

OAK PARK’S ONLY BRAND NEW BOUTIQUE CONDO BUILDING 

3 Bed / 2.5 Bath Units Offering Over 2,000 Sq Ft Of Luxury Living



Just Blocks from Downtown Oak Park!



Parking included



Delivery early summer 2021

Kelly Fondow | 708.902.1019 kfondow@gmail.com May 12, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

CHICAGO

OAK PARK

5 BR, 2 BA .....................................$275,000

1 BR, 1 BA .....................................$145,000

OAK PARK

3 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$559,000

Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

OAK PARK

3 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$445,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

OAK PARK

2 BR, 1 BA .....................................$188,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

OAK PARK

5 BR, 2.2 BA ..................................$725,000 Denise Sacks • 708-217-2111

OAK PARK

2 BR, 1.1 BA ..................................$225,000 Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

OAK PARK

Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

5 BR, 2.1 BA ..................................$725,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

OAK PARK

3 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$435,000

OAK PARK

5 BR, 2.2 BA ..................................$750,000 Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

OAK PARK

5 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$975,000 Anne Ferri • 708-267-2113 Kim Wojack • 708-837-4142

OAK PARK

The John Rankin House (1891), designed by Patton & Fisher, sits majestically at the corner of Kenilworth and Elizabeth Ct.

Prominently situated on one of the most recognized and valued residential streets in America.

5 BR, 4.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $950,000 Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 • Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

OAK PARK

6 BR, 4.1 BA ...............................$1,285,000

6 BR, 3.1 BA ............................................................................................................... $1,290,000 Greer Haseman • 708-606-8896 • Chris Curran • 708-366-0400

Kathy & Tony Iwersen • 708-772-8040

Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ May 12, 2021

OPEN SUNDAY 1 - 3 P.M. 1091 BONITA DR

PARK RIDGE

4 BR, 3 BA .....................................$659,500 Sue Ponzio • 224-500-7441

7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040

OPEN SATURDAY 12 - 2 P.M. 7575 LAKE ST, #4C

RIVER FOREST

OAK PARK

RIVER FOREST

Marvelous luxury home completely refurbished. Brand new coach house with elevator!

Pristine oak floors, custom built-ins and cabinetry and exquisite architectural details grace this magnificent Tudor.

8 BR, 4.2 BA ............................................................................................................... $1,600,000

5 BR, 3 BA .................................................................................................................. $1,110,000

2 BR, 2 BA .....................................$510,000

Erica Cuneen • 708-220-2025

Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043

Pauline Trilik Sharpe • 708-785-1895

Now in our Second Century of Service OAK PARK Oak Park’s Newest Boutique Luxury Condo Building. Delivery June 2021 3 BR, 2.1 BA ..................................................................................................$665,000-$700,000 Kelly Fondow • 708-902-1019

To find a local expert, go to oakparkrealtors.org Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com May 12, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

P R O P E R T Y

River Forest home sells for $1.6 million

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds for November 2020. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.

1046 Franklin Ave., River Forest

RIVER FOREST ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

126 Park Ave 26 Lathrop Ave 415 Franklin Ave 7214 Oak Ave 543 Edgewood Pl 7348 Lake St 143 Franklin Ave 824 Bonnie Brae Pl 126 Forest Ave 424 Park Ave 632 Lathrop Ave 735 Clinton Pl 536 River Oaks Dr 606 Park Ave 609 William St 1522 Monroe Ave 633 Ashland Ave 752 Ashland Ave 1046 Franklin Ave 837 Clinton Pl 625 Ashland Ave 847 Thatcher Ave 527 Park Ave 935 Thatcher Ave 1442 Ashland Ave 1147 Ashland Ave 915 William St 1321 Lathrop Ave

$512,500.00 $483,000.00 $220,000.00 $65,000.00 $858,000.00 $227,500.00 $550,000.00 $1,470.00 $425,000.00 $254,000.00 $1,032.50 $799,000.00 $776,000.00 $417,000.00 $545,000.00 $635,000.00 $773,000.00 $575,000.00 $1,600,000.00 $521,000.00 $720,000.00 $635,000.00 $805,000.00 $888,000.00 $1,079,000.00 $1,800,000.00 $996,500.00 $450,000.00

Koulbanski Eugeni Johnson Aaron M The Chicago Trust Co Na Tr 1578 Fannie Mae Dohman Lawrence J Telci Mehmet Corless Thomas H Tr Jpm Const Contracting Inc Avalos Steven Mendoza Celina Solberg Michael W Gery Lori Brazh Abrams Sherwin D Extr Behrendt Raymond J Puccetti Rebecca L Tr Athuri Gowtham Naga Ewell Michael Tr Bennett Tyler Tr Osborne John C Tr Cascade Fundg Mtg Trust Hb2 Stannard David Johnston Charles B Tragos James Wienkes Mark D Tr Carson Steve Nockels Russell Speracino Steven J Satkamp Ronda Suzanne Sayre Tr

Sear Caroline H Grabijas Zachery Oliver June E Chicago Hope Academy Magpantay Josef L Pearson Charlene Mirel Barbara R Tr Harris Erin D Fager Jeremy Richard Tyson Lois L Vitale Sean Tr Keen Adam E Blum Alan Trainor Charles J Cosky Nicholas Weele Hilary Vander Hoover Camille Strozak Robert Kingsley Eryn Jpm Const Contracting Inc Milligan Sean Kirk Scott H Davidson Andrea Nigro Nicholas Tyrrell Timothy Tyler Jason J Campbell Colleen Martin Katherine E Tr

B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ May 12, 2021

T R A N S F E R S OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

912 Thomas St

$347,500.00

Mason Catherine M

Metcalf Patrick

1224 N Euclid Ave

$475,000.00

Jensen Jon Eric

Gillen Daniel

541 N Lombard Ave

$570,000.00

Campbell Mobola

Baber Rachel

932 N Taylor Ave

$425,000.00

Bannor Scott William

Nucci Michael J

150 N Elmwood Ave

$525,000.00

Strickland Deanna C

Berggren R Alan Tr

734 S Cuyler Ave

$282,500.00

Burdette Julie A

Kasons Prop Inc

1114 N Austin Blvd

$160,000.00

Us Bk Natl Assn Tr

Torres Carlos

1032 N Taylor Ave

$70,000.00

Cobbins Fay

Trl Investments Llc

122 Wright Ln

$330,000.00

Ingersoll Stephen B

Baima Robert F Tr

1045 Linden Ave

$600,000.00

Wendel Earl F Tr

Mcnutt Kristen M

427 S Taylor Ave

$191,500.00

Boehm Kenon

Roark Gloria

526 S Cuyler Ave

$352,500.00

Foy Michael

Husain Shaun

700 Columbian Ave

$975,000.00

Brinkman Kenneth F Jr

Ingersoll Paul J

618 N Harvey Ave

$565,500.00

Mcdonald Sarah F

Deloriea Joanthan Michael

820 Wenonah Ave

$585,000.00

Leblanc Matthew

Panicucci Thomas

143 S Harvey Ave

$490,000.00

Positive Dev Llc

Hasak Daniel

1005 N Harlem Ave

$72,000.00

Carramusa Julie Anne

Blattberg Barry

1025 Randolph St

$169,000.00

Marzana Rosario

Hanson Elizabeth

333 S East Ave

$180,000.00

Martin Rochelle M

Mcdaniel Barbara

200 N Elmwood Ave

$740,000.00

Mulcahey Stephen T

Scott Robert R

1210 N Marion St

$501,000.00

Mezzateta Louise Tr

Mitchener Matthew P

407 N Kenilworth Ave

$1,975,000.00

Gurski Darrick E

Hoog Andrew

633 N East Ave

$1,450,000.00

Niro William L

Gary Christopher

620 S Grove Ave

$500,000.00

Foreman Bradley H

Toomey Kevin Gerard

1040 Ontario St

$170,000.00

Zamula Antonina

Estacio Margaret Caro

401 S Grove Ave

$137,500.00

Brahmbhatt Hemant Tr

Cephus Helen

1021 S Grove Ave

$470,000.00

Yen Scott S

Moy Michael Frank

415 S Maple Ave

Unknown

The Judicial Sales Corp

Phh Mtg Corp

524 N Cuyler Ave

$250,000.00

Spearman James

Fiume001 Llc

1030 N Marion St

$610,000.00

Raimondi Glovanni

Miller Alan

806 S Lombard Ave

$420,000.00

Toomey Michael W

Kaufold Eric R

929 Ontario St

$268,000.00

Simon Andrew Tr

Klein Ellen Tr

701 N Taylor Ave

$595,000.00

White Isabella

Keys Rhonda

720 N Austin Blvd

$60,000.00

Fannie Mae

Sow Comm Dev Corp

1122 Ontario St

$376,000.00

Burghardt Fred C Tr

Kirsner Daniel A

300 S Oak Park Ave

$525,000.00

Banfield Brett Tr

Groben Elmer Philip

436 N Elmwood Ave

$639,000.00

Gilmour Douglas J

Sahm Nicholas

158 N Humphrey Ave

$266,500.00

Fbc Mtg Llc

K D Grp Enterprises Llc

224 Lake St

$329,000.00

Us Bk Natl Assn Tr

Lewis Jason Edward

321 Wesley Ave

$780,000.00

Grahan Lori C

Kreling Andrew

721 Columbian Ave

$450,000.00

Pless Daniel Tr

Accrete Inc

116 S Ridgeland Ave

$700,000.00

Bellner Pamela Tr

Nuetzel Jacob Arlington Tr

1013 N Harlem Ave

$240,000.00

Zaccagnino Antoinette

Mcmullen Denise R

1234 N East Ave

$365,000.00

Ortiz Juan

Shah Alpita Arvind

717 Washington Blvd

$165,000.00

Ballinger Anthony M

Holland Ashlea M

819 Wesley Ave

$465,000.00

Hauch George Michael Tr

Mistretta Stephanie Q

610 Randolph St

$225,000.00

Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp

Vesole Real Estate Ii Llc

610 Randolph St

$160,500.00

Vesole Real Estate Ii Llc

Jamroz Mariusz

1121 N Harlem Ave

$226,000.00

Nwoko-Ebirim Chimatara

Obrien Anastasia M

1131 S Scoville Ave

$445,000.00

Parkinson William A

Dias Mathew

928 S Kenilworth Ave

$275,000.00

Fletcher Judith M

Done Done And Done Inc

514 Linden Ave

$500,000.00

Anderson Truman O Tr Iii

Sneathen Mark Lee

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S BEAUTIFUL VICTORIAN

OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

500 Washington Blvd

$175,000.00

Bonhard Jason D

Cosentino Sydney Alexis

147 N Ridgeland Ave

$245,000.00

Nguyen Anh T

Borman Deborah Lee

1214 N Kenilworth Ave

$644,500.00

Hathiwala Suresh C Tr

Simaga Eric A

605 N Kenilworth Ave

$857,500.00

Wong Alton Chun-Tung

Enlow James

224 N Kenilworth Ave

$230,000.00

Laxalt Janet Tr

Jirasek Mary Ann

1019 N Marion St

$900,000.00

Desmarais Matt

Strautmanis Michael

512 Clarence Ave

$326,000.00

Larkin Howard D

Shay Benjamin Harrison

935 N East Ave

$685,000.00

Mcdermotf Mark

Wells Tonya

1004 Columbian Ave

$500,000.00

Oconnor John

Saigal Gaurav

1038 S Scoville Ave

$381,000.00

Jamnik Jason John

Yarnik Eric Nelson

929 S Oak Park Ave

Unknown

Flagstar Bk Fsb

Secretary Of Housing And Urban Dev

714 N Austin Blvd

$70,000.00

Tamabi Holdings Llc

Rahmouni Mohamed Reda

530 Washington Blvd

$262,000.00

Gagnon Suzanne H

Nolan Catherine E

634 S Lyman Ave

$445,000.00

Wklitgaard Daniel

Eid Jillian E

1150 S Maple Ave

$418,000.00

Fern Joseph Mighael Tr

Stoip Christopher J

1141 N Euclid Ave

$580,000.00

Main Todd

Meza Lou

544 S East Ave

$575,000.00

Cross Fimothy

Abney Marylean

936 Washington Blvd

$217,000.00

Reuvers Margaret

Rennels Meigan

525 N East Ave

$1,000,000.00

Barrows Donna E Tr

Gurski Laura Tr

1110 S Oak Park Ave

$429,500.00

Obrien Kathleen

David J King Llc

1164 S Kenilworth Ave

$412,500.00

Kent Ethan

Polos Matthew

1106 S Grove Ave

$827,000.00

Warrior Const Inc

Barrett Brett

210 Wesley Ave

$665,000.00

Kravas Kathy

Kolos Peter I Tr

518 S Elmwood Ave

$590,000.00

Belke Carolyn

Palmer Lauren

1112 Edmer Ave

$575,000.00

Popick Catherine S

Catano Yovanni A

FOREST PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

1112 Elgin Ave

$325,000.00

Connolly Helene Tr

Carris Alison

1438 Circle Ave 1028 Beloit Ave 7251 Randolph St

$330,000.00

Galang Elvira Y

Sain Crystal

$200,000.00

Gray Richard A

Morina Ard

$116,000.00

Marquette Bk Tr 30078

Mcluen Dennis P

Mclean Gerald W

7400 Jackson Blvd

$245,000.00

Naber Susan

1040 Beloit Ave

$305,000.00

Shelby-Jackson Lauren

215 Marengo Ave

$100,000.00

337 Marengo Ave

$175,000.00

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK

515 SUPERIOR, OAK PARK

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

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

Majestic Victorian in central Oak Park Historic District.

Mid-century/Tri-level.

JUST SOLD

1522 FOREST, RIVER FOREST

437 ADDISON, RIVERSIDE

$849,000 :: 4 BED :: 4.5 BATH

$449,000 :: 3 BED :: 2 BATH

Brick Tudor with expansive yard.

Contemporary home in beautiful Riverside.

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

While national news affects the whole country, local media outlets inform the communities we live in.

Liu Richard Davidson Jody C Harris Mary Chicago Title Land Trust CoTr 081768 Jacknow Matthew G

1319 Elgin Ave

$405,000.00

122 Circle Ave

$155,000.00

Danikowski Kevin Klejka Robert

Vertelis Aurimas Nunn Charlotte

841 Marengo Ave

$307,500.00 $404,000.00

Kraemer Lucas Morley John Thomas

Snitker Derek C Greco Nancy K Stanciel Brandon Kjdg Real Estate Llc

536 Beloit Ave

UNDER CONTRACT

215 Marengo Ave

$130,000.00

Fragale-Gadsby Nicholas R

7540 Randolph St

$221,000.00

Azran David Tr

7612 Harrison St

$326,000.00

Tu Rui

7612 Harrison St

$326,000.00

National Resid Nominee Services Inc National Resid Nominee Services Inc Gould Heather L

7450 Warren St

$550,000.00

Gordon Jones Luc

7622 Madison St

$110,000.00

Klinkas John L Tr

Odonovan Paul J 226 Madison Llc

1029 Beloit Ave

$405,000.00

Jd Nesting Llc

1025 Dunlop Ave

$440,000.00

Frayn Kent

7635 Jackson Blvd

$100,000.00

216 Elgin Ave

$350,000.00

Mcandrews Linnea E Tr Lopez Priscilla G Chicago Title Land Trust CoTr 031461 King David J Tr

Kirsch Jennifer Arzon Luis M Tr

7430 Harrison St

$197,000.00

Mcmanus Marilyn E

836 Lathrop Ave 508 Beloit Ave 850 Des Plaines Ave

$280,000.00

836 Lathrop Llc

$425,000.00

Stinton Amanda L

$60,000.00

Karkan Betsy A

Abordo Mark Rutkowski Wieslaw

1132 Circle Ave

$450,000.00

Cokenower Harry

Kriuston Allison

850 Des Plaines Ave

$64,000.00

Devoss Dolores D

Bates Sterling R Jr

Brown Chiton D Fournier John

Donate at savechicagomedia.org Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook @ChiIndyMedia May 12, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

BairdWarner.com

It’s easier here.®

1132 W Patterson Ave Chicago | $1,199,000 Steve Green

822 Jackson Ave River Forest | $999,000 Sheila Price

1012 Augusta St Oak Park | $975,000 Kim Wojack & Anne Ferri

147 N Euclid Ave, Unit 406 Oak Park | $649,000 Hughes Home Team

713 N Marion St Oak Park | $579,000 Patricia McGowan

1020 Madison St Oak Park | $539,000 Patricia McGowan

1029 Baldwin Ln Oak Park | $434,900 Swati Saxena

1901 Highland Ave Berwyn | $405,000 Sandra Dita Lopez

1212 N Oak Park Ave Oak Park | $390,000 Saretta Joyner

1174 S Maple Ave Oak PArk | $350,000 Swati Saxena

5225 S Fairfield Ave Chicago | $314,900 Margarita Lopez

1419 Kenilworth Ave Berwyn | $275,000 Sandra Dita Lopez

51 N Menard Ave Chicago | $220,000 Carla Taylor

715 Washington Blvd, #2D Oak Park | $219,000 Bethanny Alexander

809 Washington Blvd, #3 Oak Park | $200,000 Mary Carlin

204 N Kenilworth Ave, #1N Oak Park | $196,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik

333 S East Ave, #312 Oak Park | $189,900 Saretta Joyner

617 Washington Blvd, #3S Oak Park | $143,000 Bethanny Alexander

310 Lathrop Ave, #1 River Forest | $138,000 Keller Group Chicago

36 Harrison St, #1 Oak Park | $135,000 Cathy Yanda

1037 Chicago Ave | 708.697.5900 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com Source: BrokerMetrics® LLC, 1/1/2019 - 12/ 31/2019Detached and Attached only. Chicagoland PMSA

B10 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ May 12, 2021

Quality

(qual i’ ty) noun The basic nature, the degree of excellence, the best available when compared to others.

Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

CONDOS

Sunday, May 16 ADDRESS

800 Washington Blvd, 406, Oak Park . . . . 1123 Pleasant St, 5, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 7575 Lake St, 4C, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . 1020 Madison St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ADDRESS

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

RE/MAX In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175,000 BHHS Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $614,000 BHHS Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $510,000 Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$539,000

OFFICE

TIME

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun 12:30-2

LISTING PRICE

Any comparison of quality requires a perception not often utilized in today’s society. ...unless you experience the extraordinary real estate service of Tom Carraher. The quality choice in real estate professionals. Tom’s standards are simply higher.

TIME

734 William St, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . BHHS Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,225,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat & Sun 1-3 713 N Marion St, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$579,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sun 1-3 1091 Bonita Dr, Park Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$659,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sun 1-3

Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.

Tom Carraher

This Directory brought to you by

Realistic Expectation–Proven Results

mrgloans.com

Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989. Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals

6821 W. North Avenue Suite 201 Oak Park, IL 708.452.5151

Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 207793 License # 1031

7375W. West NorthAve. Avenue 7375 North River Forest, Illinois River Forest 60305 708.771.8040 708.771.8040

http://tomcarraher.realtor.com

May 12, 2021 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review

B11

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B12 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ May 12, 2021